RailRiders’ Tickets are on Sale Now Single-game tickets are on sale now, and the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders have set their 2026 daily promotions and fireworks nights for the upcoming season, headlined by new additions, old favorites and Saturday night fireworks for a total of 20 pyrotechnic extravaganzas to light the sky this year. The RailRiders, Triple-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, start their home schedule on April 7 against the Durham Bulls, the first of 75 home games at PNC Field this year. As always, each day of the week will feature a promotion or an offer that appeals to fans of all ages. RailRiders’ President and General Manager, Shawn Reilly, is excited for the 2026 season and the new additions being added.“This season is going to be an actual blast… By adding Saturday fireworks to honor our nation’s 250th and adjusting our game times to be more convenient than ever, we’re making it easier for fans to join the celebration. We’ve listened to our fans. You want more fireworks, great offers and easier ways to get to PNC Field, and we’re delivering it all,” Reilly said.Beginning on May 15, every Friday home game will be followed by the pyrotechnic showcase. Saturday fireworks shows have been added to the slate in 2026, starting on May 30. As part of America’s semiquincentennial celebration, post-game fireworks follow RailRiders’ games on July 2 and 3. An extended fireworks extravaganza follows the Independence Day game against the Norfolk Tides, courtesy of the PA Lottery. New for 2026, kids can run the bases after every home game (excluding the May 13 & 27 STEM School Days and weather permitting, of course). Dogs are welcome in the lawn and bleachers at PNC Field on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays (excluding the STEM School Days and July 2). See below for the 2026 daily promotions. TwosDay – Get $2 hot dogs courtesy of Sahlen’s all game long. Fans 21 and older can enjoy $2 16 oz. Coors Light cans for two hours after gates open, presented by LT Verrastro. Winning Wednesday – Enjoy great prize giveaways throughout the course of each Wednesday home game all season long. When the RailRiders WIN, fans will receive an outfield box seat ticket voucher good for any remaining Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Sunday 2026 home game. Thrilling Thursday – From May 28 to the end of August, Thursdays will feature giveaways for the first 1,000 fans. PLUS OF COURSE – Thirsty Thursdays – The most refreshing night of the week offers $2 16 oz. Michelob Ultra bottles for fans 21 and older, courtesy of Northeast Eagle, available for two hours after gates open, and $2 Pepsi pours all night long. First Responder Friday – Thanks to Kost Tire & Auto, first responders have the opportunity to receive free tickets on a first-come, first-served basis. One hundred complimentary tickets are given out for each Friday home game. Visit the First Responder Friday page on the Community tab at swbrailriders.com and fill out the form to request up to four free tickets.First responders, including police, fire and EMTs, can also show an ID at the PNC Field box office on Friday nights to save $5 per ticket (limited to four tickets per game). Sensational Saturday – Starting on May 2, Saturday RailRiders games will once again feature a great giveaway, appearance or theme. Giveaways, themes, appearances and additional details will be announced soon. Saturday night skyblasts start on May 30 and run the remainder of the season! Geisinger Sunday Family FunDay – We wrap up homestands on Sundays with a Geisinger Family FunDay! Gates open at 12:15 P.M. and kids can play catch in the outfield from 12:30 to 12:50 P.M. Try the new Sunday value meal – CHAMP’S Family Feast! Feed the crew with this shareable meal that features chicken tenders and over a pound of fries in a souvenir batting helmet, plus four 16 oz. fountain drinks, all for only $40 and only available on Sundays! After the final out, children 12 and younger can, of course, run the bases, capping the best weeks with the whole family at PNC Field. Fireworks begin on May 15 and run after every Friday home game for the rest of the year! All daily promotions are subject to change and restrictions may apply. For more information, please visit swbrailriders.com or call (570) 969-2255.
WVIA Honored with Five Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters (PAB) Awards Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters (PAB) recognized WVIA with five Excellence in Broadcasting Awards. The honors underscore WVIA’s ongoing commitment to producing high-quality local programming that informs, educates and reflects the communities it serves. WVIA received awards spanning documentary, public affairs, feature storytelling, marketing, and public service campaigns, highlighting the breadth of the station’s work and its investment in meaningful local content. The winning programs explored themes ranging from refugee and immigrant experiences and belonging, to access to resources for older adults and aging in place, aviation history, and the importance of judicial independence, and all topics with deep relevance to local audiences. President and CEO of WVIA, Carla McCabe said these projects highlight real people and experiences in the area. “We’re honored that the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters recognizes the value of this work. These awards belong to our viewers, listeners, members, and community partners who make this storytelling possible,” McCabe said. 2026 PAB Award Wins Outstanding Documentary ProgramMaking NEPA Home Contributors: Kara Washington, Al Monelli, Ron Andruscavage, Ben Payavis Outstanding Television Station Marketing & PromosMaking NEPA Home — Official Trailer Contributors: Kara Washington, Holly Biondo, Chris Zellers, Caitlin Mackiewicz, Jim Jennings, Ben Payavis II, Carla McCabe Outstanding Television Public Service Announcement/CampaignAging Together in PA Contributors: Kara Washington, Holly Biondo, Chris Zellers, Caitlin Mackiewicz, Jim Jennings, Ben Payavis II, Carla McCabe Outstanding Television Feature Story/Report/SeriesWings of the Past: Discovering the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum Contributors: John Alaimo, Kris Hendrickson Outstanding Television Public Affairs Program/Program SeriesWVIA Conversations for the Common Good: Safeguarding Justice Through Judicial Independence Contributors: Tracy Matisak, Ben Payavis II Chief Content Officer at WVIA, Ben Payavis II, talked about how the awards reflect on WVIA. “These awards reflect the care our team puts into telling stories that matter locally… From in-depth documentaries to public affairs discussions and community-centered campaigns, our focus is always on creating content that informs and connects people across our region,” Payavis II said. Kara Washington, producer, director and editor of Making NEPA Home, expressed gratitude because of the award. “This acknowledgment means so much to our team and affirms the power of telling meaningful, local stories,” Washington said. Winners will be recognized at the 2026 PAB Excellence in Broadcasting Awards Luncheon at the Sheraton Harrisburg/Hershey Hotel in Harrisburg on Friday, April 10, 2026, at 11:30 AM. A full list of winners will be available on the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters website.
SBA Business Smart Entrepreneurship Series Starts in March The United States Small Business Association can help entrepreneurs start and grow. From makers and creators, involved in tech, or pursuing a passion SBA can help business ventures. Join the no-cost Spring SBA Business Smart Entrepreneurship Series either in-person or virtually. The sessions will start by discussing home-based businesses and then expand to generating a business plan and becoming credit ready. All workshops are on Wednesdays from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. ET. Pre-registration is required for each workshop – follow the links to register. Receive a Certificate of Completion for taking a workshop. In-person location is at the Stourbridge Tech Hub, Room 2040, 646 W. Park St., Honesdale, PA 18431 The webinar sessions are not recorded; participants can ask questions through chat with a real time response. Only attendees (in-person and virtual) will receive a copy of the slide deck. Email sonia.smith@sba.gov with any questions. Starting a Home-Based Business in Pennsylvania – Wednesday, March 11, 2026 Most entrepreneurs start with a home-based business that creates, delivers, or improves on a product or service. The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s PA Business One-Stop Shop will take the guesswork out of business filings, applications, and registrations, so you can focus on running a successful business. In-person: https://www.sba.gov/event/80395 Virtual: https://www.sba.gov/event/80392 Business Smart Toolkit: Ready, Set & Go! Module 1 – Wednesday, March 18, 2026 Business Smart Toolkit Module 1 helps new and aspiring entrepreneurs launch a business idea by understanding the 10 steps to start a business. In-person: https://www.sba.gov/event/80413 Virtual: https://www.sba.gov/event/80409 Business Smart Toolkit: Ready, Set & Go! Module 2 – Wednesday, March 25, 2026 Business Smart Toolkit Module 2 helps entrepreneurs understand credit-ready essentials, financing options, and loan requirements. In-person: https://www.sba.gov/event/80416 Virtual: https://www.sba.gov/event/80415
Central Penn College Expands Program with New Scranton Site Central Penn College has partnered with Century Dental Associates in Scranton, Pennsylvania, to offer an additional instructional site for its Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA) Certificate Program. The EFDA program is a six-month, blended program designed for working dental professionals. Coursework is completed fully online, with once-a-week, in-person Saturday labs focused on hands-on clinical skills. With the addition of the Scranton instructional site, students in Northeastern Pennsylvania can now complete required lab work closer to home, eliminating the need to travel to Central Pennsylvania. This expansion reflects Central Penn College’s continued commitment to increasing access, flexibility, and convenience for students pursuing advanced credentials in high-demand healthcare fields. Century Dental Associates brings decades of clinical experience and a strong reputation for patient-centered care to this partnership, providing an ideal real-world learning environment for EFDA students. Known for its commitment to advanced dental techniques, modern technology, and professional excellence, Century Dental Associates offers a hands-on setting that reinforces practical skill development and industry standards. This collaboration ensures students gain meaningful clinical experience while benefiting from a trusted dental practice deeply rooted in the Northeastern Pennsylvania community. For more information about the Expanded Function Dental Assistant program, visit centralpenn.edu/EFDA.
Geisinger expansion strengthens commitment to Schuylkill County Geisinger is strengthening its commitment to offering access to high-quality health care options to the residents of Schuylkill County with a $2.5 million expansion of Geisinger Cancer Center Pottsville. The expanded facility will add new services, support staff and treatment space, resulting in more access to care for the community and surrounding region. Chief administrative officer of Geisinger’s central region, Alex Zimmerman, talked about how this expansion made him feel as a lifelong Schuylkill County resident. “Geisinger is committed to enhancing care for our neighbors across the region… I’m proud to see this expansion as it will allow more of our friends and family to receive these critical services locally, without having to travel,” Zimmerman said. The cancer center, at 1 E. Norwegian St. in Pottsville, will gain nearly 2,000 square feet of space on top of the existing 3,760-square-foot footprint. To make room for the expansion, a tenant will be relocated to the second floor of the building. The cancer center will occupy the entire first floor. Work on the expansion will be completed in phases to minimize interruptions. Services will remain open for the duration of the project. The facility provides hematology and radiation oncology services, infusion and medicine infusion. With an aging population and earlier cancer diagnoses on the rise, the need for comprehensive cancer care is increasing, underscoring the importance of investing in modern, expanded treatment facilities. The added space will expand upon the services offered and doubles the cancer center’s patient care areas, including new exam rooms and infusion spaces, along with a new dedicated blood draw area. It also adds staff and office spaces. The Pottsville cancer center opened in 2018 and complements the services Geisinger offers throughout central and northeastern Pennsylvania, including at Geisinger Medical Center and the Frank M. and Dorothea Henry Cancer Center at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center. The project also demonstrates Geisinger’s continued commitment to local outpatient cancer services, in conjunction with Geisinger Cancer Center Dickson City, which opened in 2025, and current construction of a new cancer center in Lewisburg, expected to open later this year. Rajiv Panikkar, M.D., chair of the Geisinger Cancer Institute, said the expansion will allow more patients to stay closer to home while they are going through treatment. “Our cancer program features top-tier physicians and advanced practice providers who work with comprehensive multidisciplinary care teams to establish treatment plans, while also providing the latest technologies and clinical trials for our patients,” Panikkar said. Geisinger offers a comprehensive portfolio of outpatient services to serve the health needs of residents of Schuylkill County, including family medicine, women’s health, pediatric subspecialties, laboratory and imaging. The cancer center expansion project is in design and work should begin later this year. Completion is expected in 2027. To learn more about cancer care at Geisinger, visit geisinger.org/cancerinstitute.
Beautiful Blocks Program Open for Applications in Three Cities Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 cycle of Beautiful Blocks, a home improvement program jointly sponsored by NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania and the City of Scranton, City of Pittston, and City of Carbondale. Beautiful Blocks provides matching grants of up to $1,000 per property to groups of five or more residents in participating communities to help them make exterior improvements to their homes. The Beautiful Blocks program seeks to make neighborhoods throughout Scranton, Pittston, and Carbondale more attractive places to live. Eligible exterior improvements include everything from landscaping and painting to larger projects like sidewalks, front porch repair, door and window replacement, and more! For the 2026 program cycle, residents in all three participating cities are eligible for an enhanced grant award for sidewalk projects that provides up to $2,000 per property in total funding towards replacement or significant repair of front sidewalks. Grants will be awarded through a competitive application process. Applications will be judged on the number of participating residents, project impact and coordination, and the likelihood of neighbors continuing to work together in the future. Pre-applications are being accepted until Monday, March 30. Awards will be announced in May, with work taking place throughout the summer and fall months. NeighborWorks’ President and CEO, Shane Powers, notes the program’s goals for its eighth year. “Once again, we are pleased to offer this program to residents residing in the Cities of Carbondale, Pittston, and Scranton. Based on the tremendous success of the sidewalk repairs initiative, we are excited to offer the increased grant amount for sidewalks again this year to all three communities. Improvements to sidewalks and to the exterior of homes across the community support vibrant and safe neighborhoods,” Powers said. The 2025 Beautiful Blocks cycle saw a total of $143,116.68 awarded to 130 completed projects in Scranton, a total of $69,522.27 awarded to 60 completed projects in Carbondale, and a total of $45,419.07 awarded to 46 completed projects in Pittston. Over the first seven cycles of Beautiful Blocks in the City of Scranton, the first five Beautiful Blocks cycles in the City of Carbondale, and the first two cycles of the program in the City of Pittston, more than 950 individual projects have been completed by participating residents, grouped into more than 130 block groups. More than $1 million in grant funding has been distributed as part of these projects, with participating residents contributing more than $2 million in matching funds to improving their neighborhoods. For residents in participating cities who are interested in applying for the 2026 program cycle, public information sessions will be held in each community this month: Carbondale: Monday, February 23, 6:00 p.m., Carbondale Public Library (Community Room) Pittston: Wednesday, February 25, 6:00 p.m., Pittston Memorial Library (John P. Cosgrove Center) Scranton: Thursday, February 26, 6:00 p.m., Scranton Public Library (Henkelman Room) Pittston Mayor, Michael Lombardo, is participating in the Beautiful Blocks project for the second year in a row. He expresses how the program will affect their city. “The city was thrilled to partner with NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania in 2025 to complete 46 Beautiful Blocks projects…The results speak for themselves and this partnership is another opportunity for the city to advance the revitalization process in our neighborhoods. We look forward to a continued productive partnership with NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania for the 2026 cycle,” Lombardo said. Michele Bannon, Mayor of Carbondale noted the financial impact the program made for them. “In 2025, we were proud to support 60 projects across 9 project groups, leveraging $69,522.27 in grant funds to help homeowners make meaningful improvements that strengthen community pride and enhance property conditions. This partnership has not only beautified our streets but also reinforced the spirit of collaboration that defines our City. As we look forward to the 2026 program year, we’re excited to build on that success, expanding opportunities, empowering more neighbors, and continuing to transform blocks into vibrant places where people are proud to live, work, and grow together,” Bannon said. Scranton Mayor, Paige G. Cognetti noticed the program brought positivity and a sense of community to Scranton. “NeighborWorks’ Beautiful Blocks program continues to bring positive improvements to our neighborhoods each year… Last year’s projects provided over $140,000 in grant funds to 130 projects that help maintain Scranton’s beauty and build a stronger sense of community among our residents,” Cognetti said. Scranton, Pittston and Carbondale residents interested in participating in the Beautiful Blocks program can download pre-application instructions and access the pre-application document by visiting the program homepage at https://www.nwnepa.org/programs/neighborhood- revitalization/beautiful-blocks.html More information is also available by contacting Gerard Hetman, NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania Community Development Specialist, at (570) 558-2490 or ghetman@nwnepa.org.
Duncan returns as Yankees announce 2026 RailRiders’ Field Staff The New York Yankees have set the RailRiders field staff for the 2026 season with Shelley Duncan returning to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. The 2025 International League Manager of the Year helms the Yankees’ Triple-A squad for the fourth consecutive season and gets back the crux of the staff that helped pace the RailRiders to a second-half title and postseason berth.“Being a part of the Yankees organization is a huge privilege,” Duncan said. “It’s the best organization in baseball… the best organization across the sports. It’s awesome. And it’s family… the people in this organization. I absolutely love them from the top down. It feels like a home to me. Scranton/Wilkes-Barre has been absolutely wonderful the last three years. And to be there a fourth year, it’s going to be another fun one.”Spencer Medick is the RailRiders’ Pitching Coach after serving as the Bullpen Coach in 2025. Hitting Coach Mike Merganthaler and Bench Coach Gil Velazquez return for a second year on Duncan’s staff as well, while Raul Dominguez is back in Moosic as the club’s defensive coach after three seasons as the Double-A Somerset manager. Peter Larson joins the staff as the new Bullpen Coach.Athletic Trainer Brandon Rodríguez, Assistant Athletic Trainer Hannah Davis, Home Clubhouse Manager Jim Billington and Video & Tech Assistant Danny Althoff all return to their roles with the RailRiders, while Isiah McDonald joins the staff as the Strength & Conditioning Coach and Matt Wells is the Advance Scouting Analyst.Duncan, 46, has led Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to 249 wins over three seasons at the helm and to a second-half IL crown last year. He was named the 20th manager in franchise history in January 2023. Duncan was drafted by the Yankees in 2001 as a second-round selection out of the University of Arizona. He reached Triple-A with Columbus in 2006 and spent portions of three seasons in an SWB Yankees uniform. Duncan appeared in 272 games for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre between 2007 and 2009. In 2009, he hit .277 with 30 home runs and 99 runs batted in over 123 games, garnering the nod for International League MVP. His Major League career spanned 330 games for the Yankees, Cleveland and Tampa Bay over seven years.“Sometimes, it’s hard to leave that off-season lifestyle,” Duncan said. “You know, you get this beautiful weather down here in Arizona. You get to spend time with family. But as soon as spring training starts and everyone starts talking baseball, the grinds start going. And you always look forward to doing new things, trying to grow as a coach, trying to grow as a manager. You have a whole new and different team. We’re going to have different faces and players. I’m going to spend a lot of time in spring training, building relationships, seeing what we got and seeing what type of atmosphere we’ve got to build. That’s always exciting. There are always little things that you want to bring to the table that you want to keep going on from years past. But in reality, it’s a new year. The challenge of trying to figure out what you need to build is something that really excites me.”Medick has been a coach in the Yankees’ farm system since 2022. After a stint as the pitching coach for the FCL Yankees in 2022, he served in the same role for Hudson Valley for the two seasons before joining Duncan’s staff last year. Medick pitched at Elon University and began his professional career with Arizona in 2014. He closed his playing days with three seasons in the Frontier League. After retiring, Medick became a throwing trainer at both Prime Sports Performance and Driveline Baseball before joining New York’s minor league fray.Mergenthaler enters his second season as the RailRiders’ Hitting Coach. Before joining the Yankees’ Minor League ranks, he spent eight seasons with the Cleveland Guardians, working his way up through their system. Mergenthaler was originally selected in the 32nd round of the 2011 First-Year Player Draft by San Francisco out of the University of Richmond and played professionally for three years.Velazquez returns to the RailRiders’ dugout for a second straight year as well, having rejoined the Yankees organization in 2025 after ten years as a manager, coach or coordinator with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Arizona Diamondbacks organizations. He was selected by the New York Mets in the 14th round of the 1998 draft and played professionally for 16 seasons, including 27 games in 2013 for the RailRiders. He began his coaching career in 2015 and managed the Great Lakes Loons in 2016 and the Reno Aces in 2022.Dominguez spent the 2021 and 2022 seasons on the RailRiders’ staff. He initially signed with the Yankees as a non-drafted Minor League free agent in 2001 and played four seasons before moving to the player development side. Dominguez led the Somerset Patriots to 232 wins over the last three seasons, making the playoffs in each year. 2026 marks his 18th season in the Yankees organization.Larson enters his second season with the Yankees after serving as the Somerset Pitching Coach last year. He spent six years in the Minnesota Twins Minor League system, including two seasons with the Triple-A affiliate in St. Paul. Larson graduated from Ferrum College in 2009 and was a four-year member of the Panther baseball team. Before his time in the professional ranks, he served as a coach for King University, Siena College, the University of Albany and Fordham University. “In my eyes, everything’s going to run really smoothly,” Duncan said. “Raul has experience in Scranton. Pete has a lot of Triple-A experience. Both guys have been in the organization, so this isn’t new to them. I’ve spent a lot of time with Raul over the last three years. Our communication has been lockstep over the course of the last few seasons, and I’m extremely happy to have him. He’s one of the best coaches in our organization. What Pete brings to the table, in complementing Spencer, is going to be another valuable asset. He’ll be in the bullpen, adding all kinds of different things to these guys to get them big-league ready. The pitchers are going to have a higher big-league awareness.” “Having Mergie [Mike Mergenthaler], Spencer and Gil back again,” Duncan continued, “I tell you what… It’s a lot of fun when you go into year two of the coaching staff rather than a brand new one. You always have some growing pains at the beginning when you have a new staff, but when you have continuity, it really allows you to have a smooth start and get things going around the get-go.”Rodríguez returned to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in 2025, having spent the first half of 2023 with the RailRiders. He enters his fifth season with the Yankees after starting with the Tampa Tarpons in 2022. He took the lead role in Somerset midway through the 2023 campaign and remained in that spot in 2024. Before joining up with the New York, he spent two seasons in the Baltimore Orioles organization. Born in Ponce, Puerto Rico, Rodríguez received an Associate’s Degree from the University of Puerto Rico-Ponce and his B.S. and M.S. in Athletic Training from East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania.Davis enters her second season with the Yankees and the RailRiders. Before joining the organization, she spent several years working in Division 1 college baseball. Davis also spent the 2021 season with the Chicago Cubs and their Triple-A affiliate in Iowa. Originally from Charleston, South Carolina, she completed her undergrad at the University of South Carolina with her B.S. in athletic training and went to grad school at Baylor University, where she received her M.S. in athletic training.McDonald enters his first year with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and his fifth with the Yankees. He started in New York’s Minor League system in 2022 with the FCL Yankees, where he was named the Strength & Conditioning Coach of the Year during his first year in professional baseball. After serving the same role with Hudson Valley in 2023, McDonald spent the last two seasons in Double-A with Somerset. McDonald played baseball collegiately at Thompson Rivers University and graduated from the University of British Columbia with a degree in kinesiology and exercise science. “They’re the unseen architecture of the operation,” Duncan said of the RailRiders’ training and support staff. “Day to day, Brandon, Hannah, Isiah, Danny, Matt and Jim manage the hidden variables: workload, recovery curves, information flow and competitive readiness. Their work integrates physiology, data, preparation and foresight into one coherent system. Nothing is accidental, and nothing is reactive. They are as good as it gets in each of their respective fields.”
NEPA Philharmonic Celebrates Support From Scranton Area Community Foundation The Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic is proud to celebrate its longstanding relationship with and deep appreciation for the Scranton Area Community Foundation, whose continued support has played a vital role in expanding the Philharmonic’s educational, cultural, and community-focused initiatives throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. Through the Scranton Area Community Foundation, the NEPA Philharmonic received multiple generous grants in 2025 that help to advance access to music and the arts for all ages across the community. In early 2025, the Philharmonic was awarded a $4,000 Community Needs grant through the Fall 2024 grant cycle to support its mentoring program for talented high school students, providing young musicians with professional guidance from NEPA Philharmonic Musicians. In Spring 2025, the Community Needs program also provided a $10,000 grant in support of the launch of RxArts NEPA, an innovative new initiative in development that will prescribe arts experiences to older adults across the region at risk of social isolation and loneliness. RxArts NEPA received additional support of $4,450 through a Women in Philanthropy grant from the Foundation, further strengthening the program’s future community impact. The Scranton Area Community Foundation has also facilitated important grants for the NEPA Philharmonic’s programs from additional community partners, including the Robert H. Spitz Foundation and the Community Foundation of Monroe County. The Robert H. Spitz Foundation awarded the Philharmonic a $12,000 grant through its Spring 2025 grant cycle to promote Jewish music and culture across the region. This grant provides underwriting support for Dreams & Klezmer, an upcoming chamber music performance, Sunday, February 22nd at 3pm at WVIA’s Sordoni Theatre in Pittston, that will explore rich Jewish musical and cultural traditions with clarinet and string quartet. The Spitz Foundation grant also provides support toward free Angel Tickets for Philharmonic concerts for individuals in need, distributed through local Jewish community organizations, as well as a free public lecture on “Klezmer & Kabbalah” that happened in early February. An additional grant of $4,800 administered through the Scranton Area Community Foundation from the Community Foundation of Monroe County’s Myra Kyle Fund for the Arts will enable the Philharmonic to expand its music education programs to libraries and schools across Monroe County later this spring. These programs include Once Upon an Orchestra, pairing live music with story-time for children ages 2–6, as well as Music in Our Schools, introducing K-12 students to musical instruments and professional musicians. These Philharmonic programs aim to foster early musical engagement, imagination, and a lifelong connection to the arts. The Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic looks forward to continuing this meaningful partnership with the Scranton Area Community Foundation and expanding its mission to serve the region through music, education and inclusive cultural experiences. For tickets or more information on concerts and community programs, visit NEPAPHIL.org, or call the NEPA Philharmonic Box Office at (570) 270-4444.
Johnson College Adds New Programs, Expanding Academic Offerings Johnson College is now enrolling students in seven new programs, expanding its offerings to 18 associate degree programs and five academic certificate programs. Several of these additions build on programs the College has offered successfully for many years and are designed to meet evolving workforce needs. Most of the new offerings begin in fall 2026, with the new plumbing certificate program scheduled to start in the spring 2027 semester. “These additions reflect the evolution of programs that have long been a strength at Johnson College,” said Dr. Katie Pittelli, president and CEO of Johnson College. The College’s Computer Information Technology (CIT) program, offered at the Scranton campus, is expanding with three new two-year associate degree concentrations that allow students to build on a strong CIT foundation while focusing on in-demand IT fields. Cybersecurity equips students for entry-level roles in information security and network defense, with hands-on training in risk management, ethical hacking, digital forensics, and incident response. The Scripting and Application Development program trains students for entry-level positions in application development, automation, and application support using industry-standard programming languages and tools. Network Management concentration positions students for entry-level technician roles maintaining and troubleshooting computer hardware, software, and network systems. Johnson College is also expanding its long-standing Mechatronics Technology program with two new two-year associate degree concentrations offered at both the Scranton and Hazleton campuses beginning fall 2026. Automation and Robotics builds students’ skills for industrial automation, including PLC and HMI programming, robotics, sensors, motion control, and Industry 4.0 concepts. T he Industrial Mechanics concentration readies students for industrial maintenance careers with training in mechanical systems, hydraulics, pneumatics, electrical drives, and preventive maintenance. The College is expanding one of its most popular programs, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technology by adding a five-semester Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technology with Plumbing option. Beginning in fall 2026, students at the Scranton and Hazleton campuses can complete the program in two and a half years. The program offers hands-on experience designed to prepare students for entry-level careers in HVAC and plumbing. Plumbing will also be offered as a stand-alone academic certificate beginning in spring 2027 at both campuses. This one-year program provides students with the skills needed for entry-level employment in residential and light commercial plumbing, emphasizing safe work practices and proper installation and testing procedures. “By expanding and enhancing established programs, we’re giving students the opportunity to specialize in high-demand career paths while receiving the hands-on, industry-focused education Johnson College is known for,” Pittelli said. For more information, visit johnson.edu or contact the College’s Enrollment Department at enroll@johnson.edu or 570-702-8856.
Wayne Bank Earns Newsweek’s Recognition Wayne Bank has been named to Newsweek’s America’s Best Regional Banks & Credit Unions 2026. This recognition highlights financial institutions committed to strengthening local economies through small business support, community investment, and reliable access to everyday banking services. Wayne Bank was selected by Newsweek in partnership with Plant-A Insights Group following a comprehensive evaluation of regional banks and credit unions nationwide. The list recognizes institutions that play a vital role in their communities by financing local projects, supporting economic growth, and maintaining strong customer trust. “This is an outstanding accomplishment for our organization and a true reflection of the commitment and dedication our team shows every day, to our customers and to each other,” said Jim Donnelly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wayne Bank. “Being recognized on a national level by Newsweek is an honor, but it’s our people who make it possible. I’m incredibly grateful to our employees for living our Every Day Better™ values and for the care, professionalism, and teamwork they bring to everything they do. This recognition would not be possible without them.” The Newsweek ranking is based on a nationwide survey of more than 71,000 U.S. citizens, combined with analysis of 1.9 million social media reviews and 129 million mobile app reviews. These insights were used to identify the top 500 regional banks and credit unions making a meaningful difference in their communities. “More than financial service providers, credit unions and regional banks are community partners, showing up in neighborhoods, participating in local initiatives and helping strengthen the connections that bind their members together,” said Jennifer H. Cunningham, Editor-in-Chief of Newsweek. “We hope this list helps readers find the most trusted financial institutions in their area—whether they’re planning their next business venture or taking the next step toward financial security,” Cunningham said.
