Scranton Area Community Foundation Encourages ‘Leave 5%’ to Support Future As the season of gratitude and giving begins, the Scranton Area Community Foundation is renewing its call for residents of Northeastern Pennsylvania to consider a lasting act of generosity: pledging to leave just 5% of their estate to strengthen their local community for generations to come. The Scranton Area Community Foundation is one of more than 40 community foundations across the Commonwealth participating in the PA Giving Pledge, a statewide initiative of the Pennsylvania Community Foundation Association (PACFA) designed to inspire Pennsylvanians to give back where they live, create sustainable funding for local nonprofits, and address community needs. “The PA Giving Pledge is a powerful reminder that every one of us can leave a lasting legacy,” said Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “By committing even a small percentage of what we leave behind, we can create permanent, local resources that make life better for our neighbors—today and for generations to come.” According to data from the Center for Rural Pennsylvania, more than $418 billion is expected to transfer between generations across the Commonwealth by 2030. If just 5% of that wealth were dedicated to charitable causes through the PA Giving Pledge, it could generate $21 billion in permanent community endowments to support critical needs—such as education, healthcare, workforce development, and the environment—across Pennsylvania. Locally, that potential impact is equally remarkable. “Here in Lackawanna County, a 5% legacy commitment from residents could generate more than $12.6 million every year to support nonprofits and causes that make our region stronger,” Ducceschi noted. “It’s a simple but transformative way to give back to the place you call home.” The Scranton Area Community Foundation and its statewide partners also engage professional advisors, business leaders, and philanthropists to spread awareness of the opportunity and help clients plan charitable gifts that reflect their values and vision for the future. “We’re honored to have the Scranton Area Community Foundation as a leading voice in this effort,” said Michael L. Batchelor, President of the Pennsylvania Community Foundation Association. “Together, we have the opportunity to leave a shared legacy that will benefit Pennsylvanians forever.” Residents can learn more, calculate their potential impact, and take the PA Giving Pledge by visiting PAGivingPledge.org.
WVIA’s Broadcasting Icon George Graham To Retire From founding WVIA Radio to producing local and national recording artists, George Graham leaves behind a five-decade legacy of musical excellence, innovation, and community impact. WVIA is proud to announce the upcoming retirement of legendary broadcaster, producer, and engineer George Graham, whose transformative influence on public radio and the music community in Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania spans more than five decades. George will officially retire at the end of 2025, closing a remarkable chapter in local and national broadcasting history. In recognition of his outstanding service to public media and the music community, George was named Radio Broadcaster of the Year in 2023 by the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters—a testament to both his professional excellence and enduring impact. In 2024, George Graham was inducted into the Luzerne County Arts and Entertainment Hall of Fame. “Little did I know after joining WVIA right out of college to engineer a new radio station, that 53 years later I would still be here,” said Graham. “But WVIA Radio has always been exceptional for its values of quality, creativity, artistic integrity and professionalism, which has made it an ideal place for me to spend my career. I have been blessed with wonderful colleagues who have shared these values and who have become dear friends. And it has been a privilege to get to know and work with the literally hundreds of artists who have shared their musical work with the station’s listeners and supporters. These are challenging times for Public Broadcasting, but I am confident that WVIA will continue to embody those values as we move into the future.” As the very first employee of WVIA Radio, George joined the station in 1972 during the design and construction of WVIA-FM – including having the distinction of “flipping the switch” to send WVIA live, over-the-air waves for the first broadcast in 1973. With a unique blend of engineering acumen and creative vision, he played a foundational role in building WVIA’s radio operations from the ground up. A magna cum laude graduate of Duke University with a degree in electrical engineering, George also served as program director at the Duke student radio station, where he first developed the eclectic programming style that would become his hallmark. Since then, George has remained a driving force behind WVIA’s most beloved and enduring programs. In May 2024, his flagship show Mixed Bag celebrated an extraordinary milestone: 50 years of continuous daily broadcast. The program is believed to be the longest-running daily AAA (album adult alternative) show in the country, setting a national standard for musical depth, variety, and integrity. George also created and continues to produce All That Jazz, a nightly hour of mainstream and acoustic jazz, and Homegrown Music, a weekly series launched in 1976 to spotlight local and regional musicians. Homegrown Music includes both intimate studio recordings and monthly live concert broadcasts before studio audiences, making it one of the region’s most consistent and vital showcases for original talent. His work also extends to WVIA-TV, where he produces and hosts the Homegrown Music Concerts. George, as audio producer, was twice part of the WVIA-TV team nominated for a Mid-Atlantic Emmy: in 2022 for The Swinging Nutcracker Suite and in 2025 for Palma: A Musical Fable. George serves as Director of Artistry & Repertoire for Chiaroscuro Records, where he oversees the creative and sonic direction of the acclaimed jazz label. “George Graham is not just a radio host—he’s an institution,” said Carla McCabe, President & CEO at WVIA. “His passion for music, his unwavering support for local artists, and his excellence as a broadcaster and engineer have defined WVIA’s sound and soul for over 50 years. His legacy will resonate long after his final sign-off.” Over the years, George has further elevated WVIA’s cultural presence through extensive annual coverage of regional jazz festivals and educational opportunities, including Celebration of the Arts (COTA) in Delaware Water Gap, the Wilkes-Barre Cavalcade of Jazz, and the Scranton Jazz Festival, as well as the PA Jazz Institute—bringing the richness of local performance to listeners of all ages, far and wide. Beyond the microphone, George is a sought-after freelance recording, mastering, and production engineer, known for his technical precision and keen ear for detail. His credits include nationally recognized acts like Dakota and The Badlees, regional favorites such as Blue Sparks and Abilene, and jazz legends including Bob Dorough, Bill Mays, and NEA Jazz Master David Liebman—all of whom have appeared on Homegrown Music. To date, 162 episodes of the Homegrown Music TV series have aired, drawn from live concert recordings. “A native and lifelong resident of Carbondale, PA, George has never lost touch with the community he serves,” said Ben Payavis II, Chief Content Officer at WVIA. “His legacy is more than the thousands of hours of music he’s shared—it’s the artists he’s uplifted, the station he helped build, and the generations of listeners who’ve grown up with his voice on the dial.” Listeners, colleagues, and community members are invited to join WVIA in celebrating the career of a man whose voice, vision, and service have defined the sound of public radio in Pennsylvania and beyond.
WVIA To Host Opioid Crisis Town Hall in Wyoming County Event Kicks Off Multi-Platform Initiative in Partnership with the Wyoming County Opioid Settlement Committee Aimed at Education, Awareness, and Recovery WVIA invites the public to attend a special town hall discussion on Sunday, November 2nd, at the Dietrich Theater in Tunkhannock, focusing on how Wyoming County is confronting the ongoing opioid crisis. Wyoming County Voices: Battling the Opioid Crisis Together Town Hall, will feature a panel discussion which will be recorded in front of a live audience and later broadcast on WVIA TV on Monday, November 17th at 7 p.m. This informative discussion will feature local professionals, community leaders, and residents sharing real-life stories and expert insights about how the region is responding to substance use and supporting recovery. The program will explore key themes including stigma, the role of emergency services, current substance use trends, and pathways to recovery, offering hope and understanding as the community works together to address this critical issue. This discussion will be moderated by WVIA News Director of Journalism, Julie Sidoni. Panelists include: Joe Peters, Wyoming County District Attorney Cammie Anderson, Prevention Education Coordinator Dr. Arianne Scheller, PhD, LPC, Mental Health and Substance Use Expert Robert M. Carpenter, NRP, CP-C, CCISM, CHEP, Executive Director, Emergency Medical Services of Northeastern Pennsylvania The town hall marks the kickoff of a broader WVIA initiative centered on opioids in Wyoming County. The initiative will continue in the months ahead with the production of a series of educational videos and school-based drug awareness sessions designed to inform and support communities throughout Wyoming County. Additional details about the initiative will be announced at a later date. Community members are encouraged to follow WVIA’s website, wvia.org, and social media channels for updates. Wyoming County Voices: Battling the Opioid Crisis Together Town Hall will premiere on WVIA TV on Monday, November 17th at 7 p.m. Encore Presentations are as follows: Tuesday, November 18th at 4 p.m. Thursday, November 20th at 7 p.m. Friday, November 21st at 4 p.m. Thursday, December 11th at 9 p.m. Friday, December 12th at 2 p.m. Members of the public are encouraged to attend the live taping of the town hall and join the conversation. Registration is not required, but it is encouraged. Funding support for this initiative is provided by the Wyoming County Opioid Settlement Committee.
Circle Drive-In Releases Weekly Event Schedule CIRCLE OF SCREAMS FINAL WEEKEND OF 2025!! Visitors are invited to explore Delfino Manor and embark on the Twisted Acres Woods Walk—if they dare! Thursday, October 30th from 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM, Friday, October 31st, & Saturday, November 1st from 7:00 PM – 10:30 PM THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30TH Screen One: “Ghostbusters” (PG – 1984) at 7:15 PM Screen Two: “Black Phone 2” (R- 2025) at 7:00 PM Gates & Box Office open at 6:00 PM FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31ST & SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1ST Screen One: “Ghostbusters” (PG – 1984) at 7:00 PM & 9:00 PM Screen Two: “KPop Demon Hunters” (PG- 2025) at 7:15 PM & 9:15 PM Gates & Box Office open at 6:00 PM SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2ND CIRCLE GIANT FLEA FAIR from 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Vendor Gates at 5:00 AM) New vendors are always welcome, and no pre-registration is required. Participants are encouraged to bring their crafts, artisan items, homemade products, gently used treasures, and more to sell every Sunday. Learn more at circledrive-in/fleafair24. Click here to find additional information.
Treasurer Garrity on Bridge Loans and SNAP Funding Treasurer Stacy Garrity discussed the current status of the Budget Bridge Loan Program and her letter to Governor Josh Shapiro proposing to fund November’s SNAP benefits for Pennsylvanians through the issuance of a Short-Term Investment Pool (STIP) loan. Click here to find the video presentation.
Johnson College Hosts Annual Scholarship Breakfast Johnson College hosted its annual Scholarship Breakfast on October 28, 2025, at Fiorelli Family Catering in Peckville. The event recognized the scholarship recipients and honored the generous donors who made scholarships available to students. Alyssa Nicholas, Johnson College Veterinary Nursing student, spoke at the College’s Annual Scholarship Breakfast. The College awarded 74 scholarships. Alyssa Nicholas, a second-year student in Johnson College’s Veterinary Nursing program and recipient of the Anthony Ploskonka Memorial Scholarship, served as the student speaker at the event. “My scholarship is a reminder that there are people who believe in me, who see my potential and want to help me achieve my lifelong dream of working in veterinary care,” Nicholas said. She stated that the generosity of the scholarship donors and support from Johnson College allow her to better focus on her studies so that she can pursue her dream to serve the farmers in her rural hometown, offering them better access to the care they need. The event also featured keynote speaker, Fran Pantuso, benefactor of the Al Pantuso Automotive Technology Scholarship, created in honor of her father, Al Pantuso, Sr. Presenting sponsors of the event included Cardinal LG, Jam Works LLC, and SIMONA AMERICA Industries. The breakfast concluded with the scholarship awards presentation by Katie Pittelli, Ed.D., president and CEO of Johnson College, and Jeanine Engelmann, Ed.D., chief academic officer of Johnson College. The presented awards included: AAA North Penn Annual Scholarship, Christian DeOliveira; Alekna Memorial Scholarship, Kaiden Hallock, Henry Korman, Felix Peraza, and Sierra Stonier; Edgar A. and Ida M. Alekna Foundation, Jacob Davis, Daniel Marcus, Karen Martinez, and Ally Plantz; Sebastian “Sebby” Amico Memorial Scholarship, Liam Lidy; Bartolai Family Scholarship, Giulian Morell; Vince Bartolai Memorial Biomedical Equipment Technology Scholarship, Ashton Labert; John K. & Mary E. Blackledge Memorial Scholarship, Parker Azevedo and Claire Getz; Margaret Briggs Scholarship, Gianna Carlo and Andrew Williams; Sean J. Calpin Automotive Technology Scholarship (Scranton Area Foundation), Connor Griggs; Hilda Dakey and Harry Dakey Memorial Scholarship, Michelle Calderon and Jackson Lincoln; Marilyn and Ronald Davies Annual Scholarship, Eric Staskowski; Vernon “Terry” Decker Scholarship, Jericho Doll; P. Fricchione and Sons Scholarship, Christian Shields; John T. Gerod Scholarship, Andrew Baker; Dr. George J. Hallesky Memorial Scholarship (Scranton Area Foundation), Daniel Marcus; Hawk Family Foundation Scholars, Luke Hoats and Abigail Trowbridge; Thomas Hesser Scholarship, Mariah Minnelli; Frank and Jean Hubbard Scholarship, Alexandria Haduch; Jefferson Township Lions Scholarship, Cody Schoonover; Orlando S. Johnson Merit Award, Aidan Graff and Liberty Graves; Johnson College Moffat Merit Award, Brittany Bella and Keith Rowlands; Johnson College Presidential Scholarship, Charlize Barhite, Krista Dudeck, Anastasia Lehman, and Carter Mistishin; Johnson College Technology Merit Award, Samantha Warner and John Plumey; Janie Lamberton Memorial Scholarship, Liberty Graves; William Lesik Memorial Scholarship, Josiah Amoroso and EllaRose Fitzgerald; Andrew Mazza Memorial Scholarship, Christopher Rosa; F. David Mercanti Memorial Scholarship, Connor Angelo; MotorWorld Lexus Scholarship, Brendan Galimi and Mariah Minnelli; Northeast Suicide Prevention Initiative Scholarship, Edgar Acevedo; North Eastern Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association Veterinary Nursing Scholarship, Aiden Zerbe; John R. O’Hara Scholarship, Milagros Sosa; Chris Pambianco ’65 Vocational Education Award, Connor Angelo and Hanaa Gohsler; Al Pantuso Automotive Technology Scholarship, Kasandra Lopes; Thomas J. Perry Scholarship, Alessandro Olivieri; John R. and Maureen J. Pesavento Johnson College Scholarship (Scranton Area Foundation), Evan Bernardi; Anthony Ploskonka Memorial Scholarship, Andrew Eagon and Alyssa Nicholas; Irene Ploskonka Memorial Scholarship, Cole Chesna and Jayden Wasielewsk; Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association Scholarship, Cristal Abreu and James Hancock; Richmond Merit Award, Austin Fortney and Holly Scielzo; Ross Family Foundation Scholarship, Braeden Alvord and Joelvi Maties-Medina; Society of Broadcast Engineers, Chapter II Scholarship, Jericho Doll; Taylor Nursing Rehabilitation Scholarship, Alyssa Resio and Jennifer Rodriguez; Dr. Islyn Thomas Achievement Award, Cameron Hedgelon and Tyler Martinelli; Scranton UNICO Foundation Scholarship, Austin Fortney; Villa Capri Cruisers Car Club, Inc. Scholarship, Andrew Andonizio; Rich Vinansky Memorial Golf Tournament Scholarship, Anna Bagnall and Rebecca Bavitz; Ed Vogel Memorial Scholarship of the NEPA Chapter of the Antique Truck Club of America, Gerard Dolinsky.
University of Scranton Releases November and December Events Schedule Ongoing through to Dec. 12 Art Exhibit: “The Anthracite Coal Industry of Northeastern Pennsylvania.” Selected paintings, sculptures, and works on papers from public and private collections: 1829-1959. Hope Horn Gallery, Hyland Hall. Free during gallery hours. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu. Nov. 5 5 p.m. Exhibit Opening: “A Life of Service: Celebrating David J. Wenzel ’69, G’74,” Sponsored by the University’s Center for Ethics and Excellence in Public Service. Heritage Room. Weinberg Memorial Library. Reservations Required. Call 570-941-7401 or email alumni@scranton.edu. Nov. 5-9 8 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. “A Doll’s House, Part 2” Presented by The University Players. Studio Theater, McDade Center for Literary and Performing Arts. Limited seating, reservations strongly suggested. Ticket prices vary. Call 570-941-4318 or email players@scranton.edu Nov. 7 5 p.m. Art Gallery Lecture: “New Deal Post Office Murals in the Anthracite Regions of Northeastern Pennsylvania” Presented by David Lembeck, independent scholar. Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Reception follows at the Hope Horn Gallery, Hyland Hall. The reception is part of Scranton’s First Friday event. Free. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu. Nov. 9 9 a.m. Open House for prospective students and their families. Various locations on campus. Registration required. Free. Call 888-SCRANTON or email admissions@scranton.edu. Nov. 11 5 p.m. Slattery Center for Ignatian Humanities and The Jesuit Center: “The Bible, Gender, and Sexuality: Historical Insights and Contemporary Relevance” Presented by Amy-Jill Levine, Ph.D., Rabbi Stanley M. Kessler Distinguished Professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies, Hartford International University for Religion and Peace; university professor of New Testament and Jewish studies emerita, Mary Jane Werthan Professor of Jewish Studies emerita, professor of New Testament studies emerita, Vanderbilt University. Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Free. Call 570-941-4700 or email sarah.kenehan@scranton.edu. Nov. 13 8:30 a.m. Data Science Day Features programming tutorial, a keynote speaker and a data science competition for high school students. McIlhenny Ballroom, DeNaples Center. Registration required at https://scrantondatacontest.netlify.app/. Call 570-941-6486 or email joseph.klobusicky@scranton.edu. Nov. 13 5:30 p.m.Schemel Forum with the Friends of the Weinberg Memorial Library Collaborative Program Lecture: “From Manuscript to Print: The Journey of Medieval Books” Presented by Michael Knies, special collections librarian and university archivist, Weinberg Memorial Library, The University of Scranton. The Charles Kratz Scranton Heritage Room, Weinberg Memorial Library. Registration required. Free. Exhibit and reception follow. Call 570-941-4740 or email schemelforum@scranton.edu. Nov. 14 7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert” Featuring The University of Scranton String Orchestra.” Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu. Nov. 15 1 p.m. Father Murgas Day event Honoring the 120th anniversary of the first world overland long-distance wireless transmission using radio. Reenactment of the transmission between Wilkes-Barre and Scranton held in conjunction with the Murgas Amateur Radio Club, followed by radio station open houses and receptions at both campuses. W3USR Amateur Radio Club at Scranton, PNC Auditorium, Loyola Science Center, and Alley Center for Health Science, King’s College. Free. Visit murgas.org or email murgasarc@gmail.com. Nov. 20 11:30 a.m. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Series: “America is Ready for a Pro-Peace Foreign Policy. Is Washington?” Presented by Matthew Duss, executive director, Center for International Policy, former visiting scholar, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. McIlhenny Ballroom, DeNaples Center. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email schemelforum@scranton.edu. Nov. 20 5:30 p.m. Ethics Across the Curriculum Lecture: “Spiritual Alienation and the Quest for God” Presented by David McPherson, Ph.D., professor of philosophy, University of Florida’s Hamilton School for Classical and Civic Education. PNC Auditorium, Loyola Science Center. Free. Call 570-941-4700 or email sarah.kenehan@scranton.edu. Nov. 20-22 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday. “Legally Blonde – The Musical” Presented by Liva Arts Company. The Royal Theater, McDade Center for Literary and Performing Arts. $5. Tickets can be purchased at https://www.livaartscompany.ludus.com or email livaartscompany@gmail.com. Dec. 4 5:30 p.m. Slattery Center for Ignatian Humanities Lecture: “Do the Brain and Behavioral Sciences Show That Free Will is an Illusion?” Presented by Timothy O’Connor, Ph.D., Mahlon Powell Professor of Philosophy and Cognitive Science, Indiana University. PNC Auditorium, Loyola Science Center. Free. Call 570-941-4700 or email sarah.kenehan@scranton.edu. Dec. 6 8 p.m. Performance Music: “58th Annual Noel Night” Featuring The University of Scranton Singers, String Orchestra and Chamber Ensembles with guest harpist Marg Davis and pianist Ron Stabinsky. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu. Dec. 14 7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “The Scranton Brass Orchestra Empty Stocking Fund Benefit Concert.” Houlihan-McLean Center. Admission: one new unwrapped toy, new toiletry items or a cash donation. All proceeds will directly benefit local families in need. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.
Urban Co-Works Announces November First Friday Free Co-Working Attendees are invited to join URBAN CO-WORKS for a day of productivity. This event offers the perfect opportunity to accomplish work in a vibrant co-working environment while connecting with fellow professionals. Open to freelancers, entrepreneurs, and remote workers alike, the event provides a chance to experience the benefits of co-working—completely free. The gathering takes place on the first Friday of each month. Date and time Friday, November 7 · 9am – 5pm EST Location URBAN CO-WORKS 116 North Washington Avenue #3rd Floor Scranton, PA 18503 Click here to find more information.
Marywood Explores Global Initiatives in Colombia Recently, Marywood University representatives visited Medellín and Bogota, Colombia, to expand Marywood’s global initiatives and explore program development and recruitment in the country. Representatives included Jessica A. Quintana Hess, assistant dean of global initiatives & programs, and Chris Speicher, Ph.D., associate professor of business. Hess conducted recruitment events, including independent school visits, potential university partner site visits, and the EducationUSA Bogota series, while Dr. Speicher presented at Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (Region 9) conference. Jointly, they conducted a series of meetings at the university’s current International Programs partner, Universidad EAN, in Bogota, Colombia, to review proposals for program expansion and development. The trip culminated with a special lecture about design thinking, hosted by Marywood University and presented by Dr. Speicher. For more information about Marywood’s Global Initiatives, visit: marywood.edu/life-at-mu/student-experience/global.
