Incoming Penn State Scranton student receives America250PA Semiquincentennial Scholarship A Penn State Scranton student who’s going to begin his studies this fall has been recognized at the state level. Anthony Betti is a recipient of the America250PA Semiquincentennial Scholarship. Betti is a graduating senior from Mid Valley Secondary Center. He was one of just 25 students selected from more than 1,800 applications statewide. He’s also the only recipient from Lackawanna County. “Receiving the America250PA Semiquincentennial Scholarship means more to me than I can fully express,” Betti said. “When I learned I was one of only 25 students selected from more than 1,800 applicants, it didn’t just feel like an achievement — it felt like a pivotal moment in my life.” The scholarship is just one of the ways Pennsylvania is recognizing the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary. It honors students who demonstrate leadership and a commitment to serving their communities. Betti also attended a luncheon at the Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg, where he and other recipients met Governor Josh Shapiro and First Lady Lori Shapiro.
Mechanical engineering students at Penn State Scranton conduct solar panel study for local organization Six mechanical engineering students at Penn State Scranton received experience solving a real-world issue. The Monroe County Conservation District (MCCD) in Stroudsburg was having issues with power interruptions threatening its educational programming and support services. Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering Farhang Daneshmand had put out a call to organizations in the area that could provide student engineering projects, and MCCD jumped on the opportunity. “The partnership was motivated by a desire to move beyond purely hypothetical design problems and provide students with an authentic, real-world engineering experience,” Daneshmand said. “The Monroe County Conservation District presented a meaningful and timely challenge — energy reliability and resilience — which allowed students to work on a problem with clear technical, economic and community impact.” Six third-year students enrolled in Daneshmand’s ME 340: Design Methodology class – Emily Beemer, Ethan Lee, Joshua MacLunny, Clera O’Boyle, Eric Pisack and Vance Weimer – completed the project. They were all organized into specialized teams based on their backgrounds, experience and interests, and worked with MCCD to figure out if a solar energy backup system could improve power reliability. The students also consulted with industry professionals. In the end, the students helped prepare a proposal for a solar energy resilience system that could run the MCCD building during a power outage. The proposed system was also tailored to the building’s space constraints. The system isn’t being installed yet, but MCCD said it’s analyzing its budget and looking for grant opportunities to bring the project to life. Daneshmand said the project reflected the core goals of Penn State Scranton’s mechanical engineering program: combining technical theory with hands-on application.
Comcast Business Named official connectivity provider of Scranton Official Fan Zone Comcast Business announced today that it is the official connectivity provider for the City of Scranton’s upcoming summer soccer watch parties on Lackawanna County Courthouse Square. Comcast will provide connectivity for staff and vendors, as well as the live multi-screen broadcasts of matches. Comcast Business is using a network solution powered by Comcast Business Internet and Wifi Pro for the July watch parties. It will provide reliable connectivity for operations and cashless vendor transactions. Comcast Business officials say events like these are the type of environment the Comcast Business network is built for. The connectivity and video solutions are provided as an in-kind contribution from Comcast Business, which is celebrating 20 years in business. You can read more about this announcement in a press release from Comcast Business here.
Outdoor events at Mohegan Pennsylvania happening throughout the summer months Looking for fun events to attend throughout the summer months? Mohegan Pennsylvania is hosting something for everyone! Take a look at their list of events happening in the coming months to celebrate America 250: The free outdoor concert series Party on the Patio will feature Adrenalize: The Ultimate Def Lepperd Experience on Thursday, July 9th and 7 Summers: The Ultimate Morgan Wallen Tribute on Thursday, July 30th. You can find the full Party on the Patio lineup here. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. for these concerts. There will also be two special trackside NEPA America 250 Concerts: Laurel Canyon Band on Friday, July 10th and Bad Co. Legacy on Friday, August 28th. Both start at 7:00 p.m. You can find information about those concerts here. Sunday Fundays are happening at the Racetrack through July 26th. There will be live acoustic performances between harness racing events. These events start at 5:00 p.m. and are for people of all ages. You can find more information about Sunday Fundays here. There will be outdoor entertainment every Friday to Sunday at Embers Terrace. DJ Tommy will play on Saturday, July 4th, followed by Social Call Duo on Friday, July 10th, The Two Taboo on Sunday, July 19th, and Jay Orrell on Friday, July 31st. You can find Mohegan Pennsylvania’s full entertainment calendar here.
Marywood University’s Accreditation Reaffirmed by Middle States Commission on Higher Education Marywood University has earned reaffirmation of its accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), a significant recognition of the University’s academic excellence, institutional effectiveness, student-centered mission, and commitment to continuous improvement. The Commission’s action, taken on June 25, 2026, follows an extensive three-year institutional self-study and a comprehensive campus evaluation conducted by a peer review team from March 22–25, 2026. Following its review, the visiting team determined that Marywood meets all seven Middle States Standards for Accreditation and recognized the University for numerous accomplishments that distinguish its educational quality and institutional leadership. Throughout its report, the evaluation team praised Marywood’s deep commitment to mission integration, transparent governance, strong financial stewardship, collaborative leadership, student-centered culture, and strategic planning. The team also recognized the University’s significant progress in institutional transformation, highlighting its commitment to innovation, accountability, and long-term sustainability while remaining firmly rooted in its Catholic identity and the mission of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Among the University’s recognized accomplishments were: Meaningful innovation in mission integration, leadership development, strategic planning, and institutional effectiveness. A deeply integrated, mission-driven culture that strengthens Marywood’s identity and competitive position in higher education. Strong, independent governance and institutional leadership focused on academic quality and fiscal stewardship. A collaborative and transparent approach to shared governance and strategic decision-making. Significant progress in financial planning, accountability, and long-term institutional sustainability. A student-centered learning environment grounded in care, engagement, and holistic development. Meaningful innovation in mission integration, leadership development, strategic planning, and institutional effectiveness. “We are incredibly proud of this reaffirmation,” said President Lisa A. Lori. “Middle States accreditation represents the highest level of institutional quality assurance, and this outcome reflects the extraordinary work of our faculty, staff, students, administrators, and Board of Trustees. The evaluation team recognized not only the strength of our academic programs, but also the remarkable transformation taking place across the University and our commitment to accountability, strategic planning, innovation, student success, and our enduring Catholic mission. This reaffirmation provides a strong foundation as we continue to build the next chapter of Marywood University’s history.” The accreditation review also acknowledged Marywood’s growing culture of evidence-based decision-making and continuous improvement, while recognizing major investments in student success, academic assessment, governance, financial stewardship, and strategic planning. Alongside reaffirming accreditation, MSCHE requested a supplemental information report by August 14, 2028, documenting progress on several continuous improvement initiatives, including a comprehensive, data-informed review of Marywood’s academic programs. The visiting team recommended that the University evaluate under-enrolled programs and align its academic portfolio with student demand, workforce needs, mission, and long-term institutional sustainability. This work is part of the standard expectations placed on colleges and universities nationwide, and Marywood’s ongoing program review efforts reflect the responsible, data-informed practices that accreditors and higher education leaders agree are essential for long-term institutional resilience. The University will continue building on these strengths as it advances its 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, Into the Future: Defining What’s Next, and pursues new opportunities for academic innovation, global engagement, and enrollment growth, with new innovative initiatives being announced this summer. The next Middle States Self-Study evaluation visit will occur during the 2033 to 2034 academic year.
Neighborworks, SafteyWorks For Seniors Volunteer Day NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania (NeighborWorks) will serve eight older adult-headed households with much needed exterior painting and small repairs throughout the City of Scranton as part of the SafetyWorks for Seniors volunteer day on Thursday, July 2. More than 80 volunteers will be mobilized from MTF Biologics to make this volunteer event possible. Volunteers will provide the households with exterior painting and various other home repairs.“Highmark is honored to continue our support the NeighborWorks Aging in Place program. We are deeply committed to helping older adults live safely and with dignity in their homes,” said Katie Kemmerer, Community Affairs Regional Manager, NEPA, at Highmark Blue Cross Shield, “We’re so proud to be part of this initiative, bringing vital volunteer services to [these households] in NEPA. Thank you, NeighborWorks, and allof the day’s volunteers, for your incredible work!” Highmark Bright Blue Futures and United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania have also partnered with NeighborWorks to make this event a success.
Celebrate Independence Day at the Scrantastic Spectacular & Fireworks Show Looking for a fun way to celebrate the 4th of July holiday? The Lackawanna County Courthouse is hosting the Lackawanna County Scrantastic Spectacular on July 3rd. It starts at 4:00 p.m. at the courthouse on North Washington Avenue in Scranton and is free. There will be food, games, bands, and a live performance from The Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic at 7:30 p.m. A fireworks display will follow that performance. The Scrantastic Spectacular event map has a list of the best firework viewing locations. The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, Scranton Tomorrow, and the City of Scranton are sponsors of the event.
Ticket deal available for Alabama concert at Montage Mountain LiveNation is offering a special discount on tickets for an upcoming concert. Be sure to take advantage of the $25 ticket deal for the Alabama show on Sunday, July 12th at The Pavilion at Montage Mountain. The concert starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are available by clicking here and entering the password: friends
Indraloka, Forty-Three Hens Find Safety After Emergency Rescue Last week, 43 hens were among thousands of birds facing an uncertain future at a shuttered egg-laying facility in Orangeville, Pennsylvania.By nightfall, they were safe. Responding to an urgent call for help, Dr. Leslie Interlandi and a member of Indraloka’s veterinary team traveled to the facility, where a flock of hens needed immediate placement after the business ceased operations. Rescuers were informed that birds remaining at the facility by the end of the day would be slaughtered. Among the chaos of a facility closing its doors, hens were being carelessly caught, carried by their legs and wings, and shoved into crates. For many, it was yet another frightening chapter in lives already shaped by industrial egg production. Forty-three of those hens made the journey to Indraloka. Today, they are resting comfortably in quarantine while veterinary staff assess their medical needs. “These hens have endured more than most people can imagine,” said Dr. Indra Lahiri, Founder and CEO of Indraloka. “Like so many animals used in commercial agriculture, they were valued only for what they could produce. Once they were no longer considered useful, their lives wereat risk. We believe their worth has never depended on what they could give us.” The rescue marks a significant milestone for the sanctuary.The hens are the first animals to utilize Indraloka’s newly constructed medical barn for the purpose it was designed to serve: providing quarantine space and specialized care for rescued animals arriving with medical needs. The facility, an extension of the NEPA Rescue Veterinary Clinic, was constructed through the generosity of community supporters and funding partners, including the Wilary Foundation, The Robert H. Spitz Foundation, the Local Shares Allocation program, and many individual donors.The medical barn was built to ensure that when animals arrived in crisis, Indraloka would have the space, equipment, and capacity to respond immediately. This week, 43 rescued hens became the first animals to benefit from that preparation. “When the call came about these hens, we were ready,” said Dr. Interlandi. “Many of them require extensive medical evaluation and treatment, and the medical barn allows us to provide that care while protecting the health of the rest of the sanctuary population. It was built for exactly this kind of situation.” Veterinary staff continue to evaluate the hens, many of whom are arriving with health concerns commonly seen in birds from commercial egg production systems. Their care is expected to exceed $20,000 and will include medical treatment, diagnostic testing, nutrition, and ongoingrehabilitation. For the hens now settling into clean bedding, fresh food, and the quiet of their new surroundings, the future looks very different than it did just days ago. And for the community members who helped make the medical barn possible, their investmentis already saving lives. To learn more about the hens or support their care, visit Indraloka.org
Circle Drive In Announces Upcoming Events SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE AT CIRCLE DRIVE-IN THIS WEEKEND! THURSDAY, JUNE 25TH LACKAWANNA HISTORICAL SOCIETY SUMMER KICK-OFF MOVIE Screen One: “Jaws” (PG) at 9:00 PM DOUBLE FEATURES ALL WEEKEND ON THE LARGEST OUTDOOR SCREEN IN PA THIS WEEKEND FRIDAY, JUNE 26TH, SATURDAY, JUNE 27TH, & SUNDAY, JUNE 28TH Screen One:“Toy Story 5” (PG) at 9:10 PM“Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu” (PG-13) at 11:15 PM Screen Two:“Supergirl” (PG-13) at 9:30 PM“The Breadwinner” (PG) at 12:00 AM SATURDAY, JUNE 27TH – PHAROAHS CAR CLUB OF SCRANTON, CARS & COFFEE 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Show off your ride or take a look at some local cars All are welcome, free event CIRCLE FLEA FAIR IS NOW OPEN EVERY SUNDAY FROM 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM Shoppers & Vendors, NEPA’s Largest Flea Fair is NOW OPEN for the season, every Sunday until November! New vendors are welcome weekly; only food & beverage vendors need to apply this season. Shoppers, just $1.00 per vehicle to get in & explore! Visit circledrive-in.com/fleafair for more information! UPCOMING EVENTS: SATURDAY, JULY 18TH Screen Two: “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” (R) at 11:00 PM A live-shadowcast performance by “Sweet Translucent Dreams” SATURDAY, AUGUST 8TH SEEK Pro Wrestling “Dead Heat” 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM SATURDAY, AUGUST 15TH NEPA Horror Spooky Summer 2026 12:00 PM Meet & Greets, Vendors, Live Music, Theater Performances, Food Trucks, Movies, and More! -VISIT CIRCLEDRIVE-IN.COM FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON ALL UPCOMING EVENTS-
