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.
WVIA Awarded Grant to Expand Local Environmental Journalism WVIA was awarded a $10,000 grant from the Robert H. Spitz Foundation, administered by the Scranton Area Community Foundation, to support expanded environmental journalism, strengthening local reporting on critical issues affecting Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania. The funding will allow WVIA News to deepen coverage of environmental topics, including water use, energy demand, land impact, and community concerns related to proposed data centers in the region. The grant marks WVIA’s first funding specifically dedicated to environmental journalism and will support reporting by WVIA journalists Kat Bolus and Isabela Weiss, who are embedded in the communities they cover and respond directly to issues raised by local residents. WVIA has also identified a growing need for sustained environmental reporting based on community feedback gathered at community events, and, especially, through its News Listening Tours across 22 counties. “WVIA plays an essential role in helping our region stay informed and connected to the issues shaping daily life in Northeastern Pennsylvania,” said Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “Through the Robert H. Spitz Foundation, we are proud to support environmental journalism that helps ensure communities have access to clear, reliable information about topics that matter.” As part of this initiative, WVIA News will produce a series of in-depth stories examining the effects of data centers on water resources, power infrastructure, and surrounding communities, with additional investigative reporting to follow. These stories will be featured across WVIA’s platforms, including radio, digital, and video, and collected on a dedicated landing page to serve as an ongoing public resource. WVIA has already begun reporting on data center proposals in the region, with multiple stories by reporter Kat Bolus available at wvia.org. “For many, data centers are shrouded in uncertainty despite how much they’re demanding from communities where they will coexist,” said Faith Golay, WVIA News Managing Editor. “By providing in-depth coverage on the subject, our reporting raises awareness, educates residents and property owners, promoting dialogue between parties to address challenges and explore areas of opportunity.” In addition to expanded reporting, WVIA will further explore the topic through its flagship public affairs program, Keystone Edition. The episode titled Data Centers: Deal or Dilemma? examines what data centers are, how they are used and why they have become a point of debate locally. Through this grant-funded initiative, WVIA continues its mission to provide trusted, in-depth local journalism that equips residents with the information they need to understand complex issues and participate meaningfully in civic life. For existing and upcoming WVIA News coverage of data centers, visit this page.
Greater Scranton YMCA Promotes Heart Health February is American Heart Month, and the Greater Scranton YMCA is inviting the community to take simple, achievable steps toward better health. With nearly half of U.S. adult living with high blood pressure, and rates worsening since the COVID-19 pandemic, now is the time to prioritize health and wellness. Heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. Often called “The Silent Killer,” high blood pressure typically has no warning signs, making regular monitoring and healthy habits critical to prevention. “The great news is that heart health is something you can improve with just a few simple changes,” said Rich Surridge, President & CEO of the Greater Scranton YMCA. “Whether it’s moving your body more, reducing sodium in your diet, or checking your blood pressure, these small steps can lead to lasting results, and the Y is here to help.” The Greater Scranton YMCA offers group fitness classes, nutrition support, and the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program, a yearlong lifestyle change initiative for adults at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, a major risk factor for heart disease. The program helps participants reduce their weight, increase physical activity, and build sustainable healthy habits in a supportive group setting. The YMCA also emphasizes reducing sodium intake. This is another key step in improving heart health. According to the American Heart Association, consuming less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day (about one teaspoon of salt) can help lower or avoid high blood pressure. “No matter what your heart health goal is this year, the Y offers a welcoming and supportive environment to help you get there,” Surridge said. To learn more about heart health programs and how to get involved, visit the YMCA’s website or stop by the Greater Scranton YMCA.
The Dime Bank Promotes New SVP Chief Operating Officer President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Bochnovich along with the Board of Directors at The Dime Bank are pleased to announce that Melissa Bowling has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer. Melissa Bowling’s career at The Dime Bank is a testament to growth, dedication, and leadership developed from the ground up. Beginning her career with the bank in October 2008 as head teller at the Honesdale branch, Bowling steadily rose through the ranks, earning successive promotions that culminate in her appointment as chief operating officer. Throughout her tenure, Bowling advanced to assistant branch manager and later branch manager of the downtown Hawley branch, where she gained hands-on experience leading teams and managing branch operations. In October 2016, she was promoted to retail operations officer, taking on responsibility for overseeing the efficient and effective operation of all branch offices while serving as a liaison between retail branches and other departments. Bowling most recently served as vice president, retail operations manager, playing a key role in driving operational consistency, supporting branch performance, and enhancing the overall customer experience across the organization. “Missy’s journey reflects her strong work ethic, deep operational knowledge, and commitment to excellence,” Bochnovich said. As the chief operating officer, Bowling will focus on operational excellence, cross-department collaboration, and supporting The Dime Bank’s mission of delivering exceptional service throughout our branch network in Wayne, Pike, and Lackawanna Counties. “She understands The Dime Bank from the ground up and brings valuable perspective to the chief operating officer role. Please join me in congratulating her on this career milestone,” Bochnovich said.
NEPA Philharmonic’s Contest Opens Doors for Local Artists The Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic brought the local music scene to life with its Battle of the Bands event, drawing more than 400 attendees for an evening that celebrated the region’s outstanding original artists. Hosted in partnership with Mohegan PA, and presented by ROCK107, the event featured electrifying performances by Rogue Chimp; Chasing Ashlee; Tori V & the Karma; So Much Hope, Buried.; Jay Orrell Band; The Sorters; One Revived; and Gracie Jane Sinclair & The Band. Each set delivered a distinctive sound and style, representative of the diversity and talent within the local music scene. Additional support from Guitar Center lent itself to state-of-the-art equipment utilized by each of the bands, who were able to perform their eight-minute sets and switch with each other in just a few minutes. Popko, of the Popko Project on ROCK107, was the emcee for the event, conducting interviews between sets as the bands each noted how thrilled they were to be a part of such a unique local event, giving them an opportunity that is one of the first of its kind to be presented by a professional symphony orchestra. The panel of judges included NEPA Philharmonic Music Director Mélisse Brunet, NEPA Philharmonic Executive Director Chason Goldschmitz, NEPA Philharmonic Concertmaster Ruotao Mao, Mohegan PA’s Director of Events Jennifer Ducharme, ROCK107’s on air host Kait, PA State Representative Eddie Day Pashinski, and Marywood University’s Director of Choral Activities Rick Hoffenberg. Gracie Jane Sinclair & The Band earned the $1,000 Audience Choice Award and went on to claim the Grand Prize of $5,000. So Much Hope, Buried. received the Second Prize Award of $1,000. As part of the Grand Prize, Gracie Jane Sinclair & The Band will perform with the full Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic orchestra on a future date in their 2026-2027 season, which is to be announced. The NEPA Philharmonic’s Battle of the Bands reflects the organization’s drive to engage with local talent and vitalize the community with music performances that are unique and accessible to all audiences. For more information about upcoming events and programs, visit NEPAPHIL.org, or call the Philharmonic Box Office at (570) 270-4444.
Applications Open for Geisinger Hospital Elder Life Program Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital, Geisinger Community Medical Center, Geisinger Medical Center and Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center are accepting volunteer applications for the Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) Help is a unique opportunity to make a difference in the lives of older adults. Traditionally designed for college students studying health care, HELP is now expanding to include adults (18+) with an interest in health care including retired doctors, nurses or other healthcare professionals. HELP volunteers receive specialized training to support patients age 65 and older through therapeutic activities, patient and family education, and mobilization and socialization. These interventions help prevent cognitive and functional decline during hospitalization. Volunteers who meet requirements may qualify for: Leadership opportunities Physician and advanced practitioner shadowing opportunities A letter of reference for medical school or other healthcare programs HELP runs year-round, with three application periods: Summer semester Apply: February Orientation: Mid-May Service begins: May Fall semester Apply: May Orientation: Early September Service begins: September Spring semester Apply: September Orientation: Mid-December Service begins: December/January Applications for the summer 2026 semester are open now. Those interested should apply online at go.geisinger.org/elderlife. For more information, call 570-808-6124 or email Deanna Dunning, program manager, at ddunning@geisinger.edu.
