The Frolic: UNC Celebrates 20 Years of a Scranton Fundraising Tradition What began on a freezing February night at the historic Lackawanna Train Station in 2005 has grown into a Scranton fundraising tradition that continues more than two decades later. This fall, United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC) will celebrate 20 years since the first Chocoholic Frolic when it presents The Frolic: Harvest at the Hilton presented by PNC on Thursday, October 1, from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the Hilton Scranton & Conference Center. The story of The Frolic begins with SCOLA (Scranton Council for Literacy Advance) and Nancy Dressel, the organization’s development director who was charged with developing a fundraiser. The result was the first Chocoholic Frolic in 2006. Dressel recently recalled an inaugural event that was memorable for more than the food. Freezing rain made for terrible weather, but the community still turned out. Inside the former Lackawanna Train Station, vendors lined the room as guests sampled creations from area restaurants, bakeries and other food businesses. The response was greater than organizers anticipated. Dressel remembers a huge circular line of guests winding through the event to taste the many locally made chocolate creations. The event quickly became a success and eventually outgrew the Train Station, moving to the Hilton as attendance continued to grow. Despite its name, Dressel said the vision for the Chocoholic Frolic was never limited to chocolate desserts. Restaurants were encouraged to experiment, incorporating chocolate into unexpected dishes and savory foods like cocoa-rubbed meats and other creative combinations. That spirit of culinary experimentation helped turn the Frolic into an anticipated community event. When SCOLA later became part of United Neighborhood Centers, UNC continued the fundraiser and the tradition that came with it. Over the years, the event evolved beyond its chocolate theme into a broader celebration of the region’s food and beverage community. “The Frolic continues to honor the spirit of the original event SCOLA created; bringing people together for a great experience while supporting important work in our community,” said Lisa Durkin, President and CEO of United Neighborhood Centers. “The adult literacy and English language programs that SCOLA championed not only continue at UNC but have grown to serve an increasingly diverse community. It’s meaningful that, more than 20 years later, The Frolic is still bringing people together and helping make that work possible.” This year’s participating restaurants include Abbiocco, A’tera 519, Alter Bar Scranton, B&G Winery, Barbour’s Bakery, Café Rinaldi, Coffee Inclusive, Colarusso’s Coal Fired Pizza & Colarusso’s Pasta Fresca, Cooper’s Seafood House, Gertrude Hawk Chocolates, Groove Brewing, Harvest Seasonal Grill, Hilton Scranton & Conference Center, Lucchi Family Wine Cellars, Lynn Sandy’s Bakery, Maximum Zen, Peanut Bar & Cashew Lounge, Stirna’s Restaurant, Sweet Tooth by Chocolate Creations, Warney Cellar and Tap, and more. Guests can move throughout the event sampling food, desserts, wine, beer and other beverages while enjoying live music, raffles and an evening designed for mingling and discovering local favorites. Jeremy Lewan of WNEP will serve as emcee for the evening, with live music by Michelle McGrath and Eric Dixon. The event is presented by PNC, with additional support from Gold Sponsors Knowles Insurance, the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund and Geisinger; Silver Sponsor Alliance Wealth Advisors; Bronze Sponsors Comcast, Fastenal, Highmark, the Honesdale National Bank, and more. Proceeds benefit United Neighborhood Centers, which serves more than 11,000 individuals and families throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania each year. UNC programs include food and housing assistance, childcare and youth programming, adult education and English language learning, workforce development, services for older adults, community health initiatives and neighborhood revitalization. The connection to the original SCOLA fundraiser also remains. Adult education and English language learning—the programs the original Chocoholic Frolic was created to support—continue today as part of UNC’s work. From a packed Train Station on a freezing night in 2005 to more than 20 food and beverage partners gathering at the Hilton in 2026, The Frolic has continued to evolve while maintaining the idea at its heart: bringing the community together around great food while supporting its neighbors. UNC’s 18th Annual Frolic: Harvest at the Hilton presented by PNC will be held Thursday, October 1, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the Hilton Scranton & Conference Center. Tickets are $50 and include tastings from participating food and beverage partners. Tickets and additional information are available through United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania.
The Board of Ambassadors Announce 2026 Tribute to Courage Honoree for Spirit of Hope Celebration The Board of Ambassadors will honor Honorable Thomas Munley as the 2026 Tribute to Courage Honoree at their upcoming Spirit of Hope Celebration set for Friday, November 6, 2026, at Mohegan Pennsylvania. Honorable Thomas Munley is a retired Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, Lackawanna County. Prior to his election, Judge Munley spent more than 30 years as a practicing attorney in northeastern Pennsylvania. He is a proud veteran of the United States Army and served in Vietnam. Judge Munley is proudest of his three sons, John, Thomas and Logan. He resides in northeastern Pennsylvania with his wife, Jodean. Judge Munley is a cancer survivor.
WVIA Earns Four NETA Public Media Awards, Including Excellence in Education WVIA has earned four honors in the 58th Annual NETA Public Media Awards, including the award for Excellence in Education. Presented by the National Educational Telecommunications Association (NETA), the awards recognize outstanding work in education, community engagement, marketing and communications, and content. WVIA was recognized in the following categories: ● Excellence in Education ● Education – Learning Events: Youth Voices ● Marketing & Communications – Integrated Media Campaign: Making NEPA Home ● Content – Topical Feature: Making NEPA Home The Excellence in Education award recognizes the broad reach and impact of WVIA Education, which supports students, teachers and families throughout Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania. In 2025, the team distributed more than 1,900 educational resources and engaged nearly 6,000 teachers, students and caregivers through 92 in-person sessions. Partnerships with area school districts extended WVIA Education’s reach to more than 106,000 students across the region. Among the programs recognized is Youth Voices, which was honored for its community engagement work. The initiative gives students the opportunity to develop media and storytelling skills while creating content that reflects their experiences and perspectives. In 2025, 100% of 246 student participants reported positive outcomes. WVIA’s original documentary Making NEPA Home earned two awards for its content and integrated marketing campaign. Produced as part of WVIA’s We Stand Against Hate initiative, the documentary tells the stories of refugees and immigrants who have built new lives in Northeastern Pennsylvania, exploring themes of resilience, belonging and community. “These awards are a tremendous reflection of the creativity, dedication and community focus that define WVIA,” said Carla McCabe, WVIA President & CEO. “From empowering young people to tell their own stories to helping our region better understand the experiences of our neighbors, this work demonstrates the many ways public media can educate, connect and inspire. We are especially proud of the Excellence in Education honor and grateful to the educators, students, families and community partners who make this work possible.” Vicki Austin, WVIA’s Chief Development and Education Officer, said the recognition underscores the importance of WVIA’s core educational mission. “Our education team works every day to connect students, educators and families with opportunities and resources that can make a meaningful difference,” Vicki Austin said. “These awards celebrate that work and the many partners who help us reach communities throughout the region.” The NETA Public Media Awards recognize exceptional work by public media stations in education, community engagement, marketing and communications, and content. Stations compete within divisions based on station size, with awards judged by experts from within the public media system and professionals working outside public media. The awards were announced September 14, 2026.
Johnson College Receives Grant from Fastenal to Support Girls on Fire Events Johnson College received a $5,000 grant from the Fastenal BK5K Youth Fund Committee to support the College’s Girls on Fire events. Girls on Fire is a unique one-day STEM event designed for 6-9th grade students to explore career opportunities in non-traditional STEM fields. The event is an integral part of the College’s Women in Industry Initiative and is held in conjunction with International Women’s Day. The Girls on Fire event includes tours of Johnson College’s campuses, presentations about industry experiences from women working in non-traditional STEM fields, and hands-on activities related to many of the programs offered at the College. Fastenal’s support helps Johnson College continue its mission to inspire young women to pursue rewarding careers in STEM and the trades. By connecting students with real-world experiences and industry professionals, the College aims to break down barriers and empower the next generation of women in technical fields. The BK5K, a 5-kilometer road race and walk, is held to honor Bob Kierlin, founder of Fastenal Company and lifelong supporter of youth programs. All proceeds support local youth organizations/programs that demonstrate financial need, where races are held. Learn more at https://www.bk5k.com/.
Attend The Frolic – Harvest at the Hilton to support United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA (UNC) will host The Frolic-Harvest at the Hilton on Thursday, Oct. 1, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Hilton Scranton & Conference Center. The 21+ event will bring the community together for an evening of food, drinks, entertainment and support for UNC’s programs and services. Guests can enjoy more than 20 tastings from a variety of local bars, businesses and bakeries, along with live music from Michelle Conaboy McGrath. WNEP’s Jeremy Lewan will serve as emcee, and attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in raffle prizes throughout the evening. Tickets are $50 per person. Proceeds will support United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA and its programs and services that benefit individuals and families throughout the community. Tickets can be purchased by scanning the event QR code, visiting www.uncnepa.org/frolic-2026/ or calling 272-228-1371.
Wayne Bank Expands Leadership Responsibilities for Greater Scranton Market Wayne Bank has announced an expansion of Executive Vice President and Market Executive Joseph (“Joe”) J. Mahon’s leadership responsibilities to include the Greater Scranton market, in addition to the New York territories he currently oversees. Mahon will continue to lead commercial lending and deposit growth initiatives while expanding his work with customers, businesses and community organizations throughout the Greater Scranton region. In his expanded role, he will support Wayne Bank’s strategic growth initiatives and help strengthen the bank’s presence across Northeastern Pennsylvania and New York. “Joe has consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership, strategic vision, and a commitment to building strong relationships throughout the communities we serve,” said Donnelly. “His proven success in commercial banking, business development, and team leadership has helped drive growth across our New York markets. Expanding his responsibilities into the Greater Scranton region positions us well for continued success and strengthens our ability to serve customers throughout our footprint.” Mahon earned a Master of Business Administration from Binghamton University and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Villanova University. He also serves on the boards of the Boys & Girls Club of Binghamton and the Boys & Girls Clubs Foundation of Binghamton.
Geisinger to host free dinners to honor military veterans To thank local military veterans for their service, Geisinger will host free drive-through appreciation dinners at 12 locations across the health system’s service area on Thursday, November 5, from 3:00 to 5:30 p.m. Servings are limited, and those interested are encouraged to sign up now. Local veterans can make a reservation for themselves and one guest by visiting go.geisinger.org/vetsdinner2026 or calling 570-293-7200. The registration deadline is Friday, Oct. 30. Locations are: Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital: 549 Fair St. (use main entrance) Geisinger Shamokin Area Community Hospital: 4200 Hospital Road, Coal Township Geisinger Multi-Specialty Clinic, Danville: 35 Justin Drive Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital: 1020 Thompson St. Geisinger Lewistown Hospital: 400 Highland Ave. (3rd floor hospital entrance) Geisinger Mifflintown: 27 CJEMS Lane Geisinger Mount Pocono: 126 Market Way Geisinger Medical Center Muncy: 255 Route 220 Geisinger Healthplex CenterPoint, Pittston: 1201 Oak St. Nay Aug Park, Scranton: 500 Arthur Ave. Geisinger Healthplex State College:132 Abigail Lane, Port Matilda (serving 4 to 5:30 p.m.) Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre: 50 Roosevelt Terrace (behind the hospital)
Marywood University and PA State Police Academy Celebrate Milestone of First Graduate Marywood University celebrated a significant milestone as Pennsylvania State Trooper David Kuzmick became the first student to complete the Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice through the Marywood–Pennsylvania State Police Academy Partnership. The ceremony took place at the Pacer Statue on Marywood’s campus. Trooper Kuzmick received his degree from Marywood University President Lisa A. Lori, J.D. Patrick Seffrin, Ph.D., Marywood Professor and Director of its Center for Law, Justice and Policy, and Trooper Clint Long, Recruitment Program Coordinator, were also on hand to commemorate this achievement. The partnership enables eligible Criminal Justice majors to complete their bachelor’s degree while training at the Pennsylvania State Police Academy. Students earn 30 undergraduate credits upon successful Academy completion, which are applied directly to Criminal Justice elective requirements. The Pennsylvania State Police maintain full authority over Academy admissions, training, and graduation, and participation in the partnership does not guarantee Academy admission, appointment, or employment. Dr. Seffrin explained how the partnership allows students to combine their academic education with professional training. “Students who are in Marywood’s bachelor’s program for Criminal Justice and have completed these 90 credits can then apply to the Pennsylvania State Police Academy. If they successfully complete the Academy, they receive an additional 30 credits to complete their bachelor’s degree,” Dr. Seffrin said. “Essentially, during their senior year, they will be at the Pennsylvania State Police Academy. If they successfully complete the program, they receive their bachelor’s degree and become a state trooper.” President Lori highlighted the importance of the milestone, noting that “this partnership creates new possibilities for those committed to public service by connecting rigorous Academy preparation with a Marywood education.” She added that Trooper Kuzmick’s accomplishment “reflects academic commitment, professional preparation, and service to the Commonwealth.” To be eligible, students must: Be enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice program at Marywood University Have completed at least 90 undergraduate credits before applying to the Academy Be at least 20 years of age at the time of Academy application Meet all Pennsylvania State Police Academy admission requirements Successfully complete the Pennsylvania State Police Academy Trooper Kuzmick is the first student to complete the Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice under this model, marking a meaningful step forward in the University’s efforts to strengthen connections among higher education, law enforcement, and public service.
Performance Music at University of Scranton Presents “Baroque or Bust!” as Fall Season Opener Performance Music at The University of Scranton will welcome violinist Aisslinn Nosky and cellist Caroline Nicolas on Friday, September 18, when they present a recital entitled “Baroque or Bust!” The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue, downtown Scranton. Admission is free. The concert is open to the public. Seating is on a first-come, first-seated basis. Hailed as “superb” by The New York Times and “a fearsomely powerful musician” by The Toronto Star, Nosky has served as soloist and director with ensembles around the world, including the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Holland Baroque, the Victoria Symphony, the Hamilton Philharmonic and the New World Symphony. In 2011, Nosky was appointed concertmaster of the Grammy-winning Handel and Haydn Society, founded in 1815 and one of the world’s longest continuously performing musical organizations. Nosky has recorded the complete Haydn and Mozart violin concerti with H&H on the CORO label. A passionate educator, Nosky has been on faculty at Amherst Early Music Festival, the International Baroque Institute of Longy, Tafelmusik Baroque Summer Institute, Mount Holyoke College and The Banff Centre. She has given masterclasses, workshops and performances at The Guildhall School of Music and Drama, the New England Conservatory of Music, Codarts Rotterdam and The Juilliard School. Canadian cellist and viol player Nicolas enjoys an international career performing repertoire spanning the Middle Ages to the 21st century. Acclaimed as “a bright new gamba star” by The Strad Magazine, she performs with leading ensembles across Europe and North America, including The English Concert, Philharmonia Baroque, Kammerorchester Basel, Ars Lyrica Houston, Pacific MusicWorks and New World Symphony. She recently completed her tenure as Music Director of New Baroque Orchestra and now serves as Artistic Director of Ars Poetica. A dedicated educator, she has taught at Yale University, the Peabody Conservatory, the University of Victoria and the University of Washington, and she has led workshops for organizations including the Viola da Gamba Society of America and the Port Townsend Early Music Workshop. Her students have gone on to study at leading conservatories across North America and Europe, and she has been featured in Early Music America for her work on historical bowing techniques. For further information on the concert (or related education events for student musicians and music educators), call 570-941-7624, email music@scranton.edu or visit scranton.edu/music.
Marywood Expands Student Care through New Collaboration with UPMC Workpartners® Marywood University formally unveiled a new partnership with UPMC Workpartners® during a campus ceremony held on Wednesday, September 9, immediately following the University’s Opening Picnic. The event, hosted in the Loughran Hall lobby, brought together representatives from Marywood and UPMC Workpartners® to celebrate a shared commitment to strengthening student health and well‑being. The partnership establishes a new model for delivering on‑site health and wellness services to currently enrolled students who attend classes in person. UPMC Workpartners® will assume management of Marywood’s Student Health Clinic and Center for Well‑Being, expanding access to clinical care, behavioral health support, and coordinated services. Marywood University President Lisa Lori highlighted the significance of the partnership, noting that the health and wellness needs of college students continue to evolve and require increasingly comprehensive support. She emphasized that the collaboration with UPMC Workpartners® reflects a thoughtful investment in the future of student care at Marywood and aligns with the University’s longstanding commitment to educating and supporting the whole person. “Our students’ health and well‑being are central to their success, and this collaboration with UPMC Workpartners® helps us meet those needs in a more integrated and sustainable way,” said President Lori. “Together, we are creating a model of care that supports students academically, personally and emotionally, and ensures they have access to the resources they need to thrive.” Through MyHealth Marywood – Student Health Clinic, students will have access to a centralized location for multiple aspects of care, including treatment for acute illnesses and minor injuries, rapid on‑site testing, immunizations, biometric screenings, wound evaluation and coordination of referrals and specialized services. Telemedicine with a UPMC advanced practice provider will also be available five days a week. The Center for Well‑Being will provide behavioral health support through academic and performance coaching, mental health and emotional support, life transition guidance and 24/7 telephone crisis assistance. Students will also benefit from referrals to psychiatric services and off‑campus resources when needed. Academic programs such as Physician Assistant, Nursing and Education will see additional benefits through streamlined health clearances for students preparing to enter clinical sites or field experiences.
