Medical Professionals and Music Bring Colon Cancer Awareness A group of physicians who share a passion for both medical education and rock music will take the stage for a one-of-a-kind community concert, “Louder Than Cancer!,” Friday, March 27, at the Theater at North in Scranton. Doors open at 5 p.m. and is part of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, aiming to raise awareness about the importance of preventive screenings. The educational event will feature Rockdoc and the Healers, a rock band made up of medical professionals and musicians who use music as a platform to spark conversations about health. In addition to live music, the evening will include educational information tables highlighting the importance of colorectal cancer screenings and connecting attendees with regional providers of whole-person primary health services. The idea for “Louder Than Cancer!” was conceptualized by Dr. Vikas Khurana, program director of The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s Gastroenterology Fellowship Program. More than 20 years ago, Dr. Khurana along with Dr. Steve Eskin, now the lead singer of the rock band and a fellow gastroenterologist, dreamed of combining their passions for medicine with music. That vision is finally coming to fruition, grounded in a simple but powerful belief: music can make a deeper, more lasting impact than wordy teaching alone. The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education are the platinum sponsor of the event, reinforcing their shared commitment to prevention, education, and community well-being. Dr. Eskin talked about how music can help people take control of their wellbeing. “Colon cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable cancers when it’s caught early, yet too many people delay or avoid screening… Music has a way of breaking down barriers. If we can get people in the door for a great rock show and leave them feeling empowered to take charge of their colon health, then we’ve done something truly meaningful,” Dr. Eskin said. Dr. Eskin will be joined on stage by Dr. Reese Hofstrand, a fellow physician in The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s Gastroenterology Fellowship Program, along with the Giron brothers, rounding out the band’s high-energy lineup. The educational program and concert are being organized by Dr. Peter Iskander, also a fellow physician in The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s Gastroenterology Fellowship Program, who is leading efforts to blend entertainment with evidence-based health education. Tickets for “Louder Than Cancer!” are free and available through Eventbrite. While there is no cost to attend, audience members are asked to complete a brief educational survey about colon health as part of the program’s awareness initiative. Concertgoers will also have the opportunity to make a voluntary financial donation, with all proceeds from sponsorships and donations benefitting the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute. “We want the message to be clear: screening saves lives, and taking that first step doesn’t have to be intimidating,” Dr. Eskin said. For more information and to reserve your free tickets, visit Eventbrite and search for “Louder Than Cancer!” To donate, visit bit.ly/4cbJMQ2.
SBA Business Smart Entrepreneurship Series Starts in March The United States Small Business Association can help entrepreneurs start and grow. From makers and creators, involved in tech, or pursuing a passion SBA can help business ventures. Join the no-cost Spring SBA Business Smart Entrepreneurship Series either in-person or virtually. The sessions will start by discussing home-based businesses and then expand to generating a business plan and becoming credit ready. All workshops are on Wednesdays from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. ET. Pre-registration is required for each workshop – follow the links to register. Receive a Certificate of Completion for taking a workshop. In-person location is at the Stourbridge Tech Hub, Room 2040, 646 W. Park St., Honesdale, PA 18431 The webinar sessions are not recorded; participants can ask questions through chat with a real time response. Only attendees (in-person and virtual) will receive a copy of the slide deck. Email sonia.smith@sba.gov with any questions. Starting a Home-Based Business in Pennsylvania – Wednesday, March 11, 2026 Most entrepreneurs start with a home-based business that creates, delivers, or improves on a product or service. The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s PA Business One-Stop Shop will take the guesswork out of business filings, applications, and registrations, so you can focus on running a successful business. In-person: https://www.sba.gov/event/80395 Virtual: https://www.sba.gov/event/80392 Business Smart Toolkit: Ready, Set & Go! Module 1 – Wednesday, March 18, 2026 Business Smart Toolkit Module 1 helps new and aspiring entrepreneurs launch a business idea by understanding the 10 steps to start a business. In-person: https://www.sba.gov/event/80413 Virtual: https://www.sba.gov/event/80409 Business Smart Toolkit: Ready, Set & Go! Module 2 – Wednesday, March 25, 2026 Business Smart Toolkit Module 2 helps entrepreneurs understand credit-ready essentials, financing options, and loan requirements. In-person: https://www.sba.gov/event/80416 Virtual: https://www.sba.gov/event/80415
Marywood University to Host Veteran Services Fair Marywood University will host a Veteran Services Fair and Guest Speaker Presentation Friday, Feb. 20, 2026. This event will bring together veterans, service members, students, families and community members for a morning focused on connection, transition support and access to critical resources. Open to veterans, currently serving service members, students, families, and the broader community, this event underscores Marywood University’s ongoing commitment to supporting those who have served and strengthening partnerships with organizations dedicated to veteran well-being. The event is organized by Marywood University’s Office of Military & Veteran Services, the program will take place in the Nazareth Student Center, beginning with a Veteran Services Fair from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. in the Fireplace Lounge. Brigadier General (PA) Keith Graham, Executive Director of Veterans Programs and Services for the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA), will deliver the keynote presentation from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the Upper Main Dining Room. General Graham oversees outreach and support for over 640,000 veterans in Pennsylvania. The Veteran Services Fair will feature resource tables staffed by regional veteran service organizations offering information, referrals, and one-on-one guidance on a wide range of supports, including education, employment, benefits, health services, and community programs. The keynote presentation will address the challenges veterans often face during the transition from military to civilian life, the importance of early engagement with support services, and the role institutions and communities play in ensuring long-term success. According to Bronson Cass, Military & Veteran Specialist in Marywood University’s Office of Military and Veteran Services early access to trusted resources can be life changing. “Early connection to the right resources can change the trajectory of a veteran’s transition,” Cass said. “This event is about building a strong, visible network of care together, so no veteran or family member feels they have to navigate this journey alone,” Cass said. Community members are encouraged to attend, ask questions, meet service providers and bring family members or friends who may benefit from the information shared. By fostering early awareness and connection, the University aims to help veterans and their families access the tools and relationships they need to thrive. For more information, contact Marywood University Military & Veteran Services at veterans@marywood.edu.
WVIA Hosts Keystone Edition – Data Centers: Deal of Dilemma Event How often have you heard the phrase “data center” lately? They are being talked about in all corners of our area. Data centers are a hot topic right now, but many people don’t know exactly what they are, how they’re used, and why there is opposition to them. We’ll wade through it all on the next edition of Keystone Edition: Data Centers: Deal or Dilemma? WVIA Public Media Studios Free Event 07:00 PM – 08:00 PM on Wed, 11 Feb 2026 By registering for any event, you agree to be added to WVIA’s email list to receive updates, news, and event information. You may unsubscribe at any time. Learn more at the link.
NAACP Lackawanna County Branch Hosts Community Talent Show Come join us for a Black History Month event. All ages!Do you sing? 🎤 Dance? Tap or rap? Come join us for the NAACP Community Talent Show! Sign-up sheet coming! Sign-up at the link.
Hoban Wellness Hosts Valentine’s Day Partner Yoga for Two Rooted Together: Partner Yoga for Two is a Valentine’s Day shared yoga experience designed to celebrate connection in all its forms—friends, family members, and romantic partners. This 75-minute class invites you to move side by side through mindful movement, gentle strengthening, supported stretching, breathwork, and moments of stillness. The practice emphasizes presence, communication, and shared pacing—without physical contact—allowing each participant to remain fully grounded in their own body while experiencing the energy of practicing together. The experience is enhanced with curated aromatherapy and concludes with a deeply restful closing practice. Each participant will receive a take-home eye pillow and a thoughtfully prepared wellness goodie bag. Expect to leave feeling grounded, connected, and nourished—body, mind, and heart. Register: www.katiehobanwellness.com
Archbald Borough and Neighborhood Association Hosts Archbald Winter Carnival Archbald Neighborhood Association will be holding an Archbald Winter Carnival on Saturday, February 7th from 1 pm to 3 pm in and around Archbald’s Borough Building at 400 Church Street in partnership with Archbald Borough. Immerse yourself in the enchanting sights, sounds, and the delights of the season as we transform Archbald’s Borough Building and High School Plaza Park into a winter wonderland of festive fun to celebrate Archbald’s 150th anniversary. This is a kid friendly event. There is fun for the whole family! There will be free s’mores, hotdogs, and popcorn, fire pits, drone demos with Archbald Police Department, Touch a Truck with the Eynon Sturges Hose Company, kid friendly craft, family friendly winter games in the park with prizes, desserts from Queen of Tarts Desserts, hot chocolate, coffee, and soup from Ginger’s Pies, BBQ from Smoked and Sauced food truck, winter story time led by the Valley Community Library, free hair tinsel by Mandy with Holiday Hair, and more! Contact Kayleigh at 570-351-1086 with any questions or if you would like to be involved.
NEPA Philharmonic Presents “Battle of the Bands” The NEPA Philharmonic is excited to present its inaugural Battle of the Bands, presented by ROCK107, on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 7:00 PM at Mohegan Pennsylvania Casino’s Keystone Grand Ballroom in Wilkes-Barre. This groundbreaking, dynamic, live-judged music competition showcases eight talented local bands across a wide range of styles, from jazz fusion to country and heavy metal to pop rock, with cash prizes and a chance for one band to perform with the Philharmonic. Tickets, $29 general admission, are available at NEPAPHIL.org or by calling the NEPA Philharmonic Box Office at (570) 270-4444. Over 40 talented bands from across Northeastern Pennsylvania applied to compete, with eight finalists selected to take the stage: So Much Hope, Buried.; Gracie Jane Sinclair & The Band; Chasing Ashlee; Tori V & The Karma; The Sorters; Rogue Chimp; One Revived; and the Jay Orrell Band. These bands will compete in the live-judged event for their chance to win the $5,000 Grand Prize and perform with the NEPA Philharmonic in their 2026-2027 season. A $1,000 runner up prize and a $1,000 audience choice prize will also be awarded, giving audience members an opportunity to cheer on and vote for their favorite band. John Popko, host at Rock107 and Fuzz 96.1, will be the emcee for the event. The event will be judged by a panel comprised of the following individuals: Mélisse Brunet — Music Director, NEPA Philharmonic Chason Goldschmitz — Executive Director, NEPA Philharmonic Ruotao Mao — Concertmaster, NEPA Philharmonic Kait — Co-Host of the Prospector Show, Rock107 Jennifer Ducharme — Director of Events, Mohegan PA Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski — Pennsylvania State Representative, 121st District Rick Hoffenberg — Co-Director, Marywood University School of Visual & Performing Arts “NEPA has been blessed with incredible musicians for decades,” says Pennsylvania State Representative Eddie Day Pashinski (121st District), a judge for the event. “I congratulate our NEPA Philharmonic organization for creating this momentous opportunity for our very talented NEPA musicians. The financial prizes for this competition are truly substantial for the winners. But the once in a lifetime performance opportunity with our NEPA Philharmonic orchestra is priceless. I can’t wait to hear all the bands, and then to hear the winning band perform with our incredible NEPA Philharmonic orchestra. Absolutely fantastic!” “Local music is what keeps communities strong,” added Kait, event judge and ROCK107 host. “Local bands are the heartbeat of a town. I’m looking forward to putting my finger on the pulse of it all.” John Popko, emcee and ROCK107 host, says: “I’m honored to serve as emcee for this event and help spotlight the incredible talent that NEPA has to offer. I’ve always believed our local music scene stands toe-to-toe with any in the country. I’m very familiar with the artists competing in this Battle of the Bands, having featured nearly all of them on my local radio show, The Popko Project Radio Experience, which airs Saturday mornings at 10 a.m. on Fuzz 96.1 (a sister station of Rock 107). It’s truly a pleasure to share their music on the air, and I hope everyone in attendance leaves with a renewed appreciation for the musicians in our region. This is going to be fun!” Jennifer Ducharme, Battle of the Bands judge and Mohegan PA Director of Events, says: “Mohegan Pennsylvania is thrilled to be part of this incredible celebration of music and artistry. Supporting the arts is an essential part of our commitment to the community, and we look forward to an unforgettable evening.” The NEPA Philharmonic season is presented by PNC, the POPS series is presented by Dr. Seth & Carolyn Fisher, and Battle of the Bands is presented by ROCK107. Additional in-kind support is provided by Guitar Center through the use of their premium equipment. For more information about the Battle of the Bands or to purchase tickets, visit NEPAPHIL.org, or call the Box Office at (570) 270-4444.
