Amy Bezek Photography To Host Full Moon Gong Sound Bath

Guests are invited to attend a Full Moon Gong Sound Bath with Gebiya Vibrations and La Luna Vibrations at Amy Bezek Photography on Wednesday, November 5th, from 6:00–8:00 PM.

Participants will step into a dark, peaceful studio and immerse themselves in the resonant sound waves of the gong, allowing the vibrations to promote harmony, clarity, and calm while meditating under the energy of the full moon.

Attendees are encouraged to bring a yoga mat, pillows, blankets, water, and any additional items needed to remain warm and comfortable throughout the meditation session.

Click here for more information.

✨ Date: Wednesday, November 5, 2025

✨ Time: 6:00–8:00 PM

✨ Location: Amy Bezek Photography Studio

Marywood To Present Advocacy and Social Justice Day

Marywood University will highlight the theme “Raise Your Voice, Shape Your Future” during events at this year’s Advocacy and Social Justice Day, Wednesday, November 5, on Marywood’s campus.

Co-organizers of the event are Amy Fotta, director of community service and social justice, and Monica Law, Ph.D., director of the School of Business and Global Innovation.

Featured public events include a panel session with highlights of the documentary, Making NEPA Home, featuring stories of resilience, unity, and cultural diversity, in the Swartz Center for Spiritual Life at 1 p.m. The panelists will include Kara Washington, WVIA; Julie Schumacher-Cohen, University of Scranton; and Ushu Mukelo, Congolese Community of Scranton.

At 3 p.m., there will be a re-dedication and celebration of the Mother Theresa Maxis IHM Center, named in honor of the co-founder of the IHM Congregation. The event will feature a conversation with Sister Cor Immaculatum Heffernan, IHM, and Lisa A. Lori, J.D., Marywood President, will give a presentation about the vision for the Center.

There will be a Feed a Friend Food Drive challenge kick-off held on campus, as well as a social justice art display in the Kresge Gallery at the Insalaco Center for Studio Arts. Throughout the day, the campus community can participate in social justice discussion circles and tours of the campus green house and flex farm hydroponics system. A clothing swap also will be held.

For more information about Advocacy and Social Justice Day at Marywood University, contact Amy Fotta at amfotta@marywood.edu or call 570-348-6211, extension 4593.

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.

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.

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.

Wallenpaupark Brewing Co To Host Friendsgiving

Friends are invited to gather and raise a glass to friendship, great beer, and even better company at Friendsgiving at the Brewery — an evening featuring live music, delicious food, and all their favorite beers on tap.

Whether celebrating early with their chosen family or simply looking for a good time before the holiday hustle, guests can unwind, laugh, and make memories over a pint (or two).

𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟰𝘁𝗵, 𝟲-𝟵𝗣𝗠 | $𝟰𝟬/𝗣𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻 

Click here to find more information.

Amy Bezek Photography Offers Halloween Pet Photos

🐾 Halloween Pet Photo Fundraiser for Blue Chip Farm! 🎃

Amy Bezek Photography will be volunteering photography services to help raise funds for Blue Chip Farm Animal Refuge! The community is invited to a fun-filled afternoon at Three Dog Bakery in Kingston on Sunday, October 26th, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

The event will feature a pet costume competition and adorable Halloween-themed photo sessions — the perfect way to capture each furry friend’s spooky spirit! 👻

📸 $15 for one photo
📸 $20 for two photos

All proceeds will benefit Blue Chip Farm Animal Refuge. Everyone (and their fur babies!) is welcome to join for a great cause! 💙🐶🐾

Johnson College Scranton To Host Fall Open House

Johnson College will hold its Fall Open House on Saturday, November 1, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on its Scranton campus.

To register to attend the Open House, visit Johnson.edu/openhouse or contact Johnson College’s Enrollment Department at 570-702-8856 or enroll@johnson.edu.

The Open House will include discussions about the admissions process, information about financial aid for those who qualify, and student services such as student life, student support, and career services. Plus, same-day acceptance will be available for many programs if students bring their high school or college transcripts. Tours of each technical area will be conducted and program directors and instructors will be available to review the specifics of their programs.