WVIA Conversations for the Common Good: Trust in Our Elections

WVIA Free Event

September 19th, at 6:30 PM at the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine

Fair and secure elections are the bedrock of our democracy. However, many members of our community have little information about what happens after they cast their ballots. As we head into the general election in November, WVIA, and Keep Our Republic invite you to attend this informative, nonpartisan event dedicated to fostering a deeper understanding of the 2024 election process and equipping our community to combat misinformation surrounding election integrity.

At this event, experts from across the state and from our community will talk about what’s new for Pennsylvania’s elections in 2024, how votes are counted, certified, and audited, and answer questions on topics like mail-in ballots, the role of the courts and media in elections, how technology impacts election security, and what federal, state, and local governments are doing to combat election interference. This event will provide valuable insights to help you stay informed for the upcoming November 5th election. We hope to see you there.

REGISTER HERE

Mohegan Sun Arena to Host Fire Safety Event

Before the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party begins at the Mohegan Sun Arena this weekend, event organizers have announced a free community fire safety event will take place this Friday, Aug. 9.

From 4 p.m. through 7 p.m., a free touch-a-truck event will allow children and truck enthusiasts the chance to see iconic vehicles up close before the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party officially kicks off its first performance on Saturday. Local first responders will be on-site at the ASM Global-managed Mohegan Sun Arena to display a variety of emergency services vehicles alongside the brand-new Hot Wheels 5-Alarm monster truck.

The Wilkes-Barre Township Volunteer Fire Department Station 188 Fire & Rescue will be displaying their Rescue and Ladder Engines, while the Ashley Rescue Hose Co. No. 1 will have the station’s water pumper on-hand at the event. ACT Towing will have two wreckers on site for a closer look, as well. A number of other emergency response vehicles are still being confirmed.

The Wilkes-Barre Township Volunteer Fire Department, led by Fire Chief Richard Hart, has been instrumental in organizing this community event.

Justin Topa, marketing manager of the Mohegan Sun Arena, hopes the fire safety event will provide an opportunity to celebrate emergency responders while creating a comfortability with the vehicles they drive.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live and our local first responders to provide families with an opportunity to meet their local heroes in a fun and non-emergency setting,” said Topa. “Children will have the chance to get their first up-close look at the Hot Wheels 5-Alarm monster truck alongside several emergency response vehicles that protect our communities every day. We expect this event’s going to be an exciting way to foster appreciation for our heroes and the amazing work they’re doing within our communities.”

The Hot Wheels 5-Alarm Monster Truck, inspired by the heroic work of firefighters, will be a standout feature of the event before heading inside the arena for a weekend of Glow Party performances. Ty Cornelius Jr, driver of the Hot Wheels 5-Alarm Monster Truck, is excited to play a role in honoring local first responders.

“We are incredibly honored to acknowledge the unwavering courage and commitment of our firefighters,” said Cornelius Jr. “The Hot Wheels 5-Alarm Monster Truck embodies the spirit of bravery that these first responders demonstrate every day. It’s our way of saying ‘thank you’ for their service and sacrifice.”

Representatives from Hot Wheels Monster Truck Live and the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza are thrilled to shine a spotlight on Wilkes-Barre Township’s Station 188 and all of the local heroes within the region. As a token of gratitude for their dedication and bravery, firefighters from the participating stations will receive tickets to the event and a chance to experience the thrill of the Monster Trucks up close.

“We hope this small gesture conveys our deep appreciation for the vital role they play in keeping our communities safe,” said Topa.

This is the first time that the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party has toured within northeastern Pennsylvania. Three performances on Saturday and Sunday afternoon will bring fans’ favorite Hot Wheels Monster Trucks to life including the all-new HW Skelesaurus™ and HW 5-Alarm™! The legendary Bigfoot® is also featured alongside Mega Wrex™, Tiger Shark™, Bone Shaker™, and Gunkster™ Hot Wheels Monster Trucks.

The Glow Party production features a laser light show, spectacular theatrical effects, dance parties, and Hot Wheels toy giveaways. Fans can also witness a special appearance from a transforming robot, plus the high-flyers of Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Freestyle Motocross Team. The community is encouraged to come to any one of the three performances and can save on tickets and fees by purchasing tickets directly at the NBT Bank box office.

The Friday fire safety event is free-to-attend, but weather-dependent, so event organizers recommend that families keep an eye on the Mohegan Arena PA Facebook page in the event of any updates or cancellations caused by inclement weather.

UNC’s Pine Brook Free Summer Programming

United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC) Pine Brook Revitalization Neighborhood Revitalization Plan has scheduled free summer programming for the community. The programs include a yoga class, a walking club, and a book club for children.

Start your week aligned with Yoga every Monday during July and August at the Capouse Corner Green Space at 1371 Capouse Street at New York Avenue. The free class for all levels of ability is at 5:30 p.m. The dates are July 8, 15, 22, and 29, and August 5, 12, 19, and 26.

Get your steps with Walking Club every Tuesday during July and August. The free group will meet at John Adams Elementary School at 5:30 pm. Walks will be approximately 30 to 45 minutes at all paces. The dates are July 9, 16, 23, and 30, and August 6, 13, 20, and 27.

Feed your mind at Reading in the Park, a children’s book club, every Wednesday during July and August at 11 am. Children will be provided with a book and snack. The dates are July 10, 17, 24, and 31, and August 7, 14, 21, and 28.

In the event of inclement weather, please check United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA’s Pine Brook Neighborhood Plan page on Facebook for cancellation and rain dates.

UNC’s Pine Brook Neighborhood Community Revitalization Plan is funded by Coterra, FNBC Bank, and Peoples Security Bank through the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development Neighborhood Partnership Program (NPP). Their annual contribution of $50,000 for six years will help rebuild, restore, and revitalize Pine Brook, a designated Elm Street Community, through the Pennsylvania Keystone Communities program. 

The University of Scranton to Host Math Integration Bee

The University of Scranton will host the 2023 Math Integration Bee for area high school students on Thursday, Apr. 27. The competition, offered FREE of charge, begins with registration at 4:15 p.m. in the McIlhenny Ballroom of the DeNaples Center. The competition serves as practice for participants to improve skills for upcoming Advanced Placement calculus tests.

The event will include a light dinner for participants.

The competition functions similar to a spelling bee, but with contestants completing definite and indefinite integral problems, a type of calculus problem, instead of spelling words. All contestants to reach the final round, which will conclude by 7:30 p.m., will receive $25. The overall winner of the Math Integration Bee will receive an additional $75.

The event is hosted by the University’s Mathematics Department. Registration is required to participate and contestants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a guardian, parent or faculty member. The deadline for registration is Apr. 20.

Additional information regarding rules, registration and examples of past problems is available on the Math Integration Bee website. For questions, contact Stacey Muir, Ph.D., professor of mathematics, at Stacey.muir@scranton.edu.

Geisinger to Host Free Events across Pennsylvania

In observance of Earth Day, Geisinger will host free community shred events across northeastern and central Pennsylvania throughout the month of April.

Employees and members of the public are invited to bring any personal or professional confidential documents — such as bank statements, credit card bills and tax forms — to be securely shredded on-site and recycled.

Each person is limited to three boxes. Do not use bins for non-paper waste or garbage.

For more information, call 570-271-6030.

Community shred events:

  • Monday, April 3 – Geisinger Mt. Pleasant, 531 Mt. Pleasant Drive, Scranton, 7 – 11 a.m.
  • Tuesday, April 4 – Geisinger Healthplex State College, 132 Abigail Lane, Port Matilda, 7 – 11 a.m.
  • Friday, April 7 – Geisinger Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, 1175 E. Mountain Blvd., Wilkes-Barre, 7 – 11 a.m.
  • Monday, April 10 – Geisinger Health Plan, Hughes Center, 9 Stearns Lane, Danville, 7 – 11 a.m.
  • Tuesday, April 11 – Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital, 1020 Thompson St., Jersey Shore, 7 – 11 a.m.
  • Thursday, April 13 – Geisinger Lewistown Hospital, 400 Highland Ave., Lewistown, 7 – 11 a.m.
  • Friday, April 14 – Geisinger Shamokin Area Community Hospital, 4200 Hospital Road, Coal Township, 7 – 11 a.m.
  • Monday, April 17 – Geisinger Medical Center Muncy, 255 Route 220, Muncy, 7 – 11 a.m.
  • Friday, April 21 – Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital, 549 Fair St., Bloomsburg, 7 – 11 a.m.
  • Monday, April 24 – Geisinger Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, 1175 E. Mountain Blvd., Wilkes-Barre, Noon – 4 p.m.
  • Friday, April 28 – Geisinger Health Plan, Hughes Center, 9 Stearns Lane, Danville, Noon – 4 p.m.

Marywood University to Offer Free Eating Disorders Screening

Marywood University’s Psychological Services Center (PSC) will hold an Eating Disorders Screening Day on Thursday, February 23, 2023, from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., in the McGowan Center for Graduate and Professional Studies.

The event is open to the public, and no appointments are needed. The screenings are free and completely confidential. People of all ages can assess their attitudes about eating, and the PSC will also provide referrals, if necessary. Eating Disorders Screening Day is being held in advance of Eating Disorders Awareness Week and in conjunction with Marywood’s “Perfectly Imperfect” campus events in February.

This year, Eating Disorders Awareness Week is taking place Monday, February 27, through Sunday, March 5. The annual campaign educates the public about the realities of eating disorders and provides hope, support, and visibility to individuals and families affected by eating disorders.

For additional information, please contact Marywood University’s Psychological Services Center at psc@marywood.edu or (570) 348-6269.

Johnson College’s Inaugural Fall Fest

Johnson College announces PNC Bank as the presenting sponsor of its inaugural Fall Fest. This free-admission community event will be held on Saturday, October 1, 2022, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the College’s campus in Scranton, PA.

The event will feature a variety of activities for all ages. Families can enjoy live music, games, pumpkin decorating, and face painting, and browse an array of items from over 25 local artisan, craft, and food vendors. There will also be an all-ages scavenger hunt and program displays for attendees to learn more about what the College has to offer.

Johnson College alumni can catch up with each other in the alumni tent, which will feature special giveaways.

The Fall Fest will also feature the College’s first-ever Cornhole Tournament, sponsored by NET Credit Union and in partnership with NEPA Cornhole. The tournament will feature both Social ($20/team) and Competitive ($40/team) divisions with double elimination. A team will consist of two players, and anyone from beginners to pros can play. Prizes for the Social division will include: 1st place, $100 cash; 2nd place, $50 in gift cards. Prizes for the Competitive division will include: 1st place, $300 cash; 2nd place, $150 cash. There will be food and non-alcoholic beverages available for purchase. Teams can pre-register online at https://johnson.edu/cornhole-registration-form/ or register at the door from 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Additional sponsors for Fall Fest include Lamar Advertising, Sweda Advertising, Fastenal, Commonwealth Charter Academy, Highmark, L.R. Costanzo Co, Inc., NRG Controls North, Inc., Onvo, Troy Mechanical, Gibbons Ford, Mesko Glass & Mirror, Shea Industries, ShopRite, Lace Works Tap & Grill, Walmart Dickson City, Carpenter’s Local Union 445, Citizens Savings Bank, FNCB Bank, IBEW Local Union #81, and Topp Business Solutions.

More details can be found at johnson.edu/FallFest. Proceeds from Fall Fest, presented by PNC Bank, will benefit the Johnson College Annual Fund, which helps to maintain important scholarships, programs, and facilities to continue providing hands-on learning to Johnson College students.