TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty Launches Fourth Cohort to Accelerate Entrepreneurship in the County TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty, an initiative powered by Lackawanna County, Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, and the Chamber’s entrepreneurship division IGNITE, has officially opened its fourth cohort to idea-stage, start-up, for-profit technology businesses. This 10-week business boot camp is designed to jump-start entrepreneurship in Lackawanna County by equipping local tech-based entrepreneurs with the tools, mentorship, and training needed to advance their ventures. Participants will receive in-depth instruction in business modeling, customer discovery, financial planning, and investor readiness. At the conclusion of the program, participants will have the opportunity to compete for a reimbursable $10,000 grant to offset select start-up costs. The participants in the fourth cohort are: MillionMinds by Norman Zin Notea by Alexandria Small Optimust Intelligence by Luis Vazquez Stello by Jake Howells Sweeney Education Innovations by Dr. Terry Sweeney TechA11y by Brian Jagger VoiceBridge by Jonathan Lau Zach James Music (Zack Sprowls) “The partnership between Lackawanna County and Ben Franklin Technology Partners continues to be a powerful engine for innovation and entrepreneurship in our region,” shared Bob Durkin, president of The Chamber. “At The Chamber, our mission is to attract, sustain, and grow businesses in northeastern Pennsylvania—and the TechCelerator cohort does exactly that. By equipping emerging tech entrepreneurs with the resources, mentorship, and funding they need, we’re laying the groundwork for the next generation of business success stories right here at home.” Lackawanna County Commissioner Bill Gaughan: “With all the discussions about artificial intelligence and Lackawanna County being a potential site of data centers to sustain it, it’s important to remember that nothing can replace entrepreneurship in building the county’s, and the region’s economies. Lackawanna County is happy to participate in the innovative TechCelerator program, which supports that crucial entrepreneurship, gives prospective business leaders insight into growth and sustainability amid constant change, and helps to keep some our best talent home. Here’s to another successful year.” The TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty program has already helped launch multiple new ventures in the region, providing a proven framework for early-stage tech entrepreneurs to test ideas, build networks, and access resources that drive business success. At the conclusion of the program, participants and their businesses will give a formal presentation on the progress of their business.
TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty Extend Application Deadline The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and Lackawanna County announce that applications for a fourth cohort of TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty are extended to August 29, 2025. The program is a partnership between Lackawanna County, Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern PA, and The Chamber, in collaboration with tecBRIDGE as the program administrator. TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty is a 10-week, in-person experience in which participants can access mentors, educational resources, and subject matter experts on business formation strategies, customer discovery, marketing, financial planning, and risk management. The goal of the ten weeks is to build, share, and pitch their early-stage start-ups. Previous TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty programs have helped 23 entrepreneurs gain traction toward achieving their American dreams. In this fourth cohort, eight more can experience the same resources and excitement. TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty is a competitive application process. Residents of Lackawanna County with tech, for-profit business, or early start-up ideas are encouraged to apply. Participants who complete all program requirements may be eligible for a $10,000 reimbursable grant towards select start-up costs. To apply, visit ScrantonChamber.com and look for TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty under events. Applications close on Friday, August 29.
UNC to Host Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for New CEDAR Center United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC) will host a ribbon cutting ceremony for its new CEDAR (Community Education, Development, And Revitalization) Center on Friday, August 8, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at 526 Cedar Avenue in South Scranton. All media outlets and public officials are invited to attend. UNC officially moved into the CEDAR Center on June 23, 2025, marking a major milestone in the organization’s 100+ year history. The CEDAR Center now serves as UNC’s regional hub for adult education, workforce development, and a range of community-based programs. Speakers at the event will include Senator Marty Flynn, Lackawanna County Commissioner Bill Gaughan, Mayor of Scranton Paige Cognetti, Lisa Durkin, UNC President and CEO, and Dr. Kellyn Williams, UNC Board Member. The building, a former branch of the South Side Bank & Trust Company, was generously donated by Peoples Security Bank in 2014. Construction began in April 2024, transforming the space into a welcoming and accessible facility designed to meet the growing needs of the community. UNC extends sincere thanks to the many funding partners who helped bring the project to life, including Senator Robert P. Casey Jr., Peoples Security Bank, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (RACP), the PA Department of Community and Economic Development (Keystone Communities, Local Share Account, and Neighborhood Partnership Program), Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority, Lackawanna County, the City of Scranton, the Oppenheim Foundation, PNC Bank, PPL Electric Utilities, and The Dime Bank. We’d additionally like to thank Project Architect Ralph J. Melone, AIA, and General Contractor Robert Bamford of Mar-Paul Construction Co., Inc. The ribbon cutting will celebrate the opening of this vital new space and UNC’s continued commitment to serving individuals and families across Northeastern Pennsylvania.
NAMI to Host Another Paint in the Park Event We all deserve to have shelter–a space where we feel safe and secure. It is important to our mental health. What does that space look like to you? Take the opportunity to show us on Friday, August 29 from 4-6PM at Covington Township Park as you craft home with us. Bring some friends and family to paint and/or decorate wooden birdhouses supplied by Lackawanna County as part of its “Shelter for All” communitywide project focusing on learning and celebrating local bird populations and exploring what “home” means to you. We had a great time in June at Nay Aug Park and in July 25 at Aylesworth Park in Jermyn. Bird houses, acrylic paint & brushes, craft gems, and dried flowers will be provided at no charge. Feel free to bring newspapers, magazines, or your favorite craft supplies to add to the mix! Join us for a combination of therapeutic activities: creating art, connecting with others and spending time outdoors. And it’s FREE! If you would like to find information and support for yourself or a loved one with mental illness, visit NAMINEPA.org.
Fidelity Bank & Peoples Security Bank: Water Balloon Battle Benefit Fidelity Bank and Peoples Security Bank Face Off for a Good Cause On Thursday, July 24 at 5:30 PM, a friendly rivalry takes center stage as Fidelity Bank and Peoples Security Bank & Trust gear up for the Third Annual Bankers’ Water Balloon Battle on the 100 block of W. Drinker Street in Dunmore. With both banks located directly across the street from each other, the Dunmore Police Department will temporarily close the block to allow employees from each institution to take part in a lighthearted water balloon battle—all in the name of community. The event is more than just fun. Proceeds raised by participating employees will benefit Bread Basket of NEPA, supporting their efforts to combat food insecurity in Lackawanna County. Highlights include: Employees from both banks wearing custom t-shirts. Hundreds (dare we say thousands) of water balloons launched across Drinker St. Community engagement and friendly competition for a local cause. The event demonstrates both organizations’ commitment to giving back to the communities they serve—one water balloon at a time. WHEN: Thursday, July 24, 2025 at 5:30 PMWHERE: 100 block of W. Drinker Street, Dunmore, PAWHY: To support Bread Basket of NEPA and raise awareness for food insecurity in our region Media coverage is welcome. Interviews and photo opportunities will be available on-site.
Hospice of the Sacred Heart Hosts Camp Healing Hearts Industry expert available to discuss grief education WHAT: Hospice of the Sacred Heart hosts Camp Healing Hearts This event is a five-day camp experience to provide grief education to children ages 6 to 14 who have experienced the death of a loved one. Camp is designed to provide campers exposure to the arts, giving them the opportunity to develop healthy ways to express themselves and process their emotions. Trained bereavement counselors and members of the regional arts community work together to assist the campers in finding comfortable outlets to share their grief. Jennifer Seechock, Hospice of the Sacred Heart Director of Counseling Services, will be available throughout the week for media interviews. The five-day camp is free and is made up of instructional sessions in various art platforms. This year’s theme is “Wicked” based on the Broadway play and hit movie. Bereavement counselors will be available throughout the week if any campers or family members require individual support. Community volunteers lend their time to campers with artistic projects in painting, writing, photography, yoga, dance, singing and cooking/baking. All sessions will be held in person at the lodge at Montage Mountain Resort. At the conclusion of camp activities, campers and their families will enjoy a day at the waterpark on Friday, August 8th. Media representatives are encouraged to attend any session Wednesday, Thursday or Friday, 9 AM to 12 PM. A video retrospective of Camp Healing Hearts will be presented before the feature film at the Circle Drive-In, 1911 Scranton Carbondale Highway, Dickson City, on Wednesday, August 20th. WHEN: Monday through Friday, August 4 through 8, 9:00 – 1:00 PM BEST DAYS FOR MEDIA COVERAGE ARE WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY OR FRIDAY, AUGUST 6 THROUGH 8, 9 AM TO 12 PM. Jennifer Seechock, Hospice of the Sacred Heart Director of Counseling Services, will be available during those times for media interviews. WHERE: Montage Mountain Resort lodge, 1000 Montage Mountain, Scranton, PA 18507 CONTACT: Jennifer Seechock Hospice of the Sacred Heart (570) 855-4370 jseechock@HospiceSacredHeart.org Camp Healing Hearts is sponsored by New York Life, Lackawanna County, Montage Mountain Resort, Simrell Media, Lamar Advertising, Circle Drive-In and Mansour’s Market Café.
Lackawanna County Upcoming 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament Basketball Tournament Open to All Teams The Lackawanna County 3-on-3 basketball tournament will return to the streets of downtown Scranton July 25-26 Lackawanna County is hosting its annual 3v3 basketball tournament, with registration now open! The event is open to both youth and adult divisions and welcomes players of all skill levels. Skill Levels: Teams may register under Elite, Competitive, or Developmental categories, depending on their experience and goals. Entry Fee: $125 per teamGame Format: Each team is guaranteed a minimum of three games. The tournament offers an opportunity for athletes to gain experience, develop their skills, and engage in friendly competition. More details regarding scheduling, location, and registration can be provided upon request. Register Now
The NEPA Philharmonic Kicks Off Summer with Independence Day Celebrations and Community Events The Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic kicks off its 2025-26 Season, Presented by PNC, with a lineup of summer festivities, Independence Day celebrations, and three nights of music under the stars on July 3-5, 2025. With full-orchestra fireworks performances, patriotic favorites, community education and wellness events, and chamber music in the great outdoors, the NEPA Philharmonic presents outdoor large-ensemble concerts in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre on July 3rd and 4th; an outdoor chamber music concert at Harmony in the Woods in Hawley on July 5th; and community programs in Scranton, Peckville, and Carbondale. On Thursday, July 3, 7:30 PM, the full NEPA Philharmonic returns to Courthouse Square in downtown Scranton for a free concert as part of the Lackawanna County Scrantastic Spectacular. The performance – led by guest conductor Jeffrey Spenner, Assistant Director of the U.S. Coast Guard Band – features the full orchestra for the first time since 2019, with an array of patriotic classics capped by a fireworks display. For more details, visit https://www.scrantasticspectacular.com/. “I’m thrilled to celebrate the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic’s performance at our annual Scrantastic Spectacular on July 3rd,” says Lackawanna County Commissioner Chris Chermak. “Their vibrant orchestra will bring patriotic spirit to Courthouse Square, uniting our community in a joyful Independence Day celebration. We’re proud to support their artistry and look forward to an unforgettable evening of music and fireworks.” Lackawanna County Commissioner Bill Gaughan also notes, “The Scrantastic Spectacular always is a great event and it will be even more so this year, with the full Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic bringing its extraordinarily talented musicians to the perfect setting of Courthouse Square. I can’t think of a better way for the whole community to come together to celebrate the nation’s 249th anniversary.” The celebration continues Friday, July 4, 9:00 AM, with the 12th Annual Yoga on the Roof atop the Marketplace at Steamtown’s parking garage. The NEPA Philharmonic string trio joins Jaya Yoga Clarks Summit for a unique sunrise yoga session with live music, highlighting powerful connections between arts and wellness. Registration is $20, online at www.nepaphil.org/tickets or at the door; proceeds benefit NEPA Philharmonic community and education programs. Maximum Zen Bakery of Clarks Summit provides light breakfast. On July 4, 8:00 PM, the NEPA Philharmonic Brass and Percussion Ensemble return with guest conductor Paul Bryan to Wilkes-Barre’s Old Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration at Kirby Park. This free, festive event features music, food, games, and another evening of lighting up the sky with fireworks. The NEPA Philharmonic Brass also presents two all-ages educational events: Once Upon an Orchestra at Valley Community Library in Peckville on Thursday, July 3, 10:00 AM and Meet the Instruments outside at Memorial Park in Carbondale on Saturday, July 5, 11:00 AM. Once Upon an Orchestra blends music and storytelling, bringing to life Ben’s Trumpet by Rachel Isadora with a brass trio performing 1920s-style jazz, while Meet the Instruments features instrument demonstrations and short musical excerpts with brass quintet. Both events are free; registration for the July 3 library event is at https://lclshome.org/event/once-upon-an-orchestra/. The weekend concludes as the NEPA Philharmonic expands the Stoppini Chamber Series with a special concert in partnership with Harmony in the Woods, a premier outdoor performance venue in Hawley, PA. On Saturday, July 5, 6:00 PM, the NEPA Philharmonic Brass Quintet takes center stage with “Americana Brass in the Woods”. The performance will feature a dynamic mix of New Orleans jazz, lively ragtime, and classic film scores, alongside timeless works from Gershwin, Ellington, Bernstein, Irving Berlin, and more. Tickets ($50 for adults, $25 for children) are available at www.harmonyinthewoods.org. The Scrantastic Spectacular is sponsored in part by Lehigh Valley Health Network, Scranton Tomorrow, The Lackawanna County Commissioners, The City of Scranton, and Audacy Pennsylvania. Additional support for the NEPA Philharmonic at Scrantastic Spectacular is provided by PNC, Fellerman & Ciarimboli Law PC, Fidelity, Geisinger, and Xfinity. Once Upon an Orchestra is presented by the Lackawanna County Library System. The NEPA Philharmonic Brass at Wilkes-Barre’s Old Fashioned Fourth of July is presented by the City of Wilkes-Barre. Americana Brass is presented by Harmony in the Woods, with additional support for the Philharmonic from PNC and the Stoppini Foundation. In case of inclement weather, the July 3rd, 7:30PM Scrantastic Spectacular concert will go on as scheduled, with a rain location at Scranton High School; rain location announcements will be provided by Lackawanna County on the event website. The rain location for the July 5th, 11AM Meet the Instruments event in Carbondale will be at the Greater Carbondale Chamber of Commerce. For more information about the NEPA Philharmonic’s summer programs and the upcoming 2025–2026 Season, Presented by PNC, visit nepaphil.org, or call (570) 270-4444.
