WVIA Announces New Original Documentary Film, Making NEPA Home A Story of Resilience and Belonging Northeastern Pennsylvania will take center stage when WVIA premieres its newest original documentary film, Making NEPA Home. The documentary, produced, directed, and edited by WVIA’s Kara Washington, premieres Wednesday, October 16th at 7 p.m. on WVIA TV and will be streaming live on WVIA’s Facebook and YouTube pages and at WVIA.org. Making NEPA Home is part of WVIA’s We Stand Against Hate initiative, which shines a light on stories of resilience, unity, and cultural diversity. The film shares the journeys of four refugees and immigrants from diverse backgrounds who left their homelands in search of safety and new opportunities, ultimately settling in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Through personal stories, cultural traditions, and moments of community connection, Making NEPA Home reveals the resilience and contributions of these neighbors as they help shape the region’s evolving identity. The journey builds toward an emotional finale at Scranton’s annual World Refugee Day celebration, honoring the universal search for safety, dignity, and a place to call home. Along the way, the film also highlights the critical role of local service providers and community organizations that make resettlement possible. Filmmaker Kara Washington shared, “I’m grateful for the opportunity to use WVIA’s platform to share voices and stories that often go unheard. Everyone I’ve spoken with, from refugees and immigrants to the local organizations supporting them, cares deeply about improving lives. That kind of compassion is inspiring, and it’s what makes our community such a special place to call home.” WVIA is proud to host a series of special public screenings ahead of the broadcast premiere of Making NEPA Home. These events will give our community the chance to preview a portion of the documentary, engage in a meaningful conversation with the filmmaker, and reflect on the powerful stories of refugees and immigrants in Northeastern Pennsylvania. “Making NEPA Home is about more than survival, it’s about the courage to rebuild, the beauty of cultural exchange, and the strength of community,” said WVIA President & CEO, Carla McCabe. “We hope viewers walk away with a deeper understanding of what it means to welcome and be welcomed, not just in NEPA, but all over the world.” The official Making NEPA Home trailer can be viewed here and click here to find more details on upcoming screenings. Funding support for Making NEPA Home provided by The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, The Luzerne Foundation, and Scranton Area Community Foundation. Media Opportunities WVIA welcomes interview requests with filmmaker Kara Washington and members of the WVIA production team. To schedule please contact Holly Biondo, WVIA Marketing & Communications Manager at hollybiondo@wvia.org.
Scranton Art Haus Voted “Best Movie Theater” Scranton Art Haus is thrilled to announce that it has been voted “Best Movie Theater” in the 2025 Scranton Times-Tribune Readers’ Choice Awards! The team extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who voted and continues to offer their support — this achievement is possible because of the community’s enthusiasm and loyalty.
Everhart Museum Presents The Office Exhibition In 2005, television audiences were introduced to a small paper company in Scranton, Pennsylvania—an unassuming setting that would soon become the birthplace of a global pop culture phenomenon. The Office not only placed Scranton in the national spotlight but also endeared the city to millions as the beloved home of America’s favorite workplace comedy. Now, two decades later, the Everhart Museum proudly unveils “The Office Exhibition”, a first-of-its-kind, immersive experience celebrating this enduring connection. The four-room exhibition invites visitors to explore The Office through the unique perspective of Scranton itself—highlighting the city’s influence on the show, its portrayal on screen, and the ways fans around the world continue to honor its legacy. With this special exhibition, the Everhart Museum celebrates the lasting and legendary bond between Scranton and the television series that made it an icon of American culture.
Geisinger Gala Raises $400K for Health, Education The Geisinger Health Foundation is proud to announce that they raised more than $400,000 during their recent 2025 Geisinger Gala. These funds will benefit medical student scholarships at Geisinger School of Medicine and to support vital programs and services at Geisinger’s Heart and Vascular Institute. Geisinger President and CEO Terry Gilliland, MD addresses the importance of philanthropy to the future of healthcare at Geisinger during the 2025 Geisinger Gala. The event, held on September 20, brought together donors, community partners and team members to celebrate philanthropy’s powerful role in advancing health and education throughout Geisinger’s service region. Guests enjoyed an evening of inspiration and gratitude as the Foundation recognized two honorees for their outstanding contributions. Geisinger College of Health Sciences Distinguished Alumni Award: Matt Mullen, MD ’13, cardiothoracic and general surgeon at Geisinger, honored for his clinical excellence and dedication to teaching and mentoring the next generation of physicians, and honoring the intent of the philanthropic student scholarship he received. Geisinger Health Foundation Community Impact Award: Marion and the late Richard Pearsall, recognized for their generous philanthropic leadership and unwavering commitment to improving the health and well-being of their community. Marion Pearsall (center) accepted the Geisinger Health Foundation Community Impact Award given to her and her late husband Richard at the 2025 Geisinger Gala. She attended with her grandson Richard Eckman (left) and daughter Tamara Pearsall (right). “The remarkable success of this year’s Gala demonstrates the generosity and shared purpose of our Geisinger family,” said Nancy Lawton-Kluck, Chief Philanthropy Officer, Geisinger Foundation. “Every dollar raised supports the education of tomorrow’s healthcare leaders and advances the innovative care that defines Geisinger. Together, we’re shaping the future of healthcare right here in our communities.” The 2025 Geisinger Gala underscored the Geisinger Foundation’s ongoing commitment to enhancing community health and fostering innovation that will have a lasting impact for generations to come. Through the continued partnership of its supporters and donors, the Foundation remains dedicated to ensuring access to exceptional care, education and opportunity throughout Geisinger’s service area.
Johnson College Expands Pathway to Innovation Patio Johnson College is expanding the Pathway to Innovation patio outside Ideal Saldi Hall, adding new opportunities for supporters to leave their mark on its Scranton campus. Established during the college’s last capital campaign, this distinctive brick patio honors the people and partnerships that have helped shape Johnson College’s mission of hands-on, career-focused education. Each personalized brick represents a commitment to the belief in the transformative power of experiential learning. Johnson College invites alumni, parents, local businesses, and friends to become part of this growing legacy by purchasing engraved bricks. Brick Options:• Small Brick (4” x 8”): 3 lines, up to 18 characters per line — $250 donation• Large Brick (8” x 8”): 6 lines, up to 18 characters per line — $500 donation Funds raised through this campaign directly support the College Annual Fund, helping provide essential resources and opportunities for Johnson College students. Orders placed by December 30, 2025, will be installed in spring or summer 2026, joining bricks already in place on the patio, a space regularly enjoyed by students, faculty, and visitors. “This campaign offers a meaningful way to leave a lasting impression on our campus,” said Doug Cook, Senior Director of College Advancement. “By contributing to the Pathway to Innovation, supporters reinforce their belief in hard work, opportunity, and the future of hands-on education here in Northeastern Pennsylvania.” To participate, visit johnson.edu/bricks to download the Brick Order Form. Please mail completed forms and payments to:Johnson CollegeOffice of College Advancement3427 N Main Ave.Scranton, PA 18508 Donations are tax-deductible and acknowledged with a receipt. Donors should consult their tax advisors for specific deduction details. For questions, contact the Office of College Advancement at 570-702-8920 or collegeadvancement@johnson.edu.
Munley Law’s Dan Munley Addresses Trucking Attorneys Symposium Munley Law truck accident lawyer Daniel W. Munley was recently a featured speaker at the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys 2025 Annual Symposium on September 19 in Austin, Texas.Daniel’s presentation, titled “Inspections in the Age of Social Media,” explored how social media has transformed truck inspection processes and oversight in the transportation industry.An award-winning personal injury lawyer, Dan Munley has secured millions of dollars for truck accident victims throughout the United States. Dan is board-certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy in not only Truck Accident Law, but in Civil Trial Law and Civil Trial Advocacy.
Wright Center, Tinnitus Tips and Treatments from Dr. Gail Brenner Dr. Gail Brenner, a board-certified audiologist and founder of the Tinnitus Treatment Center of Philadelphia, will be a guest speaker at the Tinnitus Support Group of Northeast Pennsylvania meeting on Friday, Nov. 7, at 2 p.m. at The Wright Center for Community Health Mid Valley, 5 S. Washington Ave., Jermyn. Dr. Brenner has dedicated over 40 years to helping patients with hearing loss and tinnitus and specializes in Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT), a treatment based on the Neurophysiological Model of Tinnitus developed by Dr. Pawel Jastreboff. Dr. Brenner has extensive experience in diagnostic testing, hearing aid fitting, and tinnitus therapy. Most recently, she completed training to provide the FDA-approved Lenire Tinnitus Treatment Device, the topic of her presentation. She has lectured nationally and internationally on tinnitus and hearing care and teaches advanced tinnitus courses to audiologists and ENT residents. Dr. Brenner holds a clinical doctorate in audiology from the University of Florida and is a fellow of the American Academy of Audiology, a member of the Academy of Doctors of Audiology, and board-certified by the American Board of Audiology. The Tinnitus support group welcomes individuals living with tinnitus, their loved ones, and anyone interested in learning more about this complex audiological and neurological condition. Participants can connect, share their experiences, and explore coping strategies in a compassionate and supportive environment. New participants are always welcome. Virtual meeting options are available for those unable to attend in person. The support group meets on the first Friday of each month from 2-3 p.m. For more information or to obtain the virtual meeting link, contact Nicole Flynn, director of the geriatrics service line at The Wright Center for Community Health, at flynnn@TheWrightCenter.org or 570-230-0019.
Wright Center: Lifestyle Changes Important in Curtailing Diabetes Diabetes is so prevalent that it is rare not to know a family member or close friend living with the condition. Fortunately, with the help of modern medicine and healthy lifestyle choices, individuals can lead full, active, and healthy lives while effectively managing the disease. Melissa Germano-Ryczak, M.S., RD, LDN Awareness efforts such as National Diabetes Month, observed each November, play a vital role in spreading timely and relevant information about diabetes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 38 million Americans currently live with diabetes, while an estimated 88 million adults – more than one in three – have prediabetes, a condition in which blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. Alarmingly, 80% of those with prediabetes are unaware of their condition. In response to these concerning statistics, The Wright Center for Community Health is working to combat diabetes locally through its primary care services and its Lifestyle Medicine initiative, available at most of its health centers throughout Northeast Pennsylvania. While medications and advanced treatments play an important role in maintaining long-term health, The Wright Center emphasizes the importance of a proactive, rather than reactive, approach to wellness. Through Lifestyle Medicine, individuals and families receive guidance to improve their overall health and quality of life by adopting and sustaining beneficial habits such as eliminating tobacco use, improving diet, managing stress, increasing physical activity, fostering personal relationships and social connections, and establishing healthy sleep routines for more restorative rest. Earlier this year, The Wright Center partnered with the Northeast Pennsylvania Area Health Education Center and Quality Insights, a West Virginia-based leader in health care quality improvement, to offer the free, 26-session National Diabetes Prevention Program. This program helps individuals with prediabetes lower their risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Eligibility requirements included being 18 or older, having a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or higher (23 or higher for Asian American participants), no prior diagnosis of type 1 or type 2 diabetes or end-stage kidney disease, and not being pregnant. Developed by the CDC, the National Diabetes Prevention Program has been shown to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58% for adults aged 18–59 and by 71% for those aged 60 and older. Led by a trained lifestyle coach, the program guided participants in improving diet, increasing physical activity, and managing stress. Both The Wright Center and Quality Insights were pleased with the program’s outcomes, and The Wright Center received recognition from Quality Insights for its efforts and its annual review of diabetes and prediabetes care. Additionally, The Wright Center recently earned a Gold Award from the American Heart Association (AHA) for improving care quality for patients with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors through the Target: Type 2 Diabetes program. This initiative addresses heart disease and stroke risks in patients with type 2 diabetes and leverages the AHA’s expertise to help health care organizations nationwide align patient care with the latest evidence- and research-based guidelines.
