PennDOT Driver License, Photo Centers Closed for Veterans Day The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) today announced that all driver license and photo centers, including its full-service center in Harrisburg, will be closed Tuesday, November 11, 2025, in observance of Veterans Day. Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services, including all forms, publications, and driver training manuals, online through PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website. Driver and vehicle online services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and include driver’s license, photo ID and vehicle registration renewals; driver-history services; changes of address; driver license and vehicle registration restoration letters; ability to pay driver license or vehicle insurance restoration fee; driver license and photo ID duplicates; REAL ID pre-verification; and driver exam scheduling. There are no additional fees for using online services. A complete listing of PennDOT driver and photo license center closings in 2025 is available online. If planning to visit one of PennDOT’s Online Messenger Service Centers, please call ahead for hours of operation during holidays.
UNC’s Feed-A-Friend Campaign United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC) is grateful to serve as a WNEP-TV designated agency for their 41st Annual Feed-A-Friend Campaign. The nonperishable items collected help fill the Angel’s Attic Food pantry shelves, while monetary donations provide Thanksgiving meals for local families in need. UNC has been proud to be part of this regional tradition since the campaign’s inception. The organization has witnessed firsthand the growing challenge of food insecurity in the area. With increasing need, rising costs, and potential benefit reductions on the horizon, UNC has set a higher goal this year—to serve 1,800 families. Many of the households receiving assistance include working adults, some of whom are visiting the pantry for the first time. To better serve the community, UNC have extended their pantry hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, with evening hours until 7 p.m. on Tuesdays. Click here to find more information.
Wright Center: Importance of Flu Vaccines As the holiday season rapidly approaches, it is important to remember that this time of year also marks the peak season for respiratory illnesses such as RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) and influenza, commonly known as the flu. Henry Novroski, D.O., family medicine physician According to projections by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the 2025-26 flu season will likely be moderate across all age groups, based on historical trends and expert analysis. The previous season was classified as a high-severity season across all ages — the first time that’s happened since 2017-18. Flu season typically begins around late September or early October, which is generally considered the ideal time to get vaccinated. From there, cases increasingly accelerate until hitting peak flu between December and February. Some years, infections can occur as late as May. Flu symptoms typically appear within a few days and may include fever, chills, dry cough, body aches, headaches, nasal congestion or runny nose, shortness of breath, and fatigue. The most effective way to protect against the flu — and to reduce the severity of symptoms if infection occurs — is to receive the annual flu vaccine, which helps the body develop protective antibodies within two weeks of vaccination. This season, all flu vaccines in the United States are trivalent (three-component) vaccines, which are designed to protect against three main groups of circulating flu Type A and B viruses: an A(H1N1) virus, an A(H3N2) virus, and a B/Victoria lineage virus. The flu vaccine is available to anyone ages 6 months and older, and CDC studies have shown that vaccination reduces the risk of contracting the illness by about 40 to 60 percent among the general public. For certain vulnerable populations, vaccination is particularly crucial given the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and even death. That list includes pregnant women, young children, adults ages 65 and older, and those with serious health conditions like cancer, heart disease, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, asthma, and kidney disease. Every year, thousands of children are hospitalized with severe flu, according to the CDC. The Wright Center places great importance on flu vaccinations and offers flu shots at all of its locations throughout Northeast Pennsylvania. To schedule an office visit that includes a vaccination, call 570-230-0019 or go online to use the express scheduling system at TheWrightCenter.org. Meanwhile, numerous local pharmacies offer free flu shots to customers with health insurance, and a number of local employers provide flu vaccinations as a free service to their workers. It is important to emphasize that flu vaccines are safe and effective in protecting individuals and their loved ones from the most severe effects of the illness. As an early holiday gift to oneself, receiving a flu shot as soon as possible is strongly encouraged.
SWB Penguins Announce Upcoming Big Games/Themes Saturday, December 13 vs. Providence (6:05pm) – Teddy Bear Toss: Bring a new, unwrapped plush toy to the arena, and throw it onto the ice following the Penguins first goal. All toys will be distributed to children in need via Operation Santa Claus, a charitable foundation operating out of Tobyhanna Army Depot.Saturday, December 27 vs. Hershey (6:05pm) – Throwback Night: The Penguins will wear special throwback jerseys, which will be auctioned off online.Saturday, January 31 vs. Syracuse (6:05pm) – Crosscheck Cancer, presented by Geisinger: The Penguins will be raising money and awareness in the fight against cancer. Fans can contribute to special fundraisers throughout the night, including a chance to paint a special message for friends or loved ones affected by the disease on the ice after the game.Sunday, February 15 vs. Cleveland (3:05pm) – Kids Takeover: The kids are in charge! Young fans will take part in helping to shape the game night by designing videoboard graphics, shadowing members of the Penguins staff and contributing to game day operations. There’s even a chance for jr. fans to help design a logo for a special jersey and merchandise.Saturday, February 21 vs. Bridgeport (6:05pm) – Military Appreciation Night presented by MetLife: The Penguins will pay honor to men and women in uniform with special presentations.Saturday, March 14 vs. Lehigh Valley (6:05pm) – St. Patrick’s Day celebration: The Penguins will be sporting special green sweaters which will be auctioned off online. Irish-themed music and exhibitions will take place during the game.Saturday, March 28 vs. Laval (6:05pm) – Star Wars Night and Boy Scout Night presented by Moritz Embroidery Works: Have an out of this world time with costumed characters from a galaxy far, far away. Plus fans are encouraged to bring out their troop or den to share in the scouting experience.Saturday, April 11 vs. Cleveland (6:05pm) – Community Series, presented by Visit Luzerne County: The fourth installment of the Penguins’ night rebrand, paying tribute to the area’s history and traditions. Past events have seen the Penguins transformed into the Old Forge Pizzas, the Pittston Tomatoes, and the Carbondale UFOs. What will this year’s theme be? Stay tuned for the reveal in November. FAN CONTROLLED FRIDAYSFans can help shape the game night experience each Friday by taking part in online polls and contests, which will determine themes, music, food and merch specials and more. Plus there will be $2 drafts available each Friday night from 6-7:30 courtesy of Coors Light, and postgame autographs presented by Northeast Music Center.
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.
