NAACP Lackawanna to Host Freedom Fund Bingo

The NAACP Lackawanna County Branch will host its 2nd Annual Freedom Fund Bingo fundraiser on October 11, 2025, at the ANZ Hotel, 300 Meadow Ave, Scranton, PA, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with Bingo and dancing continuing until midnight.

This event will serve as both a celebration of the branch’s achievements and a fundraiser supporting its ongoing efforts to advance civil rights and social justice within the community. During the evening, the branch will honor outstanding leaders and organizations that have made meaningful contributions to the cause, while guests enjoy a night of entertainment, networking, and inspiration.

The theme of this year’s event is “Unity in Unsettled Times.” The NAACP emphasizes that, by working together, the community can overcome challenges and barriers to create a more equitable and inclusive society for all.

Tickets are priced at $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Sponsors will receive VIP seating, and food and drinks will be available for purchase from the ANZ Hotel during the event.

The Wright Center Announces October ‘Walk With a Doc’ Events

The Wright Center for Community Health invites community members of all ages to step into better health by joining its ongoing Walk with a Doc initiative. These monthly walks promote both physical well-being and community engagement in a friendly environment.

Each event is guided by local doctors and health care professionals who lead participants on a casual walk, offering valuable health tips and engaging in open, health-related discussions. It’s a chance to enjoy gentle exercise, ask questions, and meet others who share an interest in healthy living – all in a relaxed, welcoming setting.

The October Walk with a Doc in Jermyn will take place on Saturday, Oct. 4, at 8 a.m. at the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail. Walkers should gather at the Delaware Street Trailhead entrance. The Scranton walk is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 11, at 9 a.m., also along the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail, with walkers meeting at the Olive Street entrance.

These events are free and open to the public, welcoming individuals of all fitness levels. No pre-registration is required.

Walk with a Doc is a global nonprofit organization that promotes physical activity and meaningful conversations between physicians and community members. According to the American Heart Association, just 30 minutes of walking per day can improve blood pressure and blood sugar levels, support weight management, boost mental health, and reduce the risk of conditions such as obesity and osteoporosis.

Johnson College to Host Fall Flower Design Workshop

Johnson College is now accepting registrations for its Fall Flower Design Workshop, a cozy, hands-on class where participants will create their own floral arrangement using seasonal blooms, rich colors, and natural textures. The workshop will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the college’s Scranton campus.

The cost is $40. Registration is available at johnson.edu/workshops. For more information, contact the college’s WAVE team at wave@johnson.edu or 570-702-8979.

This workshop is perfect for all skill levels and includes all materials, step-by-step instruction and a completed arrangement to take home and enjoy. Participants will explore the beauty of autumn through floral design, embracing creativity in a welcoming environment.

The workshop is open to individuals ages 10 and up, accompanied by a guardian. No prior experience is necessary, making it ideal for anyone interested in learning the art of flower arranging in a relaxed, seasonal setting.

Urban Co-Works Announces “Networking 5 to 7”

Urban Co-Works in Scranton will host “Networking 5 to 7”—an exclusive event created to foster connections and collaborations within the local community. From 5 to 7 PM, professionals from a wide range of industries will come together to exchange ideas, build partnerships, and explore new opportunities in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Whether entrepreneurs, freelancers, or corporate professionals, attendees will find a unique platform to expand their networks and cultivate meaningful relationships.

Date and time
  • Tuesday, October 14 · 5 – 7pm EDT
Location
  • 116 North Washington Avenue Scranton, PA 18503

Urban Co-Works Announces Exciting New Event

Welcome to First Friday Free Co-Working!

Join URBAN CO-WORKS for a day of productivity in a vibrant co-working space. This event offers the perfect opportunity for professionals to accomplish their work while connecting with fellow freelancers, entrepreneurs, and remote workers. Open to all, it provides a chance to experience the benefits of co-working completely free of charge. The event takes place on the first Friday of the month—don’t miss it!

Date and time
  • Friday, October 3 · 9am – 5pm EDT
Location

URBAN CO-WORKS

  • 116 North Washington Avenue #3rd Floor Scranton, PA 18503

Johnson College Introduces Workforce Training Program to Support Regional Development

Johnson College has launched its Customized Training Solutions program, offering flexible, targeted workforce development to meet the evolving needs of employers across northeastern Pennsylvania. Delivered through the college’s WAVE team (Workforce Advancement & Value-Added Education), the initiative is designed to help businesses train smarter and grow stronger.

“Customized Training Solutions isn’t just about delivering education. It’s about building partnerships that solve real business challenges,” said Ashley Bechaver, director of WAVE. “From navigating compliance updates to reducing turnover or onboarding faster, we work with employers to create programs that lead to real results.”

Grounded in Johnson College’s industry-aligned technical programs, the training is led by instructors with hands-on experience in fields such as HVAC, electrical construction technology, welding, advanced manufacturing, automotive and diesel truck technology, biomedical equipment technology, computer information technology, construction technology, and robotics and industrial automation. Programs are fully adaptable to meet each organization’s specific goals.

Training is designed to align closely with each company’s tools, systems, and workflows, using equipment and scenarios that reflect real-world conditions to ensure practical, relevant learning with minimal disruption. Delivered on-site, online, or at Johnson College’s Scranton or Hazleton campuses, the training helps businesses boost productivity, improve quality, and retain employees. By focusing on job-specific expertise, companies can reduce downtime, minimize errors, and stay ahead of industry trends, while addressing challenges such as rapid growth, evolving job demands, and the need to build new workforce capabilities with measurable, long-term results.

Businesses interested in creating a tailored training plan can contact the WAVE team at 570-702-8979 or email wave@johnson.edu. Inquiries should include the contact’s name, business name, title and preferred method of contact. To learn more about the program, visit johnson.edu/wave/trainingsolutions.

Geisinger Holds Narcan Distribution Events

Geisinger’s pharmacy, emergency medicine, addiction medicine and Free2BMom teams are collaborating again this year on two Narcan® (naloxone) distribution events in northeastern Pennsylvania.

Geisinger personnel will hand out boxes of nasal naloxone, fentanyl and xylazine testing strips, and teach attendees how to properly use them at community resource events in Luzerne and Lackawanna counties. The Geisinger team will be joined by community health partners who will set up information tables and offer resources to those in recovery or seeking recovery.

The first event will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29, on the lawn across from Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre’s emergency room. The hospital’s address is 25 Church St., Wilkes-Barre.

The second event will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 4, in the Linden Street courtyard of Courthouse Square at 200 N. Washington Ave. in Scranton.

The events are free and open to the public. No registration is required.