SCRANTON CULTURAL CENTER ANNOUNCES JAKE HOOT, SEASON 17 WINNER OF “THE VOICE” ON JUNE 28 Jake Hoot, best known as Season 17 winner of “The Voice,” will perform at the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple on June 28 at 7:00 PM. Jake has graced iconic stages like the Grand Ole Opry and the Ryman Auditorium, captivating audiences with his rich, soulful voice and undeniable gift for storytelling. In addition to his cross-country tour, Jake Hoot will also be featured as part of NBC’s “The Voice: Battle of Champions,” which airs on February 23. Jake Hoot is a country music storyteller who doesn’t just sing country music – he lives it. His performance in Season 17 of the Knockout Rounds singing “Cover Me Up” brought tears of joy to the audience and judges! He was born in Texas and raised between the Dominican Republic and Tennessee, and his music embodies a life steeped in faith, family and authenticity. Blending heartfelt lyrics with classic country roots, Jake brings songs to life – from tender ballads to powerful anthems – forging a genuine connection with listeners wherever he goes. The show will take place in the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Theatre, located on the building’s first floor, with doors opening for bar and concessions at 6:00 PM. Tickets start at $39.00 including fees. Prices are subject to change. Tickets will be available for purchase on February 20 at 10 AM at the Fidelity Bank Box Office at the SCC in person or by calling (570) 344-1111, or via Ticketmaster. For more information or to view a full schedule of events, visit SCCMT.org.
Scranton Area Community Foundation Receives National Re-Accreditation The Scranton Area Community Foundation has officially been re-accredited under the Community Foundations National Standards®, the nation’s highest standards for philanthropic excellence. This distinction affirms the Foundation’s continued commitment to transparency, integrity, accountability, and effective stewardship of charitable resources. Community Foundations National Standards® establish rigorous legal, ethical, and operational benchmarks for community foundations nationwide. “Meeting the National Standards benchmarks is a comprehensive and demanding process,” said Susie Nelson, Board Chair of the Community Foundations National Standards Board. “This re-accreditation is a significant achievement and demonstrates the Scranton Area Community Foundation’s strong commitment to quality, transparency, and accountability in carrying out its mission.” The accreditation process requires community foundations to document and regularly review policies and practices related to donor services, investments, grantmaking, governance, and administration. More than 500 community foundations nationwide have achieved this designation, which serves as an important assurance to donors, nonprofit partners, and professional advisors. “This re-accreditation is critically important to our donors and our community,” said Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “When individuals and families choose to establish a charitable fund or leave a legacy gift, they are placing a high level of trust in us. National Standards® re-accreditation confirms that we are honoring that trust with strong governance, sound financial management, and a deep commitment to donor intent.” The Scranton Area Community Foundation works to meet critical community needs and strengthen Northeastern Pennsylvania by supporting a wide range of causes, including education, health and human services, arts and culture, animal welfare, workforce development, and community leadership. The Scranton Area Community Foundation works to meet critical community needs and strengthen Northeastern Pennsylvania by supporting a wide range of causes, including education, health and human services, arts and culture, animal welfare, workforce development, and community leadership. The Foundation offers a variety of charitable giving options, including donor-advised funds, designated funds, scholarship funds, field-of-interest funds, and unrestricted funds that address the region’s most pressing needs. In addition to affirming philanthropic services for donors, National Standards® accreditation validates the Foundation’s grantmaking practices and financial oversight for the nonprofit community it serves. “Strong grantmaking requires the same discipline and care as sound investing,” said David J. Price, Chair of the Scranton Area Community Foundation Board of Governors. “This re-accreditation assures our community that the Foundation operates with rigor, fairness, and long-term vision as we steward charitable resources.” Community Foundations National Standards® is the first program of its kind for charitable foundations in the United States. The National Standards Board is a supporting organization of the Council on Foundations and oversees the quality, value, and integrity of the accreditation process. More information is available at www.cfstandards.org. Through philanthropic services, strategic investments, and community leadership, the Scranton Area Community Foundation helps people support the causes they care about—now and for generations to come.
The Greenridge Club Hosts Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy Event After the mesmerizing success of the Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy, the doors have opened once more, inviting you to step deeper into the shadows of Poe’s most harrowing tales. Step into a night of literary horror as you explore the dark worlds of Edgar Allan Poe once more. Prepare for an immersive experience that will transport you into the chilling tales of The Cask of Amontillado, Annabel Lee, The Pit and the Pendulum, and The Fall of the House of Usher, each brought to life with eerie detail. As you delve into these chilling tales, savor four expertly crafted cocktails, each paired to enhance the haunting atmosphere of the story it accompanies. With every sip, feel the spine-tingling essence of Poe’s masterpieces seep into your soul. A night of gothic elegance and macabre delight awaits those brave enough to attend. Experience an even more chilling night of storytelling and spirits in this next chapter of the Speakeasy series in Scranton! Highlights✨ Step into the world of Edgar Allan Poe in this 4-part chilling cocktail experience🍸 Sip on delicious themed cocktails, each expertly crafted and paired with each tale😱 Hear Edgar Allan Poe’s work reimagined, as told by the Poe Historians📚 No need to have seen the original Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy to enjoy the thrilling Chapter Two!General Info📅 Dates and times: select your date & time directly in the ticket selector⏳ Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes📍 Location: The Green Ridge Club👤 Age requirement: 21+ with valid ID♿ Accessibility: the venue is ADA compliant❓ Please consult the FAQs of this experience here
Scranton Fringe Putting Down Roots in Scranton For 10 years, Scranton Fringe has been nomadic — activating spaces across the city, transforming storefronts, theaters, and parks into stages for bold work. Now, we have a home. But why does that matter so much? The Sanctuary Theater at 1735 North Main Avenue is more than a venue. It’s proof that Scranton Fringe isn’t just visiting—we’re staying. The beautiful former church sat waiting for a new purpose. Now it has one: rehearsals, workshops, performances, community gatherings, and creative risk-taking. Old bones. New Life. Permanent presence. We’re still activating dozens of spaces during the Festival (Oct 1–10) and year-round. But now we have an anchor. A place artists can count on. A space that says: this is where bold work lives in Scranton. Our first show at The Sanctuary Theater: The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams, opening April 9. Tickets at ScrantonFringe.org.
Peoples Security Bank & Trust Contributes More Than $1.5 Million to Local Educational Organizations Through the PA EITC Program Through the Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program, Peoples Security Bank & Trust (PSBT) contributed $1,572,581.46 in 2025 to support educational organizations across its service footprint. The EITC Program allows businesses to support education by directing a portion of their state tax obligations to a qualified Scholarship Organization, Educational Improvement Organization, and/or a Pre-Kindergarten Scholarship Organization. PSBT’s EITC contributions helped fund scholarship programs, classroom materials, educational supplies, school grants, and specialized academic initiatives designed to expand access to quality education. In total, 110 organizations benefitted from these funds, including private schools, scholarship organizations, pre-kindergarten programs, school districts, colleges and universities, and other nonprofit partners serving students and families throughout the Bank’s Pennsylvania footprint. Since 2015, PSBT has contributed more than $8.6 million through the EITC program. This sustained investment reflects the Bank’s long-standing commitment to strengthening the communities it serves by helping create opportunities for students to learn, grow, and succeed. “It is important to us to invest in education because strong schools help build strong communities,” said Jeffrey Drobins, Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer. “The EITC Program allows us to make meaningful investments that support students today while helping to strengthen our communities for the future.” The EITC Program plays a critical role in expanding educational opportunities across Pennsylvania by encouraging private-sector support for innovative and impactful programs. PSBT remains committed to participating in initiatives that promote access to education and long-term community development. Attached photo: Representatives from Peoples Security Bank & Trust (PSBT) and Pennsylvania private schools, scholarship organizations, pre-kindergarten programs, school districts, colleges, and universities recently gathered at PSBT’s Corporate Center in Moosic, PA., to celebrate the Bank’s 2025 contributions of more than $1.5 Million through the Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program.
The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce Launches a Young Professionals Program The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the launch of its new Young Professionals (YP) Program, sponsored by Peoples Security Bank & Trust, an initiative designed to cultivate the next generation of business and community leaders throughout the greater Scranton region. The program will officially kick off on Wednesday, February 25, from 5:00–7:00 PM at Madame Jenny’s at the Bittenbender, 126 Franklin Avenue, Scranton. The event will bring together emerging leaders from a wide range of industries and careers for an evening focused on connection, professional growth, and community engagement. The YP Program was developed to provide a platform for individuals under 40 to create meaningful opportunities early in their careers, new to the region, or seeking to expand their professional networks. Through structured professional development programs, networking events, mentorship opportunities, and volunteer initiatives, the YP Program aims to strengthen both individual career paths and the broader regional workforce. At the kick-off event, those in attendance will have the opportunity to learn more about the vision and goals of the program, connect with fellow young professionals, and gain insight into the year ahead. “This new initiative reflects our commitment to fostering long-term leadership and economic vitality in our region,” said Bob Durkin, president of The Chamber. “By bringing young professionals together and providing avenues for meaningful engagement, we are investing in the future of our business community.” The Chamber encourages young professionals across the region to gather friends and colleagues and register to attend. The kick-off event marks the beginning of a dynamic year of programming designed to support career advancement, build lasting relationships, and deepen community involvement. For more information or to register, visit scrantonchamber.com or contact The Chamber.
NeighborWorks NEPA, Beautiful Blocks Program Open for Applications in Pittston, Carbondale, Scranton Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 cycle of Beautiful Blocks, a home improvement program jointly sponsored by NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania and the City of Scranton, City of Pittston, and City of Carbondale. Beautiful Blocks provides matching grants of up to $1,000 per property to groups of five or more residents in participating communities to help them make exterior improvements to their homes. The Beautiful Blocks program seeks to make neighborhoods throughout Scranton, Pittston, and Carbondale more attractive places to live. Eligible exterior improvements include everything from landscaping and painting to larger projects like sidewalks, front porch repair, door and window replacement, and more! For the 2026 program cycle, residents in all three participating cities are eligible for an enhanced grant award for sidewalk projects that provides up to $2,000 per property in total funding towards replacement or significant repair of front sidewalks. Grants will be awarded through a competitive application process. Applications will be judged on the number of participating residents, project impact and coordination, and the likelihood of neighbors continuing to work together in the future. Pre-applications are being accepted until Monday, March 30. Awards will be announced in May, with work taking place throughout the summer and fall months. “We’re very excited to launch the eighth year of Beautiful Blocks in 2026,” said NeighborWorks’ President & CEO, Shane Powers. “Once again, we are pleased to offer this program to residents residing in the Cities of Carbondale, Pittston, and Scranton. Based on the tremendous success of the sidewalk repairs initiative, we are excited to offer the increased grant amount for sidewalks again this year to all three communities. Improvements to sidewalks and to the exterior of homes across the community support vibrant and safe neighborhoods.” The 2025 Beautiful Blocks cycle saw a total of $143,116.68 awarded to 130 completed projects in Scranton, a total of $69,522.27 awarded to 60 completed projects in Carbondale, and a total of $45,419.07 awarded to 46 completed projects in Pittston. Over the first seven cycles of Beautiful Blocks in the City of Scranton, the first five Beautiful Blocks cycles in the City of Carbondale, and the first two cycles of the program in the City of Pittston, more than 950 individual projects have been completed by participating residents, grouped into more than 130 block groups. More than $1 million in grant funding has been distributed as part of these projects, with participating residents contributing more than $2 million in matching funds to improving their neighborhoods. For residents in participating cities who are interested in applying for the 2026 program cycle, public information sessions will be held in each community this month: Carbondale: Monday, February 23, 6:00 p.m., Carbondale Public Library (Community Room) Pittston: Wednesday, February 25, 6:00 p.m., Pittston Memorial Library (John P. Cosgrove Center) Scranton: Thursday, February 26, 6:00 p.m., Scranton Public Library (Henkelman Room) “The city was thrilled to partner with NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania in 2025 to complete 46 Beautiful Blocks projects,” Pittston Mayor Michael Lombardo said of his city’s second Beautiful Blocks cycle. “The results speak for themselves and this partnership is another opportunity for the city to advance the revitalization process in our neighborhoods. We look forward to a continued productive partnership with NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania for the 2026 cycle.” “The Beautiful Block Program exemplifies what we can accomplish in Carbondale when residents, the City, and our valued partner NeighborWorks NEPA come together with a shared vision for thriving neighborhoods,” Carbondale Mayor Michele Bannon added. “In 2025, we were proud to support 60 projects across 9 project groups, leveraging $69,522.27 in grant funds to help homeowners make meaningful improvements that strengthen community pride and enhance property conditions. This partnership has not only beautified our streets but also reinforced the spirit of collaboration that defines our City. As we look forward to the 2026 program year, we’re excited to build on that success, expanding opportunities, empowering more neighbors, and continuing to transform blocks into vibrant places where people are proud to live, work, and grow together.” “NeighborWorks’ Beautiful Blocks program continues to bring positive improvements to our neighborhoods each year,” Scranton Mayor Paige G. Cognetti said. “Last year’s projects provided over $140,000 in grant funds to 130 projects that help maintain Scranton’s beauty and build a stronger sense of community among our residents.” Scranton, Pittston and Carbondale residents interested in participating in the Beautiful Blocks program can download pre-application instructions and access the pre-application document by visiting the program homepage at https://www.nwnepa.org/programs/neighborhood- revitalization/beautiful-blocks.html. More information is also available by contacting Gerard Hetman, NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania Community Development Specialist, at (570) 558-2490 or ghetman@nwnepa.org.
Johnson College Awarded Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career Grant to Support RISE Students Johnson College has been awarded a $199,675 Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career Grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) to support students enrolled in manufacturing programs through the College’s Readiness in Skilled Employment (RISE) initiative. The grant program’s mission is to work collaboratively with local manufacturers to identify and teach essential skills missing from entry-level applicants for existing or near-future open positions, engage youth or those with barriers in awareness-building activities related to career opportunities in manufacturing, and advance capacity for local or regional manufacturers. The funding will provide tuition assistance and critical wraparound support services for up to 15 RISE students pursuing manufacturing-focused education at Johnson College. Supported programs include Mechatronics Technology, Electronic Engineering Technology, Welding Technology, and Welding Fabrication and Manufacturing Technology. RISE, launched in 2021, is a workforce development program designed to help individuals gain technical training while receiving additional supports that remove barriers to education. The program primarily serves low-income students seeking sustainable career pathways and upward economic mobility. By addressing challenges such as transportation, childcare, and access to essential resources, RISE empowers students to focus on their education and long-term success. Grant-supported students will engage directly with regional manufacturing employers through industry-focused activities, including Lunch and Learn events held on the Johnson College campuses in Scranton and Hazle Township. These experiences build on the College’s strong industry partnerships, many led by alumni, and ensure that students explore career pathways, strengthen professional and soft skills, and receive an education aligned with current workforce needs. Community partners play an essential role in supporting RISE students throughout their educational journey. United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC) provides coaching, ESL services, and assistance with barrier removal, while PA CareerLink supports workforce training through WIOA funding. The Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center (NEPIRC) helps coordinate manufacturer visits and industry presentations. Manufacturing partners committed to the project include McGregor Industries, Power Rail, and Pride Mobility. Since its inception, RISE has supported 75 students across four cohorts, helping participants overcome obstacles and gain the skills needed for family-sustaining careers. With support from the Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career Grant, Johnson College will continue to expand access to education while strengthening the regional manufacturing workforce and economic vitality of Northeastern Pennsylvania. For more information about RISE, visit neparise.org. This program is funded in part by the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development’s Manufacturing Training to Career Grant program.
Century Dental Associates Partners with Central Penn College to Expand EFDA Program Central Penn College has partnered with Century Dental Associates in Scranton, Pennsylvania, to offer an additional instructional site for its Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA) Certificate Program. The EFDA program is a six-month, blended program designed for working dental professionals. Coursework is completed fully online, with once-a-week, in-person Saturday labs focused on hands-on clinical skills. With the addition of the Scranton instructional site, students in Northeastern Pennsylvania can now complete required lab work closer to home, eliminating the need to travel to Central Pennsylvania. This expansion reflects Central Penn College’s continued commitment to increasing access, flexibility, and convenience for students pursuing advanced credentials in high-demand healthcare fields. Century Dental Associates brings decades of clinical experience and a strong reputation for patient-centered care to this partnership, providing an ideal real-world learning environment for EFDA students. Known for its commitment to advanced dental techniques, modern technology, and professional excellence, Century Dental Associates offers a hands-on setting that reinforces practical skill development and industry standards. This collaboration ensures students gain meaningful clinical experience while benefiting from a trusted dental practice deeply rooted in the Northeastern Pennsylvania community. For more information about the Expanded Function Dental Assistant program, visit centralpenn.edu/EFDA.
