University of Scranton to Host Cyber-AI Investigation Camp The University of Scranton this summer will host a three-day Cyber-AI Investigation Camp, engaging participants in games, interactive lectures and hands-on exercises that explore and educate on the topic of cybersecurity. Rising high school sophomores, juniors and seniors are invited to attend the camp at the University’s O’Hara Hall. Sessions will be held July 8, 9 and 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost to attend the camp is $399. Additional services, including on-campus dormitories and meals, are available for an additional fee. The need for trained law enforcement officers, prosecutors and judges with the skills to understand and investigate cybercrime is higher than ever due to the rise in online data breaches, fraud and malicious software. Camp instructors will promote safe online behavior, teach cybersecurity essentials and will end the third day with a team investigation competition at the University’s Cyber-Forensics and Cybersecurity Lab. The topics of cybersecurity, robotic investigation and artificial intelligence (AI) will be discussed. This is the fifth year in which the University’s Department of Criminal Justice, Cybersecurity and Sociology is offering this summer program. The University offers undergraduate programs in criminal justice and cybercrime and homeland security, as well as a graduate program in cybercrime investigation and cybersecurity. To register and for more information, please visit the registration page.
Penn State Scranton’s Mechanical Engineering Students Set to Complete Innovation Challenges We are inviting local companies, community organizations, and civic leaders to collaborate with Penn State Scranton’s Mechanical Engineering students through and innovative educational initiative supported by the Leonhard Center. As part of the ME-340 Design Methodology course in Fall 2025, students will participate in Innovation Challenges – semester-long, team-based projects that tackle real world problems faced by local communities. These challenges encourage students to develop practical, value-driven solutions in areas such as energy efficiency, accessibility, environmental sustainability, and public health. We are seeking community partners with challenges relevant to their needs. ME-340 Community-Focused Project Briefs Project TitleChallengeStudent Task1Affordable Heating Retrofit for Senior HomesMany older residents in the region live in drafty, poorly insulated homes.Design a low-cost, modular heating improvement system (e.g., window inserts, radiator reflectors, smart vents) that can be installed with minimal tools.2Smart Water Usage System for Local Gardens or ParksWater conservation and maintenance in public spaces.Develop a low-tech, IoT-based irrigation controller that optimizes watering schedules based on soil moisture or weather.3Accessibility Aid for Public Buildings or Local EventsTemporary ramps, guides, or tools are often lacking at local venues.Design portable, collapsible accessibility tools (e.g., ramps, signage, mobile seating supports).4Community Composting SystemFood waste is high; composting infrastructure is minimal.Develop a modular composting bin system with odor control and usability in urban or semi-urban settings.5Snow & Ice Removal Assistive ToolElderly and disabled residents have difficulty clearing driveways and sidewalks.Design a manually operated or low-powered snow/ice removal aid that is lightweight, safe, and easy to use.6Mobile Market Cart for Local VendorsLocal vendors struggle with transporting and displaying goods at pop-up events or farmers’ markets.Design a durable, weather-resistant, foldable cart that serves as transport and display unit.7Emergency Power Backup System for Rural Clinics or ResidencesPower outages can disrupt critical equipment use in homes and small clinics.Design a basic, solar-powered or hand-crank backup system for low-wattage medical or communication devices.8Ergonomic Workstation for Remote WorkersMany rural residents have shifted to remote work but lack ergonomic setups.Design a low-cost, adjustable desk system that supports health and productivity in small home spaces.9Community Tool Library Inventory & Checkout SystemShared tools often go missing or untracked in community lending libraries.Develop a simple mechanical or digital system for tracking tool checkouts and returns.10Low-Tech Air Quality Monitor for Classrooms or Elderly HomesAwareness of indoor air quality is limited in community spaces.Design an easy-to-use air monitor using color-changing indicators or basic sensors.11Affordable Leaf Collection Machine for Small BackyardsDuring the fall season, residents with small backyards often struggle with managing large volumes of fallen leaves. Commercial leaf collection machines are often too expensive or too large for personal use.Design a simple, affordable, and easy-to-store leaf collection device or machine suitable for small residential backyards. The design should consider ease of use, storage space, noise levels, and cost-effectiveness.
PA Treasurer Stacy Garrity Announces Additional $25 Million Investment in Israel Bonds On Thursday, the Pennsylvania Treasury Department invested an additional $25 million in Israel bonds. “Israel is our greatest ally in the Middle East, and I will continue to stand by them in their fight to achieve peace,” Treasurer Garrity said. “Israel bonds are a smart, dependable investment with a proven track record – and it’s especially important to show our support at a time when Israelis and Jews — both abroad and here in the United States — continue to face horrific acts of antisemitism. I’m proud to announce this significant new investment, continuing the strong relationship between Pennsylvania, Israel, and the Jewish Community.” As of July 1, the Pennsylvania Treasury Department will have $64.5 million in Israel Bond investments. This includes the $20 million that Treasurer Garrity invested following the Hamas terrorist attacks in October 2023. These new bonds will earn the Commonwealth a return of 4.96% – roughly 100 bps more than comparable U.S. Treasury Bonds. The Commonwealth has invested in Israel bonds for more than 30 years. “We are grateful to State Treasurer Stacy Garrity and Pennsylvania for their continued confidence in Israel Bonds,” said Dani Naveh, Global President and CEO of Israel Bonds. “This powerful investment affirms our shared values. We are proud to stand together in building a secure and prosperous future for both Israel and the United States.” Development Corporation for Israel (known as Israel Bonds) and its affiliates around the world have generated over $54 billion in worldwide investments since it was founded over seven decades ago. With strong rates, Israel bonds are a smart and meaningful investment serving as a symbolic connection with Israel and the people. Learn more at israelbonds.com.
Misericordia University Holds PA Jazz Institute Music Camp Located on the beautiful campus of Misericordia University, Dallas, PA, the Pa Jazz Institute is northeastern PA’s premiere music camp. For more than 30 years, students, educators, and amateurs alike have been able to study and learn from top world-class professional instructors and performers. Culminating in several performance opportunities at the Scranton Jazz Festival, students gain knowledge in musical styles, improvisation, reading, music theory, history, technology, and more. Dates: July 14-18, 2025 | 10 am – 4 pmCampus Concert on Friday, July 18 @ 3 pm For more info and to register, visit https://pajazzinstitute.com
Johnson College Opens Enrollment for Basic Maintenance Course Johnson College is now accepting enrollments for its 48-hour, non-credit Basic Maintenance course, set to be held at the Scranton campus. Classes will run from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, beginning July 22 and ending Sept. 11, 2025. Designed for individuals looking to enter the high-demand field of maintenance and repair, the course will cover essential skills needed for the upkeep of buildings and property systems. Instructional topics include tools, equipment, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, pest control, weatherization and painting. The cost of the course is $650. For more information or to reserve a spot, visit johnson.edu/continuing-ed/basic-maintenance. You can also contact Johnson College’s WAVE team (formerly Continuing Education) at 570-702-8979 or wave@johnson.edu.
United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike Opens 2025-2026 Grant Application Process United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike is pleased to announce that the grant application process for nonprofit organizations serving Wayne and Pike counties is now officially open for the 2025–2026 funding cycle. This annual competitive grant opportunity is available to qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that provide programs or services aligning with United Way’s mission to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities. Priority will be given to initiatives that address critical needs in the areas of education, economic mobility, and health—the building blocks for a good quality of life. “We are committed to investing in programs that deliver measurable impact and real change for all those who call our corner of Pennsylvania home,” said Dr. Angela Bassani, Ed.D., President & CEO, United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike. “This grant opportunity reflects our ongoing dedication to creating stronger, healthier, and more equitable communities.” Nonprofits interested in applying can visit uwlc.net/grants/ to access the grant guidelines, eligibility criteria, and application materials. The deadline for completed applications is July 18th for Wayne County and July 25th for Pike County. For more information or questions about the grant process, please contact Stephanie Miller, smiller@uwlc.net or 570.343.1267 x225
Steamtown National Historic Site to Unveil Restored Bullard No. 2 Locomotive On Saturday, July 5, at 12:30 p.m., Steamtown National Historic Site will host an official unveiling of the cosmetically restored Bullard No. 2 locomotive. After many years of dedicated work by National Park Service volunteers, interns, and staff Bullard No. 2 has returned to public view. Removed from display to undergo a comprehensive cosmetic restoration, the locomotive’s return marks more than just the completion of a project— it represents the culmination of years of care, skill, and commitment from countless contributors who helped preserve this piece of history for future generations. The official unveiling on July 5 will include a brief ceremony recognizing the many contributors behind the restoration. The event will give the public a chance to view the completed work and meet some of the individuals who helped make it possible. “The Bullard No. 2 project is a testament to the dedication and skill of our team,” said Superintendent Jeremy Komasz. “We’re grateful for everyone who gave their time and energy to restore this piece of history. Their work reflects the collaboration that makes everything we do here at Steamtown possible.” The success of the Bullard restoration reflects years of steady work by many hands. Volunteers, interns, and staff logged countless hours restoring components, researching history and preserving the locomotive’s structure, often during periods with limited visibility or resources. The result stands on a foundation built through persistence, skill, and shared commitment. If you have contributed to the Bullard No. 2 project at any stage, we invite you to raise your hand and join us for the unveiling ceremony. A commemorative group photo will be taken with the locomotive to recognize and honor all who were part of the journey. Let us celebrate the efforts of those who gave this historic locomotive new shine and a lasting legacy. The Bullard No. 2 restoration is just one example of many projects at the park that highlight the wide range of volunteer contributions at Steamtown. Volunteers support nearly every aspect of park operations, from enhancing the visitor experience and assisting with historic restoration to maintaining facilities and providing administrative support. Their contributions are essential to keeping the park running and its stories alive. “Our park is fueled by more than coal or diesel—it’s fueled by people,” said Komasz. “Whether it’s technical skill, a welcoming smile or a passion for history, our volunteers help preserve the park’s legacy and ensure future generations can experience the story of steam firsthand.” Interested in volunteering? Whether you’re looking to get involved for the first time or return after time away, Steamtown is welcoming both new and former volunteers to join the team. To learn more about current opportunities and how to apply, visit: https://www.nps.gov/stea/getinvolved/volunteer.htm
Scranton Shakespeare Festival – The Box Office is now OPEN! Sister Act When lounge singer Deloris Van Cartier trades in her nightclub act for a nun’s habit, she turns a struggling choir into a chart-topping sensation through the power of sisterhood and music. June 26-29 & July 26 Reserve Tickets Julius Caesar Power, loyalty, and betrayal collide in Shakespeare’s gripping political thriller. As Rome teeters on the edge of tyranny, conspirators plot to overthrow a leader they once loved July 9, 11-13 & 25 Reserve Tickets Timon of Athens Timon, a wildly generous millionaire, learns the brutal truth about friendship when his generosity is met with ingratitude, leading him from lavish feasts to bitter exile when his fortune fades. July 10, 12, 13 & 26 Reserve Tickets Hairspray Energetic, heartfelt, and packed with showstopping tunes, Hairspray is the beloved musical comedy that celebrates self-love, inclusion, and thepower of change. July 17-20 & 27 Reserve Tickets Performances By the Scranton Shakespeare Festival Youth Ensemble Romeo & Juliet Two star-crossed lovers are bound by passion and torn apart by fate. As their families’ feud spirals out of control, they defy the world around them, only to discover that the universe has its own plans. June 20-22 & July 24 Reserve Tickets Little Shop of Horrors When nerdy florist Seymour discovers an unearthly, singing plant with a lust for human blood, Skid Row gains an unexpected hero. July 31, August 1-3 Reserve Tickets Frequently Asked Questions How much are tickets? Our Shakespeares are offered to everyone for free thanks to PNC Bank! Our musicals are $20 for adults and $10 for those under 12. Though some of our programming is free, our bills are not! If you are able to make a donation at some point during your stay with us, that’d be greatfully appreciated. Where are the shows? All of our seasons performances are located at our new black-box theatre, The Shakes Space, kindly donated by the awesome folks at The Marketplace at Steamtown. Will tickets sell out? We’re expecting high demand, so we recommend you book those tickets ahead of time. You’ve got to make sure to use them though, or cancel in plenty of time or your other reservations are at risk of being cancelled.
NEPA Philharmonic to Play at 12th Annual Yoga on the Roof On Friday, July 4th, at 9am, Hilary Steinberg with Jaya Yoga in Clarks Summit, and the Marketplace at Steamtown will present the 12th annual Yoga on the Roof, which includes one hour of yoga accompanied by live music played by musicians of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic. The yoga practice will be followed by breakfast treats compliments of Maximum Zen. This event is a favorite way to launch Independence Day celebrations, and benefits the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic’s educational and outreach programs. A five-minute meditation led by Lisa Rigau will open the event. Leading the yoga practice will be Jaya Yoga’s owner, Hilary Steinberg and instructor Lily Mackarey. Featured musicians will be Leah Valenches, Peter Brubaker, and Gabriel Schaff. Yoga on the Roof is a unique event in Northeastern Pennsylvania, taking place on the morning of the holiday, overlooking historic downtown Scranton. Participants are invited to pre-register at www.nepaphil.org/tickets until Wednesday, July 2nd, although, walk-ins are also welcome. The recommended arrival time for all attendees is by 8:45am on Thursday, July 4th, rain or shine. A donation of $20 is requested. The Philharmonic projects that benefit from Yoga on the Roof are Music in our Schools, Music in our Senior Centers, Young People’s Concerts, Once Upon an Orchestra (a library initiative for tots), and a juried mentoring program for talented high school music students. Pre-registration is also available by calling the Philharmonic office at (570) 270-4444. For additional information about Yoga on the Roof, please contact hilary@jayayogastudio.com. The Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic is a fully professional symphonic orchestra performing regularly in Lackawanna and Luzerne counties, with upcoming expansions into Wayne County. Music Director is Maestra Mélisse Brunet. For additional information about the Philharmonic, sponsorship opportunities, and concerts, please call (570) 270-4444.
