NEPA Philharmonic Summer Events NEPA Philharmonic Presents: Americana Brass – A Patriotic Musical Celebration Saturday, July 5, 2025 | 6:00 PM EST | $50 GA Harmony in the Woods, Hawley, PA Get ready for an exhilarating evening of brass, rhythm, and American spirit! The Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic Brass Quintet takes center stage at Harmony in the Woods for a thrilling Americana program that will have the whole family tapping their toes and humming along. This vibrant performance will feature a dynamic mix of New Orleans jazz, lively ragtime, and classic film scores, alongside timeless works from Gershwin, Ellington, Bernstein, Irving Berlin, and more. As part of the NEPA Philharmonic’s Stoppini Chamber Series, this concert is an opportunity to experience extraordinary musicianship up close, delivered by an ensemble known for its brilliance, precision, and infectious energy. NEPA Philharmonic Presents: Regina Sayles & Strings Sunday, August 17, 2025 | 6:00 PM EST | $75 GA Harmony in the Woods, Hawley, PA Singer, songwriter, and guitarist Regina Sayles joins the string quartet of your Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic for an evening of folk, rock, and pop favorites and selections from Sayles’ own original work. With lush string arrangements and compelling vocals, this dynamic collaboration reimagines new and familiar songs in unexpected ways, weaving a rich blend of melody, rhythm, and texture and highlighting the versatility of both Sayles and the Philharmonic strings. Presented as part of the NEPA Philharmonic’s Stoppini Chamber Series and PNC Pops Series in collaboration with Dr. Seth W. & Carolyn Fisher. The ticket price includes the concert as well as a reception with wine and light hors d’oeuvres prior to the event. The concert will last approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes with a brief intermission. We encourage you to bring a picnic dinner.
The Greater Scranton YMCA Receives Grant for STEM Lab Creation From left to right: Tressa Capoccia, Rich Surridge, Leo McGowan, Meghan Carnevale The Greater Scranton YMCA was awarded a $25,000 grant from the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund. The grant will support the creation of a STEM Lab at the Y’s facility, which is located at 706 North Blakely Street in Dunmore. Through the creation of a STEM Lab, the Y will provide students enrolled in the School-Age Program, Summer Day Camp Program, and additional programming to be developed with the opportunity to learn, collaborate with peers, and practice problem-solving skills. The lab will give the Y an opportunity to engage children in learning experiences that integrate science, technology, engineering, and math while also fostering creativity. “We are so grateful to the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund for their support of our YMCA and of children’s education,” said Rich Surridge, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “We are excited to begin work on the creation of the STEM Lab and look forward to providing the growing number of children in our care with access to opportunities they may otherwise not have after the school day ends and over the summer months.” For more information about child care programs at the Greater Scranton YMCA, contact Tressa Capoccia, Senior Director of Education, at tcapoccia@gsymca.org or visit the Y online at www.greaterscrantonymca.org.
Johnson College Receives $2,000 for the Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association Scholarship Members of the Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association recently presented a $2,000 contribution to Johnson College to support the annual Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association Scholarship. The scholarship will be awarded to two students in the Automotive Technology Program for the 2025-2026 academic year. The Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association was established in 1975 and has been funding the scholarship at Johnson College since 2009. The club raises funds through Cruise Nights held at the Viewmont Mall parking lot throughout the year. For more information about available scholarships at Johnson College, visit johnson.edu/future-students/financialaid/scholarships. Members of the Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association presented a $2,000 contribution to Johnson College to sponsor the annual Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association Scholarship. Pictured from left to right: Tom Lello, Treasurer, Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association; Chip Bell, President, Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association; Dr. Katie Pittelli, President & CEO, Johnson College; John Gall, Board Member, Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association; John Coleman, ’80, Board Member, Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association; Matt Salvia, Secretary, Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association;
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.
