Misericordia University Program Supports Early Literacy Development

Misericordia University recently concluded its Free Kindergarten Readiness Program, designed to help preschool-aged children build the foundational literacy skills needed for a confident start to school. The two-hour, small-group sessions were held at the university’s Literacy Center in Passan Hall and led by Kathleen Scaler Scott, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, along with experienced graduate student clinicians in the Department of Speech-Language Pathology.

This summer, the program served 12 children—six in a morning group and six in an afternoon group—and generated significant community interest, with 35 children placed on a waiting list. Due to this overwhelming demand, the university is already accepting names for next summer’s program.

The program introduced children to essential skills proven to support strong reading and writing, including phonological awareness, oral and written language comprehension, letter-sound knowledge, and understanding narrative structure. Delivered in a fun and engaging environment, the sessions provided small group instruction while giving student clinicians valuable hands-on experience.

“It was so exciting to provide this service to children in the community,” said Dr. Scaler Scott, who has been a speech-language pathologist (SLP) for more than 30 years and has worked in three schools for children with literacy challenges. She is a professor, Board-Certified Specialist in Stuttering, Cluttering, and Fluency (BCS-SF), and ASHA Fellow. “This is just the start of the literacy programs we’d like to provide for preschoolers through adults. We hope to provide programming to address skills in reading, writing, and spelling. Since these skills are

language-based, SLPs play a critical role in assisting with their development. According to the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association, SLPs play a role in preventing, identifying, assessing and treating literacy challenges. We collaborate with educators, reading specialists and other professionals to support literacy acquisition. Because we are training SLP student clinicians, we are able to provide affordable services.”

The initiative reflects Misericordia University’s commitment to serving the community through accessible, evidence-based literacy support. Plans are already underway to expand offerings to additional age groups, from early learners to adults, ensuring that individuals at all stages of life have access to the tools they need for literacy success.

For more information about future literacy programs, or to add a child’s name to the waiting list for next summer, contact Dr. Kathleen Scaler Scott at 570-674-1437 or kscott@misericordia.edu.

Misericordia University Celebrates 25th Anniversary of Women with Children Program

Cheers to 25 Years of Empowerment at Misericordia

The Ruth Matthews Bourger Women with Children Program is celebrating 25 years of transforming lives through education, support, and opportunity.

Join us for the 25th Anniversary Silver Soirée
Saturday, September 13, 2025
5:00–10:00 PM
Irem Temple Country Club Pavilion, Dallas, PA

The evening will honor Sister Jean Messaros, Mr. Rob Friedman & the Friedman Family, and Mrs. Flo DePolo—key supporters of the program’s mission.

Guests will enjoy a cocktail reception with live music by Tim Noble, followed by a formal dinner and dancing with WaltonEntertainment. The event also includes a tribute program celebrating our honorees and a silent auction. Black-tie optional.

Tickets, ads, and sponsorships available at misericordia.edu/womenwithchildren.

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.

CHOP Hosts Feeding the Future Dinner

Join CHOP Out Hunger for our Feeding the Future Dinner on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 5:00 PM at Constantino’s, Clarks Summit, an inspiring evening dedicated to ending childhood hunger across Pennsylvania. This special night will honor community leader Ty Holmes for his outstanding dedication and service to our region. Guests will enjoy a delicious dinner, networking, and a heartfelt program featuring stories of impact. The evening will also include a raffle and learn how to support our Weekend Backpack Program, In-School Pantries, and Pop-Up Pantries, helping ensure every child has enough to eat.

Amy Bezek Photography Hosts Women’s Circle

I’m opening my studio for something truly special — our first Women’s Circle led by Tiffany from La Luna Vibrations. This is a gentle and heart-centered evening of intention, movement, cacao, and sound — a space to reconnect with yourself and move without judgment.

We’ll begin in circle with a warm blend of ceremonial cacao, blue lotus, rose, and bobinsana — then shift into intuitive, guided movement and close with a soothing sound bath.

It’s not about dancing — it’s about dropping in, softening, and letting your body speak.

No experience needed — just bring your beautiful self, a mat, a blanket, and anything to help you feel cozy for the sound bath.

The Greater Scranton Chamber Announces Two New Additions to Its Team

The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce leadership is pleased to announce the hire of Kira Loomis as business development specialist and Lindsay May as workforce and leadership assistant.

Kira Loomis, business development specialist
Lindsay May, leadership and workforce assistant

In her new capacity, Loomis will support the Chamber’s business development divisions: The Scranton Plan and Scranton Lackawanna Industrial Building Company (SLIBCO). Her responsibilities encompass site selection marketing, business recruitment and expansion, and client engagement, in addition to assisting in the coordination of community-facing events aimed at fostering investment and employment opportunities in Lackawanna County.

Loomis brings with her experience in marketing, communications, and community engagement. Her most recent position was as marketing and community outreach coordinator at the Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center (NEPIRC), where she managed prominent events, spearheaded workforce awareness initiatives, and oversaw marketing strategies, both digital and print. A native of Scranton, she holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Media and Journalism with a specialization in Public Relations from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania.

As Workforce and Leadership Assistant, May will provide administrative and programmatic support for two of the Chamber’s divisions: Leadership Lackawanna and Skills in Scranton—while also assisting with daily operations and office management across the organization.

May brings expertise in client support, operations, and team leadership across various industries, including technology, healthcare, and manufacturing. Her recent role was as Customer Specialist at DealerOn, where she managed high-level customer inquiries and website operations. Her previous positions at Benco Dental and Uline further demonstrate her skills in relationship management, training, and sales support. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Kutztown University.

“We are enthusiastic about welcoming both Kira Loomis and Lindsay May to our team,” stated Amy Luyster, vice president of business and workforce development. “Their impressive skills and experience, complemented by a genuine passion for our mission and the communities we serve, will undoubtedly contribute significantly to our business and workforce development initiatives.”

The Chamber leadership is delighted to welcome Loomis and May and anticipates their valuable contributions toward advancing the organization’s mission to support local enterprises and fortify communities throughout the region.

TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty Extend Application Deadline

The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and Lackawanna County announce that applications for a fourth cohort of TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty are extended to August 29, 2025. The program is a partnership between Lackawanna County, Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern PA, and The Chamber, in collaboration with tecBRIDGE as the program administrator.

TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty is a 10-week, in-person experience in which participants can access mentors, educational resources, and subject matter experts on business formation strategies, customer discovery, marketing, financial planning, and risk management. The goal of the ten weeks is to build, share, and pitch their early-stage start-ups.

Previous TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty programs have helped 23 entrepreneurs gain traction toward achieving their American dreams. In this fourth cohort, eight more can experience the same resources and excitement.

TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty is a competitive application process. Residents of Lackawanna County with tech, for-profit business, or early start-up ideas are encouraged to apply. Participants who complete all program requirements may be eligible for a $10,000 reimbursable grant towards select start-up costs.

To apply, visit ScrantonChamber.com and look for TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty under events. Applications close on Friday, August 29.

Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders Post-Game Drone Light Show

Scranton/Wilkes-Barre adds unique light show experience after game against Indianapolis

The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders are excited to announce the addition of a post-game drone light show after their Saturday, August 16, game against the Indianapolis Indians. 

“We are thrilled to add this one-of-a-kind experience to the promotional schedule,” stated Katie Beekman, the RailRiders General Manager. “It will be the first-ever drone light show at PNC Field and we can’t wait to see the reaction of our great fans. This is such a unique event that fans definitely won’t want to miss.” 

The show will be coordinated and performed by Sky Elements, a nationally-renowned drone fleet. Sky Elements appeared on America’s Got Talent and performs over 750 shows each year. 

The RailRiders host the Pittsburgh Pirates’ top affiliate on August 16, which is also Harry Potter Night at PNC Field. Gates open at 5:00 P.M. with custom RailRiders Platform 9 3/4 socks given out to the first 1,500 fans. First pitch is slated for 6:05 and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre players will wear custom jerseys inspired by the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. After the game concludes, this 150-drone performance will begin.

Purchase tickets for August 16 or any remaining RailRiders home game this season online at www.swbrailriders.com.

TravelWorld Local Tours

TravelWorld is hosting local tours in the Scranton and Wilkes-Barre communities.

🎨 Trolley Tour of Wilkes-Barre Murals

Tuesday, August 19 | 5:45PM–8:00PM

Ride with the Street Art Society of NEPA and explore 30+ incredible murals—plus, get an exclusive tour of the brand-new TravelWorld Kingston Office!

Meeting Location: 200 Old Train Station Road, Wilkes-Barre (Old W-B Train Station)

🏛️ Historical Walking Tour of Wilkes-Barre

Wednesday, September 17 | 4:00PM–6:00PM

Join historian Tony Brooks from the Wilkes-Barre Preservation Society for a stroll through the city’s storied past.

Meeting Location: St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 35 S. Franklin St, Wilkes-Barre

👻 Ghost Walking Tour of Lackawanna County

Friday, October 24 | 7:00PM–8:30PM

The Lackawanna Historical Society will guide you through Scranton’s haunted history with chilling tales and local lore.

Meeting Location: The Caitlin House, 232 Monroe Ave, Scranton, PA

📢 Space is extremely limited — please limit one tour per person. Must be 21years or older to attend.

Call us at 570-342-5790 or 570-288-9311 to reserve your spot today!

Additional details will be emailed after registration.