WVIA Set to Premiere ROAR: The Story of the Southern Columbia Football Tigers

WVIA will premiere original documentary film ROAR: The Story of the Southern Columbia Football Tigers this Thursday, May 11 at 8 p.m. on WVIA television. The documentary chronicles the 2022 Southern Columbia Area High School Football Tigers as they chase a PIAA (Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association, Inc.) record sixth consecutive state championship.

Award-winning WVIA filmmaker Alexander Monelli tells the story of their season from the locker room to practices to the sidelines of the games, giving viewers an up close and never-before-seen look at one of the top high school football programs in the state. Located in rural Catawissa, Pennsylvania (near the world-renowned Knoebels Amusement Resort), the film aims to discover what makes the small-town team so successful year after year.

The film will feature interviews with the 2022 Southern Columbia football team and its coaches alongside interviews with former NFL players Henry Hynoski (Southern Columbia, New York Giants) and Bo Orlando (Berwick, Houston Oilers), as well as former WNEP sports director Jim Coles, who covered Southern Columbia and regional high school football for 33 years, and current WNEP sports reporters, Landon Stolar and Steve Lloyd.

“I can’t wait for people to see this documentary about the Southern Columbia high school football team. I spent every day for a year working on this film. I spent the last two months waking up at 3:45am every single day to finish the film properly,” said filmmaker Alexander Monelli. “It’s always exciting when WVIA puts out a new original documentary and I’m just super honored to be a part of that legacy. This company is the home of documentary filmmaking in the region and I’m proud to share this film with all of you on May 11th.”

“What I hope people will say after this documentary is ‘they do things the right way,” said head coach Jim Roth. “As far as the way we work, the way we treat players, the way we interact, and then the rest takes care of itself and translates into wins.”

“Southern Columbia High School football is a unique story, and we are excited to give our viewers an up-close and personal view of this team,” said Ben Payavis II, WVIA Chief Content Officer. “WVIA takes pride in shining a light on the stories of our region and giving them a platform to be shared with the world.”

The trailer for ROAR: The Story of the Southern Columbia Football Tigers can be viewed here: https://www.wvia.org/roar-the-story-of-the-southern-columbia-football-tigers

The documentary film will broadcast on WVIA television and will also be available to watch on WVIA’s YouTube channel at https://youtube.com/live/D3EHpfDDq0I?feature=share and Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/events/575101254451175/. In addition to the broadcast premiere, there will be exclusive interviews with director Al Monelli, Southern Columbia Football Coach Jim Roth, and former WNEP Sports Director Jim Coles.

Johnson College to Celebrate Largest Graduating Class

Johnson College will celebrate its largest graduating class at its commencement ceremony on May 13, 2023, at 10 a.m. on its Scranton campus. Graduating students will report to the Moffat Student Center gym by 9 a.m.

Graduates will complete programs for Associate of Science and Associate of Applied Science degrees, academic certificates, and Readiness in Skilled Employment (RISE).

John W. Cosgrove, Chief Executive Officer of AllOne Foundation & Charities, will give the commencement address. Degrees will be presented by Katie Leonard, Ed.D., President & CEO of Johnson College, and Heather Bonker, General Education Director of Johnson College.

Recipients of Johnson College’s Award for Academic Excellence A.A.S., Jacob Banta, an Automotive Technology program graduate, and Richard Christianson, a Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Technology program graduate, will serve as student speakers.

Matthew Michalek ’85, Vice President of Operations of L.R. Costanzo Company, and Co-Owner of B & M Property Development, will give the alumni address to the newly graduated Johnson College class of 2023.

The event will be live-streamed on the College’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/JohnsonCollegePA.

Alpha Beta Kappa (ABK) is the premier national collegiate honor society for trades and essential occupations. The society honors excellence not only in the classroom, but also in shop, studio, and laboratory study. Additionally, students must be a member of a student organization or club to become Alpha Beta Kappa members.

The National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) is an educational non-profit that exists to honor, recognize, and empower students and teachers in Career & Technical Education The appearance of the degree candidate’s name does not verify satisfactory completion of degree requirements.

Health Coaching by Yolanda Spring Specials

  1. $150 off of a 6-session package – includes 2 60-minute sessions per month for 3 months.
  1. $300 off of a 12-session package – includes 4 60-minute sessions per month for 3 months.

Lexington Entertainment Summer Lineup

Saturday, May 6                                DOUG SMITH’S DIXIELAND ALL-STARS              5:00 – 8:00

                                                                Run for the Roses Kentucky Derby Day Fundraiser

                                                                           Scranton Country Club

                                                                           1011 Morgan Highway

                                                                           Clarks Summit, PA     $100 donation

Saturday, May 13                              DOUG SMITH BAND                       8:00

                                                                           Saturday Night Dance & Grand March

                                                                           Skytop Lodge

                                                                           Skytop, PA   www.skytop.com

Friday, May 19                 ARCADIA CHORALE with the DOUG SMITH JAZZ TRIO                  8:00

                                                                           Opposites Attract

                                                                           Saint Luke’s Presbyterian Church Hall

                                                                           232 Wyoming Avenue

                                                                           Scranton, PA

Saturday, May 20                         DOUG SMITH’S DIXIELAND ALL-STARS  12:30- 3:30                                                                                                                      

  Community Day –Free to the Public

                                                                           Everhart Museum

                                                                           Nay Aug Park

                                                                           Scranton, PA

Saturday, June 3                                DOUG SMITH’S DIXIELAND ALL-STARS                  8:00

                                                                           Saturday Night Dance & Grand March

                                                                           Skytop Lodge (History Week)

                                                                           Skytop, PA  www.skytop.com

Sunday, June 4                                  DOUG SMITH’S DIXIELAND All-STARS                1:00 – 3:30

                                                                           featuring Erin Malloy      

                                                                           Lackawanna County Heritage Fair

                                                                           Montage Mountain

                                                                           Moosic, PA         

Thursday, June 1                               DOUG SMITH JAZZ TRIO                                     6:00 – 9:00

                                                                           Jewish Family Services “Community Matters” Event

                                                                           Scranton Cultural Center

                                                                           420 North Washington Avenue

                                                                           Scranton, PA

Wednesday, June 14                         GUITARIST BRIAN KEELER w/ the DIXIELAND ALL-STARS    5:00 – 7:00                                                                    Summer Solstice Fest

                                                                           French Azilum Historic Site

                                                                           Bradford County, PA

Saturday, June 17                              DOUG SMITH BAND                        8:00

                                                                           Saturday Night Dance & Grand March

                                                                           Skytop Lodge

                                                                           Skytop, PA www.skytop.com

Sunday, June 18                         DOUG SMITH’S DIXIELAND ALL-STARS                    1:00 – 4:00

                                                            Community Celebration

                                                            Cresco Train Station

                                                            Cresco, PA          

Friday, June 23                          PAULETTE COSTA & FRIENDS                                   5:00 – 7:00

                                                                           Friday Night Concert

                                                                           Allen Park

                                                                           1100 Price, Street

                                                                           Scranton, PA

Tuesday, June 27                              ERIN MALLOY & FRIENDS                                   6:30 – 8:30

                                                                           Tunes on Tuesday

                                                                           Suraci Bocce   Reservations: 570-806-1158 – $15

                                                                           Intersection of Routes 2012 & 2014

                                                                           Clifford Township, PA

Saturday, July 1                                 DOUG SMITH BAND                                      6:30 –7:45

(Rain Date July 7)                                               Independence Day Celebration

                                                                           Central Park

                                                                           Church Street, Honesdale, PA

                                                                           Fireworks at Dusk

Thursday, July 6              DOUG SMITH BAND featuring Erin Malloy                          5:00 – 7:00

                                                                           Summer Concert Series                                                                                                         Waverly Community House

                                                                           Waverly, PA

Friday, July 7                BRIAN KEELER & THE DOUG SMITH JAZZ QUARTET            5:00 – 7:00

                                                                           Brain Keeler Art Opening (First Friday)                                                                                                         Artworks Gallery & Studio

                                                                           236 Penn Avenue

                                                                           Scranton, PA

Saturday, July 15                              DOUG SMITH’S DIXIELAND ALL-STARS              3:00 –5:00

                                                                           Summer Concert

                                                                           Gouldsboro Train Station

                                                                           Gouldsboro, PA

PennDOT District 4 Now Hiring

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is seeking hardworking individuals for paid internships, summer maintenance, and student summer workers in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Wyoming counties. If you enjoy working in an active, fast-paced environment with the potential for promotion into a permanent position, check out the various opportunities at PennDOT and apply today!

“These positions are a great opportunity for students to work where they live and have a positive impact on the transportation network.” said Jonathan Eboli, P.E., PennDOT Engineering District 4-0 Assistant District Executive of Maintenance. “Students will have the opportunity to learn more about engineering and PennDOT which may lead to interest in full-time careers with the Department after graduation.”

Engineering Internship – PennDOT – Statewide (College)

Are you looking for a paid internship?  The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) offers statewide paid internship opportunities during the summer to students in a variety of majors, predominantly in engineering, science, and technology fields; however, PennDOT does more than just road construction and snow removal. PennDOT is a customer-driven service organization responsible for the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of Pennsylvania’s multimodal transportation system.


PennDOT interns enjoy opportunities in various areas of PennDOT operations. Internship opportunities associated with this posting will be headquartered throughout PennDOT’s Engineering Districts. Although all assignments may not be offered in every location, additional examples of work and special projects may be available. View PennDOT’s District map to see where your home county lies.

You may be able to obtain academic credit through participation in PennDOT’s internship program. Ask your academic advisor if your college offers credit for paid internships.

Additionally, some internships may offer the flexibility to telework if determined operationally appropriate by the hiring organization.

PennDOT College Student Summer Worker

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is seeking hard-working college students for employment during the summer months for the 2023 Summer Employment Program! If you enjoy working in an active, fast-paced environment while performing public service, check out this opportunity and apply today!

PennDOT Summer Employment Program (Non-Student)

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/pabureau/jobs/3826246/penndot-summer-employment-program-non-student?pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs
The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

Center City Print Picnic in the Park

As a way to commemorate Center City Print’s 10 year anniversary, the Paperback Foundation was created to promote positive environmental initiatives in communities across Pennsylvania. Enjoy our first annual Picnic In The Park where we bring our event to Lackawanna County’s McDade Park. Enjoy live music by Daddy-O & The Sax Maniacs, local eats and crafts, environmental education, and a day full of family fun. Together we can revitalize natural areas, create habitats for biodiversity, and improve our communities. Learn more about the Paperback Foundation by clicking here.

Keystone Mission Receives Support from Local Foundations

Keystone Mission Receives Support for Aftercare Life Coach

Keystone Mission was presented with a $2,500 check from The Honesdale National Bank Foundation to support the hiring of an aftercare life coach for the 2023 year. The goal of this program is to allow graduates to stay connected with supportive case management to ensure a full transition into self-sufficiency, avoiding relapse into homelessness. The life coach will perform follow-up care through home visits, telephone calls, and counseling sessions. They will lend extra support and guidance to our and other community graduates upon successful transition out of homelessness and into the community.

Keystone Mission Receives Support to Supplement Breakfast and Lunch

Keystone Mission was presented with a $1,000 check from The UNICO Foundation to supplement the breakfast and lunch meals at the Scranton Innovation Center for Homeless & Poverty. The Ralph J. Torraco Food Bank/Shelter Fund Grant provides funds through community-established food/shelter programs that provide food and shelter to those in need.
Food security is a critical first step to ensuring that guests of Keystone Mission can begin to focus on transformational self-care that was neglected while homeless. In March 2023, Keystone Mission provided over 1,500 meals in Lackawanna and Luzerne counties.

WYOU to Air Market Debate

On Saturday, May 6 from 7:00PM-7:30PM, WYOU will host a multi-market debate between House 163rd District Democrat Candidate Heather Boyd and House 163rd Republican Candidate Katie Ford. The pair are competing in a special election for the open 163rd Pennsylvania House seat. The winner of this race will determine which party has the majority in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. The “Special Edition of This Week in Pennsylvania” will be held at the WHTM/abc27 studio in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

The 30-minute debate will be hosted by WHTM abc27 News anchor Dennis Owens. The work by WHTM and Dennis Owens in producing and anchoring four high profile statewide debates in 2022 was critically acclaimed by politicians and journalists across the Commonwealth.

The Greater Scranton YMCA Summer Food Program

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, around 22 million kids receive free or reduced-cost meals thanks to the National School Lunch Program. However, once the school year ends, only 17 percent of those same kids are able to access free meals over the summer break, leaving many children without during the summer months.


The Y is working to fill that gap, and thanks to support from the Walmart Foundation, will help keep children healthy and well-nourished this summer, ensuring that kids reach their full potential. Participating youth will receive both food and fun through nutritious meals and snacks, while also enjoying recreational and learning activities aimed at keeping bodies and minds active. Y sites across the country, including the Greater Scranton YMCA, will offer the Summer Food Program to any child under 18. Children enrolled in early childhood education programs at the Greater Scranton YMCA are currently benefiting from the Food Program and will continue to do so throughout the summer. Additionally, the Greater Scranton YMCA partners with the Scranton School District to provide meals and snacks to school age youth enrolled in our Summer Day Camp Program, which kicks-off June 12th.


Now in its thirteenth year, the Summer Food Program is part of an existing national partnership between YMCA of the USA (Y-USA) and the Walmart Foundation to address child hunger, which is more prevalent during the summertime. Made possible by a grant from the Walmart Foundation, the Y is better able to reach kids in need. The program is part of the Y’s year-round effort to address child hunger; during the school year, the Y’s Afterschool Meal Program provides a combination of learning activities and healthy snacks at the end of the school day.


In summer 2022, the Greater Scranton YMCA served 13,110 meals to children enrolled in Summer Day Camp and Early Childhood Education Programs. This summer, due to increases in program enrollment, the Greater Scranton YMCA projects serving 24,900 meals and 15,825 snacks to children enrolled in Summer Day Camp and Early Childhood Education Programs. To learn more about the Greater Scranton YMCA’s Food Program, contact Katie O’Neill at koneill@gsymca.org.
“Hunger has a lasting impact on the development of children,” says Trish Fisher, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “Giving kids access to nutrition-filled meals allows kids to focus,
learn and become empowered to reach their full potential. The Y’s Summer Food Program helps make sure kids can enjoy healthy and delicious meals and snacks all summer long.”
This year marks the program’s thirteenth year and the Y’s ongoing commitment to helping kids achieve their full potential by nurturing their physical, mental and social-emotional development. Since the start of the Summer Food Program, the Y has served over 220 million healthy meals and snacks to hundreds of thousands of kids.