Penguins Hockey Returns This Friday Preseason hockey returns to the area Friday, Sept. 25, as the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins take on the Lehigh Valley Phantoms at 7:05 p.m. at Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza. Tickets are available through the box office or by calling 570-208-7367. Fans can also purchase tickets here.
MFHS to Host Annual Community Luncheon MFHS will host its annual community luncheon on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026, at noon at The Banks Waterfront in Kingston, Pa. The luncheon reception will provide an opportunity for community members to gather and celebrate the organization’s work. This year’s luncheon will recognize the 2026 award recipient, PA Black Maternal Health Caucus, for its contributions to improving Black maternal health and supporting families and communities. Tickets for the luncheon are $75. RSVPs are required by Friday, Oct. 16.
CHOP Out Hunger to be celebrated at Feeding the Future event. Individual tickets are now on sale for the upcoming Feeding the Future event, taking place Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026, at 5 p.m. at Constantino’s Catering. The event will celebrate CHOP Out Hunger and honor Dalida Walton for her contributions to the community. Tickets are $125 per person and offer an opportunity to come together in support of the event’s mission. Those interested in attending can purchase tickets here.
Fidelity Bank’s New Corporate Center Open for Business Fidelity Bank is proud to announce that its new Corporate Center at the former historic Scranton Electric Building in downtown Scranton, is official as of Friday, September 18, 2026. This milestone marks a significant step in Fidelity Bank’s continued investment in the City of Scranton and the future of Northeastern Pennsylvania. The Electric City Branch and Wealth Management Center, located on the ground floor of the fully revitalized building at 507 Linden Street, will serve clients in a modern, centrally located space that honors the building’s historic legacy while supporting the Bank’s continued growth. “Scranton plays a vital role in the strength and growth of our region, it truly is the keystone of Northeastern Pennsylvania,” said Daniel J. Santaniello, President and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank. “As we welcome clients and Bankers into our new Corporate Center, we are proud to bring new energy into this iconic building and further contribute to the revitalization of downtown Scranton.” The move aligns with Fidelity Bank’s broader vision, which consolidates previously dispersed corporate functions into one centralized headquarters. This effort reflects the Bank’s strong growth trajectory, including an increase in assets of more than $1.5 billion since 2020. The Corporate Center brings more than 165 bankers to downtown Scranton, generating new opportunities for local businesses, restaurants, and service providers. In addition to the retail branch, the building houses corporate offices and a Wealth Management Center, reinforcing Fidelity Bank’s long-term commitment to the region. The Fidelity Bank Wealth Management Division has over $1 billion in assets under management and administration. Their key focus is combining investment expertise, financial planning, trust services, and private banking to help clients grow, protect, and expand on their wealth with confidence. Renovation efforts at the new Corporate Center have preserved key architectural elements, including historic stone and woodwork, while modernizing the structure to meet the needs of today’s workforce and clients. Completed milestones include roof repairs, window replacements, new structural framing, masonry, and interior finish work. In addition to serving as a headquarters and financial center, the building features a restored top-floor ballroom designed as a community space. This space is available for local non-profits and events, further strengthening Fidelity Bank’s role as a community partner. Fidelity Bank looks forward to welcoming clients into a space that reflects its commitment to service, community, and the continued revitalization of downtown Scranton. A private ribbon cutting ceremony was held with guest appearances from Governor Josh Shipiro along with other local dignitaries and community leaders. A public grand opening event is scheduled for Saturday, October 10 from 11 AM to 2 PM. Fidelity Bank invites the community to gather and celebrate this project and the future growth of Fidelity Bank together in the Electric City.
National Museum of Industrial History to host Steel Weekend 2026 The National Museum of Industrial History will host Steel Weekend on October 10-11, celebrating the regions rich industrial heritage while also exploring the past, present, and future of steel making. The two day event will include a variety of activities for visitors of all ages including a hot iron pour, steelworkers portrait studio, guest speakers, pop-up exhibits, youth activities, public art, and much more. Attendees can also enjoy live demonstrations, workshops, and refreshments throughout the weekend. Admission will be free all weekend. For more information, contact Mike Piersa at mpiersa@nmih.org, or click here to learn more about Steel Weekend 2026.
Local Business Owner, Author and NeuroCoach, Maria Conigliaro, to Host Book Signing at Maiolatesi Wine Cellars, Benefiting Marley’s Mission Maria Conigliaro, newly published author and certified NeuroCoach™, will host a public book signing on Thursday, October 1, 2026, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Maiolatesi Wine Cellars, located at 32-B Cabernet Drive in Scott, Pennsylvania. Conigliaro is also the owner of Inspired Studio, a boutique brand strategy and design agency serving clients for more than 25 years, and a longtime member of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. The event celebrates the release of Conigliaro’s debut book, The Belief That Built You, now available on Amazon. The evening will also feature live music by Amy Lee Hubbard, wine and fare available for purchase, and the opportunity for guests to have their copies personally signed. All proceeds from book sales made on the evening of October 1 will benefit Marley’s Mission, a Clarks Summit-based nonprofit to which Conigliaro has served as a board member for three years. The event is free and open to the public. No reservations are required.
Marywood University Surges 16 Places in 2027 U.S. News Rankings Amid Record Enrollment Marywood University surged 16 places to #45 overall among Regional Universities North in the 2027 U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges rankings, making Marywood the highest-ranked Northeastern Pennsylvania university in this category. Marywood also debuted at #30 in the Top Private Universities list, making it the highest‑ranked Northeastern Pennsylvania private higher education institution, affirming Marywood’s strong student outcomes, favorable class sizes, and robust institutional support. The Regional Universities North category includes 155 institutions across 11 states and the District of Columbia and evaluates universities in relation to peers with similar academic missions, degree offerings, and geographic locations. Collectively, these rankings reflect Marywood’s continued advancement as a high-quality, student-centered university distinguished by academic excellence, affordability, access, and strong support for students from enrollment through graduation. “This significant rise reflects Marywood’s remarkable momentum and the collective commitment of our faculty, staff, students, trustees, alumni, and supporters,” said Lisa A. Lori, J.D., President of Marywood University. “We are delivering an exceptional education, strengthening student outcomes, expanding opportunities, and demonstrating that academic quality and affordability can—and should—go hand in hand.” The recognition comes as Marywood welcomes the largest incoming domestic class in its history. The Fall 2026 incoming class includes 822 students: 655 incoming full-time undergraduate students and an additional 167 graduate students. The first-year undergraduate class represents 22 states, approximately 65% of its members live on campus, and its average high school GPA is 3.55. Marywood also achieved significant gains in several additional U.S. News categories: · #18 in Best Colleges for Veterans, an 11-place improvement from last year; · #20 in Best Value Schools; · #30 among Top Private Universities; and · #93 among Top Performers on Social Mobility. Marywood’s rise to # 18 in Best Colleges for Veterans places the University among the top 20 Regional Universities North for academic quality and its financial and institutional support of military-connected students. Marywood has consistently ranked among the top 30 institutions in this category. At #20 in Best Value Schools, Marywood remains the highest-ranked four-year private university in Northeastern Pennsylvania included in the category. The ranking recognizes institutions that combine strong academic quality with affordability for students receiving need-based financial aid. U.S. News considers only institutions ranked in or near the top half of their overall categories for Best Value recognition. Additionally, in the Top Performers on Social Mobility category, Marywood ranked # 93 and was the only Northeastern Pennsylvania university to place in the top 100. This ranking recognizes institutions that successfully enroll and graduate students receiving federal Pell Grants while also considering graduate earnings and borrower debt.
Marywood University Sets Fall Open Houses for Prospective Students Marywood University will hold two undergraduate open house events and one graduate open house this fall for prospective students. Prospective undergraduate students can attend the October Open House on Saturday, October 24, or the November Open House, on Saturday, November 14. Both events will be held from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Registration for each undergraduate open house begins at 8:30 a.m. in the Fireplace Lounge at the Nazareth Student Center on the University’s campus, and the last campus tour departs at 1:45 p.m. A complimentary continental breakfast and lunch are included in the fall open houses for undergraduates. During open house events, students will learn about the undergraduate admissions process, visit the academic department of their choice, and tour Marywood’s campus. There will also be opportunities to connect with faculty from other departments to explore minors and additional educational opportunities, and prospective student-athletes can meet with coaches. For prospective graduate students, an Open House is scheduled for Tuesday, October 27, from 6-7:30 p.m. During the event, students will learn about the graduate admissions process and affordability options and receive valuable information about their program of interest during individual faculty meetings. An optional campus tour will be offered beginning at 4:45 p.m. The early evening event also will feature light refreshments with Marywood admissions staff and alumni. For more information and to register for Marywood University’s fall open houses, visit marywood.edu/visitopenhouse or call Marywood’s admissions office at (570) 348-6234.
Fastenal to Hold Open Houses Through October Fastenal is opening its doors this October with open house events every Tuesday and Wednesday from 3-6 p.m. at the Fastenal Distribution Center, located at 1225 Mid Valley Drive, Jessup, PA 18434. Walk-ins are welcome, giving job seekers the opportunity to learn more about available positions, meet with the team, and explore potential career opportunities. Fastenal is highlighting opportunities within its shipping department, with both full-time and part-time positions available. These roles offer competitive pay, flexible scheduling, opportunities for career growth, and benefits for eligible employees. Those who are unable to attend during the open house hours can still learn more about available opportunities by contacting Sabado@fastenal.com or by calling (570) 382-7247. Job seekers can also can the QR code in the photo below to explore current positions and apply online.
The University of Scranton Opens “National” Era with US News The University of Scranton has boldly entered the U.S. News and World Report rankings of the best colleges in the entire United States, further validating an historic Carnegie reclassification last year as a National University. “Scranton has enjoyed an impressive run in the U.S. News Regional Universities in the North Rankings. This year, Scranton has moved up to the ‘National Universities’ U.S. News category, directly competing with Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Notre Dame, Duke and Georgetown, and the country’s other most-distinguished academic universities,” said Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton, at a campus celebration of Scranton’s new category and this year’s U.S. News rankings. In the 2027 U.S. News “Best Colleges” ranking, Scranton tied for No. 137 in the National Universities category. The National Universities category is widely regarded as the premier grouping of American universities and includes more than 420 institutions. While no single statistic determines an institution’s position in the rankings, which were released Tuesday, Sept. 22, Scranton performed exceptionally well in several indicators tied to educational quality and value as measured by student success. With 91% of Scranton graduates earning more than a typical high school graduate, the University ranks No. 47 in the graduate earnings category; The University ranks 73rd in earnings by major, a new category that evaluates graduates’ earnings four years after graduation and measures the value added by their degree; A 10.77-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio ranks No. 62; Holding a 73% predicted graduation rate and 82% six-year graduation rate, Scranton ranks No. 89 in the category measuring graduation rates. Named a “Best Value School (No. 148 nationally),” Scranton’s exceptional return on investment is reflected in its combination of academic quality, affordability and strong student outcomes. Long recognized as one the best Regional Universities in the nation — ranking top 10 in the North for 32 consecutive years — Scranton’s evolving academic and research profile in recent years has aligned more closely with institutions in the National category. The University’s position among National Universities was confirmed earlier this year when the Carnegie Classification system, the widely used benchmark that evaluates and compares institutions, recognized it as such. “We have always taken justifiable pride in the success of our students and the Catholic and Jesuit learning and living experience we offer to nurture their achievements,” Father Marina said. “I am delighted that this same commitment to helping our students achieve their dreams is now enjoying even greater national attention.” U.S. News rankings are based on the previously listed data, as well as other criteria including peer assessments, faculty salaries, standardized test performance and Pell Grant student graduation rates and performance. While The University of Scranton is tied for 137th among all national universities, it is tied for 71st among private colleges and universities on the list. The University’s accounting program is tied for 33rd in the nation, furthering its reputation as a premier destination for the field. Last year, the accounting program ranked 40th. It joins other undergraduate programs also listed on the national rankings: nursing, business, engineering and computer science. Founded in 1888, The University of Scranton is a Catholic and Jesuit university with 70 majors and more than 40 graduate programs housed in its three colleges (the Kania School of Management, the College of Arts and Sciences and the Leahy College of Health Sciences). Scranton has recently been recognized in national rankings from TIME Magazine and The Princeton Review, the latter of which ranked Scranton top 25 nationally in multiple categories measuring student satisfaction beyond the classroom. The most recent First Destination Survey by the Roche Family Center for Career Development revealed success rates of 99% and 100% for Scranton’s undergraduate and graduate members of the Class of 2024.
