The Wright Center for Community Health, Allied Services celebrate new primary care clinic with ribbon-cutting ceremony The Wright Center for Community Health and Allied Services celebrated the opening of a new primary care clinic inside Allied Services Rehabilitation Hospital at the Luger Scranton Rehab Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, Oct. 23. The primary care office at 475 Morgan Highway opened Oct. 16, expanding access to affordable, high-quality, whole-person primary and preventive health services for adults throughout the region, including checkups, physicals, screenings, and treatment for common illnesses and injuries. Patients do not need to be Allied Services patients to receive care at the new location. The Wright Center has locations in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayne, and Wyoming counties that provide care to individuals and family members of all ages, including a mobile medical and dental unit, Driving Better Health, that delivers care where individuals live, work, play, and study. To make an appointment, visit TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-591-5285. “Everyone deserves convenient access to high-quality primary care,” said Dr. Erin McFadden, senior vice president and chief medical officer at The Wright Center for Community Health. “Our partnership with Allied Services allows us to meet people where they are and connect more individuals and families with the comprehensive care they need to live healthier lives.” The Wright Center’s new community health center builds on the ongoing partnership between The Wright Center and Allied Services, two organizations committed to strengthening access to comprehensive care and support services throughout the region. “We are excited to expand our partnership with The Wright Center,” said Robert Cole, Ph.D., senior vice president and chief analytics officer at Allied Services. “Our two organizations share the same values and commitment to our community, and The Wright Center bringing primary care services to our campus will be a tremendous benefit to the patients and families that we collectively serve.” Allied Services provides comprehensive rehabilitation and support services to more than 1,200 children and thousands of adults through outpatient clinics, inpatient rehabilitation hospitals, long-term care centers, residential services, vocational programs, and hospice and palliative care across Northeast Pennsylvania.
Johnson College Hosts Annual Scholarship Breakfast SCRANTON, Pa (Oct. 27, 2026) – Johnson College hosted its annual Scholarship Breakfast today, October 27, 2026, at Fiorelli Family Catering in Peckville. The event recognized the scholarship recipients and honored the generous donors who made scholarships available to students. The College awarded 72 scholarships. Jewel Amoroso, a second-year student in Johnson College’s Biomedical Equipment Technology program and recipient of the John K. & Mary E. Blackledge Memorial Scholarship, served as the student speaker at the event. “My goal is to use the knowledge and skills I’m gaining at Johnson College to make sure that equipment is safe and reliable. My hope is not only to become a professional, but to make a positive impact through my work,” Jewel said. She shared that the generosity of scholarship donors and the support of Johnson College allow her to create a better future, not just for herself, but for the people who will benefit from the students work. The event also featured keynote speaker Betsy Summers, Treasurer of the Northeast Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association, who spoke on behalf of the North Eastern Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association Scholarship. Presenting sponsors of the event included Cardinal LG and SIMONA AMERICA Industries. The breakfast concluded with the scholarship awards presentation by Katie Pittelli, Ed.D., president and CEO of Johnson College, and Jeanine Engelmann, Ed.D., chief academic officer of Johnson College. The presented awards included: AAA North Penn Annual Scholarship, Lance Conklin; Edgar A. and Ida M. Alekna Foundation, Brianna Kocher, Karen Martinez, Niko Saldukas, and Andre Trojan; Sebastian “Sebby” Amico Memorial Scholarship, Evan Kilgore; Bartolai Family Scholarship, Ashton Labert; Vince Bartolai Memorial Biomedical Equipment Technology Scholarship, Kaylin Chaney; John K. & Mary E. Blackledge Memorial Scholarship, Jewel Amoroso and Layanna Andujar; Margaret Briggs Scholarship, Timothy Flanagan and Corey Machmer; Sean J. Calpin Automotive Technology Scholarship, Andrew Kondisko; Hilda Dakey and Harry Dakey Memorial Scholarship, Eliza Collins, Enmanuel Echavarria, Ruddy Jimenez Peralta, Halie Longobardi, and Jason Rodney; Vernon “Terry” Decker Scholarship, William Dotzel; P. Fricchione and Sons Scholarship, Charles Tartaglia; John T. Gerod Scholarship, Mason Thomas; Dr. George J. Hallesky Memorial Scholarship, Devon Anderson; Hawk Family Foundation Scholarship, Luke Hoats and Abigail Trowbridge; Thomas Hesser Scholarship, Carlos Martinez; Frank and Jean Hubbard Scholarship, Madyson Martinelli; HVAC Refrigerant Recycling Initiative Scholarship, Aidan Graff; Jefferson Township Lions Scholarship, William Chupko; Orlando S. Johnson Merit Award, Aidan Graff and Breanna Perini; Johnson College Moffat Merit Award, Brittany Bella and Kaitlyn Miner; Johnson College Presidential Scholarship, Krista Dudeck, Anastasia Lehman, Maureen Newcomb, Zachary Wilbur; Johnson College Richmond Merit Award, Austin Fortney, Evalin Owens; Johnson College Technology Merit Award, James Eckmeder, John Plumey; Janie Lamberton Memorial Scholarship, Jessica Bostjancic; William Lesik Memorial Scholarship, Donald Church, Lydia Gilson; Andrew Mazza Memorial Scholarship, Kynan Longworth; F. David Mercanti Memorial Scholarship, Ethan Howe; MotorWorld Lexus Scholarship, Jackson McHugh, Kahlil Williams; Northeast Suicide Prevention Initiative Scholarship, John Juarez; North Eastern Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association Scholarship, Estelle Shingler; John R. O’Hara Scholarship, Macian Knott; Chris Pambianco ’65 Vocational Education Award, Alyssa Hart, Laila Valree; Al Pantuso Automotive Technology Scholarship, Xavier Arzola; John R. and Maureen J. Pesavento Johnson College Scholarship, Kiley Williams; Anthony Ploskonka Memorial Scholarship, Andrew Eagon, Julius Kornafel; Irene Ploskonka Memorial Scholarship, Erith Marmolejos-Hernandez, Xavier Noel; Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association Scholarship, Ian DeAngelis, Brendan Galimi; Ross Family Foundation Scholarship, Andrew Baker, Landyn Termini; Society of Broadcast Engineers, Chapter II Scholarship, Gavin Waibel; Ruth Stitt Morgan Memorial Scholarship, Jessica Bostjancic; James E. Sweeney Memorial Scholarship, Felix Peraza; Dr. Islyn Thomas Achievement Award, Ryan Murray; Scranton UNICO Foundation Scholarship, Jayson Lambert; Villa Capri Cruisers Car Club, Inc. Scholarship, Jamal Benedict, John Silvi; Rich Vinansky Memorial Golf Tournament Scholarship, Maureen Newcomb, Veronica Roca Ruano; Ed Vogel Memorial Scholarship of the NEPA Chapter of the Antique Truck Club of America, Blake Labar.
Run Against Hunger 5K, 10K and 2-Mile Walk to Benefit St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen AllOne Charities and Scranton Running Company are partnering to host the 14th Annual Run Against Hunger 5K, 10K and 2-Mile Walk, an event dedicated to bringing the community together in support of a vital local cause: fighting hunger and helping neighbors in need. Sponsored by Ethical Factor RX and Excalibur Insurance, funds raised will benefit the St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen, an organization committed to providing meals and compassionate support to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity throughout the community. The Run Against Hunger welcomes participants of all ages and fitness levels to take part in the 5K or 10K race or enjoy the 2-mile walk. Whether running for a personal best, walking with family and friends, or showing support for the cause, participants will have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference while promoting health, community spirit, and service to others. Through this partnership, AllOne Charities and Scranton Running Company aim to bring people together around a shared mission: ensuring that those facing hunger receive the support and resources they need. The generosity of sponsors, participants, and community supporters will help further the important work of St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen and its commitment to serving those in need. Date: Saturday, November 7th Online Pre-Registration: https://runsignup.com/…/RunAgainstHunger5K10KRun2miwalk Packet Pickup: Friday, November 6th Day-of Registration/Packet Pick-up: 7:30am-8:45am Awards: Top overall Female, Male (for 5k and 10k), Top overall walker, Top 2 Females and Males in the following age groups (5k & 10k only); 19 & Under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49. 50-59, 60-69, 70+ 0-19+ Address: 2 West Olive St., Scranton, PA 18508 (Scranton Half Marathon Pavilion) Participants and spectators are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to help stock St. Francis of Assisi’s food pantry. Canned Corn/Peas/Carrots, Cereal, Canned Fruit, Spaghetti Sauce, Peanut Butter and Oatmeal are some food staples the food pantry could use some help restocking. For more information about registration, sponsorship opportunities or the event itself, head to; https://runsignup.com/…/RunAgainstHunger5K10KRun2miwalk or call Scranton Running Co. 570.955.0921
WVIA to Present Live Debate for Pennsylvania’s 8th Congressional District on October 9 WVIA is proud to announce it will produce a live broadcast of the debate for Pennsylvania’s 8th Congressional District on Thursday, October 29 at 7 PM ET. This event, taking place at WVIA public media studios in Pittston, will feature incumbent Congressman Robert Bresnahan (R) and Paige Cognetti (D). They will discuss critical issues affecting our region and the nation. The debate will air live on WVIA-TV and also be simulcast live on WVIA Radio and live-streamed on WVIA’s YouTube channel and at wvia.org. The producer and moderator of the debate will be WVIA’s Tracey Matisak. As the election approaches, this debate provides a crucial platform for both candidates to present their positions on issues including healthcare, the economy, infrastructure, and environmental policy. To attend the live debate, register to secure your spot here. Additional information on Robert Bresnahan can be found here, and Paige Cognetti can be found here.** Media wanting to attend should contact Holly Biondo directly by emailing her with name, title, contact info and outlet at hollybiondo@wvia.org. Please note, space is limited. However, WVIA has some reserved space in the back of the theater, and there is an overflow room as well. Capturing video throughout is prohibited. Media may record video (for B-roll) for the first 10 minutes. Anyone capturing video, including with cellphones, after the first 10 minutes will be escorted out of the theater. Media passes will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis by emailing Holly, and then can be picked up the night of the event at the check-in table. There will not be registration the night of the event. Find more details about the debate from WVIA News here. WVIA News coverage of District 8 can be found here.
University of Scranton To Hold Concert Friday, October 30 Performance Music at The University of Scranton will welcome trumpeter Marcus Printup and harpist Riza Printup in a recital entitled “Saints and Spirituals” on Friday, Oct. 30. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue, downtown Scranton. Admission is free and the concert is open to the public. Seating is on a first-come, first-seated basis. “The theme of the recital is a nod to the weekend being immediately prior to All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day, giving listeners the opportunity to hear music that is fresh and sometimes unexpected when performed by this distinctive combination of instruments,” said Janelle Decker, Performance Music executive director. According to Cheryl Y. Boga, Performance Music artistic director and a decades-long friend of Printup, “Marcus has been a longtime Scranton favorite, having appeared as a solo performer with the Jazz Band, Concert Band and Singers, provided trumpet masterclasses through the Scranton Brass Seminar, and served as composer and conductor for the World Premiere Concert Series in 2009, and his wife Riza has performed on harp with the University Singers for a Noel Night concert.” A member of Wynton Marsalis’s Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra since 1993, trumpeter, composer and arranger Marcus Printup was introduced to Marsalis by his mentor and friend, pianist Marcus Roberts, and was a member of Betty Carter’s first “Jazz Ahead” class in 1994. Throughout his distinguished career, Printup has performed and recorded with hundreds of legendary artists including Betty Carter, Cyrus Chestnut, Eric Clapton, Wycliffe Gordon, Willie Nelson, Eric Reed, Dianne Reeves, Marcus Roberts, Paul Simon and many others (including the puppet cast of Sesame Street), and his discography includes 14 CDs as a leader on the Blue Note, Nagel-Heyer and Steeplechase labels, and scores as a sideman. Riza Printup’s recording credits include releases with Marcus Printup, Sharel Cassity, James Zollar, Andromeda Turre, Meg Okura and Brianna Thomas, among many others. Under the music direction of Rob Lewis, Printup scored and recorded the harp tracks for Christina Aguilera’s 2025 project “Christmas in Paris.” Printup has performed with a span of greats including the late great Frank Wess, Yo-Yo Ma and jookin dance master Lil Buck, Kathleen Battle, Paquito D’Rivera, Lady Gaga, Kenneth ‘Babyface’ Edmonds and Stevie Wonder, and Wondersmith Entertainment’s “Passing The Crown” featuring MC Lyte and Rapsody. For further information on the concert (or related education events for student musicians and music educators), call 570-941-7624, email music@scranton.edu or visit scranton.edu/music. For more information on Marcus Printup, visit marcusprintup.net and for more info on Riza Printup, visit rizaprintup.com.
Wayne Bank Nationally Recognized for Excellence in Community Banking Wayne Bank announced that it was recognized as one of the nation’s top community banks by The Institute for Extraordinary Banking™, receiving the prestigious Banky Award™. This recognition highlights Wayne Bank’s commitment to helping businesses and families achieve their financial goals. “At Wayne Bank, community banking is about so much more than providing financial services. It’s about the relationships we build, the people we serve, and the difference we make together,” said Jim Donnelly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wayne Bank. “I’m incredibly proud of our employees, who bring that commitment to life every day. This award is a reflection of their dedication and the trust our customers and communities place in us. As we continue to grow, our focus remains the same: making Every Day Better® for the people and communities we are proud to serve.” The Extraordinary Banking™ Awards highlight banks that work to support their community. “Community banks recognize the aspirations, dreams, and silent hopes of small business and families,” said Roxanne Emmerich, Chair and Founder of The Institute for Extraordinary Banking. “The heart and soul of an extraordinary bank is its visionary blueprint for its community’s success and its commitment to making that vision real. This year’s honorees, our Top 5 Percenters™, embody that standard of excellence.”
The Wright Center, Tinnitus Support Group to host Nov. 6 meeting featuring local Audiologist The Tinnitus Support Group of Northeast Pennsylvania will meet Friday, Nov. 6, at 2 p.m. at The Wright Center for Community Health Mid Valley, 5 S. Washington Ave., Jermyn. A virtual attendance option will be available for those who cannot attend in person. The support group welcomes individuals living with tinnitus, their family members and friends, and anyone interested in learning more about this complex audiological and neurological condition. Participants can connect with others who share similar experiences, exchange practical coping strategies, and find encouragement in a compassionate, confidential setting. At the November meeting, featured presenter MarieAnn Zumpone-Weibley, AuD, CCC-A, will discuss hearing aid assistance for those with tinnitus. Zumpone-Weibley is licensed in New York and Pennsylvania and is a certified audiologist in audiology and speech-language pathology with over 30 years of practice. Zumpone-Weibly earned her Bachelor of Arts in speech pathology and audiology from St. John’s University in Jamaica, New York, and her Master of Science in education of the deaf and hard of hearing from CUNY Hunter College in New York. She also earned her Master of Science in audiology from Bloomsburg University in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, and her Doctorate of Audiology from Salus University in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania.
NEPA Philharmonic’s (Candle)Lit Festival Returns, kicking off with sellout success Back by popular demand, the NEPA Philharmonic’s highly anticipated (Candle)LIT Festival returns for a second season of concerts, with an eclectic lineup of immersive musical experiences from October through February. The festival opened October 15 with a sold-out performance of (Candle)LIT Nosferatu 1922, pairing the iconic film with live string quartet at Montage Mountain Resorts. Tickets for all upcoming (Candle)LIT Festival concerts are available at NEPAPHIL.org or by calling the Philharmonic box office 570-270-4444. After a successful inaugural Fall 2025 festival featuring multiple sellout performances, the NEPA PHIL has expanded the series to over a dozen performances running through February 6th, 2027. Blending world-class musicianship with a thousand electric candles, distinctive venues and genres, and opportunities to enjoy local food and drink, the festival offers audiences a fresh way to experience live music. From holiday traditions to high-energy rock, and stunning classical and choral works, each performance brings something unexpected to the concert experience. The festival’s opening concert brought the silent-film classic, Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horrors to life with a live string quartet performing the U.S. premiere of Rob Wright’s new score. Presented by the Eureka Foundation, the evening paired the haunting Gothic atmosphere of the film with hundreds of electric candles, signature drinks, and small bites. The sold-out performance demonstrated the continued enthusiasm for immersive musical experiences in NEPA. The festival continues October 28 and 29 with (Candle)LIT 360° Brass, an in-the-round performance featuring Music Director Mélisse Brunet, the 10-piece NEPA PHIL Brass Ensemble, and the Marywood Chamber Singers. Performances take place in two cities, at Marywood University’s Rotunda in Scranton on the 28th at 6PM and 7:30PM, and the Luzerne County Courthouse Rotunda in Wilkes-Barre on the 29th at 7PM. The succinct 45-minute performances will explore otherworldly surround-sound acoustics, with antiphonal brass and choral music echoing across both venues and fully enveloping the audience from the balcony above. On November 12 at 7PM, (Candle)LIT Brahms Requiem comes to Elm Park United Methodist Church in Scranton for a deaf-inclusive performance, featuring the orchestra joined by the Marywood Concert Choir. Following two sold-out (Candle)LIT Mozart Requiem performances in October 2025, the NEPA PHIL now brings Brahms’ transcendental work to the region, with returning audience-favorite soloists Jessica Leigh and Sunghoon Han. Deaf-inclusive accommodations for this program are made possible by a generous grant from the Margaret Briggs Foundation. Then on November 19 at 7PM, (Candle)LIT Film Favorites, presented by Riggs Asset Management, brings iconic movie scores to the Westmoreland Club’s Grand Hall in Wilkes-Barre, performed by a NEPA PHIL string quartet led by concertmaster Ruotao Mao, and complemented by gourmet hors d’oeuvres and drinks. Holiday celebrations take center stage in December in the NEPA PHIL’s most robust scope of holiday offerings, starting with a free Memory Friendly Carols program on December 1 at 1:15PM at the Marian Chapel at Marywood University, presented by AllOne Charities. The NEPA PHIL’s beloved orchestral holiday program, this year titled (Candle)LIT Holiday Magic and presented by Magic93, features the orchestra with Abington Heights High School Choir, Ballet Theatre of Scranton, and special guests Santa and Mrs. Claus on December 10 at the Scranton Cultural Center and December 11 at the F.M. Kirby Center, both at 7PM. The Scranton program will also be Deaf-inclusive, with select sensory accommodations available as well. Holiday festivities continue beyond Wilkes-Barre and Scranton: the NEPA PHIL Brass Quintet and Marywood Chamber Singers present (Candle)LIT Brass Madrigals at the Cooperage Project in Honesdale on December 12 at 6PM, with traditional old-time holiday carols, followed by the (Candle)LIT Madrigal Dinner at Beaumont Inn in Dallas on December 13 at 5PM, pairing the joyous music with an exquisite three-course holiday meal. The festival continues into 2027 with (Candle)LIT 90’s Pops on January 15 at 7PM at Chandelier Hall at the F.M. Kirby Center, where the NEPA PHIL String Quartet revisits Y2K hits from the ’90s and early 2000s. On January 29 at 7PM, Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 brings Baroque brilliance to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Scranton, featuring harpsichord, NEPA PHIL strings, and flutist Barbara Hopkins. The festival concludes February 6 with (Candle)LIT Electric Strings at Mohegan PA Casino, reimagining rock favorites with amplified strings, bass, drums, and special guests. The (Candle)LIT Festival reflects the NEPA PHIL’s commitment to connecting audiences with music in unexpected places while celebrating the region’s cultural spaces and community partners. The festival is part of the Philharmonic’s 55th season, with PNC serving as season presenting sponsor. The NEPA PHIL also extends its gratitude to their series sponsors, The Thalenfeld Family, Dr. Seth & Carolyn Fisher, and the Stoppini Family. Tickets for upcoming (Candle)LIT Festival concerts are available at NEPAPHIL.org or by calling the box office 570-270-4444. Following last year’s sellout successes and the sold-out Nosferatu festival opening, audiences are encouraged to secure tickets early.
The Wright Center’s director of education earns national graduate medical education certification Eileen Howells, director of medical education at The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education, recently earned certification as a training administrator of graduate medical education programs through the National Board for Certification Training Administrators of Graduate Medical Education. This professional credential validates the knowledge, skills, and expertise of Graduate Medical Education (GME) professionals, primarily residency and fellowship program coordinators and administrators. Having employees with this certification strengthens The Wright Center’s knowledge of Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) requirements, accreditation standards, and regulatory compliance. It also demonstrates The Wright Center’s investment in its GME professionals, promotes consistency across programs, and supports its ongoing efforts to maintain accreditation and provide high-quality residency and fellowship training. Howells, who joined The Wright Center in 2015, serves as administrator for ACGME-accredited residency programs in internal medicine, family medicine, and physical medicine & rehabilitation; the internal medicine-geriatrics integrated residency and fellowship pathway; and fellowship programs in cardiovascular disease, gastroenterology, and geriatrics. “Eileen’s certification reflects her commitment to professional excellence and the specialized knowledge required to support our graduate medical education programs,” said Dr. Jumee Barooah, senior vice president of education and designated institutional official at The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education. “Her expertise helps ensure our programs meet rigorous accreditation standards and provide residents and fellows with a high-quality educational experience.”
Johnson College to Host Fall Open House Johnson College will hold its Fall Open House on Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on its Scranton campus. To register to attend the Open House, visit Johnson.edu/openhouse or contact Johnson College’s Enrollment Department at 570-702-8856 or enroll@johnson.edu. The Open House will include discussions about the admissions process, information about financial aid for those who qualify, and student services such as student life, student support, and career services. Plus, same-day acceptance will be available for many programs if students bring their high school or college transcripts. Tours of each technical area will be conducted, and program directors and instructors will be available to review the specifics of their programs.
