The Board of Ambassadors Announce 2026 Tribute to Courage Honoree for Spirit of Hope Celebration The Board of Ambassadors will honor Honorable Thomas Munley as the 2026 Tribute to Courage Honoree at their upcoming Spirit of Hope Celebration set for Friday, November 6, 2026, at Mohegan Pennsylvania. Honorable Thomas Munley is a retired Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, Lackawanna County. Prior to his election, Judge Munley spent more than 30 years as a practicing attorney in northeastern Pennsylvania. He is a proud veteran of the United States Army and served in Vietnam. Judge Munley is proudest of his three sons, John, Thomas and Logan. He resides in northeastern Pennsylvania with his wife, Jodean. Judge Munley is a cancer survivor.
WVIA Earns Four NETA Public Media Awards, Including Excellence in Education WVIA has earned four honors in the 58th Annual NETA Public Media Awards, including the award for Excellence in Education. Presented by the National Educational Telecommunications Association (NETA), the awards recognize outstanding work in education, community engagement, marketing and communications, and content. WVIA was recognized in the following categories: ● Excellence in Education ● Education – Learning Events: Youth Voices ● Marketing & Communications – Integrated Media Campaign: Making NEPA Home ● Content – Topical Feature: Making NEPA Home The Excellence in Education award recognizes the broad reach and impact of WVIA Education, which supports students, teachers and families throughout Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania. In 2025, the team distributed more than 1,900 educational resources and engaged nearly 6,000 teachers, students and caregivers through 92 in-person sessions. Partnerships with area school districts extended WVIA Education’s reach to more than 106,000 students across the region. Among the programs recognized is Youth Voices, which was honored for its community engagement work. The initiative gives students the opportunity to develop media and storytelling skills while creating content that reflects their experiences and perspectives. In 2025, 100% of 246 student participants reported positive outcomes. WVIA’s original documentary Making NEPA Home earned two awards for its content and integrated marketing campaign. Produced as part of WVIA’s We Stand Against Hate initiative, the documentary tells the stories of refugees and immigrants who have built new lives in Northeastern Pennsylvania, exploring themes of resilience, belonging and community. “These awards are a tremendous reflection of the creativity, dedication and community focus that define WVIA,” said Carla McCabe, WVIA President & CEO. “From empowering young people to tell their own stories to helping our region better understand the experiences of our neighbors, this work demonstrates the many ways public media can educate, connect and inspire. We are especially proud of the Excellence in Education honor and grateful to the educators, students, families and community partners who make this work possible.” Vicki Austin, WVIA’s Chief Development and Education Officer, said the recognition underscores the importance of WVIA’s core educational mission. “Our education team works every day to connect students, educators and families with opportunities and resources that can make a meaningful difference,” Vicki Austin said. “These awards celebrate that work and the many partners who help us reach communities throughout the region.” The NETA Public Media Awards recognize exceptional work by public media stations in education, community engagement, marketing and communications, and content. Stations compete within divisions based on station size, with awards judged by experts from within the public media system and professionals working outside public media. The awards were announced September 14, 2026.
Johnson College Receives Grant from Fastenal to Support Girls on Fire Events Johnson College received a $5,000 grant from the Fastenal BK5K Youth Fund Committee to support the College’s Girls on Fire events. Girls on Fire is a unique one-day STEM event designed for 6-9th grade students to explore career opportunities in non-traditional STEM fields. The event is an integral part of the College’s Women in Industry Initiative and is held in conjunction with International Women’s Day. The Girls on Fire event includes tours of Johnson College’s campuses, presentations about industry experiences from women working in non-traditional STEM fields, and hands-on activities related to many of the programs offered at the College. Fastenal’s support helps Johnson College continue its mission to inspire young women to pursue rewarding careers in STEM and the trades. By connecting students with real-world experiences and industry professionals, the College aims to break down barriers and empower the next generation of women in technical fields. The BK5K, a 5-kilometer road race and walk, is held to honor Bob Kierlin, founder of Fastenal Company and lifelong supporter of youth programs. All proceeds support local youth organizations/programs that demonstrate financial need, where races are held. Learn more at https://www.bk5k.com/.
Attend The Frolic – Harvest at the Hilton to support United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA (UNC) will host The Frolic-Harvest at the Hilton on Thursday, Oct. 1, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Hilton Scranton & Conference Center. The 21+ event will bring the community together for an evening of food, drinks, entertainment and support for UNC’s programs and services. Guests can enjoy more than 20 tastings from a variety of local bars, businesses and bakeries, along with live music from Michelle Conaboy McGrath. WNEP’s Jeremy Lewan will serve as emcee, and attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in raffle prizes throughout the evening. Tickets are $50 per person. Proceeds will support United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA and its programs and services that benefit individuals and families throughout the community. Tickets can be purchased by scanning the event QR code, visiting www.uncnepa.org/frolic-2026/ or calling 272-228-1371.
Wayne Bank Expands Leadership Responsibilities for Greater Scranton Market Wayne Bank has announced an expansion of Executive Vice President and Market Executive Joseph (“Joe”) J. Mahon’s leadership responsibilities to include the Greater Scranton market, in addition to the New York territories he currently oversees. Mahon will continue to lead commercial lending and deposit growth initiatives while expanding his work with customers, businesses and community organizations throughout the Greater Scranton region. In his expanded role, he will support Wayne Bank’s strategic growth initiatives and help strengthen the bank’s presence across Northeastern Pennsylvania and New York. “Joe has consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership, strategic vision, and a commitment to building strong relationships throughout the communities we serve,” said Donnelly. “His proven success in commercial banking, business development, and team leadership has helped drive growth across our New York markets. Expanding his responsibilities into the Greater Scranton region positions us well for continued success and strengthens our ability to serve customers throughout our footprint.” Mahon earned a Master of Business Administration from Binghamton University and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Villanova University. He also serves on the boards of the Boys & Girls Club of Binghamton and the Boys & Girls Clubs Foundation of Binghamton.
Johnson College Offers WIOA-Approved Online Career Training Programs Johnson College offers WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act)-approved career training designed to help eligible individuals gain skills and industry credentials that can support new career opportunities or advancement in their current field. Through Johnson College’s Workforce Advancement & Value-Added Education (WAVE) program, individuals can enroll in career-focused training at any time and complete programs 100% online. Books and materials are included, and certification exam vouchers may be available for select programs. Some courses also include instructor-led support and guidance. Johnson College offers 13 career-focused training courses in areas such as electronic health records, medical billing and coding, professional bookkeeping with QuickBooks, sales representative and more. The programs provide opportunities for learners to develop practical skills and pursue industry-recognized certifications aligned with their professional goals. WIOA-approved training is available to eligible individuals seeking to gain new skills, change careers or strengthen their qualifications for employment. Individuals interested in WIOA-approved training at Johnson College can learn more about available programs, eligibility requirements and how to get started at johnson.edu/wave or by contacting wave@johnson.edu. PA CareerLink® Lackawanna County – a proud partner of the American Job Center network.
SWB RailRiders, Volpe Earns International League Player of the Week Award Minor League Baseball has announced its weekly awards for September 1-6 and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre’s Anthony Volpe was named the International League’s Player of the Week. In six games played, Volpe helped the team to five wins against Lehigh Valley and move into a tie for first place in the league. Volpe hit .524 on the week, going 11-21 with eleven hits. He smashed three doubles and three home runs. Theright-hander drove in six runs while scoring eight of his own. Volpe also walked three times and stole five bags.The 25-year-old has hit in .295 in 27 total games since returning to the RailRiders on August 7. In that time,he has smacked ten home runs and seven doubles while driving in 21 runs. Batting second consistently forManager Shelley Duncan, Volpe has also played three different defensive positions including second and thirdbase and shortstop. Volpe joins Tyler Hardman and Yanquiel Fernández as RailRiders position players who have won the award thisseason. Brendan Beck, three times, and Alexander Cornielle have also taken home the honors on the pitchingside. Scranton/Wilkes-Barre begins their series against Rochester, the other team tied for first place with in theInternational League. The RailRiders return to PNC Field on September 15 to wrap up their regular seasonagainst Jacksonville. For more information on the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders visit www.swbrailriders.com.
Johnson College Sets Eighth Consecutive Enrollment Record as College Continues to Grow As of Aug. 31, the first day of the 2026-27 academic year, 743 students are enrolled across Johnson College’s Scranton and Hazleton campuses, a 7% increase over the beginning of the 2025-26 academic year. This marks the College’s eighth consecutive year of record enrollment. The continued growth comes as Johnson College expands its academic offerings, facilities and access to career-focused education throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. This year’s incoming class includes more than 330 first-year students and more than 100 high school students enrolled in the College’s Industry Fast Track early college program. The continued enrollment growth comes at a time when colleges and universities across the country are facing a shrinking pipeline of traditional college-age students, making Johnson College’s sustained growth particularly notable. “Our continued enrollment growth demonstrates the value students and families place on career-focused education and the opportunities it can provide,” said Bill Burke, vice president of enrollment and student affairs. “Students are looking for programs that prepare them for careers where their skills are in demand, and Johnson College continues to expand those opportunities to meet the needs of both students and employers.” The College’s Hazleton campus experienced a 35% enrollment increase over last year, including its largest incoming classes to date in HVAC and Electrical Construction Technology. The growth comes as Johnson College expands the programs and opportunities available at the Hazleton campus. For the 2026-27 academic year, Johnson College introduced six new academic offerings. Computer Information Technology added three new concentrations: Cybersecurity, Scripting and Application Development, and Network Management. Mechatronics Technology added two new concentrations: Automation and Robotics and Industrial Mechanics. The College also introduced a new Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology with Plumbing option. For the first time, the two new Mechatronics Technology concentrations and the HVAC with Plumbing option are being offered at the Hazleton campus. The new offerings are contributing to significant enrollment growth across several areas. Enrollment in HVAC programs increased 15%, including both the traditional HVAC option and the new HVAC with Plumbing option. Enrollment in Mechatronics Technology more than doubled, combining the new Automation and Robotics and Industrial Mechanics concentrations. Computer Information Technology enrollment increased 50% following the addition of its three new concentrations. “We’re seeing tremendous growth at our Hazleton campus, and that growth reflects the demand for technical education in the communities we serve,” Burke said. “By bringing additional programs to Hazleton, we’re giving more students access to career opportunities close to home while responding to the workforce needs of employers throughout the region.” Building on the new HVAC with Plumbing option, Johnson College will further expand its plumbing education offerings in spring 2027 with the launch of a one-year Plumbing Academic Certificate program at both the Scranton and Hazleton campuses. Johnson College also expanded its physical footprint this year by adding the new Transportation Technology Center on Wyoming Avenue in downtown Scranton. The facility now houses lab space for the College’s Diesel Truck Technology, Diesel Preventative Maintenance Technology and Automotive Technology programs, providing students with expanded space for technical training. Other core programs, including Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology, Aviation Technology, Welding, Veterinary Nursing and Radiologic Technology, also continued to show strong enrollment. “These enrollment numbers are another indication that students are responding to the opportunities available at Johnson College,” said Dr. Katie Pittelli, president and CEO. “Our growth is allowing us to expand our programs, invest in new facilities and bring more career-focused education to students across Northeastern Pennsylvania. Our strong relationships with industry partners are an important part of that growth. By working directly with employers, we can ensure our programs teach the technical skills, knowledge and soft skills students need to succeed in today’s workforce. That connection between education and industry is at the heart of what we do at Johnson College.”
Geisinger School of Medicine seeks speakers for TEDxGCSOM 2026 Geisinger College of Health Sciences is seeking speakers for TEDxGCSOM 2026, an event that will challenge the community to explore a universal question: Why Care? The event will be held Wednesday, Oct. 15, 6 to 8 p.m. at the Medical Sciences Building in Scranton. Selected local speakers will examine the many ways care shapes lives, communities and healthcare. Applications are open to a diverse range of speakers, including patients and family members, students, healthcare providers, social workers, therapists, educators, caregivers, community leaders — essentially anyone with a meaningful perspective on the role of care in our lives. “Care is at the heart of the human experience,” said first-year medical student and event organizer Mario Lopez. “It can be found in a life-changing medical intervention, a difficult conversation, an act of advocacy, a moment of compassion or a connection that leaves a lasting impact. TEDxGCSOM offers an opportunity to explore why care matters and how it influences our world.” Potential topics include: · Personal experiences receiving care · The impact of compassionate healthcare · Caregiving and caregiving challenges · Patient advocacy · Health equity and access · Mental health · Innovation in healthcare · Resilience, healing and recovery · Lessons learned through providing care To apply, visit TEDxGCSOM Speaker Application. Application deadline is Sept. 20. TEDx events are local, independently organized programs that bring people together to share ideas and foster meaningful dialogue. Modeled after TED conferences, TEDx events feature live speakers and recorded TED Talks centered on ideas worth spreading within local communities.
Johnson College to Host Free “Test Strategies That Change the Game” Workshop on September 10 Unlock the secrets to peak test performance. Many high-achieving students find that mastering effective test strategies and strong time management is the key to translating their knowledge into higher scores. Johnson College’s WAVE Department is hosting a free “Test Strategies That Change the Game” workshop on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, from 6 to 9 p.m. in Ideal Saldi Hall on its Scranton campus. To register, visit johnson.edu/workshops. The free workshop introduces a focused, proven study system designed to maximize preparation time and significantly boost information retention. Participants will leave with practical tools to approach any exam with confidence and precision. Attendees will explore the underlying structure and design principles of written exams; learn a reliable, step-by-step method for studying, organizing, and retaining crucial information; and master proven techniques to eliminate incorrect answers and improve test-taking accuracy. The workshop is open to individuals ages 15 and older and is free to attend. PA EMS continuing education is included (3.5 hours, other). Space is limited to 65 participants per workshop. For more information, email wave@johnson.edu or call 570-702-8979. WAVE (Workforce Advancement & Value-Added Education) is Johnson College’s hub for continuing education and workforce development. WAVE empowers learners with the skills and knowledge needed to adapt to an ever-changing workforce and achieve long-term career success.
