ReSTart Scranton Launches Art Initiative to Combat Litter

Local business owner and runner Jeannine Luby, a committed member of the Scranton community, is taking action to combat litter and raise awareness about environmental sustainability through art. Inspired by the Swedish practice of “plogging,” where runners pick up litter during their workouts, Luby began collecting trash on her runs in northeastern Pennsylvania last year. Driven by a desire to make a greater impact, she reached out to local artist and AFA Gallery Director Theresa O’Connor to bring her vision to life.

With the support of a Lackawanna County Arts and Culture grant, and the administrative backing of Maureen McGuigan, Director of Arts & Culture for the county, along with Scranton’s Recycling and Safety Coordinator Christopher McClatchy, Luby and O’Connor are spearheading ReSTart Scranton—a unique initiative to reduce waste and foster the creation of sustainable art. The project encourages community members to pick up litter during their daily routines and transform the found items into creative artwork.

The grant, which funds this effort, has enabled ten local artists to be commissioned for the creation of works from litter collected during a community clean-up event in early March. Each artist will receive a stipend and can sell their pieces at AFA Gallery. In addition, the grant allows county residents to submit their own sustainable art for the exhibition, with the entry fee waived. Artists can find submission details here: https://www.artistsforart.org/callforwork.

The ReSTart Scranton Sustainable Art Exhibition will be open from March 28 to April 26, with a special interactive art installation during the First Friday event in Scranton on April 4. At this event, attendees will have the opportunity to engage with a bird’s nest installation made from found materials and contribute messages to the Earth by adding their own notes to the nest.

The ReSTart Scranton project also includes a Facebook group where community members can stay updated on upcoming events, learn more about waste reduction, and get inspired to create their own sustainable art.

For more information about the ReSTart Scranton initiative and upcoming events, visit the official Facebook group or reach out to the AFA Gallery.

The University of Scranton Presents ‘Rhapsody in Blue’ Recital

On Friday, Apr. 4, Performance Music at The University of Scranton will present a recital entitled “Rhapsody in Blue at 100” featuring the acclaimed Frederick Hohman, D.M.A., premiering the first full organ transcription of Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue.” The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue. Admission is free and the concert is open to the public. Seating is on a first-come, first-seated basis.

According to Cheryl Y. Boga, conductor and director of Performance Music, this will be Dr. Hohman’s 4th visit to Houlihan McLean to perform on its fully restored and historic Austin Opus 301 Symphonic Organ. “Every visit by Fred is what I like to call an organ adventure – he doesn’t just perform a concert, he shares his passion and knowledge of the instrument at every opportunity during his visit.”

In addition to being a concert organist of stunning musicality and virtuosity, Dr. Hohman is an award-winning composer of organ and choral music, a creator of organ transcriptions, an online educator, a musical instrument designer and a classical music audio-video producer. Hohman earned his performer’s certificate, Mus.B., M.M. and D.M.A. in the organ studio of David Craighead at The Eastman School. In 1984, he won First Prize in both the prestigious Clarence Mader and Arthur Poister competitions. This was the first step leading to decades of organ concert tours, taking him throughout the world, appearing in concert and religious venues, including appearances before regional and national conventions of the American Guild of Organists (AGO), The Organ Historical Society and The American Institute of Organbuilders.

Dr. Hohman founded the recording label Pro Organo in 1985 and has overseen the production and release of over 300 organ and choral music titles, including 16 releases, of which he is also the featured artist. Acclaimed by a critic with The Diapason magazine as “one of the symphonic organ’s strongest exponents,” during the 1980s, Dr. Hohman championed a revival of the Symphonic School of organ-playing. His writings and recordings ignited a revival in symphonic organ literature and performance practices of the early 20th century, which led to his first organ transcription publications and several additional CD releases.

Dr. Hohman has served The American Guild of Organists (AGO) on its national committees focused upon education and was commissioned by them to appear as video instructor in a series of 30 AGO-produced videos entitled “Lessons for the New Organist,” which are free for all to view at AGO’s website. Hohman has also provided written guidance and encouragement to aspiring organists as an adjudicator in 20 national and international organ competitions.

The University of Scranton’s Houlihan-McLean Center Austin Opus 301 symphonic organ was built in 1910 by the Austin Organ Company of Hartford Connecticut for the Immanuel Baptist Church in Scranton and was restored and re-dedicated by the university in 2005 in a recital performed by Thomas Murray of Yale University. Since then, many renowned organists have performed on the instrument in solo-recitals, and it has accompanied the university’s student ensembles in the performance of many major works of the choral and instrumental repertoires. The instrument is one of the few rare surviving original examples of early 20th-century organ building, and the impressive instrument possesses a total of 3,178 pipes, 45 ranks and four manuals. The instrument is currently maintained by Clem, Cole, Dan, and Steve, technicians/artists from Emery Brothers/Dieffenbach organs.

For further information on the recital, call 570-941-7624, email music@scranton.edu or visit scranton.edu/music. For more info on Dr. Hohman, visit frederickhohman.net.

Lackawanna Historical Society Genealogy Forum Registration Now Open

The Lackawanna Historical Society’s Genealogy Forum is an opportunity to learn more about specific topics in family history research and discuss particular research tactics to uncover your family story.  These sessions are geared to those who are not new to genealogy research and who have a strong knowledge of their U.S. family history. In taking these courses, registrants should have an idea as to which places their ancestors are from in Europe.

Saturday, April 12 from 10 am to Noon: Researching Ireland and Scots-Irish Records with Barbara Spellman Shuta, Kate Bohan and Madonna Munley at the Lackawanna County Children’s Library Community Room

Saturday, May 10 from 10 am to Noon: Researching Poland with Tony Paddock at the North Pocono Library

Saturday, June 14 from 10 am to Noon: Researching Italy with Ann Marie Castelgrande at Council Chambers, 2nd floor of Carbondale City Hall

Saturday, July 12 from 10 am to Noon: Researching Carpatho-Rusyn Records with Natalie Asikainen at the Albright Memorial Library, Henkelman Room

August (date TBA) Researching Germany with Tom Price at the Valley Community Library

Saturday, September 13 from 10 am to Noon: Researching England and Wales with Tom Price at the Abington Community Library

These sessions are free, but advance registration is required. For more information or to register for these sessions, contact the Lackawanna Historical Society at 570-344-3841 or email lackawannahistory@gmail.com.

Marywood President Emerita Sister Mary Persico Recognized with AICUP Awards

Sister Mary Persico, IHM, Ed.D., Marywood President Emerita and Director of Special Projects, was among three individuals recently honored for their service by the 85-member institutions of the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania (AICUP).

Sister Mary, who is AICUP Chair Emeritus and has served the organization admirably in other leadership capacities, received the Francis J. Michelini Award for Outstanding Service to Higher Education, in recognition of distinguished work in higher education, particularly during her tenure at Marywood University, where she served as the 12th President from 2016-2024. Sister Mary continues to serve Marywood as President Emerita and Director of Special Projects, guiding the work of the university’s new strategic plan and its regular Middle States accreditation review process.

Earlier in the year, Sister Mary and Marywood University were recognized in the Best Opinion category of the 2025 AICUP Comm Awards with the “Distinguished Communicator” designation, given for a piece she co-authored with AICUP President Thomas P. Foley, “A College Degree Is Well Worth the Investment,” which appeared in The Scranton Times-Tribune on January 2, 2024.

The recognitions took place during the AICUP annual meeting on Monday, March 24. The award ceremony at the Hilton Harrisburg was attended by dozens of college presidents from across the Commonwealth, as well as legislators and VIP guests.

Moses Taylor Foundation Honored with Friend of School Nursing Award

The Pennsylvania Association of School Nurses and Practitioners (PASNAP) recognized Moses Taylor Foundation as the recipient of the 2025 Friend of School Nursing Award for Pennsylvania. This award is presented to organizations and individuals outside the profession of school nursing who have made significant contributions to the practice of school nursing in the Commonwealth.

Christine Marcos, Senior Program Officer, has been immersed in the Foundation’s strategic focus area of school-based health for seven years. She shares, “School nurses are on the front lines of meeting the health needs of students, and their work encompasses far more than what most people realize. They are key to helping students manage chronic diseases, connecting families to crucial resources, screening children for health concerns, and much more. Our Board and staff are continually inspired by their resilience, knowledge, and passion for student health, and it is our privilege to support their work.”

Representatives from Moses Taylor Foundation accepted the award on March 22, 2025, in State College.

Alongside key partners such as PASNAP, Moses Taylor Foundation has so far invested $1.7 million, countless staff hours, and other resources to support school nurses through a four-point strategy that includes:

  • Advocacy for regular reevaluation of school health law, policies, and mandates
  • Building awareness of the school nurse role and connections between school nurses and key partners
  • Increased professional development opportunities specific to the role of the school nurse
  • Research and piloting of innovative school nurse workforce and funding models

“Since 2019, Moses Taylor Foundation has put school nurses front and center, advocating for solutions to barriers affecting school nurses, and helping to improve school health services for the students of Pennsylvania.  I can think of no person or organization more deserving of this year’s Friend of School Nursing award,” said Kathy Verbel, MEd, BSN, RN, NCSN, PASNAP’s Moses Taylor Foundation Liaison.

Marywood University Aviation Program Soars into Philadelphia Region

Marywood University is expanding the reach of its longstanding Aviation Management program into the Philadelphia region at Wings Field Airport (LOM), commonly known as “the Blue Bell Airport,” in the Philadelphia suburb of Blue Bell.

Established 25 years ago, Marywood’s aviation program has seen a rising demand, especially as commercial pilots retire in record numbers and a global shortage of certified pilots escalates. Now, through its partnership with Fly Gateway Aviation Institute, Marywood is extending its proven Scranton-based program into the Philadelphia area, offering students in Southeastern Pennsylvania and surrounding regions the ability to stay, learn, and train close to home.

“What Marywood University offers is a distinctive, professional, immersive aviation experience, which is more than just pilot training—students earn a business degree, in addition to flight certification, which ultimately gives them more options, greater flexibility, and better employability throughout their career,” said Captain Joseph McDonald, Director of Marywood’s Aviation Management Program and a retired American Airlines Captain. “Our partnership with Fly Gateway allows Marywood to go beyond Scranton and offer this incredible opportunity to students in the Southeastern Pennsylvania/Delaware region.”

Marywood University offers two tracks in its Aviation Management Program—one for Pilot/Flight Operations, for those who wish to become certified pilots, and another for Airline/Airport Management, for those interested in the business side of the industry. Through an all-in-one integrated program, students receive aviation-specific training with a strong business foundation, providing the leadership and management skills needed to succeed in today’s aviation industry. Students can take all non-pilot related courses online to earn a Bachelor of Business Administration degree, while taking in-person flight courses and instruction at the Blue Bell Airport.

As part of their training, students will have access to a fleet of modern aircraft, including the 2022-2024 Piper Archer 100i. These advanced airplanes feature cutting-edge electronic displays, ensuring that students train on the latest industry technology and are well-prepared for the modern cockpit environment. Another distinctive feature of Marywood’s Aviation Management Program is the ability for those in the Pilot/Flight Operations track to fly sooner.

“At Marywood University, we believe in learning by doing. Students in our program fly during their freshman year,” said Anthony Nestico, Assistant Director of Marywood’s Aviation Management Program and a JetBlue First Officer. “Most pilot programs make them wait until their sophomore or junior year before they ever get to fly a real airplane. While we have airplane simulators to get them started, they are soon prepared and equipped to take flight in their first year.”

Scranton Cultural Center Tickets for The Rock Orchestra Out Soon

Tickets for The Rock Orchestra will be available on April 11 at 10am.

MEGA Events will present The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight on December 7 at 8:00 PM at the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple.  The show will take place in the Weinberg Theatre and will feature an epic 90-minute concert, breathing beautifully dark energy into legendary rock and metal.

After mesmerizing audiences across Europe and the UK, The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight is set to electrify the USA once again. In ethereal candlelit settings, this band of 14 classical musicians unleash effortlessly enchanting melodies alongside powerful walls of distortion. Audiences will witness the unexpected union of classical music and metal.  The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight features top hits from iconic bands like Metallica, AC/DC, Rolling Stones, Rage Against The Machine, My Chemical Romance, Linkin’ Park, SOAD, Guns N Roses, Evanescence, Papa Roach, The Cranberries and more.

The show will take place in the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Theatre, located on the building’s first floor, with doors opening for bar and concessions at 7:00 PM.  Tickets start at $62.80 including fees.  Prices are subject to change.  Tickets will be available for purchase on April 11 at 10 AM at the Fidelity Bank Box Office at the SCC in person or by calling (570) 344-1111, or via Ticketmaster.  For more information or to view a full schedule of events, visit SCCMT.org.

The Wright Center’s Jignesh Sheth Reflects on National Doctors’ Day

March 30 was National Doctors’ Day – a perfect opportunity to celebrate all the great physicians out there, including those who practice locally.

The annual observance honors the “dedication, skill, and unwavering commitment of physicians in providing high-quality health care to individuals and communities worldwide,” according to the American Medical Association.

The first National Doctors Day was held all the way back in 1933 by Dr. Charles B. Almond in Winder, Georgia. Now it’s observed by health care organizations across the country, offering institutions and patients the chance to express their appreciation for physicians working in all facets of medicine.

At The Wright Center, we take immense pride in our doctors. Since our beginnings in 1976 as the Scranton-Temple Residency Program, we have been dedicated to providing high-quality primary and preventive care to the residents of Northeast Pennsylvania. Today, our doctors uphold a twofold mission: delivering comprehensive, whole-person primary health services to all – regardless of insurance status, ZIP code, or ability to pay – and educating the next generation of physicians and interprofessional health care professionals.

And as a Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike, or FQLA, we’ve been able to expand our local network’s locations in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayne and Wyoming counties, as well as our Driving Better Health mobile medical and dental unit, that all told serve tens of thousands of patients annually.

Our doctors follow a patient-centric model, with an emphasis on overcoming barriers to care by delivering coordinated and comprehensive services, including primary and preventive care, pediatrics, behavioral health, dental care, infectious disease services, lifestyle medicine, obesity medicine, and addiction recovery services. Through that full spectrum of care, we strive to improve access to care by emphasizing care management of patients with numerous medical needs, as well as through the use of key quality improvement practices, among them health information technology.

Given the topic, I’d like to take the opportunity to boast about some recent accolades we received.

In February, our president and CEO, Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak, received the 2025 ATHENA Leadership Award, presented by the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and sponsored locally by Michael A. Barbetti LLC Certified Public Accountants. The award honors an exceptional individual who has achieved excellence in their business or profession, has served the community in a meaningful way, and has assisted women in their attainment of professional goals and leadership skills. Dr. Thomas-Hemak certainly embodies all of these fine qualities.

Meanwhile, our community health centers in Clarks Summit, Jermyn, South Scranton Wilkes-Barre recently received the National Committee for Quality Assurance’s Patient-Centered Medical Home certificate of recognition. The award recognizes our locations’ commitment to delivering affordable, high-quality, whole-person primary health services through the patient-centered medical home model. In addition to strengthening patient-clinician relationships and enhancing the management of chronic conditions, the patient-centered medical home model also increases staff satisfaction and reduces health care costs. It’s wonderful to receive awards and certifications like these, which reaffirm the first-rate, cutting-edge work our physicians are carrying out every day. It is truly an honor and a privilege to serve the people of Northeast Pennsylvania.