WVIA Secures Grant for Lycoming County-Focused Initative

WVIA is proud to announce it has been awarded a grant through the First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania (FCFP) through the Williamsport Lycoming Competitive Grant Program to launch Lycoming County @ Work and Lycoming County Careers that Work, two groundbreaking workforce development initiatives designed to connect students, families, and job seekers with the region’s most in-demand career opportunities.

Building on WVIA’s successful Careers that Work and NEPA @ Work programs, this new Lycoming County–focused initiative will shine a spotlight on the area’s exceptional manufacturers and the high-priority occupations driving the region’s economy. Through engaging short-form documentaries, bilingual educational resources, and a dedicated online portal, Lycoming County residents will have free access to information about local employers, training opportunities, and career pathways.

“We are grateful for the support of First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania as we introduce students to manufacturing opportunities and pathways for employment in their own backyards,” said Vicki Austin, WVIA’s Chief Education, Grants, and Corporate Relations Officer. “Partnering with schools and businesses in Lycoming County to implement Lycoming@Work will allow us to empower teachers and with essential information as they support students in matching interests with careers.”

The initiative comes at a critical moment. Lycoming County faces a shrinking workforce as an aging population nears retirement, creating urgent demand for skilled employees in manufacturing, engineering, and related trades. According to the Lycoming County Chamber of Commerce, at least seventeen unique manufacturing employers are actively providing sustainable career opportunities but many remain unknown to local students and families.

Regional Impact
Lycoming County @ Work and Lycoming County Careers that Work will:

  • Prepare students for future success by offering free educational videos and classroom resources that introduce young people to high-demand local careers.
  • Support local employers by highlighting innovative manufacturers and connecting them with the next generation of skilled workers.
  • Empower families and job seekers with clear, accessible information about training programs, career pathways, and salaries.
  • Strengthen the regional economy by helping to fill critical job vacancies and attract new talent to the county.
  • Build community pride by showcasing world-class products made in Lycoming County and the people behind them.

Through this project, WVIA will produce video profiles of ten Lycoming County manufacturers and ten in-demand careers, provide lesson plans and activities aligned with Pennsylvania Career Education and Work Standards, and host a public kickoff event with county organizations, business leaders, and educators. All resources will be permanently available online in English and Spanish through a dedicated landing page, PBS LearningMedia, and WVIA.org.

Scranton Cultural Center To Host Presentation of Swan Lake

Classical Arts Entertainment proudly presents “Swan Lake,” performed by the International Ballet Stars as part of the 2025–2026 North American Tour, bringing the timeless magic of Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece to audiences across the United States and Canada.  The tour will perform in the Weinberg Theatre at the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple on February 8 at 2:00 PM.

This spectacular full-scale production features a 50-dancer international troupe, over 200 handcrafted costumes, and all-new hand-painted sets, transforming the stage into a dreamlike landscape for an unforgettable theatrical experience.  With world-renowned ballet artists from Moldova, Spain, Italy, Kyrgyzstan, Romania, United Kingdom, Brazil, Poland, United States, Japan, Turkey, Armenia, Tajikistan, Belarus, and Principal Dancers from Ukraine, this performance embodies the spirit of international artistry and excellence. Every scene—from the poetic ‘Dance of the Little Swans’ to Odile’s dazzling 32 fouetté turns —is a celebration of classical ballet in its purest and most expressive form. The ballet is in two acts with one intermission, is family-friendly and suitable for patrons 3-years-old and up.

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 1:00 PM.  Tickets start at $52.50 including fees.  Prices are subject to change.  Tickets will be available for purchase on November 17 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.

Listing Information:

WHAT:  Classical Arts Entertainment presents “Swan Lake”

WHEN:  February 8 at 2:00 PM  |  Building Doors & Bar/Concessions Open at 1:00 PM

WHERE:  Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple – Weinberg Theatre – 420 N. Washington Avenue, Scranton, PA, 18503

PRICES:  Starting at $52.50 (Includes Fees) | Prices Subject to Change

SWB RailRiders Hosting Salvation Army Toy Drive

The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, in conjunction with The Salvation Army, have announced that PNC Field will serve as a drop-off location for the Scranton Citadel Toy Drive.

Fans can drop off new, unwrapped toys at the RailRiders Front Office from November 17 to December 12. The Front Office is open from 9 A.M. to 4 P.M., Monday through Friday, though it will be closed November 26 – 28 for Thanksgiving.

Donate one new, unwrapped toy for The Salvation Army Scranton Citadel Toy Drive and receive one Zone C ticket voucher redeemable for any 2026 April or May RailRiders game at PNC Field.

In 2024, local donations helped The Salvation Army serve 2,279 families, deliver over 2,500 toys and brighten the holidays for more than 700 children in our community.

For more information, please call (570) 969-2255.

Scranton Area Community Foundation To Host Community Celebration

The Scranton Area Community Foundation will host its 2025 Annual Community Celebration, “Celebrating Community: A Year of Impact, Partnership, and Possibility,” on Thursday, December 4, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Foundation’s new home in the historic Century Club of Scranton, located at 612 Jefferson Avenue.

The Foundation’s signature year-end event brings together donors, fundholders, partners, nonprofit leaders, and community members to celebrate the generosity that strengthens Northeastern Pennsylvania. The evening will highlight key milestones from the past year, recognize meaningful partnerships, and share stories of impact made possible through charitable giving.

“This celebration is an opportunity to honor the people and organizations who make our region stronger every day,” said Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “The progress we’ve made in 2025—from transformative grants to strategic community initiatives—is a direct reflection of our partners’ generosity and commitment to creating meaningful, lasting change.”

Guests will enjoy live music, hors d’oeuvres, and meaningful conversation during an opening networking hour beginning at 5:00 p.m. Dinner stations and refreshments will be available. A brief program will follow at 6:00 p.m., featuring stories of collaboration, progress, and the possibilities ahead for 2026.

The event also offers attendees the opportunity to:

  • Hear inspiring stories of impact made possible by donor generosity
  • Connect with fellow supporters, partners, and community leaders
  • Celebrate shared accomplishments from 2025
  • Look ahead to new opportunities for partnership in the coming year

The Annual Community Celebration is free to attend, though registration is required. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Guests are kindly asked to RSVP by Sunday, November 30, at www.safdn.org.

Event Details

Scranton Area Community Foundation 2025 Annual Community Celebration

“Celebrating Community: A Year of Impact, Partnership, and Possibility”

Thursday, December 4, 2025 | 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m. – Networking, dinner stations, and refreshments

6:00 p.m. – Program

Location: Scranton Area Community Foundation at the Century Club (612 Jefferson Avenue, Scranton)

My Benefit Advisor: State Mandated Benefits

As the American workplace continues to evolve, so too does the legal and cultural expectation that employers support their employees during times of illness, injury, or family needs.  One of the most significant shifts in employee benefits policy in recent years is the emergence and expansion of state-mandated-disability insurance and paid leave programs. 

These mandates require businesses to offer income replacement benefits for employees who are unable to work due to non-work-related medical conditions, family caregiving responsibilities, or childbirth.  The challenge for benefit consultants is to work with employers not only in maintaining compliance but also in managing the financial and administrative complexities that arise from these evolving laws. 

As the legislative environment continues to shift, particularly with the possibility of future federal mandates, organizations must remain agile and informed.  By working closely with their benefit consultants in order to coordinate efforts with insurance carriers and legal advisors, business owners can better navigate the complexity of disability and state-mandated benefits while delivering valuable support to their workforce.

My Benefit Advisor is accessible to The Chamber’s members as a solution for employee benefits, including voluntary offerings. For more information about My Benefit Advisor, visit gscc.mybenefitadvisor.com or contact Rob Higginbotham at (800) 377-3536.

Geisinger Serves 3,300 Meals at Veteran Appreciation Dinners

To thank local veterans for their service,Geisinger served 3,300 meals during drive-through veteran appreciation dinners at 12 locations across its service area on Thursday, Nov. 6. The dinners were provided at no cost to U.S. military veterans and their guests.

Meals were provided in Bloomsburg, Danville, Jersey Shore, Lewistown, Mifflintown, Mount Pocono, Muncy, Pittston, Scranton, Shamokin, State College and Wilkes-Barre. Members of Geisinger’s executive leadership team, regional leaders and volunteers attended the event to hand out meals to veterans.

Members of the leadership team, along with staff, distributed the meals with gratitude for the veterans’ selflessness and sacrifice. Geisinger Volunteer Services also partnered with local elementary schools to provide veterans with homemade cards and notes from students.

GSWB Volunteers
HCP Volunteers

GCMC Volunteers
Geisinger Mount Pocono Volunteers

Circle Drive-In Releases Weekend Schedule

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20TH, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21ST, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22ND, & SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23RD

Screen One: “Wicked: For Good” (2025 – PG) at 6:30 PM
Screen Two: “The Running Man” (2025 – R) at 6:45 PM

Gates & Box Office open at 5:30 PM

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23RD

CIRCLE GIANT FLEA FAIR from 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Vendor Gates at 5:00 AM)

New vendors are always welcome, no pre-registration required! Vendors are invited to come out and sell their crafts, artisan items, homemade products, gently used treasures & more – every Sunday! 

Learn more at circledrive-in/fleafair24.

HOLIDAY GIFT CARD SALE UNTIL SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7TH!!

AVAILABLE ONLINE ONLY!

Purchase 1 $25 Gift Card & get 1 Free Small Popcorn Voucher

Purchase 1 $50 Gift Card & get 2 Free Small Popcorn Vouchers

Purchase 2 $25 Gift Cards for $45

Purchase 2 $50 Gift Cards for $90

Tickets for upcoming movies, as well as additional information, available at circledrive-in.com.

Steamtown NHS Returns And Releases Holiday Schedule

Winter Hours Begin November 17

Starting Monday, November 17, Steamtown National Historic Site shifts to winter hours:

  • Closed Monday and Tuesday
  • Open Wednesday–Sunday, 9:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Holiday Season Schedule & Events

Steamtown is heading into a busy stretch of programs and community events. Here’s what’s ahead:

Damage Control, Inc. Acquires Clean Force 1

Damage Control, Inc., the leading provider of damage restoration services and comprehensive repair solutions to the Northeastern Pennsylvania region for 30 years, is proud to join forces with Clean Force 1, an independently owned, woman-owned restoration firm recognized for its professionalism, compassion, and excellence in property damage recovery.

The acquisition strengthens a shared commitment to quality and service and formalizes a partnership built on years of collaboration, mutual respect, and shared values. As part of the acquisition, Danielle Sciandra, Owner of Clean Force 1, has joined Damage Control, Inc. as Director of Restoration Services.

“We’re excited to welcome Danielle Sciandra as our Director of Restoration Services. Over the years, Danielle has been more than a colleague; she’s been a trusted partner, a leader in her field, and someone whose dedication to quality and compassion for clients truly aligns with our core values.This next step marks the continuation of a shared vision, one rooted in integrity, teamwork, and an unwavering commitment to service.” – Sarah Cain, CEO of Damage Control, Inc.

Together, Damage Control, Inc. and Clean Force 1 are committed to raising the bar for restoration and remediation services, combining their strengths to deliver highly skilled, effective, and compassionate solutions when clients need them most. Simply put, better together.