WVIA Radio Announces Joint Celebration of 50th Anniversary WVIA Radio and The Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic announce a joint celebration of their respective 50th anniversaries. The Philharmonic and WVIA will mark the occasion by collectively commissioning and presenting the world-premiere of Palma, a fable for narrator, young string players, young chorus, and symphonic orchestra with music by Paul Salerni and text by Dana Gioia. The event will take place at the Scranton Cultural Center in November 2023. Just as the Philharmonic commemorates its continued mission to present live symphonic performances and music education through multiple concert series and educational outreach programs such as Music in our Schools, Young People’s Concerts, and the NEPP Mentoring Program, WVIA is pleased to present this piece as a salute to its beloved WVIA Radio and its hosts. Erika Funke, Lisa Mazzarella, George Graham, Larry Vojtko and Paul Lazar collectively immerse our region in classical, jazz, and opera programming throughout the broadcast week along with Morning Edition each weekday, All Things Considered, and Fresh Air in the afternoon, and many favorite weekend programs such as Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me and WVIA’s own WVIA News and Keystone Edition. Dr. Paul Salerni, NEH Distinguished Chair in the Humanities and Professor of Music at Lehigh University, director of the Lehigh University Very Modern Ensemble, and founder and Artistic Director of the Monocacy Chamber Orchestra will collaborate with Dana Gioia, a former Poet Laureate of California and Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts. Salerni and Gioia are no strangers to collaboration. Salerni’s one-act opera Tony Caruso’s Final Broadcast, with a libretto by Dana Gioia, won the National Opera Association’s Chamber Opera competition. Haunted, a one-act ballet opera composed by Salerni, with a libretto by Dana Gioia, is adapted from Gioia’s poem of the same name. Salerni, a lover of Italian fables, has written compositions in the past based upon two of his favorites: The Big Sword and The Little Broom and The Old Witch and the New Moon. This newly commissioned selection completes the trilogy of fable-inspired works. The work will feature the main character, Palma, who wrestles with the conflicting interests of toiling for basic survival and her desire to make music with a cherished violin. Palma is named after Salerni’s ninety-four-year-old mother who was born in Carbondale. Featuring the NEPA Philharmonic conducted by Mélisse Brunet, this special performance will continue WVIA’s tradition of educating young people and the Philharmonic’s tradition of nurturing young players in their musical gifts. The performance will include the participation of talented local children from the Choral Society of Northeastern Pennsylvania and a school string ensemble from the Abington Heights School District. Enthusiasts of Salerni’s work note that while his compositions are challenging for the most talented of professional instrumentalists, they deftly engage audiences of all ages. As such, this debut performance narrated by WVIA’s own Erika Funke is destined to be a cherished highlight for our Pennsylvania communities.This performance will be the final concert Mélisse Brunet will direct as the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic’s Music Director. Following the program, there will be a reception to thank Mélisse for her outstanding leadership and extend our warmest wishes for a brilliant career.
WVIA Education’s Speaking Grief Virtual Event On- Demand Last month, WVIA Education hosted a virtual workshop focusing on understanding and advocacy for those who are experiencing grief. The full presentation is now available to watch on-demand at wvia.org/speakinggrief. The Northeastern Pennsylvania Educational Television Association (dba WVIA) received a $5,000 grant from the Community Giving Foundation: Berwick to support this second Speaking Grief webinar. The virtual workshop serves as a resource for parents, caregivers, and educators to help those in need. Panelists include: · Beth Anne Harris, Director of Special Education and Student Services at Crestwood School District, · Jennifer Seechock, MS, Director of Counseling Services at Hospice of the Sacred Heart · Kristi Nejman, LCSW, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Behavior Specialist from PAK Pediatrics “This important workshop not only offers education around the topic of grief but also provides a community of supporters for those experiencing grief,” said Teresa Sabecky, WVIA’s Education Coordinator. The event answers questions such as “What does grief look like in a toddler versus an adult? What events trigger grief?” The program comes as a partner to the documentary film Speaking Grief, which explores the transformative experience of losing a family member in a grief-avoidant society. The documentary addresses the role that supports from friends and family plays in a person’s grief experience, offering guidance on how to show up for people in their darkest moments. Speaking Grief is a production of WPSU.
WVIA Radio To Present Rebroadcast of Delaware Water Gap Celebration WVIA Radio in conjunction with Chiaroscuro Records will be presenting its annual coverage of the Delaware Water Gap Celebration of the Arts (COTA) over 10 nights during the station’s All That Jazz radio program, Monday through Friday, December 5-9 and 12-16 at 7 p.m. Produced and hosted by George Graham, the series presents music from the 44th annual festival’s main stage and the nearby Deer Head Inn that took place on this past September. The festival was founded in 1978 as a showcase for the wealth of world-class jazz artists who make their home in the Pocono Northeast. It featured two full days of music in downtown Delaware Water Gap. WVIA has been presenting annual coverage of COTA since 1997. WVIA’s coverage includes both music and interviews with artists. Here is the schedule: Monday, December 5: Adam Niewood’s Double Entendre from the main stage/ Terry & Paul Kleinfelter from the Deer Head Tuesday, December 6: Nancy & Spencer Reed from the main stage/ Ron Thomas & Joe Michaels from the Deer Head Wednesday, December 7: Carolyn Leonhart Quartet from the main stage Thursday, December 8: Skip & Dan Wilkins Quartet from the main stage Friday, December 9: Water Gap Orchestra from the main stage Monday, December 12: Andy Bianco Quartet / Jay Rattman and Friends from the Deer Head Tuesday, December 13: Ryan Devlin & Steve Kortyka Quintet from the main stage/ Mode for Joe Duo [Bill Washer & Jon Ballantyne] from the Deer Head Wednesday, December 14: Najwa Parkins & Resolute Sound from the main stage/ Jim Ridl Trio from the Deer Head Thursday, December 15: Organik Vibe Quartet from the main stage Friday, December 16: Quartette Oblique featuring Dave Liebman & Michael Stephans from the Deer Head/ Peter Fluck & the Foztones from the main stage
WVIA Receives SAGE Impact Award for Community Outreach The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce announced WVIA as the recipient of the Impact Award for Community Outreach at this year’s SAGE Awards. “WVIA is honored to receive this award,” said Carla McCabe, President/CEO of WVIA. “We are uniquely positioned to be able to help businesses and organizations collaborate, convene, and discuss the issues that face our region, and we are proud to use our resources to help serve as a catalyst to improve the quality of life in our communities.” The SAGE Impact Award for Community Outreach recognizes creative expansion, collaborations, or adaptations within a business or organization for the purpose of addressing significant community needs. In the past year, WVIA produced over 80 hours of original television content and developed a news department to cover local stories. WVIA serves the citizens of the greater Scranton area by providing thoughtful and insightful programs that bring together area experts, leaders, and change agents to inform and educate audiences about the important topics facing our region and to create a platform for positive change. WVIA focuses most of its creative energy, time, and financial resources on creating these programs as they help further WVIA’s mission: WVIA educates, inspires, entertains and fosters citizenship, diverse cultures, and perspectives to nurture community. In the past year, WVIA partnered with over 100 community organizations, highlighting the issues that are important to the people of the region and providing answers and resources to our community’s most pressing questions. WVIA News has highlighted stories of our region and brought them national attention, having been featured on NPR stations across the country multiple times. Putting together these programs requires a large investment on the station’s part. Thousands of staff hours and thousands of dollars were invested, all with the goal of better informing our region and building connections for greater prosperity. About The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce Established in 1867, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce is the largest business network in northeastern Pennsylvania, with more than 1,500 member companies representing a variety of businesses. By becoming a Chamber member you become part of a community of businesses that seeks to ensure a high quality of life for all those living and working in the region. In addition to traditional Chamber services, such as networking, referrals, and cost-saving programs, The Chamber is also the parent organization to a number of affiliates. These affiliates support economic development, provide small business lending services, facilitate leadership development programs and guide workforce development initiatives. The Chamber and its family of affiliates support our members’ success, creating opportunities for the region and helping business owners and executives address the issues they face each day.
WVIA Announced as RACP Recipient WVIA has been announced as the recipient of a $2.25 million dollar award from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) of Pennsylvania.“We are grateful to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for selecting WVIA as a recipient of RACP funding among so many worthy applications. For over 50 years, WVIA has been proud to serve this region, and we look forward to continuing our tradition of excellence for generations to come” said Carla McCabe, WVIA President, and CEO. “Thank you to our board members and community leaders who advocated on behalf of WVIA for this grant award as well as James Davis and the team at Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies for their support in the process.”
WVIA’s Broadcast of Pennsylvania’s Congressional District Debate WVIA will broadcast the 2022 8th Congressional District Debate live from the WVIA Studios in Pittston, PA on Thursday, October 20th, at 7 p.m. The debate will simulcast live regionally on WVIA-TV, and WNEP TV, statewide on PCN and nationally on C-SPAN. The broadcast can also be heard on WVIA Radio and will livestream on WVIA’s Facebook and YouTube channels as well as at wvia.org. The live debate for the 8th Congressional District will feature incumbent Congressman Matt Cartwright (D) and Jim Bognet (R). Information on Matt Cartwright can be found at https://www.cartwrightcongress.com Information on Jim Bognet can be found at https://www.bognetforcongress.com The producer and moderator of the debate will be WVIA’s Larry Vojtko. Panelists for the debate include Borys Krawczeniuk, Staff Writer of the Times-Tribune, Roger DuPuis, News Editor for the Times Leader, and Lisa Washington, WNEP. On Friday, October 21st, WVIA will broadcast the 2022 9th Congressional District Debate at 7 p.m. live from the WVIA Studios. The debate will feature incumbent Congressman Dan Meuser (R) and Amanda Waldman (D).
WVIA To Broadcast a Mind Over Matter Discussion WVIA will broadcast Mind Over Matter: The State of Mental Health in NEPA live from the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine in Scranton, PA on Thursday, October 27 at 7 p.m. Part of WVIA’s Mind Over Matter mental health initiative, The State of Mental Health in NEPA will feature Moderator Tracey Matisak and a panel of regional mental health experts to discuss the state of mental health in NEPA based on a critical needs assessment. Hear stories from people who are coping with mental health challenges and find out where to get help. Admission is free but limited. Panelists include: Dr. Sanjay Chandragiri, Associate Professor of PsychiatrySarah Wodder, Psy.D., LP, LPC, President, and CEO, Scranton Counseling CenterDawn Zieger, Associate Vice President, Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at Geisinger Reservations can be made at: wvia.org/mindovermatter
WVIA To Broadcast Pennsylvania’s Congressional District Debate Live WVIA will broadcast the 2022 9th Congressional District Debate live from the WVIA Studios in Pittston, PA on Friday, October 21 at 7 p.m. The debate will simulcast live on WVIA-TV and WVIA Radio and will livestream on WVIA’s Facebook and Youtube channels as well as at wvia.org. The live debate for the 9th Congressional District will feature incumbent Congressman Dan Meuser (R) and Amanda Waldman (D). Information on Dan Meuser can be found at https://www.meuserforcongress.com Information on Amanda Waldman can be found at https://waldman4pa.com The producer and moderator of the debate will be WVIA’s Larry Vojtko. Panelists for the debate will be Brian Smith, City Editor of the Pottsville Republican, Francine Schertzer, Sr. Vice President and Chief Content Officer, PCN, and Andy Mehalshick, lead member of the Eyewitness News I-Team, WBRE.
WVIA’s Announces Keystone Edition Business Moderator WVIA, the PBS and NPR affiliate for northeastern and central Pennsylvania, has announced that Steve Stumbris, Director of the Bucknell University Small Business Development Center (SBDC), will serve as moderator for the next season of Keystone Edition Business. Stumbris takes on the role after local entrepreneur Kristopher B. Jones served as moderator for the first two seasons of the program. “It was an amazing honor to serve as host of Keystone Edition Business for two seasons and work side-by-side with an incredible staff of WVIA producers and media professionals. I’m excited for Steve Stumbris as the new host and know that he will have the requisite support to thrive,” said Jones. “We are so grateful to Kris Jones for building the Keystone Edition Business brand. With his energy and insights, Keystone Edition Business became a must-watch program for the business community and aspiring entrepreneurs,” said WVIA President and CEO Carla McCabe. “We look forward to this new chapter and are thrilled to welcome Steve, whose experience and expertise have helped thousands of Pennsylvania businesses to start and grow.” “I’m excited to be joining WVIA and look forward to sharing the stories of business leaders and vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystems across Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania as the moderator of Keystone Edition Business,” said Stumbris. “The Commonwealth’s rich history of industry is matched only by the burgeoning new innovations that are driving the economic development of the future.” The next season of Keystone Edition Business will premiere on Monday, October 10th with The State of Business, which will highlight the current statistics and business trends in Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania. The upcoming season will also cover the topics of inflation/recession, downtown businesses, locally made products, immigrant-led businesses, female founders, youth entrepreneurship, and agricultural businesses. This season will feature the inclusion of live studio audiences and questions for each of the program tapings. Reservations are free but limited and can be made at wvia.org/events.
WVIA Announces Original Documentary Film Chronicling the 2022 Southern Columbia Area High School Football Tigers WVIA has announced its next original documentary film will chronicle the 2022 Southern Columbia Area High School Football Tigers as they chase a PIAA (Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association, Inc.) record sixth consecutive state championship. Award-winning WVIA filmmaker Alexander Monelli will tell the story of their season from the locker room to practices to the sidelines of the games, giving viewers an up close and never-before-seen look at of one of the top high school football programs in the state. Located in rural Catawissa, Pennsylvania (near the world-renowned Knoebels Amusement Resort), the film aims to discover what makes the small-town team so successful year after year while simultaneously chronicling its great history. The documentary will also delve into some of the history of high school football in northeastern and central Pennsylvania, exploring programs like George Curry’s old Berwick Bulldogs and comparing them to Southern Columbia. The film will feature interviews with the 2022 Southern Columbia football team and its coaches alongside interviews with former NFL players Henry Hynoski (Southern Columbia, New York Giants) and Bo Orlando (Berwick, Houston Oilers), as well as former WNEP sports director Jim Coles, who covered Southern Columbia and regional high school football for 33 years. “We have this incredible story right in our own backyard. The Southern Columbia football program was almost shut down in 1980 because of a 26-game losing streak and poor player turnout. It is now the perennial state champion with the winningest high school football coach in Pennsylvania history,” said filmmaker Alexander Monelli. “Everyone has their theory (good and bad) about how Southern is so dominant every year. I’m looking to answer that question with this film. And the real answer might just surprise you.” “What I hope people will say after this documentary is ‘they do things the right way,” said head coach Jim Roth. “As far as the way we work, the way we treat players, the way we interact, and then the rest takes care of itself and translates into wins.” “Southern Columbia High School football is a unique story, and we are excited to give our viewers an up-close and personal view of this team,” said Ben Payavis II, WVIA Chief Content Officer. “WVIA takes pride in shining a light on the stories of our region and giving them a platform to be shared with the world.”
