Wright Center to host July ‘Walk with a Doc’ events

The Wright Center for Community Health invites residents of all ages to lace up their sneakers and join a growing movement toward better health and stronger community connections with its monthly “Walk with a Doc” events in Lackawanna County.

Led by local physicians and healthcare professionals, the community walks offer an easy, fun and social way to get moving while engaging in health-focused conversations. Participants engage in light exercise, have the opportunity to ask health-related questions and connect with others in a relaxed, informal setting.

The July “Walk with a Doc” in Jermyn will be held on Saturday, July 18, at 9 a.m. at the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail. Walkers should gather at the Delaware Street Trailhead entrance. The Scranton walk is scheduled for Saturday, July 11, at 9 a.m., also along the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail, with walkers meeting at the Olive Street entrance.

The events are free and open to the public, welcoming individuals of all fitness levels. No pre-registration is required.

“Walk with a Doc” is a global nonprofit organization that promotes physical activity and meaningful conversations between physicians and community members.

For more information about the Wright Center for Community Health’s “Walk with a Doc” program, contact Melissa Germano-Ryczak at germanom@TheWrightCenter.org.

St. John’s Cathedral seeks donations for flea market

Parishioners of St. John’s Cathedral, Mayfield, are planning their annual flea market for Sept. 18-19.

They will be accepting merchandise (used but not abused) from anyone who is “house cleaning” and would like to donate good items for this fundraiser. No clothing will be accepted. Small appliances that work, jewelry, books, games, collectibles, purses, knick-knacks, toys in good condition, small pieces of furniture, lamps, etc. will be accepted and appreciated.

For more information, contact Evie Virbitsky at 570-335-5919 or Mott at 570-335-2128. St. John’s Center, 701 Hill St., Mayfield, will be open (front entrance) for the drop-off of items between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Johnson College receives grant to support new plumbing opportunities

Johnson College has been awarded a $10,000 Path to Pro Education Grant from The Home Depot Foundation to support the expansion of its Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Technology program and the launch of new plumbing training opportunities.

The funding will help equip newly expanded HVAC and plumbing laboratories with residential and commercial plumbing systems and fixtures, enhancing hands-on training for students entering high-demand skilled trades.

Building on one of the college’s most popular programs, Johnson College will introduce a five-semester Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology with Plumbing option beginning this fall. Offered at both the Scranton and Hazleton campuses, the program can be completed in two-and-a-half years and prepares students for entry-level careers in HVAC and plumbing through real-world, hands-on experience.

In addition, a stand-alone Plumbing certificate will launch in spring 2027 at both campuses. This one-year program is designed to prepare students for entry-level roles in residential and light commercial plumbing, with a focus on safe work practices, proper installation and system testing.

Marywood University/Gourmet Dining earns national dining award

Marywood University, in partnership with Gourmet Dining, has earned the Bronze Award in the prestigious Loyal E. Horton Dining Awards, presented by the National Association of College & University Food Services.

Widely regarded as the premier recognition in collegiate culinary arts, the Horton Awards honor exceptional achievement in menu development, presentation, special event planning and innovative dining concepts.

This year’s recognition marks the third consecutive national honor for Marywood and Gourmet Dining. In 2023, the team received Gold as well as the overall GOLD of the Year distinction for a galaxy‑themed event.

The 2025 Bronze Award celebrates the farm‑to‑table theme showcased during Celebrate Marywood, the university’s signature annual fundraising event. Gourmet Dining’s culinary team designed a menu and visual presentation that blended elegance with rustic charm, reflecting the spirit and vision of the university’s community celebration. Their approach emphasized fresh, locally inspired ingredients and décor that highlighted the natural beauty of the event’s outside setting.