Greater Scranton YMCA Sets Kids Up For Summer at Healthy Kids Day Free and open to the public, this annual event features a day of fun filled activities to celebrate kids being kids. The Greater Scranton YMCA is hosting the Y’s annual Healthy Kids Day® on Saturday, May 3rd at 10:00 a.m. located at 706 North Blakely Street in Dunmore. This free, annual event features a variety of family-friendly activities to encourage healthy kids, healthy families and a healthy start to the summer season. Sponsored nationally by Peanuts, Healthy Kids Day’s mission is to prepare families in our community for a safe, healthy and fun summer. Some featured activities include rides, a vendor fair, bounce houses, face painting, first responders, and more. The celebration will kick-off with a free one-mile family fun walk at 10:00 a.m. Registration is not required. “It is so important for kids to stay active over the summer, both physically and mentally,” said Rich Surridge, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “At the Y, we believe in providing resources for families to create healthy habits, no matter the time of year. Healthy Kids Day is a fun, free community-wide event that encourages families to take advantage of all the great summer activities the Y has to offer.” Locally, Healthy Kids Day is sponsored by Air Excellence, Scartelli Construction, Community Bank, NET Credit Union, Matrix, Precor, Cal Mal Vending Services, TOPP Business Solutions, and Brucelli Advertising. For more information, contact Brandon Whipple, Senior Program Director and Coordinator of Healthy Kids Day, at (570) 828-3116 or bwhipple@gsymca.org. You can also visit the Greater Scranton YMCA online!
Johnson College Hosts Debut Event for Bracey Hall Johnson College celebrated the completion of Bracey Hall during a debut event at its Scranton campus on April 2, 2025. This new facility has doubled the size of the former Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning (HVAC) laboratory to provide necessary training facilities for the College’s growing Building Trades programs, specifically HVAC Technology and Electrical Construction Technology. Members of the Johnson College community and the Bracey family gathered to see the newly constructed building that will allow more students to enroll in the College’s hands-on Building Trades programs to meet industry needs throughout the region and beyond. “We prepare our students for the workforce from the moment they step on campus, ensuring they have the skills, knowledge, and experience to thrive in the ever-changing landscape of technology and industry,” said Dr. Katie Pittelli, President and CEO of Johnson College. “This building—Bracey Hall—will help us do just that. It’s vital to our continued growth and success, allowing us to better serve the increasing demand for skilled technicians and technologists.” Bracey Hall is one of four components of the College’s comprehensive, five-year capital campaign, “Innovation at Work.” It was named after the Bracey family in recognition of their immense support of Johnson College and its building trades programs. The Bracey’s pledged a major gift to the College’s capital campaign, aiding its mission to meet the needs of its students, industry partners, and the community through real-world, hands-on, and industry-driven education. In addition to the transformational gift from the Bracey family, the College was awarded a $1 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through the City of Scranton. The grant will help the College expand its workforce development programming for high-tech and in-demand fields, including HVAC and Electrical Construction. The HVAC and Electrical Construction Technology programs also benefitted from a $280,000 Appalachian Regional Commission grant for campus technology upgrades. Walter Wood ’11, HVAC Program Director and Chair of the Building Trades Division at Johnson College is elated by the opportunities the new space will provide his students. “The demand for skilled technicians is increasing, and we’re proud to be at the forefront of preparing our students for success in various industries, both locally and globally. This expansion is about more than just space—it’s about creating an environment that fosters innovation, teamwork, and excellence,” he said. Construction of Bracey Hall began in 2024, following the official reveal of the building, designed by Studio KLP Architects. Under the construction management of L.R. Costanzo Co., Inc., the building took shape quickly with the help of many of Johnson College’s industry partners and alumni.
Northeast Regional Cancer Institute Announces New Officers and Members to the Board of Directors The Northeast Regional Cancer Institute’s Board of Directors elected new officers. Holly Roever Carron, was elected as Chair of the Board of Directors, Maria Montoro Edwards, Ph.D, Vice Chair, Susan Belin, Secretary and John Ruddy, DPS, CFA, CPA, Treasurer. In addition to the new officers, the Board of Directors appointed four new Board members, Gail Smeraldi, DPM, Amber L. Sobuto, D.O., John J. Sobuto, D.O., and David J. Grega, CPA. Holly Roever Carron is President at HW Roever Inc, a family operated Real Estate Holding company and former Dunkin franchisee. Holly is a graduate of the Pennsylvania State University at University Park with a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing and International Business with a concentration in Spanish. She currently serves as Chair of the Board at St. Joseph’s Center, an organization designed to assist those with intellectual disabilities and developmental delays and sits on the Family Business Alliance Board. Ms. Carron has also begun a new career in college admissions as a First Reader at the University of Miami. Gail Smeraldi, DPM is a retired Podiatrist, the 2024-2025 CASUAL Day Co-Chair, an active community fundraiser and a mother of two, Hayley and Caleb. Amber L. Sobuto, D.O. is board-certified in Hematology, Oncology and Internal Medicine. She is a Hematologist/Oncologist with Hematology & Oncology Associates. Dr. Sobuto is a graduate of Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her fellowship in Hematology and Oncology and her residence in Internal Medicine at Lankenau Medical Center in Wynnewood, PA. She is a mother of four children, Giovanni, Scarlett, and twin girls Livianna and Juliet. John J. Sobuto D.O. is a Pulmonologist with Geisinger and will be transitioning to the Lehigh Valley Physician Group in May 2025. Dr. Sobuto is a graduate of Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed Fellowship training at Lankenau Medical Center. His specialty is in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine. He holds board certifications in Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Medicine, Critical Care Medicine all under the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Sobuto has a special interest in Advanced Bronchoscopy with a focus on early-stage lung cancer diagnostics. He is a member of the American College of Chest Physicians and the American Thoracic Society. Dr. Sobuto is a father of four children, Giovanni, Scarlett, and twin girls Livianna and Juliet. David J. Grega, CPA is the Corporate Controller at Medico Construction Equipment, Inc., where he is responsible for overseeing all accounting and financial operations while playing a key role in driving the company’s growth. Before joining Medico Construction Equipment, Inc., David served as a Director at McGrail Merkel Quinn & Associates, P.C., bringing 16 years of experience in public accounting. David holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Wilkes University and resides in Shavertown with his wife Sarah and their three children. David is a member of the Knights of Columbus and has previously served on the Finance Committee at Wyoming Valley Country Club. He also dedicates his time as a coach for both Back Mountain Little League and Lake-Lehman Youth Basketball.
The Wright Center Introduces New Psychiatrist The Wright Center for Community Health has expanded its psychiatry services with the addition of an experienced psychiatrist, who is now offering office-based remote appointments for adults. Dr. Jean Gauvin, who earned his medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, will provide a full range of services to patients via office-based remote appointments five days a week. Additionally, he will work with colleagues across The Wright Center to continue integrating behavioral health and primary health services. “When behavioral health care providers work hand in hand with primary care providers, patients’ health outcomes improve,” said Dr. Jignesh Sheth, senior vice president and chief medical and information officer at The Wright Center. “We know there’s a deep need for behavioral health services in Northeast Pennsylvania, so we’re excited to welcome Dr. Gauvin to The Wright Center as we continue our focus on increasing access to care.” The United States is experiencing a mental health crisis with increased levels of unmet behavioral health needs among people of all ages, according to a November 2024 brief issued by the U.S. Health Resources & Services Administration’s (HRSA) Bureau of Health Workforce. In 2023, approximately 59 million U.S. adults, 23% of all U.S. adults, had a mental illness, and nearly half of them did not receive treatment. Behavioral health services can be difficult to access due to behavioral health provider shortages, high out-of-pocket costs, coverage gaps, and other factors. The national average wait time for behavioral health services is 48 days, according to HRSA. Dr. Gauvin and The Wright Center provide office-based remote visits to improve accessibility for individuals in underserved and under-resourced areas, reducing barriers to behavioral health care. Dr. Gauvin completed his residency training at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. He has worked as a psychiatrist in several hospitals across Connecticut and at the Connecticut Department of Corrections.
The Wright Center Deputy Medical Director Recognized as ‘Everyday Hero’ A board-certified internal medicine physician and deputy chief medical officer of The Wright Center for Community Health received an Everyday Hero Award from the Pennsylvania Medical Society in March. Dr. Erin McFadden was nominated for the award by colleagues who highlighted her tireless efforts to deliver high-quality whole-person primary health services that are accessible to all and educate the next generation of physicians. “Erin’s unwavering dedication to patient care and medical education exemplifies the very best of our profession,” said Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak, president and CEO of The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education. “As an exemplary graduate of our legacy Internal Medicine Residency Program and our noble mission delivered, Erin’s leadership and countless contributions embody The Wright Center’s mission to improve the health and welfare of our communities through responsive, whole-person health services for all and the sustainable renewal of an inspired, competent workforce that is privileged to serve.” The Pennsylvania Medical Society’s Everyday Hero Award acknowledges physicians who are often “the unsung heroes of our communities, tirelessly working to improve lives and inspire hope,” according to the organization. Soon after joining The Wright Center as a physician and member of the internal medicine residency program faculty in 2020, Dr. McFadden emerged as a leader. As the COVID-19 pandemic spread, she participated in a statewide effort to assist personal care, assisted living, and skilled nursing facilities in Northeast Pennsylvania with pandemic care. She later headed an outpatient infusion center at The Wright Center for Community Health Scranton, providing monoclonal antibody treatment for patients with severe COVID. Additionally, Dr. McFadden spearheaded the expansion of The Wright Center’s community health centers, including the Scranton Counseling Center location, which opened in April 2021, and the North Scranton location, which opened in July 2023. She serves as the medical director for both The Wright Center for Community Health Scranton and The Wright Center for Community Health Scranton Counseling Center. She’s also been at the forefront of The Wright Center’s efforts to strengthen the physician workforce pipeline, serving as co-regional director of medical education for A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona – a unique program where students spend a year on campus in Mesa, Arizona, and then three years in clinical rotations at The Wright Center and other community health centers across the country. So far, more than 30 doctors have graduated from the program, which began in August 2020. Several of these doctors have chosen to stay in Northeast Pennsylvania to pursue medical residencies with The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education. Headquartered in Scranton, The Wright Center’s growing network of community health centers in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayne, and Wyoming counties, including a mobile medical and dental unit called Driving Better Health, provides affordable, high-quality, whole-person health services to everyone, regardless of insurance status, ZIP code, or ability to pay. Patients typically have the convenience of going to a single location to access integrated medical, dental, and behavioral health care, as well as community-based addiction treatment and recovery services. To learn more, call 570-230-0019 or go to TheWrightCenter.org. The Pennsylvania Medical Society was founded in 1848 by 61 representatives of medical schools and county medical societies across the state to promote community health, relieve suffering, and advance medical knowledge. That goal continues today, as it and its members advocate for physicians and their patients, educate physicians through continuing medical education, and provide expert resources and guidance to help physicians navigate challenges in today’s ever-evolving health care system. Visit www.pamedsoc.org to learn more.
Johnson College Launches One-Year Cybersecurity Analytics & Operations Academic Certificate Program Johnson College is proud to announce the launch of its one-year Cybersecurity Analytics & Operations academic certificate program, starting with the Fall 2025 semester. This program will give students the critical skills to enter the fast-growing cybersecurity field. The program focuses on network operations and security, offering hands-on experience in troubleshooting, maintaining, and protecting IT systems. Students will learn to safeguard sensitive data by identifying vulnerabilities, penetration testing, network monitoring, incident response, and disaster recovery. Graduates will be prepared for careers as network associates, incident handlers, information security analysts, IT auditors, and digital forensic examiners. The program also emphasizes critical thinking, troubleshooting, and effective communication—skills vital for success in cybersecurity. With cybersecurity job growth projected at 33% from 2023 to 2033, the demand for skilled professionals is stronger than ever. “We’re excited to launch this program to meet the growing demand for cybersecurity experts,” said Dr. Katie Pittelli, President & CEO of Johnson College. “Graduates will gain the technical expertise and soft skills necessary to thrive in this dynamic industry.” For more information or to enroll, visit Johnson.edu/cybersecurity or contact the Enrollment Department at 570-702-8856 or enroll@johnson.edu.
Electric City Trolley Museum Presents Trolley Through Times excursion The Electric City Trolley Museum will offer a special “then and now” excursion onthe Laurel Line on Saturday, April 26 at 10 am and 1 pm. Join Electric City Trolley Motormen John Sheerin and Bob Young for a ride to Little Virginia on the Trolley Through Time as they tell interesting stories about how the line was built, and share images of scenes along the line. Bob Young grew in the Dutch Hollow section of South Scranton, and his co-presenter John Sheerin is a native of East Mountain. Both men spent much of their youth exploring the rugged landscapes that connected their neighborhoods. The old “Over the Hill” route and the abandoned tunnel line became their playground, a stretch of land rich with history and adventure. Now, as motormen for the Electric City Trolley excursions, they get to revisit these places along the Laurel Line with every trip down the tracks retracing the paths where they once hiked, played, and explored …and they look forward to sharing the treasured memories of their youth on this very special Trolley Through Time. Tickets cost $15 and can be purchased by calling 570.963.6590 A portion of the proceeds benefit the 505 Restoration project.
Marywood University Library Receives ByWater Solutions Grant Marywood University’s Library is the February 2025 winner of the ByWater Community Giveback Grant. Each month, ByWater Solutions selects one library to be awarded $500. These funds are meant to support libraries and their communities and to fill gaps in funding to further library goals. The company is always looking for ways to give back, as a small token of thanks for all the hard work that libraries do in their communities every day. The funds from the ByWater Grant will be used to support outreach initiatives at Marywood University’s library. Dr. Tabbi Miller-Scandle, Assistant Vice President for Research & Sponsored Programs, commented, “The use of the ByWater Grant will fund a newly created Friends of the Library board and outreach programs throughout the Spring 2025 semester. This includes an open house event for students, faculty, and staff to try out our new Oculus Meta Quest 3 virtual reality headsets, which were recently donated to the library. Another program will be held during finals week, providing snacks and resources to students as they finish the school year.”
The Swiftwater to Host Job Fair at Desaki Restaurant The Swiftwater, a premier concierge hotel redefining hospitality in the Pocono Mountains, is excited to announce its upcoming Job Fair on April 14th from 9 AM to 6 PM at Desaki Restaurant. This is a fantastic opportunity for job seekers to join a luxury hospitality team that values service, excellence, and a passion for creating unforgettable guest experiences. We are currently hiring for the following positions: ✔ Front Desk – Be the first point of contact for our guests, providing warm welcomes and seamless check-ins. ✔ Night Audit (Overnight) – Ensure smooth overnight operations while maintaining accuracy in guest accounts. ✔ Housekeeping (Day, Swing, and Overnight) – Play a key role in maintaining the elegance and comfort of our guest rooms. ✔ Server – Deliver an exceptional dining experience with top-tier service and attention to detail. ✔ Concierge – Craft personalized experiences and assist guests in discovering the best of the Poconos. ✔ Line Cook – Bring your culinary skills to life in a fast-paced, team-oriented kitchen environment Candidates are encouraged to bring their resumes and be prepared for on-the-spot interviews. Whether you are looking for a fresh start, a career shift, or an opportunity to grow in the hospitality industry, The Swiftwater Job Fair is your chance to become part of an elite team dedicated to excellence. Join us at Desaki Restaurant on April 14th and take the first step toward an exciting career in hospitality! For more information, contact: info@TheSwiftwater.com.
