The Greater Scranton Chamber Announces Two New Additions to Its Team The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce leadership is pleased to announce the hire of Kira Loomis as business development specialist and Lindsay May as workforce and leadership assistant. Kira Loomis, business development specialist Lindsay May, leadership and workforce assistant In her new capacity, Loomis will support the Chamber’s business development divisions: The Scranton Plan and Scranton Lackawanna Industrial Building Company (SLIBCO). Her responsibilities encompass site selection marketing, business recruitment and expansion, and client engagement, in addition to assisting in the coordination of community-facing events aimed at fostering investment and employment opportunities in Lackawanna County. Loomis brings with her experience in marketing, communications, and community engagement. Her most recent position was as marketing and community outreach coordinator at the Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center (NEPIRC), where she managed prominent events, spearheaded workforce awareness initiatives, and oversaw marketing strategies, both digital and print. A native of Scranton, she holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Media and Journalism with a specialization in Public Relations from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania. As Workforce and Leadership Assistant, May will provide administrative and programmatic support for two of the Chamber’s divisions: Leadership Lackawanna and Skills in Scranton—while also assisting with daily operations and office management across the organization. May brings expertise in client support, operations, and team leadership across various industries, including technology, healthcare, and manufacturing. Her recent role was as Customer Specialist at DealerOn, where she managed high-level customer inquiries and website operations. Her previous positions at Benco Dental and Uline further demonstrate her skills in relationship management, training, and sales support. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Kutztown University. “We are enthusiastic about welcoming both Kira Loomis and Lindsay May to our team,” stated Amy Luyster, vice president of business and workforce development. “Their impressive skills and experience, complemented by a genuine passion for our mission and the communities we serve, will undoubtedly contribute significantly to our business and workforce development initiatives.” The Chamber leadership is delighted to welcome Loomis and May and anticipates their valuable contributions toward advancing the organization’s mission to support local enterprises and fortify communities throughout the region.
TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty Extend Application Deadline The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and Lackawanna County announce that applications for a fourth cohort of TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty are extended to August 29, 2025. The program is a partnership between Lackawanna County, Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern PA, and The Chamber, in collaboration with tecBRIDGE as the program administrator. TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty is a 10-week, in-person experience in which participants can access mentors, educational resources, and subject matter experts on business formation strategies, customer discovery, marketing, financial planning, and risk management. The goal of the ten weeks is to build, share, and pitch their early-stage start-ups. Previous TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty programs have helped 23 entrepreneurs gain traction toward achieving their American dreams. In this fourth cohort, eight more can experience the same resources and excitement. TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty is a competitive application process. Residents of Lackawanna County with tech, for-profit business, or early start-up ideas are encouraged to apply. Participants who complete all program requirements may be eligible for a $10,000 reimbursable grant towards select start-up costs. To apply, visit ScrantonChamber.com and look for TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty under events. Applications close on Friday, August 29.
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders Post-Game Drone Light Show Scranton/Wilkes-Barre adds unique light show experience after game against Indianapolis The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders are excited to announce the addition of a post-game drone light show after their Saturday, August 16, game against the Indianapolis Indians. “We are thrilled to add this one-of-a-kind experience to the promotional schedule,” stated Katie Beekman, the RailRiders General Manager. “It will be the first-ever drone light show at PNC Field and we can’t wait to see the reaction of our great fans. This is such a unique event that fans definitely won’t want to miss.” The show will be coordinated and performed by Sky Elements, a nationally-renowned drone fleet. Sky Elements appeared on America’s Got Talent and performs over 750 shows each year. The RailRiders host the Pittsburgh Pirates’ top affiliate on August 16, which is also Harry Potter Night at PNC Field. Gates open at 5:00 P.M. with custom RailRiders Platform 9 3/4 socks given out to the first 1,500 fans. First pitch is slated for 6:05 and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre players will wear custom jerseys inspired by the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. After the game concludes, this 150-drone performance will begin. Purchase tickets for August 16 or any remaining RailRiders home game this season online at www.swbrailriders.com.
TravelWorld Local Tours TravelWorld is hosting local tours in the Scranton and Wilkes-Barre communities. Trolley Tour of Wilkes-Barre Murals Tuesday, August 19 | 5:45PM–8:00PM Ride with the Street Art Society of NEPA and explore 30+ incredible murals—plus, get an exclusive tour of the brand-new TravelWorld Kingston Office! Meeting Location: 200 Old Train Station Road, Wilkes-Barre (Old W-B Train Station) Historical Walking Tour of Wilkes-Barre Wednesday, September 17 | 4:00PM–6:00PM Join historian Tony Brooks from the Wilkes-Barre Preservation Society for a stroll through the city’s storied past. Meeting Location: St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 35 S. Franklin St, Wilkes-Barre Ghost Walking Tour of Lackawanna County Friday, October 24 | 7:00PM–8:30PM The Lackawanna Historical Society will guide you through Scranton’s haunted history with chilling tales and local lore. Meeting Location: The Caitlin House, 232 Monroe Ave, Scranton, PA Space is extremely limited — please limit one tour per person. Must be 21years or older to attend. Call us at 570-342-5790 or 570-288-9311 to reserve your spot today! Additional details will be emailed after registration.
Paint the Planet Pink Fall Events Paint the Planet Pink®, a 501(c)(3) organization, was established in 2014 as Paint Pittston Pink® and rebranded at the end of 2023. New name, new logo, same mission—“bringing the community together to support a cure for ALL cancers through research and clinical trials.” To date, our organization has donated $1,002,000 directly to cancer research at both The University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA and The Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, FL. September 16–17, 2025 | 11 AM–4 PM – Celebration of Life Blood Drive The blood drive will be held at The University of Scranton and is held in memory of Greg Policare, Lisa Jones Kutra, and Grian Musto. September 20, 2025 | 9 AM – Mass & Award Ceremony The presentation of The Award for Courage, The Survivor Award, and The Celebration of Life Award will be held at The Cathedral of St. Peter in Scranton. September 20, 2025 | 11 AM – 12th Annual Color Me Pink Run/Walk Participate in the 12th Annual Color Me Pink 5K Run and Fun Walk, followed by the Gentlemen’s Dash. The event will start at Backyard Ale House. September 28, 2025 | 2 PM – Purse Bingo Attend the Paint the Planet Pink Purse Bingo at St. Maria Goretti Banquet Hall. September 28, 2025 | 6 PM – Soprano’s Trivia Night Love trivia? Come on out to Paint the Planet Pink Soprano’s Trivia Night with Trivia Master Brad and Meat Raffle at Sabatini’s Bottleshop. October 3, 2025 | 7 PM – Celebrity Bartending and Awards $10 Donation at the Door for the Paint The Red Mill Pink Celebrity Bartending and Awards: PINK Bartenders: Mia Barbieri, Brandi Bartush, Matt Carmody, Sarah Donahue Cianfichi, Sam Falcone, Allison Lucarelli, Danny Luvender, Pat McAndrew, Nicole Welkey, and Eric Yashinski Register for these events online at Paint the Planet Pink.
Lynn Sandy’s Bakery Storefront Facelift Lynn Sandy’s Bakery, located on Pittston Ave., on the southside of Scranton, updated signage to the front of the building. Stop by to see the new sign and grab a sweet treat while you’re at it.
The Greater Scranton Chamber LaunchesEDGE Summit: AI for Small Business The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the EDGE Summit: AI for Small Business—an interactive half-day event designed to help local businesses understand and apply artificial intelligence (AI) in ways that save time, boost efficiency, and spark growth. The EDGE Summit will take place on Monday, October 6, at Mohegan Pennsylvania. The EDGE Summit is open to businesses of all sizes and industries—no tech background required. Whether you’re a small business owner, an employee who wants to work smarter, or part of a growing team, this event will give you practical tools you can start using right away. “The future of small business is intelligent,” said Bob Durkin, president of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. “The EDGE Summit is about giving our business community the knowledge and confidence to use AI as a tool for growth, efficiency, and long-term success.” The EDGE Summit will show you exactly how to put AI to work in your business. Sessions will include hands-on learning labs, practical takeaways, and provide valuable connections with local experts. The EDGE Summit: AI for Small Business is more than a tech event — it’s an investment in your business’s future and your team’s professional growth. Registration is now open at ScrantonChamber.com. Reserve your spot and take the first step toward putting AI to work for you.
Ask the Expert – Backyard Games, Woodloch Style Since the days of Ancient Greece, the Olympic Games have symbolized competition, sportsmanship, and triumph. That spirit lives on—not only globally, but locally as well. Woodloch Resort, consistently ranked among the top family resorts in the U.S., proudly carries that Olympic torch with games of its own. Every season, the resort invites its 55,000 annual guests to tap into their competitive spirit through friendly, all-ages team challenges. From relay races to head-to-head competitions, the atmosphere is electric and inclusive. Woodloch has become a premier destination for multi-generational family vacations and corporate retreats. Its award-winning activities team consistently delivers unforgettable experiences, and guests often leave inspired to recreate the fun at home. Activities Director Joey Ranner, who has hosted these games for over 40 years, encourages others to bring the magic of the Woodloch Olympics to their own gatherings. “All it takes is imagination, enthusiasm, and the willingness to unplug from the daily grind,” says Ranner. Here are five steps to help you launch your own backyard Olympics: Take Stock & Plan: Inventory supplies and assess your space—indoor or outdoor, soft grass or hard surface. Consider participant age and ability. Choose upbeat MCs or referees to keep the energy high. Keep It Simple: Lean into nostalgic games from your youth. Use what you have—recycling bins, coins, brooms, water guns, and more. Think Variety: Balance physical and mental games. Mix baton races, trick shots, memory games, and giant tic-tac-toe for multi-generational appeal. Keep Score & Reward: Track points by event, then tally totals for bragging rights or prizes. Make it competitive but fun. Have Fun: Add team shirts, cheers, music, and an awards ceremony to elevate your event. Looking for ideas? Explore “Woodloch at Home.” About Woodloch Resort – Since 1958, Woodloch Resort has created unforgettable, all-inclusive family vacations rooted in warm hospitality. Nestled in the Pocono Mountains, just 95 miles from NYC, Woodloch features an award-winning resort, championship golf, and a luxury spa. It’s a one-of-a-kind destination where generations come together for fun, relaxation, and lasting memories.
Ask the Expert — Smart Skincare for the Sun Season: Insights from Pachee’s Spa With a deep passion rooted in personal experience, Patricia Bezerra is the owner and solo operator of Pachee’s Spa, where she provides personalized, results-driven skincare solutions. After struggling with her own skin for years, Bezerra turned her challenges into motivation—earning her esthetics certification in 2020 and continuing her education in advanced skincare techniques and technologies. Today, she brings both empathy and expertise to her work, creating a transformative experience for every client who walks through her door. Pachee’s Spa is more than a skincare studio—it’s a space for healing, confidence-building, and long-term skin health. As summer approaches, Bezerra offers valuable insight into how to protect, nourish, and prepare your skin for the sunniest season of the year. Five Skincare Essentials to Keep in Mind This Summer Personalized Skincare is Powerful: No two faces are the same, and your skincare routine shouldn’t be either. Customized treatments are the most effective way to address your skin’s unique needs and deliver visible, lasting results. Skincare is a Marathon, Not a Sprint: Healthy, glowing skin takes time. Be consistent, patient, and work with a licensed esthetician to see real progress. Quick fixes don’t last—invest in your skin for the long haul. The Connection Between Skin and Confidence: Clear, healthy skin is about more than appearance—it impacts how you show up in the world. Taking care of your skin is a powerful step toward greater self-confidence and well-being. Your Esthetician is Your Skincare Partner: Regular facials, chemical peels, and professional treatments can significantly improve your skin—but the real magic comes from an ongoing relationship with a trusted skincare expert who understands your goals. Education is Key: Knowing your skin type, the right ingredients to use (and avoid), and how to build an effective skincare routine is transformative. Empower yourself with knowledge and guidance from professionals. To learn more, visit pacheesspa.glossgenius.com or follow @pacheesspa on Instagram and Facebook for expert tips, service updates, and skincare inspiration. For consultations and questions, reach out to Patricia directly at patricia@pacheesspa.com.
The Wright Center, Breastfeeding a Healthy Habit for Mother and Child August is National Breastfeeding Month, which is a great opportunity for us to talk about the many health benefits this critical practice provides to mother and child. Breastfeeding Month was established to promote human milk in child development and lactation practices and policies. We’re all for that here at The Wright Center, where we support it for patients and employees, alike. The Pennsylvania Department of Health recognizes breastfeeding as the ideal nutrition for infants, while the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that women exclusively breastfeed their babies for at least the first six months after birth, and up to two years or beyond, depending on the mother and child’s wants and needs. Simply put, mother’s milk is the ideal nutrition for babies, providing benefits that can’t be found in baby formula. The research is clear on this — breastfeeding can lower a baby’s risk of certain infections, asthma, obesity, and sudden infant death syndrome. And for mothers, it can reduce the risk of high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, and breast and ovarian cancers. Any discussion about breastfeeding should also include its relation to the workplace, as women with infants and young children are the fastest growing segment of the U.S. labor force. Unfortunately, too many women cease breastfeeding when returning to work, due to the challenges of finding a safe, private place to pump and store milk. However, I’m happy to report that an increasing number of employers are now providing designated lactation stations for breastfeeding employees. It’s a trend that hopefully will only continue to grow, especially since breastfeeding-friendly workplace programs are relatively easy and inexpensive to implement, and provide savings through reduced health care claims and employee absences. The Wright Center has been highly supportive of breastfeeding employees, and we’ve gone above and beyond to support patients through our primary and pediatric care services, as well as the Healthy MOMS (Maternal Opiate Medical Support) program, a collaborative effort between The Wright Center and several other community organizations that assists pregnant women and new mothers overcome addiction and embrace a life in recovery. That includes a $7,500 grant we secured from the Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics to provide essential breastfeeding resources and supplies to Healthy MOMS participants, including manual breast pumps, breast milk storage sets, educational materials, consultations with lactation specialists, and access to breastfeeding counselors. The grant also went toward doula training for Healthy MOMS collaborators. If you’re interested in learning more about resources pertaining to breastfeeding, the Pennsylvania Breastfeeding Referral Guide contains detailed information on lactation specialists, community programs, support/mother groups, community coalitions, breast pump rentals, and local, state, and national help lines. For additional information, call the Healthy Baby Line at 1-800-986-BABY (2229). Breastfeeding women and their children are high priority here at The Wright Center, and we’ll continue doing our part to ensure their good health. Manju Mary Thomas, M.D., board-certified in pediatrics and obesity medicine, serves as deputy chief medical officer and medical director of pediatrics and school- and community-based medical home services at The Wright Center for Community Health. She is also a physician faculty member for The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s Family Medicine Residency Pediatrics Program. She is accepting pediatric and adolescent patients at our Mid Valley Community Health Center. To make an appointment, call 570-230-0019.
