SWB RailRiders Announce Shawn Reilly as President/ GM The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders and Diamond Baseball Holdings are pleased to announce that Shawn Reilly has been welcomed as the new President/ General Manager of the RailRiders, the Triple-A affiliate of the New York Yankees. Longtime GM Katie Beekman remains with the team and transitions to a new role as VP of Operations, providing the RailRiders front office with continuity and an enhanced leadership structure. “I am honored to join this outstanding franchise,” Reilly said. “For 36 years, this team in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre has created lasting memories, including so many more this past season, while exemplifying the values of Minor League Baseball. I look forward to building on that tradition, meeting members of the community, and working to enhance the organization’s success while expanding the potential of RailRiders baseball throughout NEPA.” Reilly most recently served as President/ General Manager of the Frontier League’s New York Boulders. A co-founder and owner of the club since 2011, he helped establish the Boulders as one of the league’s flagship franchises. His baseball career began with the Niagara Falls Rapids in 1992. After leading the Jamestown Jammers in 1993, Reilly served as General Manager of the New York Mets’ Spring Training facility in Port St. Lucie for two years. Before returning to baseball, he spent 15 years as Senior Vice President at Core Communities in Port St. Lucie, Florida, where he played a key role in developing the nationally recognized master-planned communities of St. Lucie West and Tradition. A native of Niagara Falls, New York, Reilly earned his MBA from Niagara University. “We’re excited to welcome Shawn Reilly to the RailRiders. He brings a distinguished track record of leadership in professional baseball and community development, and we’re confident he will build upon the strong foundation already established in Northeast Pennsylvania,” said Pat Battle and Peter Freund, Executive Chairman and CEO of DBH, respectively. “We also want to recognize Katie Beekman for her exemplary service and steadfast leadership as General Manager. We’re grateful she will continue to lend her experience and expertise as VP of Operations. With Shawn’s vision and Katie’s ongoing contributions, the RailRiders are exceptionally well-positioned to set the standard for a best-in-class Triple-A franchise.” Beekman will continue to build on her 15 years with the RailRiders as she transitions to her role as VP of Operations. She remains in a senior leadership role while continuing to oversee PNC Field, focusing on key partners and developing the club’s relationship with the New York Yankees. This new position also allows Beekman more flexibility and opportunity to spend time with her family, a rarity in Minor League Baseball. “I’ve been working in sports for more than 25 years,” Beekman said. “My favorite part has always been finding ways to bring families together to make memories, but all those late nights under the lights and early morning tarp pulls have meant missing some of the big things with my own family. I’m excited that my new role will allow me to continue to do what I love and offers more flexibility for my work-life balance.” Click here for more information.
Treasurer Stacy Garrity Announces INVEST PA Program Enhancements New management partnership, Federated Hermes, Inc., will enhance benefits for INVEST PA participants. Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced today that Treasury’s INVEST PA program, formerly called INVEST, will see significant positive changes for program participants thanks to the program’s first upgrade in more than 20 years. These enhancements are possible through the hiring of Pittsburgh-based Federated Hermes, Inc., as the new program manager for INVEST PA. INVEST PA is an investment tool designed specifically for local government entities and nonprofit organizations that has daily liquidity, no minimum balances, no minimum deposits and no limit on the number of transactions that can be made. “I’m thrilled to announce this new partnership with Federated Hermes that will bring lower fees and anticipated higher yields for INVEST PA participants,” Treasurer Garrity said. “Federated Hermes boasts a long-term track record of providing competitive performance, diligent credit analysis, a transparent framework and a participant-centered service model, and we’re excited to work with them to bring the best results for our local governments and nonprofits that rely on INVEST PA to meet their financial goals and fulfill their missions.” INVEST PA’s more than 400 participants include municipalities, counties, school districts, fire companies, libraries and many others. In total, participants have $1.4 billion in assets. There are two INVEST PA pools, the Daily Pool for local government agencies and the Community Pool for nonprofit organizations. Both pools maintain the highest S&P rating, AAAm. There are also periodic custom investment opportunities for longer-term needs. Investment management services will be provided by Federated Hermes’ wholly owned registered investment advisor subsidiary, Federated Investment Counseling. Federated Hermes’ investment team of more than 140 liquidity and fixed income analysts, portfolio managers, and traders averaging more than 20 years of experience, will provide investment management for both INVEST PA pools. Through the new management relationship, new and existing INVEST PA participants can expect to experience: Lower fees; Anticipated higher yields; Extended trading hours; New website & interactive portal; Enhanced security features; INVEST PA Academy, providing educational opportunities for participants; More frequent wire distributions; Ability to mail in checks; Enhanced program oversight; and Improved customer service, with dedicated resources for INVEST PA participants. “Federated Hermes has a heritage of working with state treasurers to deliver customized investment solutions. With our global headquarters in Pennsylvania, we are honored that the Commonwealth has selected Federated Hermes to manage its investment pools,” said J. Christopher Donahue, president and chief executive officer of Federated Hermes, Inc. “We look forward to continuing to enhance relationships that provide government investment pools with compelling, high-quality liquidity management services.” To learn more about INVEST PA, click here.
Misericordia University To Host Fall Open Houses Misericordia University welcomes prospective students and their families to campus for its Fall Open Houses on Saturday, October 18, and Saturday, November 15, 2025. These events provide an excellent opportunity to explore the university’s academic programs, meet faculty and students, and learn more about admissions, scholarships, and financial aid. Guests will also enjoy guided campus tours and a complimentary lunch while discovering what makes Misericordia a supportive and engaging place to learn and grow. Location: Misericordia University – Anderson Health & Wellness CenterCheck-in: 9:00–10:00 a.m. Click here for more information.
Mount Airy Casino Resort Named Best Casino Hotel For the third year in a row, industry experts and USA Today editors and readers bestow Pocono luxury destination top honors. Mount Airy Casino Resort, Pennsylvania’s first AAA Four-Diamond casino resort, has been voted “Best Casino Hotel” for the third consecutive year in USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards. This prestigious recognition, announced today, highlights Mount Airy’s commitment to providing an exceptional guest experience, combining world-class gaming, luxury accommodations, and outstanding hospitality. Nominated by industry experts and voted on by USA Today editors and readers, the Best Casino Hotels list is made up of the leading properties that offer both top-notch gaming along with excellent amenities. Mount Airy’s award-winning dining, lavish rooms and suites, luxury spa, championship golf course, countless gaming options and first-class entertainment contributed to the prestigious award. The 2025 Top 10 Best Casino Hotels named by USA TODAY are: Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel, California Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, Connecticut Graton Resort & Casino, Rohnert Park, California Ocean Casino Resort, Atlantic City, N.J. Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, Biloxi, Mississippi Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, Nevada Resorts Casino Hotel, Atlantic City Mount Airy Casino Resort, Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Atlantic City Fontainebleau, Las Vegas “We are incredibly honored to be recognized by USA Today and, most importantly, by our guests who voted for us,” said Lisa DeNaples, Mount Airy owner and managing trustee. “From our world-class gaming floor and exceptional dining to our luxurious accommodations and entertainment, we strive for excellence in every detail.” “This incredible achievement belongs to every single member of the Mount Airy team,” said Todd Greenberg, Mount Airy General Manager and COO. “It directly reflects the passion, professionalism, and dedication that our employees bring to work every day. Their commitment to delivering outstanding service, creating memorable experiences, and upholding our high standards is what truly sets us apart.” This latest award is added to an extensive list of honors Mount Airy has received so far this year, including 21 Best of Gaming awards from Casino Player Magazine, and another Four Diamond rating by AAA for the 14th consecutive year. In addition to almost 300 guestrooms and luxury suites, Mount Airy features a variety of signature restaurant options, including Guy Fieri’s Mt. Pocono Kitchen and the award-winning Bistecca by Il Mulino. From casual eateries to upscale dining, there’s something to suit every palate. This all-encompassing, adults-only getaway pampers guests even further at the Spa at Mount Airy, which provides a perfect retreat after a day – or night – filled with excitement. The resort also features a 20,000 square-foot convention center and ballroom for those seeking the perfect wedding venue or conference space, while the four-season pool complex offers private cabanas, a poolside bar and lounge, and an outdoor deck area with table-side firepits and expansive views of the resort’s award-winning, lakefront golf course. For those seeking the ultimate gaming experience, the heart of Mount Airy is its impressive casino floor. Boasting nearly 1,700 slot machines, including both classic and modern favorites, as well as a wide selection of table games, the casino also features a dedicated poker room and a multi-media sports betting lounge. For more information, click here.
WVIA Announces New Original Documentary Film, Making NEPA Home A Story of Resilience and Belonging Northeastern Pennsylvania will take center stage when WVIA premieres its newest original documentary film, Making NEPA Home. The documentary, produced, directed, and edited by WVIA’s Kara Washington, premieres Wednesday, October 16th at 7 p.m. on WVIA TV and will be streaming live on WVIA’s Facebook and YouTube pages and at WVIA.org. Making NEPA Home is part of WVIA’s We Stand Against Hate initiative, which shines a light on stories of resilience, unity, and cultural diversity. The film shares the journeys of four refugees and immigrants from diverse backgrounds who left their homelands in search of safety and new opportunities, ultimately settling in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Through personal stories, cultural traditions, and moments of community connection, Making NEPA Home reveals the resilience and contributions of these neighbors as they help shape the region’s evolving identity. The journey builds toward an emotional finale at Scranton’s annual World Refugee Day celebration, honoring the universal search for safety, dignity, and a place to call home. Along the way, the film also highlights the critical role of local service providers and community organizations that make resettlement possible. Filmmaker Kara Washington shared, “I’m grateful for the opportunity to use WVIA’s platform to share voices and stories that often go unheard. Everyone I’ve spoken with, from refugees and immigrants to the local organizations supporting them, cares deeply about improving lives. That kind of compassion is inspiring, and it’s what makes our community such a special place to call home.” WVIA is proud to host a series of special public screenings ahead of the broadcast premiere of Making NEPA Home. These events will give our community the chance to preview a portion of the documentary, engage in a meaningful conversation with the filmmaker, and reflect on the powerful stories of refugees and immigrants in Northeastern Pennsylvania. “Making NEPA Home is about more than survival, it’s about the courage to rebuild, the beauty of cultural exchange, and the strength of community,” said WVIA President & CEO, Carla McCabe. “We hope viewers walk away with a deeper understanding of what it means to welcome and be welcomed, not just in NEPA, but all over the world.” The official Making NEPA Home trailer can be viewed here and click here to find more details on upcoming screenings. Funding support for Making NEPA Home provided by The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, The Luzerne Foundation, and Scranton Area Community Foundation. Media Opportunities WVIA welcomes interview requests with filmmaker Kara Washington and members of the WVIA production team. To schedule please contact Holly Biondo, WVIA Marketing & Communications Manager at hollybiondo@wvia.org.
Peoples Security Bank & Trust Expands Luzerne County Mortgage Team Peoples Security Bank & Trust Company (PSBT) announced the addition of two experienced mortgage loan originators to its Luzerne County market. Rose Mahler has joined as Mortgage Loan Originator/Team Leader, and Ellen Leighton has joined as Vice President, Mortgage Loan Originator. “Adding Rose and Ellen to our Luzerne County mortgage team strengthens our ability to meet the growing home financing needs in the region,” said Jerry Champi, CEO. “Their experience and customer-first approach will help more people in our community achieve their homeownership goals.” Rose Mahler Mahler has more than 20 years of experience in the mortgage industry. She specializes in Conventional, FHA, VA, Rural Housing, and First-Time Homebuyer programs, while also leading and mentoring a team of loan originators to ensure compliance and customer satisfaction. Before joining PSBT, Mahler served as Mortgage Originator/Regional Sales Manager at Luzerne Bank and previously worked at Northwest Bank. She began her career at MGE Mortgage. Mahler earned a Bachelor of Science degree from King’s College and has been recognized with the PHFA Originator Award for her outstanding work in affordable housing lending. She has also been active in the community, previously serving on the YMCA Wilkes-Barre Community Board, graduating from Leadership Wilkes-Barre, and participating as a member of the Junior League of Wilkes-Barre. Ellen Leighton Leighton brings more than 40 years of experience in the mortgage industry. In her role as Vice President/Mortgage Loan Officer, she will provide financing solutions tailored to the needs of local clients and partner with area realtors to deliver programs that best fit each customer’s situation. Her focus is on helping individuals and families finance their dream homes. Prior to joining PSBT, Leighton held mortgage lending positions at Luzerne Bank and Landmark Community Bank and also served as a partner in a mortgage company. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her sales performance, customer service, and ability to build lasting relationships. In 2024, she earned the Top Producing Mortgage Originator Award from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) for her work in affordable housing lending. A graduate of Bishop Hannan High School and Lackawanna College, Leighton is also active in the community. She serves on the fundraising committee for Coffee Inclusive, an initiative that supports employment opportunities for individuals with special needs.
Marywood University Offering Free Mental Health Screenings October 9, 2025, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. – Marywood University’s Psychological Services Center According to the National Institute of Mental Health (2021), 8.3% of adults experience a major depressive episode. The World Health Organization (2019) estimates that 280 million people of all ages suffer from depression worldwide. Screening for depression and other mood disorders provides individuals and families with the opportunity to identify warning signs early and to connect with appropriate treatment. It is important to note that symptoms can look different across and within cultures. National Depression Screening Day, set for October 9, 2025, serves as a supportive community initiative to connect the public with mental health resources. Through this program, free depression screenings are offered at Marywood’s Psychological Services Center, located in the McGowan Center on the university’s campus. The screenings will be held on Thursday, October 9, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Each screening lasts approximately 15 minutes. Early recognition and treatment of depression provide the best opportunity for recovery. The screenings offered at Marywood University’s Psychological Services Center are free, confidential, brief, and require no appointment or commitment. Although the screenings are not diagnostic, they do provide valuable insight. Additionally, screenings can help to identify symptoms associated with depression or other mood disorders and clarify if help may be needed. For questions about depression screenings or other mental health concerns, please contact Marywood’s Psychological Services Center at (570) 348-6269. Written by: Kelsey Herrity and Ethan Warner, student therapists at Marywood University.
The Wright Center Launches Free Monthly Newsletter The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education is excited to announce the launch of The Wright Source, a brand-new, free monthly electronic newsletter. The Wright Source will keep patients and community partners informed, inspired, and connected to the health and wellness landscape of Northeast Pennsylvania. Each issue will be filled with valuable insights, local updates, and uplifting stories, including: Practical health and wellness tips you can use every day Community events and activities for all ages Delicious, healthy recipes to try at home Introductions to our newest clinicians and their specialties Updates on new service lines and programs And much more to help improve the health and well-being of our communities across Northeast Pennsylvania To subscribe to The Wright Source, visit bit.ly/WrightSource and enter your name and email address to get started.
