NEPIRC Announces New Board Members : NEPIRC, a not-for-profit technical assistance firm serving manufacturers across an 11-county region, welcomed six newly-elected board members with a shared commitment to supporting the growth and success of the manufacturing industry. NEPIRC’s new board members include: · Matthew Gabriel, InterMetro Industries · Michael Novosel, ON Semiconductor · Quinn O’Donnell, CPA, Noble Biomaterials, Inc. · Justin D. Price, USHydrations · Jaime Ryan, CPA, PNC Financial Services · Joseph W. Simkulak, CPA, CPIM, InterMetro Industries Matthew Gabriel, Product Manager at InterMetro Industries, has been with the company for 13 years. He leads the strategic planning and execution of multiple product platforms manufactured in Pennsylvania, overseeing new product development, market research, product positioning, profitability, and key elements of the manufacturing value chain. Gabriel is a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and a member of the Leadership Northeast Core Class of 2025. He has worked in the manufacturing industry for two decades. Michael Novosel, Quality Engineering Manager at ON Semiconductor, has been with the company for 30 years. His deep experience in manufacturing includes quality strategy, process and product quality assurance, audit compliance and preventive and corrective action management. In addition to his professional leadership, Novasel is actively involved in workforce development initiatives, chairing ON Semiconductor’s Job Shadowing Program and participating in the company’s Mountain Top Site University Relations team. He is a longtime youth basketball and baseball coach. Quinn O’Donnell, CPA, is the Assistant Corporate Controller at Noble Biomaterials, Inc. She has spent eight years of her career in the manufacturing industry, and, in her current role, oversees critical financial operations to support organizational planning and performance. O’Donnell is an active member of the Junior League of Scranton. Justin D. Price is the Director of Operations at US Hydrations. He is also a Major in the United States Army Reserve with 14 years of military service. Following five years of Active Duty across several assignments, he returned to the civilian world and held roles at Sanofi Pasteur and Amcor Rigid Packaging before joining USHydrations. Price has completed extensive military and emergency response training, including Airborne School and Hazardous Materials Technician certification, and currently serves as a Small Group Leader with the 3rd Chemical Brigade at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He is a decorated military leader and recipient of the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, and Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal. Price holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Keystone College with minors in chemistry and mathematics. He is an active NEPIRC Dream Team volunteer, working to drive and expand awareness about manufacturing careers and opportunities. Jaime Ryan, CPA, is Vice President, Community Development Banking at PNC Financial Services. In this role, which he has held for the past eight years, he manages loans and investments designed to generate meaningful regional impact and strengthen low- to moderate-income communities. He is actively involved in regional nonprofit and economic development leadership, serving as a board member and Treasurer for NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania, WRC (formerly Women’s Resource Center) and Penn’s Northeast. He is a Certified Public Accountant. Joseph W. Simkulak, CPA, CPIM has served InterMetro Industries’ Chief Financial Officer for the past seven years. His three-decade-long career in the manufacturing industry includes senior leadership in finance and operations, as well as oversight of major software system implementations. Simkulak earned his Certified Public Accountant credential early in his professional career while employed at Arthur Andersen. He is actively involved in community and nonprofit leadership, serving as Treasurer of the Music Box Dinner Playhouse and as co-founder of the George Barilla Scholarship Fund. He has served on the advisory board for Penn State Wilkes-Barre and was one of the founding members of NEPIRC’s Executive Networking Group. Simkulak is a graduate of The University of Scranton with a degree in computer science. Zach Aciukewicz, Chair of NEPIRC’s Board of Directors and Director of Manufacturing & Operations Development at InterMetro Industries shared, “Our insightful and committed board members give back in a variety of ways, and we are grateful they choose to share their time and talents to strengthen NEPA’s manufacturing community. Their diverse perspectives in accounting, finance, operations, and quality will help us better empower small and mid-sized manufacturers with world-class assessment, performance evaluation, training, and consultative services to help them succeed.” NEPIRC’s newest board members were elected on December 12, 2025, with a term of service commencing on June 30, 2029.
Johnson College To Host Child And Babysitting Workshop Johnson College will host a Child and Babysitting Safety (CABS) workshop on Monday, June 29, 2026, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at its Scranton campus. Registration is required, and interested participants can sign up online by visiting johnson.edu/workshops. The interactive workshop is designed for teenagers and young adults who are interested in starting a babysitting business or who have caregiving responsibilities for younger family members. The program equips participants with the essential skills needed to babysit safely and successfully. The curriculum covers fundamental business setup, strategies for working effectively with parents and children, and vital safety, caregiving, and first aid instructions. To engage young learners, the program utilizes a modern, magazine-format CABS guide and vlogger-style educational videos. The cost to attend the workshop is $50 per person. The session is part of the college’s WAVE (Workforce Advancement & Value-Added Education) Workshop series.
Allied Services Appoints New Terrace Personal Care Facility Administrator Robert Fenner, LPN, PCHA, joined Allied Services in 2023 as Wellness Director and has played an instrumental role in strengthening the culture and daily operations of the personal care community. With nearly a decade of healthcare experience, Fenner is recognized for his hands-on leadership style, commitment to resident-centered care, and dedication to staff development. In 2025, he earned his Personal Care Home Administrator certification and currently serves as the organization’s Certified Medication Administration Trainer for Personal Care staff, helping expand education and clinical capabilities across the divisions. Under his leadership, Allied Terrace has continued to enhance its ability to support residents with increasing care needs while fostering a warm, welcoming environment for residents, families, and staff alike. Fenner actively participates in long-term care professional networking and continuing education opportunities, reflecting his ongoing commitment to growth within the field. Outside of Allied Terrace, Fenner has been actively involved in fostering youth within the community, reflecting the same compassion and commitment to care that defines his leadership style.
Johnson College Receives Grant From Wayne County Community Foundation Johnson College received a $6,000 award during the Wayne County Community Foundation’s spring grant cycle to enable eligible Wayne County residents to enroll in the Readiness in Skilled Employment (RISE) program. The funding will support a Wayne County participant with tuition, technology, PPE/safety equipment, tools needed for success in their desired program of study, and a range of support services to reduce barriers to their education. RISE is a comprehensive workforce development program that serves residents across nine counties in Northeastern Pennsylvania by providing access to technical training and vital support services. Counties include Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Schuylkill, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Wyoming. The program is designed to eliminate barriers such as transportation, childcare, housing, and food insecurity that often prevent individuals from starting or completing their education. The program creates a clear pathway to family-sustaining careers and brighter futures for participants and their families while addressing critical workforce shortages in Northeast Pennsylvania.
RailRiders, Beck Honored By International League After No-Hit Effort Minor League Baseball has announced its weekly awards for June 1-7, and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre’s Brendan Beck was honored as the International League’s Pitcher of the Week. The right-hander worked seven hitless innings on Friday, June 5, against the Syracuse Mets, combining with reliever Carson Coleman for the seventh no-hitter in franchise history. Beck faced 24 batters, striking out six and walking three on 93 pitches on Friday night before handing the ball to Coleman. The reliever worked a perfect eighth and walked a batter in the ninth before inducing a game-ending double play to seal the RailRiders’ first no-hitter since August of 2021. Beck is 5-2 with a 3.55 ERA after his outing on Friday and has been tabbed as the IL Pitcher of the Week for a second time this season, having also earned the distinction in early May. He has 66 strikeouts and 21 walks over 66 innings of work for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre this season. Beck also made his Major League debut last month, working three frames for the Yankees on May 7. The 27-year-old was selected by the Yankees in the 2nd round of the 2021 draft out of Stanford University.
The Dime Bank Announces Student Winners Of The Personal Finance Lab The Dime Bank brought the Personal Finance Lab to local schools through Brighter Financial Futures, a nonprofit organization focused on improving students’ financial literacy. The innovative program is designed to build real-world money management skills through hands-on investing and budgeting experiences. The Personal Finance Lab provides a well-rounded educational approach that includes: A comprehensive curriculum covering essential financial and business topics A realistic stock market simulation that introduces students to investing fundamentals An interactive budgeting game that teaches key concepts such as credit, net worth, and overall financial health The first-place winners of the Stock Market Challenge are Evan Guccini of the Wallenpaupack Area School District (High School Division) and James Stiles of the Wayne Highlands School District (Middle School Division). They each received a Chromebook, a gift card, and The Dime Bank gift basket. Moreover, the top three students from each school and grade were awarded gift certificates. Additional winners for the stock market challenge are Case Newman, Carter Molusky, Matthew Fite, Sam Kiesendahl, Gavin Miller, Jake Seltzer, Catherine Karpis, Waverly Van Aalsburg, Gabriel Hieber, Mason Zoccola, and Hailie-Jade Miller. Winners in the budgeting category are Natalie Brown, Adam Musser, Hunter Haupert-Keill, Meghan Dowling, Odilia Dyer, Brayden Gawron, Andrew Dos Anjos, Sophie Rosencrance, Honour Davis, and Natalie Brown. Congratulations to all the students who took part in these valuable learning opportunities! President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Bochnovich commented, “The Dime Bank is proud to support efforts that educate and empower our students with essential financial knowledge. By helping young people build strong personal finance skills today, we are giving them the tools and confidence they need to make informed decisions and succeed in the future.”
Mohegan Sun To Host Pilates After Dark Mohegan Sun is turning up the summer energy with Pilates After Dark on Thursday, June 25th from 7:00pm – 9:00pm outside on the Sun Patio, offering guests a one-of-a-kind outdoor fitness and nightlife-inspired experience. Set under the evening sky, guests will enjoy a high-energy mat sculpt Pilates class featuring upbeat music, sunset views, a free cocktail at the Sun Patio Bar and a signature party atmosphere designed for all fitness levels. Tickets are available via Eventbrite. Event Schedule: 7:00pm – 7:30pm: Check-in, stretch and socialize 7:30pm – 8:30pm: Mat Pilates 8:30pm – 9:00pm: Cocktail Hour on the Sun Patio Bar Admission Includes: 50-minute Mat Sculpt Pilates class Upbeat party-style atmosphere and sunset setting One complimentary drink ticket for the Sun Patio Bar Guests should bring a mat, their crew, and their best energy for a fitness experience that goes beyond the average workout. This event is open to guests 21+. Pilates After Dark will also soon launch a new charity event series dedicated to supporting families in the community who are experiencing hardship. These events will not have a set ticket price; instead, attendees are encouraged to contribute whatever they can, with 100% of proceeds going directly to the cause. The charity series will benefit the Community Action Agency of New Haven. For updates, stay tuned to Pilates After Dark. Pilates After Dark is a Connecticut-based fitness brand that blends Pilates workouts with a high-energy, nightlife-inspired atmosphere. Known for hosting pop-up classes and social fitness events, Pilates After Dark brings together movement, music and socializing for a unique group wellness experience. The event on June 25th will be the brand’s first Pilates After Dark on the Sun Patio at Mohegan Sun! For more information, click HERE. For tickets, click HERE.
Stone House To Host Free Retirement Planning Seminar Stone House will host an educational retirement planning seminar on Thursday, June 25 at 5:30 p.m., designed to help individuals better understand the financial decisions that often arise as retirement approaches. The session will focus on how Social Security, taxes, healthcare, and personal savings can work together as part of a comprehensive retirement strategy. Attendees will explore common retirement planning questions, including when they may be able to retire, when to begin collecting Social Security benefits, how current financial decisions could impact future taxes, and what healthcare options are available after leaving the workforce. The seminar is intended to provide practical, easy-to-understand information in a welcoming environment for those preparing for retirement or looking to strengthen their existing plans. Participants may attend in person at the Stone House Financial Office, located at 103 West Grove Street in Clarks Summit, or virtually through a live online stream. Registration is required, and the virtual meeting link will be provided upon registration. Individuals interested in attending can reserve their spot at https://www.stonehouseinv.com/Retire/.
Lackawanna County Launches Broadband Internet and Speed Test Lackawanna County is taking steps to ensure that all residents and businesses in the county can connect to high-speed and reliable internet. This initiative is part of the Lackawanna County Broadband Assessment Plan study, which is being conducted by the engineering firm HRG. The study is a multi-faceted project that will collect data and feedback over the course of several months to identify broadband service needs and focus future efforts on expanding internet service. A final study and report will outline the findings and proposed next steps with the long-term goal of ensuring reliable high-speed internet is available to everyone in the county. As part of this effort, Lackawanna County is pleased to announce the launch of the Broadband Internet Survey and Speed Test, which will be administered by HRG. Participation in the survey is crucial to gain a better understanding of the user’s experience with internet service. All residents and businesses play a key part in the survey, as the data collected helps bridge the gap in broadband coverage and informs the county of potential broadband service needs. What do residents and businesses need to do? Take the survey from your home or business using a wired or Wi-Fi connection that services your home or business. It’s important not to use your mobile phone data plan, as that will not measure your home broadband speed. At the end of the survey, a speed test will gather results on connectivity speeds. Once the speed test and survey are complete, simply click submit. Starting on Monday, April 13, the survey and speed test will be available online at https://hrggis.github.io/LackawannaBroadband/ and also on the county website at www.lackawannacounty.org. Residents without internet access, or anyone unable to complete the online survey, can download a printable version from the county website or pick up a copy at their local library or municipal building. The survey will take approximately 5-7 minutes to complete and will be open through July 13, 2026. Questions or comments, or to request a hardcopy by mail or email, contact internetsurvey@lackawannacounty.org
Geisinger Hospitals Recognized For Caring For Individuals With Diabetes Five Geisinger hospitals were among just 37 hospitals to be named Recognized Leaders in Caring for People Living with Diabetes, a designation bestowed by The Leapfrog Group in collaboration with the American Diabetes Association (ADA). The national designation program is in its third year and evaluates hospitals based on their care for patients with diabetes during admission, hospital stay and discharge. The program recognizes hospitals aligned with the ADA’s Standards of Care in Diabetes and Leapfrog’s standards for excellence in hospital safety and quality. Geisinger hospitals receiving the recognition were: · Geisinger Shamokin Area Community Hospital · Geisinger Medical Center · Geisinger Community Medical Center · Geisinger Lewistown Hospital · Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital “This recognition is truly an honor. It represents the culmination of our collective efforts to improve the lives of our patients with diabetes through a multidisciplinary approach. We remain committed to making sure our patients get the same high-quality care, regardless of where at Geisinger they got it,” said Brian Jameson, D.O., Geisinger director of endocrinology. “I’d like to thank our colleagues in departments across Geisinger for making the programs and practices to improve diabetes care part of the Geisinger culture.” Recognized hospitals provide safe, high-quality care for people living with diabetes through blood glucose (blood sugar) testing and hypoglycemia protocols, specialized preparation for inpatient surgery, meals and insulin regimen planning, and robust discharge planning for high-risk people with diabetes. Hospitals are assessed in how they implement these processes and structures, and on how well they execute on the standard of care delivered to a random sample of patients.
