Lamar Advertising Earns Great Place to Work Certification

Lamar Advertising has once again been recognized as a Great Place to Work® Certified company, reflecting the organization’s continued commitment to fostering a positive and supportive workplace culture.

The certification is based on confidential feedback from employees, who shared their experiences working at Lamar Advertising. Their responses highlight a workplace where team members feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.

Company leadership credited the achievement to the dedication and contributions of employees across the organization, noting that their commitment helps create an environment where individuals can grow professionally and thrive in their careers.

Earning the Great Place to Work® Certification once again underscores Lamar Advertising’s ongoing focus on building a workplace that prioritizes employee engagement, collaboration, and success.

Geisinger Hospitals Recognized Among Nation’s Best

 Four Geisinger hospitals have been recognized for high performance in the 2026-2027 U.S. News & World Report “Best Hospitals” rankings, including Geisinger Community Medical Center and Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center.

Geisinger Wyoming Valley was awarded the No. 1 spot overall for the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre metropolitan area and tied for the No. 18 spot overall in Pennsylvania. Only 16% of the nearly 5,000 hospitals evaluated earned a numerical ranking in a state, metro area, and/or a medical specialty, allowing them to display a U.S. News award badge.

“Our teams work diligently to provide exceptional patient care to our communities,” said Ron Beer, chief administrative officer for Geisinger’s northeast region. “This recognition demonstrates how their dedication and focus on quality and safety have a positive impact on patient experiences and outcomes.”

Geisinger Wyoming Valley was also recognized for 11 high-performing procedures and conditions:

  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Diabetes
  • Heart attack
  • Heart failure
  • Hip replacement
  • Knee replacement
  • Leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma
  • Lung cancer surgery
  • Pneumonia
  • Stroke
  • Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR)

Geisinger Community Medical Center was recognized for three high-performing procedures and conditions:

  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Diabetes
  • Pneumonia

U.S. News & World Report bases their “Best Hospitals” rankings on components such as patient outcomes, overall patient experience, hospital staffing and other factors. The Procedures & Conditions ratings are based on objective quality measures.

The Wright Center receives national recognition for leadership in diabetes care and prevention

For the second year in a row, The Wright Center for Community Health has earned national recognition for its continued commitment to improving diabetes care and prevention.

Quality Insights, a West Virginia-based leader in healthcare quality improvement, recognized The Wright Center for its annual review of diabetes and prediabetes care. The National Diabetes Prevention Program is a nationally recognized, evidence-based lifestyle change program designed to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes in high-risk patients.

The Wright Center partnered with Quality Insights to assess workflows, documentation, and referrals, driving ongoing improvements in care and cost efficiency. Quality Insights also lauded The Wright Center for achieving stronger glycemic control among its diabetic patients, which helps reduce the risk of serious complications.

In 2025, The Wright Center reported a 19.66% rate for NQF 0059 and CMS 122, which is an inverse quality measure that tracks the percentage of diabetic patients ages 18–75 with poorly controlled blood sugar. Since lower rates are associated with better outcomes, The Wright Center’s rate indicates strong performance in managing diabetes and reducing the risk of serious complications.

The Wright Center’s consistent focus on this metric underscores its dedication to evidence-based, data-informed care. Quality Insights’ recognition reinforces The Wright Center’s commitment to advancing health access, enhancing chronic disease management, and improving the lives of patients across Northeast Pennsylvania.

In addition, The Wright Center is also working to educate patients about type 2 diabetes, including hosting the National Diabetes Prevention Program at its community health centers in Jermyn and Scranton. The 26-session, evidence-based program helps individuals with prediabetes lower their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

“We are grateful to Quality Insights for this recognition and for its ongoing collaboration in our shared mission to improve chronic disease outcomes,” said Melissa Germano-Ryczak, M.S., RD, LDN, a registered dietitian and director of Lifestyle Modification and Preventive Medicine at The Wright Center. “The recognition reflects our ongoing efforts to expand access to high-quality care, strengthen chronic disease management, and empower patients to take charge of their health.”

Tobyhanna Army Depot Celebrates National Intern Day

In recognition of National Intern Day on July 30, Tobyhanna Army Depot celebrated three employees whose internships launched successful and long-term careers supporting the nation’s defense mission. Dana Bilotta, Michael Szumski and Steven Wiltz each began their journeys through the depot’s internship programs and have since advanced into leadership and specialized roles.

As Safety Manager, Dana Bilotta has built a 19-year career after beginning as an intern in 2007 while studying Architectural Drafting and Design at Johnson College. Seeking an opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world environment, Bilotta joined the depot’s internship program before accepting a full-time position as a draftsman following graduation.

Throughout her career, Bilotta has held several positions, including Industrial Engineering Technician and Safety Specialist, before leading the Safety Office. She credits the depot’s culture of mentorship, professional development and opportunities for advancement as the reasons she has remained with Team Tobyhanna for nearly two decades.

Today, Bilotta is dedicated to creating a safe workplace while promoting safety practices that extend beyond the job site. Recently, she and the depot’s Safety team hosted an interactive Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and ergonomics session for children attending the depot’s summer camp, helping introduce the next generation to the importance of workplace and everyday safety.

Michael Szumski’s career has come full circle after beginning as a Pathways Program intern in 2015 within the Air Traffic Control, Approach, and Landing System (ATCALS) & Range Threat Engineering Branch. After spending two summers as a student intern and earning a degree in Electrical Engineering from Wilkes University, he joined Team Tobyhanna full-time in 2017.

Over the years, Szumski gained experience in multiple engineering branches, including Air Defense & Counterfire Engineering and Communications Engineering, where he served in both leadership and technical roles. In February 2026, he returned to the ATCALS & Range Threat Engineering Branch as its chief.

His broad engineering background has prepared him to lead modernization efforts and support next-generation radar system planning. Szumski said working in different areas of the depot has provided valuable technical experience and a broader perspective, allowing him to become a more effective leader while continuing to support multiple military services and mission-critical programs.

Steven Wiltz also began his Tobyhanna career through the Student Career Experience Program, now known as the Pathways Program, while studying electrical construction and maintenance at Johnson College in 2007. Following graduation, he joined the depot full-time repairing environmental control units before spending eight years on the production floor.

Wiltz later served as a production controller before being promoted to Logistics Management Specialist in 2020. Throughout his career, he has supported programs across both continental and overseas locations, gaining experience that now supports the Department of the Army’s evolving small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) mission. He credits developmental assignments, professional training and the mentorship of his colleagues for helping shape his career.

Wiltz encourages students and aspiring professionals to pursue internship opportunities, calling them a pathway to a rewarding and meaningful career.

The success of Bilotta, Szumski and Wiltz demonstrates the long-term value of Tobyhanna Army Depot’s internship programs, which provide students with hands-on experience while developing the skilled workforce needed to support the depot’s mission and the nation’s warfighters.

Greater Scranton YMCA to Host Summer Clothing Drive

The Greater Scranton YMCA’s Summer Clothing Drive is underway, running Aug. 3-13, 2026. The Y will be collecting gently used clothing for individuals and families from August 3-7. Donated items will be available for distribution to
those in need from August 10-13.

Collection runs Monday, Aug. 3rd through Friday, Aug. 7th. Clean, wearable clothing in every size is welcome, infant through adult. Donations can be dropped off at the Y’s Welcome Center, located at 706 North Blakely Street in Dunmore, anytime during business hours. The Y is open Monday – Thursday from 5:30 AM – 9:00 PM, Fridays from 5:30 AM – 9:00 PM, Saturdays from 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM, and Sundays from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

Beginning Monday, Aug. 10th through Thursday, Aug. 13th, all donated items will be
available to community members free of charge. Community members in need can pick up
clothing any time during business hours.

“August can be a challenging month financially for families, especially with all of the backto-school expenses.” said Rich Surridge, President & CEO of the Greater Scranton YMCA. “This drive allows our community to show up for one another. We are grateful for the opportunity to facilitate this drive for our community, and we’re proud to promote
sustainability and community-centered giving.”

Community members are encouraged to sort through closets before the collection week begins. A single donation gives good clothing a second life and helps ensure families across the area have what they need heading into the school year.

For more information about the Summer Clothing Drive, contact Tressa Capoccia, Senior
Education Director, at tcapoccia@gsymca.org

WVIA announces the establishment of The Tassadduk and Anneliese Moghul Charitable Fund

The Tassadduk and Anneliese Moghul Charitable Fund has been established to support programming at WVIA Radio. 

The new fund honors the memory of Dr. Tassadduk Moghul and his wife, Anneliese Moghul, immigrants who carved out a life for themselves in the United States. 

The establishment of the fund, together with the naming of the Tassadduk and Anneliese Moghul FM Center through WVIA’s Building the Future Capital Campaign, honors the couple’s extraordinary commitment to public media and their belief that trusted news, classical music, arts, culture and educational programming enrich communities.

“We are deeply honored to be able to memorialize Tassadduk and Anneliese Moghul in such a meaningful way,” said Carla McCabe, WVIA President & CEO. “A fitting tribute to their love of the arts, classical music and community. This gift will help ensure WVIA continues to educate, inspire and serve our community for generations to come.”

The tributes will support public radio programming throughout Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania while celebrating a legacy of service, philanthropy and civic engagement for generations to come.

Three events coming up at Joy World Wealth Partners

Joy World Wealth Partners is hosting three events in August and September 2026 at its location at 125 North Washington Avenue in Scranton.

The first is “Move wth Intentional Joy,” a movement-based workshop to enhance overall well-being. The inclusive, energizing and supportive workshop on Wednesday, August 18 from 5:00 pm-7:00 pm is designed for people of any fitness level. The drop-in rate for this workshop is $20 per person. Anyone interested in attending can RSVP to Joanna at (570) 507-9642.

The second event is another “Move wth Intentional Joy” workshop. This one will be similar to the first and will take place on Wednesday, September 8 from 5:00 pm-7:00 pm. The drop-in rate for this workshop is $20 per person. Anyone interested in attending can RSVP to Joanna at (570) 507-9642.

Finally, Joy World Wealth Partners is hosting “Comedy for a Cause wth Jennie Luby, Mary Rapach, Kathryn Viam & Erin Watts.” This event will take place on Thursday, September 24. Doors will open at 6:30 pm and the show will begin at 7:00 pm. A portion of the proceeds from this event will benefit the spreadJOY Foundation. You can purchase tickets by clicking here.

SBA offers relief to Pennsylvania small businesses and private nonprofits affected by severe storms

The U.S. Small Business Administration announced the availability of low-interest federal disaster loans to small businesses and private nonprofit organizations in Pennsylvania to offset economic losses caused by severe storms that occurred on July 4, 2026. The SBA issued a disaster declaration in response to a request received from Governor Josh Shapiro on July 29, 2026.

The declaration covers the Pennsylvania counties of Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Northampton, Pike and Wayne, as well as New Jersey counties of Sussex and Warren, which are eligible for Economic Injury Disaster Loans from SBA.

SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, and private nonprofit organizations — including faith‑based organizations — with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.

EIDLs are for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills which could not be paid due to the disaster. 

“SBA loans help eligible small businesses and private nonprofits cover operating expenses after a disaster, which is crucial for their recovery,” said Chris Stallings, Associate Administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at SBA. “These loans not only help business owners get back on their feet but also play a key role in sustaining local economies in the aftermath of a disaster.”

The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.625% for private nonprofit organizations, with terms of up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA determines eligibility and sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

Beginning Tuesday, August 4, 2026, SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at an SBA Business Recovery Center in Monroe County to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process, and help individuals complete their application. Walk-ins are welcome, and you can schedule an in-person appointment in advance at appointment.sba.gov.

The hours of operation are listed below:

MONROE COUNTY

Business Recovery Center 

Schoonover Municipal Building

147 Municipal Dr.

East Stroudsburg, PA 18302

Opens at 9 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 4

Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Saturday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

The center will close early at 4:40 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 19

Closes permanently at 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21

To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

The filing deadline to return economic injury application is April 30, 2027.

NEPIRC hosting technology summit event; free for manufacturers

Manufacturers can attend NEPIRC’s Advanced Technology and AI Summit for free on Thursday, October 29. The summit will be from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Mohegan Pennsylvania in Wilkes-Barre. Non-manufacturers can attend for $50 per person.

The summit will showcase AI, Robots & Cobots, and Automation on the factory floor, with Jake Hall as the keynote speaker.

Attendees will be able to connect with hundreds of manufacturers and industry professionals for a day of collaboration and celebration. The goal of this first-ever summit is to empower manufacturers, change public perception about the industry, highlight its economic impact and introduce more people to available career opportunities.

You can register for the event here.