Johnson College, William Lesek Memorial Scholarship Fund The American Society of Highway Engineers (ASHE), Northeast Penn Section, has established the William Lesek Memorial Scholarship Fund at Johnson College to support students pursuing careers in architectural drafting and design. Beginning in the 2025–26 academic year, the annual scholarship will provide a total of $2,000, awarding $1,000 each to two students enrolled in the College’s Architectural Drafting & Design Technology program. Preference will be given to students who demonstrate financial need, maintain good academic standing, and are actively engaged in the College community. Funding for the scholarship was made possible through a variety of fundraising efforts conducted by ASHE Northeast Penn in honor of the late William Lesek. “We are incredibly grateful to the American Society of Highway Engineers, Northeast Penn Section, for their generous contribution and partnership,” said Dr. Katie Pittelli, president and CEO of Johnson College. “This scholarship honors the memory of William Lesek while directly benefiting our students as they work toward entering the workforce and building successful careers.” For more information about available scholarships at Johnson College, visit johnson.edu/future-students/financialaid/scholarships. Members of the American Society of Highway Engineers (ASHE), Northeast Penn Section, recently met with Dr. Katie Pittelli to discuss the establishment of the William Lesek Memorial Scholarship Fund. Pictured left to right: Corey Lewis, PE, president of ASHE Northeast Penn Section; Dr. Katie Pittelli, president and CEO of Johnson College; John Pocius, PE, ASHE Northeast Penn Section board member; and Attilio “Butch” Frati, ASHE Northeast Penn Section board member.
Scranton Tomorrow, Voting Closing for Downtown Floral Competition Submissions to judge Scranton Tomorrow’s Downtown Scranton Business Class Floral Competition closes tonight! Join in, support local, and vote! Take a self guided tour of the floral display locations! QR codes linking to our Facebook voting gallery will be posted next to displays throughout the business district. Be sure to visit, N. Washington Avenue Over the Moon 123 N. Washington Avenue Tachi Hill 127 N. Washington Avenue Pizza By Pappas 303 N. Washington Avenue Abe’s Delicatessen 326 N. Washington Avenue Wyoming Avenue Picciocchi’s Pasta 114 Wyoming Avenue Biden Street Northern Light Espresso Bar & Cafe 536 Biden Street Penn Avenue RD Blow Dry Bar & The Daisy Collective (together) 324, 328 Penn Avenue AV Restaurant 320 Penn Avenue Adams Avenue Lavish Scranton 200 Adams Avenue Thai Rak Thai 349 Adams Avenue Spice Asian Market 343 Adams Avenue Lackawanna Avenue Scranton Art Haus 301 Lackawanna Avenue Vote for your favorite displays through Facebook. Each photo “like” counts as a vote! P.S. You are not required to take the self guided tour prior to voting (although we think you should – it’s fun!). In partnership with the Everhart Museum, Scranton Tomorrow will honor first, second and third place winners on Friday, June 20, at the at the Flower Power Happy Hour at the Everhart Museum in Nay Aug Park, 1901 Mulberry Street, Scranton, from 5 to 8 p.m. Winning arrangements will be on display at the Electric City Flower Show at Nay Aug Park on Saturday, June 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This competition is part of Scranton City Pride, a project of Scranton Tomorrow, NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania, and United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC), and a Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful program.
Marywood University Dean of Health Sciences: Local and Global Accomplishments In addition to her academic leadership role at Marywood University, Shelby W. Yeager, M.Ed., Dean of Marywood’s College of Health Sciences, is keeping busy with personal and professional accomplishments, both locally and internationally. Dean Yeager traveled to Paris, France, in April to run in the 2025 Paris Marathon, dubbed “the world’s largest marathon,” which she successfully finished. This race is not her first distance-running event. She has competed in numerous marathons over the years, including those in New York City (for charity), Chicago, and Philadelphia, as well as the Steamtown Marathon in Scranton and more than 15 half marathons. The Paris Marathon marks her first international competition. On the professional front, the Scranton Counseling Center Board of Directors voted unanimously to appoint Dean Yeager as one of its new directors. Her board tenure begins on July 1, and she brings a wealth of experience as an academic administrator with a professional/clinical background in health sciences, including the areas of kinesiology, sports medicine, and athletic training. Dean Yeager has led Marywood’s College of Health Sciences since March 2022. She was a long-term faculty member and department chair prior to her appointment as dean, beginning her academic career at Marywood in 2004. Before that, she was an athletic trainer at Wilkes University, then assumed clinical and administration roles at John Heinz Rehabilitation Institute and Keystone College. Additionally, she worked as part of the Sports Injury Prevention Program at the Hospital for Special Surgery, New York City. Dean Yeager earned her bachelor of kinesiology and sports medicine degree from Temple University and a master’s in health and physical education from East Stroudsburg University. She is a licensed athletic trainer and strength and conditioning coach with an emphasis on movement assessment, injury reduction, and corrective exercises. She also holds multiple specialty certifications from the USA-Weightlifting, National Academy of Sports Medicine, and Functional Movement Screening. In 2024, she was inducted into the Order Cor Mariae-Pro Fide et Cultura at Marywood University, an honor bestowed for 20 years of distinguished service.
Live Nation Summer Shows at The Pavilion at Montage Mountain Pavilion at Montage Mountain has served Northeast Pennsylvania and its surrounding areas with the biggest and brightest stars in live entertainment for over 20 years. Nestled in the mountains, fans come back year after year to experience the high-energy atmosphere of live music at an idyllic mountain-top venue. The Pavilion features performances from acts across all genres of music, ranging from classic rock to country to pop and more! Upcoming shows include: Creed- Summer of ’99 Tour (July 16th): tickets here The Offspring: Supercharged Worldwide In ’25 (July 20th): tickets here Breaking Benjamin & Three Days Grace (September 13th): tickets here All ticket, venue, and artist information can be found at https://premium.livenation.com/venue/the-pavilion-at-montage-mountain
Fidelity Bank Welcomes New Bankers and Announces Recent Promotions Daniel J. Santaniello, President & CEO of Fidelity Bank, is pleased to announce the following new bankers and banker promotions: Lauren Trichilo has been promoted to Vice President, Commercial Relationship Manager. She has been at Fidelity Bank for 12 years, developing her career through many departments and roles including the Client Care Center, Credit Department, and most recently, served as Small Business Relationship Manager. She will continue her career as VP, Commercial Relationship Manager, working closely with clients to understand their unique financial needs and provide customized banking solutions. James F. Burke joins as Senior Vice President, Business Relationship Manager. He brings financial expertise from his longstanding career, most recently being the Executive Vice President and Chief Banking Officer at another area financial institution. Burke will collaborate with business clients to analyze cash flow, identify growth opportunities, and develop tailored lending solutions. He will also support clients with fraud prevention, managing payments, retirement planning, and more. Katherine Mackrell Oven joins as Wealth Advisor. She will be working with Fidelity Bank’s Wealth Management Division to support clients and help grow their assets. She will assist in all aspects of their financial goals whether it is investing current assets, saving for college, planning for retirement, and implementing risk protection through life or long-term care insurance. Jill M. Valentini has been promoted to Vice President, Director of Retail Lending. She has been with Fidelity Bank for 17 years. She started as a Teller Services Supervisor and has continued to rise through the branch network as an Assistant Branch Manager, AVP, Retail Branch Manager II, and most recently, VP, Regional Retail Sales Manager. Valentini will continue her career at Fidelity Bank as VP, Director of Retail Lending, responsible for oversight of the Mortgage and Consumer Lending Department. Kelley Laird has been promoted to Assistant Vice President, Branch Business Lending Advisor at Fidelity Bank. She will be responsible for supporting Branch Managers in managing complex business loan transactions, enhancing client relationships, and driving growth in business banking. This role combines leadership, coaching, and technical expertise in loan structuring, credit analysis, and business development. The advisor ensures compliance with regulatory standards, participates in sales and service efforts, and helps maintain high client service standards, contributing to overall branch performance and success. Kiana Hubbard has been promoted to Retail Branch Manager at the Fidelity Bank Wyoming Branch. She will be responsible for leading and developing a successful team of bankers who embody the Fidelity Bank Model Experience, as well as striving to meet and exceed branch and organizational goals. Another focus will include maintaining and strengthening client relationships in the Wyoming community and participating in volunteer work and charitable giving. Donna Kane has been promoted to Lackawanna County Retail Regional Sales Manager. Since joining Fidelity Bank in 2020, she has successfully led several branches, most recently as the Abington Branch Manager. Kane won the “Excellence in Customer Service Award” in 2023. She is the Treasurer for the Marley’s Mission Board of Directors, as well as a graduate of the 2022 Core Class of Leadership Lackawanna, where she continues to serve on their finance and selection committees. Trish Curley has been promoted to Assistant Vice President, Luzerne County Retail Regional Sales Manager. Trish began her career at Fidelity Bank 19 years ago and has most recently served as Branch Manager at the Pittston branch. Curley is a Graduate of the 2023 Amplify Program in Luzerne County, serves on the Pittston Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and is an active member of the Jenkins Township Lions Club. In making this announcement, Santaniello stated, “These promotions and new bankers will be a vital asset to cultivate and maintain business relationships at Fidelity Bank.” He continued, “We are excited to have them grow their careers and bring new and engaging insight on the strategy behind enhancing business relationships with our clients.”
Lackawanna County to Conduct Assessment Appeal Hearings in the Marketplace at Steamtown Lackawanna County will conduct an expected large number of assessment appeal hearings in the Marketplace at Steamtown, 300 Lackawanna Ave., Scranton. Commissioners Bill Gaughan and Chris Chermak approved a lease for the space at Wednesday’s regular commissioners meeting. The county is conducting its first comprehensive reassessment of property valuations since 1968. Valuations are the basis for property taxation by the county, municipal governments and school districts. County property owners already have received new tentative valuations for their properties. The informal appeal process, in which about 9,500 property owners questioned their tentative valuations, has concluded. Letters informing property owners of final valuations will be mailed by June 20, according to Patrick Tobin, director of the county Department of Assessment. Those letters will include instructions on how to file a formal appeal. Appeal hearings will begin Aug. 1 and continue, five days a week, through Oct. 31. To accommodate the expected large number of appeals, the commissioners have appointed four auxiliary appeals boards to assist the permanent county Board of Assessment Appeals. All boards will conduct appeals in the marketplace. The permanent board will handle all commercial property valuation appeals. The space is on the first floor, between the Electric City Aquarium and Lehigh Valley Health Network. It is large enough to enable all five reassessment appeal boards to hear cases simultaneously. Under the terms of the lease agreement, the space will be occupied by the assessment appeals boards from Aug. 1 to Oct. 31 and will cost $3,700 per month, which includes the cost of the space and its utilities. The county will validate garage parking to ensure that it is free. Brian Jeffers, county chief of staff, emphasized that the space in the Marketplace at Steamtown allows for convenient parking and accessibility. “We scouted a bunch of locations and this is actually the best one,” Jeffers said. Once all appeals are resolved, the new valuations will be used by local governments and school districts to set 2026 property tax rates. Tobin noted that the new valuations are not relevant to current 2025 tax bills, and that the new valuations cannot be used to estimate 2026 taxes, which will be set when local governments and school districts adopt their 2026 budgets. — Brittain Banull, Lackawanna County Staff
WVIA, Lehigh & Luzerne County Airports Receive Funding for Upgrades The Wilkes-Barre Scranton International Airport (AVP) will expand its terminal and modernize the TSA screening area with a $6.2 million state grant. The upgrades will improve passenger flow and enhance security operations, according to State Sen. Marty Flynn’s office. The grant will also help support the continued growth of the airport. The Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) received $1.5 million to construct a parking structure to enhance terminal commercial development. The projects are financed through the state Capital Budget’s Aviation Transportation Assistance Program.
The Wright Center Welcomes Medical School Dean as Graduation Speaker The dean of an osteopathic medicine school in Arizona that has been a longtime partner of The Wright Center will address graduates at The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s 46th annual graduation ceremony on Saturday, June 21, at Hilton Scranton and Convention Center. The Wright Center’s graduation ceremony will honor and recognize 67 resident physicians from six disciplines: 35 in Internal Medicine, 15 in National Family Medicine, seven in Regional Family Medicine, five in Geriatrics, three in Cardiovascular Disease, and two in Gastroenterology. Dr. Sharon Obadia, a member of The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education Board of Directors, serves as the dean of A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona (ATSU-SOMA), which has been ranked No. 1 nationally in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report rankings for medical schools with the most graduates practicing primary care. She works closely with officials at The Wright Center, which has been a training and educational site for ATSU-SOMA students since 2020. The Wright Center hosts about 26 second- through fourth-year medical school students from ATSU-SOMA who are completing their education in The Wright Center’s clinical learning environments across Northeast Pennsylvania. Several of these students have gone on to complete their medical residencies and fellowships with The Wright Center, including one doctor in the Internal Medicine Residency Program who will graduate at the June 21 ceremony. “For nearly 50 years, The Wright Center has been deeply committed to training the primary care physician workforce of tomorrow – a commitment shared by Dr. Obadia and ATSU-SOMA,” said Dr. Jumee Barooah, designated institutional official and senior vice president of education at The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education. “Their national recognition reflects the strength of our partnership and the impact of our collective efforts. We are honored to welcome Dr. Obadia as our keynote speaker – a meaningful symbol of our aligned purpose and the preferred future we are building together through primary care.” Dr. Obadia, who lives in Mesa, Arizona, previously served as ATSU-SOMA’s associate dean for clinical education and services and is an associate professor of internal medicine. She has also served as chair of the Clinical Science Education Department and director of faculty development at ATSU-SOMA. She is a 1997 graduate of ATSU’s Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and trained at Banner University Medical Center/Carl T. Hayden Veterans Affairs Medical Center’s Internal Medicine Residency Program in Phoenix, Arizona. Dr. Obadia has been board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine since 2001 and is a fellow of the National Academy of Osteopathic Medical Educators.
Geisinger School of Medicine and Northeastern Health Care Foundation Celebrate at Annual Reception Geisinger School of Medicine and the Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation (NEPA HCF) recently held their annual reception to review the progress and impact of the NEPA Health Care Foundation Scholars Program. The program continues to play a pivotal role in supporting medical students committed to serving the healthcare needs of northeastern Pennsylvania. In October 2014, the board of the NEPA HCF approved a grant to the School of Medicine (then called The Commonwealth Medical College). The grant, payable over 11 years, established the NEPA HCF Scholars Program, funding scholarships for 20 Doctor of Medicine (MD) students. Two students were chosen from each incoming class, beginning in 2015 with the incoming members of the Class of 2019, and ending in 2024 with the Class of 2028. To date, a total of 20 scholarships to 20 students have been awarded through the NEPA HCF Scholars Program. Laura Ducceschi, administrator of NEPA HCF, and President & CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation, emphasized the program’s alignment with the foundation’s mission, “Establishing this scholarship made sense, given NEPA HCF’s goal to improve the region’s health and well-being. Supporting medical students committed to practicing medicine in our community ensures a healthier future for northeastern Pennsylvania.” The reception also focused on the group’s annual report, detailing the program’s achievements. Key accomplishments include the continued support of students through substantial scholarship awards and the reinforcement of partnerships aimed at enhancing health care access in the region. “The NEPA Health Care Foundation Scholars Program is a wonderful example of how strategic philanthropy and medical education can work together to strengthen our region’s health care system,” said Julie Byerley, M.D., M.P.H., Geisinger College of Health Sciences president and dean. “By investing in our students and encouraging them to stay and practice in northeastern Pennsylvania, we’re building a healthier future — one physician at a time.” First row, L to R: Parita Ray, Laura Barna, M.D. (alumna, Class of 2019) Caitlin Doughton, Kyle Kidd, Evan Florey, Madison Ziobro, Alexis Blackburn, Abigail Glynn, Jake Parrick, M.D. (alumnus, Class of 2019), Alivia Roberts Back row, L to R: Tonyehn Verkitus, Catherine Mihalick, Sarah Wodder, Shubhra Shetty, M.D., Jason Woloski, M.D., Laura Ducceschi, Barbara Grimaud, Michael Cordaro, Joseph Burke, Patrick Connors, Julie Byerley, M.D., M.P.H., Peter Cognetti
Geisinger College of Health Sciences Vice Provost Returns to Harvard Macy Institute’s Faculty Michelle Schmude, EdD, MBA, vice provost for enrollment management and a professor of medical education, recently returned to the faculty of Harvard Macy Institute’s (HMI) Program for Educators in Health Professions, which she joined in 2018. Based in Boston, the HMI Program for Educators in Health Professions is a professional development program designed to enhance the skills and expertise of health care professionals as educators. It aims to equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively teach and lead in the evolving landscape of medical education. Dr. Schmude has long been active in the HMI, helping to develop and share strategies for cultivating professionalism in medical students. A focus on professionalism is proven to protect future doctors from burnout and help them deliver compassionate care. “The most meaningful professional development experience of my career has been as a scholar and faculty member in the HMI’s Program for Educators in Health Professions,” Dr. Schmude said. “I’m grateful to Dr. William Iobst, who encouraged me to attend HMI in 2017, and to Dr. Elizabeth Armstrong, the founder of HMI, and her team, who welcomed me into this exceptional community of educators. I’m thankful to Drs. William Jeffries and Julie Byerley for their continued support. Finally, I’m fortunate to have made lifelong friends through HMI who encourage, support and inspire me daily.” In her return to the Institute, Dr. Schmude will focus on serving in: Project Group, faculty co-lead and facilitator Journal Club, faculty co-lead and facilitator Microteaching Group, faculty co-lead and facilitator HMI World Café: Ongoing professional advancement for mid-career and senior educators, faculty facilitator Scholar ePoster session, facilitator She will also co-present an elective session, Communication Styles: Examining Our Assumptions. The session will examine 4 different communication styles that affect interactions. Learners will explore their communication style and examine the domains of emotional intelligence. In addition, the session uses small group work to help learners understand diverse communication styles and effectively communicate with their peers using emotional intelligence.
