RailRiders Announce Fernández as Player of the Week Minor League Baseball has announced its weekly awards for May 18-24 and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre’s Yanquiel Fernández was tabbed as the International League’s Player of the Week. Fernández batted .379 while playing in all six games in right field for the RailRiders. Fernández went 11-for-29 against the IronPigs, recording the most hits on the week in the entire International League. In addition, the power hitter smoked four homers and batted in twelve runs – both tied for most in the league. He also scored five runs of his own and stole a bag. The lefty, who began the season on Scranton/Wilkes-Barre’s roster, holds a .270 batting average on the season after 43 games. He has six doubles, one triple, and thirteen home runs. Fernández leads the RailRiders in long balls and is tied for second most in the entire Yankees farm system. His 37 total RBIs are also tied for fourth most, both among Yankees’ minor leaguers and International League players. The 23-year-old was claimed off of waivers by New York from Colorado back in February. Fernández received the invite to Yankees Spring Training, garnering five hits while playing in parts of 15 games. He was originally signed by the Rockies as a Minor League Free Agent on July 12, 2019. In 2025, he played in 52 games for the big-league club after making his Major League Debut on July 2. Fernández launched his first home run off of Yohan Ramírez of Pittsburgh. Fernández is the second RailRider to earn honors this season after Yankees #21 prospect Brendan Beck was recognized last week. The last position player for SWB to bring home this award was Jose Rojas in 2025 for his work during in a late August series.
Team Renew And Restore Host Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Renew and Restore, a team of Leadership Northeast’s Core Class of 2026, is hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the renovated laundry room and clothing closet at Clem-Mar House’s new halfway house for women in recovery in Wilkes-Barre. The ceremony will take place on Friday, May 29th at 1:00 p.m. in the renovated space at 415 North Main Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702. This ceremony will start a new chapter for the Clem-Mar House and for women in recovery who will use this laundry room and clothing closet during their stay at the facility as part of their wellness journey. During the event, there will be brief remarks and light hors d’oeuvres with beverages provided.
Wayne Bank Promotes Stephanie Schuman To Bank Officer And Accounting Manager Wayne Bank recently announced the promotion of Stephanie Schuman to Bank Officer and Accounting Manager. In her new role, Schuman will oversee accounts payable, daily reconciliations, fixed assets, and other key accounting functions to help ensure accuracy and efficiency throughout the bank’s financial operations. “Stephanie has been a valuable member of our team, consistently demonstrating strong leadership, attention to detail, and a deep commitment to excellence in her work,” said Jim Donnelly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wayne Bank. “Her accounting expertise and dedication make her exceptionally well-suited for this expanded role.” Schuman earned her bachelor’s degree from Penn State University and brings more than seven years of accounting experience to Wayne Bank. Active in the community, Schuman serves as Treasurer for Wayne Highlands Elementary Wrestling and Youth Football, while also volunteering as a coach and co-chair coordinator. She is a 10-year member and former President of the Honesdale Jaycees and is also a member of Grace Ridge Church. Schuman resides in Honesdale with her husband, Kyle, and their two children.
The Dime Bank Celebrates Employee Anniversaries Showing its ongoing commitment to recognizing employee dedication, The Dime Bank hosted its annual service awards dinner to celebrate team members reaching milestone anniversaries. This year’s event honored 25 employees, representing an impressive range of tenures, from 35 years of service to five. This yearly tradition reflects The Dime Bank’s strong culture of appreciation, offering a meaningful way to acknowledge the hard work, loyalty, and contributions of its staff. The celebration highlights not only individual achievements but also the enduring commitment that drives the organization forward. President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Bochnovich commented, “The Dime Bank team is at the core of what sets our bank apart and helps create its welcoming culture. Employees’ commitment, integrity, and dedication drive the high level of service we provide, and every individual contributes meaningfully to the bank’s ongoing success. The Dime Bank sincerely recognizes and appreciates their hard work and continued loyalty.”
Net Credit Union Awards $10,000 In Scholarships In 2026 Scranton, PA Thursday, May 14th, 2026 – NET Credit Union awarded $10,000 in scholarships to two local recipients. Each recipient won a $5,000 scholarship. Each applicant must be a NET Credit Union member, have proof of a B average or better, proof of attendance, and must submit a 1,000 word essay with a cover page answering the scholarship question. This year’s scholarship question included: NET Credit Union cares about giving back to the community. What clubs, organizations, or causes are you involved in? How else do you think NET could support or give back to the community? Kylie suggested expanding financial literacy education for younger students through partnerships with local schools: “One opportunity would be partnering with local schools to provide financial literacy workshops for elementary students. Teaching children basic concepts such as saving, budgeting, and responsible spending at a young age can empower them to make informed decisions later in life. As a future elementary teacher, I see firsthand how eager young students are to learn practical life skills when presented in engaging, age-appropriate ways.” Kayla focused on supporting healthcare workers who dedicate their time to caring for children and families: “So many nurses work long hours and give a lot to help these sick children. Giving back to them after they’ve already spent so much time giving back to other people could be a nice idea. They could be gifted gift cards for coffee places such as Dunkin’ Donuts or Starbucks to keep them energized, or free snacks like donuts in the break rooms.”
RailRiders To Host Andy Buckley Appearance At May 29 Game Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders will welcome Andy Buckley for a special appearance during the Friday, May 29 game at 7:05 p.m. Best known for his role as David Wallace on the hit television series The Office, Buckley will participate in a VIP fan experience at the ballpark. The VIP package is available for $75 and includes one infield box ticket, a meet-and-greet opportunity, an autographed photo, post-game fireworks, and Kids Run the Bases following the game. Fans are encouraged to reserve tickets early for the special event experience.
Geisinger Receives Support For New Critical Care Transport Vehicle Geisinger Health Foundation has secured funding for a new Critical Care Ground Transport (CCGT) vehicle to support patients across Geisinger’s Northeast region, thanks to a generous contribution from Coterra through Pennsylvania’s Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development. The specialized vehicle will expand Geisinger’s ability to safely transport critically ill and injured patients between hospitals and care facilities while providing advanced, intensive care capabilities during transport. Designed as a mobile critical care unit, the CCGT vehicle allows specially trained teams to deliver the same high level of care patients would receive in an intensive care setting while en route to the most appropriate facility for treatment. Funding for the vehicle was made possible through the Neighborhood Assistance Program, a state tax credit initiative that encourages businesses to invest in projects that improve the health and well-being of communities across Pennsylvania. Through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP), Special Program Priorities (SPP), and Coterra’s generous support, this important investment into Geisinger’s critical care transport fleet was possible. “This investment strengthens our ability to deliver lifesaving care when patients need it most,” said a Nancy Lawton-Kluck, Geisinger chief philanthropy office . “The new Critical Care Ground Transport vehicle will help ensure that patients throughout our Northeast region have timely access to the advanced care and specialized services available across the Geisinger system. We are incredibly grateful to Coterra and the Neighborhood Assistance Program for their partnership and commitment to the communities we serve.” Coterra’s support through the Neighborhood Assistance Program reflects a shared commitment to improving access to high-quality healthcare throughout the region. By investing in projects like this, the company is helping ensure that patients across Northeast Pennsylvania can receive the specialized care they need, when and where they need it. The addition of the new Critical Care Ground Transport vehicle further enhances Geisinger’s ability to provide coordinated, high-acuity care across its network of hospitals and facilities, ensuring patients receive the right level of care as quickly and safely as possible.
Wayne Bank Promotes Ryan Ehrhardt To Assistant Vice President And Commercial Loan Officer Wayne Bank recently announced the promotion of Ryan Ehrhardt to Assistant Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer. In his new role, Ehrhardt will continue working closely with local businesses to identify financial goals and provide lending solutions that support long-term growth and economic development throughout the communities Wayne Bank serves. His responsibilities focus on relationship-based banking and helping businesses navigate opportunities for success. “Ryan has been a tremendous asset to Wayne Bank, and I am excited to see him continue to grow within our commercial lending team,” said Jim Donnelly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wayne Bank. “His experience in commercial banking, dedication to relationship-building, and commitment to our communities make him well-deserving of this promotion.” Ehrhardt earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania and brings more than six years of experience in the financial services industry, including five years in commercial banking. Active within the region, Ehrhardt serves as a board member for the Chamber of the Northern Poconos and resides in the Lake Wallenpaupack area. Norwood Financial Corp., the parent company of Wayne Bank, operates 33 branches throughout Pennsylvania and New York. The company trades on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol NWFL.
Stewart Leadership To Host Complimentary Manager Skills Event On June 3rd, Chamber Member and fellow NEPA business leader, Abby Allen, is hosting a complimentary lunch and working session for business leaders about how to close the gap between your organization’s growth and the skills your managers need to get you there. Stewart Leadership has spent over 40 years helping organizations achieve their business objectives by aligning talent, culture, and strategy. Company president and nationally recognized leadership development expert Daniel Stewart will lead an honest, practical, research-backed conversation about what separates managers who lead from those who simply execute — and what it costs your organization when that gap goes unaddressed. This is not a seminar, but a hands-on working lunch and peer conversation for business owners, executives, and senior leaders who want to take action on one of the most valuable and under addressed challenges in their organization. EVENT DETAILS Dates: Wednesday, June 3, 2026 Time: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM Venue: Glenmaura National Golf Club, 100 Glenmaura National Blvd, Moosic, PA Cost: Complimentary Registration: Space is limited; Click here to reserve your seat. Leaders who attend will walk away with: · A clear picture of the 8 skills that define manager effectiveness — and where most organizations have gaps · An honest benchmark: how ready is your management layer to support your growth? · Research-backed perspective on what it costs — in engagement, retention, and results — when managers are underdeveloped · A complimentary lunch and peer conversation with other NEPA business owners and senior leaders Please feel free to forward this to colleagues who would benefit — or reach out to Abby directly at (703) 298-4934 or abby@stewartleadership.com
Women In Philanthropy Awards $42,000 In Grants To Northeastern Pennsylvania Nonprofits Women in Philanthropy (WIP), an initiative of the Scranton Area Community Foundation dedicated to empowering and transforming the lives of women and girls throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania, proudly announced the recipients of its 2026 Spring Grants Cycle. Following a competitive application and review process, $42,000 in grant funding was awarded to seven nonprofit organizations serving communities across the region. The awards were presented during the Women in Philanthropy Spring Grants Meeting held this spring in Scranton. This year’s grant recipients include Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA for its Resilient Mothers:Maternal Mental Health & Stabilization Program ($8,750); Indraloka Animal Sanctuary for Lotus Rising ($8,150); WRC for Safe Housing and Economic Empowerment for Survivors ($5,500); SaintJoseph’s Center for Maternity Housing Transition Supplement ($5,400); Lacawac Sanctuary Environmental Education Center for its LeadHER in STEM Symposium ($5,000); Recovery Rises Foundation ($5,000); and United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA for its Multicultural HousingStability Program ($4,200). Each funded initiative addresses critical needs facing women, girls, and families in Northeastern Pennsylvania, from maternal mental health support and housing stability to economic empowerment and STEM education opportunities for young women. Grant recipients and award amounts were selected during the Spring Grants Meeting by Women in Philanthropy Supporters, who gathered to hear presentations directly from nonprofit leaders before casting their votes. The annual event reflects the collective power of philanthropy and communitydriven decision-making.
