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.
Scranton Cultural Center Announces Free Concert Featuring The United States Army Field Band & Soldiers’ Chorus Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple will host a free performance by the United States Army Field Band and Soldiers’ Chorus on Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. in the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Theatre. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. The concert is part of the ensemble’s nationwide celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America. Founded in 1946, the Concert Band is the oldest and largest of The U.S. Army Field Band’s five ensembles and has performed for more than 100 million people worldwide. The Soldiers’ Chorus, established in 1957, complements the Concert Band with performances featuring Broadway selections, Americana, patriotic music, pop, rock, and R&B favorites. The evening’s program will showcase a variety of musical styles while highlighting the professionalism and musical excellence that have earned the ensembles national recognition through performances with renowned orchestras and appearances at presidential inaugurations and diplomatic events. Tickets are free and required for admission, with a limit of four tickets per household. Convenience charges may apply for online or phone orders. Tickets are available through the Fidelity Bank Box Office at the SCC, by calling (570) 344-1111, or through Ticketmaster.
The Wright Center To Host Drug Take-Back Event In Scranton With Lackawanna/Susquehanna Office Of Drug & Alcohol Programs The Wright Center for Community Health will host a drug take-back event with the Lackawanna/Susquehanna County Office of Drug & Alcohol Programs on Friday, June 12, from noon to 4 p.m. at its community health center in Scranton. Anyone can stop by The Wright Center for Community Health Scranton, 501 S. Washington Ave., to drop off unused or expired medications. Medications accepted include prescription and over-the-counter medications, such as pain relievers, antacids, cold medications, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal supplements, as well as topical medications, creams and ointments, eye drops, and pet medications. Drug take-back programs are essential public health and safety initiatives designed to safely dispose of unused or expired medications, primarily to prevent opioid misuse, accidental poisoning, and environmental contamination. Officials with the Lackawanna/Susquehanna Office of Drug & Alcohol Programs and members of the Scranton Police Department will be stationed in the community health center’s waiting room to safely collect items for proper disposal. For more information, call the Lackawanna/Susquehanna Office of Drug & Alcohol Programs at 570-963-6820, ext. 32037.
Steamtown National Historic Site To Host Union Pacific Big Boy Visit Steamtown National Historic Site will welcome the historic Union Pacific Big Boy, the largest operating steam locomotive in the country, for a special public visit this June. Ticketed viewing opportunities and public displays of the locomotive will take place on Monday, June 15 and Tuesday, June 16. Following the public display dates, visitors will have the opportunity to observe locomotive maintenance activities from Wednesday, June 17 through Tuesday, June 30. During the maintenance period, one of the locomotive’s cabs will be open for public viewing, giving guests a unique behind-the-scenes look at the historic engine and its operations. Visitors are encouraged to check with Steamtown National Historic Site for additional event details, ticket information, and visiting hours.
Mohegan Sun FanDuel Sportsbook To Host UFC Freedom 250 Viewing Party Mohegan Sun FanDuel Sportsbook will host a high-energy viewing experience for UFC Freedom 250 on Sunday, June 14 at 8:00 p.m., broadcasting the historic fight event taking place on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington. Fight fans will have the opportunity to enjoy the action inside the sportsbook’s immersive viewing environment featuring wall-to-wall screens, including its 140-foot video wall, live wagering, and exclusive raffle giveaways of signed UFC memorabilia. Guests can reserve a seat for $100 per person, which includes one bucket of beer and one entrée. Each reserved guest will also receive raffle tickets for the chance to win signed UFC items, including shorts signed by Ilia Topuria and Alex Pereira, as well as a glove signed by Sean O’Malley. The main fight card will feature a Lightweight Title matchup between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje, along with a Heavyweight Interim Title Bout between Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane. Additional featured bouts include Sean O’Malley vs. Aiemann Zahabi, Josh Hokit vs. Derrick Lewis, and Maurício Ruffy vs. Michael Chandler. Fight card details are subject to change. Named one of the UFC’s Top 30 sports bars in the country in 2025, Mohegan Sun FanDuel Sportsbook continues to provide a premier destination for fans to watch and celebrate major sporting events. Additional information and reservations can be found through the Mohegan Sun FanDuel Sportsbook Event Calendar.
NEPA Youth Shelter Announces Save The Date For Fundraiser NEPA Youth Shelter is encouraging community members to save the date for its upcoming NEPA Youth Voices fundraiser on Saturday, October 17, 2026 at the Ritz Theater. Doors for the event will open at 5:00 p.m., with the show beginning at 6:00 p.m. The fundraiser will support the mission and ongoing efforts of NEPA Youth Shelter while bringing the community together for an evening of entertainment and engagement. Additional event details, ticket information, and programming announcements will be released soon.
The Wright Center Promotes Men’s Health Awareness During Men’s Health Month The Wright Center for Community Health is recognizing Men’s Health Month this June by encouraging men to prioritize preventive care, healthy lifestyle habits, and routine medical screenings to support long-term wellness and improved health outcomes. “In my many years of practicing medicine, one truth has remained consistent: men are often less proactive about their health than women. That reality continues to affect health outcomes across our communities and multiple generations,” said Dr. William Dempsey. Observed each June, Men’s Health Month raises awareness about the physical, behavioral, and emotional health challenges men face while promoting education and early detection of preventable health conditions. This year’s theme, “Partners in Care: For Better Lifespans Across the Lifespan,” highlights the important role families, caregivers, and communities play in supporting healthier lives. Men’s Health Week, taking place June 14-21, also promotes awareness through outreach and educational initiatives, including Wear Blue Day on June 19. Healthcare professionals continue to emphasize the importance of routine primary care visits, prostate and colon cancer screenings, and early health education to help reduce the risk of advanced disease. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, men in the United States experience a shorter average life expectancy than women and face increased risks for conditions such as heart disease, lung cancer, HIV, and prostate cancer. Through its Patient-Centered Medical Home model, The Wright Center provides comprehensive, whole-person healthcare services, including medical, dental, behavioral health, recovery, and preventive care services for patients of all ages. The Wright Center’s Lifestyle Medicine initiative also promotes healthier living through nutrition, physical activity, stress management, improved sleep habits, stronger personal relationships, and tobacco cessation programs aimed at reducing chronic disease risks and improving quality of life throughout the region. “Improving men’s health is a shared responsibility,” Dr. Dempsey added. “By encouraging the important men in our lives to prioritize preventive care and healthier habits, we can help build stronger families, healthier communities, and longer lives.”
The Grey Towers Heritage Association Announces Historian Dr. Larry Cook To Speak Grey Towers Heritage Association will host “Presidents, Pinchot, and the Birth of American Conservation,” a special presentation featuring nationally recognized presidential historian Dr. Larry Cook, on Saturday, June 13, 2026 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Grey Towers National Historic Site. Held at the historic home of Gifford Pinchot, the program will explore the important relationships between Pinchot and the U.S. presidents who helped shape America’s early conservation policies. Drawing on decades of research and an extensive collection of presidential artifacts, Dr. Cook will share stories, historical insights, and materials highlighting the role presidential leadership played in establishing the foundation of modern environmental stewardship. “Dr. Cook has a rare ability to bring history to life in a way that is both deeply insightful and highly engaging,” said Joe Kissling. “His perspective on the presidents who shaped American conservation is truly compelling, and we are honored to have him at Grey Towers.” The event will take place on the scenic Pool Terrace at Grey Towers National Historic Site. Dr. Cook will also participate in a book signing following the presentation, and light refreshments will be served. Admission is free for members, $15 for non-members, and $5 for student non-members. Registration is required and can be completed at Grey Towers Events Registration. For registration assistance, attendees may contact info@greytowers.org.
Fidelity Bank To Open New Electric City Branch Fidelity Bank recently announced the upcoming relocation of its Scranton Financial Center Branch to a new downtown location within the bank’s restored Corporate Center at 507 Linden Street in Scranton. Upon reopening, the branch will operate as the Fidelity Bank Electric City Branch. The move represents an important milestone for Fidelity Bank as it continues to invest in the future of banking and the economic vitality of Northeastern Pennsylvania. The new branch will be located on the ground floor of the historic Corporate Center, providing customers with a modern and centrally located banking experience in the heart of downtown Scranton. To accommodate the transition, the Scranton Financial Center Branch will close at the end of business on Thursday, June 18, with the relocation taking place over the weekend of June 20. The Fidelity Bank Electric City Branch is scheduled to open on Monday, June 22. Customers will continue to have access to Online and Mobile Banking throughout the transition, and all accounts, services, and banking relationships will remain unchanged. Fidelity Bank representatives will be available to assist customers and welcome them to the new location. The bank noted that the new Electric City Branch reflects its continued commitment to honoring Scranton’s history while investing in the future of the region and the communities it serves. For additional information, customers may contact Fidelity Bank at 1-800-388-4380.
Marywood University Announces New Endowed/Annual Scholarships Marywood University recently announced five endowed scholarships and two annual scholarships at the 2026 Scholarship Luncheon. The annual luncheon brought together students, donors, and esteemed guests to celebrate the impact of scholarships and express heartfelt appreciation for the donors who make scholarships possible. Emma Budnovitch ’26, Roaring Brook Township, BS Biochemistry, was the student scholar who spoke on behalf of the student scholarship recipients. She noted, “Scholarships do not just ease financial burdens, but they allow students like me to discover their passions and the confidence to pursue them. Because of your support, I did not just attend Marywood, I fully experienced it.” Institutional aid through scholarships allows Marywood University to assist students and make their education affordable and attainable. In 2025-2026, Marywood provided more than $3.5 million in institutional aid through 642 named scholarships awarded to 556 individual students. New endowed named scholarships can be established with a gift of $50,000 or more. New annual named scholarships can be established with a gift of $10,000 or more. For information on establishing a named scholarship, please contact the Office of University Advancement at 570-348-6238 or development@marywood.edu. The newly endowed scholarships include: The Rocco and Catherine Ciliberti Endowed Scholarship, established by Henry and Margaret Jordan Sallusti ’83, supports academically accomplished local students with financial need, who wish to pursue studies in Nutrition and Dietetics or the Health Sciences. The Kelleher Family Endowed Scholarship, established by Frank Kelleher ’03, Trustee of Marywood University, and his wife, Lauren, supports business students with financial need. The Dr. Lotte Behrendt von Kerczek Endowed Scholarship, established by Elisabeth Gilligan ’59, supports full-time undergraduates with financial need with preference to students enrolled in a major in Science, Math, or Computer Science Department or in the Health Sciences. The Class of 1972 Endowed Scholarship, established by the Marywood Class of 1972 in honor of their 50th Reunion, supports full-time undergraduates with academic achievement and financial need. The Joey Monaghan ’21 Endowed Scholarship, established by Richard Gorelick, supports full-time undergraduates with financial need who demonstrate leadership, compassion, and a desire to help others excel. The newly established annual scholarships include: The Dr. Alice Elaine McDonnell Annual Scholarship, established by Dr. Alice Elaine McDonnell, M.P.A. ’77, supports full-time graduate students in the Master of Healthcare Administration program with financial need and academic achievement. The Barbara Spellman Shuta ’68 Annual Scholarship, established by Barbara Spellman Shuta ’68, Marywood Alumni Association Board Member Emerita, supports full-time undergraduates with academic achievement and financial need.
