SACF Honors Michele Bannon and Dr. Tania Stoker The Scranton Area Community Foundation honored two outstanding community leaders, Michele Bannon and Dr. Tania Stoker, at the 2025 Women in Philanthropy Annual Celebration, held on Wednesday, November 5, at the Foundation’s new home in the historic Century Club of Scranton. Bannon received the Margaretta Belin Chamberlin Award, and Stoker received the Roseann Smith Alperin Award, two prestigious honors in the region recognizing women whose leadership, service, and vision have made a lasting impact throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. “Dr. Stoker and Ms. Bannon are shining examples of what it means to lead with purpose,” said Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “Through their compassion, generosity, and tireless service, they continue to strengthen our community and inspire others to do the same.” Both awards were established at the Scranton Area Community Foundation by generous donors to memorialize and honor women whose values and impact continue to inspire generations. The Margaretta Belin Chamberlin Award, established in 1992 by the family of Margaretta Belin Chamberlin, honors a woman whose vision, dedication, and courage have enhanced the quality of life and expanded opportunities for others within her community. The Roseann Smith Alperin Award, established by the Junior League of Scranton, recognizes an outstanding female volunteer who exemplifies the heart and spirit of Roseann Smith Alperin—someone who leads, motivates, and inspires others through her volunteer service and commitment to community. Michele Bannon, recipient of the Margaretta Belin Chamberlin Award, was celebrated for her joyful and devoted civic engagement in Carbondale and beyond. Her decades of service include leadership roles with NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania, the Greater Carbondale Chamber of Commerce, and the Carbondale Historical Society, where she has been active since 1994. She also volunteers with St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen, the Greater Carbondale YMCA, and the Maplewood Cemetery Trust. Her civic leadership extends to the Lackawanna County Land Bank Advisory Board, the Wayne Memorial Community Board, and the U-Comp Board of Directors through the Pennsylvania Municipal League. Within her parish at St. Rose of Lima Church, she serves on the Finance Committee, Pastoral Council, and as a lector and fundraising chair—roles she approaches with faith and enthusiasm. Bannon’s contributions have previously earned her the 2013 Roseann Smith Alperin Award and the 2019 Pioneer Hero Award. Dr. Tania Stoker, recipient of the Roseann Smith Alperin Award, has dedicated over 27 years to advancing equity, access, and opportunity through public education. Currently Assistant Superintendent for the Northern Lehigh School District, she has served as a teacher, coach, principal, and district leader dedicated to uplifting students and families. A dedicated volunteer, Dr. Stoker has been an active member of the Junior League of Scranton since 2017, serving as board member, treasurer, and committee chair. She also lends her leadership to St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen, Ronald McDonald House of Scranton, Family to Family, Friends of the Poor, and the Adopt a Single Mom Project. Her service extends to advisory boards for the Workforce Board Lehigh Valley – Business Education Partnership and Lehigh University’s Zoellner Arts Center. Her leadership has been recognized with the Mary Harriman Award (2020), Margaret L. Richards Award (2024), and the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators’ Wanda McDaniel Award (2025). Scranton Area Community Foundation President and CEO Laura Ducceschi congratulates Michele Bannon, recipient of the 2025 Margaretta Belin Chamberlin Award, during the Women in Philanthropy Annual Celebration at the Foundation’s new home in the Century Club of Scranton on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. Scranton Area Community Foundation President and CEO Laura Ducceschi congratulates Dr. Tania Stoker, recipient of the 2025 Roseann Smith Alperin Award, during the Women in Philanthropy Annual Celebration at the Foundation’s new home in the Century Club of Scranton on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. Each year, Women in Philanthropy (WIP), an initiative of the Scranton Area Community Foundation, celebrates the power of collective giving and honors women whose leadership and service strengthen communities across Northeastern Pennsylvania. The 2025 celebration marked a milestone year, taking place for the first time at the Foundation’s new home in the Century Club of Scranton, where supporters, partners, and community members gathered to celebrate over a decade of impact and growing regional momentum. The evening featured stories of empowerment, progress, and generosity that showcased how women’s collective philanthropy continues to change lives across the region. Guests enjoyed an inspiring program highlighting the initiative’s achievements, including its ongoing support of financial education programs, microgrants for women-owned businesses, and collaborative efforts to address barriers such as childcare and transportation—all aimed at improving economic mobility and quality of life for women, girls, and families in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Through events like this annual celebration, Women in Philanthropy continues to bring together a diverse network of leaders, donors, and changemakers united by a shared vision: to invest in lasting, equitable progress across the region.
NEPA Philharmonic Continues (Candle)LIT Holidays Tradition The Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic proudly announces the return of one of its most beloved seasonal traditions: (Candle)LIT Holidays, taking place on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 7:00 PM at the Scranton Cultural Center. This annual celebration invites audiences to embrace the warmth, nostalgia, and joy of the holiday season through an evening of dazzling performances set within a breathtaking, candlelit atmosphere. As a new touch to the annual holiday concert, guests will be welcomed into a hall glowing with the soft flicker of hundreds of electric candles, creating an intimate and immersive setting unlike any other holiday concert in the region. This year’s program features the full NEPA Philharmonic orchestra alongside the Abington Heights High School Choir and Ballet Theatre of Scranton, offering a rich blend of symphonic favorites, choral classics, and festive dance. Adding to the magic, the evening will include special appearances from North Pole visitors—making the event particularly enchanting for children and families. (Candle)LIT Holidays is part of the Philharmonic’s 2025–2026 Season, presented by PNC, whose commitment to the arts helps ensure that high-quality cultural experiences remain accessible throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. The Philharmonic also extends deep gratitude to its POPS Series sponsor, Dr. Seth and Carolyn Fisher, and concert presenting sponsor, Magic93. Additional support for this concert has been provided by Toyota of Scranton, Adams Outdoor, Gentex, and Knowles Insurance. Their generosity allows the Philharmonic to present concerts that bring together professional musicians, young local performers, and regional arts organizations in vibrant collaboration. Beyond its musical offerings, the evening serves as a celebration of the community itself. For long-time patrons, (Candle)LIT Holidays has become a cherished annual tradition; for new attendees, it offers a perfect introduction to the Philharmonic’s artistry and welcoming spirit. Audience members can expect familiar holiday melodies, stirring orchestral moments, and heartwarming performances that capture the essence of togetherness during this special time of year. Tickets for (Candle)LIT Holidays range from $16 to $78. Early purchase is encouraged, as seats are going fast. Tickets and additional event information are available at nepaphil.org, or by contacting the Philharmonic box office at (570) 270-4444.
Jeannine Luby: Walking With Some Laughs Can Lighten Holiday Stress This time of year comes with much joy like holiday traditions and time with family, but it also brings additional stress as people tend to overload their to-do lists and carry concerns over additional financial burdens. That’s why it’s important to mark time on the calendar for activities that help to relieve stress. Two Scranton-area organizations are collaborating to offer residents the gift of stress relief that comes from time spent outdoors, movement, socialization and laughter on Saturday, November 22 at 10 a.m. at Connell Park in Scranton. Laugh to Live, a Scranton-based business founded by Jeannine Luby, is teaming up with Valley in Motion’s Connell Park Walking Club to provide stress-reducing laughter exercises before the Club’s weekly walk around the park. A 2015 survey conducted by Healthline, a consumer health information site, revealed that 62 percent of respondents described their stress level as “very or somewhat” elevated during the holidays, while only 10 percent reported no stress during the season. Among the holiday stressors listed by respondents were the financial demands of the season, negotiating the interpersonal dynamics of family, and maintaining personal health habits such as an exercise regimen. Luby said, “We all experience stress in our everyday lives, but the holidays can create additional pressure as many of us feel the need to live up to family traditions or what we see others doing on social media. It is often more than we have the capacity for, so it’s important to set manageable expectations but also build in time for fun and stress relief like walking outdoors, talking to a good friend and laughing.” The Connell Park Walking Club often hosts special guests speaking on wellness-related topics before the group walk takes place; it’s Valley in Motion’s mission to encourage health, connection, and commitment to community life. Valley in Motion President Gus Fahey said, “The Connell Park Walking Club is a great way to connect with friends, get some exercise, and learn new ideas for healthy living. Partnering with Laugh to Live provides our participants with a fun and innovative way to both enjoy the outdoors and lower stress levels.” Laughter therapy gained credibility and the attention of the medical community when magazine publisher Norman Cousins’ article “Anatomy of an Illness (As Perceived by the Patient)” was published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 1976. Cousins later published a book with the same name in 1979 to fully detail his experience of how laughter provided him with relief from pain caused by connective tissue disorder. Luby explained that laughter yoga is not the same as traditional yoga or what most people imagine when they hear the word “yoga.” Instead, she says that participants do not use a yoga mat or need to wear fitness clothes or touch their toes; they breathe, clap, and laugh. Laughter yoga was created in 1995 by a medical doctor in India named Dr. Madan Kataria who was motivated by the researched health benefits of laughter that include lowering the stress hormone cortisol, improving blood flow and immune system performance, boosting brain chemicals and endorphins that help to manage pain and much more. Visit www.laughtolive.net or follow Laugh to Live and Connell Park Walking Club on Facebook for more information. The Connell Park Walking Club meets every Saturday at 10 a.m. at Connell Park, 800 Gibbons St. in Scranton and is free and open to everyone.
Move with Intention To Host Community Networking Event Before the rush of Thanksgiving hits, members of the community are invited to slow down for one intentional hour of coffee, connection, and gratitude. The Power of Connection: A Gathering of Gratitude is a free, cozy community event designed to: Give people a calm space to pause, breathe, and reconnect Create meaningful conversation and authentic networking between local professionals, business owners, and neighbors Support local families in need through a simple, accessible act of giving Guests are invited to bring one non-perishable food item, which will be donated to a local food shelter. Throughout the hour, participants can: Grab a coffee or treat and settle into the warm atmosphere at Zummo’s Take part in a short, guided gratitude reflection led by Move with Intention® Join in light, community-centered conversation and connection Leave feeling lighter, more grounded, and reminded of what truly matters Click here for more information. Cost: Free to attend Requested Entrance: One non-perishable food item for donation Date:Tuesday, November 25, 2025 Time:5:00–6:00 PM(Doors open at 4:45 PM; casual close-out until approx. 6:15–6:30 PM) Location:Zummo’s Café916 Marion StreetScranton, PA Contact Email:hello@wearemovewithintention.com
NEPA Philharmonic Presents Upcoming Programs Join the Philharmonic Brass quintet in an intimate, candlelit setting of jazz and classical music in the beautiful Rotunda of the Luzerne County Courthouse on Friday, Nov. 21st at 7PM! Seating is limited and tickets are selling fast! Tickets are $29 in advance and $35 at the door, students $16 Click here for more information. The Snowman and the Snowdog A beloved Christmas classic is brought to life in spectacular fashion by the orchestra. This magical event is sure to create cherished memories for the entire family. Saturday, December 20th at 7PM at the F. M. Kirby Center, Wilkes Barre. Click here to find more information.
Team Allied Services Marks Record Year at NYC Marathon After months of training, teamwork, and incredible community support, Allied Services celebrated a record-breaking year for Team Allied Services, revealing an astounding $645,974 raised to benefit programs that empower individuals at every stage of life – from children taking their first steps to seniors and veterans regaining strength, independence, and dignity. The grand finale, hosted live on WNEP-TV from Toyota MotorWorld in Wilkes-Barre, brought together runners, sponsors, and supporters to celebrate this milestone achievement. The broadcast, led by Anthony Bordanaro, featured powerful stories of hope and perseverance, illustrating how Allied’s mission continues to change lives across Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania. Each year, Team Allied Services takes on the world-renowned TCS New York City Marathon, channeling every mile and moment of determination into support for the rehabilitation and care programs that serve more than 5,000 individuals daily. “At Allied Services, we’re proud to stand beside people of all ages and abilities – helping them live with independence, dignity, and compassion,” said Atty. Bill Conaboy, President and CEO of Allied Services. “From a child taking their first steps, to a veteran rebuilding strength and purpose, to an older adult finding comfort and connection – every story is made possible through the generosity of our community. We are profoundly grateful to everyone who shares in our mission and helps us continue this life-changing work.” Allied Services extends heartfelt thanks to the many sponsors and partners who made this record-breaking campaign possible. Major sponsors include Mohegan Pennsylvania, MotorWorld Toyota, Northeast Rehab Associates, Scanlon, Howley, & Doherty, Lopatofsky Auction LLC, Mueller Family McDonald’s, Stella-Corbin Family McDonald’s, United Concordia Dental, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Peoples Security Bank & Trust, Crothall Healthcare, The Hawk Family Foundation, and Weis Markets. Signature Event Sponsors included Aon, Topp Business Solutions, and Quantum Rehab. Media Partners WNEP-TV, Lamar Advertising Scranton, and Ryan Leckey Media played an essential role in spreading awareness and sharing stories of impact throughout the campaign. “Allied Services is incredibly fortunate to have such a strong network of community partners,” said Jim Brogna, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at Allied Services. “Their continued commitment allows us to provide advanced therapies, adaptive technologies, and compassionate care that change lives every day.” Front from left; Jim Brogna, Vice President, Allied Services; Hunter Benson, pediatric patient, Allied Services; Dr. Alan Lam, PM&R Resident, The Wright Center; Joseph Swiontek, Personal Care Resident, Allied Services Meade Street; Walter Sokolowski, Physical Therapist Assistant, Allied Services; Standing back from left: Bryanna Weinczyk, RN, BSN, Nurse, Allied Services Transitional Care; Atty. Bill Conaboy, President & CEO, Allied Services; Jamie Mackey, Residential Services Manager, Allied Services Developmental Services.
Mohegan Pennsylvania Awarded Over $10 Million in October Jackpots October brought a wave of winning to Mohegan Pennsylvania! Guests across the property celebrated a thrilling month of luck, with more than $10.4 million in slot jackpots awarded. Among the most exciting moments were three standout wins: a $74,515 jackpot on a Light & Wonder Ultimate Fire Link Ultra Bank slot machine, a $62,340 jackpot on an Aristocrat Dragon Cash – Peace & Long Life slot machine, and a $63,231 jackpot on a HUFF N’ EVEN MORE PUFF GRAND slot machine. From Wednesday, October 1st – Wednesday, December 31st, Momentum members who win a qualifying jackpot of $1,200 or more automatically receive an electronic entry for the chance to win a share of $50,000 in cash and Free Slot Play Prizes! Momentum members who win a qualifying jackpot on Fridays during the promotion period will receive an additional entry. The $50,000 Jackpot Winners Club Giveaway drawing will take place on Saturday, January 24th, where one winner will be chosen every ten minutes from 6:00pm – 10:00pm to receive $1,000 Free Slot Play. At 10:00pm, one lucky winner will be chosen to receive $10,000 in cash! In total, Mohegan Pennsylvania has an array of more than 1,500 slot machines including the latest technology from featured games like Dragon Link, Lightning Link, Wheel of Fortune, Monopoly Express, and more. The property also features nearly 60 table games including Blackjack, Roulette, Three Card Poker, and more. To learn more about all that Mohegan Pennsylvania has to offer, visit mohegansun.com/playing. Mohegan Pennsylvania’s rewards program, Momentum, is a free, 21+ program, and allows guests to elevate their Status, which comes with added rewards. Visit the Casino Cashier on property or moheganpa.com/momentum for more information.
First Friday Scranton Sets December Deadline First Friday December is approaching quickly! Participants are encouraged to register their events before the deadline to ensure inclusion on the map. Registration closes on Sunday (11/23) at midnight. Click here for more information.
Misericordia University Art Gallery Presenting Sansei Legacy Exhibit The Pauly Friedman Art Gallery at Misericordia University is currently presenting Resilience: A Sansei Sense of Legacy, on view until December 14, 2025. The exhibition is organized in partnership with the Mid-America Arts Alliance and features work by artist Kristine Aono. Gallery admission is free and open to the public. Gallery Hours:• Tuesday – Wednesday – Thursday: 12 PM–7 PM• Friday – Saturday – Sunday: 12 PM–4 PM For more information or to schedule a private tour, visit misericordia.edu/art or call 570-674-6250.
