Wayne Bank Promotes Kennedy to Senior VP, PA Retail Banking Market Manager Jim Donnelly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wayne Bank, is pleased to announce Deborah Kennedy’s promotion to Senior Vice President and PA Retail Banking Market Manager. “I couldn’t be prouder to announce Deb’s promotion to Senior Vice President,” said Mr. Donnelly. “Since joining us last year, she has made a tremendous impact on the success of our Pennsylvania Retail Market and the culture within our PA offices. Deb’s leadership, dedication, and commitment to those around her have been instrumental, and I am confident she will continue to play a key role in driving our bank’s success.” In this role, Deb leads the Bank’s profitability, development, and growth across the PA market. She oversees the delivery and support of all banking services, including lending and other financial products. Through her strong leadership, strategic insight, and customer-focused approach, Deb guides the Bank’s PA offices with positive energy, innovative thinking, and a strong emphasis on teamwork. Deb brings more than twenty years of banking experience to her role and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from King’s College, along with a Master of Business Administration from Capella University. Deeply committed to service, she consistently places her community and the people around her at the forefront of her work. Deb serves as Co-Chair of the Scranton Diocese Catholic Women’s Conference, where she is widely recognized for her dedication to giving back and inspiring others through leadership and service. She is past President of Abington Rotary and the Abington Heights Civic League and has served in various leadership positions for both organizations. Deb resides in South Abington Township with her husband, John, and together they have three children and six grandchildren.
Goodwill Industries of NEPA Presenting AI Learning Session Goodwill Industries of NEPA will present a virtual Lunch and Learn session: AI for Resumes and Cover Letters, on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 12pm. Topics will include:What AI can do well, common pitfalls, limitations, and best practicesA Microsoft Copilot demoA comparison of an AI generated resume and cover letter to one generated by humans to ones generated by a combination of humans and AI The free session is open to the public and will be presented through Zoom. Register online and contact Kristen Christopher at 570-290-0140 with questions Click here for more information.
Greater Scranton YMCA Hosting 2026 Winter Clothing Drive The Greater Scranton YMCA is proud to announce its upcoming Winter Clothing Drive, which is being held to support individuals and families throughout our community during the coldest months of the year. The Y will collect donations of new and gently used men’s, women’s, children’s, and infant’s clothing from January 5–7, 2026. Following the donation period, all collected items will be made available at no cost to community members from January 12–14, 2026. Clothing will be offered in a wide range of sizes, ensuring support for people of all ages. “The Winter Clothing Drive is part of our ongoing commitment to strengthen the foundations of our community,” said Rich Surridge, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “When neighbors help neighbors, everyone benefits. We’re grateful to all who donate and help keep local families warm this winter.” The Winter Clothing Drive is open to the entire community, not just Greater Scranton YMCA members. The Y encourages residents to spread the word to anyone who may benefit from free winter clothing. Donation Drop-Off Dates: January 5–7, 2026 Clothing Pick-Up Dates: January 12–14, 2026 For questions about clothing donations and/or pick-up, please contact Tressa Capoccia, Education Director, at tcapoccia@gsymca.org.
RailRiders Holding Game Day Staff Job Fairs in Janurary The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders will hold two game day staff job fairs in January as they prepare for the 2026 season. The job fairs will be held in the club level at PNC Field on Wednesday, January 21, from 5 to 7 P.M., and on Saturday, January 24, from 10 A.M. until 1 P.M. The home opener is slated for April 7, and the RailRiders are seeking game day employees for the upcoming season. Prospective employees will fill out applications and the SWB front office staff will do interviews on the spot during the job fair. “A great game day staff is crucial to a successful season,” stated Shawn Reilly, the RailRiders Team President/ General Manager. “We are looking for energetic individuals who want to help make the fan experience at PNC Field fun for all. We want a staff that will take pride in providing the best customer service so everyone knows what to expect when they come back to the park again and again.” Interviews for game day staff will begin at 5 P.M. on January 21 and at 10 A.M. on January 24. The RailRiders are looking for game day employees to fill numerous roles within the organization. Game day staff includes 50/50 fundraisers, bat boys/girls, box office attendants, Geisinger KidsZone attendants, grounds crew, guest services representatives, HitTrax attendants, parking attendants, premium/ club level attendants, security, ticket takers and video/ production assistants. The RailRiders are also seeking motivated and dynamic Pinstripe Patrol on-field promo team members, an emcee, mascot performers, ushers and ushertainers. An ushertainer is an usher focused on customer service while providing enhanced fun for their particular section in the ballpark. Legends Global, the official hospitality and merchandise provider of the RailRiders, will also conduct interviews at both job fairs. Legends Global is seeking cashiers, concessions cooks, prep cooks, suite attendants and retail associates. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age with working papers. Individuals will choose the open position that best suits their interests or needs, but may be considered for other positions based on availability. The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation,
Salt Barre Hosting Yoga & Brunch With Sound Healing Coffee Inclusive and The Salt Barre are collaborating once again for their second event together: 111 Yoga & Brunch w/ Sound Healing, a meaningful community experience centered on intention, connection, and mindful living. Join them Sunday, January 11th for an Intention Setting Class led by Nella Pepsin of Magnetic Essence, featuring a 45-minute yoga class followed by a 15-minute sound healing session. Class will take place at The Salt Barre beginning at 11:45 AM, and brunch will begin at 1:00 PM at Coffee Inclusive. This isn’t just a yoga class, it’s an initiation. Click here for additional information.
Johnson College Receives $3,000 Swipe Out Hunger Grant Johnson College has been awarded a $3,000 grant from Swipe Out Hunger to strengthen food security support for its campus community. The funding will enhance the Refuel Station, Johnson College’s food and resource pantry. The Refuel Station is available to students, staff, and faculty and currently provides access to non-perishable foods, pantry staples, and guidance related to local food insecurity resources. With this grant, the College will be able to supplement the variety of foods provided by The Weinberg Northeast Regional Food Bank, purchase additional shelving to expand storage capacity, and acquire a mini-fridge to safely store dairy and other perishable items. These improvements will help ensure that the campus community has reliable access to nutritious resources throughout the year. Swipe Out Hunger is a national nonprofit focused on addressing food insecurity among college students. The organization works with colleges, legislators, and community partners to develop and support programs that increase access to food and essential resources on campuses across the country. Funding for this grant is provided by The Giant Company, a proud partner of Swipe Out Hunger. Giant’s investment helps expand access to nutritious food for college students, ensuring that no one has to choose between learning and eating. For additional information on Johnson College, please call 1-800-2-WE-WORK, email enroll@johnson.edu, or visit Johnson.edu.
Wright Center’s Dr. Decker Named ACP Fellow Dr. Mary Louise Decker, the infectious diseases medical director at The Wright Center for Community Health, has been accepted as a fellow of the American College of Physicians (ACP). Dr. Decker, a board-certified infectious disease physician, leads The Wright Center’s Ryan White HIV and Infectious Disease/HEP C Clinic. Dr. Decker is accepting new adult patients at our community health centers in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre. She earned her medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine in Washington, D.C., where she completed her residency in internal medicine and fellowship in infectious diseases. ACP fellows are a distinguished group of doctors dedicated to continuing education in medical practice, teaching, and research. More than 31,000 physicians have earned this mark of distinction since 1975, according to the ACP. Dr. Decker may now use the letters “FACP” after her name in recognition of this honor. This is not Dr. Decker’s first fellowship. In 2022, she was one of 175 physicians worldwide elected as a fellow of the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA). Fellowship in IDSA is one of the highest honors in infectious diseases, conferred on those who have demonstrated professional excellence and provided significant service to the profession. The largest medical specialty organization and the second-largest physician group in the United States, ACP has more than 143,000 internal medicine physicians, related subspecialists, and medical students. Internal medicine physicians are specialists who apply scientific knowledge and clinical expertise to the diagnosis, treatment, and compassionate care of adults across the spectrum from health to complex illness. For more information about ACP, go to acponline.org. The Wright Center, based in Scranton, Pennsylvania, offers affordable, high-quality, whole-person primary health services at its growing network of 13 community health centers in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayne, and Wyoming counties. For more information about its integrated medical, dental, mental and behavioral health, addiction and recovery, and Ryan White HIV services, go to TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-230-0019.
Equestrian House: Winter Dates Are Filling Fast ❄️ Winter has officially arrived in the Pocono Mountains—and there’s no better place to relax, recharge, and enjoy the season than Equestrian House. Whether planning a ski adventure, a cozy winter retreat, or a peaceful escape surrounded by nature, Equestrian House’s homes offer the space, comfort, and convenience guests are looking for. If thinking about a winter escape, now is the perfect time. Weekend and holiday slots go quickly—secure a stay before they’re gone. Click here for more information. ❄️ Why Guests Love Staying With Equestrian House This Winter ✔ Minutes from top ski resorts — including Elk Mountain✔ Warm, spacious, and fully furnished homes✔ Peaceful woodland setting with modern amenities✔ Perfect for couples, families, and group getaways✔ Consistently rated 5-stars for comfort and service After a day on the slopes, guests can come home to a cozy space where they can unwind, cook their favorites in a fully equipped kitchen, or curl up and enjoy the quiet winter scenery.
My Benefit Advisor: Why Employees Miss Their Benefits—and How Employers Help For many mid-sized employers, one of the most overlooked challenges in their benefits strategy is also one of the most costly: employees simply don’t understand their benefits. Studies consistently show that fewer than 40% of employees feel confident selecting or using their health plan. For smaller and mid-sized organizations where every dollar of premium matters, benefits confusion can directly translate into higher claims, lower engagement, and diminished ROI. The root problem is not a lack of benefits options, but a lack of clarity. Employees are overwhelmed by insurance jargon, complex plan structures, and enrollment materials that feel more like legal documents than decision-making tools. As a result, many default to the same plan every year without evaluating alternatives that might save them (and the company) money. The path forward starts with implication and education. Mid-sized employers can make a significant impact by redesigning communication around how people actually learn. This includes using plain-language explanations, visual comparisons, and short videos that break down key concepts like deductibles, HSAs, out-of-pocket maximums, and provider networks. Digital decision-support tools can help employees model costs in real time, so they can see the financial impact of their choices…not just read about it. Equally important is year-round communication. Benefits literacy shouldn’t be a once-a-year event. Quarterly micro-topics, such as preventive care reminders, urgent care vs. ER guidance, and HSA contributions strategies, keep employees engaged and avoid costly misuse of the plan. Finally, personalized guidance can make a measurable difference. Offering short “benefits coaching sessions” during open enrollment or making HR and brokers available for talk-throughs helps employees feel supported, not overwhelmed. When employees understand their benefits, they make smarter healthcare decisions, help control claim costs, and feel more valued. For mid-sized employers, improving benefits literacy is one of the most effective, and low-cost ways to strengthen retention, culture, and financial performance. For more information about My Benefit Advisor, visit gscc.mybenefitadvisor.com or contact Rob Higginbotham at (800) 377-3536.
Equestrian House: A Creative Refuge Sometimes, one simply needs to step outside of their own thoughts—and a mountain retreat is an ideal place to begin. Set on 100 private acres, the log cabin, cottages, and suites are surrounded by woods, walking trails, and a scenic pond—a setting where, one might say, Thoreau would have felt at home any time of the year. The landscape gently encourages reflection and imagination, whether meditating along a forest trail, journaling at sunrise, sitting by the water, resting by a fire, or clearing the mind with a game on the tennis or basketball courts. Guests are invited to gather a small group of kindred spirits who inspire one another. The lodgings, thoughtfully equipped with modern amenities, offer ample space for shared meals, late-night conversations, and individual pursuits—writing, painting, composing, meditating, or simply focusing on personal well-being. This is a place to shape a truly personal creative or spiritual retreat. Though remote enough to feel deeply peaceful, the property is still within a half-hour drive of several small towns known for their local arts scenes. A week in the North Poconos offers a chance to rediscover what fresh air can do for new ideas. Click here for additional information.
