Scranton Cultural Center is Set to Host Sesame Street

Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, and their Sesame Street friends to travel to the Scranton Cultural Center in a delightful celebration on Sesame Street, Elmo and Friends Say Hello, on November 20!

Round Room Live and Sesame Workshop are proud to announce their new live show, Elmo and Friends Say Hello. The live show brings the beloved characters from the iconic Sesame Street to life in a brand-new interactive production that will tour multiple cities in the US, with a stop at the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple on November 20 at 6:00 PM. 

Tickets for Elmo and Friends Say Hello will go on sale Friday, May 16, with a venue pre-sale beginning May 14. For tickets and additional information, visit SCCMT.org or call (570) 344-1111.

Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, and their friends from Sesame Street are coming to your neighborhood! At Elmo and Friends Say Hello, you can sing and dance with your favorite furry friends while enjoying fun surprises along the way. So put on your dancing shoes and make your way to where the air is sweet for this all-new celebration on Sesame Street!

“We are thrilled to continue to delight audiences with the Elmo and Friends Say Hello tour,“ said Round Room Live Founder and co-CEO Stephen Shaw. “Elmo and his friends are beloved characters with a long history of delighting children, and we’re honored to create magical moments for families all over the country in this interactive musical adventure.”

Elmo and Friends Say Hello takes the laughter and learning you love from Sesame Street and extends it to an engaging live experience filled with singing, dancing, and toe-tapping fun,” said Hillary Strong, Sesame Workshop Chief Development Officer. “The show includes everyone’s favorite furry friends and promises to be a memorable event for all ages.”

Enhance your Elmo and Friends Say Hello ticket with an exclusive Photo Experience, where your family will have the opportunity to make a lasting memory by taking a photo alongside some of your favorite Sesame Street friends. Please note: to attend, each guest must have both a Photo Experience ticket and an Elmo and Friends Say Hello show ticket. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Fans can visit SesameStreetLive.com now for tour dates and ticket information, and sign up to be the first to hear news and exclusive offers. Follow Sesame Street Live social media for exclusive tour content.

Scranton Cultural Center, Beatles vs. Stones Show

The debate between the Beatles and the Rolling Stones has been going on ever since they first crossed paths on the charts 61 years ago. The argument at the time, and one that still persists, was that the Beatles were a pop group and the Stones were a rock band: the boys next door vs. the bad boys of rock. So who is better? These two legendary bands will engage in an on-stage, throw down – a musical ‘showdown’ if you will – at the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple on Thursday, December 4 at 7:30 pm – courtesy of tribute bands Abbey Road and Satisfaction – The International Rolling Stones Show.

Taking the side of the Fab Four is Abbey Road, one of the county’s top Beatles tribute bands. With brilliant musicianship and authentic costumes and gear, Abbey Road plays beloved songs spanning the Beatles’ career. They face off against renowned Stones tribute band Satisfaction, who offer a faithful rendition of the music and style of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and the bad boys of the British Invasion.

The Scranton show is part of a 125-stop tour of the U.S., Australia and Canada and has been touring since 2011. The production includes some of the more popular songs from the two rock pioneers and covers the scope of their musical careers, although the set list for Jumping Jack Flash usually includes Rolling Stones songs up to the 1980s.

During the two-hour show, the bands perform two sets each, trading places in quick set changes and ending the night with an all-out encore involving both bands. The band members have their outfits custom-made, since avid fans know exactly what the Beatles and Stones wore onstage during different time periods in their careers. There is a lot of good-natured jabbing between the bands as well.

The concert will take place in the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Theatre at 7:30 p.m. with the doors opening at 6:30 p.m.  Concessions will be available for purchase.  Tickets will be on sale May 16 at 10 AM are $58.55-$81.05.  They can be purchased at the Fidelity Bank Box Office at the SCC in person or by calling (570) 344-1111, or via Ticketmaster. A venue pre-sale will take place beginning May 13 at 10 AM through May 16 at 9 AM.  

For additional information and a full schedule of events, visit SCCMT.org.

Mohegan Pennsylvania to host Brand-New Whiskey and Cigar Event at Embers Terrace

Mohegan Pennsylvania is rolling out a brand-new event for whiskey and cigar aficionados. Set for Saturday, June 14th, Cigar & Fire will provide guests with a night of whiskey and the perfect vibes from 7:00pm – 10:00pm. Included with a ticket comes six bourbon and whiskey tastings, plus a complimentary Oliva Serie V Melanio Figurado cigar! Guests can also enjoy live entertainment from Dustin Douglas and lite fare hors d’oeuvres from The Hive Taphouse! Tickets are on sale now for guests 21 years of age or older and can be purchased via the Mohegan Pennsylvania website.

Guests are invited to Embers Terrace at Mohegan Pennsylvania for an evening filled with bourbon and whiskey tastings, cigars, hors d’oeuvres, and more! Cigar & Fire will feature top-shelf pours such as Old Forester 1897, Woodford Reserve Double Oak, and Tullamore 18 year and premium cigars like Rocky Patel Emerald Toro, Knuckle Sandwich Toro Habano, and Encore Black by E.P. Carrillo.

WHEN/WHERE: Saturday, June 14th | 7:00pm – 10:00pm | Embers Terrace

All entrants will have a chance to win two tickets to the NASCAR Cup Series Race at Pocono Raceway on Sunday, June 22nd, along with other prizes and giveaways! Best Cigar Pub will also be on-site with a variety of premium cigars available for purchase to pair with the tastings.

For more information about Cigar & Fire at Embers Terrace, visit moheganpa.com.

Misericordia Univeristy Announces Career Exploration Summer Camps

Misericordia University invites rising high school juniors and seniors to participate in our Summer 2025 Career Exploration Camps, scheduled for June 22–24 of 2025. These immersive camps offer students the chance to delve into various fields, gain hands-on experience, and engage with our esteemed faculty and current students. Each camp is designed to provide insights into potential career paths and includes overnight accommodations to fully experience campus life. For more information and to register, please visit https://www.misericordia.edu/campus-community/university-camps/career-exploration-camps

Marywood University Announces New Endowed/Annual Scholarships and Programmatic Endowment

Marywood University recently announced four endowed scholarships, one programmatic endowment, and six annual scholarships at the 2025 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.

Three students, Mario Paoli ’25, Jessica Carpenter ’27, and Kydalin Gomm ’28, shared their personal gratitude to benefactors for scholarship support. The Scholarship Luncheon serves as a testament to the university’s commitment to ensuring access to quality education for deserving students, regardless of their financial circumstances.

Marywood awarded 605 named scholarships in the 2024-2025 academic year. 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 Kateri Carroll Kashuba ’68 Endowed Scholarship, established by Kateri Carroll Kashuba ’68, supports full-time undergraduates with financial need with preference to students majoring in Education.
  • The Paulette Posluszny Merchel ’69, Ph.D. Theatre Arts Scholarship, established by friends and family of Paulette Posluszny Merchel ’69, Ph,D,, supports full-time undergraduates studying Theatre Arts with financial need.
  • The Class of 1967 Endowed Scholarship, established by the Marywood Class of 1967 in honor of their 50th Reunion, supports full-time undergraduates with academic achievement and financial need.
  • The Class of 1974 Endowed Scholarship, established by the Marywood Class of 1974 in honor of their 50th Reunion, supports full-time undergraduates and graduate students with academic achievement and financial need.
  • The newly established programmatic endowment includes:
  • The Sordoni Construction Management Program Endowment, established by The Sordoni Family Foundation, supports ongoing program improvements and equipment upgrades in the Construction Management Program in the School of Architecture.

The newly established annual scholarships include:

  • The Cloverfields Scholars Program, established by the Cloverfields Foundation, supports 16 promising, first generation students from their freshman year to the completion of their undergraduate degree, including tuition and required fees and on-campus room/board if applicable.
  • The Mark Gogal ’95 “Make Your Mark” Memorial Annual Scholarship, established by Marywood Trustee Maria Gogal ’04 in honor of her brother, Mark, supports full-time undergraduates with 3.0+ GPA who demonstrate dedication and enthusiasm for a passion or activity such as a major/career, club, team, community service, service trip, volunteering, or leadership activity at Marywood; requires submission of application.
  • The Kemple Family Annual Scholarship, established by Dr. Marilyn J. Kemple ’63, M.S. ’73 in honor of her family, supports full-time undergraduates with academic achievement and financial need with a preference for Secondary Education majors.
  • The Richard Leonori Memorial Annual Scholarship, established by Eddie Smith and the friends and family of Richard Leonori, supports full-time undergraduates who have financial need and 3.0+ GPA, who demonstrate the character, skills, and potential in Architecture that Richard Leonori valued, by placing first in the MUSOA Spring Competition at Marywood.
  • The Marianne McGowan ’69 Annual Scholarship, established by Richard Scaramozza in loving memory of his wife, supports full-time undergraduates with financial need who are majoring in Education with first preference given to residents of Avoca or Pittston, PA, and second preference to residents of Lackawanna or Luzerne County.
  • The Patricia Duane Sanders ’61 Annual Scholarship, established by Patricia Duane Sanders ’61, supports full-time graduate students with financial need.

Johnson College to Celebrate 106th Commencement and Largest Graduating Class

Pictured left to right: Andrew M. Inman ’13, MHA, RT(R)(CT), Johnson College alumnus and Modality Manager at Geisinger; Colleen Cannon-Augustine, Class of 2025 Valedictorian and Physical Therapist Assistant graduate; Brooke L. Iverson, Class of 2025 Salutatorian and Physical Therapist Assistant graduate; and Dr. Katie Pittelli, President & CEO of Johnson College.

The Johnson College Scranton campus was alive with pride and celebration on Saturday, May 10, 2025, as students, families, faculty, and staff came together for a milestone moment— celebrating the College’s largest graduating class at its 106th Commencement Ceremony.

The ceremony recognized students who completed rigorous programs leading to Associate of Science and Associate of Applied Science degrees and academic certificates in a wide range of high-demand fields.

Andrew M. Inman ’13, MHA, RT(R)(CT), a proud Johnson College alumnus and Modality Manager at Geisinger, delivered an inspiring commencement address, encouraging graduates to embrace their professional journeys with confidence and resilience.

The ceremony also spotlighted outstanding student achievements. Valedictorian Colleen Cannon-Augustine and salutatorian Brooke L. Iverson—both graduates of the Physical Therapist Assistant program—shared powerful messages reflecting on perseverance, growth, and the transformative experience of their time at Johnson College.

The event was live-streamed on the College’s YouTube channel at https://youtube.com/live/qjfYy_sBM-Q?feature=share.

Following is a list of the spring 2025 graduates:

ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE PROGRAMS

Computer Information Technology

  • Juan C. Ayala Jr., Scranton
  • Matthew C. Baress, Mountain Top
  • Brady Carpenter, Clarks Summit
  • Dylan Caruso, Dallas
  • Corbin Scott Croissette, Starrucca
  • Thomas Joseph Cyganick III, Carbondale
  • Alexander Charles Edwards, Montrose
  • Joseph Patrick Faltynowicz, Dickson City
  • Martin Hastie, Clarks Summit
  • Robert J. McNally, Scranton
  • Hunter Carl Mursch, Carbondale
  • Michael Ostrowski, South Abington Twp.
  • Alexander Smedley, Richmondale
  • Mark T. Smith, Peckville

Physical Therapist Assistant

  • Zekiel Alejandrez, Greentown
  • Colleen Ann Cannon-Augustine, Jenkins Twp.
  • Brooke L. Iverson, Wilkes-Barre
  • Allysa Candace Pancham, East Stroudsburg
  • Bryce Shorten, Jessup
  • Madison K. Stashak, Nanticoke

Radiologic Technology

  • Tiffany Shay Beckham, Scranton
  • Melissa A. Beshada, Mountain Top
  • Jordan Aurora Bowen, Factoryville
  • Jacquelyn R. Billard, Honesdale
  • Mackenzie T. Gavin, Eynon
  • Jennifer Cesarina Gonzalez-Rodriguez, Scranton
  • Matthew Gromelski, Taylor
  • Margaret Grace Haines, Madison Twp.
  • Julia Paige Lamberton, Waymart
  • Neyleen Jezielle Lugo , Scranton
  • Jade McDermott, Moosic
  • Shannon O’Donnell, Scranton
  • Adam Jeffrey Rosencrance, West Pittston
  • Emily E. Royce, Ransom
  • Kristen Ann Swierczek, Olyphant
  • Kayla Jeanne Ward, Eynon

Veterinary Nursing

  • Ashlee Coe, Hawley
  • Emma Danowsky, Lewisburg
  • Eunice Grande-Osorio, Plymouth
  • Alex Inirio, Scranton
  • Emily LaBar, Scranton
  • Samantha Mazonis, Nanticoke
  • Jordan Stine, Scranton
  • Jordan Wiegand, Great Bend

ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE PROGRAMS

Advanced Manufacturing Technology

  • Wyatt Sickler, Tunkhannock

Architectural Drafting & Design Technology

  • Matthew J. Collier, Throop
  • Jacob W. Kinney, Dalton
  • Tyler Moskosky, Simpson
  • Jeremiah Scotton, Olyphant

Automotive Technology

  • Charles Richard Azarsky, Moosic
  • Kayden J. Christe, Scranton
  • Alec S. Fisher, West Wyoming
  • Nathan R. Irvine, Lake Ariel
  • Bruce Michael Kohut, Waymart
  • Hunter Edward Landers, Clarks Summit

Aviation Technology

  • Matthew Alden, Scranton
  • Benjamin Jay Amaya, Dunmore
  • Christopher Berroa-Moreno, Wilkes-Barre
  • Holsen Estime, Effort
  • Kyle Garofolo, Long Pond
  • Janitza E. Gonzalez-Caban, Old Forge
  • Anthony Leombruni, Moscow
  • Amir Vernon, East Stroudsburg

Biomedical Equipment Technology

  • Nico James Carter, Scranton
  • Andrew P. Craven, Scranton
  • Ryan James Ellicott, Mayfield
  • Santino L. Krappa, Old Forge
  • Cody Lee, West Pittston
  • Blaise A. Margalski, Wapwallopen
  • Jonathan Merlen, Springbrook Twp.
  • Tyquil Osgood, Scranton
  • Adam Sadowski, Jefferson Twp.

Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology

  • Joshua Robert Berg, Carbondale
  • Denis Boyle, Throop
  • Jeanine Claudia Busnel, Damascus
  • Kaila Collins, Carbondale
  • Daniel Davis, Pocono Summit
  • Benjamin Edward Flowers, Old Forge
  • Jeilyn Frias, Easton
  • Nakya N. Greco, Duryea
  • Jacob D. Holmes, Dalton
  • Nicholas Huzzard, Scranton
  • Skyler E. LeClere, Beach Lake
  • Caitlyn Ann Phillips, West Wyoming
  • Arthur Taylor, New Milford
  • Reece A. Weinberg, South Abington Twp.

Civil Design Technology

  • Zoe Zelinski, Olyphant

Diesel Truck Technology

  • Dustin J. Baldoni, Pittston
  • Noah L. Bender, Scranton
  • William Nathaniel Clapp, Wyalusing
  • Jace Curyk, Scranton
  • Gabriella Furman, Laceyville
  • Weston Matthew Nugent, Lake Ariel
  • Bradley M. Potoeskie Jr., Forty Fort
  • Ryan Shannon, Pittston Twp.
  • Colton T. Yushinsky, Archbald

Electrical Construction Technology

  • Sianna R. Barron, Jessup
  • Tucker James Bowman, Tamaqua
  • Ryan Boyanowski, Pittston
  • Jacob Gino Casarin, Jessup
  • James John Casarin Jr., Jessup
  • Bradley Cox, Scranton
  • Carmen Salvatore DeNapoli, Dunmore
  • Keiren Dougherty, Scranton
  • Dravyn Falsone, Waymart
  • Lucas J. Fein, Scranton
  • Chase Francis Ferranti, Madison Twp.
  • Andrew James Francis, Moosic
  • Ethan Gardiner, Summit Hill
  • Tyrese Green, Lords Valley
  • Cameron D. Hagenbaugh, Wilkes-Barre
  • Aimee Johannes, Honesdale
  • Brandon King, Scranton
  • Harrison Kubilus, Scranton
  • Robert Todd Lane, Tunkhannock
  • Justin Anthony Longo, Throop
  • Joseph T. Lucas III, Dunmore
  • Brian Mariotti, Old Forge
  • Jackson McGuinness, Clarks Green
  • Matthew McHale, Scranton
  • Ezequiel S. Mieses, Hazleton
  • Jacob J. Mileto, Scranton
  • Jacob Morgenstern, Honesdale
  • Graysen Richard Motyl, Sheppton
  • Jacob Ryan Ochman, Moosic
  • Peyton R. Pazzalia, Archbald
  • Brandon Quinn, Hazle Township
  • John Rose, Clarks Summit
  • Daniel T. Rosenkrans, Falls
  • Robert J. Santarsiero Jr., Moosic
  • Sebastian J. Shepherd, Dalton
  • Hunter M. Smith, Kirkwood, NY
  • Justin P. Solensky Jr., Archbald
  • Connor T. Stauffer, Fern Glen
  • Brayden C. Strucke, Pittston Twp.
  • Jack Sullivan, Matamoras
  • Joshua Truskoloski, Eynon
  • Evan Williams South, Abington Twp.
  • Nicholas P. Winsock, Wyoming
  • Jayden M. Winters, Dickson City
  • Austin J. Wombacker, Scranton
  • Peter R. Zawierucha, Pittston Twp.

Electronic Engineering Technology

  • Oscar Hernandez, Scranton
  • William Kittrell, Dunmore
  • Rodney Stanley Ramos, Scranton
  • Paul V. Rosato III, Scranton
  • Michael Dean Still III, Dupont

Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning Technology

  • Carter Christopher Albanese, Scranton
  • Levi S. Anzulewicz, Greenfield Twp.
  • Robert Bromage, Scranton
  • Gustavo Cortez, Scranton
  • James E. Decker, Moosic
  • Liam Donovan, Scranton
  • Angelo J. Fumanti, Old Forge
  • Jordan Gonzalez, Jefferson Twp.
  • Thomas Gray, Carbondale
  • James Fitzgerald Heery IV, Gouldsboro
  • William J. Heiss, Union Dale
  • Anthony Hutchins, Dunmore
  • Jarrel Johnson, Scranton
  • JanCarlos Marin, Scranton
  • Cooper A. Mordan, Old Forge
  • Aiden Notz, Scranton
  • Louis Paglianite, West Pittston
  • Logan Rondomanski, Madison Twp.
  • Charles Sciandra, Avoca
  • Xavier O. Siberon, Scranton
  • Joshua Smargiassi, Dickson City
  • Luke J. Smurl, Greenfield Twp.
  • Julia Turner, Moosic
  • Scott Warren, Montrose
  • Christopher Whitney Jr., Dover, DE

Heavy Equipment Technology

  • Jeffrey M. Kondash, Factoryville
  • Nathan Timothy Schmidt, Clifford
  • Nico D. Scotti, Dunmore
  • Clarence L. Walton IV, Dingmans Ferry

Mechatronics Technology

  • Michael Andrews, Wilkes-Barre
  • Zachary M. Maryasz, Dalton
  • Kahleb Murray, Pittston
  • Emma Jean Shedden, Tunkhannock
  • Nicholas Thayer, Pittston
  • Richard W. Tirella, Plains

Welding Fabrication & Manufacturing Technology

  • Corbin P. Bodman, Hawley
  • Sam A. Coolbaugh, Harding
  • Anthony J. DeLucca Jr., Old Forge
  • Andi A. Fedorchak, Carbondale
  • Charity Keithline, Tunkhannock
  • Tyler J. Kielty, Milford
  • Jamie Matyjevich, Old Forge
  • Jaylin T. Parker, Dunmore
  • Austin Racht, Beach Lake
  • Madison Grace Roberts, Milanville
  • Ethan Stankowski, Clarks Summit
  • Logan Edward Treat, Falls
  • Colin Vrabel, Old Forge

CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS

Building & Property Maintenance

  • Marcello Tindaro Caminiti, Moscow
  • Aaron Evans, Scranton
  • David V. King, Scranton
  • Caden H. Roach, Union Dale
  • MaKayla L. Wright, Scranton

Industrial Technology

  • Steven Michael Fredrick Barone, Hawley
  • Silas Colon, Beaver Meadows

Welding Technology

  • Jordan K. Banks, Scranton
  • Richard Beccaloni, Clarks Summit
  • George Ellis, Scranton
  • Christopher J. Evancho, Rock Glen
  • Schrece Esprit Graff, Old Forge
  • Alexander Johnson, Scranton
  • Jordan Levine-Smith, Scranton
  • Gage J. Martinez, Olyphant
  • Shelby Mowery, Berwick
  • Alexander Salazar, Scranton
  • Heatherette Scala, Old Forge
  • Justin A. Vantuyl, Shohola
  • Dylan Zullo, McAdoo

Grey Towers, Conservation Scouting Merit Badge Awarded to 30 Scouts

Scouts Honored with Conservation Badges at Grey Towers National Historic Site

Grey Towers Heritage Association proudly hosted a Scouting Badge Award Ceremony on May 4 at the historic Grey Towers National Historic Site, recognizing 30 Scouts from New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland for their achievements in conservation and forestry education.

Held at the ancestral home of Gifford Pinchot, the first Chief of the U.S. Forest Service and a founding figure in American conservation, the ceremony honored the Scouts’ commitment to environmental stewardship. Through interactive educational programs and hands-on activities, Scouts earned badges that celebrate their understanding of sustainable forestry and conservation practices.

“Grey Towers isn’t just a historic site – it’s a living classroom that brings forestry to life for these Scouts,” said Jeff McQuaid, Program Coordinator and Vice President at Grey Towers Heritage Association. “Almost one hundred Scouts have successfully completed the program since we initiated it three years ago. It’s incredibly meaningful to carry on the Pinchot family’s legacy of conservation and forestry through the next generation of conservation leaders.”

The event highlights Grey Towers’ ongoing mission to inspire youth engagement in conservation and educate future stewards of the environment, building on the Pinchot legacy that continues to shape natural resource management in the United States.

“We met with a U.S. Forester, learned about forest management, identified trees, shrubs, invasive trees, plants and insects, and learned about and climbed the reconstructed Fire Towers at Grey Towers,” explained one Scout. They also learned that Gifford Pinchot, in collaboration with President Theodore Roosevelt, helped create the Boys Scouts of America (scouting was founded in England.)

“The public is welcome to tour the magnificent grounds of Grey Towers, hike the Forest Discovery Trail, see the Fire Tower, and visit our museum, burial ground and gift shop,” adds Will Voelkel, Board Member of Grey Towers Heritage Association.

Greater Scranton YMCA Tips for Safety around Water this Summer

The Greater Scranton YMCA is offering tips for parents to keep kids safe in and around water this summer

The Greater Scranton YMCA wants to ensure that water safety doesn’t get lost in our community’s eagerness to jump into summer. As temperatures rise, kids want to cool off, whether that is in home pools, ponds, lakes, rivers, streams, or oceans. And that means the risk of drowning is as prevalent as ever. For National Water Safety Month this May, the Greater Scranton YMCA is encouraging parents and caregivers to reinforce the importance of water safety skills with the whole family.

“As ‘America’s Swim Instructor,’ the Greater Scranton YMCA annually teaches more than 1,500 children valuable water safety and swimming skills,” said Rich Surridge, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “Now more than ever, it’s important to remind parents and caregivers that water safety needs to be top-of-mind as families start to return to their favorite summertime activities.”

As part of National Water Safety Month, the Greater Scranton YMCA is encouraging parents to play an active role in promoting water safety and providing five tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable swimming experience for all.

Make sure children know to always ask permission before going in or near the water. Teaching your children to be water smart is the first step in water safety – be sure they understand the importance of asking permission before going in or near the water.

Never swim alone or without a water watcher. When children are swimming, make sure they are actively supervised at all times. Teach your children that they should only swim in locations where a lifeguard is on duty, or where a responsible adult agrees to watch the children in the water without distractions.

Supervise your children whenever they’re in or near water. Whether it’s bath time or taking a dip in a pool or waterfront, make sure your children are within arm’s reach at all times.

Don’t engage in breath holding activities. Both adults and children should not hold their breath for a prolonged amount of time while swimming, as this can be dangerous.

Wear a life jacket. Inexperienced or non-swimmers should wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket.

Don’t jump in the water to save a friend who is struggling in deep water. If an adult or child finds their friend in deep water unexpectedly, their natural reaction may be to jump in the water to try to save them. Even if they are a great swimmer, a panicked person will overpower them, pulling the rescuer underwater. The Y’s Safety Around Water program

teaches the “reach, throw, don’t go” concept of using a long object to reach for them and pull them to safety. By using this technique an adult or child can help their friend without compromising their own safety.

Beginning June 9th, the Greater Scranton YMCA will once again offer its Annual Safety Around Water Campaign. The campaign gives children ages three through 14 the opportunity to learn new swimming skills designed to help keep them safe around water. The Safety Around Water Campaign consists of eight swim lessons over a two-week period, four lessons each week, and costs only $25 for both members and non-members. Registration opens Monday, May 12th. The Safety Around Water Campaign is once again supported by the Kiwanis Club of Scranton.

To learn more about the Greater Scranton YMCA’s swim programs and Safety Around Water Campaign, please contact Leslie Kopa, Aquatics Director, at lkopa@gsymca.org.

Geisinger Names Ilene Wolf Moore New Chief Legal Officer

Geisinger today announced the hiring of Ilene Wolf Moore as executive vice president, chief legal officer, bringing to the health system’s executive leadership team a trusted legal advisor with more than 20 years’ experience across a range of healthcare organizations and government roles.

Moore has overseen corporate governance, financing, mergers and acquisitions, complex litigation, contracts, payor relations, labor and employment, regulatory compliance and revenue operations for privately held, publicly traded and nonprofit organizations.

“Ilene has a deep understanding of the complex business and legal aspects of healthcare, and she will provide the perfect blend of hands-on experience and critical strategic thinking to her role at Geisinger,” said Terry Gilliland, M.D., Geisinger’s president and chief executive officer. “She is the latest addition to our executive leadership team that, combined with our established leaders, positions Geisinger for sustained success and innovation.”

Moore most recently served as senior vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary at Envision Healthcare, where she directed legal strategy and operations across diverse healthcare delivery platforms. Her responsibilities encompassed comprehensive legal leadership for both the organization’s multidisciplinary medical group and its network of ambulatory surgery centers, supporting clinical teams across multiple care settings.

Over the last decade, she has held similar leadership roles at Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) and DaVita Medical Group.

“I have been fortunate to spend the majority of my career working for the betterment of healthcare and with great teams striving to innovate, advance access and support the delivery of high-quality healthcare,” said Moore. “Joining Geisinger at this exciting time in its growth allows me to continue doing what I love most in my professional roles: interacting across the organization to help people succeed and grow while contributing to Geisinger’s continued evolution as a leader in value-based care delivery.”

Prior to joining DaVita Medical Group, Moore spent 6 years with Kaiser Permanente, first as general counsel of the more than 1,000 physician multidisciplinary Colorado Permanente Medical Group. She subsequently became general counsel of The Permanente Federation, the national organization that represents all Permanente Medical Groups and collaborates with Kaiser Health Plan and Hospitals to advance integrated care delivery.

Earlier in her career, Moore spent 8 years with the Office of the Colorado Attorney General focused on healthcare matters while representing various agencies and regulatory authorities. Moore’s extensive governmental experience provides her with unique insights into healthcare regulations and policy development that will enable Geisinger to effectively navigate the evolving regulatory landscape while maintaining its focus on patient-centered care delivery.

Moore earned her law degree from Northeastern University School of Law.