Project Hope At Camp UNC Registration Now Open For Summer 2026 Registration is now open for the 2026 camp season running July 6 through July 31. Project Hope provides Scranton children with transportation to UNC’s campgrounds in Tunkhannock, Wyoming County, where campers enjoy arts and crafts, sports, outdoor recreation, educational activities, and nutritious meals in a safe and supportive environment. For more than five decades, Project Hope at Camp UNC has helped create unforgettable summer experiences for local children while supporting working families throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. To learn more or register, visit www.uncnepa.org/projecthope.
University Of Scranton Nonprofit Leadership Program Accepting Applications For The 2026-27 Term The University of Scranton is accepting applications for Cohort 6 of its Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program (NLCP), which will run from January 2027 through January 2028. The deadline to apply is June 12, 2026. Applications can be submitted by visiting the Nonprofit and Community Assistance Center (NCAC) website at nepa-alliance.org/nlcp/. The NLCP, housed in the Kania School of Management, is designed to be broad-based, hands-on and practitioner-focused to help high-potential nonprofit leaders tackle the pressing leadership challenges in organizations throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. Since the program’s inception in 2016, 87 nonprofit professionals from 65 regional organizations have graduated from the program. Cohort 5 included 19 community leaders who completed the program. The NLCP has created a network of high-performing individuals serving at nonprofit institutions, in addition to building an informal regional network of mentors and coaches for emerging nonprofit leaders. Douglas Boyle, DBA’88, CPA, CMA, Accounting Department chair and founder of the Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program, noted the program fulfills a critical need in the region. “The NLCP creates an ecosystem for new and emerging leaders to collaborate on solving an organizational challenge and strengthening their leadership skills,” Dr. Boyle said. “The cohort-based approach assures that by building strong relationships, each participant gains a network of peers with specialized skills that they can gain insights from long after graduation. The program assists the organizations with succession planning, nurtures future collaborations with the nonprofit sector and most importantly yields strong and resilient leaders.” Sessions are led in-person by Kania School of Management faculty and peer group coaches with deep expertise in nonprofit management and practical leadership tools. The program includes work towards specific organizational and personal goals, peer group work, mentorship, and academic leadership components. For additional information, visit the Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program webpage or contact one of the NLCP co-directors: Kurt Bauman at kbauman@nepa-alliance.org; Jesse Ergott at jesse.ergott@scranton.edu.
SWB RailRiders Announce YES Network To Broadcast Nine Games This Season The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders are excited to announce their continued partnership with the YES Network for the 2026 season. The exclusive regional media home of the New York Yankees will broadcast nine RailRiders games this year with coverage on the YES Network and streamed on The Gotham Sports App. “The relationship between the RailRiders, Yankees and the YES Network is an incredible one,’ stated Shawn Reilly, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre’s Team President & General Manager. “What started with ‘Homegrown: The Path to Pinstripes’ has expanded over the years to provide to tremendous coverage of the Yankees’ top affiliate. No other farm system has this support, and it gives us the opportunity to showcase PNC Field, all the fun and excitement of Minor League Baseball, and of course, the future stars of the best franchise in baseball.” 2026 YES Network RailRiders Broadcast Schedule Thursday, May 14 vs. Syracuse – 6:35 P.M. first pitch Saturday, May 16 vs. Syracuse – 6:05 P.M. first pitch Wednesday, July 1 vs. Norfolk – 7:05 P.M. first pitch Wednesday, July 22 vs. Syracuse – 7:05 P.M. first pitch Thursday, July 23 vs. Syracuse – 7:05 P.M. first pitch Thursday, August 6 vs. Rochester – 7:05 P.M. first pitch Saturday, August 22 vs. Charlotte – 6:05 P.M. first pitch Thursday, September 3 vs. Lehigh Valley – 7:05 P.M. first pitch Thursday, September 17 vs. Jacksonville – 7:05 P.M. first pitch Pregame coverage will begin five minutes before first pitch.The games will be broadcast on YES throughout the network’s regional coverage territory (New York State, Connecticut, northeastern Pennsylvania and north and central New Jersey) via video providers, as well as direct subscription on The Gotham Sports App, which is available for download on iOS, Android, Google TV, Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, Roku, Vizio, Samsung Smart TV and LG Smart TV. For more information, call (570) 969-BALL or visit www.swbrailriders.com.
Lackawanna County launches Broadband Internet Survey and Speed Test Lackawanna County is taking steps to ensure that all residents and businesses in the county can connect to high-speed and reliable internet. This initiative is part of the Lackawanna County Broadband Assessment Plan study, which is being conducted by the engineering firm HRG. The study is a multi-faceted project that will collect data and feedback over the course of several months to identify broadband service needs and focus future efforts on expanding internet service. A final study and report will outline the findings and proposed next steps with the long-term goal of ensuring reliable high-speed internet is available to everyone in the county. As part of this effort, Lackawanna County is pleased to announce the launch of the Broadband Internet Survey and Speed Test, which will be administered by HRG. Participation in the survey is crucial to gain a better understanding of the user’s experience with internet service. All residents and businesses play a key part in the survey, as the data collected helps bridge the gap in broadband coverage and informs the county of potential broadband service needs. What do residents and businesses need to do? Take the survey from your home or business using a wired or Wi-Fi connection that services your home or business. It’s important not to use your mobile phone data plan, as that will not measure your home broadband speed. At the end of the survey, a speed test will gather results on connectivity speeds. Once the speed test and survey are complete, simply click submit. Starting on Monday, April 13, the survey and speed test will be available online at https://hrggis.github.io/LackawannaBroadband/ and also on the county website at www.lackawannacounty.org Residents without internet access, or anyone unable to complete the online survey, can download a printable version from the county website or pick up a copy at their local library or municipal building. The survey will take approximately 5-7 minutes to complete and will be open through July 13, 2026. For questions or comments, or to request a hardcopy by mail or email, contact internetsurvey@lackawannacounty.org.
Marywood University To Host Third Annual Veterans And Community Partners Wellness Summit The Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center Veterans & Community Partners, the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA), and the Scranton Vet Center are presenting the Third Annual Veterans and Community Partners Wellness Summit at Marywood University on Thursday, May 28, 2026, from 8 a.m.-3 p.m., at Nazareth Student Center. This free, one-day conference will provide opportunities for continuing education and networking for healthcare professionals, community leaders, veterans, family members, and nonprofit organizations working directly with veterans in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Participants will connect, learn, and recharge through interactive wellness breakout sessions, supportive talks, and valuable networking opportunities. A light breakfast and a lunch will be provided.
Misericordia Sports Camps Open For Registration Keep your student active, engaged, and growing this summer with Misericordia University’s Summer Sports Camps. With a variety of options led by experienced coaches and collegiate athletes, these camps provide a fun and supportive environment where participants can build skills, gain confidence, and enjoy the game. Camp offerings include Field Hockey (June 22–25), Cheer (June 23–25), Co-ed Soccer (June 29–July 2), Boys Lacrosse (July 6–9), Girls Basketball (July 27–31), and Boys Basketball (August 3–7), giving young athletes opportunities throughout the summer to learn, compete, and connect with others who share their passion.
The Honesdale National Bank To Sponsor Big Screen Summer Series The F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts is proud to announce The Honesdale National Bank as the official series sponsor of its popular summer film program, now rebranded as The Honesdale National Bank Big Screen Summer Series. Building on the success of last year’s season, the 2026 series feature eight weeks of family-friendly programming, featuring beloved children’s films every Tuesday at 1:00 PM throughout the summer. All screenings will take place on The Luzerne Foundation Screen at the Kirby Center, offering a classic big-screen experience in a historic theater setting. “Following the incredible response to last year’s series, we’re excited to welcome families back to the Kirby for another summer of making memories together,” said Joell Yarmel, Executive Director. “We’re especially grateful to The Honesdale National Bank for their support in making this series more accessible to our community. We are proud to continue building this tradition in downtown Wilkes-Barre.” “Our local communities are stronger and more vibrant thanks to the incredible programming offered by the Kirby Center,” said Elizbeth Nagy, VP, Director of Sales, Marketing, and Digital Banking for The Honesdale National Bank. “Bringing families and communities together with joy and core memories is a privilege our Foundation is proud to be a part of.”
The Wright Center Names New Vice President, Enterprise Chief Operating Officer An experienced health care executive with deep ties to Northeast Pennsylvania has joined The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education as its vice president and enterprise chief operating officer. David Hall will oversee all business operations within The Wright Center, working closely with clinical and administrative leadership. He will play a key role in developing and implementing enhanced clinical delivery models supporting innovative care redesign in the communities served by The Wright Center. Hall earned his bachelor’s degree in biology and allied health sciences from Bloomsburg University and a master’s degree in business administration with a concentration in health care administration from Eastern University. He has been a certified medical practice executive since 2018. Before joining The Wright Center, Hall served as the chief executive officer of Hazleton-based DermDox, a division of Seven Isles Capital, and as the chief operating officer of Mission Autism Clinics in Hazleton, also a Seven Isles Capital division. He has also held leadership roles, including associate vice president at Guthrie Medical Group in Sayre, further building his experience in advancing patient-centered care within community-focused, nonprofit systems. He resides in Beach Lake, Wayne County. The Wright Center is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026. Founded in 1976, The Wright Centers for Community Health, Graduate Medical Education, and Patient & Community Engagement are a physician-led, community-owned nonprofit and a cornerstone of health care in the region. The organization employs more than 677 professionals – including nearly 200 resident and fellow physicians – and trains more than 200 interprofessional health care learners each year. In fiscal year 2024-25, The Wright Center served about 38,300 unique patients across its growing network of community health centers in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayne, and Wyoming counties, as well as its mobile medical and dental unit, Driving Better Health. As a nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike and safety-net provider, The Wright Center serves all patients, regardless of insurance status, ZIP code, or ability to pay. No patient is turned away due to an inability to pay.
Friendship House Board Of Directors Executive Committee Announced Friendship House recently announced its Board of Directors Executive Committee leadership team. The Executive Committee includes Laurie Cadden as Board Chair; Daniel Santaniello as Chair-Elect; Jeff Kelly as Treasurer; Gretchen J. Van Dyke as Secretary; and Judge Thomas M. Blewitt as Immediate Past Chair. Also serving on the Executive Committee are Attorney Frank J. Bolock Jr. and Alex J. Hazzouri, President and Chief Executive Officer of Friendship House.
The University Of Scranton To Have NYT Best-Selling Author As Undergraduate Commencement Speaker Douglas Brinkley, Ph.D., a best-selling author, award-winning producer and nationally celebrated historian and scholar, will serve as the principal speaker at The University of Scranton’s 2026 undergraduate commencement ceremony. Dr. Brinkley will address Scranton’s Class of 2026 on Sunday, May 24, at Mohegan Arena in Wilkes-Barre Township. Dr. Brinkley’s prolific career has included authoring, editing and contributing to dozens of books and hundreds of essays. He has covered topics including American foreign policy, the presidency and the environment, as well as the lives of transformative figures such as Jack Kerouac, Rosa Parks and Hunter S. Thompson. Among Dr. Brinkley’s New York Times best-selling books are his biography of Walter Cronkite, which won Fordham University’s Ann M. Sperber Prize, and “The Great Deluge: Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans and the Mississippi Gulf Coast,” which earned the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Book Award. He also won a pair of GRAMMY awards as a co-producer of the albums “Presidential Suite” and “Fandango at the Wall in New York.” “We are honored to welcome Dr. Brinkley to Northeastern Pennsylvania, where he will address our graduating students at an important moment in their lives,” said Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., University president. “Dr. Brinkley has demonstrated that history, when researched with care and written with authority, can inform, inspire and endure.” Additionally, Dr. Brinkley is a leading voice in the environmental conservation and historic preservation community with service that has included board membership and advisory leadership in support of organizations at the forefront of protecting America’s natural beauty. “Dr. Brinkley’s writing invites readers to see history not as possession, but as gift, entrusted to each generation anew,” Father Marina said. “In that spirit, he has taken his words and thoughts and put them into action, advocating for the preservation of our nation’s natural and historic treasures. He reminds us that the finest form of scholarship comes when intellect and action align in service of the common good.” Dr. Brinkley was born in Atlanta, Georgia, before moving as a child to Perrysburg, Ohio. He pursued the study of U.S. history at Ohio State University and was awarded a fellowship to Georgetown University, where he immersed himself in the study of U.S. diplomatic history, and received master’s and doctorate degrees. Dr. Brinkley’s early career included faculty positions at the U.S. Naval Academy, Princeton University and Hofstra University. As part of his “American Odyssey” course at Hofstra, he traveled across the country with students to historic landmarks that shaped America. The ambitious nature of his course drew national attention with writeups in publications like The New York Times and SPIN magazine. Dr. Brinkley has since taught at the University of New Orleans and Tulane University. He is currently the Katherine Tsanoff Brown Professor in Humanities at Rice University. He is also CNN’s presidential historian and a Vanity Fair contributor. Dr. Brinkley will receive an honorary degree at the undergraduate commencement ceremony, which will be followed by the graduate commencement ceremony, also held at Mohegan Arena. Doors open at 9:45 a.m. Undergraduate commencement activities are set to begin at 11 a.m. and graduate activities at 4:30 p.m.
