Wright Center Names First Philanthropy Officer A Marywood University and Misericordia University alumna who has spent the last two decades advocating for and securing investments to support higher education has joined The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education as its first chief philanthropy officer and vice president of grants and strategic initiatives. Renée Gregori Zehel, Ph.D., worked in business development in the health care industry for seven years before she returned to Northeast Pennsylvania in 1998 to serve in leadership roles at Misericordia and Marywood universities. There, she led transformative advancement initiatives, helping secure significant philanthropic investments that increased educational access and strengthened institutional sustainability. Most recently, she was vice president of university advancement at Marywood, where she led the successful completion of a $30 million campaign to expand health sciences programs, which will help strengthen the regional health care workforce and broaden educational opportunities. At The Wright Center, Zehel will spearhead the development of a new philanthropic foundation and guide its related endeavors. She will design overarching fundraising strategies and direct philanthropic events to build community support. She will also be responsible for driving grant development efforts across the organization. After earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication arts from then-Marywood College and a Master of Science degree in education from then-College Misericordia, she completed a Doctor of Philosophy degree in human development at Marywood University. Across the region, Zehel has served on numerous nonprofit boards, including the African Sisters Education Collaborative and the Patient Safety Council at Lehigh Valley Hospital – Dickson City. She and her husband, Shawn Zehel, reside in Scranton and have two adult children.
Johnson College Receives EITC Contribution From The Honesdale National Bank Johnson College received a $10,000 EITC contribution from The Honesdale National Bank to support the College’s Industry Fast Track and STEM Outreach programs. The Honesdale National Bank’s contribution to Johnson College is part of Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. The program offers businesses a tax credit for supporting state-approved educational improvement programs. Johnson College is approved to accept EITC contributions in support of its STEM outreach programs and Industry Fast Track program. Johnson College’s Industry Fast Track program offers high school students from participating area school districts an opportunity to enroll simultaneously in secondary and post-secondary coursework at Johnson College. The course meets state requirements for high school graduation while providing college-level courses. Students remain enrolled full-time at their high school while attending classes on the College’s campus. Through its STEM Outreach, Johnson College utilizes its experience in providing industry-focused technical education to expand its outreach to elementary, middle, and high school students. The outreach raises awareness of the benefits of STEM education and the possibilities of achieving economic independence through employment in a STEM career field.
Friends Of The Poor & Catherine McAuley Center Announces Upcoming Leadership Transition It is with deep appreciation for her leadership that the Friends of the Poor & Catherine McAuley Center (FOTP/CMC) Board of Directors shares that our President & CEO, Dr. Meghan Loftus, has decided to leave the agency this fall. Throughout her nine years of service to the legacy agency, Friends of the Poor, and the combined FOTP/CMC communities, Meghan has made lasting impact through her leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to our mission and the individuals and families weserve. As we begin the search for our next President & CEO, we want to assure our partners, supporters, participants, community agencies, and the broader community that all FOTP/CMC programs and services will continue without interruption. Meghan’s contributions have strengthened our organization, expanded our reach, and positively impacted countless lives throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. We are deeply grateful for her years of service and the strong foundation she has helped build alongside the exceptionally dedicated staff and leadership team of FOTP/CMC. We look forward to continuing this important work and building upon the organization’s momentum in the yearsahead.
Crystal Windows Launches New Architectural Window Line Award-winning national manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems again expands its high-end window offerings with the introduction of the new aluminum outswing projected Series 8700 windows. Available in casement, awning, and fixed styles, these new architectural windows excel in thermal performance and comply with the latest stringent energy code requirements of New York City and other jurisdictions. With a 3-¼” jamb depth, the Crystal Series 8700 windows are suitable for both new construction and replacement applications involving mid-rise, high-rise, multi-family, office, hospitality, or institutional properties. “The slim sightline contemporary geometry of the Series 8700 windows represents the best in modern, sophisticated, environmentally sustainable window styling,” said Sabrina Leung, Architectural Sales and R&D Manager. “While European-inspired in design, the Crystal Series 8700 is proudly manufactured in America, with American materials, and by skilled American workers.” The Series 8700 aluminum windows feature state-of-the-art polyamide strut thermal break technology, delivering enhanced energy efficiency. Strength for the windows is improved through the use of heavy-duty extrusions and corner-keyed frames. Visually, the minimal sightlines – 2’ for fixed and 2-15⁄16” for operable windows – maximize vision glass, daylighting, and aesthetic appeal. As such, the new Series 8700 line represents a step up in thermal efficiency, structural performance, and sightlines from the current Crystal Series 8500 window line. Test ratings for the Series 8700 windows are outstanding, with structural ratings of AW-PG100 for the outswing casement and fixed styles, and AW-PG85 for the awning style. With appropriate insulated glass packages, low U-values of 0.18 for the fixed style and 0.29 for operable styles can be achieved. These values surpass the requirements of New York City and other municipal and state energy codes. Additionally, using laminated glass options, the window line can attain acoustic performance ratings of STC 42 and OITC 34. All three of the Crystal Series 8700 window styles come standard with 1” double glass insulated glass units (IGUs). A 1-¼” IGU option is available, as are triple glass, monolithic, and bird-deterring glass options. Low-E glass and argon gas are also available. To achieve any desired design and complement a wide variety of façade materials, all the Crystal Series 8700 windows are finished in an array of standard and custom color sustainable powder coat paint, to AAMA 2604 (standard) or AAMA 2605 (upgrade) criteria. Other finishes are also available. In addition, the window’s polyamide strut thermal break readily facilitates two-tone (different interior and exterior) color schemes. “Crystal offers many functionality and safety options for this new product line across all styles,” said Leung. “For example, units can be specified with opening limit devices, ADA compliant hardware, and between-the-glass grids, with a simulated divided light grid option to be introduced soon.” The Crystal Series 8700 windows are compatible with the company’s full range of panning, receptors, subsills, and other installation accessories. To further facilitate installations, a 1.5” face fin (aka casement fin) frame is an option. Combinations of Series 8700 windows can be assembled using internal impost mullions and the common master frame option. Larger groupings or more complex arrangements of units can be combined using mullions, either factory- or field-assembled at the jobsite. “The new Crystal Series 8700 window line was designed to provide architects and developers with versatile, stylish fenestration for today’s luxury properties,” said Leung. “Going beyond current codes, this window series offers energy and structural performance for long-term viability. It is a great choice for projects across the country.”
The Dime Bank Announces Student Winners Of The Personal Finance Lab The Dime Bank brought the Personal Finance Lab to local schools through Brighter Financial Futures, a nonprofit organization focused on improving students’ financial literacy. The innovative program is designed to build real-world money management skills through hands-on investing and budgeting experiences. The Personal Finance Lab provides a well-rounded educational approach that includes: A comprehensive curriculum covering essential financial and business topics A realistic stock market simulation that introduces students to investing fundamentals An interactive budgeting game that teaches key concepts such as credit, net worth, and overall financial health The first-place winners of the Stock Market Challenge are Evan Guccini of the Wallenpaupack Area School District (High School Division) and James Stiles of the Wayne Highlands School District (Middle School Division). They each received a Chromebook, a gift card, and The Dime Bank gift basket. Moreover, the top three students from each school and grade were awarded gift certificates. Additional winners for the stock market challenge are Case Newman, Carter Molusky, Matthew Fite, Sam Kiesendahl, Gavin Miller, Jake Seltzer, Catherine Karpis, Waverly Van Aalsburg, Gabriel Hieber, Mason Zoccola, and Hailie-Jade Miller. Winners in the budgeting category are Natalie Brown, Adam Musser, Hunter Haupert-Keill, Meghan Dowling, Odilia Dyer, Brayden Gawron, Andrew Dos Anjos, Sophie Rosencrance, Honour Davis, and Natalie Brown. Congratulations to all the students who took part in these valuable learning opportunities! President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Bochnovich commented, “The Dime Bank is proud to support efforts that educate and empower our students with essential financial knowledge. By helping young people build strong personal finance skills today, we are giving them the tools and confidence they need to make informed decisions and succeed in the future.”
Hospice Of The Sacred Heart Receives Check From Timmy’s Town Center Attorney Tim and Lexie Kelly, representing Timmy’s Town Center, recently presented a $15,000 check to Hospice of the Sacred Heart CEO Diane Baldi. This donation will support pediatric hospice services at Hospice of the Sacred Heart. Pictured l to r: Attorney Tim Kelly, Timmy’s Town Center, Diane Baldi, CEO, Hospice of the Sacred Heart and Lexie Kelly, Timmy’s Town Center.
RailRiders, Beck Honored By International League After No-Hit Effort Minor League Baseball has announced its weekly awards for June 1-7, and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre’s Brendan Beck was honored as the International League’s Pitcher of the Week. The right-hander worked seven hitless innings on Friday, June 5, against the Syracuse Mets, combining with reliever Carson Coleman for the seventh no-hitter in franchise history. Beck faced 24 batters, striking out six and walking three on 93 pitches on Friday night before handing the ball to Coleman. The reliever worked a perfect eighth and walked a batter in the ninth before inducing a game-ending double play to seal the RailRiders’ first no-hitter since August of 2021. Beck is 5-2 with a 3.55 ERA after his outing on Friday and has been tabbed as the IL Pitcher of the Week for a second time this season, having also earned the distinction in early May. He has 66 strikeouts and 21 walks over 66 innings of work for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre this season. Beck also made his Major League debut last month, working three frames for the Yankees on May 7. The 27-year-old was selected by the Yankees in the 2nd round of the 2021 draft out of Stanford University.
Johnson College Receives Grant From Wayne County Community Foundation Johnson College received a $6,000 award during the Wayne County Community Foundation’s spring grant cycle to enable eligible Wayne County residents to enroll in the Readiness in Skilled Employment (RISE) program. The funding will support a Wayne County participant with tuition, technology, PPE/safety equipment, tools needed for success in their desired program of study, and a range of support services to reduce barriers to their education. RISE is a comprehensive workforce development program that serves residents across nine counties in Northeastern Pennsylvania by providing access to technical training and vital support services. Counties include Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Schuylkill, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Wyoming. The program is designed to eliminate barriers such as transportation, childcare, housing, and food insecurity that often prevent individuals from starting or completing their education. The program creates a clear pathway to family-sustaining careers and brighter futures for participants and their families while addressing critical workforce shortages in Northeast Pennsylvania.
Allied Services Appoints New Terrace Personal Care Facility Administrator Robert Fenner, LPN, PCHA, joined Allied Services in 2023 as Wellness Director and has played an instrumental role in strengthening the culture and daily operations of the personal care community. With nearly a decade of healthcare experience, Fenner is recognized for his hands-on leadership style, commitment to resident-centered care, and dedication to staff development. In 2025, he earned his Personal Care Home Administrator certification and currently serves as the organization’s Certified Medication Administration Trainer for Personal Care staff, helping expand education and clinical capabilities across the divisions. Under his leadership, Allied Terrace has continued to enhance its ability to support residents with increasing care needs while fostering a warm, welcoming environment for residents, families, and staff alike. Fenner actively participates in long-term care professional networking and continuing education opportunities, reflecting his ongoing commitment to growth within the field. Outside of Allied Terrace, Fenner has been actively involved in fostering youth within the community, reflecting the same compassion and commitment to care that defines his leadership style.
Johnson College To Host Child And Babysitting Workshop Johnson College will host a Child and Babysitting Safety (CABS) workshop on Monday, June 29, 2026, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at its Scranton campus. Registration is required, and interested participants can sign up online by visiting johnson.edu/workshops. The interactive workshop is designed for teenagers and young adults who are interested in starting a babysitting business or who have caregiving responsibilities for younger family members. The program equips participants with the essential skills needed to babysit safely and successfully. The curriculum covers fundamental business setup, strategies for working effectively with parents and children, and vital safety, caregiving, and first aid instructions. To engage young learners, the program utilizes a modern, magazine-format CABS guide and vlogger-style educational videos. The cost to attend the workshop is $50 per person. The session is part of the college’s WAVE (Workforce Advancement & Value-Added Education) Workshop series.
