WVIA Wins Five Mid-Atlantic Emmy® Awards, Including Overall Excellence WVIA won five Emmy Awards – including the prestigious Overall Station Excellence – at the 43rd annual Mid-Atlantic Awards in Philadelphia Saturday night. The historic Station Excellence win – a first for WVIA in its more than 50 years of service – capped off a successful night of five total awards that highlight the station’s continued pursuit to honor the creative journey, its commitment to the craft, and employees’ passion to tell the stories of the region. “Despite the many challenges we’ve faced this year, our staff has continued to deliver meaningful, impactful content that truly serves the people of Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania,” said Carla McCabe, President & CEO of WVIA. “We are incredibly honored to receive five Mid-Atlantic Emmy Awards, including the Overall Station Excellence. This recognition is a powerful testament to the dedication, creativity, and resilience of our entire team. Being recognized for that commitment is an extraordinary moment of pride for all of us.” The Mid-Atlantic Emmy® Awards celebrate excellence in television production across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and parts of Ohio and West Virginia. This year saw 749 entries in 80 Emmy categories – 305 of those received nominations. The Overall Excellence category recognizes a television station for the high standard of its overall programming and community service across all its endeavors. WVIA was nominated among three outstanding stations from larger metropolitan markets, including KDKA in Pittsburgh, WGAL in Lancaster, and CBS Philadelphia. This station-wide recognition underscores WVIA’s mission to create programming that not only informs and inspires but also reflects the rich heritage and stories of the region. “To be recognized for Overall Excellence is both humbling and inspiring,” said Ben Payavis II, WVIA’s Chief Content Officer. “It’s a testament to the dedication of our incredible team and a reflection of the responsibility we carry in telling the stories of this region. Stories don’t just entertain us; they connect us. They build bridges between different perspectives and remind us of our shared humanity.” 2025 Mid-Atlantic Emmy® Award Wins for WVIA: Overall Excellence WVIA – Carla McCabe, President & CEO, WVIA Health/Medical News Keystone Edition Health: She Beat Cancer – Tim Novotney, Director/Camera/Editor Historical/Cultural- Short Film VIA Short Takes: The Secret Beneath Hazleton – Tim Novotney, Director/Camera/Editor Human Interest – Long Form Content 2024 Little League Challenger Exhibition – Ben Payavis, Producer; Ken Sawyer, Play-By-Play Announcer; Tom Speicher, Color Commentator News/Program Promotion/PSA – Single Spot NEPA @ Work Trailer – Alexander Monelli, Director/Camera/Editor In total, WVIA received nine nominations for its outstanding work across a variety of genres. Additional nominated projects include: Sports – One Time Special The Forgotten Dynasty: Scranton Eagles – Ben Payavis, Producer/Director; John Mikulak, Director of Photography; Ron Andruscavage, Audio/Drone/Camera Entertainment-Long Form Content The Story of Palma: A Musical Fable – Ben Payavis, Director/Editor; Larry Vojtko, Associate Producer/Score Reader; Erika Funke, Associate Producer; George Graham, Audio Producer/Mix; Lisa Mazzarella, Narrator/Associate Producer; Ron Andruscavage, Production Manager Magazine ProgramNEPA @ Work -Alexander Monelli, Director/Camera/Editor VIA Short Takes #503 – Ben Payavis, Executive Producer; Alexander Monelli, Cinematographer/Editor/Director; Tim Novotney, Cinematographer/Editor/Director; John Alaimo, Producer/Director/Editor Among the evening’s honorees was WVIA’s Chief Technology Officer Joe Glynn, who was officially inducted into the 2025 Silver Circle Society, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the broadcasting industry over more than 25 years. Click here to find the full list of Mid-Atlantic Emmy® Award recipients
Waverly Community House Presents Autumn at the Comm Autumn at the Comm Events: Peek-A-Boo Pals Playgroup October 6 – 9:00 am-10:00 am With Hanora Jones What to Expect: Gentle sensory play & music, baby sign language & bonding activities, social & movement exploration Come join a joyful and engaging playgroup where babies and their caregivers can explore, learn, and connect in a warm, supportive environment. Whether it’s your little one’s first giggle or first wave, we’ll celebrate every milestone together! Click here to find more information and registration details. Little Locals Playgroup October 6 – 10:30 am-11:30 am With Hanora Jones What to Expect:· Gentle Transitions into group play & social comfort· Play-Based Learning with parent involvement· Skill-Building for independence & confidence· Emotional & Social Development through guided activitiesWhether your little one is just starting to explore group settings or already loves to playwith peers, Little Locals offers a nurturing space to grow, giggle, and gain newskills—together with you! Click here to find more information and registration details. Waverly Wigglers Playgroup October 7 – 10:00 am-11:00 am With Hanora Jones What to Expect: Active Play & Creative Arts Storytelling & Pretend Play Adventures & Social Fun Let your little one explore, create, and connect in a lively, welcoming environment designed just for toddlers. Parents and caregivers are part of the fun too! Click here to find more information and registration details.
Johnson College Receives Scholarship Award from Villa Capri Cruisers Car Club The Villa Capri Cruisers Car Club Inc. presented a $1,500 check to support the organization’s annual scholarship for Johnson College Automotive Technology students with demonstrated financial need. This marks the 15th year the scholarship has been awarded to Johnson College students. Funds are raised through donations, volunteer work, sponsorships and annual calendar sales. Johnson College’s two-year associate degree program in Automotive Technology prepares students for entry-level positions in the automobile and diesel industries. Graduates may work in automotive, truck, farm and earthmoving equipment dealerships; truck, power generation and construction companies; automotive service centers; engine repair and machine shops; automotive equipment distributors; independent service garages; automotive parts manufacturers; sales roles; and auto insurance companies. During Johnson College’s Truck and Cruiser Palooza event in mid-September, the Villa Capri Cruisers Car Club Inc. presented a $1,500 check to support its annual scholarship for Johnson College Automotive Technology students. Pictured from left: Dave Thomas, Villa Capri secretary; Kathy Eggleston, Villa Capri member; Luke Casterline, Villa Capri treasurer; Sal Pizzo, Villa Capri vice president; John Eggleston, Villa Capri member; Doug Cook, senior director of college advancement, Johnson College; Joe Caputo, Villa Capri board member; Dr. Kellyn Williams, associate vice president of special programs, Johnson College; and Joe Carra, Villa Capri president.
The Wright Center: Depression Screenings Proactive Form of Health Care Preventative screenings represent health care at its most proactive. They are convenient, and they can quickly address and improve an issue well before it escalates. Depression and other mental health disorders fall into this category. October marks National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month, World Mental Health Day on Oct. 10, and Mental Health Awareness Week (Oct. 5–11), which Congress established in 1990 through the advocacy of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). This year’s Mental Illness Awareness Week carried the theme “Building Community: Supporting Mental Well-Being Together.” According to NAMI, the focus was on “the power of meaningful connections, grassroots advocacy, and local action to strengthen mental health support nationwide.” The theme served as an inspiring reminder of how collective efforts can make a real difference. Greater emphasis on depression screenings is urgently needed, as the disease does not discriminate and affects individuals of all ages, races, and socioeconomic groups. With the everyday stresses of modern life, it is unsurprising that rates of anxiety and depression continue to increase each year. According to a November 2024 brief issued by the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) Bureau of Health Workforce, about 59 million U.S. adults – 23% of the population – experienced a mental illness in 2023, with nearly half of them not receiving treatment. Access to behavioral health services remains limited due to provider shortages, high out-of-pocket costs, coverage gaps, and other barriers. The national average wait time for behavioral health services is currently 48 days, according to HRSA. Screenings are recommended for anyone experiencing several of these common symptoms of depression: Persistent sadness or anxiousness Too little or too much sleep Reduced or increased appetite and weight loss or gain Loss of interest in favorite activities Restlessness or irritability Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions Fatigue or loss of energy Thoughts of death or suicide The Wright Center for Community Health provides a wide range of behavioral health services, including therapy, psychological assessments, and psychiatric care, for children, adolescents, and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, substance-related and addictive disorders, bullying, relationship stressors, LGBTQI+ issues, trauma, and grief. Earlier this year, The Wright Center began participating in a multi-year grant awarded to the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) to improve access to whole-person primary health services for people with co-occurring mental health conditions and substance use disorders. The Wright Center is one of several primary care sites in Pennsylvania engaged in the five-year project to promote collaborative care, an evidence-based model that strengthens coordination of behavioral health services in primary care settings. The organization is also addressing the regional shortage of mental health specialists through the hiring of new staff psychiatrists. These professionals are providing office-based remote and in-person psychiatry appointments for patients of all ages, while also collaborating with colleagues across The Wright Center to integrate behavioral health and primary care services to improve overall outcomes. Staff members continue to improve accessibility for individuals in underserved and under-resourced areas, working to reduce barriers to behavioral health care. The Wright Center remains committed to ensuring that people receive the support they need to lead happy, productive lives.
Geisinger to Host Appreciation Dinners Honoring Local Military Veterans To thank local military veterans for their service, Geisinger will host drive- through veteran appreciation dinners at 12 locations across the health system’s service area from 3 to 5: 30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 6. The Geisinger Healthplex State College location will serve meals from 4 to 5:30 p.m. The dinners for U.S. military veterans and a guest are offered at no cost to participants. Geisinger will provide these dinners at a drive-through event. Last year’s event served about 2,500 meals. Servings are limited, and those interested are encouraged to sign up now. Veterans can make a reservation for themselves and one guest by visiting go.geisinger.org/vetsdinner2025 or calling 570-293-7200. The deadline to register is Thursday, Oct. 30. Locations are: Bloomsburg: Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital, 549 Fair St. (main entrance) Danville: Geisinger Multi-Specialty Clinic Danville, 35 Justin Drive, Building 2 Jersey Shore: Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital, 1020 Thompson St. Lewistown: Geisinger Lewistown Hospital, 400 Highland Ave. (third-floor entrance) Mifflintown: Geisinger Family Health Associates Mifflintown, 27 CJEMS Lane Mount Pocono: Geisinger Mount Pocono, 126 Market Way Muncy: Geisinger Medical Center Muncy, 255 Route 220 Highway Pittston: Geisinger Healthplex CenterPoint, 1201 Oak St. Scranton: Nay Aug Park, 500 Arthur Ave. Shamokin: Geisinger Shamokin Area Community Hospital, 4200 Hospital Road, Coal Township State College: Geisinger Healthplex State College, 132 Abigail Lane, Port Matilda Wilkes-Barre: Behind Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre, at 50 Roosevelt Terrace
The Wright Center: Bridging Gaps, Restoring Smiles Mark National Dental Hygiene Month with better oral care When Maryann Havrilak first walked through the doors of The Wright Center for Community Health Mid Valley in Jermyn, the 74-year-old retiree wasn’t looking forward to being in a dental chair. Mary Ann Havrilak of Waymart checks in for a dental appointment at The Wright Center for Community Health Mid Valley in Jermyn. The Wright Center, a Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike, accepts most dental insurance plans and offers a sliding-fee discount program to ensure oral care services are affordable for everyone. To make an appointment, call call 570-230-0019. “I’ve had bad teeth my whole life,” said the South Canaan Twp. native who lives in Waymart. “I’ve been going to the dentist since I was little, even when I lived in New York City, and you can imagine how expensive that was. But as soon as I walked into The Wright Center, I felt comfortable. The girls were great, the dentist (Dr. Ryan Rebar) explained everything to me, and it felt like home.” Havrilak, a retired secretary who spent 45 years working in New York City before returning to her roots in Wayne County, is on a fixed income since retiring. She had to carefully weigh her options when selecting new medical and dental providers. When her insurance company offered a list of choices, she picked The Wright Center for Community Health and never looked back. Her dental journey is one of many that reflect the importance of access to compassionate dental care, especially during October’s National Dental Hygiene Month, a time to spotlight the vital role oral health plays in overall well-being. Oral health is directly tied to heart health, diabetes control, and even early detection of serious illnesses like oral cancer. Yet, for many patients, fear, stigma, lack of insurance, or transportation barriers keep them from seeking the dental care they need. That is where The Wright Center’s integrated dental care model steps in. To ensure high-quality oral care is available to everyone, The Wright Center, a Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike and safety-net provider, accepts most dental insurance plans and offers a sliding-fee discount program to those who qualify based on federal poverty guidelines that take into account family size and income. No patient is turned away because of an inability to pay. “We believe everyone deserves access to high-quality, affordable, and trauma-informed dental care,” said Dr. Rebar, a general practice dentist and clinical site director at The Wright Center for Community Health Mid Valley. “Our approach is centered around meeting patients where they are physically, emotionally, and financially.” Mary Ann Havrilak of Waymart, seated, talks to her dentist, Dr. Ryan Rebar, during a recent appointment at The Wright Center for Community Health Mid Valley in Jermyn. The Mid Valley dental team is part of The Wright Center’s growing network of community health centers, which includes medical, behavioral health, and dental care under one roof. This model enhances access and outcomes while also building trust, particularly among patients with long-standing fears or previous negative experiences. “A lot of patients come to us in pain, discouraged, and understandably nervous, but with every visit, we build trust,” said Dr. Rebar, who received his doctoral degree in dental medicine from the Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry after graduating from The University of Scranton. “We talk through everything, make sure patients feel in control, and we don’t rush anything. It’s never just about teeth. It’s about dignity, quality of life, and restoring confidence. That’s what makes this work so meaningful.” Havrilak has been receiving ongoing care for the past seven years at The Wright Center’s Mid Valley location at 5 S. Washington Ave. Jermyn, including extractions, partials, and most recently, a bridge. She credits Dr. Rebar and The Wright Center’s dental care team for their skill, compassion, and gentle approach, especially when it comes to something most patients dread. “I’ve had butchers just shove the needle in,” she said. “Here, they’re so gentle you don’t even know it’s happening. They don’t want to hurt you, and that makes all the difference.” Her most recent procedure has been life-changing in a simple but profound way. “I just got a new bridge, and today I’m going to sit down and have a salad for the first time since April,” she said. “I couldn’t chew before. Now I can eat, I smile more, and feel more like myself.” For Havrilak, The Wright Center’s dental care team is like family. “They talk to you about anything to make you comfortable,” she said. “Even people who aren’t working on you get involved in the conversation. The dental team is wonderful, the whole staff is so smart, and they all really care. The girls at the front desk always call if they have an earlier opening and ask if I can make it. I never say no to a dentist appointment.” Her advice to anyone who may be fearful about seeing a dentist, especially those who have had bad experiences, is simple: “Go to The Wright Center for Community Health. They’ll put you at ease. They’ll treat you with respect. And they’ll make sure you can smile again.” Dr. Ryan Rebar, right, meets with his patient, Mary Ann Havrilak of Waymart. Dr. Rebar believes ‘everyone deserves access to high-quality, affordable, and trauma-informed dental care.’ Good oral hygiene tips National Dental Hygiene Month is observed each October to celebrate dental hygienists and raise awareness of the importance of good oral health to prevent oral diseases such as cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer. Here are some tips from The Wright Center for Community Health’s dental team to practice good oral hygiene: Brushing Use fluoride toothpaste to protect your teeth from decay and cavities. Fluoride strengthens the tooth’s enamel. Angle your toothbrush bristles toward your gumline so the bristles clean between your gums and teeth. Brush all the sides of each tooth gently with small, circular motions. Avoid back-and-forth scrubbing. Brush your tongue. Flossing Use a string of floss about two feet long. Wrap it around your middle finger on each hand and grip it between your thumb and index fingers. Gently ease the floss between your teeth until it reaches your gumline. Do not force the floss into place, as this could harm your gums. Curve the floss around the side of each tooth, like the letter “C.” Slide the floss up and down under your gum.
The Wright Center for Community Health Earns National Recognition The Wright Center for Community Health has been recognized by the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Medical Association (AMA) for its commitment to improving patients’ blood pressure control rates, earning Gold Plus-level recognition as part of Target: BP. Target: BP is a national initiative created by the AHA and AMA in response to the high prevalence of uncontrolled blood pressure. The highest award, Gold Plus, recognizes health care enterprises that have demonstrated evidence-based practices for blood pressure measurement and treatment, and in which high blood pressure is controlled in 70% or more of the affected adult patients. The Wright Center also received two other Gold Awards from the AHA: one for improving the quality of care for patients with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors through the Target: Type 2 Diabetes program; and the other for improving the quality of care through awareness, detection, and management of high cholesterol with evidence-based strategies and tools through the program, Check. Change. Control. Cholesterol. Target: Type 2 Diabetes addresses heart disease and stroke risk factors in patients with Type 2 diabetes and puts the unparalleled expertise of the AHA to work for health care organizations nationwide, helping ensure the care provided to patients is aligned with the latest evidence- and research-based guidelines. Check. Change. Control. Cholesterol supports physicians and care teams by offering access to the latest research, tools, and resources to reach and sustain cholesterol control rates among the adult patient population they serve. “Receiving these three Gold Awards from the American Heart Association and the American Medical Association underscores our commitment to advancing the health and well-being of patients living with these chronic conditions,” said Dr. Erin McFadden, chief medical officer at The Wright Center for Community Health. “Through timely diagnosis and evidence-based treatment, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes can be effectively managed, empowering patients to achieve healthier, longer lives.” Nearly half of all adults in the U.S. – about 122.4 million – are living with high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, according to the AHA. About 29.3 million U.S. adults have been diagnosed with diabetes, and another estimated 9.7 million are living with undiagnosed diabetes, the AHA said. Approximately 104 million adults in the United States (about 40%) have high cholesterol, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. All three chronic illnesses increase a person’s risk for serious health complications, including cardiovascular disease and stroke, which are the No. 1 and No. 5 causes of death in the U.S., respectively. Stroke is a leading cause of disability, according to a 2025 report from the AHA. “Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for people living with Type 2 diabetes,” said Dr. Howard Haft, a member of the American Heart Association’s National Quality Oversight Committee. “Organizations that participate in programs like this help raise awareness of the link between diabetes and cardiovascular disease and can improve patient outcomes. We are pleased to recognize The Wright Center for its commitment to quality care.” In fiscal year 2024-25, The Wright Center served about 38,300 unique patients at its growing network of community health centers in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayne, and Wyoming counties. As a nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike and safety-net provider, it serves vulnerable and medically underserved populations, regardless of age, ethnic background, ZIP code, insurance status, or ability to pay. It accepts all insurance plans and offers a sliding-fee discount program based on federal poverty guidelines that considers family size and income. No patient is ever turned away due to an inability to pay. For more information, go to TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-209-0019.
Geisinger, Softball Prospect Excels After Knee Surgeries A blur of motion. The arm whipping in a full circle, hips snapping forward, legs punching off the mound and a firm wrist snap at the release. The result is a ball hurling at more than 60 miles per hour toward the plate less than 40 feet away. Throwing a fast-pitch softball takes a sequence of mechanics, fast, explosive movements — and a lot of practice, according to Taylor Cawley of Archbald, Pa. Cawley has been pitching since she was seven years old. She had an illustrious career playing for Valley View High School, which culminated with her on the mound for the state championship game in June at Penn State University. “It was crazy. We had so many fans at the state championship game and they cheered for every pitch,” she said. “It felt really good to play in that game.” She didn’t just play, she shined. Cawley recorded 13 strikeouts and was named the state championship player of the game. The effort combined with her amazing senior season helped her secure a scholarship to continue her softball career at Binghamton University in New York. What makes these achievements even more amazing is Cawley’s hard work and determination to reach this point in her career, overcoming two significant knee injuries that required surgery and extensive rehabilitation during her high school career. My freshman year, in one of my first games, I threw a pitch and felt something pop in my left leg,” Cawley said. One of the team’s athletic trainers, employed by Geisinger, helped Taylor on the field and referred her to a Geisinger orthopaedic urgent care facility for an evaluation. An MRI during an appointment with an orthopaedic surgeon the next day determined the worst: She had torn her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and had medial and lateral meniscus tears. “Given Taylor’s young age and high-level sports participation, I recommended ACL reconstruction as well as meniscal repair. I believed this would give her the best chance of returning to softball,” said Mark Pallis, D.O., a Geisinger orthopaedic surgeon. “After a thorough discussion with her and her father, she elected to proceed with surgery.” Cawley was put in a knee brace, provided crutches and started physical therapy to regain range of motion and decrease swelling prior to her surgery in May 2022. Dr. Pallis reconstructed Cawley’s ACL using a quadriceps tendon autograft, which involves taking a thin strip of the middle of the quadriceps tendon just above the knee. The tendon was then used to reconstruct the knee ligament. Dr. Pallis also repaired her meniscus tears during the surgery. “Taylor worked very hard, and she was cleared to return to softball without limitation in January 2023, eight months after surgery,” Dr. Pallis said. Cawley returned for her sophomore season and had success. However, in January 2024, during her junior year, she began to have some pain and issues with her knee. “Taylor came to see me with complaints of increasing lateral knee pain and clicking over the previous few days while pitching,” said Dr. Pallis. “An MRI confirmed that she had a new lateral meniscal tear. After a discussion, she decided to proceed with knee surgery, in an effort to maximize her potential for recovery and minimize time away from the sport.” She was on crutches for 6 weeks and her recovery lasted six months, but she was able to return to the field for her senior season. And what an amazing senior season it was. She garnered numerous accolades on her way to the state championship game, including Scranton Times Athlete of the Week and Softball Performer of the Year, National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) All Region Second Team Pitcher, PA Softball Coaches Association First Team All-State Pitcher and Lackawanna League D1 Player of the Year. “I am so thankful for everyone at Geisinger that helped me through these injuries. Dr. Pallis was amazing. He explained everything to me and my parents,” she said. “My Geisinger physical therapist Lynn Winter helped me through a lot as well. PT is not fun, but she made it the best it could be. She challenged me to get me where I am.” Dr. Pallis couldn’t be prouder of the work Cawley did to overcome her injuries. “It is extremely gratifying for me to see athletes overcome injuries and excel. This is exactly why I became an orthopaedic surgeon,” he said. “I am so proud of Taylor and what she has accomplished. She remained resilient through it all and fought hard to get back after her injuries. She deserves every bit of the recognition she has received, and I look forward to seeing what she does at Binghamton.”
NEPA Learning Conference 2025 Empowers Nonprofits Through the Foundation’s Center for Community Leadership and Nonprofit Excellence The Scranton Area Community Foundation is proud to announce the success of the 2025 NEPA Learning Conference, a signature program of its Center for Community Leadership and Nonprofit Excellence. The biennial gathering welcomed nearly 200 nonprofit leaders, board members, and volunteers to Fiorelli’s in Peckville from September 17th to 19th for three days of inspiration, collaboration, and professional development. Carrying the theme Community • Connections • Purpose, the 2025 NEPA Learning Conference offered transformative keynote presentations and interactive sessions designed to strengthen nonprofit organizations across Northeastern Pennsylvania. Keynote speakers challenged, inspired, and equipped attendees to strengthen their leadership and organizational impact. Katie P. Desiderio and Michael G. Frino, New York Times bestselling authors of The Beekeeper and The Stargazer, energized the audience with insights from their books, highlighting how intentional collaboration can unleash team brilliance and drive transformative growth. Dr. Tiffany Manuel, founder and CEO of TheCaseMade, followed with Breaking New Ground, a compelling call to collaborative change built on urgency and shared aspirations. Closing the event, Michael Swenson, a FranklinCovey consultant, engaged participants in hands-on exercises to practice the 13 Behaviors of High Trust to strengthen credibility, build transparency, and lead with integrity. Conference sessions also explored trust-building, communication, collaborative leadership, and cultivating a healthy organizational culture. Attendees were challenged to lead with integrity, act with urgency, and apply actionable and practical strategies to strengthen teams and expand their community impact. A highlight of the conference was the presentation of the Nonprofit EXCELlence Awards, which recognized outstanding leadership, innovation, collaboration, and impact: Nonprofit of the Year – The Cooperage Project The Cooperage Project was honored for its leadership, management, and innovation excellence. From its PopUp Club after-school STEAM program for at-risk middle schoolers to the creative “NEAR cash” initiative that helps families facing food insecurity access local farmers markets, The Cooperage Project continues to expand programming while ensuring long-term sustainability. Collaborative Project of the Year – Student-Led Food Hub The Student-Led Food Hub, a partnership between The Food Dignity Movement, Wilkes- Barre Area Career & Technical Center, Luzerne/Schuylkill Workforce Development Board, and local family farmers, was recognized for reimagining food access in NEPA. This curriculum-based, student-run hub connects fresh, locally grown produce to nonprofits while providing workforce training to high school students. Since its launch, it has generated more than $900,000 in economic activity, strengthened small farms, and increased access to fresh food for families. Rising Star Award – Amanda Gordineer Amanda Gordineer, Director of Operations at The Food Dignity Movement, was recognized as an emerging leader transforming food systems. She pioneered the “Take What You Need; Pay What You Can” model and led the development of innovative distribution strategies that deliver produce within 48 hours of harvest, strengthening farms, reducing waste, and ensuring community access to fresh food. NEPA Gives Superstar Award – Outreach Center for Community Resources The Outreach Center for Community Resources was celebrated as the 2025 NEPA Gives Superstar for its outstanding fundraising success and community engagement during this year’s 24-hour giving day, demonstrating the power of collective philanthropy in action. “The NEPA Learning Conference is part of our commitment to equip nonprofit leaders with the tools, knowledge, and networks they need to thrive,” said Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “Through our Center for Community Leadership and Nonprofit Excellence, we are proud to invest in the strength of the organizations that serve our region—because when our nonprofits are strong, our communities are strong.” First launched in 2017, the NEPA Learning Conference has grown into one of the premier nonprofit events in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Alongside keynote sessions and workshops, the conference continues to catalyze collaboration, recognition, and collective impact. “We are energized by seeing leaders come together to share ideas and leave with practical strategies they can immediately put into practice,” Ducceschi added. The success of this year’s conference was made possible by the generous support of community partners, presenting sponsors, and local funders, including the Moses Taylor Foundation, the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, and the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund, who believe in advancing nonprofit leadership and capacity in the region. Posture Interactive also played a key role in bringing the conference to life. The success of this year’s conference was made possible by the generous support of community partners, presenting sponsors, and local funders, including the Moses Taylor Foundation, the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, and the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund, who believe in advancing nonprofit leadership and capacity in the region. Posture Interactive also played a key role in bringing the conference to life. Click here to find more information about the NEPA Learning Conference Nonprofit of the YearThe Cooperage Project was recognized as the 2025 Nonprofit of the Year at the NEPA Learning Conference for its innovative programs that strengthen youth engagement, food access, arts, and culture in Wayne County and beyond. Scranton Area Community Foundation President and CEO Laura Ducceschi presented the award to The Cooperage Project during the Nonprofit EXCELlence Awards ceremony at Fiorelli’s in Peckville on September 19. Collaborative Project of the YearThe Student-Led Food Hub, a partnership between The Food Dignity Movement, the Wilkes-Barre Area Career & Technical Center, the Luzerne/Schuylkill Workforce Development Board, and local family farmers, was recognized as the 2025 Collaborative Project of the Year at the NEPA Learning Conference. The project was honored for its innovative approach to connecting fresh, locally grown food to families while providing workforce training to high school students. Scranton Area Community Foundation President and CEO Laura Ducceschi presented the award during the Nonprofit EXCELlence Awards ceremony at Fiorelli’s in Peckville on September 19. Amanda Gordineer, Director of Operations at The Food Dignity Movement, accepted the award on behalf of the project partners. Rising Star AwardAmanda Gordineer, Director of Operations at The Food Dignity Movement, received the 2025 Rising Star Award at the NEPA Learning Conference. She was recognized for her leadership in developing equitable food access models that reduce waste, support farmers, and deliver fresh produce to families within 48 hours of harvest. Scranton Area Community Foundation President and CEO Laura Ducceschi presented the award during the Nonprofit EXCELlence Awards ceremony at Fiorelli’s in Peckville on September 19. NEPA Gives Superstar AwardOutreach – Center for Community Resources was named the 2025 NEPA Gives Superstar at the NEPA Learning Conference for its outstanding fundraising success and community engagement during this year’s 24- hour giving day, NEPA Gives. Scranton Area Community Foundation Operations Manager Dana Hunter and Philanthropy Associate Jacob Torba presented the award during the Nonprofit EXCELlence Awards ceremony at Fiorelli’s in Peckville on September 19. Lori Chaffers, President and CEO of Outreach, and Angela Seibert, Program Manager, accepted the award on behalf of the organization.
Wayne Bank Donates to Pocono Mountains United Way Supporting Local STEAM*R Program Jim Donnelly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wayne Bank, is pleased to announce that Wayne Bank has recently contributed to the East Stroudsburg Area School District’s STEAM*R Summer Enrichment Program through the Pocono Mountains United Way and the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program (EITC). With its invaluable STEAM*R Program, the East Stroudsburg Area School District provides students at Resica Elementary with the opportunity to foster their interest and proficiency in science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics, and reading. The program is free for current East Stroudsburg Area School District students in Kindergarten through Fifth Grade. Stacie Ammerman, Resica Elementary School’s STEAM*R Coordinator, and Dr. Tabitha Bradley, Resica’s Director of Elementary Education, accepted a check in the amount of $5,000 from Mr. Donnelly. With this donation, Wayne Bank helps to make the STEAM*R program possible, contributing to an investment in education to shape the future of the community by empowering young minds to innovate, create, and excel. “Wayne Bank is honored to contribute to the United Way of the Pocono Mountains and the incredible work they do,” said Mr. Donnelly. “It’s rewarding to know that this donation will help provide essential support to Monroe County families, allowing students to develop early on skills and interest in education.” The gift was made possible because of the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program offered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, acting through the Department of Community and Economic Development.
