Circle Drive-In Announces Upcoming Events Circle Drive-In is kicking off a busy summer season with the return of double features and Sunday films on Pennsylvania’s largest outdoor movie screen. On Friday, June 5, and Saturday, June 6, moviegoers can enjoy double-feature programming on both screens. Sunday, June 7, will feature single screenings of Scary Movie and Backrooms. Visit Circle Drive-In’s website for showtimes and additional details. The popular Circle Flea Fair is also now open every Sunday from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. through November. New vendors are welcome each week, and shoppers can explore NEPA’s largest flea market for just $1 per vehicle. Looking ahead, Circle Drive-In is seeking vendors for its America 250 Freedom Fest on Saturday, June 13, from 11:00 a.m. to dusk. The free, family-friendly community event will feature live entertainment, food trucks, vendors, games, a car show, bike run, and more. Vendors offering crafts, artisan goods, food, beverages, entertainment, and patriotic merchandise are encouraged to apply. For additional information about movies, the flea fair, vendor opportunities, or Freedom Fest, visit Circle Drive-In’s website.
NEPA Youth Shelter To Host Open House NEPA Youth Shelter will host an Open House on Friday, June 5, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. located at 895 Providence Road, Scranton. In celebration of NEPA Gives, community members are invited to tour the space, meet the organization’s Executive Director, staff, and Board of Directors, and learn more about its mission and impact throughout the region. Light refreshments will be available for attendees. The event offers an opportunity to connect with the NEPA Youth Shelter team and gain insight into the services and support provided to local youth.
NEPIRC Announces Leadership Appointments And Promotions NEPIRC, a not-for-profit technical assistance firm serving manufacturers across an 11-county region, has named Marla Hager Evans as its new President and CEO. Hager Evans formally assumed her responsibilities in December 2025 after spending the past decade with the organization. She joined NEPIRC in 2016 as the Business Advisor for northern Luzerne County and has since taken on expanded leadership responsibilities in business development, strategic sales and marketing initiatives, and organizational growth. As President and CEO, she will continue overseeing and coaching NEPIRC’s Business Advisor team while guiding the organization through its next phase of transformation and long-term sustainability. NEPIRC also announced the promotion of Leo Gilroy to Senior Director of Training and Consulting Services. Gilroy brings more than 40 years of experience in the manufacturing and Department of Defense sectors, with expertise spanning engineering, product and business development, marketing, and sales. Throughout his career, he has helped more than 3,500 professionals strengthen leadership and project management skills through relationship building, emotional intelligence, and performance coaching. Additionally, Charles Wallinger joined NEPIRC as Controller in December 2025. Wallinger brings more than 35 years of experience in finance and accounting within governmental, grant-funded, and nonprofit organizations. His background includes working closely with boards of directors and executive leadership teams to strengthen financial management and organizational accountability. “Leo and Charles are both seasoned, experienced leaders who have already brought so much value to our organization,” said Hager Evans. “They are aligned with NEPIRC’s mission and are in tune with the evolving needs of our clients, funders, and partners. We are thrilled to recognize Leo with this well-deserved promotion and look forward to the positive impact Charles will make on NEPIRC in the months and years ahead.”
Junior Achievement Of Northeastern Pennsylvania To Host Celebration Happy Hour Junior Achievement of Northeastern Pennsylvania had a successful year, impacting more than 13,000 students throughout the region. To celebrate another outstanding year of service and achievement, JA will host a Happy Hour Celebration on Thursday, June 4, 2026 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Jonathan’s Deck Bar. The cost to attend is $20 with pre-registration or $25 at the door. The evening will feature live music, appetizers, a cash bar, door prizes, raffles, and networking opportunities. Guests are encouraged to attend and celebrate JA’s continued impact on students across Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Geisinger Doctor Named EMS Physician Of The Year Geisinger’s Chris Berry, M.D., has been named the 2026 EMS Physician ofthe Year by the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Pennsylvania Emergency HealthServices Council, an independent advisory committee to EMS agencies across the state. Dr. Berry has been a physician in Geisinger Medical Center’s emergency room since 2024 andis the associate medical director for Geisinger EMS. He personally responds to emergenciesusing the Geisinger Physician Response Vehicle, working alongside EMS crews when not in theemergency room, and is the medical director for multiple central Pennsylvania EMS agenciesand fire departments. “I’m deeply grateful to receive this award from a community that means so much to me,” saidDr. Berry. “EMS professionals provide lifesaving care and are a cornerstone of our community,and it’s a real honor to be recognized by my colleagues in this way.” The EMS Physician of the Year award is chosen through peer nomination and an EMS votingcommittee. After reviewing nominations from across the state, the committee makes their finalchoice based on the nominee’s contributions to the delivery of EMS, clinical leadership andmentorship of EMS providers. Mark Bertollo, emergency medicine services coordinator and award nominator, says, “Chris isvery good at what he does and is very involved — he does trainings and education, he will workwith EMS on his day off and he often invites hospital residents to join him to further theireducation.” Dr. Berry was honored at a ceremony at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville on May 5 and willalso be recognized at the Pennsylvania State Capitol building in Harrisburg during EMS Week,May 17 to 23. This year’s award is in honor of Deno Gualtieri, D.O., a Pennsylvania EMS physician, agencymedical director and emergency department director who passed away earlier this year.
Geisinger School Of Medicine, NEPA Health Care Foundation Celebrate Milestones The Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine (GCSOM) and the Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation (NEPA HCF) recently held their annual reception to review the progress and impact of the NEPA Health Care Foundation Scholars Program. The program continues to play a pivotal role in supporting medical students committed to serving the healthcare needs of Northeastern Pennsylvania. In October 2014, the board of the NEPA HCF approved a grant to GSCOM (formerly The Commonwealth Medical College). The grant established the NEPA HCF Scholars Program, funding scholarships for Doctor of Medicine (MD) students. To date a total of twenty student scholarships have been awarded through the NEPA HCF Scholars Program. This year the NEPA HCF renewed their scholarship support for the next three years. The renewed scholarship support will be awarded to 2-3 students per year over the next 3 years and will support an additional 6-9 students. “Investing in future physicians who are committed to serving Northeastern Pennsylvania is an investment in the long-term health and well-being of our community,” said Laura Ducceschi, administrator of the NEPA Health Care Foundation and President & CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “Through this partnership, we are helping to support students who want to build their careers here and strengthen healthcare access across our region for years to come.” The reception also focused on the group’s annual report, detailing the program’s achievements. Key accomplishments include the continued support of students through substantial scholarship awards and the reinforcement of partnerships aimed at enhancing healthcare access in the region. “The NEPA Health Care Foundation Scholars Program is a wonderful example of how strategic philanthropy and medical education can work together to strengthen our region’s healthcare system,” said Julie Byerley, M.D., M.P.H., Geisinger Commonwealth president and dean. “By investing in our students and encouraging them to stay and practice in northeastern Pennsylvania, we’re building a healthier future—one physician at a time.” First row Left to Right: Dr. Peter Cognetti, Board Chair, Dr. Julie Byerley, President of Geisinger College of Health Sciences, Dr. Kristen Richards, Caitlin Doughton, Alexis Blackburn, Evan Florey, Catherine Mihalick and Dr. Joseph Bannon, Second Row Left to Right: Dr. Jason Woloski, Laura Ducceschi, President/CEO of the Scranton Area Foundation, Dr. Shubhra Shetty, Tonyehn Verkitus, Atty. Joseph Burke, Michael Cordaro, Dr. Patrick Connors, Thomas Tulaney, Michael Clemente and Atty. Terrence Nealon
Meals On Wheels Of NEPA To Hold Celebration Event Following NEPA Gives On Friday, June 5th, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Meals on Wheels of NEPA will be holding a Closing Celebration at Voodoo Brewing in Scranton to celebrate the end of NEPA Gives! NEPA Gives is the region’s largest giving event. Since its inception in 2020, it has raised over $5 million for over 250 nonprofits in NEPA. Meals on Wheels of NEPA is honored to once again participate in the event. To celebrate another successful NEPA Gives, Meals on Wheels of NEPA will be celebrating at Voodoo Brewing in Scranton. There is no purchase or registration required to attend the event. We hope to see the community there so we can properly thank those who have supported our organization during NEPA Gives. Executive Director, Lindsey Skripka says “We are so grateful to Voodoo Brewing for hosting us as we celebrate the close of an incredible day of giving. NEPA Gives is a wonderful opportunity to support regional nonprofits, and we are so glad to be a part of the historic event for another year!”
The Wright Center To Host Tinnitus Support Group Meeting In June Tinnitus Support Group of Northeast Pennsylvania will host its next meeting on Friday, June 5 at 2:00 p.m. at The Wright Center for Community Health Mid Valley. Virtual meeting options will also be available for those unable to attend in person. The support group welcomes individuals living with tinnitus, their loved ones, and anyone interested in learning more about the audiological and neurological condition. Participants will have the opportunity to connect with others, share experiences, and discuss coping strategies in a supportive and compassionate environment. There is no fee to attend, and new members are welcome. Tinnitus, commonly described as ringing, buzzing, or whooshing in the ears or head, affects more than 50 million adults in the United States. While some individuals experience temporary symptoms, others face chronic and life-altering effects. The program is supported in part through the Support Group Grant Program of the American Tinnitus Association. For additional information or to obtain the virtual meeting link, contact Joe Kelly at kellyj@TheWrightCenter.org or by phone at 570-230-0019.
Scranton Area Community Foundation To Host PA Navigate Informational Session Scranton Area Community Foundation, through its Center for Community Leadership and Nonprofit Excellence, will host an informational session titled “PA Navigate: What You Need to Know—and Why It Matters Now” on Tuesday, June 9, 2026 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Foundation’s auditorium. The session will introduce PA Navigate, a statewide initiative supported by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania that is helping identify community needs, service gaps, and unmet demand across the state. Information gathered through the platform is being used to help inform future funding priorities, resource allocation, and statewide planning efforts. Designed for nonprofit leaders, healthcare organizations, educators, government agencies, community partners, funders, policymakers, and frontline providers, the session will provide an overview of how PA Navigate contributes to broader community support and planning initiatives throughout Pennsylvania. “As a community foundation, part of our responsibility is ensuring that Northeastern Pennsylvania is represented in important statewide conversations,” said Laura Ducceschi. “This session is an opportunity for organizations to better understand PA Navigate, how it is being used at the state level, and what it may mean for our region.” Attendees will learn how PA Navigate complements other tools currently being used across the region, how statewide data is helping shape future funding and resource decisions, and what level of engagement may be appropriate for their organization or community. The session will also include time for questions and discussion. “For Community Action, PA Navigate is a natural extension of the work our network has been doing since its inception,” said Beck Moore, CEO of the Community Action Association of Pennsylvania. “PA Navigate gives us another way to educate, support, and strengthen those local connections across Pennsylvania.” A light lunch and refreshments will be provided. Registration is required by June 5, 2026, and space may be limited.
RailRiders Announce Fernández as Player of the Week Minor League Baseball has announced its weekly awards for May 18-24 and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre’s Yanquiel Fernández was tabbed as the International League’s Player of the Week. Fernández batted .379 while playing in all six games in right field for the RailRiders. Fernández went 11-for-29 against the IronPigs, recording the most hits on the week in the entire International League. In addition, the power hitter smoked four homers and batted in twelve runs – both tied for most in the league. He also scored five runs of his own and stole a bag. The lefty, who began the season on Scranton/Wilkes-Barre’s roster, holds a .270 batting average on the season after 43 games. He has six doubles, one triple, and thirteen home runs. Fernández leads the RailRiders in long balls and is tied for second most in the entire Yankees farm system. His 37 total RBIs are also tied for fourth most, both among Yankees’ minor leaguers and International League players. The 23-year-old was claimed off of waivers by New York from Colorado back in February. Fernández received the invite to Yankees Spring Training, garnering five hits while playing in parts of 15 games. He was originally signed by the Rockies as a Minor League Free Agent on July 12, 2019. In 2025, he played in 52 games for the big-league club after making his Major League Debut on July 2. Fernández launched his first home run off of Yohan Ramírez of Pittsburgh. Fernández is the second RailRider to earn honors this season after Yankees #21 prospect Brendan Beck was recognized last week. The last position player for SWB to bring home this award was Jose Rojas in 2025 for his work during in a late August series.
