Scranton Area Community Foundation to Celebrate Anniversary with Platinum Jubilee Event

The Scranton Area Community Foundation is proud to announce the celebration of its 70th anniversary, marking seven decades of service and impact in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The Foundation has played a critical role in fostering philanthropy, supporting local nonprofit organizations, and improving the quality of life in the region. To commemorate this milestone, the Foundation is hosting a Platinum Jubilee anniversary event on Thursday, December 5, 2024, honoring the community, donors, and stakeholders who have made this legacy possible. The event is free and open to the public. Registration is required.

The Scranton Area Community Foundation was established as a community trust in 1954 by the Scranton Family, whose initial $1 million gift was the seed that has grown into a permanent vehicle for donors to accomplish their philanthropic goals while helping to support positive change in our community. Since its founding, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has been committed to creating a better future for the region by partnering with donors, nonprofits, and community leaders to address the most pressing needs. Over the past 70 years, the Foundation has awarded millions in grants to support local initiatives in education, health, human services, the arts, and economic development. Its leadership in collaborative philanthropy has positioned the Foundation as a trusted resource, enabling donors to make a lasting impact in the region.

“Celebrating 70 years is a remarkable achievement,” said Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “It is a testament to the generosity of our donors, the dedication of our community partners, and the resilience of our region. We are excited to commemorate this milestone and look forward to the future as we continue to foster philanthropy and create meaningful, positive change.”

Platinum Jubilee Celebration in December

To honor its legacy and look ahead to the future, the Foundation will host a Platinum Jubilee event on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at the Scranton Cultural Center. This evening will bring together community members, philanthropists, and nonprofit leaders for a night of celebration and reflection. The event will feature a retrospective on the Foundation’s 70-year journey, and attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the Foundation’s vision for the next chapter of its work in the region.

The Foundation invites the public to join in this celebration and be part of this significant occasion. Registration information will be announced on the Foundation’s website later this month. For more information on attending the event or supporting the Foundation’s mission, please visit safdn.orgor contact Mary Joyce, Communications Manager at the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “As the Foundation looks ahead, it remains committed to addressing the evolving needs of the community and continuing to serve as a catalyst for positive change,” stated Ellen Burkey, Scranton Area Community Foundation Board Chair. “With its strong foundation of philanthropy, the Scranton Area Community Foundation will continue to support projects that improve lives, create opportunities, and build a more inclusive and vibrant Northeastern Pennsylvania,” Burkey added.

Several board governors and staff members of the Scranton Area Community Foundation gather for a photo during a recent strategic planning board meeting. The Foundation is planning its 70th anniversary ‘Platinum Jubilee’ celebration for December 5, 2024.

Standing (l-r): Brad Reid, Scranton Area Community Foundation Philanthropy Manager; Ryan Eckersley, Scranton Area Community Foundation Finance Associate; Patricia Fox, Psy.D, Scranton Area Community Foundation Board Governor; Bryan J. Franz DMD MS, Scranton Area Community Foundation Board Governor; Amy Betts, Scranton Area Community Foundation Community Impact Manager; Frank Caputo, Scranton Area Community Foundation Grants and Scholarships Manager; Barbara O’Hara, Esq., Scranton Area Community Foundation Board Governor; Kenneth Okrepkie,Scranton Area Community Foundation Board Governor; Jana Nelhybel, Scranton Area Community Foundation NEPA Thrives Sustainability Manager; Joseph Bannon, MD,Scranton Area Community Foundation Board Governor; Mary Joyce, Scranton Area Community Foundation Communications Manager; Katie Gilmartin, Scranton Area Community Foundation Board Governor; David Price, Scranton Area Community Foundation Board Governor; Jerry Musheno, R.Ph. Esq., Scranton Area Community Foundation Board Governor; Thomas Minora, MD, F.A.C.P., Scranton Area Community Foundation Board Governor; Rebecca Farrell, Scranton Area Community Foundation Grants and Scholarships Associate;Cathy Fitzpatrick, Scranton Area Community Foundation Grants and Scholarships Director.

Seated (l-r): Brittany Pagnotti, Scranton Area Community Foundation Donor Relations and Communications Director; Ellen Burkey, Scranton Area Community Foundation Board Chair; Laura Ducceschi, Scranton Area Community Foundation President and CEO; Maggie Martinelli, Scranton Area Community Foundation Chief Operating Officer; Dana Hunter, Scranton Area Community Foundation Operations Manager.

Photo Credit: Julie Potter

LCBC to Host Free Trunk or Treat

Join for a FREE night out for the whole family! Wear your best non-scary costume and stroll through an amazing lineup of themed trunks, collecting safely-packaged treats at each stop. While enjoying the festivities, indulge in free hot dogs and hot chocolate. This is an event not to be missed!

Located at 933 Scranton Carbondale Hwy, Scranton, PA 18508 on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at 6pm.

Geisinger to Host Dinners to Honor Local Military Veterans

Drive-through event to take place at 11 locations

To thank local military veterans for their service, Geisinger will host drive  through veteran appreciation dinners at 11 locations across the health system’s service area from 3 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 7. 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 for the safety of the community, staff and volunteers. Last year’s event served about 2,900 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/vetsdinner2024 or calling 570-293-7200. The deadline to register is Friday, Nov. 1. 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

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

Chamber Hosts 8th Congressional Candidates for Private Forum

The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce hosted a private forum on Monday, October 14, featuring 8th Congressional Candidates Congressman Matt Cartwright and Rob Bresnahan. This exclusive event allowed candidates to network with Chamber members and representatives from regional Chambers of Commerce and Visitors’ Bureaus.

“We are pleased that the candidates for the 8th Congressional District recognized the importance of addressing the questions and concerns of our members. And we are proud to once again team with our fellow regional Chambers and Visitors Bureaus to speak with a unified voice on behalf of the business community of northeastern Pennsylvania,” shared Bob Durkin, president of The Chamber.

The forum, structured to foster engagement, allowed attendees to hear directly from the candidates on various business, economic, childcare, affordable housing and healthcare, and workforce topics that impact northeastern Pennsylvania. Moderated by Bob Durkin, president of The Chamber, the questions asked of the candidates were geared towards legislative priorities submitted by Chamber members. 

In partnership with the Lackawanna County Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Pocono Mountain Visitors Bureau, The Chamber collaborated with the Pocono Television Network to film and distribute the 8th Congressional Forum to media outlets across the region. The Chamber and its leadership are committed to facilitating important dialogues between the business community and local government, ensuring that the voices of area businesses are heard and represented in legislative matters.

Regional Chambers of Commerce that participated in the 8th Congressional Forum: Back Mountain Chamber of Commerce; the Greater Pittston Chamber of Commerce; the Chamber of the Northern Poconos; and the Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Watch the 8th Congressional forum online here!

Skills in Scranton Set to Host the 2025 Workforce Summit

Skills in Scranton, the workforce development affiliate of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, is proud to announce the 2025 Workforce Summit. The event will be held on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at the Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel in downtown Scranton from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

This event goes beyond a typical career fair, offering a full day of networking, professional development, and career exploration for individuals eager to advance their career journey.

Key event highlights include:

  • 50 Employers: Attendees can meet leading employers, explore job opportunities, and find a career path that fits their goals.
  • Professional Development Sessions: Throughout the day, participants can engage in workshops focused on resume building, interview techniques, and navigating various career paths.
  • Keynote Presentation by Ryan Leckey: Renowned media personality and CEO of Ryan Leckey Media will present the keynote, “Building Your Personal Brand and Breaking Barriers: Trusting Your Instincts to Forge Your Own Path.” Leckey will inspire both students and business leaders with his personal journey, offering insights on standing out in the digital world, embracing authenticity, and achieving career success.

Who Should Attend:

  • High school students preparing for employment after graduation.
  • College students exploring career opportunities and looking to connect with regional employers.
  • Job seekers of all ages seeking to advance their careers.
  • Business professionals interested in professional development and expanding their network.

The 2025 Workforce Summit is designed for anyone looking to educate, develop, and network to take the next step in their career. Whether you are entering the workforce, seeking a career change, or looking to grow professionally, this event offers valuable resources and opportunities.

For more information to secure an employer booth and event sponsorship for the 2025 Workforce Summit, visit ScrantonChamber.com.