Greater Scranton YMCA Hosting Inaugural Trunk or Treat The Greater Scranton YMCA is excited to announce its Inaugural Trunk or Treat, offering families a safe, fun, and festive way to celebrate Halloween. The event will take place on Wednesday, October 22nd from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the Greater Scranton YMCA, 706 North Blakely Street, Dunmore. The event is free and open to the community. Community members and local businesses and organizations are encouraged to participate by decorating a trunk and handing out candy. Interested partners can contact Tressa Capoccia, Senior Education Director, at tcapoccia@gsymca.org. Trunks can begin being set-up at 3:00 p.m. on the day of the event. “The Greater Scranton YMCA is so proud to offer our community a safe way to celebrate the season,” said Rich Surridge, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “We can’t wait to see the creative ways families and community partners decorate their trunks and look forward to the memories this new tradition will create.” For more information about the Trunk or Treat, contact Tressa or visit the Greater Scranton YMCA online at https://www.greaterscrantonymca.org/.
Tommy’s Express Unveils Halloween Tunnel of Terror Tommy’s Express invites the community to experience the Tunnel of Terror—a haunted car wash filled with thrills, chills, and a shine that scares the dirt away. Designed to be frighteningly fun for all ages, the event combines Halloween excitement with a top-quality wash. Every guest receives The Works, Tommy’s best wash package, while enjoying a one-of-a-kind spooky car wash adventure. October 23, 24, 25, 26 from 6:00 PM- 8:00 PM Cost – $20 for Non-Members. Free for Unlimited Club Members
Urban Co-Works Announces “Networking 5 to 7” Urban Co-Works in Scranton will host “Networking 5 to 7”—an exclusive event created to foster connections and collaborations within the local community. From 5 to 7 PM, professionals from a wide range of industries will come together to exchange ideas, build partnerships, and explore new opportunities in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Whether entrepreneurs, freelancers, or corporate professionals, attendees will find a unique platform to expand their networks and cultivate meaningful relationships. Date and time Tuesday, October 14 · 5 – 7pm EDT Location 116 North Washington Avenue Scranton, PA 18503
Urban Co-Works Announces Exciting New Event Welcome to First Friday Free Co-Working! Join URBAN CO-WORKS for a day of productivity in a vibrant co-working space. This event offers the perfect opportunity for professionals to accomplish their work while connecting with fellow freelancers, entrepreneurs, and remote workers. Open to all, it provides a chance to experience the benefits of co-working completely free of charge. The event takes place on the first Friday of the month—don’t miss it! Date and time Friday, October 3 · 9am – 5pm EDT Location URBAN CO-WORKS 116 North Washington Avenue #3rd Floor Scranton, PA 18503
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
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.
Clubhouse315 Hosts The Extraordinary Card Magic of Jason Ladanye Artic Entertainment This show is the one audiences have been waiting for. Jason Ladanye is recognized as one of the finest entertainers in the world. A professional, award-winning sleight-of-hand artist, Jason has spent the past twenty years astonishing audiences across the globe with his masterful card magic. This is a performance not to be missed—it promises to be unlike anything ever experienced before. VIP Meet and Greet Add-OnThe VIP Meet and Greet ticket includes an on-stage photo with Jason Ladanye, an autographed deck of cards, and an exclusive 20-minute close-up show. This intimate experience allows guests to get even closer to Jason’s extraordinary magic—and have their minds blown a second time. Limited to the first 25 VIP add-on tickets sold. Use code DEUCES to get two tickets for the price of one – limited availability! 📅 Sunday, October 5, 2025🕔 Doors open at 5:00 PM🎭 Show begins at 6:00 PM Little Theatre of Wilkes-Barre537 N Main StWilkes-Barre, PA 18705 Click here for more information. The special code ACES15, which will provide $15 off each ticket purchased.
Scranton Area Community Foundation Showcases Bell and Inspiration Garden The Scranton Area Community Foundation proudly hosted the Bells Across Pennsylvania Unveiling & Celebration on Thursday, September 4, 2025, drawing a full house of community members, elected officials, and supporters to its home at the historic Century Club in Scranton. The highlight of the evening was the unveiling of “A City of Hope, A State of Giving,” a one-of-a-kind fiberglass bell created by local artist Cherie Fruehan. The bell, sponsored by the Scranton Area Community Foundation with generous support from Susan and Dorrance Belin, is one of just 108 to be placed across Pennsylvania as part of America250PA’s statewide public art initiative leading up to the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026. Members of the Scranton Area Community Foundation Board of Governors gather in front of the newly unveiled “A City of Hope, A State of Giving” bell at The Scranton Area Community Foundation at the Century Club. Pictured (left to right): Ellen Burkey, David Price, Laura Ducceschi, Dr. Joseph Bannon, Ken Okrepkie, Katie Gilmartin, Patti Thomas, and Dr. Patricia Fox. The Foundation also unveiled its new Inspiration Garden at The Century Club—a welcoming outdoor space designed to honor the community’s spirit of generosity and provide a place for reflection and celebration. Program highlights included the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Scranton Area Community Foundation Board Chair Ellen Burkey, followed by remarks from Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Foundation; Leo Malsky, Director of Operations at America250PA; Lackawanna County Commissioner Bill Gaughan; Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti; and artist Cherie Fruehan. The evening also featured the dedication of a National Votes for Women Trail marker honoring Kate Chapman and recognizing The Century Club’s historic role in the women’s suffrage movement. Following the program, guests enjoyed a reception and a special pop-up art exhibit showcasing Fruehan’s work, with the opportunity to meet the artist and enjoy light refreshments. Scranton Area Community Foundation President and CEO Laura Ducceschi, Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti, artist Cherie Fruehan, America250PA Director of Operations Leo Malsky, and Lackawanna County Commissioner Bill Gaughan gather in front of the newly unveiled “A City of Hope, A State of Giving” bell at The Scranton Area Community Foundation at the Century Club on September 4, 2025. “The Inspiration Garden and the America250PA bell embody the very heart of our mission— connecting people, places, and resources so our region can thrive,” said Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “Together, they honor our history, celebrate the generosity of our community, and inspire us to imagine the future we can build when civic pride and philanthropy come together.” Leo Malsky, Director of Operations at America250PA, addresses a packed house during the Scranton Area Community Foundation’s Bells Across Pennsylvania Unveiling & Celebration at The Century Club on September 4, 2025.
NEPA Healthcare Career & College Exploration Event The annual Healthcare Career & College Exploration Event will take place on Thursday, October 2, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Viewmont Mall in Dickson City. Hosted by NEPA AHEC, this dynamic event brings together over 40 vendors, including colleges, universities, and leading healthcare organizations actively seeking new talent—and many offering exciting incentives for attendees. This event provides students and community members with a unique opportunity to explore diverse healthcare careers, engage directly with industry professionals, and participate in hands-on activities. Many exhibitors will feature interactive displays and lab equipment to give students a real-world glimpse into medical professions. We’re excited to welcome school districts from across the region, many of which are providing transportation for students. Last year’s event drew nearly 400 high school students from seven counties, all eager to learn more about careers in healthcare—and this year promises to be even bigger.
Maternal & Family Health Services Announces 2025 Annual Community Luncheon Click here to find additional information and details