Leadership Lackawanna announces Core Program Class of 2026-27 Leadership Lackawanna, a division of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, is pleased to announce the 39 professionals selected for its Core Program Class of 2026–27. The 10-month Core Program develops participants’ leadership, interpersonal and managerial skills while expanding their understanding of issues affecting the greater Scranton region. Through monthly sessions led by recognized specialists, participants explore topics that may include community and economic development, government, health care, law, education, quality of life, sustainability, regional history and media. A cornerstone of the program is the Core Class Project experience. Working in teams alongside local nonprofit organizations, participants develop and implement service projects that address genuine community needs. The projects give class members practical experience in strategic thinking, goal setting, teamwork, consensus building, problem solving, fundraising, resource development, marketing, public relations, equity and inclusion, conflict resolution and evaluation. The Leadership Lackawanna Core Program Class of 2026–27 includes: • Emily Arcaro, NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania • Nicole Ash, Aramark at the University of Scranton Catering Dept. • Alyssa Bartoli, Fidelity Bank • Rik Bhattacharyya, The Procter & Gamble Paper Products Company • Jonathan Brady, Fidelity Bank • Melissa Calachino, The Wright Center for Community Health • Dylan Cawley, Geisinger • Nicole Cesarini, Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA • Camille Dantone, Everhart Museum • Sean Dempsey, Alliance Wealth Advisors • Samantha Donahue, The Arc of NEPA • Brittany Dougherty, Penn State Scranton • Laura Dunn, Merrill Lynch • Angelina Elders, NBT Bank • Elizabeth Ephault, The Wright Center for Community Health • Kevin Farrell, Marywood University • Morgan Farrell, Geisinger College of Health Sciences • Kyle Frable, Benco Dental • Lauretta Graham, The Wright Center for Community Health • Claire Guarneri, Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co. • Natasha Hazzouri, The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education • Kristen Hoover, Maximus • Teresa Kalinay, Montage Mountain Resorts • Fletcher Kanas, Barry Callebaut • Curt Kromko, Prudential • Kim Lazuka, Greater Scranton YMCA • Kristen McGoff, Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co. • Todd Monahan, Stone House Investment Management, LLC • Elisheva-Lydia MR, United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania • Rich Mullen, Posture Interactive, LTD • Nicole Piccoletti, Outreach – Center for Community Resources • Theodor Radu, The Honesdale National Bank • Monica Reich, Penn East Federal Credit Union • Alondra Vazquez Rivera, Wells Fargo • Lewis Schweppenheiser, Penn East Federal Credit Union • Nicholas Sherman, Friends of the Poor and Catherine McAuley Center • Kelly Siekierka, Plaskolite Pennsylvania • Jeff Snyder, Allied Services • Anthony Walaitis, Plaskolite Pennsylvania
Greater Scranton YMCA to Host Summer Clothing Drive The Greater Scranton YMCA’s Summer Clothing Drive is underway, running Aug. 3-13, 2026. The Y will be collecting gently used clothing for individuals and families from August 3-7. Donated items will be available for distribution tothose in need from August 10-13. Collection runs Monday, Aug. 3rd through Friday, Aug. 7th. Clean, wearable clothing in every size is welcome, infant through adult. Donations can be dropped off at the Y’s Welcome Center, located at 706 North Blakely Street in Dunmore, anytime during business hours. The Y is open Monday – Thursday from 5:30 AM – 9:00 PM, Fridays from 5:30 AM – 9:00 PM, Saturdays from 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM, and Sundays from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Beginning Monday, Aug. 10th through Thursday, Aug. 13th, all donated items will beavailable to community members free of charge. Community members in need can pick upclothing any time during business hours. “August can be a challenging month financially for families, especially with all of the backto-school expenses.” said Rich Surridge, President & CEO of the Greater Scranton YMCA. “This drive allows our community to show up for one another. We are grateful for the opportunity to facilitate this drive for our community, and we’re proud to promotesustainability and community-centered giving.” Community members are encouraged to sort through closets before the collection week begins. A single donation gives good clothing a second life and helps ensure families across the area have what they need heading into the school year. For more information about the Summer Clothing Drive, contact Tressa Capoccia, SeniorEducation Director, at tcapoccia@gsymca.org
Greater Scranton YMCA Promotes Heart Health February is American Heart Month, and the Greater Scranton YMCA is inviting the community to take simple, achievable steps toward better health. With nearly half of U.S. adult living with high blood pressure, and rates worsening since the COVID-19 pandemic, now is the time to prioritize health and wellness. Heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. Often called “The Silent Killer,” high blood pressure typically has no warning signs, making regular monitoring and healthy habits critical to prevention. “The great news is that heart health is something you can improve with just a few simple changes,” said Rich Surridge, President & CEO of the Greater Scranton YMCA. “Whether it’s moving your body more, reducing sodium in your diet, or checking your blood pressure, these small steps can lead to lasting results, and the Y is here to help.” The Greater Scranton YMCA offers group fitness classes, nutrition support, and the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program, a yearlong lifestyle change initiative for adults at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, a major risk factor for heart disease. The program helps participants reduce their weight, increase physical activity, and build sustainable healthy habits in a supportive group setting. The YMCA also emphasizes reducing sodium intake. This is another key step in improving heart health. According to the American Heart Association, consuming less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day (about one teaspoon of salt) can help lower or avoid high blood pressure. “No matter what your heart health goal is this year, the Y offers a welcoming and supportive environment to help you get there,” Surridge said. To learn more about heart health programs and how to get involved, visit the YMCA’s website or stop by the Greater Scranton YMCA.
Greater Scranton YMCA Searches for Camp Counselors The Greater Scranton YMCA is hiring day camp counselors for summer 2026. Camp counselors have an opportunity to make a difference in kids’ lives and have fun every single day. At the Greater Scranton YMCA, camp counselors are more than supervisors. They lead games, guide adventures and help kids discover their confidence in a safe, welcoming environment. “As we prepare to welcome campers starting June 15th, our summer day camp counselors will be at the heart of every experience,” said Tressa Capoccia, Senior Education Director at the Greater Scranton YMCA. “Their guidance, energy, and care help create a fun, safe environment where kids can learn, grow, and thrive.” Whether you’re a student looking for leadership experience, a teacher seeking a meaningful summer or someone who just loves the energy of camp, there’s no place like the YMCA to spend your summer. Learn more and apply today at https://www.greaterscrantonymca.org/jobs/ or by contacting Tressa at tcapoccia@gsymca.org.
Greater Scranton YMCA Receives Grant from The Les Paul Foundation The Greater Scranton YMCA is among a select group to receive a grant from the Les Paul Foundation for its Music Education and Guitar Lesson Program for children enrolled in the Y’s Before and After School Program. The program will combine music education with hands-on guitar lessons, giving students the opportunity to explore their creativity while building self-confidence through the power of music. “At the Y, we believe in nurturing the potential of every child and teen, and music is a powerful tool for that growth,” said Rich Surridge, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “Music education inspires creativity, builds confidence, and gives young people a voice. Through programs like this, rooted in our core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility, we’re creating safe, inclusive spaces where youth can thrive, belong, and discover who they are. This is how we strengthen our communities and live out our mission each day.” For more information about the Music Education and Guitar Lesson Program at the Greater Scranton YMCA, contact Brandon Whipple, Senior Program Director, at bwhipple@gsymca.org.
Greater Scranton YMCA Celebrates National Mentoring Month January is National Mentoring Month, and the Greater Scranton YMCA is proud to recognize the incredible impact mentors have on young people in our community. With 1 in 3 young people growing up without a mentor, the Y is committed to ensuring that all youth have access to caring adults who can provide support, encouragement, and guidance. “At the YMCA, mentorship is at the heart of what we do,” said Rich Surridge, President & CEO of the Greater Scranton YMCA. “Whether it’s through afterschool programs, youth sports, or leadership development opportunities, mentors help kids build confidence, achieve their goals, and feel like they belong.” The Greater Scranton YMCA is proud to offer youth sports, enrichment, educational, and mental health and wellbeing programs that provide mentorship opportunities for children. Community members are encouraged to get involved during National Mentoring Month by: Volunteering as a mentor with the Y Enrolling youth in programs that provide positive mentorship Supporting YMCA programs that strengthen youth development For more information about volunteer mentoring opportunities at the Greater Scranton YMCA, contact Meghan Carnevale, Mission Advancement & Marketing Director, at mcarnevale@gsymca.org.
Greater Scranton YMCA: Join the Y for $0 for Health and Connection As the new year begins, the Greater Scranton YMCA invites individuals and families to discover the power of belonging. The Y is a place where people come together to grow stronger in body, mind, and spirit. From group fitness classes to youth programs, swim lessons to volunteer opportunities, the Y offers something for everyone. But what makes it truly special is the sense of connection that forms when people from all walks of life share space and purpose. “At the Greater Scranton YMCA, we witness daily how connections spark, confidence builds, and communities flourish,” said Rich Surridge, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “The Y isn’t only about the activities you take part in; it’s about the people you share them with.” Membership at the Y means joining a movement that’s been strengthening our community for more than 165 years. Whether you’re looking to get active, give back, or simply find your people, there’s a place for you here. Join the Y now and pay a $0 join fee! Start the year strong with connection, community, and wellness. Visit https://www.greaterscrantonymca.org/ or stop by the Greater Scranton YMCA, located at 706 North Blakely Street in Dunmore.
Greater Scranton YMCA Hosting 2026 Winter Clothing Drive The Greater Scranton YMCA is proud to announce its upcoming Winter Clothing Drive, which is being held to support individuals and families throughout our community during the coldest months of the year. The Y will collect donations of new and gently used men’s, women’s, children’s, and infant’s clothing from January 5–7, 2026. Following the donation period, all collected items will be made available at no cost to community members from January 12–14, 2026. Clothing will be offered in a wide range of sizes, ensuring support for people of all ages. “The Winter Clothing Drive is part of our ongoing commitment to strengthen the foundations of our community,” said Rich Surridge, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “When neighbors help neighbors, everyone benefits. We’re grateful to all who donate and help keep local families warm this winter.” The Winter Clothing Drive is open to the entire community, not just Greater Scranton YMCA members. The Y encourages residents to spread the word to anyone who may benefit from free winter clothing. Donation Drop-Off Dates: January 5–7, 2026 Clothing Pick-Up Dates: January 12–14, 2026 For questions about clothing donations and/or pick-up, please contact Tressa Capoccia, Education Director, at tcapoccia@gsymca.org.
Greater Scranton YMCA Receives Grant from PPL Foundation The Greater Scranton YMCA is pleased to announce it has received a $5,000 grant from the PPL Foundation. These funds will support the Y’s Summer Scholars Program, a free six-week summer learning program. The goal of Summer Scholars is to prevent summer learning through a combination of literacy instruction, enrichment activities aligned to literacy instruction, and positive youth development opportunities. The program targets struggling readers and serves rising first, second, and third grade students attending the Dunmore and Mid Valley School Districts. “The Greater Scranton YMCA is so grateful to the PPL Foundation for their generosity,” said Rich Surridge, President & CEO of the Greater Scranton YMCA. “By investing in literacy for rising first, second, and third grade students, the PPL Foundation is investing in the future of our community. Together, we’re helping children build the skills and confidence that set them up for lifelong success.” For more information about the Summer Scholars Program, contact Helen Cruser, Education Director, at hcruser@gsymca.org.
YMCA Offering Community Week Free Trial The Greater Scranton YMCA is calling on individuals and families across the community to experience what it means to truly belong. The Y is a place where people come together to grow stronger in body, mind, and spirit. From group fitness classes to youth sports, from swim lessons to volunteer opportunities, the Y offers something for everyone. But what makes it truly special is the sense of connection that forms when people from all walks of life share space and purpose. “At the Greater Scranton YMCA, we see every day how friendships form, confidence grows, and communities thrive,” said Rich Surridge, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “It’s not just about what you do here, it’s about who you do it with.” Membership at the Y means joining a movement that’s been strengthening our community for more than 165 years. Whether you’re looking to get active, give back, or simply find your people, there’s a place for you here. This December, the community and those interested are invited to try the Y free for 7 days! Experience everything the Y has to offer with no commitment, just connection. Visit https://www.greaterscrantonymca.org/ or stop by the Y, located at 706 North Blakely St. in Dunmore, to start the free trial today.
