Tobyhanna Employees Strengthen Service Skills through Leadership Lackawanna

Tobyhanna Army Depot (TYAD) is proudly recognizing five ascending leaders who have graduated from Leadership Lackawanna’s Core Program.

Since its founding in 1982, Leadership Lackawanna, which is an affiliate of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, has trained more than 2,400 leaders and completed over 150 community projects. Core Program participants step up to transform public spaces and serve local nonprofit needs. The 2024–2025 class is no exception as they have delivered innovative, hands-on solutions across Lackawanna County, learning lessons they’ll apply to their positions at Tobyhanna Army Depot

This year’s esteemed TYAD graduates are Management Analyst Anne Cherundolo, Electronics Mechanic Leader John Kasaczun, General Equipment Mechanic Leader Matthew Lukeski, Management Assistant Tracey Scott, and Electronics Mechanic Supervisor Jesse Tutino.

Over the course of ten months, participants met monthly to dive into hands-on leadership training, learning from an array of regional experts and professionals. Beyond the classroom, they rolled up their sleeves to plan and execute community service projects—directly supporting the missions of local nonprofit organizations.

Tutino said he was grateful for the opportunity TYAD provided him to develop a deeper understanding of the community he calls home.

“Being a part of Leadership Lackawanna gave me the amazing opportunity to build relationships within my local community. The experience gave me an understanding of the professional network within NEPA, the good nature of local businesses, and helped me to learn and grow as a leader,” said Tutino. “I am privileged that Tobyhanna afforded me the opportunity to participate in such a great program!”

The 2024-2025 Core Program participants tackled five ambitious community service projects aimed at enhancing local nonprofit spaces across Lackawanna County. From renovating the lobby of Griffin Pond Animal Shelter to upgrading the outdoor play area at United Neighborhood Centers’ Bellevue Child Care Center, each effort addressed real needs with lasting impact.

Other initiatives included converting an unused backstage area at IMAGINE NEPA into a functional space for performers, restoring the deteriorating train platform at Carbondale’s historic station, and designing peaceful meditation rooms at the Scranton Counseling Center (SCC). Together, these projects reflect the program’s mission to build leadership through service and strengthen the communities of Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Scott served on the SCC Team that took two empty storage rooms and created two separate therapy/mediation rooms, one for adults and one for children and teens. She said she found the experience to be rewarding and helped her meet new, like-minded passionate individuals.

“My Leadership Lackawanna experience was deeply gratifying. I not only connected with 42 amazing new friends but also found a community passionately working to uplift neighborhoods, improve lives, and ensure homeless cats find loving homes,” said Scott. “Hearing that the clients of the SCC thrive in the new spaces we created made all the effort truly worthwhile.”

Cherundolo and Lukeski worked on the project team supporting United Neighborhood Centers’ Bellevue Child Care Center. They helped successfully raise approximately $15,000 through monetary and in-kind donations.

Cherundolo shared how the project positively impacted local youth and said the experience was deeply rewarding, noting that the team’s efforts truly paid off.

“The funding allowed us to renovate the outdoor play area for the children, add new musical toys, balance toys, chalkboards, and sandboxes, along with a privacy fence to enhance safety,” said Cherundolo. “Although the project required significant time and effort, seeing the children enjoy their improved play area made it all worthwhile.”

Reflecting on the experience, Lukeski emphasized the personal and professional growth he gained throughout the program.

“My time in Leadership Lackawanna forced us to rely on each other and build teamwork abilities. It became critical to treat it just as my position here at work, giving it the same time and care to get the most out of it while delivering the best possible outcome,” said Lukeski. “The project was challenging but very rewarding and it connected us to the local community. The 10 months of classes gave me new skills and ideas to utilize, as well as sharpen the ones I already had which I hope improves the performance of my teams and I here at Tobyhanna.”

Kasaczun echoed similar sentiments, highlighting both the professional development and sense of purpose he found through the program.

“The opportunity taught me valuable leadership skills and gave me a meaningful way to give back to my community,” said Kasaczun. “Overall, it was a rewarding and memorable experience.”

Kasaczun added that plans to bring the skills he honed through Leadership Lackawanna—such as empathy, compassion, mindfulness, and active listening—back to his role at TYAD. He aims to strengthen teamwork and foster a deeper sense of community within his team. Kasaczun also recognizes the value in knowing when to lead with words and when to lead by example, an approach he believes will help drive mission success.

With new skills, stronger networks, and a shared sense of purpose, these five professionals are well on their way to shaping a brighter future for both TYAD and Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Image Descriptions:

Leadership Graduates: Tobyhanna Army Depot is proudly recognizing five ascending leaders who have graduated from Leadership Lackawanna’s Core Program. Since its founding in 1982, Leadership Lackawanna has trained more than 2,400 leaders and completed over 150 community projects.

Leadership Photo #1: Anne Cherundolo and Matthew Lukeski worked on the project team supporting United Neighborhood Centers’ Bellevue Child Care Center. They helped successfully raise approximately $15,000 through monetary and in-kind donations.

Leadership Photo #2: Tracey Scott served on the Scranton Counseling Center Team that took two empty storage rooms and created two separate therapy/mediation rooms, one for adults and one for children and teens.

Leadership Photo #3: John Kasaczun added that plans to bring the skills he honed through Leadership Lackawanna—such as empathy, compassion, mindfulness, and active listening—back to his role at Tobyhanna Army Depot.

Leadership Photo #4: Jesse Tutino said he was grateful for the opportunity TYAD provided him to develop a deeper understanding of the community he calls home.

Griffin Pond Animal Shelter Hosts Guns N’ Roses Bingo

Griffin Pond Animal Shelter is happy to announce our Guns N’ Roses Bingo fundraiser on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at The Scranton Holiday Inn, 200 Tigue Street, Dunmore, Pa. 18512. Doors open at 3 p.m., and games begin at 5 p.m.

Tickets are available on our website at https://www.griffinpondanimalshelter.com/event-details/guns-n-roses-bingo-2024. 

There will be 16 regular bingo games, specials, a 50/50 drawing, and raffles. All proceeds will benefit Griffin Pond Animal Shelter, which takes in the homeless, neglected, abused, elderly, and injured animals that come into our care each day. Please come out and support Griffin Pond Animal Shelter.

Broadway in Scranton Supports Griffin Pond Animal Shelter in Upcoming Show

Broadway in Scranton and Griffin Pond Animal Shelter are teaming up in celebration of the national touring production of ANNIE, coming to the Scranton Cultural Center February 16 – 18.

With every donation to Griffin Pond Animal Shelter, patrons can save $10 on select seats to the Friday, February 16 at 7:30pm and Saturday, February 17 at 7:30pm performances of ANNIE.

Donations are being accepted at the Scranton Cultural Center Box Office (420 N. Washington Avenue, Scranton, PA, 18503) and Griffin Pond Animal Shelter (967 Griffin Pond Rd, South Abington Township, PA, 18411). Donations are also being accepted at the theatre at each performance of ANNIE.

Box Office hours are Monday – Friday 10am – 5pm, Saturday 10am – 2pm. Griffin Pond Animal Shelter can accept donations at the shelter Monday – Sunday 9am – 4pm.

Ideal donation items include dog and cat food, blankets/towels, and gift cards. A full list of items can be found here.

This offer ends February 17 and is valid on select seats. Savings are valid toward each ticket purchased (limit of 4 tickets per donation). Offer is subject to ticket availability and does not apply to previously purchased tickets. Limited inventory is available, and offer is valid while supplies last.

An all-new tour of the iconic Tony Award®- winning musical ANNIE comes to Scranton February 16 – 18 (Friday at 7:30pm, Saturday at 2pm and 7:30pm, Sunday at 1pm). Tickets are now on sale at the Scranton Cultural Center Box Office and BroadwayInScranton.com.

Griffin Pond Animal Shelter Home Improvement Raffle Series

Just in time for the holidays! Win a prize for someone special in your life … or, for yourself!
Griffin Pond Animal Shelter is proud to introduce its Home Improvement Raffle Series. This raffle offers our friends a chance to win fantastic prizes that will not only improve the comfort and coziness of your homes but also tools all of you DIYers will love.  

Our first raffle prize is an Allen + Roth 42″ Propane Gas Fire Table from its Windsor series. The table is beautifully constructed and includes several features.  

·    55000-BTU
·    Hand-woven tan wicker sides
·    Durable, rust-free brown finish aluminum construction
·    Brown woodgrain finish tabletop

Tickets can be purchased here or at the shelter between 9am and 4pm daily, including weekends

Trans-Siberian Orchestra to Perform at Mohegan Sun Arena November 21, Benefiting Griffin Pond Animal Shelter

10 Million Albums Sold + 10 Million Tickets Sold = 25 Years of TSO Success
Let’s Make it a Purrfect 10 Again on November 21
for the Animals at Griffin Pond Animal Shelter!
Larry Magid Entertainment Group along with 98.5 KRZ and WNEP-TV are proud to welcome the multi-platinum, progressive rock group, Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) when they return to Wilkes-Barre for their 2021 North American tour!

TSO will perform two spectacular shows at 3 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 21, at Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza, 255 Highland Park Blvd., Wilkes-Barre Twp. Tickets for both shows are on sale now with a portion of the ticket proceeds benefitting Griffin Pond Animal Shelter courtesy of TSO and 98.5 KRZ.  

Tickets can be purchased online at Ticketmaster: www.ticketmaster.com/artist/780815?venueId=16613 or 98.5 KRZ: www.audacy.com/985krz/events/trans-siberian-orchestra  

Tickets also are available at the Mohegan Sun Arena Box Office.  

This year’s long-awaited TSO tour celebrates the 25th anniversary of the group’s landmark album Christmas Eve and Other Stories, the 3x certified platinum album that launched the group to superstardom and spawned the bring-the-whole-family rock holiday tradition.  

For more information, please contact Jackie Galvin, M.S., development and communications director, at 570-586-3700 ext. 522 or jackie@griffinpondanimalshelter.com

Mohegan Sun Arena to Host Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Benefit Griffin Pond Animal Shelter

Larry Magid Entertainment Group along with 98.5 KRZ and WNEP-TV are proud to welcome the multi-platinum, progressive rock group, Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) when they return to Wilkes-Barre for their 2021 North American tour!

TSO will perform two spectacular shows at 3 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 21, at Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza, 255 Highland Park Blvd., Wilkes-Barre Twp. Tickets for both shows are on sale now with a portion of the ticket proceeds benefitting Griffin Pond Animal Shelter courtesy of TSO and 98.5 KRZ.

Tickets can be purchased online at

Ticketmaster: www.ticketmaster.com/artist/780815?venueId=16613 or

98.5 KRZ: www.audacy.com/985krz/events/trans-siberian-orchestra

Tickets also are available at the Mohegan Sun Arena Box Office.

This year’s long-awaited TSO tour celebrates the 25th anniversary of the group’s landmark album Christmas Eve and Other Stories, the 3x certified platinum album that launched the group to superstardom and spawned the bring-the-whole-family rock holiday tradition.

For more information, please contact Jackie Galvin, M.S., development and communications director, at 570-586-3700 ext. 522 or jackie@griffinpondas.com

Griffin Pond Animal Shelter Wag-O-Ween Postponed

Griffin Pond Animal Shelter has made the difficult decision to cancel its inaugural Wag-O-Ween 5K and Pet Costume Parade which was scheduled to take place Saturday, Oct. 16, at McDade Park, Scranton. 

Despite positive public reception of the event, advance race and pet costume registrations were not high enough to make the events engaging and competitive for participants. Seeing a pattern in lower turnout amongst other local races, shelter officials believe concerns about COVID-19 and the highly transmissible delta variant may have impacted event registration. 

While shelter officials are disappointed they needed to cancel this year’s event, they are planning to have the event next fall.

For more information, please contact Jackie Galvin, M.S., development and communications director, at 570-586-3700, ext. 522 or jackie@griffinpondas.com.

Griffin Pond Animal Shelter Hosts Wag-O-Ween 5K and Pet Costume Parade

Griffin Pond Animal Shelter will host its inaugural Wag-O-Ween 5K and Pet Costume Parade Saturday, Oct. 16, at McDade Park, pavilion 1, 1 Bald Mountain Rd., Scranton. Registration and check-in are from 8:30 to 9:45 a.m., and the race begins at 10.

At the event, runners are invited to wear their favorite Halloween costume or running gear as they dash through a 5K course designed by Scranton Running Company. The top male and female runners in each age category will receive a medal. The runners who compete in costume also will vie for the scariest, funniest, best superhero, and most unique costume prizes. All runners will receive a complimentary Griffin Pond Animal Shelter Wag-O-Ween 5K and Pet Costume Parade t-shirt. Registration is $35 and can be completed at www.runsignup.com/griffinpond.

Following the race at approximately 11:30 a.m., Griffin Pond will host a Halloween pet costume parade. Parade participants should check in at 11 a.m. at pavilion 1. During the event, pet owners will escort their pets as they contend for the funniest, cutest, most creative, and most unique costume prizes. Parade registration is $15. The shelter also has numerous sponsorship options available which are great advertising vehicles for businesses or a way to honor someone. To register for the parade or as a sponsor, please visit www.griffinpondanimalshelter.com/wag-o-ween-5k.

All proceeds will benefit the shelter’s canine and feline enrichment program.

For more information, please contact Jackie Galvin, M.S., development and communications director, at 570-586-3700, ext. 522 or jackie@griffinpondas.com.