The Chamber Board Advocates for WVIA’s Impact As you are certainly aware, the White House formally asked Congress to rescind federal funding appropriated for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). This effort would zero out funds already approved by Congress to fund CPB (and NPR and PBS) over the next two years. This is significant to all of us in northeastern Pennsylvania as our public broadcasting station, WVIA, receives approximately $1.2 million in critical federal funding from CPB each year—roughly 20% of its overall budget. If this funding is cut, WVIA could be forced to immediately reduce or eliminate important television and radio programs and resources, and emergency broadcasting services. Perhaps most notable, they would have to re-examine the allocation of resources currently invested in local news. Over the past few years, WVIA has grown its new division in both mediums—providing a valuable additional local perspective on issues and topics of interest to our communities. Further, WVIA long-form news programming allows the station to drill deeper on many subjects of local import, serving the public in both civic and economic realms. WVIA has delivered relevant, in-depth programing for nearly 60 years, including award-winning locally produced documentaries, performances, news and public affairs programs across TV, radio, and digital platforms. On behalf of the Board of Directors of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, we ask you to reject this proposed action, and send a signal of your support of WVIA—an invaluable regional asset.
Maternal & Family Health Services Held Inaugural Education Seminar On June 12, more than 100 healthcare professionals, advocates, and community leaders from across northeastern and central Pennsylvania gathered at the Hilton Scranton for the first-ever Regional Maternal Health Coalition Educational Seminar, hosted by Maternal and Family Health Services (MFHS) in partnership with The Institute. The seminar marked the official launch of the Regional Maternal Health Coalition (RMHC), a multi-county initiative designed to address maternal health disparities and improve maternal health outcomes through local collaboration. The event brought together 110 registrants representing at least 14 counties and a wide array of organizations, including healthcare providers, public health agencies, academic institutions, nonprofits, and community advocates. The seminar focused on the Coalition’s five priority areas, aligned with the Pennsylvania Maternal Health Strategic Plan, and served as the first step in building a unified regional response to pressing maternal health challenges. Notable speakers and attendees included: Dr. Maria Montoro Edwards, President & CEO, MFHS Jill Avery-Stoss, President, The Institute Sara Goulet, Special Advisor to the PA Secretary of Human Services Dr. Aasta Mehta, Director, Division of Maternal, Child, and Family Health, Philadelphia Department of Public Health Dr. Marc Rabin, MFHS and Physicians Health Alliance Dr. Amanda Flicker, Lehigh Valley Health Network Dr. Imanni Sheppard, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Claudia Streets Cramer, Maternal Health Advocate Representative Bridget Kosierowski, PA 114th District Attendees had the opportunity to hear expert presentations, share ideas, and contribute to the development of strategies that will drive local action and advocacy moving forward. Resources from the event, including speaker presentations, are available at mfhs.org/rmhc.
The Greater Scranton YMCA Seeking Marketing Firm for Caring Communities Release Date: June 18, 2025 Proposal Deadline: July 16, 2025 (5:00 PM EST) Contract Value: $10,000 per year (2 years) – Total $20,000 Project Overview The Greater Scranton YMCA, through generous grant funding from the Moses Taylor Foundation, is seeking proposals from qualified, smaller sized marketing firms based in Northeastern Pennsylvania to assist in the strategic promotion and communication of its Caring Communities for Mental Health program. This two-year initiative, which is part of the Greater Scranton YMCA’s broader YMCA Wellbeing Initiative, expands free, community- based mental health services across multiple counties, with a strong focus on underserved and/or marginalized populations. This RFP represents a $10,000/year contract over a two-year period, designed to maximize reach, engagement, and program impact. Program Goals The Caring Communities for Mental Health program aims to: Expand access to free mental health support and case management services. Reduce barriers to care, especially for marginalized and underserved communities. Integrate evidence-based mental health/wellness programs and workshops (e.g., COPE, R1 Learning System). Raise awareness through culturally relevant, inclusive messaging and outreach with our community partners and stakeholders. Scope of Work The selected firm will provide the following deliverables: Marketing Strategy Development A two-year marketing plan aligned with grant objectives. Branding and messaging tailored to health equity and stigma reduction. Content Creation & Design Flyers, brochures, event materials, and signage (print & digital). Videos, reels, infographics and additional content to be used on the Y’s social platforms, website and with the community. Social Media & Digital Engagement Monthly content calendars, platform-specific assets, and ad campaign guidance. Community Visibility Support outreach campaigns to reach priority populations across Lackawanna and surrounding counties. Contract Period and Value Term: August 1, 2025 – July 31, 2027 Value: $10,000 annually; $20,000 total. Please note, this is a fixed-price contract funded through grant funding from the Moses Taylor Foundation. Eligibility Requirements Must be a registered small business based in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Demonstrated experience with nonprofit, health and/or mental health campaigns. Ability to collaborate closely with YMCA program and leadership staff, including marketing and program staff to ensure adherence to all YMCA of the USA branding guidelines and requirements. Must sign a sublicense agreement to gain access to YMCA trademarked materials. Proposal Requirements All proposals must include: 1. Cover Letter One-page max, inclusive of firm’s description of services, team bios and relevant experience. 2. Portfolio Samples At least three examples of previous work, ideally in community health or nonprofit marketing. 3. Approach & Work Plan Initial concepts or approach to support the YMCA’s grant goals. 4. Budget & Timeline Clear breakdown of services within the $10,000/year framework. 5. References Two client references with contact details. Submission Process Please submit all proposals via email (PDF format) to: Meghan Carnevale Mission Advancement & Marketing Director GREATER SCRANTON YMCA Email: mcarnevale@gsymca.org Subject Line: Marketing Proposal – Caring Communities Initiative Deadline: July 16, 2025 at 5:00 PM EST
The NEPA Philharmonic Kicks Off Summer with Independence Day Celebrations and Community Events The Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic kicks off its 2025-26 Season, Presented by PNC, with a lineup of summer festivities, Independence Day celebrations, and three nights of music under the stars on July 3-5, 2025. With full-orchestra fireworks performances, patriotic favorites, community education and wellness events, and chamber music in the great outdoors, the NEPA Philharmonic presents outdoor large-ensemble concerts in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre on July 3rd and 4th; an outdoor chamber music concert at Harmony in the Woods in Hawley on July 5th; and community programs in Scranton, Peckville, and Carbondale. On Thursday, July 3, 7:30 PM, the full NEPA Philharmonic returns to Courthouse Square in downtown Scranton for a free concert as part of the Lackawanna County Scrantastic Spectacular. The performance – led by guest conductor Jeffrey Spenner, Assistant Director of the U.S. Coast Guard Band – features the full orchestra for the first time since 2019, with an array of patriotic classics capped by a fireworks display. For more details, visit https://www.scrantasticspectacular.com/. “I’m thrilled to celebrate the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic’s performance at our annual Scrantastic Spectacular on July 3rd,” says Lackawanna County Commissioner Chris Chermak. “Their vibrant orchestra will bring patriotic spirit to Courthouse Square, uniting our community in a joyful Independence Day celebration. We’re proud to support their artistry and look forward to an unforgettable evening of music and fireworks.” Lackawanna County Commissioner Bill Gaughan also notes, “The Scrantastic Spectacular always is a great event and it will be even more so this year, with the full Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic bringing its extraordinarily talented musicians to the perfect setting of Courthouse Square. I can’t think of a better way for the whole community to come together to celebrate the nation’s 249th anniversary.” The celebration continues Friday, July 4, 9:00 AM, with the 12th Annual Yoga on the Roof atop the Marketplace at Steamtown’s parking garage. The NEPA Philharmonic string trio joins Jaya Yoga Clarks Summit for a unique sunrise yoga session with live music, highlighting powerful connections between arts and wellness. Registration is $20, online at www.nepaphil.org/tickets or at the door; proceeds benefit NEPA Philharmonic community and education programs. Maximum Zen Bakery of Clarks Summit provides light breakfast. On July 4, 8:00 PM, the NEPA Philharmonic Brass and Percussion Ensemble return with guest conductor Paul Bryan to Wilkes-Barre’s Old Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration at Kirby Park. This free, festive event features music, food, games, and another evening of lighting up the sky with fireworks. The NEPA Philharmonic Brass also presents two all-ages educational events: Once Upon an Orchestra at Valley Community Library in Peckville on Thursday, July 3, 10:00 AM and Meet the Instruments outside at Memorial Park in Carbondale on Saturday, July 5, 11:00 AM. Once Upon an Orchestra blends music and storytelling, bringing to life Ben’s Trumpet by Rachel Isadora with a brass trio performing 1920s-style jazz, while Meet the Instruments features instrument demonstrations and short musical excerpts with brass quintet. Both events are free; registration for the July 3 library event is at https://lclshome.org/event/once-upon-an-orchestra/. The weekend concludes as the NEPA Philharmonic expands the Stoppini Chamber Series with a special concert in partnership with Harmony in the Woods, a premier outdoor performance venue in Hawley, PA. On Saturday, July 5, 6:00 PM, the NEPA Philharmonic Brass Quintet takes center stage with “Americana Brass in the Woods”. The performance will feature a dynamic mix of New Orleans jazz, lively ragtime, and classic film scores, alongside timeless works from Gershwin, Ellington, Bernstein, Irving Berlin, and more. Tickets ($50 for adults, $25 for children) are available at www.harmonyinthewoods.org. The Scrantastic Spectacular is sponsored in part by Lehigh Valley Health Network, Scranton Tomorrow, The Lackawanna County Commissioners, The City of Scranton, and Audacy Pennsylvania. Additional support for the NEPA Philharmonic at Scrantastic Spectacular is provided by PNC, Fellerman & Ciarimboli Law PC, Fidelity, Geisinger, and Xfinity. Once Upon an Orchestra is presented by the Lackawanna County Library System. The NEPA Philharmonic Brass at Wilkes-Barre’s Old Fashioned Fourth of July is presented by the City of Wilkes-Barre. Americana Brass is presented by Harmony in the Woods, with additional support for the Philharmonic from PNC and the Stoppini Foundation. In case of inclement weather, the July 3rd, 7:30PM Scrantastic Spectacular concert will go on as scheduled, with a rain location at Scranton High School; rain location announcements will be provided by Lackawanna County on the event website. The rain location for the July 5th, 11AM Meet the Instruments event in Carbondale will be at the Greater Carbondale Chamber of Commerce. For more information about the NEPA Philharmonic’s summer programs and the upcoming 2025–2026 Season, Presented by PNC, visit nepaphil.org, or call (570) 270-4444.
Scranton Area Community Foundation and Lackawanna Leadership Announce Grant Recipients The Scranton Area Community Foundation, in partnership with Leadership Lackawanna, is proud to announce the nonprofit organizations selected to receive grants through the 2024–2025 Tomorrow’s Leaders Today (TLT) grant cycle. These awards support initiatives in Lackawanna County that assist individuals affected by domestic violence, promote environmental preservation and education, and address food insecurity. Funded by a $15,000 allocation from the Scranton Area Community Foundation, these grants were determined by the high school juniors of the TLT Class of 2024–2025, who selected the priority areas and reviewed applications as part of their philanthropy curriculum. The 2025 Tomorrow’s Leaders Today Grant Recipients are: Lacawac Sanctuary Environmental Education Center – “Environmental Stewardship Institute of Lackawanna County” – $2,500.00 WRC – “Empowering Survivors of Domestic Violence” – $2,575.00 Child Hunger Outreach Partners (CHOP) – “CHOP Out Hunger – Supporting Our Programs” – $5,000.00 Saint Joseph’s Center – “Saint Joseph’s Center Maternity Residential Services” – $2,575.00 Imagine Performing Arts Center – “Countryside Conservancy & Imagine Collaboration – Exploring the Environment through the Arts” – $2,350.00 Tomorrow’s Leaders Today is a youth leadership program of Leadership Lackawanna that allows high school juniors to meet with community leaders and decision-makers. In addition to leadership development, the students must complete a philanthropy curriculum conducted by the Scranton Area Communication Foundation. TLT seeks to help participants realize what they can do to make a difference in their community as young philanthropists and to develop their leadership skills further. SACF accepted funding applications through its online grant portal from December 4, 2024, to January 17, 2025. Eligible organizations were invited to request up to $5,000 in support. Back Row (l-r): Frank Caputo, Grants & Scholarships Manager; Rebecca Farrell, Grants & Scholarships Associate; Cathy Fitzpatrick, Director of Grants & Scholarships; Jennifer Strzelec, Program Coordinator, Leadership Lackawanna; Nicole Morristell, Executive Director, Leadership Lackawanna. Front Row (l-r): Rachel Santoro, Director of Development & Communications, CHOP Out Hunger; Samantha Christ, Chief Operating Officer, Founder, Imagine Performing Arts Center; Mac McCrory, Director of At Ease Veteran Program, Lacawac Sanctuary Environmental Education Center.
Scranton Area Community Foundation, Frank L. Burke Foundation Distributes $47,000 to Charities On Saturday, December 21, 2024, representatives from the Frank L. Burke Foundation visited The Farmhouse Sanctuary in Sterling Township for a check presentation to two organizations on behalf of the Frank L. Burke IV Memorial Fund. Each year, the fund hosts the “Bogeys for Burkey” Golf Tournament, and the proceeds from 2024’s event were distributed as follows: The Farmhouse Sanctuary: $7,000 Make-A-Wish: $40,000 The Frank L. Burke Foundation is administered by the Scranton Area Community Foundation. Established by Frank’s family in May 2022, the Frank L. Burke Foundation supports the causes, activities, and organizations that honor his memory. To date, the Frank L. Burke Foundation has distributed over $135,000 in charitable support to the community. Front Row (l-r): Felix Cummings, Jeannene Quinn, Shannon Burke, Maura Cummings, Mary Alice Burke, and Latte the Goat. Back Row (l-r): Nick Kwiatkowski, Tom Cummings, Jay Yanul, Ali Lahey, Mara Lahey, and PJ Lahey. Front Row (l-r): Maggie O’Brien (Make-a-Wish), Jeannene Quinn, Shannon Burke, Mary Alice Burke. Back Row (l-r): Jacob Torba (Scranton Area Community Foundation), Jay Yanul, Nick Kwiatkowski, Mara Lahey, and PJ Lahey.
Circle Drive-In Upcoming Movie Showings This week at Circle Drive-In: Wednesday, June 18th Pharoahs Car Club of Scranton – Movie Night featuring “The Fast & The Furious” (2001) at 9:00 pm. Gates & Box Office open early at 7:00 pm – check out all of the Pharoahs vehicles on display! Thursday, June 19th Summer Kickoff Movie Presented by Lackawanna Historical Society featuring “Dirty Dancing” (1987) at 9:00 pm. Gates & Box Office open at 8:00 pm. Friday, June 20th & Saturday, June 21st: Double Features Gates & Box Office 8:00 pm Screen One: “How to Train Your Dragon” (PG – 2025) at 9:00 pm “Lilo & Stitch” (PG – 2025) at 11:30 pm Screen Two: “28 Years Later” (R – 2025) at 9:15 pm “Materialists” (R – 2025) at 11:40 pm Sunday, June 22nd Circle Giant Flea Fair from 6:00 am – 2:00 pm (Vendor Gates at 5:00 am) New vendors are always welcome, no pre-registration required! Come out & sell your crafts, artisan items, homemade products, spring cleaning treasures & more – every Sunday! Sunday Night Movies Gates & Box Office 8:00 pm Screen One: “How to Train Your Dragon” (PG – 2025) at 9:00 pm Screen Two: “28 Years Later” (R – 2025) at 9:15 pm Wednesday, June 25th 150 Years of Dickson City – FREE Community Movie Night featuring “Psycho” (1960) at 9:00 pm. Gates open at 8:00 pm.
Wayne Bank Announces Leadership Role in New Business Intelligence Division Jim Donelly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wayne Bank, is proud to recognize and announce employee Kayla Dixon as Assistant Vice President Business Intelligence Manager of the Bank’s newest division. “I’m very excited to welcome Kayla to her new role as Business Intelligence Manager. As our Bank’s newest department, Business Intelligence needs a strong leader with experience, insight, and technical skills – all strengths of Kayla’s. She has already made significant contributions to our recent projects, and I am confident that she will use her talents to spearhead more developments and breakthroughs,” said Donnelly. Newly introduced to Wayne Bank, the Business Intelligence Division is dedicated to leveraging data to drive smarter, more informed decisions across the organization. With Kayla’s leadership, it will serve as a critical partner in supporting many of the Bank’s technical projects and strategic initiatives. In this new role, Kayla will use her technical skills and data analytics expertise to both lead and shape the Bank’s Business Intelligence Division. An integral part of Wayne Bank for over twelve years, Kayla has held various roles, including her most recent position as Assistant Vice President and Consumer Loan Officer. Kayla is actively involved in her community, serving on various school and sports committees. This balance between her professional and personal life helps her maintain a well-rounded perspective in all that she does. She resides in Waymart with her husband, John, and their three children, Finley, Natalie, and Logan.
Tobyhanna Army Depot Chief Al Lyons Named Supervisor of the Quarter Lyons’ excellent leadership is helping Tobyhanna forge the future of its critical cyber mission – one that further cements Tobyhanna as a leading readiness provider for the battlefield of today and the future. Lyons routinely goes above and beyond to ensure mission success and comprehensively contributes to Tobyhanna, its employees, and its continued success in delivering the best value to our nation’s warfighters. A prime example of that commitment to mission came when Lyons served as Acting Cyber Division Chief. Lyons seeks to serve all his peers wherever they may fall in his chain of command. Lyons has worked with members of Tobyhanna’s higher headquarters U.S. Army Materiel Command, or AMC, to support modernization efforts, and worked with AMC headquarters and Tobyhanna personnel to design the Army’s industrial control network architecture. Lyons frequently facilitates customer meetings to proactively set Tobyhanna up for success to meet changing workload and customer requirements and maintain positive customer relationships. In addition to this, Lyons prides himself on being a mentor, both formally and informally. Lyons actively mentors several depot employees across several career paths, met regularly with cyber branch chiefs during his time dual hatting as Acting Cyber Division Chief, encourages employees to expand their abilities through training and self-development, and creates a culture of respect amongst his colleagues. In nominating him for Supervisor of the Quarter, Lyons’ peers said, “Albert has established himself as an integral part of Tobyhanna Army Depot’s future in cybersecurity. He personifies quality leadership and invests himself in the depot’s culture of excellence.” Lyons’ efforts have borne substantial fruit for the depot, including being named the AMC Center of Excellence for the development and control of the ICN. So much so that a new branch, the Cyber Support Branch, was created, and when the depot needed a leader for it, Lyons was the choice to stand it up. In addition to stepping up to dual hat, Lyons has represented Tobyhanna at multiple ICN wargames/engagements, the DOD Maintenance Symposium, and numerous customer visits that have led to workload growth. Lyons said receiving the award was humbling, especially since it came from those who work alongside him every day. “Receiving Supervisor of the Quarter is an honor, especially knowing the nomination came from my team,” said Lyons. A former educator, Lyons attributes his success to the knowledge he has received and his commitment to self-development. “I charted a bit of an unorthodox career path as someone who started as a local educator to navigating a career at Tobyhanna Army Depot. Upon my arrival, I made sure to take advantage of professional development and career opportunities as I continuously upskilled with a focus on understanding the business as well as specializing in cybersecurity. More importantly, I was lucky enough to continuously build relationships with teammates currently in leadership that I owe a debt of gratitude for their mentorship along the way. This sense of community, ability to invest in oneself, and the team’s execution to complete our mission is what makes my job at Tobyhanna more fulfilling than I could’ve expected upon my initial career change.” When he’s not working to equip our nation and its warfighters with the vital tools they need for the battlefield of the future, Lyons dedicates his time to his family. A local product, Lyons went to high school at Wyoming Area and met his wife at Misericordia University. Lyons strives to be the best girl dad he can be to their daughters.
The Greater Scranton YMCA Receives Grant for STEM Lab Creation From left to right: Tressa Capoccia, Rich Surridge, Leo McGowan, Meghan Carnevale The Greater Scranton YMCA was awarded a $25,000 grant from the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund. The grant will support the creation of a STEM Lab at the Y’s facility, which is located at 706 North Blakely Street in Dunmore. Through the creation of a STEM Lab, the Y will provide students enrolled in the School-Age Program, Summer Day Camp Program, and additional programming to be developed with the opportunity to learn, collaborate with peers, and practice problem-solving skills. The lab will give the Y an opportunity to engage children in learning experiences that integrate science, technology, engineering, and math while also fostering creativity. “We are so grateful to the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund for their support of our YMCA and of children’s education,” said Rich Surridge, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “We are excited to begin work on the creation of the STEM Lab and look forward to providing the growing number of children in our care with access to opportunities they may otherwise not have after the school day ends and over the summer months.” For more information about child care programs at the Greater Scranton YMCA, contact Tressa Capoccia, Senior Director of Education, at tcapoccia@gsymca.org or visit the Y online at www.greaterscrantonymca.org.
