Wayne Bank Promotes Corissa O’Malley Jim Donnelly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wayne Bank, is pleased to announce the promotion of Corissa O’Malley to Vice President and Loan Documentation Manager. “I’m thrilled to announce Corissa’s well-deserved promotion. In her 14 years with us, Corissa has gone above and beyond to prove her dedication and loyalty to Wayne Bank. I’m confident in her continued leadership as she manages the residential loan documentation and processing department and am excited to see what her new role brings,” said Donnelly. In her new role, Corissa will lead the New York and Pennsylvania retail loan processing and documentation teams. Corissa joined the Bank in 2011, and has held several positions during her tenure, including Floating Teller, Administrative Specialist, Residential Mortgage Processor and Loan Documentation Officer. With her vast experience within the banking industry, Corissa plays a critical role in ensuring operations run smoothly and loans are properly maintained. Corissa resides in South Canaan, PA, with her husband, Eugene, and their two children.
Wayne Bank Promotes Lianne Waller Jim Donnelly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wayne Bank, is pleased to announce the promotion of Lianne Waller to Assistant Vice President and Trust Custody Officer. “I am very excited to announce Lianne’s promotion. Her accounting experience and deep understanding of client assets position her as a dependable leader and fantastic example for her teammates. I am confident that she will be a positive force within our trust and custody department,” said Donnelly. In her new role, Lianne will be responsible for overseeing the safekeeping and administration of client assets, and for maintaining custody operations. Lianne joined the bank in May of 2015 as a Teller in the Main Street Office and transferred into an Administrative Assistant role in the Wealth Management Department. She received a Degree in Business Management from Lackawanna College.
Tobyhanna Army Depot is Currently in the Process of Upgrading its Water Distribution System. This initiative, in the words of Public Works Division Chief Amalia Thomas, is the last piece to a 10-plus-year initiative to send Tobyhanna’s handling of drinking water, stormwater, and wastewater to new heights. Since the late 2000s, Tobyhanna Army Depot has taken a keen interest in the water infrastructure serving thousands of employees and 26 residences surrounding the installation. With 2008 serving as the baseline for comparison, Tobyhanna Army Depot has been a net zero water facility since 2012. This means the depot strives to account for every single drop of water used from the water basin and put back in. Investments into improving Tobyhanna’s wells began in 2014 and culminated with them being installed in 2021. Other areas of infrastructure investment and innovation included new water storage tanks, a new treatment center, flowmeters to track water usage, and the shutting off of an older well to optimize operations and reduce the amount of PFAS in the drinking water. Thomas said after this investment into nearly every aspect of Tobyhanna’s water, developing a strong distribution network was the next logical step. “This is the grand master plan for Tobyhanna to set a new standard. A lot of the necessary work has already been done. The final piece is the distribution network – the pipes,” said Thomas. The current initiative is a proposed three-phase project currently in its first phase with a three-year timeline for each phase. The goal of the three phases is to cover the depot’s industrial area with the entire installation to follow. Work on the first phase is a collaboration between Tobyhanna Army Depot and general contractor Sealaska with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers serving as responsible agent. Estimating $40M per phase, the funding for the first phase was provided by United States Army Materiel Command’s Organic Industrial Base Modernization Office. Organic Industrial Base Modernization Office Director Stephanie Hoaglin said the ability to fund this project is a testament to meticulous planning and support from across the Army in supporting the shared mission of providing readiness. “This project is another example of planning done right. Now that we are a few years into the Organic Industrial Base Modernization Implementation Plan, we are starting to see the fruits of our labor. Projects like these, which are ongoing across the entire AMC Enterprise, are a testament of the support we have from Army Senior Leaders and Congress to make the right investments to support the current and future needs to of the Army.” The next two phases of the initiative will seek funding from the Army’s Facility Investment Plan, with depot officials hoping for a similar result to the first phase. Anyone familiar with Tobyhanna and its climate will understand all too well what pushed upgrading the pipes to an official project. Aided by its elevation, Tobyhanna’s winters are often accompanied by temperatures below freezing and winter storms bringing multiple inches of snow. And in the late 2010s, the depot had a particularly harsh winter during which the pipes dating to the 1940s suffered several water main breaks. This meant the depot was at max capacity for pumping drinking water wells and couldn’t fully supply the amount of water it was losing. “That winter was the catalyst that moved this into an actual project,” said Thomas. “The previous Master Planner, Brian Decker, started this initiative in replacing underground lines. The multitude of breaks and the way they were breaking provided justification to move this project forward.” The benefits of replacing the underground water lines are many and include cost savings, increased quality of drinking water, increased reliability, and increased readiness. Thomas said this project is key to aligning with points of emphasis across the Army including efficiency, consistency, and fiscal responsibility. “This will significantly improve drinking water, improve financial status, and in a time when there is an emphasis on fiscal responsibility, having a reliable distribution network is key to consistent savings,” said Thomas. The way it will increase quality of drinking water is fairly simple – as pipes age, sediment can build up. Despite the rigorous filtration processes employed by the depot, the water can be degraded in some respect. This project and other investments into Tobyhanna’s utilities save money in a plethora of ways. Each time a water main breaks, it costs approximately $40k to repair in addition to acoustic leak detection surveys, conditional surveys, and expensive chemicals. This initiative ensures pipes will be properly supported and insulated through better bedding and thus more resistant to thawing and freezing which cause pipes to flex and break. Civil Engineer Kyle Streich said in addition to proper bedding, gaining a comprehensive understanding of where infrastructure is located underground will help to combat potential unexpected issues or expenses. “A big benefit of this project is knowing precisely where everything is located underground. We’re constantly planning projects at the depot and being able to verify where everything is located will help to alleviate issues and unforeseen modifications that result in spending money we didn’t plan to spend,” said Streich. Both Thomas and Streich agreed that this project comes with secondary benefits including allowing Tobyhanna’s Roads and Grounds Branch to respond to other issues more efficiently and newly paved roadways as a result of the pipes being installed. Perhaps the most important impact this project has is in increasing Tobyhanna’s already lofty readiness capability. The reliability of the new distribution system will ensure a consistent, controlled environment in which the depot workforce can provide the critical services our warfighters need in the most efficient manner possible. Tobyhanna Army Depot, bolstered by its partners and dynamic workforce, remains as committed as ever to providing unparalleled readiness contributions to our nation’s warfighters. Projects like the water distribution network replacement are directly aligned with Tobyhanna’s long-range strategic plan, TOBY2035. The effort has four strategic focus areas: Investing in Our People, C5ISR Readiness, Shape the Future and Strategic Communications and aims to posture the organization for future success. TYAD is a recognized leader in providing world-class logistics support for command, control, communications, computers, cyber, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C5ISR) systems across the Department of Defense. Tobyhanna’s Corporate Philosophy, dedicated work force and electronics expertise ensure the depot is the joint C5ISR provider of choice for all branches of the Armed Forces and industry partners. Tobyhanna’s unparalleled capabilities include full-spectrum logistics support for sustainment, overhaul and repair, fabrication and manufacturing, engineering design and development, systems integration, cyber support, technology insertion, modification, foreign military sales and global field support to our joint warfighters. About 3,100 personnel are employed by Tobyhanna. While the organization’s headquarters is located in the Pocono Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania, Tobyhanna’s worldwide workforce includes employees in 43 fixed locations across the globe. Tobyhanna Army Depot is part of the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command. Headquartered at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, the command’s mission is to deliver integrated C5ISR weapon systems, business systems, and medical sustainment to enable full spectrum combat operations at the point of need.
The Honesdale National Bank, Nick D’Alberto Appointed Branch Manager of Moscow Office Kate Bryant, President, and CEO of The Honesdale National Bank, announced Nick D’Alberto as the new Branch Manager of the Moscow Office. In making the announcement Bryant stated, “Nick’s extensive experience and dedication make him an invaluable asset to our team.” She continued, “We look forward to seeing the positive impact he will have in this new market.” As Branch Manager, D’Alberto will be responsible for developing and cultivating new business growth opportunities, representing HNB in a new market area delivering the “HNB & Me” experience for customers in the Moscow area. He is a graduate of Berwick Area Senior High and has received a B.S. in Education from Bloomsburg University of PA, and an A.I.B. Banking Certificate from the American Institute of Banking. D’Alberto currently resides in Moosic, PA, and has worked in the financial industry for over 40 years. Over the decades, he has gained invaluable experience and knowledge, making him a respected leader and mentor to his colleagues. Nick has been with HNB for over 11 years, further solidifying his commitment and dedication to the bank. In commenting on his role at the bank, D’Alberto noted, “Working at HNB has made me feel proud of my accomplishments. I am grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to support the goals and values of HNB and am excited to continue contributing to this role.” In his spare time, D’Alberto enjoys a variety of hobbies. He is passionate about DIY home improvement projects, finding joy in transforming spaces with his own hands. Gardening is another one of his cherished activities, as it allows him to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Additionally, D’Alberto is an avid reader who loves exploring new books and expanding his knowledge. He also enjoys traveling, always eager to explore new places and cultures. The Honesdale National Bank, established in 1836, holds the distinction of being the area’s oldest independent community bank headquartered in Northeastern PA, with offices in Wayne, Pike, Susquehanna, Lackawanna, and Luzerne Counties. The Honesdale National Bank offers personal banking, business banking and wealth solutions. For more information on HNB’s products and services, visit www.hnbbank.bank.
Marywood University Announces New Endowed/Annual Scholarships and Programmatic Endowment Marywood University recently announced four endowed scholarships, one programmatic endowment, and six annual scholarships at the 2025 Scholarship Luncheon. The annual luncheon brought together students, donors, and esteemed guests to celebrate the impact of scholarships and express heartfelt appreciation for the donors who make scholarships possible. Three students, Mario Paoli ’25, Jessica Carpenter ’27, and Kydalin Gomm ’28, shared their personal gratitude to benefactors for scholarship support. The Scholarship Luncheon serves as a testament to the university’s commitment to ensuring access to quality education for deserving students, regardless of their financial circumstances. Marywood awarded 605 named scholarships in the 2024-2025 academic year. New endowed named scholarships can be established with a gift of $50,000 or more. New annual named scholarships can be established with a gift of $10,000 or more. For information on establishing a named scholarship, please contact the Office of University Advancement at 570-348-6238 or development@marywood.edu. The newly endowed scholarships include: The Kateri Carroll Kashuba ’68 Endowed Scholarship, established by Kateri Carroll Kashuba ’68, supports full-time undergraduates with financial need with preference to students majoring in Education. The Paulette Posluszny Merchel ’69, Ph.D. Theatre Arts Scholarship, established by friends and family of Paulette Posluszny Merchel ’69, Ph,D,, supports full-time undergraduates studying Theatre Arts with financial need. The Class of 1967 Endowed Scholarship, established by the Marywood Class of 1967 in honor of their 50th Reunion, supports full-time undergraduates with academic achievement and financial need. The Class of 1974 Endowed Scholarship, established by the Marywood Class of 1974 in honor of their 50th Reunion, supports full-time undergraduates and graduate students with academic achievement and financial need. The newly established programmatic endowment includes: The Sordoni Construction Management Program Endowment, established by The Sordoni Family Foundation, supports ongoing program improvements and equipment upgrades in the Construction Management Program in the School of Architecture. The newly established annual scholarships include: The Cloverfields Scholars Program, established by the Cloverfields Foundation, supports 16 promising, first generation students from their freshman year to the completion of their undergraduate degree, including tuition and required fees and on-campus room/board if applicable. The Mark Gogal ’95 “Make Your Mark” Memorial Annual Scholarship, established by Marywood Trustee Maria Gogal ’04 in honor of her brother, Mark, supports full-time undergraduates with 3.0+ GPA who demonstrate dedication and enthusiasm for a passion or activity such as a major/career, club, team, community service, service trip, volunteering, or leadership activity at Marywood; requires submission of application. The Kemple Family Annual Scholarship, established by Dr. Marilyn J. Kemple ’63, M.S. ’73 in honor of her family, supports full-time undergraduates with academic achievement and financial need with a preference for Secondary Education majors. The Richard Leonori Memorial Annual Scholarship, established by Eddie Smith and the friends and family of Richard Leonori, supports full-time undergraduates who have financial need and 3.0+ GPA, who demonstrate the character, skills, and potential in Architecture that Richard Leonori valued, by placing first in the MUSOA Spring Competition at Marywood. The Marianne McGowan ’69 Annual Scholarship, established by Richard Scaramozza in loving memory of his wife, supports full-time undergraduates with financial need who are majoring in Education with first preference given to residents of Avoca or Pittston, PA, and second preference to residents of Lackawanna or Luzerne County. The Patricia Duane Sanders ’61 Annual Scholarship, established by Patricia Duane Sanders ’61, supports full-time graduate students with financial need.
Johnson College to Celebrate 106th Commencement and Largest Graduating Class Pictured left to right: Andrew M. Inman ’13, MHA, RT(R)(CT), Johnson College alumnus and Modality Manager at Geisinger; Colleen Cannon-Augustine, Class of 2025 Valedictorian and Physical Therapist Assistant graduate; Brooke L. Iverson, Class of 2025 Salutatorian and Physical Therapist Assistant graduate; and Dr. Katie Pittelli, President & CEO of Johnson College. The Johnson College Scranton campus was alive with pride and celebration on Saturday, May 10, 2025, as students, families, faculty, and staff came together for a milestone moment— celebrating the College’s largest graduating class at its 106th Commencement Ceremony. The ceremony recognized students who completed rigorous programs leading to Associate of Science and Associate of Applied Science degrees and academic certificates in a wide range of high-demand fields. Andrew M. Inman ’13, MHA, RT(R)(CT), a proud Johnson College alumnus and Modality Manager at Geisinger, delivered an inspiring commencement address, encouraging graduates to embrace their professional journeys with confidence and resilience. The ceremony also spotlighted outstanding student achievements. Valedictorian Colleen Cannon-Augustine and salutatorian Brooke L. Iverson—both graduates of the Physical Therapist Assistant program—shared powerful messages reflecting on perseverance, growth, and the transformative experience of their time at Johnson College. The event was live-streamed on the College’s YouTube channel at https://youtube.com/live/qjfYy_sBM-Q?feature=share. Following is a list of the spring 2025 graduates: ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE PROGRAMS Computer Information Technology Juan C. Ayala Jr., Scranton Matthew C. Baress, Mountain Top Brady Carpenter, Clarks Summit Dylan Caruso, Dallas Corbin Scott Croissette, Starrucca Thomas Joseph Cyganick III, Carbondale Alexander Charles Edwards, Montrose Joseph Patrick Faltynowicz, Dickson City Martin Hastie, Clarks Summit Robert J. McNally, Scranton Hunter Carl Mursch, Carbondale Michael Ostrowski, South Abington Twp. Alexander Smedley, Richmondale Mark T. Smith, Peckville Physical Therapist Assistant Zekiel Alejandrez, Greentown Colleen Ann Cannon-Augustine, Jenkins Twp. Brooke L. Iverson, Wilkes-Barre Allysa Candace Pancham, East Stroudsburg Bryce Shorten, Jessup Madison K. Stashak, Nanticoke Radiologic Technology Tiffany Shay Beckham, Scranton Melissa A. Beshada, Mountain Top Jordan Aurora Bowen, Factoryville Jacquelyn R. Billard, Honesdale Mackenzie T. Gavin, Eynon Jennifer Cesarina Gonzalez-Rodriguez, Scranton Matthew Gromelski, Taylor Margaret Grace Haines, Madison Twp. Julia Paige Lamberton, Waymart Neyleen Jezielle Lugo , Scranton Jade McDermott, Moosic Shannon O’Donnell, Scranton Adam Jeffrey Rosencrance, West Pittston Emily E. Royce, Ransom Kristen Ann Swierczek, Olyphant Kayla Jeanne Ward, Eynon Veterinary Nursing Ashlee Coe, Hawley Emma Danowsky, Lewisburg Eunice Grande-Osorio, Plymouth Alex Inirio, Scranton Emily LaBar, Scranton Samantha Mazonis, Nanticoke Jordan Stine, Scranton Jordan Wiegand, Great Bend ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE PROGRAMS Advanced Manufacturing Technology Wyatt Sickler, Tunkhannock Architectural Drafting & Design Technology Matthew J. Collier, Throop Jacob W. Kinney, Dalton Tyler Moskosky, Simpson Jeremiah Scotton, Olyphant Automotive Technology Charles Richard Azarsky, Moosic Kayden J. Christe, Scranton Alec S. Fisher, West Wyoming Nathan R. Irvine, Lake Ariel Bruce Michael Kohut, Waymart Hunter Edward Landers, Clarks Summit Aviation Technology Matthew Alden, Scranton Benjamin Jay Amaya, Dunmore Christopher Berroa-Moreno, Wilkes-Barre Holsen Estime, Effort Kyle Garofolo, Long Pond Janitza E. Gonzalez-Caban, Old Forge Anthony Leombruni, Moscow Amir Vernon, East Stroudsburg Biomedical Equipment Technology Nico James Carter, Scranton Andrew P. Craven, Scranton Ryan James Ellicott, Mayfield Santino L. Krappa, Old Forge Cody Lee, West Pittston Blaise A. Margalski, Wapwallopen Jonathan Merlen, Springbrook Twp. Tyquil Osgood, Scranton Adam Sadowski, Jefferson Twp. Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology Joshua Robert Berg, Carbondale Denis Boyle, Throop Jeanine Claudia Busnel, Damascus Kaila Collins, Carbondale Daniel Davis, Pocono Summit Benjamin Edward Flowers, Old Forge Jeilyn Frias, Easton Nakya N. Greco, Duryea Jacob D. Holmes, Dalton Nicholas Huzzard, Scranton Skyler E. LeClere, Beach Lake Caitlyn Ann Phillips, West Wyoming Arthur Taylor, New Milford Reece A. Weinberg, South Abington Twp. Civil Design Technology Zoe Zelinski, Olyphant Diesel Truck Technology Dustin J. Baldoni, Pittston Noah L. Bender, Scranton William Nathaniel Clapp, Wyalusing Jace Curyk, Scranton Gabriella Furman, Laceyville Weston Matthew Nugent, Lake Ariel Bradley M. Potoeskie Jr., Forty Fort Ryan Shannon, Pittston Twp. Colton T. Yushinsky, Archbald Electrical Construction Technology Sianna R. Barron, Jessup Tucker James Bowman, Tamaqua Ryan Boyanowski, Pittston Jacob Gino Casarin, Jessup James John Casarin Jr., Jessup Bradley Cox, Scranton Carmen Salvatore DeNapoli, Dunmore Keiren Dougherty, Scranton Dravyn Falsone, Waymart Lucas J. Fein, Scranton Chase Francis Ferranti, Madison Twp. Andrew James Francis, Moosic Ethan Gardiner, Summit Hill Tyrese Green, Lords Valley Cameron D. Hagenbaugh, Wilkes-Barre Aimee Johannes, Honesdale Brandon King, Scranton Harrison Kubilus, Scranton Robert Todd Lane, Tunkhannock Justin Anthony Longo, Throop Joseph T. Lucas III, Dunmore Brian Mariotti, Old Forge Jackson McGuinness, Clarks Green Matthew McHale, Scranton Ezequiel S. Mieses, Hazleton Jacob J. Mileto, Scranton Jacob Morgenstern, Honesdale Graysen Richard Motyl, Sheppton Jacob Ryan Ochman, Moosic Peyton R. Pazzalia, Archbald Brandon Quinn, Hazle Township John Rose, Clarks Summit Daniel T. Rosenkrans, Falls Robert J. Santarsiero Jr., Moosic Sebastian J. Shepherd, Dalton Hunter M. Smith, Kirkwood, NY Justin P. Solensky Jr., Archbald Connor T. Stauffer, Fern Glen Brayden C. Strucke, Pittston Twp. Jack Sullivan, Matamoras Joshua Truskoloski, Eynon Evan Williams South, Abington Twp. Nicholas P. Winsock, Wyoming Jayden M. Winters, Dickson City Austin J. Wombacker, Scranton Peter R. Zawierucha, Pittston Twp. Electronic Engineering Technology Oscar Hernandez, Scranton William Kittrell, Dunmore Rodney Stanley Ramos, Scranton Paul V. Rosato III, Scranton Michael Dean Still III, Dupont Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning Technology Carter Christopher Albanese, Scranton Levi S. Anzulewicz, Greenfield Twp. Robert Bromage, Scranton Gustavo Cortez, Scranton James E. Decker, Moosic Liam Donovan, Scranton Angelo J. Fumanti, Old Forge Jordan Gonzalez, Jefferson Twp. Thomas Gray, Carbondale James Fitzgerald Heery IV, Gouldsboro William J. Heiss, Union Dale Anthony Hutchins, Dunmore Jarrel Johnson, Scranton JanCarlos Marin, Scranton Cooper A. Mordan, Old Forge Aiden Notz, Scranton Louis Paglianite, West Pittston Logan Rondomanski, Madison Twp. Charles Sciandra, Avoca Xavier O. Siberon, Scranton Joshua Smargiassi, Dickson City Luke J. Smurl, Greenfield Twp. Julia Turner, Moosic Scott Warren, Montrose Christopher Whitney Jr., Dover, DE Heavy Equipment Technology Jeffrey M. Kondash, Factoryville Nathan Timothy Schmidt, Clifford Nico D. Scotti, Dunmore Clarence L. Walton IV, Dingmans Ferry Mechatronics Technology Michael Andrews, Wilkes-Barre Zachary M. Maryasz, Dalton Kahleb Murray, Pittston Emma Jean Shedden, Tunkhannock Nicholas Thayer, Pittston Richard W. Tirella, Plains Welding Fabrication & Manufacturing Technology Corbin P. Bodman, Hawley Sam A. Coolbaugh, Harding Anthony J. DeLucca Jr., Old Forge Andi A. Fedorchak, Carbondale Charity Keithline, Tunkhannock Tyler J. Kielty, Milford Jamie Matyjevich, Old Forge Jaylin T. Parker, Dunmore Austin Racht, Beach Lake Madison Grace Roberts, Milanville Ethan Stankowski, Clarks Summit Logan Edward Treat, Falls Colin Vrabel, Old Forge CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS Building & Property Maintenance Marcello Tindaro Caminiti, Moscow Aaron Evans, Scranton David V. King, Scranton Caden H. Roach, Union Dale MaKayla L. Wright, Scranton Industrial Technology Steven Michael Fredrick Barone, Hawley Silas Colon, Beaver Meadows Welding Technology Jordan K. Banks, Scranton Richard Beccaloni, Clarks Summit George Ellis, Scranton Christopher J. Evancho, Rock Glen Schrece Esprit Graff, Old Forge Alexander Johnson, Scranton Jordan Levine-Smith, Scranton Gage J. Martinez, Olyphant Shelby Mowery, Berwick Alexander Salazar, Scranton Heatherette Scala, Old Forge Justin A. Vantuyl, Shohola Dylan Zullo, McAdoo
Grey Towers, Conservation Scouting Merit Badge Awarded to 30 Scouts Scouts Honored with Conservation Badges at Grey Towers National Historic Site Grey Towers Heritage Association proudly hosted a Scouting Badge Award Ceremony on May 4 at the historic Grey Towers National Historic Site, recognizing 30 Scouts from New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland for their achievements in conservation and forestry education. Held at the ancestral home of Gifford Pinchot, the first Chief of the U.S. Forest Service and a founding figure in American conservation, the ceremony honored the Scouts’ commitment to environmental stewardship. Through interactive educational programs and hands-on activities, Scouts earned badges that celebrate their understanding of sustainable forestry and conservation practices. “Grey Towers isn’t just a historic site – it’s a living classroom that brings forestry to life for these Scouts,” said Jeff McQuaid, Program Coordinator and Vice President at Grey Towers Heritage Association. “Almost one hundred Scouts have successfully completed the program since we initiated it three years ago. It’s incredibly meaningful to carry on the Pinchot family’s legacy of conservation and forestry through the next generation of conservation leaders.” The event highlights Grey Towers’ ongoing mission to inspire youth engagement in conservation and educate future stewards of the environment, building on the Pinchot legacy that continues to shape natural resource management in the United States. “We met with a U.S. Forester, learned about forest management, identified trees, shrubs, invasive trees, plants and insects, and learned about and climbed the reconstructed Fire Towers at Grey Towers,” explained one Scout. They also learned that Gifford Pinchot, in collaboration with President Theodore Roosevelt, helped create the Boys Scouts of America (scouting was founded in England.) “The public is welcome to tour the magnificent grounds of Grey Towers, hike the Forest Discovery Trail, see the Fire Tower, and visit our museum, burial ground and gift shop,” adds Will Voelkel, Board Member of Grey Towers Heritage Association.
Greater Scranton YMCA Tips for Safety around Water this Summer The Greater Scranton YMCA is offering tips for parents to keep kids safe in and around water this summer The Greater Scranton YMCA wants to ensure that water safety doesn’t get lost in our community’s eagerness to jump into summer. As temperatures rise, kids want to cool off, whether that is in home pools, ponds, lakes, rivers, streams, or oceans. And that means the risk of drowning is as prevalent as ever. For National Water Safety Month this May, the Greater Scranton YMCA is encouraging parents and caregivers to reinforce the importance of water safety skills with the whole family. “As ‘America’s Swim Instructor,’ the Greater Scranton YMCA annually teaches more than 1,500 children valuable water safety and swimming skills,” said Rich Surridge, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “Now more than ever, it’s important to remind parents and caregivers that water safety needs to be top-of-mind as families start to return to their favorite summertime activities.” As part of National Water Safety Month, the Greater Scranton YMCA is encouraging parents to play an active role in promoting water safety and providing five tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable swimming experience for all. Make sure children know to always ask permission before going in or near the water. Teaching your children to be water smart is the first step in water safety – be sure they understand the importance of asking permission before going in or near the water. Never swim alone or without a water watcher. When children are swimming, make sure they are actively supervised at all times. Teach your children that they should only swim in locations where a lifeguard is on duty, or where a responsible adult agrees to watch the children in the water without distractions. Supervise your children whenever they’re in or near water. Whether it’s bath time or taking a dip in a pool or waterfront, make sure your children are within arm’s reach at all times. Don’t engage in breath holding activities. Both adults and children should not hold their breath for a prolonged amount of time while swimming, as this can be dangerous. Wear a life jacket. Inexperienced or non-swimmers should wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Don’t jump in the water to save a friend who is struggling in deep water. If an adult or child finds their friend in deep water unexpectedly, their natural reaction may be to jump in the water to try to save them. Even if they are a great swimmer, a panicked person will overpower them, pulling the rescuer underwater. The Y’s Safety Around Water program teaches the “reach, throw, don’t go” concept of using a long object to reach for them and pull them to safety. By using this technique an adult or child can help their friend without compromising their own safety. Beginning June 9th, the Greater Scranton YMCA will once again offer its Annual Safety Around Water Campaign. The campaign gives children ages three through 14 the opportunity to learn new swimming skills designed to help keep them safe around water. The Safety Around Water Campaign consists of eight swim lessons over a two-week period, four lessons each week, and costs only $25 for both members and non-members. Registration opens Monday, May 12th. The Safety Around Water Campaign is once again supported by the Kiwanis Club of Scranton. To learn more about the Greater Scranton YMCA’s swim programs and Safety Around Water Campaign, please contact Leslie Kopa, Aquatics Director, at lkopa@gsymca.org.
Geisinger Hospital Earns National Ranking from Money Magazine Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital ranked in Money magazine’s Best Hospitals for Pediatric Care list Money magazine recently recognized Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital as one of the 2025 Best Hospitals for Pediatric Care. Money’s 2025 list focuses on hospitals that deliver safe, high-quality care with experienced pediatricians and providers who are excellent communicators. A high priority also goes to facilities that are well-equipped to deal with pediatric emergencies. Money ranks the top 75 children’s hospitals that provide excellence in value-based care, patient experience, and price transparency. Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital ranks 32nd out of 75 hospitals making the list and is listed in the top 10 in patient experience. “This is a tremendous acknowledgement of our pediatric staff, who are deeply committed to providing pediatric access with exceptional care,” said Frank Maffei, M.D., Geisinger’s chair of pediatrics. “Our children’s hospital delivers outstanding value of care by keeping our children safe, adhering to the best practice standards and treating our children and families with kindness and authentic compassion. We greatly appreciate the recognition and are dedicated to upholding this distinction in pediatric care.”
2024–25 Tomorrow’s Leaders Today Graduation The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and its community leadership and professional development division, Leadership Lackawanna, is proud to announce the graduation of the 2024–25 class of Tomorrow’s Leaders Today (TLT)—a transformative program that prepares high school juniors for leadership roles in their communities. The ceremony took place at the Green Ridge Club in Scranton. Sponsored by NBT Bank, the TLT program spans seven months, immersing students in hands-on experiences across essential sectors, including healthcare, STEAM, history and heritage, crime and corrections, financial literacy, philanthropy, nonprofit organizations, and community service. Program Coordinator, Jen Strzelec states:“We are proud to congratulate the 67 remarkable teens of the Tomorrow’s Leaders Today Program. We’re confident they’ll use the skills and knowledge they gained over the last seven months to positively impact their schools and communities as confident and capable young leaders”. The TLT program provides these young leaders with unique opportunities to develop critical leadership, interpersonal, and managerial skills. Throughout the program, students engaged in workshops, field visits, and interactive discussions led by regional experts and industry leaders, preparing them for the real-world challenges and opportunities that await them. The class participants are: Audrey Agnello, Western Wayne High School Kathryn Apolinario, Holy Cross High School Emily Atonal, Scranton High School Molly Banik, Mid Valley Secondary Center Lauren Bartell, Abington Heights High School Lindsey Bartell, Abington Heights High School Wyatt Barucky, Forest City Regional High School Madelyn Battaglia, Riverside Jr/Sr High School Nathan Beecham, Riverside Jr/Sr High School Grace Bennett, Abington Heights High School Anthony Betti, Mid Valley Secondary Center Molly Carter, Valley View High SchoolMya Cesarini, Valley View High School Nora Crambo, Lakeland Jr/Sr High SchoolKiera Crowell, Abington Heights High School Joshua Cuck, Scranton Preparatory School Addison Daiute, Valley View High SchoolKaylyn Davis, Lakeland Jr/Sr High School Ryan DeMarco, Old Forge High School Gabriella Dennis, Scranton Preparatory School Timothy Fogley, Abington Heights High School Natalia Ghirelli, Lakeland Jr/Sr High SchoolJoseph Griffin, Commonwealth Charter Academy Emily Grover, Carbondale Area Jr/Sr High School Emma Guse, North Pocono High SchoolKatie Gutekunst, North Pocono High School Madison Hallock, Valley View High School Sona Hanumali, Abington Heights High School Gabrielle Jordan, Riverside Jr/ Sr High School Matthew Kirchner, Dunmore Jr/Sr High SchoolBrendan Korty, Forest City Regional High School Krithika Krishnan, Dunmore Jr/Sr High School Maryn Kukuchka, Tunkhannock Area High School Benjamin Kulikowski, Riverside Jr/Sr High SchoolOlivia Lach, Lakeland Jr/Sr High SchoolOlivia Lawler, Carbondale Area Jr/Sr High School Emily Loomis, Valley View High SchoolMadeleine Mackarey, Scranton Preparatory School Andrew McDonald, Abington Heights High School Khloe Mistishin, Western Wayne High School William Murphy, Carbondale Area Jr/Sr High School Julia Noto, Dunmore Jr/Sr High SchoolIsabelle O’Brien, Scranton High School Kathryn O’Hora, Riverside Jr/ Sr High School Olive O’Rourke, Abington Heights High School Mia Peregrim, Old Forge High SchoolKate Peters, Abington Heights High School James Prislupski, Holy Cross High School Natalie Puckett, Triboro Christian Academy Benjamin Reese, Abington Heights High School Ava Roberto, Scranton High SchoolGavin Roberts, Lakeland Jr/Sr High School Emmelia Rucks, Commonwealth Charter Academy Madison Smith, Abington Heights High School Kelsey Smith, North Pocono High SchoolCharlie Stampien, Abington Heights High School Ava Strzelec, North Pocono High SchoolNatalie Talluto, Mid Valley Secondary Center Raphael Thomas, Scranton Preparatory School Aidan Tinney, Mid Valley Secondary CenterJaiden Trunzo, Lackawanna Trail Jr/Sr High School Nmesoma Udoye, Scranton High SchoolGianna Vachino, Abington Heights High School Kevin Vincent Jr., Holy Cross High School Luke Warring, Scranton High SchoolKiley Williams, Riverside Jr/ Sr High School Ava Wisnosky, Tunkhannock Area High School
