Scranton Region Antique Car Club of America Donates $1,500 to Allied Services John P. Moses, Esq. Pediatric Rehab Centers The Scranton Region Antique Car Club of America (SRACCA) has generously donated $1,500 to the Allied Services John P. Moses, Esq. Pediatric Rehab Centers. This contribution reflects a portion of the proceeds from their highly anticipated annual car show, held at Allied Services Corporate Center every year. Next year’s event is scheduled for June 1, 2025, and promises to deliver another day of classic cars, community fun, and charitable giving. Allied Services is deeply grateful for the club’s ongoing support, which helps fund critical pediatric rehabilitation services for children across Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania. Allied Services provides comprehensive and specialized care to more than 1,200 children each year. Through physical, occupational, and speech therapy, the John P. Moses, Esq. Pediatric Rehab Centers, in partnership with AllOne Foundation and Charities, help children of all ages overcome developmental, neurological, and physical challenges, empowering them to reach their full potential.
Nominations for the 2025 ATHENA Award are Open! APPLY HERE The ATHENA Award is presented to an exceptional individual who has achieved excellence in her/his business or profession, has served the community in a meaningful way, and has assisted women in their attainment of professional goals and leadership skills. The ATHENA Award is sponsored by Michael A. Barbetti LLC Certified Public Accountants and will be presented at the Chamber’s International Women’s Day breakfast, sponsored by The Honesdale National Bank. The event will be held at The Hilton Scranton and Conference Center on Friday, March 7, 2025. Nominations must be received by 11:59 pm on Friday, January 17. Apply online at www.ScrantonChamber.com/athena-award
Skills in Scranton Awarded Business Education Partnership Grant to Expand Career Video Library Skills in Scranton, the workforce development division of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, announces it has been awarded a Business Education Partnership Grant from the Lackawanna County Workforce Development Board. The grant supports the creation of five additional career pathways videos that spotlight high-demand trades in Lackawanna County, which include carpentry, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and welding. These new videos join Skills in Scranton’s expanding resource library at skillsinscranton.com. The resource library introduces job seekers to high-demand careers in the community. Skills in Scranton partners with school districts and higher education institutions in Lackawanna County to integrate the resource library into classrooms—giving students valuable insights and real-world connections to in-demand careers. “We are thrilled to expand our resource library with support from the Lackawanna County Workforce Development Board,” shared Emily Pettinato, workforce development specialist at The Chamber. “These career pathway videos are a critical tool in our mission to equip students with career knowledge and exposure to local opportunities that align with their interests and the needs of our region.” Virginia Turano, executive director of Lackawanna County Workforce Development Board, expressed her support for the initiative, stating, “The Lackawanna County Workforce Development Board is pleased to collaborate with The Chamber and its division, Skills in Scranton, to promote career pathways initiatives for students in Lackawanna County. And I applaud the expansion of this new and exciting tool supporting student knowledge, growth, and development.” The grant represents a significant step forward in fostering career readiness and workforce alignment in Lackawanna County. Skills in Scranton’s video library provides an enriched selection of career insights for students, job seekers, and educators, guiding them toward fulfilling careers essential to the region. Each videos offers an in-depth view of the professions, the required training, and the many job opportunities available in Lackawanna County.
DCED Visits Lackawanna County for Tour and Overview of Chamber Business Development Efforts The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and its business development division, Scranton Lackawanna Industrial Building Company (SLIBCO), welcomed representatives from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) for a comprehensive site visit showcasing the region’s business, economic, and workforce development efforts. “This visit was a tremendous opportunity to showcase the innovative businesses and strategic initiatives that are driving growth in Lackawanna County,” said AJ Cimahosky, business development specialist. “We’re grateful for the partnership of DCED and the Governor in helping to attract, sustain, and grow the thriving economic and workforce landscape.” DCED officials toured available commercial real estate opportunities in Lackawanna County. Committed to working hand-in-hand with the Governor’s economic development team, The Chamber and SLIBCO are strategically targeting high-priority industries, such as advanced manufacturing, beverage and food service, bio and life sciences, and technology—resulting in the development of the business and workforce landscape of the region.
Geisinger Wyoming Valley delivers 2,000th baby of the year The labor and delivery department at Geisinger Wyoming Valley delivered its 2,000th baby of the year early Sunday morning, Dec. 22. The milestone is the first time a Geisinger hospital labor and delivery unit has delivered more than 2,000 babies in a year. Anna Gitanga, 37, of Corona, N.Y., gave birth to a 7-pound, 13.3-ounce girl, Daniela, at 1:59 a.m. Gitanga was visiting family for the Christmas holiday when she went into labor and was brought Geisinger for the delivery. This was Gitanga’s fourth baby — and the second born at Geisinger during a family visit. The child’s father, Magesa Mwita, planned to pick up mother and baby from the hospital on Monday, Dec. 23. “I am so happy with everything,” Gitanga said. “Everyone here is so kind and caring.” The team had anticipated reaching this milestone for several months and assembled a gift basket for the family, according to Melissa Williams, Geisinger Wyoming Valley nursing operations manager. “We updated the delivery totals daily once we hit 1,900, eagerly awaiting 2,000,” Williams said. “While the unit was very busy, this created excitement to see which nurse and doctor would have the milestone delivery. The team now hopes to end 2024 with 2,024 deliveries.”
The Wright Center CEO and President named One State’s most Powerful and Influential Female Leaders Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak, president and CEO of The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education, was named one of the 100 most powerful and influential female leaders in Pennsylvania by City & State Pennsylvania. The multimedia organization debuted its third annual Power of Diversity: Women 100 list on Dec. 23. The list highlights the achievements of women in diverse fields – including government, nonprofits, education, business, labor, and advocacy – who are shaping Pennsylvania’s future with their visionary leadership and significant contributions. Honorees included Kim Ward, president pro tempore, Senate of Pennsylvania; Joanna McClinton, speaker, Pennsylvania House of Representatives; Cherelle Parker, mayor of Philadelphia; Debra Todd, chief justice, Pennsylvania Supreme Court; and Leslie C. Davis, president and CEO, UPMC. This is the second time this year that City & State Pennsylvania has recognized Dr. Thomas-Hemak for her exceptional leadership and achievements. In July, the organization selected her as a 2024 Trailblazer in Health Care. Concurrent with her executive responsibilities, Dr. Thomas-Hemak is also quintuple board-certified in internal medicine, pediatrics, obesity medicine, addiction medicine, and nutrition. She sees generations of patients at The Wright Center for Community Health Mid Valley in her hometown of Jermyn. “Dr. Thomas-Hemak’s well-deserved recognition as one of Pennsylvania’s 100 most powerful and influential female leaders reaffirms what we at The Wright Center already know: she is a brilliant, visionary, and inspirational leader, as well as a compassionate, dedicated, and exceptionally skilled physician,” said The Wright Center for Community Health Board of Directors Chair Deborah Kolsovsky. “She has an infectious passion for helping others and a remarkable ability to inspire a shared vision. She has devoted her entire career to advancing health equity, especially among our region’s most vulnerable populations, improving access to high-quality, nondiscriminatory, whole-person primary health services, and training and mentoring the next generation of health care professionals.” Dr. Thomas-Hemak graduated from Scranton Preparatory School and the University of Scranton. After graduating as a Michael DeBakey Scholar from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston and completing Harvard’s Combined Internal Medicine/Pediatrics Residency Program in Boston, she returned to Northeast Pennsylvania, joining The Wright Center in 2001, becoming president in 2007, and CEO in 2012. Under her stewardship, The Wright Center has expanded its growing network of community health centers in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayne, and Wyoming counties, including a mobile medical and dental unit called Driving Better Health. She also guided The Wright Center to achieve numerous prestigious distinctions, including its designation as a Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike in 2019, which unlocked essential federal resources for the region and significantly expanded health care access. The Wright Center has also been recognized as a Top 30 Site for National Primary Care Innovations by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and, in 2024, was inducted into the esteemed American Medical Association’s ChangeMedEd Consortium. Dr. Thomas-Hemak also led The Wright Center for Community Health’s transformation into one of the first state-designated Opioid Use Disorder Centers of Excellence in 2016, improving access to substance use disorder treatment. Amid rising obesity rates, she guided physicians in obtaining board certification in obesity medicine to better address critical health needs. She also transformed The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education into one of the nation’s largest Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education Safety-Net Consortiums (GME-SNC). Through inclusive, interprofessional workforce development and targeted initiatives, the GME-SNC model seeks to improve public health by addressing the national primary care physician shortage, misdistribution and related health and health care career access disparities. Dr. Thomas-Hemak also serves as the governor for the Eastern Region of the Pennsylvania Chapter of the American College of Physicians, the nation’s largest medical-specialty organization. She sits on numerous local, regional, and national health care and medical education nonprofit governing boards, cross-sector committees, and workgroups, including the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration’s Council on Graduate Medical Education, a federal advisory committee that assesses and recommends actions on physician workforce trends, training issues, and financing policies. She is chair of the Northeast Pennsylvania Area Health Education Center Governing Board and a governing board member of the Keystone Accountable Care Organization, The Institute, and the Center for Health and Human Services Research and Action. She is also a founding member of the consortium that established the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine and a founding board member of the American Association of Teaching Health Centers. Dr. Thomas-Hemak has received several prestigious state and national awards for her leadership, mentorship, and advocacy initiatives, including the 2024 Hometown Scholars Advocacy Award from the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) and A.T. Still University for her exemplary leadership in mentoring and inspiring others; the 2024 Wilford Payne Health Center Mentor Award from the Pennsylvania Association of Community Health Centers; NACHC’s 2022 Elizabeth K. Cooke Advocacy MVP Award for her efforts in engaging Congress and expanding grassroots advocacy; and the 2020 Ann Preston Women in Medicine Award from the Pennsylvania Chapter of the American College of Physicians for advancing women’s leadership in medicine. She and her husband, Mark, reside in Jermyn and have three children, Mason, Maya, and Antoinette. Dr. Thomas-Hemak is the daughter of the late William Thomas and Johanna Cavalieri Thomas, who lives in Archbald.
Scranton Area Community Foundation‘s Platinum Jubilee Celebrated 70 Years of Impact The Scranton Area Community Foundation (SACF) recently marked a historic milestone, celebrating 70 years of service and impact in Northeastern Pennsylvania at its Platinum Jubilee on Thursday, December 5, at the Scranton Cultural Center. Over 200 attendees gathered for a memorable evening of inspiring stories and a look ahead at the Foundation’s bright future. The event celebrated the SACF’s incredible journey, made possible by the generosity of donors and community partners. The Foundation shared key milestones and achievements from throughout its past 70 years, showcasing how its efforts have evolved to meet the region’s changing needs. “Reaching this 70th-anniversary milestone is a testament to the unwavering support of our donors, our nonprofit partners’ dedication, and our community’s resilience,” said Laura Ducceschi, Scranton Area Community Foundation President and CEO. “As we celebrate our 70th anniversary, we remain even more committed to driving positive change and creating a vibrant, inclusive community for all across Northeastern Pennsylvania,” she added. “And we do this all through the support of our generous community.” A highlight of the evening showcased the progress of SACF’s upcoming move to its permanent new home at the Century Club of Scranton in Lackawanna County. This new space will allow the Foundation to better serve the community with on-site services for philanthropists, nonprofits, and community members to collaborate, connect, and forge innovative solutions in the years to come. Though the event was free, donations were welcome, and SACF gratefully accepted contributions supporting its 70th Anniversary Campaign upon registration. Funds support the Foundation’s ongoing efforts to improve the quality of life for people, projects, and causes in Northeastern Pennsylvania. To support the Foundation’s transformative journey, visit 70.safdn.org to learn more. The Scranton Area Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Northeastern Pennsylvania through philanthropy, collaboration, and community leadership. Since 1954, the Foundation has provided over $50 million in grants and scholarships, supporting a wide range of programs and initiatives that address the community’s most pressing needs.
Drive Foot Traffic with Girl Scout Cookie Booths! Support future leaders and boost your business visibility by hosting a Girl Scout Cookie Booth! From February 2 to March 23, 2025, Girl Scouts will set up booths at local businesses, drawing community members eager to purchase cookies and support young entrepreneurs. Benefits to your business: • Increased foot traffic and visibility. • Positive community engagement. • Align with a trusted, family-friendly brand. All booths are listed in the popular Cookie Finder app, driving customers straight to you. Sign up to host a booth today and help empower the next generation of leaders!
Scranton Counseling Center Supported by the TEGNA Foundation The Scranton Counseling Center was awarded a $4,500 grant from the TEGNA Foundation to purchase supplies for our Possibilities Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program. Possibilities is a program that inspires and assists members with mental health experiences to learn or relearn necessary skills to reach their goals. The funds will be used to purchase an interactive smartboard and other supplies that will enhance the learning programs for our consumers. Thank you TEGNA Foundation for your support!
American Water Charitable Foundation Announces State Strategic Impact Grants The American Water Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization established by American Water (NYSE: AWK), the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S., and Pennsylvania American Water, announced today that the Foundation awarded State Strategic Impact Grants to 15 organizations across the Commonwealth, totaling $215,000 in funding. “The Chester County Food Bank is incredibly grateful for Pennsylvania American Water and the American Water Charitable Foundation,” said CCFB CEO Andrea Youndt. “Through their generosity, more children in Chester County have access to the healthy food they need to thrive, especially over weekends and school breaks. Pennsylvania American Water is committed to our community, and we look forward our continued partnership with them.” The State Strategic Impact grant is part of the Foundation’s 2024 Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program, focusing on three pillars of giving: Water, People and Communities. State Strategic Impact grants support high-impact projects and initiatives throughout American Water’s national footprint. “Collaboration is key to truly making a positive change in the communities we call home,” said Thom Chiomento, Pennsylvania American Water vice president of business development, government and external affairs. “We’re proud to partner with nonprofits across Pennsylvania that are dedicated to continuing such important work. It’s an honor to assist them in those efforts with this financial support from the American Water Charitable Foundation.” Below is a list of the grantees from across Pennsylvania, along with details on their respective projects and award amounts: Butler Township Volunteer Fire District, Butler County – Provide onsite treatment and assistance to individuals impacted by recent events ($5,000) Central Pennsylvania Conservancy, Cumberland County – Preserve and protect lands and natural resources in south central Pennsylvania region ($10,000) Chester County Food Bank, Chester County – Provide nutritious food for weekend meals and snacks for students throughout Chester County ($20,000) Commission on Economic Opportunity, Luzerne County – Support efforts of the Weinberg Regional Food Bank that coordinates a charitable food system in northeast Pennsylvania ($20,000) Connoquenessing Volunteer Fire Company, Butler County – Provide onsite treatment and assistance to individuals impacted by recent events ($5,000) Exeter Township Volunteer Fire Department, Berks County – Enhance fire protection and emergency services ($10,000) Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, Allegheny County – Support 43rd annual KDKA Turkey Fund that provides a holiday meal for those in the region facing food insecurity ($20,000) Indiana County Community Action Program, Indiana County – Assist in fighting hunger throughout Indiana County ($10,000) Local Government Academy, Allegheny County – Facilitate a non-partisan education program on the roles of municipal staff and elected officials ($20,000) Midwest Food Bank Pennsylvania, Dauphin County – Address food insecurity for communities throughout Pennsylvania, providing approximately 45,000 meals to those in need (Click here to view video about donation) ($10,000) NEPA Youth Shelter, Lackawanna County – Support the conversion of an existing warehouse into a teen safe space ($20,000) North Strabane Township Fire Department, Washington County – Underwrite the purchase a portable digital flow meter and 10 back pressure increasers for training and increased service accuracy ($10,000) Watersheds of South Pittsburgh, Allegheny County – Establish a cohort of citizens and residents to advise the Saw Mill Run Task Force ($20,000) York County Food Bank, York County – Support the goal of fighting food insecurity throughout York County ($10,000) York County Veterans Outreach, York County – Provide housing and utility assistance to local veterans facing financial challenges ($25,000) Carrie Williams, president of the American Water Charitable Foundation, stated, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Pennsylvania American Water to help support organizations that provide critical resources and programs throughout Pennsylvania. The State Strategic Impact Grant program underscores our commitment to strengthen communities served by American Water.” Learn more about the American Water Charitable Foundation here, and review Pennsylvania American Water’s 2023 Community Impact Report summarizing the company’s outreach efforts.
