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.
Johnson College Receives $2,000 for the Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association Scholarship Members of the Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association recently presented a $2,000 contribution to Johnson College to support the annual Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association Scholarship. The scholarship will be awarded to two students in the Automotive Technology Program for the 2025-2026 academic year. The Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association was established in 1975 and has been funding the scholarship at Johnson College since 2009. The club raises funds through Cruise Nights held at the Viewmont Mall parking lot throughout the year. For more information about available scholarships at Johnson College, visit johnson.edu/future-students/financialaid/scholarships. Members of the Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association presented a $2,000 contribution to Johnson College to sponsor the annual Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association Scholarship. Pictured from left to right: Tom Lello, Treasurer, Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association; Chip Bell, President, Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association; Dr. Katie Pittelli, President & CEO, Johnson College; John Gall, Board Member, Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association; John Coleman, ’80, Board Member, Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association; Matt Salvia, Secretary, Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association;
Penn State Scranton’s Mechanical Engineering Students Set to Complete Innovation Challenges We are inviting local companies, community organizations, and civic leaders to collaborate with Penn State Scranton’s Mechanical Engineering students through and innovative educational initiative supported by the Leonhard Center. As part of the ME-340 Design Methodology course in Fall 2025, students will participate in Innovation Challenges – semester-long, team-based projects that tackle real world problems faced by local communities. These challenges encourage students to develop practical, value-driven solutions in areas such as energy efficiency, accessibility, environmental sustainability, and public health. We are seeking community partners with challenges relevant to their needs. ME-340 Community-Focused Project Briefs Project TitleChallengeStudent Task1Affordable Heating Retrofit for Senior HomesMany older residents in the region live in drafty, poorly insulated homes.Design a low-cost, modular heating improvement system (e.g., window inserts, radiator reflectors, smart vents) that can be installed with minimal tools.2Smart Water Usage System for Local Gardens or ParksWater conservation and maintenance in public spaces.Develop a low-tech, IoT-based irrigation controller that optimizes watering schedules based on soil moisture or weather.3Accessibility Aid for Public Buildings or Local EventsTemporary ramps, guides, or tools are often lacking at local venues.Design portable, collapsible accessibility tools (e.g., ramps, signage, mobile seating supports).4Community Composting SystemFood waste is high; composting infrastructure is minimal.Develop a modular composting bin system with odor control and usability in urban or semi-urban settings.5Snow & Ice Removal Assistive ToolElderly and disabled residents have difficulty clearing driveways and sidewalks.Design a manually operated or low-powered snow/ice removal aid that is lightweight, safe, and easy to use.6Mobile Market Cart for Local VendorsLocal vendors struggle with transporting and displaying goods at pop-up events or farmers’ markets.Design a durable, weather-resistant, foldable cart that serves as transport and display unit.7Emergency Power Backup System for Rural Clinics or ResidencesPower outages can disrupt critical equipment use in homes and small clinics.Design a basic, solar-powered or hand-crank backup system for low-wattage medical or communication devices.8Ergonomic Workstation for Remote WorkersMany rural residents have shifted to remote work but lack ergonomic setups.Design a low-cost, adjustable desk system that supports health and productivity in small home spaces.9Community Tool Library Inventory & Checkout SystemShared tools often go missing or untracked in community lending libraries.Develop a simple mechanical or digital system for tracking tool checkouts and returns.10Low-Tech Air Quality Monitor for Classrooms or Elderly HomesAwareness of indoor air quality is limited in community spaces.Design an easy-to-use air monitor using color-changing indicators or basic sensors.11Affordable Leaf Collection Machine for Small BackyardsDuring the fall season, residents with small backyards often struggle with managing large volumes of fallen leaves. Commercial leaf collection machines are often too expensive or too large for personal use.Design a simple, affordable, and easy-to-store leaf collection device or machine suitable for small residential backyards. The design should consider ease of use, storage space, noise levels, and cost-effectiveness.
PA Treasurer Stacy Garrity Announces Additional $25 Million Investment in Israel Bonds On Thursday, the Pennsylvania Treasury Department invested an additional $25 million in Israel bonds. “Israel is our greatest ally in the Middle East, and I will continue to stand by them in their fight to achieve peace,” Treasurer Garrity said. “Israel bonds are a smart, dependable investment with a proven track record – and it’s especially important to show our support at a time when Israelis and Jews — both abroad and here in the United States — continue to face horrific acts of antisemitism. I’m proud to announce this significant new investment, continuing the strong relationship between Pennsylvania, Israel, and the Jewish Community.” As of July 1, the Pennsylvania Treasury Department will have $64.5 million in Israel Bond investments. This includes the $20 million that Treasurer Garrity invested following the Hamas terrorist attacks in October 2023. These new bonds will earn the Commonwealth a return of 4.96% – roughly 100 bps more than comparable U.S. Treasury Bonds. The Commonwealth has invested in Israel bonds for more than 30 years. “We are grateful to State Treasurer Stacy Garrity and Pennsylvania for their continued confidence in Israel Bonds,” said Dani Naveh, Global President and CEO of Israel Bonds. “This powerful investment affirms our shared values. We are proud to stand together in building a secure and prosperous future for both Israel and the United States.” Development Corporation for Israel (known as Israel Bonds) and its affiliates around the world have generated over $54 billion in worldwide investments since it was founded over seven decades ago. With strong rates, Israel bonds are a smart and meaningful investment serving as a symbolic connection with Israel and the people. Learn more at israelbonds.com.
Johnson College Opens Enrollment for Basic Maintenance Course Johnson College is now accepting enrollments for its 48-hour, non-credit Basic Maintenance course, set to be held at the Scranton campus. Classes will run from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, beginning July 22 and ending Sept. 11, 2025. Designed for individuals looking to enter the high-demand field of maintenance and repair, the course will cover essential skills needed for the upkeep of buildings and property systems. Instructional topics include tools, equipment, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, pest control, weatherization and painting. The cost of the course is $650. For more information or to reserve a spot, visit johnson.edu/continuing-ed/basic-maintenance. You can also contact Johnson College’s WAVE team (formerly Continuing Education) at 570-702-8979 or wave@johnson.edu.
United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike Opens 2025-2026 Grant Application Process United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike is pleased to announce that the grant application process for nonprofit organizations serving Wayne and Pike counties is now officially open for the 2025–2026 funding cycle. This annual competitive grant opportunity is available to qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that provide programs or services aligning with United Way’s mission to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities. Priority will be given to initiatives that address critical needs in the areas of education, economic mobility, and health—the building blocks for a good quality of life. “We are committed to investing in programs that deliver measurable impact and real change for all those who call our corner of Pennsylvania home,” said Dr. Angela Bassani, Ed.D., President & CEO, United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike. “This grant opportunity reflects our ongoing dedication to creating stronger, healthier, and more equitable communities.” Nonprofits interested in applying can visit uwlc.net/grants/ to access the grant guidelines, eligibility criteria, and application materials. The deadline for completed applications is July 18th for Wayne County and July 25th for Pike County. For more information or questions about the grant process, please contact Stephanie Miller, smiller@uwlc.net or 570.343.1267 x225
Loop Internet Expanding to Hazleton Hazleton residents and businesses will get access to fast, contract-free fiber internet starting this fall Loop Internet, a locally owned and operated fiber internet provider, has officially broken ground in Hazleton. Construction is underway, and residents and businesses can expect service to begin rolling out this fall. Loop will offer speeds up to 10 Gbps, faster than other providers in the area. The expansion is part of Loop’s mission to deliver fast, reliable, and honest internet to underserved communities across Northeastern Pennsylvania. With its hallmark no-contract plans, symmetrical upload and download speeds, and transparent pricing, Loop is poised to provide a meaningful alternative to the cable monopolies that have long dominated the region. “Hazleton deserves better.” said Jason Wasmanski, General Manager of Loop Internet. “We’re not just building a network, we’re building trust. People are tired of hidden fees, lack of reliability, slow upload speeds, and out-of-town call centers. We’re changing that.” Loop’s fiber infrastructure is being installed across Hazleton in phases, with service activations beginning as early as this fall. Residents and businesses are encouraged to check availability and pre-register for service at loopinternet.com to be among the first connected. Known for its community-first approach, Loop plans to keep Hazleton residents informed every step of the way through local mailers, social media updates, and appearances at neighborhood events. The company’s crews, customer support staff, and leadership are all based in Northeastern Pennsylvania, offering Hazleton a local partner, not a faceless provider. Loop Internet already serves thousands of customers in Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Mountaintop, and Kingston. The Hazleton expansion represents another step in Loop’s long-term commitment to bring better broadband to more communities throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Geisinger Pediatrician, Child Abuse Advocate Awarded Humanitarian Award A Geisinger pediatrician and former medical director of the Children’s Advocacy Center of the Central Susquehanna Valley in Sunbury was recently presented with an award in recognition of his commitment to improving the lives of others through personal sacrifice, and his leadership through his vocation. Pat Bruno, M.D., was presented with the Juniata College William E. Swigart Alumni Humanitarian Award for his selfless service to his community and beyond through his commitment to preventing child abuse and developing programs to evaluate and serve children who have been abused. “I am honored to receive this award. I have been fortunate to have a team that has worked with me for more than 20 years helping to advocate for children,” Dr. Bruno said. “Many thanks go to my team for the difficult work that they have done.” Despite the emotional and practical challenges that come with treating child abuse and neglect cases, after so many years of specializing in the topic, Dr. Bruno understands its complexities. “Child maltreatment is a preventable multidisciplinary, multigenerational community problem,” he said. Until 2024, Dr. Bruno served as medical director and child abuse pediatrician at the Children’s Advocacy Center and was the director of the Division of Child Safety and Advocacy at Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital. He continues to work in general pediatrics and child abuse pediatrics while serving as associate professor of pediatrics at Geisinger School of Medicine. During his career, Dr. Bruno has evaluated and treated more than 6,000 children referred for child maltreatment evaluations and has testified in many counties in the state on behalf of child victims. As a certified member and fellow of the American Board of General Pediatrics, Dr. Bruno is board certified in child abuse pediatrics. He has lectured on child abuse prevention to medical students and residents, and is the author of “How Can I Not?: Reflections on a Life Evaluating and Treating Victims of Child Maltreatment.” Dr. Bruno has been twice recognized with the Thomas Paine Award for Journalism from the Central Susquehanna ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) in 2013 and 2019, and the Dr. Chuck Fasano Memorial Red Cross Award for Medical Heroes in 2014. Dr. Bruno was named Sunbury Citizen of the Year by the Sunbury Rotary Club in 2016.
Woodloch Resort Massage Therapists Shine at Penn State Four skilled massage therapists from The Lodge at Woodloch recently showcased their expertise at Pennsylvania’s 2nd Annual State Massage Championships, held April 12–13 in Pottstown, PA. Melissa Minaya-Nina, Daniel Slater, Junie Fenton, and Stephen Kober represented the award- winning destination spa, demonstrating exceptional talent and professionalism among some of the state’s best practitioners. Junie Fenton and Stephen Kober earned top honors, placing in the top three in their respective categories. Stephen Kober, competing in the “New & Emerging Massage Therapists” division, impressed judges with his innovative fascia-focused therapeutic massage technique, earning a coveted medal despite practicing for less than a year. Junie Fenton was awarded for her mastery in Western Freestyle Techniques, combining unique skills that set her apart in the competition. The Pennsylvania State Massage Championships bring together approximately 50 of the state’s finest massage therapists to challenge their skills, foster professional growth, network, and celebrate the healing art of massage therapy. “The participation and success of our therapists reflect The Lodge at Woodloch’s commitment to wellness excellence and continuous professional development,” said Nancy Deaton, Spa Director at The Lodge at Woodloch. “We are proud to have such talented individuals on our team who contribute to our guests’ exceptional spa experience.” The Lodge at Woodloch invites guests to experience the expert care of its award-winning massage therapists and explore a wide array of wellness treatments nestled within 400 scenic acres of the Pocono Mountains. For more information on the Pennsylvania State Massage Championships, please visit: https://pamassagechampionship.org/.
