SACF Honors Michele Bannon and Dr. Tania Stoker

The Scranton Area Community Foundation honored two outstanding community leaders, Michele Bannon and Dr. Tania Stoker, at the 2025 Women in Philanthropy Annual Celebration, held on Wednesday, November 5, at the Foundation’s new home in the historic Century Club of Scranton.

Bannon received the Margaretta Belin Chamberlin Award, and Stoker received the Roseann Smith Alperin Award, two prestigious honors in the region recognizing women whose leadership, service, and vision have made a lasting impact throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania.

“Dr. Stoker and Ms. Bannon are shining examples of what it means to lead with purpose,” said Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “Through their compassion, generosity, and tireless service, they continue to strengthen our community and inspire others to do the same.”

Both awards were established at the Scranton Area Community Foundation by generous donors to memorialize and honor women whose values and impact continue to inspire generations.

The Margaretta Belin Chamberlin Award, established in 1992 by the family of Margaretta Belin Chamberlin, honors a woman whose vision, dedication, and courage have enhanced the quality of life and expanded opportunities for others within her community.

The Roseann Smith Alperin Award, established by the Junior League of Scranton, recognizes an outstanding female volunteer who exemplifies the heart and spirit of Roseann Smith Alperin—someone who leads, motivates, and inspires others through her volunteer service and commitment to community.

Michele Bannon, recipient of the Margaretta Belin Chamberlin Award, was celebrated for her joyful and devoted civic engagement in Carbondale and beyond. Her decades of service include leadership roles with NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania, the Greater Carbondale Chamber of Commerce, and the Carbondale Historical Society, where she has been active since 1994. She also volunteers with St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen, the Greater Carbondale YMCA, and the Maplewood Cemetery Trust.

Her civic leadership extends to the Lackawanna County Land Bank Advisory Board, the Wayne Memorial Community Board, and the U-Comp Board of Directors through the Pennsylvania Municipal League. Within her parish at St. Rose of Lima Church, she serves on the Finance Committee, Pastoral Council, and as a lector and fundraising chair—roles she approaches with faith and enthusiasm. Bannon’s contributions have previously earned her the 2013 Roseann Smith Alperin Award and the 2019 Pioneer Hero Award.

Dr. Tania Stoker, recipient of the Roseann Smith Alperin Award, has dedicated over 27 years to advancing equity, access, and opportunity through public education. Currently Assistant Superintendent for the Northern Lehigh School District, she has served as a teacher, coach, principal, and district leader dedicated to uplifting students and families.

A dedicated volunteer, Dr. Stoker has been an active member of the Junior League of Scranton since 2017, serving as board member, treasurer, and committee chair. She also lends her leadership to St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen, Ronald McDonald House of Scranton, Family to Family, Friends of the Poor, and the Adopt a Single Mom Project. Her service extends to advisory boards for the Workforce Board Lehigh Valley – Business Education Partnership and Lehigh University’s Zoellner Arts Center. Her leadership has been recognized with the Mary Harriman Award (2020), Margaret L. Richards Award (2024), and the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators’ Wanda McDaniel Award (2025).

Scranton Area Community Foundation President and CEO Laura Ducceschi congratulates Michele Bannon, recipient of the 2025 Margaretta Belin Chamberlin Award, during the Women in Philanthropy Annual Celebration at the Foundation’s new home in the Century Club of Scranton on Wednesday, November 5, 2025.

Scranton Area Community Foundation President and CEO Laura Ducceschi congratulates Dr. Tania Stoker, recipient of the 2025 Roseann Smith Alperin Award, during the Women in Philanthropy Annual Celebration at the Foundation’s new home in the Century Club of Scranton on Wednesday, November 5, 2025.

Each year, Women in Philanthropy (WIP), an initiative of the Scranton Area Community Foundation, celebrates the power of collective giving and honors women whose leadership and service strengthen communities across Northeastern Pennsylvania.

The 2025 celebration marked a milestone year, taking place for the first time at the Foundation’s new home in the Century Club of Scranton, where supporters, partners, and community members gathered to celebrate over a decade of impact and growing regional momentum. The evening featured stories of empowerment, progress, and generosity that showcased how women’s collective philanthropy continues to change lives across the region.

Guests enjoyed an inspiring program highlighting the initiative’s achievements, including its ongoing support of financial education programs, microgrants for women-owned businesses, and collaborative efforts to address barriers such as childcare and transportation—all aimed at improving economic mobility and quality of life for women, girls, and families in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Through events like this annual celebration, Women in Philanthropy continues to bring together a diverse network of leaders, donors, and changemakers united by a shared vision: to invest in lasting, equitable progress across the region.

Team Allied Services Marks Record Year at NYC Marathon

After months of training, teamwork, and incredible community support, Allied Services celebrated a record-breaking year for Team Allied Services, revealing an astounding $645,974 raised to benefit programs that empower individuals at every stage of life – from children taking their first steps to seniors and veterans regaining strength, independence, and dignity.

The grand finale, hosted live on WNEP-TV from Toyota MotorWorld in Wilkes-Barre, brought together runners, sponsors, and supporters to celebrate this milestone achievement. The broadcast, led by Anthony Bordanaro, featured powerful stories of hope and perseverance, illustrating how Allied’s mission continues to change lives across Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania.

Each year, Team Allied Services takes on the world-renowned TCS New York City Marathon, channeling every mile and moment of determination into support for the rehabilitation and care programs that serve more than 5,000 individuals daily.

“At Allied Services, we’re proud to stand beside people of all ages and abilities – helping them live with independence, dignity, and compassion,” said Atty. Bill Conaboy, President and CEO of Allied Services. “From a child taking their first steps, to a veteran rebuilding strength and purpose, to an older adult finding comfort and connection – every story is made possible through the generosity of our community. We are profoundly grateful to everyone who shares in our mission and helps us continue this life-changing work.”

Allied Services extends heartfelt thanks to the many sponsors and partners who made this record-breaking campaign possible.

Major sponsors include Mohegan Pennsylvania, MotorWorld Toyota, Northeast Rehab Associates, Scanlon, Howley, & Doherty, Lopatofsky Auction LLC, Mueller Family McDonald’s, Stella-Corbin Family McDonald’s, United Concordia Dental, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Peoples Security Bank & Trust, Crothall Healthcare, The Hawk Family Foundation, and Weis Markets.

Signature Event Sponsors included Aon, Topp Business Solutions, and Quantum Rehab.

Media Partners WNEP-TV, Lamar Advertising Scranton, and Ryan Leckey Media played an essential role in spreading awareness and sharing stories of impact throughout the campaign.

“Allied Services is incredibly fortunate to have such a strong network of community partners,” said Jim Brogna, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at Allied Services. “Their continued commitment allows us to provide advanced therapies, adaptive technologies, and compassionate care that change lives every day.”

Front from left; Jim Brogna, Vice President, Allied Services; Hunter Benson, pediatric patient, Allied Services; Dr. Alan Lam, PM&R Resident, The Wright Center; Joseph Swiontek, Personal Care Resident, Allied Services Meade Street; Walter Sokolowski, Physical Therapist Assistant, Allied Services;

Standing back from left: Bryanna Weinczyk, RN, BSN, Nurse, Allied Services Transitional Care; Atty. Bill Conaboy, President & CEO, Allied Services; Jamie Mackey, Residential Services Manager, Allied Services Developmental Services.

Mohegan Pennsylvania Awarded Over $10 Million in October Jackpots

October brought a wave of winning to Mohegan Pennsylvania! Guests across the property celebrated a thrilling month of luck, with more than $10.4 million in slot jackpots awarded. Among the most exciting moments were three standout wins: a $74,515 jackpot on a Light & Wonder Ultimate Fire Link Ultra Bank slot machine, a $62,340 jackpot on an Aristocrat Dragon Cash – Peace & Long Life slot machine, and a $63,231 jackpot on a HUFF N’ EVEN MORE PUFF GRAND slot machine.

From Wednesday, October 1st – Wednesday, December 31st, Momentum members who win a qualifying jackpot of $1,200 or more automatically receive an electronic entry for the chance to win a share of $50,000 in cash and Free Slot Play Prizes! Momentum members who win a qualifying jackpot on Fridays during the promotion period will receive an additional entry. The $50,000 Jackpot Winners Club Giveaway drawing will take place on Saturday, January 24th, where one winner will be chosen every ten minutes from 6:00pm – 10:00pm to receive $1,000 Free Slot Play. At 10:00pm, one lucky winner will be chosen to receive $10,000 in cash!

In total, Mohegan Pennsylvania has an array of more than 1,500 slot machines including the latest technology from featured games like Dragon Link, Lightning Link, Wheel of Fortune, Monopoly Express, and more. The property also features nearly 60 table games including Blackjack, Roulette, Three Card Poker, and more. To learn more about all that Mohegan Pennsylvania has to offer, visit mohegansun.com/playing.

Mohegan Pennsylvania’s rewards program, Momentum, is a free, 21+ program, and allows guests to elevate their Status, which comes with added rewards. Visit the Casino Cashier on property or moheganpa.com/momentum for more information.

Tri-Star Academy Awarded Funding for Pre-K Expansion

Tri-Star Academy is proud to announce that it has received additional funding to expand and strengthen its participation in the Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts program, enabling more local families to access high-quality early childhood education at no cost.

The new funding will allow Tri-Star Academy to increase enrollment opportunities, enhance classroom resources, and continue providing certified teachers and comprehensive learning experiences for children ages 3 to 5. This investment reaffirms the Commonwealth’s commitment to ensuring that every child—regardless of family income—has access to a strong educational foundation before entering kindergarten.

“We are thrilled to receive this additional support for our PA Pre-K Counts classrooms,” said Kathleen Pearage, Owner at Tri-Star Academy. “This funding allows us to serve even more children and families in our community, preparing them for lifelong success through high-quality early learning experiences.”

The PA Pre-K Counts program, funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, is designed to make pre-kindergarten accessible to children at risk of school failure due to economic or educational disadvantages. Tri-Star Academy has been a proud provider of PA PKC since 2023, consistently achieving strong outcomes in kindergarten readiness and family engagement.

With this additional funding, Tri-Star Academy plans to:

  • Add new Pre-K Counts classrooms at Tri-Star Academy-Blakely and Tri-Star Academy-Archbald.
  • Hire additional certified early childhood educators
  • Expand family engagement initiatives and community partnerships
  • Invest in enhanced learning materials and professional development

Families interested in learning more about enrollment opportunities for the upcoming school year are encouraged to contact Tri-Star Academy at 570-397-8064 or tristar.archbald@gmail.com

“Every child deserves a strong start,” added Pearage. “Through PA Pre-K Counts, and with this renewed support, we are helping build brighter futures for Pennsylvania’s youngest learners.”

GCMC Invests Nearly $50 Million in Scranton Hospital

Geisinger Community Medical Center (GCMC) has several projects in motion to address critical and growing health care needs for the Scranton, Lackawanna County and larger northeastern Pennsylvania community.

Renovation is underway to add 19 new postpartum beds and more pre- and post-operative care to GCMC’s labor and delivery capacity. The project is expected to reach a 12-bed milestone in December and be completed in April 2026.

To provide more onsite care for newborns, GCMC has upgraded its nursery from a well-baby nursery to a continuing care nursery capable of caring for babies who may need help breathing or regulating their temperature but do not need the higher acuity care of a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Geisinger leadership is targeting next year to begin work on a NICU, which, when complete, will provide care for babies with more complicated conditions and need for critical care right in Scranton.

GCMC is also addressing an increasing community need for more emergency care by adding 24 emergency medicine treatment areas to its first floor, an update made possible by the migration of a variety of outpatient specialty services from the medical center to Geisinger’s 3 W. Olive Street facility where they have more room to grow.

The multi-faceted plan for improvement within the hospital’s current footprint includes installing a second MRI machine for diagnostic imaging and building an additional suite for endoscopic procedures. These enhancements to care capacity will be supported by the growth of Geisinger’s patient transport services in Lackawanna County.

These efforts follow the opening or reactivation of 41 inpatient beds earlier this year, 22 of which were enabled by moving behavioral health services to Geisinger Behavioral Health Center Northeast when it opened in August 2023.

These most recent and ongoing renovations represent a nearly $50 million investment in Scranton.

“We are laser-focused on providing as much safe, quality acute care as possible within the bounds of Geisinger Community Medical Center,” said Navneet Dang, M.D., M.B.A., chief medical officer at GCMC. “As more residents of Lackawanna County and surrounding communities come to us for care, we need all these resources to meet their needs. But to deliver the best care possible, we still need to do much more.”

Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti recently appealed to City Council to approve new zoning designations near GCMC to facilitate Geisinger’s continued commitment to addressing the critical and growing health care needs of the Scranton community.

“With these projects, we’ve grown services as much as humanly possible inside the walls of our current hospital, but the community needs more,” said Nick Coleman, associate vice president of clinical operations in Geisinger’s northeast region. “Significant additional capacity at GCMC is needed, long overdue, and what northeastern Pennsylvania deserves. Amidst the uncertain future of hospital services elsewhere in Scranton, we are very grateful for Mayor Cognetti’s forward-thinking and vision. We need equal support from City Council and the people of Scranton to ensure we have a health care community that can care for everyone who lives here with competence, expertise and compassion for years to come.”

Geisinger Health Plan Medicare Options for Veterans

Veterans can select a special Medicare Advantage plan geared toward them from Geisinger Health Plan (GHP) during the ongoing Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, which ends Sunday, Dec. 7.

Veterans can continue to receive Veteran Affairs (VA) health care benefits without adding a monthly payment. The Geisinger Gold Heritage (HMO) plan provides veterans with more non-VA health care facility options when seeking care closer to home, including:

  • $0 copay for supplemental preventive and comprehensive dental services, up to $1,250 annually
  • $40 allowance per month for over-the-counter purchases like cough medicine and bandages
  • $200 allowance per year for eyewear
  • $1,250 allowance per year every 3 years for prescription hearing aids and $250 allowance every 2 years for 1 pair of over-the-counter hearing aids.
  • A cap in out-of-pocket costs for inpatient stays
  • Access to more than 30,000 doctors and specialists, 180+ hospitals and all VA facilities

“We recognize and honor the special role veterans have played for our country — and we understand their unique health care needs,” said Roger van Baaren, Geisinger Health Plan chief sales officer. “That’s why GHP is proud to have plans that were designed with veterans specifically in mind.” 

Click here or call 800-482-8163 to learn more about Geisinger Health Plan Medicare Advantage options.

Moses Taylor Foundation Hires Will Craven

Will Craven has joined Moses Taylor Foundation, a private foundation with a mission to improve the health of people in Northeastern Pennsylvania, as its Operations and Grants Officer. In this role, he will support the Foundation’s grant management system, lead internal operations, and coordinate organizational initiatives and events.

Craven previously served as Manager of Community Impact Funding at United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike, where he oversaw the review of nonprofit grant applications and supported programs that strengthened communities across the region. He also brings experience from his time as Business Division Chair and faculty member at Lackawanna College, where he led academic initiatives and taught a wide range of topics. In his free time, he enjoys exploring the outdoors of Northeastern Pennsylvania.

“Will brings a breadth of experience with cross-functional operations, proven success managing high-impact projects, and a deep understanding of financial management. His expertise, blended with his passion for community health, will help us drive strategic progress, improve processes, and further amplify the Foundation’s mission. We are thrilled to welcome Will to the team,” said Danielle Breslin, President and CEO of Moses Taylor Foundation.

Craven holds a master’s degree in public administration from Marywood University and a bachelor’s degree in community health education from The University of Scranton. He also holds an associate degree in accounting from Lackawanna College.

Craven assumed his responsibilities at Moses Taylor Foundation in late October on a part-time basis and will transition to full-time in mid-December.

Outreach Receives Grant from SACF

Outreach – Center for Community Resources recently received a $10,000 grant from the Scranton Area Community Foundation for the Ways to Work car loan program.

Photo (left to right): Kenneth Okrepkie, Scranton Area Community Foundation Board Member; Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO, Scranton Area Community Foundation; Jennifer Shoemaker, Outreach Workforce Development Manager, and Heather MacLennan, Ways to Work Case Manager, Outreach – Center for Community Resources.

Established in 2024, the Ways to Work program helps low-income individuals obtain a reliable, safe vehicle to maintain and advance their employment opportunities. Eligible participants must meet a series of requirements verified by Outreach staff. Participants can receive up to a $15,000 loan over five years. Outreach employs a Ways to Work program manager who maintains constant contact with the participant throughout the loan, providing support and connections to resources when necessary.

Since starting the program, Outreach has provided vehicles to eight individuals. The program has helped individuals and families attain economic self-sufficiency and family stability, which is the Outreach mission.

Outreach is thankful to the Scranton Area Community Foundation for its support.