SACF: Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation Honored The Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation has been recognized with the Outstanding Foundation Award by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Northeastern Pennsylvania Chapter at the annual National Philanthropy Day Luncheon held on Friday, November 21, 2025, at The Woodlands Inn & Resort. This prestigious award celebrates the Foundation’s extraordinary leadership, strategic philanthropy, and deep commitment to advancing the health and well-being of Northeastern Pennsylvanians. The Board of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation accepts the Outstanding Foundation Award at AFP NEPA’s National Philanthropy Day Luncheon on November 21, 2025. (L–R: Kerry O’Grady, Dr. Chris Dressel, James Clemente, Michael Clemente, Marie Roke Thomas, Laura Ducceschi, Dr. Peter Cognetti, Michele McGowan, Jason Woloski, M.D., Cathy Mihalick, Hon. Terrence R. Nealon.) Established from the sale of Mercy Hospital, the Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation has continued to uphold its mission: reducing health disparities, improving access to care, and fostering collaboration across Lackawanna, Luzerne, and Wyoming Counties. Since its inception, the Foundation has invested millions in programs that address both immediate health needs and long-term, systemic change, always through a lens of equity and community partnership. “The Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation is an extraordinary force for good in our region,” said Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “Beyond its generosity, the Foundation is a true convener—listening deeply, responding compassionately, and leading collaboratively to strengthen the healthcare system for everyone in our community. We were honored to nominate them for this well-deserved recognition.” A defining pillar of the Foundation’s impact is its highly successful Careers in Care initiative, designed to address critical workforce shortages across the health care economy. Since 2020, the Careers in Care Nursing Scholarship Program has awarded over $975,000 in scholarship funding to 131 individuals, many of whom are now employed in local healthcare settings. The initiative expands opportunities for underrepresented and economically disadvantaged students to pursue family-sustaining careers in nursing and the health professions—creating long-term benefits for the region’s workforce and patients alike. The Foundation also established the Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation Scholars Program at the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine (GCSOM), a multi-year $3.2 million commitment that has supported 20 medical students from the tri-county region who are dedicated to practicing medicine in Northeastern Pennsylvania. These investments strengthen the long-term physician pipeline and ensure access to high-quality care for future generations. “The Foundation’s leadership has been especially crucial during the ongoing hospital crisis in Lackawanna County. The Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation partnered with regional philanthropic organizations to provide emergency support, sustain critical services, and advocate for solutions that prioritize community well-being. This timely and strategic response exemplifies what community-centered philanthropy looks like in action,” Ducceschi added. Beyond workforce development and crisis response, the Foundation has made targeted investments in youth mental health, nonprofit capacity building, rural health access, and community collaboration, uplifting innovation and directing resources where they are most urgently needed. “This award reflects the Board’s integrity, compassion, and unwavering belief that meaningful change happens when we work together,” Ducceschi added. “Their impact is felt in classrooms, hospitals, clinics, and communities throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania.” For more information about the Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation, visit nepahealthcarefoundation.org.
WBRE/WYOU Launch “12 Days of Streaming” for Free App WBRE and WYOU announced the launch of “The 12 Days of Streaming,” a special campaign to introduce the region’s newest free streaming platform, 28/22 Now. The campaign will showcase available programming daily across WBRE and WYOU’s social media platforms and include a sweepstakes offering prizes such as a $1,500 ShurSave gift card and deluxe carpet cleaning from NEPA Cleaning Pros. The 28/22 Now streaming app is completely free to download and use, offering unlimited access to all local 28/22 newscasts, Future Alert Weather, 28/22 Sports, Pa Live, and entertainment programming. Available on Roku, Apple TV, and Fire TV with no subscription required, the app keeps viewers connected to breaking news, severe weather updates, and live coverage 24/7, making it perfect for cord cutters who want local news and programming. “We are thrilled to bring the 28/22 Now streaming app to Northeast Pennsylvania,” said Andrew Wyatt, Vice President and General Manager of WBRE-TV. “This app provides free access to live newscasts and quality entertainment anywhere in the United States. Whether you’re home in NEPA or traveling, you can stay connected to what’s happening in our community.” In addition to the holiday campaign, WBRE/WYOU are excited to announce a new partnership with the Ryan Leckey Show, which will now be available on the 28/22 Now streaming app. This collaboration brings Ryan’s signature energy and engaging content to viewers, further expanding the app’s lineup of local programming. To participate in the 12 DAYS OF STREAMING sweepstakes, viewers must download the free streaming app and enter on the 28/22 Now streaming app. Sweepstakes details, including prize information and official rules, are available in the 28/22 Now app. For more information about THE 12 DAYS OF STREAMING, visit 2822news.com or download the 28/22 Now streaming app on any Roku, Apple TV, or Fire TV device.
Tobyhanna’s Technical Publications Team Essential Behind the Scenes When a new military system reaches the hands of the nation’s warfighters, one essential component often goes unnoticed: the manual that teaches them how to use, maintain, and troubleshoot it. At Tobyhanna Army Depot, a small but highly specialized team ensures those instructions are accurate, reliable, and ready for the battlefield. Tobyhanna’s Technical Publications Branch has been developing the technical manuals that accompany military systems, ranging from large tactical shelters and radar platforms to handheld radios and communications headsets, for multiple decades. Tobyhanna’s Technical Publications Branch has been developing the technical manuals that accompany military systems, ranging from large tactical shelters and radar platforms to handheld radios and communications headsets, for multiple decades. These manuals are not what the average consumer would expect to find in a new television set or cell phone, for example. These “tech manuals” are large, complex documents, often hundreds or even thousands of pages long that must follow strict standards set by the Department of War. “We’re taking complex engineering data and turning it into something a soldier can use in an austere environment,” said Technical Publications Branch Supervisor Peter Moore. Soldiers are often depending on these manuals in extreme weather, life-or-death situations where they may have limited background on the systems. Technical Writer-Editor Kevin Slater said everything is written with that context in mind. “Never assume the reader has time to guess. Assume they’re cold and holding a 20-pound wrench,” said Slater. The branch’s workforce is as diverse as its mission. Engineers, technicians, illustrators, drafters, and journalists all contribute to producing a complete manual. The work they perform goes far beyond sitting at a desk and typing away. It truly is part technical, part mechanical, and a part design role. Tobyhanna’s Technical Publications team estimated that approximately 95 percent of the branch’s workload comes from outside the depot. The team supports Army program offices nationwide, the Marine Corps, and occasionally the Navy and Air Force. When a contractor doesn’t have its own writers or when a program office needs an authoritative military manual, they often turn to Tobyhanna. Creating a manual is a deeply hands-on process. Writers and engineers frequently travel to units or manufacturers to examine equipment firsthand, take reference photos, perform operational steps, and work side-by-side with soldiers and subject-matter experts. Provisioners research every part used in a system, ensuring it’s available for the entire 20 to 30-year life cycle of a system, documented, and supported and then compile that data into detailed parts lists soldiers use to order replacements. “Our job is to make sure every piece of equipment can be operated and maintained safely for its entire life cycle,” said Technical Writer-Editor Jacob Crawford. Each manual concludes with a verification event in which a user follows the instructions step-by-step to ensure accuracy before the system can be fielded. The work of Tobyhanna’s Technical Publications Branch is complex, meticulous, and sometimes invisible to the public, but its impact is felt on the battlefield when soldiers desperately need it. “Every system needs a book,” said Configuration Management Specialist Carleton Henning. “And we make sure that book works for the soldier who needs it most.” This illustration depicts a power supply and labels each item a user will need to be able to identify when removing or installing it.
Wright Center Planning North Scranton Expansion The Wright Center for Community Health has begun a $5 million project to build a community health center in North Scranton, expanding access to primary care, behavioral health, and dental services across Lackawanna County. The new, two-story community health center will be located at 1727-1729 N. Main St., next door to The Wright Center for Community Health North Scranton’s current location at 1721 N. Main Ave. The building was the longtime office of Dr. Paul Remick. The Wright Center began offering primary care services there when Dr. Remick retired in 2023 to minimize disruption for his longtime patients and to expand access to affordable, high-quality, whole-person primary health services for patients of all ages, income levels, and insurance statuses. The Wright Center purchased the property at 1727-1729 N. Main St. in February 2025 because the demand for health care services outpaced the available space in the existing building. The existing location also needs additional parking spots and infrastructure improvements. “We’ve seen a growing demand for health care services since we opened our community health center in North Scranton more than two years ago,” said Dr. Jignesh Y. Sheth, senior vice president and enterprise chief operations and strategy officer at The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education. “We did not have the capacity to continue our growth in our existing primary care office building. We’re privileged to be able to invest in the long-term health and welfare of the North Scranton community to ensure residents’ current and future health care needs are satisfied.” The construction project will create a nearly 8,000-square-foot, two-story community health center offering primary care, behavioral health care, and dental services. In addition to 10 exam rooms on the first floor and four dental operatories and four behavioral health treatment rooms on the second floor, the building will also have a space for lab services. The Wright Center plans to break ground on the project in the spring with a tentative completion date of fall/winter 2026. A Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant of $984,585 will fund part of this project. While construction is underway, Wright Center staff will continue to treat patients at the existing community health center. Once construction of the new building is complete, the clinic will move into the new, expanded space, and the clinic at 1721 N. Main Ave. will be razed. The Wright Center recently completed a similar expansion project in Wilkes-Barre, albeit on a much larger scale. The Luzerne County project won a Pride of Place Award from the Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce last month. The award recognizes The Wright Center’s thoughtful, intentional design for the present and future health care needs in Luzerne County. Read more about that project at TheWrightCenter.org/news. “We’re really excited for this opportunity to invest in the community of North Scranton and the greater Scranton area. Northeast Pennsylvania continues to have an unmet need for our integrated model of providing whole-person primary health care, behavioral health care, and dental services at one location,” Dr. Sheth said. “Our projects in Wilkes-Barre and North Scranton are being built from the ground up as part of our mission to improve the health and welfare of our communities through responsive, whole-person health services for all and the sustainable renewal of an inspired, competent workforce that is privileged to serve.” As a Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike, commonly known as an FQLA, The Wright Center operates a network of 13 community health centers in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayne, and Wyoming counties. For more information, go to TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-209-0019
RailRiders Unveil 2026 CHAMP’S Home Run Readers Program The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders and Red Robin are thrilled to announce a new reading program. CHAMP’S Home Run Readers is a premier reading program developed exclusively for elementary and middle schools in Scranton, Wilkes-Barre and surrounding communities. This challenge will run from March 2 through March 22, 2026. CHAMP’S Home Run Readers are tasked with tracking their reading minutes outside of the classroom. While only at-home, out-of-school reading counts, this can include school curriculum books, self-chosen books, and both digital and print materials. A reader’s time can also include minutes a parent or guardian reads aloud to the student, encouraging family literacy. They believe in celebrating every milestone in reading. Prizes are awarded based on the student’s highest achievement tier. Each student who participates will receive a coupon courtesy of Red Robin. Single – Read under 400 minutes and receive a participation certificate. Double – Read at least 400 minutes and receive a participation certificate plus two tickets for a specified RailRiders game. Triple – Read at least 800 minutes and receive a participation certificate plus four tickets for a specified RailRiders game. Home Run – Read 1,300 or more minutes and receive a participation certificate plus four tickets for a specified RailRiders game, a first pitch at a specified RailRiders home game and a RailRiders t-shirt. Top Overall Reader: On-Field recognition at a RailRiders game, an autographed baseball PLUS a photo with CHAMP. Student tickets are redeemable on June 9 or June 10, 2026. All prizes are subject to change. CHAMP’S Home Run Readers efforts will be tracked by program coordinators at the student’s school. Each school will designate a program coordinator to assist in the process. Any teacher that has their classroom participate in this challenge, the Program Coordinator and Principal will be awarded a ticket voucher redeemable for four tickets to a 2026 RailRiders game. Some restrictions may apply, and seats are based on availability. The top five schools with the most student participation will receive a suite for a RailRiders game for 12 staff members (food and beverage not included) for a mutually agreed upon date. The top school will receive $250 towards a school Amazon Wish List. The deadline for registering is February 13, 2026. The RailRiders’ 2026 campaign begins on the road March 27 with the home opener at PNC Field scheduled for April 7. Season ticket memberships, including premium seating, full season, half season and partial plans, are on sale now. Learn more about CHAMP’S Home Run Readers, presented by Red Robin, online at swbrailriders.com or by calling (570) 969-2255.
Allied Services VP Retires, Receives Flag From SourceAmerica SourceAmerica representative Marshelle Gaspar presented a ceremonial flag to Bob Ames at a reception today in recognition of and celebration of his upcoming retirement from Allied Services after 35+ years of empowering and enriching the lives of adults with disabilities. Bill Conaboy, President & CEO of Allied Services, first introduced Bob Ames at the reception to many colleagues and thanked Bob for his leadership and loyalty to our organization and for the accomplishments Bob achieved on behalf of adults with disabilities, who live and work with us, across four decades. In her presentation, Marshelle thanked Bob for his advocacy for and commitment to employment opportunities for adults with physical, intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as explaining the flag was made by adults with disabilities through one of the SourceAmerica partners in California. Left to right: Marshelle Gaspar, Nonprofit Liaison, East Region, SourceAmerica, Bob Ames, Vice President, Community Services and Real Estate, Allied Services, Bill Conaboy, Esq., President & CEO, Allied Services Integrated Health System.
Equestrian House: Close to the Slopes, Far From the Crowds There’s a secret tucked away in Northeastern Pennsylvania: Elk Mountain—a ski resort that draws skiers and snowboarders who prefer solid terrain, night skiing (a welcome little adventure under the stars), and more time on the slopes than waiting in lift lines. It’s unpretentious in the best way and truly one of the best-kept winter secrets. And Equestrian House’s vacation rentals—a log cabin and several cottages and suites—are just 16 miles away, roughly a half-hour drive through pretty countryside. After a day of hurling oneself down snowy slopes, guests have the luxury of returning to their own quiet place instead of a packed hotel lobby full of clattering boots and noisy retellings of wipeouts. Here, guests can kick off their boots, sink into a couch, and feel that particular satisfaction that comes from a good day on the mountain. And it seems the sporting thing to do to mention that this ski season, from mid-December through mid-March, Equestrian House is offering 35% off any midweek stay of three nights or longer (Sunday through Thursday). Winter fills up faster than most would think, so check availability before all the sensible winter lovers claim the dates. Click here for more information. Check the Elk Mountain webcams for real-time slope conditions.
Geisinger Health Plan Recognized by U.S. News & World Report U.S. News & World Report, the global authority in health care rankings and consumer advice, has named Geisinger Health Plan (GHP) a 2026 Best Insurance Company for Medicare Advantage in Pennsylvania. The ratings of the Best Insurance Companies for Medicare Advantage evaluate private insurance companies on the basis of U.S. News’ proprietary analysis of 30+ quality measures published by the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Less than one-third of Medicare Advantage providers nationwide were named Best Insurance Companies for Medicare Advantage. “This is once again a testament to Geisinger Health Plan’s continued commitment to providing high-quality medical coverage and excellent member services to Medicare beneficiaries across Pennsylvania,” said Karen Murphy, PhD, RN, president of Geisinger Health Plan. “U.S. News’ comprehensive, data-driven methodology recognizes the insurance companies that deliver the best Medicare Advantage plans,” said Sumita Singh, executive vice president and general manager of Health at U.S. News. “By evaluating every company’s Medicare Advantage plans based on dozens of quality measures and recognizing top performers in key areas – including Screening & Prevention and Care Continuity – we’re highlighting those that deliver superior plans and hopefully better outcomes for beneficiaries,” Singh added. “U.S. News’ Medicare Advantage ratings are a powerful tool for beneficiaries as they make one of their most important health decisions.” For the 2026 edition of Best Insurance Companies for Medicare Advantage, U.S. News considered CMS data and quality measure results for every evaluated insurance company’s Medicare Advantage health plans for the 2026 calendar year. U.S. News, in consultation with industry experts, selected 30+ CMS quality measures and assigned each measure a weight reflecting its relevance to consumers. The results for a provider’s plans were averaged together, with greater weight assigned to plans having the most seniors enrolled. Additionally, U.S. News calculated insurers’ ratings for three specific Medicare Advantage award categories: Screening & Prevention, Care Continuity and Highest Satisfaction. For more information, visit Best Insurance Companies for Medicare Advantage. Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period ends Sunday, Dec. 7. Click here or call 800-482-8163 to learn more about GHP Medicare Advantage options.
Geisinger’s Peer Support Program Reaches Milestone Geisinger’s employee-led peer support initiative, M-PATH (Meeting Peers at the Heart), has reached a significant milestone, with more than 1,000 employees now trained as peer supporters across the health system. Developed and offered through Geisinger’s Center for Well-being, M-PATH is designed to cultivate a culture of empathy, connection and emotional support among staff. The program equips employees with the skills to provide meaningful peer-to-peer support — whether proactively checking in with colleagues or offering a compassionate ear during challenging times. As part of the training, peer supporters learn how to be an empathetic and active listener, assess situations thoughtfully and connect employees with appropriate resources when additional support is needed. Peer supporters represent a wide range of departments, roles and regions, underscoring Geisinger’s commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace environment. “We’re incredibly grateful to the more than 1,000 employees who have stepped up to be a source of support for their peers,” said Susan Parisi, M.D., Geisinger’s chief wellness officer. “Their compassion and dedication reflect the value Geisinger places on well-being and the powerful role each person plays in building a connected, caring community. We’re proud of how far the M-PATH program has come and look forward to its continued growth and the positive impact it will have on our colleagues.”
Scranton Cultural Center and Broadway Theatre League Unite Two of the region’s most iconic entertainment organizations have become one. On Wednesday afternoon, Broadway Theatre League of NEPA announced that it has merged with the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple. (From L to R) John Murray – SCC Board Co-President; Deborah Moran Peterson – SCC Co-Executive Director; Frank T. Blasi, Esq. – SCC Co- Executive Director; and Brian Cali, Esq. – SCC Board Co-President “This merger represents more than just strategic alignment, it’s a community commitment,” according to Brian Cali, Esq., and John Murray, joint chairmen of the Scranton Cultural Center board. “The Broadway Theatre League has brought the highest caliber productions to Scranton for over six decades, offering world-class performances at a fraction of the cost of New York City, and will now become part of the region’s entertainment Mecca, the Scranton Cultural Center.” “Through this partnership, we ensure that generations of Pennsylvanians – especially those who may never otherwise experience the magic of Broadway – continue to have access to the arts and other future programs planned with our new venture,” they added. The Scranton Cultural Center, a stunning 1930s architectural landmark designed by Raymond Hood and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has long been BTL’s home stage. The special facility is currently undergoing a $10 million restoration helping to preserve the 1930s landmark for generations to come. This merger deepens that impact. “By joining forces, we’re not only preserving a historic structure – we’re amplifying its reach. We’re building an arts and culture hub that will serve students, seniors, families and visitors from across Pennsylvania and beyond,” according to board members, Dr. Kimberly D’Andrea and William Schoen, who are spearheading transition communication efforts. Employees of both organizations have been retained, and Deborah Moran Peterson and Frank T. Blasi, Esq. will serve as co-directors of the SCC. The merger announcement was made in conjunction with the unveiling of the Center’s historic Weinberg Theatre, which has been closed to the public for restoration since June. As part of the large-scale restoration project, funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Department of General Services, theatre restorations include the removal and replacement of over 2,600 Celotex ceiling tiles, and 1,700 decorative plaster ornaments. Additionally, the decorative proscenium arch that was missing since the 1980s was recreated.
