Greater Scranton YMCA Awarded BK5K Youth Grant On October 9, 2025, the Greater Scranton YMCA received a grant award of $2,000 from the BK5K Youth Fund of the Winona Community Foundation. Funds will support the continued development of youth programs at the Y. From left: Marcelo DeSousa, Regional Operations Manager, Fastenal; Rich Surridge, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA; Meghan Carnevale, Mission Advancement & Marketing Director, Greater Scranton YMCA; Whitney McDonald, SHUB Help Desk Manager, Fastenal
UNC Receives Generous Donation Presented by Fastenal Company United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC) is one of the recipients of the annual BK5K 5-kilometer road race and walk presented by Fastenal Company. A check for $3,000 was recently presented to UNC and will directly support renovations at our Progressive Child Care Center to purchase new classroom equipment. The 2024 BK5K was held on July 19, 2025, at Nay Aug Park in Scranton. The BK5K was created to honor Bob Kierlin, founder of Fastenal Company and lifelong supporter of youth initiatives. The event, which includes multiple races around the world, raises hundreds of thousands of dollars annually to benefit local youth programs. UNC operates three licensed child care centers in Lackawanna County, offering affordable, high-quality early education and after-school programs that foster growth, learning, and social development. Chrissy Manuel, UNC Director of Development and Communications; Kelly Langan, UNC Director of Children & Teens; Donna Veater, UNC Progressive Child Care Center Director; Lisa Durkin, UNC President and Chief Operating Officer; Whitney McDonald, Fastenal SHUB Help Desk Manager; Marcelo Desousa, Fastenal Regional Operations Manager; and Geyshelle Brown, UNC Progressive Child Care Center Assistant Group Supervisor.
My Benefit Advisor: Technological Integration and Data Security in Employee Benefits Technological integration in employee benefits management is crucial for enhancing efficiency, accessibility, and user experience. By leveraging digital platforms, employers can streamline the administration of benefits, allowing employees to easily access and manage their benefits information, such as health insurance, retirement plans, and wellness programs. This integration supports real-time updates, reduces administrative errors, and provides a seamless experience for both HR departments and employees. However, with the increased reliance on digital systems comes a heightened need for robust data security measures. Employee benefits platforms often handle sensitive personal and financial information, making them prime targets for cyberattacks. A breach can lead to significant consequences, including identity theft, financial loss, and a loss of trust among employees. For employers, a data breach can result in legal liabilities, regulatory penalties, and damage to the company’s reputation. As a result, investing in advanced cybersecurity measures, such as encryption, secure authentication, and regular security audits, is essential. Ensuring data privacy and protection not only complies with legal requirements but also fosters a secure environment that reassures employees their personal information is safe. In this way, technological integration and data security are intertwined in maintaining an efficient, effective and trustworthy benefits system. Click here for more information.
SWB RailRiders Announce Banana Ball Games in 2026 Banana Ball is coming to PNC Field in 2026! The global phenomenon, made famous by the Savannah Bananas, will stop in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre for two games on May 22 and 23. As revealed Thursday night during the 2026 Banana Ball City Selection Show, which aired on ESPN2, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre has been selected as a tour stop for the brand-new Banana Ball Championship League (BBCL). PNC Field will host official league games featuring the Loco Beach Coconuts against the Firefighters. Fans must enter the ticket lottery at bananaball.com/tickets by October 31, 2025, for a chance to purchase tickets. Tickets will go on sale approximately two months prior to the scheduled event dates for those selected in the ticket lottery. Individual ticket sales for the games are being handled exclusively by Fans First Entertainment, the company that manages the Savannah Bananas and BBCL member teams. Standard tickets start at $35. Banana Ball has taken the sports world by storm, drawing millions of fans with its non-stop action, viral moments and unique rules – including a two-hour time limit, no bunting and fans catching foul balls for outs. The 2026 BBCL season will feature six teams playing 60 games across the country, all leading to a can’t- miss championship series in October. With dancing players, surprise guests and one-of-a-kind in-game antics, Banana Ball delivers an entertainment experience unlike anything else in sports.
Scranton Area Community Foundation’s Laura Ducceschi Selected for National CEO Program The Scranton Area Community Foundation is proud to announce that its President and CEO, Laura Ducceschi, has been selected to participate in the 2025–26 cohort of the Executive Leadership Institute (ELI) for CEOs, a national program convened by CFLeads, the country’s premier network of community foundations. The Executive Leadership Institute (ELI) for CEOs is designed to strengthen the strategic leadership of community foundation executives nationwide. Participants engage in intensive peer learning, reflection, and collaboration to advance bold, equity-centered, and community-driven approaches to philanthropy. “It is an honor to be selected to join this distinguished cohort of leaders,” said Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “This program will provide invaluable opportunities to learn from peers nationwide, strengthen our leadership strategies, and deepen how we work with and for our community. I look forward to bringing these insights back to Northeastern Pennsylvania as we continue to advance equity, build connections, and drive lasting impact.” Through the program, Laura will join CEOs from community foundations across the United States to explore emerging challenges, share innovative practices, and strengthen the collective impact of philanthropy in local communities. “Laura’s selection for this national leadership program reflects both her dedication and the Scranton Area Community Foundation’s ongoing commitment to bold, impactful leadership,” said Ellen Burkey, Chair of the Scranton Area Community Foundation Board of Governors. “We are proud to see Laura representing our region and bringing back strategies that will continue to benefit the communities we serve.” The Scranton Area Community Foundation has a 76-year history of serving Northeastern Pennsylvania through philanthropy, community leadership, and collaboration. Laura’s participation in CFLeads’ Executive Leadership Institute represents the Foundation’s continued investment in advancing equity, strengthening civic participation, and building resilient communities across the region. Click here to find more information about the Executive Leadership Institute for CEOs.
Geisinger Marworth Earns Top Treatment Center Rank For the third year in a row, Geisinger Marworth Treatment Center has been named to Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Addiction Treatment Centers as the top-ranked facility in Pennsylvania. “As the complexities of substance use disorder continue to grow, Geisinger Marworth adapts, finding innovative ways to address and help manage the disease. Our commitment to quality, compassionate, patient-focused care will always lie at the center of our mission,” said Kimberly Kabernagel, DO, medical director at Geisinger Marworth. “We are once again honored for being recognized for the care we deliver and inspired to continue to find ways to meet the needs of our communities.” The America’s Best Addiction Treatment Centers 2025 list highlights the nation’s top 420 addiction treatment centers, ranking them based on four data sources, including: A national online survey measuring the reputation score from medical professionals and managers/administrators in addiction treatment centers; Accreditation data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA); Care services data from SAMHSA; and Google reviews as a measure of patient experience. Geisinger Marworth, located in Waverly, offers a continuum of treatment, including inpatient residential treatment, intensive outpatient and general outpatient services. Services include medication-assisted treatment, dialectical behavioral therapy, recreational therapy, canine therapy and grief and trauma support. While Marworth’s rankings are for Pennsylvania, the facility also cares for people in New Jersey, New York, New England and more, plus healthcare professionals and first responders. Marworth has served more than 40,000 people with substance use disorder since opening in 1982. Learn more at geisinger.org/newsweekmarworth.
Misericordia University Appoints New Members to Board of Trustees Misericordia University has appointed four new members to its Board of Trustees: Robert J. “Bob” Gronauer, Esq.; Mary T. Kolessar; Kris Jones; and Mary Ann Dillon, RSM, Ph.D. Left to Right: Robert J. Gronauer, Esq., Mary Ann Dillon, RSM, Ph.D., Kris Jones, Mary T. Kolessar Robert J. Gronauer, Esq., a 1991 graduate of College Misericordia, is a partner at Kaempfer Crowell in Las Vegas, where he specializes in land use and zoning law. Recognized nationally by Best Lawyers in America® and Chambers USA, he has extensive experience in government relations, zoning and community planning. He brings to Kristhe board strategic legal expertise, leadership in governance and a strong alumni connection to the university. Mary T. Kolessar, a 2007 graduate of Misericordia with a master’s degree in education, serves as executive director of DiscoverNEPA, where she promotes regional growth and community engagement. She previously held leadership roles in education and finance. Kolessar contributes experience in strategic planning, fundraising and civic partnership building, along with a deep commitment to advancing education and regional development. Kris Jones, a returning trustee, is a nationally recognized entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist. He founded PepperJam, an internet marketing agency acquired by eBay, as well as LSEO.com, a digital marketing agency, and Legacy Advisors, a boutique M&A advisory firm. In 2025, Jones published his fourth book, The Entrepreneur’s Exit Playbook, which is a practical guide that helps founders maximize value, avoid mistakes, and confidently navigate the process of selling their business. He brings to the board expertise in entrepreneurship, digital marketing and investment, as well as a broad professional network to support the university’s strategic goals. Mary Ann Dillon, RSM, Ph.D., returns to the board as an active voting member. She previously served on the board until 2015 when she earned trustee emerita status. She is a former president of Mount Aloysius College and senior vice president for mission and sponsorship at Mercy Health System. A Sister of Mercy and a 1968 graduate of College Misericordia, she has a distinguished career in higher education and health care leadership. She provides the board with deep mission alignment, and experience in governance and planning. The appointments of Gronauer, Kolessar, Jones and Dillon reflect Misericordia’s commitment to drawing leaders from diverse professional fields to guide the university’s mission of academic excellence, service and community engagement.
Ale Mary’s Announces Re-Opening of Night Club, Madame Jenny’s Curtain up! Light the lights! After going dark several years ago, it’s show time again at Madame Jenny’s inside Ale Mary’s at The Bittenbender. The iconic Art Deco style speak- easy nightclub will reopen on October 31 with a full lineup of entertainment, live music and family events. The schedule was announced during a ribbon cutting ceremony with the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the reintroduction of the downtown establishment. Entertainment for the debut weekend is a nod to Scranton’s illustrious vaudeville history. Spooky Burlesque on October 31 celebrates the art of burlesque and cabaret with a performance by New York City’s Red Velvet Burlesque. There are three tiers of tickets including a VIP experience, which features a glass of Prosecco, as well as Premium and General Admission. The Randy Andy’s take the stage on November 1 performing, “iconic hits with vintage lips.” The female trio offers a postmodern Broadway style musical revue. Every weekend following features a new show in the jazz era style or a Northeast PA favorite. November 8, Carl Fisher & The Organic Groove Ensemble November 15, Marko Marcinko Jazz Quintet November 22, Rogue Chimp Eclectic Jazz November 29, A Charlie Brown Christmas December 7, Brunch with Santa December 13, Dustin Douglas & The Electric Gentlemen December 20, The Jeffrey James Band December 31, A Gatsby New Year Settlers Hospitality will manage operations at Madame Jenny’s, as it has for Ale Mary’s since July. The bar will serve a variety of spirits during the performances, and a light snack menu will also be offered. “Response to the reopening at Madame Jenny’s has been electric,” explains Settlers Hospitality CEO Justin Genzlinger. “People are eager to have this venue open again in downtown Scranton and we are proud to breathe new life into such a storied place in Lackawanna County.” Tickets for all Madame Jenny shows are available at resy.com/cities/scranton-pa/venues/ale-marys
The Wright Center Welcomes Michael Mahon An educator with 35 years of experience will provide administrative and programmatic leadership across all educational activities, partnerships, and new educational initiatives for The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education. Michael Mahon, Ph.D., M.B.A., will serve as the vice president of academic affairs and associate designated institutional official, overseeing the educational experience of medical residents and fellows and supervising graduate medical education staff. Each year, nearly 200 physician learners gain hands-on experience in physician-led, Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-accredited Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation residencies, as well as Internal Medicine-Geriatrics Integrated Pathway, and Cardiovascular Disease, Gastroenterology, and Geriatrics fellowships. Mahon, a Clarks Summit resident, earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary education and a master’s in school administration from the University of Scranton. After earning a doctorate in human development from Marywood University, he went on to complete a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Before joining The Wright Center, Mahon served as superintendent of the Southern Lehigh School District in Center Valley beginning in 2021. Prior to that, he led the Abington Heights School District as superintendent for 17 years. He began his career in education in 1990 as a science teacher at Scranton Preparatory School. For more information, go to TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-866-3017.
The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce Names Mary McDermott IGNITE Program Manager The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce leadership is proud to announce the promotion of Mary McDermott to IGNITE Program Manager. IGNITE is The Chamber’s flagship entrepreneurship and business incubator program, dedicated to growing businesses and creating jobs in Lackawanna County. Mary McDermott, IGNITE Program Manager Mary McDermott, who began her journey with IGNITE as an intern in 2022, brings a wealth of experience in program development, grant writing, and entrepreneurial support to her new role. “IGNITE has always held a special place in my heart. Starting as an intern and now stepping into the role of Program Manager feels like a full-circle moment. I’m honored to continue supporting our clients and helping the program grow and thrive,” said McDermott. As the IGNITE Program Manager, McDermott will oversee all aspects of IGNITE, including programmatic management, mentorship development, funding strategies, marketing initiatives, and special events. She will also provide direct business and technical support to IGNITE clients, offering resources such as business plan development, workforce connections, and funding opportunities. McDermott is a graduate of Penn State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Marketing in 2022. Since joining The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, she has advanced through key roles, including workforce & leadership assistant and IGNITE Program Specialist & Grant Writer, gaining extensive experience in program coordination, client relations, and entrepreneurial development. Aaron Whitney, director of facilities and asset management, expressed enthusiasm, saying with confidence: “We’re incredibly excited to welcome Mary as the new Manager of the Chamber’s IGNITE Program. Her passion for supporting local entrepreneurs and helping ideas grow will bring fresh energy and momentum to our community. With her leadership, we’re looking forward to new opportunities, stronger connections, and an even greater impact from the IGNITE Program as we continue to nurture innovation and entrepreneurship right here in Lackawanna County.” IGNITE Program plays a critical role in fostering innovation and economic development by offering entrepreneurs access to education, networking, and mentorship. Under McDermott’s leadership, the program will continue to strengthen the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem by optimizing resources and creating pathways for business growth.
