The Wright Center Teams with Community Partners for Skin Cancer Screening Clinic

The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education, in partnership with Lackawanna Valley Dermatology Associates and the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute (NRCI), hosted its inaugural skin cancer screening clinic on May 17, providing screenings to more than 60 individuals at its community health center in Scranton.

Clinicians from Lackawanna Valley Dermatology Associates teamed up with 10 Internal Medicine resident physicians from The Wright Center to screen 64 people for skin cancer, the most common form of cancer in the United States, with over 5 million cases diagnosed annually.

The clinic identified positive findings in 21 patients, with 15 requiring biopsies and six needing cryotherapy. Following the clinic, a nurse from The Wright Center contacted each patient’s primary care physician to ensure appropriate follow-up care.

“We’re thrilled the clinic was so well-attended and that we were able to help so many participants who have suspected skin cancer,” said Dr. Michael J. O’Donnell of Lackawanna Valley Dermatology Associates. “Clinics like these are so important to community health, because we know that early detection can significantly increase survival rates.”

Dr. O’Donnell added that he was happy to provide The Wright Center’s medical residents a hands-on learning opportunity about how to screen patients for skin cancer so they can better serve their patients now and in the future.

Dr. Kirelos Younan, a second-year internal medicine resident physician at The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education, organized the program after hearing about two local cases: a young patient who died after being diagnosed with melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, and another patient who survived after doctors detected the melanoma early. He called the clinic an incredible success.

“While we anticipated strong interest, the turnout exceeded expectations,” Dr. Younan said. “We saw patients across various age groups with identifiable skin cancers, reinforcing the urgent need for accessible dermatologic services in our community.”

Medical residents also appreciated the chance to work with staff at Lackawanna Valley Dermatology Associates.

“The dermatology team, led by Dr. O’Donnell, provided exceptional education in distinguishing between benign and cancerous lesions. We also learned how to use a dermatoscope, which will undoubtedly be a valuable tool in our daily clinical practice,” Dr. Younan said. “Beyond clinical skills, we had the opportunity to navigate discussions regarding risk factor modification to prevent skin cancer.”

In recognition of Skin Cancer Awareness Month in May, the event focused on promoting early detection and prevention, encouraging individuals to take proactive steps to protect their skin health. NRCI hosted an informational table during the clinic, offering multilingual materials on skin cancer types, risk reduction strategies, and self-examination techniques, among other key topics.

“Patients expressed their appreciation for the event and information provided,” said Karen Ryczak, RN, NRCI’s vice president of programs and surveillance. “We also had the opportunity to discuss our Cancer Screening Navigation Program with staff.”

The program works to remove barriers to screenings for breast, cervical, colon, and lung cancer, she explained. The Wright Center has participated in the program for more than a decade, helping thousands of patients access critical health care services.

For more information about The Wright Center for Community Health, go to TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-209-0019. 

Skin cancer screening 1:

Dr. Michael J. O’Donnell, left, with Lackawanna Valley Dermatology Associates, examines Lisa Yerka at a skin cancer screening clinic held at The Wright Center for Community Health Scranton. Drs. Kirelos Younan and Sandra Rabat, Internal Medicine resident physicians from The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education, observe the examination.

Skin cancer screening 2:

Dr. Mark Marsili, seated, retired from Lackawanna Valley Dermatology Associates, examines Joan Welby for signs of skin cancer, as, from left, Drs. Taimoor Nasir and Tushar Abhinav, Internal Medicine resident physicians with The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education, use the clinic as a learning experience. The Wright Center for Community Health Scranton hosted the inaugural skin cancer clinic on May 17 and provided screenings to more than 60 people.

Skin cancer screening 3:

Dr. Michael J. O’Donnell of Lackawanna Valley Dermatology Associates examines Vanessa Bonevich at a skin cancer screening clinic on May 17 at The Wright Center for Community Health Scranton, as from left, Drs. Srikar Bathi and Kavitha Singaraval, Internal Medicine resident physicians with The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education, and Michael Bonevich watch the exam and learn from it. The clinic identified positive findings in 21 patients, with 15 requiring biopsies and six needing cryotherapy.

G.R. Noto President AJ Palazzari Celebrates 30th Anniversary with Company

G.R. Noto Electrical Construction proudly recognizes the 30-year anniversary of its President, AJ Palazzari. Since joining the company in 1995 as an apprentice, Palazzari has been instrumental in transforming G.R. Noto into a forward-thinking leader in the electrical construction industry.

Palazzari’s journey from hands-on fieldwork to executive leadership reflects a deep understanding of both the technical and operational sides of the business. Working early on alongside his father, he developed not only trade expertise but also a lasting commitment to quality, discipline, and leadership by example.

Over the past three decades, Palazzari has led strategic initiatives to streamline operations and improve efficiency. Under his leadership, G.R. Noto has adopted cutting-edge tools for design, estimation, and jobsite management—reducing downtime, increasing precision, and maximizing client value.

Reflecting on this milestone, Palazzari shared: “I acknowledge all of my predecessors, colleagues and mentors. I owe my craft to you! As we charter this new age of construction, I want to express my gratitude to the entire team we have currently, from the office staff to the field operation. I could not be more impressed with each of you for your hard work and dedication. I’m proud to join the 30-year CLUB!”

Technology has become a cornerstone of Palazzari’s vision for the company. G.R. Noto continues to invest in the latest electrical construction innovations, including energy-efficient solutions and smart building systems. These advancements reflect the company’s commitment to staying ahead of industry trends while remaining environmentally responsible.

In addition to his focus on innovation, Palazzari places strong emphasis on employee development, safety, and retention. He has cultivated a workplace culture centered on respect, accountability, and long-term growth. Staff training programs, safety protocols, and performance support systems have all been expanded under his leadership, helping G.R. Noto maintain its reputation for excellence in both service and workplace environment.

Outside of his professional role, AJ Palazzari is a devoted husband and father of four. His leadership is shaped not only by industry experience but also by his dedication to family, community involvement, and service to others.

Marywood University Students Assist Garden of Cedar Community Project

Marywood University is working in collaboration with the Garden of Cedar, a local nonprofit organization in Scranton’s South Side neighborhood, on a community garden project that features sculpture, native plants, vertical planters, a hydroponic system, and other features to be added later.

The specific academic areas involved with the project include the Environmental Science Program, Art Department, School of Architecture (SOA), and School of Business and Global Innovation (SBGI).

The living T-rail sculpture’s design ties to the area’s industrial roots, specifically highlighting the pivotal role of the Iron Furnaces in shaping the regional landscape. At the base of the sculpture, an arrangement of native vegetation is planned. This natural component is not only aesthetic but is also symbolic, designed to grow and intertwine around a representational map of Scranton. The sculpture was funded by Frank and Marigrace Dubas, Scranton, Michael and Candice Curran, New Canaan, CT, and Howard and Amy Kaplan, Saddle River, NJ.

Native plants were donated to the Garden for community members to plant in the garden or take back to plant in their yards, including Black-eyed Susans, Butterfly Weed, and Yellow Coneflower.

Vertical planters, inspired by the design of totem poles, provide accessibility for ADA planting as the planters are raised above the height of the ground-level planters already in the garden. 

A hydroponic system developed by the students uses sustainable methods of maintaining plant life on an existing vertical wall, providing not only a visual experience, but an interactive one, as users are given the opportunity to grow specific herbs and succulents on the site.

Features that will be installed in the Garden at a later date include bee hotels and a canopy. Bee hotels are the insect equivalent of a birdhouse, providing nesting spaces for solitary bees. Solitary bees, such as mason bees and leafcutter bees, are non-aggressive because they are solitary nesters and do not have large colonies to defend. Most bees native to Pennsylvania are in fact solitary bees, acting as important pollinators that are vital to the survival of our ecosystems. The canopy will be a removable shade structure to be used by outreach programs that provide lunches and other events to children during the hot summer months.

The Garden of Cedar was created and developed by Frank Dubas, President of the Garden. Frank is also responsible for the Garden’s unique design and construction. Marywood students, faculty, and staff have been collaborating with Frank on the project for several years. Branding, including the logo for the Garden, was created and developed by Marywood students. Tom McLean & Associates provided landscape design. Jerry Chilewski Enterprises constructed the Garden.

Principal faculty from Marywood University involved with the project include: Michelle Pannone, SBGI Executive Director & Associate Professor; Sara Melick, Assistant Professor of Practice in Environmental Science; Sue Jenkins, Associate Professor of Art and Design, and Christine Medley, Associate Professor of Graphic Design.

Students and recent graduates involved with the project include:

Environmental Science: Juan Cardenas, Emily Haggerty, Carly Walters, and Bailey White.

Graphic Design: Kristina Zenga, Marlena Bompane, Marykate Boyle, Danae Drews, Jad Tindall, Alexander Shields, Caitlinn Belcher, Emily Duris, Marla Gambucci, Reece Wolbert, Allison MacDermott, Shanon Sohl, Gabby Ziegler, and Daniele Cragle.

Architecture: Nicholas Baney, Kyle Brosenne, Giavanna Burdick, Brianna Conniff, Lois Downing, Iain Kerrigan, Daniel Leonard, Tristan Luczak, Thomas Milewski, Megan Pavlowski, Christopher Salisbury, Joseph Sanfilippo, Autumn Savitski, Angelika Valdes, and Lenae Burkhard.

Marketing: Kathleen Lynott.

Marywood students finalize the installation of the Garden’s hydroponic system. Pictured left to right: Emily Haggerty, Juan Cardenas, Bailey White, and Giavanna Burdick.

Scranton Area Community Foundation Celebrated Its New Home at the Historic Century Club of Scranton

The Scranton Area Community Foundation’s Board of Governors joins President & CEO Laura Ducceschi in officially cutting the ribbon.

The Scranton Area Community Foundation proudly celebrated a significant milestone on Thursday, May 15, 2025, with a ribbon-cutting and open house ceremony marking the official opening of its new permanent headquarters at the historic Century Club of Scranton.

More than 250 guests, including donors, community partners, elected officials, and nonprofit leaders, joined Foundation staff and board members for the celebratory event. The evening featured guided tours of the newly renovated space, meaningful remarks from the Foundation’s leadership and community partners, and the dedication of several named spaces made possible through generous philanthropic support.

“This new home is more than just a building—it’s a long-term investment in the future of philanthropy, collaboration, and community impact in Northeastern Pennsylvania,” said Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “We are incredibly grateful to our donors, partners, and the community for helping make this vision a reality.”

During the program, special thanks were extended to the Foundation’s Board of Governors, staff, and the architectural team at Fancy Parsley for their commitment to honoring the building’s rich history while enhancing its functionality for modern use. Deep appreciation was also shared for our generous donors, whose support made this vision possible, and for the talented construction team, whose hard work brought the project to life.

A warm recognition was given to the Century Club membership, especially the family of the late Maureen Pesavento, for their meaningful support and partnership throughout the transition.

Members of the late Maureen Pesavento’s family were honored during the Ribbon Cutting & Open House in recognition of the Century Club’s support and partnership in the Foundation’s transition to its new permanent home. Their presence was a meaningful tribute to Maureen’s legacy and the shared vision that helped make this moment possible.

The Scranton Area Community Foundation’s Board of Governors and President and CEO Laura Ducceschi proudly accepted a congressional proclamation presented by the Office of U.S. Congressman Rob Bresnahan, Jr. during the Foundation’s Ribbon Cutting & Open House. The proclamation, delivered by the Congressman’s Outreach Director, Francene Dudziec, officially commends the Foundation on the grand opening of its new home and recognizes its decades of dedicated service to the Northeastern Pennsylvania region.

A full house also gathered inside the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation Auditorium at the Century Club to celebrate the Scranton Area Community Foundation’s Ribbon Cutting & Open House—marking the official opening of its new permanent home and a new chapter for philanthropy in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

In a special moment during the evening, the Office of U.S. Congressman Rob Bresnahan, Jr., presented the Scranton Area Community Foundation with a congressional proclamation, officially commending the Foundation on the grand opening of its new home and recognizing its decades of service to the Northeastern Pennsylvania region.

“The proclamation was received with deep gratitude and is a meaningful reminder of the Foundation’s role as a trusted civic partner and leader in regional philanthropy,” Ducceschi added.

The new location at 612 Jefferson Avenue features flexible meeting spaces, collaborative work areas, and dedicated rooms to support nonprofit growth and learning. During the event, many of the Foundation’s signature spaces—including the Welcome Concourse, President’s Foyer, the Hawk Family Foundation Hall, the Garden Room, the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation Auditorium, and named rooms honoring generous supporters—were unveiled.

The Scranton Area Community Foundation looks forward to continuing its work to connect people, ideas, and resources to create lasting, positive change from its new home in the heart of Scranton.

Geisinger School of Nursing Receives ACEN Accreditation

On May 8, the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) awarded initial accreditation to Geisinger School of Nursing. The accreditation signals that the school has met or exceeded standards and criteria for educational quality set by ACEN.

“We are delighted to receive this accreditation from ACEN,” said School of Nursing Director Beth Finkbiner, RN, MSN. “Our program was thoroughly evaluated by a panel of our peers who visited our school, reviewed our curriculum and met with faculty, staff and students. The accreditation means our school adheres to the highest standards and can be trusted to deliver quality education.”

The ACEN is recognized as an accrediting body by the U.S. Department of Education and by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. The ACEN is one of the largest specialized accrediting agencies accrediting nursing programs throughout the United States, its territories and internationally.

Geisinger School of Medicine Student Wins Prestigious Sarnoff Fellowship

The Sarnoff Cardiovascular Research Foundation has selected Geisinger School of Medicine’s Emily Halbedl, MD ’26 as a 2025-26 Sarnoff Fellow. She and 19 other medical student fellows were introduced at the Foundation’s 45th Annual Scientific Meeting held May 2–4 in Cambridge, Mass. 

“This fellowship is highly prestigious and a wonderful accomplishment for Emily and for our school,” said Sonia Lobo, PhD, RYT, Halbedl’s sponsor and the associate dean for research and scholarship at Geisinger College of Health Sciences. “As a Sarnoff Fellow, Emily will work with top cardiovascular scientists and investigators and have the chance to conduct cutting-edge research. Best of all, as an Abigail Geisinger Scholar, she will return to Geisinger and share her expertise with our communities.”

Fellows are guided by the Sarnoff Scientific Committee, consisting of the nation’s preeminent physician-scientists in cardiovascular science. The research, however, is conceived, designed and conducted by the fellow.

Halbedl, a member of Geisinger School of Medicine’s Medical Research Honors Program, is involved in research with Geisinger’s pediatric weight management program and its effects on childhood obesity and comorbidities like diabetes and hypertension. She also spent time between her first and second years at Geisinger at the NIDDK Medical Student Research Program in Diabetes at Vanderbilt University, where she researched a novel treatment for atherosclerosis.

The mission of the Sarnoff Cardiovascular Research Foundation is to engage medical students and young investigators in a personalized research experience with preeminent cardiovascular scientists, and to foster the next generation of leaders in the field. 

Emily Halbedl Recognized as a Sarnoff Fellow

Geisinger College Leader Completes Prestigious Fellowship Program

Valencia P. Walker, Geisinger Colleges’ vice dean for health equity and inclusion with Julie Byerley, president of Geisinger College of Health Sciences, dean of Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine and chief academic officer.

Valencia P. Walker, M.D., M.P.H., Geisinger College of Health Sciences’ vice dean for health equity and inclusion, recently completed the prestigious Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine (ELAM) fellowship program at based at the Institute for Women’s Health and Leadership at Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia.

The ELAM leadership development program was specifically created for senior faculty with great potential to attain executive leadership positions within academic medicine. Acceptance into the ELAM fellowship is determined through an annual competitive and rigorous selection process. 

  • Act with integrity and authenticity
  • Spread joy with your work
  • Act with empathy and respect
  • Listen to truly understand
  • Work collaboratively and uplift others
  • Stretch and challenge others positively
  • Support, encourage and exude optimism
  • Recognize and celebrate others’ strengths
  • Commit to lifelong learning

ELAM fellows undertake an institutional action project meant to lead organizational change at their own institutions in areas such as education, professional development, research or quality improvement. For her project, Dr. Walker chose to create “Candid Convos” at Geisinger and assist in promoting a culture of psychological safety and professionalism. “The opportunity to participate in ELAM transformed my thinking about leadership, and I look forward to using what I gained from the experience to make a positive contribution at Geisinger,” she said.

Scranton Area Community Foundation, Women in Philanthropy Awards $35,000 to Local Nonprofits

Women in Philanthropy (WIP), the initiative of the Scranton Area Community Foundation that focuses on empowering and transforming the lives of women and girls in the Lackawanna County region, proudly announces the recipients of its 2025 grants cycle. After a competitive grant process, $35,000 in grant funding was awarded to seven local nonprofit organizations. The awards were announced during the Women in Philanthropy Spring Grants Meeting held at the Hilton Scranton on Thursday evening, May 8, 2025.

The recipients included Penn State Scranton (Financial Literacy Lunch & Learn Series for High School Students), Scranton School District (Girls in STEM), Scranton Primary Health Care Center (Confident Smiles Program), Providence Pregnancy Center (Casa de Maria Renovations), Black Scranton (Black Maternal Health Awareness), CASA of Lackawanna County, and The Philharmonic Society of Northeastern Pennsylvania (RxArts NEPA), all to support innovative projects and programs that work to transform the lives of women or girls across the Northeastern Pennsylvania region.

The grant award recipients and amounts were selected during the Spring Grants Meeting by Women in Philanthropy supporters, who had the opportunity to vote after hearing presentations from each nonprofit organization.

Women in Philanthropy (WIP) is a collective of more than 125 dedicated supporters committed to transforming the lives of women and girls in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Since its launch in 2014, this initiative of the Scranton Area Community Foundation has raised over $2 million and partnered with nearly 30 community organizations to create a measurable, lasting impact across the region. Women in Philanthropy proudly advances economic mobility in the area by addressing barriers to success, fostering leadership, and helping women build financial stability and independence. To learn more or become a supporter, visit www.supportnepawomen.org.

Penn State Scranton accepts a Women in Philanthropy grant to support its Financial Literacy Lunch & Learn Series for high school students. Pictured from left: Amy Betts, Community Impact Manager, Scranton Area Community Foundation; Desiree Voitek, Senior Director of Campus Development, Penn State Scranton; Nonna Sorokina, Assistant Professor, Penn State Scranton; and Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO, Scranton Area Community Foundation.

Scranton School District students accept a Women in Philanthropy grant supporting the Girls in STEM program. Pictured from left: Ellen Burkey, Board Chair, Scranton Area Community Foundation; Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO, Scranton Area Community Foundation; students Hazel Pacheco, Aryanee Sanchez, and Mirka Richeme; and Katona Miller, STEM Program Supervisor, Scranton School District.

Scranton Primary Health Care Center receives a Women in Philanthropy grant to support the Confident Smiles Program, providing restorative dental care to women in need. Pictured from left: Ellen Burkey, Board Chair, Scranton Area Community Foundation; Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO, Scranton Area Community Foundation; Joseph Hollander, CEO, Scranton Primary Health Care Center; and Amy Betts, Community Impact Manager, Scranton Area Community Foundation.

Providence Pregnancy Center accepts a Women in Philanthropy grant to support renovations to Casa de Maria, a safe and supportive housing space for women. Pictured from left: Ellen Burkey, Board Chair, Scranton Area Community Foundation; Anne O’Brien, Heather Murphy, Cecelia Carr, and Jessica Freyne, Providence Pregnancy Center; and Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO, Scranton Area Community Foundation.

Black Scranton receives a Women in Philanthropy grant to support Black Maternal Health Awareness programming. Pictured from left: Ellen Burkey, Board Chair, Scranton Area Community Foundation; Glynis Johns, Founder and CEO, Black Scranton; and Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO, Scranton Area Community Foundation.

CASA of Lackawanna County receives a Women in Philanthropy grant to support advocacy efforts for children in the foster care system. Pictured from left: Brittany Pagnotti, Director of Donor Relations and Communications, Scranton Area Community Foundation; Donna Kurzweil, CASA volunteer; Joan Peterson, Executive Director, CASA of Lackawanna County; and Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO, Scranton Area Community Foundation.

The Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic receives a Women in Philanthropy grant to support the RxArts NEPA program, promoting healing through music and the arts. Pictured from left: Christine Zike, Board of Directors and VP of Development, Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic; Chason Goldschmitz, Executive Director, Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic; and Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO, Scranton Area Community Foundation.

Tobyhanna Army Depot’s Fire & Emergency Services Earns Firefighting Credentials

(Photo credit: Nicolo Manzo)

Three members of Tobyhanna Army Depot’s Fire & Emergency Services team have obtained prestigious firefighting credentials through the Center for Public Safety Excellence.

Fire Chief Daryl Gebhardt has earned Chief Fire Officer designation and Firefighter Matthew Miller and Firefighter Stephen Motil have both earned Fire Officer designation.

Per the Center for Public Safety Excellence’s social media, as of February 2025, there were only 2,030 Chief Fire Officers and 848 Fire Officers worldwide.

The three esteemed members of Team Tobyhanna earned these designations after a rigorous process that took the trio about five years to complete. The application process includes conducting an internal review audit to build the submission, getting approval to submit the application, and oral and written reviews by neutral party peer assessors. Those applying for the designation must satisfy educational, years of service, and self-development criteria. Applicants must also prove their commitment to continuous improvement and community service in addition to proficiency in several technical competencies.

Gebhardt said achieving this credential helps to bring the department and the personnel who comprise closer to one of the core tenets of the organization.

“One of the main principles of obtaining a credential through the Center for Public Safety Excellence is continuous improvement. Just because you’re good today doesn’t mean you can’t be better tomorrow,” said Gebhardt. “It’s one thing to say I’m a firefighter, I’ve done all my training, and I meet all the normal training requirements. It’s another thing to say I continuously do more to improve myself not just on the job but outside of the job as well.”

Achieving and maintaining the credential is a continuous endeavor. The credential is good for three years and applicants must identify short-term and long-term goals as well as how they plan to go about accomplishing them. Maintaining the credential requires follow-through on the plan. The development and implementation of a peer fitness program is just one concrete example of continuous improvement spurred on by obtaining and maintaining the credential.

Per DoD Instruction 6055.06, “DoD F&ES individuals are encouraged to obtain and maintain professional credentials from nationally accredited or recognized organizations.” However, the obtaining of these credentials is voluntary and represents the employees’ commitment to going above and beyond to improve themselves, their department, and the entire organization.

Motil said working to achieve this credential has been rewarding and positively impacted several facets of the Fire & Emergency Services mission.

“Credentialing is about personal and professional growth through a commitment to the profession and your organization. It significantly benefits the department. Outside of meeting our job requirements, we’re demonstrating that we’re going above and beyond to fulfill our duties, be a mentor, and show a commitment to departmental improvement,” said Motil.

Miller, who has also earned a prestigious position on Federal Emergency Management Agency Pennsylvania Task Force 1, agreed with Motil’s assessment.

“Credentialing and accreditation show your commitment to emergency services, your installation, and the people we serve – the workforce, visitors, and the community. The reason we choose to undergo an audit like this is to show we’re exceeding the standards worldwide,” said Miller.

Through obtaining these credentials, each of these members of Team Tobyhanna send a strong message of commitment to those whom they protect on the installation and in the community through several mutual aid agreements. They have raised the bar for themselves personally but also helped to bolster an already strong culture of dedication to mission.

Miller lauded Gebhardt’s leadership by example and said it motivates everyone on the team to want to achieve more.

“When you have a department head that pursues designations like this it speaks volumes amongst the members of our fire stations and other fire stations. He’s holding himself accountable to show improvement when nothing makes him do that,” said Miller.

“Not only does it make us want to improve, but it shows the dedication to us as firefighters. Here’s our fire chief, the guy who is in charge of everybody, dedicating himself to constant improvement. Having him constantly raise the bar for himself gives us the motivation to keep going.”

Employees investing in personal and professional growth to positively impact themselves, the organization, and the community is directly aligned with Tobyhanna Army Depot’s long-range strategic plan, TOBY2035, and specifically the Invest in Our People line of effort. The plan, which has three additional focus areas, strives to position Tobyhanna for success in the coming years as the Department of Defense’s premier worldwide C5ISR readiness provider.

Mount Airy Casino Resort Earns AAA Four Diamond Designation for 15th Consecutive Year

Luxury Gaming and Resort Destination Recognized as Pennsylvania’s First Casino Resort to be Ranked a Four Diamond Property

AAA North Penn presents Mount Airy Casino Resort with the coveted Four Diamond award in the luxury hotel lobby. From left: Brian Miller, Glenn Zumbach, Nina Waskevich, Lisa DeNaples, Todd Greenberg, and Peter Hernandez

For the 15th consecutive year, Mount Airy Casino Resort has earned the coveted AAA Four Diamond designation, an exclusive classification that represents the top tier of the hospitality industry across North America. 

Mount Airy was the first Pennsylvania property to earn the prestigious Four Diamond rating, a testament to the extensive amenities, luxury accommodations and unparalleled service the casino resort continues to provide guests year after year.

“Receiving the AAA Four Diamond Designation for the 15th year in a row is a significant achievement for our team,” said Lisa DeNaples, Mount Airy owner and managing trustee. “This recognition reflects our relentless dedication to delivering a world-class experience for every guest who walks through our doors.” 

Throughout the years, Mount Airy Casino Resort has won multiple awards and continues to earn top accolades for its outstanding vacation experiences. In the past year alone, Mount Airy received 21 Best of Gaming awards from Casino Player Magazine, and was once again designated as one of the Top Ten Casino Hotels in the Country by USA TODAY.

“We are honored to receive the Four Diamond rating again this year, which is the direct result of our team’s dedication and commitment,” said Todd Greenberg, Mount Airy General Manager and COO. “This latest recognition, among many other awards, highlights the success of our ongoing commitment to exceeding our guests’ expectations and validates our efforts to be the best.”

In addition to almost 300 guestrooms and luxury suites, Mount Airy features a variety of signature restaurant options, including Guy Fieri’s Mt. Pocono Kitchen and the award- winning Bistecca by Il Mulino. From casual eateries to upscale dining, there’s something to suit every palate.

This all-encompassing, adults-only getaway pampers guests even further at the Spa at Mount Airy, which provides a perfect retreat after a day – or night – filled with excitement. The resort also features a 20,000 square-foot convention center and ballroom for those seeking the perfect wedding venue or conference space, while the four-season pool complex offers private cabanas, a poolside bar and lounge, and an outdoor deck area that oversees the resort’s award-winning, 18-hole golf course.

For those seeking the ultimate gaming experience, the heart of Mount Airy is its impressive casino floor. Boasting more than 1,600 slot machines, including both classic and modern favorites, as well as a wide selection of table games, the casino also features a dedicated poker room and a multi-media sports betting lounge.

When it comes to entertainment, Mount Airy’s upcoming shows include Hollywood Nights: The Bob Seger Experience (June 14); Earth to Mars: The Bruno Mars Experience (July 12); and Springsteen tribute Bruce in the USA .

For more information or to make reservations, visit MountAiryCasino.com.