Equestrian House: Winter Dates Are Filling Fast ❄️ Winter has officially arrived in the Pocono Mountains—and there’s no better place to relax, recharge, and enjoy the season than Equestrian House. Whether planning a ski adventure, a cozy winter retreat, or a peaceful escape surrounded by nature, Equestrian House’s homes offer the space, comfort, and convenience guests are looking for. If thinking about a winter escape, now is the perfect time. Weekend and holiday slots go quickly—secure a stay before they’re gone. Click here for more information. ❄️ Why Guests Love Staying With Equestrian House This Winter ✔ Minutes from top ski resorts — including Elk Mountain✔ Warm, spacious, and fully furnished homes✔ Peaceful woodland setting with modern amenities✔ Perfect for couples, families, and group getaways✔ Consistently rated 5-stars for comfort and service After a day on the slopes, guests can come home to a cozy space where they can unwind, cook their favorites in a fully equipped kitchen, or curl up and enjoy the quiet winter scenery.
My Benefit Advisor: Why Employees Miss Their Benefits—and How Employers Help For many mid-sized employers, one of the most overlooked challenges in their benefits strategy is also one of the most costly: employees simply don’t understand their benefits. Studies consistently show that fewer than 40% of employees feel confident selecting or using their health plan. For smaller and mid-sized organizations where every dollar of premium matters, benefits confusion can directly translate into higher claims, lower engagement, and diminished ROI. The root problem is not a lack of benefits options, but a lack of clarity. Employees are overwhelmed by insurance jargon, complex plan structures, and enrollment materials that feel more like legal documents than decision-making tools. As a result, many default to the same plan every year without evaluating alternatives that might save them (and the company) money. The path forward starts with implication and education. Mid-sized employers can make a significant impact by redesigning communication around how people actually learn. This includes using plain-language explanations, visual comparisons, and short videos that break down key concepts like deductibles, HSAs, out-of-pocket maximums, and provider networks. Digital decision-support tools can help employees model costs in real time, so they can see the financial impact of their choices…not just read about it. Equally important is year-round communication. Benefits literacy shouldn’t be a once-a-year event. Quarterly micro-topics, such as preventive care reminders, urgent care vs. ER guidance, and HSA contributions strategies, keep employees engaged and avoid costly misuse of the plan. Finally, personalized guidance can make a measurable difference. Offering short “benefits coaching sessions” during open enrollment or making HR and brokers available for talk-throughs helps employees feel supported, not overwhelmed. When employees understand their benefits, they make smarter healthcare decisions, help control claim costs, and feel more valued. For mid-sized employers, improving benefits literacy is one of the most effective, and low-cost ways to strengthen retention, culture, and financial performance. For more information about My Benefit Advisor, visit gscc.mybenefitadvisor.com or contact Rob Higginbotham at (800) 377-3536.
Equestrian House: A Creative Refuge Sometimes, one simply needs to step outside of their own thoughts—and a mountain retreat is an ideal place to begin. Set on 100 private acres, the log cabin, cottages, and suites are surrounded by woods, walking trails, and a scenic pond—a setting where, one might say, Thoreau would have felt at home any time of the year. The landscape gently encourages reflection and imagination, whether meditating along a forest trail, journaling at sunrise, sitting by the water, resting by a fire, or clearing the mind with a game on the tennis or basketball courts. Guests are invited to gather a small group of kindred spirits who inspire one another. The lodgings, thoughtfully equipped with modern amenities, offer ample space for shared meals, late-night conversations, and individual pursuits—writing, painting, composing, meditating, or simply focusing on personal well-being. This is a place to shape a truly personal creative or spiritual retreat. Though remote enough to feel deeply peaceful, the property is still within a half-hour drive of several small towns known for their local arts scenes. A week in the North Poconos offers a chance to rediscover what fresh air can do for new ideas. Click here for additional information.
PA Treasurer Garrity Announces Expanded Access to PA ABLE Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced that starting Jan. 1, 2026, Pennsylvanians with a disability that started prior to the age of 46 will be eligible to save through the PA ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) Savings Program. Prior to this coming expansion, participation in the program was limited to those whose disability occurred prior to the age of 26. PA ABLE accounts provide Pennsylvanians with disabilities, and their families, the opportunity to save money tax-free without impacting important benefits. Thanks to the ABLE Age Adjustment Act, ABLE accounts will now be accessible to six million more Americans, including one million Veterans. “This significant expansion of eligibility to save with PA ABLE will usher in an era of greater financial independence and security for more of our friends and family members living with disabilities,” Treasurer Garrity said. “By broadening access to PA ABLE, we are helping to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to flourish – a vision that was unattainable before ABLE programs.” In 2014, federal legislation authorized states to establish ABLE programs, with Pennsylvania opening its first PA ABLE account in 2017 following the passage of legislation championed by Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20). Since then, the program has grown to become the fifth largest program in the country with over 11,500 accounts and more than $180 million saved. PA ABLE offers a variety of investment options including a checking account where contributions grow tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified disability expenses are also free from state and federal taxes. Qualified expenses include a wide range of items such as rent, healthcare, groceries, assistive technology, vehicle modifications and much more. Up to $19,000 in contributions to a PA ABLE account can be deducted from Pennsylvania income taxes annually. PA ABLE assets are also exempt from state inheritance tax. New this year, anyone can contribute to a loved one’s PA ABLE account by purchasing an online gift card to be redeemed into an account, or making a gift directly through the Ugift platform with a code shared by the account owner. To learn more visit paable.gov/gift. “PA ABLE accounts have already made a meaningful difference in the lives of so many Pennsylvanians,” Treasurer Garrity said. “I encourage everyone to explore how this financial tool can provide security and stability for themselves or their loved ones” Since taking office, Treasurer Garrity has reduced PA ABLE account fees six times. She was a strong advocate for the ABLE Age Adjustment Act, and the inaugural chair of the ABLE Savings Plans Network which works to strengthen ABLE programs on a national level. To learn more about program eligibility and how to start saving with PA ABLE, visit paable.gov, email info@paable.gov or call 855-529-2253.
Black Cow Cookies & Cream Announces Launch of Nitro Kombucha Black Cow Cookies & Cream is excited to announce a new collaboration and product launch at its downtown Scranton location. This week, the shop officially launched nitro kombucha on tap, featuring Blueberry Pomegranate kombucha from Good Juju Kombucha as its house flavor. Good Juju’s commitment to small-batch quality and thoughtful fermentation made them a natural fit for what Black Cow is building. To bring the concept to life, Black Cow partnered with Goblin Alchemy, who assisted in designing and fine-tuning the nitro system. The result is a smooth, creamy pour that elevates kombucha into a true draft experience—still a unique and rare offering in the region. This launch reflects Black Cow’s broader mission: Supporting independent producers Investing in quality over shortcuts Creating unique options that appeal to a wide audience, including families and health-conscious customers The response so far has been extremely positive, and Black Cow looks forward to continuing to introduce thoughtful, locally connected offerings to the downtown community.
Salt Barre Offering Weekly LED & Micro Facial Sessions The Salt Barre in Pittston is excited to offer weekly LED + Micro Facial sessions in partnership with Tree of Life Esthetics – a restorative, wellness-forward service designed to support both skin health and overall wellbeing. These facials use gentle LED light therapy to reduce inflammation, brighten the complexion, encourage cellular repair, and provide a deeply calming, meditative experience. Clients leave feeling refreshed, grounded, and recharged – inside and out. This offering is perfect for individuals looking to invest in health, longevity, stress reduction, and holistic self-care. One recent client shared: “I felt myself completely unwind from the moment the service began. The gentle LED light made the experience almost meditative, and my skin looked brighter and softer afterward. I left glowing on the outside and recharged on the inside.” Weekly Availability: Sundays, Mondays & Tuesdays at The Salt Barre – Pittston Studio Who This Is For: • Community members seeking restorative wellness services • Professionals looking to reduce stress + support skin health • Anyone interested in LED light therapy and holistic self-care Click here for more information.
Greater Scranton YMCA Receives Grant from PPL Foundation The Greater Scranton YMCA is pleased to announce it has received a $5,000 grant from the PPL Foundation. These funds will support the Y’s Summer Scholars Program, a free six-week summer learning program. The goal of Summer Scholars is to prevent summer learning through a combination of literacy instruction, enrichment activities aligned to literacy instruction, and positive youth development opportunities. The program targets struggling readers and serves rising first, second, and third grade students attending the Dunmore and Mid Valley School Districts. “The Greater Scranton YMCA is so grateful to the PPL Foundation for their generosity,” said Rich Surridge, President & CEO of the Greater Scranton YMCA. “By investing in literacy for rising first, second, and third grade students, the PPL Foundation is investing in the future of our community. Together, we’re helping children build the skills and confidence that set them up for lifelong success.” For more information about the Summer Scholars Program, contact Helen Cruser, Education Director, at hcruser@gsymca.org.
Indraloka Shares Last Minute Holiday Gift Guide Still staring at an empty shopping cart with just days to go? Indraloka Animal Sanctuary has an answer that doesn’t involve overnight shipping or panic buying. The 100-acre sanctuary in Northeast Pennsylvania is offering a thoughtfully curated Last-Minute Holiday Gift Guide filled with meaningful, stress-free gifts that support nearly 200 rescued farm animals. Each option is easy to purchase, giftable digitally or with a printable certificate, and directly supports the care of rescued animals. “For many people, the hardest part of holiday gifting is finding something that feels both meaningful and simple,” said Indra Lahiri, PhD, Founder and CEO of Indraloka. “These gifts can be purchased in minutes, require no shipping delays, and offer something far more lasting than another item wrapped under the tree.” Indraloka’s Last Minute Holiday Gift Guide includes: VIP Sanctuary Tours A deeply memorable experiential gift that is easy to give and schedule later. For $200, up to six guests can enjoy a private, custom VIP tour at Indraloka, meeting rescued beloveds up close and experiencing the sanctuary at a relaxed pace. Tours can be booked any day of the week except Sunday and scheduled anytime in 2026. Printable gift certificates are available upon request, making this an ideal last minute holiday gift. Save $100 on 2026 Retreat Registration Through December 31 Indraloka’s 2026 retreats offer a restorative escape guided by the wisdom of sanctuary animals and the calming presence of nature. Each retreat includes plant-based meals, embodied practices that support nervous system regulation, and time for both reflection and connection. Register by December 31 and save $100 with code 26RETREATS. Registrations can be gifted by listing the recipient as the attendee, and certificates are available for holiday giving. 2026 retreat dates include: Becoming Whole, May 22 to 24, 2026 The Sanctuary Within, July 17 to 19, 2026 Inviting Joy In, September 25 to 27, 2026 Merchandise Sale Through December 31 For those who prefer a tangible gift, Indraloka merchandise is currently available at 10% off with code YE2025. Cozy apparel, mugs, totes, and other items help support the daily care of nearly 200 rescued animals. Merchandise can be purchased quickly online through Indraloka’s store or Bonfire. 2026 Calendar Pre-Order Indraloka’s 2026 calendar is available for pre-order and features full color photographs of beloved sanctuary residents. Calendars are expected to ship in late December. This is a simple, heartfelt gift that keeps the sanctuary close all year long. Early Booking Savings for 2026 Team Retreats Organizations looking for an easy, high impact gift for their teams can reserve a 2026 team retreat and save 20% by booking and paying by December 31. Indraloka’s team experiences are customized to each group and focus on connection, communication, and resilience through guided animal encounters and reflection. Retreats must be scheduled by July 15, 2026 to receive the discount.
Geisinger Recognized for Supporting Health Worker Well-Being For the second straight year, Geisinger has been recognized as a WellBeing First Champion by ALL IN: WellBeing First for Healthcare. As a WellBeing First Champion, Geisinger has verified that licensure and credentialing applications for physicians and advanced practice providers don’t stigmatize mental healthcare and treatment. This means health workers at Geisingercan seek needed care without fear of losing their license or job. “This recognition demonstrates Geisinger’s deep commitment to supporting the mental health and well-being of our workforce,” said Susan Parisi, M.D., Geisinger’s chief wellness officer. “Geisinger continuously promotes an open dialogue about mental health and reducing stigma to encourage our employees to seek help. We often talk about the importance of taking care of ourselves so that we can best care for our patients; with these credentialing changes for physicians and APPs, we’re putting our words into action.” Verification that all invasive or stigmatizing language around mental health has been removed from applications is confirmed annually by ALL IN: WellBeing First for Healthcare, a coalition of leading healthcare organizations that works to eliminate barriers for health workers to obtain needed mental healthcare. “Across the country, health workers are at an increased risk for burnout and mental health conditions,” said Corey Feist, organization co-founder. “Many health workers feel they cannot speak up about their mental health without being criticized by colleagues or losing their jobs. Today, physicians and nurses die by suicide at two times the rate of the general population. We as a nation must better protect these lives, and I applaud our Wellbeing First Champions for their leadership to support the well-being of health workers.”
Indraloka Offers Unique, Effective Team-Building Experience As organizations race to use remaining professional development and wellness dollars before year’s end, a farm animal sanctuary in Northeastern Pennsylvania is offering a rare opportunity to invest those funds in something that delivers lasting impact. Indraloka, a 100-acre sanctuary home to nearly 200 rescued farm animals, offers organizations that book their spring 2026 team-building experiences before December 31, 2025, a limited-time 20% discount. The offer is designed to help companies and nonprofits convert unused 2025 budget dollars into meaningful, research-informed team development that supports resilience, communication, and workplace well-being. “Every December, we hear the same thing,” said Indraloka Founder and Executive Director Indra Lahiri, PhD. “Teams don’t want to lose their remaining budget, but they also don’t want to spend it on something forgettable. This is a chance to invest those funds in an experience that truly changes how people relate to one another.” Indraloka’s trauma-informed team-building programs replace traditional trust exercises with guided, facilitated experiences alongside rescued animals. Participants engage in mindfulness practices, storytelling, and animal-assisted activities that help teams find a healthy pace, build empathy, and reconnect to shared purpose. Organizations across healthcare, philanthropy, education, and the nonprofit sector have already turned to Indraloka for this work, including the Moses Taylor Foundation and the Scranton Counseling Center. “Our staff felt recharged and deeply connected,” said Sara Wodder, Psy.D., President and CEO of the Scranton Counseling Center. “The experience created space for reflection, learning, and genuine care—for ourselves and for each other.” Programs range from two-hour sessions to full-day retreats and can accommodate groups from 6 to 200 participants. Experiences are customized based on organizational goals and may include animal-assisted challenges, guided reflection, wellness practices such as yoga or qigong, creative sessions, and post-event action planning. The 20% discount applies to spring 2026 team-building programs booked by December 31, 2025, allowing organizations to lock in dates while using current-year funds. “This is not a retreat where people sit and listen all day,” Lahiri added. “It’s experiential, grounded, and deeply human. Teams leave with practical insights they carry back into their work.” Click here for more information.
