Lackawanna Historical Society Releases Updated Downtown Scranton Walking Tour The Lackawanna Historical Society is pleased to release a revised and updated version of the “History Set in Stone” Downtown Scranton Walking Tour booklet, as well as a new Spanish-language version! This booklet, first produced by the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority in 2010, provides six guided walks around Downtown Scranton, focusing on history and architecture. The text has been updated to reflect new restoration projects and previously overlooked spaces in and around Scranton. We are grateful for the assistance of Jenny Gonzalez-Monges, director of Marywood University’s STARS Program, for her work translating a Spanish version of the booklet that provided the facts presented in the original version for a new audience of the city’s growing Latinx community. Booklets will be available at local history sites, libraries, hotels, and other sites. Funding support for this project was supplied by the Lackawanna Heritage Valley. More information and copies of the walking tour booklet will be provided at a press conference on Wednesday, May 7 at 11am on Courthouse Square, Adams Avenue. For more information, contact the Lackawanna Historical Society at 570-344-3841 or email lackawannahistory@gmail.com.
Grey Towers Presents “At Home with the Pinchots” What was life really like for the Pinchot family members who resided at Grey Towers mansion in Milford, PA in the late 19th and early 20th century? Be privy to all the details and among the first to receive an exclusive “calling card” to visit with them in their home on Saturday, May 10th between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Grey Towers Heritage Association cordially invites the public to a private tour of all three floors of the Pinchot mansion, nestled on 102 acres with magnificent gardens, where you will be hosted by actors who portray the famous persons who lived there. James and Mary, the patriarch and matriarch of this Gilded Age family, will greet you in the Great Hall. After highlighting their family’s history and rise to prominence in the New York City social scene, enjoy their memories of summering at Grey Towers. Gifford, their son and the first chief of the USDA Forest Service, will show you around his library, explain why he became such a force for conservation and tell you of his accomplishments and challenges as a two-term Governor of Pennsylvania. Moving on, you will be received by Cornelia, his wife, who was a preeminent advocate for women’s rights, social justice and cultural change in the early 20th century. Upstairs, there is a presidential guest waiting: Theodore Roosevelt, longtime friend and collaborator with Gifford, will tell the story behind the story. And finally, meet Mary McCadden, the nanny who saw it all! Refreshments will be served at this fascinating, not-to-be-missed event. Entrance to this event begins every twenty minutes, and tickets are available at www.greytowers.org/events.
Pennsylvania American Water Offers Statewide Support to Communities Pennsylvania American Water announced its charitable giving for 2024. Last year, the company provided more than $1.4 million through grants, general charitable contributions and programming support to 325 organizations across Pennsylvania. When combined with the $669,000 provided by the American Water Charitable Foundation, the total amount of support increases to more than $2.1 million. At Pennsylvania American Water, our work extends beyond providing safe, clean, reliable, and affordable water and wastewater services to our customers,” said Pennsylvania American Water President Justin Ladner, who also serves on the foundation’s board of trustees. “Together with the American Water Charitable Foundation, we’re committed to supporting organizations that make our communities a better place to live and operate. In 2024, Pennsylvania American Water contributed: $130,757 to 149 local fire and rescue organizations $102,300 to 30 environmental groups $74,213 to 21 health and wellness and other related organizations $32,050 to 11 organizations promoting inclusion, diversity, and equity $58,258 to education and workforce development groups $312,601 to 92 organizations working in the area of community sustainability The company also contributed $754,167 to help its customers through its H2O Help to Others assistance program, a resource that has been available for more than 30 years. Additionally, Pennsylvania American Water employees engaged in philanthropy by raising $151,803 and volunteering more than 2,000 hours to local nonprofit organizations through the Foundation’s Employee Volunteer and Matching Gift Program. “The American Water Charitable Foundation is proud to partner with eligible nonprofit partners to support impactful initiatives and projects across Pennsylvania,” said Carrie Williams, president of the American Water Charitable Foundation. “Our charitable focus is to keep communities flowing, empowering our employees to get involved and helping communities learn how every drop counts.” The American Water Charitable Foundation’s 2024 Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program focuses on three pillars of giving: Water, People, and Communities. Since 2012, the Foundation has invested more than $20 million in grants and matching gifts to support eligible organizations in communities served by American Water. To learn more about Pennsylvania American Water’s community involvement, read the company’s 2024 Community Impact Report.
The Wright Center to Offer Free Skin Cancer Screenings The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education, in partnership with Lackawanna Valley Dermatology Associates and the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, will offer free skin cancer screenings on Saturday, May 17, from 9 a.m. to noon at The Wright Center for Community Health Scranton, 501 S. Washington Ave. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, with over 5 million cases diagnosed annually. Early detection through regular screenings can significantly increase survival rates. To register for a screening, go to bit.ly/TWCSkinScreening. With May being Skin Cancer Awareness Month, the event aims to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and prevention, empowering individuals to take steps toward protecting their skin health. 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. The Skin Cancer Foundation estimates that 212,200 cases of melanoma will be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2025, and an estimated 8,430 people will die from it this year. Dr. Younan rallied other resident physicians to volunteer for the program to fulfill The Wright Center’s mission to improve the health and welfare of regional communities through responsive, whole-person health services for all and the sustainable renewal of an inspired, competent workforce that is privileged to serve. “Residents will gain valuable experience in identifying the most common cancer globally, while their fresh perspectives and enthusiasm will enable them to educate patients on preventive strategies,” Dr. Younan said. “Additionally, our diverse group of residents can provide patient education in over 10 languages, which is crucial in getting our message out.” That message includes the importance of using sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day, which reduces the risk of developing melanoma by 50%. Early detection is key, too. The estimated five-year survival rate for U.S. patients whose melanoma is detected early is about 99%. “I’m eager to see our volunteer providers interact with attendees and convey reassuring messages that skin cancer is preventable and that cure rates are highly favorable if the cancer is detected early,” Dr. Younan said. “And I’m certainly looking forward to educating more people about the importance of sunscreen ahead of sunburn season.”
Tobyhanna Army Depot’s Technical Experts to Fortify Army Machine Network The critical infrastructure underpinning the U.S. Army’s defense industrial base just got stronger. Tobyhanna Army Depot has been named the Army Materiel Command center of excellence for the development and control of the Army’s industrial control network, or ICN. The depot will lead the design, implementation and long-term management of a network that connects industrial production floor machinery across all 23 Army organic industrial base locations. Once established, depot personnel will maintain the network, while seeking opportunities to continuously improve and strengthen it. The ICN will enable secure, real-time monitoring and remote access to production equipment, reducing downtime for depot artisans and increasing local ability to make data-driven decisions. Its scalable and flexible design also positions Tobyhanna to lead future integration and expansion efforts across the AMC industrial enterprise. After an exhaustive search for the perfect location, Tobyhanna was selected for this designation based on its robust cybersecurity capabilities and highly skilled workforce.“This initiative faced significant challenges, primarily due to the need for standardized connectivity and a unified toolset across the enterprise, which created immense pressure to succeed,” said Mark Music, chief of the AMC G6, adding that Tobyhanna stood out against other options for the mission. “I visited several OIB sites. It was during my visit to Tobyhanna Army Depot that I recognized I had found an invaluable partner. Tobyhanna is widely respected for its exceptional logistics support for command, control, communications, computers, cyber, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance — C5ISR — systems throughout the Department of Defense. As I engaged with the team, it became clear that they possessed the expertise and resources critical to the success of our project,” he said. The depot’s cyber professionals have a strong track record of delivering complex Army hardware and software integration solutions, supported by dynamic cross-functional experts. David Kuhn is one of Tobyhanna’s information technology specialists playing a key role in the development of the ICN. A member of the depot workforce for more than 15 years, Kuhn brings a wealth of hands-on experience to his position. After graduating from Johnson College with a degree in electrical construction and maintenance, he spent eight years working in the public works division, sustaining production equipment across the depot. After gaining additional education in the information technology field, Kuhn completed developmental assignments in the information management division — opportunities that broadened his skill set and capabilities. He says his diverse background has given him unique insight into the ICN effort. “My past experience working in equipment repair right here at Tobyhanna helps me understand the industrial machine process from a variety of viewpoints. I have also maintained relationships with my former co-workers, ensuring I can integrate the user perspective and experience into the ICN design.” According to Al Lyons, another key leader in the ICN initiative, the network will create a standardized operational technology baseline across the AMC. “When fully implemented, the ICN will reduce system downtime, increase security across industrial machinery, and ensure the AMC has a standard baseline of operational technology across the organic industrial base,” he said. Lyons leads the cyber portfolio services branch. Music emphasized the importance of the mission for Tobyhanna and the Army overall. “This designation is not just an honor; it signifies that Tobyhanna will lead the implementation of innovative technologies across the OIB while developing comprehensive training programs aimed at strengthening cyber resilience and operational efficiency. The depot will also become a central hub for sharing best practices and resources, facilitating collaboration among military and civilian personnel. By emphasizing Tobyhanna’s strategic role in delivering cutting-edge cyber solutions and advanced network support, we are enhancing operational readiness across the Army and creating a cohesive framework for cyber defense and information warfare.” Lyons, Kuhn and their colleagues work in the depot’s cyber division, which is comprised of 72 experts who offer a range of capabilities such as hardware/software integration, risk management, network design, vulnerability management, field deployment, help desk support and more. The division is part of the Directorate of Engineering and Cyber, which plays a vital role in the depot’s mission to deliver readiness to the Department of Defense. “Tobyhanna has strategically developed a highly skilled and adaptive cyber workforce, providing a distinct advantage in executing a broad spectrum of missions and rapidly expanding capabilities to meet evolving threats,” said Nicholas Caprioli, director of engineering and cyber. Music agreed. “AMC is extremely proud to acknowledge Tobyhanna as the center of excellence for OIB network and cyber operations, a recognition that underscores its vital contributions to our mission.” TYAD is a recognized leader in providing world-class logistics support for C5ISR systems across the Department of Defense. Tobyhanna’s corporate philosophy, dedicated work force and electronics expertise ensure the depot is the joint C5ISR provider of choice for all branches of the Armed Forces and industry partners. Tobyhanna’s unparalleled capabilities include full-spectrum logistics support for sustainment, overhaul and repair, fabrication and manufacturing, engineering design and development, systems integration, cyber support, technology insertion, modification, foreign military sales and global field support to our joint warfighters. About 3,100 personnel are employed by Tobyhanna. While the organization’s headquarters is located in the Pocono Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania, Tobyhanna’s worldwide workforce includes employees in 43 fixed locations across the globe. Tobyhanna Army Depot is part of the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command. Headquartered at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, the command’s mission is to deliver integrated C5ISR weapon systems, business systems, and medical sustainment to enable full spectrum combat operations at the point of need.
Lackawanna College Awarded Grant to Further Assist Parenting Students Lackawanna College received the Parent Pathways Grant for $98,602 from the Pennsylvania Department of Education Office of Postsecondary and Higher Education. The funds from this grant will expand existing resources for parenting students to directly impact the persistence of parenting students with tuition assistance, emergency funding, and support services. “This grant is a game-changer of our parenting students. It allows us to provide essential resources like childcare support, emergency funding, scholarships, and supplies to relieve one extra burden they may be experiencing. Ultimately, it’s about removing barriers so these students can thrive both as parents and students,” said Denise Larson, AVP Enrollment Management and Student Success at Lackawanna College. This is the second year Lackawanna College received the Parent Pathways Grant which aims to provide essential resources directly tailored to the needs of parenting students, ensuring their success in academic endeavors. Initiatives in the grant include tuition assistance, childcare costs, technology support services, and emergency funds for parenting students who require assistance with an academic or basic need affecting their education. These enhanced support services will benefit approximately 23% of Lackawanna’s parenting learners, providing them with the necessary assistance to navigate the demands of both parenthood and higher education.
Geisinger Medical Center Makes Newsweek’s List Geisinger Medical Center has been named to Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Maternity Hospitals 2025. The list of 444 leading hospitals was determined through a rigorous evaluation process, which used a nationwide online survey of health care professionals and hospital managers with knowledge about maternity processes, results from patient experience surveys and hospital quality metrics from several sources with a focus on indicators relevant to maternity care. Geisinger Medical Center was one of 182 hospitals to receive five ribbons in the list, which means it received greater than 84% in quality metrics and patient experience scores and greater than 71% in its reputation score. In 2024, 1,850 babies were born at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville. “Geisinger Medical Center’s recognition for maternity care is a tribute to our dedicated staff of physicians and caregivers who are working to make our hospital the best,” said Sandra Culbertson, MD, chair of the Geisinger Women and Children’s Institute. “Our maternity teams are committed to delivering the highest quality maternity care every day, and we look forward to continuing to provide this excellent care.”
The Wright Center’s VP Named to Newly Formed State Advisory Committee Dr. Jignesh Sheth, senior vice president and chief medical and information officer at The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education, has been appointed by Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro to serve as a member of the state’s newly formed Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and Related Disorders Advisory Committee. The Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and Related Disorders Advisory Committee, established in October 2024, is tasked with advising the Pennsylvania Department of Aging and other state agencies on the development and implementation of a state plan for Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and other related disorders. This gubernatorial appointment recognizes Dr. Sheth’s exceptional leadership and clinical expertise in advancing patient-centered, data-driven care models that improve the lives of Pennsylvanians – particularly vulnerable and aging populations. In his role on the Advisory Committee, Dr. Sheth will contribute to statewide strategies addressing Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and related cognitive disorders, helping to shape policy and support systems that improve outcomes for patients and their families. “I am honored to serve on this advisory committee and contribute to Governor Shapiro’s bold and compassionate vision to better support Pennsylvanians living with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and related disorders,” said Dr. Sheth, who is dually board-certified in internal medicine and addiction medicine and sees adult patients at The Wright Center for Community Health Mid Valley in Jermyn. “These conditions deeply affect patients, as well as their families, caregivers, and communities, and require thoughtful, compassionate, and coordinated responses at every level of care. I look forward to collaborating with state leaders and fellow committee members to help shape a responsive, person-centered approach that meets the growing needs of our aging population with dignity, data-driven insight, and hope.” Dr. Sheth’s appointment exemplifies The Wright Center’s ongoing commitment to public health innovation, interprofessional health care workforce development, and service to the most vulnerable communities throughout Northeast Pennsylvania and the commonwealth. “With more than 6 million Americans and 282,000 Pennsylvanians living with Alzheimer’s disease, the collective, mission-driven efforts of communities to build and nurture Age Friendly health systems are vital. We are fortunate to have Dr. Jignesh Sheth ably leading our Age Friendly efforts at The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education. His clinical, educational, executive, and technological expertise will bring unique and meaningful contributions to the important work of the Pennsylvania Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and Related Disorders Advisory Committee,” said Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak, president and CEO of The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education. “We are grateful to Governor Shapiro for Dr. Sheth’s appointment, and we are confident he will exceed expectations. Dr. Sheth brings a deep understanding of both the science and humanity required to responsibly and compassionately address the impact of these complex conditions on patients, families, and communities. We are proud that The Wright Center will be contributing to this historic and critical effort ignited by our Governor.” Dr. Sheth received his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery with honors in biochemistry, medicine, and public health in 2004 from Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College in Wardha, India. He earned his Master’s in Public Health with a specialization in health promotion in 2006 from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb. After completing his internal medicine residency in 2009 through the Scranton-Temple Residency Program, now The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education, Dr. Sheth joined The Wright Center as an internal medicine primary care physician and lead physician for population management and reporting. His pioneering and innovative approaches that have significantly improved patient wellness and health care delivery have earned him several promotions at The Wright Center, including vice president for patient safety and quality in 2013, culminating in his current role as senior vice president and chief medical and information officer, a position he has held since 2018. In 2024, Dr. Sheth was recognized nationally and statewide for his visionary leadership and impact on community health. He received the Outstanding Primary Care Clinician Award from the Pennsylvania Association of Community Health Centers and the Innovative Research in Primary Care Award from the National Association of Community Health Centers, honoring his contributions to clinical innovation, care coordination, and public health. He was also named a 2024 Trailblazer in Building and Infrastructure by City & State Pennsylvania for transforming 10 facilities across three counties into The Wright Center’s state-of-the-art primary health care centers – dramatically improving access and outcomes for patients and medically underserved communities.
NAMI Collaborates with the University of Scranton’s OT Department Spring is a time of hope: the earth awakens with flowers, and we look toward a lighter, colorful season. Amid this time, we highlight professionals who, like flowers, offer a lift to make people’s lives better. Occupational Therapy Month highlights and celebrates the work done by occupational therapy practitioners, educators, and students, including work to enhance the lives of individuals living with mental illness. Dr. Carrie Griffiths, OTD, OTR/L, faculty specialist in the University of Scranton’s Occupational Therapy (OT) Department believes in empowering her students and preparing them with skills they need to work with people living with mental illness. Griffiths, who has spent years working as an OT in mental health settings, has integrated classes and trainings on mental illness for all OT students and forged a valuable partnership with NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Northeast Region PA affiliate. Griffiths said, “Getting students to understand mental health conditions is key for them developing holistic and comprehensive treatment plans, which in turn is going to help the clients they eventually serve.” She added, “I hope their training helps to improve overall societal attitudes about mental health.” In addition to the mental health course that Griffiths teaches OT students, students have accessed Adult and Youth Mental Health First Aid training as well as the ‘Hearing Distressing Voices Simulation’ program to better understand individuals who hear voices, and NAMI’s signature program ‘In Our Own Voice,’ through which trained individuals share the story of their own mental health journey. NAMI Northeast Region Executive Director Marie Onukiavage said, “What started as an inquiry from Dr. Griffiths about how to deliver Mental Health First Aid training to her students has blossomed into a collaboration that benefits both parties immensely: the students get access to valuable mental health information they will use in their professional and personal lives, and we benefit from a group of enthusiastic volunteers at the annual 5Kate run/walk, which is one of our most important events to raise awareness in the community.” Students understand the value of this community collaboration too. Kathleen O. Appau, a fifth year OT graduate student who has experienced many mental health trainings, including NAMI’s In Our Own Voice presentation, said, “The more opportunities we have, it will help us as future practitioners to ease our nerves to talk about (mental health) with anyone we think needs help and is open to it. I’m very big on ‘the more you practice, the easier it gets.” Appau said she also appreciated NAMI’s in Our Own Voice program. “It was so eye opening to be able to connect stories to real people. It was such a good experience.” Griffiths has ideas for expanding the mental health and OT connection and says she is encouraged by what her students have already learned through the collaboration with NAMI. She said, “Students are able to recognize mental health crises and provide support until the professional help arrives which is important because as occupational therapists they will work with individuals where they might be the first point of contact for someone who is in distress.” Onukiavage says the relationship with the University is important, as are all of the community partnerships NAMI has in place, adding, “We value all of the partnerships we have with our local education institutions from this one, to the ‘NAMI on Campus’ club at Marywood University, to the many campus fairs and activities that we participate in. They all give us an opportunity to connect with and educate our future care providers!”
Northeast Regional Cancer Institute Supported by Wyoming Seminary Wyoming Seminary College Preparatory School, together with the Smeraldi Family, hosted several colon cancer awareness fundraisers to support the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute’s (NRCI) colon cancer educational and awareness campaign, CASUAL Day. Students and teachers participated in a dress-down day on March 27th in addition to purchasing NRCI’s specially designed awareness t-shirts. The Wyoming Seminary Rowing team hosted “A Row for Alessandro,” regatta event with several competitions to also support CASUAL Day. The school raised $2,297 through their efforts. Gail Smeraldi and her late husband Dr. Alessandro Smeraldi were the 2024-2025 CASUAL Day Co-Chairs. Their son, Caleb Smeraldi, is a student and member of the Wyoming Seminary rowing team. He helped to coordinate all three events. Proceeds from CASUAL Day benefit the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute efforts to raise colorectal cancer awareness and support colorectal cancer screenings for low income, un/underinsured individuals. From left to right: Gail Smeraldi, CASUAL Day Co-Chair, Caleb Smeraldi, Wyoming Seminary student, rowing team member and son to Gail and the late Dr. Alessandro Smeraldi, and Karen M. Saunders, President, Northeast Regional Cancer Institute.
