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.
Wright Center Welcomes Seven Doctors to Fellowship Programs The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education welcomed seven new doctors into fellowship programs as part of its mission to improve the health and welfare of communities through inclusive and responsive health services and the sustainable renewal of an inspired, competent workforce that is privileged to serve. The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education (GME) welcomed seven new doctors into its fellowship programs during the annual Specialties Matching Service Fellowship Match Program on Dec. 3. Participating in the program, first row from left, are Dr. Jumee Barooah, senior vice president and designated institutional official; Brian Ebersole, vice president; Nathan Cardona, director of scholarly activity, institutional research, and IRB administration; standing, Natasha Hazzouri, GME specialist; Tyler Wilson, GME evaluations and outcomes specialist; Russell Day, GME workforce operations, training, & development specialist; Sara Dombroski, executive administrative assistant; Lisa Mann, GME specialist; Lisa Krucar, GME specialist; Michael Mahon, VP, academic affairs and associate DIO; and Jenna Ferraraccio-Diehl, GME administrative assistant. The Wright Center offers three fellowship programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education: cardiovascular disease, gastroenterology, and geriatrics. Fellows train in community-based settings, learning essential, specialized skills to deliver critically needed care in Northeast Pennsylvania. On Match Day, The Wright Center filled one position in its gastroenterology fellowship program and one in its geriatric fellowship through the Specialties Matching Service Fellowship Match Program. The program encompasses multiple fellowship matches representing more than 70 subspecialties, with applicants worldwide learning simultaneously at noon, where they are matched each year. Before the match announcement, The Wright Center filled three fellowship positions in its cardiovascular disease program and two in its geriatrics program. One of the new cardiovascular disease fellows and two of the geriatric fellows will graduate from The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s Internal Medicine Residency Program in June and chose to continue learning and serving in the region. Fellows will begin training at The Wright Center on July 1, 2026. “We are excited to welcome our new fellows to Northeast Pennsylvania, where they will live our mission and core values as they train to be the next generation of physicians,” said Dr. Jumee Barooah, senior vice president of education and designated institutional official for The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education. “Match Day is an exciting time in the medical profession, especially for those of us who are focused on improving the health of our communities.” For information about The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education, go to TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-866-3017.
Dime Bank and Employees Donate to Local Food Pantries The Dime Bank recently donated a combined total of $4,500.00 to three local food pantries: Scranton Area Community Foundation, The Greater Pike Community Foundation, and the Wayne County Food Pantry. In addition, employees of The Dime Bank organized their own concurrent food drive, collecting non-perishable items with a total estimated value over $1,000.00, demonstrating their generosity and commitment to helping people in their time of need. Pictured: The Dime Bank employees Rory McGhie, Joanne Rosol, Deborah Unflat, Travis Head. These donations are intended to support the food pantries’ ongoing efforts within Wayne, Pike, and Lackawanna counties. The Dime Bank is dedicated to giving back to the communities that it serves. Senior Vice President Chief Financial Officer Jeffrey J. Roche stated, “We are proud to support the vital work these organizations do every day. The fight against hunger is a community effort, and we hope these contributions will make a difference for our neighbors in need. We are also incredibly proud of our employees for stepping up with their own generous donations.”
