Coffee Inclusive to open new location at UNC’s CEDAR Center in Scranton United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC) has announced that Coffee Inclusive will open a new location at UNC’s CEDAR Center, located at 526 Cedar Avenue in Scranton, in early September. Coffee Inclusive, a program of PA Inclusive, employs individuals with diverse abilities and autism who work side by side with experienced baristas and servers in a supportive, inclusive environment. The new CEDAR Center location will offer a full line of high-quality hot and cold coffees, lattes and espresso drinks, along with baked goods including pastries, muffins, scones, sandwiches and more. “We are thrilled to welcome Coffee Inclusive to the CEDAR Center and to support the expansion of their important work,” said Lisa Durkin, President and CEO of UNC. “This partnership reflects the kind of community-centered collaboration that strengthens our neighborhood, creates opportunities, and brings people together.” PA Inclusive is a Pittston-based nonprofit organization that provides support services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through Coffee Inclusive, the organization creates meaningful employment opportunities while offering the community a warm and welcoming coffee shop experience. UNC’s CEDAR Center is a newly rehabilitated former bank building located at 526 Cedar Avenue in South Scranton. It serves as a community anchor for programs and neighborhood activity, including adult education, English language learning, career readiness, multicultural wellness programming and the year-round South Side Farmers Market on Saturdays. The addition of Coffee Inclusive will further activate the building as a welcoming place where neighbors, program participants and visitors can connect. “Expanding Coffee Inclusive to the UNC CEDAR Center in Scranton is an exciting step forward in creating more meaningful employment opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities while bringing our message of inclusion, ability, and community to more people throughout Lackawanna County. Every cup served will help demonstrate that people of all abilities can contribute, succeed, and thrive in the workplace,” said Frank Bartoli, President and CEO of PA Inclusive and Coffee Inclusive.
Rikasa Restaurant Presents Murder Mystery Dinner Clued In: Murder Mystery Dinner October 26 @ 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM Back for its third thrilling year, Clued In returns to Rikasa on Sunday, October 26th at 6 PM. Participants and their teams will step into a real-life game of Clue, unraveling the mystery surrounding the murder of Mr. Bartholomew Boddy. Four levels of Rikasa serve as the playing board, where players hunt for clues, interrogate suspects, and race to solve the crime before time runs out. 🕵️♀️ 🎭 This year’s event features a special collaboration with the Wyoming Area Drama Club, whose members will interact with guests throughout the evening to bring the mysterious world of Clued In vividly to life. 🍸 Expect an evening of cocktails, suspense, and a dinner… to die for. 📍 Rikasa Restaurant – 53 S Main St, Pittston, PA⏰ Sunday, October 26th | 6PM – 10PM Click here to find more infomation.
Maternal & Family Health Services To Host Annual Luncheon Maternal & Family Health Services (MFHS) is pleased to announce that its 2025 Annual Community Luncheon will be held on Thursday, October 30, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at The Banks Waterfront, located at 304 Kennedy Blvd, Pittston, Pennsylvania. This signature event brings together community leaders, health care providers, partners, and supporters in Northeastern Pennsylvania to celebrate shared achievements, highlight the work of MFHS, recognize outstanding contributions and raise vital support for ongoing programs. At this year’s luncheon, MFHS will present: The 2025 Outstanding Public Service Award to the Pennsylvania Women’s Health Caucus, in recognition of exemplary advocacy and impact in women’s health across the Commonwealth. The 2025 Outstanding Community Partner Award to the Indigo Spoon Foundation, acknowledging their dedication and collaboration in improving community well-being. “We are excited to gather with friends, supporters, and partners who share our vision for equitable, accessible health care for women and families,” said MFHS President and CEO Dr. Maria Montoro Edwards. “This luncheon is more than a fundraiser — it’s a chance to reflect on our progress, salute those who drive change, and launch into the year ahead with renewed energy.” For more information, click here.
Maternal & Family Health Services Announces 2025 Annual Community Luncheon Click here to find additional information and details
WVIA Launches “Community Connection” to Spotlight Local Nonprofits WVIA is excited to announce the recent launch of Community Connection, a new interview series dedicated to celebrating the incredible work of nonprofit organizations across Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania. Hosted by the esteemed Lisa Mazzarella, this dynamic series premiered on November 15 and will air each Friday on WVIA Radio during NPR’s Morning Edition at 8:45AM and All Things Considered at 4:44PM. As a cornerstone of community engagement, nonprofits play a vital role in enhancing the quality of life in our region. With over 60,000 nonprofit organizations across Pennsylvania and more than 3,000 in the greater Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area alone, Community Connection seeks to highlight the impactful missions and tireless efforts of these organizations. Each week, listeners will hear first-hand accounts from nonprofit leaders, discover inspiring success stories, and meet the dedicated volunteers who make it all happen. “It is hoped the series will increase community awareness of our region’s nonprofits, and perhaps bolster an interest in volunteerism,” stated WVIA’s Lisa Mazzarella. Mazzarella continued, “Community Connection is a forum for our regional nonprofit organizations to talk about specific programs they provide, the varied missions of their organizations, and the positive impact they make in our communities. WVIA serves a 22 county radius, so the goal is to feature programs and services from organizations all around our listening area.” The premiere episode of Community Connection featured The Greenhouse Project, a nonprofit organization located in Scranton that operates a 3,000 square foot greenhouse and offers a variety of classes and educational resources focused on wholesome food and healthy living. In addition to the on-air interviews, an extended community profile will be available on WVIA’s website, featuring in-depth information about each highlighted organization, including contact details and resources. This initiative not only informs listeners but also empowers them to engage with and support the nonprofits that enrich our communities. For more information on upcoming segments and to listen to the premiere episode visit www.wvia.org/community.
Geisinger to Host Dinners to Honor Local Military Veterans Drive-through event to take place at 11 locations To thank local military veterans for their service, Geisinger will host drive through veteran appreciation dinners at 11 locations across the health system’s service area from 3 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 7. The Geisinger Healthplex State College location will serve meals from 4 to 5:30 p.m. The dinners for U.S. military veterans and a guest are offered at no cost to participants. Geisinger will provide these dinners at a drive-through event for the safety of the community, staff and volunteers. Last year’s event served about 2,900 meals. Servings are limited, and those interested are encouraged to sign up now. Veterans can make a reservation for themselves and one guest by visiting go.geisinger.org/vetsdinner2024 or calling 570-293-7200. The deadline to register is Friday, Nov. 1. Locations are: Bloomsburg: Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital, 549 Fair St. (main entrance) Danville: Geisinger Multi-Specialty Clinic Danville, 35 Justin Drive, Building 2 Jersey Shore: Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital, 1020 Thompson St. Lewistown: Geisinger Lewistown Hospital, 400 Highland Ave. (third-floor entrance) Mifflintown: Geisinger Family Health Associates Mifflintown, 27 CJEMS Lane Muncy: Geisinger Medical Center Muncy, 255 Route 220 Highway Pittston: Geisinger Healthplex CenterPoint, 1201 Oak St. Scranton: Nay Aug Park, 500 Arthur Ave. Shamokin: Geisinger Shamokin Area Community Hospital, 4200 Hospital Road, Coal Township State College: Geisinger Healthplex State College, 132 Abigail Lane, Port Matilda Wilkes-Barre: Behind Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre, at 50 Roosevelt Terrace
Maternal and Family Health Services to Host Community Luncheon Celebrating Leaders MFHS is happy to announce the 2024 Annual Community Luncheon, scheduled for October 29th at The Banks Waterfront in Pittston. Please join as they honor First Lady Lori Shapiro and Second Lady Blayre Davis with the 2024 Outstanding Public Service Award. MFHS President and CEO Maria Montoro Edwards will engage in a generative conversation with our honorees, focused on their commitment to improving women’s health in the Commonwealth. Tickets are $65 per person, or $500 for a table of 8. RSVP by Wednesday, October 16th to reserve your seat. Program advertising opportunities are also available.
Episode Nineteen: All Things Chamber is “on the road!” Don’t Miss the Update Host the Chamber to film an “All Things Chamber” episode this summer. Contact Ryan Buchanan to schedule your business film date. Contact Ryan at rbuchanan@scrantonchamber.com. Momentum Magazine is expanding! Submit a to be included as a Fresh Face feature (for members who joined less than a year), the Small Business Spotlight (members who joined two years or longer), or the “Ask the Expert” column, an opportunity for members to talk about their area of expertise. Upcoming Chamber Events EVENT PAGE MEMBER BENEFITS
