Amy Bezek Photography Offers Halloween Pet Photos 🐾 Halloween Pet Photo Fundraiser for Blue Chip Farm! 🎃 Amy Bezek Photography will be volunteering photography services to help raise funds for Blue Chip Farm Animal Refuge! The community is invited to a fun-filled afternoon at Three Dog Bakery in Kingston on Sunday, October 26th, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM. The event will feature a pet costume competition and adorable Halloween-themed photo sessions — the perfect way to capture each furry friend’s spooky spirit! 👻 📸 $15 for one photo📸 $20 for two photos All proceeds will benefit Blue Chip Farm Animal Refuge. Everyone (and their fur babies!) is welcome to join for a great cause! 💙🐶🐾
Geisinger Health Plan Announces Medicare Advantage Plans for 2026 Seniors have until Dec. 7 to sign up for a plan that helps fill coverage gaps Geisinger Health Plan (GHP) announced its Geisinger Gold Medicare Advantage plans for 2026, which includes benefits for members featuring premiums starting as low as $0 per month. The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) begins Oct. 15 and goes through Dec. 7. During this seven-week window, eligible seniors can evaluate and enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan for the upcoming year. Medicare Advantage plans help older adults fill health care gaps that traditional Medicare does not cover, such as vision, dental, prescription benefits and long-term care. “Health care should be at the top of everyone’s mind — especially for seniors,” said Roger van Baaren, Geisinger Health Plan chief sales officer. “Now is the time for older adults to review their Medicare coverage for 2026. Everyone’s health and health care needs look different, which is why Geisinger Gold offers a variety of plans that fill the gaps people might have in their current coverage. People can live healthier lives when they have access to the extra services and programs that make managing their health simpler and more affordable.” Geisinger Gold offers access to a comprehensive care network with more than 30,000 doctors, 180 hospitals and 3,000 pharmacies. It also includes perks like wellness programs, prescription discounts, financial assistance and Silver Circle membership, a free program designed for men and women 55+ that promotes physical, emotional and social well-being. Click here to learn more about Geisinger’s Medicare Advantage health plans.
The Honesdale National Bank Offers Relief to Federal Government Employees As the impact Federal Government Shutdown is felt within our local communities, The Honesdale National Bank is offering relief with a special loan program for affected government employees. “HNB is committed to our role as a resource and support system, particularly during times of uncertainty,” said Kate Bryant, President and CEO of The Honesdale National Bank. “Our team is readily accessible and equipped with resources to assist in navigating financial needs and unknowns to keep everyone moving forward.” Employees of the Federal Government, who are current HNB customers, experiencing financial difficulty due to the gap in their income are encouraged to contact their local HNB Office or loan officer to learn about the options available to them through HNB’s Federal Government Shutdown Relief Loan and other supporting resources. “HNB doesn’t want to see our customers struggle due to circumstances that extend far beyond their control,” said Bryant. “Whether its seeking assistance on paying bills, meeting loan obligations, or assessing financial options, we encourage you to reach out to our team for support.” For more information, visit your local HNB office, call us at 800-HNB-9515, or visit www.hnbbank.bank/relief.
Johnson College Scranton To Host Fall Open House Johnson College will hold its Fall Open House on Saturday, November 1, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on its Scranton campus. To register to attend the Open House, visit Johnson.edu/openhouse or contact Johnson College’s Enrollment Department at 570-702-8856 or enroll@johnson.edu. The Open House will include discussions about the admissions process, information about financial aid for those who qualify, and student services such as student life, student support, and career services. Plus, same-day acceptance will be available for many programs if students bring their high school or college transcripts. Tours of each technical area will be conducted and program directors and instructors will be available to review the specifics of their programs.
The NEPA Philharmonic Extends Mélisse Brunet and Presents Mozart’s Requiem The Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic continues its (Candle)LIT Festival with candlelit performances of Mozart’s Requiem in Wilkes-Barre and Scranton on October 23 and 24, as the orchestra celebrates and proudly announces that Music Director Mélisse Brunet has extended her contract through June 2029, cementing her leadership and vision through the 2028-29 season. Maestra Brunet leads the orchestra and the Marywood University Concert Choir on Thursday, October 23 at 7:00pm at St. Stephens Episcopal Church in Wilkes-Barre, and Friday, October 24 at 7:00pm at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Scranton, bringing repeat Philharmonic classical concerts to both cities for the first time in nearly a decade. This is the second concert program of the Philharmonic’s (Candle)LIT Festival, illuminating concerts from October 18 through December 6 with hundreds of electric candles in intimate settings. Preceding the Requiem on these short, no-intermission concerts will be Chorale for Strings by the late Ukrainian composer Hanna Havrylets, who died at the beginning of the current Russo-Ukrainian War. The concerts are presented in memory of the late John F. Magagna, a long-time Philharmonic supporter. The 2025–26 season also celebrates Brunet’s tenth anniversary with the orchestra—a decade during which she has significantly raised the Philharmonic’s artistic profile. “After 10 years working for the organization, from Apprentice Conductor to Music Director, I’m absolutely elated to stay for another 3 years in our community that I love so much,” says Brunet. “It is a true joy to work with our outstanding and stellar musicians, and it is my hope that everyone can come to one of our concerts this season. Our new Executive Director, our staff, and our entire Board of Directors are working relentlessly and with great passion to bring music to everyone, from all horizons of life. Thank you all for your support and love, and I look forward to seeing you at the hall!” “Mélisse Brunet has the rare ability to make world-class artistry feel personal—one moment she’s commanding the orchestra and the next she’s kneeling beside schoolchildren,” says Adam Thalenfeld, NEPA Philharmonic Board President. “This is the exact spirit we want for our orchestra, and for this community. She pushes our musicians to perform at their highest level while reminding us that music is meant to be shared, not guarded. The Board of Directors and I could not be more thrilled to have her at the helm for another three years as we grow our education programs, expand our audiences, and continue to prove that great symphonic music belongs to and should be enjoyed by everyone.” “The Board and Staff of the Philharmonic are thrilled by Maestra Brunet’s continued role as our Music Director,” says Chason Goldschmitz, NEPA Philharmonic Executive Director. “Philharmonic concerts are growing, educational programs are expanding, and new community projects are on the horizon, all driven by her creative, imaginative, and devoted artistic leadership and transformative programming. Working with Mélisse is an absolute joy and privilege, and her artistry and vision is one we are incredibly fortunate to have for our orchestra and for the Northeastern Pennsylvania region.” The Mozart Requiem concerts hold a special significance to the Philharmonic, honoring both the continued leadership of Maestra Brunet and the philanthropic legacy of long-time supporter John F. Magagna, in two unforgettable evenings of light, music, and celebration. As the next concerts under Brunet’s baton, (Candle)LIT Mozart’s Requiem will showcase the Marywood University Concert Choir, prepared by choral director Rick Hoffenberg; organist Mark Laubach; and rising-star guest soloists Jessica Leigh, Inayah Raheem, Dylon Crain, and Metropolitan Opera Lindemann Artist Sunghoon Han. Audiences can expect a deeply moving journey through Mozart’s final masterpiece, blending drama and profound introspection. The 2025-26 Philharmonic season is presented by PNC, and the Requiem concerts are presented as part of the Thalenfeld Symphony Series. (Candle)LIT Mozart’s Requiem is additionally sponsored by Paul & Adrienne Horger and JPMorgan Chase. Tickets are available at nepaphil.org or via the Philharmonic box office at (570) 270-4444.
Scranton Area Community Foundation’s Brittany Pagnotti Recognized The Scranton Area Community Foundation is proud to announce that Brittany Pagnotti, Director of Donor Relations & Communications, has earned the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® (CAP®) designation from The American College of Financial Services and has also been recertified as a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) by CFRE International. The CAP® designation provides advanced training in philanthropic planning, charitable gift techniques, and legacy strategies, preparing professionals to help donors align their charitable goals with estate and financial planning objectives. By earning this designation, Pagnotti joins a distinguished group of professionals worldwide who are uniquely equipped to help individuals and families create meaningful and lasting impact through philanthropy. The CFRE credential is the only globally recognized, accredited certification for fundraising professionals and reflects a high standard of ethics, knowledge, and leadership in fundraising. Pagnotti has held the CFRE certification since 2020 and continues to demonstrate her dedication to advancing ethical, effective philanthropy in Northeastern Pennsylvania. “These accomplishments reflect Brittany’s ongoing commitment to excellence and to the Foundation’s mission of responsibly stewarding resources and inspiring transformative philanthropy to build a stronger, more vibrant community,” said Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “Her expertise enhances our ability to serve donors, advisors, and community partners in achieving meaningful charitable impact.” Brittany Pagnotti, MBA, CAP®, CFRE, has been with the Scranton Area Community Foundation since 2018 and currently serves as the Director of Donor Relations & Communications. In this role, she leads philanthropic communications, donor stewardship, and strategic initiatives that inspire charitable giving across Northeastern Pennsylvania. She holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and brings more than a decade of experience in nonprofit communications and development. Her leadership supports the Foundation’s mission to responsibly steward resources and build a stronger, more vibrant community through philanthropy.
Emily Pettinato Selected for ACCE Fellowship for Talent Development The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that Emily Pettinato, workforce development specialist, has been selected for the 2025–2026 Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) Fellowship for Talent Development, a prestigious six-month program that empowers chamber professionals to strengthen their communities’ workforce pipelines. The fellowship, hosted by ACCE, brings together chamber leaders from across the country to address pressing workforce challenges. Over the six months, fellows engage in monthly webinars, participate in an in-person convening, and collaborate with national peers to design a regional action plan. The program blends national best practices with local strategies to help chambers connect businesses, educators, and job seekers, ensuring long-term economic growth. Emily Pettinato expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity: “The 2025–2026 ACCE Fellowship for Talent Development will provide strategies to strengthen The Chamber’s work in connecting businesses, educators, and job seekers while supporting talent pipeline development.” As part of her role, Pettinato develops and manages workforce development initiatives that strengthen business education partnerships and promote career pathway awareness. She leads key programs such as Educator in the Workplace, Career Pathways Resources, the annual Workforce Summit, and the Small Business Internship Fund, which connect educators, employers, and students to enhance career readiness and regional talent pipeline development. Amy Luyster, vice president of business and workforce development, emphasized the significance of Pettinato’s selection: “Being selected for the Fellowship is a recognition of Emily’s leadership and commitment to workforce development. The skills and insights she gains will directly enhance Skills in Scranton programming and our work to support employers, strengthen partnerships, and prepare students and job seekers for long-term success in our region.” The ACCE Fellowship for Talent Development is a nationally recognized initiative that equips chamber professionals with innovative approaches to workforce development. More details about the program can be found on ACCE’s website: ACCE Fellowship for Talent Development
The Wright Center Donates Bombas Socks to Boys & Girls Club The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement teamed up with the Captain James R. Minicozzi Memorial Race, through the UNICO Scranton Chapter, to donate 200 pairs of Bombas socks to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeastern Pennsylvania for the children’s Christmas party in December. Participating in the program, from left, are Jessica Burton, member coordinator for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeastern Pennsylvania; Mary Marrara, co-chair of The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement Board of Directors and secretary of The Wright Center for Community Health Board of Directors; Leslie Minicozzi Galacci, race director and chairperson for the UNICO Scranton Chapter; and Holly Przasnyski, director of The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement and board coordinator for The Wright Center for Community Health and The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement.
Johnson College Now Enrolling for OSHA 30-Hour Training Course Johnson College is now accepting enrollments for its 30-hour, non-credit OSHA training course, which will be held at the college’s Scranton campus from Nov. 5 through Nov. 20, 2025. Classes will take place on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 to 8:45 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Designed for individuals in leadership roles, employees in general industry, and those seeking advanced safety training, the in-person course will cover critical workplace safety topics such as fall protection, electrical safety, and personal protective equipment (PPE). Participants will learn how to reduce workplace accidents, ensure compliance with OSHA regulations, and promote a culture of safety within their organizations. Upon successful completion, participants will receive the official OSHA 30 General Industry Outreach Course Completion Card. The cost of the course is $600. To register or learn more, visit johnson.edu/continuing-ed/osha-30, email the WAVE Team at wave@johnson.edu, or call 570-702-8979.
