The Wright Center To Host Tinnitus Support Group Meeting In June Tinnitus Support Group of Northeast Pennsylvania will host its next meeting on Friday, June 5 at 2:00 p.m. at The Wright Center for Community Health Mid Valley. Virtual meeting options will also be available for those unable to attend in person. The support group welcomes individuals living with tinnitus, their loved ones, and anyone interested in learning more about the audiological and neurological condition. Participants will have the opportunity to connect with others, share experiences, and discuss coping strategies in a supportive and compassionate environment. There is no fee to attend, and new members are welcome. Tinnitus, commonly described as ringing, buzzing, or whooshing in the ears or head, affects more than 50 million adults in the United States. While some individuals experience temporary symptoms, others face chronic and life-altering effects. The program is supported in part through the Support Group Grant Program of the American Tinnitus Association. For additional information or to obtain the virtual meeting link, contact Joe Kelly at kellyj@TheWrightCenter.org or by phone at 570-230-0019.
Scranton Area Community Foundation To Host PA Navigate Informational Session Scranton Area Community Foundation, through its Center for Community Leadership and Nonprofit Excellence, will host an informational session titled “PA Navigate: What You Need to Know—and Why It Matters Now” on Tuesday, June 9, 2026 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Foundation’s auditorium. The session will introduce PA Navigate, a statewide initiative supported by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania that is helping identify community needs, service gaps, and unmet demand across the state. Information gathered through the platform is being used to help inform future funding priorities, resource allocation, and statewide planning efforts. Designed for nonprofit leaders, healthcare organizations, educators, government agencies, community partners, funders, policymakers, and frontline providers, the session will provide an overview of how PA Navigate contributes to broader community support and planning initiatives throughout Pennsylvania. “As a community foundation, part of our responsibility is ensuring that Northeastern Pennsylvania is represented in important statewide conversations,” said Laura Ducceschi. “This session is an opportunity for organizations to better understand PA Navigate, how it is being used at the state level, and what it may mean for our region.” Attendees will learn how PA Navigate complements other tools currently being used across the region, how statewide data is helping shape future funding and resource decisions, and what level of engagement may be appropriate for their organization or community. The session will also include time for questions and discussion. “For Community Action, PA Navigate is a natural extension of the work our network has been doing since its inception,” said Beck Moore, CEO of the Community Action Association of Pennsylvania. “PA Navigate gives us another way to educate, support, and strengthen those local connections across Pennsylvania.” A light lunch and refreshments will be provided. Registration is required by June 5, 2026, and space may be limited.
Celebration of Leadership Honors Exemplary Graduating Class Leadership Lackawanna will host its annual Celebration of Leadership on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at the Hilton Scranton & Conference Center from 11:45 AM to 1:45 PM. This milestone event will honor Leadership Lackawanna’s 43-year history of developing visionary leaders, fostering excellence, and creating lasting impact throughout northeastern Pennsylvania. Most importantly, the celebration will recognize and honor the graduates of the 2026 Core Program. Community members, alumni, business leaders, and supporters are invited to attend and join in the celebration. Over the past 10 months, participants in this year’s Core Program completed several community service projects benefiting nonprofit organizations throughout the Greater Scranton region. Projects included bridge construction and outdoor enhancements for Countryside Conservancy, the “A Room to Grow” classroom renovation for Friendship House Autism Center, modernization efforts at United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s Angel Attic, and the launch of significant outdoor improvements at the Greater Scranton YMCA. In addition to celebrating the accomplishments of the graduating class, the event will feature business networking opportunities, an end-of-year program review and video presentation, basket raffles, and recognition of the many individuals and organizations that make Leadership Lackawanna’s mission possible. All are welcome to attend and celebrate another year of leadership, service, and community impact. Tickets for this event are currently on sale and can be purchased at www.LeadershipLackawanna.com Leadership Lackawanna extends thanks to the sponsors of the 2026 Core program: designBLD, Penn East Federal Credit Union, Quandel Construction, Maximus Foundation, Geisinger, Times Shamrock Communications, PNC Bank, Center City Print, Friendship House, Golden Technologies, and PPL Electric. Graduates of Leadership Lackawanna’s 2026 Core Program include: Amanda Friday – Peoples Security Bank Amanda Lyn Brown – Penn East Federal Credit Union Anthony Salva, LCSW – Integrative Mind and Body Services Brittani Pulse – Nunzi’s Advertising Christopher M. Pahoski – Benco Dental Courtney Rittenhouse – Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA Daneece A. Jones – Greater Scranton YMCA Deanna Smith – AAA North Penn Diana Latsko – Maximus Federal Services Douglas A. Hein – Scranton Counseling Center Eric Eiden – Lackawanna College Haley Houck – Fidelity Bank Jason Carpenter – designBLD John Conte lll – The Honesdale National Bank John P Joyce – Lackawanna County Jose Santiago de los Rios – Tuxedo by Sarno Joshua Cole Howells – Allied Services Julianna Cardillo – Penn State University (Scranton) Linda Beck – United Neighborhood Centers Madison Theobald – Penn East Federal Credit Union Maria Day – Penn State University (Scranton) Mateo Arroyopabon – Procter & Gamble Matt Coolbaugh – Quandel Construction Group LLC Pete Gentile – City of Scranton Sarah Bauman – Montage Mountain Resorts Walter Kosak – Plaskolite
Leadership Lackawanna Awards Abington Heights Student with TLT’s Senior Scholarship Leadership Lackawanna, the professional development division of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, is excited to award this year’s Tomorrow’s Leaders Today (TLT) Senior Scholarship to candidate Lauren Bartell. “It has been a privilege to work with Lauren Bartell during her time in the program,” states Nicole Morristell, executive director of Leadership Lackawanna. “Watching Lauren’s personal and professional growth throughout the program has been incredibly rewarding, and she has made a lasting impression on both her peers and our organization. Lauren has demonstrated all the qualities of an outstanding leader and will no doubt accomplish great things in the next steps of her education and career.” A part of TLT’s 2025–26 class, Bartell is a dedicated learner and a worthy recipient for this award. After her upcoming graduation from Abington Heights High School, Bartell will take her talents to the University of Pittsburgh to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Tomorrows Leaders Today fosters young business professionals who are sure to become leaders of northeastern Pennsylvania. With the help and generosity of over 2,600 Leadership Lackawanna alumni, this scholarship and additional funding initiatives continue to sustain and strengthen our six programs. The Senior Scholarship is awarded annually to an alumnus of the program who showcases exemplary leadership skills to support their school and community. Leadership Lackawanna is a 501(c)(3) charitable, nonprofit organization in northeastern Pennsylvania dedicated to community leadership and professional development. Its five programs enhance the skills, connections, and knowledge of emerging and established leaders, enabling them to better serve in our communities, workplaces, and organizations. Established in 1982, Leadership Lackawanna has graduated more than 2,700 community leaders. For more information, visit www.leadershiplackawanna.com.
The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce Welcomes Two Summer Interns The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce leadership is pleased to announce the addition of two summer interns, Katherine Barnansky and Tessa Pollack, who will support organizational initiatives through its Business and Leadership development division this summer. Katherine Barnansky Tessa Pollack Barnansky will serve as The Chamber’s business development Intern. In this role, she will assist with business outreach, workforce development initiatives, marketing projects, research, and communications efforts that support economic growth throughout northeastern Pennsylvania. She is currently pursuing a degree in Supply Chain Management at Penn State University. Pollack will return to The Chamber for a second internship. This summer, she will support the Leadership Development division, Leadership Lackawanna, by assisting with marketing and communications initiatives, social media management, and program coordination. She previously served as a communications intern in the summer of 2025, and is currently pursuing a degree in Business Administration with a major in Marketing at West Virginia University. “We are thrilled to welcome Tessa back to The Chamber and Leadership Lackawanna,” said Bob Durkin, president of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. “Her prior experience with our organization and strong communications background make her a valuable addition to the team as we continue to grow and strengthen our programming. Additionally, we are excited to welcome Katherine to our team and look forward to the perspective and enthusiasm she will bring to our business development efforts.” For more information about The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and Leadership Lackawanna, visit www.scrantonchamber.com.
RailRiders Announce Fernández as Player of the Week Minor League Baseball has announced its weekly awards for May 18-24 and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre’s Yanquiel Fernández was tabbed as the International League’s Player of the Week. Fernández batted .379 while playing in all six games in right field for the RailRiders. Fernández went 11-for-29 against the IronPigs, recording the most hits on the week in the entire International League. In addition, the power hitter smoked four homers and batted in twelve runs – both tied for most in the league. He also scored five runs of his own and stole a bag. The lefty, who began the season on Scranton/Wilkes-Barre’s roster, holds a .270 batting average on the season after 43 games. He has six doubles, one triple, and thirteen home runs. Fernández leads the RailRiders in long balls and is tied for second most in the entire Yankees farm system. His 37 total RBIs are also tied for fourth most, both among Yankees’ minor leaguers and International League players. The 23-year-old was claimed off of waivers by New York from Colorado back in February. Fernández received the invite to Yankees Spring Training, garnering five hits while playing in parts of 15 games. He was originally signed by the Rockies as a Minor League Free Agent on July 12, 2019. In 2025, he played in 52 games for the big-league club after making his Major League Debut on July 2. Fernández launched his first home run off of Yohan Ramírez of Pittsburgh. Fernández is the second RailRider to earn honors this season after Yankees #21 prospect Brendan Beck was recognized last week. The last position player for SWB to bring home this award was Jose Rojas in 2025 for his work during in a late August series.
Team Renew And Restore Host Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Renew and Restore, a team of Leadership Northeast’s Core Class of 2026, is hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the renovated laundry room and clothing closet at Clem-Mar House’s new halfway house for women in recovery in Wilkes-Barre. The ceremony will take place on Friday, May 29th at 1:00 p.m. in the renovated space at 415 North Main Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702. This ceremony will start a new chapter for the Clem-Mar House and for women in recovery who will use this laundry room and clothing closet during their stay at the facility as part of their wellness journey. During the event, there will be brief remarks and light hors d’oeuvres with beverages provided.
Wayne Bank Promotes Stephanie Schuman To Bank Officer And Accounting Manager Wayne Bank recently announced the promotion of Stephanie Schuman to Bank Officer and Accounting Manager. In her new role, Schuman will oversee accounts payable, daily reconciliations, fixed assets, and other key accounting functions to help ensure accuracy and efficiency throughout the bank’s financial operations. “Stephanie has been a valuable member of our team, consistently demonstrating strong leadership, attention to detail, and a deep commitment to excellence in her work,” said Jim Donnelly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wayne Bank. “Her accounting expertise and dedication make her exceptionally well-suited for this expanded role.” Schuman earned her bachelor’s degree from Penn State University and brings more than seven years of accounting experience to Wayne Bank. Active in the community, Schuman serves as Treasurer for Wayne Highlands Elementary Wrestling and Youth Football, while also volunteering as a coach and co-chair coordinator. She is a 10-year member and former President of the Honesdale Jaycees and is also a member of Grace Ridge Church. Schuman resides in Honesdale with her husband, Kyle, and their two children.
The Dime Bank Celebrates Employee Anniversaries Showing its ongoing commitment to recognizing employee dedication, The Dime Bank hosted its annual service awards dinner to celebrate team members reaching milestone anniversaries. This year’s event honored 25 employees, representing an impressive range of tenures, from 35 years of service to five. This yearly tradition reflects The Dime Bank’s strong culture of appreciation, offering a meaningful way to acknowledge the hard work, loyalty, and contributions of its staff. The celebration highlights not only individual achievements but also the enduring commitment that drives the organization forward. President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Bochnovich commented, “The Dime Bank team is at the core of what sets our bank apart and helps create its welcoming culture. Employees’ commitment, integrity, and dedication drive the high level of service we provide, and every individual contributes meaningfully to the bank’s ongoing success. The Dime Bank sincerely recognizes and appreciates their hard work and continued loyalty.”
Net Credit Union Awards $10,000 In Scholarships In 2026 Scranton, PA Thursday, May 14th, 2026 – NET Credit Union awarded $10,000 in scholarships to two local recipients. Each recipient won a $5,000 scholarship. Each applicant must be a NET Credit Union member, have proof of a B average or better, proof of attendance, and must submit a 1,000 word essay with a cover page answering the scholarship question. This year’s scholarship question included: NET Credit Union cares about giving back to the community. What clubs, organizations, or causes are you involved in? How else do you think NET could support or give back to the community? Kylie suggested expanding financial literacy education for younger students through partnerships with local schools: “One opportunity would be partnering with local schools to provide financial literacy workshops for elementary students. Teaching children basic concepts such as saving, budgeting, and responsible spending at a young age can empower them to make informed decisions later in life. As a future elementary teacher, I see firsthand how eager young students are to learn practical life skills when presented in engaging, age-appropriate ways.” Kayla focused on supporting healthcare workers who dedicate their time to caring for children and families: “So many nurses work long hours and give a lot to help these sick children. Giving back to them after they’ve already spent so much time giving back to other people could be a nice idea. They could be gifted gift cards for coffee places such as Dunkin’ Donuts or Starbucks to keep them energized, or free snacks like donuts in the break rooms.”
