Tri-Star Academy Awarded Funding for Pre-K Expansion Tri-Star Academy is proud to announce that it has received additional funding to expand and strengthen its participation in the Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts program, enabling more local families to access high-quality early childhood education at no cost. The new funding will allow Tri-Star Academy to increase enrollment opportunities, enhance classroom resources, and continue providing certified teachers and comprehensive learning experiences for children ages 3 to 5. This investment reaffirms the Commonwealth’s commitment to ensuring that every child—regardless of family income—has access to a strong educational foundation before entering kindergarten. “We are thrilled to receive this additional support for our PA Pre-K Counts classrooms,” said Kathleen Pearage, Owner at Tri-Star Academy. “This funding allows us to serve even more children and families in our community, preparing them for lifelong success through high-quality early learning experiences.” The PA Pre-K Counts program, funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, is designed to make pre-kindergarten accessible to children at risk of school failure due to economic or educational disadvantages. Tri-Star Academy has been a proud provider of PA PKC since 2023, consistently achieving strong outcomes in kindergarten readiness and family engagement. With this additional funding, Tri-Star Academy plans to: Add new Pre-K Counts classrooms at Tri-Star Academy-Blakely and Tri-Star Academy-Archbald. Hire additional certified early childhood educators Expand family engagement initiatives and community partnerships Invest in enhanced learning materials and professional development Families interested in learning more about enrollment opportunities for the upcoming school year are encouraged to contact Tri-Star Academy at 570-397-8064 or tristar.archbald@gmail.com “Every child deserves a strong start,” added Pearage. “Through PA Pre-K Counts, and with this renewed support, we are helping build brighter futures for Pennsylvania’s youngest learners.”
Lackawanna County Presents 2025 Winter Market The Lackawanna Winter Market 2025 Holiday Shopping Vendor Village on Courthouse Square is returning once again! The event will take place from Friday, December 5th, through Sunday, December 7th, offering a weekend filled with music, food, fun, and a wide variety of unique shopping opportunities from small businesses. Visitors are sure to find something special for everyone on their holiday shopping lists — and perhaps a little something for themselves as well. Guests are invited to explore the many amazing small businesses and enjoy a leisurely stroll around the square. The event will feature live music, entertainment, and much more. The Lackawanna Winter Market will kick off on December’s First Friday and continue through Sunday. Event Schedule Friday, December 5th | 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM Tree Lighting at 6:00 PM Saturday, December 6th | 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM Sunday, December 7th | 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Kira Loomis Successfully Completes IEDC-Accredited Basic Economic Development Course Kira Loomis, business development specialist at The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, has completed the Basic Economic Development Course (BEDC), sponsored by the Pennsylvania Economic Development Association (PEDA) and accredited by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). The BEDC course is designed to prepare professionals with essential knowledge and skills in economic development. Throughout the course, Loomis expanded her understanding of key economic development theories, gained practical tools for navigating today’s dynamic economic landscape, and fostered meaningful connections with fellow professionals in the field. Sharing her thoughts on the achievement, Loomis expressed, “This course was an incredible opportunity to deepen my understanding of economic development and connect with professionals who are passionate about strengthening communities. I’m excited to apply what I’ve learned to make a meaningful impact.” Congratulations to Loomis on this milestone in her professional development.
Leadership Lackawanna Celebrates Graduation of 2025 Executive Program Class Leadership Lackawanna, the community leadership and professional development division of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, proudly announces the graduation of its Executive Program Class of 2025. The program, designed for established professionals seeking to expand their community engagement and leadership acumen, concluded after six weeks of learning, networking, and civic exploration. “Through the Executive Program, participants gain valuable insight into our region’s most pressing challenges while developing the leadership skills to make a lasting difference,” said Danielle Weinschenk, chair of the Leadership Lackawanna Board of Directors. She continues, “These graduates are now part of a network of leaders who inspire collaboration, innovation, and progress across northeastern Pennsylvania. We’re incredibly proud of their dedication and look forward to seeing the positive impact they’ll continue to have in their workplaces and in our community.” Nicole Morristell, executive director of Leadership Lackawanna, also praised the graduates’ dedication. “I wish to extend my sincerest congratulations to each participant of this year’s Executive Program,” Morristell said. “Their commitment over the past six weeks reflects true dedication to professional growth and a deep passion for becoming a more engaged and informed member of our community. I look forward to the impact these 15 individuals will continue to make in the greater Scranton area.” Leadership Lackawanna Executive Program Class of 2025: Abby Allen, Stewart Leadership Dr. Angela Bassani, United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike Craig Brindza, Knowles Insurance Harold Cameron, HaroldSays, LLC Ashley Ceccacci, Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA Broderick Ross Dial, Department of the Army – Civilian Human Resources Agency – Tobyhanna Army Depot Morgan Fetsock, City of Scranton Tracy Gallagher, Tri-Star Academy William Harrington, City of Scranton Carl Jones, Noble Biomaterials Inc. Mark Kline, MTF Biologics – Pennsylvania Gregory Posly, General Dynamics Land Systems John W. Rosengrant, NEPA Youth Shelter Rebecca S. Slangan, Geisinger College of Health Sciences Kimberly Marie Tenbus, Clarks Summit State Hospital The Executive Program, one of Leadership Lackawanna’s signature offerings, is tailored to executive-level professionals who wish to strengthen their leadership skills, enhance strategic thinking, and foster meaningful community connections. Through sessions focusing on regional issues, leadership development, and networking with industry leaders, participants emerge better prepared to influence positive change throughout northeastern Pennsylvania. For more information about Leadership Lackawanna and its programs, visit www.leadershiplackawanna.com.
GCMC Invests Nearly $50 Million in Scranton Hospital Geisinger Community Medical Center (GCMC) has several projects in motion to address critical and growing health care needs for the Scranton, Lackawanna County and larger northeastern Pennsylvania community. Renovation is underway to add 19 new postpartum beds and more pre- and post-operative care to GCMC’s labor and delivery capacity. The project is expected to reach a 12-bed milestone in December and be completed in April 2026. To provide more onsite care for newborns, GCMC has upgraded its nursery from a well-baby nursery to a continuing care nursery capable of caring for babies who may need help breathing or regulating their temperature but do not need the higher acuity care of a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Geisinger leadership is targeting next year to begin work on a NICU, which, when complete, will provide care for babies with more complicated conditions and need for critical care right in Scranton. GCMC is also addressing an increasing community need for more emergency care by adding 24 emergency medicine treatment areas to its first floor, an update made possible by the migration of a variety of outpatient specialty services from the medical center to Geisinger’s 3 W. Olive Street facility where they have more room to grow. The multi-faceted plan for improvement within the hospital’s current footprint includes installing a second MRI machine for diagnostic imaging and building an additional suite for endoscopic procedures. These enhancements to care capacity will be supported by the growth of Geisinger’s patient transport services in Lackawanna County. These efforts follow the opening or reactivation of 41 inpatient beds earlier this year, 22 of which were enabled by moving behavioral health services to Geisinger Behavioral Health Center Northeast when it opened in August 2023. These most recent and ongoing renovations represent a nearly $50 million investment in Scranton. “We are laser-focused on providing as much safe, quality acute care as possible within the bounds of Geisinger Community Medical Center,” said Navneet Dang, M.D., M.B.A., chief medical officer at GCMC. “As more residents of Lackawanna County and surrounding communities come to us for care, we need all these resources to meet their needs. But to deliver the best care possible, we still need to do much more.” Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti recently appealed to City Council to approve new zoning designations near GCMC to facilitate Geisinger’s continued commitment to addressing the critical and growing health care needs of the Scranton community. “With these projects, we’ve grown services as much as humanly possible inside the walls of our current hospital, but the community needs more,” said Nick Coleman, associate vice president of clinical operations in Geisinger’s northeast region. “Significant additional capacity at GCMC is needed, long overdue, and what northeastern Pennsylvania deserves. Amidst the uncertain future of hospital services elsewhere in Scranton, we are very grateful for Mayor Cognetti’s forward-thinking and vision. We need equal support from City Council and the people of Scranton to ensure we have a health care community that can care for everyone who lives here with competence, expertise and compassion for years to come.”
Geisinger Health Plan Medicare Options for Veterans Veterans can select a special Medicare Advantage plan geared toward them from Geisinger Health Plan (GHP) during the ongoing Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, which ends Sunday, Dec. 7.Veterans can continue to receive Veteran Affairs (VA) health care benefits without adding a monthly payment. The Geisinger Gold Heritage (HMO) plan provides veterans with more non-VA health care facility options when seeking care closer to home, including: $0 copay for supplemental preventive and comprehensive dental services, up to $1,250 annually $40 allowance per month for over-the-counter purchases like cough medicine and bandages $200 allowance per year for eyewear $1,250 allowance per year every 3 years for prescription hearing aids and $250 allowance every 2 years for 1 pair of over-the-counter hearing aids. A cap in out-of-pocket costs for inpatient stays Access to more than 30,000 doctors and specialists, 180+ hospitals and all VA facilities “We recognize and honor the special role veterans have played for our country — and we understand their unique health care needs,” said Roger van Baaren, Geisinger Health Plan chief sales officer. “That’s why GHP is proud to have plans that were designed with veterans specifically in mind.” Click here or call 800-482-8163 to learn more about Geisinger Health Plan Medicare Advantage options.
Moses Taylor Foundation Hires Will Craven Will Craven has joined Moses Taylor Foundation, a private foundation with a mission to improve the health of people in Northeastern Pennsylvania, as its Operations and Grants Officer. In this role, he will support the Foundation’s grant management system, lead internal operations, and coordinate organizational initiatives and events. Craven previously served as Manager of Community Impact Funding at United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike, where he oversaw the review of nonprofit grant applications and supported programs that strengthened communities across the region. He also brings experience from his time as Business Division Chair and faculty member at Lackawanna College, where he led academic initiatives and taught a wide range of topics. In his free time, he enjoys exploring the outdoors of Northeastern Pennsylvania. “Will brings a breadth of experience with cross-functional operations, proven success managing high-impact projects, and a deep understanding of financial management. His expertise, blended with his passion for community health, will help us drive strategic progress, improve processes, and further amplify the Foundation’s mission. We are thrilled to welcome Will to the team,” said Danielle Breslin, President and CEO of Moses Taylor Foundation. Craven holds a master’s degree in public administration from Marywood University and a bachelor’s degree in community health education from The University of Scranton. He also holds an associate degree in accounting from Lackawanna College. Craven assumed his responsibilities at Moses Taylor Foundation in late October on a part-time basis and will transition to full-time in mid-December.
Outreach Receives Grant from SACF Outreach – Center for Community Resources recently received a $10,000 grant from the Scranton Area Community Foundation for the Ways to Work car loan program. Photo (left to right): Kenneth Okrepkie, Scranton Area Community Foundation Board Member; Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO, Scranton Area Community Foundation; Jennifer Shoemaker, Outreach Workforce Development Manager, and Heather MacLennan, Ways to Work Case Manager, Outreach – Center for Community Resources. Established in 2024, the Ways to Work program helps low-income individuals obtain a reliable, safe vehicle to maintain and advance their employment opportunities. Eligible participants must meet a series of requirements verified by Outreach staff. Participants can receive up to a $15,000 loan over five years. Outreach employs a Ways to Work program manager who maintains constant contact with the participant throughout the loan, providing support and connections to resources when necessary. Since starting the program, Outreach has provided vehicles to eight individuals. The program has helped individuals and families attain economic self-sufficiency and family stability, which is the Outreach mission. Outreach is thankful to the Scranton Area Community Foundation for its support.
