Pennsylvania Treasury, Secretary Visits Coffee Inclusive for National ABLE Savings Day Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity today visited Coffee Inclusive in Pittston, Luzerne County to celebrate National ABLE Savings Day and promote the PA ABLE Savings Program. PA ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) accounts are a tax-free way for Pennsylvanians with disabilities, and their families, to save without affecting eligibility for important benefits. Frank Bartoli, founder and CEO of PA Inclusive, parent organization of Coffee Inclusive, led a tour of the coffee shop and bakery. Coffee Inclusive employs over twenty people with intellectual disabilities and autism. “The opportunities provided by Coffee Inclusive are life-changing, and their facility is incredible,” Treasurer Garrity said. “I’m always inspired by the people I meet in every corner of the Commonwealth who save with PA ABLE, and I encourage everyone who has a family member or friend with a disability to learn more about what PA ABLE can do for them.” “It was an honor to host Treasurer Stacy Garrity at Coffee Inclusive for National ABLE Savings Day and to learn more about improvements coming to ABLE eligibility,” said Frank Bartoli, Founder and CEO of PA Inclusive. “As a parent of an adult child with Down Syndrome, an ABLE account will allow my daughter, Ellie, to live an even better life.” Since 2021, annual account maintenance fees have been reduced five times for PA ABLE account owners. Currently, to be eligible to save with an ABLE program, a person’s disability must be onset prior to their 26th birthday. Starting in January 2026, ABLE eligibility will be expanded to include those whose disability is onset prior to age 46. This gives more than six million more Americans, including one million Veterans the opportunity to save with ABLE programs. States were authorized to create ABLE programs with the passage of federal ABLE legislation in 2014. PA ABLE was enacted in 2016 with leadership from Senator Lisa Baker; the first PA ABLE account was opened the following year. Since then, the program has grown to be the fifth largest in the nation with nearly $170 million saved and over 11,000 accounts. Under Treasury Garrity’s leadership, PA ABLE account assets have more than tripled. PA ABLE account owners can save and pay for a wide variety of disability-related expenses, like groceries, rent, healthcare, transportation, and longer-term expenses including education and assistive technology. “PA ABLE is a tremendous tool to help our family and friends with disabilities live more independently and plan for a secure future,” Treasurer Garrity said. “Treasury is celebrating National ABLE Savings Day by helping more and more families learn about this great program with a live webinar tonight. Anyone can register to learn more about this empowering program, and I encourage anyone with a family member or friend who can benefit from PA ABLE to attend and learn more.” PA ABLE offers several different savings and investment options, including a checking account. PA ABLE account owners can contribute up to $19,000 per year. Contributions can be deducted on PA state income taxes. To learn more about PA ABLE, the Pennsylvania Treasury will host a free webinar tonight at 6 p.m. with additional webinars slated for September and October. To register for this webinar, or others, please visit paable.gov/webinars. 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.
Misericordia University Program Supports Early Literacy Development Misericordia University recently concluded its Free Kindergarten Readiness Program, designed to help preschool-aged children build the foundational literacy skills needed for a confident start to school. The two-hour, small-group sessions were held at the university’s Literacy Center in Passan Hall and led by Kathleen Scaler Scott, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, along with experienced graduate student clinicians in the Department of Speech-Language Pathology. This summer, the program served 12 children—six in a morning group and six in an afternoon group—and generated significant community interest, with 35 children placed on a waiting list. Due to this overwhelming demand, the university is already accepting names for next summer’s program. The program introduced children to essential skills proven to support strong reading and writing, including phonological awareness, oral and written language comprehension, letter-sound knowledge, and understanding narrative structure. Delivered in a fun and engaging environment, the sessions provided small group instruction while giving student clinicians valuable hands-on experience. “It was so exciting to provide this service to children in the community,” said Dr. Scaler Scott, who has been a speech-language pathologist (SLP) for more than 30 years and has worked in three schools for children with literacy challenges. She is a professor, Board-Certified Specialist in Stuttering, Cluttering, and Fluency (BCS-SF), and ASHA Fellow. “This is just the start of the literacy programs we’d like to provide for preschoolers through adults. We hope to provide programming to address skills in reading, writing, and spelling. Since these skills are language-based, SLPs play a critical role in assisting with their development. According to the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association, SLPs play a role in preventing, identifying, assessing and treating literacy challenges. We collaborate with educators, reading specialists and other professionals to support literacy acquisition. Because we are training SLP student clinicians, we are able to provide affordable services.” The initiative reflects Misericordia University’s commitment to serving the community through accessible, evidence-based literacy support. Plans are already underway to expand offerings to additional age groups, from early learners to adults, ensuring that individuals at all stages of life have access to the tools they need for literacy success. For more information about future literacy programs, or to add a child’s name to the waiting list for next summer, contact Dr. Kathleen Scaler Scott at 570-674-1437 or kscott@misericordia.edu.
Misericordia University Celebrates 25th Anniversary of Women with Children Program Cheers to 25 Years of Empowerment at Misericordia The Ruth Matthews Bourger Women with Children Program is celebrating 25 years of transforming lives through education, support, and opportunity. Join us for the 25th Anniversary Silver SoiréeSaturday, September 13, 20255:00–10:00 PMIrem Temple Country Club Pavilion, Dallas, PA The evening will honor Sister Jean Messaros, Mr. Rob Friedman & the Friedman Family, and Mrs. Flo DePolo—key supporters of the program’s mission. Guests will enjoy a cocktail reception with live music by Tim Noble, followed by a formal dinner and dancing with WaltonEntertainment. The event also includes a tribute program celebrating our honorees and a silent auction. Black-tie optional. Tickets, ads, and sponsorships available at misericordia.edu/womenwithchildren.
Geisinger Holds Narcan Distribution Events Geisinger’s pharmacy, emergency medicine, addiction medicine and Free2BMom teams are collaborating again this year on two Narcan® (naloxone) distribution events in northeastern Pennsylvania. Geisinger personnel will hand out boxes of nasal naloxone, fentanyl and xylazine testing strips, and teach attendees how to properly use them at community resource events in Luzerne and Lackawanna counties. The Geisinger team will be joined by community health partners who will set up information tables and offer resources to those in recovery or seeking recovery. The first event will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29, on the lawn across from Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre’s emergency room. The hospital’s address is 25 Church St., Wilkes-Barre. The second event will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 4, in the Linden Street courtyard of Courthouse Square at 200 N. Washington Ave. in Scranton. The events are free and open to the public. No registration is required.
Corky’s Garden Path Voted 2025 Best Garden Center Corky’s Garden Path was voted the 2025 Best of the Abingtons and 2025 Best of Lackawanna County for garden centers.
CHOP Hosts Feeding the Future Dinner Join CHOP Out Hunger for our Feeding the Future Dinner on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 5:00 PM at Constantino’s, Clarks Summit, an inspiring evening dedicated to ending childhood hunger across Pennsylvania. This special night will honor community leader Ty Holmes for his outstanding dedication and service to our region. Guests will enjoy a delicious dinner, networking, and a heartfelt program featuring stories of impact. The evening will also include a raffle and learn how to support our Weekend Backpack Program, In-School Pantries, and Pop-Up Pantries, helping ensure every child has enough to eat. Learn More
Amy Bezek Photography Hosts Women’s Circle I’m opening my studio for something truly special — our first Women’s Circle led by Tiffany from La Luna Vibrations. This is a gentle and heart-centered evening of intention, movement, cacao, and sound — a space to reconnect with yourself and move without judgment. We’ll begin in circle with a warm blend of ceremonial cacao, blue lotus, rose, and bobinsana — then shift into intuitive, guided movement and close with a soothing sound bath. It’s not about dancing — it’s about dropping in, softening, and letting your body speak. No experience needed — just bring your beautiful self, a mat, a blanket, and anything to help you feel cozy for the sound bath. Register
The Greater Scranton Chamber Announces Two New Additions to Its Team The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce leadership is pleased to announce the hire of Kira Loomis as business development specialist and Lindsay May as workforce and leadership assistant. Kira Loomis, business development specialist Lindsay May, leadership and workforce assistant In her new capacity, Loomis will support the Chamber’s business development divisions: The Scranton Plan and Scranton Lackawanna Industrial Building Company (SLIBCO). Her responsibilities encompass site selection marketing, business recruitment and expansion, and client engagement, in addition to assisting in the coordination of community-facing events aimed at fostering investment and employment opportunities in Lackawanna County. Loomis brings with her experience in marketing, communications, and community engagement. Her most recent position was as marketing and community outreach coordinator at the Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center (NEPIRC), where she managed prominent events, spearheaded workforce awareness initiatives, and oversaw marketing strategies, both digital and print. A native of Scranton, she holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Media and Journalism with a specialization in Public Relations from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania. As Workforce and Leadership Assistant, May will provide administrative and programmatic support for two of the Chamber’s divisions: Leadership Lackawanna and Skills in Scranton—while also assisting with daily operations and office management across the organization. May brings expertise in client support, operations, and team leadership across various industries, including technology, healthcare, and manufacturing. Her recent role was as Customer Specialist at DealerOn, where she managed high-level customer inquiries and website operations. Her previous positions at Benco Dental and Uline further demonstrate her skills in relationship management, training, and sales support. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Kutztown University. “We are enthusiastic about welcoming both Kira Loomis and Lindsay May to our team,” stated Amy Luyster, vice president of business and workforce development. “Their impressive skills and experience, complemented by a genuine passion for our mission and the communities we serve, will undoubtedly contribute significantly to our business and workforce development initiatives.” The Chamber leadership is delighted to welcome Loomis and May and anticipates their valuable contributions toward advancing the organization’s mission to support local enterprises and fortify communities throughout the region.
TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty Extend Application Deadline The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and Lackawanna County announce that applications for a fourth cohort of TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty are extended to August 29, 2025. The program is a partnership between Lackawanna County, Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern PA, and The Chamber, in collaboration with tecBRIDGE as the program administrator. TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty is a 10-week, in-person experience in which participants can access mentors, educational resources, and subject matter experts on business formation strategies, customer discovery, marketing, financial planning, and risk management. The goal of the ten weeks is to build, share, and pitch their early-stage start-ups. Previous TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty programs have helped 23 entrepreneurs gain traction toward achieving their American dreams. In this fourth cohort, eight more can experience the same resources and excitement. TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty is a competitive application process. Residents of Lackawanna County with tech, for-profit business, or early start-up ideas are encouraged to apply. Participants who complete all program requirements may be eligible for a $10,000 reimbursable grant towards select start-up costs. To apply, visit ScrantonChamber.com and look for TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty under events. Applications close on Friday, August 29.
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders Post-Game Drone Light Show Scranton/Wilkes-Barre adds unique light show experience after game against Indianapolis The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders are excited to announce the addition of a post-game drone light show after their Saturday, August 16, game against the Indianapolis Indians. “We are thrilled to add this one-of-a-kind experience to the promotional schedule,” stated Katie Beekman, the RailRiders General Manager. “It will be the first-ever drone light show at PNC Field and we can’t wait to see the reaction of our great fans. This is such a unique event that fans definitely won’t want to miss.” The show will be coordinated and performed by Sky Elements, a nationally-renowned drone fleet. Sky Elements appeared on America’s Got Talent and performs over 750 shows each year. The RailRiders host the Pittsburgh Pirates’ top affiliate on August 16, which is also Harry Potter Night at PNC Field. Gates open at 5:00 P.M. with custom RailRiders Platform 9 3/4 socks given out to the first 1,500 fans. First pitch is slated for 6:05 and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre players will wear custom jerseys inspired by the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. After the game concludes, this 150-drone performance will begin. Purchase tickets for August 16 or any remaining RailRiders home game this season online at www.swbrailriders.com.
