The Greater Scranton YMCA Seeking Marketing Firm for Caring Communities Release Date: June 18, 2025 Proposal Deadline: July 16, 2025 (5:00 PM EST) Contract Value: $10,000 per year (2 years) – Total $20,000 Project Overview The Greater Scranton YMCA, through generous grant funding from the Moses Taylor Foundation, is seeking proposals from qualified, smaller sized marketing firms based in Northeastern Pennsylvania to assist in the strategic promotion and communication of its Caring Communities for Mental Health program. This two-year initiative, which is part of the Greater Scranton YMCA’s broader YMCA Wellbeing Initiative, expands free, community- based mental health services across multiple counties, with a strong focus on underserved and/or marginalized populations. This RFP represents a $10,000/year contract over a two-year period, designed to maximize reach, engagement, and program impact. Program Goals The Caring Communities for Mental Health program aims to: Expand access to free mental health support and case management services. Reduce barriers to care, especially for marginalized and underserved communities. Integrate evidence-based mental health/wellness programs and workshops (e.g., COPE, R1 Learning System). Raise awareness through culturally relevant, inclusive messaging and outreach with our community partners and stakeholders. Scope of Work The selected firm will provide the following deliverables: Marketing Strategy Development A two-year marketing plan aligned with grant objectives. Branding and messaging tailored to health equity and stigma reduction. Content Creation & Design Flyers, brochures, event materials, and signage (print & digital). Videos, reels, infographics and additional content to be used on the Y’s social platforms, website and with the community. Social Media & Digital Engagement Monthly content calendars, platform-specific assets, and ad campaign guidance. Community Visibility Support outreach campaigns to reach priority populations across Lackawanna and surrounding counties. Contract Period and Value Term: August 1, 2025 – July 31, 2027 Value: $10,000 annually; $20,000 total. Please note, this is a fixed-price contract funded through grant funding from the Moses Taylor Foundation. Eligibility Requirements Must be a registered small business based in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Demonstrated experience with nonprofit, health and/or mental health campaigns. Ability to collaborate closely with YMCA program and leadership staff, including marketing and program staff to ensure adherence to all YMCA of the USA branding guidelines and requirements. Must sign a sublicense agreement to gain access to YMCA trademarked materials. Proposal Requirements All proposals must include: 1. Cover Letter One-page max, inclusive of firm’s description of services, team bios and relevant experience. 2. Portfolio Samples At least three examples of previous work, ideally in community health or nonprofit marketing. 3. Approach & Work Plan Initial concepts or approach to support the YMCA’s grant goals. 4. Budget & Timeline Clear breakdown of services within the $10,000/year framework. 5. References Two client references with contact details. Submission Process Please submit all proposals via email (PDF format) to: Meghan Carnevale Mission Advancement & Marketing Director GREATER SCRANTON YMCA Email: mcarnevale@gsymca.org Subject Line: Marketing Proposal – Caring Communities Initiative Deadline: July 16, 2025 at 5:00 PM EST
UNC’s South Side Farmers Market Holds PNC Day United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC) invites all media outlets and community members to join us on Saturday, June 21, 2025, for a special PNC Day at our year-round South Side Farmers Market. The market takes place every Saturday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. We are now outdoors at the corner of 526 Cedar Avenue and Alder Street in Scranton. This event honors PNC, our Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (PA DCED) Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) tax credit partner, for their investment in the South Side Farmers Market. Through the NAP program, PNC has played a vital role in supporting the market’s growth and long-term sustainability. The Neighborhood Assistance Program continues to strengthen the market by supporting vendor recruitment, marketing efforts, and the development of local partnerships. The market will feature our regular lineup of local vendors offering fresh produce, handmade goods, delicious treats, and more. To mark the occasion, everyone who attends the market on June 21 will receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win one of two half-share CSAs from Endless Roots Farm in Waverly. Plus, UNC will be purchasing the first 100 ice cream treats from The Rolling Conez Ice Cream Truck — free to market-goers while supplies last! A CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) provides subscribers with regular deliveries of fresh, seasonal produce throughout the growing season. It’s like a subscription to healthy, local food — and a great way to support regional farmers! We’re also excited to welcome a new vendor — JaM’s Delights. Come hungry! ShoovyQ BBQ will be serving up delicious food, and families can enjoy fun outdoor activities, including UNC’s brand-new cornhole boards, free to play. The South Side Farmers Market accepts SNAP/EBT. Benefit cardholders can receive an additional $2 for every $4 spent through the Food Bucks incentive program. For more information on SNAP/EBT, Food Bucks, or to become a cooking demonstrator, contact Lee Eckardt, Farmers Market Manager, at fm@uncnepa.org. The South Side Farmers Market is also supported by the PA Department of Community and Economic Development’s Neighborhood Partnership Program investment from The Dime Bank. This project is also financed in part by a grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Community and Economic Development through the PA Fresh Food Financing Initiative, administered by The Food Trust.
The NEPA Philharmonic Kicks Off Summer with Independence Day Celebrations and Community Events The Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic kicks off its 2025-26 Season, Presented by PNC, with a lineup of summer festivities, Independence Day celebrations, and three nights of music under the stars on July 3-5, 2025. With full-orchestra fireworks performances, patriotic favorites, community education and wellness events, and chamber music in the great outdoors, the NEPA Philharmonic presents outdoor large-ensemble concerts in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre on July 3rd and 4th; an outdoor chamber music concert at Harmony in the Woods in Hawley on July 5th; and community programs in Scranton, Peckville, and Carbondale. On Thursday, July 3, 7:30 PM, the full NEPA Philharmonic returns to Courthouse Square in downtown Scranton for a free concert as part of the Lackawanna County Scrantastic Spectacular. The performance – led by guest conductor Jeffrey Spenner, Assistant Director of the U.S. Coast Guard Band – features the full orchestra for the first time since 2019, with an array of patriotic classics capped by a fireworks display. For more details, visit https://www.scrantasticspectacular.com/. “I’m thrilled to celebrate the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic’s performance at our annual Scrantastic Spectacular on July 3rd,” says Lackawanna County Commissioner Chris Chermak. “Their vibrant orchestra will bring patriotic spirit to Courthouse Square, uniting our community in a joyful Independence Day celebration. We’re proud to support their artistry and look forward to an unforgettable evening of music and fireworks.” Lackawanna County Commissioner Bill Gaughan also notes, “The Scrantastic Spectacular always is a great event and it will be even more so this year, with the full Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic bringing its extraordinarily talented musicians to the perfect setting of Courthouse Square. I can’t think of a better way for the whole community to come together to celebrate the nation’s 249th anniversary.” The celebration continues Friday, July 4, 9:00 AM, with the 12th Annual Yoga on the Roof atop the Marketplace at Steamtown’s parking garage. The NEPA Philharmonic string trio joins Jaya Yoga Clarks Summit for a unique sunrise yoga session with live music, highlighting powerful connections between arts and wellness. Registration is $20, online at www.nepaphil.org/tickets or at the door; proceeds benefit NEPA Philharmonic community and education programs. Maximum Zen Bakery of Clarks Summit provides light breakfast. On July 4, 8:00 PM, the NEPA Philharmonic Brass and Percussion Ensemble return with guest conductor Paul Bryan to Wilkes-Barre’s Old Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration at Kirby Park. This free, festive event features music, food, games, and another evening of lighting up the sky with fireworks. The NEPA Philharmonic Brass also presents two all-ages educational events: Once Upon an Orchestra at Valley Community Library in Peckville on Thursday, July 3, 10:00 AM and Meet the Instruments outside at Memorial Park in Carbondale on Saturday, July 5, 11:00 AM. Once Upon an Orchestra blends music and storytelling, bringing to life Ben’s Trumpet by Rachel Isadora with a brass trio performing 1920s-style jazz, while Meet the Instruments features instrument demonstrations and short musical excerpts with brass quintet. Both events are free; registration for the July 3 library event is at https://lclshome.org/event/once-upon-an-orchestra/. The weekend concludes as the NEPA Philharmonic expands the Stoppini Chamber Series with a special concert in partnership with Harmony in the Woods, a premier outdoor performance venue in Hawley, PA. On Saturday, July 5, 6:00 PM, the NEPA Philharmonic Brass Quintet takes center stage with “Americana Brass in the Woods”. The performance will feature a dynamic mix of New Orleans jazz, lively ragtime, and classic film scores, alongside timeless works from Gershwin, Ellington, Bernstein, Irving Berlin, and more. Tickets ($50 for adults, $25 for children) are available at www.harmonyinthewoods.org. The Scrantastic Spectacular is sponsored in part by Lehigh Valley Health Network, Scranton Tomorrow, The Lackawanna County Commissioners, The City of Scranton, and Audacy Pennsylvania. Additional support for the NEPA Philharmonic at Scrantastic Spectacular is provided by PNC, Fellerman & Ciarimboli Law PC, Fidelity, Geisinger, and Xfinity. Once Upon an Orchestra is presented by the Lackawanna County Library System. The NEPA Philharmonic Brass at Wilkes-Barre’s Old Fashioned Fourth of July is presented by the City of Wilkes-Barre. Americana Brass is presented by Harmony in the Woods, with additional support for the Philharmonic from PNC and the Stoppini Foundation. In case of inclement weather, the July 3rd, 7:30PM Scrantastic Spectacular concert will go on as scheduled, with a rain location at Scranton High School; rain location announcements will be provided by Lackawanna County on the event website. The rain location for the July 5th, 11AM Meet the Instruments event in Carbondale will be at the Greater Carbondale Chamber of Commerce. For more information about the NEPA Philharmonic’s summer programs and the upcoming 2025–2026 Season, Presented by PNC, visit nepaphil.org, or call (570) 270-4444.
Scranton Area Community Foundation and Lackawanna Leadership Announce Grant Recipients The Scranton Area Community Foundation, in partnership with Leadership Lackawanna, is proud to announce the nonprofit organizations selected to receive grants through the 2024–2025 Tomorrow’s Leaders Today (TLT) grant cycle. These awards support initiatives in Lackawanna County that assist individuals affected by domestic violence, promote environmental preservation and education, and address food insecurity. Funded by a $15,000 allocation from the Scranton Area Community Foundation, these grants were determined by the high school juniors of the TLT Class of 2024–2025, who selected the priority areas and reviewed applications as part of their philanthropy curriculum. The 2025 Tomorrow’s Leaders Today Grant Recipients are: Lacawac Sanctuary Environmental Education Center – “Environmental Stewardship Institute of Lackawanna County” – $2,500.00 WRC – “Empowering Survivors of Domestic Violence” – $2,575.00 Child Hunger Outreach Partners (CHOP) – “CHOP Out Hunger – Supporting Our Programs” – $5,000.00 Saint Joseph’s Center – “Saint Joseph’s Center Maternity Residential Services” – $2,575.00 Imagine Performing Arts Center – “Countryside Conservancy & Imagine Collaboration – Exploring the Environment through the Arts” – $2,350.00 Tomorrow’s Leaders Today is a youth leadership program of Leadership Lackawanna that allows high school juniors to meet with community leaders and decision-makers. In addition to leadership development, the students must complete a philanthropy curriculum conducted by the Scranton Area Communication Foundation. TLT seeks to help participants realize what they can do to make a difference in their community as young philanthropists and to develop their leadership skills further. SACF accepted funding applications through its online grant portal from December 4, 2024, to January 17, 2025. Eligible organizations were invited to request up to $5,000 in support. Back Row (l-r): Frank Caputo, Grants & Scholarships Manager; Rebecca Farrell, Grants & Scholarships Associate; Cathy Fitzpatrick, Director of Grants & Scholarships; Jennifer Strzelec, Program Coordinator, Leadership Lackawanna; Nicole Morristell, Executive Director, Leadership Lackawanna. Front Row (l-r): Rachel Santoro, Director of Development & Communications, CHOP Out Hunger; Samantha Christ, Chief Operating Officer, Founder, Imagine Performing Arts Center; Mac McCrory, Director of At Ease Veteran Program, Lacawac Sanctuary Environmental Education Center.
Shapiro Administration to Promote Safe Driving During Summer Travel Tomorrow, officials from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PA Turnpike) and Pennsylvania Traffic Injury Prevention Project (PA TIPP) will gather to promote safe summer travel, urging motorists to follow traffic laws for the safety of all road users. The statewide Fourth of July impaired driving enforcement campaign began Monday and runs through July 6. WHO: Mike Carroll, Secretary, PennDOT Mark Compton, CEO, PA Turnpike Sgt. Logan Brouse, Communications Office Director, PSP Kelly Whitaker, Central Regional Coordinator, PA TIPP WHEN: TOMORROW, Wednesday, June 18 at 1:00 PM WHERE: PA Turnpike TIP Building, 2850 Turnpike Industrial Drive, Middletown, PA. Event is outside, at the back of the main entrance parking lot. See map for details. In case of inclement weather, the event will move indoors. RSVP: Media interested in attending should RSVP with the name of reporter/photographer to morbanek@paturnpike.com.
Scranton Area Community Foundation, Frank L. Burke Foundation Distributes $47,000 to Charities On Saturday, December 21, 2024, representatives from the Frank L. Burke Foundation visited The Farmhouse Sanctuary in Sterling Township for a check presentation to two organizations on behalf of the Frank L. Burke IV Memorial Fund. Each year, the fund hosts the “Bogeys for Burkey” Golf Tournament, and the proceeds from 2024’s event were distributed as follows: The Farmhouse Sanctuary: $7,000 Make-A-Wish: $40,000 The Frank L. Burke Foundation is administered by the Scranton Area Community Foundation. Established by Frank’s family in May 2022, the Frank L. Burke Foundation supports the causes, activities, and organizations that honor his memory. To date, the Frank L. Burke Foundation has distributed over $135,000 in charitable support to the community. Front Row (l-r): Felix Cummings, Jeannene Quinn, Shannon Burke, Maura Cummings, Mary Alice Burke, and Latte the Goat. Back Row (l-r): Nick Kwiatkowski, Tom Cummings, Jay Yanul, Ali Lahey, Mara Lahey, and PJ Lahey. Front Row (l-r): Maggie O’Brien (Make-a-Wish), Jeannene Quinn, Shannon Burke, Mary Alice Burke. Back Row (l-r): Jacob Torba (Scranton Area Community Foundation), Jay Yanul, Nick Kwiatkowski, Mara Lahey, and PJ Lahey.
Circle Drive-In Upcoming Movie Showings This week at Circle Drive-In: Wednesday, June 18th Pharoahs Car Club of Scranton – Movie Night featuring “The Fast & The Furious” (2001) at 9:00 pm. Gates & Box Office open early at 7:00 pm – check out all of the Pharoahs vehicles on display! Thursday, June 19th Summer Kickoff Movie Presented by Lackawanna Historical Society featuring “Dirty Dancing” (1987) at 9:00 pm. Gates & Box Office open at 8:00 pm. Friday, June 20th & Saturday, June 21st: Double Features Gates & Box Office 8:00 pm Screen One: “How to Train Your Dragon” (PG – 2025) at 9:00 pm “Lilo & Stitch” (PG – 2025) at 11:30 pm Screen Two: “28 Years Later” (R – 2025) at 9:15 pm “Materialists” (R – 2025) at 11:40 pm Sunday, June 22nd Circle Giant Flea Fair from 6:00 am – 2:00 pm (Vendor Gates at 5:00 am) New vendors are always welcome, no pre-registration required! Come out & sell your crafts, artisan items, homemade products, spring cleaning treasures & more – every Sunday! Sunday Night Movies Gates & Box Office 8:00 pm Screen One: “How to Train Your Dragon” (PG – 2025) at 9:00 pm Screen Two: “28 Years Later” (R – 2025) at 9:15 pm Wednesday, June 25th 150 Years of Dickson City – FREE Community Movie Night featuring “Psycho” (1960) at 9:00 pm. Gates open at 8:00 pm.
Wayne Bank Announces Leadership Role in New Business Intelligence Division Jim Donelly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wayne Bank, is proud to recognize and announce employee Kayla Dixon as Assistant Vice President Business Intelligence Manager of the Bank’s newest division. “I’m very excited to welcome Kayla to her new role as Business Intelligence Manager. As our Bank’s newest department, Business Intelligence needs a strong leader with experience, insight, and technical skills – all strengths of Kayla’s. She has already made significant contributions to our recent projects, and I am confident that she will use her talents to spearhead more developments and breakthroughs,” said Donnelly. Newly introduced to Wayne Bank, the Business Intelligence Division is dedicated to leveraging data to drive smarter, more informed decisions across the organization. With Kayla’s leadership, it will serve as a critical partner in supporting many of the Bank’s technical projects and strategic initiatives. In this new role, Kayla will use her technical skills and data analytics expertise to both lead and shape the Bank’s Business Intelligence Division. An integral part of Wayne Bank for over twelve years, Kayla has held various roles, including her most recent position as Assistant Vice President and Consumer Loan Officer. Kayla is actively involved in her community, serving on various school and sports committees. This balance between her professional and personal life helps her maintain a well-rounded perspective in all that she does. She resides in Waymart with her husband, John, and their three children, Finley, Natalie, and Logan.
Tobyhanna Army Depot Chief Al Lyons Named Supervisor of the Quarter Lyons’ excellent leadership is helping Tobyhanna forge the future of its critical cyber mission – one that further cements Tobyhanna as a leading readiness provider for the battlefield of today and the future. Lyons routinely goes above and beyond to ensure mission success and comprehensively contributes to Tobyhanna, its employees, and its continued success in delivering the best value to our nation’s warfighters. A prime example of that commitment to mission came when Lyons served as Acting Cyber Division Chief. Lyons seeks to serve all his peers wherever they may fall in his chain of command. Lyons has worked with members of Tobyhanna’s higher headquarters U.S. Army Materiel Command, or AMC, to support modernization efforts, and worked with AMC headquarters and Tobyhanna personnel to design the Army’s industrial control network architecture. Lyons frequently facilitates customer meetings to proactively set Tobyhanna up for success to meet changing workload and customer requirements and maintain positive customer relationships. In addition to this, Lyons prides himself on being a mentor, both formally and informally. Lyons actively mentors several depot employees across several career paths, met regularly with cyber branch chiefs during his time dual hatting as Acting Cyber Division Chief, encourages employees to expand their abilities through training and self-development, and creates a culture of respect amongst his colleagues. In nominating him for Supervisor of the Quarter, Lyons’ peers said, “Albert has established himself as an integral part of Tobyhanna Army Depot’s future in cybersecurity. He personifies quality leadership and invests himself in the depot’s culture of excellence.” Lyons’ efforts have borne substantial fruit for the depot, including being named the AMC Center of Excellence for the development and control of the ICN. So much so that a new branch, the Cyber Support Branch, was created, and when the depot needed a leader for it, Lyons was the choice to stand it up. In addition to stepping up to dual hat, Lyons has represented Tobyhanna at multiple ICN wargames/engagements, the DOD Maintenance Symposium, and numerous customer visits that have led to workload growth. Lyons said receiving the award was humbling, especially since it came from those who work alongside him every day. “Receiving Supervisor of the Quarter is an honor, especially knowing the nomination came from my team,” said Lyons. A former educator, Lyons attributes his success to the knowledge he has received and his commitment to self-development. “I charted a bit of an unorthodox career path as someone who started as a local educator to navigating a career at Tobyhanna Army Depot. Upon my arrival, I made sure to take advantage of professional development and career opportunities as I continuously upskilled with a focus on understanding the business as well as specializing in cybersecurity. More importantly, I was lucky enough to continuously build relationships with teammates currently in leadership that I owe a debt of gratitude for their mentorship along the way. This sense of community, ability to invest in oneself, and the team’s execution to complete our mission is what makes my job at Tobyhanna more fulfilling than I could’ve expected upon my initial career change.” When he’s not working to equip our nation and its warfighters with the vital tools they need for the battlefield of the future, Lyons dedicates his time to his family. A local product, Lyons went to high school at Wyoming Area and met his wife at Misericordia University. Lyons strives to be the best girl dad he can be to their daughters.
