Scranton Area Community Foundation Showcases Bell and Inspiration Garden

The Scranton Area Community Foundation proudly hosted the Bells Across Pennsylvania Unveiling & Celebration on Thursday, September 4, 2025, drawing a full house of community members, elected officials, and supporters to its home at the historic Century Club in Scranton.

The highlight of the evening was the unveiling of “A City of Hope, A State of Giving,” a one-of-a-kind fiberglass bell created by local artist Cherie Fruehan. The bell, sponsored by the Scranton Area Community Foundation with generous support from Susan and Dorrance Belin, is one of just 108 to be placed across Pennsylvania as part of America250PA’s statewide public art initiative leading up to the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026.

Members of the Scranton Area Community Foundation Board of Governors gather in front of the newly unveiled “A City of Hope, A State of Giving” bell at The Scranton Area Community Foundation at the Century Club. Pictured (left to right): Ellen Burkey, David Price, Laura Ducceschi, Dr. Joseph Bannon, Ken Okrepkie, Katie Gilmartin, Patti Thomas, and Dr. Patricia Fox.

The Foundation also unveiled its new Inspiration Garden at The Century Club—a welcoming outdoor space designed to honor the community’s spirit of generosity and provide a place for reflection and celebration.

Program highlights included the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Scranton Area Community Foundation Board Chair Ellen Burkey, followed by remarks from Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Foundation; Leo Malsky, Director of Operations at America250PA; Lackawanna County Commissioner Bill Gaughan; Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti; and artist Cherie Fruehan. The evening also featured the dedication of a National Votes for Women Trail marker honoring Kate Chapman and recognizing The Century Club’s historic role in the women’s suffrage movement. Following the program, guests enjoyed a reception and a special pop-up art exhibit showcasing Fruehan’s work, with the opportunity to meet the artist and enjoy light refreshments.

Scranton Area Community Foundation President and CEO Laura Ducceschi, Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti, artist Cherie Fruehan, America250PA Director of Operations Leo Malsky, and Lackawanna County Commissioner Bill Gaughan gather in front of the newly unveiled “A City of Hope, A State of Giving” bell at The Scranton Area Community Foundation at the Century Club on September 4, 2025.

“The Inspiration Garden and the America250PA bell embody the very heart of our mission— connecting people, places, and resources so our region can thrive,” said Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “Together, they honor our history, celebrate the generosity of our community, and inspire us to imagine the future we can build when civic pride and philanthropy come together.”

Leo Malsky, Director of Operations at America250PA, addresses a packed house during the Scranton Area Community Foundation’s Bells Across Pennsylvania Unveiling & Celebration at The Century Club on September 4, 2025.

NEPA Healthcare Career & College Exploration Event

The annual Healthcare Career & College Exploration Event will take place on Thursday, October 2, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Viewmont Mall in Dickson City. Hosted by NEPA AHEC, this dynamic event brings together over 40 vendors, including colleges, universities, and leading healthcare organizations actively seeking new talent—and many offering exciting incentives for attendees.

This event provides students and community members with a unique opportunity to explore diverse healthcare careers, engage directly with industry professionals, and participate in hands-on activities. Many exhibitors will feature interactive displays and lab equipment to give students a real-world glimpse into medical professions.

We’re excited to welcome school districts from across the region, many of which are providing transportation for students. Last year’s event drew nearly 400 high school students from seven counties, all eager to learn more about careers in healthcare—and this year promises to be even bigger.

Geisinger College’s School of Medicine Announces TEDx Event

Geisinger College’s School of Medicine is bringing a TEDx event to Scranton on Thursday, Oct. 2. TEDx events, delivered under the banner “ideas worth spreading,” feature insightful, engaging speakers with fresh takes on topics of immediate community interest.

The event will feature seven speakers who will share their points of view on fostering humility. Speakers will explore humility in science, medicine and education.

“For far too many of us, humility is equated with being weak or lacking confidence,” said event planner Calvin Kiniale, a member of Geisinger’s MD Class of 2027. “We want to challenge that idea and showcase humility as a great strength that empowers you to connect with others and embrace lifelong learning. We are looking for speakers who will explore humility in science, medicine and education. Our goal is to spark thought-provoking conversations on the topic.”

Event Details:

  • Thursday, Oct. 2, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
  • Medical Sciences Building, 525 Pine St., Scranton
  • Theme: “Fostering Humility”

Geisinger College of Health Sciences Presents Preventive Medicine Lecture Series

What if the foods you eat could help prevent or even reverse some of today’s leading causes of death? Dr. Michael Greger will share research on how nutrition impacts heart disease, diabetes, cancer and more. Gain practical tips to make healthier choices.

What: How Not to Die

When: Tuesday, Oct. 7, 5:30 p.m.

Where: Geisinger College of Health Sciences, Auditorium 525 Pine St., Scranton, PA

Register: go.geisinger.edu/hntd

Hospice of the Sacred Heart Announces Monica Project Dedication

Hospice of the Sacred Heart will formally dedicate the Monica Project Memorial Pollinator Garden Wednesday, September 17th at 4 pm in Nay Aug Park. The impressive garden was created in memory of Monica Patel, a beautiful young girl who passed away in 2015 under the care of Hospice of the Sacred Heart.

For parents, siblings and grandparents, the loss of a child is a profound journey. Hospice of the Sacred Heart offers a compassionate space to find support, understanding and encouragement during a difficult time. Our services are designed to help individuals process the unique complexities of grieving a child, regardless of their age or circumstances of their passing. 

This garden, a repurposed piece of land, has been transformed over the better part of the last five years by Hospice of the Sacred Heart employees, members of the Greenhouse Project and other community volunteers. Carefully chosen pollinator plants have been planted to attract birds, bees and butterflies and a bench has been installed directly across from the garden so guests can pray or meditate in a quiet, peaceful setting.

Diane Baldi, Hospice of the Sacred Heart CEO, will be available for interviews. The garden is located adjacent to the greenhouse at 200 Arthur Avenue in Scranton.

Indraloka Sanctuary Showcases NEPA at Compassion for Animals & Environment Conference

Indraloka, nestled in the rolling hills of Northeastern Pennsylvania, will be featured as a key exhibitor at the Compassion for Animals and Environment (CAE) Conference, held at Bucks County Community College on Saturday, September 27.

The CAE Conference is the only gathering of its kind that unites leaders in animal welfare, science, law, and social justice with a shared mission: honoring animals’ intelligence and emotions, promoting plant-based living, and building a kinder, more sustainable world.

Indraloka’s presence highlights not only the sanctuary’s role as a safe haven for nearly 200 rescued farm animals, but also positions NEPA as a hub for innovation in compassion and wellness. “Every time we step onto a stage outside our region, we carry the heart of Northeastern Pennsylvania with us,” said Robin Olson, Indraloka’s Director of Development and Montgomery County resident. “This is an opportunity to show larger metro audiences the meaningful work happening in our state and invite them to experience it firsthand. What Indraloka is doing is relevant beyond its hometown.”

The event includes thought-provoking speakers, workshops, and exhibits from leading animal advocates, with Indraloka standing proudly alongside national organizations such as Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine and Rowdy Girl Sanctuary.

Conference Details:
 📍 Bucks County Community College, Rollins Center Gallagher Room, Newtown, PA
 📅 Saturday, September 27, 2025 | 9 AM – 3 PM
 🎟️ Registration: $30 general | $18 students
 🍴 Vegan lunch included | Register online: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1234094482819?aff=oddtdtcreator

Johnson College Running Electrical Basics Workshop

Johnson College is now accepting registrations for its Women at the Workbench Electrical Workshop, a hands-on, one-day experience designed to introduce participants to the basics of electricity and electrical repair. The workshop will take place Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the college’s Scranton campus.

The cost is $65. Registration is available at johnson.edu/workshops. For more information, contact the college’s WAVE team at wave@johnson.edu or 570-702-8979.

Participants will learn essential electrical tasks, from changing outlets to understanding how switches work. No prior experience is necessary, making it ideal for beginners who are curious about tackling home projects or simply want to become more confident with tools and repairs.

This workshop offers more than just technical instruction. It’s an opportunity to step up to the workbench and take control of your learning. Johnson College’s WAVE (Workforce Advancement & Value-Added Education) team designed it so that participants walk away empowered and capable, ready to apply what they’ve learned in meaningful, everyday ways.

This workshop is open to everyone interested in developing practical electrical skills in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Marywood University Alum, Frank Kelleher, Selected as Judge for Miss America Pageant

Marywood University Alumnus, Trustee, and Scranton native, Frank Kelleher, President of Daytona International Speedway and NASCAR Southeast Properties, recently served as a judge for the Miss America Competition, one of the nation’s most iconic and celebrated events.

Kelleher was chosen for the prestigious role based on his professional expertise, leadership, and longstanding record of excellence.

“This is an extraordinary honor for Frank, and it reflects the influence and achievement of Marywood graduates on national stages,” said Lisa Lori, J.D., President of Marywood University. “Frank’s career and commitment to leadership embody the values of confidence, service, and excellence that define a Marywood education.”

In addition to his role as a Miss America judge, Kelleher is one of the most visible executives in American motorsports. As President of Daytona International Speedway—the “World Center of Racing”—he directs operations for the DAYTONA 500, Rolex 24, Daytona 200, Daytona Supercross, and North America’s largest rock music festival, Welcome to Rockville. He also oversees Talladega Superspeedway and Homestead-Miami Speedway, the latter set to host NASCAR’s Championship Weekend in 2026.

A lifelong racer and two-time World Karting Association Champion, Kelleher earned his B.A. in Business Administration from Marywood University and continues to give back as a member of the University’s Board. He resides in Ormond Beach, Florida, with his wife, Lauren, and their two children.