Greater Scranton YMCA to Host Summer Clothing Drive

The Greater Scranton YMCA’s Summer Clothing Drive is underway, running Aug. 3-13, 2026. The Y will be collecting gently used clothing for individuals and families from August 3-7. Donated items will be available for distribution to
those in need from August 10-13.

Collection runs Monday, Aug. 3rd through Friday, Aug. 7th. Clean, wearable clothing in every size is welcome, infant through adult. Donations can be dropped off at the Y’s Welcome Center, located at 706 North Blakely Street in Dunmore, anytime during business hours. The Y is open Monday – Thursday from 5:30 AM – 9:00 PM, Fridays from 5:30 AM – 9:00 PM, Saturdays from 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM, and Sundays from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

Beginning Monday, Aug. 10th through Thursday, Aug. 13th, all donated items will be
available to community members free of charge. Community members in need can pick up
clothing any time during business hours.

“August can be a challenging month financially for families, especially with all of the backto-school expenses.” said Rich Surridge, President & CEO of the Greater Scranton YMCA. “This drive allows our community to show up for one another. We are grateful for the opportunity to facilitate this drive for our community, and we’re proud to promote
sustainability and community-centered giving.”

Community members are encouraged to sort through closets before the collection week begins. A single donation gives good clothing a second life and helps ensure families across the area have what they need heading into the school year.

For more information about the Summer Clothing Drive, contact Tressa Capoccia, Senior
Education Director, at tcapoccia@gsymca.org

Tobyhanna Army Depot Celebrates National Intern Day

In recognition of National Intern Day on July 30, Tobyhanna Army Depot celebrated three employees whose internships launched successful and long-term careers supporting the nation’s defense mission. Dana Bilotta, Michael Szumski and Steven Wiltz each began their journeys through the depot’s internship programs and have since advanced into leadership and specialized roles.

As Safety Manager, Dana Bilotta has built a 19-year career after beginning as an intern in 2007 while studying Architectural Drafting and Design at Johnson College. Seeking an opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world environment, Bilotta joined the depot’s internship program before accepting a full-time position as a draftsman following graduation.

Throughout her career, Bilotta has held several positions, including Industrial Engineering Technician and Safety Specialist, before leading the Safety Office. She credits the depot’s culture of mentorship, professional development and opportunities for advancement as the reasons she has remained with Team Tobyhanna for nearly two decades.

Today, Bilotta is dedicated to creating a safe workplace while promoting safety practices that extend beyond the job site. Recently, she and the depot’s Safety team hosted an interactive Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and ergonomics session for children attending the depot’s summer camp, helping introduce the next generation to the importance of workplace and everyday safety.

Michael Szumski’s career has come full circle after beginning as a Pathways Program intern in 2015 within the Air Traffic Control, Approach, and Landing System (ATCALS) & Range Threat Engineering Branch. After spending two summers as a student intern and earning a degree in Electrical Engineering from Wilkes University, he joined Team Tobyhanna full-time in 2017.

Over the years, Szumski gained experience in multiple engineering branches, including Air Defense & Counterfire Engineering and Communications Engineering, where he served in both leadership and technical roles. In February 2026, he returned to the ATCALS & Range Threat Engineering Branch as its chief.

His broad engineering background has prepared him to lead modernization efforts and support next-generation radar system planning. Szumski said working in different areas of the depot has provided valuable technical experience and a broader perspective, allowing him to become a more effective leader while continuing to support multiple military services and mission-critical programs.

Steven Wiltz also began his Tobyhanna career through the Student Career Experience Program, now known as the Pathways Program, while studying electrical construction and maintenance at Johnson College in 2007. Following graduation, he joined the depot full-time repairing environmental control units before spending eight years on the production floor.

Wiltz later served as a production controller before being promoted to Logistics Management Specialist in 2020. Throughout his career, he has supported programs across both continental and overseas locations, gaining experience that now supports the Department of the Army’s evolving small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) mission. He credits developmental assignments, professional training and the mentorship of his colleagues for helping shape his career.

Wiltz encourages students and aspiring professionals to pursue internship opportunities, calling them a pathway to a rewarding and meaningful career.

The success of Bilotta, Szumski and Wiltz demonstrates the long-term value of Tobyhanna Army Depot’s internship programs, which provide students with hands-on experience while developing the skilled workforce needed to support the depot’s mission and the nation’s warfighters.

The Wright Center receives national recognition for leadership in diabetes care and prevention

For the second year in a row, The Wright Center for Community Health has earned national recognition for its continued commitment to improving diabetes care and prevention.

Quality Insights, a West Virginia-based leader in healthcare quality improvement, recognized The Wright Center for its annual review of diabetes and prediabetes care. The National Diabetes Prevention Program is a nationally recognized, evidence-based lifestyle change program designed to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes in high-risk patients.

The Wright Center partnered with Quality Insights to assess workflows, documentation, and referrals, driving ongoing improvements in care and cost efficiency. Quality Insights also lauded The Wright Center for achieving stronger glycemic control among its diabetic patients, which helps reduce the risk of serious complications.

In 2025, The Wright Center reported a 19.66% rate for NQF 0059 and CMS 122, which is an inverse quality measure that tracks the percentage of diabetic patients ages 18–75 with poorly controlled blood sugar. Since lower rates are associated with better outcomes, The Wright Center’s rate indicates strong performance in managing diabetes and reducing the risk of serious complications.

The Wright Center’s consistent focus on this metric underscores its dedication to evidence-based, data-informed care. Quality Insights’ recognition reinforces The Wright Center’s commitment to advancing health access, enhancing chronic disease management, and improving the lives of patients across Northeast Pennsylvania.

In addition, The Wright Center is also working to educate patients about type 2 diabetes, including hosting the National Diabetes Prevention Program at its community health centers in Jermyn and Scranton. The 26-session, evidence-based program helps individuals with prediabetes lower their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

“We are grateful to Quality Insights for this recognition and for its ongoing collaboration in our shared mission to improve chronic disease outcomes,” said Melissa Germano-Ryczak, M.S., RD, LDN, a registered dietitian and director of Lifestyle Modification and Preventive Medicine at The Wright Center. “The recognition reflects our ongoing efforts to expand access to high-quality care, strengthen chronic disease management, and empower patients to take charge of their health.”

Electric City Farmers Market Opens August 4th

The Electric City Farmers Market will open Tuesday, Aug. 4, at Christopher A. Doherty Park in downtown Scranton. Community members are invited to visit the pocket park every Tuesday from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. to shop for fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, plants and more.

Featured vendors include Hopkins Farms, Cypress House @ St. Luke’s Church and Pierro Plant and Garden Center. Visitors can also enjoy live music from noon to 2 p.m. while supporting local growers and businesses.

The Electric City Farmers Market is a project of Scranton Tomorrow, with support from the Architectural Heritage Association.

Tobyhanna Army Depot Celebrates Veteran Employees on National Hire a Veteran Day

National Hire a Veteran Day, observed annually on July 25, encourages employers to recognize the value veterans bring to the workforce and support their successful transition into civilian careers. Established in 2017, the observance highlights the leadership, discipline and commitment veterans contribute to organizations across the country. At Tobyhanna Army Depot, hundreds of veterans representing every branch of the U.S. Armed Forces continue their service as members of Team Tobyhanna.

Among them is Ryan Yazdzik, who served in the U.S. Army from 2015 to 2020, including two deployments to Kuwait focused on air defense. Inspired by his family’s long history of military service, Yazdzik joined Tobyhanna Army Depot four and a half years ago as a material handler.

In his role, Yazdzik supports the depot’s logistics operations by managing shipping, processing and other essential functions that help sustain critical military systems. Having used many of the same systems during his military service, he understands the importance of ensuring warfighters receive reliable equipment.

“A lot of systems we work on I’ve used in deployments and in the field. I know firsthand the importance of these assets to the warfighter.”

Electronics Mechanic Denise Pfister also continues her commitment to serving the nation after four years in the U.S. Navy as an aviation electronics technician. After enlisting in 2001, she maintained S-3B Viking aircraft used to train pilots and recalls the pride of helping return aircraft to service. She was also in boot camp during the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, an experience that shaped the beginning of her military career.

After leaving the Navy in 2005, Pfister joined Tobyhanna Army Depot in 2018 after attending one of the depot’s career fairs. Today, she works on Sidewinder missile systems and credits her military experience with instilling the discipline, commitment and mission-focused mindset that continues to guide her work.

Pfister encourages veterans transitioning into civilian careers to remain patient and utilize available resources, including those offered through the Department of Veterans Affairs. She also believes veterans bring valuable qualities to employers.

“Most veterans are detail-oriented. They’ll show up on time or early. They’re dependable, committed and focused on the mission.”

She added that continuing to support the nation’s defense remains a source of pride.

“I love working at Tobyhanna because I know I’m still doing my part to help keep this country free.”

Harry Heck has also dedicated decades to serving the nation. After joining the National Guard in the 1980s, he continued his military career with seven years of active-duty service in the U.S. Air Force, supporting travel and pay operations. The experience provided the foundation for a successful career in financial management while teaching him the discipline and routine that have benefited him throughout his career.

Following positions with Sallie Mae, other financial institutions and a production facility, Heck joined Tobyhanna Army Depot in 2008. Over more than 18 years, he has held several positions within the Resource Management Directorate, including travel accounts technician, lead approving official and his current role as Defense Travel System administrator for the depot.

Reflecting on his career, Heck said he values the opportunity to continue serving those who protect the nation.

“I really enjoy helping people and assisting them as they go out to serve our warfighters. It means a lot.”

As National Hire a Veteran Day recognizes the contributions veterans make to the workforce, Tobyhanna Army Depot continues to demonstrate the value of hiring those who have served. Through the dedication, leadership and expertise of employees like Yazdzik, Pfister and Heck, the depot strengthens its mission while supporting the readiness of the nation’s warfighters.

The Wright Center celebrates a new reason to smile at community health center in Tunkhannock

The Wright Center for Community Health celebrated the launch of a new dental service line at its community health center in Tunkhannock on Friday, July 24, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Wyoming County Healthcare Center, 5950 U.S. Route 6, Suite 401.

The event, which was open to the public, featured remarks from leaders at The Wright Center and Wyoming County Healthcare Center, tours of the four new dental operatories, and a meet-and-greet with the Tunkhannock dental team, led by veteran dentist Dr. Frank Pagano.

“We are taking another meaningful step forward as we celebrate the upcoming opening of our new, state-of-the-art dental services center inside our Federally Qualified Health Center Look Alike Center on the fourth floor of the Wyoming County Healthcare Center,” said Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak, president and CEO of The Wright Center. “Oral healthcare is an essential part of whole-person health and our whole-person care model.

“A healthy smile is more than healthy teeth. It is about dignity and confidence – for the child who can concentrate in school instead of living with oral pain, the parent who no longer has to choose between paying a bill and seeing a dentist, and the older adult who can eat nutritious food, speak comfortably, and enjoy life’s simple pleasures.”

Starting Monday, Aug. 3, The Wright Center for Community Health Tunkhannock will begin offering affordable, high-quality oral care services, including routine exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, fillings, extractions, restorations, dentures, and other procedures for adults and children. Appointments can be made by calling 570-591-5299.

The Wright Center opened its community health center in Tunkhannock in September 2024 inside the former Tyler Memorial Hospital as part of its efforts to expand safety-net primary and preventive care services for underserved populations and communities.

“We are grateful to partner with The Wright Center through collaborative funding provided by AllOne Charities, Moses Taylor Foundation, and Appalachian Regional Commission to expand access to dental services at the Wyoming Valley Healthcare Center,” said Lindsay Shalata, the center’s executive director. “This partnership reflects a shared commitment to improving access to quality dental healthcare for the communities we serve.”

SWB RailRiders, Beck Earns International League Pitcher of the Week by MiLB

Minor League Baseball has announced its weekly awards for July 20-26 and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre’s Brendan Beck was named the International League’s Pitcher of the Week. The RailRider did not allow a run while striking out seven to help record a shutout victory against the Syracuse Mets.

Beck got the call for Thursday’s contest to face off against the New York Mets rehabber Clay Holmes. The righty earned his team-high eighth win of the season with 6.1 innings of scoreless baseball. He allowed just three hits and one walk, while striking out seven. Beck threw 82 pitches in his first appearance after the All-Star break.

Beck has thrown eight quality starts for the RailRiders this season and has helped the team to a 13-5 record when he gets the ball. He is coming off an impressive June where he was honored with the IL Pitcher of the month award. During that time, he worked a 1.24 ERA in 5 starts through 29 frames. This included his seven no-hit innings to begin a combined no-hitter on June 5.

The Yankees #23 prospect leads the International League with a 2.89 ERA among qualified pitchers. He is first in innings pitched (99.2), second in wins (8), and fourth in strikeouts (100). Beck also made his Major League debut with New York on May 7 and has pitched in the bigs one other time this season.

The 27-year-old was selected by the Yankees in the 2nd round of the 2021 draft out of Stanford University.It is the third time this summer Beck has been tabbed IL Pitcher of the Week, along with appearances in midMay and early June both against Syracuse. Only two other players in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre history have won the International League’s weekly award three times. Andy Ashby received the honor three times as a righty starter in 1991 as did Josh Hancock back in 2003.

Scranton/Wilkes-Barre takes on the Iowa Cubs for a six-game set in Des Moines. The RailRiders return home
on Tuesday, August 4 to begin a series against the Rochester Red Wings. For more information on the Scranton/
Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, visit www.swbrailriders.com

The Wright Center for Community Health to open primary health care clinic at Friendship House’s new Carbondale location

Building on their longstanding partnership, The Wright Center for Community Health and Friendship House are working together once again to increase access to affordable, high-quality, whole-person primary and preventive health services, particularly for individuals with complex mental health and substance use disorder needs.

On Thursday, Aug. 13, The Wright Center will begin offering whole-person primary and preventive health services at Friendship House’s new Whole Person Care Center at 30 N. Main Street, Suite 100, Carbondale. The new 15,000-square-foot health center will be open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., providing a range of services, including checkups, physicals, screenings, and treatment for common illnesses and injuries.

The Wright Center for Community Health Friendship House – Carbondale’s services will be available to individuals of all ages, regardless of their insurance status, ZIP code, or ability to pay. Patients do not need to be clients of Friendship House to receive care at The Wright Center’s newest location.

The Wright Center will celebrate its continued partnership with Friendship House by hosting a grand opening on Wednesday, Aug. 12, from 4-5 p.m. at the Whole Person Care Center. The public event will feature remarks from leaders of The Wright Center and Friendship House, as well as community leaders.

This marks The Wright Center’s second partnership with Friendship House, an organization that serves children, adolescents, and adults with developmental disabilities, emotional or behavioral challenges, and the effects of trauma related to loss, abuse, or neglect. Since November 2024, The Wright Center has provided primary care services at Friendship House’s Whole Person Care Center, located at 200 Wyoming Ave., Suite 250, in Scranton. Since opening, the clinical team has provided care during more than 3,500 patient visits.

“Building on the success of our partnership at Friendship House – Scranton, we are excited to expand our collaboration and bring whole-person primary health services to Carbondale,” said Dr. Jignesh Y. Sheth, senior vice president and enterprise chief operations and strategy officer at The Wright Center for Community Health. “By co-locating primary care with Friendship House’s behavioral health services, we can help ensure individuals and families have greater

access to the comprehensive care they need, when and where they need it. This partnership is another important step in our mission to improve the health and welfare of our communities through responsive, whole-person health services for all and the sustainable renewal of an inspired, competent workforce that is privileged to serve.”

Friendship House’s services in Carbondale will include outpatient mental health therapy for children, adolescents, and adults; psychiatric evaluations and medication management; on-site psychiatric rehabilitation programs; and additional behavioral health services.

“Our partnership with The Wright Center reflects our shared commitment to improving access to comprehensive, whole-person care, which includes behavioral and primary care,” said Alex J. Hazzouri, president and CEO of Friendship House. “As we expand services in Carbondale and the surrounding areas, we’re creating greater opportunities for individuals and families to receive the behavioral and primary care services they need, close to home.

“Together, we’re breaking down barriers to care and strengthening the health of the communities we serve.”

Misericordia University To Host Summer Open House

Prospective students and their families are encouraged to register soon for Misericordia University’s Summer Open House on August 22, as time is running out to reserve a spot.

The event offers an opportunity to explore the campus, meet faculty and staff, connect with current students, and learn more about Misericordia University’s academic programs, hands-on learning experiences, and vibrant campus life. Attendees will have the chance to ask questions, envision their future, and discover what makes the university a welcoming place for students and families alike.

Those interested in attending are encouraged to reserve their spot by visiting: https://apply.misericordia.edu/register/

Marywood University Receives $500,000 Grant to Support Science Center Upgrades Through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program

Marywood University has been awarded a $500,000 Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to support a transformative modernization of its Center for Natural and Health Sciences, strengthening STEM education and expanding opportunities for future scientists, healthcare professionals, and technology leaders.

The grant, announced by Governor Josh Shapiro as part of more than $52.5 million in investments across 42 Northeast Pennsylvania projects, will help fund the construction of a new physics laboratory, flexible collaborative learning spaces, and significant upgrades to biology, biotechnology, chemistry, and computer science laboratories. The Commonwealth’s investment will be combined with private philanthropic support to create modern, technology-enhanced environments that prepare students for today’s rapidly evolving workforce.

“I am grateful to Governor Josh Shapiro, State Senator Marty Flynn, and State Representatives Kyle Mullins, Bridget Kosierowski, and Kyle Donahue, as well as the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, for their investment in Marywood University and in the future of STEM education,” said Lisa A. Lori, J.D., president of Marywood University. “This transformative grant directly supports our strategic priority of academic innovation by creating state-of-the-art learning environments where students can develop the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience needed to lead in high-demand STEM fields. It is an investment not only in Marywood, but in the future workforce and economic vitality of Northeastern Pennsylvania.”

The renovation project reflects Marywood University’s continued commitment to providing exceptional academic experiences through innovative facilities, cutting-edge technology, and experiential learning opportunities that prepare graduates for meaningful careers and advanced study.

Marywood’s project was selected through the Commonwealth’s highly competitive Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program based on its potential to strengthen Pennsylvania’s economy, enhance workforce development, and improve quality of life throughout the region.

Renovations to Marywood’s Center for Natural and Health Sciences are expected to be completed in September 2026.