RailRiders To Host Andy Buckley Appearance At May 29 Game Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders will welcome Andy Buckley for a special appearance during the Friday, May 29 game at 7:05 p.m. Best known for his role as David Wallace on the hit television series The Office, Buckley will participate in a VIP fan experience at the ballpark. The VIP package is available for $75 and includes one infield box ticket, a meet-and-greet opportunity, an autographed photo, post-game fireworks, and Kids Run the Bases following the game. Fans are encouraged to reserve tickets early for the special event experience.
Geisinger Receives Support For New Critical Care Transport Vehicle Geisinger Health Foundation has secured funding for a new Critical Care Ground Transport (CCGT) vehicle to support patients across Geisinger’s Northeast region, thanks to a generous contribution from Coterra through Pennsylvania’s Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development. The specialized vehicle will expand Geisinger’s ability to safely transport critically ill and injured patients between hospitals and care facilities while providing advanced, intensive care capabilities during transport. Designed as a mobile critical care unit, the CCGT vehicle allows specially trained teams to deliver the same high level of care patients would receive in an intensive care setting while en route to the most appropriate facility for treatment. Funding for the vehicle was made possible through the Neighborhood Assistance Program, a state tax credit initiative that encourages businesses to invest in projects that improve the health and well-being of communities across Pennsylvania. Through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP), Special Program Priorities (SPP), and Coterra’s generous support, this important investment into Geisinger’s critical care transport fleet was possible. “This investment strengthens our ability to deliver lifesaving care when patients need it most,” said a Nancy Lawton-Kluck, Geisinger chief philanthropy office . “The new Critical Care Ground Transport vehicle will help ensure that patients throughout our Northeast region have timely access to the advanced care and specialized services available across the Geisinger system. We are incredibly grateful to Coterra and the Neighborhood Assistance Program for their partnership and commitment to the communities we serve.” Coterra’s support through the Neighborhood Assistance Program reflects a shared commitment to improving access to high-quality healthcare throughout the region. By investing in projects like this, the company is helping ensure that patients across Northeast Pennsylvania can receive the specialized care they need, when and where they need it. The addition of the new Critical Care Ground Transport vehicle further enhances Geisinger’s ability to provide coordinated, high-acuity care across its network of hospitals and facilities, ensuring patients receive the right level of care as quickly and safely as possible.
Wayne Bank Promotes Ryan Ehrhardt To Assistant Vice President And Commercial Loan Officer Wayne Bank recently announced the promotion of Ryan Ehrhardt to Assistant Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer. In his new role, Ehrhardt will continue working closely with local businesses to identify financial goals and provide lending solutions that support long-term growth and economic development throughout the communities Wayne Bank serves. His responsibilities focus on relationship-based banking and helping businesses navigate opportunities for success. “Ryan has been a tremendous asset to Wayne Bank, and I am excited to see him continue to grow within our commercial lending team,” said Jim Donnelly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wayne Bank. “His experience in commercial banking, dedication to relationship-building, and commitment to our communities make him well-deserving of this promotion.” Ehrhardt earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania and brings more than six years of experience in the financial services industry, including five years in commercial banking. Active within the region, Ehrhardt serves as a board member for the Chamber of the Northern Poconos and resides in the Lake Wallenpaupack area. Norwood Financial Corp., the parent company of Wayne Bank, operates 33 branches throughout Pennsylvania and New York. The company trades on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol NWFL.
Stewart Leadership To Host Complimentary Manager Skills Event On June 3rd, Chamber Member and fellow NEPA business leader, Abby Allen, is hosting a complimentary lunch and working session for business leaders about how to close the gap between your organization’s growth and the skills your managers need to get you there. Stewart Leadership has spent over 40 years helping organizations achieve their business objectives by aligning talent, culture, and strategy. Company president and nationally recognized leadership development expert Daniel Stewart will lead an honest, practical, research-backed conversation about what separates managers who lead from those who simply execute — and what it costs your organization when that gap goes unaddressed. This is not a seminar, but a hands-on working lunch and peer conversation for business owners, executives, and senior leaders who want to take action on one of the most valuable and under addressed challenges in their organization. EVENT DETAILS Dates: Wednesday, June 3, 2026 Time: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM Venue: Glenmaura National Golf Club, 100 Glenmaura National Blvd, Moosic, PA Cost: Complimentary Registration: Space is limited; Click here to reserve your seat. Leaders who attend will walk away with: · A clear picture of the 8 skills that define manager effectiveness — and where most organizations have gaps · An honest benchmark: how ready is your management layer to support your growth? · Research-backed perspective on what it costs — in engagement, retention, and results — when managers are underdeveloped · A complimentary lunch and peer conversation with other NEPA business owners and senior leaders Please feel free to forward this to colleagues who would benefit — or reach out to Abby directly at (703) 298-4934 or abby@stewartleadership.com
Women In Philanthropy Awards $42,000 In Grants To Northeastern Pennsylvania Nonprofits Women in Philanthropy (WIP), an initiative of the Scranton Area Community Foundation dedicated to empowering and transforming the lives of women and girls throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania, proudly announced the recipients of its 2026 Spring Grants Cycle. Following a competitive application and review process, $42,000 in grant funding was awarded to seven nonprofit organizations serving communities across the region. The awards were presented during the Women in Philanthropy Spring Grants Meeting held this spring in Scranton. This year’s grant recipients include Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA for its Resilient Mothers:Maternal Mental Health & Stabilization Program ($8,750); Indraloka Animal Sanctuary for Lotus Rising ($8,150); WRC for Safe Housing and Economic Empowerment for Survivors ($5,500); SaintJoseph’s Center for Maternity Housing Transition Supplement ($5,400); Lacawac Sanctuary Environmental Education Center for its LeadHER in STEM Symposium ($5,000); Recovery Rises Foundation ($5,000); and United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA for its Multicultural HousingStability Program ($4,200). Each funded initiative addresses critical needs facing women, girls, and families in Northeastern Pennsylvania, from maternal mental health support and housing stability to economic empowerment and STEM education opportunities for young women. Grant recipients and award amounts were selected during the Spring Grants Meeting by Women in Philanthropy Supporters, who gathered to hear presentations directly from nonprofit leaders before casting their votes. The annual event reflects the collective power of philanthropy and communitydriven decision-making.
Marywood University Celebrates 108th Commencement More than 930 graduates, including those from August, December, May, and international cohorts, were part of Marywood University’s 108th annual commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 1 p.m., Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza, in Wilkes-Barre Twp. President Lisa A. Lori, J.D. conferred degrees on undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students, who represent 25 states and nine countries, from Marywood University’s two colleges, the College of Health Sciences and the Reap College of Creative and Professional Studies. Business, social work, and physician assistant studies were the top graduate-level degree programs. Business, architecture, and nursing were the top undergraduate-level degree programs. Actress and comedian Caroline Rhea served as keynote speaker and received an honorary doctorate during the ceremony. Ms. Rhea is known for her many television and film roles, particularly as Hilda Spellman in Sabrina the Teenage Witch. Recalling her role as Aunt Hilda, she encouraged the graduates to persevere as they pursue the magic of success. “Use your power for good,” said Rhea. “Persevere and keep trying.” Regional graduates are listed below by degree level, then alphabetically by county of residence. For full list of graduates and related commencement information, visit marywood.edu/commencement.
Lackawanna Blind Association Announces 2026 “Swing For Sight” Memorial Golf Tournament The Lackawanna Blind Association (LBA) is pleased to announce the 39th annual William J. Jordan, MD “Swing for Sight” Memorial Golf Tournament, set for Monday, June 22, 2026, at the Glen Oak Country Club in Clarks Summit, PA. This highly anticipated event brings together community members, business leaders, and supporters for a day of golf, fun, and philanthropy—all in support of programs that empower individuals who are blind or visually impaired throughout Lackawanna and Susquehannacounties. The tournament will feature a Captain & Crew format and offer an exciting lineup of activities, including a $10,000 hole-in-one prize, skill-based contests, raffle prizes, and a unique blind putting contest designed to build awareness of the daily challenges faced by individuals living with vision loss. The cost is $225 per golfer with proceeds from the tournament directly supporting LBA’s mission to provide innovative and inclusive services tothe blind and visually impaired community. For Registration & Sponsorship information call 570-342-761
Wayne Bank Promotes Brandon Garnett To Bank Officer And Commercial Loan Officer Wayne Bank recently announced the promotion of Brandon Garnett to Bank Officer and Commercial Loan Officer. In his new role, Garnett will oversee client relationship management, loan origination and structuring, credit analysis, and business development initiatives. He has demonstrated a strong commitment to customer service and relationship building throughout the communities Wayne Bank serves. “Brandon has demonstrated exceptional commitment to our customers and a strong ability to build meaningful relationships within the communities we serve,” said Jim Donnelly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wayne Bank. “His knowledge of commercial lending, dedication to providing sound financial solutions, and active community involvement make him a valuable member of our team.” Garnett studied Business Administration at Wilkes University and is a graduate of the Pennsylvania Bankers Association School of Banking. He is also scheduled to attend the Pennsylvania Bankers Association’s Advanced School of Banking this July. Active in the community, Garnett serves as a board member for the Honesdale Rotary, Greater Honesdale Partnership, and Wyoming Valley Adult Baseball Association. He also volunteers as a member of the Honesdale Area Jaycees. Garnett resides in Waymart.
Project Hope At Camp UNC Registration Now Open For Summer 2026 Registration is now open for the 2026 camp season running July 6 through July 31. Project Hope provides Scranton children with transportation to UNC’s campgrounds in Tunkhannock, Wyoming County, where campers enjoy arts and crafts, sports, outdoor recreation, educational activities, and nutritious meals in a safe and supportive environment. For more than five decades, Project Hope at Camp UNC has helped create unforgettable summer experiences for local children while supporting working families throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. To learn more or register, visit www.uncnepa.org/projecthope.
University Of Scranton Nonprofit Leadership Program Accepting Applications For The 2026-27 Term The University of Scranton is accepting applications for Cohort 6 of its Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program (NLCP), which will run from January 2027 through January 2028. The deadline to apply is June 12, 2026. Applications can be submitted by visiting the Nonprofit and Community Assistance Center (NCAC) website at nepa-alliance.org/nlcp/. The NLCP, housed in the Kania School of Management, is designed to be broad-based, hands-on and practitioner-focused to help high-potential nonprofit leaders tackle the pressing leadership challenges in organizations throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. Since the program’s inception in 2016, 87 nonprofit professionals from 65 regional organizations have graduated from the program. Cohort 5 included 19 community leaders who completed the program. The NLCP has created a network of high-performing individuals serving at nonprofit institutions, in addition to building an informal regional network of mentors and coaches for emerging nonprofit leaders. Douglas Boyle, DBA’88, CPA, CMA, Accounting Department chair and founder of the Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program, noted the program fulfills a critical need in the region. “The NLCP creates an ecosystem for new and emerging leaders to collaborate on solving an organizational challenge and strengthening their leadership skills,” Dr. Boyle said. “The cohort-based approach assures that by building strong relationships, each participant gains a network of peers with specialized skills that they can gain insights from long after graduation. The program assists the organizations with succession planning, nurtures future collaborations with the nonprofit sector and most importantly yields strong and resilient leaders.” Sessions are led in-person by Kania School of Management faculty and peer group coaches with deep expertise in nonprofit management and practical leadership tools. The program includes work towards specific organizational and personal goals, peer group work, mentorship, and academic leadership components. For additional information, visit the Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program webpage or contact one of the NLCP co-directors: Kurt Bauman at kbauman@nepa-alliance.org; Jesse Ergott at jesse.ergott@scranton.edu.
