NAMI Collaborates with the University of Scranton’s OT Department Spring is a time of hope: the earth awakens with flowers, and we look toward a lighter, colorful season. Amid this time, we highlight professionals who, like flowers, offer a lift to make people’s lives better. Occupational Therapy Month highlights and celebrates the work done by occupational therapy practitioners, educators, and students, including work to enhance the lives of individuals living with mental illness. Dr. Carrie Griffiths, OTD, OTR/L, faculty specialist in the University of Scranton’s Occupational Therapy (OT) Department believes in empowering her students and preparing them with skills they need to work with people living with mental illness. Griffiths, who has spent years working as an OT in mental health settings, has integrated classes and trainings on mental illness for all OT students and forged a valuable partnership with NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Northeast Region PA affiliate. Griffiths said, “Getting students to understand mental health conditions is key for them developing holistic and comprehensive treatment plans, which in turn is going to help the clients they eventually serve.” She added, “I hope their training helps to improve overall societal attitudes about mental health.” In addition to the mental health course that Griffiths teaches OT students, students have accessed Adult and Youth Mental Health First Aid training as well as the ‘Hearing Distressing Voices Simulation’ program to better understand individuals who hear voices, and NAMI’s signature program ‘In Our Own Voice,’ through which trained individuals share the story of their own mental health journey. NAMI Northeast Region Executive Director Marie Onukiavage said, “What started as an inquiry from Dr. Griffiths about how to deliver Mental Health First Aid training to her students has blossomed into a collaboration that benefits both parties immensely: the students get access to valuable mental health information they will use in their professional and personal lives, and we benefit from a group of enthusiastic volunteers at the annual 5Kate run/walk, which is one of our most important events to raise awareness in the community.” Students understand the value of this community collaboration too. Kathleen O. Appau, a fifth year OT graduate student who has experienced many mental health trainings, including NAMI’s In Our Own Voice presentation, said, “The more opportunities we have, it will help us as future practitioners to ease our nerves to talk about (mental health) with anyone we think needs help and is open to it. I’m very big on ‘the more you practice, the easier it gets.” Appau said she also appreciated NAMI’s in Our Own Voice program. “It was so eye opening to be able to connect stories to real people. It was such a good experience.” Griffiths has ideas for expanding the mental health and OT connection and says she is encouraged by what her students have already learned through the collaboration with NAMI. She said, “Students are able to recognize mental health crises and provide support until the professional help arrives which is important because as occupational therapists they will work with individuals where they might be the first point of contact for someone who is in distress.” Onukiavage says the relationship with the University is important, as are all of the community partnerships NAMI has in place, adding, “We value all of the partnerships we have with our local education institutions from this one, to the ‘NAMI on Campus’ club at Marywood University, to the many campus fairs and activities that we participate in. They all give us an opportunity to connect with and educate our future care providers!”
Lackawanna Historical Society to Host Photo Scanning Do you have precious family photographs or crumbling documents you’d like to preserve? The Lackawanna Historical Society is partnering with “photo archaeologist” Cheryl Kaiser to host a special scanning day fundraiser on Saturday, May 3 from noon-3pm at the Society’s headquarters, the Catlin House, at 232 Monroe Avenue, Scranton. Join us for this opportunity to preserve your cherished family memories and support the work of the Lackawanna Historical Society! Register online at https://tinyurl.com/LHSScanDay to schedule your 15-minute appointment and purchase a $30 scanning day bundle. This will include your personal appointment with professional hi-resolution scans of up to 10 photos or documents with minor image adjustments to enhance clarity and quality. Your scans will be securely delivered into a private, complimentary Forever digital account, with a guide to get started organizing and maintaining your digital archive. If you have more than 10 photos, additional items can be scanned for $1 each. A portion of the fee for the bundle and additional items will be donated to the Society. If you’re busy, you can sign up for the “short on time” option to drop off items at the Catlin House and pick them up the following week. To register for Scanning Day, go to https://tinyurl/LHSScanDay. For more information, please call the Society at 570-344-3841 or email lackawannahhistory@gmail.com.
Mohegan Pennsylvania to Host Special Dancing and Open Mic Nights Mohegan Pennsylvania is about to turn entertainment up a notch with special Red Dirt Road Line Dancing and Open Mic Nights in May and June. Breakers and Embers Terrace will be hosting the line dancing while The Hive Taphouse will feature open mic nights. These events are free and open to the public though guests must be 21 years of age or older to attend. Guests are invited to giddy up with Red Dirt Road Line Dancing at Mohegan Pennsylvania, even if it’s their first rodeo! This Country music experience starts with a one-hour lesson led by instructors with more than 10 years of line dancing experience, followed by another hour of open dance. Embers Terrace is set to host Red Dirt Road Line Dancing from 5:00pm – 7:00pm on Thursday, May 15th, 4:00pm – 6:00pm on Saturday, May 17th, 2:00pm – 4:00pm on Sunday, May 18th, and 5:00pm – 7:00pm on Thursday, June 5th. Breakers will get in on the line dancing action on Saturdays, June 7th and 14th from 6:00pm – 8:00pm. Open Mic Night at The Hive Taphouse is going to be the new highlight of guests’ Fridays! Those in attendance can showcase their skills in comedy, music, poetry, or anything in between. Sign-ups for 15-minute time slots will begin at 8:00pm, and performances will run from 8:30pm to Midnight. Open Mic Nights at The Hive Taphouse will take place every Friday night in May. From amateurs to more seasoned entertainers, all are welcome to attend! For additional information on Red Dirt Road Line Dancing and Open Mic Nights, visit the Mohegan Pennsylvania website.
Waverly Community House Presents the 2025 Waverly Waddle The Waverly Community House is pleased to announce the return of its highly anticipated annual event, the Waverly Waddle, taking place on Saturday, May 10, 2025. Participants of all ages are invited to join this morning of camaraderie, exercise, and community spirit. The event will feature a 5K Run and a 2-Mile Walk, welcoming both competitive runners and casual walkers alike. The race will be professionally chip timed by Second Wind Race Timing. Awards will be presented to the top finishers in various categories. Local businesses and organizations are invited to support this community-centered event through sponsorship. Sponsors will gain valuable visibility with a loyal local audience while demonstrating their commitment to community engagement. To learn more about the Waverly Waddle, click here.
Northeast Regional Cancer Institute Supported by Wyoming Seminary Wyoming Seminary College Preparatory School, together with the Smeraldi Family, hosted several colon cancer awareness fundraisers to support the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute’s (NRCI) colon cancer educational and awareness campaign, CASUAL Day. Students and teachers participated in a dress-down day on March 27th in addition to purchasing NRCI’s specially designed awareness t-shirts. The Wyoming Seminary Rowing team hosted “A Row for Alessandro,” regatta event with several competitions to also support CASUAL Day. The school raised $2,297 through their efforts. Gail Smeraldi and her late husband Dr. Alessandro Smeraldi were the 2024-2025 CASUAL Day Co-Chairs. Their son, Caleb Smeraldi, is a student and member of the Wyoming Seminary rowing team. He helped to coordinate all three events. Proceeds from CASUAL Day benefit the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute efforts to raise colorectal cancer awareness and support colorectal cancer screenings for low income, un/underinsured individuals. From left to right: Gail Smeraldi, CASUAL Day Co-Chair, Caleb Smeraldi, Wyoming Seminary student, rowing team member and son to Gail and the late Dr. Alessandro Smeraldi, and Karen M. Saunders, President, Northeast Regional Cancer Institute.
Mohegan Pennsylvania Hosts Derby Day Extravaganza at Pocono Downs With the 151st Kentucky Derby set to take place on Saturday, May 3rd, Pocono Downs at Mohegan Pennsylvania is gearing up for a one-of-a-kind Derby Day Extravaganza! Beginning at 10:00am, this annual event will provide guests with an opportunity to indulge in delicious bites from popular food trucks, try various alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, experience live harness racing, participate in a Hat Revue for a chance to win up to a $500 Mohegan Pennsylvania gift card, and join in on a promotion where guests can win up to $1,000 in free wagers. Refreshing beverages being served at the Derby Day Extravaganza include Coors Light, Modelo, Party on the Patio Lager with Lime, Twisted Tea, and a variety of seltzers, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages. Guests can also enjoy the official cocktail of the Kentucky Derby, mint juleps! Those looking to grab a quick bite can head over to the Burger Bus and Eat Up Now food trucks, where a variety of mouthwatering options will be available. Guests can also stop by the Best Cigar Pub booth, located outside near the Winner’s Circle, where a selection of freshly rolled cigars will be available for purchase. Specialty juleps will also be available for purchase at Breakers, Crafty Stir, Embers Terrace, The Hive Taphouse, Latitudes, Molly O’ Sheas, Pearl Sushi Bar, Rustic Kitchen, and Sunset Bar. For a full list of flavors, guests can visit the Mohegan Pennsylvania website. The Hat Revue is set to return, and guests have an opportunity to compete for lucrative prizes! Registration for the Hat Revue will be from 5:00pm – 6:00pm in the Racing Lobby. Top prizes include a $500 Mohegan Pennsylvania gift card that will be awarded to those named “Best Couple” or “Group Themed Hats”. Winners of the “Most Classic Derby Hat” and “Most Creative Hat” categories will each receive a $250 Mohegan Pennsylvania gift card. Mohegan Pennsylvania gift cards can be redeemed towards an overnight stay, divine dining choices and other incredible offerings across the property. Beginning at 10:00am on Friday, May 2nd, Pocono Downs at Mohegan Pennsylvania will accept advanced Kentucky Derby wagers in Simulcast and tellers will be available to assist. Beginning at 10:00am on Saturday, May 3rd, Simulcast will be self-service and available for all tracks with live meets (including Churchill Downs) throughout the day. The upper-level Pacer’s Clubhouse will also have live tellers at the betting windows. Additionally, guests can wager on live harness racing, which is set to take place from 1:00pm – 5:00pm. All guests must be 18 years or older to place wagers. Pocono Downs at Mohegan Pennsylvania is holding a promotion where guests who wager $100 or more with a teller on any race will receive one entry for every $100 wagered. Guests must place these entries into one of the 20 boxes located in the Racing Lobby based on who they think will win the Kentucky Derby. At approximately 6:57pm, the Kentucky Derby will begin, televised on the outdoor jumbo screen and indoor racing TVs. At the conclusion of the race, four winners will be selected out of the corresponding boxes of the official top four finishers. The selected first-place box winner will receive $1,000 in free wagers valid for Preakness Stakes on Saturday, May 17th. Second – fourth place winners will receive $500, $250 and $100 in free wagers, respectively. Following the Derby Day Extravaganza, the party goes on at various venues across the property. Wilkes-Barre native Bill Hoffman will be playing solo acoustic rock music from 6:00pm – 10:00pm at Embers Terrace, Bean and Vine Café & Wine Bar will feature a Piano Night with Lee Strubeck from 7:00pm – 11:00pm, Breakers will have Light up the Moon playing a show like no other from 8:30pm – 12:30am, and The Hive Taphouse will feature Reel in the Years playing all the 50s, 60s, and 70s to current day favorites from 9:30pm – 12:30am. Additionally, guests can play their favorite slots and tables games for their chance to win a share of $35,000 in cash and Free Slot Play with the “You’re Off to The Races” promotion! From now through Saturday, May 3rd, guests will receive one entry for every Status Point earned. Those who play on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the designated time period will receive 10X entries! On Saturday, May 3rd between 3:00pm – 5:00pm and 7:30pm – 10:00pm, there will be two winners chosen every 15 minutes to select a rose and reveal a prize up to $5,000 cash. Guests must activate their entries each hour by playing slots or table games with their Momentum card. The Derby Day Extravaganza is an all-ages event. However, most areas of Mohegan Pennsylvania are restricted to guests 21 years of age and older, including the hotel, gaming areas, and several restaurants. Valid, unexpired photo identification (driver’s license, passport, military ID) is required to access 21+ areas. Expired identification will not be accepted. All persons, bags and personal items are subject to inspection. No portable chairs are permitted.
United Way Announces New President Angela Bassani Steps into Role as President & CEO of United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne and Pike The United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne and Pike is proud to announce that Angela Bassani, Ed.D., CPA, has been appointed as its new President and Chief Executive Officer. A longtime advocate for the community and a dedicated leader, Bassani steps into the role following the distinguished tenure of Gary Drapek, who is retiring after 22 years of service. With this appointment, Bassani becomes the fifth President in the organization’s more than 100-year history—and the first woman to hold the position. Bassani brings a wealth of experience to United Way, having been deeply involved in financial management, community impact programs, and higher education. She has worked with United Way for over a decade, most notably leading the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, where she has helped thousands of individuals access critical financial resources. Her leadership in this role has demonstrated her deep commitment to economic stability and empowerment for individuals and families throughout Northeast Pennsylvania. “I am incredibly honored to step into this role and continue the legacy that Gary Drapek has built,” said Bassani. “Gary has been a mentor and role model to me for years, and I have seen firsthand the incredible work United Way does to uplift our community. I am eager to work alongside our staff, volunteers, donors, and nonprofit partners to ensure that we continue to make a meaningful impact for those who need it most.” In addition to her nonprofit experience, Bassani holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Management from Drexel University, a MBA and Bachelor’s Degree from The University of Scranton, and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Her expertise in financial oversight, grant management, and organizational strategy will be instrumental in leading United Way forward in an ever-changing nonprofit landscape. A long-time resident of the region, Bassani’s roots run deep in the communities United Way serves. Growing up on the border of Wayne and Pike Counties and making Lackawanna County her home since college, she has always been passionate about giving back to the people and organizations that shaped her. She has also served as an Assistant Teaching Professor of Accounting at Penn State Scranton, where she mentored students and integrated service-learning opportunities into education. Bassani has been involved with the United Way since she was a junior in college and officially assumed the role of President & CEO following Drapek’s retirement last month, ensuring a smooth transition in leadership. As she embarks on this new chapter, she remains committed to honoring the strong foundation built by her predecessor while also bringing fresh perspectives and strategic vision to United Way’s initiatives.
Lackawanna Historical Society’s Local History Game Show Returns this Spring The Lackawanna Historical Society’s local history game show will return on Saturday, May 3 at 6 pm (Doors open at 5:30 pm) at the Art Haus, 301 Lackawanna Avenue in Scranton. The public is invited to play along with the contestants to answer fast-paced Jeopardy-styled questions about Lackawanna County History and cheer on our teams as they compete to be the 2025 “Local History Legends of Lore”! This is the 16th year that the Lackawanna Historical Society has worked with students from Valley View and Riverside high schools to research county history, create local trivia questions, and design game boards for this program. The students also act as the gameshow hosts. Our goal is to offer a program that both entertains and educates. It’s entertaining in that we present a program each spring where individuals compete before a live audience. Its educational on a few levels: first in that we work directly with the students during the school year to teach them about our county’s past and encourage them to read local history publications, tour local museums, visit county libraries and browse online resources; then we invite 16 individuals from throughout the county to brush up on their local history knowledge in order to compete as contestants, the audience also learns as the play along. This year’s contestants include defending champions from Fancy Parsley architectural firm Mike Muller and Chris Chilek; the 2022 & 2023 champions Owen Worozbyt, Director of Operations for LHVA and Gerard Hetman, Community Development Specialist at NeighborWorks; Riverside Elementary East Principal Dave Walsh and former Riverside High Principal Joe Moceyunas; Taylor Borough Mayor Loni Kavulich and her gameshow bestie Sara Walsh; Judge Margie Moyle and State Rep. Bridget Kosierowski; Lackawanna Historical Society Trustee Jack Shean and his dad,Tim; and gameshow favorites realtor Mike Taluto, and artist Denis Yanashot. This program is supported in part through funding from the Lackawanna County Arts and Culture Department. Tickets for the games show are $10 ($5 for students) and can be purchased at: https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/lackawanna-historical-society/you-live-here-you-should-know-this-game-show For more information, please contact the Society.
Scranton Area Community Foundation to Host Ribbon-Cutting at New Home The Scranton Area Community Foundation is thrilled to announce a Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony and Open House to celebrate its new permanent home at the historic Century Club of Scranton. The event will take place on Thursday, May 15, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the Foundation’s history and its continued commitment to enhancing the quality of life in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The event will honor and acknowledge the generous donors, community partners, and supporters who played a pivotal role in making this move possible. Their contributions have ensured the preservation and renovation of the iconic Century Club building, which now stands as a pillar of community philanthropy and collaboration. This new location will enable the Foundation to enhance its philanthropic services, increase its on-site services for nonprofits, host community events, and convene stakeholders to address critical regional issues. Event Details: Date: Thursday, May 15, 2025 Time: Beginning at 4:00 p.m., with remarks and ceremony beginning at 6:00 p.m. Location: Scranton Area Community Foundation at the Century Club of Scranton, 612 Jefferson Avenue, Scranton, PA. Activities: Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony, Open House Tours, Legacy Wall Unveiling, Refreshments, and Acknowledgements “This new space represents more than just a building. It is a historic landmark that will forever serve as the heart of philanthropy in Northeastern Pennsylvania. It is part of our commitment to serving the community, fostering collaboration, and supporting local nonprofit organizations. It also reinforces our role as a charitable resource for philanthropically minded individuals, families, and businesses who are dedicated to making a meaningful impact.” stated Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “This ribbon-cutting event is a celebration of community and the power of collaboration. Reflecting on the Scranton Area Community Foundation’s 70-year history, we see this milestone as an opportunity to open doors to new possibilities for philanthropy in Northeastern PA. We are deeply grateful to all the donors and supporters who made this vision a reality. As we enter our 71st year, we invite continued support to fully realize this legacy,” stated Dr. Joseph P. Bannon, Board Governor and Platinum Pledge Campaign Chair. Ellen Burkey, Chair of the Board of Governors added, “We are grateful for the generous gift of the Century Club. Thanks to a $2 million investment in renovations through our Platinum Pledge campaign, we have preserved its rich history while ensuring it meets the needs of our community for generations to come. This project reflects our commitment to honoring the past while building for the future.” Donations to the Scranton Area Community Foundation’s Century Club campaign can be made online at 70.safdn.org. Naming opportunities are available, offering a unique way to leave a legacy and honor loved ones. Photo: The Century Club of Scranton building located at 615 Jefferson Avenue, Scranton, is now the Scranton Area Community Foundation’s permanent home. A ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house will take place on Thursday, May 18, 2025. The Scranton Area Community Foundation invites community members, nonprofit leaders, donors, and supporters to attend this special event. It is an opportunity to tour the newly renovated space, learn about the Foundation’s mission, and celebrate the individuals and organizations that made this transformative move possible. The Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony and Open House is a free event open to the community. RSVP online by visiting www.safdn.org. Photo: A glimpse inside the newly renovated historic Century Club of Scranton building at 615 Jefferson Avenue, now the permanent home of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. Join the ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house on Thursday, May 18, 2025. Photo credit: Fancy Parsley
The Chamber Welcomes New Finance Manager, Betsy Hartshorn The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the appointment of Betsy Hartshorn as its new Finance Manager. Hartshorn brings more than two decades of experience in accounting and financial management, with a strong background in nonprofit finance, grant management, and strategic budgeting. In her new role, Hartshorn will oversee financial operations across The Chamber and its divisions: Lackawanna Industrial Fund Enterprises (LIFE), Scranton Lackawanna Industrial Building Company (SLIBCO), The Scranton Plan and IGNITE Program, MetroAction, Skills in Scranton, and Leadership Lackawanna, ensuring fiscal integrity, efficiency, and compliance. She will work closely with Chamber leadership to implement innovative financial strategies and enhance operational effectiveness. “On behalf of The Chamber, I am pleased that Betsy Hartshorn has become part of our team, shared Jim Coleman, vice president of internal administration. Betsy’s vast experience will certainly have a significant impact within the finance department as we look forward to implementing new initiatives!” Prior to joining The Chamber, Hartshorn served as finance manager for the African Sisters Education Collaborative (ASEC), where she managed complex budgets spanning multiple countries, oversaw grant funding, and ensured regulatory compliance. She also held key financial roles at Marywood University, where she gained extensive experience in financial reporting, budget preparation, and administrative operations. A Certified Public Accountant, Hartshorn earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Marywood University, graduating magna cum laude. She is dedicated to financial excellence and looks forward to bringing her leadership and expertise to the Chamber. The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce is the region’s premier business membership organization, committed to fostering economic growth, workforce development, and community prosperity. With a strong focus on innovation and collaboration, the Chamber continues to support businesses of all sizes throughout northeastern Pennsylvania.
