Greater Scranton YMCA Awarded BK5K Youth Grant On October 9, 2025, the Greater Scranton YMCA received a grant award of $2,000 from the BK5K Youth Fund of the Winona Community Foundation. Funds will support the continued development of youth programs at the Y. From left: Marcelo DeSousa, Regional Operations Manager, Fastenal; Rich Surridge, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA; Meghan Carnevale, Mission Advancement & Marketing Director, Greater Scranton YMCA; Whitney McDonald, SHUB Help Desk Manager, Fastenal
UNC Receives Generous Donation Presented by Fastenal Company United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC) is one of the recipients of the annual BK5K 5-kilometer road race and walk presented by Fastenal Company. A check for $3,000 was recently presented to UNC and will directly support renovations at our Progressive Child Care Center to purchase new classroom equipment. The 2024 BK5K was held on July 19, 2025, at Nay Aug Park in Scranton. The BK5K was created to honor Bob Kierlin, founder of Fastenal Company and lifelong supporter of youth initiatives. The event, which includes multiple races around the world, raises hundreds of thousands of dollars annually to benefit local youth programs. UNC operates three licensed child care centers in Lackawanna County, offering affordable, high-quality early education and after-school programs that foster growth, learning, and social development. Chrissy Manuel, UNC Director of Development and Communications; Kelly Langan, UNC Director of Children & Teens; Donna Veater, UNC Progressive Child Care Center Director; Lisa Durkin, UNC President and Chief Operating Officer; Whitney McDonald, Fastenal SHUB Help Desk Manager; Marcelo Desousa, Fastenal Regional Operations Manager; and Geyshelle Brown, UNC Progressive Child Care Center Assistant Group Supervisor.
My Benefit Advisor: Technological Integration and Data Security in Employee Benefits Technological integration in employee benefits management is crucial for enhancing efficiency, accessibility, and user experience. By leveraging digital platforms, employers can streamline the administration of benefits, allowing employees to easily access and manage their benefits information, such as health insurance, retirement plans, and wellness programs. This integration supports real-time updates, reduces administrative errors, and provides a seamless experience for both HR departments and employees. However, with the increased reliance on digital systems comes a heightened need for robust data security measures. Employee benefits platforms often handle sensitive personal and financial information, making them prime targets for cyberattacks. A breach can lead to significant consequences, including identity theft, financial loss, and a loss of trust among employees. For employers, a data breach can result in legal liabilities, regulatory penalties, and damage to the company’s reputation. As a result, investing in advanced cybersecurity measures, such as encryption, secure authentication, and regular security audits, is essential. Ensuring data privacy and protection not only complies with legal requirements but also fosters a secure environment that reassures employees their personal information is safe. In this way, technological integration and data security are intertwined in maintaining an efficient, effective and trustworthy benefits system. Click here for more information.
SWB RailRiders Announce Banana Ball Games in 2026 Banana Ball is coming to PNC Field in 2026! The global phenomenon, made famous by the Savannah Bananas, will stop in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre for two games on May 22 and 23. As revealed Thursday night during the 2026 Banana Ball City Selection Show, which aired on ESPN2, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre has been selected as a tour stop for the brand-new Banana Ball Championship League (BBCL). PNC Field will host official league games featuring the Loco Beach Coconuts against the Firefighters. Fans must enter the ticket lottery at bananaball.com/tickets by October 31, 2025, for a chance to purchase tickets. Tickets will go on sale approximately two months prior to the scheduled event dates for those selected in the ticket lottery. Individual ticket sales for the games are being handled exclusively by Fans First Entertainment, the company that manages the Savannah Bananas and BBCL member teams. Standard tickets start at $35. Banana Ball has taken the sports world by storm, drawing millions of fans with its non-stop action, viral moments and unique rules – including a two-hour time limit, no bunting and fans catching foul balls for outs. The 2026 BBCL season will feature six teams playing 60 games across the country, all leading to a can’t- miss championship series in October. With dancing players, surprise guests and one-of-a-kind in-game antics, Banana Ball delivers an entertainment experience unlike anything else in sports.
Scranton Area Community Foundation’s Laura Ducceschi Selected for National CEO Program The Scranton Area Community Foundation is proud to announce that its President and CEO, Laura Ducceschi, has been selected to participate in the 2025–26 cohort of the Executive Leadership Institute (ELI) for CEOs, a national program convened by CFLeads, the country’s premier network of community foundations. The Executive Leadership Institute (ELI) for CEOs is designed to strengthen the strategic leadership of community foundation executives nationwide. Participants engage in intensive peer learning, reflection, and collaboration to advance bold, equity-centered, and community-driven approaches to philanthropy. “It is an honor to be selected to join this distinguished cohort of leaders,” said Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “This program will provide invaluable opportunities to learn from peers nationwide, strengthen our leadership strategies, and deepen how we work with and for our community. I look forward to bringing these insights back to Northeastern Pennsylvania as we continue to advance equity, build connections, and drive lasting impact.” Through the program, Laura will join CEOs from community foundations across the United States to explore emerging challenges, share innovative practices, and strengthen the collective impact of philanthropy in local communities. “Laura’s selection for this national leadership program reflects both her dedication and the Scranton Area Community Foundation’s ongoing commitment to bold, impactful leadership,” said Ellen Burkey, Chair of the Scranton Area Community Foundation Board of Governors. “We are proud to see Laura representing our region and bringing back strategies that will continue to benefit the communities we serve.” The Scranton Area Community Foundation has a 76-year history of serving Northeastern Pennsylvania through philanthropy, community leadership, and collaboration. Laura’s participation in CFLeads’ Executive Leadership Institute represents the Foundation’s continued investment in advancing equity, strengthening civic participation, and building resilient communities across the region. Click here to find more information about the Executive Leadership Institute for CEOs.
Geisinger Marworth Earns Top Treatment Center Rank For the third year in a row, Geisinger Marworth Treatment Center has been named to Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Addiction Treatment Centers as the top-ranked facility in Pennsylvania. “As the complexities of substance use disorder continue to grow, Geisinger Marworth adapts, finding innovative ways to address and help manage the disease. Our commitment to quality, compassionate, patient-focused care will always lie at the center of our mission,” said Kimberly Kabernagel, DO, medical director at Geisinger Marworth. “We are once again honored for being recognized for the care we deliver and inspired to continue to find ways to meet the needs of our communities.” The America’s Best Addiction Treatment Centers 2025 list highlights the nation’s top 420 addiction treatment centers, ranking them based on four data sources, including: A national online survey measuring the reputation score from medical professionals and managers/administrators in addiction treatment centers; Accreditation data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA); Care services data from SAMHSA; and Google reviews as a measure of patient experience. Geisinger Marworth, located in Waverly, offers a continuum of treatment, including inpatient residential treatment, intensive outpatient and general outpatient services. Services include medication-assisted treatment, dialectical behavioral therapy, recreational therapy, canine therapy and grief and trauma support. While Marworth’s rankings are for Pennsylvania, the facility also cares for people in New Jersey, New York, New England and more, plus healthcare professionals and first responders. Marworth has served more than 40,000 people with substance use disorder since opening in 1982. Learn more at geisinger.org/newsweekmarworth.
Rikasa Restaurant Presents Murder Mystery Dinner Clued In: Murder Mystery Dinner October 26 @ 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM Back for its third thrilling year, Clued In returns to Rikasa on Sunday, October 26th at 6 PM. Participants and their teams will step into a real-life game of Clue, unraveling the mystery surrounding the murder of Mr. Bartholomew Boddy. Four levels of Rikasa serve as the playing board, where players hunt for clues, interrogate suspects, and race to solve the crime before time runs out. 🕵️♀️ 🎭 This year’s event features a special collaboration with the Wyoming Area Drama Club, whose members will interact with guests throughout the evening to bring the mysterious world of Clued In vividly to life. 🍸 Expect an evening of cocktails, suspense, and a dinner… to die for. 📍 Rikasa Restaurant – 53 S Main St, Pittston, PA⏰ Sunday, October 26th | 6PM – 10PM Click here to find more infomation.
Misericordia University Appoints New Members to Board of Trustees Misericordia University has appointed four new members to its Board of Trustees: Robert J. “Bob” Gronauer, Esq.; Mary T. Kolessar; Kris Jones; and Mary Ann Dillon, RSM, Ph.D. Left to Right: Robert J. Gronauer, Esq., Mary Ann Dillon, RSM, Ph.D., Kris Jones, Mary T. Kolessar Robert J. Gronauer, Esq., a 1991 graduate of College Misericordia, is a partner at Kaempfer Crowell in Las Vegas, where he specializes in land use and zoning law. Recognized nationally by Best Lawyers in America® and Chambers USA, he has extensive experience in government relations, zoning and community planning. He brings to Kristhe board strategic legal expertise, leadership in governance and a strong alumni connection to the university. Mary T. Kolessar, a 2007 graduate of Misericordia with a master’s degree in education, serves as executive director of DiscoverNEPA, where she promotes regional growth and community engagement. She previously held leadership roles in education and finance. Kolessar contributes experience in strategic planning, fundraising and civic partnership building, along with a deep commitment to advancing education and regional development. Kris Jones, a returning trustee, is a nationally recognized entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist. He founded PepperJam, an internet marketing agency acquired by eBay, as well as LSEO.com, a digital marketing agency, and Legacy Advisors, a boutique M&A advisory firm. In 2025, Jones published his fourth book, The Entrepreneur’s Exit Playbook, which is a practical guide that helps founders maximize value, avoid mistakes, and confidently navigate the process of selling their business. He brings to the board expertise in entrepreneurship, digital marketing and investment, as well as a broad professional network to support the university’s strategic goals. Mary Ann Dillon, RSM, Ph.D., returns to the board as an active voting member. She previously served on the board until 2015 when she earned trustee emerita status. She is a former president of Mount Aloysius College and senior vice president for mission and sponsorship at Mercy Health System. A Sister of Mercy and a 1968 graduate of College Misericordia, she has a distinguished career in higher education and health care leadership. She provides the board with deep mission alignment, and experience in governance and planning. The appointments of Gronauer, Kolessar, Jones and Dillon reflect Misericordia’s commitment to drawing leaders from diverse professional fields to guide the university’s mission of academic excellence, service and community engagement.
Dave & Buster’s Announces Halloween Events Halloween just got a glow-up at Dave & Buster’s Scranton-Moosic! Enjoy a night full of games and fun activities! 6000 Shoppes Blvd, Moosic PA | All ages & fully ADA accessible Boo Bash – Family Fun Oct 31 | 4–7 PM Crafts, games & fun! Costume contest + prizes 15% off food and drinks $10 Power Card + 3 hours unlimited video game play (blue & green swipe games) Click here for more information. Moonlight Mixer – Halloween Party Oct 31 | 7 PM–12 AM Games, & fun! Fright Bites Buffet and Unlimited Soda 3 Hours of unlimited video game play (blue & green swipe games) Costume contest with a chance to win free gameplay for a YEAR Click here for more information. Don’t wait—tickets are vanishing faster than candy on Halloween! FREE Souvenir cups for the first 100 ticket purchasers!
Jeannine Luby To Open at Family Service Association Conference Jeannine Luby will kick off the Family Service Association’s National Family Week Conference with her presentation: “The Joy Reset: Humor, Healing, and Stress Relief with Laughter for Compassion Fatigue.” This 45-minute keynote blends humor, inspiration, and interactive laughter exercises designed to lift spirits, reduce stress, and create a sense of rejuvenation. Perfect for caregivers and professionals navigating the emotional weight of their work. Jeannine has led stress-relieving laughter yoga sessions for over 100 clients across NEPA, NY, NJ, and beyond, including Geisinger, Prudential, NAMI, Disability Pride PA, and United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA. She combines her background in journalism and communication arts with her expertise in humor, wellness, and positive psychology to create engaging, inclusive experiences for audiences of all abilities. In addition to her laughter work, Jeannine produces the weekly podcast Uncorked with Funny Wine Girl highlighting candid conversations with women, performs in comedy shows branded Funny Wine Girl, and worked with the Scranton Area Community Foundation in 2005 to create the donor-advised Humor Therapy Fund to spread healing, connection, and positivity throughout the community with laughter and humor-focused projects. Click here to find more information regarding the conference. Click here for information about Family Services Association.
