Wright Center’s Kara Seitzinger Honored in “Fifty Over 50” An employee of The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education has been named among Pennsylvania’s most influential leaders over the age of 50. Kara Seitzinger Kara Seitzinger, the executive director of public affairs and advisor to the president and CEO, has been named in City & State Pennsylvania’s prestigious “Fifty Over 50” list. It recognizes prominent and accomplished leaders in the Keystone State’s government, business, media, advocacy, and nonprofit sectors who are over the age of 50. These individuals are honored for their achievements and their continued impact on the commonwealth, according to the publication. Honorees include former U.S. Senator Bob Casey Jr.; Jill Murray, president and chief innovation officer of Lackawanna College; and John Fry, president of Temple University. Seitzinger and the other honorees were recognized during a dinner in Philadelphia on Oct. 28. Since she began working at The Wright Center in 2020, Seitzinger has cultivated partnerships with business and community leaders to strengthen outreach, enhance visibility, and advance The Wright Center’s mission to improve the health and welfare of communities through responsive, whole-person health services for all and the sustainable renewal of an inspired, competent workforce that is privileged to serve. Seitzinger plays a key role in fostering visibility of The Wright Center’s integrated model of primary care, behavioral health, dental, and recovery services, which are delivered at The Wright Center’s growing network of community health centers across Northeast Pennsylvania. She also leads fundraising efforts for The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement. The subsidiary of The Wright Center for Community Health helps the most under-resourced individuals and families in Northeast Pennsylvania, including those experiencing poverty, homelessness, food insecurity, social isolation, or other hardships. In addition to her tireless efforts on behalf of The Wright Center, Seitzinger is also deeply involved in her community. The Scranton native serves on the American Heart Association’s executive leadership board of directors and received its Eastern State Region’s 2024 Distinguished Achievement Award. In 2023, the Pennsylvania Association of Community Health Centers honored her with the APEX Community Ambassador Award. Seitzinger also serves as a board member of Scranton Tomorrow and the Wyoming Valley Run. To read the “Fifty Over 50” article, go to www.cityandstatepa.com. For more information, visit TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-230-0019.
Geisinger Announces Recipients of Nursing Scholarship and Caring Award Geisinger recently recognized 11 employees who go above and beyond in their dedication to patients at work and in the community with the Caring Award and the Nursing Scholarship Award in honor of Susan M. Robel. “This recognition speaks to our recipients’ exceptional and compassionate patient care, selfless teamwork and thoughtful advocacy within our communities,” said Janet Tomcavage, RN, executive vice president and chief nursing executive at Geisinger. “They lead by example inside and outside the workplace — we’re grateful to have them as part of our Geisinger family.” Created to honor the legacy of Sue Robel, Geisinger’s former chief nursing officer and co-chief patient experience officer, the two awards are presented annually to recognize Geisinger employees’ commitment to providing the highest level of patient care and serving others in their roles at work and in the community. Geisinger’s 2025 recipients of the Nursing Scholarship in honor of Susan M. Robel pose for a group photo with Janet Tomcavage, RN, executive vice president and chief nursing executive at Geisinger. From left to right: Janet Tomcavage; Bobbi Kelder; Nicole Kister; Charlene Dixon; Jenna King; Jessie Learn. Not pictured: Kelli Andrus. The Nursing Scholarship Award in honor of Robel recognizes the significance of lifelong learning in nursing, and rewards those enrolled in nursing school who exemplify what it means to go above and beyond in providing patient care. Scholarship recipients have demonstrated a continued commitment to meeting the highest standards of bedside care and treat patients with the utmost compassion and kindness. Each recipient is awarded $2,000 toward their tuition, funded by the Alice E. Steele Endowment. The 2025 Nursing Scholarship winners are: Kelli Andrus, clinic nurse, ConvenientCare Lock Haven Charlene Dixon, nursing assistant, Geisinger Community Medical Center Bobbi Kelder, clinic nurse, family practice, Geisinger Tunkhannock Jenna King, clinic nurse, ConvenientCare Lewistown Nicole Kister, administrative team coordinator, Geisinger Medical Center Jessie Learn, clinic nurse, pulmonary medicine, Geisinger Medical Center Geisinger’s 2025 recipients of the Caring Award in honor of Susan M. Robel pose for a group photo with Greg Burke, M.D., chief patient experience officer at Geisinger. From left to right: Dr. Burke; Katelin Kukowski; Christine Zanghi; Angela Collins; Elizabeth Pepen. Not pictured: Susan Lamont. The Caring Award recognizes Geisinger employees who are dedicated to caring for others in the workplace and beyond. Like Robel, who defined collegiality and was an exemplary colleague to all, these people demonstrate a steadfast commitment to serving others and are incredible advocates in our communities. They inspire others with their compassion, thoughtfulness and selflessness. Nominated by their peers and selected by the award committee, winners receive $500 in cash and $500 to donate to their charity of choice. The 2025 Caring Award winners are: Angela Collins, administrative assistant, Geisinger Medical Center Katelin Kukowski, ophthalmology technician, Geisinger Healthplex CenterPoint Susan Lamont, clinical RN supervisor, ophthalmology, Geisinger Medical Center Muncy Elizabeth Pepen, certified medical assistant, CommunityCare Hazleton Christine Zanghi, anesthesiologist, Geisinger Healthplex State College
Wayne Bank Announces the Hiring of Donald Sutton Jim Donnelly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wayne Bank, is pleased to announce the hiring of Donald (“Don”) Sutton as Vice President and Information Technology Manager. “I am thrilled to welcome Don to the Wayne Bank team,” said Donnelly. “His extensive experience in the IT field, combined with his passion for innovation and leadership make him a tremendous asset to our organization. With his expertise, we will continue to advance our technology initiatives and elevate the experience for our customers and employees.” As Vice President and Information Technology Manager, Don oversees the Bank’s IT Department, leads strategic technology initiatives, and ensures the continued stability, security, and growth of the bank’s information systems. His responsibilities include managing day-to-day IT operations, implementing technology enhancements, and mentoring staff to support professional development and operational excellence. Don brings 28 years of experience in the information technology field, including leadership roles in network management, cybersecurity, and systems integration across both the financial and corporate sectors. Don is actively involved in his community, volunteering as the live stream coordinator for the Fall Music Festival at Dorflinger and the Spring Thaw Fundraiser, where he supports local nonprofit initiatives through technology and media production.
Lace Village To Host Holiday Market The second annual outdoor Holiday Market at Lace Village is returning to bring holiday magic to NEPA. The event will take place on Sunday, December 14th, from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM, offering festive fun, local shopping, and seasonal cheer. Admission is free, and the event is family friendly. Visitors can stroll through Lace Village, enjoy warm cocoa, sing along to holiday favorites, relax by the fire pits, and experience the enchanting atmosphere of the season. The Holiday Market is designed to spread holiday cheer and bring the community together. Highlights include: Over 50 local vendors and businesses, ideal for holiday shopping Photos with Santa benefiting Toys for Tots — guests are encouraged to bring a toy or make a cash donation Live entertainment featuring holiday music performances A raffle basket area supporting the Julia Hockey Mazur Foundation Community members are encouraged to mark their calendars for a festive day filled with shopping, generosity, and holiday joy.
Lackawanna County To Present the Lackawanna Winter Market The Lackawanna Winter Market 2025 Holiday Shopping Vendor Village on Courthouse Square is returning once again! The event will take place from Friday, December 5th, through Sunday, December 7th, offering a weekend filled with music, food, fun, and a wide variety of unique shopping opportunities from small businesses. Visitors are sure to find something special for everyone on their holiday shopping lists — and perhaps a little something for themselves as well. Guests are invited to explore the many amazing small businesses and enjoy a leisurely stroll around the square. The event will feature live music, entertainment, and much more. The Lackawanna Winter Market will kick off on December’s First Friday and continue through Sunday. Event Schedule Friday, December 5th | 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM Tree Lighting at 6:00 PM Saturday, December 6th | 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM Sunday, December 7th | 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Misericordia University To Host Fall Open House Misericordia University invites families to attend its Fall Open House on Saturday, November 15, and to experience all that the campus has to offer. Parents and students will have the opportunity to tour Misericordia University’s scenic grounds, meet dedicated faculty and staff, and learn more about the institution’s academic programs, admissions, financial aid, and student life. The event provides an inside look at how Misericordia supports student success both academically and personally. Date: Saturday, November 15, 2025Location: Misericordia University Campus Click here to find more information.
Johnson College To Offer CDL Training Availability In response to the regional and national demand for CDL truck drivers, Johnson College, in partnership with Road Runner CDL Academy, offers its Class A CDL Driver Training program at two convenient locations: Road Runner CDL Academy at 6 S. Keyser Ave., Taylor, and Johnson College’s Hazleton campus at 370 Maplewood Drive, located inside the Humboldt Industrial Park in Hazle Township. This 160-hour program, available at both locations, prepares students to inspect and operate tractor-trailers and take on the responsibilities of a professional driver on the road and at pickup and delivery sites. The curriculum emphasizes vehicle inspections, defensive driving, range maneuvers, motor carrier safety regulations (DOT 380–397), trip planning, cargo handling, size and weight laws, general maintenance procedures, hours of service, and accident prevention. The training complies with the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and includes a certificate for entry-level drivers. Participants can complete the program and obtain their CDL in as little as four weeks. To learn more or to enroll in the Class A CDL Driver Training program, visit johnson.edu/continuing-ed/cdl or contact the WAVE Department at wave@johnson.edu or 570-702-8979.
Grey Towers Honored With Do 6 Partnership Award Grey Towers Heritage Association was honored on September 10 with the “Do 6” Partnership Award, bestowed by the PA Route 6 Alliance. Linda Pinto of Grey Towers Heritage Association (second from left) accepts the “Do 6” Partnership Award from Dan Glotz, PA Route 6 Alliance Board President, James Hamill, Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau Senior Correspondent & Media Relations and PA Route 6 Board Member, and Candace Hillyard, PA Route 6 Alliance Executive Director. Over one hundred statewide leaders, business owners, and stakeholders gathered in Kane, Pennsylvania, on September 10–11 for the PA Route 6 Alliance 2025 Educational Workshop, Annual Meeting, and “Do 6” Awards Program. The Annual Meeting featured the “Do 6” Awards, honoring outstanding individuals, organizations, and communities that exemplify the Alliance’s mission to protect, preserve, and promote the scenic, cultural, historic, and recreational resources of PA Route 6. Each year, six awards are presented. This year, the Heritage Partnership Award was bestowed upon Grey Towers Heritage Association in Pike County. Linda Pinto of Grey Towers Heritage Association accepted the award, saying, “This event truly showcased the power of collaboration and the shared commitment to preserving and promoting the unique character of our heritage area. The PA Route 6 Alliance aligns perfectly with our mission at Grey Towers.”
Geisinger Donates to Local Organizations During Challenging Times To help provide support where it’s needed most for people potentially impacted by the federal government shutdown, Geisinger is contributing $275,000 to a network of Pennsylvania food banks that distribute resources to local food pantries and cupboards throughout the surrounding communities. That includes Central Pennsylvania Food Bank serving the central, north-central and western regions, and CEO Weinberg Food Bank serving the northeast region. “At Geisinger, being the best means caring for one another and for the communities we serve,” said Terry Gilliland, M.D., president and CEO of Geisinger. “These are particularly challenging times for many of our community members, so Geisinger is doing its best to help take care of our patients, members and communities.” If an individual or someone they know is in need of assistance, NeighborlyPA.com offers a directory of resources to connect people with food pantries, mobile distributions, community meals, utility and heating assistance, and other services across Pennsylvania. The Neighborly app is available for download on Apple and Android devices. Geisinger can also connect patients who might need assistance with social workers who can help.
Ballet Theatre Opens Holiday Season with 50th ‘Nutcracker’ Ballet Theatre of Scranton, under the artistic direction of Joanne Arduino, will kick off the holiday season with it’s 50th anniversary annual performances of The Nutcracker at the Theater at North over Thanksgiving weekend on Friday Nov 28, Saturday Nov 29 ,and Sunday Nov 30, at 12 noon and 5:30 pm each day. This traditional gift to the community has offered free public performances since 1976. Free tickets can be picked up at the box office at the Theater at North on the day of the specific performance, two hours prior to curtain. A sensory friendly performance is offered to an invited audience as well as the traditional educational performances for area school children. A Jubilee Performance will be held on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at The Theatre at North. Alumni are invited to arrive at 4:00 PM for check-in, with a commemorative photo on stage at 4:30 PM, followed by the performance at 5:30 PM. This milestone performance will be a joyful reunion of past and present cast members, honoring the legacy of Ballet Theatre of Scranton and the generations of dancers who have brought The Nutcracker to life. Over 100 local dancers from ages 9- adult will perform and will feature alumna Laura Durkin as Sugarplum Fairy and professional guest artists Sanford Placide (previously of Dance Theater of Harlem, NYC) and Philadelphia Ballet principal dancers Arian Molina Soca and Dayesi Torriente. All performances are free and open to the public, with reserved seating available through Nutcracker Benefactor donations by Nov 1. For more information, call 570-347-2867 or visit www.balletscranton.org
