Scranton Area Community Foundation to Host NEPA Learning Conference The Scranton Area Community Foundation is proud to announce the return of the NEPA Learning Conference, a three-day professional development event designed to strengthen nonprofit organizations and their leaders throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. The conference will take place September 17–19, 2025, at Fiorelli’s in Peckville. First held in 2019, the NEPA Learning Conference returns in 2025 for its fifth gathering. Over the years, it has become a signature event for the region’s nonprofit community, bringing together staff, board members, and volunteers for a dynamic learning experience centered on leadership, collaboration, and impact. The conference features a robust lineup of national thought leaders and local changemakers offering workshops, keynote presentations, and interactive sessions tailored to the needs of the nonprofit sector. Drawing more than 200 nonprofit professionals each year, the NEPA Learning Conference has become a highly anticipated opportunity for regional leaders to convene, exchange ideas, and gain fresh perspectives. Attendees represent a wide range of mission areas—from human services and education to arts and environmental organizations—all united by a shared commitment to strengthening their communities. This year’s keynote speakers offer a powerful mix of inspiration, expertise, and practical tools, each chosen to address the real-world challenges and opportunities facing today’s nonprofit leaders: Dr. Tiffany “Dr.T” Manuel, founder and CEO of TheCaseMade, is a national expert on systems change and narrative strategy. She’ll share how nonprofits can shift mindsets and build support through powerful, equity-centered storytelling. Dr. Katie P. Desiderio Frino and Dr. Michael G. Frino, bestselling authors of The Beekeeper and The Stargazer, will explore how teams can unlock potential through trust, emotional intelligence, and values- driven culture to spark transformative growth. Michael Swenson, a leadership coach and seasoned FranklinCovey facilitator, will offer insights on leading with clarity and purpose, drawing on his experience as a nonprofit executive, educator, and U.S. Army veteran. A highlight of this year’s event is the return of the Nonprofit EXCELlence Awards, a peer-nominated program recognizing outstanding organizations, individuals, and collaborative projects that reflect the conference’s core themes of collaboration, innovation, advocacy, and inclusion. Three award categories—Nonprofit of the Year, Collaborative Project of the Year, and the Rising Star Award—honor exceptional leadership and impact across the region. Winners receive unrestricted grants and professional development opportunities, with finalists selected and celebrated by their peers at the conference. “This conference was created to meet a need we heard again and again from nonprofit leaders— affordable, high-quality professional development grounded in the realities of our local communities,” said Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “Our goal is to help nonprofit professionals gain the tools, strategies, and connections they need to lead with confidence and make an even greater impact.” This year’s conference will explore key themes including: Building trust and team culture Communicating with clarity and credibility Advancing equity and inclusion Strengthening fundraising and board engagement Embracing innovation and technology in the nonprofit space Attendees will have opportunities to connect with peers, share ideas, and leave with practical takeaways to apply immediately within their organizations. Special bundle pricing is available to encourage participation from entire teams, and scholarships are offered to ensure access for organizations of all sizes. The NEPA Learning Conference is an initiative of the Scranton Area Community Foundation through its Center for Community Leadership and Nonprofit Excellence. It reflects the Foundation’s deep commitment to investing in the strength, sustainability, and success of the region’s nonprofit sector. “Strong nonprofits build strong communities,” said Ellen Burkey, Board Chair of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “This conference is one of the many ways we’re working to uplift the incredible work being done by organizations throughout our region.” Registration is now open at nepalearningconference.com. Early bird pricing is available through July 31, 2025.
Treasurer Garrity Returns $24K in Unclaimed Property Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity today announced that more than $24,000 worth of unclaimed property was found for fans of the Williamsport Crosscutters at the game against the West Virginia Black Bears in Williamsport on July 25. Treasurer Garrity threw a ceremonial first pitch ahead of the game. “It was fantastic to meet so many baseball fans and return unclaimed property to them,” Treasurer Garrity said. “Dozens of fans stopped by Treasury’s booth and found unclaimed property – money they didn’t even realize was missing! I want to thank the Crosscutters organization for hosting us and helping get money back into the hands of their tremendous fans.” “The Williamsport Crosscutters appreciated the opportunity to host Treasurer Garrity and the PA Treasury Department again this year at Journey Bank Ballpark,” said Gabe Sinicropi, Crosscutters VP of Marketing. “Our fans were once again surprised and excited at all the unclaimed money that was found!” Fans who attended the game were assisted by Treasurer Garrity and Treasury’s unclaimed property staff as they searched for unclaimed property. Unclaimed property can include things like dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance policies, contents of forgotten safe deposit boxes and more. State law requires businesses to report unclaimed property to Treasury after three years of dormancy. Treasury is working to return more than $5 billion in unclaimed property, including more than $15 million owed to Lycoming County residents. More than one in ten Pennsylvanians are owed unclaimed property, and the average claim is worth more than $1,000. To search for unclaimed property, visit patreasury.gov/unclaimed-property.
Misericordia Open House Coming Up Thinking about the next step for your student? Misericordia University’s upcoming Open House is a great opportunity for families to explore campus together and get a true feel for the supportive and welcoming community we offer. Join us on Saturday, August 16, 2025, with check-in from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. at the Anderson Health & Wellness Center. The day includes a Meet the Community Fair, guided campus tours, academic sessions with faculty, a student panel, and lunch on campus. It’s the perfect chance to learn more about academic programs, student life, and the resources that help our students thrive—both in and out of the classroom. Don’t miss this first step toward your student’s future. Learn more and register: https://www.misericordia.edu/admissions/admissions/open-house
Grey Towers Scholarship Fund, Finger Bowl Dinner Guests at the July Fingerbowl Dinner enjoy the unique and delicious outdoor dining experience at Grey Towers that mirrors historic Pinchot family gatherings. For the second time this summer, Grey Towers Heritage Association will host a Candlelight Dinner as a fundraiser for the Pinchot Legacy Scholarship. The dinner will take place at the unique Finger Bowl water-filled outdoor dining area at Grey Towers National Historic Site in Milford, PA, home of two-time governor and “Father of U.S. Conservation” Gifford Pinchot, on September 5 at 5 p.m. The Finger Bowl is considered Grey Towers’ most popular feature and served as the Pinchot family’s outdoor dining room. Added in 1934 to the French-style mansion and gardens constructed in the 1880s by James and Mary Pinchot, the water-filled table was the site of many lively discussions about social issues and conservation efforts. Meals were passed among guests by floating wooden bowls and balsa rafts on the water. The opening in the wisteria-covered pergola permitted moonlight to radiate across the water. “This recreation of those dinners provides a very romantic evening for everyone,” promises Don Allen, GTHA Board member and co-organizer of the event. Grey Towers Heritage Association invites members and the general public to enjoy this revived tradition as they savor delicious foods prepared similarly to the Pinchot family’s dinner celebrations. “The Heritage Association’s Legacy Scholarship awards financial; assistance to tri-state public high school students who plan to study natural resources, science, ecology and more,” explains Mary Somma, Board member and head of the Education & Scholarships committee, “so guests are not only enjoying a delicious dinner in a unique setting, they are also supporting conservation and education.” A reception starts at 5 p.m., with dinner seating at 6 p.m. around the water-filled Finger Bowl table as well at tables that line the perimeter of the pergola. Pergola seats are currently available, which provide an equally magical evening. Seating is limited, so reserve yours now at https://greytowers.org/events.
Geisinger Behavioral Health Center Danville Opens to Patients Geisinger Behavioral Health Center Danville, at 206 Maria Hall Drive, will open its doors and begin accepting patients on Tuesday, Aug. 5. The 96-bed facility will provide care for adults, pediatric and adolescent patients with acute symptoms of behavioral health disorders such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, psychosis and posttraumatic stress disorder. This array of acute behavioral health services provides a level of care unparalleled in central Pennsylvania. This is the second behavioral health center opened by Geisinger through a joint venture with Acadia Health. The first center opened in Moosic in August 2023. “Geisinger Behavioral Health Center Danville will serve patients with mental health conditions and in an acute setting where they get an intensive treatment plan to help them recover and get back into the community to continue their treatment outside the hospital,” said Imad Melhem, M.D., Geisinger chair of psychiatry. “As a psychiatrist who spent my whole career serving underserved communities, seeing the investment that Geisinger has placed in behavioral health and opening services in our areas couldn’t be more rewarding.” The center will allow Geisinger to consolidate inpatient behavioral health programs from Geisinger Medical Center and Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital, providing additional capacity to expand medical care availability at those hospitals. It will also serve as a teaching hospital, training students and residents from Geisinger’s College of Health Sciences, many of whom will go on to practice in Pennsylvania and carry forth Geisinger’s mission to improve the health and well-being of the region. “I feel this is the fulfillment of what Abigail Geisinger wanted us to do. She wanted to bring health care to our rural communities,” said Dawn Zieger, Geisinger vice president of behavoral health. “For the first time in central Pennsylvania, we’ll be able to offer mental health care in Danville so adults and children can stay in their communities, where they’re connected to their families and support systems. This is a place you’d be proud to stay yourself or send a family member. It really honors patients when they’re in probably the worst crisis of their life.” The total facility investment for the behavioral health center was $49 million.
United Way Day of Caring Drives Community Change At the heart of community change are the thousands of dedicated volunteers who bring the United Way mission to life across Lackawanna, Wayne, and Pike Counties. These individuals give selflessly of their time and talents to create lasting solutions and improve the quality of life for everyone who calls our region home. The cornerstone of these efforts is the annual Day of Caring—a powerful demonstration of community spirit and collaboration. Each year, hundreds of volunteers are mobilized across the tri-county area to work directly with the United Way and its network of partner agencies. From painting classrooms to planting gardens and revitalizing community spaces, volunteers roll up their sleeves to make a visible and lasting impact. In addition to the Day of Caring, the Youth Day of Caring engages students in grades 7–12 in service projects that foster leadership, teamwork, and civic engagement. After a successful run in past years, the Youth Day of Caring is set to return in Spring 2025, providing another meaningful opportunity for young people to give back to their community. Those interested in volunteering with the United Way are encouraged to reach out and get involved. Opportunities are available year-round, and every helping hand contributes to a stronger, more connected Northeastern Pennsylvania. For more information or to sign up as a volunteer visit https://uwlc.net/volunteer/
Stone House Investment Management: Free Retirement Planning Seminar Join Advisors Mike and Ryan from Stone House Investment Management for an educational evening designed to give you clarity, confidence, and actionable strategies. Plus, enjoy a gourmet dinner, on us! What You’ll Discover: How to Build a Tax-Efficient Retirement Income Plan Learn proven strategies to reduce unnecessary taxes so you can keep more of what you’ve saved. The Most Common Mistakes Retirees Wish They’d Avoided Understand pitfalls that can derail a secure retirement—and how you can avoid them. How Today’s Economic Trends Could Impact Your Nest Egg Get insights into how market volatility, rising taxes, and inflation can affect your income. The Answer to the Big Question: Can Your Retirement Last? Walk away knowing the steps you can take now to help ensure your money lasts as long as you do. Reserve Your Seat Today! Questions? Call us at (570) 507-8946 or email info@stonehousemail.com
The Wright Center, National Immunization Awareness Month Arrival of school year an opportune time for vaccines While the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic may have passed, the public health lessons it taught remain critically relevant – particularly the essential role vaccines play in disease prevention and population health. Each August, National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM) highlights the importance of staying current with recommended vaccinations across the lifespan. At The Wright Center for Community Health, we advocate for proactive conversations between patients and health care providers about necessary immunizations to protect against preventable diseases. Vaccination not only reduces individual risk of illness but also contributes to herd immunity, thereby safeguarding vulnerable populations such as infants, immunocompromised individuals, and older individuals. In addition to COVID-19 and annual influenza vaccines, other immunizations remain crucial for preventing serious conditions, including measles, hepatitis A and B, meningococcal disease, and shingles. With the academic year approaching, now is the optimal time for parents and guardians to confirm that children are compliant with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention immunization schedule. Pediatric vaccines provide protection against diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), pertussis (Tdap), hepatitis A and B, meningococcal infections, and human papillomavirus (HPV)-related cancers. Vaccination is also important during pregnancy. Expectant mothers are advised to receive the influenza and Tdap vaccines, both of which confer passive immunity to the newborn, reducing the risk of influenza and pertussis in the first months of life. Adult immunization recommendations vary by age, underlying health conditions, occupational exposure, and travel history. Common adult vaccines include those for influenza, pneumococcal disease, shingles, and pertussis. Primary care providers are best positioned to guide patients in making evidence-based immunization decisions. To improve access to these essential services, The Wight Center deploys a 34-foot mobile medical and dental unit, Driving Better Health, which delivers vaccinations and other preventive care directly to schools, neighborhoods, and social service agencies throughout our region – particularly in medically underserved communities. In addition to immunization services, The Wright Center offers a comprehensive range of pediatric and family medicine services, including: Well-child visits and physicals for school, sports, and camp participation Newborn care and same-day sick appointments for acute illness Developmental and sensory screenings (hearing, vision, height, and weight) Asthma diagnosis and management Behavioral health screenings for conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, and depression Evidence-based counseling on growth, nutrition, injury prevention, and general wellness Looking ahead, seasonal influenza vaccines will soon be available at our 13 community health centers across Northeast Pennsylvania. Visit TheWrightCenter.org to locate the most accessible site for you and your family. Vaccines remain one of the most significant advancements in modern medicine. They are safe, extensively studied, and highly effective at preventing morbidity and mortality from infectious diseases. During National Immunization Awareness Month, we encourage everyone to review their vaccination status and consult with their health care provider to ensure full immunization coverage for themselves and their loved ones. Prachi Agarwal, M.D., is a board-certified pediatrician and physician faculty for the Family Medicine Residency Pediatrics Program at The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education. To make an appointment with Dr. Agarwal at The Wright Center for Community Health Scranton, call 570.941.0630 or go to TheWrightCenter.org.
Waverly Community House to Hold Artist Opening Reception Meet the artist and view his work. Light refreshments + Music by Roy Williams & Company Free and open to the public. Hope to see you there!
NeighborWorks NEPA to Hold Carbondale Block Party NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania is excited to hold our second annual Carbondale Block Party! This event is FREE to the public and will be held this Saturday, July 26! Rain date is July 27. It will be held at the YMCA Park at 82 N Main St, Carbondale, PA, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. This family-friendly event aims to bring together residents of all ages to highlight the city’s unique features and foster community engagement. The event will include a cookout, family games and prizes, kids’ activities and more! NeighborWorks is also currently looking for volunteers to help with running carnival games, food and other activities for the Carbondale Block Party. For more information, please contact Emily Arcaro, Community Development Specialist at 570-558-2490 or earcaro@nwnepa.org.
