Drug and Alcohol Treatment Service Hosts Memorial Cornhole Fundraiser Click here to explore other opportunities to partner with Drug and Alcohol Treatment Service for their fundraiser.
My Benefit Advisors, The Future of Employer-Sponsored Healthcare Moving into the later stages of 2025, employer-sponsored healthcare is undergoing a dramatic transformation driven by technology, cost pressures, and shifting workforce expectations. Traditional models focused solely on insurance coverage are giving way to holistic, data-driven strategies that prioritize prevention, personalization, and accessibility. The rise in virtual care has redefined the healthcare experience and telemedicine, once a convenience, is now a cornerstone of care delivery. Employers are increasingly adopting virtual-first health plans, combining digital platforms with in-person networks to improve engagement and lower costs. Another major trend is the integration of mental and behavioral health services. In the wake of the pandemic and growing awareness of stress and burnout, companies are embedding mental health solutions directly into their benefits ecosystem…from on-demand counseling to manager mental health training. Additionally, wearable health technology and AI-driven analytics are enabling real-time monitoring of employee well-being, allowing for more proactive interventions. My Benefit Advisor offers access to Chamber members as a solution for employee benefits, including voluntary offerings.
PS Bank Hires New Commercial Loan Officer / Vice President Anthony J. Gabello, President and Chief Executive Officer, is pleased to announce the hiring of Brian E. Burd as Commercial Loan Officer / Vice President. With over 25 years of experience in commercial lending, Brian brings a wealth of expertise to the team. In this role, he will help grow PS Bank’s lending portfolio and extend its robust product line to new business customers. “True community banks are becoming rare and I’m very fortunate to have found a great place in PS Bank to continue my banking career. I’m looking forward to connecting local businesses with their best banking option,” said Burd. Anthony J. Gabello, President & CEO of PS Bank, added, “As our bank continues to grow, our lending department is proud to add Brian to our commercial lending area. His experience and network provide growth opportunities in the Luzerne, Wyoming, and Lackawanna County markets.” Brian holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Scranton, and an MBA from Misericordia University. Brian currently serves as the treasurer of the Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce; board member of United Way Wyoming County; member of the finance and audit committee for GirlScouts in the Heart of PA, and is a member of Soo Bahk Do Martial Arts Federation. He resides in South Abington Township with his wife, Cristan, with whom he shares three children.
Hospice of the Sacred Heart Hosts Remembrance Walk Hundreds of walkers are expected to pause and remember their loved ones in a unique and special way at the Hospice of the Sacred Heart Remembrance Walk. The walk will take place on Saturday, September 27th at McDade Park in Scranton. Registration begins at 8:30 am and the walk will kick off at 10 am. The Wright Center is the presenting sponsor. The one-mile walk around scenic McDade Park is wheelchair accessible and pet-friendly. The $25 registration fee ($30 after September 12th) includes lunch and a long-sleeve t-shirt with a customizable pin-on bib so participants can walk in memory of a loved one. Teams of five or more are $20 each and children 18 and under are free. There will be a DJ, basket raffle, children’s activities, a ceremonial balloon launch and ice cream courtesy of Fidelity Bank. Proceeds from the walk will help support Hospice of the Sacred Heart programs and services. The event will begin with an opening prayer and WNEP-TV anchor and reporter, Stacy Lange, will start the walk. Diane Baldi, Hospice of the Sacred Heart CEO, will be available for interviews. Those wishing to participate individually or as a team can register online at www.HospiceSacredHeart.org, by calling 570-706-2400 or at McDade Park the day of the walk.
Jeannine Luby and Joy World Wealth Partners Host “Comedy for A Joyful Cause” Jeannine Luby, comedian and owner of Laugh to Live, a business focused on promoting the healing and wellness benefits of laughter and humor, is collaborating with Megan Alpert of Joy World Wealth Partners to deliver an evening of laughter and joy. Luby will produce and perform in “Comedy for A Joyful Cause,” a stand-up comedy show on Thursday, September 25 at 6:30PM, for ages 18 and over, that will feature three of the region’s funniest comedians: Jeremy Pryal, Micki Orlowski and Luby, who was a semifinalist in this past summer’s NEPA’s Funniest Competition hosted by Wise Crackers Comedy Club. This event will feature complimentary popcorn and nonalcoholic beverages. Alpert of Joy World is excited to host the comedy show at her business because she celebrates September as Joy Month, created in honor of her dear friend Lindsay who died of cancer and inspired the nonprofit spreadJOY. A portion of ticket sales will benefit spreadJOY the nonprofit whose goal is to fulfill needs for and give a pick-me-up to people going through a difficult time in their life. This might mean delivering a hot meal or a house cleaning service to someone in need, it might mean giving someone an Uber gift card to use for rides to doctor appointments, or it might mean being able to provide someone with an amazing memory-making experience! The public can nominate someone, and the board approves. Tickets for “Comedy for A Joyful Cause” taking place at Joy World, 125 N. Washington Ave., Scranton, may be purchased at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1664836814729?aff=oddtdtcreator.
United Neighborhood Center 17th Annual Frolic United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC) is excited to visit the community to our 17th Annual Frolic –Harvest at the Hilton, presented by PNC. Formerly known as the Chocolate & Wine Frolic, this signature fundraiser has been reimagined into an evening that showcases the region’s finest — from decadent sweets and savory bites to craft drinks, fine wines, live music, and the warmth of community coming together. All proceeds directly support UNC’s essential programs for children, families, and seniors. The event will be held on Friday, September 26, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:30 PM at the Hilton Scranton & Conference Center. Tickets are $50 and include one drink ticket (21+). Guests will enjoy tastings from more than 20 local chocolatiers, chefs, brewmasters, winemakers, and artisans — all while making a difference in their community. Offerings include wine from three local wineries such as Lucchi Family Wine Cellars, beer samples from Susquehanna Brewing Co., sweet treats from four local bakeries and Gertrude Hawk Chocolates, a giant charcuterie display from the Hilton Scranton & Conference Center featuring locally sourced farmers market items, and both sweet and savory dishes from six area restaurants, including A’teria 519 and Andy Gavin’s Eatery & Pub. Tickets and sponsorship details available at uncnepa.org.
Northeastern PA Philharmonic Defying Gravity Performance Exclusive Discount Offer Chamber members, use the promotional code: SCRCHAM at checkout. There is no deadline for the promotional code to be used, provided it is before the concert. Tickets can be purchased here: www.nepaphil.org/tickets
TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty Launches Fourth Cohort to Accelerate Entrepreneurship in the County TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty, an initiative powered by Lackawanna County, Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, and the Chamber’s entrepreneurship division IGNITE, has officially opened its fourth cohort to idea-stage, start-up, for-profit technology businesses. This 10-week business boot camp is designed to jump-start entrepreneurship in Lackawanna County by equipping local tech-based entrepreneurs with the tools, mentorship, and training needed to advance their ventures. Participants will receive in-depth instruction in business modeling, customer discovery, financial planning, and investor readiness. At the conclusion of the program, participants will have the opportunity to compete for a reimbursable $10,000 grant to offset select start-up costs. The participants in the fourth cohort are: MillionMinds by Norman Zin Notea by Alexandria Small Optimust Intelligence by Luis Vazquez Stello by Jake Howells Sweeney Education Innovations by Dr. Terry Sweeney TechA11y by Brian Jagger VoiceBridge by Jonathan Lau Zach James Music (Zack Sprowls) “The partnership between Lackawanna County and Ben Franklin Technology Partners continues to be a powerful engine for innovation and entrepreneurship in our region,” shared Bob Durkin, president of The Chamber. “At The Chamber, our mission is to attract, sustain, and grow businesses in northeastern Pennsylvania—and the TechCelerator cohort does exactly that. By equipping emerging tech entrepreneurs with the resources, mentorship, and funding they need, we’re laying the groundwork for the next generation of business success stories right here at home.” Lackawanna County Commissioner Bill Gaughan: “With all the discussions about artificial intelligence and Lackawanna County being a potential site of data centers to sustain it, it’s important to remember that nothing can replace entrepreneurship in building the county’s, and the region’s economies. Lackawanna County is happy to participate in the innovative TechCelerator program, which supports that crucial entrepreneurship, gives prospective business leaders insight into growth and sustainability amid constant change, and helps to keep some our best talent home. Here’s to another successful year.” The TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty program has already helped launch multiple new ventures in the region, providing a proven framework for early-stage tech entrepreneurs to test ideas, build networks, and access resources that drive business success. At the conclusion of the program, participants and their businesses will give a formal presentation on the progress of their business.
Meals on Wheels Honors Christine Zike Our signature fundraiser, the 2025 Mix and Mingle for Meals on Wheels, will be held on Thursday, September 18, 2025, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the beautiful Glen Oak Country Club in Clarks Summit, PA. This elegant evening will feature: An open bar Light dinner fare A fabulous gift basket raffle Live jazz music by the Mark Montella Trio All proceeds benefit our mission-driven programs that nourish, support, and uplift older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. At this year’s event, we are honored to present the Elaine F. Shepard Award for Exceptional Volunteerism to Christine Zike, a tireless advocate and community volunteer whose leadership and service have enriched countless lives across our region. Christine serves the community in many ways: President of the NEPA Philharmonic League (since 2016) Director of Development and Board Member for the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic Co-President of the Marywood University NEPA Alumni Chapter Member of Women in Philanthropy at the Scranton Area Community Foundation Active volunteer and supporter for Meals on Wheels, The Lackawanna Historical Society, Ronald McDonald House, and UNICO Scranton. Director on the Parish Council of St. Ann’s Basilica Church Past officer of The Century Club of Scranton With over 30 years of experience in teaching, nonprofit leadership, and volunteerism—both locally and internationally—Christine embodies the spirit of service that the Elaine F. Shepard Award was created to honor. We can’t wait to celebrate Christine and gather together for a night of music, connection, and community impact. Mark your calendars and join us in honoring a truly remarkable woman and supporting an even greater cause! Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/…/mix-and-mingle-for-meals… Sponsorships and advertisements are available! Email mealsonwheels@mownepa.org for more information.
Valley in Motion Unveils Six Murals in Carbondale Valley In Motion has started Creative Communities initiative in Carbondale and Forest City to bring art and cultural activities that support them as Outdoor Towns, fun and welcoming places for outdoor recreation. Funded by the PA Council on the Arts, the Borough of Forest City, and City of Carbondale, VIM is planning and executing projects that bring residents and visitors from the Lackawanna River’s trails to Main Streets in Carbondale and Forest City. In addition to murals above, these funds can support outdoor sculpture; signage; artist-designed bike racks and benches; and music and other cultural events.
