Junior Achievement Of Northeastern Pennsylvania To Host Celebration Happy Hour Junior Achievement of Northeastern Pennsylvania had a successful year, impacting more than 13,000 students throughout the region. To celebrate another outstanding year of service and achievement, JA will host a Happy Hour Celebration on Thursday, June 4, 2026 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Jonathan’s Deck Bar. The cost to attend is $20 with pre-registration or $25 at the door. The evening will feature live music, appetizers, a cash bar, door prizes, raffles, and networking opportunities. Guests are encouraged to attend and celebrate JA’s continued impact on students across Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Geisinger Doctor Named EMS Physician Of The Year Geisinger’s Chris Berry, M.D., has been named the 2026 EMS Physician ofthe Year by the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Pennsylvania Emergency HealthServices Council, an independent advisory committee to EMS agencies across the state. Dr. Berry has been a physician in Geisinger Medical Center’s emergency room since 2024 andis the associate medical director for Geisinger EMS. He personally responds to emergenciesusing the Geisinger Physician Response Vehicle, working alongside EMS crews when not in theemergency room, and is the medical director for multiple central Pennsylvania EMS agenciesand fire departments. “I’m deeply grateful to receive this award from a community that means so much to me,” saidDr. Berry. “EMS professionals provide lifesaving care and are a cornerstone of our community,and it’s a real honor to be recognized by my colleagues in this way.” The EMS Physician of the Year award is chosen through peer nomination and an EMS votingcommittee. After reviewing nominations from across the state, the committee makes their finalchoice based on the nominee’s contributions to the delivery of EMS, clinical leadership andmentorship of EMS providers. Mark Bertollo, emergency medicine services coordinator and award nominator, says, “Chris isvery good at what he does and is very involved — he does trainings and education, he will workwith EMS on his day off and he often invites hospital residents to join him to further theireducation.” Dr. Berry was honored at a ceremony at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville on May 5 and willalso be recognized at the Pennsylvania State Capitol building in Harrisburg during EMS Week,May 17 to 23. This year’s award is in honor of Deno Gualtieri, D.O., a Pennsylvania EMS physician, agencymedical director and emergency department director who passed away earlier this year.
Geisinger School Of Medicine, NEPA Health Care Foundation Celebrate Milestones The Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine (GCSOM) and the Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation (NEPA HCF) recently held their annual reception to review the progress and impact of the NEPA Health Care Foundation Scholars Program. The program continues to play a pivotal role in supporting medical students committed to serving the healthcare needs of Northeastern Pennsylvania. In October 2014, the board of the NEPA HCF approved a grant to GSCOM (formerly The Commonwealth Medical College). The grant established the NEPA HCF Scholars Program, funding scholarships for Doctor of Medicine (MD) students. To date a total of twenty student scholarships have been awarded through the NEPA HCF Scholars Program. This year the NEPA HCF renewed their scholarship support for the next three years. The renewed scholarship support will be awarded to 2-3 students per year over the next 3 years and will support an additional 6-9 students. “Investing in future physicians who are committed to serving Northeastern Pennsylvania is an investment in the long-term health and well-being of our community,” said Laura Ducceschi, administrator of the NEPA Health Care Foundation and President & CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “Through this partnership, we are helping to support students who want to build their careers here and strengthen healthcare access across our region for years to come.” The reception also focused on the group’s annual report, detailing the program’s achievements. Key accomplishments include the continued support of students through substantial scholarship awards and the reinforcement of partnerships aimed at enhancing healthcare access in the region. “The NEPA Health Care Foundation Scholars Program is a wonderful example of how strategic philanthropy and medical education can work together to strengthen our region’s healthcare system,” said Julie Byerley, M.D., M.P.H., Geisinger Commonwealth president and dean. “By investing in our students and encouraging them to stay and practice in northeastern Pennsylvania, we’re building a healthier future—one physician at a time.” First row Left to Right: Dr. Peter Cognetti, Board Chair, Dr. Julie Byerley, President of Geisinger College of Health Sciences, Dr. Kristen Richards, Caitlin Doughton, Alexis Blackburn, Evan Florey, Catherine Mihalick and Dr. Joseph Bannon, Second Row Left to Right: Dr. Jason Woloski, Laura Ducceschi, President/CEO of the Scranton Area Foundation, Dr. Shubhra Shetty, Tonyehn Verkitus, Atty. Joseph Burke, Michael Cordaro, Dr. Patrick Connors, Thomas Tulaney, Michael Clemente and Atty. Terrence Nealon
Meals On Wheels Of NEPA To Hold Celebration Event Following NEPA Gives On Friday, June 5th, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Meals on Wheels of NEPA will be holding a Closing Celebration at Voodoo Brewing in Scranton to celebrate the end of NEPA Gives! NEPA Gives is the region’s largest giving event. Since its inception in 2020, it has raised over $5 million for over 250 nonprofits in NEPA. Meals on Wheels of NEPA is honored to once again participate in the event. To celebrate another successful NEPA Gives, Meals on Wheels of NEPA will be celebrating at Voodoo Brewing in Scranton. There is no purchase or registration required to attend the event. We hope to see the community there so we can properly thank those who have supported our organization during NEPA Gives. Executive Director, Lindsey Skripka says “We are so grateful to Voodoo Brewing for hosting us as we celebrate the close of an incredible day of giving. NEPA Gives is a wonderful opportunity to support regional nonprofits, and we are so glad to be a part of the historic event for another year!”
The Wright Center To Host Tinnitus Support Group Meeting In June Tinnitus Support Group of Northeast Pennsylvania will host its next meeting on Friday, June 5 at 2:00 p.m. at The Wright Center for Community Health Mid Valley. Virtual meeting options will also be available for those unable to attend in person. The support group welcomes individuals living with tinnitus, their loved ones, and anyone interested in learning more about the audiological and neurological condition. Participants will have the opportunity to connect with others, share experiences, and discuss coping strategies in a supportive and compassionate environment. There is no fee to attend, and new members are welcome. Tinnitus, commonly described as ringing, buzzing, or whooshing in the ears or head, affects more than 50 million adults in the United States. While some individuals experience temporary symptoms, others face chronic and life-altering effects. The program is supported in part through the Support Group Grant Program of the American Tinnitus Association. For additional information or to obtain the virtual meeting link, contact Joe Kelly at kellyj@TheWrightCenter.org or by phone at 570-230-0019.
Scranton Area Community Foundation To Host PA Navigate Informational Session Scranton Area Community Foundation, through its Center for Community Leadership and Nonprofit Excellence, will host an informational session titled “PA Navigate: What You Need to Know—and Why It Matters Now” on Tuesday, June 9, 2026 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Foundation’s auditorium. The session will introduce PA Navigate, a statewide initiative supported by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania that is helping identify community needs, service gaps, and unmet demand across the state. Information gathered through the platform is being used to help inform future funding priorities, resource allocation, and statewide planning efforts. Designed for nonprofit leaders, healthcare organizations, educators, government agencies, community partners, funders, policymakers, and frontline providers, the session will provide an overview of how PA Navigate contributes to broader community support and planning initiatives throughout Pennsylvania. “As a community foundation, part of our responsibility is ensuring that Northeastern Pennsylvania is represented in important statewide conversations,” said Laura Ducceschi. “This session is an opportunity for organizations to better understand PA Navigate, how it is being used at the state level, and what it may mean for our region.” Attendees will learn how PA Navigate complements other tools currently being used across the region, how statewide data is helping shape future funding and resource decisions, and what level of engagement may be appropriate for their organization or community. The session will also include time for questions and discussion. “For Community Action, PA Navigate is a natural extension of the work our network has been doing since its inception,” said Beck Moore, CEO of the Community Action Association of Pennsylvania. “PA Navigate gives us another way to educate, support, and strengthen those local connections across Pennsylvania.” A light lunch and refreshments will be provided. Registration is required by June 5, 2026, and space may be limited.
Celebration of Leadership Honors Exemplary Graduating Class Leadership Lackawanna will host its annual Celebration of Leadership on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at the Hilton Scranton & Conference Center from 11:45 AM to 1:45 PM. This milestone event will honor Leadership Lackawanna’s 43-year history of developing visionary leaders, fostering excellence, and creating lasting impact throughout northeastern Pennsylvania. Most importantly, the celebration will recognize and honor the graduates of the 2026 Core Program. Community members, alumni, business leaders, and supporters are invited to attend and join in the celebration. Over the past 10 months, participants in this year’s Core Program completed several community service projects benefiting nonprofit organizations throughout the Greater Scranton region. Projects included bridge construction and outdoor enhancements for Countryside Conservancy, the “A Room to Grow” classroom renovation for Friendship House Autism Center, modernization efforts at United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s Angel Attic, and the launch of significant outdoor improvements at the Greater Scranton YMCA. In addition to celebrating the accomplishments of the graduating class, the event will feature business networking opportunities, an end-of-year program review and video presentation, basket raffles, and recognition of the many individuals and organizations that make Leadership Lackawanna’s mission possible. All are welcome to attend and celebrate another year of leadership, service, and community impact. Tickets for this event are currently on sale and can be purchased at www.LeadershipLackawanna.com Leadership Lackawanna extends thanks to the sponsors of the 2026 Core program: designBLD, Penn East Federal Credit Union, Quandel Construction, Maximus Foundation, Geisinger, Times Shamrock Communications, PNC Bank, Center City Print, Friendship House, Golden Technologies, and PPL Electric. Graduates of Leadership Lackawanna’s 2026 Core Program include: Amanda Friday – Peoples Security Bank Amanda Lyn Brown – Penn East Federal Credit Union Anthony Salva, LCSW – Integrative Mind and Body Services Brittani Pulse – Nunzi’s Advertising Christopher M. Pahoski – Benco Dental Courtney Rittenhouse – Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA Daneece A. Jones – Greater Scranton YMCA Deanna Smith – AAA North Penn Diana Latsko – Maximus Federal Services Douglas A. Hein – Scranton Counseling Center Eric Eiden – Lackawanna College Haley Houck – Fidelity Bank Jason Carpenter – designBLD John Conte lll – The Honesdale National Bank John P Joyce – Lackawanna County Jose Santiago de los Rios – Tuxedo by Sarno Joshua Cole Howells – Allied Services Julianna Cardillo – Penn State University (Scranton) Linda Beck – United Neighborhood Centers Madison Theobald – Penn East Federal Credit Union Maria Day – Penn State University (Scranton) Mateo Arroyopabon – Procter & Gamble Matt Coolbaugh – Quandel Construction Group LLC Pete Gentile – City of Scranton Sarah Bauman – Montage Mountain Resorts Walter Kosak – Plaskolite
Leadership Lackawanna Awards Abington Heights Student with TLT’s Senior Scholarship Leadership Lackawanna, the professional development division of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, is excited to award this year’s Tomorrow’s Leaders Today (TLT) Senior Scholarship to candidate Lauren Bartell. “It has been a privilege to work with Lauren Bartell during her time in the program,” states Nicole Morristell, executive director of Leadership Lackawanna. “Watching Lauren’s personal and professional growth throughout the program has been incredibly rewarding, and she has made a lasting impression on both her peers and our organization. Lauren has demonstrated all the qualities of an outstanding leader and will no doubt accomplish great things in the next steps of her education and career.” A part of TLT’s 2025–26 class, Bartell is a dedicated learner and a worthy recipient for this award. After her upcoming graduation from Abington Heights High School, Bartell will take her talents to the University of Pittsburgh to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Tomorrows Leaders Today fosters young business professionals who are sure to become leaders of northeastern Pennsylvania. With the help and generosity of over 2,600 Leadership Lackawanna alumni, this scholarship and additional funding initiatives continue to sustain and strengthen our six programs. The Senior Scholarship is awarded annually to an alumnus of the program who showcases exemplary leadership skills to support their school and community. Leadership Lackawanna is a 501(c)(3) charitable, nonprofit organization in northeastern Pennsylvania dedicated to community leadership and professional development. Its five programs enhance the skills, connections, and knowledge of emerging and established leaders, enabling them to better serve in our communities, workplaces, and organizations. Established in 1982, Leadership Lackawanna has graduated more than 2,700 community leaders. For more information, visit www.leadershiplackawanna.com.
The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce Welcomes Two Summer Interns The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce leadership is pleased to announce the addition of two summer interns, Katherine Barnansky and Tessa Pollack, who will support organizational initiatives through its Business and Leadership development division this summer. Katherine Barnansky Tessa Pollack Barnansky will serve as The Chamber’s business development Intern. In this role, she will assist with business outreach, workforce development initiatives, marketing projects, research, and communications efforts that support economic growth throughout northeastern Pennsylvania. She is currently pursuing a degree in Supply Chain Management at Penn State University. Pollack will return to The Chamber for a second internship. This summer, she will support the Leadership Development division, Leadership Lackawanna, by assisting with marketing and communications initiatives, social media management, and program coordination. She previously served as a communications intern in the summer of 2025, and is currently pursuing a degree in Business Administration with a major in Marketing at West Virginia University. “We are thrilled to welcome Tessa back to The Chamber and Leadership Lackawanna,” said Bob Durkin, president of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. “Her prior experience with our organization and strong communications background make her a valuable addition to the team as we continue to grow and strengthen our programming. Additionally, we are excited to welcome Katherine to our team and look forward to the perspective and enthusiasm she will bring to our business development efforts.” For more information about The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and Leadership Lackawanna, visit www.scrantonchamber.com.
RailRiders Announce Fernández as Player of the Week Minor League Baseball has announced its weekly awards for May 18-24 and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre’s Yanquiel Fernández was tabbed as the International League’s Player of the Week. Fernández batted .379 while playing in all six games in right field for the RailRiders. Fernández went 11-for-29 against the IronPigs, recording the most hits on the week in the entire International League. In addition, the power hitter smoked four homers and batted in twelve runs – both tied for most in the league. He also scored five runs of his own and stole a bag. The lefty, who began the season on Scranton/Wilkes-Barre’s roster, holds a .270 batting average on the season after 43 games. He has six doubles, one triple, and thirteen home runs. Fernández leads the RailRiders in long balls and is tied for second most in the entire Yankees farm system. His 37 total RBIs are also tied for fourth most, both among Yankees’ minor leaguers and International League players. The 23-year-old was claimed off of waivers by New York from Colorado back in February. Fernández received the invite to Yankees Spring Training, garnering five hits while playing in parts of 15 games. He was originally signed by the Rockies as a Minor League Free Agent on July 12, 2019. In 2025, he played in 52 games for the big-league club after making his Major League Debut on July 2. Fernández launched his first home run off of Yohan Ramírez of Pittsburgh. Fernández is the second RailRider to earn honors this season after Yankees #21 prospect Brendan Beck was recognized last week. The last position player for SWB to bring home this award was Jose Rojas in 2025 for his work during in a late August series.
