Meals on Wheels of NEPA to Host Designer Purse Bingo Meals on Wheels of NEPA will be hosting their annual Designer Purse Bingo fundraising event on Sunday, April 21. Doors will open at noon and bingo starts at 1:00pm. Bingo will be held at the Space at Olive, located at 541 Wyoming Ave Scranton. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased in advance here: https://www.eventcreate.com/e/mownepadesignerpursebingo -but limited tickets will be available for purchase at the door. Tickets include general admission, entry for the door prize, and a free dauber. There will be 20 regular games, three special games, and one super special game. Features include our signature Bag O’Money 50/50 raffle, designer gift pull, and food buffet. Sponsorship opportunities are available for $150, and are a great way for local businesses to advertise and support a great cause. All proceeds will benefit the programs and mission of Meals on Wheels of NEPA.
Johnson College to Host 7th Annual Carpentry Auction for Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA Johnson College’s Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology program will host an auction to benefit the Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, inside the Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology lab in Woolworth Hall on the Johnson College Scranton campus. Doors open at 5:00 p.m., and the auction starts at 6:00 p.m. The auction is open to the public. More than 70 items will be available to bid on, including cutting boards, chess boards, tables, benches, and custom woodworking. All items were created by students in the Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology program. Many of the items were made from re-purposed material. The 2023 Carpentry Auction raised $5,970 to benefit the Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA. Register for the event at https://forms.gle/TbnaKmm6xfjX7ntLA To learn more about the Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA, visit https://cacnepa.org/.
Outreach Receives Grant for Doula Services Outreach – Center for Community Resources recently received $100,000 from the Highmark Foundation to support the postpartum doula program. In 2022, Outreach introduced its postpartum doula program as part of the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL), funded through the Parents as Teachers® (PAT) program. The Outreach Doula program was expanded in 2023 with funding support from AllOne Charities and Maternal and Family Health Services. The Highmark Foundation grant funding will allow Outreach to add another full-time Doula to serve families with newborns in need of parenting support and educational services. Outreach doulas are certified by the Pennsylvania Certification Board as Certified Perinatal Doulas. The program follows the evidence-based PAT curriculum and consists of two to three home visits lasting up to three hours for ten to twelve weeks. Doulas provide critical support to parents during their pregnancy through their newborn’s earliest days. In fiscal year 2022-2023, Outreach served 20 parents and 21 infants through the doula program. The community has received the program very well. Outreach will continue to seek funding to expand these services to support families in need of this critical support.
Marywood University Elects Lisa A. Lori, J.D. as First Lay President Sister Kathleen Lunsmann, IHM, Chair of the Marywood University Board of Trustees, announced that former Board Chair Lisa A. Lori, J.D., a native of Pittston Twp., Pa., and a current resident of the Philadelphia region, has been appointed as the thirteenth president of Marywood University. Selected after an extensive national search, Atty. Lori will begin her tenure on July 1, 2024, succeeding Sister Mary Persico, IHM, Ed.D., who has served as Marywood’s President since 2016 and is retiring on June 30, 2024. Atty. Lori makes history as Marywood’s first lay president, and her appointment reflects a growing national trend of lawyer presidents, whose legal training and strategic expertise are highly sought in today’s challenging, complex higher education climate. With her extensive legal background, innovative leadership as Marywood’s former Board Chair, and a link to the IHM Congregation as a commissioned IHM Associate (the IHM lay association), Atty. Lori is uniquely qualified to serve as Marywood University’s next president. “Lisa will be leading Marywood at a critical time in its 109-year history. In addition to her many professional qualifications, she embraces the charism and core values of the IHM Sisters and demonstrates an abiding commitment to our students, faculty, and staff,” stated Sister Kathleen Lunsmann, IHM, Marywood Board Chair and Co-Chair of the Presidential Search Committee. “In the spirit of our shared mission to cultivate minds and hearts, I am confident that Lisa’s dynamic vision, deep faith, and strategic guidance will lead Marywood University to even greater heights of achievement and service to others.” Michael E. Bugno, Co-Chair of the Presidential Search Committee and a Marywood Trustee, added, “Lisa’s vision for the university aligns seamlessly with our mission to educate and inspire the next generation of leaders who will make a positive impact on society. We look forward to working closely with her as we embark on this new chapter together.” Before this historic appointment, only IHM Sisters have served as president since Marywood’s founding in 1915. A comprehensive, Catholic university of more than 2,500 students, Marywood will continue to be sponsored by the Congregation of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Scranton. Atty. Lori is committed to continuing the IHM legacy and to leading Marywood University in the Catholic intellectual tradition. “I believe Marywood’s greatest resource is its people, and our mission is life changing. As a first-generation college student, Marywood challenged me, empowered me, and provided me with a foundation from which I was able to reach my full potential,” said Atty. Lori. “My goal as president is to continue that vital mission, working together with our campus and community partners to ensure that Marywood University is a leading academic institution for future generations as well as an economic engine for the region.” Atty. Lori is a partner with Klehr, Harrison, Harvey, Branzburg LLP, Philadelphia, Pa. An experienced business litigator for more than two decades, she has represented national and international businesses, including Fortune 500 companies, higher education institutions, health care providers, and individuals, in a full range of complex business litigation and strategic advising matters. She also was a founder and co-chair of her firm’s higher education and healthcare industry practice groups. Before becoming a lawyer, Atty. Lori pursued an entrepreneurial career, designing and manufacturing a line of clothing under the label Fioretti USA, which was sold at stores nationwide, including Nordstrom, before being acquired by a larger apparel manufacturer. She then decided to go to law school and pursued interests in intellectual property and business litigation. A graduate of Wyoming Seminary (Kingston, Pa.), Atty. Lori holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Fashion Design from Marywood University (Scranton, Pa.). She earned her Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree, cum laude, from Temple University School of Law (Philadelphia, Pa.), where she served as Editor in Chief of the Temple Political and Civil Rights Law Review. She also holds a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree in trial advocacy from Temple University and a Certificate in Strategic Leadership in Education from the University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, Pa.). Atty. Lori is a member of the Board of Directors of Jefferson University Physicians (2021–present). She has been recognized as a leading commercial litigation attorney in Pennsylvania by Chambers USA (2021, 2022, 2023), which ranks leading lawyers and law firms across the nation, based on in-depth market analysis and independent research. She also is a Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America, a highly selective, invitation-only honorary society of trial lawyers composed of less than one-half of one percent of American lawyers. Selection is based on excellence and accomplishment in litigation and a superior ethical reputation. Further, Atty. Lori is AV Preeminent rated by LexisNexis Martindale-Hubble, the highest rating for legal ability and general ethics, as well as being named a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer (2016, 2017, 2018) by a vote of her peers.
Broadway in Scranton Hosts Pretty Women: The Musical After a sold-out weekend of COME FROM AWAY, the final show of the 2023-2024 Broadway in Scranton season, PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL comes to the Scranton Cultural Center for four performances May 17 – 19. Performance times are Friday at 7:30PM, Saturday at 2PM and 7:30PM, and Sunday at 1PM. Tickets are available online at BroadwayInScranton.com and in person at the Scranton Cultural Center box office. Box office hours are Monday – Friday 10AM – 5PM, Saturday 10AM – 2PM. The show age recommendation is 12+ and the run time is 2 hours and 20 minutes with an intermission. PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL, based on one of Hollywood’s most beloved romantic stories of all time, springs to life with a powerhouse creative team led by two-time Tony Award®-winning director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell (Hairspray, Kinky Boots, Legally Blonde). The 3-time Audience Choice Award-Winnerfeatures an original score by Grammy® winner Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance (“Summer of ’69”, “Heaven”), and a book by the movie’s legendary director Garry Marshall and screenwriter J. F. Lawton. This show will lift your spirits and light up your heart – “If you love the movie, you’ll love the musical!” (BuzzFeed News). PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL is“Big Romance & Big Fun!” (Broadway.com) and “Dazzles!” (Deadline). The Hollywood Reporter calls it “Irresistible! A romantic fantasy. A contemporary fairy tale.” Leading the tour as Vivian Ward and Edward Lewis are Ellie Baker and Chase Wolfe. Joining them are Rae Davenport as Kit De Luca, Adam Du Plessis as Happy Man/Mr. Thompson, and Mikey Marmann as Philip Stuckey. Rounding out the company in alphabetical order are Matthew Blum, Brianna Clark, Kerry D’Jovanni, Lauren Esser, Charlie Fusari, Steven Gagliano, Justin Glass, Matt Henningsen, Christian Maxwell Henry, Connor Kabat, Alexandra Kinsley, Bethany McDonald, Robert Miller, Blaise Rossmann, Taylor M. Sheppard, Devyn Trondson, Elana Valastro, Sarah Wang, and Channing Weir. PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL has Original scenic design by David Rockwell, costume design by Gregg Barnes, lighting design by Kenneth Posner and Philip S. Rosenberg, sound design by John Shivers, hair design by Josh Marquette, makeup design by Fiona Mifsud, and music supervision, arrangements, and orchestrations by Will Van Dyke. Featured in the musical is Roy Orbison and Bill Dee’s international smash hit song “Oh, Pretty Woman,” which inspired the iconic movie. PRETTY WOMAN the film (produced by Arnon Milchan – New Regency Productions) was an international smash hit when it was released in 1990. Atlantic Records’ PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL (Original Broadway Cast Recording) is produced by Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance and is now available on all DSPs. For more information visit: PrettyWomanTheMusical.com Facebook.com/PrettyWoman | Twitter.com/PrettyWoman | Instagram.com/PrettyWoman/ Connect with BROADWAY IN SCRANTON Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BroadwayInScranton/
Tobyhanna Army Depot Hosts Author, Motivational Speaker to Talk on Trauma and Redemption In accordance with Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM), Team Tobyhanna recently welcomed author and motivational speaker Clark Fredericks to Tobyhanna Army Depot (TYAD) on Tuesday, April 2, for a presentation on trauma and redemption. He is the latest in an annual series of SAAPM speakers, reaffirming the depot’s commitment toward maintaining a safe and healthy working environment in which all members of Team Tobyhanna can thrive. Fredericks’ presentation, titled “A Male Perspective,” is one of tragedy, overcoming abuse, healing, and inspiration. Whilst growing up in the quiet town of Stillwater, New Jersey, a sexual predator began grooming him at age seven for what became five years of mental and sexual abuse. After many years he sought revenge on his abuser, so he hunted him down and took his life. Fredericks would go on to serve time in state prison where he entered a pilot therapy program and began to turn his life around. Through his use of speech, social media, and writing books, he has used his story of overcoming childhood molestation as a vehicle to encourage victims of sexual assault to end their silence, move out of the darkness of abuse and into the light of healing. Ricardo Horn, who serves as Chief of the Employee Wellness Center (EWC), said that it was important to build upon the strong base his team set when they brought in a speaker for last year’s SAAPM. “With a commitment to excellence we challenged ourselves to build on that high bar we set for ourselves last SAAPM,” said Horn. “From sexual assault to substance use to suicide, Clark’s story captures every element of our Employee Wellness Center’s prevention efforts.” Jaime Shields, who serves as a Community Support Advocate within the EWC, echoed Horn’s sentiment. “A mentor once told me to always have courage in your convictions and to have the confidence to do what is right even when other people may not agree or approve. We wanted to find a speaker whose story would leave an impact on the organization and push the envelope on how we have tried to raise awareness about the Sexual Harassment/Assault Response Program (SHARP), Army Substance Abuse Program, and Suicide Prevention,” said Shields. “Clark’s powerful message about surviving trauma, recovering from darkness, and emerging into light resonates with our mission to take care of our people and community.” In the years following his release, Fredericks helped spearhead a movement to change the Statute of Limitations Laws in the state of New Jersey, which now allows victims of sexual abuse civil to seek recourse beyond the previous two-year window. He says he has no plans to end his crusade for victims and hopes to start conversations about this epidemic, which effects children across the country. Horn added that he believes hearing stories such as the one detailed in “A Male Perspective” will help end some of the stigma associated with it and hopes it inspires members of Team Tobyhanna to come forward with any issues they may be facing. “Clark’s authenticity is captivating and helps us connect with topics that are all too often ignored or dismissed due to the stigma and shame they are associated with,” said Horn. “We hope that in hearing Clark’s message of recovery and redemption, Tobyhanna employees reach out for help knowing that change is possible.” TYAD employees in need of assistance with challenges they may be struggling with can contact the EWC at 570-615-8873 or AMC-CECOM-TYAD-EWC@army.mil to schedule a confidential appointment. Employees can also fill out this appointment request form https://forms.osi.apps.mil/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=D9fm-kuVEUiStgUw1vhMQyM3PGjIID9JvWTrV5xHm1RUMTM2MzRQR0RNNFUxWFpYMzNaU0gyRUhORyQlQCN0PWcu. Clark Fredericks’ presentation and the SHARP program are TOBY2035 initiatives aligned with the Invest in Our People and Shape the Future lines of effort. The plan, which has two additional focus areas, strives to position Tobyhanna for success in the coming years as the Department of Defense’s premier worldwide C5ISR readiness provider.
NEPIRC Announces Key Staff Promotion and New Hire Eric Joseph Esoda, president and CEO of NEPIRC, is pleased to announce the promotion of Jenelle Osborne and the hiring of Ashley Tice to further enhance NEPIRC’s commitment to workforce development and business advisory services for manufacturers throughout the region. Osborne, who previously served as NEPIRC’s Manufacturing Dream Team project coordinator, has been promoted to full-time status as the company’s manufacturing talent stream coordinator. This position, which is new to NEPIRC, will advance the organization’s current manufacturing talent pipeline activities. Her responsibilities will include expanding NEPIRC’s Manufacturing Ambassador Dream Team program, publishing and promoting NEPIRC’s Manufacturing Education Guide, and incorporating job application functionality to NEPIRC’s online Manufacturing Jobs Board. Osborne’s passion for making a positive impact on the region’s manufacturing sector and her dedication to promoting the abundance of career opportunities in manufacturing align perfectly with NEPIRC’s mission. Speaking about her new role, Osborne expressed her enthusiasm for connecting manufacturers with the regional talent pools and enhancing the image of manufacturing in the region. “I am passionate about working with schools, manufacturers and economic development partners to have a positive impact on our manufacturing sector’s top concern, which is the attraction and retention of quality talent. Through the success and expansion of NEPIRC’s Dream Team program and the implementation of NEPIRC’s other initiatives, including its Manufacturing Education Guide and Jobs Board, I am excited to be a catalyst that connects manufacturers in our region to current and future talent pools,” said Osborne. Osborne’s promotion reflects NEPIRC’s commitment to developing a skilled workforce and supporting the growth of the manufacturing industry in northeastern Pennsylvania. Ashley Tice joins NEPIRC as the new Northern Tier business advisor. With a background in the natural gas industry working in the areas of safety and field sales, Tice will play a crucial role in providing guidance and support to businesses in Pennsylvania’s Northern Tier region. Her expertise will be invaluable in helping businesses navigate challenges, identify growth opportunities and maximize their potential in a competitive market landscape. “Although I come to this role with a background in the natural gas industry, I find manufacturing fascinating, especially seeing all of the products that are made locally. I am eager to learn and grow under NEPIRC’s leadership while helping manufacturers throughout the Northern Tier expand their workforce and address other operational challenges,” said Tice. Esoda expressed his confidence in both Osborne and Tice, stating, “We are thrilled to have Jenelle take on this new role and are confident that her leadership will drive continued success in our workforce development initiatives for our manufacturing partners. Additionally, we warmly welcome Ashley to the NEPIRC team and look forward to her contributions to supporting manufacturers across the Northern Tier region.” These strategic staff changes underscore NEPIRC’s commitment to fostering economic growth, innovation and prosperity throughout its service area. For more information about NEPIRC and its services, please visit www.NEPIRC.com.
Steamtown National Historic Site Announces 2024 Train Schedule All aboard! Steamtown National Historic Site (NHS) train rides resume for the 2024 season on Saturday, May 4. The Steamtown rail experience varies from short 30-minute trips exploring the park’s historic railroad yard to full-day trips along the Pocono or Carbondale lines. Our short train rides will begin on Saturday, May 4 and the first excursion trip of the season will head to Gouldsboro, PA on Saturday, May 25. Beginning Saturday, April 20 visitors will be able to purchase advance tickets online through recreation.gov for our summer excursions (May.-Sep.); additionally, a limited supply of tickets for our short train rides will also be released. Tickets for our autumn excursions (Oct.-Dec.) will be released on Saturday, July 6. Visitors may also purchase tickets on-site at the Information Kiosk, credit card only. Beginning Saturday, May 4: Our short train rides will operate Saturdays and Sundays. Departure times are: 10:30am, 11:30am, 1:15pm, and 2:30pm. Tickets are $6 for passengers over the age of 5; $1 for passengers aged 5 and under. Tickets are valid all day for the date of visit and may be used for multiple short train ride experiences. Beginning Saturday, June 1: Our short train rides will operate Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Departure times are: 10:30am, 11:30am, 1:15pm, and 2:30pm. Tickets are $6 for passengers over the age of 5; $1 for passengers aged 5 and under. Tickets are valid all day for the date of visit and may be used for multiple short train ride experiences. For all short train rides, seating availability is first come, first served. We recommend getting in line 15-20 minutes ahead of scheduled departure time. 2024 Summer Excursions: tickets available beginning April 20 Saturday, May 25 – Gouldsboro: Craft Show, Kids Activities, and Local Author Reading Sunday, June 16 – Jessup: Father’s Day event (in partnership with the Iron Horse Society) For tickets, email: info@theironhorsesociety.com Thursday, June 20 – Olyphant: Third Thursday Sunday, June 30 – Cresco: Museum, Food Trucks, Live Music, and Antique Cars Saturday, July 20 – Moscow: Grand Reopening (in partnership with the Iron Horse Society) For tickets, email: info@theironhorsesociety.com Saturday, July 27 – Moscow: Country Street Fair Sunday, August 4 – Moscow: Ice Cream Express (in partnership with the Iron Horse Society) For tickets, email: info@theironhorsesociety.com Saturday, August 17 – Carbondale: Pioneer Nights Saturday, September 14 – Moscow:Cork & Rail (in partnership with the Iron Horse Society) For tickets, email: info@theironhorsesociety.com Saturday, September 21 – Carbondale: Scarecrow Festival 2024 Autumn Excursions: tickets available beginning July 6 Saturday, October 5 – East Stroudsburg: Pickle Me Poconos Saturday, October 12 – Tobyhanna: Fall Foliage and Blueberries Sunday, October 13 – Cresco: Fall Foliage, Museum, Food Trucks, Live Music, and more Saturday, October 19 – Delaware Water Gap: Fall Foliage Sunday, October 20 – Carbondale: Outdoor Train Saturday, October 26 – Gouldsboro: Ghoulsboro Halloween Friday, November 29 – Moscow: Holiday Express Saturday, November 30 – Moscow: Holiday Express Sunday, December 1 – Moscow: Holiday Express NOTICE: Train rides are subject to cancellation due to mechanical issues, inclement weather, or crew availability.
Keystone Mission Keeps Growing with New Community Garden The Seeds of Hope Community Garden will soon extend across Keystone Mission facilities as a new in-house program for guests experiencing homelessness. The Seeds of Hope program is designed to facilitate the dual development of life and vocational skills. The initiative engages Center guests, staff, and the local community to actively participate in planning, growing, and harvesting of fresh fruits and vegetables. Guests are integral to the planning process and are responsible for the ongoing garden maintenance throughout the season. As part of this hands-on experience, guests utilize the harvested fruits and vegetables to prepare meals, concurrently gaining insights into their nutritional value. “Learning to cultivate crops addresses both food insecurity, which greatly affects unsheltered individuals but also equips individuals with transferable skills that may enhance their employability,” says Lasha Wyman-Klein, Scranton Program Director. Beginning in May, planning committees are set to be in place and the gardens will be active in their Scranton & Wilkes-Barre locations. “One of the goals we hope to accomplish by establishing this community garden is how best we can foster positive relationships between the community and the unhoused/unsheltered/homeless population,” says Danielle O. Keith-Alexandre, CEO & Executive Director. Keystone Mission is seeking community individuals & businesses to become part of their planning committee and work alongside staff and guests. For more information or to volunteer, please visit www.KeystoneMission.org/seeds-of-hope.
Honesdale National Bank Promotes Employee to Assistant Vice President, Commercial Loan Officer Thomas E. Sheridan Jr., President, and CEO of The Honesdale National Bank, announced Sarah O’Hora has been promoted to Assistant Vice President, Commercial Loan Officer. In making the statement, Sheridan noted, “Sarah’s recognized journey at HNB exemplifies dedication and perseverance as she started from a part-time role and ascended to her new pivotal role as AVP.” He continued, “This promotion is a result of her loyalty to our customers and identification of opportunities for the Bank to further serve our communities through lending.” O’Hora is a graduate of Greencastle-Antrim High School and received a Bachelor of Science Degree (Cum Laude) from Millersville University in 2011. She also attended the PA Bankers School of Banking in 2015, Leadership Northern Poconos Class of 2016, ABA Bank Marketing School Program in 2016, and PA Bankers School of Commercial Lending in 2023. Currently residing in Lake Ariel, PA, she started her 12-year career in the financial industry with HNB. Previous positions included Teller, Customer Service Representative, Marketing Assistant, Marketing and Communications Specialist, Commercial Loan Portfolio Manager, Commercial Loan Officer I, Commercial Loan Officer II, and she will continue her career as AVP, Commercial Loan Officer. In this role, she is responsible for developing and managing commercial loan relationships, collecting, and analyzing financial information, and negotiating terms for small business and other commercial loan applicants. In describing her time with HNB, O’Hora said, “In the past 12 years, I have gotten to know many of the hardworking individuals who make our communities thrive. I enjoy learning about their businesses and helping them reach their goals and continue to grow.” She continued, “HNB was founded to support the local communities and we are continuing to do just that.” Sarah attends Wallenpaupack Church and serves as Worship Director. She also enjoys spending time with her family, golfing, pheasant hunting, target shooting, ATV rides, and walks in the woods with their family dog, Nelli.
