Grey Towers Presents “At Home with the Pinchots” What was life really like for the Pinchot family members who resided at Grey Towers mansion in Milford, PA in the late 19th and early 20th century? Be privy to all the details and among the first to receive an exclusive “calling card” to visit with them in their home on Saturday, May 10th between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Grey Towers Heritage Association cordially invites the public to a private tour of all three floors of the Pinchot mansion, nestled on 102 acres with magnificent gardens, where you will be hosted by actors who portray the famous persons who lived there. James and Mary, the patriarch and matriarch of this Gilded Age family, will greet you in the Great Hall. After highlighting their family’s history and rise to prominence in the New York City social scene, enjoy their memories of summering at Grey Towers. Gifford, their son and the first chief of the USDA Forest Service, will show you around his library, explain why he became such a force for conservation and tell you of his accomplishments and challenges as a two-term Governor of Pennsylvania. Moving on, you will be received by Cornelia, his wife, who was a preeminent advocate for women’s rights, social justice and cultural change in the early 20th century. Upstairs, there is a presidential guest waiting: Theodore Roosevelt, longtime friend and collaborator with Gifford, will tell the story behind the story. And finally, meet Mary McCadden, the nanny who saw it all! Refreshments will be served at this fascinating, not-to-be-missed event. Entrance to this event begins every twenty minutes, and tickets are available at www.greytowers.org/events.
Misericordia University to Honor Visionary Leaders at Commencement Misericordia University is proud to announce that it will honor three outstanding women whose lives and work exemplify the mission of mercy, justice, and service at its Spring 2025 Commencement ceremonies on May 10. The University will confer honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degrees upon Mary Scullion, RSM, and Ana María Pineda, RSM, STD, and present its highest accolade, the Catherine McAuley Medal, to Trustee Catherine McGroarty, RSM. Mary Scullion, RSM: Champion for the Homeless and Advocate for Justice For more than four decades, Sister Mary Scullion has led the fight against homelessness and poverty. As co-founder of Project HOME and Woman of Hope, Sister Mary pioneered programs that provide permanent housing, healthcare, education, and job opportunities for individuals experiencing homelessness. Under her leadership, Project HOME grew into a nationally acclaimed model of integrated care and empowerment. Named one of TIME Magazine’s “World’s Most Influential People” in 2009 and a recipient of numerous national awards, Sister Mary has influenced policy and expanded rights for vulnerable populations, including groundbreaking advancements in fair housing and voting rights. Misericordia University is honored to recognize her with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree. Sister Mary will be the keynote speaker during the 10 a.m. graduate ceremony. Ana María Pineda, RSM, STD: Theological Leader and Advocate for Hispanic Ministry Sister Ana María Pineda is a distinguished theologian, educator, and advocate for Hispanic ministry in the United States. Born in El Salvador and raised in San Francisco, she has worked tirelessly to center Latino/a voices in Catholic theology and pastoral practice. Her leadership roles include teaching at Santa Clara University, directing the Hispanic Ministry Program at Catholic Theological Union, and is considered one of the founding generation of the Academy of Catholic Hispanic Theologians of the United States (ACHTUS), serving as its president in 2000. As a keynote speaker at the national V Encuentro and advisor to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, she has shaped national discourse on cultural inclusion and justice in the Church. Misericordia will honor her lifelong service and scholarship with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree. Sister Ana María will speak to the undergraduate ceremony crowd at 2 p.m. Catherine McGroarty, RSM: Dedicated Trustee and Compassionate Leader The Catherine McAuley Medal, Misericordia University’s highest honor, will be presented to Catherine McGroarty, RSM, in recognition of her 18 years of service on the University’s Board of Trustees and her unwavering commitment to the ideals of mercy and hospitality. Sister Cathy has played a pivotal role in guiding University policy, advancing scholarship initiatives, and supporting programs such as the Bourger Women with Children program. Her legacy includes not only governance and mentorship, but also extensive leadership in health care and outreach through the Catherine McAuley House. Her life of quiet service and powerful impact embodies the values of Misericordia and its Mercy heritage. Misericordia University is privileged to celebrate these visionary women whose work has inspired change, fostered hope, and uplifted communities. Their commitment to service stands as a beacon for graduates and the broader university family. All three honorees are Sisters of Mercy and these ceremonies are a capstone to the university’s 100th anniversary celebration, Mercy Thrives, which was held during the 2024-2025 academic year. The Spring Commencement Ceremonies will be broadcasted on Misericordia University’s YouTube Channel to watch live. The broadcast of the ceremony will be recorded and made available on our YouTube channel for those that are unable to watch it live.
Pennsylvania American Water Offers Statewide Support to Communities Pennsylvania American Water announced its charitable giving for 2024. Last year, the company provided more than $1.4 million through grants, general charitable contributions and programming support to 325 organizations across Pennsylvania. When combined with the $669,000 provided by the American Water Charitable Foundation, the total amount of support increases to more than $2.1 million. At Pennsylvania American Water, our work extends beyond providing safe, clean, reliable, and affordable water and wastewater services to our customers,” said Pennsylvania American Water President Justin Ladner, who also serves on the foundation’s board of trustees. “Together with the American Water Charitable Foundation, we’re committed to supporting organizations that make our communities a better place to live and operate. In 2024, Pennsylvania American Water contributed: $130,757 to 149 local fire and rescue organizations $102,300 to 30 environmental groups $74,213 to 21 health and wellness and other related organizations $32,050 to 11 organizations promoting inclusion, diversity, and equity $58,258 to education and workforce development groups $312,601 to 92 organizations working in the area of community sustainability The company also contributed $754,167 to help its customers through its H2O Help to Others assistance program, a resource that has been available for more than 30 years. Additionally, Pennsylvania American Water employees engaged in philanthropy by raising $151,803 and volunteering more than 2,000 hours to local nonprofit organizations through the Foundation’s Employee Volunteer and Matching Gift Program. “The American Water Charitable Foundation is proud to partner with eligible nonprofit partners to support impactful initiatives and projects across Pennsylvania,” said Carrie Williams, president of the American Water Charitable Foundation. “Our charitable focus is to keep communities flowing, empowering our employees to get involved and helping communities learn how every drop counts.” The American Water Charitable Foundation’s 2024 Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program focuses on three pillars of giving: Water, People, and Communities. Since 2012, the Foundation has invested more than $20 million in grants and matching gifts to support eligible organizations in communities served by American Water. To learn more about Pennsylvania American Water’s community involvement, read the company’s 2024 Community Impact Report.
Find Out What Lackawanna County’s Reassessment Means for You at Free Seminar 📢 FREE Reassessment Seminar – Hosted by ABPA Wondering how the Lackawanna County property reassessment might affect you? Get the facts from a trusted source at this free community seminar. 🗓️ Thursday, April 24th🕕 6:00 PM📍 Clarks Summit Fire Company Hall321 Bedford Street, Clarks Summit 👨⚖️ Presented by Attorney James M. TresslerTressler Law LLC Attorney Tressler will break down what reassessment means, what to expect, and answer your questions in a clear, accessible way. This event is free and open to the public – donations are suggested but not required.
The Wright Center to Offer Free Skin Cancer Screenings The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education, in partnership with Lackawanna Valley Dermatology Associates and the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, will offer free skin cancer screenings on Saturday, May 17, from 9 a.m. to noon at The Wright Center for Community Health Scranton, 501 S. Washington Ave. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, with over 5 million cases diagnosed annually. Early detection through regular screenings can significantly increase survival rates. To register for a screening, go to bit.ly/TWCSkinScreening. With May being Skin Cancer Awareness Month, the event aims to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and prevention, empowering individuals to take steps toward protecting their skin health. Dr. Kirelos Younan, a second-year internal medicine resident physician at The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education, organized the program after hearing about two local cases: a young patient who died after being diagnosed with melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, and another patient who survived after doctors detected the melanoma early. The Skin Cancer Foundation estimates that 212,200 cases of melanoma will be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2025, and an estimated 8,430 people will die from it this year. Dr. Younan rallied other resident physicians to volunteer for the program to fulfill The Wright Center’s mission to improve the health and welfare of regional communities through responsive, whole-person health services for all and the sustainable renewal of an inspired, competent workforce that is privileged to serve. “Residents will gain valuable experience in identifying the most common cancer globally, while their fresh perspectives and enthusiasm will enable them to educate patients on preventive strategies,” Dr. Younan said. “Additionally, our diverse group of residents can provide patient education in over 10 languages, which is crucial in getting our message out.” That message includes the importance of using sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day, which reduces the risk of developing melanoma by 50%. Early detection is key, too. The estimated five-year survival rate for U.S. patients whose melanoma is detected early is about 99%. “I’m eager to see our volunteer providers interact with attendees and convey reassuring messages that skin cancer is preventable and that cure rates are highly favorable if the cancer is detected early,” Dr. Younan said. “And I’m certainly looking forward to educating more people about the importance of sunscreen ahead of sunburn season.”
Tobyhanna Army Depot’s Technical Experts to Fortify Army Machine Network The critical infrastructure underpinning the U.S. Army’s defense industrial base just got stronger. Tobyhanna Army Depot has been named the Army Materiel Command center of excellence for the development and control of the Army’s industrial control network, or ICN. The depot will lead the design, implementation and long-term management of a network that connects industrial production floor machinery across all 23 Army organic industrial base locations. Once established, depot personnel will maintain the network, while seeking opportunities to continuously improve and strengthen it. The ICN will enable secure, real-time monitoring and remote access to production equipment, reducing downtime for depot artisans and increasing local ability to make data-driven decisions. Its scalable and flexible design also positions Tobyhanna to lead future integration and expansion efforts across the AMC industrial enterprise. After an exhaustive search for the perfect location, Tobyhanna was selected for this designation based on its robust cybersecurity capabilities and highly skilled workforce.“This initiative faced significant challenges, primarily due to the need for standardized connectivity and a unified toolset across the enterprise, which created immense pressure to succeed,” said Mark Music, chief of the AMC G6, adding that Tobyhanna stood out against other options for the mission. “I visited several OIB sites. It was during my visit to Tobyhanna Army Depot that I recognized I had found an invaluable partner. Tobyhanna is widely respected for its exceptional logistics support for command, control, communications, computers, cyber, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance — C5ISR — systems throughout the Department of Defense. As I engaged with the team, it became clear that they possessed the expertise and resources critical to the success of our project,” he said. The depot’s cyber professionals have a strong track record of delivering complex Army hardware and software integration solutions, supported by dynamic cross-functional experts. David Kuhn is one of Tobyhanna’s information technology specialists playing a key role in the development of the ICN. A member of the depot workforce for more than 15 years, Kuhn brings a wealth of hands-on experience to his position. After graduating from Johnson College with a degree in electrical construction and maintenance, he spent eight years working in the public works division, sustaining production equipment across the depot. After gaining additional education in the information technology field, Kuhn completed developmental assignments in the information management division — opportunities that broadened his skill set and capabilities. He says his diverse background has given him unique insight into the ICN effort. “My past experience working in equipment repair right here at Tobyhanna helps me understand the industrial machine process from a variety of viewpoints. I have also maintained relationships with my former co-workers, ensuring I can integrate the user perspective and experience into the ICN design.” According to Al Lyons, another key leader in the ICN initiative, the network will create a standardized operational technology baseline across the AMC. “When fully implemented, the ICN will reduce system downtime, increase security across industrial machinery, and ensure the AMC has a standard baseline of operational technology across the organic industrial base,” he said. Lyons leads the cyber portfolio services branch. Music emphasized the importance of the mission for Tobyhanna and the Army overall. “This designation is not just an honor; it signifies that Tobyhanna will lead the implementation of innovative technologies across the OIB while developing comprehensive training programs aimed at strengthening cyber resilience and operational efficiency. The depot will also become a central hub for sharing best practices and resources, facilitating collaboration among military and civilian personnel. By emphasizing Tobyhanna’s strategic role in delivering cutting-edge cyber solutions and advanced network support, we are enhancing operational readiness across the Army and creating a cohesive framework for cyber defense and information warfare.” Lyons, Kuhn and their colleagues work in the depot’s cyber division, which is comprised of 72 experts who offer a range of capabilities such as hardware/software integration, risk management, network design, vulnerability management, field deployment, help desk support and more. The division is part of the Directorate of Engineering and Cyber, which plays a vital role in the depot’s mission to deliver readiness to the Department of Defense. “Tobyhanna has strategically developed a highly skilled and adaptive cyber workforce, providing a distinct advantage in executing a broad spectrum of missions and rapidly expanding capabilities to meet evolving threats,” said Nicholas Caprioli, director of engineering and cyber. Music agreed. “AMC is extremely proud to acknowledge Tobyhanna as the center of excellence for OIB network and cyber operations, a recognition that underscores its vital contributions to our mission.” TYAD is a recognized leader in providing world-class logistics support for C5ISR systems across the Department of Defense. Tobyhanna’s corporate philosophy, dedicated work force and electronics expertise ensure the depot is the joint C5ISR provider of choice for all branches of the Armed Forces and industry partners. Tobyhanna’s unparalleled capabilities include full-spectrum logistics support for sustainment, overhaul and repair, fabrication and manufacturing, engineering design and development, systems integration, cyber support, technology insertion, modification, foreign military sales and global field support to our joint warfighters. About 3,100 personnel are employed by Tobyhanna. While the organization’s headquarters is located in the Pocono Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania, Tobyhanna’s worldwide workforce includes employees in 43 fixed locations across the globe. Tobyhanna Army Depot is part of the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command. Headquartered at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, the command’s mission is to deliver integrated C5ISR weapon systems, business systems, and medical sustainment to enable full spectrum combat operations at the point of need.
Misericordia University’s Nursing Department to Host 100th Anniversary Gala Celebrate a century of nursing excellence on May 8, 2025, at The Woodlands Inn & Resort as Misericordia University’s Nursing Department marks its 100th anniversary. You’re invited to an elegant evening featuring hot appetizers, a pasta station, live piano music, nursing memorabilia, basket raffles, and a commemorative 100-Year Nursing Pin. Tickets are $100, with proceeds supporting the Donna Ayers Nelson Scholarship, which benefits future nursing students. Don’t miss this meaningful milestone—register today
Lackawanna College Awarded Grant to Further Assist Parenting Students Lackawanna College received the Parent Pathways Grant for $98,602 from the Pennsylvania Department of Education Office of Postsecondary and Higher Education. The funds from this grant will expand existing resources for parenting students to directly impact the persistence of parenting students with tuition assistance, emergency funding, and support services. “This grant is a game-changer of our parenting students. It allows us to provide essential resources like childcare support, emergency funding, scholarships, and supplies to relieve one extra burden they may be experiencing. Ultimately, it’s about removing barriers so these students can thrive both as parents and students,” said Denise Larson, AVP Enrollment Management and Student Success at Lackawanna College. This is the second year Lackawanna College received the Parent Pathways Grant which aims to provide essential resources directly tailored to the needs of parenting students, ensuring their success in academic endeavors. Initiatives in the grant include tuition assistance, childcare costs, technology support services, and emergency funds for parenting students who require assistance with an academic or basic need affecting their education. These enhanced support services will benefit approximately 23% of Lackawanna’s parenting learners, providing them with the necessary assistance to navigate the demands of both parenthood and higher education.
