Lackawanna College Hosts Nunsense Play The smash-hit musical comedy Nunsense returns to Scranton at the People’s Security Theater on the campus of Lackawanna College. Our Cabaret Productions is partnering with Lackawanna in this professional theater fundraising event to support higher education in the region. The music and antics of the Little Sisters of Hoboken will entertain audiences on Saturday, March 22 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, March 23 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $35. Patrons can also enjoy pre-show dinner or brunch from St. Julia’s Kitchen before each show at 409 on Adams, the college’s student-run restaurant. Advanced reservations are required, $40 per person. “This is an extraordinary opportunity for our cast and crew as we celebrate our company’s twentieth anniversary,” said John Baldino, general manager of Our Cabaret Productions and an assistant professor at Lackawanna. “The People’s Security Theater at Lackawanna College is a special gem in a city so rich in theater history and Nunsense is a gem of a show in the musical theater world. Bringing them together will be a tremendous experience for faculty, students, staff, supporter of the college, and theater-goers all over northeastern Pennsylvania. I’m also eager for my students and colleagues to meet Sr. Hubert.” The show will star Rob Misko as Rev. Mother and John Baldino as Sr. Mary Hubert with Laura Lockwood as Sr. Mary Leo, Christine McGeachie as Sr. Mary Amnesia, and Courtney Rosenkrans as Sr. Robert Anne. Nunsense is produced by Baldino and directed by Misko with tap choreography by Ballroom ONE Dance Company, Eynon. “I have had a love affair with Nunsense since I first saw the off-Broadway production in 1985,” said Misko, who directed the first non-Equity production of Nunsense in Carbondale and has performed as Rev. Mother more than 150 times. “And it’s always special to direct and perform in the show. To mount a Nunsense production alongside my closest friends in a space like the People’s Security Theater is a dream come true.” Book, music, and lyrics of Nunsense are written by Dan Goggin. The show is produced through special arrangement with Concord Theatricals, New York, New York. Tickets for the show, brunch, dinner, and a VIP meet-the-cast reception following the March 22 performance are on sale now at ourcabaret.com. About Nunsense Nunsense begins when the Little Sisters of Hoboken discover that their cook, Sister Julia, Child of God, has accidentally poisoned 52 of the sisters, and they are in dire need of funds for the burials. The sisters decide that the best way to raise the money is to put on a variety show, so they take over the school auditorium, which is currently set up for the eighth-grade production of Grease. About Our Cabaret Productions Our Cabaret Productions is an ASCAP-licensed, non-Equity, professional theatrical production company based in Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania. In operation since 2005, the company produces several incarnations of Dan Goggin’s Nunsense series as fundraising events and offers professional Christmas caroling for private parties, community festivals, and corporate events during the winter holiday season
I Need A Speaker CEO Appointed on Two International Committees Dr. Tricia Richards-Service, founder and president of I Need A Speaker, has been appointed to serve on two prestigious advisory committees for Meeting Professionals International (MPI), the premier global organization for meeting and event professionals. Starting January 1, 2025, Dr. Richards-Service will serve on both MPI’s Event Program Review Advisory Board and Research Advisory Board. In these roles, she will help shape the future of the meetings and events industry through educational programming and research initiatives. As a member of the Event Program Review Advisory Board, Dr. Richards-Service will review and validate speaker proposals for MPI’s signature event, World Education Congress (WEC). She will also provide strategic input on topics, speakers, and educational formats for the organization’s programming. On the Research Advisory Board, she will contribute to MPI’s research initiatives focused on education, industry advocacy, and thought leadership. The role includes developing white papers and conducting analysis of the business events sector. “I’m excited to serve the organization in these international roles,” said Dr. Richards-Service. “I look forward to contributing my expertise in both public speaking and strategic leadership to advance MPI’s educational and research objectives.” Dr. Richards-Service brings more than 20 years of communication experience to these roles, having worked with organizations ranging from Fortune 500 companies to local non-profits. An accomplished international speaker herself, she has presented at conferences across North America and Europe, including Belgium, Canada, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, and Romania. She earned a Ph.D. in strategic leadership and business administration, a master’s degree in healthcare administration, and a bachelor’s degree in communications/journalism. Through I Need A Speaker, she continues to advance the speaking industry by providing a global platform that connects speakers of all price points with event organizers while also offering public speaking training.
Girls Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania Upcoming Events Women in Distinction Celebrating those who lift others in our community Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania’s Women of Distinction Gala identifies five women of influence who serve as inspirational figures for girls and young women. These women are members of our local communities and represent the core values we instill in girls through Girl Scouts. Please join us on March 26, 2025, at the Harrisburg Hilton for our 2025 celebration. Discover more about the event. 2025 Embracing Ambition Conference Join us for a powerful day of inspiration at our Embracing Ambition Conference! The conference is centered around the book, “Embracing Ambition: Empowering Women to Step Out, Be Seen, & Lead,” which shares the stories of twelve remarkable women leaders who have overcome challenges, broken down barriers, and paved new paths across various industries. Together, they reveal insights on addressing perception barriers, integrating personal identity with professional success, embracing new challenges, and leading with a visionary spirit. The authors, including Girl Scout in the Heart of Pennsylvania’s President and CEO, Janet Donovan, will bring these themes to life, offering invaluable advice and encouragement for women ready to make their mark. Attendees will leave motivated, empowered, and ready to turn their own ambitions into action. March 26, 2025 | Harrisburg Hilton | Harrisburg, Pa. Discover more about the event
Geisinger Wyoming Associate Chief Medical Officer Selected for Carol Emmott Fellowship Alison Brodginski, D.O., associate chief medical officer and associate chief quality officer of Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, is among 24 women health leaders chosen by the Carol Emmott Foundation for its Fellowship Class of 2025. The flagship program of the Carol Emmott Foundation, the Carol Emmott Fellowship works to accelerate gender and racial equity in health care leadership by providing women leaders a platform for national visibility and a continuously growing network of peers, mentors and sponsors in the industry. “I am privileged to be part of this program, joining an inspiring cohort of talented and dedicated health care professionals,” said Dr. Brodginski. “The fellowship offers an incredible opportunity to collaborate and grow with exceptional leaders dedicated to advancing equity and innovation in health care.” The program equips participants with the necessary resources and connections to lead innovation and create equitable health care systems and governance. The Fellowship Class of 2025 comprises a remarkable group of health care leaders who have demonstrated their commitment to driving change within the industry and beyond. During the 14-month program, fellowship recipients are paired with hand-selected mentors who are nationally recognized senior executive leaders. Each fellow pursues an impact project, which they plan in coordination with their health organization, that promotes sponsorship opportunities and visibility within the organization. Fellows are also afforded opportunities to publish and present their work to the extensive foundation community. Fellows were nominated by senior executive leadership at their institutions and carefully selected through a competitive process focused on the inclusion of professionals with diverse backgrounds, expertise and experiences. The Class of 2025 represents a range of disciplines within health care, from clinical care to financial analysis, education, operations and strategy, bringing a comprehensive perspective to the cohort. Among Geisinger leaders who have participated in past Carol Emmott Fellowship Classes are: Cindy Sheridan, J.D., Geisinger’s associate chief legal officer of litigation services Karlyn Paglia, M.D., chief medical officer of Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center Andrea Wary, R.N., B.S.N., vice president of Geisinger’s Women and Children’s and Cancer institutes Sandra Culbertson, M.D., chair of Geisinger’s Women and Children’s Institute Christa Lese Martin, Ph.D., Geisinger’s chief scientific officer Rachel Manotti, M.H.A., Geisinger’s associate chief strategy officer Denise Torres, M.D., chair of Geisinger’s Surgery Institute
Geisinger Chair of Pediatrics: Rising Theat of Marijuana Edibles Between legalization in many surrounding states and the increased amount of people with medical use cards, the use of tetrahyocannabinol or THC, has increased dramatically in the past decade. The surge in popularity of edible cannabis products has allowed users to be discreet, while eliminating odor and potential harm to the lungs. However, the packaging of these products is appealing to children. Most people don’t know, that THC, the principal psychoactive compound found in cannabis, can be extremely toxic to children. In our communities and at our children’s hospital, there has been an alarming rise of accidental poisonings of children due to synthetic marijuana. It is a growing threat that demands our attention and immediate action. In 2024, we had more than a dozen children brought to our hospital for THC poisoning. We recently admitted two young children to our pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) on the same day with life threatening consequences from cannabis exposure. Young children who unknowingly ingest THC-laced products often present with significant medical emergencies, including profound lethargy, respiratory depression, seizures, and, in severe cases, coma or even near-cardiac arrest. Nearly 10 percent of children suffering from these ingestions require support in a PICU. Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals a dramatic increase in the rate of overdoses. In 2017, there were 207 reported cases of accidental edible cannabis exposure for kids under the age of 6. By 2021, the number skyrocketed to 3,054, and these numbers continue to increase. Toddlers are disproportionately affected due to their small size and developing metabolism, making even small quantities extremely toxic. In June 2022, the Food and Drug Administration released a consumer alert warning that THC-containing edibles are easily mistaken for products that might appeal to children. By Frank Maffei, Geisinger chair of pediatrics
Crystal Windows Welcomes New Chief Financial Officer John Christie, Experienced Financial Leader, Joins National Manufacturer National manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems is pleased to welcome Mr. John P. Christie to its leadership team as the new Chief Financial Officer. He joins Crystal Chairman and founder Thomas Chen, CEO Jeffrey Smith, and President Steve Chen to guide the company in its future growth and expansion. “John comes to Crystal with vast experience in the financial aspects of construction, building products, and manufacturing,” said Jeff Smith. “He has served as CFO for multi-national manufacturers, investment companies, and construction firms, providing strong leadership for vital corporate functions. John will build on Crystal’s track record of success and position the company for ongoing growth and prosperity in the future.” Christie will be responsible for all accounting, budgeting, financial, and IT operations of Crystal Windows and its subsidiaries. Crystal operates five manufacturing facilities across the country and has 750 employees. The company is expanding in the Dallas-Fort Worth area of Texas with a new manufacturing facility and has additional expansion plans in North Carolina. “I am excited to join this award-winning company at this time and help shape its strategic direction,” said Christie. “Crystal has a great record of steady growth and financial stability, and I will build on that. My focus will be on increasing profitability and cost efficiencies across all operations and enhancing cash flow to ensure Crystal is well positioned for its expansions in the coming years.” Prior to joining Crystal Windows, Christie was CFO for Keystone Sports Construction in Pennsylvania, implementing financial management and profitability analytical tools for greater strategic oversight. He was CFO for Universal Atlantic Systems, a national security systems provider headquartered in Pennsylvania, establishing internal control systems and measures to improve profitability. Christie was CFO for Fleetwood Acquisition Corporation, a global manufacturer for the retail construction industry headquartered in Pennsylvania, and he held senior managerial accounting positions with the exterior products division of CertainTeed Corporation in Pennsylvania. In addition to accounting and financial oversight, Christie led IT and Human Resources functions at previous companies. Christie holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Villanova University (Villanova, PA), and an MBA from West Chester University (West Chester, PA). Throughout his career he has specialized in key areas such as profitability, best accounting practices, staff professional development, and cost reduction strategies.
Shapiro Administration Makes Fast Progress on Scranton to New York City Rail Corridor Project PennDOT leading plan identifying projects, engaging with public, and outlining potential service options. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced that – after receiving federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law investments to expand passenger rail across Pennsylvania – the department is now taking the next step in making the transformative Scranton to New York Penn Station (NYP) Passenger Rail Corridor project a reality. This project is among the first five in the nation to reach this milestone. PennDOT is now developing a Service Development Plan (SDP) which will include: Stakeholder engagement with railroads, agencies, and the public; Service options analysis and transportation planning; Capital project identification, conceptualization, and cost estimating; Environmental analysis; and Financial and implementation planning. “Under Governor Josh Shapiro’s leadership, PennDOT is aggressively putting additional federal and state transportation investments to work for Pennsylvanians, whether it’s fixing our roads and bridges or restoring and improving passenger rail service,” PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll said. “Advancing this project ensures we will leave no stone unturned as we grow the northeastern region’s economy and mobility. We are steadfast in our commitment to the public, business leaders, and many more who look forward to restoring this passenger rail connection.” The Scranton to NYP Passenger Rail Corridor project will restore intercity passenger rail service between Scranton, Pennsylvania and NYP, providing access to New York City, northwestern New Jersey, and Scranton for employment, business, leisure trips, tourism, recreation, and opportunities at higher education institutions along the route. The Corridor has been the subject of numerous studies, including the Amtrak Connects US Corridor Vision Plan, and long-range transportation plans that show growing demand for intercity passenger rail service along a corridor that has heavy auto traffic and unpredictable travel times for commuters. The Corridor will provide an intercity transportation option for historically under-served northeastern Appalachian Pennsylvania and northwestern New Jersey. The corridor study and development is made possible by the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) Corridor Identification and Development (Corridor ID) program in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, with the goal of developing formal planning studies and perform preliminary engineering for new intercity passenger rail corridors as well as enhancements to existing passenger corridors. The SDP milestone follows the FRA’s approval of PennDOT’s SDP scope. The SDP scope’s $500,000 investment was fully funded by the program, and the SDP development’s estimated $5.46 million cost will be 90 percent federally funded with PennDOT matching 10 percent. With PennDOT as the lead agency and Amtrak as the proposed operator, the owners of the route – Pennsylvania Northeast Regional Rail Authority (PNRRA), New Jersey Department of Transportation, New Jersey Transit (NJT), and Amtrak – are all project partners in working to restore passenger service to this corridor. “Amtrak looks forward to supporting PennDOT and PNRRA as they advance the proposed Scranton to New York City route through the federal planning process,” said Amtrak Vice President of Network Development Nicole Bucich. “This is an important next step to better understand the costs and benefits of this new service and to serve new communities in Northeastern Pennsylvania. We are excited about the future of this, and other, new routes across America!” “I commend the experience, financial support, and leadership of PennDOT in advancing this vital Amtrak Corridor after many years of acquiring and developing this crucial Transportation and Economic Development Corridor,” PNRRA President Larry Malski said. The route from Scranton to New York City last served passenger trains in 1970 as part of the Erie Lackawanna Railroad. Today, the entire right-of-way is still intact, with the majority in active use by various public rail operators. Starting in Scranton, the 60-mile segment of the route in Pennsylvania and across the Delaware River is owned by the PNRRA and currently used for freight rail service between Scranton and Slateford. One mile of track south of Slateford Junction was previously removed and will need to be reconstructed. The Lackawanna Cutoff, a segment of the route between Slateford, PA, and Port Morris, NJ, carried its last freight train in 1979 as part of the Conrail network and subsequently had its track removed. The portion of this segment in New Jersey is owned by the New Jersey Department of Transportation. NJT is actively reconstructing about seven miles of track at the east end to extend its commuter service from Port Morris to Andover, NJ. The other 20 miles from the Delaware River to Andover will need to be restored. From Port Morris, the route will run over existing NJT commuter lines to Kearny, NJ. At Kearny, the route connects to Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor for the last eight miles into New York Penn Station. “We at NJ TRANSIT look forward to continuing our participation with project partners PennDOT, NJDOT and Amtrak on this endeavor,” said NJ TRANSIT Chief Planner Jeremy Colangelo-Bryan. After the SDP is completed and federally approved, the projects identified in the SDP will begin preliminary engineering and environmental review in coordination with the FRA. More information on passenger rail in Pennsylvania can be found on PennDOT’s website.
Comcast (Xfinity) Mobile Speed Improved by 150 Percent “PowerBoost,” a Feature Available to All Xfinity Mobile Customers that Delivers WiFi Speeds Up To 1 Gig, is Credited for Delivering the Superfast Speeds Xfinity Mobile Consistently Ranks Faster Than Competitors in Comcast Markets Ookla’s latest Speedtest Intelligence® research credits Xfinity Mobile’s PowerBoost for delivering customers 150 percent faster speeds since the innovative feature launched in 2024. PowerBoost delivers speeds of up to 1 Gigabit per second (Gbps) over WiFi at home or at millions of WiFi hotspots across the country. The feature is free to all Xfinity Mobile customers. “Xfinity Mobile combines its WiFi network resources, 5G capabilities, and PowerBoost technology to enhance the connectivity experience for its customers,” said Kerry Baker, Industry Analyst, Ookla. “The integration of these technologies reflects the ongoing industry focus on creating better solutions for evolving user demands.” PowerBoost provides Xfinity Mobile customers with more than enough speed to stream, game, video call, or browse and have a high-quality experience. Xfinity Mobile is one of the fastest growing mobile services in the industry with more than seven million customers and counting since the service launched. “From the very beginning Xfinity Mobile has delivered an unparalleled wireless experience for the way consumers use mobile today, to get online,” said Kohposh Kuda, senior vice president, Xfinity Mobile, Comcast. “The superfast speeds delivered by PowerBoost are the latest in a long line of game changing features that our customers can enjoy, whether that is saving hundreds of dollars1 by switching from the Big Three mobile providers, customizing their account to fit their unique household needs, or keeping loved ones safe from cyber threats with our advanced cybersecurity features.” Nearly 90 percent of Xfinity Mobile smartphone data travels over WiFi and because Comcast delivers the best WiFi experience, now with speeds up to a gig, that is the primary reason why the service consistently ranks faster than competitors in Comcast markets2. Xfinity Mobile customers with the latest devices automatically connect to millions of WiFi hotspots across the country and receive up to gig speeds delivered by PowerBoost. And, as the Ookla report notes, Xfinity Mobile speeds will continue to get even faster as consumers upgrade to new devices capable of taking advantage of the faster speeds. PowerBoost is another innovation made possible by Comcast’s state-of-the-art network, designed to provide an exceptional Internet experience to more than 63 million homes and businesses and across more than 23 million WiFi hotspots. It represents years of research, technological advancements, and significant investments, including over $20 billion in the past five years, in development and infrastructure. 1 Xfinity Internet req. Compares 2 Xfinity Mobile Unlimited lines and lowest price 5G plans of top 3 carriers. Data thresholds and actual savings may vary. 2 Based on consumer testing of mobile WiFi and cellular data performance from Ookla® Speedtest Intelligence® data in Q1-Q2 ’24 for Comcast service areas, including its WiFi footprint, verified by Ookla for Comcast’s analysis.
Wayne Bank Promotes Steve Daniels Jim Donnelly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wayne Bank, is pleased to announce the promotion of Steve Daniels to Executive Vice President and Director of Consumer Banking. “Steve plays a tremendous part in the success of Wayne Bank, and I am proud to announce his promotion. He consistently pushes himself and other employees, driving high-tech financial solutions and expanding our reach. His leadership, expertise, and commitment have earned him this promotion, and I am honored to have him lead our Consumer Banking Division,” said Mr. Donnelly. Daniels joined Wayne Bank in 2011 and has held various roles during his tenure. He most recently served as Senior Vice President and Director of Consumer Banking, where he was responsible for leading and streamlining the products and services of the Bank’s Consumer Banking Division. Daniels holds a bachelor’s degree from Penn State University and is a graduate of the PBA Advanced School of Banking. He has recently graduated from the ABA Stonier Graduate School of Banking, where he also completed the Wharton Leadership Program at the University of Pennsylvania. In addition to serving as Co-Chair of the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties, Daniels is also the Co-Chair of the Talent and Financial Development Committee of Wayne Tomorrow, as well as past President of the Honesdale Area Jaycees. A lifelong resident of Wayne County, he resides in Milanville with his wife, Ali, and son, Russell.
