SACF’s Laura Ducceschi Selected for National Leadership Cohort The Scranton Area Community Foundation is proud to announce that its President and CEO, Laura Ducceschi, has been selected to participate in the 2025–26 cohort of the Executive Leadership Institute (ELI) for CEOs, a national program convened by CFLeads, the country’s premier network of community foundations. The Executive Leadership Institute (ELI) for CEOs is designed to strengthen the strategic leadership of community foundation executives nationwide. Participants engage in intensive peer learning, reflection, and collaboration to advance bold, equity-centered, and community-driven approaches to philanthropy. “It is an honor to be selected to join this distinguished cohort of leaders,” said Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “This program will provide invaluable opportunities to learn from peers nationwide, strengthen our leadership strategies, and deepen how we work with and for our community. I look forward to bringing these insights back to Northeastern Pennsylvania as we continue to advance equity, build connections, and drive lasting impact.” Through the program, Laura will join CEOs from community foundations across the United States to explore emerging challenges, share innovative practices, and strengthen the collective impact of philanthropy in local communities. “Laura’s selection for this national leadership program reflects both her dedication and the Scranton Area Community Foundation’s ongoing commitment to bold, impactful leadership,” said Ellen Burkey, Chair of the Scranton Area Community Foundation Board of Governors. “We are proud to see Laura representing our region and bringing back strategies that will continue to benefit the communities we serve.” The Scranton Area Community Foundation has a 76-year history of serving Northeastern Pennsylvania through philanthropy, community leadership, and collaboration. Laura’s participation in CFLeads’ Executive Leadership Institute represents the Foundation’s continued investment in advancing equity, strengthening civic participation, and building resilient communities across the region. Click here to find more information about the Executive Leadership Institute for CEOs.
Wallenpaupark Brewing Company To Host Friendsgiving Friends are invited to gather and raise a glass to friendship, great beer, and even better company at Friendsgiving at the Brewery — an evening featuring live music, delicious food, and all their favorite beers on tap. Whether celebrating early with their chosen family or simply looking for a good time before the holiday hustle, guests can unwind, laugh, and make memories over a pint (or two). 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟰𝘁𝗵, 𝟲-𝟵𝗣𝗠 | $𝟰𝟬/𝗣𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻 Click here to find more information.
Wright Center To Host Caregivers Resource Fair The Wright Center for Community Health Scranton will host a Caregivers Resource Fair on Thursday, Nov. 20, offering family members and caregivers of individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia an opportunity to connect with local support services and learn more about the Scranton JCC’s Café Connections and a regional support group. Rhonda Fallk The free public event at 501 S. Washington Ave., from 5-7 p.m., will feature keynote speaker, Rhonda Fallk, coordinator and facilitator of Café Connections and a local Alzheimer’s support group. Attendees will also be able to meet representatives from several community agencies representing Age-Friendly Lackawanna, and others offering valuable caregiver information. Café Connections is a memory café – a welcoming social environment designed for individuals experiencing memory loss, Alzheimer’s disease, or other dementias and their care partners. Participants engage in creative arts, music, games, and other activities that promote connection and joy. Fallk will discuss how the café and support group foster community, reduce isolation, and strengthen the caregiving journey. Alzheimer’s disease, most common cause of dementia, is a progressive brain disorder that gradually impairs memory, thinking, and daily functioning. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 282,000 Pennsylvanians aged 65 and older are living with the disease. Supported by over 465,000 caregivers who provide 822 million hours of care each year. The Wright Center for Community Health’s Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Program offers coordinated, comprehensive support for patients, families, and caregivers. The initiative is part of Age-Friendly Lackawanna, a collaborative network of nearly 30 community organizations dedicated to improving quality of life for older adults across the county. “Caring for someone living with Alzheimer’s or dementia can be both deeply meaningful and incredibly challenging,” said Nicole Flynn, director of the geriatrics service line at The Wright Center for Community Health. “Events like our Caregivers Resource Fair help families know they’re not alone. By connecting caregivers with local programs, education, and one another, we can build a strong, more compassionate network of support in our community.” For more information about The Wright Center, visit The WrightCenter.org or call 570-230-0019.
Scranton Area Community Foundation Fights Local Hunger With Fundraiser The Scranton Area Community Foundation, in partnership with the City of Scranton and the United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike Counties, is proud to announce the return of The Heart of Scranton: A Virtual Fundraiser to Help Our Neighbors, taking place now through November 30, 2025. The Heart of Scranton campaign brings together generous donors, caring neighbors, and trusted local nonprofits to address a growing and urgent need: food insecurity. As the cost of living continues to rise and families face the impact of the ongoing federal government shutdown and the potential lapse of food assistance benefits, thousands of residents in Lackawanna County are struggling to put food on the table. According to Feeding America, nearly 33,000 county residents, including many children, are considered food insecure. Donors may choose to support any of the participating organizations individually, or they may make a single gift to the Foundation’s general Heart of Scranton Fund, with all proceeds evenly distributed among the participating organizations. “At the Scranton Area Community Foundation, we see every day how generosity strengthens and sustains our community,” said Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “Through the Heart of Scranton Virtual Fundraiser, we’re turning that generosity into real results—fueling local organizations on the front lines of hunger to ensure our neighbors have access to food and essential resources. This partnership with the City of Scranton and the United Way reflects what we do best: bringing people and resources together to build a stronger, more resilient community.” One hundred percent of all donations (minus standard credit card processing fees) will go directly to support these organizations, which are doing mission-critical work to combat hunger in the Scranton area. This year’s effort builds on the success of the original Heart of Scranton campaign in 2020, which raised over $180,000 in under 48 hours to provide emergency food assistance during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. It also continues the Foundation’s ongoing partnership with the City of Scranton to address hunger, including a joint $10,000 investment in 2024 to establish the Lackawanna Food Policy Council Fund, strengthening coordination among local food-access agencies. “Earlier this year, our Hunger Task Force raised the alarm about food security issues in Scranton getting increasingly worse. When times are tough, we know Scranton residents band together to help their neighbors, showing the true heart of this community,” Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti said. “The need for this fundraiser right now isn’t just a reminder of food insecurity during the winter or the holidays. It will also support those around us who may be affected by the pending lapse in food assistance benefits caused by the federal government shutdown.” Click here to find more information.
Treasurer Stacy Garrity: Money Match Letters Sent Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced that more than 107,000 letters will be arriving in mailboxes to inform individuals of unclaimed property headed their way through the Pennsylvania Money Match program. “This is the best kind of mail to send, and I’m thrilled to let Pennsylvanians know that money is coming their way – these letters are real and the checks that will follow are real,” Treasurer Garrity said. “We’re well on our way to returning more than $40 million with Money Match during this first year of the program because this money doesn’t belong to the state, it belongs back in the hands of rightful owners, and Treasury is working nonstop to get the job done.” Checks will follow this batch of letters and will be mailed to owners in mid-December. Pennsylvania Money Match, which passed the House and Senate unanimously and was signed into law as Act 81 of 2024, authorizes Treasury to return certain single-owner properties valued up to $500 automatically. Claims valued at more than $500, that have multiple owners, or other complexities will still need to search, file a claim and provide required supporting documentation. More than one in ten Pennsylvanians is owed some of the $5 billion in unclaimed property being safeguarded by Treasury. The average value of a claim is more than $1,000. Unclaimed property includes things such as dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, forgotten stocks, insurance policies, tangible property like the contents of abandoned safe deposit boxes, and more. To search for unclaimed property visit, patreasury.gov/unclaimed-property. If anyone believes they have received a Money Match letter in error, they can contact Treasury at MoneyMatch@patreasury.gov.
Johnson College Acquires New Facility in Scranton Johnson College, the only two-year technical college in northeastern Pennsylvania, announced it has officially purchased an 8,700-square-foot building at 814 Wyoming Ave. in Scranton. The newly acquired facility will become the future home of the college’s one-year Diesel Preventative Maintenance Technician certificate program, the two-year Diesel Truck Technology associate degree program, and portions of the two-year Automotive Technology associate degree program. The new space will provide enhanced hands-on learning areas for students pursuing careers as transportation technicians. Classes at the facility are expected to begin in spring 2026. “This purchase marks an exciting new chapter for Johnson College,” said Dr. Katie Pittelli, president and CEO of Johnson College. “Once updates are complete, the Wyoming Avenue facility will offer enhanced, hands-on learning spaces designed to support student success. We’re proud to continue investing in resources that prepare students for today’s workforce.” The move will also create opportunities on the Scranton campus, located on North Main Avenue, to expand existing programs or introduce new ones that respond to emerging industry trends. Located in a Scranton neighborhood historically connected to the automotive industry, the Wyoming Avenue site will continue that legacy by preparing the next generation of transportation professionals. The new property joins Johnson College’s growing network of educational facilities, which includes its satellite campus at the CAN DO Training Center in Hazle Township and specialized labs at Simplex Homes and the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport.
Misericordia University To Host Hometown Heroes Celebration Misericordia University is inviting the community to attend Hometown Heroes Night, a special event honoring the veterans, first responders, and service members who strengthen the region. Friends, families, and neighbors are encouraged to gather for an evening of recognition and gratitude, featuring complimentary food from Mission BBQ (while supplies last) and a thrilling hockey game following the ceremony. Event Details: Date: Friday, November 14, 2025 Time: 6:00 p.m. Location: Toyota Sports Plex, 40 Coal Street, Wilkes Barre, PA 18702 Community members are encouraged to come out to support and thank those who serve the region with courage and dedication. Learn more at misericordia.edu/alumni/events/hometown-heroes.
Misericordia University Rallies Support for Cougar Sports Teams Friends, families, and community members are invited to attend and cheer on the Misericordia Cougars. Supporters can stay up to date on all upcoming home sporting events by visiting the Weekly Home Game Lineup webpage, the best resource for finding out when their favorite Cougar teams are competing on campus. Visitors are encouraged to explore https://www.misericordia.edu/campus-community/athletics to view this week’s schedule and show their support for the Cougars.
