The Lodge at Woodloch Massage Therapists Win Big at the PA Massage Championship

Two of The Lodge at Woodloch’s exceptionally talented massage therapists, Junie Fenton of Scranton and Erik Oliva of Milford, showcased their skills at the prestigious Pennsylvania Massage Championship. This esteemed event draws top-tier massage therapists from across the state to compete in various categories, including form, technique, body mechanics, and client feedback.

We are thrilled to announce that Junie Fenton took 1st place in the Swedish Massage category, earning her the distinguished title of the top Swedish Massage Therapist in our state. Additionally, Junie secured an impressive 2nd place in the overall competition. She has been a massage therapist at The Lodge at Woodloch for over 14 years.

Erik Oliva claimed 3rd place in the Eastern Freestyle category. Erik introduced his unique Traditional Chinese Tui Na medical massage to a panel of judges who were not extensively familiar with this technique, showcasing his adaptability and skill in a challenging environment.

The dedication and success of Junie and Erik exemplify the commitment to excellence that defines The Lodge at Woodloch. Their achievements not only bring pride to our establishment but also underscore the high caliber of talent within our team. Treatments Manager, Amanda Clabaugh, was eager to express her gratitude:

“I could not be more proud of our exceptional massage therapists for recently competing and earning awards in their respective categories at The Pennsylvania Massage Championship. Their skill, professionalism, and commitment to their craft have not only earned them well-deserved recognition but will also enrich  the experience of our guests. We are thrilled that they had the opportunity to compete and learn from others in the massage therapy industry, further enhancing their expertise and passion for their work. They exemplify the true essence of excellence in their field, and I am honored to have them on our team.” 

UNCDC to Break Ground on Community, Education, Development and Revitalization Center

United Neighborhood Community Development Corporation (UNCDC), the nonprofit housing and economic development subsidiary of United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC), will break ground on the new Community, Education, Development, And Revitalization (CEDAR) Center at 530 Cedar Avenue in South Scranton on Friday, April 19, 2024, at 3pm.

CEDAR Center will rehabilitate and repurpose the historic Peoples Security Bank building into vibrant center for the community. CEDAR Center will offer UNC’s expanding services in job readiness and workforce development, small business, and entrepreneurship services, and a welcome center for new immigrants. Penn State’s LaunchBox will operate a business accelerator and manage a student-run café/retail area. It will also serve as a venue to expand UNC’s regional year-round South Side Farmers Market.

Remarks will be made by Jude McDonough, UNC Board Chair; Senator Marty Flynn, 22nd Senatorial District; Representative Kyle T. Donahue, District 113; Commissioner Bill Gaughan, Lackawanna County; Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognetti, City of Scranton; and Lisa Durkin, UNC President & Chief Executive Officer. 

In addition to the UNCDC, the development team consists of Ralph J. Melone, AIA, Project Architect, and Robert Bamford, General Contractor, Mar-Paul Construction Co., Inc.

The CEDAR Center project is made possible through funding from Senator Robert P. Casey Jr., Peoples Security Bank, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program; PA Department of Community and Economic Development, Keystone Communities; Lackawanna County; City of Scranton; Oppenheim Foundation; PNC Bank; and PPL Electric Utilities.

Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine to Host Black Ties for White Coats Gala

Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, with learning venues throughout northeastern and central Pennsylvania, will host its Black Ties for White Coats gala on Saturday, April 20, at Mohegan Pennsylvania in Wilkes-Barre to benefit medical student scholarships. Prominent community members who embody aspects of the school’s founding principles, community service and well-being will also be honored. 

When:       Saturday, April 20, 6 – 11 p.m.

Where:      Mohegan Pennsylvania

                  1280 Highway 315

                  Wilkes-Barre

This year’s honorees are: 

Community Honoree:
The Scranton School for Deaf & Hard of Hearing Children

Well-being Honoree:
Shubhra Shetty, MD

Founders Honoree:
Tom Churilla, MD ’13

SWB Railriders’ Clayton Beeter Named International League Pitcher of the Week

Minor League Baseball has announced the weekly awards for April 8-14 and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre right-hander Clayton Beeter was honored as the Pitcher of the Week.

Beeter allowed one hit and struck out eight batters over five shutout innings in the RailRiders 3-0 win at Norfolk on Saturday, April 13.

Beeter made his Major League debut on March 29, throwing three pitches in one scoreless relief inning against the Houston Astros. In three starts for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre this season, the Fort Worth native has surrendered three hits total, struck out 13, walked five and has yet to allow a run.

The 25-year-old was acquired by the New York Yankees in August of 2022 in the Joey Gallo trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He made his Triple-A debut last season, going 3-5 with a 4.94 ERA over 15 games, including 14 starts.

Scranton/Wilkes-Barre’s second homestand of the season begins on Tuesday night against the Lehigh Valley IronPigs at PNC Field. The RailRiders are riding a seven-game winning streak and are in first place in the International League heading into play in the opener. For tickets or promotional information, visit swbrailriders.com or call (570) 969-2255.

The Chamber is Gearing Up for EMPOWER, The Leadership Experience

The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce is hosting its ninth year of EMPOWER, presented by Geisinger, on Thursday, April 25, at Kalahari Resort & Convention.

EMPOWER is the premier women’s leadership event in northeastern Pennsylvania. It is a day-long conference highlighting the ability all women have to create positive change in their communities and lives while recognizing the extraordinary power that exists when women come together to support each other.

The 2024 conference theme is “purpose.” It will feature dynamic keynote speakers Dr. Lauren Hazzouri and Patrice D. Banks, as well as special appearances from the mayor of Scranton, Paige G. Cognetti, Honorable State Representative Bridget Kosierowski, and the Honorable State Senator Rosemary Brown.

Dr. Hazzouri is a licensed psychologist, speaker, and founder of Hazzouri Psychology, a full-service psychology practice in downtown Scranton. Patrice D. Banks is the founder of Girls Auto Clinic, which provides automotive buying and repair resources, products, and services, and is a platform for Banks to educate and empower women through their cars.

Attendees will engage with 44 regional speakers through invaluable breakout sessions and have access to a wellness studio and a small business marketplace.

Breakout session presenters include: Lori Moran, The University of Scranton; Kathryn Bondi, Posture Interactive; Dr. Andrea DiMattia and Dr. Michelle Schmude, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine; Bethany Staples and Brittany Watt, Market Share Consulting; Dr. Carrie Demers, PureRejuv Wellness Center at the Himalayan Institute; Jennifer Lutsey, Children’s Service Center; Shane Powers, NeighborWorks of Northeastern PA; Jenna Urban, Urban Mac Media; Dr. Elizabeth Carter, AAPPEAL, LLC; Dr. Katie Desiderio, Moravian University; Olivia Eaddy, Prudential; Kristyn Smith, Tobyhanna Army Depot; Eric Acosta, Wilkes University; Nicole Strauser, Prudential; Shanie Mohamed, the Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce; Bella Ceccoli, Scranton Area Community Foundation; Glynis Johns, Black Scranton Project; Kelley Laird, Fidelity Bank; Mandie Hendricks, Janney Montgomery Scott; Dr. Tricia Richards-Service, I Need A Speaker; PA State Senator Rosemary Brown; Marie Beggin, Penn East Federal Credit Union; Chelsey Coslett, NEPIRC; Stephanie Mihal, MMQ & Associates; Dr. Sarah Wodder, Scranton Counseling Center; Jennifer Davis, Sordoni Construction Services, Inc.; Patricia Cummings, Patricia O Cummings Therapy, LLC; Christie Estadt, Body Blueprint PTC; Dr. Barbara Plucknett, The Body Blueprint Demystified; and Brianna Strunk, Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau.

For a second year, The Honesdale National Bank will sponsor a teen program at EMPOWER. The program is a unique opportunity specifically curated for teen attendees (ages 16-18) designed to enhance personal and professional development. The Teen Program is in partnership with Leadership Lackawanna and Leadership Northeast.

Over 800 attendees will appear at EMPOWER, The Leadership Experience, on April 25. Tickets are available online at www.ScrantonChamber.com.

Coal Creative CEO Holly K. Pilcavage Awarded Mentor of the Year

Coal Creative, the full-service digital marketing agency known for its results-driven strategies and collaborative creativity, is proud to announce that CEO Holly K. Pilcavage has been awarded the distinguished Bill McNally Mentor of the Year award.

The accolade will be presented during the tecBRIDGE Business Plan Competition for students and early-stage entrepreneurs, set to take place on May 2, 2024, at 5 PM at the F.M. Kirby Center.

“I am deeply honored to receive the McNally Mentor of the Year award, which recognizes the importance of nurturing and sustaining mentorship in our business and entrepreneurial community,” says Holly.

The tecBRIDGE Business Plan Competition is an annual event that spotlights the innovative potential of local startups and entrepreneurs, bringing them together with subject matter experts to benefit the next generation of business leaders.

While the award is a significant honor, Coal Creative and Holly wish to underscore the importance of the competition itself and the learning opportunities it presents.

“My own mentors have played a crucial role in shaping my journey, highlighting the profound impact mentorship can have on both personal and professional growth,” Holly continues. “This award reflects not just my efforts, but also the dedication of all mentors who strive to empower and guide the next generation of leaders in Northeastern Pennsylvania.”

Don Webster, tecBRIDGE Executive Director, weighed in, saying “When I reflect on the common characteristics of past McNally Award winners, caring, community, and commitment immediately come to mind. Holly K. Pilcavage is the ideal award recipient to continue with that tradition. For those of you who know Holly K. Pilcavage, you know that she simply makes a difference in the lives of those she connects with. Whether it is work or play, advocacy or action, caring or sharing, she has a unique gift for accomplishing with (and for) those around her.”

Aside from growing Coal Creative into a leading creative agency, Holly’s put the work in as a dedicated and engaged member of the NEPA community—from her efforts championing women’s opportunities and LGBTQ+ rights to her recent initiative to co-found Evergreen, a business specializing in plants, local artist gifts, and workshops. Her leadership style is one of openness, inclusivity, and thoughtful dialogue—promoting an atmosphere that never fails to bring a diverse set of voices to the table.