The Family Service Association of NEPA to Host ‘Breaking Clays for Kids Clay Shoot’ The Family Service Association of Northeastern Pennsylvania (FSA) is holding its 6th annual “Breaking Clays for Kids Clay Shoot” on Friday, June 18 at Rock Mountain Sporting Clays in Springville in support of the 125-year-old nonprofit organization’s Children’s Center of Susquehanna and Wyoming Counties. The safe and socially distanced onsite registration begins at 9 a.m., with a shotgun start at 10 a.m. To register, please contact Theresa Langan at the FSA at (570) 823-5144, ext. 312, or email her at tlangan@fsanepa.org. Registration costs $90 per person or $325 for a four-person team, and includes an event T-shirt and a ready-made, pre-packaged lunch from Red Rock Barbeque. Ammunition is not included in the entry fee. Specially designed awards will be presented to winners in three categories – female, male and juvenile – at a later date due to COVID-19 safety precautions. In addition, various levels of sponsorships are available at the clay shoot, including for lunch, awards, T-shirts and display advertising, such as scorecards, shooting stations, event-sponsor boards and more. Businesses, corporations and friends of the Children’s Center, a child advocacy center in Montrose, can also donate gift certificates and gift cards in lieu of gift baskets, as part of the socially-distanced raffle at the end of the event. Participants who win a raffle will have the gift certificates or gift cards mailed to them after the event. Please contact Janine A. Fortney, LSW, director of FSA’s Children’s Center, at (570) 823-5144, ext. 370 or jfortney@fsanepa.org, to reserve a sponsorship opportunity and/or donate gift certificates or gift cards to the raffle. Deadline for sponsorships and donations to the raffle is June 1. “Breaking Clays for Kids Clay Shoot” is the primary fundraiser for the Children’s Center. The center provides a safe, comfortable environment for children and their families as they go through the interviewing and examination process after disclosing some type of traumatic experience. Since the Children’s Center opened in 2015, 402 children have received services at the nonprofit, including trauma therapy, forensic interviews, medical examinations for sexual and physical abuse, and more. “The Children’s Center of Susquehanna and Wyoming Counties is dedicated to serving the children in the community who have been affected by some form of abuse,’’ said Fortney. “We work tirelessly to comfort and provide the best possible care for these children during the worst possible time in their lives. Together, the collaboration of community and care ensures we are there for these children during their moments of need.” The “Breaking Clays for Kids Clay Shoot” is part of FSA’s 125th anniversary celebration. Established March 15, 1895, the nonprofit organization launched its annual campaign in January. The Spring Fling in April honored the Thalenfeld family for three generations of philanthropy and benevolence. The family’s dedication to the organization began with the late David R. Thalenfeld, the former CEO and co-founder of Trion Industries, and continues to this day with his son, John, the president of Trion Industries, and his grandson, Adam. Together, the Thalenfeld family has played a prominent and lasting role on the board. A group of involved and concerned members of the community founded FSA to provide diverse services that empower children, individuals, seniors and families to reach their full potential by building healthier relationships and stronger communities. Today, its 14 programs provide services to people in 17 counties, including Bradford, Clinton, Columbia, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Lycoming, Monroe, Montour, Northumberland, Pike, Snyder, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, Union, Wayne and Wyoming counties. FSA’s PA 211 Northeast (NE) / Help Line provides free information and referral services to address food and housing insecurity, emergency shelter, aging, homelessness, victim services, and utility and rent assistance, as well as mental health, drug and alcohol services, and after-hours answering services and crisis management for local municipalities and government offices. PA 211 NE / Help Line is available 24-hours a day, 365 days a year by Internet (helpline-nepa.info), text message and telephone at 1-888-829-1341 and/or 211. For more information about FSA or to support its programs, please log on to www.fsanepa.org or call (570) 823-5144.
Geisinger Orthopaedic Surgeon Given Pennsylvania Medical Society’s Highest Honor John H. Doherty Jr., M.D., an orthopaedic surgeon who practices at Geisinger Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine in Scranton, was named the 2021 recipient of the Pennsylvania Medical Society’s (PAMED) Distinguished Service Award. The Distinguished Service Award is considered the highest honor a member can receive from PAMED. Its first recipient in 1956 was Jonas E. Salk, M.D., who was recognized for his achievements in developing the anti-polio vaccine. A Lackawanna County resident, Dr. Doherty has been a practicing orthopaedic surgeon in Scranton since 1980. Before joining Geisinger in January of 2018, he was a partner in Professional Orthopaedic Associates Ltd. Over his career, he has cared for thousands of patients and their families. “We’re incredibly proud of Dr. Doherty. He is a valuable member of the Geisinger family, and this award reiterates that further. Dr. Doherty is the perfect example of service above self. He never turns away anyone who needs his help. His complete dedication to his practice and to the community is admirable. We celebrate his success and are honored to be associated with him,” said Michael Suk, M.D., chair of Geisinger’s Musculoskeletal Institute. Dr. Doherty is a beloved figure in the Scranton community. For more than 30 years, he’s made quarterly house calls to St. Joseph’s Center so the residents don’t have to make a trip by van to be seen in the office. Dr. Doherty has also served on and volunteered for multiple local nonprofit organizations, including helping to build and maintain a hospital in Haiti. Since 2010, Dr. Doherty has worked in collaboration with Fr. Rick Frechette, an American priest who is also a physician, to build and maintain a state-of-the-art operating room for the people of Port-au-Prince. To that end, he visits the island every year and works tirelessly to supply the hospital and bring patients to America when the care they need is not available in Haiti.
Nay Aug Park Sunday Concerts May 23PICTURE PERFECT2:00 pmMay 30TBATONY VERGNETTI TRIO2:00 pm5:00 pmMay 31(Monday)RON LEAS BIG BANDMemorial Day Program – Change of VenueVeterans Memorial Park (Next to Scranton High School)NoonJune 6LUONGO BROTHERSWANNABEES1:00 pm5:00 pmJune 13FLAXY MORGANGROUP DeJOUR1:00 pm5:00 pmJune 20(Father’s Day)*No Band*Antique Car Show – Villa Capri CruisersAll DayJune 27GENE DEMPSEY ORCHESTRAFORTUNES2:00 pm5:00 pmJuly 4RINGGOLD POPS ORCHESTRAIndependence Day 10:30 amJuly 11CLARENCE SPADY BLUES BANDPHYLLIS HOPKINS ELECTRIC TRIO1:00 pm5:00 pmJuly 18ELECTRIC CITY SIXIELAND BANDSECRET REASONS2:00 pm5:00 pmJuly 25TOM HAMILTON JAZZTETMARK MONTELLA w/ ERIN MALLOY & FRIENDS2:00 pm5:00 pmAugust 1FERDIE BISTOCCHI MEMORIAL ORCHESTRAJIM CULLEN w/ JACK BORDO & SHARON AMBROZIA2:00 pm5:00 pmAugust 8KALI MA AND THE GARLAND OF ARMSRUCKZUCK1:00 pm5:00 pmAugust 15WANNABEESGROUP DeJOUR1:00 pm5:00 pmAugust 22LUONGO BROTHERSCLARENCE SPADY BLUES BAND1:00 pm5:00 pmAugust 29VILLA CAPRI CAR SHOWPHYLLIS HOPKINS ELECTRIC TRIOEnds at 3:00 pm5:00 pmSeptember 5TBABILL & DONNA ARNOLD2:00 pm5:00 pmSeptember 12TBABOG SWING GROUP2:00 pm5:00 pmSeptember 19FLAXY MORGANJACOB COLE TRIO1:00 pm5:00 pmSeptember 26WEST 3rd STREET BANDRIXNER TRIO2:00 pm5:00 pmOctober 3SEACABO2:00 pmOctober 10PICTURE PERFECT1:00 pm Funded by Scranton Recreational Authority with additional funding from City of Scranton, Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, Lackawanna County Department of Arts & Culture produced by Scranton Recreational Authority and Scranton Music Association.
Wayne Bank Promotes Vincent G. O’Bell Lewis J. Critelli, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wayne Bank, is pleased to announce the promotion of Vincent G. O’Bell to Senior Vice President and Chief Lending Officer. “I am delighted to announce this promotion,” remarked Mr. Critelli. “Vinny’s strong leadership has contributed to the growth and profitability of the Bank’s commercial lending portfolio. His extensive experience and commitment to the communities we serve make him well-suited to this position, and firmly positions Wayne Bank for the continued expansion of our business lending efforts.” Mr. O’Bell joined the Bank in 2016 and has served as Senior Vice President and Commercial Lending Officer for the Lackawanna County market since that time, as well as a Team Leader within the Commercial Lending division. He holds an Associate’s Degree in Banking from Lackawanna Junior College and a Graduate Degree in Banking and Finance from the Stonier School of Banking. In 2019, Mr. O’Bell was recognized by the Pennsylvania Bankers Association for his 40 years of service, having held various senior roles in the banking industry for four decades. Mr. O’Bell is very involved with his community and serves as the Scranton Lackawanna Health and Welfare Board Chairman; a Rotary Club of Scranton Paul Harris Fellow, Board Member, and Treasurer; a Carbondale Chamber of Commerce Board Member and Treasurer; a NEPA Alliance Board Member; a Eucharistic minister and finance council for the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish; and a Finance and Investment Committee Member for the Congregation of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. He resides in Jessup, with his wife, MaryLynn.
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Updates Key 2021 Policies at PNC Field Due to additional changes in CDC and state guidelines last week, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders have updated several policies for fans attending games at PNC Field this season. Masking policies will change during the team’s next homestand and capacity restrictions will change next month. PNC Field returns to 100% capacity on June 1 and single-game tickets for the remainder of the 2021 home schedule will go on sale tomorrow, May 21, at 10 A.M. online at swbrailriders.com. Updated Policies and Guidelines are as follows: Mask Policy (Beginning May 25) Vaccinated fans do not need to wear a mask unless they choose to do so.Unvaccinated fans must continue to mask at all times. Entrance/ Seating/ Capacity Restrictions (Beginning June 1) Due to Major League Baseball requirements, social distancing will remain in place during entrance and exit at PNC Field.A special “pod seating” section will remain in place for fans wishing to maintain safe social distancing. Masking will be required in this section.The Season Ticket Holder early entrance policy will be reinstated (15 minutes before gates open via the SWB Station Team Store).The designated smoking areas will be reinstated.The Geisinger Kids Zone will be open.The SWB Station Team Store capacity restrictions will be lifted.Ballpark re-entry will now be permitted. The RailRiders will keep several existing policies in place. They are as follows: RailRiders and Legends staff will continue to wear masks at PNC Field.Digital Ticketing will remain in place for the entire 2021 season.PNC Field will remain cashless for the entire 2021 season.Players will not be able to sign autographs until further notice.The Clear Bag Policy remains in effect for the entire 2021 season.Enhanced cleaning and sanitization efforts will stay in place for the entire 2021 season. In addition, due to MLB guidelines, the RailRiders will continue to utilize pod seating for player families to assist with social distancing and safety. Protocols and procedures remain subject to change this season per Major League Baseball, state and CDC guidance. For more information on all 2021 policies, visit the Health and Safety Information page at swbrailriders.com or call (570) 969-2255.
Jim and Cathy Gavin To Be Honored by Marywood University Marywood University’s Eighth Annual Community Leadership Celebration, Inspiring Social Justice, will honor Jim and Cathy Gavin of Scranton. The Celebration will take place on the University’s campus in the Motherhouse and Seminary Morgan Memorial Garden on Thursday, June 10, 2021, where they will be awarded the 2021 Lead On Award. Inspiring social justice is a theme that unites Jim and Cathy, the Gavin and Walsh families, and the IHM Congregation in common purpose. In furtherance of that common purpose, Marywood University sets the standard for educating and preparing our youth for a successful and meaningful role in society. Mr. and Mrs. Gavin have a lifelong relationship with the Sisters Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Congregation beginning in grade school at Chapel and Holy Rosary schools in the 1950s. This relationship has flourished over seven decades. Mr. Gavin graduated from the University of Scranton in 1971, following three years of active military service. He earned graduate degrees in Social Work and Management from Marywood in 1973 and 1985. A professional social worker, Mr. Gavin worked in the behavioral health field for 47 years in clinical as well as management positions. He recently retired after 21 years as President/CEO of Community Care Behavioral Health Organization, a UPMC insurance company, and is currently a Senior Advisor to executive leadership. Elected to the Marywood University Board of Trustees in 2014, Mr. Gavin is a member of various committees serving as Treasurer and Chair of Finance since 2016. Mrs. Gavin began a lifelong career in the restaurant business at Stirna’s Restaurant in 1967. After a short stay at The Scranton/Lackawanna Human Development Agency she returned to her true passion, Stirna’s Restaurant. In 1980, with the support and assistance of a friend and attorney, she purchased the business and remains its sole proprietor today. During the next 40 years, Mrs. Gavin began and managed what is today a thriving catering business. She also negotiated and managed the food service contract for Lackawanna College. In 2008, on the 100th anniversary of Stirna’s Restaurant, with the help of her son Michael, she totally renovated the West Market Street facility. Today, the restaurant and catering businesses continue to thrive under their management and supervision. During Jim and Cathy’s fifty years of marriage, their focus has been on family, church, and community. They have two children, Kate and Michael, and two grandchildren, Gavin and Grace. They are proud members of the Gavin/Walsh families, who are collectively committed to the missions and work of the IHM Congregation. Mr. and Mrs. Gavin are active on numerous boards dedicated to the health and welfare of the citizens in Lackawanna and Allegheny counties. For additional information on the Eighth Annual Community Leadership Celebration at Marywood University, to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, or to buy tickets to the event, please visit marywood.edu/clc, or call 570-348-6238.
SIMONA On-Site Job Fair Join us for our on-site spring job fair on June 5th and 7th at our factory at 101 Power Boulevard in Archbald. We will be giving plant tours, accepting applications and holding interviews on the spot!This will be a fun day to meet our great team at SIMONA. Join us for lunch at an on-site food truck, grab some giveaways and enter a chance to win a $200 gift card!Learn about our excellent salary and benefits package, on-the-job training, paid holidays, generous time off, and opportunities for career growth. SIMONA offers some of the most generous retention and incentive bonuses in the area! These incentives go far beyond the weekly paycheck.What’s more is SIMONA is a company like a friend, meaning that we care about our employees and have a strong team and family-like culture. Come and see for yourself!View our open positions at www.workatsimona.com. Planning to attend? Get a head start and let us know ahead of time by filling out this short form https://forms.gle/szM6CmLd7eF7yuDf9. Please note this is optional and registration is not required!
Geisinger CenterPoint Offering Walk-In COVID-19 Vaccines Thursday and Friday Geisinger continues to make it easier to get a COVID-19 vaccine by offering walk-in vaccine events on Thursday, May 20, and Friday, May 21, at the Geisinger CenterPoint Vaccine Center in Jenkins Township. Walk-in COVID-19 vaccinations will be available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday and Friday. Geisinger is offering the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, which is a two-dose vaccine administered 21 days apart. Walk-in vaccines are available to anyone age 12 and over, but those under 18 years old must have a parent or legal guardian with them to receive their vaccine doses. The vaccine center is staffed with pediatric teams, including pediatricians, to answer any questions and assist with the vaccinations. Geisinger continues to offer COVID-19 vaccines by appointment at its four vaccine centers, and those can be made through myGeisinger or by calling 570-284-3657. More information about the COVID-19 vaccine, including information for parents of newly eligible children, is available at geisinger.org/COVIDVax.
