Mohegan Sun Arena to Host Comedian Bill Burr in June 2022

Bill Burr announces spring and summer North American dates for his Live Nation produced 2022 arena and amphitheater tour, Bill Burr (Slight Return), visiting 23 cities from April through August including a stop in Wilkes-Barre at the ASM Global managed Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza on June 16th. Tickets went on sale Friday, October 15 at 10:00 AM local time at Ticketmaster and in person at the NBT Bank Box Office at Mohegan Sun Arena. A full list of tour dates is below. For more info visit Bill’s website.

A Grammy-nominated comedian, Bill Burr is one of the top comedic voices of his generation achieving success in TV and film as well as on stage. Bill sells out venues internationally and his Monday Morning Podcast is one of the most downloaded comedy podcasts.

In September, Bill was seen in a guest role on the hit FX on Hulu series, Reservation Dogs, and he released the live, vinyl, double album, Bill Burr Live From Madison Square Garden.   

Later this year, Bill’s animated Netflix series, F Is For Family, will premiere its fifth and final season starring Bill, Laura Dern, Justin Long and Sam Rockwell in the cast. 

Bill made his debut as host of Saturday Night Live on October 10, 2020, he starred opposite Pete Davidson and Marisa Tomei in the Judd Apatow film, The King of Staten Island, and he starred as Mayfeld in The Mandalorian on Disney Plus.

In September 2019, Bill released his sixth hour-long comedy special, Bill Burr: Paper Tiger, which was nominated for a Grammy Award, was recorded at London’s Royal Albert Hall and is streaming on Netflix. 

Bill was seen in the Hugh Jackman film, The Front Runner; the Mark Wahlberg and Will Ferrell film, Daddy’s Home; he co-stars opposite Kevin Costner in the indie film, Black or White; was seen in the Paul Feig film, The Heat, alongside Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy and in the Al Pacino and Christopher Walken film Stand Up Guys.  Bill received raves for his recurring role as “Kuby” on the hit AMC-TV show, Breaking Bad. 

BILL BURR (SLIGHT RETURN) TOUR DATES

4-1-22 – Reading, PA – Santander Arena

4-2-22 – Hanover, MD – The Hall at Live! Casino *

4-3-22 – Hanover, MD – The Hall at Live! Casino *

4-7-22 – Birmingham, AL – Legacy Arena at the BJCC^

4-8-22 – Macon, GA – Macon City Auditorium^

4-21-22 – Pittsburgh, PA – Petersen Events Center

4-22-22 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena^

4-23-22 – Cleveland, OH – Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse

4-24-22 – Columbus, OH – Schottenstein Center

5-12-22 – Sacramento, CA – Sacramento Memorial Auditorium

5-14-22 – Oakland, CA – Oakland Arena

5-20-22 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre

5-21-22 – West Palm Beach, FL – iThink Financial Amphitheatre

6-16-22 – Wilkes-Barre, PA – Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza

6-17-22 – Bethel, NY – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts

6-18-22 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center

6-23-22 – Portland, OR – Moda Center

6-24-22 – Auburn, WA – White River Amphitheater

6-25-22 – Vancouver, BC – Rogers Arena

7-30-22 – Montreal, QC – Bell Centre **^

8-10-22 – Forest Hills, NY – Forest Hills Stadium^

8-23-22 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena

8-26-22 – Buffalo, NY – KeyBank Center

8-27-22 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Saratoga Performing Arts Center

* Already on sale

** Rescheduled performance

^ Not a Live Nation Date

TOPP Business Solutions Supports Allied Services

From left: Jim Brogna, Vice President, Strategic Partnership Development, Allied Services; Chris Falzett, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Topp Business Solutions

Local business, TOPP Business Solutions, recently presented Allied Services with a donation of $6,500 in support of the WNEP’s Ryan’s Run campaign. This annual charity campaign raises awareness and funds for children and adults with disabilities, life-changing injuries, and chronic illness served by Allied Services. 

TOPP Business Solutions is headquartered in Scranton and is a provider of printing equipment, document management solutions, IT services, and other support services to businesses throughout Northeast, Central, and the Leigh Valley of Pennsylvania. They are long-time supporters of Allied Services, regularly supporting the non-profit’s vocational training and employment programs for individuals with disabilities. 

“Allied Services is truly an asset to the communities it serves. You don’t realize the true scope of what it does for our area until you or a member of your family needs to utilize their support. TOPP is proud to be part of RR12 and hope that all runners enjoy their day in New York City,” says Chris Falzett, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Topp Business Solutions. 

The Ryan’s Run campaign will culminate on November 7, 2021, when a team of almost 70 runners will participate in the TCS New York City Marathon.  

Geisinger Invests in Dickson City Cancer Center

Geisinger has announced the planned construction of a new, state-of-the-art cancer center designed to make better health easier in Lackawanna County by expanding services, hiring new providers and offering more appointments in the community.

According to market forecasts, the need for cancer care in Lackawanna County is expected to grow by 3.2 percent over the next five years, and Geisinger has outgrown its current cancer center at Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton. The planned 55,000-square-foot, $58 million Dickson City facility, located on the north end of Viewmont Drive, will provide a broader spectrum of services closer to home for county residents.

Construction is scheduled to begin in Spring 2022, and when the center opens in late 2023, it will house a hematology/oncology clinic with 17 exam rooms, 22 infusion bays and 3 multidisciplinary spaces and will also provide radiation oncology – a first for Geisinger in Lackawanna County – palliative medicine, pharmacy and laboratory services. Patient amenities will include food service and a coffee bar, a specialty boutique and courtyards and gardens with natural views and vistas.

“As more of our friends and neighbors trust us with their care, we need to provide more world-class cancer services to contribute to healthier, more vibrant communities in Lackawanna County,” said Ron Beer, chief administrative officer of Geisinger’s northeast region. “Geisinger has served northeastern Pennsylvania for 40 years, and this investment is further proof that we intend to care for and grow with our communities for many years to come.”

This new, full-spectrum cancer center will complement the Frank M. and Dorothea Henry Cancer Center at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre, which is currently undergoing its own extensive expansion and renovation that includes the addition of an inpatient unit for treatment of complex blood cancers. Together, the centers anchor a regional cancer program that provides everything patients can find in major hub cities right here in northeastern Pennsylvania.

“The cancer program at Geisinger already features top-tier providers, comprehensive care teams, leading-edge treatment, advanced technologies and clinical trials,” said Rajiv Panikkar, M.D., chair of the Geisinger Cancer Institute. “By allowing the program to flourish, this new facility is another step toward making sure patients never have to leave the region for outstanding care.”

Located near the intersection of Interstate 81 and the Scranton-Carbondale Highway, the center will be within a short drive for most county residents. Chosen for its ability to serve as many patients as possible within a 20-minute drive time, the site is conveniently situated in the same hub as the Viewmont Mall and Dickson City Crossings. It will bolster the community not only by providing a destination for exceptional cancer care but also through the creation of dozens of new jobs.

The new facility will also free up much-needed space at Geisinger Community Medical Center to expand private room availability, improve the overall patient experience, and continue developing the city’s hospital as the region’s gold standard for critical care, cardiovascular care, trauma and more.

Additionally, Geisinger continues to explore all opportunities for growth at the Geisinger Community Medical Center that will provide even more investments for a healthier, more vibrant city.

AVP Cargo Feasibility Study

The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (AVP) is undertaking an Air Cargo Feasibility Study Update for the airport with the objective of informing strategic development. Their effort entails extensive quantitative and geographic research, in addition to multiple outreach approaches to garner feedback directly from the cargo industry and its customers.

They will be hosting two virtual workshops on the topic:

  • Friday, October 29, 2021 at 1 PM EST – A one-hour workshop, with 30 minutes being a regional air cargo overview, followed by a 30-minute group discussion of regional cargo challenges and opportunities with representatives of the invited air carriers, handlers, forwarders, trucking companies, and shippers.
  • November 4, 2021 at 10 AM EST  – A 30-minute briefing session to outline the study and our efforts. This session, which will be less technical in nature, is intended to provide local government representatives and transportation agencies with information on the cargo study.

Please contact Carl Beardsley, Executive Director at 570-602-2000 or cbeardsley@flyavp.com October 22, 2021 with the following information:

  • I am willing to participate in an interview. (yes/no)
  • I would like more information about the workshop/session. (yes/no)
  • I would like to be excluded from any further communications about this effort. (yes/no)
  • Preferred contact (name of individual and company) and means of communication
  • Phone number
  • Email

Only those responding affirmatively will be contacted by the consultant team. A platform link will be sent via email in advance. We look forward to your participation and sincerely appreciate your time in support our efforts to evaluate air cargo potential at AVP.

Promotions to Providence Engineering’s Leadership Team

Providence Engineering is pleased to announce the promotions of Dana Ziegler, P.E., and Keith Smith, P.E., S.E. Both Dana and Keith have been promoted to Vice President of Providence Engineering.

Dana and Keith are two of Providence’s longest-tenured employees and they have each had a strong influence on the culture and development of the firm over the years.

Dana started with Providence as an E.I.T. in 1994. He moved on to his family’s construction business before returning to Providence as a P.E. in 2014. He has led our Lehigh Valley office ever since. Keith leads Providence’s York office and has been with the firm for 18 years. He has 3 decades of experience providing structural design services across all markets and project types.

We’re very excited to welcome Dana and Keith to their new roles as members of Providence Engineering’s Leadership Team. Under their continued leadership, quality, timely and affordable solutions will remain the hallmark of our firm.

​​PennDOT Accepting Unsolicited Public-Private Partnership Proposals Until October 31

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Office of Public-Private Partnerships (P3) announced today that it is accepting unsolicited proposals for transportation projects from the private sector through October 31.

The submission period applies to PennDOT-owned projects and infrastructure. During this period, the private sector can submit proposals offering innovative ways to deliver transportation projects across a variety of modes including roads, bridges, rail, aviation, and ports. Proposals can also include more efficient models to manage existing transportation-related services and programs.

Unsolicited proposals are being accepted through 11:59 PM on October 31. Instructions on how to submit a project and information on the unsolicited proposal review process can be found on the state’s P3 website, www.P3.pa.gov. 

PennDOT holds an unsolicited proposal period in April and October each year.

The private sector may also submit applications for non-PennDOT-owned assets directly to the P3 board during this time. Transportation entities outside of the governor’s jurisdiction, such as transit authorities, may establish their own timelines or accept proposals year-round.

The state’s P3 law allows PennDOT and other transportation authorities and commissions to partner with private companies to participate in delivering, maintaining, and financing transportation-related projects.

As part of the P3 law, the seven-member Public Private Transportation Partnership Board was appointed to examine and approve potential public-private transportation projects. If the board determines a state operation would be more cost-effectively administered by a private company, the company will be authorized to submit a proposal and enter into a contract to either completely or partially take over that operation for a defined period of time.

The next unsolicited proposal acceptance period will occur in April 2022. To learn more about P3 in Pennsylvania, including active projects, visit www.P3.pa.gov.

NEPIRC COVID-19 Response Efforts for Manufacturers Earns National Award

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC), the world’s largest association of economic development organizations and practitioners, recently presented the Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center (NEPIRC) with an International Silver Award for its COVID-19 Resiliency, Recovery & Mitigation Efforts for Manufacturers. According to data reported by the U.S. Department of Commerce and obtained directly from firms that utilized NEPIRC’s services during the pandemic, the organization’s COVID-19 response allowed the region’s manufacturers to avoid 1,700 layoffs and 4,661 temporary job furloughs. Firms that called upon NEPIRC also reported the retention of $124.7 million in sales that would have otherwise been lost due to closure, supply chain breakdowns, raw material outages or other pandemic-related consequences. More than 1,800 regional manufacturers took advantage of NEPIRC’s no-cost COVID-19 assistance efforts during the peak of the pandemic – with more than 100 receiving highly-customized pandemic response solutions.

“This recognition by our peers is a testament to the tireless work of our team members and our collective innovative and entrepreneurial spirit, which allowed us to develop and deploy workable solutions and approaches for our manufacturers quickly and effectively,” said Eric Joseph Esoda, NEPIRC’s President & CEO. “Our team members were our greatest asset, followed by our I.T. infrastructure, which allowed us to transition to remote working environments and virtual services without missing a beat,” he added.

Within the award presentation, the IEDC applauded NEPIRC’s proactive approach to contacting manufacturers during the pandemic and providing them with free COVID-19 impact assessments and customized response plans. IEDC’s recognition also noted the value of NEPIRC’s informational webinars and seminars, online manufacturer guides, virtual CEO and Leadership networks and other services.

The award was conferred at a special ceremony during IEDC’s Annual Meeting in Nashville, Tennessee on October 5th, which was broadcasted internationally. NEPIRC plans to celebrate the award with its clients, Board of Directors and staff at a later date.

Wright Center decorating pumpkins at Carbondale Farmer’s Market

The Wright Center for Community Health will present a series of children’s activities for the fall season and offer important information about the services offered by the regional health care provider on Thursday, Oct. 21 from 2-5:30 p.m. at the Carbondale Farmers Market, 185 Fallbrook St.

The Wright Center for Community Health will set up its information and activities table in the Fallbrook Healthy Aging Center. A pumpkin painting activity will be provided to all children that attend the market. Market shoppers will also receive free merchandise and information about health care services.

“The Carbondale Farmers Market is a perfect opportunity for The Wright Center to engage with community members of all ages and reinforce the health care services we provide at eight regional clinics,” said Allision LaRussa, the director of health humanities at The Wright Center. “We will be creative with our pumpkins and other crafts, while highlighting the important role art can play in our daily lives.”

The Wright Center for Community Health also participated in the grand opening of the farmers market in September. The market is open year-round on Thursdays.

Photo Caption:

Allision LaRussa, director of health humanities at The Wright Center, poses with arts and crafts supplies that she will bring to the Carbondale Farmers Market on Thursday, Oct. 21 from 2-5:30 p.m. The Wright Center for Community Health is offering children an opportunity to be extra creative with pumpkins and other seasonal activities, while others can obtain information about the health care services the nonprofit provides in Lackawanna, Luzerne and Wayne counties.