Wayne Bank Promotes Kimberly Crellin to Vice President Jim Donnelly, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Wayne Bank, is pleased to announce the promotion of Kimberly Crellin to Assistant Vice President and Hawley Community Office Manager. “Kimberly is well deserving of this promotion, and I am proud to announce her accomplishment. Her exceptional management skills and organizational abilities have helped streamline bank functions at our Hawley office,” said Mr. Donnelly. Crellin joined Wayne Bank in 2017 and has most recently served as a Branch Manager, where she was responsible for assisting customers and maintaining operational efficiency at the Bank’s Hawley branch. Crellin holds a certificate for General Banking through the American Bankers Association. She enjoys taking part in her community, serving as an active member of the Make a Wish Foundation since 2009. Crellin currently resides in Milford.
Waverly Community House Needs Your Feedback Your Voice Matters! Help Shape the Future of The Comm! At the Waverly Community House (the Comm), we’re dedicated to providing enriching educational, recreational, and cultural opportunities—but we know there’s always room to grow. Whether you’ve attended our events, participated in programs, used our facilities, or are simply interested in what we offer, we want to hear from you! As we plan for the future, we’re gathering feedback to ensure that we continue to serve our community in meaningful ways. With support from a StratSimple grant, we’ve partnered with Commonweal Consulting Group—led by nonprofit experts Michele and Leo McGowan—to guide us in shaping our next chapter. It takes about 10 minutes. All responses are confidential Your input helps shape future programs, events, and services Complete the survey by February 28, 2025, for a chance to win a $100 Visa Gift Card! Take the survey by clicking this link: STRAT SIMPLE SURVEY
United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne, and Pike Collaborates on Ground-Breaking Case Study A newly published case study examining the critical issue of older adult isolation in Lackawanna County has been featured in the esteemed Frontiers in Public Health journal. The article titled “A community methodological protocol of a multisector collective impact collaboration to address older adult isolation in a rural county in the U.S.,” conducted by The Age Friendly Lackawanna Collaborative which includes the United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike, sheds light on the profound impact of social isolation among older adults and highlights actionable solutions to address this growing public health concern. Case Study Co-Written By: Dr. Lenard Kaye, D.S.W, Ph.D., GSAF, Professor, University of Maine, Director at University of Maine Center on Aging Michael Castellano, Special Projects Manager, United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike Lindsey Skripka, Executive Director, Meals on Wheels of Northeastern Pennsylvania Christine Marcos, Senior Program Officer, Moses Taylor Foundation The study explores the challenges faced by older adults who experience limited social interaction, reduced mobility, and a lack of access to essential community resources. Findings indicate that social isolation not only affects emotional well-being but is also linked to significant health risks, including increased rates of depression, cognitive decline, and chronic illness. “I am so proud to be a member of the Age Friendly Lackawanna collaborative and work with amazing community partners to address the needs of older adults in our community. This publication is just the first step of many we have planned to advocate for and enact the changes we hope to see for the residents of Lackawanna County” said Lindsey Skripka, Executive Director, Meals on Wheels of Northeastern Pennsylvania Key Findings of the Case Study: A significant percentage of older adults in Lackawanna County report experiencing social isolation and loneliness. Lack of transportation, financial barriers, and limited digital literacy contribute to isolation. Community-based interventions, including volunteer-driven outreach programs and social connectivity initiatives, have shown positive effects in reducing loneliness. The publication of this study underscores the importance of ongoing community collaboration and policy changes to ensure that older adults receive the support they need to remain engaged and connected. United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike is actively working to implement solutions, including expanding senior outreach programs, strengthening partnerships with local organizations, and advocating for increased funding for social services. “By publishing these findings in Frontiers in Public Health, we hope to bring greater awareness and encourage local initiatives to foster stronger social connections for our senior population.” added Michael Castellano, Special Projects Manager, United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike. The full study is available in Frontiers in Public Health and can be accessed online at Frontiers in Public Health.
The Wright Center for Community Health Clinics Earn National Recognition Two of The Wright Center for Community Health’s clinics received commendations from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) for delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. The Wright Center for Community Health Clarks Summit, 1145 Northern Blvd., and The Wright Center for Community Health Mid Valley, 5 S. Washington Ave., Jermyn, achieved the NCQA’s Patient-Centered Medical Home certificate of recognition. The award recognizes both locations’ commitment to delivering affordable, high-quality, nondiscriminatory, whole-person primary health services using the patient-centered medical home model. In addition to strengthening patient-clinician relationships and enhancing the management of chronic conditions, the patient-centered medical home model also increases staff satisfaction and reduces health care costs. The Wright Center for Community Health Scranton, 501 S. Washington Ave., and The Wright Center for Community Health Wilkes-Barre, 169 N. Pennsylvania Ave., earned NCQA’s Patient-Centered Medical Home certificates of recognition in September. The Mid Valley location first achieved this distinction in 2011, followed by Clarks Summit in 2014, and both Scranton and Wilkes-Barre in 2021. All four health centers undergo an annual review to maintain compliance with NCQA’s rigorous standards. “Our continued certification as a Patient-Centered Medical Home reaffirms to the communities we serve that our team-based care approach and advanced technology deliver timely, effective care,” said Dr. Jignesh Sheth, senior vice president and chief medical and information officer at The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education. “This model fosters strong partnerships between patients and clinicians, enabling more responsive and comprehensive health care. We’re honored to receive this recognition once again for our dedication and hard work.” The NCQA, based in Washington, D.C., was founded in 1990 with support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. It seeks to improve health care quality through measurement, transparency, and accountability. Headquartered in Scranton, The Wright Center’s growing network of community health centers in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayne, and Wyoming counties, including a mobile medical and dental unit called Driving Better Health, provides affordable, high-quality, nondiscriminatory whole-person primary health services to everyone, regardless of insurance status, ZIP code, or ability to pay. To learn more, call 570-230-0019 or go to TheWrightCenter.org.
Tech42 Celebrates 15 Years in Business Michael started the business in 2010. Michael wanted a company where IT Engineers wanted to come to work. There was a strong belief that if engineers enjoyed the people they work with, the environment, and the technology available at their fingertips, they would want to come to work every day, and we would be able to bring out the best in them. They would give us their best to take care of our customers.
Follow March Madness and win with the RailRiders Promotion pairs new ticket memberships and plans with the fate of NCAA tournament teams College basketball’s big dance is almost here and the Scranton/Wilkes- Barre RailRiders are excited to announce the return of their March Mania ticket promotion built around tourney time. Each year, the RailRiders give fans the opportunity to pair ticket packages purchased with teams from the NCAA men’s college tournament field for a chance to win great prizes and experiences. Each new Full Season Ticket Membership purchased through March 19 will be paired with FOUR NCAA men’s tournament participants. Each Half Season Ticket Membership purchased will be paired with three teams. A Partial Plan purchase will net two teams in the tournament and the Flex Plan will be assigned one corresponding team in the big dance. The team assignments will be done on Monday, March 17, after Selection Sunday via a random lottery pick system. Teams will be assigned on a per-seat basis rather than being limited to one per account. If your assigned team advances, you will win the following prizes based on how far they get: Advance to the round of 32 and you’ll receive an SWB scarf and an SWB cowboy hat Make it to the Sweet 16 and you’ll get a Stanley Hudson RailRiders bobblehead, an SWB t-shirt and an Aaron Judge “62” poster Advance to the Elite 8 to receive four tickets to Yankee Stadium (two vouchers good for two tickets each), an SWB travel mug, an SWB military hat and four Standing Room Only tickets to the Geisinger Champions Club level for a RailRiders game of their choice this season Advance to the Final 4 and receive an autographed item, four tickets to Yankee Stadium (two vouchers), a $25 gift card to the SWB Team Store and a game-worn jersey If your designated team cuts down the nets on April 7 and wins the title, so do you! The winner will take home one autographed item, one complimentary suite night at an April home game, a first pitch before a RailRiders game of your choosing, four tickets to a Yankees home game (two vouchers), a $100 gift card to the SWB Team Store, a game-worn jersey and a game-used bat. The 2025 season opens on March 28 with a nine-game road trip to Lehigh Valley and Syracuse. Scranton/ Wilkes-Barre’s home opener is tabbed for April 8 when Rochester comes to PNC Field. All Season Ticket Memberships and the Flex Plan are available now at www.swbrailriders.com or by calling (570) 969-BALL.
Settlers Hospitality Annual Chili and Wing Cookoff The Waterfront at Silver Birches puts two classic American dishes on the front burner for a good cause. The Annual Chili and Wing Cookoff on Sunday, March 2 from noon-4 p.m., pits over 20 of the best chefs from area restaurants, schools and organizations in a culinary showdown. Contestants vie for the title of Best Chili and Wings. Proceeds from the family-friendly event benefit Settlers Cares Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to providing aid to hospitality workers in times of crisis. Participating restaurants include Cove Haven Resort, Gresham’s Chop House, Ben’s Fresh, Barley Creek Brewing Company, The Chestnut Inn, Frogtown Chophouse, John’s Italian Restaurant and The Dock on Wallenpaupack. Talented home chefs will also join the competition. Contestants get creative with their recipes, offering attendees a variety of flavors to sample. Previous year’s entries have included wing creations such as Kickin’ Bourbon Barrel, Chili Lime, Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Habanero, Garlic Parmesan Caramel Sesame and Spicy Asian. The chili competition has seen offerings such as Wagu Beef, Bison Bourbon, Smoky Texas Bison, Chocolate Barbecue Brisket and Wild Game. Celebrity guest judge, Bold Gold Media DJ Adam Owens, is a cooking enthusiast who brings his passion for food, and eating, to help size up the competition. He joins a panel of judges who will select the winners. In addition to bragging rights, first place winners receive a $100 cash prize and a trophy. Second and third place winners also take home a trophy. Everyone who attends gets a ballot for the People’s Choice Award and a chance to vote for their favorite dishes. The coveted title also brings a $100 cash prize for the winners plus trophies for first, second and third place. A ticket entitles guests to sample each of the wing and chili offerings. Tickets are $30 per person and $15 for children ages 5-10. Silver Birches not only hosts the savory competition but also supplies each participant with 80 pounds of wings and all the cups, plates, spoons, napkins, and wet naps necessary for service, at no charge. All proceeds from the Cookoff benefit the Settlers Cares Foundation, which aids local hospitality employees in times of crisis. “It’s really gratifying to see the way the community has embraced this event. Folks look forward to it all year long as a staple of spring. It’s tasty food and a fun atmosphere to raise funds for a worthy cause. You can’t beat it,” explains Settlers Hospitality Owner/CEO Justin Genzlinger. Attendees may buy a chance for a 50/50 raffle, which will also aid the hospitality employee crisis fund. The Jae Thomas Trio will provide the musical entertainment for the day. Settlers Hospitality, Bold Gold Media Group, and Runaway Train Brewery sponsor the Chili and Wing Cookoff. Tickets are $30 and are available online and at the door. Call 570-226-4388 for more information or visit SilverBirchesResortPA.com
Scranton Cultural Center, FREE Concert Featuring West Point Band Enjoy a concert given by the West Point Band at the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple on March 1 at 7:00 PM. The concert is free and open to the public. Join the West Point Band for “West Point on the March,” an exploration of the most classic American military musical genre: the march, featuring some of Sousa’s best-known works alongside lively selections like “Americans We” and Ethel Smyth’s anthem of women’s suffrage, “March of the Women.” The West Point Brass Quintet will showcase the powerful music of a New Orleans funeral, followed by stirring pieces inspired by the 1963 March on Washington, including Bob Dylan’s “When the Ship Comes In” and “Blowin’ in the Wind.” The concert wraps up with the unforgettable movie marches from “Indiana Jones” and “The Music Man.” The West Point Band free concert is sponsored by Gentex, LT Verrastro and supported by Lackawanna County and the PA Council on the Arts. The concert will take place in the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Theatre at 7:00 p.m. with the doors opening at 6:30 p.m. Concessions will be available for purchase. Tickets are free to the public and are required for admission. They can be acquired at the Fidelity Bank Box Office at the SCC in person or by calling (570) 344-1111, or via Ticketmaster. Convenience charges may apply online or by phone. There is a limit of four (4) tickets per household. For additional information and a full schedule of events, visit SCCMT.org. The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple’s 2024-2025 Season is sponsored by Fidelity Bank and LT Verrastro and supported by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, and the Lackawanna County Office of Arts and Culture, and Commissioners Matt McGloin, Bill Gaughan and Chris Chermak. A special thank you to its media partners: Allied Services, Audacy, Lamar Advertising and MAC Signs.
Scranton Cultural Center Hosts Comedian Rodney Carrington Outback Presents will host comedian Rodney Carrington on March 27 at 7:00 PM at the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple. Rodney Carrington is a multi-talented comedian, actor, singer and writer playing sold-out shows around the world as one of the top 10 highest-grossing touring comedians for the past two decades. A platinum-recording artist, Rodney’s recorded eight major record label comedy albums, followed by three albums on his own record label, Laughter’s Good Records. Rodney is fresh off the release of his latest album, “Get Em Out,” (released 2019) which hit #1 on iTunes. His album “Here Comes the Truth” (released 2017) climbed to #3 on the comedy charts, accruing tens of millions of streams on Spotify and even spawned a Netflix special. Rodney broke through with his major label comedy CD debut “Hangin’ With Rodney” in 1998. The next few years saw nine more Top 10 comedy albums, all of which continue to receive radio airplay and regularly place on the national comedy charts. “Hangin’ With Rodney” and “Morning Wood” earned RIAA gold record certification, and his Greatest Hits (a double CD) album reached platinum status. Rodney also released “Make it Christmas” which features his original song “Camouflage and Christmas Lights,” a tribute to the military. Rodney also added “author” to his list of accomplishments with the release of his book “Rodney Carrington, Coming Clean” published by Hatchette Books. Over the years, he’s starred in his own TV sitcom, “Rodney”, which ran for two seasons on ABC, co-wrote and co-starred with Toby Keith in the feature film, “Beer for My Horses,” which won the Tex Ritter Award from the ACM, and starred in his own Netflix special “Here Comes The Truth.” Rodney’s also appeared on countless other TV shows, including the ACA (American Country Awards), hosting the American Country New Year’s Eve Live show on FOX, and won “Supporting Character of the Year” from the CMT Music Video Awards for his appearance on the Trace Adkins’ music video “I Got My Game On.” The show will take place in the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Theatre, located on the building’s first floor, with doors opening for bar and concessions at 6:00 PM. Tickets start at $62.60 with a VIP add-on package available. All ticket prices include fees. Tickets will be available for purchase beginning February 13 at 10 AM at the Fidelity Bank Box Office at the SCC in person or by calling (570) 344-1111, or via Ticketmaster. For more information or to view a full schedule of events, visit SCCMT.org.
Scranton Area Community Foundation NEPA Thrives Workforce Barriers Summit Goes Virtual Originally scheduled as an in-person event, the NEPA Thrives Workforce Barriers Summit has transitioned to an interactive virtual format via Zoom, ensuring accessibility while maintaining the same valuable content. Hosted by the Scranton Area Community Foundation through its NEPA Thrives initiative, the Summit will bring employers, human resources professionals, executives, and managers together to tackle workforce recruitment and retention challenges across Northeastern Pennsylvania. Join the Workforce Landscape and Sector-Focused Collaboration in The Care Economy on Thursday, February 27, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM. The first hour, led by The Institute, will explore workforce dynamics in Northeastern Pennsylvania, including in-demand occupations, labor market trends and COVID-19 impacts. A panel featuring experts from the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, Geisinger, The Institute and JobsFirstNYC will follow, discussing sector-focused strategies to address workforce recruitment and retention challenges in the Care Economy. Participants will learn about local healthcare demand, industry partnerships, and strengthening talent pipelines. Register here. If you miss the first session, join the NEPA Workforce Landscape and Sector-Focused Collaboration on Thursday, March 6, from 9:00 to 11:00 AM. The Institute will present on the workforce landscape, followed by a discussion on regional workforce challenges. Experts will explore how employers, community organizations, and education providers can collaborate to address recruitment and retention barriers, highlighting promising practices and strategies with insights from JobsFirstNYC. Register here. Additional Sessions: March 13 – Strengthening Organizations Presentations March 19 – Childcare Panel March 21 – Employment Resources Panel March 24 – Transportation Panel April 3 – Unlocking Business Growth through Community Foundation Partnerships April 9 – K-12 Panel April 14 – The Welcoming Center This virtual series will include expert-led discussions and solution-driven collaborations, leading up to an in-person wrap-up collaborative on May 1, 2025. The Scranton Area Community Foundation is dedicated to fostering systemic change and collaborative solutions that benefit employers, workers, and families across Northeastern Pennsylvania. This Summit offers actionable strategies to strengthen organizations and drive economic growth in response to ongoing workforce challenges. For full session details and to register, visit SAFDN.org. For inquiries, contact Koren Clark, Community Impact Manager, at koren@safdn.org.
