RailRiders University Community Series Begins April 5 Annual series puts local high school and special needs teams on PNC Field 13 times this year.The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders are pleased to announce the schedule for the seventh annual RailRiders University Community Series, presented by Geisinger. Each year, the RailRiders welcome local high school and special needs teams onto PNC Field to showcase their talents. 2023 RailRiders University Community SeriesDate Time Game Details April 5 4:30 P.M. Wyoming Seminary High School vs. Holy Redeemer High SchoolDoubleheader A battle of first-year head coaches starts the schedule when Kyle Ofier and the Blue Knights take on Ryan Knowles and the Royals.Riverside High School vs. Holy Cross High SchoolRailRiders University instructor Sean Hughes leads the Vikings against the defending District 2 Champion Crusaders, led by Sandy Menichetti. April 6 4:30 P.M. Hanover Area High School vs. Greater Nanticoke High SchoolEric Spencer’s Trojans and Todd Kolbicka’s Hawkeyes return to PNC Field. April 10 3:00 P.M. Western Wayne High School vs. Mid Valley High SchoolWildcats John Bonyl takes on RRU instructor Ryan Kropa’s Spartans. April 17 4:30 P.M. Delaware Valley High School vs. North Pocono High SchoolRRU instructor Brian Jardine and the Trojans host Sean Gilbin and the Warriors, who are making their PNC Field debut. April 21 4:30 P.M. Panther Valley High School vs. Abington Heights High SchoolThe Comets and RRU’s Billy Zalewski, host the Panthers from District 11.April 24 4:30 P.M. West Scranton High School vs. Scranton High School Jamie Higgins, a RRU instructor, and the Knights host Brian Minnich and the Invaders in this classic rivalry match-up.Triple-A Affiliate of theScranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRidersPNC Field 235 Montage Mountain Road Moosic, PA 18507 570-969-2255 www.swbrailriders.commedia advisoryApril 28 4:30 P.M. Blue Ridge High School vs. Mid Valley High SchoolThe Spartans host coach Rob Dibble and the Raiders. May 1 4:30 P.M. Valley View High School vs. Abington Heights High SchoolAnother great rivalry game that pits the Cougars, led by Jason Munley, against the Comets. May 7 TBD Crestwood High School vs. Dallas High SchoolAfter the RailRiders host the Rochester Red Wings, Sean Foley’s Comets and Mike Viglione’s Mountaineers wrap our Community Series with a rivalry clash. There is no parking or admission fee for any of the 2023 RailRiders University Community Series games.The RailRiders are also proud to host the Wyoming Valley Challenger League as part of the Community Series on June 11, 25 and July 9. RailRiders University will host three camps this summer – June 27-29, July 25-27 and August 15-17. Save the dates now and be sure to book your six to 14 year-old once registration begins. Contact Robby Judge at (570) 558-4612 or rjudge@swbrailriders.com for additional information.The 2023 RailRiders University Community Series is presented by Geisinger as part of their continued commitment to Northeastern Pennsylvania. For more information, please contact the RailRiders front office at(570) 969-BALL.
Gerrity’s Fresh Grocer Celebrates Employee Appreciation Week The essential heroes at Gerrity’s The Fresh Grocer and Gerrity’s Ace Hardware will be getting some well-deserved recognition for their hard work. FMI (Food Marketing Institute), the food industry association has created a national initiative to thank the country’s supermarket workers, and Gerrity’s is joining the party. Wednesday, February 22, will be Supermarket Employee Day – a time for the food industry and the community to recognize employees at every level for the work they do, feeding families and enriching lives. Gerrity’s will be including their Ace hardware team as well. At Gerrity’s, “Mom” has some special surprises for her 1,300 team members, including a catered lunch on Friday, February 24th and a 20% discount on their weekly grocery order. However, the most important component of the celebration is the effort to spread public awareness. “We try to show our appreciation to our team every day, but our main goal for this event is to make sure that everyone knows the critical role these everyday heroes play in our community,” said Joyce “Mom” Fasula, President of Gerrity’s. Supermarkets are arguably the center of their respective communities, touching every life around them. Across the country, millions of supermarket employees go to work every day, keeping shelves stocked and providing essential nutrition and services that help communities survive and thrive. This is especially true during periods of crisis. In the face of natural disasters – hurricanes, blizzards, fires, and floods – supermarket employees keep their towns and cities going. When COVID-19 shut the rest of the world down, supermarkets and hardware stores stayed open. “It has been an extraordinarily challenging few years. Our team, and all grocery workers, have worked extremely hard. They have earned an extra pat on the back,” said Fasula. All ten Gerrity’s Fresh Grocer locations and four Gerrity’s Ace locations will get the word out with signs, in-store announcements and social media posts throughout the week. Gerrity’s is a family-owned supermarket business that began in 1895 as a small meat market. Today, the company is the largest family-owned supermarket business in Northeastern Pennsylvania and is led by Joe Fasula and his mom, Joyce Fasula, known to customers as “Mom.” The company includes ten supermarkets and four hardware stores in Lackawanna, Luzerne and Northampton counties and currently employs over 1,300 associates.
Treasurer Stacy Garrity Announces America Saves Week Webinars Treasurer Stacy Garrity today announced three upcoming webinars as part of America Saves Week, which runs February 27 through March 3. America Saves Week is an annual event to encourage families to make informed choices when it comes to saving and protecting money, reducing debt, and building wealth. “America Saves Week is the perfect time to highlight Treasury’s great savings programs and let families across Pennsylvania know that we can help them save more effectively,” Garrity said. “I’m excited to work with the Pennsylvania Bankers Association and PHEAA for these webinars to help get the word out about the great financial resources available to Pennsylvanians.” Treasury is partnering with experts to present three free webinars that will cover cybersecurity, student financial aid, and an overview of Treasury’s savings programs, including the PA 529 College and Career Savings Program, Keystone Scholars and the PA ABLE Savings Program. The America Saves Week webinar schedule is: Tuesday, February 28, at 12:00 p.m. – Protecting Your Savings This session, presented by the Pennsylvania Bankers Association, will share information about the current cybersecurity landscape and provide tips on safeguarding your financial information. Wednesday, March 1, at 12:00 p.m. – Covering College Costs Presented by Treasury and the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA), this session will cover affordable ways to pay for college, including the benefits of PA 529 plans and other aspects of financial aid to cover funding gaps, such as PA Forward Student Loans. Thursday, March 2, at 12:00 p.m. – Overview of Treasury’s Consumer Savings Programs Presented by Treasury, this session will illustrate how families can use Treasury’s savings programs to build a brighter future, including PA 529, Keystone Scholars, and PA ABLE. The PA 529 College and Career Savings Program helps families steadily and strategically save for future education expenses. Treasury offers two plans; the PA 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan, which allows families to save at today’s tuition rates to meet tomorrow’s tuition costs, and the PA 529 Investment Plan that offers a number of investment options. Both plans offer significant state and federal tax advantages and can be used for a wide variety of qualifying technical, collegiate, apprenticeship and K-12 educational expenses. Keystone Scholars jumpstarts educational savings by providing a $100 investment for every child born to a Pennsylvania family on or after January 1, 2019. The program uses no taxpayer money, and the funds are invested by Treasury to grow as the child grows. The funds can be used after a child’s 18th birthday for a wide variety of postsecondary educational expenses. PA ABLE is a tax-free way for Pennsylvanians to save for disability-related expenses while maintaining government disability benefits. PA ABLE allows for up to $17,000 in savings annually, and up to $100,000 total without impacting important benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid. Funds are easy to access and may be used for a wide range of expenses. To register for one or more of these free webinars, visit pa529.com/webinars. To learn more about all of Treasury’s Consumer Savings Programs, visit patreasury.gov/consumer. Media contact: Samantha Heckel, Press Secretary, 717-418-0206 or sheckel@patreasury.gov
WVIA Receives Five 2023 Awards WVIA has received five 2023 Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters (PAB) Awards for programs in three categories. WVIA received two PABs in the Outstanding Documentary Program 2023 category for Agnes 50: Life After The Flood and VIA Short Takes: 201. WVIA also received two PABs in the Outstanding Television Public Affairs Program/Program Series 2023 category for Keystone Edition Reports: Agnes 50 and Mind Over Matter: You Are Not Alone. In addition, WVIA’s George Graham has been awarded the Radio Broadcaster of the Year Award. “To be recognized by the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters for the work that we do is always an honor,” said Ben Payavis II, Chief Content Officer at WVIA. “The work that received awards this year tells the stories of our region, and we are proud to share them with the world.” “WVIA creates programs that ask hard questions and dig deep into their subject matter,” said Carla McCabe, WVIA President, and CEO. “We are honored that these programs are being recognized, as they highlight the stories and people of Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania while maintaining the high quality that our viewers and listeners have come to expect from WVIA. Something that our own George Graham, who is also being recognized, has been doing for our region for decades.” Agnes 50: Life After The Flood, VIA Short Takes: 201, Keystone Edition Reports: Agnes 50, and Mind Over Matter: You Are Not Alone are available to watch anytime, on-demand at wvia.org as well as on the PBS and WVIA Apps. The Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters endeavors to promote collaboration between radio {“type”:”block”,”srcIndex”:10,”srcClientId”:”aa940bd4-652b-4470-8be5-130a79949482″,”srcRootClientId”:””}and television broadcast station owners, managers, and staff across the Commonwealth. We assist our member stations in serving their communities, audiences, and advertisers through FCC-licensed free over-the-air broadcast program operations. To learn more about the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters, please visit https://pab.org. WVIA Mission WVIA educates, inspires, entertains and fosters citizenship, diverse cultures, and perspectives to nurture community.
Johnson College to Offer Forklift Operator Training Course Johnson College‘s Continuing Education program is offering a Forklift Operator Training Course on Sunday, March 19, 2023, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Diesel Truck Technology Center on the College’s campus in Scranton. The cost of the course is $200, but if you are a current Johnson College student or alum the cost is only $100. Space is limited! Visit johnson.edu/continuingeducation or contact our Continuing Education team at 570-702-8979 or continuinged@johnson.edu to learn more and enroll. The forklift operator training is designed to familiarize students with OSHA Powered Industrial Truck Operator Training Requirements (29CFR Standard 1910.178 and ASME B56.1), provide current training requirements under the newly adopted standards, and assist participants in becoming an authorized operator of forklifts through theory and tactile testing. Nine hours of instruction including pre-operational inspection, picking up, traveling, and placing loads, parking procedures, refueling, and practical operation. Johnson College provides real-world, hands-on learning in a supportive environment and prepares graduates to enter into or advance in their in-demand careers. Johnson College was founded in 1912 and is the region’s only technical college, offering 17 associate degrees, four academic certificates, and over 30 continuing education programs. A low student-to-instructor ratio supports an emphasis on hands-on learning. Located in Scranton on a 44-acre campus with a satellite campus serving the greater Hazleton area, the College is an accredited, private, non-profit, co-educational institution with a strong tradition of working with regional businesses and industries to ensure a skilled and qualified workforce. For additional information on Johnson College, please call 1-800-2-WE-WORK, email enroll@johnson.edu, or visit Johnson.edu.
United Way Offers Community Service Scholarship The United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties is pleased to announce the availability of the 2023 Mike Munchak Community Services Scholarship to assist high school seniors from Lackawanna, Wayne or Pike Counties, who plan to continue their education at an accredited university, college, or trade school in a two or four-year degree program. If selected, the 2023 recipient will receive a one-year award of $6,300 to commemorate Munchak’s #63, retired by the Houston Oilers. Funding for the award comes from proceeds of the Mike Munchak Charity Golf Classic and will be presented at this year’s 27th annual tournament, slated for this upcoming June at the Country Club of Scranton. A 2001 enshrinee in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Mr. Munchak’s career has earned him accolades as both a player and a coach. Yet, it is his work off the field that led to a scholarship program being established by the United Way to honor his long-standing commitment to his hometown of Scranton and the people of the area. “For the past 26 years, we’ve been honored to work with Mike and we remain grateful to him for his unwavering commitment to the people of our community,” said Gary Drapek, president of the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties. To be eligible for the scholarship, candidates must be actively involved in community service activities within programs/agencies receiving funds from the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties, be full-time residents and/or students of a school district within Lackawanna, Wayne or Pike Counties, and be accepted by an accredited university, college or trade school, in a two or four-year degree program track, for the 2023/2024 school year. Additional requirements include a demonstrated financial need, academic achievement, agency recommendation and a track record of community service. The 2022 scholarship recipient was Michael Watkins, a Scranton Preparatory High School graduate. His community service accomplishments included the United Way Day of Caring, Boys and Girls Club, Scranton Cultural Center Food and Clothing Drives, St. Paul’s Block Party, Kettle Basketball Camp, visits to Mountain View Nursing Center, Peer Tutoring and Orientation at Scranton Prep. Additionally, Watkins was a member of the National Honor Society, Dean’s Team, Vice President of the Business Club, Treasurer of Kiva Microfinance Club, President of Advanced Strategical Minds as well as an array of other clubs and activities. The Scholarship Committee noted Michael’s superior GPA as well as the leadership qualities he exhibited throughout his time at Scranton Prep. To be considered, completed applications must be postmarked no later than March 31, 2023. A complete listing of eligibility requirements and the application are available to complete (or download) at www.uwlc.net. Any further questions can be directed to Frank Kincel at the United Way 570.343-1267 x233.
Marywood University Adds More Events to Spring Schedule Marywood University’s Music, Theatre, and Dance department has added several more events to its original spring semester performance schedule. Performances are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted as admission cost required or designated as a school district performance. Admission prices, if any, will be listed with the performance. Check online at marywood.edu/news/mtd-events-spring-2023 for the most recent performance information. MarchSunday, 3/5Northeastern Youth Wind and String Ensemble 4 p.m.Munley Theatre, Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing ArtsConcertSaturday, 3/25Gabriella ComesNoonMarian Chapel, Swartz Center for Spiritual LifeSenior RecitalSunday, 3/26Gabriel Jenceleski 2 p.m.Marian Chapel, Swartz Center for Spiritual LifeJunior RecitalSunday, 3/26Adam Jonkman and Dax Sowul5 p.m.Marian Chapel, Swartz Center for Spiritual LifeSenior RecitalTuesday, 3/28Mason Coccodrilli7 p.m.Room 98, Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing ArtsSenior RecitalThursday, 3/30Jack and The Beanstalk*10 a.m.Munley Theatre, Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing Arts — *School District Performance; not open to the publicChildren’s Theatre PerformanceFriday, 3/31Jack and The Beanstalk*11 a.m.Munley Theatre, Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing Arts — *School District Performance; not open to the public Children’s Theatre PerformanceAprilSaturday, 4/1Jack and The Beanstalk*2 p.m.Munley Theatre, Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing Arts — *Admission cost required. Cost is $10 per person (regardless of age); free with Marywood ID. Tickets can be purchased in advance by credit card at https://marywood.universitytickets.com/ or purchased at the door with cash.Children’s Theatre PerformanceSaturday, 4/1 Jessica Tassey and Aryana SmithNoonMarian Chapel, Swartz Center for Spiritual LifeSenior RecitalSunday, 4/2Nomadic Chromatics2 p.m.Room 104, Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing ArtsA cappella ConcertSunday, 4/2Ruiwen Su3 p.m.Marian Chapel, Swartz Center for Spiritual LifeJunior RecitalSunday, 4/16Tutti Concert2 p.m.Munley Theatre, Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing ArtsConcertSunday, 4/16Wind Symphony4 p.m.Munley Theatre, Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing ArtsConcertFriday, 4/21Orchestra7 p.m.Marian Chapel, Swartz Center for Spiritual LifeConcertSaturday, 4/22Max Kaiser and Bridget Guziewicz 1 p.m.Marian Chapel, Swartz Center for Spiritual LifeSenior RecitalSaturday, 4/22Hyun Sook Jeong (guest artist)7:30 p.m.Marian Chapel, Swartz Center for Spiritual LifePiano RecitalSunday, 4/23Orchestra Concert2 p.m.Marian Chapel, Swartz Center for Spiritual LifeConcertWednesday, 4/26General Recital8 p.m.Marian Chapel, Swartz Center for Spiritual LifeGeneral RecitalThursday, 4/27Jazz Ambassadors7 p.m.Marian Chapel, Swartz Center for Spiritual LifeConcertSunday, 4/30Concert Choir and Civic Orchestra2 p.m.Munley Theatre, Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing ArtsConcertMayMonday, 5/1String Ensemble Concert7 p.m.Munley Theatre, Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing ArtsConcertMonday, 5/1Voice General Recital8 p.m.Marian Chapel, Swartz Center for Spiritual LifeVoice RecitalSaturday, 5/6Chamber Singers7:30 p.m.Marian Chapel, Swartz Center for Spiritual LifeConcertSunday, 5/7Percussion Ensemble2 p.m.Munley Theatre, Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing ArtsConcertSunday, 5/7Carlie Cocco4 p.m.Marian Chapel, Swartz Center for Spiritual LifeJunior RecitalMonday, 5/8String Project6:30 p.m.Munley Theatre, Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing ArtsConcertTuesday, 5/9Evening of Strings7 p.m.Marian Chapel, Swartz Center for Spiritual LifeConcertThursday, 5/11General Recital8 p.m.Marian Chapel, Swartz Center for Spiritual LifeGeneral RecitalFriday, 5/12D’Ambra Galvin7 p.m.Marian Chapel, Swartz Center for Spiritual LifeSenior Recital
University of Scanton to Host HamSCI Workshop The University of Scranton will host the HamSCI Workshop 2023, which engages amateur radio enthusiasts and professional scientists to collaborate on existing and future innovative research projects. Titled “Forging Amateur-Professional Bonds,” the conference takes place March 17-18 at locations on campus and at the historic Lackawanna Station hotel. HamSCI is an officially recognized NASA Citizen Science project and the conference has received grant support from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC.) “The HamSCI Workshop plays a unique and important role in the development of both the amateur radio community and the scientific workforce,” said Nathaniel Frissell, Ph.D., (W2NAF) assistant professor of physics and electrical engineering at The University of Scranton. Speakers for the HamSCI Workshop 2023 include a keynote presentation by Patricia Reiff, Ph.D., (W5TAR) professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Rice University and founding director of the Rice Space Institute. She will discuss the importance of united teams of amateurs and professionals in conducting and advancing scientific research. She earned her Ph.D. in space physics and astronomy from Rice University. Joseph Huba, Ph.D., vice president of Syntek Technologies and former head of the Space Plasma Physics Section at the Naval Research Laboratory, will discuss “Modeling the Ionosphere with SAMI3.” Dr. Huba’s tutorial will provide a general overview of ionospheric physics and SAMI3, which models the plasma and chemical evolution of seven ion species. Dr. Huba earned his Ph.D. in theoretical plasma physics at the University of Maryland. Also, speaking at the conference will be Jesse Alexander (WB2IFS/3), a licensed amateur radio operator, who will discuss his efforts to introduce young people to the wonder of the Electromagnetic Spectrum through hands-on ham radio-based experiences. The HamSCI Workshop will give participants hands-on experience using University’s amateur radio station W3USR as well. The workshop will also serve as a team meeting for the HamSCI Personal Space Weather Station project (PSWS), which is a $1.3 million NSF funded project previously awarded to Dr. Frissell. The workshop also features presentations of research abstracts related to the latest developments related radio science and amateur radio, including those related to solar eclipse ionospheric effects, Sporadic E, traveling ionospheric disturbances (TIDs), and space and terrestrial weather impacts to radio propagation. University of Scranton students Veronica Romanek, Hampton, New Jersey, a senior physics and Spanish double major; Francis Tholley ’21, Darby, a software engineering graduate student, who earned his bachelor’s degree in computer engineering from Scranton; and Shaaf Sarwar, Qazalbash Chowk, Lahore, Pakistan, a senior physics major and recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship, will be among the research presenters. In addition, the Murgas Amateur Radio club from NEPA will showcase old amateur radios in an “Amateur Radio Through the Ages” exhibit in the display cases on the second floor of Loyola Science Center. The Murgas Amateur Radio Club and Scranton Pocono Amateur Radio Club will also run a special event amateur radio station at the workshop using the W3USR call sign and offer on-site amateur radio license exams. The HamSCI Workshop 2023 offers both in-person or virtual participation. Lodging for the event is available at the historic Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel Scranton and the Hilton Scranton and Conference Center. For registration details and conference information, visit the HamSCI Workshop 2023 webpage.
The Anthracite Heritage Museum Reopens for Charter Day The Anthracite Heritage Museum will be open and free to the public in celebration of Charter Day on Sunday, March 12 to celebrate the 342nd anniversary of Pennsylvania’s original charter.The Anthracite Heritage Museum will offer free admission and a special presentation of a film by the Underground Miners. The film features a 30 minute conversation with nonagenarian anthracite miner Phil Voystock. It will run each hour. These events are part of the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission’s Charter Day event, when museums and historic sites throughout Pennsylvania celebrate the Commonwealth’s birthday with free admission and special programs.
Allied Services Named Charity Partner For TCS New York City Marathon Allied Services has been named an Official Charity Partner for the 2023 TCS New York City Marathon, which takes place on Sunday, November 5. Allied Services will be among more than 550 official charity partners providing thousands of runners the opportunity to run in the world’s biggest and boldest marathon. The TCS New York City Marathon is one of the city’s most anticipated and iconic annual sporting events, attracting runners and spectators of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities worldwide. More than 50,000 runners are expected this year after the race returned to full capacity last year. In the past 13 years, Allied Services has raised over $5 million by participating in the TCS New York City Marathon. The funds raised have enabled Allied Services to invest in cutting-edge rehab technology and programs that change the lives of children and adults with disabilities in northeastern and central Pennsylvania. The Allied Services charity team for 2023 will include 55 volunteer athletes from around the United States. Runners interested in joining the team can learn more at www.allied-services.org/teamallied/apply-to-run/ “Allied Services is thrilled to be named as an official charity partner of the 2021 TCS New York City Marathon,” said Jim Brogna, Vice President of Strategic Partnership Development. “The TCS New York City Marathon has provided a transformative experience not only for our dedicated runners raising funds for our cause but also for our employees and the individuals and families we serve.” “The TCS New York City Marathon is one of the most exciting days of the year, and thanks to our incredible charity partners it is also one of the most impactful and purposeful sporting events in the world,” said Christine Burke, Senior Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, NYRR. “New York Road Runners is proud to support the Allied Services team and the incredible impact they have made to their communities as they raise important funds to benefit individuals with disabilities in Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania.” The NYRR Official Charity Partner Program allows nonprofit organizations to raise funds to support their missions and services. Participating charities can offer guaranteed entry to runners who fundraise on their behalf. Since its inception in 2006, the TCS New York City Marathon Official Charity Partner Program has raised more than $460 million for more than 1,000 worthy nonprofit organizations across the globe. Before the start of the official program, the New York City Marathon had served as an outlet for individual philanthropic runners since the 1980s.
