THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF NEPA PLANS CLAY SHOOTING FUNDRAISER SCRANTON – The Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeastern Pennsylvania announced a first-time fundraiser to benefit the Club. The Club is hosting a Clay Shooting event on June 8th at Lehigh Valley Sporting Clays located at 2750 Limestone Street Coplay, PA 18037. Registration will begin at 8:30 am with a Shotgun at 9:30 am. There will be a delectable BBQ lunch to follow. Sporting Clays originated in England and was created to provide a recreational activity for hunters and people who like the outdoors. Each station provides a different setting and a variety of target presentations for optimal entertainment. Participants will experience games in stations and a 50/50 cash raffle. Everything one should need for shooting is available at the clubhouse. Basic instruction will be provided by their expert instructors. Sponsorship Packages include: Individual Shooter, $200 Includes Cart, Lunch, Ammo, Targets, and Loaner Gun if neededTeam of 4, $800 Includes Cart, Lunch for 4, Ammo, Targets, and Loaner Gun if neededPlatinum Sponsor, $2,500 Includes Team of 8; Lunch for 8; Cart, Ammo, Targets, Loaner Gun if needed, Station Sponsor Sign, Priority Sign Placement, Banner, Logo on a Lamar Advertising Billboard, Sponsor Table during registration, and Social Media blastGold Sponsor, $2,000 Includes Team of 4; Lunch for 4; Cart, Ammo, Targets, Loaner Gun if needed, Station Sponsor Sign, Logo on a Lamar Advertising Billboard, and Social Media blastSilver Sponsor, $1,500 Includes Team of 4; Lunch for 4; Cart, Ammo, Targets, Loaner Gun if needed, Station Sponsor Sign, and Social Media blastLunch Sponsor, $1,000 (only one available) Includes Team of 2, Lunch for 2, Cart, Ammo, Targets, Loaner Gun if needed, and BannerCart Sponsor, $1,000 (only one available) Includes Team of 2, Lunch for 2, Cart, Ammo, Targets, Loaner Gun if needed, and Logo on all Cart Signs l Station Sponsors, $250 Sponsor Sign Recognition at a shooting station (no shooters) This event is rain or shine and is open to the public. For more information contact Julianne Cucura at 570-342-8709 ext. 110 or jcucura@bgcnepa.org or visit Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeastern Pennsylvania – 2023 Clay Shooting Fundraiser (networkforgood.com).
Lackawanna College Robotics Program Partners with Leading Worldwide Robot Manufacturer SCRANTON – Lackawanna College will partner with ABB Robotics for its Center for Technology Innovation’s (CTI) Robotics & Integrated Technologies Program. The partnership will allow the CTI’s Robotics & Integrated Technologies Program students to receive hands-on experience with ABB equipment and train ABB robot owners and operators in the classroom. Lackawanna College is one of seven facilities nationwide to train students on ABB robots and the only facility in the northeast to be an ABB robot owner and operator training facility. “We are going to provide students with an understanding of the real workings of a robot, including programming, electrical and technology skills, then utilizing those skills in many different types of industrial/manufacturing and distribution facilities and environments,” Robotics & Integrated Technologies Program Director, Rob Crane said. “This partnership presents a career pathway to our students to pursue technical jobs in the field of robotics, such as programmers, technicians and integrators.” The partnership will allow Lackawanna College to deliver two training models, one for students pursuing an associate of science degree and the other for existing ABB robot owners and operators. The Robotics & Integrated Technology students will learn the same training materials and concepts as professional ABB robot owners and operators. Students will also receive a certificate from ABB upon completing the program. ABB robot owners and operators will register online for professional education via ABB’s website to receive training from Lackawanna College certified instructors on campus. ABB Robotics is one of the world’s leading robotics and machine automation suppliers being the only company with a comprehensive and integrated portfolio covering robots, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and machine automation solutions. Lackawanna College’s partnership with ABB Robotics will align with the CTI’s vision to ensure the college’s role as an economic, social and community development leader that supports the future industrial ecosystem. “This partnership is a huge opportunity and differentiator over any other higher ed institution in the northeast in terms of robotics,” CTI Executive Director and Cybersecurity Program Director Marc Gonzalez said. “ABB Robotics will provide longevity to our program keeping it innovative and relevant.” About Lackawanna College Founded in 1894, Lackawanna College is a private, accredited college serving the people of northeastern Pennsylvania. With the main campus situated in downtown Scranton, Lackawanna’s expanding footprint also includes satellite centers in Hawley, Hazleton, Sunbury, Towanda, Tunkhannock and the Environmental Education Center in Covington Township. Learn more at www.lackawanna.edu. Local. Affordable. Career-Focused.
Marywood’s First Annual Unified Softball Spectacular Special Olympics Pennsylvania’s Northeast Region is partnering with Marywood University for an upcoming event: Unified Softball Spectacular. We would be delighted if you and your family could join us. Please note details below:
Kentucky Derby Celebration Returns to Mohegan Pennsylvania On Saturday, May 6th, Kentucky Derby enthusiasts can enjoy live music, food trucks, mint juleps, a Hat Revue contest and plenty more! WILKES-BARRE, PA (April 25, 2023) – The Kentucky Derby Celebration is back at Mohegan Pennsylvania! This much anticipated annual party gets started at 2:00pm on Saturday, May 6th when outdoor beverage windows and food trucks open. Registration for the Hat Revue starts at 4:00pm, and guests will compete for up to $500 in Mohegan Pennsylvania gift cards. The Kentucky Derby celebration at Mohegan Pennsylvania is free for all fans age 21+ to enjoy. Outdoor beverage windows at the Kentucky Derby Celebration will offer mint juleps, Coors Light, Blue Moon, and a variety of seltzers, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages. Two of Pennsylvania’s best food trucks, Ray’s Porketta and Jitty Joe’s Homemade Ice Cream, will be stationed outside for the celebration. There will be live music by The JOB and Light up the Moon starting at 2:00pm. Guests can also participate in the NEPA Cornhole Tournaments throughout the afternoon on the track infield. It’s contest time! Guests can bring their greatest Churchill Downs inspired hats for a chance to win great prizes. Registration for the Hat Revue will be from 4:00pm – 6:00pm, and there are three different prizes that guests can win. The top prize includes a $500 Mohegan Pennsylvania gift card that will be awarded to the Best Dressed Couple. The other two categories are Most Classic and Most Creative, each awarding a $250 Mohegan Pennsylvania gift card. Mohegan Pennsylvania gift cards can be redeemed towards an overnight stay, tantalizing dining choices and incredible shopping selections across the property. At approximately 6:57pm, the Kentucky Derby will begin, televised on the outdoor jumbo screen and indoor racing TV’s. Mohegan Pennsylvania will also be accepting advance wagers for the Kentucky Derby on Friday, May 5th. There will be no live harness racing meets scheduled for May 6th but simulcast wagering will be available for all tracks with live meets including Churchill Downs throughout the day. All guests must be 18 years or older to place wagers at the indoor simulcast location. For more details on this event, visit: Kentucky Derby Celebration at Mohegan Pennsylvania ABOUT MOHEGAN PENNSYLVANIAMohegan Pennsylvania, owned by Mohegan, was the first destination to bring gaming to Pennsylvania in 2006 and since then has become one of the premier entertainment, gaming, shopping, and dining destinations in the state. Situated on 400 acres in Plains, Pennsylvania, Mohegan Pennsylvania features a 237-room hotel with on-site spa and adjacent 20,000 square-foot Convention Center. It is currently home to 67,000 square feet of gaming space including nearly 60 live table games, more than 1,700 slot machines and electronic table games, a variety of dining and shopping options, nightlife, entertainment and live harness racing. Mohegan Pennsylvania is within easy access of New York, Philadelphia, New Jersey, and Delaware. More information is available by calling 1.888.WIN.IN.PA (1.888.946.4672) or visiting MoheganPA.com Connect with us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram, download our app and view us on YouTube.
Health Coaching by Yolanda Offers Holistic Approach to Wellness A 20-minute conversation that changes lives is how Yolanda Regina Battaglia, the owner of HealthCoaching by Yolanda begins her client assessment. Her company specializes in helping individualsimprove their lifestyle and avoid, reduce, or eliminate medications for high cholesterol, high bloodpressure, and type 2 diabetes. With over 30 years of experience in the wellness field, includingpersonal training, life coaching, holistic nutrition, the psychology of eating, and all areas ofmind/body improvement, Health Coaching by Yolanda offers clients a customized program with aholistic approach to dietary and lifestyle changes. Yolanda shared, “I had a client who was on two medications for blood pressure and one forcholesterol. I wanted to adjust her diet so she could gradually get off these medications. She toldme, ‘That’s unlikely, I have been on these meds for 20 years.’ With my guidance and simple dietaryand lifestyle changes, she successfully lost weight and improved her health to the point where herdoctors took her off one of her blood pressure medications. She came back to me, joyfully cryingsaying, ‘I didn’t believe you when you said this could happen. Let’s keep going to see where we canend up.’ Today she is medication-free and leads a healthy plant-based lifestyle.” According to the CDC, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes are among themost common and costly chronic conditions in the United States. Health Coaching by Yolanda aimsto address this issue by providing individuals with the knowledge and resources they need to takecontrol of their health and avoid the need for costly medications. “I saw my family struggle with diabetes and heart disease with the passing of my grandmother andfather in their early 60’s” said Yolanda. “This is why I am so passionate about what I do. I don’t wantto see other families suffer when it could be prevented. These diseases are lifestyle diseases, so itmakes sense to make lifestyle changes”. Yolanda’s approach to wellness includes personalized nutritional guidance, a non-dieting mindset,exercise recommendations, the psychology of eating, stress management techniques, education,relationship to food, your personal roadblocks and ongoing support from the owner herself. Yolandaaims to help individuals achieve their health goals and live a life free from prescription medication by working closely with each client to develop a customized plan. “Everyone deserves to live a healthy, happy life, and I am committed to helping individuals achievethat through a fully personalized approach to wellness,” she added. For more information about Health Coaching by Yolanda and its holistic approach to wellness, callYolanda at (570) 903-8700.
GREATER SCRANTON YMCA TO WELCOME TWO RENOWNED YOUTH SPEAKERS TO ANNUAL HEALTHY KIDS DAY EVENT Taes Leavitt and Kelley Perotti will offer free speaking events for children in the greater Scranton region. DUNMORE, 04/25/2023 – As part of the Greater Scranton YMCA’s annual Healthy Kids Day® event on May 6th, and in conjunction with the Y’s Wellbeing Initiative, two renowned youth speakers – Taes Leavitt and Kelley Perotti – will offer motivational words to children and families in attendance. Taes Levitt will speak at 11:30 a.m. in Gym B and Kelly Perotti will speak at 12:15 p.m. in Gym B. Taes Leavitt is a two-time Juno award winner. She has spent the last 15 years creating empowering television and stage content for kids as one half of the musical duo, Splash’N Boots. Her goal is to empower kids to move confidently through their big feelings. Her research has revealed that the number one thing that holds people back is not knowing how to navigate big feelings— such as bullying, failure, guilt, sadness, and heartbreak. Her knowledge of children’s entertainment, combined with developmental psychology and mindfulness practices, has led to the creation of her program, which is approved by pediatricians and psychologists. When Kelley Perotti was invited to attend a martial arts class, little did she know it would genuinely change the course of her life. Now, Kelly Perotti is a two-time black belt, two-time Masters World Champion and an advocate for kindness and resilience. She is an elementary school motivational speaker focusing on the life-changing power of kindness. Kelley holds a 5th-degree black belt in martial arts, is a 1st-degree black belt in Jiu-Jitsu, holds a World Title, and owns her own martial arts studio where she trains hundreds of students to strive for greatness. “At a time where our mental and emotional health has never been more important, social emotional learning is a critical component for the development of our youth,” said Kevin Whelley, Director of the Wellbeing Initiative, Greater Scranton YMCA. “In 2021, 1 in 5 adolescents experienced a major depressive episode within the previous 12 months, and those numbers are likely only increasing. Social emotional learning teaches children how to identify their emotions and develop empathy and the skills and needed for improved self-control and stress management. Increased emotional intelligence allows our children to be more engaged students, better friends and/or siblings and more resilient in the face of day-to-day stressors.” The Y’s Wellbeing Initiative offers the Greater Scranton YMCA, and our community, a myriad of opportunities to enhance and support their emotional and mental health and wellness. We do this through a combination of educational and awareness programming, specialized instruction, social-emotional learning, workshops and seminars and community collaborations. The Wellbeing Initiative was made possible thanks to Community Project Funding from Congressman Cartwright’s Office. Programs are offered at the Greater Scranton YMCA, Greater Carbondale YMCA, Greater Wyoming Valley Area YMCA and Wayne County YMCA. Programs are free for Y members and non-members. Sponsored by Eggland’s Best, Healthy Kids Day’s mission is to turn fun and play into lifelong memories. Some featured activities include a Kids Fun Run that kicks-off at 10:30 a.m., vendor fair, petting zoo, rides, bounce houses, entertainment and more. The celebration will run from 10:00 a.m. through 2:00 p.m. Locally, Healthy Kids Day is sponsored by Community Bank, Matrix Fitness, TOPP Business Solutions, Cal Mal Vending Services, Northeastern Rehabilitation Associates, NET Credit Union and Rainey & Rainey CPAs. For more information about Healthy Kids Day, contact Brandon Whipple at (570) 828-3116 or bwhipple@gsymca.org or visit the Y online at https://www.greaterscrantonymca.org/special-events/. For more information about the Y’s Wellbeing Initiative, contact Kevin Whelley at (570) 774-392-0911 or kwhelley@gsymca.org or visit https://www.greaterscrantonymca.org/wellbeing-initiative/.About the YThe Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 22 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provideopportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. www.greaterscrantonymca.org About Eggland’s Best EggsEggland’s Best is the #1 branded egg in the U.S. and is an excellent source of Vitamins D, B12, E, B5 and riboflavin. Eggland’s Best eggs have six times more Vitamin D, more than double the Omega-3s, 10 times more Vitamin E and 25% less saturated fat than ordinary eggs. Eggland’s Best’s hens are fed a strictly controlled proprietary, high-quality all-vegetarian diet, which results in a better-tasting, more nutritious egg that stays fresher longer. For more information, visit www.egglandsbest.com.
Johnson College Raises $5,970 for Children’s Advocacy Center of Northeastern Pennsylvania Johnson College’s Carpentry Auction that was held on-campus on April 12, 2023, raised $5,970 to benefit the Children’s Advocacy Center of Northeastern Pennsylvania. More than 60 items were auctioned off, including cutting boards, tables, cabinets, a bookcase, and more. All items were created by students in the Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology program. Most of the items were made from re-purposed materials. 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 18 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
Commonwealth Health is a Cornerstone of Northeastern PA The skilled and compassionate hands of physicians, nurses and other team members of Commonwealth Health support the health and well-being of patients who turn to us for expert care. We are here, whenever needed. Beyond providing clinical care, Commonwealth Health is a cornerstone of our community and a major contributor to the economic health of Northeastern PA as a major employer and tax-payer and through our resources to expand and enhance the medical services available close to home. The overall impact is significant and totaled more than $482 million in 2022. Care was provided at more than 1 million patient encounters, including more than 81,500 emergency department visits, more than 19,600 inpatient admissions and more than 23,700 surgeries. Over 965,000 patients received care locally from our physician practices, walk-in locations and outpatient centers. Joy was delivered to local families with the birth of more than 2,000 babies at Moses Taylor Hospital and Wilkes-Barre General Hospital. “We help people get well and live healthier by providing quality care for patients,” said Michael Curran, chief executive officer for Regional Hospital of Scranton and Moses Taylor Hospital. “Our community is truly fortunate to have this dedicated team of clinicians who are making a real difference each and every day.” Commonwealth Health’s network provides a broad range of medical services, from highly specialized heart, lung and joint replacement surgery to more routine surgical needs and preventive care. Since 2022, more than 4,000 hearts beat stronger following cardiac catheterization at Commonwealth Health’s Heart & Vascular Institute located in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre. Eleven interventional cardiologists now offer this life-saving procedure and other treatments for heart health. Commonwealth Health and Rothman Orthopaedic Institute have announced a strategic alignment to transform the offering and delivery of orthopedic care and services in Northeastern PA. We expect to begin to serve patients through the affiliation in late summer 2023. Bringing moms and babies safely through childbirth is our priority. Our AI-based maternal-fetal early warning system monitors vital data throughout labor and delivery to help our maternity team recognize, prevent and respond to potential complications for an even safer birth. Simon Ratliff, chief executive officer for Wilkes-Barre General Hospital stated, “The vital care we provide is only one part of the broad impact we have. We are a cornerstone of this community and we are committed to doing all we can to provide excellent healthcare services and to making Northeastern PA a healthier, better community for all.” Commonwealth Health also gives back to Northeastern PA by providing over $49 million in charity and uncompensated care for the community’s most vulnerable. And the payment of $23 million in property and sales taxes helps support civic resources and services. The hospitals’ payroll of more than $361 million ripples across the local economy as employees buy goods and services. Last year the hospitals added enhanced benefits to help team members achieve their personal and professional goals, including assistance with student loan repayments, reimbursement of licensure and certification expenses, as well as tuition reimbursement. To train additional caring and skilled nurses, Jersey College and Commonwealth Health have collaborated to establish a School of Nursing on Moses Taylor Hospital’s campus, serving the greater region. We welcomed our first class of students in January 2023. To help the community live healthier, Commonwealth Health offers a free e-newsletter with a monthly dose of health and wellness inspiration sent directly to your inbox. Sign up at commonwealthhealth.net.
Harold Says as the People’s Advocate The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted and exacerbated issues older adults have experienced for years like rising drug prices, isolation and difficulty accessing or affording healthcare. What progress have local organizations made in addressing these challenges? Harold Cameron, is the voice for people, was diagnosed with 2 brain tumors in 2006, had to advocate for himself to get what he needed. “If you start to change the way you think, you will start to change the way you feel”. “With the right attitude ask the right questions, and present the correct information you are irrefutable”. “Bottom line is: Don’t Give Up”. “You are loved, and if you need help, here I am”. Harold Cameron spoke on being the people’s advocate and how he has been impacted through the pandemic. Connect with him on LinkedIN Harold Says Website Watch to the full video HERE
