Treasurer Stacy Garrity today announced that the Pennsylvania Treasury Department is celebrating 529 Day throughout the month of May with a promotion that could put more than $40,000 into new PA 529 College and Career Savings Program accounts to boost education savings.

Pennsylvanians who open a new PA 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan (GSP) account in May will be automatically eligible to win a top award of $5,290 for their PA 529 GSP account, or one of 67 county-specific awards of $529 in PA 529 GSP account contributions. Only those with newly opened PA 529 GSP accounts will be eligible for awards, and official rules are available online at pa529.com/529day.

“I’m excited to offer this great incentive to motivate more families to start saving,” Garrity said. “It’s never too early or too late to start saving for your child’s future education. By including 67 county-specific awards, we’re ensuring that the impact is felt all across Pennsylvania. With PA 529, families enjoy big tax benefits while helping their child follow their dreams. Offering these awards will give their savings a big jumpstart.”

529 Day, celebrated every May 29, highlights the benefits of saving for postsecondary education with a 529 account – and Pennsylvania’s PA 529 accounts are among the most highly-rated in the nation.

The PA 529 GSP is one of two savings plans offered by the PA 529 College and Career Savings Program. PA 529 plans have been helping families save and pay for postsecondary education for 30 years.

PA 529 GSP account earnings are based on college tuition inflation rates. Families can select from a variety of tuition levels from community colleges to Ivy League universities. Each credit saved at today’s rates will cover a credit of tuition at tomorrow’s prices – whether a child pursues postsecondary education in a few years, or in 18 years.

Saving with a PA 529 GSP account provides great tax benefits including state income tax deductions on contributions (up to $16,000 per beneficiary per year, $32,000 for married couples); tax-free growth on federal and Pennsylvania state income taxes; tax-free withdrawals for qualified expenses; and gift and inheritance tax benefits. Another advantage for PA 529 accounts is that assets do not affect eligibility for Pennsylvania state financial aid.

PA 529 accounts can be used to pay for tuition, fees, books, equipment and room and board at technical schools, apprenticeship programs, community colleges, and four-year colleges nationwide.

For more information about PA 529 accounts and to start saving today, visit pa529.com, email pa529@patreasury.gov or call 800-440-4000. 529 Day promotion rules can be found at pa529.com/529day.

A blare of the trumpet and beat of the drums signals the start of summer and the return of Settlers Hospitality’s Summer Music Series. Music fills the air beginning Memorial Day Weekend with Lakeside Live at The Dock on Wallenpaupack and Blues, Brews and BBQ at Glass- wine.bar.kitchen. Then, Jazz on the Deck returns to The Settlers Inn on June 1.

Lakeside Live at Silver Birches Resort
Lakeside Live provides a wave of good vibes every weekend at Captain Wally’s Cocktail Cove. On Saturday and Sunday, talented musicians perform live on the lawn overlooking Lake Wallenpaupack at Silver Birches. Visitors may savor snacks, salad and sandwiches from Captain Wally’s while listening to the tunes. Boaters can order Dock and Dine from The Dock on Wallenpaupack and enjoy a meal from the water. Bands perform from 3-6 p.m. The lineup features local favorites such as Gone Crazy, Eric Rudy, Silver Meteor and Sean O’Flynn.

Blues, Brews & BBQ at Ledges Hotel
Blues, Brews and BBQ is one of the most highly anticipated events of Summer. Each Sunday through Labor Day renowned blues musicians perform live at Glass-wine.bar.kitchen overlooking Paupack High Falls. Guests may enjoy classic barbecue specials paired with local craft brews along with the restaurant’s full menu. Wallenpaupack Gorge serves as a natural amphitheater to showcase the talents of noted blues musicians. Blues, Brews and BBQ kicks off May 29 with a performance by Lighten Up Band. June’s lineup includes Merchants of Groove (June 5), Randy Lippincott and Joey “Hot Box” Simon (June 12), The Barn Cats (June 19) and Bobby Kyle (June 26). July starts with a bang on July 3 courtesy of Teddy Young and the Aces. The beat goes on with Gary Rixner and Indigo Moon Brass Band (July 10), Scott Weis (July 17), Norman Taylor (July 24) and Jeremy Langdale Band (July 31). August brings performances by Rich and The Jumpstarts (Aug 7), Dustin Douglas and The Electric Gentlemen (Aug 14), Dan Brother Band (Aug 21) and Scott Weis (Aug 28). The series concludes Labor Day weekend when Bobby Kyle returns for a performance (Sept 4).

Jazz on the Deck at The Settlers Inn
Jazz on the Deck is a staple of summer in the Pocono Mountains. The event at The Settlers Inn draws professional performers whose credits range from Broadway and the New York cabaret scene to international jazz festivals. Every Wednesday evening during summer, a rotating lineup of musicians entertains from 6-9 p.m. Guests may enjoy farm-to-table cuisine overlooking the Inn’s manicured garden or choose a table on the lawn and take advantage of cocktail service. The highly anticipated series begins June 1 with Stefan Bauer. The music continues with The Craig Graham Trio (June 8), “All That Jazz” with Michelle Oram (June 15), Hang Em High (June 22), and The Andrea Wolper Trio (June 29). The Gary Rixner Quartet gets things started in July with a performance on July 6. That is followed by Krampus (July 13), The Gabrielle Tranchina Quartet (July 20) and Judi Silvano (July 27). August brings performances by L4 Featuring Daniel Gonzalez (Aug 3), The Gypsy Jazz Quintet (Aug 10), The Robert Kopec Quartet (Aug 17), The Glenn Heller Trio (Aug 24) and Spencer and Nancy Reed (Aug 26). Thos Shipley closes out the series on August 31.

“The Summer Music Series resonates with so many people. It’s an honor to host events that are a cherished tradition for our guests,” states Justin Genzlinger, CEO/Owner, Settlers Hospitality. “The stunning surroundings amplify the beauty of the tunes, so you are going to enjoy these performances no matter the style of music.” With welcoming venues, delectable food and accessible music, Settlers Hospitality has crafted a recipe for success. Visit SettlersHospitality.com for more information.

It is once again, our pleasure to invite you to this year’s Andrew Mazza Diesel Jam, to take place on Saturday, June 11th, at the Circle Drive-In, Dickson City, Pa. While Diesel Jam continues to be a celebration of the diesel truck community, we are excited to expand our show, at the request of many of our sponsors and spectators, to officially include a heavy equipment expo for 2022!

Diesel Jam is a rain or shine, family-friendly event, free to all spectators. Trucks of all kinds are highly encouraged to participate with check-in/registration beginning at 8 am and Diesel Jam starting at 9 am! 

Thanks to the huge success and turnout of last year’s show, we are proud to announce that Diesel Jam will fund over 20 scholarships for trade students throughout NEPA in the coming year.  We intend to support both Diesel students already at trade schools and local high school students entering any trade school.

Munley Law is pleased to announce that Partner Daniel Munley was named a 2022 Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyer.

The Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers list is an elite group of plaintiffs’ attorneys from all over the United States. Daniel Munley, along with Munley Law Partner Marion Munley, were the only two attorneys in Northeastern Pennsylvania to be named to
this year’s list. Dan was also named a Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyer in 2021 and 2020.

A champion of plaintiffs’ rights, Dan has won many multimillion-dollar settlements and verdicts for injury clients throughout the United States, including one of the largest truck accident settlements in history. A seasoned truck accident lawyer, Dan is triple board certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy in Truck Accident Law, Civil Trial Law, and Civil Practice Advocacy. He has also been certified by the Association of Interstate Trucking Lawyers of America. He had served as Chairperson of the American Association for Justice’s Trucking Litigation Group and received the Robert W. Munley Champion of Justice Award in 2020.

Dan regularly presents cutting-edge truck accident trial techniques at legal conferences throughout the country. He has been listed in Best Lawyers in America since 2013 and has been named one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Pennsylvania by the National Trial Lawyers Association.

NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania (NeighborWorks) recently accepted a contribution from FNCB Bank, in the amount of $10,000 through the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development’s Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP).

The contribution will support the Scranton Beautiful Blocks Program for 2022. Beautiful Blocks, which is jointly sponsored by NeighborWorks and the City of Scranton, provides matching grants of up to $1,000 to each member of a group of at least five Scranton residents to help them make exterior improvements to their homes. Grants are awarded annually through a competitive application process.

“NeighborWorks is a driving force in many neighborhood revitalization projects in our community and FNCB is proud to support their efforts,” said Jerry Champi, FNCB Bank President & CEO.
“We are grateful to our good friends at FNCB Bank for this very generous contribution through the Neighborhood Assistance Program,” said Jesse Ergott, NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania President & CEO. ““They have been an amazing partner for many years and we are excited to put their investment to good use this year in our Beautiful Blocks Program.”

Chris Kelly has been hired as an employee benefits advisor at the Scranton branch of Swift Kennedy & Associates, an insurance brokerage firm specializing in group employee benefits and senior insurance plans.  In this position, he will provide clients with benefit plans that are tailored to fit their needs and solutions to complex insurance issues.

Before joining Swift Kennedy, Kelly was a financial professional at 1847Financial and a benefits specialist at American Income Life, where he provided clients in northeastern Pennsylvania with life, accident, and disability coverage. He has also worked as an ISA Certified Arborist in the tree and plant care field.  In addition, he has served as a youth pastor at his local church and as a trustee of a non-profit organization that helps inner-city teenagers.

Kelly graduated from Clarks Summit University in 2002 and has been a resident of northeastern Pennsylvania for over 20 years.

The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders are thrilled to announce the addition of an Aaron Judge Emojihead and a Nestor Cortes bobblehead/ bobbleleg to their 2022 promotional schedule. In addition, the club has added details on Nurse Appreciation Night, a new WWE theme night, an additional fireworks show and has rescheduled two giveaway items on the upcoming slate.

Presented by Geisinger, the RailRiders will give away an Aaron Judge Emojihead to the first 2,500 fans on Saturday, July 18, at PNC Field. Gates open at 5 P.M. with a first pitch scheduled for 6:05 against the Rochester Red Wings. It is also Youth Baseball & Softball Night, adding to a fun evening for all.

On Saturday, September 3, Nestor Cortes will be honored with a giveaway. This soon-to-be collector’s item is both a bobblehead AND bobbleleg to best pay tribute to his wide array of motions on the mound. Don’t let your timing get thrown off and make sure you are one of the first 2,500 fans at PNC Field with gates open at 5 P.M. The Cortes bobble is presented by FOX 56.

During the upcoming homestand, the RailRiders are offering a Nurse Appreciation Night ticket discount for the May 12 game. Local nurses can save 25% by using the promo code NURSE when purchasing Field Reserved tickets for our next Thirsty Thursday game against the Syracuse Mets as a gesture of gratitude for all that they do.

May 12 is also WWE Night with a chance to win FREE tickets to SMACKDOWN on May 13 at Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza. Come dressed as your favorite wrestler for your chance to win! Plus… fans in attendance will have the chance to win SMACKDOWN tickets and WWE merchandise throughout the night.

The RailRiders will start Friday Night Fireworks two weeks early with an added show on May 13. Gates are set for 5:30 P.M. for our next First Responder Friday with a 6:35 first pitch. Stick around after the final for the best pyrotechnics show in NEPA.

The SWB Fidget Popper giveaway, which was slated for the postponed April 16 game, has been rescheduled for Saturday, May 14. Gates will open at 3 P.M. before the 4:05 game.

Friday Night Fireworks continue on May 27 with a show presented by Harth Enterprises and will follow every Friday home game for the remainder of the season.

The SWB Pop Socket has been rescheduled for Saturday, July 2. The RailRiders host Buffalo that evening, which will serve as the team’s Independence Weekend Celebration with an extended fireworks show after the final out. Gates are slated for 5 P.M. with a 6:05 first pitch.

To purchase tickets for any 2022 game or for more information regarding any of these great giveaways, visit swbrailriders.com.

Support Griffin Pond Animal Shelter and take your chance to win on Sunday, June 12. Mega Prize Bingo will be held at Scott Twp. Hose Company, Montdale. Doors open at 1 p.m. and games begin at 3 p.m.

The event will include 16 bingo games, four specials, a door prize, basket raffles, and a 50/50. Prizes include overnight stays at resorts, a patio set, a gazebo, gas fire pits, lawn maintenance equipment, and much more. There will also be food and non-alcoholic beverages for sale. Guests may BYOB.

Tickets are $25 each and be purchased at www.griffinpondanimalshelter.com/mega-prize-bingo or at the shelter between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily, including weekends.

The Honesdale National Bank was once again authorized to make approved contributions under the Commonwealth’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program. HNB designated $2,000 of their approved allotment to the Lacawac Sanctuary Field Station and Environmental Education Center, nestled on 550 acres near the shores of Lake Wallenpaupack. The funds, donated by HNB, will support the Center’s K-12 innovative educational programs

HNB President & CEO, Thomas E. Sheridan Jr., stated, “Lacawac Sanctuary presents benefits to our environment, local students, and community members.” He said, “We are glad that we can continue to support the funding of this organization to care for our youth’s education and environmental preservation.”

The Lacawac Sanctuary offers direct experiences with nature, providing relevant learning that equips students with critical thinking, creative approaches, and problem-solving skills. Their mission is to preserve the natural beauty of Lake Lacawac, its watershed, and surrounding lands; to conduct long-term research on natural systems as part of a global effort to understand and protect the Earth’s biodiversity; and to increase appreciation of this effort through innovative, field-based educational programs for students, teachers, and the community.

Craig Lukatch, President at Lacawac Sanctuary, said, “Support of Lacawac’s education programs through the EITC program helps bring hands-on learning opportunities to students in Kindergarten through 12th grades.” He continued, “The generosity of The Honesdale National Bank makes environmental education a reality for so many students in our local community both at Lacawac’s environmental education center and in the classroom.”