Governor Wolf Announces Investments in 43 Multimodal Projects Governor Tom Wolf announced today that 43 highway, bridge, rail, and bike and pedestrian projects in 21 counties were selected for $45.9 million in funding through the Multimodal Transportation Fund. “Transportation moves communities and economies forward,” Gov. Wolf said. “These investments will assist with overall mobility and safety in our local communities.” Reflecting PennDOT’s commitment to improving local infrastructure, several of the projects will also help local governments improve roadways, address pedestrian and accessibility concerns, and help bridges in need of repair or replacement. “Investing in our communities continues to be critical to moving the economy forward in 2021,” PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian said. “Making roadways more accessible for all modes of travel assures that we are making continued business connections for the future and keeps transportation an integral part of daily living.” PennDOT evaluated the applications and made selections based on criteria such as safety benefits, regional economic conditions, the technical and financial feasibility, job creation, energy efficiency, and operational sustainability. Lackawanna County: Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority – $344,693 for improved signaling/lighting, colored concrete, sidewalks and barriers at the Meredith Street safety crossing. The improvements will keep pedestrians/bicyclists safe at crossing on Business Route 6. Luzerne County: Luzerne County – $840,000 for approximately 2.14 miles of road improvements on West County Road in Sugarloaf Township. These improvements will include the addition of a bike lane. Valley Crest Real Estate, LP – $3 million to address significant traffic congestion around Route 309 and Kidder/Mundy Streets, including ramp reconfiguration, new ramps, additional signage, and traffic signal improvements. Dupont Borough & Pittston Township – $716,379 to rehabilitate approximately 1.25 miles of roadway and upgrade stormwater infrastructure within the Quail Hill Development. Dupont Borough – $763,218 for removing certain portions of the existing pavement structure and replacing with full depth pavement; completing 1-1/2 inch pavement milling and overlay of several roadways in the borough and manhole/inlet grade adjustments. Borough of West Hazleton – $1,000,000 for reconstructing 1,970 linear feet to improve safety and sustain traffic flow at Rotary Drive in Valmont Industrial Park which will be maintaining access for existing industries’ current employees and all customers.
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Announces Updates on 2021 Radio Broadcasts The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, Triple-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, have extended their agreement with the Bold Gold Media Group to carry the full 120-game schedule in 2021. The club is also pleased to announce the elevation of broadcaster Joe Vasile to the number two role on broadcasts, joining the “Voice of the RailRiders” Adam Marco on the call this season. The flagship of the RailRiders Radio Network is The Mothership; Bold Gold’s oldies station that hit the airwaves in 2020 and added a frequency to expand the coverage. Scranton/Wilkes-Barre games can be heard locally on 1400 AM, 1440 AM, 93.5 FM, 106.7 FM and 107.9 FM. This array of frequencies for The Mothership gives the RailRiders coverage across both Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties, as well as into Wayne and Pike Counties in the Pocono Lake Region. Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders broadcasts are also available online at swbrailriders.com and with the video feed on MiLB.tv when the team plays at PNC Field. Bold Gold Media Group’s family of stations has been the home of RailRiders radio broadcasts since 2007. “Bold Gold Media Group has been a tremendous partner for over a decade,” said Katie Beekman the RailRiders General Manager. “Whether it has been carrying the game broadcasts or helping promote the RailRiders brand across the region, we have always appreciated the efforts of Vince Benedetto, Bob VanDerheyden, Michael Stanton and the entire staff at Bold Gold.” Marco returns for his 15th year in Minor League Baseball and third season as the lead voice of the RailRiders. Vasile replaces Adam Giardino as the club’s Media Relations Manager, who had served in this role previously. “I’m thrilled to have Joe return to the booth with us this season,” Marco said. “He has been integral to what we have done the last few seasons behind the scenes. Joe brings a wealth of knowledge and a polished voice to our call, so I truly believe fans will be entertained and well-informed this season.” Vasile enters his seventh season of minor league baseball and his third season with the RailRiders. In 2018 and 2019, he served as the RailRiders Media Relations and Broadcast Assistant. In the offseason, Vasile has served as the voice of Bucknell University women’s basketball since 2019 and broadcasts Bucknell men’s basketball and football home games. He also broadcasts a variety of sports for St. Peter’s University, Lafayette College, St. Francis College (N.Y.), the Northeast Conference and Princeton University. Prior to his time with the RailRiders, Vasile spent the 2017 season as the Media Relations and Broadcast Assistant for the Long Island Ducks and has previous stops with the Salem Red Sox in 2016 and the Fayetteville SwampDogs in 2014 and 2015. In the 2015 season, Vasile also served as Fayetteville’s Assistant General Manager. A native of Paramus, N.J., Vasile graduated from The College of New Jersey in December 2013. He also hosts the baseball documentary podcast Secondary Lead and has had writing published on Fangraphs and Beyond the Box Score. “I am incredibly thankful to be returning to the RailRiders in an expanded role this season,” Vasile said. “Working alongside Adam Marco and Adam Giardino, as well as the entire staff at PNC Field, has been a fantastic experience and I can’t wait to start with the 2021 campaign. We have the best fans in minor league baseball and I’m looking forward to seeing people at the ballpark once again.” The 2021 campaign beings on the road May 4 at Syracuse before Scranton/Wilkes-Barre plays its home opener at PNC Field on May 11 against Lehigh Valley. A limited number of single-game tickets for the month of May will go on sale on April 27 at 10 AM online at swbrailriders.com. Full, Half and Partial Season Ticket Memberships are on sale now. The RailRiders front office is open on a limited basis and by appointment only. For more information, please visit swbrailriders.com or contact the club by calling (570) 969-2255 and leave a voicemail. Calls will be returned at the earliest possible opportunity.
2021 Keystone Open Golf Tournament The Keystone College Alumni Association has announced the return of the Keystone Open golf tournament to be held June 28 at Glen Oak Country Club. This annual event ensures the growth of the Alumni Association Scholarship Fund which provides financial assistance to Keystone College students. Through the past generosity of tournament sponsors and participants, more than 100 Keystone College students have been awarded scholarships to help defray the costs of their Keystone College education. To register or for sponsorship opportunities, please visit https://events.golfstatus.com/…/registration-details.
Cancer Institute Announces New Officers and Members to the Board of Directors The Northeast Regional Cancer Institute’s Board of Directors elected new officers. William Conaboy, Esq. was elected as Chair of the Board of Directors, Susan Shoemaker, Secretary and Holly Roever Carron, Treasurer. In addition to the new officers, the Board of Directors appointed Michael L. Brown, Dale Johns, Cynthia Mailloux, PhD, RN, CNE and John A. Ruddy, M.B.A., D.P.S. to the Board of Directors. Michael L. Brown is a member of the Commonwealth Health leadership team where he serves as CEO for Regional Hospital of Scranton and Moses Taylor Hospital. Prior to joining CHS, he served with Amita Health, the largest hospital system in Illinois, where he held hospital executive positions including COO, CNO, CEO and President since 2005. Most recently, he served as Regional President and CEO of the Amita Health Fox River Valley Region, overseeing two hospitals, two joint venture cancer centers and an ambulatory surgery center. Both hospitals have been recognized for safety and quality by Health Grades, Consumer Reports, U.S. News and World Reports and with Leapfrog A grades. In addition to collaborating with physicians for quality and growth, Michael has a track record of building and leading high-performing teams and achieving strategic and operational objectives. He is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. Following military service, Michael worked as a professional firefighter/paramedic before he earned his bachelor’s degree in nursing with honors and MBA in organizational leadership/management from Franklin University in Columbus, Ohio. Dale A. Johns is the Chief Executive Officer of Commonwealth Health Wilkes-Barre General Hospital. Dale is an experienced healthcare leader with a focus on exceptional patient care, quality, and operational objectives. Dale joined Wilkes-Barre General Hospital in September of 2020 from Salt Lake Regional Medical Center, part of Steward Health Care, where he held the CEO position since 2013. During his tenure in Wilkes-Barre, the hospital has been recognized for safety and quality with a 3 Star CMS Quality Rating and a Health System of Pennsylvania Patient Safety Excellence Award. Dale leads the hospital’s COVID-19 response which has provided care to hundreds of patients who were admitted and required specialized treatment like monoclonal antibody infusion therapies. Dale has been instrumental in driving growth at the hospital through strategic planning, market development initiatives, and service line expansions. Throughout his almost thirty-year healthcare career, Dale has worked extensively on physician recruitment, leading quality improvement efforts and fostering cultures of physician and employee engagement. He is a veteran of the U.S. Army Reserves where he achieved the rank of Sergeant and served in Desert Shield/Storm. Following military service, Dale earned his Bachelor’s degree in health services administration and MBA from the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, Utah. Cynthia Mailloux, Ph.D., R.N., C.N.E., is professor and chair of the Department of Nursing at King’s College. She was the chair of the Department of Nursing at Misericordia University for 12 years prior to going to King’s College. Dr. Mailloux earned her doctorate in nursing with a concentration in education from Penn State University, her master’s degree in nursing from Misericordia University and her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Wilkes University. She is a member of the Pennsylvania State Nurse Association, American Association of Colleges of Nursing, and the National League for Nursing. She has been involved in grant writing and lobbying efforts in Washington DC with Senators and Representatives advocating for an increase in the allocation of nursing education money. She has participated in service-learning trips to Guyana, South America and Tanzania trying to offer nursing students a more global perspective of nursing. She serves on numerous university and college committees. She has also been selected as an American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Wharton Nurse Leadership Scholar. Dr. John A. Ruddy, CFA, CPA is an Assistant Professor of Finance in the Economics and Finance Department of The Arthur J. Kania School of Management, University of Scranton, Scranton, Pennsylvania. He teaches undergraduate and graduate level courses in Accounting and Finance. Dr. Ruddy has a B.S. in Accounting from the University of Scranton, Scranton, PA (1991). He has an M.B.A. in Finance and Investments from The George Washington University, Washington, D.C. (1996). He also holds a Doctorate in Professional Studies, with a focus in Finance from Pace University, New York City (2017). As is noted above, he also has passed the Certified Public Accountant and Chartered Financial Analyst examinations and has the requisite professional experience for both designations. The University of Scranton recognized Dr. Ruddy for his teaching. In October 2013, he was the recipient of the Kania School of Management 2013-2014 Outstanding Professor of the Year award. In May of 2014, he was the recipient of the University of Scranton’s Teacher of the Year award, as selected by the 2014 Graduating class. Most recently in February 2017, he was the recipient of the Kania School of Management 2016-2017 Outstanding Professor of the Year award. He previously served as the Finance Committee Chairman of the Scranton Preparatory School’s Board of Trustees. He currently serves on the Board of The Howard Gardner Multiple Intelligence Charter School.
The Wright Center for Patient and Community Engagement Appointed Board Directors Three integral employees of The Wright Center for Community Health recently were appointed board directors for The Wright Center for Patient and Community Engagement. Each brings unique backgrounds in patient care or health information technology to the governance table. The Wright Center for Patient and Community Engagement enhances The Wright Center for Community Health’s ability to determine outreach priorities as it continues to meet the healthcare needs of the most vulnerable in the community. Board members provide oversight, direction and support for Wright Center team members and their efforts, offering their unique perspectives on community needs, resources and connections, to develop and maintain active, collaborative relationships with patients and the community at large. Kari Machelli, R.N., serves as Director of Care and Case Management Services for The Wright Center for Community Health. In this leadership role, she oversees the Opioid Use Disorder Center of Excellence Case Managers, Certified Recovery Specialists and Community Health Workers. Machelli has been with The Wright Center for more than 20 years, starting as an RN Care Manager. She earned her nursing degree from The Pennsylvania State University. Danielle Hennessey is Electronic Medical Records and Health Informatics Manager for The Wright Center. She joined the organization in 2019 as an EMR Application Support and Trainer for the Mid Valley Practice and Ryan White HIV Clinic, and was integral in building the interface that allowed for the exchange of data between two separate electronic health records systems. Hennessey graduated from Valley View High School and attended Lackawanna College and Marywood University. She has a background in information technology, having worked for TMG Health for four years prior to joining The Wright Center. Cheri Lewis-Aulisio is a licensed medical social worker for The Wright Center for Community Health. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work from Marywood University. Cheri has a background working with diverse patient populations and has practiced in various clinical settings, including nursing homes, in-patient physician rehabilitation facilities and acute hospital-based settings. She has experience in behavioral health services and has worked with homeless women and children and Children & Youth Services. She also is part of the National Association of Community Health Center’s PRAPARE Tiger Team, which trains health centers to be better equipped to address social determinants of health and improve health equity.
Gerrity’s Ace Hardware Now Open America’s most celebrated “helpful place” is celebrating its grand opening in Scranton. The new Gerrity’s Ace Hardware store, located in the Keyser-Oak Shopping Center, will bring the company’s knowledgeable and helpful service paired with the best brands to help Scranton residents succeed with their everyday home maintenance projects. The grand opening was held last weekend. This is the second Ace Hardware store opened by local residents and owners, the Fasula Family, who also own Gerrity’s Supermarkets. The new store has been designed to reflect the needs of Scranton and the surrounding community, including solutions to everyday home maintenance needs, as well as an extensive array of high-quality products in categories such as paint, lawn and garden, grilling, power tools and outdoor living. “Our mission is to provide customers with the neighborly advice and assistance they have come to expect from Ace,” said Joe Fasula, owner of Gerrity’s Ace. “We look forward to becoming a helpful and valuable neighbor to the community, both inside and outside the walls of our store.” The 10,000 square foot store is packed with thousands of essential products and supplies, including best brand like Stihl, Craftsman, Yeti, Weber, Traeger, Big Green Egg, Benjamin Moore and Scotts to help people take care of their homes. Key product offerings include paint, lawn and garden, hardware, electrical, plumbing, automotive and home décor. Gerrity’s Ace Hardware Store Information: Store Hours: Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.1726 N. Keyser Ave., Scranton, PA 18508 Phone: 570-207-5290Store Management: Jonathon W., Store Manager; Jack W., Assistant Manager
DePietro’s Pharmacy COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic at the Greater Scranton YMCA All adults in Pennsylvania are now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, and DePietro’s Pharmacy is taking an active role in ensuring it is available and attainable within the Northeastern Pennsylvania community. A Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine Community Clinic will be held on Sunday, April 18, 2021 from 10am to 2pm at the Greater Scranton YMCA, 706 North Blakely Street, Dunmore. Interested parties should schedule an appointment online at depietrospharmacy.com/covid or call 570-209-7440. The DePietro’s Pharmacy team has collectively administered over 2,000 vaccines to date, and any eligible individual — whether they are a customer or not — is invited to make an appointment at this clinic. Vaccines will be delivered without any fees, charges or additional requirements. Appointments are required, and walk-ins cannot be accommodated. Tom DePietro, owner of DePietro’s Pharmacy stated, “Our team works nonstop — not just for our customers, but for the entire community. We’ve been vocal advocates to ‘flip the script,’ change the way people think about healthcare, and elevate the role of independent pharmacies in the state’s vaccination strategy. Our team is incredibly eager to do our part this coming Sunday in partnership with the Greater Scranton YMCA.” Trish Fisher, President and CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA added, “DePietro’s Pharmacy continues to show such support to our region. This upcoming effort is another demonstration of their commitment to public health and wellbeing and aligns so well with the mission of the Y. We look forward to welcoming the community into the YMCA this Sunday, where vaccines will be administered in an efficient, safe and comfortable setting.” The Moderna Vaccine requires two doses for optimal protection against COVID-19. For those who receive the first dose on Sunday, April 18, the second dose appointment will be automatically scheduled. The DePietro’s Pharmacy team will provide all participants in this vaccine clinic with appropriate second dose details.
Celebrate #570Day Northeast Pennsylvania packs a whole lot into one corner of the state. From hiking trails and breathtaking vistas, to ski slopes and water parks, to craft breweries and eateries dishing out local flavor…and the list goes on and on! That’s the idea behind #570Day taking place on Friday, May 7, 2021. 570Day is a new online initiative born through the combined, creative efforts of The Wilkes-Barre Rotary Club, The Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visit Luzerne County. The day aims to spread positivity, local pride and celebrate the people and places within the 570 area code. How To Get Involved:Being a part of #570Day is easy! On May 7, 2021, we encourage people, businesses, schools, nonprofits and organizations across Northeast Pennsylvania to use #570Day on social media to show what they love about living in the area. Post pictures, videos and stories that highlight the natural beauty, businesses and people who make the 570 area so great. From your Friday night pizza place, thanking a special teacher, highlighting your favorite park or sharing the best music venue…#570Day is the time to let the good in this area shine! With so much in Northeastern PA and so many stories to tell, we hope this initiative will continue to grow as it’s celebrated yearly on May 7th. Follow us on Facebook, www.facebook.com/570Day, for updates as the day gets closer and on May 7th watch #570Day on social media to see all the great things in Northeast Pennsylvania!
SWB Announces May Single-Game Ticket Sales and Season-Long Promos The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, Triple-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, will put a limited amount of May single-game tickets on sale April 27 and are pleased to announce their season-long daily promotions and early-season giveaways. These promotions see the return of some all-time fan favorites that are sure to make the arrival of baseball back at PNC Field a welcome one. Due to state and CDC guidelines, PNC Field will not open at full capacity at the outset of the season. After taking care of season-ticket holder needs, the RailRiders will now have a limited number of single-game tickets available. On April 27 at 10 A.M., single-game tickets for the 12 home dates in May will go on sale online at swbrailriders.com. Individual tickets for the remainder of the schedule will go on sale at a later time with eyes on restriction changes throughout the season. After opening the season on the road at Syracuse on May 4, the RailRiders start their 60-game home schedule at PNC Field one week later on Tuesday, May 11, against Lehigh Valley. Opening Night begins with a 6:35 P.M. first pitch this year and will end with the first of 11 fireworks shows scheduled this season. Opening Night games across Minor League Baseball are presented by Stouffer’s. Each day of the week brings its own brand of fun in 2021, with plenty of familiar promotions throughout the season. Bring the whole gang every Sunday for a Geisinger Family Fun Day! There is no better way to spend a Sunday afternoon than at PNC Field. Kids 12 and younger can get $2 Dippin’ Dots all day long and then run the bases after the final out. $2 Tuesdays are back with a $2 Landshark tallboys for two hours after gates open every Tuesday all season long (excluding Opening Day). Wednesdays go to the dogs again in 2021 as Waggin’ Wednesday returns! You can bring your four-legged best friends to the ballpark… plus get $1 Sabrett hot dogs for two hours after gates open! Dog owners will need to sign a waiver but can have their pooch with them in their seats in the lower seating bowl. This season, instead of selling dog tickets, the RailRiders will take donations for local animal shelters when you fill out your waiver. Thirsty Thursdays are back for the most refreshing night of the week. Fans can enjoy $1 Bud Light drafts and $1 Pepsi fountain drinks for two hours after gates open, courtesy of Northeast Distributors and Pepsi. The last year has certainly been difficult on all of us and we all know we couldn’t have gotten through it without the men and women on the frontline during the pandemic. The RailRiders are pleased to make each Friday this year a tribute and thanks to our frontline workers. We will give away complimentary tickets to local frontline workers each Friday as just a small token of thanks for all that they have done for us lately. More details on how you can reserve free tickets as a frontline worker will be available soon. What would those Frontline Fridays be without ending the night looking to the stars? Fireworks are back in 2021! Every Friday home game, all season long, will be followed by the best fireworks show in NEPA. During the upcoming season, select Saturdays will once again feature great giveaway items. On May 15, the first 2,500 fans will receive a 2021 magnet schedule, courtesy of Highmark. On Saturday, May 29, the first 2,500 through the gates will get a RailRiders face mask. Additional promotions will be announced as the season progresses, as will additional ticketing information. Full, Half and Partial Season Ticket Memberships are on sale now. The RailRiders front office is open on a limited basis and by appointment only. For more information, please visit swbrailriders.com or contact the club by calling (570) 969-2255 and leave a voicemail. Calls will be returned at the earliest possible opportunity.
Johnson College Now Enrolling Students in Forklift Operator Training Course Johnson College’s Continuing Education program is offering a Forklift Operator Training Course on Saturday, May 8, 2021, 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 alumni 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. For additional information on Johnson College’s Continuing Education Program, please call 570-702-8979, email continuinged@johnson.edu, or visit johnson.edu/continuingeducation.
