Marywood University to Host Leadership Symposium Daniel J. Santaniello, President and CEO of Fidelity Bank, Will Deliver Keynote Address Marywood University’s School of Business and Global Innovation (SBGI) is hosting a Leadership Symposium, “The Value in Values-led Business,” on Wednesday, April 19, from 3-7 p.m., in the Latour Room, Nazareth Student Center. The event is free and open to the public. All attendees will receive a ticket for a door prize, which will be drawn at the conclusion of the event. Chris Speicher, Ph.D., SBGI Executive Director, will offer welcoming remarks, and the event will feature a student/alumni panel discussion at 3:15 p.m., followed by a poster session and networking. Light refreshments will be served at 4:30 p.m. Daniel J. Santaniello, President and CEO of Fidelity Bank, will deliver the keynote address at 5:30 p.m. Born and raised in Lackawanna County, Mr. Santaniello is a 1990 graduate of Marywood University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. He has been the President and CEO of Fidelity Bank since 2010. Prior to that, he served the organization as Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer and as the head of Retail Banking. Through his vision for the future of community banking, Mr. Santaniello has successfully transformed Fidelity Bank into an organization passionate on delivering an unparalleled client experience by focusing on the needs of its bankers, clients, community, and shareholders. Under Mr. Santaniello’s leadership, Fidelity Bank’s assets have increased 323.44%. He is dedicated to both his profession and to many local philanthropic and civic organizations throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. He proudly served on the Board of Directors for the Pennsylvania Association of Bankers, and his commitment to his community has been honored by several civic and cultural organizations. Currently, Mr. Santaniello serves as Chairman Emeritus of the Board of Directors for the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and the Scranton Cultural Center, Chairman of the Board of Director’s for Friendship House, and the Marywood University Board of Trustees. He is a committee member for the Lackawanna County Northeast Visitors Bureau, IHM Finance Committee, and the Lackawanna Industrial Fund Enterprises. Mr. Santaniello also is the former Treasurer of St. Joseph’s Center Foundation. He is a passionate volunteer of his time and talent through fundraising for the Women’s Resource Center and his alma mater, Marywood University. Additionally, he serves on his church’s Finance Council at Saint Eulalia’s Parish, Moscow.
The University of Scranton to Host Math Integration Bee The University of Scranton will host the 2023 Math Integration Bee for area high school students on Thursday, Apr. 27. The competition, offered FREE of charge, begins with registration at 4:15 p.m. in the McIlhenny Ballroom of the DeNaples Center. The competition serves as practice for participants to improve skills for upcoming Advanced Placement calculus tests. The event will include a light dinner for participants. The competition functions similar to a spelling bee, but with contestants completing definite and indefinite integral problems, a type of calculus problem, instead of spelling words. All contestants to reach the final round, which will conclude by 7:30 p.m., will receive $25. The overall winner of the Math Integration Bee will receive an additional $75. The event is hosted by the University’s Mathematics Department. Registration is required to participate and contestants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a guardian, parent or faculty member. The deadline for registration is Apr. 20. Additional information regarding rules, registration and examples of past problems is available on the Math Integration Bee website. For questions, contact Stacey Muir, Ph.D., professor of mathematics, at Stacey.muir@scranton.edu.
The Salvation Army to Host Annual Dinner The Salvation Army of Scranton will be having their Annual Dinner Wednesday May 17th at the Radisson Honoring Chris DiMattio with the Distinguished Community Award. Robert (Bob) Durkin, President of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce will be the main speaker. Mark Hiller of WBRE/WYOU will be Master of Ceremonies. Reservations can be made by calling the Salvation Army at 570-969-6399. Sponsorships and Ads can also be purchased.
The Waverly Community House to Host Waverly Waddle On Saturday, May 13, 2023, The Waverly Community House will be hosting the 31st Annual Waverly Waddle. This year, 25% of all registration fees will go to the Countryside Conservancy. This event will take place at 1115 North Abington Road, Waverly PA 18471. Check in between 8:00AM-8:45AM. The race will start at 9:00AM. The Waverly Waddle is the Comm’s annual 5k walk/run beginning and ending at the Waverly Community House. The “Waddle” travels an approximate 3-mile route through scenic Waverly. It takes place each year in May on the Saturday of Mother’s Day weekend. It is an official electronic chip-timed race with awards given out to top finishers in each age/sex division.This long-standing community event, which signals a spirited kick-off to summer always takes place, rain or shine! Official race t-shirts are given out to those who register early. Registrations are accepted in advance HERE and on the morning of the race. Registration is required by April 13th in order to receive a free t-shirt. Cost: Advance Registration-$20 per person$12-Age 12 and underAge 6 and under is FREE$35 for a family of 3 or more Cost: Day-Of Registration– $25 per person$15– Age 12 and underAge 6 and under is FREE$40 for a family of 3 or more Race Contact: Kathy WrightKathy@waverlycomm.org(570) 586-8191 Register: HERE or at neparunner.com
Steamtown National Historic Site 2023 Train Schedule Steamtown National Historic Site (NHS) train rides resume for the season on Thursday, May 11, 2023. The Steamtown NHS rail experience varies from short 30-minute trips exploring the park’s historic railroad yard to full-day trips through the Poconos. Short train rides, which include the Scranton Limited or Caboose Experience, will begin on Thursday, May 11th. The first excursion trip of the season will take place on Saturday, May 20th to Carbondale, PA allowing visitors to experience the community’s Spring Marketplace event. Starting Saturday, April 1st visitors will be able to purchase advance tickets online through recreation.gov for our summer excursions (May-Aug.); tickets for our autumn excursions (Sep.-Oct.) will be released 90 days in advance of the excursion date. Tickets for our short train rides, the Scranton Limited or Caboose Experience, will not be available for advance purchase online and must be purchased on-site at the Information Kiosk, the day of your visit. All ticket sales will be credit card only. Beginning Thursday, May 11th: Our short train rides, the Scranton Limited or Caboose Experience will operate Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, as staffing permits. Departure times are: 10:30am, 11:30am, 1:15pm, and 2:30pm.Tickets are $6 for adults and kids over the age of 5; $1 for kids 5 and under. Tickets must be purchased on-site at the Information Kiosk, the day of your visit. Tickets are valid all day on the date of purchase and may be used for multiple short train ride experiences.Seating availability is first come, first served. We recommend getting in line 15-20 minutes ahead of scheduled departure time.The Caboose Experience will be offered in lieu of the Scranton Limited on dates we offer longer excursion rides, as staffing permits. 2023 Summer Excursions: Tickets available for purchase online Saturday, April 1st Saturday, May 20th – Carbondale: Spring MarketplaceSaturday, May 27th – Gouldsboro: Craft ShowSaturday, June 10th – Carbondale: Outdoor Adventure Train with LHVA (BIKE)Saturday, June 10th – Archbald: Outdoor Adventure Train with LHVA (HIKE)Sunday, June 18th – Cresco: Father’s Day ExcursionSaturday, June 24th – Delaware Water Gap: Founder’s DaySaturday, July 15th – Tobyhanna: Ice House Tour or Self-Guided Town TourSunday, July 23rd – Gouldsboro: Depot Open, Children’s Activities, and FoodSaturday, August 12th – East Stroudsburg: (F)East StroudsburgSunday, August 27th – Cresco: Museum Open, Entertainment, and Food 2023 Autumn Excursions: Tickets available for purchase online 90 days in advance of excursion date Saturday, September 2nd – Gouldsboro: Craft ShowSaturday, September 23rd – Carbondale: Autumn MarketplaceSaturday, October 7th – Tobyhanna: Fall Foliage, Ice House Tour or Self-Guided Town TourSunday, October 15th – Cresco: Leaf Peeper ExcursionSaturday, October 21st – Delaware Water Gap: Fall FoliageSaturday, October 28th – Gouldsboro: Ghoulsboro Halloween NOTICE: Train rides are subject to cancellation due to mechanical issues, inclement weather, or crew availability. Steamtown National Historic Site (NHS) train rides resume for the season on Thursday, May 11, 2023. The Steamtown NHS rail experience varies from short 30-minute trips exploring the park’s historic railroad yard to full-day trips through the Poconos. Short train rides, which include the Scranton Limited or Caboose Experience, will begin on Thursday, May 11th. The first excursion trip of the season will take place on Saturday, May 20th to Carbondale, PA allowing visitors to experience the community’s Spring Marketplace event. Visitors are now able to purchase advance tickets online through recreation.gov for our summer excursions (May-Aug.); tickets for our autumn excursions (Sep.-Oct.) will be released 90 days in advance of the excursion date. Tickets for our short train rides, the Scranton Limited or Caboose Experience, will not be available for advance purchase online and must be purchased on-site at the Information Kiosk, the day of your visit. All ticket sales will be credit card only. Beginning Thursday, May 11th: Our short train rides, the Scranton Limited or Caboose Experience will operate Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, as staffing permits. Departure times are: 10:30am, 11:30am, 1:15pm, and 2:30pm.Tickets are $6 for adults and kids over the age of 5; $1 for kids 5 and under. Tickets must be purchased on-site at the Information Kiosk, the day of your visit. Tickets are valid all day on the date of purchase and may be used for multiple short train ride experiences.Seating availability is first come, first served. We recommend getting in line 15-20 minutes ahead of scheduled departure time.The Caboose Experience will be offered in lieu of the Scranton Limited on dates we offer longer excursion rides, as staffing permits. 2023 Summer Excursions: Tickets now available for purchase online Saturday, May 20th – Carbondale: Spring MarketplaceSaturday, May 27th – Gouldsboro: Craft ShowSaturday, June 10th – Carbondale: Outdoor Adventure Train with LHVA (BIKE)Saturday, June 10th – Archbald: Outdoor Adventure Train with LHVA (WALK)Sunday, June 18th – Cresco: Father’s Day ExcursionSaturday, June 24th – Delaware Water Gap: Founder’s DaySaturday, July 15th – Tobyhanna: Ice House Tour or Self-Guided Town TourSunday, July 23rd – Gouldsboro: Depot Open, Children’s Activities, and FoodSaturday, August 12th – East Stroudsburg: (F)East StroudsburgSunday, August 27th – Cresco: Museum Open, Entertainment, and Food 2023 Autumn Excursions: Tickets available for purchase online 90 days in advance of excursion date Saturday, September 2nd – Gouldsboro: Craft ShowSaturday, September 23rd – Carbondale: Autumn MarketplaceSaturday, October 7th – Tobyhanna: Fall Foliage, Ice House Tour or Self-Guided Town TourSunday, October 15th – Cresco: Leaf Peeper ExcursionSaturday, October 21st – Delaware Water Gap: Fall FoliageSaturday, October 28th – Gouldsboro: Ghoulsboro Halloween NOTICE: Train rides are subject to cancellation due to mechanical issues, inclement weather, or crew availability. Steamtown National Historic Site (NHS) train rides resume for the season on Thursday, May 11, 2023. The Steamtown NHS rail experience varies from short 30-minute trips exploring the park’s historic railroad yard to full-day trips through the Poconos. Short train rides, which include the Scranton Limited or Caboose Experience, will begin on Thursday, May 11th. The first excursion trip of the season will take place on Saturday, May 20th to Carbondale, PA allowing visitors to experience the community’s Spring Marketplace event. Visitors are now able to purchase advance tickets online through recreation.gov for our summer excursions (May-Aug.); tickets for our autumn excursions (Sep.-Oct.) will be released 90 days in advance of the excursion date. Tickets for our short train rides, the Scranton Limited or Caboose Experience, will not be available for advance purchase online and must be purchased on-site at the Information Kiosk, the day of your visit. All ticket sales will be credit card only. Beginning Thursday, May 11th: Our short train rides, the Scranton Limited or Caboose Experience will operate Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, as staffing permits. Departure times are: 10:30am, 11:30am, 1:15pm, and 2:30pm.Tickets are $6 for adults and kids over the age of 5; $1 for kids 5 and under. Tickets must be purchased on-site at the Information Kiosk, the day of your visit. Tickets are valid all day on the date of purchase and may be used for multiple short train ride experiences.Seating availability is first come, first served. We recommend getting in line 15-20 minutes ahead of scheduled departure time.The Caboose Experience will be offered in lieu of the Scranton Limited on dates we offer longer excursion rides, as staffing permits. 2023 Summer Excursions: Tickets now available for purchase online Saturday, May 20th – Carbondale: Spring MarketplaceSaturday, May 27th – Gouldsboro: Craft ShowSaturday, June 10th – Carbondale: Outdoor Adventure Train with LHVA (BIKE)Saturday, June 10th – Archbald: Outdoor Adventure Train with LHVA (WALK)Sunday, June 18th – Cresco: Father’s Day ExcursionSaturday, June 24th – Delaware Water Gap: Founder’s DaySaturday, July 15th – Tobyhanna: Ice House Tour or Self-Guided Town TourSunday, July 23rd – Gouldsboro: Depot Open, Children’s Activities, and FoodSaturday, August 12th – East Stroudsburg: (F)East StroudsburgSunday, August 27th – Cresco: Museum Open, Entertainment, and Food 2023 Autumn Excursions: Tickets available for purchase online 90 days in advance of excursion date Saturday, September 2nd – Gouldsboro: Craft ShowSaturday, September 23rd – Carbondale: Autumn MarketplaceSaturday, October 7th – Tobyhanna: Fall Foliage, Ice House Tour or Self-Guided Town TourSunday, October 15th – Cresco: Leaf Peeper ExcursionSaturday, October 21st – Delaware Water Gap: Fall FoliageSaturday, October 28th – Gouldsboro: Ghoulsboro Halloween NOTICE: Train rides are subject to cancellation due to mechanical issues, inclement weather, or crew availability. Located in downtown Scranton, Pennsylvania, Steamtown NHS is open 9:00am to 5:00pm, daily. From Interstate-81 follow exit 185 (President Biden Expressway, formerly known as Central Scranton Expressway); then follow the brown and white signs to the park entrance at Lackawanna Avenue and Cliff Street (GPS: N 41.41, W 75.67). General park information is available by visiting the park website anytime.
Geisinger to Host Free Events across Pennsylvania In observance of Earth Day, Geisinger will host free community shred events across northeastern and central Pennsylvania throughout the month of April. Employees and members of the public are invited to bring any personal or professional confidential documents — such as bank statements, credit card bills and tax forms — to be securely shredded on-site and recycled. Each person is limited to three boxes. Do not use bins for non-paper waste or garbage. For more information, call 570-271-6030. Community shred events: Monday, April 3 – Geisinger Mt. Pleasant, 531 Mt. Pleasant Drive, Scranton, 7 – 11 a.m.Tuesday, April 4 – Geisinger Healthplex State College, 132 Abigail Lane, Port Matilda, 7 – 11 a.m.Friday, April 7 – Geisinger Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, 1175 E. Mountain Blvd., Wilkes-Barre, 7 – 11 a.m.Monday, April 10 – Geisinger Health Plan, Hughes Center, 9 Stearns Lane, Danville, 7 – 11 a.m.Tuesday, April 11 – Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital, 1020 Thompson St., Jersey Shore, 7 – 11 a.m.Thursday, April 13 – Geisinger Lewistown Hospital, 400 Highland Ave., Lewistown, 7 – 11 a.m.Friday, April 14 – Geisinger Shamokin Area Community Hospital, 4200 Hospital Road, Coal Township, 7 – 11 a.m.Monday, April 17 – Geisinger Medical Center Muncy, 255 Route 220, Muncy, 7 – 11 a.m.Friday, April 21 – Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital, 549 Fair St., Bloomsburg, 7 – 11 a.m.Monday, April 24 – Geisinger Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, 1175 E. Mountain Blvd., Wilkes-Barre, Noon – 4 p.m.Friday, April 28 – Geisinger Health Plan, Hughes Center, 9 Stearns Lane, Danville, Noon – 4 p.m.
Keystone College to Host Ceremony For the last 11 years, Keystone College has enjoyed a proud relationship with The Dennis Farm Charitable Land Trust. This summer, that affiliation will be taken to an even greater level. On June 28, The Dennis Farm will be honored during a special sesquicentennial Bell Presentation Ceremony as one of Pennsylvania’s most revered historical landmarks in celebration of the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary in 2026. The ceremony will take place at The Dennis Farm in nearby Brooklyn Township, Susquehanna County, followed by a luncheon at Keystone. In addition to members of the Keystone community and officials from The Dennis Farm, the event will include numerous local, state, and national public officials and dignitaries. The Dennis Farm Charitable Land Trust is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of The Dennis Farm. The 153-acre historic farm was purchased and settled by the ancestors of Denise Dennis, free African Americans who journeyed to northeastern Pennsylvania from Connecticut in the late 1700s. Today, The Dennis Farm serves as a living tribute to the lives and accomplishments of this remarkable family and Ms. Dennis serves as president and CEO of the Dennis Farm Charitable Land Trust. In 2012, Keystone began hosting The Dennis Farm Symposium and Field Tour, an annual on-campus conference which also included guided tours of The Dennis Farm conducted by Keystone students. “Keystone College is truly honored to host a luncheon honoring The Dennis Farm, recognizing the vital role it has played in our nation’s history,” said Keystone College Interim President John F. Pullo, Sr. “We look forward to celebrating with everyone from The Dennis Farm, as well as our many guests from the local community and beyond. This will truly be a special day for the entire Keystone community and our entire region.” Under Ms. Dennis’ leadership, The Dennis Farm, which is open to the public, has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places; featured in the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African American History and Culture; honored by Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Historical and Museum Commission and Department of Agriculture, and listed on the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s map of rare African American historical sites in the Northeast United States. “There are very few places like The Dennis Farm, where we can walk for acres and acres and know that when the nation was young, free African Americans owned and worked this land – by and for themselves – and that even today it is in the stewardship of the same family,” Ms. Dennis said. “ ‘The Farm’ as we call it, represents a little-known chapter in the story of the United States, and with our partners we are working to ensure that the property with its rich history and natural environment is preserved for future generations.” Additional details regarding the Dennis Farm reception will be released in the near future.
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Railriders Events Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Railriders Annual Fully Loaded Comedy Festival A star-studded lineup will perform at PNC Field on Friday, June 16, and tickets go on sale this week. Bert “The Machine” Kreischer announced today he will be starting the party back up this summer with his second annual Fully Loaded Comedy Festival in June at sixteen of the most iconic ballparks and arenas across the country.NEPA’s biggest comedy event of the year will feature a “Fully Loaded” line-up including Bert Kreischer, Tiffany Haddish, Dave Attell, Big Jay Oakerson, Dan Soder and Tammy Pescatelli.Promoted by Outback Presents, Presale begins Wednesday, March 8 at 10 A.M. with the full on-sale to the public set for Friday, March 10, at 10 A.M.“Fully Loaded is the best ticket you can buy in entertainment this summer – Indoors, outdoors, baseball stadiums, arenas, and The Gorge,” said Kreischer. “The Fully Loaded lineups are top to bottom the best talent to have ever graced stand-up stages. An absolute no-brainer for any comedy fan.”The concept for the Fully Loaded Comedy Festival was conceived during Bert’s 2020 Hot Summer Nights Tour while performing at drive-in venues during the pandemic. He fell in love with the unconventional aspect of outdoor comedy shows, which sparked the idea to create a top-tier showcase that had never been done before. Having fond memories of the original Lollapalooza, Bert founded his own comedy version that would encompass everything he loves: comedy, the outdoors, good times, and drinking with friends to give fans an experience they will be talking about for years to come.This year the festival will partner with the charity Comedy Gives Back. They are an organization founded as a safety net for comics by providing them with financial crisis relief, mental health support and more to those that need help.Kreischer’s career has evolved from earning Rolling Stone’s 1997 “Number One Partier in the Nation,” to one of the top grossing stand-up comics in the business. In 2022, Pollstar listed Bert as #4 in the “Top 10 Highest Grossing Tours”, performing to sold-out arenas around the globe. He is currently on his 2023 Tops Off World Tour.As one of the best storytellers of his generation, Kreischer seamlessly and sincerely shares anecdotes about his family and fatherhood while showing his ability to prove “that there’s a way to take his [party-boy] antics into middle-age,” (Forbes) On March 14, he will release his highly anticipated fifth stand-up special, Razzle Dazzle on Netflix. Shameless — and shirtless — as ever, Bert spills on bodily emissions, being bullied by his kids and the explosive end to his family’s escape room outing. His stand-up specials Secret Time, The Machine, and Hey Big Boy are currently streaming on Netflix.As if that wasn’t enough, Kreischer tops off this summer as the star in the Legendary/ Sony picture film, The Machine, exclusively in theatres across the country May 26. Set 23 years after the study abroad experience he chronicled in his 2016 Showtime stand-up special, the movie follows Kreischer as the Russian mafia finally catches up with him after all these years and seeks retribution for the crimes that he committed in their country as a rowdy, drunken college student.In additional to a successful stand-up career, Kreischer has made himself a household name in the podcast world with several top comedy podcasts including Bertcast and Two Bears One Cave that he co-hosts with Tom Segura. He also hosts the popular YouTube cooking show, Something’s Burning.FULLY LOADED COMEDY FESTIVAL 2023:06/14/23 – Forest Hills, NY – Forest Hills Stadium06/15/23 – Baltimore, MD – CFG Bank Arena06/16/23 – Moosic, PA – PNC Field06/17/23 – Gilford, NH – Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion06/22/23 – Traverse City, MI – Turtle Creek Stadium06/23/23 – Fort Wayne, IN – Parkview Field06/24/23 – St. Louis, MO – Enterprise Center06/25/23 – Lincoln, NE – Pinnacle Bank Arena07/06/23 – Huntsville, AL – The Orion Amphitheater07/07/23 – New Orleans, LA – Smoothie King Center07/08/23 – Memphis, TN – AutoZone Park07/09/23 – Oklahoma City, OK – Paycom Center07/12/23 – Las Vegas, NV – T-Mobile Arena07/13/23 – Salt Lake City, UT – Vivint Arena07/14/23 – Boise, ID – ExtraMile Arena07/15/23 – George, WA – Gorge AmphitheatreLineup varies by market and is subject to change. Additional special guests to be announced. The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Railriders to Participate in Copa de la Diversión The Scranton/Wilkes Barre Railriders will be participating in the Copa de la Diversión® (Fun Cup™) event series. The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders will be Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Vejigantes Puerto Rican Folkloric Character. The Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™) unveiled the schedule of games and the 95 on-fieldHispanic identities for this season’s Copa de la Diversión® (Fun Cup™) event series. Continuing its annual expansion into more communities, eight new teams joined Copa de la Diversión (“Copa”) this season, with four teams returning with rebranded personas.The 405-game event series will kick off April 6 in Columbus, Ohio, with Nationwide returning as the Official Insurance Partner of the Copa initiative.The eight MiLB teams joining Copa for the first time include the Augusta GreenJackets, Beloit Sky Carp, Binghamton Rumble Ponies, Fredericksburg Nationals, Lynchburg Hillcats, Pensacola Blue Wahoos, Rocket City Trash Pandas, and Sugar Land Space Cowboys. Four teams – the Cedar Rapids Kernels, Daytona Tortugas, Durham Bulls, and Reno Aces – return with all-new identities, while the Chattanooga Lookouts, El Paso Chihuahuas, and Fayetteville Woodpeckers are back with rebranded looks. The Lehigh Valley IronPigs added an additional Copa identity for 2023.Five clubs playing in MLB Partner Leagues will be part of the Copa fun in 2023, with the Boise Hawks, Gateway Grizzlies, Milwaukee Milkmen, Rocky Mountain Vibes, and Tri-City ValleyCats joining the program.Through the success of the Copa program, now in its sixth season, MiLB has solidified its commitment to the long-term growth of its U.S. Latino/a communities and its diversity and inclusion efforts across the country. During the first five seasons of the initiative, Copadesignatedgames had a nearly 20% higher average attendance than non-Copa games, as teams extended their reach into local communities and partnered with more than 200 local Latino/a organizations on various events and charitable endeavors.“The Copa de la Diversión initiative allows our teams to connect with the Latino/a population in their community in an authentic manner,” said Billy Bean, MLB’s Senior Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Special Assistant to the Commissioner. “Thecontinued growth of this initiative reinforces the importance of connecting with our Latino/a fans and the Latino/a community, creating a deeper and more meaningful fan experience.”“Nationwide is proud to support MiLB’s continued efforts to showcase the unique on-field Hispanic identities of the 95 participating clubs around the league, including our hometown Veleros de Columbus,” said Jim McCoy, associate vice president of Sports Marketing for Nationwide. “As an Official Partner of the Copa initiative, it’s great to see the continued expansion and elevation of the program that celebrates Hispanic culture at the ballpark and in the community.”At the end of the season, a panel comprised of industry experts and civic leaders will recognize the top-performing teams in several categories, including ballpark experience, community engagement, and philanthropic impact, and one team will be named the overall Copa de la Diversión champion with an award presented by Nationwide. Previous winners include the Mariachis de Nuevo México (2018 and 2019), the Wepas de Worcester (2021), and the Soñadores de Hillsboro (2022). Last season, Nationwide included a $5,000 donation to Hillsboro to further amplify their efforts in the community.For more information on Minor League Baseball’s Copa de la Diversión initiative and to purchase tickets or official merchandise, visit MiLB.com/copa.MLB Partner League team. The MLB Partner Leagues are comprised of the American Association, the Atlantic League, the Frontier League, and the Pioneer League.
