Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders Unveil 2025 Promotional Slate The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, the Triple-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, are thrilled to announce their exciting 2025 promotional schedule. Fans can look forward to a season filled with fun giveaways, special appearances, fireworks, theme nights, and much more! This year’s promotional calendar will feature 11 fireworks nights, four Copa de la Diversión games, and three brand-new custom jerseys, along with unique events for all ages.Opening Night and Early Promotions The 2025 season kicks off on Tuesday, April 8, when the RailRiders host the Rochester Red Wings. Gates open at 5:30 P.M., with the first 1,500 fans receiving a 2025 magnetic schedule. First pitch is at 6:35 P.M., followed by the season’s first fireworks show.To celebrate Opening Night, fans can Beat the Clock and save big on tickets! Tickets purchased online between 10:00 and 10:59 A.M. will be just $4 plus fees. Prices increase to $6 plus fees from 11:00 A.M. to Noon, and $8 plus fees from 12:00 P.M. to 1:00 P.M. This offer is only available for online purchases.Copa de la Diversión & Specialty Nights The first of four Copa de la Diversión games takes place on May 8 (Thirsty Thursday) against the Red Wings. The RailRiders will also take on their alternate “Vejigantes” identities on June 24, July 31, and August 30.Additional highlights include STEM School Days on May 14 and 28, presented by Penn State Scranton, Hazleton, and Wilkes-Barre. Students will participate in a trebuchet competition before enjoying the game at 11:05 A.M. These games will feature STEM-related activities and local business displays.On May 17, the RailRiders will join Minor League Baseball’s Malmö Oat Milkers for a night of quirky fun in partnership with Oatly, the world’s largest oat milk company.Special Giveaways & Theme Nights Several special promotions will take place throughout the summer, including:May 18 – The first 500 kids 12 and younger receive a CHAMP squish.May 30 – Scout Night, followed by a Scout campout.May 31 – Military Appreciation Day with a camo hat giveaway for the first 1,500 fans and military-themed jerseys worn by the RailRiders.June 13 – Girl Scout Night, with an overnight campout following the game against Syracuse.June 14 – Amazing Golf Ball Whacker Night featuring Christopher McDonald, who portrayed Shooter McGavin in Happy Gilmore, with a custom bobblehead giveaway for the first 1,500 fans.Fans can also look forward to Sensory Friendly Days on June 29, July 6, and August 31, offering a sensory-safe environment for fans of all ages.Themed Events & Fireworks The RailRiders’ Friday Night Fireworks begin on May 30 and will continue after every Friday home game for the rest of the season. Other fun theme nights include:July 4 – Military-themed jerseys auctioned off to benefit Camp Freedom, followed by an extended fireworks show presented by the PA Lottery.July 11 – Christmas in July, complete with holiday decorations and a post-game fireworks show.July 12 – Margaritaville Night with a Hawaiian shirt giveaway and custom jerseys benefiting the Children’s Miracle Network at Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital.August 1 – Faith & Fellowship Night with fireworks.August 16 – Harry Potter Night™, featuring custom jerseys, RailRiders Platform 93/4 socks for the first 1,500 fans, and a special photo op with house elves.August 2 – 90s Night, complete with a 90s Dance Party on the Geisinger Plaza.The season concludes with Fan Appreciation Day on September 14, honoring all who make RailRiders baseball possible.Ticket Information Single-game tickets, along with season ticket plans (full, half, partial, and flex), are available now. Purchase tickets online at www.swbrailriders.com or at the PNC Field Box Office.For more information or to book your group for a promotional event, please contact the RailRiders front office at (570) 969-2255.All promotions, theme nights, and giveaways are subject to change. Additional details will be announced as the 2025 season approaches.
Outreach Receives Grant to Support Adult GED Program The Robert H. Spitz Foundation has awarded a $20,000 grant to support Outreach’s Adult GED Program. Since 2021, Outreach has been offering individualized GED tutoring and preparation for individuals in Scranton free of charge. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that individuals with a GED earn, on average, 25% more than those without (2022). Outreach offers flexible, personalized instruction and subject-specific tutoring that allows individuals to learn at their own pace and around their work and family schedules. GED programming aligns with Outreach’s mission to help individuals and families gain economic self-sufficiency and family stability. Many GED participants are able to advance their careers upon completing their GED credential. For more information on the GED program, call Outreach at 570-348-6484 Frank Caputo, Grants and Scholarships Manager, Scranton Area Community Foundation; Joel Skivington, GED Instructor and Lori Chaffers, President/CEO, Outreach – Center for Community Resources; and Cathy Fitzpatrick, Director of Grants and Scholarships, Scranton Area Community Foundation.
Johnson College to Host Spring Open House Johnson College will hold its Spring Open House on Saturday, March 22, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on its Scranton campus. To register to attend the Open House, visit Johnson.edu/openhouse or contact Johnson College’s Enrollment Department at 570-702-8856 or enroll@johnson.edu. The Open House will include discussions about the admissions process, information about financial aid for those who qualify, and student services such as student life, student support, and career services. Plus, same-day acceptance will be available for many programs if students bring their high school or college transcripts. Tours of each technical area will be conducted and program directors and instructors will be available to review the specifics of their programs.
Lackawanna Historical Society Hosts Pysanky Workshop In time for Easter, the Lackawanna Historical Society will host its popular Pysanky-making workshop on Sunday, March 15 at 11 a.m. Hosted by Tammy Budnovitch, the workshops will be held at the Society’s headquarters, the Catlin House, 232 Monroe Avenue, Scranton. The cost for the workshop is $30 and includes all supplies. Pysanky is a traditional Ukrainian craft in which patterns are drawn on the eggs with wax, which protects the egg when dye is applied. Dating back to prehistoric Ukraine, folklore claims that these elaborate wax-decorated eggs can help ward off evil from overtaking the world. Each workshop is a two-hour beginner class teaching the basic steps of making pysanky, and will include all needed supplies including kistka, beeswax, egg, egg design, and additional designs to take home. Tammy Budnovitch is a member of S.S. Cyril & Methodius Ukrainian Church who has been teaching pysanky for several years. There will also be some of Tammy’s finished pysanky for sale as well as additional supplies for anyone who wants to continue the craft.
