Skills in Scranton Hosted Annual State of the Workforce Event Skills in Scranton, the workforce development division of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, recently hosted its annual State of the Workforce event in partnership with The Institute for Public Policy & Economic Development. This signature virtual event welcomed educators and Chamber member businesses to explore critical workforce trends and opportunities shaping the region. The presentation provided key insights into the region’s evolving job market, spotlighting top employers and industries hiring for in-demand careers. Attendees gained valuable information about workforce data, labor force participation, and skills gaps, all designed to support efforts to address challenges and enhance regional economic development. “The State of the Workforce event is an invaluable tool for educators and businesses alike,” said Emily Pettinato, workforce development specialist at The Chamber. “This data empowers participants to better understand our regional workforce landscape and use this knowledge to address challenges, inform classroom instruction, and drive strategic decision-making.” To access the 2025 State of the Workforce presentation, visit SkillsinScranton.com or contact Emily Pettinato at EPettinato@ScrantonChamber.com.
Jeannine Luby Creates Connections and Laughter Plan to Start the New Year by Creating Connections and Laughing to Lower Stress at Collaborative Event in Scranton Even if you didn’t make a resolution to incorporate more networking and healthy activity into your days, local organizations in Scranton are collaborating to give you the opportunity to do just that because they know how good it is for you! It is the mission of NEPA Networkers to connect talented people of Northeast PA through events with the purpose of fostering business and career growth so when Laugh to Live owner Jeannine Luby suggested collaborating on an event with them, Bob Courtright, the face of NEPA Networkers and board president, agreed it was a good idea. Luby has benefitted personally and professionally from attending various business mixers hosted by NEPA Networkers and thought laughter would be a good addition to networking and coffee and came up with “Laugh A Latte,” an event being hosted on Wednesday, January 8 at 8:30AM at Urban Co-Works at 116 N. Washington Ave. in downtown Scranton, on the third floor. The purpose of this event is to provide people with a unique opportunity to connect and experience a sampling of brain-boosting, stress-relieving laughter over coffee and light refreshments in the modern co-working space that is Urban Co-Works. Anyone interested can also receive a tour of the facility. Luby hopes that people take advantage of this opportunity to boost brain function and mood and lower stress and anxiety and get inspired to think about wellness options for employees, volunteers clients, etc. in their organization. She said, “According to the American Psychological Association’s 2023 “Work in America Survey,” 77% of U.S. workers reported experiencing work-related stress in the past month, with 57% stating that this stress negatively impacted their health, highlighting a concerning level of workplace stress. Stress is costly–both personally and professionally. But we know from a multitude of studies that laughter can help us to lower the stress hormone cortisol, boost the ‘feel good’ hormones of endorphins and oxytocin, and provide several other wellness benefits, so my question is, ‘Why aren’t we laughing more? ” The Laugh A Latte event on January 8 is free to the public. Reach out to Jeannine at Jeannine.Luby@gmail.comwith any questions and to RSVP.
SWB RailRiders Holding Game Day Staff Job Fairs in January Interviews to be conducted at PNC Field for upcoming 2025 campaign The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders will hold two game day staff job fairs in January as they prepare for the 2025 season. The job fairs will be held in the club level at PNC Field on Wednesday, January 15, from 5:30 to 7:30 P.M., and on Saturday, January 18, from 10 A.M. until 1 P.M. The home opener is slated for April 8 and the RailRiders are seeking game day employees for the upcoming season. Prospective employees will fill out applications and the SWB front office staff will do interviews on the spot during the job fair. “Customer service is essential to what we do at PNC Field,” said Katie Beekman, the General Manager of the RailRiders. “We are always looking for dedicated individuals who want to be a part of our summer family. These game day positions are an important part of making great experiences memorable for every fan.” Interviews for game day staff will begin at 5:30 P.M. on January 15 and at 10 A.M. on January 18. The RailRiders are looking for game day employees to fill numerous roles within the organization. Game day staff includes 50/50 vendors, bat boys/ girls, club level attendants, EMTs, grounds crew, parking attendants, press box staff, ticket sales representatives, ticket takers, video/ production assistants and ushers. The team is also looking for members of the Pinstripe Patrol, the RailRiders on-field promotions crew, as well as fun zone employees. Legends, the official catering, concessions and merchandise provider of the RailRiders, will also conduct interviews at both job fairs. Legends is seeking cashiers, concessions cooks, prep cooks, suite attendants and retail associates. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age with working papers. Individuals will choose the open position that best suits their interests or needs, but may be considered for other positions based on availability. The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class. For more information, contact the RailRiders front office at (570) 969-BALL or visit swbrailriders.com.
The Wright Center to Host Tinnitus Support Group The newly-formed Tinnitus Support Group of Northeast Pennsylvania will meet on Friday, Jan. 3, at 2 p.m. at The Wright Center for Community Health Mid Valley, 5 S. Washington Ave., Jermyn. Virtual meeting options are available for those unable to attend in person. The support group welcomes individuals living with tinnitus, their loved ones, and anyone interested in understanding this complex audiological and neurological condition. Participants will have the opportunity to connect, share their experiences, and explore coping strategies in a compassionate and supportive environment. At the January meeting, guest speaker Dr. Erin Walborn-Sterantino will discuss the neurophysiological model of tinnitus, the role and proper use of sound therapy, and more. Dr. Walborn-Sterantino is an audiology doctor specializing in treating tinnitus and sound sensitivity disorders. Over the course of her nearly 30-year career, she has dedicated herself to helping patients reclaim their quality of life through innovative, compassionate care and evidence-based practices. She has studied under many of the field’s leading researchers, including Dr. Pawel Jastreboff, the pioneer of Tinnitus Retraining Therapy. She integrates this evidence-based approach with a holistic, mind-body perspective, tailoring treatment to each individual’s needs. Dr. Walborn-Sterantino is also a qualified teacher of mindfulness-based stress reduction. Her practice emphasizes empowering patients through education, mindfulness techniques, and comprehensive sound therapy, reflecting her belief that effective tinnitus care addresses both the auditory and emotional dimensions of the condition. For more information or to obtain the virtual meeting link, contact Nicole Flynn, director of the geriatrics service line at The Wright Center for Community Health, at flynnn@TheWrightCenter.org or 570-230-0019.
Marywood University Historian to Present Free, Virtual Talk on “Victorian Vegetarians” Dr. Adam Shprintzen, a historian of nineteenth century America and Associate Professor of History at Marywood University, is presenting a free, virtual talk for the Maine Historical Society about the history of vegetarianism in 19th-century America on Monday, January 13, at 7 p.m. Dr. Shprintzen will look at the lively history of early American vegetarianism and social reform. Vegetarianism, practiced in the United States since the country’s founding, has been misunderstood and understudied, especially with regard to the early years of the movement. Through the Civil War, the vegetarian movement focused on social and political reform, but, by the late nineteenth century, it became a path for personal strength and success in a newly individualistic, consumption-driven economy. This development led to greater expansion and acceptance of vegetarianism in mainstream society. Featured in national publications ranging from the New York Times to Slate, Dr. Shprintzen is a frequent guest on podcasts and radio shows. He is the author of The Vegetarian Crusade: The Rise of an American Reform Movement, 1817-1921. Presently, he is researching the history of the Automat and its place in popular memory. While the Zoom presentation is free and open to the public, registration is required. This program is offered as a companion to the organization’s exhibit, Maine’s Untold Vegetarian History, which is on view through May 17, 2025. To register for this virtual event, visit the Maine Historical Society’s event website: mainehistory.org/events/food-of-the-future and follow the registration link.
Imagine Performing Arts Center Presents Christmas Wonderland Mark your calendars for our enchanting Christmas Wonderland Event happening in just 2 weeks! Join us for a wonderful, family-friendly experience filled with free crafts, tasty snacks, and the chance to take photos with Santa. Enjoy a delightful short play performed by our talented Imagine Alumni, who are now studying at some of the top performing arts schools across the nation. This is an event you won’t want to miss! Plus, your participation helps support our spring season. We can’t wait to celebrate the holiday spirit with you! All inclusive Tickets Available NOW!
Culinary Creations by Metz Ring In the ‘New Year’ with a Timeless Tradition Join us for #Genetti‘s New Year’s Open House on Tuesday, December 31st, from 7 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. at their Grand Ballroom in Wilkes-Barre. Enjoy an open bar, passed hors d’oeuvres, charcuterie display, delicious dinner buffet, midnight breakfast, and music by Popstar Drive. $125 per person. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable night! Make reservations at the link: https://fs4.formsite.com/metzculinary/zdurjpshun/index
