Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Hosts Carnival-themed Fundraiser An adults-only night at the carnival will support student scholarships for Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. Moonlight on the Midway will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, at the Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave. The event will feature classic carnival fare, a beer and wine selection, and beloved childhood amusement games with bigger, better prizes. Culinary Creations by Metz will staff concession stations offering elevated dishes inspired by traditional carnival food. Entertainment will include sideshow performances, and a silent auction will feature items from local businesses. Tickets cost $125 and can be purchased at go.geisinger.org/gcsommidway. Attendees must be 21 and older, and attire is casual. Sponsorship and one-time donation opportunities are also available on the event page. For more information, please contact Foundation Events at foundationevents@geisinger.edu or 570-214-0400.
Skills in Scranton Hosts First Like Mind Meet Up Skills in Scranton, the workforce development affiliate of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, hosted its first Like Mind Meet Up on September 20 at the Scranton Enterprise Center, sponsored by Sho Technology Solution. The event featured an array of networking opportunities and a presentation on Artificial Intelligence (AI) by local tech experts Jason Washo and John George. Attendees comprised tech professionals, entrepreneurs, students, and AI enthusiasts, all eager to explore the limitless possibilities of AI technology. Emily Pettinato, workforce development specialist, with The Chamber, expressed excitement about the prospect of future Like Mind Meet Up events. “We are thrilled with the attendance and engagement for our first Like Mind Meet Up,” Emily stated. “These events provide individuals with similar interests and careers an invaluable opportunity to connect and foster collaboration and knowledge sharing.” For updates on upcoming Like Mind meet-ups, visit scrantonchamber.com.
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Sets 2024 RailRiders Home Schedule The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, Triple-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, have announced their home game times for the 2024 season. The new season begins on March 29 at Buffalo with the home opener slated for April 2. The RailRiders will once again play a 150-game slate with 75 games set for PNC Field. The first pitch for all weeknight games throughout the season will be at 6:35 P.M. Saturday games in April and May will start at 4:05 P.M. and shift to 6:05 starting on June 8 for the remainder of the summer. All Sunday games will begin at 1:05 P.M. in 2024. Games on May 7 and 21 will have a 6:05 P.M. first pitch. The RailRiders will host two STEM School Day games in 2024 with 11:05 A.M. start times. Scranton/Wilkes-Barre hosts Rochester on Wednesday, May 8, and Syracuse on Wednesday, May 22, in the early games. STEM School Day games are presented by Penn State Scranton, Penn State Hazleton and Penn State Wilkes-Barre. Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and Louisville will play at 1:05 p.m. on Wednesday, July 31, at PNC Field. The final Saturday game of the home schedule, September 14 against Lehigh Valley, is set with a 4:05 p.m. start. Promotions and giveaways will be announced at a later time and all game times are subject to change. Season ticket memberships, including premium seating, full season, half season and partial plans, are on sale now. Find more information online at swbrailriders.com or by calling (570) 969-2255.
Keystone College to Host Dennis Farms Symposium For the 12th consecutive year, Keystone College will continue its partnership with The Dennis Farm Charitable Land Trust by hosting an annual symposium on Wednesday, Oct. 11, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Theatre in Brooks on campus. The event is free and open to the public. The annual symposium focuses on the history and tradition of The Dennis Farm and its meaning to the local community and the nation. Keynote speaker for this year’s event will be Michael Idriss, manager of African American Interpretive Programs at the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia. Mr. Idriss will discuss the museum’s Forten Exhibition and contrast the exhibition’s subject, James Forten, a wealthy, free African American living in urban Philadelphia around the time of the American Revolution with his contemporary, Prince Perkins, a land-owing free African American farm owner in rural Northeastern Pennsylvania. The symposium will conclude with a tour of The Dennis Farm with Keystone students serving as tour guides. “Keystone College is once again proud to be an educational partner with the The Dennis Farm Charitable Land Trust as we host this important symposium on our beautiful campus,” said Keystone College President John F. Pullo, Sr. “The Dennis Farm has played such a meaningful role in our nation’s history and we are delighted to celebrate that history with everyone from The Dennis Farm and with our campus and local communities.” The Dennis Farm Charitable Land Trust is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of The Dennis Farm. The 153-acre historic farm located in Brooklyn Township, Susquehanna County, 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. 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. The symposium marks the latest in a series of events in which Keystone has served as an educational partner with the Dennis Farm Charitable Land Trust. Last summer, The Dennis Farm was honored during a special semi-quincentennial 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 took place at The Dennis Farm and followed by a luncheon at Keystone. Recognized as one of the best educational values in Northeastern Pennsylvania, Keystone offers more than 50 undergraduate and graduate degree options in liberal arts and science-based programs in business, communications, education, natural science, environmental science, and social sciences. Located on a beautiful 276-acre campus 15 minutes from Scranton, PA., and two hours from New York City and Philadelphia, Keystone is known for small class sizes and individual attention focused on student success through internships, research, and community involvement.
Northeast Regional Cancer Institute Receives $45,000 in ARPA Funds The Northeast Regional Cancer Institute recently received a $45,000 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) nonprofit recovery grant from the City of Scranton to support the Community-Based Cancer Screening Navigation Program. Funds will be used for software upgrades to streamline Navigation Program operations and enhance data security. “NRCI is extremely appreciative of this funding support from the City of Scranton. These upgrades will allow for program growth, increase the number of people screened for cancer, and help save lives through early detection”, according to Laura Toole, Executive Vice President at the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute. This funding was awarded as part of the City of Scranton’s open applications for nonprofit organizations.
PennDOT Announces Upcoming Closing for Columbus Day/Indigenous People’s Day The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) today announced that all driver license and photo centers, including its full-service center in Harrisburg, will be closed Saturday, October 7, 2023, through Monday, October 9, 2023, in observance of the Columbus Day/Indigenous People’s Day holiday. Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services, including all forms, publications, and driver training manuals, online through PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website, www.dmv.pa.gov. Driver and vehicle online services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and include driver’s license, photo ID and vehicle registration renewals; driver-history services; changes of address; driver license and vehicle registration restoration letters; ability to pay driver license or vehicle insurance restoration fee; driver license and photo ID duplicates; and driver exam scheduling. There are no additional fees for using online services. A complete listing of PennDOT driver and photo license center closings in 2023 is available online. If you are planning to visit one of PennDOT’s On-Line Messenger Service Centers, please call ahead for hours of operation during holidays. Motorists can check conditions on major roadway miles by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information, and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.
The Rotary Club to Host Boscov’s Friends Helping Friends Fundraiser The Boscov’s Friends Helping Friends fundraiser is coming up in October – here are a few event details:Boscov’s offers non-profit organizations the opportunity to sell discount passes giving shoppers 25% on most items purchased during the one-day sale – this year it’s Wednesday October 18.The discount passes are $5 and shoppers get 25% off their purchases (most items there are some exceptions with lower discounts) – a great deal for the shopper and Rotary Club keeps the $5.Historically, the Rotary Club has used these funds to buy dictionaries for local 3rd graders – each 3rd grader gets their own dictionary. The teachers love it because each student gets their own personal dictionary.In addition to the dictionaries, this year they hope to raise enough $ to start Interact Clubs at Scranton High School and West Scranton High.The Club asks each member to sell 5 passes – but notes that more than 5 would be wonderful. If passes can’t be sold it’s OK, selling passes is voluntary, but the value of the ticket is apparent and it’s really an easy sell.IMPORTANT CHANGE – Due to the # of non-profits participating this year, they will have fewer hours to sell tickets in store on the day of sale – meaning greater effort will be needed and there must be emphasis on early ticket sales. The Rotary will still have a table at Boscov’s the day of the sale but not for the whole day – they will need volunteers to staff the table on October 18th. It’s a fun time so sign up with Ty!Ty Holmes is heading up this fundraiser – show support and contact him for discount passes – tdholmes23@gmail.com or 224-436-0110
Everything Natural to Host Natural Food and Products Expo On October 14, 11am-3pm, Everything Natural will host it’s Natural Food and Products Expo 2023: An event created to introduce the community to natural, organic, and healthy products. Everything Natural is aware that consumers everywhere are waking up and wanting to know: What’s in the food? How is it made? They are paying more attention to the impact their food has on people and on the planet. Come and engage with local/regional farmers and vendors some of who include: Swiss Villa Farms, HighVibe.Kitchen, Beekeeper’s Daughter, Two Homes, Young Living Oils, and more. Also on hand will be a New Products Booth which will introduce customers to the newest foods and supplements available in the market. Join Everything Natural for a day of tasting and learning about foods and products that are new and cutting edge in the marketplace. Additionally, in the downstairs studio: 12pm Young Living Oil Make your own perfume w/Essential Oils Tara McAuliffe. 1:30pm HighVibe.Kitchen a cooking demo w/ Rebekah Gillette. Save the date! Spaces are limited for the downstairs workshops and we are encouraging everyone to stop by or call the store to reserve a seat.
Slick Cyber Systems Announces Free IT Assessment Slick Cyber Systems, a leading provider of cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions, is thrilled to announce the launch of its FREE IT ASSESSMENT program. Designed to empower organizations with a comprehensive understanding of their network security posture, this initiative offers a range of invaluable services to safeguard digital assets and ensure a secure infrastructure. The FREE IT ASSESSMENT includes: Free Network Evaluation: Our expert team will conduct a thorough analysis of your organization’s network architecture to identify vulnerabilities and potential security risks. Customized Vulnerability Report: You will receive a detailed report outlining the specific vulnerabilities and weaknesses within your network, enabling you to make informed decisions about your cybersecurity strategy. Consultation to Address Your IT Needs: Our seasoned professionals will provide a one-on-one consultation to discuss the findings of the assessment and recommend tailored solutions to address your unique IT requirements. Data Safety Assurance: Protect your sensitive data with confidence, as we offer guidance on data security best practices and the latest threat mitigation techniques. Roadmap to a Safe and Secure Infrastructure: Receive a roadmap outlining actionable steps to enhance your organization’s cybersecurity posture, ensuring a safe and secure digital environment. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the importance of robust cybersecurity measures cannot be overstated. Cyberattacks are growing in frequency and sophistication, making it imperative for businesses of all sizes to fortify their defenses against potential threats. Slick Cyber Systems is committed to helping organizations proactively protect their digital assets and maintain the trust of their clients and stakeholders. “Don’t delay in taking action to protect your organization’s digital assets,” advises Jim Slick, CEO of Slick Cyber Systems. “Our FREE IT ASSESSMENT is a crucial first step toward securing your infrastructure and ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of your data.” To schedule your FREE IT ASSESSMENT with Slick Cyber Systems and take the first step towards a safer digital future, please visit https://www.slickcybersystems.com/free-it-assessment/ or call 570-371-5800.
