Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Railriders Announce New Manager The New York Yankees have announced that Shelley Duncan has been named as the new manager for the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. Duncan re-joins the organization that drafted him and will lead the franchise that he won the International League MVP Award with in 2009. “We are extremely excited to bring Shelley Duncan back to the organization where he began his professional journey – and specifically back to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre where he had tremendous success and was part of the 2009 International League Championship club,” said Kevin Reese, the Director of Player Development for the New York Yankees. “Shelley’s knowledge as well as his experiences growing up in the game, as a player and as a coach will serve our players well.” Duncan, 43, was drafted by the Yankees in 2001; a second-round selection out of the University of Arizona. He reached Triple-A with Columbus in 2006 and spent portions of three seasons in an SWB Yankees uniform. Duncan appeared in 272 games for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre between 2007 and 2009. In ‘09, he hit .277 with 30 home runs and 99 runs batted in over 123 games, garnering the nod for IL MVP. His Major League career spanned 330 games for the Yankees, Cleveland and Tampa Bay over seven years. “It means the world to me to return to the New York Yankees,” Duncan said. “The way I was taught the game of baseball at the professional level is the Yankee way. The values that have been instilled in me on how to play the game were established pretty much day one after I got drafted. Everywhere I have gone since my time with New York, I have taken those values and details on what makes a winning baseball player with me. I let them shape who I was as a player or who I am as a manager. To be able to come back to the organization is extremely special. Not only do I feel nostalgic about it, but it gives me a good feeling inside to go back to a place that matches all of those values that make me who I am as a baseball person.” “In the years since I left, the Yankees have evolved at a completely different level than any other team in baseball,” Duncan added. “In an era where we are being inundated with tons of data and information. Where technology is taking over the game with cameras all over the ballpark, being able to measure absolutely everything on the field, the Yankees are leading all of baseball in this evolution. This is something I’m so excited to be a part of; to learn things and see things I haven’t seen before from an organization that is leading the way in innovation.” Duncan managed in the Arizona Diamondbacks system between 2015 and 2018, leading teams in Hillsboro, Visalia and Jackson. He led the Hops to the Northwest League title in 2015 and the Generals to the Southern League crown in 2018. Duncan’s managerial record stands at 231-199 over four seasons. Since leaving the Diamondbacks organization, he has served as the Toronto Blue Jays Major League Field Coordinator and as an Analytics Coordinator for the Chicago White Sox. “We are thrilled to welcome Shelley back to NEPA and into the RailRiders dugout,” stated Katie Beekman, the team’s General Manager. “He was a fan-favorite when he played here and we haven’t forgotten his energy and passion for the game. This addition absolutely adds to the building excitement as the 2023 season approaches.” Please direct interview or photo requests to Adam Marco. The remainder of the RailRiders 2023 field and support staff will be announced at a later time. Opening Day is March 31 at PNC Field against the Buffalo Bisons. Ticket packages for the 2023 season are available now. To purchase tickets, please visit swbrailriders.com or contact a ticket sales representative at (570) 969-BALL.
Commonwealth Health to Launch Care at Home Program for Chronic Conditions Commonwealth Health today announced a new remote monitoring and virtual care support program for Commonwealth Health Physician Network patients managing certain chronic health conditions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports 60% of Americans have at least one chronic condition, and 40% have two or more chronic conditions. Chronic conditions are among the leading causes of death and disability in the U.S. and a leading driver of healthcare costs. Care Management at Home will initially serve patients managing hypertension, heart failure, diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with the goals of helping patients stay well between physician visits and reducing avoidable hospitalizations. “We are committed to delivering more ways to help people in our community get well and live healthier,” says Michael Curran, Chief Executive Officer of Regional Hospital of Scranton and Moses Taylor Hospital. “Remote patient monitoring is an innovative and convenient way for patients to monitor changes to their health and can provide peace of mind for patients who have serious health concerns Through a partnership with Cadence, a leader in remote patient monitoring, qualified patients will be given cellular-enabled devices, such as blood pressure monitors, pulse oximeters, weight scales, or glucometers to capture daily vital information from the comfort of home. Daily readings are then transferred to Cadence clinicians who can help monitor for change in a patient’s condition and provide virtual care support when needed. Other benefits of remote patient monitoring can include fewer preventable hospitalizations and a reduction in the cost of care for specific patient populations. Many patients who participate in remote monitoring programs report stronger engagement in managing their own health as well as higher satisfaction with the overall healthcare experience.
Northeast Regional Cancer Institute Receives Donation The Plains Township Police Department collaborated with Futuristic Innovative Graphics in Kingston to specially design t-shirts as a breast cancer awareness fundraiser in October 2022. They raised $759 to support the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, a local organization focused on easing the burden of cancer in northeastern Pennsylvania. It was important to the organizers to keep the proceeds local.Community members were able to purchase t-shirts online through Futuristic Innovative Graphics website. The fundraiser was promoted on social media through the police department, graphics company and the Cancer Institute’s designated pages. The Plains Township Police Department plan to host this fundraiser again in fall 2023.
Dress for Success Lackawanna to Hold Second Annual “Women Making an Impact” Please join Dress for Success Lackawanna as they celebrate inspirational women in northeastern Pennsylvania community during the 2023 campaign for Women’s History Month. Women Making An Impact is the 2nd annual event that honors women in the community who lead, educate, and influence others by making a positive impact within their company or organization. Show your recognition and support by sponsoring a woman you know who is making an impact. Each day during the month of March, Dress for Success Lackawanna will be highlighting an impactful woman from the counties we serve: Lackawanna, Wyoming, Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike & Monroe counties. Honorees will be featured in social media [and billboard promotion] and will be honored at the 2nd Annual Women Making An Impact event to be held on Wednesday, March 29th, 2023 at the Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel. To purchase tickets or for more information regarding sponsorship opportunities or to nominate and sponsor the woman you want to recognize as making an impact in your company or community, please visit https://bit.ly/WMAI2023.
UGI Save Smart Home Energy Upgrades Program Are You Ready to Take Your Business to the Next Level in 2023? Join UGI on Thursday, February 9, 2023, 9AM–9:45AM to learn more. As a business owner, you’re always looking for ways to grow and expand your business. And the new year is a great time to start fresh and take advantage of new opportunities. One of the best ways to do this is by joining the UGI Save Smart Home Energy Upgrades Program. With this program, BPI-certified contractors can offer energy efficiency services to homeowners and can earn up to $200 in rebates for completing home energy evaluations. Interested in joining the UGI Save Smart Home Energy Upgrades Program but still have questions? You’re in luck. UGI is hosting a webinar on February 9 from 9AM–9:45AM, where you can learn more about the program, its requirements and how to become a participating contractor. During the webinar, you’ll have the opportunity to talk with program representatives and get all your questions answered. Plus, you’ll gain valuable insights into the program and how it can help you boost your sales in 2023. Ready to start saving your customers even more energy and money? Sign up for the webinar today. Register Today!
Epic Revenue Consultants Offers Hotel Discount to All Members Epic Revenue Consultants just renewed our hotel discount with Iberostar 70 Park Ave, New York City for 2023 and would love to extend the discount to the Chamber and its members. Below is the link to the discount and details. Discount: 20% OFF Best Available Rate Facility fee waived ($25 per night value) Robe & Slippers Complimentary Upgrade based on availability https://be.synxis.com/?adult=1&arrive=2022-08-01&chain=22244&child=0¤cy=USD&depart=2022-08-02&hotel=70839&level=hotel&locale=en-US&promo=scran&rooms=1
DEADLINE EXTENDED! Apply Today for The NEPA Workforce Leadership Academy! The NEPA Workforce Leadership Academy is accepting applications for the 2023 Fellowship Cohort until Friday, February 3, 2023 at 5PM. What is the NEPA Workforce Leadership Academy?The NEPA Workforce Leadership Academy is designed to support leaders in workforce development committed to the advancement of the local workforce ecosystem. It brings together leaders from across the local workforce ecosystem for a year-long series of retreats, workshops, and action learning projects. Who can participate?Senior-level managers engaged in or planning workforce development efforts connecting workers to quality jobs and/or career pathways are encouraged to apply for this Fellowship.Applicants should be: Located and working within Lackawanna and/or Luzerne Counties. Working within nonprofit organizations, business associations, community colleges and universities, union-based training efforts, public agencies, economic development, and other workforce development organizations. In a position of leadership and decision-making authority related to workforce development efforts, with the capacity and ability to execute strategies on behalf of their organization. Engaged in or planning workforce development efforts in Northeastern Pennsylvania related to connecting workers to quality jobs and/or career pathways. Interested in designing and implementing effective strategies to strengthen their local workforce system. Committed to achieving equity across race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, and sexual orientation. Eager to collaborate with others in their local workforce system, reflect on their current work, explore leadership practices, and gain feedback from colleagues. Why Apply? Gain personal and professional leadership. Help strengthen your organization. Apply a race and equity lens to assess and improve workforce services and strategies. Play a leadership role in systems change and field building for workforce development in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Develop a community of peers and practice. Become a part of the Aspen Fellows Network. How many Fellows will be selected?18 – 24 Fellows in Northeastern Pennsylvania will be selected through a competitive application process.Application DeadlineThe deadline to apply for this Fellowship is Friday, February 3, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. Applications will be reviewed by the NEPA Workforce Leadership Academy Advisory Council.
Adezzo Now Offering Free Downtown Delivery Starting January 18, Adezzo will be offering FREE downtown delivery. Make sure to call 570-955-0130 to place your order. They offer a wide variety of coffee, salads, smoothie bowls. sandwiches, soups, wraps, and much more!
United States Air Force Education Benefits SSgt. Taylor Holt, the U.S. Air Force Enlisted Accessions Recruiter at the 314thAir Force Recruiting Squadron in Scranton, has announced a program that allows Air Forcetraining to count as college credit toward an associate degree from the Community College ofthe Air Force(CCAF). All active duty Air Force members are automatically enrolled in theprogram that provides transferable, accredited college credits upon completion of technicalschool, basic military training(BMT), and upgrade training. The CCAF is accredited by theSouthern Commission of Colleges and Schools. Other education benefits from the Air University include a unique “Associates-to-Baccalaureates”initiative between the Air Force and civilian higher education institutions, offering baccalaureatedegree opportunities to every Air Force enlisted member. “Unlike common perception, we in the U.S. Air Force are more than just pilots. In fact, themajority of service members lead careers in finance, administration, engineering, cyber security,maintenance, and more,” explained SSgt Holt, who was recently named Enlisted AccessionsRecruiter in the Scranton office serving most of northeastern Pennsylvania. Prior to his newposition, SSgt. Holt served as a Munition Systems Technician and has been an Airman for over adecade. Contact SSgt. Holt at the Scranton Air Force Recruiting office, 3 West Olive Street, by email attaylor.holt@us.af.mil or phone (570) 840-9871 to learn more.
WVIA Invites Veterans to Mind Over Matter Taping Veterans are invited to be part of a studio audience and community conversation for the next Mind Over Matter television special, Veterans: Wounded Within on Thursday, February 2nd, 2023 at 6 pm at WVIA studios in Pittston. Part of WVIA’s Mind Over Matter mental health initiative, Veterans: Wounded Within will feature moderator Tracey Matisak and a panel of regional mental health experts discussing the mental health challenges of veterans. Hear stories from people who are coping with mental health challenges and find out where to get help. Audience members will have an opportunity to ask panelists questions during the program taping. Panelists include: Brian Keller, a clinical psychologist who is a veteran of both the Navy & the Army.Brigadier General (PA) Maureen Weigl, Deputy Adjutant General for Veterans AffairsDavid Eisele, Director of Lackawanna County Veterans Affairs Reservations are free but limited and can be made at: wvia.org/mindovermatter About Mind Over Matter Those suffering from mental health issues often become victims of discrimination and social isolation due to the stigma attached to these disorders. This stigma is a significant public health issue and can inhibit those with mental illness to seek proper treatment and recovery. In order to combat the stigma and increase awareness, prevention, treatment, and management of a range of mental illnesses, WVIA and Geisinger present Mind Over Matter: A Mental Health Initiative. Like WVIA’s successful Battling Opioids series, this public health initiative aims to improve the mental and physical health of our community through a multi-platform approach that includes television, radio, and digital content. Mind Over Matter is presented by Geisinger. WVIA Mission WVIA educates, inspires, entertains and fosters citizenship, diverse cultures, and perspectives to nurture community.
