McNees to Hold 30th Annual Labor & Employment Seminar

McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC is pleased to announce that it will host its 30th Annual Labor & Employment Seminar on June 10-11, 2021.

The virtual event will feature various topics, including diversity, equity and inclusion, ADA/FMLA/WC, wage & hour law, employee benefits & executive compensation, Biden’s labor board, data breaches, litigation trends and workplace safety.

Approved Credits:

  • CLE Substantive – 9 Hours
  • CPE Management – 9 Hours
  • SHRM – 9 Hours
  • HRCI – 9 Hours

For more information, including how to register, click here.

The Greater Scranton YMCA to Host Free Back to Normal Bash and Open House

On Thursday, June 3rd, the Greater Scranton YMCA will host a free event open to all members of our community. The Back to Normal Bash will take place from 4:00–7:00 p.m. and will feature free food, beverages, DJ, bounce house, magician and more.

The event will take place outside in the back of the Greater Scranton YMCA’s facility in Dunmore. While registration is not required, the first 200 people who RSVP via the Y’s website will receive a FREE T-shirt (adult sizes only)!

In addition to the event from 4:00-7:00 p.m., the Greater Scranton YMCA is opening its doors all day for community members to tour the facility and workout for free. For anyone who joins the Y on June 3rd, the joiner’s fee will be waived.

“We are so excited to be coming out of this trying year and could not think of a better way to celebrate than to have a traditional family-style barbeque with music and magic,” said Trish Fisher, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “We are proud to open our doors for the day, allowing all members of our community to see what our facility has to offer.”

The Y’s Covid-19 safety plan will be in effect during this event. Staff is asking attendees to wear masks, except while exercising, and maintain appropriate distance from others. 

For more information, visit us online or contact Brandon Whipple, Wellness Director, at (570) 828-3116 or bwhipple@greaterscrantonymca.org.

The Dime Bank Promotes James Gardas

The Dime Bank Board of Directors along with President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Bochnovich, are pleased to announce that James Gardas was appointed to the position of Senior Vice President of the Wealth Management Division. Gardas is an investment adviser representative for The Dime Wealth Management, a full-service brokerage operation located within The Dime Bank. 

Gardas has almost thirty years of experience in the customer service arena including twelve years of experience in the Wealth Management Division. Gardas graduated Summa Cum Laude from Charleston Southern University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with a dual major in Business Administration and Mathematics. Gardas is a registered representative of Cetera Advisor Networks LLC and is life, accident and health insurance licensed and is an Accredited Investment Fiduciary. Gardas offers stocks, bonds, mutual funds, money management, annuities, insurance products, advisory services, retirement and educational savings plans, financial and estate planning services, and trusts to individuals and businesses through the Wealth Management Division.

Peter Bochnovich stated, “Jim is an invaluable asset to The Dime Bank team. As the head of our Wealth Management division, Jim’s expertise has broadened the Wealth Management client base since taking the lead. His counsel and knowledge are a great fit for his customers, his team, and as a leader to The Dime Wealth Management division in pursuing our growth objectives.”

He currently resides in Hawley, PA with his wife, Jade, and his two dogs, Moxie and Nugget.

Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple Announces FREE Outdoor Summer Concert Series

WHAT:  Scranton Cultural Center’s FREE Outdoor Summer Concert Series
WHEN:  June 11 (Young Lion), July 9 (Erin Malloy & Friends), August 13 (The Mule Team) and September 10 (Blind Chioce); Doors at 6:00 PM; Shows from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM.
WHERE:  420 N. Washington Avenue – Scranton, PA 18503 (In front of the Cultural Center)
PRICES:  Free!  Cash bar and light fare available for purchase.

The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple is pleased to announce a new Outdoor Summer Concert Series that will be free and open to the public.  The concerts will take place outside of the Scranton Cultural Center and will feature local and regional talent.  The lineup includes Young Lion (June 11), Erin Malloy & Friends (July 9), The Mule Team (August 13) and Blind Choice (September 10). 

“It has been a long hiatus for in-person events, which is what we thrive on” said Deborah Moran Peterson, SCC Executive Director.  “We have enjoyed being able to connect with our audiences virtually through the past year, and we are so grateful to be able to welcome back the community with this free concert series.”

All current CDC Guidelines will be followed at each performance with any updates being shared via social media.  All performances will run from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM; a cash bar with light fare will open at 6:00 PM prior to each show. The Scranton Cultural Center had plans to launch this free series for the community last summer.  During the past year, it has offered its popular Underground Microphone series virtually each week, as well as virtual programming as part of the Center’s Youth Theatre Programming.  To learn more about the Scranton Cultural Center and its upcoming events, visit SCCMT.org.

RailRiders Announce 2021 Summer Giveaways

With capacity at PNC Field expanding to 100% next month, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders are pleased to put single-game tickets for the remainder of the 2021 season on sale now online at swbrailriders.com. In conjunction with single-game tickets and in addition to the giveaways already slated for the season, the RailRiders will have three legendary bobblehead giveaways, eight additional giveaway dates, four custom jerseys and plenty of fan-favorite theme nights this summer.

The RailRiders are pleased to add Seltzer Saturdays to their daily promotions. Get $2 Bud Light Seltzers for two hours after gates open each Saturday home game this season, courtesy of Northeast Eagle.

We start next month with a bang as Jack Williams Tire presents our June 4 post game fireworks blast off. On Saturday, June 5, the first 2,500 fans through the gates get a free hat before the RailRiders host the Lehigh Valley IronPigs at 4:05 P.M.

On Thursday, June 17, the RailRiders transform into the Vejigantes, their Copa de la Diversion identity, for the first of three times this summer. The Vejigantes return on July 22 and August 12 as well to help celebrate Latin heritage across baseball and NEPA.

The forces of good and evil will battle for supremacy on June 18 on Heroes & Villains Night. After the final out, NEPA’s best fireworks show will send everyone home with a WHAM! and a KER-POW! courtesy of ShurSave.

On Saturday, June 19, the first 2,500 fans through the gates at PNC Field will receive a RailRiders 32 oz. beer howler. On July 10, FOX 56 and SWB team up for an umbrella giveaway.

The RailRiders are on the road on July 4 this year and we will celebrate America’s independence a few days later. Join us July 9 for an extended fireworks show and custom jerseys honoring our great nation, which will be auctioned off to benefit the SWB Pinstripes Foundation. After the final out, post gamer fireworks presented by the PA Lottery.

At the end of July, Yankee Legend Derek Jeter enters the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre will celebrate “The Captain.” On Friday, July 23, the RailRiders will wear 2013 throwback vests to honor the Hall of Famer’s stint in SWB and the jerseys will be auctioned after the final out. July 24 is the Derek Jeter bobblehead giveaway, presented by Casey Dental, paying tribute to the accomplishments of one of the game’s greats!

On July 25, the club will celebrate Christmas in July with an Aaron Judge ornament giveaway, presented by Geisinger.

Faith and Family Night is slated for Friday, August 6. Head to the ballpark for a fun evening of fellowship and post game fireworks presented by the PA Lottery. August 7 is Back to School Night at PNC Field and the first 2,500 fans get a RailRiders insulated lunch bag courtesy of Giant.

Paradise hits PNC Field on August 13 as the RailRiders go tropical. The first 2,500 fans will receive a RailRiders beach towel courtesy of Dickson City Hyundai and the club will wear custom Hawaiian-style jerseys that will be auctioned off after the final out. Stick around for another great fireworks show courtesy of Jack Williams Tire.

On Saturday, August 14, our first of two Legends Race dual bobblehead giveaways will find their way to the gates at PNC Field. Mantle and Munson start the sprint on this two-part collectible series, presented by PNC Bank.

Dunder Mifflin fans unite! Scranton/Wilkes-Barre will once again pay tribute to our lovable friends from The Office on September 3. You can’t miss it… and that is what she said.

Our Legends Racers hit the finish line on September 4 when a DiMaggio and Martin dual bobblehead complete the jaunt home, courtesy of Geisinger. On Sunday, September 5, the first 500 kids aged 12 and younger will receive a RailRiders autograph book, presented by Hyundai.

On Friday, September 10, make your way to PNC Field for a RailRiders fleece headband, brought to fans by Times-Shamrock. With one week to go before the rescheduled 2021 Parade Day, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre will also don St. Paddy’s Day-themed jerseys that will be auctioned off and are sure to be a mid-March hit for years to come. Plus… stick around after the game for our final fireworks extravaganza of the season. September 10 is also Boy Scout Night.

Fan Appreciation Day is slated for Sunday, September 12, as Scranton/Wilkes-Barre brings its 2021 home schedule to a close with a random promo item giveaway for the first 2,500 fans.

All major giveaways will be handed out to the first 2,500 fans. All promotions and giveaway dates are subject to change. The RailRiders will operate with six-foot social distancing for the remainder of May but expand to 100% on June 1 per guidelines from the state of Pennsylvania. For more information on the 2021 season, please visit swbrailriders.com or call (570) 969-2255.

The Family Service Association of NEPA to Host ‘Breaking Clays for Kids Clay Shoot’

The Family Service Association of Northeastern Pennsylvania (FSA) is holding its 6th annual “Breaking Clays for Kids Clay Shoot” on Friday, June 18 at Rock Mountain Sporting Clays in Springville in support of the 125-year-old nonprofit organization’s Children’s Center of Susquehanna and Wyoming Counties. The safe and socially distanced onsite registration begins at 9 a.m., with a shotgun start at 10 a.m.

To register, please contact Theresa Langan at the FSA at (570) 823-5144, ext. 312, or email her at tlangan@fsanepa.org. Registration costs $90 per person or $325 for a four-person team, and includes an event T-shirt and a ready-made, pre-packaged lunch from Red Rock Barbeque. Ammunition is not included in the entry fee. Specially designed awards will be presented to winners in three categories – female, male and juvenile – at a later date due to COVID-19 safety precautions.

In addition, various levels of sponsorships are available at the clay shoot, including for lunch, awards, T-shirts and display advertising, such as scorecards, shooting stations, event-sponsor boards and more. Businesses, corporations and friends of the Children’s Center, a child advocacy center in Montrose, can also donate gift certificates and gift cards in lieu of gift baskets, as part of the socially-distanced raffle at the end of the event. Participants who win a raffle will have the gift certificates or gift cards mailed to them after the event.

Please contact Janine A. Fortney, LSW, director of FSA’s Children’s Center, at (570) 823-5144, ext. 370 or jfortney@fsanepa.org, to reserve a sponsorship opportunity and/or donate gift certificates or gift cards to the raffle. Deadline for sponsorships and donations to the raffle is June 1.

“Breaking Clays for Kids Clay Shoot” is the primary fundraiser for the Children’s Center. The center provides a safe, comfortable environment for children and their families as they go through the interviewing and examination process after disclosing some type of traumatic experience. Since the Children’s Center opened in 2015, 402 children have received services at the nonprofit, including trauma therapy, forensic interviews, medical examinations for sexual and physical abuse, and more.

“The Children’s Center of Susquehanna and Wyoming Counties is dedicated to serving the children in the community who have been affected by some form of abuse,’’ said Fortney. “We work tirelessly to comfort and provide the best possible care for these children during the worst possible time in their lives. Together, the collaboration of community and care ensures we are there for these children during their moments of need.”

The “Breaking Clays for Kids Clay Shoot” is part of FSA’s 125th anniversary celebration. Established March 15, 1895, the nonprofit organization launched its annual campaign in January. The Spring Fling in April honored the Thalenfeld family for three generations of philanthropy and benevolence. The family’s dedication to the organization began with the late David R. Thalenfeld, the former CEO and co-founder of Trion Industries, and continues to this day with his son, John, the president of Trion Industries, and his grandson, Adam. Together, the Thalenfeld family has played a prominent and lasting role on the board.

A group of involved and concerned members of the community founded FSA to provide diverse services that empower children, individuals, seniors and families to reach their full potential by building healthier relationships and stronger communities.

Today, its 14 programs provide services to people in 17 counties, including Bradford, Clinton, Columbia, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Lycoming, Monroe, Montour, Northumberland, Pike, Snyder, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, Union, Wayne and Wyoming counties. FSA’s PA 211 Northeast (NE) / Help Line provides free information and referral services to address food and housing insecurity, emergency shelter, aging, homelessness, victim services, and utility and rent assistance, as well as mental health, drug and alcohol services, and after-hours answering services and crisis management for local municipalities and government offices.

PA 211 NE / Help Line is available 24-hours a day, 365 days a year by Internet (helpline-nepa.info), text message and telephone at 1-888-829-1341 and/or 211. For more information about FSA or to support its programs, please log on to www.fsanepa.org or call (570) 823-5144.

Geisinger Orthopaedic Surgeon Given Pennsylvania Medical Society’s Highest Honor

John H. Doherty Jr., M.D., an orthopaedic surgeon who practices at Geisinger Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine in Scranton, was named the 2021 recipient of the Pennsylvania Medical Society’s (PAMED) Distinguished Service Award.

The Distinguished Service Award is considered the highest honor a member can receive from PAMED. Its first recipient in 1956 was Jonas E. Salk, M.D., who was recognized for his achievements in developing the anti-polio vaccine.

A Lackawanna County resident, Dr. Doherty has been a practicing orthopaedic surgeon in Scranton since 1980. Before joining Geisinger in January of 2018, he was a partner in Professional Orthopaedic Associates Ltd. Over his career, he has cared for thousands of patients and their families.

“We’re incredibly proud of Dr. Doherty. He is a valuable member of the Geisinger family, and this award reiterates that further. Dr. Doherty is the perfect example of service above self. He never turns away anyone who needs his help. His complete dedication to his practice and to the community is admirable. We celebrate his success and are honored to be associated with him,” said Michael Suk, M.D., chair of Geisinger’s Musculoskeletal Institute.

Dr. Doherty is a beloved figure in the Scranton community. For more than 30 years, he’s made quarterly house calls to St. Joseph’s Center so the residents don’t have to make a trip by van to be seen in the office.

Dr. Doherty has also served on and volunteered for multiple local nonprofit organizations, including helping to build and maintain a hospital in Haiti. Since 2010, Dr. Doherty has worked in collaboration with Fr. Rick Frechette, an American priest who is also a physician, to build and maintain a state-of-the-art operating room for the people of Port-au-Prince. To that end, he visits the island every year and works tirelessly to supply the hospital and bring patients to America when the care they need is not available in Haiti.