PNC Field Returns to Full Capacity on June 1

Due to recent changes in state guidelines, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders are pleased to announce that PNC Field will return to full capacity on June 1. Scranton/Wilkes-Barre will put single-game tickets for the remainder of the 2021 season on sale at 10 A.M. on Friday, May 21.

“The change in state guidelines is great news for our fans,” stated John Adams, Team President of the RailRiders. “While certain protocols must remain in place, we know things are heading in the right direction and our staff is excited to welcome all of our fans back to PNC Field next month. We are hoping to help make everyone’s summer the best it can be with the fun that NEPA has been missing for too long.”

Several policies have been updated due to changes in guidelines.

Bag Policy
Clear bags will be allowed starting May 11. Medical and diaper bags, as well as wristlets, will also be allowed.

Rain Delays
Fans will now be permitted to distance during weather delays by allowing them to leave and re-enter the ballpark during rain delays.

Group Seating
All group seating for the summer months and September is now on sale.

While capacity restrictions have been lifted, the RailRiders will continue to enforce several guidelines put in place last month. Those policies are as follows:

Ticketing and Cashless Transactions
Digital Ticketing and Cashless Transactions while at the ballpark will remain in place.

Masking
All masking guidelines will remain in place at this time.

Social Distancing
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre will continue to enforce physical distancing while entering and exiting PNC Field, as well

as in lines for concessions and merchandise. Fans will not be allowed to congregate during pregame or in-game events.

Enhanced Cleaning
Enhanced cleaning regimens will remain in place.

In addition, due to MLB guidelines, the RailRiders will continue to utilize pod seating for professional baseball scouts and player families to assist with social distancing and safety. The 12-foot buffer zone around the home and visiting dugouts, as well as any areas near players, will also remain in place.

Protocols and procedures remain subject to change this season per Major League Baseball, state and CDC guidance.

For more information on all 2021 policies, visit the Health and Safety page at swbrailriders.com.

A limited number of single-game tickets for games in May are on sale now, while Full, Half and Partial Season Ticket Memberships are also available. For more information on the 2021 season, please visit swbrailriders.com or call (570) 969-2255.

Settlers Hospitality’s Summer Music Series Hits All the Right Notes

Music nourishes the soul and feeds the spirit. Played in concert with an exceptional meal in a stunning venue, and that’s a feast for the senses! The music series at the Hawley properties of Settlers Hospitality provide the soundtrack for summer in the Lake Region. Lakeside Live at The Dock on Wallenpaupack and Blues, Brews and BBQ at Glass- wine.bar.kitchen get underway Memorial Day weekend. Jazz on the Deck returns to The Settlers Inn on June 2.

Jazz on the Deck at The Settlers Inn
Since it first launched over 10 years ago, Jazz on the Deck has become a cherished rite of summer in the Pocono Mountains. The event at The Settlers Inn draws professional performers whose credits range from Broadway and the New York cabaret scene to international jazz festivals. Every Wednesday evening during summer, a rotating lineup of musicians entertain from 6-9 p.m. Guests may enjoy farm-to-table cuisine overlooking the Inn’s manicured garden or choose a table on the lawn and take advantage of cocktail and full dinner service. The highly anticipated series begins June 2 with Stefan Bauer. The music continues with The Craig Graham Trio (June 9), Luba Mason (June 16), Hang Em High (June 23), and The Andrea Wolper Trio (June 30). The Gypsy Jazz Quartet gets things started in July with a performance on July 7. That’s followed by Judy Silvano (July 14), Liza Dolittle and Robert Kocec (July 21) and The Gary Rixner Trio (July 28). August brings performances by All That Jazz with Michelle Oram (Aug 4), The Glenn Heller Trio (Aug 11), Last Thursday Band (Aug 18), Thos Shipley (Aug 25) and Spencer and Nancy Reed (Aug 27). The Robert Kopec Trio closes out the series on September 1.

Lakeside Live at Silver Birches Resort
Great tunes, spectacular views and delectable food. Guests can make the most of every weekend with Lakeside Live at The Dock on Wallenpaupack. On Saturday and Sunday, talented musicians perform live on the lawn overlooking the lake at Silver Birches. Visitors may savor lunch, dinner or drinks while listening to live music. Boaters can order Dock and Dine and enjoy a meal from the water. Bands perform from 3-6 p.m. The lineup features local favorites such as Gone Crazy, Eric Rudy, Kevin Campion and Rare Form.

Blues, Brews & BBQ at Ledges Hotel
Let the good times roll with Blues, Brews and BBQ every Sunday during summer. Renowned blues musicians perform live at Glass-wine.bar.kitchen overlooking Paupack High Falls while guests dig into classic barbecue fare paired with local craft brews. The menu features savory barbecue entrees and side dishes with a twist. Wallenpapuack Gorge serves as a natural amphitheater to showcase the talents of noted blues musicians. Blues, Brews and BBQ kicks off May 30 with a performance by Lighten Up Band. June’s lineup includes Bobby Kyle Band (June 6), Merchants of Groove (June 13), Yasgur (June 20) and Gary Rixner Band (June 27). July starts with a bang on July 4 courtesy of Teddy Young and the Aces. The beat goes on with The Barn Cats (July 11), Dan Brother Band (July 18) and Norman Taylor and Blue Soul (July 25). August brings performances by Randy Lippincott and Joey “Hot Box” Simon (Aug 1), Dustin Douglas and The Electric Gentlemen (Aug 8), The Jeremy Langdale Band (Aug 15), Slam Allen (Aug 22) and Scott Weis Band (Aug 29). The series concludes Labor Day weekend when Bobby Kyle Band returns for a performance (Sept 6).

Settlers Hospitality’s Summer Concert Series is a signature event in the Pocono Mountains. There’s something quintessentially summer about relaxing in a beautiful open-air setting, enjoying a fine meal and good company with the sounds of music drifting out. “After an abbreviated season last year, we’re thrilled to host a full schedule of events this year,” says Justin Genzlinger, CEO/Owner.  “Welcoming guests back to our properties for the summer concert series will be especially sweet given the challenges of 2020, but this year things are looking bright.”

PA Department of Health Mask Order Reflects Latest CDC Guidance for Fully Vaccinated Individuals

Department of Health Acting Secretary Alison Beam announced that the commonwealth’s mask order reflects the announcement made by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) earlier today.

On March 16, 2021, the SOH amended the commonwealth’s mask order by adding language directing to the CDC’s guidance for fully vaccinated people allow for no face coverings. That means that today’s CDC guidelines automatically go into effect in Pennsylvania. Masking requirement will still be in place as otherwise provided under the CDC guidance and for unvaccinated individuals until 70 percent of Pennsylvanians age 18 and older are fully vaccinated.

“Today’s guidance from the CDC affects only people who are fully vaccinated” Acting Secretary Beam said. “This is another incentive to get the vaccine that is now easily and conveniently available. Once 70 percent of Pennsylvanians over 18 are fully vaccinated, we can completely lift the masking order.”

The CDC today provided guidance that fully vaccinated individuals can resume activities that they did prior to the pandemic without wearing a mask or physically distancing except where required by law, rule, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance. Under the guidance, individuals are still be required to wear a mask on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States, and in U.S. transportation hubs, such as airports and stations. In addition, all individuals will still need to follow guidance at workplaces and local businesses.

For more information on the CDC guidance,
visit here.

People can find vaccination locations near them using Vaccines.gov, also known as Vaccine Finder. Individuals also can text their zip code to GETVAX (438829) for English, or VACUNA (822862) for Spanish and receive three possible vaccination sites in their area.

FNCB Bank Donates $5,000 to Support Vocational Training Programs at Allied Services

FNCB Bank announced its support for Allied Services with a $5,000 donation to the Vocational Services Division. FNCB will serve as co-presenting sponsors of Allied Services 2021 Vocational Services Golf Classic. The charity tournament is scheduled for Monday, July 12, 2021, at Glenmaura National Golf Club in Moosic, Pa.  

Now in its 28th year, the tournament benefits individuals with disabilities participating in training and employment programs provided by the non-profit health system. Allied Services Vocational Services Division serves over 500 individuals with disabilities each year. Individuals with disabilities enrolled in the program receive specialized training, development of work-related skills, and supervision and guidance in the workplace as needed. The goal of the program is to support and empower individuals with disabilities as members of the workforce.    

The Vocational Services Golf Classic features a shotgun start, lunch, cocktail hour, and an awards program.  To learn more about sponsoring or participating in the tournament visit alliedservices.org/vsdgolf or call 570.348.1407.  

Geisinger Expands COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments to Include Those Age 12 and Over

Following recent approvals to expand use of the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine, Geisinger, which has already administered 285,000 COVID-19 vaccines, is now offering vaccine appointments to anyone ages 12 and over.

Beginning today, vaccine appointments can be scheduled for anyone age 12 and over at one of Geisinger’s four community vaccine centers. The vaccine centers are staffed with pediatric teams, including pediatricians, to answer any questions and assist with the vaccinations. Anyone who is under 18 years old must have a parent or legal guardian with them to receive their vaccine doses.

Appointments can be made through myGeisinger or by calling 570-284-3657. The vaccine centers are at the Geisinger Health Plan Building near Danville, Geisinger CenterPoint in Jenkins Township, Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital and Geisinger Lewistown Hospital. As a reminder for appointment scheduling, the Pfizer vaccine is a two-dose vaccine given 21 days apart.

More information about the COVID-19 vaccine, including information for parents of newly eligible children, is available at geisinger.org/COVIDVax.

NET Credit Union Announces 2021 Charity Recipient

NET Credit Union announces our 2021 charity recipient: Peggy’s Pathway for Women’s Cancer. Peggy’s Pathway for Women’s Cancer is a charity started by Peggy Petinato’s family and friends in her memory. Their mission is to raise funds for research into innovative treatments and early detection of uterine (endometrial) cancer.  

This year, more than 61,000 women will be diagnosed with uterine/endometrial cancers and nearly 12,000 women will die from this disease. These are not just “women”. They are our wives, mothers, sisters, daughters and friends. They are dying because screening for endometrial cancer is not presently standard protocol, so it can reach an advanced stage before signs and symptoms are diagnosed. NET Credit Union will be hosting two fundraisers:

Since 2015, NET Credit Union has and will continue to fundraise for local charities. In 2020 alone, NET Credit Union was able to donate over $75K to our local community. “People helping people” is not only our motto, but also our community’s motto. Together partnered with Peggy’s Pathway, we are determined and committed to helping them reach their goals. To learn more, please visit: https://www.netcreditunion.com/sponsorships/

The Honesdale National Bank Promotes Emily Barton

David Raven, President and CEO of The Honesdale National Bank, announced Emily Barton, is now Deposit Operations Officer.

In making the statement, Raven noted, “Emily is a key member to the success of HNB. She is known for her professionalism and ability to problem solve while working closely with customers and internal staff at our bank.”

In her current role, Barton provides assistance with wire requests, new account information, organizing documentation, and many other processes in the Deposit Operations Department.

Barton has a variety of experience at the bank working as a CSR/Teller, Loan Operations Representative, Loan Operations Team Leader, Deposit Operations Supervisor, and she will continue to provide her knowledge in the industry to HNB as Deposit Operations Officer.

In mentioning her role at HNB, Barton noted, “I am grateful to be part of the HNB family. HNB has provided me many opportunities and I am very fortunate to be surrounded by people that support and encourage me to take on new challenges. My role as Deposit Operations Officer allows me to find new efficient ways to provide the service our customers expect.”

Barton graduated from Honesdale High School in 2014 and began her career in the financial industry with HNB. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Business from Keystone College in 2018 and obtained the ABA’s Principles of Banking Certificate.

Outside of the bank, her spare time is occupied by skiing, hiking, gardening, and spending time with her family and dogs. The Honesdale National Bank, established in 1836, holds the distinction of being the area’s oldest independent community bank headquartered in Northeastern PA, with offices in Wayne, Pike, Susquehanna, Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties.  The Honesdale National Bank offers personal banking, business banking and wealth solutions.  For more information on HNB’s products and services, visit www.hnbbank.bank.

As Communities Return to “Normal,” Water Safety Should Be Top of Mind

The Greater Scranton YMCA wants to ensure that water safety doesn’t get lost in our community’s eagerness to return to a “normal” summer. As temperatures rise, kids want to cool off, whether that is in home pools, ponds, lakes, rivers, streams, or oceans. And that means the risk of drowning is as prevalent as ever. For National Water Safety Month this May, the Greater Scranton YMCA is encouraging parents and caregivers to reinforce the importance of water safety skills with the whole family.

 “As ‘America’s Swim Instructor,’ the Greater Scranton YMCA typically teaches 1,500 children invaluable water safety and swimming skills each year. Last year, though due to COVID-19 precautions, we saw that number dip and want to remind parents and caregivers that it’s more important than ever to keep water safety top of mind as families start to return to their usual summer routines,” said Trish Fisher, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA.

As part of National Water Safety Month, the Greater Scranton YMCA is encouraging parents to play an active role in promoting water safety and providing five tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable swimming experience for all.

1. Never swim alone or without a water watcher. When children are swimming, make sure they are actively supervised at all times. Teach your children that they should only swim in locations where a lifeguard is on duty, or where a responsible adult agrees to watch the children in the water without distractions.

2. Supervise your children whenever they’re in or near water. Whether it’s bath time or taking a dip in a pool or lake, make sure your children are within arm’s reach at all times.

3. Don’t engage in breath holding activities. Children should not hold their breath for a prolonged amount of time while swimming, as this can cause drowning and has several other severe physical side-effects.

4. Wear a life jacket: Inexperienced or non-swimmers should wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket.

5. Don’t jump in the water to save a friend who is struggling in deep water. If a child finds their friend in deep water unexpectedly, their natural reaction may be to jump in the water to try to save them. Even if a child is a great swimmer, a panicked person will overpower them, pulling the rescuer underwater. The Y’s Safety Around Water program teaches the “reach, throw, don’t go” concept of using a long object to reach for them and pull them to safety. By using this technique, children can help their friend without compromising their own safety. To learn more about the Greater Scranton YMCA’s swim programs, including the upcoming Annual Safe Around Water Campaign sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Scranton, please contact Ken Brewster, Aquatics Director, at (570) 828-3112 or kbrewster@greaterscrantonymca.org.

COLTS to Service Keystone Industrial Park, Offering More Opportunities for Employees

Beginning May 17 , the County of Lackawanna Transit System will service the Keystone Industrial Park on the #12 Jessup route.

“We were very pleased to reroute a current bus in so that it can get employees of multiple businesses within the Keystone Industrial Park to work,” said Execu-tive Director Bob Fiume. “COLTS has been working diligently to expand service to industrial parks over the past few years.”
The Jessup bus will now service the Park twice in the morning and three times in the afternoon. The official stop listed on the schedule is Barry Callebaut, but there are three other stops available within the Park.

A new route that will serve CANPACK and Mid Valley Drive is also starting May 17. There will be both an inbound and an outbound trip in the morning and in the afternoon. CANPACK purchased passes in bulk for employees to utilize the ser-vice, guaranteeing ridership on the temporary route. The #16 Mid Valley Special meets up with the #11 Mid Valley Industrial Parks and #12 Jessup at the Jessup Youth Sports Complex.

WVIA Announces Kate Sickora as New Chief Development Officer

WVIA, the PBS and NPR affiliate for northeastern and central Pennsylvania has announced that Kate Sickora is the organization’s new Chief Development Officer. Sickora will start at WVIA in July.

“I am excited to have the opportunity to work with Kate and proud that we can attract such talent to join the WVIA team” said Carla McCabe, WVIA President and CEO. “Kate brings the perfect mix of fundraising experience and commitment to the public media mission.”

Kate Sickora is an award-winning Development Professional and Major Gifts Officer who has spent her career in public television and radio raising millions of dollars over her twenty years in the industry. Starting first at KLRN Public Television in San Antonio, Kate then moved to Oregon Public Broadcasting for her role as Director of Major Gifts. She then served as a major gifts and board development consultant to over a dozen stations creating new major gift programs and coaching station staff how to strengthen those already in place. After NPR received the transformational bequest by Joan Kroc, NPR hired Kate to work collaboratively with stations to build trusting relationships so further philanthropic opportunities could thrive.  She is delighted to work in the space where her personal passion for a stronger public media system and her great honor in connecting with inspiring philanthropists overlap. 

“I am thrilled to join Carla McCabe and her strong team at WVIA,” said Sickora. “The station has such a great history, a talented and committed board of directors, and a long history of loyal support from the community. To me this signals WVIA’s value as a very special regional treasure and I believe in Carla’s vision for making the station even stronger for the future. My children and I are looking forward to embracing the NEPA community as our new home.”