Johnson College Receives Donation in Memory of Employee

Recently, Mike Yushinski ’95 and his wife Melissa Yushinski ’11, both Johnson College alums and owners of Mike’s Welding and Industrial Services in Clarks Summit, PA, donated a 2011 2500 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van to Johnson College in memory of the company’s foreman and fellow Johnson College alum, the late Gary Muckin ’84.

Johnson College will use the donated van in community building trades technology services, and campus projects.

Mike’s Welding and Industrial Services in Clarks Summit, PA, donated a 2011 2500 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van to Johnson College in memory of the company’s foreman and Johnson College alum, the late Gary Muckin ’84. Left to right: Mark Chappell ’92, Senior Maintenance Mechanic, Johnson College; Karen Baker, Sr. Director of College Advancement, Johnson College; Melissa Yushinski ’11, owner of Mike’s Welding and Industrial Services; Mike Yushinski ’95, owner of Mike’s Welding and Industrial Services; and Roger Orlandini, Associate Vice-President of Facilities and Campus Projects, Johnson College.

Johnson College provides real-world, hands-on learning in a supportive environment and prepares graduates to enter into or advance in their in-demand careers. Johnson College was founded in 1912 and is the region’s only technical college, offering 17 associate degrees, four academic certificates, and over 30 continuing education programs. A low student-to-instructor ratio supports an emphasis on hands-on learning. Located in Scranton on a 44-acre campus with a satellite campus serving the greater Hazleton area, the College is an accredited, private, non-profit, co-educational institution with a strong tradition of working with regional businesses and industries to ensure a skilled and qualified workforce. For additional information on Johnson College, please call 1-800-2-WE-WORK, email enroll@johnson.edu, or visit Johnson.edu.

Settlers Hospitality to Host Open House

Settlers Hospitality will throw open the doors to all its Hawley properties to welcome visitors to the second-annual Open House on Sunday, March 26. The event from noon-4 p.m. features guided tours of five sites in Hawley, PA, food and drink tastings, music, prizes and more.

“All are welcome, but the event is really geared for those planning a special occasion, meeting or wedding,” explains Justin Genzlinger, CEO/Owner of Settlers Hospitality. “It’s an opportunity to show the public the variety of styles and amenities available. We’re also thrilled to provide a platform to highlight so many fellow small-business owners as vendors.”

Guests will receive an email prior to the event with their starting location for the tour. A shuttle bus will transport passengers between properties including The Settlers Inn, Ledges Hotel, The Boiler Room at the Hawley Silk Mill and Gorgeous Floral. Event planners, staff and preferred vendors will be available at each venue to greet visitors, give tours, provide consultations, and answer questions. Food and drink samplings give attendees a taste of the culinary options the chefs of Settlers Hospitality can craft. During the Open House, Settlers Hospitality will debut the recently opened Ruskin Room at The Settlers Inn for private dining events.

“We’re excited to meet everyone and help them envision all that their event can be, whether it’s a lavish wedding, intimate party or dynamic conference,” says David Vipond, Settlers Hospitality’s Senior Director of Sales. “I think people will discover each venue has its own personality, from the lakeside setting of Silver Birches to the Arts and Crafts style charm of The Settlers Inn and dramatic backdrop of Ledges Hotel. Plus, there’s the cool, industrial feel of The Boiler Room and lush greenery of Gorgeous Floral.”

Tickets are $20. Each person who attends will receive a swag bag. For more information, visit settlershospitality.com

Marywood University Hosts Employment Fair

Marywood University is hosing a Business School Employment Fair on Thursday, March 30 from 11am – 2pm in the Latour Room of the Nazareth Student Center on Marywood’s campus. Setup will begin around 10am, and a light lunch will be provided to all businesses attending.

Students of all majors are invited but we anticipate mostly our business students attending that day as well as Marywood alumni. They will come prepared with resumes and questions about internship / job opportunities. Businesses are welcome to bring marketing materials and can use any of our available space if they’d like to interview students on-site that day. They will have a table on which to hang a banner or provide materials to students.

There is no cost to participate, but we are limited to 30 businesses. In the past, some would give away a gift card or another prize to students who stopped by their table but this is certainly not necessary.

If any business would like to be part of our event, they can email me directly at awasho@maryu.marywood.edu

Free Event at The Scranton Cultural Center

Listing Information:

WHO:  The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple

WHAT: St. Patrick’s Parade Day Party with Music by Kilrush

WHEN:  Saturday, March 11 – 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM

WHERE: Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple – Grand Ballroom

               420 N. Washington Avenue – Scranton, PA 18503

TICKET PRICE: **FREE ADMISSION!!**

The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple is once again the place to celebrate this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade!  The Center’s annual St. Patrick’s Parade Day Party will begin at 11:00 AM on March 11 and will continue until 4:00 PM.  Admission is free and live entertainment will be provided by Kilrush.  In addition, several parade performers will continue their acts at the SCC for all party-goers to enjoy, from bagpipers to step dancers and more!

Admission is FREE to the public as the Scranton Cultural Center’s gift to the community.  A cash bar and light fare will be available for purchase.

The 2023 St. Patrick’s Parade Day Party is sponsored by The Society of Irish Women, the Hilton Scranton & Conference Center and LT Verrastro.

The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple’s 2022-2023 Season is sponsored by Fidelity Bank and LT Verrastro and supported by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, and the Lackawanna County Office of Arts and Culture, and Commissioners Jerry Notarianni, Debi Dominick, Esq. and Chris Chermak. A special thank you to its media partners: Access NEPA, Allied Services, Audacy, Citizens’ Voice, Lamar Advertising, MAC Signs, The Times-Tribune, Times Shamrock Communications and Eyewitness News – WBRE/WYOU – pahomepage.com.

Lackawanna College’s Robotics Program Announces Amatrol Partnership

Lackawanna College’s Robotics & Integrated Technologies Program partners with Amatrol and Allegheny Education Systems.   The partnership allows the Center for Technology Innovation’s Robotics & Integrated Technologies Program students to receive hands-on experience with Amatrol equipment such as robotics, automation systems, industrial electronics, programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and many more.  
“This partnership will assist our students by bridging the gap between the electrical side of robotics and programming,” Robotics & Integrated Technologies Program Director Rob Crane said. “Included in this partnership is troubleshooting, critical thinking skills and PLC work, which we will be performing with Amatrol equipment and educational material as well.”  
The Robotics & Integrated Technologies Program will use the Amatrol robotics/automation curriculum to educate students on the full scope of building and maintaining automation.   “Students will be given material at a level where they can understand it and if they are having trouble learning the concepts, they have the option to go back and review past lessons or another section entirely,” Crane said.          
The Robotics & Integrated Technologies Program is built with a hands-on approach with students spending 60 percent in the lab. Students will train on the equipment from Amatrol similar to on the job training. The program will align with the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing Institute (ARM), a national expert in robotics and workforce development.     
“The class material and equipment we will have in the lab is going to have a factory feel with hands-on learning versus only learning in the classroom,” Crane said. “We get more than the scope of learning robotics, we get extra access to everything Amatrol does and this partnership will eventually blend into other programs, such as Electric Vehicle & Advanced Automotive Technologies and the School of Petroleum & Natural Gas.”            
Amatrol is a global leader in technical education, offering different levels of study in the manufacturing processes starting with the basics and building into more complex technology applications. Within the program are different levels of credentials for students to earn and take into the workforce. These credentials include Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA) certificates for PLCs, basic electrical theory and advanced manufacturing/motor control. Within these certificates are also micro credentials students will receive, keeping them innovative for the future.  
“We have gone out and done our due diligence to find one of the best educational training equipment and material providers,” Crane said. “We can get a novice student to a very high-level education in a short amount of time.”  
On March 30, Lackawanna College will host a STEM fair for local high school students to increase student financial literacy and career awareness through a hands-on, immersive experience.
The event is coordinated by Lackawanna College’s Business Division, Career Services and Pre-College Departments. Students will balance a monthly budget, compare careers and salaries, and “try out” some of our programs to experience each from the point of view of our students, including CTI programs.
The event will run from 8:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.   Media are requested to RSVP prior to attending event, please contact Eric Eiden, Media Relations Coordinator at (570)961-7807 or eidene@lackawanna.edu to register.

Misericordia’s Women’s History Month Events

Pride Night, at Men’s Volleyball Game

Wednesday, March 15 • 7:00 pm | Anderson Center

8 Women Who Changed the World Event

Tuesday, March 28 • 7:00 pm | Mary Kintz Bevevino Library, McGowan Room

Art Gallery Exhibit

Through March 31 | Pauly Friedman Art Gallery

Flashpoints: Material/Intent/Fused

Art Gallery Exhibit Event

Thursday, March 16

• 3:30 pm Artist demonstration on encaustic paint with artist and curator Reni Gower Preregistration: llittle@misericordia.edu | 570-675-6250 • 5:30 pm Reception and Gallery Talk | Free and open to the public

Clarks Summit University Hosts Virtual Master of Education Event

Join Clarks Summit University for “Increasing Effectiveness as a Curriculum Leader”

In an ever-changing world of education, a foundational worldview of curriculum is essential. In this virtual workshop, educators will focus on the important elements of curriculum development and the assessment cycle. Because curriculum encompasses the entire responsibility of a school, all members of the education team should be equipped to participate in curriculum development. Learn alongside experienced educators as you’re reminded of the importance of curriculum development and take away tools and strategies to implement at your school.

Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at 7:00 PM until 8:00 PM

Register Today!

RailRiders 2023 Promotions, Giveaways & Themes Announced

Opening Day at PNC Field is 29 days away and the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders are thrilled to unveil their 2023 promotional and giveaway schedule. Later this month, the RailRiders begin a home schedule that currently features 16 giveaways, 12 fireworks nights, six custom jerseys, four Copa de la Diversión games and much more!


2023 Promotional Calendar Highlights:
Opening Day is March 31 against the Buffalo Bisons. Gates will open at 5:30 P.M. with a magnetic schedule giveaway courtesy of Highmark BCBS for the first 2,000 fans. First pitch is slated for 6:35 and, after the final out, pyrotechnics will light up the sky with our first fireworks show of the season.
During the year, fans can enjoy 11 additional post game fireworks extravaganzas. Friday Night Fireworks begin on May 26 and will follow every Friday home game for the rest of the season. Plus we have added a Saturday show on August 12!
Copa de la Diversión is back for a fourth year with dates scheduled for May 5, June 22, July 6 and August 10, all presented by La Tolteca.
Replica Jersey Giveaways on April 15 and September 16 are set to honor two of baseball’s legendary players. The RailRiders will give away a “42” replica home jersey in April honoring Jackie Robinson and a replica alternate jersey in September paying tribute to Roberto Clemente. The “21” jersey is presented by La Tolteca.
On May 6, this is the way to fun as Star Wars Night returns to a galaxy close to you. The RailRiders will don custom jerseys set to be auctioned off to benefit NEPA Inclusive. Gates open at 3 and the first 2,000 fans will get a pair of custom SWB socks. During the game, galactic agents of good and evil will patrol the concourse for photo opportunities.
May 10 and 24 are STEM School Days, presented by Penn State Scranton, Hazleton, and Wilke-Barre. First pitch on each date is set for 11:05 A.M., but prior to the games, students from across NEPA will have the chance to participate in our annual trebuchet competition.
Military Appreciation Day is May 27 with a 4:05 P.M. first pitch. Gates open at 3 with a RailRiders boonie hat giveaway courtesy of MetLife.

Marvel’s Defenders of the Diamond return to PNC Field on June 9 with custom jerseys to be auctioned off benefitting the Ronald McDonald House.
This season’s bobblehead lineup features three can’t-miss giveaways for the first 2,500 fans. Help celebrate manager Shelley Duncan’s return to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on June 10 with a Bobble Gnome Giveaway courtesy of PNC Bank.
June 11 is our first-ever Sensory Friendly Day. We will provide a sensory-safe environment for fans of all ages as the team takes on the Worcester Red Sox with a 1:05 P.M. first pitch, including reduced ballpark sounds, ZENsory Zone on-hand with sensory-friendly activities and much more.
June 22 is the RailRiders Open with a golf towel giveaway. Be the ball and enjoy a golf-inspired night with your best scramble to the ballpark.
Celebrate our nation’s independence at PNC Field on July 4. Lehigh Valley is in town for a 6:35 P.M. first pitch that night and we will have an extended fireworks show after the game as we honor America courtesy of the PA Lottery!
If you are looking for something for the kids, check out our exclusive Kids-Only giveaway dates on July 9 and August 27. July 9 is CHAMP’S birthday and the first 500 kids 12 & younger will receive a replica jersey honoring everyone’s favorite mascot, presented by Casey Dental. On August 27, the first 500 kids 12 & younger get a paintable CHAMP figurine.
Level up on Retro Video Game Night July 22 with an Anthony Volpe Bobblehead Giveaway for the first 2,500 fans. Plus the team will wear custom jerseys to be auctioned off, benefitting Big Brothers Big Sisters, as we honor the classics from the golden age of video gaming.


Waste away at Margaritaville Night on August 15 with a Hawaiian Shirt Giveaway and custom jerseys auctioned off to benefit the Children’s Miracle Network at the Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital in Danville, presented by Giant.
We all know that there ain’t no party like a Scranton/Wilkes-Barre party, so don’t miss our Office Olympics Night on August 12. Gates at 5 P.M. with an Oswald Peraza & Oswaldo Cabrera Dual Bobblehead Giveaway for the first 2,500 fans, games that would make any office proud and maybe even a celebrity fun run plus post game fireworks!
Throw it back old school style on 90s Night August 26. The first 2,000 fans will receive a fuzzy bucket hat and the players will wear custom jerseys to be auctioned off benefitting the American Red Cross.


All giveaways are for the first 2,000 fans this season unless otherwise noted.
All promotions, theme nights and giveaways remain subject to change. More details and appearances will be announced as the 2023 season approaches.
Single-game tickets go on sale March 4 at 11 A.M. online at swbrailriders.com.

2023 Giveaways and Theme Nights
March 31 Opening Day! Magnetic Schedule Giveaway presented by Highmark; Post Game Fireworks
April 1 Clear Tote Bag Giveaway
April 15 RailRiders “42” Replica Home Jersey Giveaway
May 5 Copa de la Diversión presented by La Tolteca
May 6 Star Wars Night with a Custom Jersey Auction benefitting NEPA Exclusive;
SWB Socks Giveaway
May 10 STEM School Day presented by Penn State Scranton, Hazleton and Wilkes-Barre;
May 13 Fleece Blanket Giveaway
May 14 Mother’s Day at PNC Field with #1 Mom Coffee Mug Giveaway for the first 500 Moms
May 24 STEM School Day presented by Penn State Scranton, Hazleton and Wilkes-Barre;
May 26 Post Game Fireworks
May 27 Military Appreciation Day with a RailRiders Boonie Hat Giveaway presented by MetLife
June 9 Defenders of the Diamond Night with a Custom Jersey Auction benefitting
Ronald McDonald House; Boy Scout Night;
Post Game Fireworks
June 10 Shelley Duncan Bobble Gnome Giveaway courtesy of PNC Bank
June 11 Sensory Friendly Day
June 22 Pride Night
June 23 Copa de la Diversión presented by La Tolteca; Post Game Fireworks
June 24 RailRiders Open with a Golf Towel Giveaway
July 4 Independence Day Celebration with an Extended Post Game Fireworks Extravaganza
presented by the PA Lottery
July 6 Copa de la Diversión presented by La Tolteca
July 7 Post Game Fireworks
July 9 CHAMP’S Birthday with a Custom Jersey Giveaway for the first 500 kids 12 and younger
presented by Casey Dental
July 21 Post Game Fireworks
July 22 Retro Video Game Night with an Anthony Volpe Bobblehead Giveaway for the first 2,500 fans; Custom Jersey Auction benefitting Big Brothers Big Sisters
August 4 Faith & Family Night; Post Game Fireworks
August 5 Margaritaville Night presented by Giant with a Hawaiian Shirt Giveaway and a Custom Jersey
Auction to benefit the Children’s Miracle Network; Girl Scout Night
August 10 Copa de la Diversión presented by La Tolteca
August 11 Post Game Fireworks
August 12 Office Olympics Night with an Oswald Peraza/ Oswaldo Cabrera Dual Bobblehead Giveaway for the first 2,500 fans; Post Game Fireworks
August 25 Post Game Fireworks
August 26 90s Night with a fuzzy SWB Bucket Hat Giveaway and a Custom Jersey Auction benefitting the American Red Cross
August 27 Paintable Champ Figurine Giveaway for the first 500 kids 12 and younger
September 15 Post Game Fireworks
September 16 SWB “21” Replica Jersey Giveaway honoring Roberto Clemente courtesy of La Tolteca
September 17 Fan Appreciation Day

The Wright Center Names Christen Marante as Associate Vice President

Christen Marante, BSN, RN, of Roaring Brook Township, has been hired as associate vice president of the Value-Based Performance Program at The Wright Center for Community Health.

As a key member of the nonprofit enterprise’s Finance Department, Marante will focus on developing and maintaining excellent relations with payors, including commercial insurance carriers. This responsibility includes implementing pricing strategies and communicating payor participant requirements to The Wright Center’s clinicians and other stakeholders.

Marante had previously worked at The Wright Center from 2019-21 as its Luzerne County practice manager.

“We are delighted Christen will rejoin our organization and help us in an executive leadership role,” said Ron Daniels, chief financial officer of The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education. “One area in which she will especially focus her attention is assisting in planning and rolling out alternative payment model strategies to strengthen our value proposition.”

In 2022, Marante earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Penn State University. She is completing a master’s degree program in nurse executive leadership from Illinois-based Chamberlain University.

Marante most recently worked as a nursing house supervisor for Commonwealth Health’s Moses Taylor Hospital and its Regional Hospital of Scranton. She assisted in directing day-to-day administrative and operational functions for the two hospitals’ 286-bed campus, providing guidance to more than 250 employees.

In her early career, Marante devoted five years to clinical work, including a stint as a charge nurse in the pediatric intensive care unit of The Children’s Hospital at Palms West in Royal Palm Beach, Florida. Since 2015, she has been president and owner/manager of Pristine Contours LLC, an aesthetic medical spa with locations in Greenacres, Florida, and the Shoppes at Montage in Moosic. For more information about The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education, go to TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-230-0019