Kentucky Derby Celebration Returns to Mohegan Pennsylvania On Saturday, May 6th, Kentucky Derby enthusiasts can enjoy live music, food trucks, mint juleps, a Hat Revue contest and plenty more! WILKES-BARRE, PA (April 25, 2023) – The Kentucky Derby Celebration is back at Mohegan Pennsylvania! This much anticipated annual party gets started at 2:00pm on Saturday, May 6th when outdoor beverage windows and food trucks open. Registration for the Hat Revue starts at 4:00pm, and guests will compete for up to $500 in Mohegan Pennsylvania gift cards. The Kentucky Derby celebration at Mohegan Pennsylvania is free for all fans age 21+ to enjoy. Outdoor beverage windows at the Kentucky Derby Celebration will offer mint juleps, Coors Light, Blue Moon, and a variety of seltzers, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages. Two of Pennsylvania’s best food trucks, Ray’s Porketta and Jitty Joe’s Homemade Ice Cream, will be stationed outside for the celebration. There will be live music by The JOB and Light up the Moon starting at 2:00pm. Guests can also participate in the NEPA Cornhole Tournaments throughout the afternoon on the track infield. It’s contest time! Guests can bring their greatest Churchill Downs inspired hats for a chance to win great prizes. Registration for the Hat Revue will be from 4:00pm – 6:00pm, and there are three different prizes that guests can win. The top prize includes a $500 Mohegan Pennsylvania gift card that will be awarded to the Best Dressed Couple. The other two categories are Most Classic and Most Creative, each awarding a $250 Mohegan Pennsylvania gift card. Mohegan Pennsylvania gift cards can be redeemed towards an overnight stay, tantalizing dining choices and incredible shopping selections across the property. At approximately 6:57pm, the Kentucky Derby will begin, televised on the outdoor jumbo screen and indoor racing TV’s. Mohegan Pennsylvania will also be accepting advance wagers for the Kentucky Derby on Friday, May 5th. There will be no live harness racing meets scheduled for May 6th but simulcast wagering will be available for all tracks with live meets including Churchill Downs throughout the day. All guests must be 18 years or older to place wagers at the indoor simulcast location. For more details on this event, visit: Kentucky Derby Celebration at Mohegan Pennsylvania ABOUT MOHEGAN PENNSYLVANIAMohegan Pennsylvania, owned by Mohegan, was the first destination to bring gaming to Pennsylvania in 2006 and since then has become one of the premier entertainment, gaming, shopping, and dining destinations in the state. Situated on 400 acres in Plains, Pennsylvania, Mohegan Pennsylvania features a 237-room hotel with on-site spa and adjacent 20,000 square-foot Convention Center. It is currently home to 67,000 square feet of gaming space including nearly 60 live table games, more than 1,700 slot machines and electronic table games, a variety of dining and shopping options, nightlife, entertainment and live harness racing. Mohegan Pennsylvania is within easy access of New York, Philadelphia, New Jersey, and Delaware. More information is available by calling 1.888.WIN.IN.PA (1.888.946.4672) or visiting MoheganPA.com Connect with us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram, download our app and view us on YouTube.
Health Coaching by Yolanda Offers Holistic Approach to Wellness A 20-minute conversation that changes lives is how Yolanda Regina Battaglia, the owner of HealthCoaching by Yolanda begins her client assessment. Her company specializes in helping individualsimprove their lifestyle and avoid, reduce, or eliminate medications for high cholesterol, high bloodpressure, and type 2 diabetes. With over 30 years of experience in the wellness field, includingpersonal training, life coaching, holistic nutrition, the psychology of eating, and all areas ofmind/body improvement, Health Coaching by Yolanda offers clients a customized program with aholistic approach to dietary and lifestyle changes. Yolanda shared, “I had a client who was on two medications for blood pressure and one forcholesterol. I wanted to adjust her diet so she could gradually get off these medications. She toldme, ‘That’s unlikely, I have been on these meds for 20 years.’ With my guidance and simple dietaryand lifestyle changes, she successfully lost weight and improved her health to the point where herdoctors took her off one of her blood pressure medications. She came back to me, joyfully cryingsaying, ‘I didn’t believe you when you said this could happen. Let’s keep going to see where we canend up.’ Today she is medication-free and leads a healthy plant-based lifestyle.” According to the CDC, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes are among themost common and costly chronic conditions in the United States. Health Coaching by Yolanda aimsto address this issue by providing individuals with the knowledge and resources they need to takecontrol of their health and avoid the need for costly medications. “I saw my family struggle with diabetes and heart disease with the passing of my grandmother andfather in their early 60’s” said Yolanda. “This is why I am so passionate about what I do. I don’t wantto see other families suffer when it could be prevented. These diseases are lifestyle diseases, so itmakes sense to make lifestyle changes”. Yolanda’s approach to wellness includes personalized nutritional guidance, a non-dieting mindset,exercise recommendations, the psychology of eating, stress management techniques, education,relationship to food, your personal roadblocks and ongoing support from the owner herself. Yolandaaims to help individuals achieve their health goals and live a life free from prescription medication by working closely with each client to develop a customized plan. “Everyone deserves to live a healthy, happy life, and I am committed to helping individuals achievethat through a fully personalized approach to wellness,” she added. For more information about Health Coaching by Yolanda and its holistic approach to wellness, callYolanda at (570) 903-8700.
GREATER SCRANTON YMCA TO WELCOME TWO RENOWNED YOUTH SPEAKERS TO ANNUAL HEALTHY KIDS DAY EVENT Taes Leavitt and Kelley Perotti will offer free speaking events for children in the greater Scranton region. DUNMORE, 04/25/2023 – As part of the Greater Scranton YMCA’s annual Healthy Kids Day® event on May 6th, and in conjunction with the Y’s Wellbeing Initiative, two renowned youth speakers – Taes Leavitt and Kelley Perotti – will offer motivational words to children and families in attendance. Taes Levitt will speak at 11:30 a.m. in Gym B and Kelly Perotti will speak at 12:15 p.m. in Gym B. Taes Leavitt is a two-time Juno award winner. She has spent the last 15 years creating empowering television and stage content for kids as one half of the musical duo, Splash’N Boots. Her goal is to empower kids to move confidently through their big feelings. Her research has revealed that the number one thing that holds people back is not knowing how to navigate big feelings— such as bullying, failure, guilt, sadness, and heartbreak. Her knowledge of children’s entertainment, combined with developmental psychology and mindfulness practices, has led to the creation of her program, which is approved by pediatricians and psychologists. When Kelley Perotti was invited to attend a martial arts class, little did she know it would genuinely change the course of her life. Now, Kelly Perotti is a two-time black belt, two-time Masters World Champion and an advocate for kindness and resilience. She is an elementary school motivational speaker focusing on the life-changing power of kindness. Kelley holds a 5th-degree black belt in martial arts, is a 1st-degree black belt in Jiu-Jitsu, holds a World Title, and owns her own martial arts studio where she trains hundreds of students to strive for greatness. “At a time where our mental and emotional health has never been more important, social emotional learning is a critical component for the development of our youth,” said Kevin Whelley, Director of the Wellbeing Initiative, Greater Scranton YMCA. “In 2021, 1 in 5 adolescents experienced a major depressive episode within the previous 12 months, and those numbers are likely only increasing. Social emotional learning teaches children how to identify their emotions and develop empathy and the skills and needed for improved self-control and stress management. Increased emotional intelligence allows our children to be more engaged students, better friends and/or siblings and more resilient in the face of day-to-day stressors.” The Y’s Wellbeing Initiative offers the Greater Scranton YMCA, and our community, a myriad of opportunities to enhance and support their emotional and mental health and wellness. We do this through a combination of educational and awareness programming, specialized instruction, social-emotional learning, workshops and seminars and community collaborations. The Wellbeing Initiative was made possible thanks to Community Project Funding from Congressman Cartwright’s Office. Programs are offered at the Greater Scranton YMCA, Greater Carbondale YMCA, Greater Wyoming Valley Area YMCA and Wayne County YMCA. Programs are free for Y members and non-members. Sponsored by Eggland’s Best, Healthy Kids Day’s mission is to turn fun and play into lifelong memories. Some featured activities include a Kids Fun Run that kicks-off at 10:30 a.m., vendor fair, petting zoo, rides, bounce houses, entertainment and more. The celebration will run from 10:00 a.m. through 2:00 p.m. Locally, Healthy Kids Day is sponsored by Community Bank, Matrix Fitness, TOPP Business Solutions, Cal Mal Vending Services, Northeastern Rehabilitation Associates, NET Credit Union and Rainey & Rainey CPAs. For more information about Healthy Kids Day, contact Brandon Whipple at (570) 828-3116 or bwhipple@gsymca.org or visit the Y online at https://www.greaterscrantonymca.org/special-events/. For more information about the Y’s Wellbeing Initiative, contact Kevin Whelley at (570) 774-392-0911 or kwhelley@gsymca.org or visit https://www.greaterscrantonymca.org/wellbeing-initiative/.About the YThe Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 22 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provideopportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. www.greaterscrantonymca.org About Eggland’s Best EggsEggland’s Best is the #1 branded egg in the U.S. and is an excellent source of Vitamins D, B12, E, B5 and riboflavin. Eggland’s Best eggs have six times more Vitamin D, more than double the Omega-3s, 10 times more Vitamin E and 25% less saturated fat than ordinary eggs. Eggland’s Best’s hens are fed a strictly controlled proprietary, high-quality all-vegetarian diet, which results in a better-tasting, more nutritious egg that stays fresher longer. For more information, visit www.egglandsbest.com.
The IGNITE TechCelerator Program Participants Present Insights As the culmination of their ten-week participation in the TechCelerator at Lackawanna County Program, the principals of eight county based small businesses recently presented insights about their business plans. An enthusiastic audience of funders, coordinators, dignitaries, and supporters applauded the presentations at Penn State Scranton’s new Engineering Building, at the evening event. Each of the presenting small businesses received a $10,000 grant from the program sponsors to support their future growth. The eight businesses are Babinski Co., Gamer Realities, Mass Layer, Neuralytics, McGowan Co., Sensify, Success Fundamentals, Sylf. Future products and services from these companies range from 3D printing services, a self-serve alcohol dispenser, video game production, educational podcasts, and more. Bob Durkin, Greater Scranton Chamber President offered, “Partnering with the other sponsors for the TechCelerator program has extended our efforts to encourage and help develop local entrepreneurs through our Ignite program and moves those budding firms into our robust business development incubator sites.” Ken Okrepkie, Regional Manager of Ben Franklin Technology Partners added, “This first Lackawanna County TechCelerator program to assist early adapting entrepreneurs to develop their ideas into moldable businesses has been an unqualified success. We look to replicate this effort with future classes.” The TechCelerator Program is a collaboration among Lackawanna County, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, and Ben Franklin Technology Partners and tecBRIDGE.
8 Years of EMPOWERING Women Regionally Scranton, PA—The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce recently hosted its eighth annual EMPOWER NEPA Women’s Leadership Conference on Thursday, April 13, at Kalahari Resorts and Conventions. A full-day conference, EMPOWER featured nationally recognized keynote speakers, Melissa Gilbert and Robyn Hatcher and 32 regional breakout session speakers. Over 800 attendees participated in the conference. Robyn Hatcher, international speaker and communications professional, said in her breakfast keynote, “Fake it till you make it; I hate that phrase; instead, you should Own it While You Hone it.” Hatcher continues, “We were all born with the gifts, the talents, the abilities to make that powerful impact; we just need to own your values.” Themed “Fearless Together,” EMPOWER is the premier Women’s Leadership Conference in NEPA. It highlights the ability all women have to create positive change in their communities and in their own lives – both professionally and personally – while recognizing the extraordinary power that exists when women come together to support each other. Presenting Sponsor, Dr. Julie Byerley from Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine EMPOWER’s lunch keynote speaker, Melissa Gilbert, known for her iconic role in the classic TV series, “Little House on the Prairie,” shared, “I was very excited to hear about [the conference], and to speak [.] Whatever I can do to empower young and older women. My primary focus is bringing awareness to nurturing and empowering women over 50.” EMPOWER 2023 included a Wellness Studio that allowed conference attendees to attend yoga, Zumba, stretching, and other fitness experiences throughout the day. In addition, there was a Wellness Marketplace and a Vendor Marketplace where attendees could network or engage with vendors who were selling products or services. The conference concluded with a networking reception. On the right is Melissa Gilbert, Lunch Keynote Speaker, and on the left is Robyn Hatcher, Breakfast Keynote Speaker The 32 regional speakers included Kate Sholonski, Guzal Mustafina, Dr. Christine Kiesinger, Elizabeth Keiper, Deborah Kolsovsky, Susan Unvarsky, Jasmine Willois, Laura Ducceschi, Karolyn Demarco, Mandie Hendricks, Kimberlee Greenleaf, Megan Stone, Noelle Krempasky, Holly Pilcavage, Alex Grover, Dr. Damary Bonilla-Rodriguez, Maria Traino, Danielle Weinschenk, Kim Drumgo, Dr. Katie Leonard, Nicole Strauser, Jill Valentini, Susan Kelly, June Webre, Elizabeth Nagy, and Marlyn Kissner. While Wellness Instructors included Chelsea Manganaro, Talia Walsh, Jackie Kerekes, Edna Cementina, Christie Estadt, and Michael Normandia. Empower 2024 will be held on April 25, 2024. The featured image is the EMPOWER Lunch Sponsor, PNC Bank, local team: from the left, Jennifer Stull, Joyce Petrenchak, Lauren Allen, Angela Mariotti, Melissa Gilbert, Kathy Dunsmuir, Debbie Kolsovsky, Nicole Costanzo, Elise Hill. Check out the EMPOWER 2023 Photo Album Watch EMPOWER 2023 Keynote, Breakout, and Panel Sessions Videos About The Greater Scranton Chamber of CommerceThe Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit organization that works to improve the area’s economic environment and quality of life by offering programs and services which stimulate economic growth, promote business prosperity and nurture educational opportunities. For more information about the Chamber, visit www.scrantonchamber.com.
Johnson College Raises $5,970 for Children’s Advocacy Center of Northeastern Pennsylvania Johnson College’s Carpentry Auction that was held on-campus on April 12, 2023, raised $5,970 to benefit the Children’s Advocacy Center of Northeastern Pennsylvania. More than 60 items were auctioned off, including cutting boards, tables, cabinets, a bookcase, and more. All items were created by students in the Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology program. Most of the items were made from re-purposed materials. 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 18 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
Commonwealth Health is a Cornerstone of Northeastern PA The skilled and compassionate hands of physicians, nurses and other team members of Commonwealth Health support the health and well-being of patients who turn to us for expert care. We are here, whenever needed. Beyond providing clinical care, Commonwealth Health is a cornerstone of our community and a major contributor to the economic health of Northeastern PA as a major employer and tax-payer and through our resources to expand and enhance the medical services available close to home. The overall impact is significant and totaled more than $482 million in 2022. Care was provided at more than 1 million patient encounters, including more than 81,500 emergency department visits, more than 19,600 inpatient admissions and more than 23,700 surgeries. Over 965,000 patients received care locally from our physician practices, walk-in locations and outpatient centers. Joy was delivered to local families with the birth of more than 2,000 babies at Moses Taylor Hospital and Wilkes-Barre General Hospital. “We help people get well and live healthier by providing quality care for patients,” said Michael Curran, chief executive officer for Regional Hospital of Scranton and Moses Taylor Hospital. “Our community is truly fortunate to have this dedicated team of clinicians who are making a real difference each and every day.” Commonwealth Health’s network provides a broad range of medical services, from highly specialized heart, lung and joint replacement surgery to more routine surgical needs and preventive care. Since 2022, more than 4,000 hearts beat stronger following cardiac catheterization at Commonwealth Health’s Heart & Vascular Institute located in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre. Eleven interventional cardiologists now offer this life-saving procedure and other treatments for heart health. Commonwealth Health and Rothman Orthopaedic Institute have announced a strategic alignment to transform the offering and delivery of orthopedic care and services in Northeastern PA. We expect to begin to serve patients through the affiliation in late summer 2023. Bringing moms and babies safely through childbirth is our priority. Our AI-based maternal-fetal early warning system monitors vital data throughout labor and delivery to help our maternity team recognize, prevent and respond to potential complications for an even safer birth. Simon Ratliff, chief executive officer for Wilkes-Barre General Hospital stated, “The vital care we provide is only one part of the broad impact we have. We are a cornerstone of this community and we are committed to doing all we can to provide excellent healthcare services and to making Northeastern PA a healthier, better community for all.” Commonwealth Health also gives back to Northeastern PA by providing over $49 million in charity and uncompensated care for the community’s most vulnerable. And the payment of $23 million in property and sales taxes helps support civic resources and services. The hospitals’ payroll of more than $361 million ripples across the local economy as employees buy goods and services. Last year the hospitals added enhanced benefits to help team members achieve their personal and professional goals, including assistance with student loan repayments, reimbursement of licensure and certification expenses, as well as tuition reimbursement. To train additional caring and skilled nurses, Jersey College and Commonwealth Health have collaborated to establish a School of Nursing on Moses Taylor Hospital’s campus, serving the greater region. We welcomed our first class of students in January 2023. To help the community live healthier, Commonwealth Health offers a free e-newsletter with a monthly dose of health and wellness inspiration sent directly to your inbox. Sign up at commonwealthhealth.net.
Harold Says as the People’s Advocate The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted and exacerbated issues older adults have experienced for years like rising drug prices, isolation and difficulty accessing or affording healthcare. What progress have local organizations made in addressing these challenges? Harold Cameron, is the voice for people, was diagnosed with 2 brain tumors in 2006, had to advocate for himself to get what he needed. “If you start to change the way you think, you will start to change the way you feel”. “With the right attitude ask the right questions, and present the correct information you are irrefutable”. “Bottom line is: Don’t Give Up”. “You are loved, and if you need help, here I am”. Harold Cameron spoke on being the people’s advocate and how he has been impacted through the pandemic. Connect with him on LinkedIN Harold Says Website Watch to the full video HERE
Kost Tire and Auto Supports Law Enforcement Departments “Kost for Cops” is a program to thank our local law enforcement community for keeping us safe and making us proud! Phase One The Kost organization schedules visits with local law enforcement agencies and delivers meals to be enjoyed by members (including K-9 members of the force) and support staff. Erwin Kost Sr. is committed to supporting our law enforcement communities and expressing thanks for their efforts. As a Vietnam era veteranhe served our country, wore the uniform with pride, honor and respect. However when he was coming home his uniform was not respected. Years later, he saw the same attitude emerging with people’s disrespect of our law enforcement community. He said “NOT on my watch!” Erwin Kost Jr. attended a Sunday Mass honoring our local law enforcement. Members of the departments were in their dress uniforms. When a representative of the group addressed the congregation, people stood and showed a massive appreciation of support and sincere thanks! Erwin Jr., thought to himself “our community truly supports our law enforcement.” Both Erwin’s had very different experiences however they both arrived at the same crossroads and agreed to put forth an effort to support our local Law Enforcement. “Kost for Cops” was created, an action plan was established, put in place and implemented. “Our law enforcement communities need to know how much they are appreciated and how thankful we are that they are holding the line in our neighborhoods.”So, the Kost family and organization is going to say “Thank you, for keeping us safe and making us proud.” The Kost organization has delivered meals to over 40 departments in the last 12weeks to express their sincere thanks for the service and commitment on the part of law enforcement that protects our residents and communities. An additional 8visits arebeing planned over the next two months. We want to promote our police and law enforcement personnel in all areas and express thanks for their efforts. We must all support, trust and honor local law enforcement andlook to our efforts to encourage other companies, organizations, and private citizens to do the same. Phase Two The Phase Two mission consists of helping our law enforcement departments keep in touch with the communities they serve and assisting in the development of new levels and channels of connectivity. In many cases, when police are called to a location, people are NOT having a good day. The tension and anxiety may be high, and the ability to communicate as one member of the community to another may help defuse the situation,Enhanced communications build stronger and safercommunities. The Kost organization is developing plans that would supportcommunity-oriented events and activities sponsored by our law enforcementagencies. Such activities includethe “National Night Out”, the first Tuesday in August.Additional department sponsored events and activities throughout the year will be supported. As an example, a few members of a local police department started a food pantry in their neighborhood. Erwin Kost Jr immediately suggested that we setup food drop-off containers in a Koststore location near that police department. “Help comes in a number of ways, “said Kost.“This is an extension of and consistent with our 85 years of being in business, supporting local communities, and family to family service projects.”
