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

WVIA to premiere ROAR on May 11

WVIA has announced its next original documentary film ROAR: The Story of the Southern Columbia Football Tigers will premiere May 11th at 8 p.m. on WVIA television. The documentary chronicles the 2022 Southern Columbia Area High School Football Tigers as they chase a PIAA (Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association, Inc.) record sixth consecutive state championship.

Award-winning WVIA filmmaker Alexander Monelli tells the story of their season from the locker room to practices to the sidelines of the games, giving viewers an up close and never-before-seen look at one of the top high school football programs in the state. Located in rural Catawissa, Pennsylvania (near the world-renowned Knoebels Amusement Resort), the film aims to discover what makes the small-town team so successful year after year.

The film will feature interviews with the 2022 Southern Columbia football team and its coaches alongside interviews with former NFL players Henry Hynoski (Southern Columbia, New York Giants) and Bo Orlando (Berwick, Houston Oilers), as well as former WNEP sports director Jim Coles, who covered Southern Columbia and regional high school football for 33 years, and current WNEP sports reporters, Landon Stolar and Steve Lloyd.

“We have this incredible story right in our own backyard. The Southern Columbia football program was almost shut down in 1979 because of a 26-game losing streak and poor player turnout. It is now the perennial state champion with the winningest high school football coach in Pennsylvania history,” said filmmaker Alexander Monelli. “Everyone has their theory (good and bad) about how Southern is so dominant every year. I’m trying to shed some light on that with this film. It was such a dramatic season with so many surprises, injuries, and losses. I don’t think anyone could have predicted how their story unfolded.”

“What I hope people will say after this documentary is ‘they do things the right way,” said head coach Jim Roth. “As far as the way we work, the way we treat players, the way we interact, and then the rest takes care of itself and translates into wins.”

“Southern Columbia High School football is a unique story, and we are excited to give our viewers an up-close and personal view of this team,” said Ben Payavis II, WVIA Chief Content Officer. “WVIA takes pride in shining a light on the stories of our region and giving them a platform to be shared with the world.”

The trailer for ROAR: The Story of the Southern Columbia Football Tigers can be viewed here: https://www.wvia.org/roar-the-story-of-the-southern-columbia-football-tigers

About Southern Columbia Area High School Football Tigers

The Southern Columbia Football Tigers are the most decorated high school football team in the history of Pennsylvania. Prior to the 2022 season, they have won 12 PIAA state titles (1994, 2002-2006, 2015, 2017-2021). Head coach Jim Roth has a record of 475-64-2, which is the most wins by any head football coach at any level in state history.

Geisinger to Start Assessment across Pennsylvania

On Wednesday, March 1, Geisinger, in collaboration with other regional hospital systems, will start the triennial Community Health Needs Assessment to identify challenges and solutions to local health-based topics.
As in prior Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNAs), Geisinger will partner with Evangelical Community Hospital and Allied Services Integrated Health System on the assessment. Partnership among regional organizations allow for a better understanding of health needs across the communities served and encourages collaboration to address the identified needs.
“The CHNA provides us with a snapshot of key health challenges affecting our communities,” said Matt Walsh, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Geisinger. “It leverages information from a variety of reliable resources — Pennsylvania Department of Health, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Anne E. Casey Foundation, U.S. Census, for example — and marries it with information from people in our community. It informs our strategy and helps us identify what we can do to improve our communities. Finally, the CHNA assists other organizations who can provide additional services to our area.”
The assessment will be conducted by Community Research Consulting, a woman-owned business based in Lancaster, Pa. that partners with healthcare providers, social service agencies, foundations, government entities and other community organizations to build vibrant, healthier, and sustainable communities by addressing community health, housing, socioeconomic disparities, capacity building, population health management, and other similar challenges.
Nonprofit hospital organizations are required to conduct a CHNA every three years and develop implementation strategies that address the identified health needs. These reports identify needs through data collection and analysis. The CHNA expands the hospital’s focus to include health issues impacting the greater community and promotes collaboration among local advocates, partners and hospitals.


This upcoming CHNA will be conducted throughout 2023 and will cover Jan. 1, 2024, through Dec. 31, 2026. The region’s current CHNA runs through Dec. 31, 2023.

Marywood University Sets Open House for Prospective Undergraduates

Marywood University will hold a spring undergraduate open house for high school students and their parents on Saturday, April 15, 2023. Registration begins at 9 a.m. in the Fireplace Lounge at the Nazareth Student Center on the University’s campus, and the last campus tour departs at 1:30 p.m.

The event will include informative tours of the campus, complimentary continental breakfast and lunch for all guests, and the opportunity to meet with current Marywood students, faculty, and athletic coaches. Information sessions with admissions and financial aid counselors will also be available.

For more information and to register, visit marywood.edu/openhouse, email YourFuture@marywood.edu, or call Marywood University’s admissions office at (570) 348-6234.

PHRIENDS Murder Mystery Comes to Mohegan Pennsylvania

On Saturday, April 15th beginning at 8:00pm, the Keystone Grand Ballroom at Mohegan Pennsylvania will host the popular special event known as PHRIENDS: The One That’s Parody – Interactive Murder Mystery Show. This 13+ event allows the audience to become a part of the action during a 90-minute murder mystery. Guests will be tasked with following clues, interrogating suspects and more. Tickets are available now for $35.00, available online through EventBrite.

This fun-filled event coming to Mohegan PA will also have cocktails and other drinks available for purchase. For more information, guests can also visit WithOutaCue.com

ABOUT PHRIENDS: The One That’s a Parody – Interactive Murder Mystery Show:

It’s been a few years since everyone’s favorite group of friends have all been together at the same time, but this calls for a celebration! Gunther has successfully opened a chain of cafes and his six best customers have taken a trip down to Pennsylvania for the grand opening of “Perk Place.” The party isn’t all fun and games, however. Ross and Rachel are on a break…again, some unexpected guests cause tension for Monica and Chandler, Phoebe is having issues finding a babysitter for her nieces and nephew and is someone actually trying to SHARE food with Joey?! Before the night is out, someone might be a victim of some “friendly” fire. …No one told you death was gonna be this way.
 

PART OF THE FUN

There will be several opportunities to take selfies with the characters (and a fun race to see who can get them all first), hidden clues, and even an opportunity to get your mug shot. Once the performance begins, you will become part of the action as you play detective and try to solve the mystery.

Lackawanna County Offers Small Business Grant

Lackawanna County will be providing a $5,000 grant to small businesses. The funds can be used to pay employees, add staff, buy new equipment, pay normal expenses, and expand businesses.

The purpose of the grants will help businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible businesses must: be already operating with between two and 100 employees; have faced pandemic-related hardship; comply with all applicable federal and state laws; be current in paying federal, state, and local taxes or on a payment plan; and spend all the money in the county. No one convicted of a financial crime in the last five years is eligible. The money may also be used to pay mortgages, rent, utilities, and other operating costs.

Application forms and full instructions are available online at the county’s website, www.LackawannaCounty.org. Look for the Department of Planning and Economic Development on the homepage drop-down menu.

The Combat Inflation Business Grant can be found at this link.

Indraloka Animal Sanctuary Host Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

The NEPA Rescue Veterinary Clinic, a project of the Indraloka Animal Sanctuary along with the NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative, will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, March 2, at 5:00 p.m. at Indraloka Animal Sanctuary in Dalton.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony will launch the opening of the NEPA Rescue Veterinary Clinic, which aims to increase access to quality, low-cost veterinary care for animals in the care of 35+ animal welfare organizations across the Northeastern Pennsylvania region that are part of the NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative, including Griffin Pond Animal Shelter, Adopt-a-Boxer, Quigley’s Shelter Pets, and others.

What:  All members of the media are invited to attend the NEPA Rescue Veterinary Clinic ribbon-cutting ceremony, with the opportunity to tour the new facility and to learn more about this groundbreaking vet clinic, which is the only one of its kind in the area.

When: Thursday, March 2, 5:00 pm

Where: Indraloka Animal Sanctuary (336 Oak Dr, Dalton, PA 18414)

The Clinic will be led by Dr. Leslie Interlandi, DVM, a rescue medicine specialist and resident veterinarian at Indraloka.

“The NEPA Rescue Veterinary Clinic was designed to address the incredible veterinary shortage in our area, which has only worsened following COVID-19, and which has made accessing veterinary appointments difficult for local shelters and rescues,” stated Laura Ducceschi, President & CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation, which houses the NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative. 

The NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative is a collective of animal shelters, rescues, advocates, and sanctuaries in the region that have come together to advance various causes in animal welfare and to increase the collective resources available to these agencies. Its mission is to work on initiatives aimed at ensuring animals in Northeastern Pennsylvania achieve a happy and healthy life—free from abuse and neglect. The Scranton Area Community Foundation serves as the convener of the NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative, which aims to bring together individuals, shelter and rescue groups who are working together to help solve challenges for the benefit of people and animals in NEPA.

The NEPA Rescue Veterinary Clinic is supported by the NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative and grant funding from the Robert H. Spitz Foundation,  the Scranton Area Community Foundation, and other regional funders.

Indraloka Animal Sanctuary rescues animals from the most desperate circumstances. “They all need immediate emergency vet care. Getting that care has proven to be one of the most difficult aspects of running a sanctuary,” stated Indra Lahiri, Founder of the Indraloka Animal Sanctuary. “Dog and cat rescues also struggle to get rescued animals the particular care they need,” she added. “The NEPA Rescue Veterinary Clinic aims to provide high-quality, low-cost emergency vet care quickly.”

The NEPA Rescue Veterinary Clinic offers services to 501(c)3 rescues, shelters, and sanctuaries located in Northeastern Pennsylvania that are part of the NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative. To become involved with the NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative, contact the Scranton Area Community Foundation at awc@safdn.org.

RailRiders University Community Series Begins April 5

Annual series puts local high school and special needs teams on PNC Field 13 times this year.
The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders are pleased to announce the schedule for the seventh annual RailRiders University Community Series, presented by Geisinger. Each year, the RailRiders welcome local high school and special needs teams onto PNC Field to showcase their talents.


2023 RailRiders University Community Series
Date Time Game Details


April 5 4:30 P.M. Wyoming Seminary High School vs. Holy Redeemer High School
Doubleheader A battle of first-year head coaches starts the schedule when Kyle Ofier and the Blue Knights take on Ryan Knowles and the Royals.
Riverside High School vs. Holy Cross High School
RailRiders University instructor Sean Hughes leads the Vikings against the defending District 2 Champion Crusaders, led by Sandy Menichetti.


April 6 4:30 P.M. Hanover Area High School vs. Greater Nanticoke High School
Eric Spencer’s Trojans and Todd Kolbicka’s Hawkeyes return to PNC Field.


April 10 3:00 P.M. Western Wayne High School vs. Mid Valley High School
Wildcats John Bonyl takes on RRU instructor Ryan Kropa’s Spartans.


April 17 4:30 P.M. Delaware Valley High School vs. North Pocono High School
RRU instructor Brian Jardine and the Trojans host Sean Gilbin and the Warriors, who are making their PNC Field debut.


April 21 4:30 P.M. Panther Valley High School vs. Abington Heights High School
The Comets and RRU’s Billy Zalewski, host the Panthers from District 11.
April 24 4:30 P.M. West Scranton High School vs. Scranton High School


Jamie Higgins, a RRU instructor, and the Knights host Brian Minnich and the Invaders in this classic rivalry match-up.
Triple-A Affiliate of the
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRidersPNC Field 235 Montage Mountain Road Moosic, PA 18507 570-969-2255 www.swbrailriders.com
media advisory
April 28 4:30 P.M. Blue Ridge High School vs. Mid Valley High School
The Spartans host coach Rob Dibble and the Raiders.


May 1 4:30 P.M. Valley View High School vs. Abington Heights High School
Another great rivalry game that pits the Cougars, led by Jason Munley, against the Comets.


May 7 TBD Crestwood High School vs. Dallas High School
After the RailRiders host the Rochester Red Wings, Sean Foley’s Comets and Mike Viglione’s Mountaineers wrap our Community Series with a rivalry clash.


There is no parking or admission fee for any of the 2023 RailRiders University Community Series games.
The RailRiders are also proud to host the Wyoming Valley Challenger League as part of the Community Series on June 11, 25 and July 9.


RailRiders University will host three camps this summer – June 27-29, July 25-27 and August 15-17. Save the dates now and be sure to book your six to 14 year-old once registration begins. Contact Robby Judge at (570) 558-4612 or rjudge@swbrailriders.com for additional information.
The 2023 RailRiders University Community Series is presented by Geisinger as part of their continued commitment to Northeastern Pennsylvania. For more information, please contact the RailRiders front office at
(570) 969-BALL.