Settlers Hospitality Annual Chili and Wing Cookoff The Waterfront at Silver Birches puts two classic American dishes on the front burner for a good cause. The Annual Chili and Wing Cookoff on Sunday, March 2 from noon-4 p.m., pits over 20 of the best chefs from area restaurants, schools and organizations in a culinary showdown. Contestants vie for the title of Best Chili and Wings. Proceeds from the family-friendly event benefit Settlers Cares Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to providing aid to hospitality workers in times of crisis. Participating restaurants include Cove Haven Resort, Gresham’s Chop House, Ben’s Fresh, Barley Creek Brewing Company, The Chestnut Inn, Frogtown Chophouse, John’s Italian Restaurant and The Dock on Wallenpaupack. Talented home chefs will also join the competition. Contestants get creative with their recipes, offering attendees a variety of flavors to sample. Previous year’s entries have included wing creations such as Kickin’ Bourbon Barrel, Chili Lime, Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Habanero, Garlic Parmesan Caramel Sesame and Spicy Asian. The chili competition has seen offerings such as Wagu Beef, Bison Bourbon, Smoky Texas Bison, Chocolate Barbecue Brisket and Wild Game. Celebrity guest judge, Bold Gold Media DJ Adam Owens, is a cooking enthusiast who brings his passion for food, and eating, to help size up the competition. He joins a panel of judges who will select the winners. In addition to bragging rights, first place winners receive a $100 cash prize and a trophy. Second and third place winners also take home a trophy. Everyone who attends gets a ballot for the People’s Choice Award and a chance to vote for their favorite dishes. The coveted title also brings a $100 cash prize for the winners plus trophies for first, second and third place. A ticket entitles guests to sample each of the wing and chili offerings. Tickets are $30 per person and $15 for children ages 5-10. Silver Birches not only hosts the savory competition but also supplies each participant with 80 pounds of wings and all the cups, plates, spoons, napkins, and wet naps necessary for service, at no charge. All proceeds from the Cookoff benefit the Settlers Cares Foundation, which aids local hospitality employees in times of crisis. “It’s really gratifying to see the way the community has embraced this event. Folks look forward to it all year long as a staple of spring. It’s tasty food and a fun atmosphere to raise funds for a worthy cause. You can’t beat it,” explains Settlers Hospitality Owner/CEO Justin Genzlinger. Attendees may buy a chance for a 50/50 raffle, which will also aid the hospitality employee crisis fund. The Jae Thomas Trio will provide the musical entertainment for the day. Settlers Hospitality, Bold Gold Media Group, and Runaway Train Brewery sponsor the Chili and Wing Cookoff. Tickets are $30 and are available online and at the door. Call 570-226-4388 for more information or visit SilverBirchesResortPA.com
Scranton Cultural Center, FREE Concert Featuring West Point Band Enjoy a concert given by the West Point Band at the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple on March 1 at 7:00 PM. The concert is free and open to the public. Join the West Point Band for “West Point on the March,” an exploration of the most classic American military musical genre: the march, featuring some of Sousa’s best-known works alongside lively selections like “Americans We” and Ethel Smyth’s anthem of women’s suffrage, “March of the Women.” The West Point Brass Quintet will showcase the powerful music of a New Orleans funeral, followed by stirring pieces inspired by the 1963 March on Washington, including Bob Dylan’s “When the Ship Comes In” and “Blowin’ in the Wind.” The concert wraps up with the unforgettable movie marches from “Indiana Jones” and “The Music Man.” The West Point Band free concert is sponsored by Gentex, LT Verrastro and supported by Lackawanna County and the PA Council on the Arts. The concert will take place in the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Theatre at 7:00 p.m. with the doors opening at 6:30 p.m. Concessions will be available for purchase. Tickets are free to the public and are required for admission. They can be acquired at the Fidelity Bank Box Office at the SCC in person or by calling (570) 344-1111, or via Ticketmaster. Convenience charges may apply online or by phone. There is a limit of four (4) tickets per household. For additional information and a full schedule of events, visit SCCMT.org. The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple’s 2024-2025 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 Matt McGloin, Bill Gaughan and Chris Chermak. A special thank you to its media partners: Allied Services, Audacy, Lamar Advertising and MAC Signs.
Scranton Cultural Center Hosts Comedian Rodney Carrington Outback Presents will host comedian Rodney Carrington on March 27 at 7:00 PM at the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple. Rodney Carrington is a multi-talented comedian, actor, singer and writer playing sold-out shows around the world as one of the top 10 highest-grossing touring comedians for the past two decades. A platinum-recording artist, Rodney’s recorded eight major record label comedy albums, followed by three albums on his own record label, Laughter’s Good Records. Rodney is fresh off the release of his latest album, “Get Em Out,” (released 2019) which hit #1 on iTunes. His album “Here Comes the Truth” (released 2017) climbed to #3 on the comedy charts, accruing tens of millions of streams on Spotify and even spawned a Netflix special. Rodney broke through with his major label comedy CD debut “Hangin’ With Rodney” in 1998. The next few years saw nine more Top 10 comedy albums, all of which continue to receive radio airplay and regularly place on the national comedy charts. “Hangin’ With Rodney” and “Morning Wood” earned RIAA gold record certification, and his Greatest Hits (a double CD) album reached platinum status. Rodney also released “Make it Christmas” which features his original song “Camouflage and Christmas Lights,” a tribute to the military. Rodney also added “author” to his list of accomplishments with the release of his book “Rodney Carrington, Coming Clean” published by Hatchette Books. Over the years, he’s starred in his own TV sitcom, “Rodney”, which ran for two seasons on ABC, co-wrote and co-starred with Toby Keith in the feature film, “Beer for My Horses,” which won the Tex Ritter Award from the ACM, and starred in his own Netflix special “Here Comes The Truth.” Rodney’s also appeared on countless other TV shows, including the ACA (American Country Awards), hosting the American Country New Year’s Eve Live show on FOX, and won “Supporting Character of the Year” from the CMT Music Video Awards for his appearance on the Trace Adkins’ music video “I Got My Game On.” The show will take place in the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Theatre, located on the building’s first floor, with doors opening for bar and concessions at 6:00 PM. Tickets start at $62.60 with a VIP add-on package available. All ticket prices include fees. Tickets will be available for purchase beginning February 13 at 10 AM at the Fidelity Bank Box Office at the SCC in person or by calling (570) 344-1111, or via Ticketmaster. For more information or to view a full schedule of events, visit SCCMT.org.
Scranton Area Community Foundation NEPA Thrives Workforce Barriers Summit Goes Virtual Originally scheduled as an in-person event, the NEPA Thrives Workforce Barriers Summit has transitioned to an interactive virtual format via Zoom, ensuring accessibility while maintaining the same valuable content. Hosted by the Scranton Area Community Foundation through its NEPA Thrives initiative, the Summit will bring employers, human resources professionals, executives, and managers together to tackle workforce recruitment and retention challenges across Northeastern Pennsylvania. Join the Workforce Landscape and Sector-Focused Collaboration in The Care Economy on Thursday, February 27, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM. The first hour, led by The Institute, will explore workforce dynamics in Northeastern Pennsylvania, including in-demand occupations, labor market trends and COVID-19 impacts. A panel featuring experts from the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, Geisinger, The Institute and JobsFirstNYC will follow, discussing sector-focused strategies to address workforce recruitment and retention challenges in the Care Economy. Participants will learn about local healthcare demand, industry partnerships, and strengthening talent pipelines. Register here. If you miss the first session, join the NEPA Workforce Landscape and Sector-Focused Collaboration on Thursday, March 6, from 9:00 to 11:00 AM. The Institute will present on the workforce landscape, followed by a discussion on regional workforce challenges. Experts will explore how employers, community organizations, and education providers can collaborate to address recruitment and retention barriers, highlighting promising practices and strategies with insights from JobsFirstNYC. Register here. Additional Sessions: March 13 – Strengthening Organizations Presentations March 19 – Childcare Panel March 21 – Employment Resources Panel March 24 – Transportation Panel April 3 – Unlocking Business Growth through Community Foundation Partnerships April 9 – K-12 Panel April 14 – The Welcoming Center This virtual series will include expert-led discussions and solution-driven collaborations, leading up to an in-person wrap-up collaborative on May 1, 2025. The Scranton Area Community Foundation is dedicated to fostering systemic change and collaborative solutions that benefit employers, workers, and families across Northeastern Pennsylvania. This Summit offers actionable strategies to strengthen organizations and drive economic growth in response to ongoing workforce challenges. For full session details and to register, visit SAFDN.org. For inquiries, contact Koren Clark, Community Impact Manager, at koren@safdn.org.
PS Bank Donates to Neil Armstrong Elementary School PS Bank recently made a donation of $4,000 to Neil Armstrong Elementary School in Scranton. This contribution, made possible through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program, will help fund instructional materials for early literacy programs, including materials used during before-school and after-school tutoring. The donation will support the school’s ongoing efforts to enrich student experiences, both inside and outside the classroom. Neil Armstrong has strong participation in before-school and after-school tutoring sessions, and the PS Bank donation will allow for teachers to have greater access to materials to enrich those programs. “We are so grateful for PS Bank’s generous donation,” said Jennifer Bradley, Principal of Neil Armstrong Elementary School. “This funding will make a huge impact on our ability to provide enhanced educational resources to our teachers who facilitate the before-school and after-school tutoring program.” The donation holds special significance for PS Bank, as the school is located in the heart of North Scranton where PS Bank is set to open a new branch this spring. PS Bank President & CEO Anthony Gabello,who attended Neil Armstrong Elementary School growing up, expressed deep pride in supporting the institution that shaped his early educational experience. “It’s a true honor to give back to the school that played such a pivotal role in my own education,” said Gabello. “Neil Armstrong Elementary School has always been a cornerstone of the North Scranton community. We’re proud to support their efforts and look forward to continuing to invest in the future of Scranton’s students.” PS Bank’s donation is part of the bank’s commitment to supporting educational opportunities in the community through the EITC program, which allows businesses to provide financial support to approved educational organizations while receiving a tax credit in return.
Allied Services Receives Donation from Peoples Security Bank & Trust Peoples Security Bank & Trust Donates $50,000 to Support Pediatric Rehabilitation at Allied Services Allied Services recently welcomed representatives from Peoples Security Bank & Trust (PSBT) to the John P. Moses, Esq. Pediatric Rehabilitation Center in Scranton to celebrate a generous $50,000 contribution through the Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP). This investment underscores PSBT’s commitment to enhancing pediatric rehabilitation services for children in Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania. standing front from left: Nancy Jeffers, Vice President, Senior Commercial Loan Officer, PSBT; Lynne Duncan, MS, CCC/SLP, Allied Services; Karen Kile, MS, OTR/L, Allied Services; Danielle Burrier, MS, CCC/SLP, Team Manager, Allied Services; back row from left: Joseph Ferriti, Executive Vice President, Northeast Market President, PSBT; Cathy Guzzi, PT, DPT, MS, Assistant Vice President of Rehab Therapies; Robert Cole, Ph.D., Senior Vice President, Chief Analytics Officer, and Director of Graduate Medical Education, Allied Services The donation, made possible through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s NAP Tax Credit Program, helps ensure that Allied Services can continue providing life-changing therapies and specialized care to more than 1,200 children annually. “We are deeply grateful for the continued generosity of Peoples Security Bank & Trust,” said Robert Cole, Ph.D., Senior Vice President, Chief Analytics Officer, and Director of Graduate Medical Education at Allied Services. “Community partnerships like this are essential in ensuring that children facing physical and developmental challenges receive the comprehensive care they need to reach their full potential. PSBT’s commitment to our pediatric rehabilitation programs is truly making a difference in the lives of local families.” For over 30 years, the Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) has encouraged community participation and partnerships among nonprofits, businesses, and residents to benefit distressed areas and low-income populations. NAP tax credits provide an incentive for corporate partners to invest in nonprofit projects, helping to revitalize Pennsylvania communities and support vital services like pediatric rehabilitation at Allied Services. Allied Services extends its heartfelt appreciation to Peoples Security Bank & Trust for their generous $50,000 investment in the John P. Moses, Esq. Pediatric Rehabilitation Center. Their support directly impacts the lives of children in need of specialized rehabilitation, empowering them to thrive and achieve their goals.
Pennsylvania Treasury Launches New Employer Tax Credit Program The Pennsylvania Treasury is pleased to announce Pennsylvania’s New Employer Tax Credit for matching contributions to employee PA 529 and PA ABLE accounts. The new employer tax credit encourages Pennsylvania employers to contribute to their employees’ PA 529 and ABLE accounts. Beginning in January 2025, Pennsylvania employers will be eligible to claim a 25% state tax credit against the aggregate amount of all matching contributions to employee 529 and ABLE accounts of up to $500 per employee per tax year. For more information, contact Jolene Miraglia, Regional Program Manager, Pennsylvania Treasury at jmiraglia@patreasury.gov or visit patreasury.gov/consumer. PA 529 New Employer Tax PDF PA 529 College & Career Savings PDF
My Benefit Advisor and Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Accounts Is an Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Account (ICHRA) Right for Your Company? An ICHRA enables employers to allocate a fixed dollar amount to employees on a tax-free basis, which employees can use to purchase individual health insurance through the marketplace or private insurance providers. This arrangement provides a high degree of flexibility, allowing employees to choose the specific coverage that aligns with their unique health needs and family situations. For employers, this flexibility offers a valuable opportunity to design personalized benefit solutions that cater to a diverse workforce. By implementing an ICHRA, employers can offer a benefits strategy that provides value to employees while aligning with the company’s own financial and operational goals. The first objective for a business owner is to assess whether an ICHRA is an appropriate fit for their organization. Unlike traditional group health plans, ICHRAs are often most advantageous for small to mid-sized businesses, or companies with a widely dispersed or diverse workforce. For example, in industries with high levels of seasonal or part-time workers, traditional group plans may be financially burdensome, especially if the employees have varying insurance needs. By evaluating the organization’s workforce composition, turnover rate, and budgetary considerations, decision makers can determine if an ICHRA makes sense. One word of caution, there are complexities concerning ICHRAs that need to be fully understood before considering them as a part of any employee benefit package. It’s best to consult with a professional for advice and direction. The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce offers its members access to My Benefit Advisor as a solution for employee benefits, including voluntary offerings. For more information about My Benefit Advisor, visit our website at gscc.mybenefitadvisor.com or contact Rob Higginbotham at (800) 377-3536. This e-mail is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient or have received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender by replying to the sender. After notifying the sender of the error, you should immediately delete this e-mail from your system. Please be aware that any unauthorized disclosure, dissemination, distribution, duplication or use of the e-mail contents or any attachments therein is strictly prohibited.
Mohegan Pennsylvania Set to Celebrate Mardi Gras Live music, costume contests, food and drink specials, and more to take place starting Friday, February 28th It’s time to get jazzy at Mohegan Pennsylvania! On Saturday, March 1st, guests can step in to a world of beads, bling, and live bands as The Hive Taphouse is set to host a Mardi Gras Masquerade Ballfeaturing live music, a costume contest, and food and drink specials. Plus, guests can collect beads and celebrate with food specials and custom drinks at Molly O’Sheas, Latitudes, The Crafty Stir, and Slice’d! Mardi Gras inspired food and drink specials will be offered at various venues across property from Friday, February 28th through Tuesday, March 4th, unless otherwise specified. On Saturday, March 1st, The Hive Taphouse will transform into the ultimate Mardi Gras celebration and guests are invited to not miss a beat! Live entertainment featured during the Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball will include Light Up The Moon from 9:30pm – 12:30am. Guests who come dressed in their best Mardi Gras themed costume will be eligible to participate in a costume contest, where $250 Mohegan Pennsylvania gift cards will be awarded to the winners of categories “Best Mardi Gras Couple” and “Most Creative”. Judging for the costume contest will take place from 8:00pm – 10:00pm and winners will be announced at 10:30pm. Drink specials at The Hive Taphouse include the King Cake Martini, which consists of whipped vodka, Amaretto and half & half, with purple and green icing on the rim, and the Hive Hurricane, made with light & dark rum, lime juice, orange juice, peach purée, and grenadine. For food specials, guests can indulge in Andouille Sausage and Smoked Chicken Gumbo, Shrimp Étouffée with Cajun Rice, and Classic Red Beans & Rice. Drink specials at Molly O’Sheas include the Skelliking Day, which consists of Jameson whiskey, peach schnapps, orange juice, peach syrup, and grenadine and the Boulevardier Mollys Way, made with bourbon, Aperol, and sweet vermouth. Those looking for a bite at Molly O’Sheas can try their Shrimp Po Boy which consists of zesty battered shrimp, served on a roll with lettuce, tomato, and house-made remoulade, or their Crab and Artichoke Dip, which is a blend of whipped cream cheese, artichokes, red peppers, crab, and spices, topped with cheddar jack cheese and served with tortilla chips. Molly O’Sheas food and drink specials will be available Friday, February 28th through Sunday, March 2nd. Latitudes Bar will change their coordinates to New Orleans and feature the Sweet Hurricane, made with light & dark rum, fresh squeezed lime and orange juice, passion fruit puree, and orange and cherry garnish, and the Mardi Gras Cocktail, made with tequila, fresh orange juice, strawberry syrup, and blue curaçao. Over at The Crafty Stir, guests can enjoy a New Orleans Dark Roast Chicory Coffee, a King Cake Latte made with espresso, caramel syrup, cinnamon, brown sugar, and milk, topped with cinnamon and colored sprinkles, and the Bananas Foster Latte consisting of espresso, milk, and a mixture of cinnamon, vanilla, caramel, and banana syrup. Last but not least, Slice’d will offer Beignets and a Shrimp Po’ Boy Stromboli. For more information about Mardi Gras at Mohegan Pennsylvania, visit the Mohegan Pennsylvania website.
