The Stegmaier Gears up for March Events

Throughout the month, The Stegmaier is presenting unique events. From a tribute concert to St. Patrick’s day celebrations, The Stegmaier is keeping the weekends busy.

Saturday, March 7th: A New York State of Mind: Dinner & a Billy Joel Tribute featuring Wade Preston

Experience an unforgettable evening inspired by the music, flavor, and spirit of New York .

Join us for A New York State of Mind, a special dinner and live tribute to Billy Joel featuring Wade Preston, celebrated tribute artist and former Movin’ Out cast member. Known for his masterful keyboard skills and magnetic stage presence, Wade Preston captures the heart, energy, and storytelling of Billy Joel in a performance that has earned national acclaim.

Event Details

The Mary Stegmaier Mansion

Arrival & Drinks: 5:30 PM – 6:00 PM

Dinner Service: 5:50 PM – 7:45 PM

Live Show: 7:45 PM – 10:00 PM

Cash Bar available all night

Coffee Station provided

Seating Information: To encourage a warm, social atmosphere, parties may be seated communally

Tickets: $99.00 + tax + 20% service charge | Available on thestegmaier.com/events

Come dine, sip, and sing along to the timeless music of Billy Joel—New York style.

Saturday, March 14th: Saint Patrick’s Day Afternoon Tea

11:00 AM – 1:30 PM

The Mary Stegmaier Mansion

Celebrate the spirit of the season with an elegant Saint Patrick’s Day Afternoon Tea inside the historic Mary Stegmaier Mansion. Savor refined teas and delicate bites in a setting steeped in Gilded Age charm — an afternoon of timeless tradition with a festive touch.

Upon arrival, guests are welcomed into our richly appointed dining rooms, where fine china and attentive service set the stage for an unforgettable experience.

Enjoy a curated selection of premium teas accompanied by a beautifully presented three-tiered service featuring seasonal savory bites, warm scones with traditional accompaniments, & hand-crafted pastries

Each element is thoughtfully prepared by our culinary team, honoring English tradition while adding modern artistry.

Tickets: $60 base price + $12 gratuity + tax | Available on thestegmaier.com/events

Seating is limited to preserve the intimacy of the experience.

Parties of 8 or more, please call (570) 235-6943 to reserve.

Friday, March 20th: The Stegmaier Reserve –– An Irish Whisky Dinner Experience

6:00-9:00 PM

Join us for The Stegmaier Reserve—An Irish Whisky Dinner Experience, an ode to St. Patrick’s Day and the Irish heritage of Mary Costello Stegmaier, thoughtfully woven into the historic setting of the Mary Stegmaier Mansion.

The evening begins at 6:00 PM, with a stirring Irish bagpipe and drummer performance by the Black Diamond Pipe Band at 6:30 PM, setting a ceremonial and celebratory tone.

Following the performance, guests will enjoy a four-course small plate dinner, carefully crafted to complement a curated selection of Irish whiskies. Hosted by Annie Llew, the evening blends storytelling, culinary artistry, and whiskey education into a refined yet welcoming experience.

Open seating encourages a communal and social atmosphere throughout the night.

Cash bar available.

$120 per person + 6% tax + 20% gratuity | Available on thestegmaier.com/events

Availability is limited, and advance purchase is required for this intimate celebration of Irish tradition, craftsmanship, and Stegmaier history.

We look forward to raising a glass with you — Sláinte!

Geisinger names longtime insurance executive as new president of Geisinger Health Plan

Jeremy Gaskill is the new president of Geisinger Health Plan (GHP) and executive vice president of insurance operations for Geisinger, effective Feb. 23. He joins GHP after more than 2 decades at Humana, where he most recently served as the national insurance carrier’s central region president for Medicare, overseeing a 9-state region based in Kansas City, Kan.

Throughout his career, Jeremy has demonstrated the ability to turn around challenged markets, lead large‑scale organizational transformation and deliver sustained performance,” said Terry Gilliland, M.D., Geisinger’s president and chief executive officer. “His experience, leadership, strategic vision and commitment to advancing high‑quality care will be tremendous assets as we continue building a strong, sustainable future for GHP. I look forward to the leadership and energy he’ll bring to our organization.” 

Gaskill’s Humana experience included overseeing the growth of the organization’s network of providers and managing commercial and government business lines, including Medicare and Medicaid, for various regions. 

“This is a transformational time for healthcare in this country, particularly for payers as we prepare for major impacts from the pending changes to government-funded programs,” said Gaskill. “I believe GHP is poised to build on its legacy of providing comprehensive health insurance coverage for Pennsylvanians by offering innovative approaches for its members in the years to come. I’m thrilled to join the team in leading those efforts.”  

Gaskill takes over the position of GHP president from Karen Murphy, who stepped into the job last March after having served in a variety of other leadership roles at Geisinger for several years. 

“I want to extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to Karen for her leadership in stabilizing GHP and reducing operating losses over the past year,” added Dr. Gilliland. “Jeremy and Karen will work closely together to ensure a seamless leadership transition for the health plan.”

NEPA Philharmonic Brings Bluegrass and Celtic this Spring

The Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic continues its 2025-2026 season this March with concerts that herald St. Patrick’s Day, highlight the festive energy of cherished folk traditions, and explore bold reinventions of classical repertoire.

On Thursday, March 12 at 7:00 PM, the Philharmonic presents Celtic & Bluegrass Sky at the Wyoming Seminary Kirby Center for the Creative Arts in Kingston. Timed perfectly for St. Patrick’s Day, this lively program features dueling fiddlers Caitlin Warbelow (Come From Away) and Kitty Amaral on a spirited blend of Irish & American traditions.

The evening’s repertoire includes the sweeping Far and Away Suite by John Williams, the bluegrass-inspired violin concerto Sky by Michael Torke, The Magic Harp by Irish composer Ina Boyle, The Devil Went Down to Georgia featuring singers from Marywood University, and an array of energetic Celtic tunes. The concert is presented by Linda Casey and Richard Williams and the Constellation Fund of the Luzerne Foundation, as part of the Thalenfeld Symphony Series.

Concert admission to “Celtic & Bluegrass Sky” includes a Post-Concert Afterparty in the lobby featuring Celtic and bluegrass music by The Fiddle Tamers, with food and beverage offerings for purchase by Friedman Hospitality. Wine and beer will be available, along with specialty themed cocktails and small bites, creating a festive and immersive evening beyond the concert hall.

Following up on November’s sold-out Courthouse concert of (Candle)LIT Brass, the Philharmonic returns to the rotunda of the Luzerne County Courthouse in Wilkes-Barre to present Debussy & Frenemies on Thursday, March 26 at 7:00 PM.

This intimate concert features husband-and-wife flute and marimba duo Greg and Pat Zuber, whose inventive arrangements challenge classical conventions and reimagine French repertoire through this unexpected instrumental pairing. The program explores works by French composers including Claude Debussy, Olivier Messiaen, and Erik Satie, offering audiences a fresh perspective on familiar and lesser-known works alike.

For tickets to these and more performances, visit NEPAPHIL.org, or call the Philharmonic Box Office at (570) 270-4444.

Doctors Turn up the Volume on Colon Cancer Awareness

A group of physicians who share a passion for both medical education and rock music will take the stage for a one-of-a-kind community concert, “Louder Than Cancer!,” on Friday, March 27, at the Theater at North in Scranton. Doors open at 5 p.m. and is part of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, aiming to raise awareness about the importance of preventive screenings.

The educational event will feature Rocdoc and the Healers, a rock band made up of medical professionals and musicians who use music as a platform to spark conversations about health. In addition to live music, the evening will include educational information tables highlighting the importance of colorectal cancer screenings and connecting attendees with regional providers of whole-person primary health services.

The idea for “Louder Than Cancer!” was conceptualized by Dr. Vikas Khurana, program director of The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s Gastroenterology Fellowship Program.

More than 20 years ago, Dr. Khurana along with Dr. Steve Eskin, now the lead singer of the rock band and a fellow gastroenterologist, dreamed of combining their passions for medicine with music. That vision is finally coming to fruition, grounded in a simple but powerful belief: music can make a deeper, more lasting impact than wordy teaching alone.

“Music has a way of breaking down barriers. If we can get people in the door for a great rock show and leave them feeling empowered to take charge of their colon health, then we’ve done something truly meaningful,” Dr. Eskin said.

The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education are the platinum sponsor of the event, reinforcing their shared commitment to prevention, education, and community well-being.

“Colon cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable cancers when it’s caught early, yet too many people delay or avoid screening,” Dr. Eskin said.

Dr. Eskin will be joined on stage by Dr. Reese Hofstrand, a fellow physician in The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s Gastroenterology Fellowship Program, along with brothers Juan and Jose Giron, rounding out the band’s high-energy lineup.

The educational program and concert are being organized by Dr. Peter Iskander, also a fellow physician in The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s Gastroenterology Fellowship Program, who is leading efforts to blend entertainment with evidence-based health education.

Tickets for “Louder Than Cancer!” are free and available through Eventbrite. While there is no cost to attend, audience members are asked to complete a brief educational survey about colon health as part of the program’s awareness initiative. Concertgoers will also have the opportunity to make a voluntary financial donation, with all proceeds from sponsorships and donations benefitting the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute.

“This is about meeting people where they are in our communities,” Dr. Eskin added. “We want the message to be clear: screening saves lives, and taking that first step doesn’t have to be intimidating.” 

Visit bit.ly/4cbJMQ2 to donate and reserve your free tickets for “Louder Than Cancer!” on Eventbrite.

Festival Announces Theatrical Season

The Scranton Shakespeare Festival announced its upcoming season. Starting June 19 to August 2, the themes highlighted in this summer’s shows are faith in relationships, in religion, in personal lives, and the. power of story telling.

This year the company will present two Shakespeare classics, “Much Ado About Nothing”and “Henry V.”

Another straight play being presented is George Bernard Shaw’s “Saint Joan.”

“Carousel,” “Jesus Christ Superstar,” and “Alice by Heart” are the three musicals being presented by the festival.

The box office opens for the Scranton Shakespeare Festival’s 15th season on May 19. Audition information is available to join the MainStage company. Visit www.scrantonshakes.com to learn more.

SCRANTON CULTURAL CENTER ANNOUNCES JAKE HOOT, SEASON 17 WINNER OF “THE VOICE” ON JUNE 28

Jake Hoot, best known as Season 17 winner of “The Voice,” will perform at the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple on June 28 at 7:00 PM.  Jake has graced iconic stages like the Grand Ole Opry and the Ryman Auditorium, captivating audiences with his rich, soulful voice and undeniable gift for storytelling.

In addition to his cross-country tour, Jake Hoot will also be featured as part of NBC’s “The Voice: Battle of Champions,” which airs on February 23.

Jake Hoot is a country music storyteller who doesn’t just sing country music – he lives it. His performance in Season 17 of the Knockout Rounds singing “Cover Me Up” brought tears of joy to the audience and judges! He was born in Texas and raised between the Dominican Republic and Tennessee, and his music embodies a life steeped in faith, family and authenticity.  Blending heartfelt lyrics with classic country roots, Jake brings songs to life – from tender ballads to powerful anthems – forging a genuine connection with listeners wherever he goes.

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 $39.00 including fees.  Prices are subject to change.  Tickets will be available for purchase on February 20 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 Receives National Re-Accreditation

The Scranton Area Community Foundation has officially been re-accredited under the Community Foundations National Standards®, the nation’s highest standards for philanthropic excellence. This distinction affirms the Foundation’s continued commitment to transparency, integrity, accountability, and effective stewardship of charitable resources.

Community Foundations National Standards® establish rigorous legal, ethical, and operational benchmarks for community foundations nationwide.

“Meeting the National Standards benchmarks is a comprehensive and demanding process,” said Susie Nelson, Board Chair of the Community Foundations National Standards Board. “This re-accreditation is a significant achievement and demonstrates the Scranton Area Community Foundation’s strong commitment to quality, transparency, and accountability in carrying out its mission.”

The accreditation process requires community foundations to document and regularly review policies and practices related to donor services, investments, grantmaking, governance, and administration. More than 500 community foundations nationwide have achieved this designation, which serves as an important assurance to donors, nonprofit partners, and professional advisors.

“This re-accreditation is critically important to our donors and our community,” said Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “When individuals and families choose to establish a charitable fund or leave a legacy gift, they are placing a high level of trust in us. National Standards® re-accreditation confirms that we are honoring that trust with strong governance, sound financial management, and a deep commitment to donor intent.”

The Scranton Area Community Foundation works to meet critical community needs and strengthen Northeastern Pennsylvania by supporting a wide range of causes, including education, health and human services, arts and culture, animal welfare, workforce development, and community leadership.

The Scranton Area Community Foundation works to meet critical community needs and strengthen Northeastern Pennsylvania by supporting a wide range of causes, including education, health and human services, arts and culture, animal welfare, workforce development, and community leadership.

The Foundation offers a variety of charitable giving options, including donor-advised funds, designated funds, scholarship funds, field-of-interest funds, and unrestricted funds that address the region’s most pressing needs. In addition to affirming philanthropic services for donors, National Standards® accreditation validates the Foundation’s grantmaking practices and financial oversight for the nonprofit community it serves.

“Strong grantmaking requires the same discipline and care as sound investing,” said David J. Price, Chair of the Scranton Area Community Foundation Board of Governors. “This re-accreditation assures our community that the Foundation operates with rigor, fairness, and long-term vision as we steward charitable resources.”

Community Foundations National Standards® is the first program of its kind for charitable foundations in the United States. The National Standards Board is a supporting organization of the Council on Foundations and oversees the quality, value, and integrity of the accreditation process. More information is available at www.cfstandards.org.

Through philanthropic services, strategic investments, and community leadership, the Scranton Area Community Foundation helps people support the causes they care about—now and for generations to come.

The Greenridge Club Hosts Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy Event

After the mesmerizing success of the Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy, the doors have opened once more, inviting you to step deeper into the shadows of Poe’s most harrowing tales. Step into a night of literary horror as you explore the dark worlds of Edgar Allan Poe once more. Prepare for an immersive experience that will transport you into the chilling tales of The Cask of Amontillado, Annabel Lee, The Pit and the Pendulum, and The Fall of the House of Usher, each brought to life with eerie detail. As you delve into these chilling tales, savor four expertly crafted cocktails, each paired to enhance the haunting atmosphere of the story it accompanies. With every sip, feel the spine-tingling essence of Poe’s masterpieces seep into your soul. A night of gothic elegance and macabre delight awaits those brave enough to attend. Experience an even more chilling night of storytelling and spirits in this next chapter of the Speakeasy series in Scranton!

Highlights
✨ Step into the world of Edgar Allan Poe in this 4-part chilling cocktail experience
🍸 Sip on delicious themed cocktails, each expertly crafted and paired with each tale
😱 Hear Edgar Allan Poe’s work reimagined, as told by the Poe Historians
📚 No need to have seen the original Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy to enjoy the thrilling Chapter Two!

General Info
📅 Dates and times: select your date & time directly in the ticket selector
⏳ Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes
📍 Location: The Green Ridge Club
👤 Age requirement: 21+ with valid ID
♿ Accessibility: the venue is ADA compliant
❓ Please consult the FAQs of this experience here

Scranton Fringe Putting Down Roots in Scranton

For 10 years, Scranton Fringe has been nomadic — activating spaces across the city, transforming storefronts, theaters, and parks into stages for bold work.

Now, we have a home. But why does that matter so much?

The Sanctuary Theater at 1735 North Main Avenue is more than a venue. It’s proof that Scranton Fringe isn’t just visiting—we’re staying.

The beautiful former church sat waiting for a new purpose. Now it has one: rehearsals, workshops, performances, community gatherings, and creative risk-taking.

Old bones. New Life. Permanent presence.

We’re still activating dozens of spaces during the Festival (Oct 1–10) and year-round. But now we have an anchor. A place artists can count on. A space that says: this is where bold work lives in Scranton.

Our first show at The Sanctuary Theater: The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams, opening April 9.

Tickets at ScrantonFringe.org.

Peoples Security Bank & Trust Contributes More Than $1.5 Million to Local Educational Organizations Through the PA EITC Program

Through the Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program, Peoples Security Bank & Trust (PSBT) contributed $1,572,581.46 in 2025 to support educational organizations across its service footprint. The EITC Program allows businesses to support education by directing a portion of their state tax obligations to a qualified Scholarship Organization, Educational Improvement Organization, and/or a Pre-Kindergarten Scholarship Organization.

PSBT’s EITC contributions helped fund scholarship programs, classroom materials, educational supplies, school grants, and specialized academic initiatives designed to expand access to quality education. In total, 110 organizations benefitted from these funds, including private schools, scholarship organizations, pre-kindergarten programs, school districts, colleges and universities, and other nonprofit partners serving students and families throughout the Bank’s Pennsylvania footprint.

Since 2015, PSBT has contributed more than $8.6 million through the EITC program. This sustained investment reflects the Bank’s long-standing commitment to strengthening the communities it serves by helping create opportunities for students to learn, grow, and succeed.

“It is important to us to invest in education because strong schools help build strong communities,” said Jeffrey Drobins, Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer. “The EITC Program allows us to make meaningful investments that support students today while helping to strengthen our communities for the future.”

The EITC Program plays a critical role in expanding educational opportunities across Pennsylvania by encouraging private-sector support for innovative and impactful programs. PSBT remains committed to participating in initiatives that promote access to education and long-term community development.

Attached photo: Representatives from Peoples Security Bank & Trust (PSBT) and Pennsylvania private schools, scholarship organizations, pre-kindergarten programs, school districts, colleges, and universities recently gathered at PSBT’s Corporate Center in Moosic, PA., to celebrate the Bank’s 2025 contributions of more than $1.5 Million through the Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program.