Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders Post-Game Drone Light Show Scranton/Wilkes-Barre adds unique light show experience after game against Indianapolis The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders are excited to announce the addition of a post-game drone light show after their Saturday, August 16, game against the Indianapolis Indians. “We are thrilled to add this one-of-a-kind experience to the promotional schedule,” stated Katie Beekman, the RailRiders General Manager. “It will be the first-ever drone light show at PNC Field and we can’t wait to see the reaction of our great fans. This is such a unique event that fans definitely won’t want to miss.” The show will be coordinated and performed by Sky Elements, a nationally-renowned drone fleet. Sky Elements appeared on America’s Got Talent and performs over 750 shows each year. The RailRiders host the Pittsburgh Pirates’ top affiliate on August 16, which is also Harry Potter Night at PNC Field. Gates open at 5:00 P.M. with custom RailRiders Platform 9 3/4 socks given out to the first 1,500 fans. First pitch is slated for 6:05 and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre players will wear custom jerseys inspired by the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. After the game concludes, this 150-drone performance will begin. Purchase tickets for August 16 or any remaining RailRiders home game this season online at www.swbrailriders.com.
TravelWorld Local Tours TravelWorld is hosting local tours in the Scranton and Wilkes-Barre communities. Trolley Tour of Wilkes-Barre Murals Tuesday, August 19 | 5:45PM–8:00PM Ride with the Street Art Society of NEPA and explore 30+ incredible murals—plus, get an exclusive tour of the brand-new TravelWorld Kingston Office! Meeting Location: 200 Old Train Station Road, Wilkes-Barre (Old W-B Train Station) Historical Walking Tour of Wilkes-Barre Wednesday, September 17 | 4:00PM–6:00PM Join historian Tony Brooks from the Wilkes-Barre Preservation Society for a stroll through the city’s storied past. Meeting Location: St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 35 S. Franklin St, Wilkes-Barre Ghost Walking Tour of Lackawanna County Friday, October 24 | 7:00PM–8:30PM The Lackawanna Historical Society will guide you through Scranton’s haunted history with chilling tales and local lore. Meeting Location: The Caitlin House, 232 Monroe Ave, Scranton, PA Space is extremely limited — please limit one tour per person. Must be 21years or older to attend. Call us at 570-342-5790 or 570-288-9311 to reserve your spot today! Additional details will be emailed after registration.
Paint the Planet Pink Fall Events Paint the Planet Pink®, a 501(c)(3) organization, was established in 2014 as Paint Pittston Pink® and rebranded at the end of 2023. New name, new logo, same mission—“bringing the community together to support a cure for ALL cancers through research and clinical trials.” To date, our organization has donated $1,002,000 directly to cancer research at both The University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA and The Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, FL. September 16–17, 2025 | 11 AM–4 PM – Celebration of Life Blood Drive The blood drive will be held at The University of Scranton and is held in memory of Greg Policare, Lisa Jones Kutra, and Grian Musto. September 20, 2025 | 9 AM – Mass & Award Ceremony The presentation of The Award for Courage, The Survivor Award, and The Celebration of Life Award will be held at The Cathedral of St. Peter in Scranton. September 20, 2025 | 11 AM – 12th Annual Color Me Pink Run/Walk Participate in the 12th Annual Color Me Pink 5K Run and Fun Walk, followed by the Gentlemen’s Dash. The event will start at Backyard Ale House. September 28, 2025 | 2 PM – Purse Bingo Attend the Paint the Planet Pink Purse Bingo at St. Maria Goretti Banquet Hall. September 28, 2025 | 6 PM – Soprano’s Trivia Night Love trivia? Come on out to Paint the Planet Pink Soprano’s Trivia Night with Trivia Master Brad and Meat Raffle at Sabatini’s Bottleshop. October 3, 2025 | 7 PM – Celebrity Bartending and Awards $10 Donation at the Door for the Paint The Red Mill Pink Celebrity Bartending and Awards: PINK Bartenders: Mia Barbieri, Brandi Bartush, Matt Carmody, Sarah Donahue Cianfichi, Sam Falcone, Allison Lucarelli, Danny Luvender, Pat McAndrew, Nicole Welkey, and Eric Yashinski Register for these events online at Paint the Planet Pink.
Lynn Sandy’s Bakery Storefront Facelift Lynn Sandy’s Bakery, located on Pittston Ave., on the southside of Scranton, updated signage to the front of the building. Stop by to see the new sign and grab a sweet treat while you’re at it.
Ask the Expert – Backyard Games, Woodloch Style Since the days of Ancient Greece, the Olympic Games have symbolized competition, sportsmanship, and triumph. That spirit lives on—not only globally, but locally as well. Woodloch Resort, consistently ranked among the top family resorts in the U.S., proudly carries that Olympic torch with games of its own. Every season, the resort invites its 55,000 annual guests to tap into their competitive spirit through friendly, all-ages team challenges. From relay races to head-to-head competitions, the atmosphere is electric and inclusive. Woodloch has become a premier destination for multi-generational family vacations and corporate retreats. Its award-winning activities team consistently delivers unforgettable experiences, and guests often leave inspired to recreate the fun at home. Activities Director Joey Ranner, who has hosted these games for over 40 years, encourages others to bring the magic of the Woodloch Olympics to their own gatherings. “All it takes is imagination, enthusiasm, and the willingness to unplug from the daily grind,” says Ranner. Here are five steps to help you launch your own backyard Olympics: Take Stock & Plan: Inventory supplies and assess your space—indoor or outdoor, soft grass or hard surface. Consider participant age and ability. Choose upbeat MCs or referees to keep the energy high. Keep It Simple: Lean into nostalgic games from your youth. Use what you have—recycling bins, coins, brooms, water guns, and more. Think Variety: Balance physical and mental games. Mix baton races, trick shots, memory games, and giant tic-tac-toe for multi-generational appeal. Keep Score & Reward: Track points by event, then tally totals for bragging rights or prizes. Make it competitive but fun. Have Fun: Add team shirts, cheers, music, and an awards ceremony to elevate your event. Looking for ideas? Explore “Woodloch at Home.” About Woodloch Resort – Since 1958, Woodloch Resort has created unforgettable, all-inclusive family vacations rooted in warm hospitality. Nestled in the Pocono Mountains, just 95 miles from NYC, Woodloch features an award-winning resort, championship golf, and a luxury spa. It’s a one-of-a-kind destination where generations come together for fun, relaxation, and lasting memories.
Ask the Expert — Smart Skincare for the Sun Season: Insights from Pachee’s Spa With a deep passion rooted in personal experience, Patricia Bezerra is the owner and solo operator of Pachee’s Spa, where she provides personalized, results-driven skincare solutions. After struggling with her own skin for years, Bezerra turned her challenges into motivation—earning her esthetics certification in 2020 and continuing her education in advanced skincare techniques and technologies. Today, she brings both empathy and expertise to her work, creating a transformative experience for every client who walks through her door. Pachee’s Spa is more than a skincare studio—it’s a space for healing, confidence-building, and long-term skin health. As summer approaches, Bezerra offers valuable insight into how to protect, nourish, and prepare your skin for the sunniest season of the year. Five Skincare Essentials to Keep in Mind This Summer Personalized Skincare is Powerful: No two faces are the same, and your skincare routine shouldn’t be either. Customized treatments are the most effective way to address your skin’s unique needs and deliver visible, lasting results. Skincare is a Marathon, Not a Sprint: Healthy, glowing skin takes time. Be consistent, patient, and work with a licensed esthetician to see real progress. Quick fixes don’t last—invest in your skin for the long haul. The Connection Between Skin and Confidence: Clear, healthy skin is about more than appearance—it impacts how you show up in the world. Taking care of your skin is a powerful step toward greater self-confidence and well-being. Your Esthetician is Your Skincare Partner: Regular facials, chemical peels, and professional treatments can significantly improve your skin—but the real magic comes from an ongoing relationship with a trusted skincare expert who understands your goals. Education is Key: Knowing your skin type, the right ingredients to use (and avoid), and how to build an effective skincare routine is transformative. Empower yourself with knowledge and guidance from professionals. To learn more, visit pacheesspa.glossgenius.com or follow @pacheesspa on Instagram and Facebook for expert tips, service updates, and skincare inspiration. For consultations and questions, reach out to Patricia directly at patricia@pacheesspa.com.
The Wright Center, Breastfeeding a Healthy Habit for Mother and Child August is National Breastfeeding Month, which is a great opportunity for us to talk about the many health benefits this critical practice provides to mother and child. Breastfeeding Month was established to promote human milk in child development and lactation practices and policies. We’re all for that here at The Wright Center, where we support it for patients and employees, alike. The Pennsylvania Department of Health recognizes breastfeeding as the ideal nutrition for infants, while the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that women exclusively breastfeed their babies for at least the first six months after birth, and up to two years or beyond, depending on the mother and child’s wants and needs. Simply put, mother’s milk is the ideal nutrition for babies, providing benefits that can’t be found in baby formula. The research is clear on this — breastfeeding can lower a baby’s risk of certain infections, asthma, obesity, and sudden infant death syndrome. And for mothers, it can reduce the risk of high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, and breast and ovarian cancers. Any discussion about breastfeeding should also include its relation to the workplace, as women with infants and young children are the fastest growing segment of the U.S. labor force. Unfortunately, too many women cease breastfeeding when returning to work, due to the challenges of finding a safe, private place to pump and store milk. However, I’m happy to report that an increasing number of employers are now providing designated lactation stations for breastfeeding employees. It’s a trend that hopefully will only continue to grow, especially since breastfeeding-friendly workplace programs are relatively easy and inexpensive to implement, and provide savings through reduced health care claims and employee absences. The Wright Center has been highly supportive of breastfeeding employees, and we’ve gone above and beyond to support patients through our primary and pediatric care services, as well as the Healthy MOMS (Maternal Opiate Medical Support) program, a collaborative effort between The Wright Center and several other community organizations that assists pregnant women and new mothers overcome addiction and embrace a life in recovery. That includes a $7,500 grant we secured from the Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics to provide essential breastfeeding resources and supplies to Healthy MOMS participants, including manual breast pumps, breast milk storage sets, educational materials, consultations with lactation specialists, and access to breastfeeding counselors. The grant also went toward doula training for Healthy MOMS collaborators. If you’re interested in learning more about resources pertaining to breastfeeding, the Pennsylvania Breastfeeding Referral Guide contains detailed information on lactation specialists, community programs, support/mother groups, community coalitions, breast pump rentals, and local, state, and national help lines. For additional information, call the Healthy Baby Line at 1-800-986-BABY (2229). Breastfeeding women and their children are high priority here at The Wright Center, and we’ll continue doing our part to ensure their good health. Manju Mary Thomas, M.D., board-certified in pediatrics and obesity medicine, serves as deputy chief medical officer and medical director of pediatrics and school- and community-based medical home services at The Wright Center for Community Health. She is also a physician faculty member for The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s Family Medicine Residency Pediatrics Program. She is accepting pediatric and adolescent patients at our Mid Valley Community Health Center. To make an appointment, call 570-230-0019.
Indraloka Encourages Planning During Make-A-Will Month August is National Make-A-Will Month, a time to reflect on the future and ensure our loved ones—and the causes we care about—are cared for after we’re gone. Indraloka is joining nonprofits across the country to raise awareness about the importance of estate planning and the powerful role of legacy giving. “Having a will is one of the most compassionate and empowering acts we can take—not just for ourselves, but for those we love,” said Robin Olson, Indraloka’s Director of Development. “It ensures that your wishes are honored and that your family, friends, and even your values are protected during a difficult time.” A will is the foundation of any estate plan, and yet millions of Americans haven’t created one. The most common reason? People say they “haven’t gotten around to it.” But the consequences of putting it off can be serious. According to the American Bar Association, when someone dies without a will, their estate is distributed under state intestacy laws—which often do not reflect the deceased’s personal or charitable wishes. In many states, close friends, unmarried partners, and nonprofit organizations are excluded entirely from inheritance unless specifically named in a will. This often leaves loved ones without clear guidance, causes family stress during an already difficult time, and can delay or complicate the settlement process. Indraloka is encouraging its supporters to take this step and consider including a gift to the sanctuary in their estate plans. Legacy gifts—also called planned or bequest gifts—make a lasting impact on Indraloka’s life-saving work for rescued farm animals, while offering peace of mind and potential tax benefits for donors. Why Make a Will? Protect your loved ones and avoid confusion or conflict Name guardians for your children or dependents Choose who will manage your affairs Ensure your assets are distributed as you wish Leave a legacy aligned with your values How to Include Indraloka in Your Will Adding a charitable gift to Indraloka is easy and can be done with a simple sentence through an estate planning attorney or by using online resources, many of which are free to use. Donors can designate: A specific amount A percentage of their estate A residual amount after other needs are met For those who have already included Indraloka in their will, the sanctuary invites them to share that decision so they can be recognized as members of the Penny’s Pals Legacy Society. “This isn’t just about giving—it’s about ensuring that the things you value most are cared for, creating a future that reflects the love and compassion we lived by,” said Olson. To learn more about legacy giving or to get sample language for your will, visit:Legacy Giving | Indraloka Animal Sanctuary
WVIA Launches Kickstarter Campaign for New Documentary WVIA is proud to announce production of a powerful new documentary that uncovers one of Hazleton’s most compelling and little-known stories: the underground mine tunnels that helped build the region and shaped its identity. To bring this important project to life, WVIA has launched a Kickstarter campaign and is offering two exclusive sponsorship opportunities designed specifically for local businesses that want to play a role in preserving Hazleton’s rich mining heritage. Business Backer Tiers 🎬 $5,000 – Business Backer PlusBusinesses that support at this premium level will receive: A 15-second underwriting announcement at the beginning and end of the film (broadcast and digital) Special recognition in the film’s credits as a Kickstarter Business Backer Recognition in promotional materials related to the film’s premiere Tickets to a local screening event All rewards from lower tiers*Note: Announcements must comply with PBS underwriting guidelines 💼 $2,000 – Business BackerAt this level, businesses will receive: Special mention in the film credits as a Kickstarter Business Backer A custom-designed “Business Backer” banner to proudly display Recognition in promotional materials for the film’s premiere Tickets to a local screening event All rewards from lower tiers This is a meaningful and visible way for businesses to support local storytelling and align with a legacy project that will educate and inspire for generations. For more details visit https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/wvia/the-secrets-beneath-hazleton
SWB RailRiders, Spencer Jones Named Player of the Month Outfielder is the first RailRider to nab monthly honors since September 2023 Major League Baseball has announced that RailRiders’ outfielder Spencer Jones was tabbed as the International League’s Player of the Month for July. MLB honors the best player and pitcher in each of the 14 leagues of the player development system, and Jones is the seventh player in franchise history to capture the distinction. Jones, 24, batted a league-best .419 in July with a league-high 11 home runs. He also led the IL in on-base percentage (.477), slugging percentage (.946) and OPS (1.423). He was second in runs (25) and total bases (70) and was third in hits (31) and RBI (23). He recorded 10 multi-hit games, including consecutive four-hit games on July 19 and 20. Jones was selected by the Yankees in the first round, 25th overall, of the 2022 Draft out of Vanderbilt University. He began 2025 in Double-A, hitting .274 with 16 home runs over 49 games for Somerset before a June 27 promotion to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. His 29 total home runs led all Minor League players at the end of July. Jones joins Brandon Duckworth (Pitcher- July 2001), Jose Pirela (Player- June 2014), Aaron Judge (Player- June 2016), Jake Cave (Player- July 2017), Michael King (Pitcher- August 2018) and Will Warren (Pitcher- September 2023) as the seventh player in franchise history to earn an MLB/ MiLB monthly honor. Three homestands remain on the 2025 schedule. For tickets and promotional information, visit swbrailriders.com.