RailRiders, Beck Honored By International League After No-Hit Effort Minor League Baseball has announced its weekly awards for June 1-7, and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre’s Brendan Beck was honored as the International League’s Pitcher of the Week. The right-hander worked seven hitless innings on Friday, June 5, against the Syracuse Mets, combining with reliever Carson Coleman for the seventh no-hitter in franchise history. Beck faced 24 batters, striking out six and walking three on 93 pitches on Friday night before handing the ball to Coleman. The reliever worked a perfect eighth and walked a batter in the ninth before inducing a game-ending double play to seal the RailRiders’ first no-hitter since August of 2021. Beck is 5-2 with a 3.55 ERA after his outing on Friday and has been tabbed as the IL Pitcher of the Week for a second time this season, having also earned the distinction in early May. He has 66 strikeouts and 21 walks over 66 innings of work for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre this season. Beck also made his Major League debut last month, working three frames for the Yankees on May 7. The 27-year-old was selected by the Yankees in the 2nd round of the 2021 draft out of Stanford University.
Johnson College Receives Grant From Wayne County Community Foundation Johnson College received a $6,000 award during the Wayne County Community Foundation’s spring grant cycle to enable eligible Wayne County residents to enroll in the Readiness in Skilled Employment (RISE) program. The funding will support a Wayne County participant with tuition, technology, PPE/safety equipment, tools needed for success in their desired program of study, and a range of support services to reduce barriers to their education. RISE is a comprehensive workforce development program that serves residents across nine counties in Northeastern Pennsylvania by providing access to technical training and vital support services. Counties include Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Schuylkill, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Wyoming. The program is designed to eliminate barriers such as transportation, childcare, housing, and food insecurity that often prevent individuals from starting or completing their education. The program creates a clear pathway to family-sustaining careers and brighter futures for participants and their families while addressing critical workforce shortages in Northeast Pennsylvania.
Allied Services Appoints New Terrace Personal Care Facility Administrator Robert Fenner, LPN, PCHA, joined Allied Services in 2023 as Wellness Director and has played an instrumental role in strengthening the culture and daily operations of the personal care community. With nearly a decade of healthcare experience, Fenner is recognized for his hands-on leadership style, commitment to resident-centered care, and dedication to staff development. In 2025, he earned his Personal Care Home Administrator certification and currently serves as the organization’s Certified Medication Administration Trainer for Personal Care staff, helping expand education and clinical capabilities across the divisions. Under his leadership, Allied Terrace has continued to enhance its ability to support residents with increasing care needs while fostering a warm, welcoming environment for residents, families, and staff alike. Fenner actively participates in long-term care professional networking and continuing education opportunities, reflecting his ongoing commitment to growth within the field. Outside of Allied Terrace, Fenner has been actively involved in fostering youth within the community, reflecting the same compassion and commitment to care that defines his leadership style.
Johnson College To Host Child And Babysitting Workshop Johnson College will host a Child and Babysitting Safety (CABS) workshop on Monday, June 29, 2026, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at its Scranton campus. Registration is required, and interested participants can sign up online by visiting johnson.edu/workshops. The interactive workshop is designed for teenagers and young adults who are interested in starting a babysitting business or who have caregiving responsibilities for younger family members. The program equips participants with the essential skills needed to babysit safely and successfully. The curriculum covers fundamental business setup, strategies for working effectively with parents and children, and vital safety, caregiving, and first aid instructions. To engage young learners, the program utilizes a modern, magazine-format CABS guide and vlogger-style educational videos. The cost to attend the workshop is $50 per person. The session is part of the college’s WAVE (Workforce Advancement & Value-Added Education) Workshop series.
NEPIRC Announces New Board Members : NEPIRC, a not-for-profit technical assistance firm serving manufacturers across an 11-county region, welcomed six newly-elected board members with a shared commitment to supporting the growth and success of the manufacturing industry. NEPIRC’s new board members include: · Matthew Gabriel, InterMetro Industries · Michael Novosel, ON Semiconductor · Quinn O’Donnell, CPA, Noble Biomaterials, Inc. · Justin D. Price, USHydrations · Jaime Ryan, CPA, PNC Financial Services · Joseph W. Simkulak, CPA, CPIM, InterMetro Industries Matthew Gabriel, Product Manager at InterMetro Industries, has been with the company for 13 years. He leads the strategic planning and execution of multiple product platforms manufactured in Pennsylvania, overseeing new product development, market research, product positioning, profitability, and key elements of the manufacturing value chain. Gabriel is a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and a member of the Leadership Northeast Core Class of 2025. He has worked in the manufacturing industry for two decades. Michael Novosel, Quality Engineering Manager at ON Semiconductor, has been with the company for 30 years. His deep experience in manufacturing includes quality strategy, process and product quality assurance, audit compliance and preventive and corrective action management. In addition to his professional leadership, Novasel is actively involved in workforce development initiatives, chairing ON Semiconductor’s Job Shadowing Program and participating in the company’s Mountain Top Site University Relations team. He is a longtime youth basketball and baseball coach. Quinn O’Donnell, CPA, is the Assistant Corporate Controller at Noble Biomaterials, Inc. She has spent eight years of her career in the manufacturing industry, and, in her current role, oversees critical financial operations to support organizational planning and performance. O’Donnell is an active member of the Junior League of Scranton. Justin D. Price is the Director of Operations at US Hydrations. He is also a Major in the United States Army Reserve with 14 years of military service. Following five years of Active Duty across several assignments, he returned to the civilian world and held roles at Sanofi Pasteur and Amcor Rigid Packaging before joining USHydrations. Price has completed extensive military and emergency response training, including Airborne School and Hazardous Materials Technician certification, and currently serves as a Small Group Leader with the 3rd Chemical Brigade at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He is a decorated military leader and recipient of the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, and Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal. Price holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Keystone College with minors in chemistry and mathematics. He is an active NEPIRC Dream Team volunteer, working to drive and expand awareness about manufacturing careers and opportunities. Jaime Ryan, CPA, is Vice President, Community Development Banking at PNC Financial Services. In this role, which he has held for the past eight years, he manages loans and investments designed to generate meaningful regional impact and strengthen low- to moderate-income communities. He is actively involved in regional nonprofit and economic development leadership, serving as a board member and Treasurer for NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania, WRC (formerly Women’s Resource Center) and Penn’s Northeast. He is a Certified Public Accountant. Joseph W. Simkulak, CPA, CPIM has served InterMetro Industries’ Chief Financial Officer for the past seven years. His three-decade-long career in the manufacturing industry includes senior leadership in finance and operations, as well as oversight of major software system implementations. Simkulak earned his Certified Public Accountant credential early in his professional career while employed at Arthur Andersen. He is actively involved in community and nonprofit leadership, serving as Treasurer of the Music Box Dinner Playhouse and as co-founder of the George Barilla Scholarship Fund. He has served on the advisory board for Penn State Wilkes-Barre and was one of the founding members of NEPIRC’s Executive Networking Group. Simkulak is a graduate of The University of Scranton with a degree in computer science. Zach Aciukewicz, Chair of NEPIRC’s Board of Directors and Director of Manufacturing & Operations Development at InterMetro Industries shared, “Our insightful and committed board members give back in a variety of ways, and we are grateful they choose to share their time and talents to strengthen NEPA’s manufacturing community. Their diverse perspectives in accounting, finance, operations, and quality will help us better empower small and mid-sized manufacturers with world-class assessment, performance evaluation, training, and consultative services to help them succeed.” NEPIRC’s newest board members were elected on December 12, 2025, with a term of service commencing on June 30, 2029.
Scranton Cultural Center Announces Free Concert Featuring The United States Army Field Band & Soldiers’ Chorus Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple will host a free performance by the United States Army Field Band and Soldiers’ Chorus on Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. in the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Theatre. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. The concert is part of the ensemble’s nationwide celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America. Founded in 1946, the Concert Band is the oldest and largest of The U.S. Army Field Band’s five ensembles and has performed for more than 100 million people worldwide. The Soldiers’ Chorus, established in 1957, complements the Concert Band with performances featuring Broadway selections, Americana, patriotic music, pop, rock, and R&B favorites. The evening’s program will showcase a variety of musical styles while highlighting the professionalism and musical excellence that have earned the ensembles national recognition through performances with renowned orchestras and appearances at presidential inaugurations and diplomatic events. Tickets are free and required for admission, with a limit of four tickets per household. Convenience charges may apply for online or phone orders. Tickets are available through the Fidelity Bank Box Office at the SCC, by calling (570) 344-1111, or through Ticketmaster.
The Wright Center To Host Drug Take-Back Event In Scranton With Lackawanna/Susquehanna Office Of Drug & Alcohol Programs The Wright Center for Community Health will host a drug take-back event with the Lackawanna/Susquehanna County Office of Drug & Alcohol Programs on Friday, June 12, from noon to 4 p.m. at its community health center in Scranton. Anyone can stop by The Wright Center for Community Health Scranton, 501 S. Washington Ave., to drop off unused or expired medications. Medications accepted include prescription and over-the-counter medications, such as pain relievers, antacids, cold medications, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal supplements, as well as topical medications, creams and ointments, eye drops, and pet medications. Drug take-back programs are essential public health and safety initiatives designed to safely dispose of unused or expired medications, primarily to prevent opioid misuse, accidental poisoning, and environmental contamination. Officials with the Lackawanna/Susquehanna Office of Drug & Alcohol Programs and members of the Scranton Police Department will be stationed in the community health center’s waiting room to safely collect items for proper disposal. For more information, call the Lackawanna/Susquehanna Office of Drug & Alcohol Programs at 570-963-6820, ext. 32037.
Steamtown National Historic Site To Host Union Pacific Big Boy Visit Steamtown National Historic Site will welcome the historic Union Pacific Big Boy, the largest operating steam locomotive in the country, for a special public visit this June. Ticketed viewing opportunities and public displays of the locomotive will take place on Monday, June 15 and Tuesday, June 16. Following the public display dates, visitors will have the opportunity to observe locomotive maintenance activities from Wednesday, June 17 through Tuesday, June 30. During the maintenance period, one of the locomotive’s cabs will be open for public viewing, giving guests a unique behind-the-scenes look at the historic engine and its operations. Visitors are encouraged to check with Steamtown National Historic Site for additional event details, ticket information, and visiting hours.
Mohegan Sun FanDuel Sportsbook To Host UFC Freedom 250 Viewing Party Mohegan Sun FanDuel Sportsbook will host a high-energy viewing experience for UFC Freedom 250 on Sunday, June 14 at 8:00 p.m., broadcasting the historic fight event taking place on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington. Fight fans will have the opportunity to enjoy the action inside the sportsbook’s immersive viewing environment featuring wall-to-wall screens, including its 140-foot video wall, live wagering, and exclusive raffle giveaways of signed UFC memorabilia. Guests can reserve a seat for $100 per person, which includes one bucket of beer and one entrée. Each reserved guest will also receive raffle tickets for the chance to win signed UFC items, including shorts signed by Ilia Topuria and Alex Pereira, as well as a glove signed by Sean O’Malley. The main fight card will feature a Lightweight Title matchup between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje, along with a Heavyweight Interim Title Bout between Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane. Additional featured bouts include Sean O’Malley vs. Aiemann Zahabi, Josh Hokit vs. Derrick Lewis, and Maurício Ruffy vs. Michael Chandler. Fight card details are subject to change. Named one of the UFC’s Top 30 sports bars in the country in 2025, Mohegan Sun FanDuel Sportsbook continues to provide a premier destination for fans to watch and celebrate major sporting events. Additional information and reservations can be found through the Mohegan Sun FanDuel Sportsbook Event Calendar.
NEPA Youth Shelter Announces Save The Date For Fundraiser NEPA Youth Shelter is encouraging community members to save the date for its upcoming NEPA Youth Voices fundraiser on Saturday, October 17, 2026 at the Ritz Theater. Doors for the event will open at 5:00 p.m., with the show beginning at 6:00 p.m. The fundraiser will support the mission and ongoing efforts of NEPA Youth Shelter while bringing the community together for an evening of entertainment and engagement. Additional event details, ticket information, and programming announcements will be released soon.
