The Settlers Inn Earns Award for World’s Best Restaurant for Wine The Settlers Inn has been honored for its outstanding wine program in Wine Spectator’s 2025 Restaurant Awards, which celebrate the world’s best restaurants for wine. “A wine list is a restaurant’s identity in print, and this year’s Wine Spectator Restaurant Award winners reflect both deep knowledge and a passion for discovery,” said Marvin R. Shanken, Editor and Publisher, Wine Spectator. “I proudly present the 3,811 restaurants worldwide that earned a Restaurant Award this year—we raise a glass to all our winners.” “The Settlers Inn team is proud to be the only restaurant in Northeast PA to receive the Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence in 2025,” explains Sommelier Claude Briere. “We have curated a wine list covering the most important wine regions of the world, packed full of gems for everyone to experience. From novice to connoisseur, there is a wine for everyone to discover, at prices that can accommodate all budgets.” Launched in 1981, the Restaurant Awards represent the world’s only program focused exclusively on restaurant wine service. They are assigned on three levels: the Award of Excellence, the Best of Award of Award of Excellence and the Grand Award, with 2,010; 1,704; and 97 winners this year in each respective category. The Settlers Inn has won the Best of Award of Excellence for the fourth consecutive year. Best of Award of Excellence recipients display excellent breadth across multiple winegrowing regions and/or significant vertical depth of top producers, along with superior presentation. Wine Spectator’s special Restaurant Awards issue is available to readers now. Follow Wine Spectator on Instagram (@wine_spectator) and use hashtag #WSRestaurantAwards for posts about this year’s awards. WineSpectator.com/Restaurants also features coverage of winners, interviews with leading wine directors, wine picks and pairing tips from sommeliers at award-winning programs. In the Restaurant Search, all winners can be searched by name, location, award level, cuisine, wine specialties and pricing. Winners are also profiled in the free Restaurant Awards app, available for iPhone and iPad users.
Pennsylvania Treasury, Secretary Visits Coffee Inclusive for National ABLE Savings Day Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity today visited Coffee Inclusive in Pittston, Luzerne County to celebrate National ABLE Savings Day and promote the PA ABLE Savings Program. PA ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) accounts are a tax-free way for Pennsylvanians with disabilities, and their families, to save without affecting eligibility for important benefits. Frank Bartoli, founder and CEO of PA Inclusive, parent organization of Coffee Inclusive, led a tour of the coffee shop and bakery. Coffee Inclusive employs over twenty people with intellectual disabilities and autism. “The opportunities provided by Coffee Inclusive are life-changing, and their facility is incredible,” Treasurer Garrity said. “I’m always inspired by the people I meet in every corner of the Commonwealth who save with PA ABLE, and I encourage everyone who has a family member or friend with a disability to learn more about what PA ABLE can do for them.” “It was an honor to host Treasurer Stacy Garrity at Coffee Inclusive for National ABLE Savings Day and to learn more about improvements coming to ABLE eligibility,” said Frank Bartoli, Founder and CEO of PA Inclusive. “As a parent of an adult child with Down Syndrome, an ABLE account will allow my daughter, Ellie, to live an even better life.” Since 2021, annual account maintenance fees have been reduced five times for PA ABLE account owners. Currently, to be eligible to save with an ABLE program, a person’s disability must be onset prior to their 26th birthday. Starting in January 2026, ABLE eligibility will be expanded to include those whose disability is onset prior to age 46. This gives more than six million more Americans, including one million Veterans the opportunity to save with ABLE programs. States were authorized to create ABLE programs with the passage of federal ABLE legislation in 2014. PA ABLE was enacted in 2016 with leadership from Senator Lisa Baker; the first PA ABLE account was opened the following year. Since then, the program has grown to be the fifth largest in the nation with nearly $170 million saved and over 11,000 accounts. Under Treasury Garrity’s leadership, PA ABLE account assets have more than tripled. PA ABLE account owners can save and pay for a wide variety of disability-related expenses, like groceries, rent, healthcare, transportation, and longer-term expenses including education and assistive technology. “PA ABLE is a tremendous tool to help our family and friends with disabilities live more independently and plan for a secure future,” Treasurer Garrity said. “Treasury is celebrating National ABLE Savings Day by helping more and more families learn about this great program with a live webinar tonight. Anyone can register to learn more about this empowering program, and I encourage anyone with a family member or friend who can benefit from PA ABLE to attend and learn more.” PA ABLE offers several different savings and investment options, including a checking account. PA ABLE account owners can contribute up to $19,000 per year. Contributions can be deducted on PA state income taxes. To learn more about PA ABLE, the Pennsylvania Treasury will host a free webinar tonight at 6 p.m. with additional webinars slated for September and October. To register for this webinar, or others, please visit paable.gov/webinars. To learn more about program eligibility and how to start saving with PA ABLE, visit paable.gov, email info@paable.gov or call 855-529-2253.
Misericordia University Program Supports Early Literacy Development Misericordia University recently concluded its Free Kindergarten Readiness Program, designed to help preschool-aged children build the foundational literacy skills needed for a confident start to school. The two-hour, small-group sessions were held at the university’s Literacy Center in Passan Hall and led by Kathleen Scaler Scott, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, along with experienced graduate student clinicians in the Department of Speech-Language Pathology. This summer, the program served 12 children—six in a morning group and six in an afternoon group—and generated significant community interest, with 35 children placed on a waiting list. Due to this overwhelming demand, the university is already accepting names for next summer’s program. The program introduced children to essential skills proven to support strong reading and writing, including phonological awareness, oral and written language comprehension, letter-sound knowledge, and understanding narrative structure. Delivered in a fun and engaging environment, the sessions provided small group instruction while giving student clinicians valuable hands-on experience. “It was so exciting to provide this service to children in the community,” said Dr. Scaler Scott, who has been a speech-language pathologist (SLP) for more than 30 years and has worked in three schools for children with literacy challenges. She is a professor, Board-Certified Specialist in Stuttering, Cluttering, and Fluency (BCS-SF), and ASHA Fellow. “This is just the start of the literacy programs we’d like to provide for preschoolers through adults. We hope to provide programming to address skills in reading, writing, and spelling. Since these skills are language-based, SLPs play a critical role in assisting with their development. According to the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association, SLPs play a role in preventing, identifying, assessing and treating literacy challenges. We collaborate with educators, reading specialists and other professionals to support literacy acquisition. Because we are training SLP student clinicians, we are able to provide affordable services.” The initiative reflects Misericordia University’s commitment to serving the community through accessible, evidence-based literacy support. Plans are already underway to expand offerings to additional age groups, from early learners to adults, ensuring that individuals at all stages of life have access to the tools they need for literacy success. For more information about future literacy programs, or to add a child’s name to the waiting list for next summer, contact Dr. Kathleen Scaler Scott at 570-674-1437 or kscott@misericordia.edu.
Misericordia University Celebrates 25th Anniversary of Women with Children Program Cheers to 25 Years of Empowerment at Misericordia The Ruth Matthews Bourger Women with Children Program is celebrating 25 years of transforming lives through education, support, and opportunity. Join us for the 25th Anniversary Silver SoiréeSaturday, September 13, 20255:00–10:00 PMIrem Temple Country Club Pavilion, Dallas, PA The evening will honor Sister Jean Messaros, Mr. Rob Friedman & the Friedman Family, and Mrs. Flo DePolo—key supporters of the program’s mission. Guests will enjoy a cocktail reception with live music by Tim Noble, followed by a formal dinner and dancing with WaltonEntertainment. The event also includes a tribute program celebrating our honorees and a silent auction. Black-tie optional. Tickets, ads, and sponsorships available at misericordia.edu/womenwithchildren.
Geisinger Holds Narcan Distribution Events Geisinger’s pharmacy, emergency medicine, addiction medicine and Free2BMom teams are collaborating again this year on two Narcan® (naloxone) distribution events in northeastern Pennsylvania. Geisinger personnel will hand out boxes of nasal naloxone, fentanyl and xylazine testing strips, and teach attendees how to properly use them at community resource events in Luzerne and Lackawanna counties. The Geisinger team will be joined by community health partners who will set up information tables and offer resources to those in recovery or seeking recovery. The first event will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29, on the lawn across from Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre’s emergency room. The hospital’s address is 25 Church St., Wilkes-Barre. The second event will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 4, in the Linden Street courtyard of Courthouse Square at 200 N. Washington Ave. in Scranton. The events are free and open to the public. No registration is required.
Corky’s Garden Path Voted 2025 Best Garden Center Corky’s Garden Path was voted the 2025 Best of the Abingtons and 2025 Best of Lackawanna County for garden centers.
CHOP Hosts Feeding the Future Dinner Join CHOP Out Hunger for our Feeding the Future Dinner on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 5:00 PM at Constantino’s, Clarks Summit, an inspiring evening dedicated to ending childhood hunger across Pennsylvania. This special night will honor community leader Ty Holmes for his outstanding dedication and service to our region. Guests will enjoy a delicious dinner, networking, and a heartfelt program featuring stories of impact. The evening will also include a raffle and learn how to support our Weekend Backpack Program, In-School Pantries, and Pop-Up Pantries, helping ensure every child has enough to eat. Learn More
Amy Bezek Photography Hosts Women’s Circle I’m opening my studio for something truly special — our first Women’s Circle led by Tiffany from La Luna Vibrations. This is a gentle and heart-centered evening of intention, movement, cacao, and sound — a space to reconnect with yourself and move without judgment. We’ll begin in circle with a warm blend of ceremonial cacao, blue lotus, rose, and bobinsana — then shift into intuitive, guided movement and close with a soothing sound bath. It’s not about dancing — it’s about dropping in, softening, and letting your body speak. No experience needed — just bring your beautiful self, a mat, a blanket, and anything to help you feel cozy for the sound bath. Register
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.
