For mid-sized companies, every benefits dollar counts. Yet too often, employers renew their insurance plans without fully understanding what is driving costs or which benefits employees truly value. By using data more strategically, these employers can design a benefit program that is both cost-efficient and personally meaningful.

A good place to start is by examining claims utilization, demographic trends, and participation rates across medical, dental and voluntary benefits. Patterns often reveal hidden inefficiencies, such as over-insured employees, low preventive care use, or underused wellness resources. And by pairing this information with anonymous employee surveys, company leaders can better understand worker priorities, such as flexibility, family support, or out of pocket predictability.

With the insights gained from this data, employers can shift from a “one-size-fits-all” model to a personalized benefits structure. For example, offering both a base plan and an HSA-compatible high-deductible option can accommodate diverse risk preferences. Adding voluntary benefits like accident, pet, or legal coverage can fill lifestyle gaps without increasing employer costs.

Digital engagement tools further enhance transparency and choice, helping employees see real-time costs and compare plan options. When workers feel informed and empowered, satisfaction rises…and so does retention.

In short, data isn’t just for large corporations. For a mid-sized company, it’s the key to unlocking smarter funding strategies, healthier employees, and a measurable return on investment.

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 the website at gscc.mybenefitadvisor.com or contact Rob Higginbotham at (800) 377-3539.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced that a team of students from the Wyoming Seminary Upper School in Kingston, Luzerne County was selected as the PennDOT Innovations Challenge regional winner in PennDOT Engineering District 4, which includes Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming Counties.

Mentored by John R. Eidam, Director, Louis Maslow STEM School, and Christopher Pons, instructor, team members from Wyoming Seminary team, nicknamed the “Blue Dragons,” include Richard Qian, Kim Zhang, and Max Li.

The PennDOT Innovations Challenge – now in its ninth year – is a statewide competition for high school students to develop creative and strategic solutions to real-world transportation challenges. The challenge reflects the Shapiro Administration’s focus on a safe, efficient transportation system and growing Pennsylvania’s workforce by introducing students to current transportation challenges and encouraging them to explore careers in transportation after high school. 

With the unique challenge of keeping work crews protected and the travelling public safe in work zones, this year’s challenge asked students to develop a concept for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in work zones to dramatically improve safety for work crews and road users. 

The winning regional team’s innovation was titled: “AI Powered Worker and Driver Warning System for PA Work Zones.

“At PennDOT, the safety of our crews who are working hard to improve our roadways is our primary concern, and we were impressed by the level of detail the Wyoming Seminary team presented in their Innovations Challenge proposal,” said Jonathan A. Eboli, P.E., District Executive. “From an AI driven system which can identify distracted or erratic driving at a distance, to a badge system which alerts crews to a potential hazard; the student’s proposal displayed a firm knowledge of how AI applications can be incorporated in our work zones.”  

Regional Innovations Challenge winners will be invited to Harrisburg to present their solutions to the PennDOT Executive Deputy Secretary and a panel of judges on April 15, when the statewide winner will be determined.

For this year’s challenge, the Transportation Policy and Education Foundation, an educational arm of the Associated Pennsylvania Constructors organization, the American Council of Engineering Companies of PA, the Mid-Atlantic Section of the Institute of Transportation Engineers and the Intelligent Transportation Society of Pennsylvania are providing a combined total award of $6,000 to the statewide winning team.

For complete Innovations Challenge details, visit the PennDOT website.

Find PennDOT’s planned and active construction projects at www.pa.gov/DOTprojects. Subscribe to PennDOT news and find transportation results in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Wyoming counties at www.pa.gov/DOTdistrict4.  

Find PennDOT news on X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. 

On Saturday, April 26, the Rossetti Foundation is hosting a Women’s Self-Awareness & Empowerment Gathering, opening their space to 25 women in the community at no cost thanks to their continued efforts and recent grant support.

The intention behind the event is to create a meaningful, supportive environment where women can step away from the day-to-day, reconnect with themselves, and experience practical tools around emotional well-being, self-leadership, and connection.

The afternoon will include:
• Short, interactive sessions led by local facilitators
• Space for reflection, conversation, and community building
• A closing opportunity to connect more personally with facilitators, including a book signing

What makes this especially unique is the tone, it’s not designed as a formal workshop or lecture, but rather as an approachable, community-centered experience that introduces these concepts in a way that feels real, engaging, and applicable.

Learn more & RSVP here: rossettiarts.org/retreat

For additional details, please contact the Program Director, Lisa Benedict by phone at 272-299-7320 or by email at Contactus@rossettiarts.org.

The American Heart Association is hosting the Northeast PA Heart Walk at PNC Field on Saturday, May 9. The local sponsor for the walk is Geisinger.

According to the American Heart Association, 9 out of 10 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside the hospital die. In most of those cases, bystander CPR was not performed. But the walk’s goal is to change this.

Cardiac arrest can happen anywhere, and CPR can save lives. The goal is to have at least one person in each household ready to perform CPR.

Join as an individual, team or company. Sign up and learn more on the American Heart Association’s website.

The America250PA Mobile Experiential Unit, powered by Penske, is back on the road through July 4, 2026. Check out the unit throughout the region.

• 28th Annual Commissioners Fishing Derby – Pike County
  • April 18th, 2026—8:00 a.m. –12:00 p.m.
  • Lily Pond in the Pike County Park,
    Schocopee Road, Milford, PA 18337

• Spring Carlisle
  • April 22nd, 2026—9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
  • Event Location: 1000 Bryn Mawr, Carlisle, PA 17013 – Intersection of Carlisle Spring Road, route 334 and K Street
    Mobile Unit Location: Inside Gate #3

• Mayfest of Huntingdon – Huntingdon County
  • April 25th, 2026—10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
  • Event Location: Huntingdon Presbyterian Church,
    508 Mifflin St., Huntingdon, PA 16652
    Mobile Unit Location: In the parking lot – (40°29’09.2″N 78°00’42.7″W)

• Multicultural Night: The America250PA Edition – Monroe County
  • April 28th, 2026—5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
  • Event Location: Pocono Mountain East Junior High School,
    125 Center Court, Swiftwater, PA 18370 
    Mobile Unit Location: Courtyard, on the sidewalk

• Bushkill Township Volunteer Fire Company Carnival – Northampton County
  • April 29th, 2026—6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
  • Event Location: 155 Firehouse Dr., Nazareth, PA 18064
    Mobile Unit Location: Right next to the Ferris Wheel

• America250PA Mobile Unit Experience at Peddler’s Village
  • April 30th, 2026—3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
  • Cock ‘n Bull Restaurant, Route 263 & Street Rd. (Route 202), Lahaska, PA 18931
    Mobile Unit Location: Restaurant Parking Lot

• 40th Annual Danville Spring Fling – Montour County
  • May 2nd, 2026—10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
  • Event Location: 253 Mill St., Danville, PA 17821 
    Mobile Unit Location: Across the street from the Courthouse

• Valley Arts4All – Bradford County
  • May 3rd, 2026—11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • Event Location: Riverfront Park, 100 Riverfront Park Rd.
    (off S. Thomas Ave.), Sayre, PA 18840
    Mobile Unit Location: Near the Food Court

• Celebrate Independence Day in May with Susquehanna County Chapter DAR
  • May 9th, 2026—10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
  • The Green in Montrose, Montrose, PA 18801
    Mobile Unit Location: On the Street

• 17th Annual Logs to Lumber Event – Clearfield County
  • May 15th, 2026—9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
  • 5615 Park St., Clearfield, PA 16830

• Potter County Outdoor Show
  • May 16th, 2026—10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
  • 176 Fairgrounds Road, Millport, PA 16748
    Mobile Unit Location: In front of the auction arena

• Pennsylvania Envirothon – Union County
  • May 20th, 2026—11:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
  • 355 Mount Luther Lane, Mifflinburg, PA 17844
    Mobile Unit Location: Evergreen Center Parking Lot

• PIAA Track and Field State Championship – Cumberland County
  • May 22nd, 2026—10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
  • Shippensburg University, 475 Lancaster Dr., Shippensburg, PA 17257 
    Mobile Unit Location: Shippensburg University Parking Lot

• Memorial Day Festival (Boalsburg, PA) – Centre County
  • May 25th, 2026—11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • 163 Boal Estate Dr., Boalsburg, PA, 16827

• Darlington Days – Beaver County
  • May 30th, 2026—10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
  • 301 3rd St., Darlington, PA 16115
    Mobile Unit Location: Entrance of the Vendor Area

• 2026 Forest County Bigfoot Festival
  • June 12th, 2026—4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
  • Event Location: 119 Cherry Street, Marienville, PA 16239 
    Mobile Unit Location: 125 Cherry Street (Along 66), Marienville, PA 16239

A skilled and enthusiastic civilian workforce are the keys to quality management system (QMS) success, according to independent experts.

Tobyhanna Army Depot earned recertification to the Aerospace (AS) 9100/9110 quality standard this week after a lengthy and meticulous conformance audit by an external auditing body. The credential is rare: only 30,000 companies worldwide have earned the AS 9100 designation, while less than 1,100 hold the AS 9110 certification. The continued achievement places the depot on par with private industry expectations and positions it as a leader within the U.S. Army and the Department of War.

For more information on the recertification visit the Army website.

Tobyhanna Army Depot also recertified to the ISO 45001 occupational health and safety standard. Tobyhanna was the first Department of War facility to earn the certification in 2019. They continue to adhere to the safety standards.

For full details on the health and safety standard visit the Army website.

A’tera 519

Experience Spain: A Catalan Wine Dinner

• Thursday, April 30 at 5:30 PM
• 519 Linden St. Scranton, PA 18503
• Limited availability
• $179 per person (plus tax and gratuity)

Description: Our Executive Culinary Team has crafted an unforgettable evening inspired by the vibrant flavors of Catalonia. Enjoy an authentic menu featuring Spanish tapas and traditional Catalan dishes, thoughtfully paired with exceptional wines from the region.

Each course will take you on a journey through the tastes, aromas, and culinary traditions of Spain, creating a dining experience that celebrates the culture and hospitality of Catalonia.

Savor the cuisine, discover remarkable wines, and enjoy a night of Spanish hospitality.

Reserve your seat and experience Spain, one bite and one glass at a time: 

Tickets: https://resy.com/cities/scranton-pa/venues/atera-519/events/experience-spain-catalan-wine-dinner-2026-04-30?fbclid=IwY2xjawQvgVBleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE1aVJUaWEwMzZ1bjZGTVRHc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHlt7YTXhpT1ctMFUBy5eVmHA1fOrs79yKFEMGOQYt1wN0vbTmMZ-3qMZegmg_aem_wWA5mXJGvX2uKPOkEhnBvA

Olde Brook Inn

Prisoner Wine Dinner

• Thursday, April 23, 2026 from 6–9 PM.
• 5 Courses + Wine Pairings (Pairings TBA)
• Hosted in collaboration with Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits
• $140 per person (plus tax & gratuity)

Description:  Indulge in a carefully curated 5-course dinner, with each course expertly paired with wines from The Prisoner Wine Company.

About The Prisoner Wine Company

When their first wine, The Prisoner, debuted two decades ago, it redefined what a red blend could be—bold, complex, and unlike anything else on the market. Since then, the brand has become known for its rule-breaking blends, striking label designs, and “cult” status among wine lovers and critics alike. Learn more: https://theprisonerwinecompany.com/

Reservations Required. Call us to secure your seat: 570-843-6548

After selling out September 12, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders and Cosmic Baseball are thrilled to announce a second date for the immersive, neon-lit experience! Due to popular demand, the Cosmic Chili Peppers and Glow Mojis will now play two dates, adding a game on September 11, 2026, at PNC Field.

Tickets for the initial date sold out in four hours, so the demand opened the door for this second night. Fans are once again able to enter the Cosmic Ticket Lottery for a chance to purchase 2026 tickets. 

“What a showing from our fans!” said RailRiders Team President & GM Shawn Reilly. “This season is shaping up to be one of the most memorable yet. To have our fan base sell out this show—unbelievable! Thanks to Cosmic Baseball for helping bring a second date to PNC Field. This season will be something special.”

Fans can watch the Cosmic Baseball Tour at PNC Field by entering the ticket lottery and selecting “Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders” on the dropdown menu. Fans who entered the lottery will be selected at random to purchase their tickets. Those selected will receive a designated time slot to purchase tickets via an email from Cosmic Baseball. RailRiders season ticket members will be given priority seating opportunities.

As seen on The Today Show, ABC News, Sports Illustrated, MLB Network, and many more, Cosmic Baseball is flipping America’s favorite pastime on its head with an electrifying, black light twist. Fans can watch two professional Cosmic teams: The Cosmic Chili Peppers and The Glow Mojis take the field under black light in a jaw-dropping spectacle. The show is part baseball, part neon-fueled party, and 100% unforgettable. Neon uniforms, UV-reactive baseballs, and electrifying entertainment make Cosmic Baseball a must-see event. 

Fans can stay up to date with news regarding the PNC Field tour stop by following @gochilipeppers and @goglowmojis on Instagram or by visiting https://chilipeppersbaseball.com.

CIRCLE FLEA FAIR IS NOW OPEN EVERY SUNDAY FROM 6AM – 2PM 

Shoppers & Vendors, NEPA’s Largest Flea Fair is NOW OPEN for the season, every Sunday until November!  New vendors are welcome weekly; only food & beverage vendors need to apply this season.  Shoppers, just $1.00 per vehicle to get in & explore! Visit circledrive-in.com/fleafair for more information! 

UPCOMING EVENTS AT CIRCLE DRIVE-IN

-VISIT CIRCLEDRIVE-IN.COM FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON ALL UPCOMING EVENTS-

Friday, May 8th, into Saturday, May 9th

NEPA Horror presents “Graveyard Shift Cinema: Overnight Film Festival”

Gates Open: 6pm   |   Films start at dusk

Tickets are required for this event.

Saturday, May 16th 

Lackawanna County SWAT Team Designer Purse Bingo

Gates Open: 10am   |   Event: 12pm – 4pm 

Tickets are required for this event.

Saturday, May 23rd

Pharoahs Car Club of Scranton Cars & Coffee Monthly Meet Up

9am – 12pm  

All are welcome, free event

Thursday, May 28th 

Lackawanna County Film & Multimedia Commission Networking Event: Film Forward

Gates/Event: 5pm

All are welcome, free event

Saturday, May 30th

Andrew Mazza Diesel Jam ’26

Gates/Event: 2pm  (Vehicle registration open time TBD)

Trucks/Vehicles must register (entry fee).  Free event for all spectators!

LACKAWANNA HISTORICAL SOCIETY THURSDAY SUMMER MOVIE SERIES

June 25, 2026: “Jaws” (1975 – PG)

July 23, 2026: “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” (1989 – PG-13)

August 20, 2026: “Dirty Dancing” (1987 – PG-13) 

Circle Drive-In’s Concession Stand is open during every event! Stop in for your favorite cold drinks, candy, popcorn, freshly made pizza, burgers & more!  You can even grab a bag of freshly made popcorn to take home & enjoy!

Movie tickets, upcoming events, & additional information at circledrive-in.com.

In 2026, Meals on Wheels of NEPA restructured and brought new talent to their leadership team. Since 2023, Meals on Wheels’ Executive Director has been Lindsey Skripka. Skripka has brought the organization to new heights, expanding and creating new programs, growing the staff, and leading the organization in a move to a new building. Under Skripka’s leadership, the organization currently serves approximately 2,000 older adults, individuals with disabilities and other vulnerable populations a year.

In January, Meals on Wheels hired Bella Ceccoli as their Director of Development. Ceccoli brings an extensive fundraising and grant writing background to the organization, having worked in the nonprofit sector for over a decade. Ceccoli has organized and executed fundraising events and campaigns for several local nonprofits, raising much needed operational funding. “Bella brings a proven track record of building meaningful relationships and securing critical resources for nonprofits. Her leadership in development will allow us to grow sustainably and ensure we can meet the increasing demand for our services across NEPA,” says Skripka. 

Meals on Wheels has also promoted two existing employees. Nicole Fetch is now the Director of Operations, coordinating meal preparations, deliveries, and other daily activities. Fetch has been with the organization for 7 years and brings an extensive background in social work. Meals on Wheels has also promoted previous Program Manager Kay Cullen to the position of Director of Programs. Cullen has been with the organization for 3 years, managing and coordinating our program activities. This promotion has allowed Cullen to take the lead on expanding and administering these programs. 

Meals on Wheels is thrilled to introduce the new, all-women leadership team. The organization is looking to expand its reach and the number of meals it delivers in 2026. By the end of April, the organization will be fully operational in their new building on Cherry Street in Scranton. With the new building, Meals on Wheels will be able to increase its production by 25%, with no new input needed. More information regarding an open house and opportunities to meet the new leadership team will be announced shortly. 

“This moment marks a meaningful and historic milestone for Meals on Wheels of NEPA. For the first time, our organization is led by an all-women leadership team—an extraordinary group whose expertise, vision, and dedication reflect both the strength of our community and the future of our work. Together, we are not only honoring our legacy, but shaping a more innovative, inclusive, and impactful path forward for those we serve.”