Geisinger Health Plan to Host Community Pet Expo


Geisinger Health Plan is hosting its second Community Pet Expo on Sunday, June 8, from noon to 4 p.m. at Kirby Park at 280 Market St. in Wilkes-Barre. 

Attendees will learn how pets can enrich their lives by providing companionship, increasing physical health and overall well-being, and lowering stress levels. 

 The event will include: 

  • Local vendors
  • Rescue organizations
  • Dog walking path
  • Pet photo contest
  • Raffle prizes
  • Music and entertainment 
    provided by 92 Mix FM
  • Photo booth

To enter the pet photo contest, send your contact information and your best pet photo to goldevents@geisinger.edu by Monday, June. 2. Free gift without obligation to enroll.

Visit go.geisinger.org/communityexpo-pets for more information.  

NEPA Philharmonic to Perform Tina Turner Tribute

THE NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA PHILHARMONIC, UNDER THE BATON OF MAESTRA MÉLISSE BRUNET, AND SCOTT COULTER’S SPOT-ON ENTERTAINMENT, WILL ROCK WITH “SIMPLY THE BEST”, A TRIBUTE TO TINA TURNER, SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 2025, AT MOHEGAN SUN PENNSYLVANIA, KEYSTONE GRAND BALLROOM

The NEPA Philharmonic orchestra, under the baton of Maestra Mélisse Brunet, will share the stage with Grammy Award winning vocalists from “Spot-On Entertainment’s” in a tribute to Tina Turner, “The Queen of Rock and Roll. The concert will take place on Saturday, June 7, at 7:30 PM in the Keystone Grand Ballroom, Mohegan Sun Pennsylvania.

Among the fan favorites on the set list will be “What’s Love Got to do with It”, “Proud Mary”, “River Deep”, “Mountain High”, “Private Dancer”, and “Better Be Good to Me. Dancing in the aisles is not only permitted but encouraged.

Legendary icon Tina Turner won more than 160 awards and garnered more than 180 nominations, including recognitions from the American Music Awards, Billboard, Grammy, and the Grammy Hall of Fame. Her work has inspired artists worldwide, and has even been developed into a Broadway show, Tina.

Tickets start at $42 for adults and student tickets are $16. Reserved seats may be purchased at www.nepaphil.org or Philharmonic Box Office, 570.270.4444. Tickets are subject to availability on concert night and reserved seats are encouraged.

Mohegan Pennsylvania, which is located at 1280 Highway 315, opens its doors at 6 PM for will call ticket pickup and day of concert sales. Cash bars will open at 6:30 PM, doors to the theater open at 7PM, with the performance beginning at 7:30 PM.

The Philharmonic Pops series is sponsored by the PNC Foundation in collaboration with Dr. Seth W. And Carolyn Fisher. Additional sponsors include Robert M. Sides Music Centers, Pat Atkin family, Munley Law, and Mohegan Pennsylvania. Mohegan Pennsylvania continues to be a valuable supporter and friend of the NEPA Philharmonic and provides the perfect venue for the special, fun evening.

Multiple restaurants are available for dining before or after the show, including Rustic Kitchen, Ruth’s Chris, Pearl Sushi Bar, and the Hive Taphouse. Free parking is available.

For additional information and media interviews, please call the Philharmonic office at 570.270.4444.

Joy World Wealth Partners Joins Jeannine Luby in Offering Workshops to Women in Business

When people picture wealth, they often focus on bank accounts and 401(k) plans. While financial resources are crucial, they represent just one aspect of a fulfilling life. Megan Alpert, principal and founder of Scranton’s Joy World Wealth Partners, will offer women access to empowering tools and vital information this summer to help them strengthen five essential pillars of wealth for a more secure and abundant life.

Alpert is offering area women the opportunity to experience a four-week workshop series entitled “The Abundance Life Series: Women, Wealth, Well-being, and Wisdom,” thoughtfully designed to empower women in the five pillars of wealth— financial, time, social, physical and spiritual—to achieve greater personal and collective strength. Workshops, which will take place inside Joy World Wealth Partners at 125 N. Washington Ave. in downtown Scranton, begin at 12:30 p.m. on four consecutive Fridays beginning on June 6 and ending on June 27.

Alpert said, “Abundance isn’t something we chase—it’s something we remember. When women reclaim their voice around money, self-worth, and well-being, we don’t just transform our bank accounts—we transform our families, our communities, and the world.”

Alpert added that for too long, emotional avoidance, inherited money beliefs, and internalized doubt have held women back from fully owning their financial lives and this series is here to say: ‘You’re not behind. You’re not broken. And you absolutely belong in the wealth conversation.’

Each week of the series, a presenter will focus on a different pillar of abundance—financial clarity, physical vitality, time freedom, meaningful connection, and spiritual depth—so that women can rise in every part of their lives, Alpert said.

Financial wealth presenter Trish Dickert-Nieves, who is a certified holistic practitioner and certified trauma informed somatic guide, believes this series can benefit women in their personal as well as professional lives.

She said, “In my workshop ‘Somatic Money,’ I will share how financial confidence is linked with our self-confidence, self-love and self-worth. This is an absolute mindset shift around financial wealth and abundance. Women are not taught this perspective, and it has radically changed my life. I take a body-based or somatic approach which allows women to feel confidence in their body.”

The conversation around women’s bodies will continue when Lisa Rigau, registered nurse, nutrition counselor, and owner of Healthy Lifestyle Management, speaks about physical wealth, offering education and resources around health, hormones, plant-predominant nutrition and stress management.

Rigau said, “I want women to understand from the information they receive that they can become their own best health advocate. In order to do that, you need a strong education to understand the choices you have in front of you; and that requires discernment. I want women to listen to what I have to say and then go do their own research.” Rigau added, she will help to dispel myths and misconceptions and provide attendees with credible resources they can explore on their own.

Rigau said she will focus on perimenopause and menopause because those are two dominant topics in popular health conversations right now.

The Abundance Series will include the following workshops:

  • On June 6, the series kicks off with the topic of financial wealth as Dickert-Nieves presents “Somatic Money,” providing tools for financial confidence and long-term planning.
  • On June 13, time and social wealth will be addressed with Certified Recovery Specialist Rose Nogan, owner of White Tail Sober Coaching, who will provide women with tools to build time wealth by creating boundaries that allow more space for personal peace, joy and happiness.

Jeannine Luby, certified laughter yoga leader, comedian, and owner of Laugh to Live, will offer strategies using playful and empowering humor and laughter yoga for social wealth through meaningful connection and stress-reduction.

  • On June 20, physical wealth will be addressed with a focus on vitality, movement and wellbeing with Rigau offering information on health topics such as improved sleep, nutrition and stress management. ACE Certified Personal Trainer Pat Barnes will share her expertise of more than 25 years in the fitness industry catering to women over 50.
  • On June 27, the series closes with the topic of spiritual wealth. Alison Skoff, an ontological coach and soul-centric guide, will focus on reclaiming wholeness, cultivating peace, purpose and alignment to support the journey of inner reclamation, soul truth, and life aligned leadership.

While there is no cost to attend the Abundance Life series, participants are invited to donate to We Respect and Care (formerly the Women’s Resource Center). Contributions support women in crisis and empower them to find safety, support, and strength. Giving is not required, but it is deeply appreciated as a reflection of the collective abundance being cultivated.

Space for the workshops is limited. To secure your spot, please email Joanna@planwithjoyworld.com. Women can register for one session or all four workshops.

Matthew Philistine, Retirement Wealth Academy Presentation

Please join us on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at 11 am at the Albright Memorial Library to learn about The New Reality in Our Retirement.

The number one concern of Baby Boomers in retirement is “we don’t want to run out of money.” The New Reality in Our Retirement is an adult education class that covers potential financial threats, now and in the future, and provides students with the knowledge they need to build a successful retirement.

This is a free financial planning education workshop. You can register for this workshop on Eventbrite.

About our presenter: Matthew C. Philistine is an Accredited Wealth Management Advisor, AWMA®, through the College for Financial Planning. Mr. Philistine earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Health Care Administration and a Master of Health Administration degree from King’s College, Wilkes Barre, PA. He’s a licensed insurance agent and an investment advisor representative registered with Brookstone Wealth Advisors, LLC. Matthew also volunteers throughout his community.

About the Academy

Retirement Wealth Academy is a nationwide cooperative of financial professionals with a passion for educating pre-retirees and those in retirement. The Academy was established by seasoned veterans of the financial industry.

We offer educational classes at universities, libraries, and community centers across the country. Our courses teach a disciplined approach to financial planning and retirement investing.

The Swiftwater, The Olivet Opening for Lunch May 16th

The Swiftwater Hotel is excited to announce that its acclaimed in-house restaurant, The Olivet, will officially begin serving lunch daily starting May 16th, bringing fresh flavors and elevated dishes to guests and locals alike.

Lunch will be available from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM each day, offering a thoughtfully curated menu designed to please every palate. Guests can look forward to delicious selections including our Signature Burger, Truffle Fries, Turkey & Veggies Wraps, Spring Garden Salad, Grilled Shrimp Kabob, and freshly prepared Sushi.

To make the experience even more memorable, diners are invited to enjoy their lunch in our beautiful garden seating area, the perfect setting for a relaxing midday meal surrounded by nature and sunshine.

“Our guests have been asking for more daytime dining options, and we’re thrilled to deliver a lunch menu that combines quality, freshness, and a beautiful atmosphere,” said Dante Trapasso, President of The Swiftwater. “It’s the perfect excuse to take a midday break and enjoy something truly special.”

Whether you’re a hotel guest or simply looking for a new lunch spot, The Olivet is now your go-to destination for refined, garden-side dining. For reservations or more information, please contact: (570) 580.4044 or check out TheSwiftwater.com/the-olivet.htm

RailRiders to Partner with the YES Network for Six Broadcasts

The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders and the YES Network are pleased to announce that six RailRiders games this season will be broadcast on the YES Network, the exclusive regional media home of the New York Yankees, and streamed on The Gotham Sports App.


“We are thrilled to work with the YES Network and expand the coverage of RailRiders baseball,” said Katie Beekman, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre’s General Manager. “The partnership that began years ago with ‘Homegrown: The Path to Pinstripes’ has only gotten stronger. We are excited to show off the renovations at PNC Field, the fun of Minor League Baseball games and, of course, highlight the next generation of players heading to New York.”

2025 YES Network RailRiders Broadcast Schedule
Thursday, May 8 vs. Rochester – 6:35 P.M. first pitch
Wednesday, May 14 vs. Toledo – 11:05 A.M. first pitch
Wednesday, May 28 vs. Worcester – 11:05 A.M. first pitch
Thursday, May 29 vs. Worcester – 6:35 P.M. first pitch
Wednesday, July 9 vs. Buffalo – 1:05 P.M. first pitch
Thursday, August 14 vs. Indianapolis – 6:35 P.M. first pitch

Adam Marco and Jim Coles will call the action. Pregame coverage will begin five minutes before first pitch.

The games will be broadcast on YES throughout the network’s regional coverage territory (New York State, Connecticut, northeastern Pennsylvania and north and central New Jersey) via video providers, as well as direct subscription on The Gotham Sports App, which is available for download on iOS, Android, Google TV, Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, Roku, Vizio, Samsung Smart TV and LG Smart TV.

For more information, call (570) 969-BALL or visit www.swbrailriders.com

Scranton Cultural Center is Set to Host Sesame Street

Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, and their Sesame Street friends to travel to the Scranton Cultural Center in a delightful celebration on Sesame Street, Elmo and Friends Say Hello, on November 20!

Round Room Live and Sesame Workshop are proud to announce their new live show, Elmo and Friends Say Hello. The live show brings the beloved characters from the iconic Sesame Street to life in a brand-new interactive production that will tour multiple cities in the US, with a stop at the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple on November 20 at 6:00 PM. 

Tickets for Elmo and Friends Say Hello will go on sale Friday, May 16, with a venue pre-sale beginning May 14. For tickets and additional information, visit SCCMT.org or call (570) 344-1111.

Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, and their friends from Sesame Street are coming to your neighborhood! At Elmo and Friends Say Hello, you can sing and dance with your favorite furry friends while enjoying fun surprises along the way. So put on your dancing shoes and make your way to where the air is sweet for this all-new celebration on Sesame Street!

“We are thrilled to continue to delight audiences with the Elmo and Friends Say Hello tour,“ said Round Room Live Founder and co-CEO Stephen Shaw. “Elmo and his friends are beloved characters with a long history of delighting children, and we’re honored to create magical moments for families all over the country in this interactive musical adventure.”

Elmo and Friends Say Hello takes the laughter and learning you love from Sesame Street and extends it to an engaging live experience filled with singing, dancing, and toe-tapping fun,” said Hillary Strong, Sesame Workshop Chief Development Officer. “The show includes everyone’s favorite furry friends and promises to be a memorable event for all ages.”

Enhance your Elmo and Friends Say Hello ticket with an exclusive Photo Experience, where your family will have the opportunity to make a lasting memory by taking a photo alongside some of your favorite Sesame Street friends. Please note: to attend, each guest must have both a Photo Experience ticket and an Elmo and Friends Say Hello show ticket. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Fans can visit SesameStreetLive.com now for tour dates and ticket information, and sign up to be the first to hear news and exclusive offers. Follow Sesame Street Live social media for exclusive tour content.

Scranton Cultural Center, Beatles vs. Stones Show

The debate between the Beatles and the Rolling Stones has been going on ever since they first crossed paths on the charts 61 years ago. The argument at the time, and one that still persists, was that the Beatles were a pop group and the Stones were a rock band: the boys next door vs. the bad boys of rock. So who is better? These two legendary bands will engage in an on-stage, throw down – a musical ‘showdown’ if you will – at the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple on Thursday, December 4 at 7:30 pm – courtesy of tribute bands Abbey Road and Satisfaction – The International Rolling Stones Show.

Taking the side of the Fab Four is Abbey Road, one of the county’s top Beatles tribute bands. With brilliant musicianship and authentic costumes and gear, Abbey Road plays beloved songs spanning the Beatles’ career. They face off against renowned Stones tribute band Satisfaction, who offer a faithful rendition of the music and style of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and the bad boys of the British Invasion.

The Scranton show is part of a 125-stop tour of the U.S., Australia and Canada and has been touring since 2011. The production includes some of the more popular songs from the two rock pioneers and covers the scope of their musical careers, although the set list for Jumping Jack Flash usually includes Rolling Stones songs up to the 1980s.

During the two-hour show, the bands perform two sets each, trading places in quick set changes and ending the night with an all-out encore involving both bands. The band members have their outfits custom-made, since avid fans know exactly what the Beatles and Stones wore onstage during different time periods in their careers. There is a lot of good-natured jabbing between the bands as well.

The concert will take place in the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Theatre at 7:30 p.m. with the doors opening at 6:30 p.m.  Concessions will be available for purchase.  Tickets will be on sale May 16 at 10 AM are $58.55-$81.05.  They can be purchased at the Fidelity Bank Box Office at the SCC in person or by calling (570) 344-1111, or via Ticketmaster. A venue pre-sale will take place beginning May 13 at 10 AM through May 16 at 9 AM.  

For additional information and a full schedule of events, visit SCCMT.org.