Rally for Restaurants: E-commerce Workshop Lackawanna College has been awarded a $150,000 CARES Technology Assistance Grant to support an initiative that will create e-commerce solutions for struggling Scranton restaurants. This funding will be used to support 36 restaurants in the Lackawanna College Rally for Restaurants: E-commerce Edition presented by the Venture Lab. Participants in the program will be able to: Launch websitesCreate online ordering systemsReceive training on how to use digital media to boost sales Restaurants who complete the program will receive one year of ongoing and cost-free tech support through the Lackawanna College Venture Lab for marketing, online ordering, social media, and the restaurant’s website. How to participate: RSVP to the e-commerce workshop hosted locally at the Venture Lab inside Lackawanna College. Can’t attend the workshop? Send an email to venturelab@lackawanna.edu with your first and last name, business name and state your interest in the Lackawanna College Rally for Restaurants: E-commerce Edition.
PennDOT Driver License, Photo Centers Closed for Independence Day Holiday The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) today announced that all driver license and photo centers, including the Riverfront Office Center in Harrisburg, will be closed Saturday, July 3, through Monday, July 5, in observance of Independence Day. Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services, including all forms, publications and driver training manuals, online through PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website, www.dmv.pa.gov. Driver and vehicle online services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and include driver’s license, photo ID and vehicle registration renewals; driver-history services; changes of address; driver license and vehicle registration restoration letters; ability to pay driver license or vehicle insurance restoration fee; driver license and photo ID duplicates; and driver exam scheduling. There are no additional fees for using online services. A complete listing of PennDOT driver and photo license center closings in 2021 is available online. Motorists can check conditions on major roadway miles by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information, and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras. 511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional twitter alerts accessible on the 511PA website. Follow PennDOT on Twitter at www.twitter.com/PennDOTNews and like the department on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PennsylvaniaDepartmentofTransportation and Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/pennsylvaniadot/.
Mohegan Sun Pocono Gets Ready to Celebrate Hot Summer Fun 2021 Mohegan Sun Pocono (MSP) is gearing up for the most thrilling time of year with Hot Summer Fun promotions and activities. From July 1st through August 31st, MSP guests can take part in exciting giveaways and drawings as well as double up on Status Points every Monday, catch incredible tribute bands every Thursday, win up to $10,000 every Friday and more. Beginning July 1st, Mohegan Sun Pocono will feature the $250,000 Blackbeard’s Bounty Giveaway where Momentum members can take part in a gaming promotion akin to a popular fast food restaurant’s Monopoly game. Throughout the month, Momentum members will receive game piece stickers each day they earn at least two Status Points to complete their Blackbeard’s Bounty Treasure Map. The first Momentum member to complete their full Blackbeard’s Bounty Treasure Map wins $25,000! Stickers can be printed at the two Blackbeard’s Bounty Kiosks located next to the Promotions booth and on July 31st, join Mohegan Sun Pocono for the second chance, Walk the Plank giveaway, for your chance to win $10,000 cash! July 1st – August 31st: Every Monday brings the opportunity for Double Status Points at Mohegan Sun Pocono. Momentum members just need to play their favorite poker game, slot machine or table game and their Status Points will double for that day! Join us Monday, July 5th for a Double-Double, where Momentum members will earn 2X Status Points and Momentum dollars by playing their favorite game. On Tuesdays, Momentum members can bring a friend to sign up for Momentum, and both friends will receive $10.00 in Free Slot Play. A free Hot Summer Fun 2021 t-shirt giveaway will also be taking place every Wednesday in July and August. The first 500 Momentum members to earn at least one Status Point will be eligible to receive the t-shirt, which will be a different color each week. Visit each week to collect all eight! Thursdays during Hot Summer Fun are certain to be a crowd pleaser. The always exhilarating Party on the Patio takes place every Thursday night through early September, featuring incredible tribute bands playing outside at the racetrack apron on the Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono. As a bonus, guests who wear their HOT SUMMER FUN 2021 t-shirt on Thursdays will receive $20.00 in Free Slot Play! Guests who are wearing any Mohegan Sun Pocono HOT SUMMER FUN tee will also receive $10.00. Thursdays (and Fridays) will also allow Momentum members playing Blackjack from 2:00pm -10:00pm to gain entry into the weekly $5,000 Suit Yourself drawing set to take place on Saturday’s in July. Fridays during July & August will also feature a Spin it to Win it Giveaway, where Momentum members on-property will be randomly selected to try their hand at spinning and winning major prizes, with a top prize of $10,000 in cash! Saturdays will offer Momentum members one final day to gain entry into the Suit Yourself Sweepstakes by playing Blackjack from 2:00-10:00pm. At 10:30pm on Saturdays, a drawing will take place that will leave one lucky guest walking away with $5,000 in cash. (If this prize is not claimed, it rolls over to the following week). *The Suit Yourself Giveaway only takes place in the month of July Rounding out the week-long Hot Summer Fun 2021 promotions is the Play & Eat promo, where guests who earn four Status Points can print a $15.00 dining voucher at any Promotional Kiosk. Throughout August at Mohegan Sun Pocono, Momentum members can also take part in the $250,000 Surfing for Cash Giveaway. This gaming promotion allows guests who earn five Status Points to print a voucher at any Promotional Kiosk and register at the Promotions booth for a chance at taking home the top prize of $250,000 in cash. Mohegan Sun Pocono’s Momentum rewards program is free-to-sign-up on-site at Mohegan Sun Pocono’s Player’s Club booth. Momentum is a 21+ program, and allows guests to quickly elevate their status, which comes with added rewards. More information is available at mohegansunpocono.com/momentum
Geisinger’s Karen Murphy Among ‘50 Most Influential Clinical Executives’ Karen Murphy, Ph.D., R.N., executive vice president, chief innovation officer and founding director of the Steele Institute for Health Innovation at Geisinger, has been selected as one of Modern Healthcare’s 50 Most Influential Clinical Executives for 2021, and has been named a 2021 Changemaker in Health by the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS). Modern Healthcare’s annual list of the 50 Most Influential Clinical Executives recognizes leaders who are paving the way to better health through innovation, community service and achievements inside and outside of their respective organizations. Murphy was recognized for the Steele Institute’s leading role in Geisinger’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including early contact tracing efforts, automation and vaccine distribution. Murphy and her team also used the pandemic as an opportunity to reimagine how care could and should be delivered in the future. This year’s class includes Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The inaugural HIMSS Changemaker in Health awards recognize 11 inspiring healthcare executives who challenge the status quo in their journeys to build a brighter health future. The awards celebrate innovative individuals as they lead change in their pursuit to improve care by harnessing the power of information and technology. Awardees were chosen by public online voting. “I am honored and humbled to be selected for these awards among my colleagues,” Dr. Murphy said. “Every day I’m fortunate to work with an incredible team of transformational and innovative people in an organization that inspires us to build a better future for our patients and communities.” Under Dr. Murphy’s direction, Geisinger’s Steele Institute is making health easier by developing leading-edge solutions that slow rising costs, improve quality and increase access to healthcare. Working with teams in digital transformation, robotic process automation, machine learning, behavioral economics and data enterprise, the Steele Institute builds solutions to improve overall health, patient experience, care delivery and affordability. Most recently, the Steele Institute launched ConnectedCare365, an innovative care delivery model for patients with chronic diseases like diabetes, heart failure and hypertension. Currently a pilot program, this first-of-its-kind virtual care delivery platform uses remote patient monitoring, artificial intelligence and powerful data analysis tools to improve patient outcomes. Throughout her career, Dr. Murphy has worked to improve and transform healthcare delivery in the public and private sectors. Before joining Geisinger, she served as Pennsylvania’s secretary of health, addressing the most significant health issues facing the state, including developing an innovative payment and delivery model for rural hospitals. Prior to her role as secretary, Dr. Murphy served as director of the State Innovation Models Initiative at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and as president and chief executive officer of Moses Taylor Health Care System. For more information about Geisinger’s Steele Institute for Health Innovation, visit geisinger.org/innovation-steele-institute.
Marywood University Students Organize Food Donation Drive Marywood University students, Katelyn Gjini, Ramsey, N.J., president of the National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association (NSSLHA) chapter, and Nicole Koestler, vice president of the NSSLHA chapter at the University, recently organized a food donation drive for Marywood University’s Pacer Panty. Miscellaneous food, snacks, and personal hygiene/toiletry items were donated to the Pacer Pantry with the support of students and faculty in the Communication Sciences and Disorders Department. The Pacer Pantry opened on the University’s campus in February 2020 on the ground floor of Emmanuel Hall. Various Marywood University departments, deans, faulty/staff members, student groups, and Friends of the Poor (a sponsored ministry of the IHM Congregation) collaborated to make the Pacer Pantry a reality. Sister Elizabeth McGill, IHM, an IHM novice and a Marywood graduate, headed the project. Food insecurity is a growing concern on college campuses throughout the country. Marywood’s local response to this nationwide issue is the Pacer Pantry, a name chosen by Marywood students, to benefit students and staff who may struggle with food insecurity. Fighting hunger—whether on a global scale or right in one’s own community—requires awareness. Advocacy and action are a part of the solution, but the fact that food insecurity is a real problem that exists on college campuses across the nation is eye opening for many. The NSSLHA Chapter at Marywood University is a student-run organization that is an active part of the Communication Sciences and Disorders Department and is in affiliation with the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association. The NSSLHA Chapter at Marywood collaborates with the University’s Student Government Association, and has participated in many departmental as well as campus-wide activities and events. For additional information about Marywood University’s Pacer Pantry, please email PacerPantry@marywood.edu, or visit marywood.edu/article/2020-Pacer-Pantry-Open-House. For additional information about Marywood University’s Communication Sciences and Disorders Department, please visit marywood.edu/csd/, or call the office of Admissions, at (570) 348-6234.
Providence Engineering Hires Rebecca C. Thompson Providence Engineering is pleased to welcome Rebecca C. Thompson to the firm. Becky has joined Providence’s Business Development team and will be responsible for developing new business opportunities throughout Pennsylvania. With more than 15 years of experience in the AEC industry, Becky brings an informed and thoughtful approach to business development. She is extremely adept at collaborating with owners, builders and designers in order to drive value to projects from the outset. Becky’s commitment to the AEC industry, especially in Central PA, has garnered many longstanding relationships. Becky holds a Bachelor and Master of Architectural Engineering from Pennsylvania State University. “I’m very excited to welcome Becky to Providence,” says David Bernhardt, President. “Her professionalism and depth of experience make her a great fit for the Providence team. I look forward to working with her to continue making a positive impact on the built environment.”
Robert Ferraro and Eric Jensen Promoted to Area Managers at HNB David Raven, President and CEO of The Honesdale National Bank, announced Robert Ferraro and Eric Jensen have been promoted to Area Managers. In making the statement, Raven noted, “Both of these individuals have shown their strengths as Branch Managers, and demonstrate the capability to contribute to our organization at a higher level.” He said, “HNB is always looking to reach new heights, and I am certain having Bob & Eric as Area Managers will allow us to focus on better serving our community through improvements to our customer-focused traditions and improved operational processes.” In his current role, Ferraro is AVP, Branch Manager II / Loan Officer at the Hamlin Office and assists customers and employees with day to day operations as well as supporting lending opportunities. Originally from Clarks Summit, Ferraro received a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Business Management and Finance from the University of Scranton. He has been in the financial industry for 21 years and will continue as Area Manager of the eastern region offices at HNB. In mentioning his career with HNB, he said “I am grateful to HNB for the opportunities that I have been given to excel in my career over the past thirteen years. This organization cares about the employees and the customers they serve. I am proud to be a part of that.” Outside of the bank, Bob is married to HNB Commercial Lender, Catherine Ferraro for over 21 years with two children and two dogs. When he is not at work, he is spending time with his family. In his current role, Jensen is Branch Manager at the Clarks Summit Office serving customers and employees with daily operations. Originally from Long Island, NY, he received a Certificate of Commercial Credit Analysis from NYU and has been in the financial industry for 22 years. Of that, 14 years have been in banking with prior positions including Branch Manager, Business Banker, and Vice President of Sales. He will continue as Area Manager of the western region offices at HNB In mentioning his new role, he stated, “Too many banks have turned to charts and formulas to make decisions, I am excited to work for a bank that is truly out in the community making a difference in people’s lives.” He continued, “The Area Manager role is an excellent way for HNB to deliver our core values, products and services to the offices in the communities we live and work in every day.” Outside of the bank, Eric is a Board Member of Leadership Lackawanna, and a Community Impact Volunteer for United Way Lackawanna and Wayne Counties.
Scranton Cultural Center to Host Second Free Outdoor Summer Concert The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple will host its second free outdoor summer concert with Erin Malloy & Friends on July 9. Erin Malloy will be joined by Jim Waltich (piano), Tommy Hamilton (saxophone), Doug Smith (bass), Mark Montella (drums) and Denise LaBamba (percussion). The show will take place outside the Scranton Cultural Center at 420 N. Washington Avenue. “We had a great turnout for our first show with Young Lion, and we are looking forward to featuring Erin Malloy,” said Deborah Moran Peterson, SCC Executive Director. “We have enjoyed being able to connect with our audiences virtually through the past year, but we are so grateful to be able to welcome back our community with this free concert series.” All current CDC Guidelines will be followed at each performance with any updates being shared via social media. All performances will run from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM; a cash bar with light fare will open at 6:00 PM prior to each show. Additional performers in the series include The Mule Team (August 13) and Blind Choice (September 10). To learn more about the Scranton Cultural Center and its upcoming events, visit SCCMT.org. The free outdoor summer concert series is sponsored by LT Verrastro, Truly Hard Seltzer, UGI Utilities Inc. and Fidelity Bank. It is supported by Lackawanna County and the PA Council on the Arts.
Gittens Honored by Triple-A East for Week of June 21-27 Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders first baseman Chris Gittens has been selected as Triple-A East’s Player-of-the-Week for June 21-27. He lead all qualified players with a .526 average and 11 runs batted in during the week, but it was his performance on June 27 that truly secured the award. After being optioned by the Yankees on June 20, Gittens rejoined the lineup on June 24 with a four hit game, helping the RailRiders top the Lehigh Valley IronPigs 10-2. He followed that with a 1-for-3 night on June 25 and went 1-3 with a home run and two runs batted in on June 26 in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre’s 10-4 in over Lehigh Valley. On Sunday, Gittens went 4-for-6 with two home runs and eight runs batted in. In the top of the third, Gittens followed Hoy Park’s solo home run with one of his own. The RailRiders sent 13 batters to the plate in the inning and had Gittens up for a second time in the third, but this time with the bases loaded. Gittens hit a 1-1 offering over the high wall in right for a grand slam. He added a two-run double in the sixth and a RBI single in the eighth to cap his day in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre’s 19-1 victory. His RBI total was one short of matching the franchise’s record for runs batted in during a game. For the week, Gittens was 10-for-19 with three walks, two doubles, three home runs and 11 runs batted in. The numbers raise his season totals to a .347 batting average with seven home runs, 22 runs batted in and a .510 on-base percentage. Gittens joins Deivi Garcia as a RailRiders weekly award honoree. Garcia was the Pitcher-of-the-Week for May 10-16. Scranton/Wilkes-Barre begins a road series in Worcester on June 29 and returns to PNC Field for a seven-game, six-day set against the Syracuse Mets on July 6. Single-game tickets for the upcoming homestand, as well as each home game for the remainder of the season, are available now online at swbrailriders.com.
Reminder from PennDOT: Protecting Children from Vehicle Heatstroke Heatstroke is one of the leading causes of non-crash-related fatalities among children. Each year, dozens of tragic, yet preventable, deaths occur when our nation’s youth are left alone in a hot car. Often, these deaths occur when a parent forgets their children in the car or misjudges how long it takes their vehicle to reach a dangerous internal temperature. In reality, it only takes 10 minutes for a car’s temperature to rise by 20 degrees Fahrenheit. This means that by the time a parent returns to their car, it may already be too late. Every adult should know that children are up to five times more vulnerable to heatstroke than adults. For children, whose bodies heat up more quickly than adults’, an internal temperature of 107 degrees is fatal. May 15 marked one year since the governor signed into law a bill to grant civil immunity to anyone who acts in good faith to protect children left in a hot car. If you witness a child left alone in a hot car, don’t hesitate—remember that time is of the essence. Be prepared to act! In the event that the child is unresponsive or in distress, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration advises you to contact emergency services immediately. Use your better judgment to assess the situation and do whatever is necessary to help the child out of the car. Remember that you cannot be subjected to a civil lawsuit if you have called 911 and determined that immediate action was necessary to protect the child’s life. If the child is responsive, stay with them until help arrives. Where possible, have another person search for the vehicle owner. Although most vehicle heatstrokes occur during the summer months, it’s important to remember that it is possible for a child to die of heatstroke whenever the outside temperature rises above 57 degrees. Parents should also be sure to always lock their cars at home, as children may enter a parked vehicle by themselves and may not be able to find their way out. All vehicle heatstroke deaths among children are preventable. Before heading out for your next trip to the grocery store or post office, please take a moment to consider what you can do—either as a parent or simply as a bystander—to help keep our children safe.
