AAA North Penn was honored to once again present The Lodge at Woodloch with this prestigious rating, maintained consecutively since 2010.  

The AAA Diamonds rating has helped travelers make better decisions for more than 80 years. The unannounced, professional inspections ensure every Diamond-designated property is clean, comfortable and safe.

More than just a typical rating system, the AAA Diamond designations reflect what type of experience a property offers so guests can make the right choice for every trip. Whether it’s an overnight stop, a family vacation or a special-occasion splurge, Diamonds offer guidance at a glance to make travel planning easier.

Hotels at this level are committed to providing every guest with a high degree of hospitality, with attentive service in upscale surroundings, according to AAA. They typically offer an extensive array of amenities and guest services.

The Lodge at Woodloch is part of a select group of establishments within North America. Currently, just 1,676 hotels hold the AAA Four Diamond Rating.

Set on 500+ pristine wooded acres with a 15-acre private lake, The Lodge at Woodloch is an award-winning destination spa resort located in Northeast Pennsylvania.  The all-inclusive stay includes lavish accommodations, exceptional dining, outdoor adventures, fitness/wellness programs and educational forums.  The Lodge at Woodloch embraces a philosophy of personal awakening.  When swept up in the whirlwind of life, guests can shift from their everyday routine and reconnect to stress-relieving outlets benefiting them long after they leave. 

The Lodge at Woodloch takes great pride in their commitment to constant renewal and innovation. During this past year, the team introduced new spaces, spa treatments, and offerings for their guests. A multi-million dollar addition allowed room for an expanded Art Studio and the new Chakra Lounge- a serene relaxation area. The new spa menu features products from haia (Happy As I Am) wellness.

WVIA President / CEO Carla McCabe has been announced as a finalist in Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce 2021 Young Professionals Awards for the Young Professional Women’s Leadership Award by Athena ® International, sponsored by Riggs Asset Management Co.

“I am humbled by this announcement. I am proud to work with such a talented team at WVIA and of the achievements we have had this past year. It is an honor to be included in a program that is championing the efforts of so many talented young professionals in the Greater Wyoming Valley” said McCabe. 

The Young Professional Women’s Leadership Award from the Athena® International organization and sponsored by Riggs Asset Management Co. recognizes an exceptional individual who demonstrates the highest level of professional excellence in her business or profession, has devoted time and energy to the community in a meaningful way, and, most especially, has generously assisted other women in attaining their full potential.

The Young Professionals Awards recognizes amazing rising stars helping to move the region forward. Every year, young professionals in the community are nominated for one of ten award categories and the top three finalists in each category are recognized at a special awards ceremony, where the category winners are announced and awarded live. Additionally, the Young Professional Development Award is also given to a company in our area that invests in developing and growing young talent in our region.

More information on the Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce 2021 Young Professional Awards can be found at: https://business.wyomingvalleychamber.org/events/details/2021-young-professionals-awards-12045?calendarMonth=2021-09-01 . The awards will be presented on Tuesday, September 14, 2021 at the Garden Drive-In in Hunlock Creek, PA.

Johnson College received official notice from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) affirming Johnson College’s full accreditation.

As a Middle States Commission on Higher Education accredited institution, students, families, and employees are assured of the quality and rigor of the educational experience provided by Johnson College. Being accredited also ensures that students who qualify may receive more federal financial aid options and that credits will transfer to and from other regionally accredited institutions with more ease. Additionally, the MSCHE designation allows the use of a more streamlined process to add new program and increases our ability to solicit funding and grant opportunities to better prepare students to become part of the essential workforce in industries with which the College collaborates.

The affirmation comes following a huge undertaking that began in 2015. The College was awarded candidacy status in November of 2016. After the submission of Accreditation Readiness Reports, the College was approved for Self-Study in the spring of 2018. The entire College community engaged in a self-study process, which extended to 2-years due to the pandemic, involving staff, faculty, students, industry partners, board members, administration, and on-site and virtual visits from an MSCHE evaluation team.

“Becoming Middle States accredited means Johnson College will never settle for the status quo. We are committing ourselves to becoming a continuously improving organization, one that rises and succeeds together,” said Dr. Katie Leonard, President & CEO of Johnson College. “This accomplishment was achieved by the hard work of our entire campus community. When we work together, we make a difference in the lives of our students and, in turn, our community and region.”

The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) is a voluntary, non-governmental membership association that defines, maintains, and promotes educational excellence across institutions with diverse missions, student populations, and resources. It examines each institution as a whole and performs peer evaluation and regional accreditation of colleges and universities in the Mid-Atlantic United States.

Johnson College provides real-world, hands-on learning in a caring environment and prepares graduates to enter into or advance their careers. Johnson College degrees become essential careers. Johnson College was founded in 1912 and is the region’s premier technical college, offering 15 associate degree and 3 academic certificate programs. A low student-to-teacher ratio supports an emphasis on hands-on instruction. Located in Scranton on a 44-acre campus, the College is an accredited, private, non-profit, co-educational institution with a strong tradition of working with regional businesses and industries to ensure a skilled and qualified workforce. For additional information on Johnson College, please call 1-800-2-WE-WORK, email enroll@johnson.edu, or visit Johnson.edu. 

Dr. Katie Leonard, President & CEO of Johnson College announced the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) accreditation during a Presidential Update Video distributed to the Johnson College community.  To watch this Presidential Update Video, please visit: https://youtu.be/uLa4Ar-2VS8.

Board-certified family medicine physician Steven Archambault, D.O., has joined The Wright Center for Community Health’s Scranton Practice at 501 S. Washington Ave., where he is accepting new patients of all ages.

A West Pittston resident, Dr. Archambault is a graduate of Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, in Erie, Pennsylvania. He completed his family medicine residency training at The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education.

Dr. Archambault will provide primary and preventive care for patients ranging from pediatrics to geriatrics, as well as addiction and recovery services and women’s healthcare. Dr. Archambault  is available for in-person or telehealth visits.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Archambault, visit TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-941-0630.

As COVID-19 cases increase, Geisinger will reinstate visitation restrictions and continues to enforce mask requirements per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) guidelines. These changes are part of Geisinger’s commitment to protect the safety of our patients, visitors and employees.

Beginning Monday, Aug. 9, Geisinger’s updated visitation policy will go into effect at all hospital campuses. Hospitalized patients and patients in the emergency room are permitted two visitors only. For outpatients, one visitor is permitted. Outpatient appointments include certain surgeries, pediatrics, mental or behavioral health, primary care and others.

Masks must be worn (regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status) by all patients, visitors and employees in all Geisinger buildings and facilities. The health system is also adjusting the capacity in waiting rooms and other public spaces, such as hospital cafeterias, to 50% to encourage physical distancing.

By making these changes and reinforcing mitigation efforts, Geisinger is following guidelines from the CDC and taking a proactive stance to protect our neighbors and communities from the increasing spread of COVID-19. According to Pennsylvania Department of Health data, over the past few weeks, the Commonwealth is seeing new COVID-19 cases double about every 10 days.

“The current trajectory of new infections shows some of the fastest spread of COVID we’ve seen during the pandemic,” said Stanley Martin, M.D., Geisinger’s director of infectious diseases. “Ninety-five percent of new infections are people who have not received the vaccine. The new variants are more contagious, and we encourage everyone to take advantage of Geisinger’s vaccine clinics to help stop the spread of COVID-19 so we can avoid further impact on our local schools, businesses, economy and our health care professionals.”

According to Geisinger data, since May 1, the health system has seen 2,696 positive COVID-19 tests, of which 95% were among unvaccinated individuals. Of the very few cases of vaccinated people who became infected, less than 1% were hospitalized with COVID-19, and all of those patients were discharged and returned home without treatment with ventilators.

“The majority of patients who are testing positive for COVID-19 and patients who are requiring hospitalization for COVID-19 are unvaccinated,” Martin said. “Of the 155,000 people Geisinger has fully vaccinated against the virus, less than 0.01% have been admitted to our hospitals for COVID-19 treatment. It’s clear the vaccines are safe and working as they are supposed to.”

Geisinger continues to offer by-appointment and walk-in COVID-19 vaccines at its community vaccine centers and select Geisinger Pharmacy locations. To make a vaccine appointment or learn more about walk-in events, call 570-284-3657 or visit geisinger.org/covidvax.

For the latest COVID information, including Geisinger’s visitation policies, visit geisinger.org/coronavirus.

The Albright Memorial Library, in partnership with the National Alliance on Mental Illness nonprofit organization, will host a free presentation titled “Family to Family: Helping Loved Ones with Mental Illness” on Thursday, August 26 from 4:00 P.M. to 6:30 P.M.

During the presentation, attendees will learn:

• Names and definitions of common mental illnesses.
• What people experience who struggle with a mental illness.
• How medication can help and what side effects to expect.
• How to provide emotional support to someone who has a mental illness.
• Resources for emergency situations.

This presentation is taught by trained members of our community. Each attendee will receive a helpful guide packet to bring home with them. The program will be held in the Henkelman Room, 2^nd Floor of the Albright Memorial Library. Elevator access is available.

Registration is free and required. Seating is limited. Visit www.albright.org to register or email jserrenti@albright.org.

Marywood University’s Professional Continuing Education program will offer a certificate in, “How to Start a High School Esports Program,” by Paul Capoccia, director of the esports program at Marywood University. The four-session program will be offered on Wednesday, September 29, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. (virtual); Wednesday, October 6, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. (virtual); Wednesday, October 13, 6-8 p.m. (virtual); and Wednesday, October 20, 2021, 5-8 p.m., in the Esports Center at Marywood University. The cost of the program is $199, and payment can be made by cash, check or credit card. This course is approved for ten professional development ACT 48 hours.

Be a part of the growing esports pipeline in the Northeast. Through our program, attendees will learn what esports is, how to coach and lead an esports program, and how to help students to find their potential in college and beyond. From what games constitute esports to the nitty-gritty of what to do to launch a high school program, attendees will be guided on the journey to starting an exciting new initiative.

Each of the four sessions will be taught by Paul Capoccia, director and coach of the Esports program at Marywood University. A graduate of Marywood, Mr. Capoccia earned his bachelor of arts degree in English with a minor in mathematics, and he earned his master of arts degree in communication arts with a concentration in media management. Mr. Capoccia has various esports experience, ranging from a commentator, producer, and observer across four continents to volunteer coaching, marketing direction, business consulting, and more.

Mr. Capoccia has production experience with Overwatch, League of Legends, and Valorant. As a caster, he has commentated on the Risen Esports Champions League and Scouting Grounds Circuit playoffs, Overwatch Contenders North American Trials, ACE Championship (Asia), NUEL Overwatch Campus Class playoffs, and Third Impact Overwatch Community Showcase, among others. He’s served as a volunteer coach and business consultant for Lackawanna College Esports among other locations and roles. For this upcoming season, Mr. Capoccia serves as both the director of esports and Overwatch head coach for the Marywood University Pacers.

This course is recommended to educators and to anyone who is interested in additional information in this field. In order to receive a badge of completion, participants must pay the tuition fee, sign in, attend each session, complete an evaluation, and sign out. To register or for additional information, please email Jill Schroth, director of Professional Continuing Education, at jschroth@marywood.edu, or visit https://marywood.augusoft.net/index.cfm?method=ClassInfo.ClassInformation&int_class_id=12464&int_category_id=0&int_sub_category_id=0&int_catalog_id=0.

For additional information about the Esports Program at Marywood University, please email Paul Capoccia, at pcapoccia@maryu.marywood.edu, call (570) 348-6088, or visit marywood.edu/athletics/esports.html

WVIA Executive Producer Ben Payavis II and Producer / Director / Editors Kris Hendrickson and James A. Donnelly have been nominated by the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for a 2021 Mid-Atlantic Regional Emmy® Award in the Magazine Program (Single Program) category for the production of the VIA Short Takes television episode #103.

The episode in the WVIA short documentary series VIA Short Takes features five stories highlighting the people and places of interest in northeastern and central Pennsylvania. The stories included are A View from Apollo 11 Mission Control, From Buttons to The Beatles, The Paths of Our Grandfathers, A League of Her Own: Salty Sands Ferguson, and Roller Derby: Past, Present and Future.

“The program honored this year by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences showcases many wonderful local stories and WVIA is proud to highlight them and bring them to national audiences.” Carla McCabe, President/CEO at WVIA said. “Our Emmy® nominated production team continues to produce programs that feature the commitment, dedication, and professionalism that members and viewers of WVIA have grown to expect. Recognition like this reminds us that sometimes the most fascinating stories are the ones being told in your own hometown.”

“Our content team is very proud of the nomination and we are looking forward to presenting more stories of our region in the next season of VIA Short Takes coming this fall” said Ben Payavis II, WVIA Chief Content Officer and Executive Producer. 

The full list of this year’s nominees can be found at: https://natasmid-atlantic.org/2021-emmy-nominees/ . The 2021 Mid-Atlantic Regional Emmy® Awards will be presented on Saturday, September 25, 2021.

VIA Short Takes is available to watch anytime online at https://www.wvia.org/tv/short-takes/

Lackawanna College celebrated the opening of its Tunkhannock Center, 420 West Tioga Plaza, Suite 104, with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021. The celebration was followed by a light lunch and a business card exchange sponsored by the Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce. 

Students interested in enrolling for the Fall 2021 semester are invited to an Open House on Saturday, Aug. 7, from 9 a.m. to noon. 

“This is an amazing day for Lackawanna College and for students from Wyoming County and the surrounding areas,” Tunkhannock Center Director Kayla Guilford said. “We’re proud to continue the outstanding work of the School of Petroleum & Natural Gas in educating future workers, but we’re also thrilled to be able to offer more traditional degrees for local high school graduates and folks seeking new career opportunities.” 

The Tunkhannock Center serves as the new hub for the College’s School of Petroleum & Natural Gas (PNG), which was located in New Milford, Pa., since its foundation in 2009. Sue Gumble, program director, reports that the approximately 18,000 square feet facility “is more centralized and accessible to students in Luzerne and Lackawanna counties as well as Bradford, Sullivan, and Susquehanna.” The center is also nearer to most of the College’s PNG industry partners as well as the Tunkhannock and Lackawanna Trail school districts. 

“Students seeking careers in PNG will have the opportunity to utilize state-of-the-art laboratory and industry equipment,” Gumble added. 

The School of PNG offers associate degrees in Petroleum & Natural Gas Business Administration and Petroleum & Natural Gas Technology, as well as certificate programs in Petroleum & Natural Gas Compressor / Engine Mechanic and Petroleum & Natural Gas Technician. Graduates are ready to work as soon as they reach a job site, and 70 percent of Lackawanna alumni are hired by major E&P, Midstream, and Pipeline companies each year with an estimated median salary of $50,630 according to the 2020 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. 

The Tunkhannock Center also offers a range of associate degree programs in Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Human Services, and Professional Studies. Students in Tunkhannock will continue to benefit from the College’s small class sizes, personalized attention from instructors, and the opportunity to transfer credits across the country or around the state through the Academic Passport program in collaboration with the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.  

The ribbon cutting was celebrated by College staff, oil and gas industry partners, the Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce, and elected officials including U.S. Rep. Fred Keller, Pa. Sen. Lisa Baker, Pa. Rep. Karen Boback, and Wyoming County Commissioners Thomas Henry and Ernie King. 

PA CareerLink® Lackawanna is hosting Apply, Interview, Get Hired!, in conjunction with PA CareerLink® Join the Workforce in PA, a three-day event held on August 11, 12, 13 at our office, located at 135 Franklin Ave, Scranton, PA 18503.

Our event will feature 25 of Lackawanna County’s PREMIER employers who are looking to hire immediately for open positions!

Thursday, August 12, 2021 (10A-4P)
Manufacturing & Logistics:
• Willow Run Foods
• Amazon-Jessup
• Prepared Meals Co.
• Kane Logistics
• Cardinal Glass
• Capstone Logistics
• Golden Technologies
• AZEK Co.
• Chewy
• FedEx
• FXI
• Simplex Homes
• Hendrick

ManufacturingFriday, August 13, 2021 (10A-2P)
Training Providers:
• Keystone College
• PHEAA
• Luzerne County Community College
• Smith & Solomon CDT
• United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA
• Lackawanna College
• PA State Police
• Johnson College
• Marywood University
• PA Army National Guard