Geisinger Opens Kidney Care Clinic in Northeast PA Atul Bali, M.D.Manoj Das, M.D. People in northeastern Pennsylvania can get kidney care closer to home with the opening of Geisinger Nephrology Wilkes-Barre. Atul Bali, M.D., and Manoj Das, M.D., are now providing nephrology services at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center near Wilkes-Barre. With the new Geisinger Nephrology Wilkes-Barre facility nearby, NEPA residents no longer need to travel to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville for their care. Drs. Bali and Das provide a wide range of kidney care services to adults, including inpatient and outpatient consultations, diagnosis and treatment of kidney disorders. They monitor patients with advanced-stage kidney disease and provide consultation, care and management for conditions including chronic kidney disease, renal diseases and more. To schedule an appointment at Geisinger Nephrology Wilkes-Barre, call 570-808-4047 or visit geisinger.org/KidneyCare.
The University of Scranton Celebrates Inauguration of 29th President “A Fire That Kindles Other Fires,” the theme chosen for the Inauguration of Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., as the 29th president of The University of Scranton, was evident throughout the address given by the new president at the ceremony. In his Inaugural Address, Father Marina referred to remarks of former Scranton presidents, words of Jesuit superior generals, the life of St. Ignatius and the accomplishments of students, faculty, staff, alumni and others, to illustrate the influence one person can have on others. “In his first inaugural address, Father Pilarz referred to our University as a miracle in the mountains. And that’s exactly what it is. But it didn’t take long for me to notice that Scranton is also a vineyard in the valley, a place where hard work, dedication, and an authentic commitment to the ideals and characteristics of Catholic and Jesuit higher education converge for the benefit of the students we serve,” said Father Marina. “This vineyard produces sweet and abundant grapes and our harvest is a harvest to be envied. … The credit goes to our wonderful students, our amazing faculty and staff, loyal trustees, alumni and benefactors who, year after year, have cultivated the soil of this vineyard to make it rich and nurturing.” Father Marina said the term “a fire that kindles other fires,” from the second decree of the 35th General Congregation of the Society of Jesus, “is a metaphor that every Jesuit work, and every member of that work, can take on in a personal and apostolic way. The University of Scranton is, without a doubt, a fire that kindles other fires – one that illuminates and warms rather than burns and destroys.” Father Marina referred to the University’s sense of community as its greatest asset. “The community that is Scranton is authentic, and you can feel it almost immediately when stepping onto our beautiful campus. We are a family,” said Father Marina. “Our community is not an insulated one. It is grounded in God’s love. Our university exists because of Jesus Christ. And our future will be stoked by the fire of the Holy Spirit for decades to come. This triune reality makes our community open to all, not despite their differences, but precisely because of them. We are made stronger by our diversity and by our love for one another.” Father Marina closed his remarks citing advice he received from Scranton’s 23rd president, Rev. Joseph McShane, S.J., currently the president of Fordham University: “If you love The University of Scranton, if you truly love it, then marvelous things are bound to happen.” Father Marina said that is “exactly” what he intends to do, and asked others to “please join me as we carry our mission forward, or, more rightly, may I join you? So that, together, we can cultivate this wonderful vineyard in the valley and be that fire that kindles other fires.” The Inauguration occurred during the Ignatian Year, the 500th anniversary of the conversion of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus. Nearly 1,500 members of the University community and invited guests attended the Inauguration, including representatives from more than 45 colleges and universities; Rev. Joseph M. O’Keefe, S.J., provincial of the USA East Province of the Society of Jesus, who presented the Missioning of the President at the ceremony; Scranton’s Mayor Paige Cognetti, who provided greetings from the city; and Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., Bishop of Scranton, who provided the Invocation, among others. Recorded greetings were given by U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright and U.S. Senator Bob Casey, a Scranton native. The Inauguration also featured the performance of an original work composed for the Inauguration by David Lantz III, titled “To the Ends of the Earth.” A recording of the ceremony is available for viewing. Photos from the event can be seen on the University’s Inauguration Flickr album.
Outreach Center for Community Resources 2021 Mighty Oak Awards – Gerrity’s Supermarkets and the Scranton Primary Health Care Center Outreach invites the community to attend the 2021 Mighty Oak Awards on October 6, 2021, as we honor service-minded pillars that have provided essential services to the region since the beginning of the pandemic. The Mighty Oak Awards will be honoring Gerrity’s Supermarkets and Scranton Primary Health Care Center. These organizations support the community and provide vital services. Scranton Primary Health Care Center opened its doors in 1978 as a Federally Qualified Health Center to provide care to the uninsured and under-insured. Scranton Primary provides care to all patients regardless of their ability to pay. Scranton Primary continues to serve that mission by offering pediatrics, family & internal medicine, women’s health & gynecology, perinatal care, infectious disease care, behavioral health and general dentistry, as well as helping people navigate the insurance marketplace. Scranton Primary has been offering COVID-19 rapid testing and vaccinations as soon as they became available. Last year, Scranton Primary treated almost 12,000 patients, resulting in nearly 42,000 visits to their three offices. Over a century ago, in 1895, William Gerrity founded a small meat shop named Gerrity’s Market at 345 Railroad Avenue in Scranton. Though the business has been in the Fasula family for over 40 years, the 126-year-old Gerrity name has remained. From the flagship store in West Scranton, which opened in 1980, to the eight additional locations, Gerrity’s Supermarket stands today as one of the oldest and most well-known local businesses. Today, Gerrity’s is run by Joyce “Mom” Fasula and her son Joe Fasula. The Fasula family attributes their success to the vision of their father, Neal Fasula, and Joseph Gerrity (son of William) and his family. Most of all, however, they credit the hard work and dedication of their 1,100 team members. They are very grateful for the loyalty and support of their customers in Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties. Gerrity’s continues to serve their customers and protect the health of all those who enter their stores, maintaining operations throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Outreach invites the community to attend the Mighty Oak Awards and honor these community pillars in a beautiful outdoor venue at the Glenmaura National Golf Club starting at 5:30 pm. The Mighty Oak Award is the signature event for Outreach and highlights the agency’s acclaimed work with residents of Lackawanna County and the surrounding counties in our region. Outreach is grateful to M&T Bank, Gerrity’s Supermarkets, and TOPP Business Solutions for their sponsorship of the Mighty Oak Awards. For additional information and to purchase tickets, please contact Outreach at 570-558-7565.
Johnson College Receives Grant to Support Veterinary Animal Care Clinic Johnson College has been awarded a $7,500 grant from the Robert H. Spitz Foundation, managed by the Scranton Area Community Foundation. This grant will support the College’s Animal Care Clinic and pet owners in our community. Johnson College will purchase medical equipment that will help enhance the safety and comfort of patients receiving surgical care. The grant will give Johnson College Veterinary Nursing Program students valuable clinical experience preparing them to enter into the workforce or advance their careers. As many people struggle to feed their families every week, family pets, while loved dearly, are not always updated on vaccines and spay/neuter procedures until finances are available. This grant will help these families take proper care of and responsibility for their pets by providing up to 20 reduced-cost spay/neuter surgeries for qualifying low-income families. The grant will also provide low-cost rabies vaccines. Johnson College’s Veterinary Nursing Program prepares students to join an animal care team as entry-level technicians. Their tasks can include collecting samples, performing lab tests, taking radiographs, preparing the surgical suite, assisting in surgery, monitoring anesthesia, and providing general nursing care to patients. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredits the program. Students become Certified Veterinary Technicians upon passing the Veterinary Technician National Exam. “Through this grant, we are excited to give low-income pet-owning families peace of mind that their pet is cared for without incurring financial hardships,” said Dr. Katie Leonard, President & CEO of Johnson College. “Equipment purchased will help our Veterinary Nursing Program students with the hands-on training they need to pass their national exams and enter the workforce.” 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 16 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. Pictured left to right: Dr. Katie Leonard, President & CEO, Johnson College, Karen Baker, Sr. Director of College Advancement, Johnson College, Cathy Fitzpatrick, Grants and Scholarships Manager, The Scranton Area Foundation, and Jack Nogi, Trustee, Robert H. Spitz Foundation.
Marywood University Art Galleries Announce Exhibits The exhibit, Printmaking: Art & Process will be on display in the Mahady Gallery, located on the campus of Marywood University, through October 23, 2021.The exhibit, “George Catlin – North American Indian Portfolio” will be on display in the Mahady Gallery, located on the campus of Marywood University, from November 6, 2021 through December 11, 2021. The Mahady Gallery, located in the Shields Center for Visual Arts on the campus of Marywood University is hosting two exhibits this fall: Printmaking: Art & Process, and George Catlin – North American Indian Portfolio. Fall 2021 gallery hours are Monday and Wednesday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 1-4 p.m. Both exhibits, as well as the gallery talk, are free and open to the public. Through October 23, 2021 Printmaking: Art & Process takes an educational approach showcasing the variety of printmaking and printing processes through a collection of privately owned prints from various artists, posters and student and faculty work. Works selected drop a wide net over the traditional printmaking to commercial offset printing. Sub-categories include social issue posters, works from a print portfolio exchange and a display of tools to help explain the process. November 6, 2021 – December 11, 2021 “George Catlin – North American Indian Portfolio,” will feature 31 hand-colored prints by American Artist and Author, George Catlin. Born in Wilkes-Barre, PA, his paintings of Native American scenes have become an invaluable record of Native American culture in the 19th century. A Gallery Talk will take place on Wednesday, November 17, at 3 p.m. For additional information on the art exhibits at Marywood University, please visit www.marywood.edu/galleries, or call (570) 348-6278.
PennDOT State Transportation, Agriculture Secretaries Discuss Progress, Link Between Industries The secretaries from the state Departments of Agriculture and Transportation (PennDOT) today highlighted their industries’ link to each other and the state economy. PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian also discussed progress on the department’s Road Maintenance and Preservation (Road MaP) initiative, which included improvements on lower traffic roadways like those used by much of the state’s agriculture industry. “We need reliable transportation solutions at the federal and state levels to keep our economy moving and to support the roadways that connect our farmers and our communities,” Gramian said. “We’ve been forced to move funding from lower-traffic roadways to interstates or other high-traffic roads, and we’re doing what we can to address this problem.” Twenty-six percent of the PennDOT-owned roads that aren’t Interstates or on the National Highway System are rated as “Poor” on the International Roughness Index. On roadways with the least amount of traffic (fewer than 2,000 vehicles) that number increases to 33 percent. There are 21,000 miles of PennDOT-owned, low-volume bituminous roadways maintained with seal coating (oil and chip) and resurfacing, mostly in rural areas. Due to available resources, 27 percent of these roadways have not seen more than basic maintenance in up to 20 years. Part of Road MaP’s focus on these types of roadways involves alternative treatments such as recycled asphalt paving (RAP) which repurposes roadway millings, either by central plant mix or by cold-in-place; higher RAP mixes of warm mix asphalts; and Flexible Base (FB) paving which mixes new aggregate with a liquid bituminous oil and places it through a paver. From the 2018 state fiscal year through the end of June 2021, the department has saved $42 million and completed 604.7 miles of secondary road improvements using alternative treatments by department-force and contract work. That’s 247 more miles than what would have been completed using traditional treatments. These methods allow the paving and reinforcing of surfaces and shoulders of roadways that would have seen shorter-term fixes due to available funding. Roadway conditions and access, along with bridge safety, are vital to farmers’ bottom lines and efficiency. “Investing in transportation infrastructure strengthens competitiveness across the agriculture industry. It ensures farmers, agribusinesses and food processors can safely navigate and transport items to market and into a global economy,” said Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. “Safe and reliable roadways help preserve farmers’ bottom-lines and ensure consumers are guaranteed timely goods at a cost savings.” Pennsylvania’s multimodal transportation system carries approximately $1.6 trillion of goods into, within, out of, and through the state annually. With agriculture as the state’s largest industry, farmers see an impact from poor roadway conditions and detours. Without additional investment, farmers will see increased costs to repair their vehicles as wear and tear from poor roadway conditions worsen. Additionally, without continued and expanded focus on bridges, more weight restrictions and potentially lengthy detours to and from farms may be necessary. When farmers must deal with longer delivery times, or if their goods are damaged on the way to distribution, their costs go up. Delays could also increase the number of trucks businesses need to meet delivery schedules, diverting money that could be otherwise invested in the business including its employees. Pennsylvania has roughly 25,400 state-maintained bridges and the department and industry partners have made progress on improving conditions. The number of state-owned bridges in poor condition has decreased from a high of 6,034 in 2008 to fewer than 2,460. However, approximately 250 of the state-maintained bridges move into the “poor-condition” category each year due to their age and deterioration. With an aging system and without increased investment, the rate is anticipated to increase as maintenance and preservation work will be less effective, leading to the need for full replacements or more extensive repairs. The media briefing built on the recently completed work of the Transportation Revenue Options Commission, on which Gramian served as Chair and Redding was among the more than 40 members. On March 12, Governor Wolf signed an executive order establishing the commission, which was tasked with developing comprehensive funding recommendations for Pennsylvania’s vast transportation network. The TROC included transportation, economic, and community stakeholders from the public and private sectors, including majority and minority leaders from the House and Senate Transportation and Appropriations committees. The TROC report submitted to the Governor and General Assembly on July 30 presents an overview of transportation funding in Pennsylvania and outlines the commission’s review of several potential revenue sources including road user charges, tolling, redirection of funding, fees, and taxes. Analysis of each option includes potential revenue that a given solution could bring the commonwealth, concerns raised by commission members relating to each option, and suggested next steps. The TROC’s work was informed by presentations and materials provided during and associated with its nine meetings held since March 25. Those materials – such as a report of PennDOT Efficiencies – can be found with meeting presentations, minutes, and recordings on the TROC page. For more information about transportation funding in Pennsylvania, visit www.penndot.gov/funding. Subscribe to statewide PennDOT news and traffic alerts at www.penndot.gov/news or choose a region under “Regional Offices.” Information about the state’s infrastructure and results the department is delivering for Pennsylvanians can be found at www.penndot.gov/results. Find PennDOT’s planned and active construction projects at www.projects.penndot.gov.
The Ritz Performing Arts Center to Host Trunk or Treat The Ritz Theater and Performing Arts Center invites kids of all ages to attend this free fun-filled event with over 50 trunk hosts on Saturday, October 30 from 1-4pm. Families, businesses, groups, and student organizations will line the 200 block of Wyoming Avenue to hand out candy and goodies. This event includes fun activities and games for all in attendance. This is a fun alternative or addition to door to door trick or treating. If you are interested in joining the fun by becoming a trunk host, please call Carole Mason at 570-435-9012 or email carole_mason217@yahoo.com.
Johnson College Announces Record-Setting Enrollment for Third Consecutive Year Johnson College has announced a record-setting enrollment for the 2021-2022 academic year. The College outpaced its enrollment for 2020-2021 by 8 percent. With a record number of students enrolled for the third year in a row, Johnson College works hard to fill the skills gap in today’s job marketplace – making the College’s recruitment and programmatic focus more about workforce development. In addition to a record number of incoming first-year students, Johnson College also welcomed its largest Dual Enrollment-Industry Fast Track class to date. More than 40 students from around the area have enrolled either part time or full time with Johnson College for college credits while also earning their high school diplomas. “The increase in enrollment in these areas demonstrates that our programs, and the careers they lead to, are more in demand than ever,” said Bill Burke, M.S., Johnson College’s Vice President of Student and Academic Affairs. “Our students get the opportunity to work in industry from day one, which gives them the leading edge when they are ready to seek in-field employment upon graduation.” Several recent Johnson College graduates have found employment at Automated Lifestyles LLC in Moscow, PA, which installs audio, visual, and other electronic equipment for security, home automation, and other home and commercial media needs. “Finding technicians for such a specialized industry can be a challenge,” Larry Supon, Owner and President of Automated Lifestyles, said. “The partnership (with Johnson College) works because students come to us prepared with the skills for the job, and also the ability to think outside the box.” Partnerships with established industries throughout the region remain a key component of what sets Johnson College apart. “Johnson College helps provide a fundamental training that allows their students to enter the workforce, as well as positioning them to enter more specialized training provided at the employer level,” said Tom Spall, owner and president of T.E. Spall & Son, a College industry partner based in Carbondale that provides plumbing, heating, and air conditioning services. “This helps position the students with the necessary tools for their individual success.” Marcelo Desousa, regional operations manager at Fastenal in Jessup, PA,, said that the ongoing and reciprocal relationship between Johnson College and Fastenal has helps the company build its employee base. “We have students come for part time work or for internships, and we are able to seamlessly bring them on board once they finish their degree program,” Desousa said. “The College understands where the workforce is going, and we know that the students who come to us have the type of training we need.”
Scranton Tomorrow: Downtown Scranton Scarecrow Scavenger Hunt Continues As part of Scranton Tomorrow’s Fall into Downtown Campaign, businesses in Downtown Scranton, and beyond, are displaying scarecrows in planters and storefronts to Scare Up Some Business, through October 31. As a seasonal twist to this year’s Scranton Scarecrow Display, we’ve added a Scavenger Hunt to the promotion, making it even more fun to shop, dine — and spot scarecrows — in the Electric City!How to play: Click on the image of our trusty detective above, and you’ll find the weekly Scarecrow Scavenger Hunt clue on our Facebook page. New clues will be posted every Friday.Find the featured scarecrow at a participating business in Scranton. (Hint: for a list of participating businesses, click here).Snap a selfie with the scarecrow, and post it to your Facebook page. Tag Scranton Tomorrow and use #scrantonscarecrows. (One post per scarecrow, please). That’s it! When you complete steps 1-3, your name will automatically be registered to win a prize pack. The scavenger hunt runs through October 31, giving you multiple chances to spot a scarecrow and enter! To maximize your chance to win, play every week. The winner will be drawn at random on November 1.
Gorgeous Floral Grand Opening Set for October 9 A new retail and floral service has taken root in Hawley. Settlers Hospitality will hold a grand opening for Gorgeous Floral at 210 Welwood Avenue on Saturday, October 9 with a ribbon cutting set for 10 a.m. An extensive renovation breathed new life into a vacant storefront along Route 6 to create a stunning showcase for this venture. Katharine Brown, of Fox Hill Farm, will serve as director of floral design. The building dates to 1897 when it served as the Paupack Electric Company plant. Energy from Paupack High Falls was harnessed in turbines just below the structure and used to power the town including the adjacent Bellemonte Silk Mill, known as the Hawley Silk Mill today. The revitalization of the property is the latest example of Settlers Hospitality’s commitment to historic preservation. Previous projects have included the restoration of The Settlers Inn, Ledges Hotel and Silver Birches all of which earned membership in Historic Hotels of America. The prestigious program recognizes properties that have faithfully maintained their authenticity, sense of place, and architectural integrity. “The addition of this location is another chapter in the story of Hawley’s manufacturing past as told through the preservation of the Hawley Silk Mill and Ledges Hotel,” explains Settlers Hospitality CEO/Owner Justin Genzlinger. Transformation of the property enabled expansive views of the Wallenpaupack Creek river gorge below. Outside, artist Jeff George refreshed the exterior with a beautiful floral mural that wraps around the building. Sekula Signs created oversized signage with a retro flair. Customers may stop in to choose from the selection of pre-made bouquets or order a custom arrangement for any occasion. Visitors to the shop will also find a curated mix of houseplants, unique vessels, potted plants, terrariums and elegant living and dried centerpieces available for purchase. Merchandise will include floral and garden inspired home décor. The shop offers a central location for Gorgeous Floral’s already burgeoning wedding and events services, which launched in 2021. “Celebrating life’s chapters with flowers is an honor. I’m excited to share my passion for floral design and education through Gorgeous Floral,” states Katharine Brown. “I’m looking forward to greeting customers in the shop and assisting them in expressing the meaning of the occasion through flowers.” Katharine has spent nearly a decade styling weddings at Fox Hill Farm. She’s a highly sought-after floral designer in the tri-state area and beyond. Many of the flowers used in her arrangements are grown on the family farm in Honesdale. Using as much local, Pennsylvania and American grown products as possible is a priority for Katharine. That dedication to locally sourced goods aligns with the values and mission of Settlers Hospitality to support community farms. Gorgeous Floral will also provide in-house floral design for all the properties of Settlers Hospitality. The custom creations will adorn hotel lobbies and grace on-site special events. Guests may also order a seasonal arrangement from Gorgeous Floral for their room as an add-on to any stay. In the future, the shop will host classes and private events. “We’re thrilled to add Gorgeous Floral to the collection of experiences offered at Settlers Hospitality,” says Genzlinger. “It’s one more investment in the community that provides a valuable service to residents and visitors alike and we’re excited about all the opportunities this will bring.” Gorgeous Floral will be open Wednesday through Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Call (570) 576-0490 or visit www.gorgeous-floral.com for more information.
