Maria Conigliaro Traino Offering ELEVATE Program Maria Conigliaro Traino, a Certified NeuroCoach™ and the owner of Inspired Studio, is offering ELEVATE, the region’s first personal and professional development program for entrepreneurs and rising star employees based on the science of neuro coaching. ELEVATE is an 18-week personal and professional development group program that combines self-study with live group Zoom calls. “As a neuro coach, I help business professionals design a life they love and achieve the success they seek by leveraging the power of brain-science. My ELEVATE program will nurture, develop and improve participants’ emotional intelligence, confidence, work-life balance, resilience and performance by defining and clearing limiting beliefs and redesigning a customized success-based mindset,” said Traino. The ELEVATE program offers two tracks: one for entrepreneurs and business owners who are seeking deeper fulfillment in their work and personal life. “Many of my clients love the idea of personal development and have tried working with coaches before yet haven’t been able to truly implement the changes and therefore didn’t grow into their fullest potential,” she said. The other track is for companies interested in helping employees feel fulfilled, productive, appreciated and ignited in the work they do. “Companies are always investing in traditional training for their top employees, including leadership training, finance and operations. These types of training programs are important, but focus on improving the business, not the employee. The ELEVATE program will change the way these rising stars approach their work and life — increasing their job satisfaction and performance that is mutually beneficial to the employee and the company,” said Traino. Utilizing small group settings, individuals enrolled in the ELEVATE virtual program have the opportunity to work alongside other high achievers, build their network and learn from their peers. The sessions will be a mix of self-study, along with live bi-weekly Zoom calls held during the typical midday lunch hour, training videos and email support. The Employee Cohort track will meet via Zoom sessions at noon EST while the Entrepreneur Cohort track will meet via Zoom at 1 p.m. The Zoom sessions will be held every other Wednesday. The 18-week program begins on January 3. Enrollment is limited to the first 20 individuals in each track. Participants who enroll by December 15 will receive a complimentary 45 minute one-on-one coaching session to use prior to or within one month after the completion of the course. The cost of the program is $2,000 per person. To learn more, visit mariatraino.com/elevate or email hello@mariatraino.com.
WYOU-22 Temporarily Available on Channel 28.3 Antenna customers will not miss any WYOU/CBS programming or live sports this holiday weekend despite a technical issue with WYOU’s over-the-air signal. Broadcasts of WYOU 22.1 will be available on channel 28.3 until the issues can be resolved. This change only impacts over-the-air antenna viewers of WYOU CBS 22.1. The channel move ensures viewers won’t miss a second of Thanksgiving Day programming as well as NFL, Big Ten, and SEC football including the Steelers and Eagles games this weekend. This only impacts over-the-air customers who view WYOU 22 with an antenna on 22.1.
The Wright Center Announces Flu Shot Reminder As the thick of the holiday season, one of the happiest, most festive times of the year approaches, so does peak flu season. The last few years have been dominated by COVID-19, which, though not nearly the public health threat it once was, continues to spread throughout the population via its newest strain. Couple that with the flu and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), and you have an unholy triumvirate of respiratory illnesses capable of wreaking significant havoc and ruining your yuletide cheer. Thankfully, there are vaccines to keep these viruses at bay. They’re safe and effective and can save you and your loved ones from getting sick or worse. National Influenza Vaccination Week, takes place next week, Dec. 4-8. Coordinated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the annual observance serves as a helpful reminder to people that there’s still time to get a flu shot this season. This year’s slogan is the highly appropriate “A flu vaccine can take flu from wild to mild.” Typically, flu season begins around late September or early October (the ideal time to get vaccinated), then increasingly accelerates until it peaks between December and February. In some years, infections may occur as late as May. The best thing you can do to protect yourself from the flu – and lessen its effects if you do contract it – is to get the annual flu shot, which is available to anyone ages 6 months and older. CDC studies have shown that flu vaccination reduces the risk of contracting the illness by 40 to 60 percent among the general public. Flu symptoms typically surface within a couple of days, and the virus shares many of the same effects as COVID-19, among them fever, chills, dry cough, body aches, headaches, stuffy/runny nose, shortness of breath, and fatigue. For specific vulnerable populations, vaccination is essential given their risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and even death. That list includes pregnant women, young children, adults ages 65 and older, and those with serious health conditions like cancer, heart disease, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, asthma, and kidney disease. In the case of kids, thousands are hospitalized every year with severe flu, according to the CDC. The Wright Center will now provide flu vaccinations at all Northeast Pennsylvania locations. To schedule an office visit that includes vaccination, call 570-230-0019 or go online to use the express scheduling system at TheWrightCenter.org. Meanwhile, many local pharmacies offer free flu shots to insured customers, and numerous local employers provide flu vaccinations as a free service to their workers. According to the CDC, all flu vaccines available in the U.S. this season are the quadrivalent variety, designed to protect against four different flu viruses. You want the holidays to be as joyous as possible without the threat of illness upending your plans. So, get the flu vaccine – it’s safe, effective, and one of the best gifts you can give yourself and others this season. Joshua Braddell, DNP, CRNP, FNP-C, a board-certified registered nurse practitioner, serves as medical director of The Wright Center for Community Health Mid Valley practice.
Jeannine Luby Appears on WBRE’s Newsmakers Chamber member Jeannine Luby recently appeared as a guest on WBRE’s Newsmakers show hosted by Andy Mehalshick and Jayne Ann Bugda. The episode which airs on Sunday, December 10, features a conversation about mental health and the therapeutic benefits of laughter and humor. Jeannine shared the numerous researched benefits of laughter and humor for the mind, body, mood and overall well-being that is a valuable resource for self-care and mental wellness. Marie Onukiavage, executive director of NAMI Northeast Region PA, who also appeared on the show, spoke about the importance of practicing self-care and about the many resources that NAMI offers to individuals with mental illness and their families. The show will be available to view on https://www.pahomepage.com/news/newsmakers/ after it airs on December 10.
Lackawanna County Sheriff’s Department Toy Drive Benefits The Wright Center Lackawanna County Sheriff’s deputies will ensure local children have a great holiday season by hosting a toy drive benefiting The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement (PCE). Deputies are asking the public to help fill the department’s transport van with new, unwrapped toys on Dec. 2-4 during the Lackawanna Winter Market on Courthouse Square, 200 N. Washington Ave., Scranton. The outdoor market will feature craft vendors, live music, food, and the lighting of the county’s Christmas tree. The drive benefits PCE, a subsidiary of The Wright Center for Community Health, that focuses on improving the health and well-being of residents across Northeast Pennsylvania. Throughout the year, PCE hosts food giveaways at their clinics and provides transportation vouchers to patients who have trouble getting to and from doctors’ appointments. Additionally, PCE distributes backpacks filled with school supplies and hosts school uniform giveaways and clothing closets for needy residents. Last year, sheriff’s deputies held a food drive for PCE, according to Cpl. Joe George. They collected and donated more than 12 cases of nonperishable food. They hope to build on that success with the upcoming toy drive. The Lackawanna County Sheriff’s Association and Sheriff Mark McAndrew have donated $250 each to purchase toys for the drive. “There are a lot of people in Lackawanna County who need a helping hand, and we want to ensure families – especially their children – have a happy holiday season,” he said. Gerri McAndrew, co-director of PCE, also mentioned the deep need in the community, especially during the holidays. “Last year, we helped 60 families at our clinics with toys and clothes, plus we adopt families through the Salvation Army,” she said, adding that PCE serves about 900 children annually. “This drive will enable us to help more families.” While collecting toys for children might not seem as urgent as some other PCE initiatives, McAndrew thinks about her own kids and how they feel at Christmas. “I don’t want any child’s heart to break on Christmas morning,” she said. “They should get at least one present.” Donations of new, unwrapped toys will be accepted by deputies throughout the county’s Winter Market on Friday, Dec. 1, from 5 to 9 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 2, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 3, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Look for sheriff’s deputies and their transport van near the main entrance to the Lackawanna County Courthouse. For more information on how to donate, contact Deputy Morgan Holmes at holmesm@lackawannacounty.org or 570.963-6719 x 4857. For more information, visit TheWrightCenter.org.
NeighborWorks to Host West Side Wonderland Initiative NeighborWorks is kicking off the inaugural West Side Wonderland initiative which includes a series of events, celebrations, and deals at West Scranton businesses. From the captivating Tree Lighting Celebration to the exciting ‘Where’s Westley’ scavenger hunt with prizes to local businesses ranging from $50 to $1,400 in value, this initiative promises merriment, excitement, and cherished memories to all who participate. On Saturday, December 2nd, Allen Park will become the hub of holiday cheer in West Scranton as it hosts a free Tree Lighting Celebration, starting at 4 pm. Families are invited to partake in cookie decorating, savor hot drinks, take photos with Santa, and enjoy sharing in a community celebration. The highlight of the evening unfolds at 6 pm when the tree lights up and we celebrate community and the coming of the winter season. The ‘Where’s Westley’ scavenger hunt adds an extra layer of excitement to the festivities, encouraging participants explore West Scranton while supporting local businesses. From December 2 through December 19, riddles will be unveiled at 8 am on our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/westsidescranton) to guide participants to Westley’s secret location. The first 20 people to find Westley at each business will receive a special prize. They can get a special passport stamped at each location to enter for a chance to win one of many prizes ranging in value from $50 to $1,400. Shopping local takes on a new meaning during West Side Wonderland, as 14 local businesses join the festivities with exclusive deals and offers. Shoppers can mention the West Scranton Wonderland campaign to unlock these special discounts, adding warmth and charm to your holiday season. Visit westsidewonderland.com to view all the deals! This initiative is part of NeighborWorks’ West Scranton Neighborhood Plan, a comprehensive 10-year strategy for improving the neighborhood.
Geisinger Serves 2,900 Veteran Appreciation Dinners To thank local veterans for their service, Geisinger served approximately 2,900 meals during drive-through veteran appreciation dinners at 11 locations across its service area on Thursday, Nov. 9. The dinners for U.S. military veterans and guests were provided at no cost to participants. Meals were provided in Bloomsburg, Danville, Jersey Shore, Lewistown, Mifflintown, Muncy, Pittston, Scranton, Shamokin, State College, and Wilkes-Barre. Members of Geisinger’s executive leadership team, regional leaders and volunteers attended the event to hand out meals to veterans. Members of leadership, along with staff and volunteers, handed out the meals with a smile and “thank you for your service” to express gratitude for the veterans’ selflessness and sacrifice. At some locations, veterans also received homemade cards and notes from local students.
NEPIRC CEO Appointed to Intergovernmental Policy Advisory Committee The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) recently announced the appointment of 10 individuals, including Eric Joseph Esoda, president and CEO of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center (NEPIRC), to the Intergovernmental Policy Advisory Committee (IGPAC). The full roster of appointees, consisting of tribal, local, regional and state representatives, includes: Eric Joseph Esoda, president and CEO, Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center Sam Cho, commissioner, Port of Seattle James Collard, director of planning and economic development, Citizen Potawatomi Nation Emily Desai, deputy director of international affairs and trade, California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development Yusuf Hakeem, Tennessee State House Representative Rory Hoskins, mayor of Forest Park, Illinois Mike Matson, mayor of Davenport, Iowa Laurence Reszetar, director of international business strategy, Minnesota Trade Office Daphnee Sainvil, division manager, Government Affairs and Economic Development, City of Fort Lauderdale, Florida Eugene Seroka, executive director, The Port of Los Angeles “This highly qualified group of stakeholders and elected officials represent diverse backgrounds, interests and priorities, and I congratulate them on joining this important committee,” said Ambassador Katherine Tai. “The IGPAC is a critical link that ensures USTR’s work is responsive to needs of all people in the United States,” she added. The new appointees will join five existing members of the committee. The IGPAC provides general policy advice to the United States Trade Representative on issues involving trade and development that have a significant relationship to the affairs of U.S. state and local governments. Advisement areas may include negotiation objectives and bargaining positions prior to entering into multinational trade agreements, the anticipated or actual impacts of implementing trade agreements, ongoing or other matters relating to previously executed trade agreements or general matters regarding the trade policies of the United States. The Committee is comprised of members who have expertise in general trade, investment and development issues. As a member of the committee, Esoda will represent the concerns and opinions of small and mid-sized domestic manufacturers. Esoda brings more than 20 years of economic development experience, coupled with private consulting and business advising expertise. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Scranton, a master’s degree in accounting from Binghamton University and certification in diversity and inclusion from Cornell University. He is currently pursuing a business strategy certificate from Cornell University.
Leadership Lackawanna Executive Program Class of 2023 Graduates Leadership Lackawanna is proud to announce the 2023 graduates of its Executive Program. Leadership Lackawanna’s six-week Executive Program deeply engages high-level professionals in the greater Scranton region, broadens their social network, and increases their overall knowledge of the community. It accepts applications from professionals in an executive-level (director or higher) position with extensive industry experience and demonstrated career progression. “Our mission at Leadership Lackawanna is to enhance the skills, connections, and knowledge of our participants,” said Nicole Morristell, executive director of Leadership Lackawanna. “I’m confident the 14 individuals in this year’s Executive Level Program gained valuable insight into our mission and that they forged lasting connections that will strengthen them, both personally and professionally. It is my sincere hope that they will take these benefits and use them to positively impact the community!” This year, participants meet key business and community leaders as they receive an overview of Lackawanna County’s history and culture, economic and political structures, community events, civic groups, recreational activities, and nonprofit organizations. Sessions were held one evening per week for six consecutive weeks at various locations in the greater Scranton community, including cocktails and dinner. The 2022 Executive Program graduates include: Danielle Breslin, Moses Taylor Foundation Michelle Hamilton, The Waverly Community House Megan Walbeck, Geisinger Sarah Marie Thomas, NativityMiguel School of Scranton Tricia Zilaitis, City of Scranton Meghan Lennox Gagorik, American Heart Association Kristyn Smith, Tobyhanna Army Depot Bethany Staples, Market Share Consulting Ron Augelli, Talk Shirty to me Jason Berger Brian Ross, Tobyhanna Army Depot Neil Bresnahan, Big Bass Lake Community Association, Inc. Kyle Lennon, Schulte Hospitality Andrew Kudasik, PNC Bank
The Scranton Chamber Marks a Century of Business Excellence as a Chamber of Commerce The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce has announced its 100th-year milestone as a chartered Chamber of Commerce, celebrating a century of unwavering commitment to fostering economic growth, supporting local businesses, and championing the vibrant community of Scranton, Pennsylvania. Chartered on November 21, 1923, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, previously known as the Board of Trade, has been at the forefront of driving innovation, collaboration, and prosperity for businesses large and small. As a trusted partner to the local business community, the Chamber has been instrumental in providing resources, advocacy, and networking opportunities to its members. To commemorate this historic occasion, The Chamber hosted Ryan Gleason, senior manager of government affairs with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, at a recent meeting of the board of directors. Gleason presented a proclamation from Suzanne Clark, CEO and president of the US Chamber of Commerce, in recognition of the Chamber’s 100 years as a charted Chamber of Commerce, highlighting significant contributions to the economic development of Scranton and its longstanding commitment to fostering a thriving business environment. “It is rewarding to look back on a century of work representing the diverse business interests of Scranton, Lackawanna County, and all of northeastern Pennsylvania. And looking with excitement and optimism to the road ahead, paving the way for even greater success for our members and the entire business community,” shared Bob Durkin, president of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. Gleason also presented a proclamation to Chamber icon Virgina Goodrich. Goodrich is set to retire after 58 years of service to The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber expresses its gratitude to Ginger for more than a half-century dedication to the greater Scranton business community.
