Gino J. Merli Center Celebrates 30 Years on Veterans’ Day The Gino J. Merli Veterans’ Center will celebrate both its 30th anniversary and Veteran’s Day weekend by lighting up the sky with a drone display. This is the first drone display of this magnitude in the City of Scranton. The event will take place at the Gino J. Merli Center in Scranton on Friday, November 8, 2024 at 7pm. Sponsors and donations are gladly accepted, and proceeds benefit the Gino J. Merli Resident Welfare Fund. Please contact Volunteer Resource Coordinator Janice McAllister for more information at (570) 961-4380 or janmcallis@pa.gov
Indraloka Announces Free Fall Events for October NEPA’s first farmed animal sanctuary and wellness center for people, is hosting FREE events throughout the fall. These events offer visitors the opportunity to experience a fun and inspiring environment, meet new friends, and learn about ways to create healthier lifestyles for themselves, their families, and the future. On Thursday, September 26th, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., the Sanctuary Sunrise Social invites people to enjoy a free continental breakfast in Indraloka’s beautiful Art Barn while meeting and mingling with other local businesses. Those interested can also join a complimentary sanctuary tour immediately following. On Friday, October 4th, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., we’re hosting an Open Mic and Karaoke Night, sponsored by the Lackawanna County Arts & Culture Department. Musicians, poets, comedians, singers, and raconteurs are invited to showcase their talents. Snacks and beverages are included. On Saturday, October 12th, from 10 a.m. to noon, Public Volunteer Day is designed for those interested in spending time with the beloved animals of Indraloka while helping out with light chores. It’s a great opportunity to test drive volunteering regularly or just for the day. If you’ve always wanted to know what it’s like to volunteer, here’s your chance! Monthly donors to Indraloka are invited to free Circle of Compassion tours twice yearly. On September 28th, we’ll host a special tour with plenty of photo ops with the animals. Existing monthly donors can email info@indraloka.org for details on how to register. Not a monthly donor? Becoming one is easy. Just click this link and choose a wonderful animal to sponsor. “Indraloka’s free events are the perfect way to check us out and see what we’re all about. Even though we’ve been in NEPA for nearly 20 years now, many are unaware we’re here. And those who do know about us often don’t realize we are much more than a farmed animal sanctuary. We offer a place of peace, healing, and fun for everyone, including people of all ages and abilities,” Indraloka founder Indra Lahiri, PhD, says. Indraloka hosts a wide variety of family-friendly events weekly. Low-cost summer and day camps help ease the financial burden of providing healthy, fun activities for children. Indraloka’s NEPA Rescue Veterinary Clinic provides low-cost veterinary care for animal companions in income-qualified households and low-cost spaying and neutering to all animals. The clinic also provides low-cost care to animals in other shelters and assists communities with their Trap, Neuter, and Release programs that help manage feral cat populations. This past weekend, Leslie Interlandi, DVM, Director of Indraloka’s vet clinic, neutered 48 feral cats, thereby reducing the potential feral population by thousands of cats. But it is Indraloka’s work serving people where we have made the most significant strides. This year, Indraloka introduced programs that help people build resilience and overcome trauma, depression, and anxiety. Studies show that people can experience greater well-being through a holistic approach to mental health, including animal-assisted and nature therapy. Dr. Lahiri’s background in organizational psychology and her work in developing trauma-informed education and leadership workshops inform every program and activity Indraloka offers. Dr. Lahiri is available for in-person and phone interviews. Please call 570-855-8440.
PennDOT Invites Pennsylvanians to Share Feedback on Construction, Maintenance Services The statewide survey is available until October 22. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is accepting construction and maintenance services feedback through an online survey. The public can take the survey through October 22 by visiting 2024 PennDOT Construction/Maintenance Customer Satisfaction Survey. Construction and maintenance work has been underway across the state this year. From January through August, 303 bridges were put out for bid to be repaired, replaced, or preserved by PennDOT or industry forces. Additionally, from January through August more than 3,100 roadway miles were improved by department or partner crews. This includes 1,114 miles of paving. “PennDOT is working hard for Pennsylvanians every day, and work on our roads and bridges is one of our largest services in our communities,” PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll said. “This survey is one way the public can help us find successes, potential improvements, or educational opportunities.” The 24-question survey asks respondents how they receive PennDOT roadway information and how often PennDOT meets or exceeds expectations in construction and maintenance activities. Respondents are also asked about experiences with reporting concerns to the department, and whether or how they use the state’s 511PA traveler information services. Motorists can check conditions on major roadways 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 X alerts.
Save the Date for Fall Winefest Attention wine lovers! Next weekend, Saturday October 5th from Noon until 5pm, Montage Mountain is having their annual Fall Winefest inside and around the main lodge. It’s the perfect way to get out and enjoy a fall day in NEPA as the seasons change. Sample and purchase wine from two dozen wineries, enjoy shopping, food trucks, live music and more as you stroll the festival grounds. Tickets include all your wine samples and start at just $39 each. For all the details or to grab tickets, go to bit.ly/mmfallwinefest. Cheers!
The Third TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty Cohort Selects Eight Participants The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, Lackawanna County, and Ben Franklin Technology Partners of NEPA are proud to announce the start of the third cohort and participants of TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty. “The mission of The Chamber is to attract, sustain, and grow business in our region. TechCelerator @Lackawanna is a perfect example of how together with Lackawanna County and Ben Franklin Technology Partners. We are providing an entrepreneurial ecosystem to nurture the growth of small businesses in our region,” shared Bob Durkin. In another round of competitive application process, eight new participants were chosen. All eight were selected for their unique for-profit, tech-based business ideas, commitment to completing the 10-week program, and creating a company and jobs based in Lackawanna County. The eight participants are Don McGowan and Arena-X; John George and CrasherCon; Eric Farrell and EZ Fantasy Sports; Veronica LaRocque and Grow With L.E.A.R.N LLC; Fred Aebli and IT Corps, Inc.; Justin Byrd and Machi-System, LLC DBA SelfServeMenu.com; Joel DeCarli and The Job Box; and Bill Booth and Treasectory. “TechCelerator is a great way to help keep our local talent at home,” Commissioner Matt McGloin added. “We welcome and commend the latest group of prospective entrepreneurs to the program, knowing that their ideas and energy will help to expand and diversify the economy, and inspire others to follow their lead.” The third cohort starts on Wednesday, October 2, at the Chamber’s TekRidge Center in the Jessup Small Business Park. Participants will walk away with solid networking skills and a foundational understanding of finances, marketing, business strategy, and more. Those who successfully meet the requirements will be eligible for up to $10,000 on select start-up reimbursement of business expenses, which will assist the participants in launching their venture.
My Benefit Advisor on Creating “Cool” Job Perks for Employee Inspiration Most business owners will agree that maintaining employee happiness is a key factor in working to achieve overall success in their business operations. Although there are many complexities involved in achieving this goal, creating a positive corporate work culture through the offering of unique and desirable job perks has proven successful for many companies. With the proper selection of incentives, individuals within the workforce are more likely to feel part of a larger team and appreciated for their contribution to the common goals of the organization. As a result, human resource personnel will find it easier to both attract and retain necessary talent. Of course, salary increases and bonuses are welcomed by nearly all employees. But going beyond that to find more unique and impactful benefits or perks targeted to a particular workforce requires benefit planners to understand the demographics and needs of their employees. An easy way to discover the priorities and interests of employees is simply to ask them through one-on-one interviews, group meetings or surveys. An engaged workforce is a more productive workforce. Perks that create motivation among employees will reduce turnover and help increase productivity. Here are a few ideas for “cool” perks that have been successfully utilized by companies: Occasional “free food” or “snack giveaways An elimination of official work hours In-Office professional training programs Family-focused benefits Onsite health services Childcare discounts or on-site childcare facilities Surprise days off Financial wellness programs Continuing education programs Student loan assistance New baby bonuses Fertility assistance Private Lactation facilities Give back programs Office parties Pet focused benefits Personalized appreciation notes Work anniversary celebrations Welcome packages for new employees
Comcast Expands Fiber-Rich Network to Homes and Businesses in Northeastern Pennsylvania Comcast Breaks Ground on Construction to Extend Xfinity Network in Carbon, Luzerne, and Schuylkill Counties. After announcing its expansion to more than 12,000 homes and businesses in other parts of Luzerne Countyearlier this year, Comcast today announced it is extending its fast, reliable and secure broadband network to more parts of Carbon, Luzerne, and Schuylkill Counties in Northeastern Pennsylvania including additional homes and businesses in Banks, Blythe, Butler, East Norwegian, Hazle, Kline, Rush, and Schuylkill Townships as well as McAdoo, Middleport, New Philadelphia, and Tamaqua Boroughs. Construction is underway to deliver access to Xfinity and Comcast Business products, including Xfinity Internet and Mobile, and Comcast Business Internet and Mobile, with full project completion anticipated in 2026. “As a lifelong Schuylkill County resident and farmer, I’m proud to see Comcast bring its fast, reliable Internet to more local homes and businesses,” said Barron L. “Boots” Hetherington, Chair of the Schuylkill County Commissioners. “We are thrilled Comcast is expanding its network throughout Carbon, Luzerne, and Schuylkill Counties, helping our local communities to harness the power of connection.” The first residents and businesses will be connected to Xfinity and Comcast high-speed broadband later this year and can visit Xfinity.com/MyTown and enter their addresses for additional details on construction timing and upcoming service availability. “We are focused on expanding access to our fast, reliable and secure broadband network to as many Americans as possible, including more residents and businesses in Carbon, Luzerne, and Schuylkill Counties,” said Ricky Frazier Jr., Senior Vice President, Comcast’s Keystone Region, which is based in Pennsylvania. “Our communities deserve the best WiFi experience both inside and outside of the home, and we look forward to providing these local communities products and services on the nation’s largest, fastest network.” This network expansion comes after a series of local Comcast capital investment projects this year including the completion of construction to connect 3,500 more homes and businesses in parts of East Norwegian and New Castle Townships, and Palo Alto, Port Carbon, and St. Clair Boroughs as well as connecting more than 26,000 homes and businesses in the City of Wilkes-Barre, Hanover, and Wilkes-Barre Townships, and Ashley, Sugar Notch, and Warrior Run Boroughs. Comcast currently serves more than 80 municipalities across Carbon, Luzerne and Schuylkill Counties. In addition, the company has installed two Lift Zones in Luzerne County at the Greater Pittston YMCA located at 10 North Main Street, Pittston, PA 18640, and Lehman Sanctuary at 261 Jackson Road, Shavertown, PA 18708 as well as a Lift Zone at the Salvation Army Corps Pottsville located at 400 Sanderson St., Pottsville, PA 17901 in Schuylkill County. Lift Zones provide free WiFi service to help these community centers promote digital learning. Lift Zones, which provide Internet access on-the-go, complement our Internet Essentials program that provides in-home broadband connectivity. Lift Zones help students, veterans, and anyone who, for a variety of reasons (including homelessness, or housing insecurity issues), need somewhere to go during the day to connect to the Internet. Lift Zones are part of Project UP, Comcast’s comprehensive $1 billion commitment to help build a future of unlimited possibilities and the continuation of the company’s long history of giving back to communities where it provides service and where its employees live and work.
Johnson College Receives Grant from AllOne Foundation Johnson College has been awarded a $95,000 grant from AllOne Foundation to update training equipment for its health science programs and to support community outreach to school-age and adult learners interested in pursuing training in the healthcare industry. The grant will assist the College in addressing Northeastern Pennsylvania’s healthcare workforce needs. AllOne Foundation awards Johnson College a $95,000 grant from AllOne Foundation to update training equipment for its health science programs and support community outreach to those interested in the healthcare industry. Pictured left to right in front of a SynDaver Silicone Anatomy Model: John Cosgrove, CEO, AllOne Foundation; Dr. Katie Pittelli, President & CEO, Johnson College; Frank Apostolico, board member, AllOne Foundation; and Heather DeFazio, Physical Therapist Assistant Program Director, Johnson College. Providing students at Johnson College with the latest technology used in modern clinical settings is essential to their industry-focused, hands-on learning. The upgraded, cutting-edge equipment acquired through this grant will prepare students from Physical Therapist Assistant, Radiologic Technology, Biomedical Equipment Technology, and Medical Assistant programs for any environment they encounter during internships and post-graduate careers. These upgrades will include a SynDaver Silicone Anatomy Model, which will allow Physical Therapist Assistant students to best understand the muscles that they will work in their daily careers; a portable digital X-ray machine for Radiologic Technology students; and an EKG machine for Biomedical Equipment Technology students. Using Johnson College’s Careers in Healthcare RV, previously funded by the Northeastern Pennsylvania Healthcare Foundation and the Moses Taylor Foundation, the College will also visit regional schools, healthcare and employment fairs, and camps to meet with residents and discuss opportunities for careers in the healthcare field. Sample equipment within the RV will give people an inside look at careers in the Physical Therapist Assistant, Radiologic Technology, Biomedical Equipment Technology, and Medical Assistant fields. To learn more about Johnson College’s health science programs, visit Johnson.edu.
