Johnson College to Host Event at Simplex Homes Johnson College is hosting a Closer Look at its popular 2-year Electrical Construction Technology program on December 13, 2023, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in its unique industry lab space at Simplex Homes at 1 Simplex Drive in Scranton, PA. The event will feature opportunities to learn about the degree program, career opportunities, and the enrollment process. The Johnson College Enrollment team, Electrical Construction Technology students and staff, and representatives from Simplex Homes will be available to answer questions. The two-year Electrical Construction Technology Associates Degree program prepares students as entry-level technicians for the operation, inspection, installation, calibration, repair, maintenance, and safety of residential and commercial electrical equipment. Register for the event at johnson.edu/closerlook. For more information, contact the College’s Enrollment department at (570) 702-8856 or enroll@johnson.edu.
Chamber Celebrates the Retirement of Virginia “Ginger” Goodrich The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce announces that Virginia “Ginger” Goodrich of Scranton will retire on December 31, 2023, after 58 years of employment with the organization. A retirement celebration in her honor will be held at the Scranton Country Club. Goodrich, the longest-tenured employee in the organization’s history, joined the Chamber’s staff in 1965 as a secretary in the industrial development department. After a series of promotions, she has held the position of executive secretary to the president since 1979. In addition, she has served as board secretary for the Scranton Lackawanna Industrial Building Company (SLIBCO), a Chamber affiliate organization, since 1994. “To say that Ginger is an icon of this organization is an understatement,” said Robert Durkin, president of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. ”She has played integral roles in support of the most important initiatives in Chamber history—and by extension, some of the most impactful projects in northeastern Pennsylvania history!” The salutatorian of the class of 1964 at Dickson City High School, Goodrich continued her education at Lackawanna Junior College. In 1965, she graduated with honors and a diploma in the Executive Secretarial Course. An avid learner, Goodrich completed the United States Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organization Management certificate program for Chamber of Commerce Management in 1995 and the 12-week Dale Carnegie program in 2000. “Little did I know when Hoyle Seeley, President of Lackawanna Junior College, sent me to interview at the Chamber of Commerce that it would become my “home” for over 58 years,” Goodrich said. “I will certainly miss it, but new experiences await.” A lifelong supporter of the Girl Scouts, Goodrich served as a troop leader for 30 years. She has also held committee and board positions with Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania and its predecessor, Girl Scouts Scranton Pocono Council. Goodrich served on the Board of the Anthracite Heritage Museum Associates for several years. She also volunteered for the Holiday Express at the Steamtown National Historic Site from 2001–2014. Named “Volunteer of the Year” in 2013 for her work at the Anthracite Heritage Museum and Scranton Iron Furnaces, Goodrich received numerous awards from the Girl Scouts, including “Woman of Distinction” in 2001. She was featured in the Scranton Times-Tribune for “Northeast Woman” in 1992 and again in 2021, and she received a Certificate of Recognition—the Roseann Smith Alperin Award in 2008. Goodrich is a member of the Dickson City Primitive Methodist Church and has volunteered her time for its adult Sunday school classes since 2002. She was also a member of the church’s Ladies Aid Society and has served as a member of the church’s board of trustees and the assistant Sunday school superintendent. In honor of her contributions to the Girl Scouts and Camp Archbald, a tribute gift will be made in Goodrich’s honor to support revitalization efforts at Camp Archbald.
Scranton Urban Co-Works to Host Ribbon Cutting for Newly Opened Business Urban Co-Works is officially open for business! Jeff Goronkin, the owner, invites you to come and celebrate with a Ribbon Cutting and Open House this Friday, Dec 1st from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. See for yourself the state-of-the-art facilities designed to inspire creativity, foster collaboration, and boost productivity. This event is not just a celebration but an invitation to experience the vibrant and dynamic atmosphere of Urban Co-Works. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a freelancer, a remote worker, or simply curious about our community, this is the perfect chance to network, connect, and discover the potential of a shared workspace environment. Kindly register for this free event at :Urban Co-Works Scranton Ribbon Cutting and Open House Tickets, Fri, Dec 1, 2023 at 4:00 PM | Eventbrite We are located at 116 North Washington Avenue 3rd Floor Scranton, PA 18503. I hope you can join us to celebrate!
FNCB Bank Announces Scholarship Funding to Luzerne County Community College FNCB Bank, locally based since 1910, is pleased to announce a Pennsylvania Education Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) donation of $25,157.87 to Luzerne County Community College (LCCC) to fund scholarships for 19 students enrolled at LCCC. Luzerne County Community College is a student-centered institution prioritizing support and access to an inclusive, equitable learning environment that fosters academic and personal success and strengthens communities in the Northeast Pennsylvania region. “We congratulate the 19 recipients of this year’s scholarship funding,” said Gerard Champi, FNCB Bank President & CEO. “We look forward to witnessing their continued success at Luzerne County Community College and beyond.” Since 2010, FNCB has contributed more than $3,000,000 to local educational and scholarship organizations through the EITC initiative. The support of LCCC is part of FNCB’s Community Caring initiative. As a true local community bank, FNCB is making a difference through volunteerism, donations, and outreach programs.
The University of Scranton to Present Noel Night Concert Continuing a beloved holiday season tradition, Performance Music at The University of Scranton will present its 56th annual Noel Night concert on Saturday, Dec. 2. The concert, which is open to the public, will begin at 8 p.m. in the University’s Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue, with doors opening at 7 p.m. and prelude beginning at 7:05 p.m. Admission is free, with seating on a first-come, first-seated basis. Considered the University’s Christmas gift to the community, Noel Night has been a must-attend event for many Scranton-area residents since its founding more than a half-century ago by the Rev. Edward Gannon, S.J. This year’s Noel Night will feature performances by The University of Scranton Singers, String Orchestra and Flute Ensemble. Outdoor instrumental caroling by members of the University Bands will greet audience members as they arrive. According to Performance Music Conductor and Director Cheryl Y. Boga, the program will include a variety of sacred selections – including music by Ivo Antognini, Randol Alan Bass, Franz Biebl, Robert Ray, Igor Stravinsky, John Rutter and others – interspersed with readings of Nativity texts. Included in the program are works sung in English, Chinese, Latin, Russian and Zulu. Pianist for the evening is Ron Stabinsky, and Christopher Johnson is organist. The primary focus of Performance Music at The University of Scranton is its student choral and instrumental performing ensembles. There is no music major at the University, and all enrolled University of Scranton students are eligible for membership in the bands, choirs, and string ensembles, with neither an audition nor enrollment fee required for membership. Hundreds of students participate in the ensembles each year.
Misericordia University to Host Virtual Open House for Expressway Program Misericordia University is hosting a virtual open house on December 12 at 6:00 P.M. The program is designed for working adults who want to earn their degree in a timely manner, have prior college credits (not required), and have work or relevant life experience. Students can enroll and start taking classes 6 times during the year, not just in the fall and spring. Date: Tuesday, December 12, 2023 Time: 6:00 P.M. Location: Virtual To register, or get more information on the Expressway Open House, Click Here.
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.
