Shuttered Venue Operators Grant SBA Webinar

Are you a theatrical producer, talent representative, venue promoter or do you operate a live venue, live performing arts organization, movie house or cultural institution and have been impacted by COVID-19? Register for SBA’s webinar on Thursday, January 14, at 3 p.m. ET, for a preliminary overview of the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program included in the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act. Eligible organizations with a reduction in revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic will have the opportunity to receive up to a $10 million grant under the program.

This webinar will provide introductory information about the grants, who can apply, how potential organizations can prepare, and additional details re: eligibility and applications.  

REGISTER

Crystal Window AC85 Acoustic Window Receives Industry Recognition

National manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems and its impressive product line continue to receive fenestration industry recognition.  Leading national trade publication US Glass Magazine named the Crystal Acoustic Window AC85 Aluminum Window the winner in the façade/glazing systems category of its annual “Readers’ Choice Awards,” featured in the December 2020 issue.  This is the second year in a row and the third time in the past five years that a new Crystal product was picked as a favorite.

“The Crystal Series AC85 Acoustic Window delivers industry leading acoustic sound transmission reductions,” said Sabrina Leung, Crystal’s R&D/Architectural Sales Manager.  “Independent lab testing of the AC85 window for a recent project in New York certified an outstanding Outdoor-Indoor Transmission Class (OITC) sound reduction rating of 42 using double pane insulated glass.  This means properties in high noise areas near highways, rail lines, airports, or heavy traffic can use these windows to provide very comfortable interior environments.”

The aluminum frame Crystal AC85 Acoustic Window is available in either casement or fixed window styles.  The heavy-duty aluminum 7-⅞” depth thermally-broken master frame window features a dual-sash configuration for both styles.  For the casement, the interior sash opens in and the exterior sash opens out.  The AC85 dual sashes each have a 1-¼” glazing pocket which accepts double or triple pane insulated glass units.  With appropriate glass, Low-E coatings, and argon filling options, notable U-values of 0.28 are achieved.

The US Glass Readers’ Choice Awards are determined by the publication’s national and international subscribers voting online during November for the most impressive new products featured in the publication during the year.  Crystal was a previous Readers’ Choice Award winner in 2019 with its Magnus Commercial Vinyl Series 4500 uPVC window line and in 2016 with its aluminum Series 8500/8600 projected window line.

US Glass is the most widely read architectural glass industry magazine, offered monthly in both print and online editions.  The associated US Glass online information platform provides a daily email service to subscribers and offers the latest industry news, product information, commentary, and observations of leading industry experts.

MMQ Announces Promotions

MMQ, P.C. is pleased to announce the following promotions: Emily Clifford, CPA has been promoted to Manager. Emily joined MMQ in January 2014 and has extensive accounting, audit and tax experience in not-for-profit organizations and family owned businesses in various industries. As Manager, Emily will be training and supervising staff while leading client engagements. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and a Master’s in Business Administration from Wilkes University. Emily is a member of the AICPA and the PICPA.

Anthony J Gangemi has been promoted to Senior Associate. AJ has been a member of the MMQ team for over 3 years. As a Senior Associate, AJ will provide accounting, audit and tax services for non-profit organizations, employee benefit plans and small business clients. AJ received a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and a Master’s in Business Administration, Accounting from Misericordia University. He is currently working towards the completion of his CPA license requirements.

Penn State Scranton to Observe Annual MLK Day with Virtual Event

Penn State Scranton will once again honor the enduring legacy of the late Martin Luther King Jr. while recognizing the campus’ own commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion with a virtual presentation of its sixth annual MLK Day Celebration.

The free event will take place on Martin Luther King Jr. Day – Monday, Jan. 18 — at 2 p.m. on Zoom, and is open to both the campus community and the general public. Those interested in attending can register at: https://scranton.psu.edu/mlk.

This year’s MLK Day theme is “Love and Truth,” according to Dharti Ray, campus coordinator of diversity, equity and inclusion. In addition to remarks by Chancellor Marwan Wafa, student leaders of the Multicultural Council — Indian Student Association, Student Organization of Latinos, Black Student Union and LGBTQA+ Club — will present readings from some of King’s iconic speeches.

The campus will also recognize those committed to making the world a more diverse and inclusive place with its Excellence in Diversity Award. Two awards will be given at the ceremony: one to a member of the campus community, and another to a local community member or organization who demonstrate a commitment to diversity.

Meanwhile, the campus is a community partner for the Greater Scranton MLK Commission’s annual MLK Day Community Event, which will take place Jan. 18 at noon on Zoom. Also open to the general public, the free event will feature a talk by Penn State alumnus and former NBA player John Amaechi, now an organizational psychologist, internationally known public speaker and bestselling author. To register for the event, visit https://safdn.org/mlk-event.

“We are always excited to be part of their celebrations. The MLK Commission works very hard throughout the year to put their event together and we are happy to provide any assistance needed,” Ray said.

The “Love and Truth” theme, selected by the MLK Commission, was inspired by King’s quote from his 1964 Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech: “I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right temporarily defeated is stronger than evil triumphant.”

“Love and truth leads to empathy; we all need to listen with empathy,” Ray said.

According to the MLK Commission, Amaechi’s talk, which is titled “The Unarmed Truth” and being sponsored by Geisinger, will delve into the concept of unarmed truth “in an effort to inspire and move our community towards equitable justice and unconditional love.”

“Be prepared to be inspired and transformed as Dr. Amaechi challenges the beliefs and behaviors that prevent us from being our best selves and community, and offers personal insights and tools to create hope and individual growth,” said MLK Commission publicist Jennifer Pennington.

Now is as good a time as ever to reflect on and put into action King’s philosophies, Wafa said, given the bigotry that still exists in American society and was further amplified during the 2020 nationwide protests resulting from the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officers.

In Wafa’s view, the community as a whole should be able to agree to commit to issues of social justice, “so that we can all live in peace and harmony.”

“All of these things we see now raise the alarm that we should be doing more to remove the barriers that exist between us, so that we can see we’re all human beings who despite our differences share many things in common,” Wafa said. “People need to get to know one another so they don’t fear each other and draw false assumptions about those who are different from them. We should be bringing humanity together and overcoming our fears of those we don’t know, while also celebrating our differences.”

MLK Day typically features a community service element in which students, faculty and staff spend part of the day volunteering out in the community. While COVID-19 mitigation efforts will prevent that this year, Ray said event participants will have the opportunity to register for programs that promote diversity and inclusion, including the campus’ well-regarded Diversity Circles.

Ray said King’s ideals apply well to the missions of academic institutions like Penn State Scranton — which is why it’s so crucial to pay homage to his legacy.

“Leaders are developed throughout their college experience and it is important to remind all of MLK’s journey,” Ray said. “His vision to provide equal and fair education to all is a principle of many institutions today. Equitable opportunities for all is the vision he had for the future of America, and we must continue to push that mission forward. That is the way to sustain a more diverse and inclusive society.”

For more information on the campus MLK Day Celebration, contact Ray at 570-963-2685 or djr5630@psu.edu.

For further information on the MLK Commission’s event, contact Pennington at 570-903-9450 or gsmlkcommission@gmail.com. And, for more on Amaechi, visit www.amaechiperformance.com.

PPP Reopens This Week

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), in consultation with the Treasury Department, announced that the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) will reopen the week of January 11 for new borrowers and certain existing PPP borrowers. To promote access to capital, initially only community financial institutions will be able to make First Draw PPP Loans on Monday, January 11, and Second Draw PPP Loans on Wednesday, January 13. The PPP will open to all participating lenders shortly thereafter. Updated PPP guidance outlining Program changes to enhance its effectiveness and accessibility was released on January 6 in accordance with the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Non-Profits, and Venues Act.

This round of the PPP continues to prioritize millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $284 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses through March 31, 2021, and by allowing certain existing PPP borrowers to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan.

“The historically successful Paycheck Protection Program served as an economic lifeline to millions of small businesses and their employees when they needed it most,” said Administrator Jovita Carranza.  “Today’s guidance builds on the success of the program and adapts to the changing needs of small business owners by providing targeted relief and a simpler forgiveness process to ensure their path to recovery.”

“The Paycheck Protection Program has successfully provided 5.2 million loans worth $525 billion to America’s small businesses, supporting more than 51 million jobs,” said Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin.  “This updated guidance enhances the PPP’s targeted relief to small businesses most impacted by COVID-19.  We are committed to implementing this round of PPP quickly to continue supporting American small businesses and their workers.”

Key PPP updates include:

  • PPP borrowers can set their PPP loan’s covered period to be any length between 8 and 24 weeks to best meet their business needs;
  • PPP loans will cover additional expenses, including operations expenditures, property damage costs, supplier costs, and worker protection expenditures;
  • The Program’s eligibility is expanded to include 501(c)(6)s, housing cooperatives, destination marketing organizations, among other types of organizations;
  • The PPP provides greater flexibility for seasonal employees;
  • Certain existing PPP borrowers can request to modify their First Draw PPP Loan amount; and
  • Certain existing PPP borrowers are now eligible to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan. 

A borrower is generally eligible for a Second Draw PPP Loan if the borrower:

  • Previously received a First Draw PPP Loan and will or has used the full amount only for authorized uses;
  • Has no more than 300 employees; and
  • Can demonstrate at least a 25% reduction in gross receipts between comparable quarters in 2019 and 2020.

The new guidance released includes:

For more information on SBA’s assistance to small businesses, visit sba.gov/ppp or treasury.gov/cares. 

ATHENA Award Eligibility

Qualifications:
  • Nominee must provide valuable service to improve the quality of life for others in the community.
  • Nominee must demonstrate excellence, creativity and initiative in her business or profession.
  • Nominee must demonstrate an ongoing advancement or progressive job growth in her career including significant leadership accomplishments and milestones along the way.
  • Nominee must possess a minimum of 10 years of professional business experience.
  • Nominee must actively assist women in achieving their full leadership potential.
Eligibility:
  • Previous Athena Award recipients are not eligible for nomination.
  • The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce staff are not eligible for nomination.
  • The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce board members are not eligible for nomination.
  • Athena committee members are not eligible for nomination.
  • Athena committee members may not score an application that they submit for nomination.
  • Nominees must own or be an employee of a business that is a member in good standing of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce.
  • Nominations must be received no later than January 20, 2022 at 4 p.m. Incomplete nominations will not be reviewed.
Selection Process:
  • Nominations will be live on www.scrantonchamber.com on January 2, 2022.
  • Nominations must be received by January 20, 2022 at 4 p.m.
  • The Athena Award committee will review all nominations and score independently.
  • The Athena Award winner will be announced by February 11, 2022.
  • The Athena Award will be presented at the International Women’s Day Celebration on March 8, 2023.

Geisinger Employees Begin Receiving Second Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine

Geisinger’s health care heroes are now receiving their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Wednesday morning, exactly 21 days since vaccine doses first were given within the health system, employees returned and rolled up their sleeves to get their second dose.

In three weeks Geisinger has ramped up to the point of more than 1,000 vaccines per day over the past week, totaling approximately 12,000 people with their first dose of the COVID vaccine. When people get their first doses, they’re scheduled immediately to receive their second dose. Receiving that second dose is a critical step in the COVID vaccine process. Both doses are necessary to trigger the immune response needed to develop an immunity level against COVID- 19.

Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center nurse Tara Skutack was the first health care worker to receive the second vaccine dose on Wednesday at the hospital.

“I received the COVID vaccine for my family and patients,” Skutack said. “I’m excited for a better and healthier future. So far, I’m feeling great.”

Resident physician Muhammad Sabih Saleem, M.D., said he received the vaccine as a step in moving forward, and as someone who cares for COVID patients.

“I currently work in the intensive care unit and see COVID patients every day,” Saleem said. “It’s up to us to take this first step forward so that everyone else will join us when the vaccine becomes available to them. I feel relieved after getting the vaccine — we have been waiting for it for a long time. It’s a step towards a better future.”

Geisinger has been receiving the Pfizer BioNTech and Moderna vaccines at facilities over the past few weeks. The Pfizer vaccine was received first, and front-line employee vaccines began on December 16. Both vaccines require two doses, with the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine requiring a second dose 21 days after the first, and the Moderna vaccine requiring a second dose 28 days after the first.

Emergency medicine physician Luke Sullivan, D.O., said his family was a major motivator for why he received the vaccine.

“I got the COVID vaccine so I could safely take care of my patients and remain healthy while doing so,” Sullivan said. “I also got it for my 2-year-old, my wife who works in healthcare, and my elderly parents, who I haven’t been able to see. It feels awesome to have received my second dose and I look toward the future.”

In line with state guidelines and recommendations, Geisinger has been focusing on vaccinating its employees and healthcare workers. Geisinger is in the process of reaching out to EMS personnel and community providers to coordinate their vaccines, in alignment with the PA Department of Health order to use 10 percent of the vaccine supply to vaccinate those in Tier 1A. The vaccine is being administered as quickly as it can, but is completely dependent on supply, staffing and the logistics with distribution.

While it’s expected to be well into the year until the vaccine becomes widely available to the public, Geisinger is working to make it easy to receive both COVID vaccine doses, including making the vaccine available at no cost to patients.

With more shipments of the vaccines making their way to Geisinger and many in the community receiving the vaccine, Geisinger continues to encourage the preventive measures that have been stressed to help stop the spread of the virus as it’s expected to be well into the summer before vaccines are readily available for all community members. Everyone, including those who receive the vaccine, should continue to properly wear a mask, avoid group gatherings, maintain physical distancing and practice proper handwashing.

For answers to questions about the vaccine, visit the Geisinger COVID-19 vaccine resources center at geisinger.org/COVIDvax.

CUTLINES:

Skutack COVID vaccine: Nurse Tara Skutack receives the second dose of the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine on Wednesday morning at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre. Skutack was one of the first Geisinger front-line healthcare workers to receive the first dose of the vaccine on December 16. Nurse Alison Krakosky administered this second dose.

Abbas COVID vaccine: Resident physician Sayeda Abbas, M.D., receives the second dose of the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine on Wednesday morning. Given by nurse Alison Krakosky at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre, Abbas was one of the first Geisinger employees to receive a COVID vaccine when it was first available on December 16.

Saleem COVID vaccine: Resident physician Muhammad Sabih Saleem, M.D., receives the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Wilkes- Barre. Saleem, one of the first front-line health care workers at Geisinger to receive a first dose, received this second dose of the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine from nurse Alison Krakosky.

Sullivan COVID vaccine: Geisinger emergency medicine physician Luke Sullivan, D.O., rolls up his sleeve to receive the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre on Wednesday. Sullivan received the second dose of the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine from nurse Alison Krakosky.

Step Inside a Snow Globe for Greenhouse Dining at Glass-wine.bar.kitchen

The weather outside may be frightful, but inside the greenhouse it’s delightful. Diners at Glass- wine.bar.kitchen will now get to see Paupack High Falls in a whole new light. Greenhouses and igloos were recently installed on the decks at Ledges Hotel overlooking the river gorge for socially distanced outdoor dining throughout winter.

Made of polycarbonate material, the four greenhouses measure 8 x 12 and can accommodate up to eight people for private dinners. Electric heaters keep things cozy while vents at the roof and over the door allow for natural air flow. “As the weather turned cold, we knew we needed to reimagine dining yet again,” explained Justin Genzlinger, Owner/CEO of Settlers Hospitality. “The greenhouses and igloos serve a practical purpose, but also enable us to offer our guests a new, unique experience. At night the greenhouses are illuminated and dining with a 360-degree view of the surrounding gorge- it really is a magical atmosphere.”

Guests in the greenhouses will enjoy a prix fixe menu served family style. There are two dining packages available- standard and deluxe. Both options boast a four-course meal featuring some of the signature fare from Glass-wine.bar.kitchen. The cheese/charcuterie board, a perennial favorite among diners at the restaurant, will get things started. The second course will bring a farmhouse salad and roasted garlic hummus. Depending upon the package, entrée options for the third course range from Bistro Steak and Sautéed Shrimp to Pan Seared Duck and Diver Scallops. The final course features an assortment of hand selected desserts. Upgrades are also available such as a French Onion Soup Hot Pot for the table. Greenhouses may be reserved for dinner seven days a week. There’s  a $350 minimum per greenhouse and a $100 non-refundable deposit is required to hold a reservation.

Glass-wine.bar.kitchen also added to its outdoor dining options with the introduction of igloos. Setup on the deck overlooking the falls, there are two heated igloos that can accommodate up to four people for a la carte dining. The restaurant is open seven days a week for indoor dining, outdoor dining on the enclosed deck and take-out. Menus are available at ledgeshotel.com

For more information, check out SettlersHospitality.com.

Lackawanna College Assigns Key Leadership Role

Lackawanna College President Dr. Jill Murray has named Stephanie Decker as the Associate Vice President of Social and Economic Impact and a member of the President’s cabinet. Decker previously served as the Executive Director of Social and Economic Impact and as the Program Director for the Lackawanna College Kiesendahl School of Hospitality. In this role, she assisted in the creation of new associate degree programs and the region’s only bachelor’s degree in restaurant and foodservice management. Under her leadership, her colleagues opened the student-run restaurant, 409 on Adams, which distinguished Lackawanna’s School of Hospitality as a school of choice for students to advance their careers in the hospitality industry. 

Decker has served in a leadership role on specialized teams dedicated to driving the formation of new and innovative programs at Lackawanna College, including the region’s first collegiate esports program and ecommerce initiatives. Additionally, she guided her leadership team in transitioning the College’s cafeteria from a retail-style foodservice program to a full-service, high-end cafeteria, which now serves students and the college community. She assisted in the development and execution of the College’s Food for Thought program, The Giving Room and the College’s fellowship program.

Marywood University Wraps Up Its “Making Spirits Bright” Campaign Successfully

Marywood University’s answer to encouraging prayer, sharing gifts, and uplifting people through November and through New Year’s Day is a success. Marywood University began its festivities in November with its “Making Spirits Bright,” initiative, prior to students leaving campus to finish the remainder of their semesters online.

The students desire to help plan and share in the holiday event, which has become such a special part of their Marywood experience, was the catalyst for campus representatives to gather with students and find creative, community-minded solutions. The timeline also connected to the spirit of Marywood’s sponsors, the IHM Congregation, who celebrate their Founders’ Month in November.

Marywood University’s Community Christmas Card Writing project yielded nearly 5,500 Christmas cards that were delivered to 18 different groups locally, nationally and internationally. Participants included 17 clubs and campus organizations, 2 athletic teams, 21 additional individual students, 58 staff members, 20 departments, 5 faculty, 1 retiree, the retired IHM sisters living at Our Lady of Peace residence, and 97 students at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Elementary School, Dunmore, Pa.

Recipients of the Community Christmas Card Writing project included Marywood Heights residents, Our Lady of Peace residents and staff, NativityMiguel School students and staff, the Gino Merli Veterans Centers residents and staff, St. Francis Commons residents and staff, Regional Hospital staff, Moses Taylor Hospital staff, Geisinger CMC staff, St. Joseph’s Center residents and staff, Friends of the Poor staff, the children in Big Friends Little Friends after-school program, and active/deployed military members.

Marywood University also collected a record number of gifts this year, thanks to the generosity of the “Making Spirits Bright” initiative. More than 160 gifts were provided to local children/teens through Friends of the Poor, 73 gifts were provided to Marywood Heights residents, and 146 items for persons experiencing homelessness were donated to the Keystone Rescue Mission.

Marywood University’s “Making Spirits Bright” kicked off its campaign with an Outdoor Tree Lighting and Blessing of Nativity. Student groups typically create ornaments for the tree, but, since it was an outdoor event this year, the student organizations decided to participate in campus decorating efforts with Marywood’s Grounds/Maintenance staff. Campus decorating was completed by 18 volunteers who contributed 54 hours of service to decorate campus.

Marywood University continues its “Making Spirits Bright” project through New Year’s Day. The “Light Up Campus” drive through light display will remain in place through the New Year. Additionally, Marywood University’s award-winning, student-run radio station, WMFM 91.7, will continue its traditional community gift of broadcasting commercial-free Christmas music, 24/7 through News Year’s Eve. And, Marywood University’s concerts, events, mass, and chats can be accessed, at youtube.com/watch?list=PLNBU0ru7D18C-3quPrCUVwxt2FTeHZD6I&v=r_pZAXVqVO4&feature=emb_title.

To check out all of Marywood University’s “Making Spirits Bright” initiatives, please visit marywood.edu/article/2020-Making-Spirits-Bright.