Johnson College Receives $2,500 Grant

Johnson College has been awarded a $2,500 grant from the Robert H. Spitz Foundation, managed by the Scranton Area Community Foundation. This grant will support low-cost spay and neuter surgeries as well as vaccines for low-income pet owners in our community.  

As many people struggle to feed their families every week, family pets, while loved dearly, are not always updated on rabies vaccines and spay/neuter procedures until finances are available. This grant will help these families take proper care of and responsibility for their pets covering blood work, surgery, anesthesia, and pain medication. 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 Nurses upon passing the Veterinary Technician National Exam.  

“This grant will greatly support both our Veterinary Nursing Program students and low-income pet-owning families within our community,” said Dr. Katie Leonard, President & CEO of Johnson College. The care and treatment of these pets will give our students hands-on training to prepare them for their national exams and to enter the workforce.”

Johnson College Forklift Operator Training Course

Johnson College’s Continuing Education program is offering a Forklift Operator Training Course on Saturday, December 17, 2022, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Diesel Truck Technology Center on the College’s campus in Scranton. The cost of the course is $200, but if you are a current Johnson College student or alum the cost is only $100. Space is limited! Visit johnson.edu/continuingeducation or contact our Continuing Education team at 570-702-8979 or continuinged@johnson.edu to learn more and enroll.

The forklift operator training is designed to familiarize students with OSHA Powered Industrial Truck Operator Training Requirements (29CFR Standard 1910.178 and ASME B56.1), provide current training requirements under the newly adopted standards, and assist participants in becoming an authorized operator of forklifts through theory and tactile testing. Nine hours of instruction including pre-operational inspection, picking up, traveling, and placing loads, parking procedures, refueling, and practical operation.

Artworks To Host “Purely Pastel”Art Exhibit

Join us at ArtWorks Gallery and Studio on First Friday, November 4th, from 5-9 pm for Purely Pastel, an exhibition of recent works by Lisa Cunningham and Joe Kluck.

 LISA CUNNINGHAM is an artist based in Northeastern Pennsylvania who creates two-dimensional works of art using soft pastels as her desired medium. About her work, the artist states, “It is my intention to create work that allows us to stay connected with the places we see and experience every day. Architecture in our environment, throughout our cities and rural landscapes, incorporates history, culture, and purpose for each of us.” A classically trained, representational artist with degrees in fine art and education, Cunningham finds inspiration through travel and the simple things that exist in everyday life. Cunningham’s work is represented by Patricia Hutton Galleries (PA), Sheldon Fine Art (FL), and Cooper & Smith (CT).

 JOE KLUCK is an artist based in Northeastern Pennsylvania who creates two-dimensional works of art using soft pastels as his desired medium. Kluck’s accolades include earning Master Pastelist status from the Pastel Society of America and Master Circle Status from the International Association of Pastel Societies (IAPS). Throughout his career, he has concentrated his studio practice on depicting subject matter, including but not limited to automobiles, landscapes, still life imagery, and favorite past times. In addition to his work as a Pastelist, Kluck has specialized in hand-carved gold leaf signage, teaching through visual art, and working as a Cartoon Artist, where his 1980’s “Onionhead” series was featured in newspapers across the U.S., South Africa, and the Phillippines.

WVIA Announced as RACP Recipient

WVIA has been announced as the recipient of a $2.25 million dollar award from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) of Pennsylvania.

“We are grateful to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for selecting WVIA as a recipient of RACP funding among so many worthy applications.  For over 50 years, WVIA has been proud to serve this region, and we look forward to continuing our tradition of excellence for generations to come” said Carla McCabe, WVIA President, and CEO. “Thank you to our board members and community leaders who advocated on behalf of WVIA for this grant award as well as James Davis and the team at Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies for their support in the process.”

Keystone College To Offer Servsafe Class

Keystone College will offer a ServSafe manager certification class on Monday, November 7 from 9 a.m.– 5 p.m. at 120 College Avenue, Factoryville.The training will cover topics involving food-borne illnesses and health risks that commercial food service establishments must learn in order to provide safe food for customers.

Geisinger Health Plan Store Holds Ribbon Cutting

Geisinger Health Plan Store held a ribbon cutting to celebrate its grand reopening at 2266 Wilkes-Barre Township Marketplace.

Open in Wilkes-Barre since 2015, the store, formerly known as Geisinger Community Place, recently underwent renovations and a rebranding to make it easier for residents of Luzerne County to stop in and talk to representatives about healthcare coverage.

“Choosing a healthcare plan doesn’t have to be a challenge. This retail space allows for one-on-one conversations to make the process easier,” said Roger van Baaren, chief sales officer for Geisinger Health Plan. “Our goal is to make sure each person who comes through our doors feels welcome and informed as our team helps them find the right coverage for themselves or their families through a variety of plans to meet their needs and their budget.”

Open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., the store is staffed with licensed insurance advisors and customer service representatives who can help answer questions about Medicare Advantage plans, options for individuals and families, Medical Assistance and CHIP for children up to age 19.

The space also serves as a community resource for events and special occasions, free of charge. It includes a conference room that fits up to 25 guests, plenty of parking, a computer, projector and screen, internet access and space for food and beverages. In the past, the store has been used to showcase the work of local artists and host community events as well as health and wellness fairs.

Gerrity’s To Give Employees Appreciation Bonus

Gerrity’s Supermarkets has spent the past two months transitioning its stores to The Fresh Grocer banner. The project is now close to wrapping up and the owners of Gerrity’s The Fresh recently surprised their 1,300 employees with a bonus of up to $250.

“This has been a major effort for our teams. It’s a change that we know makes us better, but it’s
also a challenge that involved our entire staff and we’d like to say thanks with this bonus,” said
Joyce ‘Mom’ Fasula, President of Gerrity’s Supermarkets. “Ultimately, we know the conversion is
worth it because it will help our customers find even more great products and lower their grocery
bill.”

The Fresh Grocer specializes in serving high quality, fresh prepared foods to communities in
Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and is a registered trademark of the retailer owned cooperative
Wakefern Food Corp. The transition to the Fresh Grocer format means Gerrity’s customers can
expect new products, services and lower prices but can rest easy that their favorite aspects of the
Gerrity’s experience will remain, including Gerrity’s ownership, recipes, people, and service. The
stores have converted one at a time each week since August.

The Fasula’s have recognized that the process has required everyone to go above and beyond the
call of duty. To show their gratitude for everything their team has done to help Gerrity’s rebrand
from Shursave to The Fresh Grocer, the Fasula family is giving associates a bonus. Anyone
employed for the four weeks of each store’s conversion is eligible for an appreciation bonus of up
to $250. Full-Time employees will receive $250, and part-time associates is receiving a prorated
amount based on how many hours they worked. The amounts received will be prorated based on a
40-hour workweek for each of the four weeks. The total investment Gerrity’s is making in their
team will be over $350,000.

Scranton Area Community Foundation To Host Educational Seminar

The Scranton Area Community Foundation, in partnership with the Estate Planning Council of Northeastern Pennsylvania, will host Understanding Foundations, Donor Advised Funds, and Other Forms of Philanthropy, an educational presentation with keynote speaker Donald W. Kramer, Esq., on November 3, 2022, at the Century Club of Scranton (612 Jefferson Avenue, Scranton).

This presentation aims to give professional advisors an understanding of the rules that distinguish various philanthropic structures. Continuing education is available, including 1.5 hours of CLE credit for attorneys (including .5 hours of ethics credit), 1.5 hours of CPE credit for accountants (including .5 hours of ethics credit), and investment professionals. In addition to professional advisors, this presentation is for nonprofit executives, staff, and board; as well as individuals interested in learning more about charitable structures, philanthropy, and estate planning.

Donald W. Kramer, Esq., a Philadelphia attorney and editor of the newsletter Nonprofit Issues®, will share the advantages and disadvantages of private foundations, public charities, donor-advised funds, supporting organizations, single-member limited liability companies, and other forms of charitable activity. Attorney Kramer will compare the limitations of private foundations and will discuss ways to reduce the impact of restrictions for private foundation managers and grantees. He will also share about alternate means for charitable activity and the growth of 501(c)(4) social welfare organizations as non-charitable organizations used for charitable activity.

Additionally, the Scranton Area Community Foundation’s President and CEO Laura Ducceschi, along with CEOs from other foundations in Northeastern Pennsylvania, will provide a brief overview of the current landscape of community needs and trends that can inspire philanthropy and drive charitable intent. Registration, which includes lunch, is $25 for the general public ($20 for Estate Planning Council of NEPA Members). Registration is open now at the Estate Planning Council of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s website, epcnepa.org.  The presentation will begin at 11:30 a.m. and will conclude at 2:30 p.m., with the keynote speaker and lunch taking place at noon and the presentation with local foundations beginning at 1:15 p.m.

Wolf Administration Hosts Roundtable Discussion with Teens on Safe Driving

During a face-to-face forum at Red Land High School in Lewisberry today, representatives from the Pennsylvania departments of Transportation (PennDOT) and Education and Pennsylvania State Police, as well as local education and law enforcement representatives shared their collective driver safety knowledge with students from Red Land and Cedar Cliff high schools.

“Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for teens,” said PennDOT Deputy Secretary for Driver and Vehicle Services Kurt Myers. “Parents and teachers have an important role to play in helping new drivers establish safe driving habits.”

The forum was held to call attention to teen driver safety and share important information directly with teen drivers during the nationwide observance of Teen Driver Safety Week October 16-22, and gave students an opportunity to directly ask questions of the panel.

From 2017 to 2021, there were 81,364 crashes involving at least one 16- to 19-year- old driver in Pennsylvania, resulting in 480 fatalities. 66 percent of those crashes involved a teen driver driving too fast for conditions (25,721 crashes), driver inexperience (8,707), driver distraction (12,411) or improper/careless turning (13,092). There was a total of 53,673 crashes with one or more of these factors. 

The risk of a crash involving any of these factors can be reduced through practice, limiting the number of passengers riding with a new driver, obeying all rules of the road, and using common sense.

“Setting a good example in the driver’s seat is one of the most important things you can do as a parent or caregiver of a teen driver,” said Colonel Robert Evanchick, commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police. “Positive examples include eliminating distractions in the vehicle, obeying the speed limit, never driving while impaired, and remembering to buckle up every time.”

PennDOT suggests that parents consider the following recommendations to help their children become safe and responsible drivers:

  • Set a good example with your own driving habits.
  • Have regular conversations with your teen about safe driving skills before they get their learner’s permit.
  • Establish a parent/teen driving contract.
  • Ride with your teen occasionally after they receive their license to monitor driving skills.
  • Enforce observance of speed limits and other rules of the road.
  • Strongly encourage your teen to avoid distractions behind the wheel, such as talking or texting on their cell phone.
  • Limit the number of passengers they have in their vehicle. Limit the number of passengers they have in their vehicle.  State law prohibits 16- and 17-year-olds with a junior license from driving with more than one unrelated passenger under the age of 18 years old for the first six months.  After the first six months, a junior driver shall not drive a vehicle with more than three unrelated passengers under 18 years old.
  • Limit dawn, dusk, and nighttime driving until your teen gains more experience and enforce a curfew. Remember, state law prohibits 16- and 17-year-olds with a junior license from driving between 11:00 PM and 5:00 AM
  • Gradually increase the amount of time/distance your teen is permitted to drive.

“Driving a car requires experience, skill, and undivided attention – all factors that improve with repetition and training,” said Acting Department of Education Secretary Eric Hagarty. “Through driver education training programs, teenage drivers receive valuable instruction that prepares them to get behind the wheel, keeping themselves, their passengers, and fellow drivers safe on the road.”

As part of ongoing efforts to educate and assist teen drivers, PennDOT invites teens, their parents, teachers, and others to share video messages on Instagram about the personal costs of a crash, close calls, and advice on avoiding crashes. Anyone can join in this important conversation by using the hashtag #PATeenDriver.

Representative Karen Boback News

Boback’s Bill to Rename a Wyoming County Bridge in Honor of Veterans and First Responders Awaits Governor’s Signature

A bill sponsored by Rep. Karen Boback (R-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Wyoming) to rename a Wyoming County bridge in honor of local veterans and first responders was sent to the governor’s desk for his signature after its unanimous final approval by the House of Representatives on Tuesday.

“As majority chairman of the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, I have a great understanding of the sacrifices made by our veterans and first responders,” said Boback. “Now everyone who travels over this bridge will forever be reminded of their contributions to our country and communities.”

Boback’s measure designates the bridge carrying State Route 29 over the Susquehanna River in Tunkhannock Borough and Eaton Township, Wyoming County, as the “Wyoming County Veteran and First Responder Bridge of Valor.” The bill also directs PennDOT to erect and maintain signs in both directions displaying the new name of the bridge.  

Boback’s legislation was one of two dozen bridge or highway renaming proposals included in House Bill 2637.

Boback Receives Guardian of Small Business Award   

Rep. Karen Boback (R-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Wyoming) was honored to receive the Guardian of Small Business award from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) for the 2021-22 session of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. The award is based on a voting record which encourages the success of small and independent businesses. Pictured with Boback are, from left, Jeff Wakeen and Warren Hudak, NFIB Pennsylvania Leadership Council members. 

Boback Receives Lifetime Achievement Award from City & State Pennsylvania Magazine

Nearing the end of her eighth and final term in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, Rep. Karen Boback (R-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Wyoming) has received a Lifetime Achievement Award from City & State Pennsylvania Magazine. The award was presented during a ceremony last week in Philadelphia.  

In its latest issue, the magazine honored 50 of the “most prominent leaders in Pennsylvania government, advocacy, labor, business, academia and media who are over the age of 50.” Ten of them, including Boback, were also Lifetime Achievement Award winners, “who have made lasting contributions to Pennsylvania by helping shape their communities through successful business endeavors, civic engagement and service to local and state government.” 

“What a surprise to be recognized in this way for a lifetime of accomplishments, including my years in the Legislature,” said Boback. “This is certainly a highlight in my life!”

Boback holds a doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania and taught in the public school system for 33 years. She served as majority chairman of the House Children and Youth Committee and currently serves as majority chairman of the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee. Boback sponsored and helped to initiate a myriad of legislative measures that make Pennsylvania a better place to live and raise children.