Lexington Entertainment Holiday Performance Schedule Sunday, December 15 DOUG SMITH’S DIXIELAND ALL-STARS 5:00 – 7:00 New Orleans Christmas Villa Maria, 1610 Washburn Street, Scranton, PA Wednesday, December 25 JIM WALTICH / DOUG SMITH JAZZ DUO Noon – 5:00 Christmas Dinner Skytop Lodge’s Windsor Dining Room, Skytop, PA
Let’s CHOP Out Hunger for Kids this Holiday Season Help Us Feed 45,000 Children Weekly! Volunteer at CHOP Out Hunger’s New Scranton Warehouse Join us in our mission to end child hunger across Pennsylvania! CHOP Out Hunger relies on dedicated volunteers to help provide nutritious meals to 45,000 kids in need each week. Ways to Make a Difference:Packing Support: Assemble weekend backpack bags for childrenPop-Up Pantries: Help distribute fresh food to familiesOffice Assistance: Aid with administrative tasksYour time and effort give children the fuel they need to thrive. Become part of our movement to create a hunger-free future. Sign up here.
Enjoy a “Sweet” Treat this Holiday Season Electric City Sweets is here to sweeten up your season! 🌟 Not just a beloved local treat, but your go-to for customized corporate gifts that impress. From our fully personalized Signature 10 Pack to elegant truffle boxes adorned with a ribbon and custom hangtag, we’ve got your holiday gifting covered. Simplify your shopping and share the sweetest memories with us. 🍫 🚚 Free Local Delivery 🚚 Shipping Nationwide
Lackawanna College Partners with MMI for Pre-College Program MMI Preparatory School, located in Freeland near Hazleton, has approved a pre-college agreement with Lackawanna College, enabling MMI students to earn college credits while still in high school. This agreement, finalized in October 2024, follows an extensive evaluation process in which MMI reviewed area colleges and selected Lackawanna College to partner with for Pre-College programs. “Jennifer Novotney (Director of Curriculum and Instruction at MMI) and I met with approximately a dozen colleges and universities this summer, and very quickly Lackawanna College rose to the top, not only for the college’s experience with Pre-College programs but the ability to work together and move quickly,” said Dr. Tammy M. Chrin, Ed.D., Director of College Counseling at MMI Preparatory School. Currently, 40 eligible MMI students are set to benefit from the initiative, with the program already in place and being collaboratively administered by MMI and Lackawanna College staff. “I am excited to be working with MMI, their staff, faculty, and students. This partnership will help students earn college credits before graduating from high school and save their families thousands of dollars in the process. We are proud to be a part of this process for the families of MMI,” said Phillip Campbell, Director of College Partnerships at Lackawanna College. MMI students have the flexibility to take classes online, attend courses at the Lackawanna College Hazleton Center, or participate in concurrent classes held at MMI Preparatory School. “Our students are really excited about the concurrent enrollment opportunities that are available. We currently have 29 credits available over junior and senior year that students can earn college credit for,” said Dr. Chrin. “I’ve introduced associate degree options to our students through the Level Up program and we have a number of students, especially our sophomore class, who are considering earning an associate degree before they would earn their high school diploma.” Lackawanna College promotes the following goals through its partnership with MMI Preparatory School: Enable high school students to earn college credits, saving time and money toward their higher education goals. Provide exposure to college-level coursework, easing the transition from high school to higher education. Offer pathways to career-focused programs. Help students explore fields of study before committing to a major. “This is something we’ve been looking at for quite some time here at MMI, a partnership that give us the opportunity to offer our students both concurrent and dual enrollment classes,” said Marci Hosier Assistant Head of School at MMI. “We know this is something that is extremely timely and relevant for our students and their families, and our staff has done a fantastic job working with Lackawanna College in getting this up and off the ground.” About MMI Preparatory School For 145 years, MMI Preparatory School has been providing dedicated area students with a comprehensive and inspiring 6th through 12th grade college preparatory program that maximizes each individual’s academic, social, and character potential in preparation for success in college and beyond. The school is jointly accredited by the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools (PAIS) and the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS). MMI is a school where every student can reach their full potential: academically, ethically, and socially. For more information about MMI Preparatory School, visit www.mmiprep.org or call 570-636-1108. About Lackawanna College’s Pre-College Program Lackawanna College’s Pre-College Programs provide high school students with the opportunity to jump-start their college journey by earning credits while still in high school. These programs offer flexibility, allowing students to take college-level courses online, on-campus, or directly within their high schools. By participating, students can save on tuition costs, explore various academic disciplines, and gain valuable experience that prepares them for the transition to higher education. With a focus on academic enrichment and college readiness, Lackawanna College empowers students to take the first step toward achieving their educational goals.
Geisinger Gold Medicare Advantage Enrollment Deadline Approaching Dec. 7 deadline to sign up for a plan that helps seniors fill coverage gaps With the Dec. 7 Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) deadline quickly approaching, there’s still time for eligible seniors to evaluate and enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan for 2025. Medicare Advantage plans help older adults fill healthcare gaps that traditional Medicare does not cover, such as vision, dental and prescription benefits.Geisinger Gold Medicare Advantage plans offer supplemental benefits and comprehensive health coverage with access to 64,000+ in-network physicians and more than 225 hospitals. As an added perk, all Geisinger Gold plan members can join Geisinger 65 Forward, a program that delivers concierge care focused on older adults. At a 65 Forward Health Center, members enjoy: Same-day appointments to see the doctor faster Longer 1:1 time with the doctor Social and educational activities A personal wellness plan, including state-of-the-art fitness equipment, exercise classes and wellness coordinators Geisinger’s program data indicates participation in programs like 65 Forward lowers emergency room visits by 40% and inpatient admissions by 15%. Learn more about Geisinger’s Medicare Advantage health plans at go.geisinger.org/ourplans. Information sessions are also taking place at various locations. To sign up for a session, visit: go.geisinger.org/seminar.
ThermoLite Celebrates 50-year Anniversary ThermoLite, a highly respected industry leader of high-quality insulated glass manufacturing, was founded in 1974 by Joe Mesko Sr., and three of his sons, Joe, Gary, and George, as a vertically integrated supplier of insulated glass. The launch of ThermoLite fifty years ago enabled Mesko Glass to better control the quality and timely delivery of insulated glass to better serve their growing customer base. Today through their corporate headquarters and expansive manufacturing facility, both located in northeast Pennsylvania, ThermoLite produces vinyl windows in various sizes and shapes, and also distributes sliding patio doors. ThermoLite provides vinyl windows and insulating glass for homes and businesses and coordinates with contractors and architects throughout a 150-mile multi-state radius of Scranton, PA. President John Mesko states with great pride that “in our 50th year we are stronger than ever and have adapted exceptionally well to the ever-evolving window and glass manufacturing landscape. I am very proud of the state-of-the-art vinyl window and glass products we provide our customers. I am equally proud of ThermoLite’s loyal employees that we interact with daily.” ThermoLite has numerous certifications for window and glass products by independent third-party organizations dedicated to advancing the industry by promoting growth, quality, and innovation. John Mesko added, “ThermoLite has built a legacy of quality and service!”
The University of Scranton Hosts Data Science Competition High School Students Participate in Data Science Competition High School students from Carbondale Area, Mid Valley, Scranton Prep and Valley View participated in The University of Scranton’s inaugural Data Science Day Competition. Supported by a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant awarded to University mathematics professor Joseph Klobusicky, Ph.D., the interactive competition included a tutorial introduction to data science and the computer software that would be used during the competition. The day also included a luncheon keynote address by Melinda Kleczynski, Ph.D., a post-doctoral scholar at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and remarks from Carolyn Barry, Ph.D., dean of Scranton’s College of Arts and Sciences. University students majoring in mathematics and other fields assisted with the competition. The high school students competed in an individual and a doubles division. In the individual division, Scranton Prep seniors Ethan Fenner (1st place), Vincent You (2nd place), and Ryan Flaim (3rd place) were recognized. Pictured from left are Ryan Flaim, Vincent You, Ethan Fenner, and Dr. Klobusicky. In the doubles division, sophomores from Mid Valley Secondary Center Giada Vagni, Olyphant, and Zackary Buza, Throop, came in first place. Seniors from Scranton Prep Logan Dixon, Factoryville, and Sam DeNaples, Moscow, placed second. Data Science is a growing, much-in-demand field. A knowledge of probability and statistics is crucial, as they are considered the “mathematical back bone” of data analysis, according to Dr. Klobusicky. For graduates of Scranton’s class of 2023, those majoring in data analysis had one of the highest salaries reported ($70,800) in its post-graduate survey. Additional information about undergraduate programs in mathematics at The University of Scranton can be found on the department’s webpage.
Greater Scranton YMCA Receives Grant from PPL Foundation The Greater Scranton YMCA is pleased to announce it has received a $5,000 grant from the PPL Foundation. These funds will support the Y’s Summer Scholars Program, a free six-week summer learning program. The goal of Summer Scholars is to prevent summer learning loss for children from low- income families through a combination of literacy instruction (using the Four Blocks Model), enrichment activities aligned to literacy instruction and positive youth development opportunities. The program targets struggling readers and serves rising first, second and third grade students attending the Dunmore and Mid Valley School Districts. “The Greater Scranton YMCA is so grateful to the PPL Foundation for their generosity,” said Rich Surridge, President & CEO. “Thanks in part to this grant award, and additional support from local foundations, businesses, and proceeds from the Annual Harry P. McGrath Memorial Golf Tournament, our YMCA will continue providing the Summer Scholars Program for struggling readers in our community at no cost to families. It’s because of the commitment of community partners like the PPL Foundation that we are able to serve those in need.” For more information about the Summer Scholars Program, contact Helen Cruser, Education Director, at hcruser@gsymca.org.
