The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement is bringing “The Good of the Hive,” a global mural project by artist Matt Willey that raises awareness about the importance of pollinators, to downtown Scranton as part of Scranton Tomorrow’s Mural Arts Program. The month-long project is scheduled to begin the week of Sunday, Aug. 14.

Academic sponsor, Lackawanna College, will host a lecture by the artist on Friday, October 14 at 6 p.m. at the institution’s theater, 501 Vine St., Scranton. Seating for the free event is on a first-come, first-served basis.

The mural, on the side of the Civic Theater Building, 234 Mifflin Ave., will bring the artist closer to his personal commitment of hand-painting 50,000 honeybees — the number of bees in a healthy, thriving hive — in murals around the world.

“We are both excited and honored to be the premier sponsor of this unique mural project in Scranton,” said Kara Seitzinger, director of public affairs and advisor liaison to the president and CEO of The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education. “We hope it will inspire the community to think collectively, in the same way honeybees do. The health of the honeybees is predicated on the health of the hive, not an individual bee.

“It’s the perfect metaphor for the COVID-19 pandemic: The health of the community is based on the behaviors and health of us all, not just one individual,” she added.

Willey’s mission is to ignite curiosity and active engagement around planetary health issues through art, bees and storytelling. His vision is a world filled with people that see and experience the beauty and connectedness of all things. “The hive I’m creating is a metaphor for us all: No matter your color, nationality, religion, gender, age or economic status. This piece of art is an idealized picture of health to focus on as we work toward solutions,” he said.

The worldwide mural project demonstrates perseverance in the face of adversity. Six years into an estimated 20-year project, Willey has created 35 murals and installations with more than 8,600 hand-painted bees. He has reached hundreds of thousands of people and created large-scale works at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington D.C., Dag Hammarskjold Plaza in New York City and Burt’s Bees Global Headquarters in Durham, North Carolina.

The artist has collaborated with the World Council of Peoples for the United Nations (WCPUN) and New York City’s Art in the Parks Public Art Program. He has painted his murals at schools across the country and in the United Kingdom. In October of 2021, his art was displayed at the American Embassy in Beijing, China.

Willey has shared the stories of “The Good of the Hive” through speaking engagements at the United Nations, the Food and Agriculture Organization, and the German and French Embassies in Washington D.C., Smithsonian’s National Zoo, Duke University, Georgetown University, the Planetary Health Alliance 2018 annual meeting in Scotland, many podcasts, including the National Education Association, and educational institutions throughout the United States.

His work has been featured in The New York Times, Reuters London, The Today Show, The Huffington Post, The Washington Post, and countless other publications and media channels.

The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement’s mission is to improve the health and welfare of the community through education, advocacy and patient-centered services and efforts directed toward the social and economic determinants of health. Its 18-member board, comprised of Wright Center for Community Health patients and area professionals, helps the region’s less fortunate, including those experiencing homelessness, poverty, food insecurity, social isolation and other hardships.

For more information about The Wright Centers for Patient & Community Engagement, go to TheWrightCenter.org. 

Johnson College received a $10,000 contribution from Gibbons Ford in support of the College’s comprehensive, five-year capital campaign, Innovation at Work.

Gibbons Ford is a long-standing industry partner with Johnson College. They support the College and its students by making monetary and in-kind contributions, participating in the Automotive Technology program advisory committee, hosting student interns, and inviting students to participate in live program labs inside their dealership in Dickson City, PA.

“The best thing we can invest in is our future and the students at Johnson College are that future,” said Darryl Jayne, General Manager, Gibbons Ford.

“Generous contributions to our capital campaign from industry partners like Gibbons Ford, help the College continue to deliver to students the real-world, hands-on experience for which we are known,” said Dr. Katie Leonard, President & CEO, Johnson College. “Working with industry gives our students a competitive edge in the workplace as they are exposed daily to new technologies, emerging fields of study and the most sophisticated equipment.”

The Innovation at Work campaign consists of four components that will create an environment for continued growth and success: the construction of Ideal Saldi Hall, a new gateway building that will become the official entrance to the campus and include new lab and classroom spaces; the expansion of Woolworth Hall, which houses on-campus lab space for programs including Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning and Electrical Construction Technology; the creation of a Transportation Education Center; and support of the College’s Annual Fund and student scholarships. For more details about the “Innovation at Work” campaign, visit johnson.edu/innovationatwork.

Johnson College provides real-world, hands-on learning in a caring environment and prepares graduates to enter into or advance their careers. Johnson College degrees become essential careers. Johnson College was founded in 1912 and is the region’s premier technical college, offering 17 associate degrees and 4 academic certificate programs. A low student-to-teacher ratio supports an emphasis on hands-on instruction. Located in Scranton on a 44-acre campus, the College is an accredited, private, non-profit, co-educational institution with a strong tradition of working with regional businesses and industries to ensure a skilled and qualified workforce. For additional information on Johnson College, please call 1-800-2-WE-WORK, email enroll@johnson.edu, or visit Johnson.edu.

Lackawanna College is still enrolling students and providing student services even though Angeli Hall in Scranton is temporarily closed.

Admissions, Financial Aid and all student services remain operational and ready to serve the student community at their temporary location at 409 on Adams, the student-run restaurant at 409 Adams Street in Scranton.

Angeli Hall, at 501 Vine Street, temporarily closed Monday after an unforeseen water issue. College officials are working quickly to reopen the building.

“Lackawanna College is still open for business and enrolling students despite the situation at Angeli Hall,” said Lackawanna College President Dr. Jill Murray. “This was an unforeseen situation but we were able to meet this challenge and continue to offer our student services with no interruptions. We want students and prospective students to know we are here, open and ready to serve their needs.”

Murray thanked the following people and companies for the work on Angeli Hall. They are: Tom Bohns, Mechanical Systems; John Ondich, Advanced Electrical; Serv-Pro; Scranton Fire Department; UGI; PPL; Pennsylvania American Water; Lackawanna College facilities staff; and P&J Mechanical Contractors.

For questions or assistance, people can email scrantonadvisors@lackawanna.edu or call (570) 955-3327.

Outreach – Center for Community Resources will host its third annual Children’s Career Fair at Outreach, 431 North 7^th Avenue, Scranton on Saturday, August 27, 2022, from 10 AM to 1 PM.

Driving Children’s Futures is this year’s theme as Outreach offers the opportunity for kids of all ages to learn about the multiple forms of vehicles utilized in careers today. A tank, ambulance, fire truck, skid steer, and several other large trucks will be on display for kids to explore while interacting with the professionals that handle them on a daily basis.

It’s never too early for children to think about a career, and research shows that every experience of a child helps develop their understanding of the world. An innovative event that encourages parents and their young or elementary-aged children to engage in career exploration, the Outreach Children’s Career Fair provides an opportunity for children to interact with professionals from numerous businesses and career fields and then dream about what they want to be when they grow up! By introducing young children to potential career options early on in life, parents can keep children focused and engaged in academics throughout their school years, a building block needed to create a well-educated workforce, and help them gain an understanding of their place in the world as productive, employed adults.

Children and parents will have the opportunity to explore over 30 careers through fun and interactive activities. Several local companies will also be offering information on current employment opportunities within their companies.  The Outreach Children’s Career Fair is free and open to all families with children interested in interacting with businesses and exploring future career possibilities!

For more information, please call Lori Ryan at (570)-558-7565.

The Wolf Administration today joined Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful representatives to announce the launch of the statewide anti-litter campaign, “PA Fights Dirty: Every Litter Bit Matters.” 

A litter-prevention campaign was among many state and local government, stakeholder, business, and legislative recommendations in the commonwealth’s first-ever Litter Action Plan released last year.

“As a commonwealth we recognize we need to change behavior, not just clean up the mess,” PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian said. “With our collective efforts and this litter-prevention campaign we are confident we can reduce litter in Pennsylvania.”

“Every Litter Bit Matters” calls upon Pennsylvanians to ensure every piece of their trash, regardless of size, is disposed of properly. The campaign is based on research that shows only 3% of Pennsylvanians approve of littering, yet 40 to 50 percent litter. “Every Litter Bit Matters” will educate Pennsylvanians on situational littering, such as leaving trash on the ground next to a full can or in a stadium, as well as remind Pennsylvanians that litter of all sizes stacks up and creates problems.

“Litter isn’t just ugly to look at. It can cause environmental contamination and put public health at risk,” said Department of Environmental Protection Acting Secretary Ramez Ziadeh. “Litter can leach chemicals into our land and water, and act as breeding grounds for mosquitoes that carry West Nile Virus.”

PA Fights Dirty was developed as part of the Wolf Administration’s Litter Action Plan and in response to the 2019 Pennsylvania Litter Research Study, which found Pennsylvania has more than 500 million pieces of litter on its roadways. More than 85 percent of these pieces are less than four inches in size. “Every Litter Bit Matters” encourages Pennsylvanians to properly dispose of even their smallest pieces of trash.

In addition to improving aesthetics and pride, a goal of “Every Litter Bit Matters” is to reduce litter-related costs, which are currently around $350 million each year.

“As we work hand-in-hand with local community leaders, they frequently mention the challenges they face with litter – a challenge that impacts property values, business attraction, quality of life, health, and so much more,” said DCED Acting Secretary Neil Weaver. “By preventing littering from occurring, we are saving communities valuable time and money in litter removal.” 

The event also featured the state’s Young Ambassadors Program, a new partnership with PennDOT and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful (KPB). The program – which starts accepting applications today – was recommended in the Litter Action Plan and invites Pennsylvania rising 10th- through 12th-grade students to help keep the commonwealth clean. 

“We are honored to offer the Young Ambassadors of Pennsylvania Program in partnership with PennDOT. We know the students of today hold the key to a sustainable future. We’re excited to work with and guide this group of Young Ambassadors to implement change in their communities and the commonwealth,” said Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful President Shannon Reiter.  

The students – chosen through a competitive process – will commit to nine months of service in representing and upholding the mission and values of KPB. Other responsibilities include attending a virtual orientation, four virtual education and training workshops, and up to two virtual networking events, organizing and participating in at least one community cleanup event through Pick Up Pennsylvania, conducting one community education event targeting youth in the student’s community and promoting participation on social media.

From September 2022 through May 2023, Young Ambassadors will build community stewardship by inspiring, engaging, and empowering Pennsylvanians to keep their communities clean and develop civic leadership to advocate for clean and beautiful communities across Pennsylvania.

More information and the application for the Young Ambassadors Program can be found on the KPB website.

With education and engagement as critical pieces in litter prevention, Pennsylvania State Police’s work to enforce litter laws was also discussed. From January 1 through June 30 this year, PSP personnel issued 661 citations and 562 warnings in enforcing anti-littering laws.

“The Pennsylvania State Police is committed to keeping Pennsylvania beautiful by enforcing the state’s litter laws,” said Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Robert Evanchick. “Littering is 100 percent preventable with fines beginning at $300. The public is encouraged to report any litter violation they witness by contacting their local law enforcement agency.”

Learn more on the PA Fights Dirty webpage or watch the launch event livestream.

The Ernest and Margaret Lemnitzer Memorial Fund, administered by the Trust Department at The Honesdale National Bank and local Honesdale businessman, Paul Meagher, continued its support of those pursuing higher education with the awarding of scholarships to 2022 graduates with a total distribution of $48,213.99.

The Ernest and Margaret Lemnitzer Memorial Fund was created by these prominent Honesdale residents to support designated charitable organizations within Wayne County, as well as, to provide scholarships to deserving graduates of Wayne Highlands High School.  Ernest was the brother of the former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Honesdale resident, Lyman Lemnitzer.

Emma Hocker, the 2022 recipient of the “Ernest and Margaret Lemnitzer Nursing Scholarship” is enrolled to attend Bloomsburg University to study nursing in the fall. She is a 2022 graduate of Wayne Highlands High School. The selection of the nursing scholarship recipient is made by the Women’s Auxiliary of the Wayne Memorial Hospital and is based on scholastic achievement. This scholarship totals $17,517.50.

The Honesdale National Bank Trust Department has managed the investments of the Memorial Fund since its inception in 1991. Through prudent investment of the trust assets, grants in excess of $2.5 Million have been paid to qualifying recipients to date. A total of $407,893.46 has been distributed through the Ernest and Margaret Lemnitzer Scholarships alone. For more information about the HNB Financial Group, please call 570-253-3355 or visit the HNB Corporate Center in Honesdale. 

The Honesdale National Bank, established in 1836, holds the distinction of being the area’s oldest independent community bank headquartered in Northeastern PA, with offices in Wayne, Pike, Susquehanna, Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties.  The Honesdale National Bank offers personal banking, business banking and wealth solutions.  For more information on HNB’s products and services, visit www.hnbbank.bank.

For the tenth year, the Little League Challenger Division Exhibition Game at the Little League World Series will be broadcast live on Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania’s PBS affiliate, WVIA, and be shared with stations across the United States. The game will air live from Volunteer Stadium at the Little League^® International Complex in South Williamsport, Pa., on Saturday, August 27th, at 10:30 a.m. ET.

Each summer during Championship Saturday of the Little League Baseball^® World Series, two local Little League Challenger Division^® programs are given the unique opportunity to play in a once-in-a-lifetime game on Volunteer Stadium in the Little League Challenger Division Exhibition Game. Featured in this year’s game will be Mason (Ohio) Youth Organization Little League and Cambrian Park Little League (San Jose, Calif.)

“WVIA has been a proud partner with Little League on the Challenger Game for the past 9 games. This is one of the most heart-warming productions we do each year, and we are excited to share the stories of the teams from Ohio and California with the rest of the country. It’s really the players that make the game so special.” Said Ben Payavis II, WVIA Chief Content Officer.

The 2022 Little League Challenger Division Exhibition Game showcases the opportunities that the Little League Challenger Division provides to more than 30,000 children with physical and intellectual challenges at more than 900 leagues worldwide.

Allied Services Hospice and Palliative Care and Home Health divisions have been recognized by Strategic Healthcare Programs (SHP) as a “Superior Performer” for achieving an overall caregiver and family satisfaction score that ranked in the top 20% of all eligible SHP clients for the 2021 calendar year.

The annual SHPBest™ award program was created to acknowledge Hospice and Home Health providers that consistently provide high-quality service to families, patients,  and caregivers of patients receiving care. The 2021 award recipients were determined by reviewing and ranking the overall CAHPS and HHCAHPS Hospice and Home Health survey satisfaction scores for more than 2,500 providers. With one of the largest benchmarks in the nation, SHP is in a unique position to identify and recognize organizations that have made family and caregiver satisfaction a priority and have been rewarded for their efforts with high marks on the surveys.

“SHP is proud to present the SHPBest awards to our top-performing customers. We commend these organizations for their continuous focus on delivering the highest quality of care to their patients”, said Rob Paulsson, President of SHP.

Melissa Kelleher, RN, BSN, Assistant Vice President, Allied Services Home Health, credits the strength and depth of her staff’s professional experience and training, and their commitment to putting patients first with the agency’s latest industry award.

“Our Home Health team goes above and beyond to ensure the safety and well-being of our patients. This latest award is a demonstration of our team’s dedication to delivering quality care where and when our patients need us,” said Kelleher.

Since 2015 Allied Services Hospice & Palliative has been trusted by more than 3,000 families to provide compassionate care for their loved ones. The program provides community-based palliative care, at-home hospice care, continuous hospice care, and inpatient hospice care and respite care at its Hospice Centers in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre.

“It’s an honor to receive this award”, commented Laura Marion, RN, BSN, Assistant Vice President, Allied Services Hospice and Palliative Care. “It’s a credit to our staff and volunteers and the personal commitment they show to each and every patient and family member. Our team goes above and beyond to provide compassionate care that makes patients and families feel safe and well supported. Whether it’s the Pet Peace of Mind program, music, massage or pet therapy, veterans’ recognition program, or continuing education for our staff, we’re going to continue to work hard to provide the best possible care and support for those we serve.”