Young Professionals Conference Call for Speakers We want YOU to present to our area’s emerging leaders at our 4th Young Professionals Conference on March 23rd, 2022, which is presented in partnership with the United Way of Wyoming Valley and our regional chambers. Because this conference is virtual just like the 2021 Young Professionals Conference, please note that you will be asked to film your segment a few weeks before the actual conference date. This day-long conference is aimed at developing our area’s talented professionals ages., featuring amazing speakers in our region between the ages of 20-45. Presentations will be part of a break-out session format and will be 30 minutes in length. We are inviting proposals for presentations related to the topics below, but are open to new session topic ideas as well! 1. Wellness2. Entrepreneurship3. Personal Finance4. Leadership Development5. Innovation6. Goal Setting Complete the RFP form before the close of business on February 10th. For any questions, please email Michaela@wyomingvalleychamber.org.
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Joins New MiLB Initiative ‘The Nine” Minor League Baseball® (MiLB™) has announced the launch of “The Nine,” a new, Black-community focused outreach platform specifically designed to honor and celebrate the historic impact numerous Black baseball pioneers made on the sport, provide new opportunities for youth baseball and softball participation, further diversify the business of baseball, and embrace millions of passionate fans throughout MiLB’s 120 communities nationwide. The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, Triple-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, are pleased to announce that the franchise will participate in “The Nine” starting this season. Named for the number Jackie Robinson wore during his only season playing in MiLB with the Triple-A Montreal Royals in 1946, The Nine will connect MiLB teams’ existing, Black-community focused development efforts with new national programming and future special events in a coordinated and centralized campaign. The new inclusion initiative follows MiLB’s Copa de la Diversión Latino fan engagement platform introduced in 2017 that included 76 MiLB teams in 2021. “This is a truly important initiative from Minor League Baseball and we are excited to join so many other teams in participating,” stated John Adams, Team President of the RailRiders. “There are so many great players to honor and stories to be told with Northeastern Pennsylvania ties. This will become both educational and engaging for everyone involved, and we look forward to watching the program grow.’” Details on “The Nine” as well as other associated events will be available as the season approaches. For more information on the 2022 season, please contact the RailRiders front office at (570) 969-2255 or visit swbrailriders.com.
The Scranton Area Community Foundation Announces Careers in Care Nursing Scholarship Applications Open The Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation, administered by the Scranton Area Community Foundation has announced the 2022 Careers in Care Nursing Scholarship application deadline for students in Lackawanna, Luzerne, and Wyoming Counties who plan to pursue or who are pursuing nursing, and who will practice in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Interested nursing students or current nurses looking to advance their careers may apply online from February 1, 2022 through April 15th 2022 at CareersinCareNEPA.org. To qualify for a Careers in Care Nursing Scholarship, individuals must show they have had a permanent address in Lackawanna, Luzerne, or Wyoming County for the last three years. Applicants may be new or continuing students interested in pursuing, or currently pursuing, nursing; traditional or non-traditional students pursuing qualification at any level of the nursing profession, including CNA, LPN, RN to BSN, BS (3rd and 4th year only), Master’s Degree/Nurse Educator; or non-traditional students looking to return to work or seeking a change in employment. “Nursing provides the greatest honor in life – to be able to care for patients in their most vulnerable state and assist them when they need it the most. This scholarship is enabling me to enhance my skills from being a Licensed Practical Nurse to earning my Bachelors in Science degree in Nursing,” remarked Nicole Lubash, 2021 scholarship winner, mother of two young boys, and a Junior at Marywood University. The Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation’s Careers in Care initiative is a$1.7 million commitment over a three-year period (2020-2023) focused on developing the regional pipeline of the healthcare workforce. Established through the Scranton Area Community Foundation, the nursing scholarship program aims to support the growth and development of the nurses at all levels in NEPA. “We’re delighted that 19 previous scholarship winners are already pursuing nursing careers with awards from the Careers in Care nursing scholarship program. We are prepared to assist many additional nursing school applicants with scholarships during this enrollment period,” stated Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation.
Speaker and Sports Activist Kyle Richard Addresses Lackawanna College Students Lackawanna College welcomed guest speaker Kyle Richard on January 27 to share his story with students and the Scranton community, promote active bystanders and speak about violence prevention awareness. “Richard’s presentation is an important part of our initiative to educate and engage our students in bystander awareness,” said Tierny Ulmer Cresswell, Student Wellness Program Director. “We are honored to host Richard and provide our students with an opportunity to hear his heroic story.” Richard is a former SUNY Cortland linebacker and football team captain who was shot twice during the summer of 2017 when he intervened to stop a sexual assault. Due to his experience, Richard has become a nationally known and influential advocate for bystander intervention and the prevention of sexual assault. Richard has received several awards for his heroism, including the notable Biden Courage Award for Bystander Intervention from It’s On Us and the Biden Foundation, the Orange Bowl Award and the Next Generation Award. “I’m beyond excited to get the year kicked off at Lackawanna College,” said Richard. “I shared my story to provide a wide range of emotions through vulnerability & to motivate athletes, students and faculty to continue doing their part in preventing sexual & domestic violence.” The Kyle Richard event was part of Lackawanna College’s “It’s On Us Lackawanna” project, which was funded by a grant award from the 2020-2021 Governor’s It’s On Us PA grant program.
Marywood University’s “Nurse for a Day” Program Marywood University is hosting a “Nurse for a Day” program on Wednesday, March 16, 2022, from 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., in the Center for Natural and Health Sciences on the University’s campus. The program is free and open to anyone interested in pursuing a nursing degree. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in CPR training and Simulation and Nursing Lab activities. A tour of Marywood’s campus will be provided, as well as lunch, at which attendees can meet with nursing faculty members. The “Nurse for a Day” program provides prospective nursing students with the opportunity to explore and find resources available to them. By speaking with faculty and current nursing students, attendees get a clearer picture about the types of classes, course material, and clinical work involved with a nursing major. Marywood’s nursing department provides academic and clinical coursework to prepare students to provide health care services in a variety of settings. Graduates of the undergraduate program have unlimited opportunities in hospitals and school and nursing home settings. Other areas of practice include pharmaceuticals, research, consulting, management, and administration. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) graduates may also choose to continue their education in pursuit of a career as a nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, or educator. To attend for “Nurse for a Day,” please register by Wednesday, March 9, 2022, at marywood.edu/NurseForADay. For additional information about Marywood University’s nursing program, please visit www.marywood.edu/nursing, or call (570) 348-6275.
Thomas Zurla Joins HNB Thomas E. Sheridan Jr., President and CEO of The Honesdale National Bank, announced Thomas Zurla has joined HNB as AVP, Area Manager of the Bank’s Southwest Area. In making the announcement, Sheridan stated, “We are extremely pleased to add Tom to our HNB family. His knowledge and experience will be a welcome addition to our business and community development strategies in Lackawanna and Luzerne counties, and our company as a whole.” As AVP, Area Manager, Zurla will be providing oversight of the local teams and operations within our Kingston, Montdale, and Clarks Summit Offices. Zurla began his career in banking at Franklin First Savings, which was later named M&T Bank as a Teller/CSR in 1997, and has since held positions including Relationship Manager from 1998-2002, Assistant Branch Manager/Branch Manager from 1998-2018. He continued to assume Retail Banking Training Coordinator from 2018-2020, and AVP, Community Office Manager at FNCB Bank from 2020-2021. He will continue his career as AVP, Area Manager with HNB. In commenting on his new position at HNB, Zurla noted, “To be joining HNB after 25 years in the business is truly humbling. To have the opportunity to reflect on my experience and beliefs in what community banking should be, they truly align with HNB’s values and mission.” He Continued, “I feel this is the perfect “next chapter” in my career.” Zurla is a graduate of Luzerne County Community College and has obtained a degree in Business Management – Technology. Outside of the bank, he is a Member of St Luke’s Episcopal Church quartet ensemble, lector, and stewardship committee. He was also part of Leadership Lackawanna Class of 2021. 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.
Johnson College Now Enrolling Students in Forklift Operator Training Course Johnson College’s Continuing Education program is offering a Forklift Operator Training Course on Saturday, March 12, 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 alumni 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. For additional information on Johnson College, please call 1-800-2-WE-WORK, email enroll@johnson.edu, or visit Johnson.edu.
Keystone Mission Accredited by National Financial Accountability Organization The ECFA (Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability) announced today the accreditation of Keystone Mission of Scranton, PA. ECFA accreditation is based on the ECFA Seven Standards of Responsible Stewardship™, including financial accountability, transparency, sound board governance, and ethical fundraising.Keystone Mission joins a growing number of Christ-centered churches and ministries across America, supported by over 14.6 million donors that have earned the right to display the ECFA seal. When an organization is accredited by ECFA, it demonstrates its willingness to follow the model of biblical accountability. “We are pleased to accredit a ministry committed to transform lives through relationships by the hope of the gospel,” said Michael Martin, president of ECFA. Founded in 2005, Keystone Mission (http://www.KeystoneMission.org) desires to be the Catalyst for the Community, to provide help and hope to the homeless, hungry, and hurting people in Northwest PA. Keystone Mission is growing in Northeast PA. From Mobile Outreach in Lackawanna and Luzerne county to Emergency Shelter, Code Blue, to the Day Center in Scranton and the opening of the 15-bed Transformation Center in Wilkes-Barr this spring—the men and women facing homelessness in NEPA can rely on us to provide them help and hope. “Being accredited by a national financial organization, like ECFA, only shows the NEPA community that Keystone Mission is committed to our mission in helping men and women who are experiencing homelessness, and to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” said Ryan Buchanan, Development Director. CEO & Executive Director, Justin Behrens says, “Keystone Mission is honored to have been accredited by the ECFA. I want our donors, volunteers, community partners, and the NEPA community to understand our level of commitment. My desire is to continue building the organizations relationships with Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties in order to provide the right services and resources.” To learn more about Keystone Mission and their stewardship opportunities, visit GiverConnect, ECFA’s newest online program, that connects giver’s hearts with trusted members.
The Wright Center Hometown Scholars Two Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education-endorsed students have been accepted into the collaborative Hometown Scholars program and will attend medical school at A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Mesa, Arizona (ATSU-SOMA). The Wright Center’s Hometown Scholars program, in partnership with ATSU-SOMA and the National Association of Community Health Centers, recruits future physicians, physician assistants and dentists from Northeast Pennsylvania that want to serve as aspirational examples for young people in the region who aspire to practice medicine and make an impact in a community health setting that provides patient-centered health care. The program helps regional high school and colleges students who are considering a career in medicine and want to serve their hometown communities as a clinician. Wright Center executives endorse the applications of qualified students who exemplify compassion, civic-mindedness and commitment to serving individuals with limited access to high-quality health care. Morgan Schermerhorn of Scranton will receive her Master in Public Health in epidemiology of chronic disease from Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health in May after earning her undergraduate degree in biology from New York University. The Wright Center for Community Health’s mission to alleviate barriers to quality health care and to those most in need attracted the Scranton Preparatory School graduate to the novel program. “I am honored to be selected for the Hometown Scholars program,” said Schermerhorn, the daughter of Scott and Kara Schermerhorn. “My interest in medicine began at The Wright Center when I shadowed Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak (president and CEO of The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education). I was inspired by the personal dedication and professionalism of Dr. Thomas-Hemak with her patients. Dr. Thomas-Hemak provides a humanistic health care experience with her patients. “Personally observing this approach, I was drawn to the mission of the community health center – providing compassionate care to all members of the community, especially those who are most marginalized,” she added. Ceilia Severini of Scranton, a Scranton Preparatory School graduate, holds a Bachelor of Science in neuroscience from Bucknell University and a Master of Biomedical Sciences from Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. The daughter of Faith Severini believes the Hometown Scholars program and Wright Center’s mission coalesce with her aspirations as a future health care provider. “When I talked to Dr. Thomas-Hemak, I was intrigued by ATSU-SOMA’s unique approach to medical education,” said Severini. “I learn best from hands-on experience and feel that, though my years of education have helped me greatly in reaching this point, my experiences as a medical scribe, clinical coordinator and a standardized patient have contributed even more value. “I also want to improve access and care to those who are most marginalized in our communities. This is the ideal path for me to become a doctor as it aligns perfectly with my values and goals,” she added. The training and education hometown scholars receive at ATSU-SOMA is distinctive compared to other medical schools, as it intentionally brings students back to Northeast Pennsylvania to care for the underserved and rural communities. Medical students in the ATSU-SOMA program are assigned to one of 16 select community health center partner sites across the country and introduced to the clinical setting earlier than traditional medical schools. Wright Center hometown scholars return to the region during their second year of graduate medical school and begin rotating at clinical sites with preceptors while continuing their academic education through in-classroom and distance-education experiences. The students begin their studies at ATSU-SOMA in July. Other Wright Center-endorsed Hometown Scholars included Grace McGrath of Dunmore and Moriah Bartolai of Pittston. For more information about The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education, go to TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-230-0019.
Marywood University’s School of Business and Global Innovation to Hold Virtual Information Session Marywood University’s School of Business & Global Innovation (SBGI) will hold a free, virtual information session for prospective students and their parents on Thursday, March 3, 2022, at 7 p.m. To register, visit admissions.marywood.edu/register/business22. Registrants will receive the virtual meeting ID and pin prior to the event. Current students and business faculty will join the meeting to answer questions and provide information about the School of Business curriculum. Marywood University’s SBGI is committed to improving the world by enabling students to acquire and develop their leadership competencies to meet the dynamic challenges of a knowledge-based global society and by nurturing values conducive to ethical and socially responsible behavior. For additional information about Marywood University’s School of Business and Global Innovation Virtual Information Session, please visit admissions.marywood.edu/register/business22, or contact Amy Washo, M.B.A., Ph.D., instructor in the SBGI, at awasho@marywood.edu.
