Meals on Wheels of NEPA Serves Smiles to Seniors

Local artist, Kathleen McHugh

Meals on Wheels of NEPA celebrated National Humor Month by delivering more than 700 sets of postcards depicting food puns to their home-bound clients. Local artist Kathleen McHugh designed the illustrations featured on the front of the cards. This project was made possible by a Humor Therapy Fund Grant from the Scranton Area Community Foundation.

“By creating these cards, the Agency’s goal was to improve the moods of the clients it serves and remind them they are not alone,” said Kristen Kosin, Executive Director. “Meals on Wheels of NEPA is often a primary source of contact for clients, and even the smallest bit of humor can brighten someone’s day.”

Meals on Wheels of NEPA supports the independent living of home-bound seniors and disabled persons through the delivery of nutrition and supportive services. Each day, the Agency’s clients, whose life circumstances make it difficult or impossible for them to prepare needed nourishment, receive a hot meal delivered by volunteers. In addition to keeping these seniors well-nourished, the Agency often provides the only human contact many home-bound individuals experience each day. Meals on Wheels of NEPA has been in existence since 1969, and to date, has served over 5 million meals.

Eventive Offers Business Event Planning Assistance

The weather is getting warmer and people are starting to come together again! As you bring your team back together in the office and/or at company meetings and events, we hope you keep us in mind for your team building and meeting planning needs. We have been working hard here at Eventive creating new programs and experiences for our clients.

We have team building programs to fit all of your goals and objectives! Take a look at our updated outline: https://www.eventiveproductions.com/team-building for In-Person – Hybrid – Virtual events.

Team Building Highlights:

  • Bring your team back together while giving back to the community. Our charity based events are a great way to do both.
  • Choose an activity that focuses on re-grouping and getting to know each other.
  • Host the event at your office or off-site! We bring everything to your venue.

Full-service meeting planning services are also available including site selection, audio-visual, catering, entertainment, registration, and more. We do all the legwork, leaving you time to focus on your job and actually attend the meeting with your co-workers.

The Wright Center Holds COVID-19 and Routine Vaccination Clinics

The Wright Center for Community Health is holding Driving Better Health Mobile COVID-19 and Routine Vaccination Clinics in Lackawanna County in April, May and June from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at each location.

Driving Better Health is a 34-foot mobile medical unit that brings high-quality health care services directly to the underserved communities of Northeast Pennsylvania. The mobile medical unit has been serving populations of special concern since 2020. It is regularly deployed to senior living centers, regional schools, homeless shelters and other community gathering spots.

COVID-19 vaccines and boosters are available for anybody age 5 and up. A guardian must accompany patients who are younger than 17. Walk-up appointments are welcome depending on vaccine availability, but appointments are encouraged for the convenience of patients. Please go to TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-230-0019 to schedule an appointment. The Wright Center for Community Health clinical staff will also offer COVID-19 testing and routine vaccines at the clinics.

The Wright Center for Community Health is offering the following vaccination clinics in Lackawanna County:

  • Thursday, April 28: The Recovery Bank, 120 Wyoming Ave., Scranton;
  • Friday, April 29: Scranton Healthy Aging Campus, 1004 Jackson St., Scranton, (10 a.m.-noon);
  • Thursday, May 12: Drug and Alcohol Treatment Service, 441 Wyoming Ave., Scranton;
  • Thursday, May 19 and Thursday, June 16: St. Francis Commons, 504 Penn Ave., Scranton;
  • Friday, May 20 and Friday, June 17: Community Intervention Center, 445 N. 6th Ave., Scranton;
  • Friday, May 27 and Friday, June 24: St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen, 500 Penn Ave., Scranton;
  • Tuesday, June 14: Carbondale Public Library, 5 N. Main St., Carbondale;

Guests are asked to observe public safety measures, including masking and social distancing, during the clinic and bring identification and insurance cards.

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Investments in Electric Vehicle Charging

As the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) continues developing its plans for electric-vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure investments from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), the public is encouraged to learn about planning and funding for electric vehicle infrastructure, as well as submit questions during a webinar on Wednesday, April 27.

The webinar with PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian as well as PennDOT and state Department of Environmental Protection officials will be livestreamed from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. The public can register on the department’s EV web page under “National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program.” The public can also register or submit feedback by emailing ra-pdevcorridors@pa.gov.

The webinar will build on outreach the department is conducting with lawmakers, planning partners, utilities, local government organizations, EV charging companies, and stakeholders with equity, labor, education, and environmental expertise. Additional public feedback will be gathered on the draft plan in June.

As part of the BIL’s nationwide investment in growing the EV charging network, over five years PennDOT will receive and distribute $171.5 million in formula funds for EV charging infrastructure. The department must outline and submit its plans to invest these funds to the U.S. Department of Transportation by August 1, 2022.

The funding supports the commonwealth goal of expanding EV charging along the previously designated Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFCs) (list) and Interstate lookalikes. Federal AFC criteria was updated earlier this year to require AFC designated corridors to have charging stations no more than 1 mile from an Interstate exit or highway intersection (previously 5 miles) and no more than 50 miles apart. The department has been reviewing all corridors to align all AFCs with the new criteria.

Pennsylvania has over 1,700 miles of AFCs. Per the guidance from USDOT, any EV charging infrastructure installed with NEVI formula funds shall be located along a designated AFC and meet U.S. DOT minimum standards and requirements. Should PennDOT determine, and U.S. DOT certifies, that the AFCs are fully built out, then Pennsylvania may use funds to build EV charging equipment on any public road or in any publicly accessible location, including but not limited to parking facilities at public buildings, public schools, and parks.

Additionally, PennDOT – following guidance issued from U.S. DOT – will use its EV Equity Guiding Principles announced this year to help the department evaluate EV proposals in accordance with the federal guidance. The principles aim to increase accessibility to the infrastructure and maximize benefits for all Pennsylvanians and fall into five categories:

  • Make EVs more affordable;
  • Make EV charging more accessible;
  • Invest in fleet electrification;
  • Invest in traditionally underserved, low-income, persons of color and otherwise vulnerable population areas; and
  • Increase EV awareness, education, and technical capacity.

The commonwealth’s previous work and the new funding will support growing EV usage and industry transitions. There are more than 23,000 EVs registered in Pennsylvania, more than double the roughly 9,700 that were registered in March 2019. To enhance traveler information for the growing number of EV drivers, the state’s traveler information system – 511PA – now also includes EV charging station locations as an option on its traffic map. Using data from the U.S. Department of Energy, the map shows locations across the state by connector type, including CCS, J1772, CHAdeMO, Tesla, and NEMA.

More information on PennDOT’s Alternative Fuel Corridors can be found on the department’s website. 

More information on Electric Vehicles in PA, including details on the DEP Alternative Fuel Rebate that provides higher rebates on the purchase of new or used EVs to income-eligible Pennsylvanians, can be found on DEP’s website.

Keith Urban To Perform at Mohegan Sun Arena

Four-time GRAMMY© Award winner Keith Urban has set Summer ’22 for the North American debut of his first world tour in four years, THE SPEED OF NOW WORLD TOUR. The tour’s newly announced North American leg, with 3x GRAMMY© nominee Ingrid Andress, will hit the ASM Global managed Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza in Wilkes-Barre on Thursday, October 20th.

“Every night is the first time we’ve played these songs for that audience, in that moment,” says Urban. “It’s why every show is different – spontaneous and unpredictable – even for us!” He adds, “After two years we’re finally gonna get the chance to play some of the new songs we haven’t done live before. We’ll throw in a bunch of the songs that everyone comes to hear, a couple of which we’ll rework a bit, and it’s really gonna be tough to get us off the stage.”

Tickets are on sale Friday, April 29th at 10am online at Ticketmaster.com or in person at the NBT Bank Box Office at Mohegan Sun Arena.

Blue Ain’t Your Color, The Fighter, Somewhere In My Car, Wasted Time, Somebody Like You, Long Hot Summer, his latest single Wild Hearts, and his global smash One Too Many with P!NK, will anchor a night of music from one of the touring world’s best.

Critics from around the globe have hailed Urban’s concerts as ones “not to be missed,” as unpredictable as they are explosive. Combine his infectious showmanship, virtuoso guitar playing, effortless spontaneity with a fist-pumping, arena-ready arsenal of hits and THE SPEED OF NOW WORLD TOUR promises to be one of the concert events of the Summer.

Tickets On Sale Friday, April 29th at 10am at www.keithurban.com

Jermyn Self Storage & U-Haul Rentals Opens to Fulfill a Need for Storage

Available storage space remains at a premium in NEPA. Since the summer of 2020 the need for storage has not slowed down making availability unlikely.To fulfill the need for traditional and temperature-controlled storage Jermyn Self Storage & U-Haul Rentals recently opened their doors to serve Jermyn and surrounding communities.

Locally owned and operated, Jermyn Self Storage is conveniently located off Exit 5 from the Robert P. Casey Highway and the Jermyn Exit off Business Rt. 6at 21 Franklin Street, Jermyn. They are fully fenced and gated, well-lit,24/7 video surveillance and maintain a clean and appealing property.

Currently, there are161 traditional and temperature-controlled storage units ranging in size from 5’x 5’ to 10’ x 30’. They have plans to grow to over 200 units. Each storage unit has its own lighting for those who must access the contents of their unit outside daylight hours.

Their convenient location allows businesses looking for a mini warehouse to securely store inventory and supplies. Easy accessibility allows businesses to access supplies quickly to get back on the road to service their customers.Does your business need package acceptance and delivery service? For a small monthly fee, and prior authorization, staff will accept, sign for, and deliver packages to your storage unit.

In addition to serving their local communities, Jermyn Self Storage’s customer base spans to Vandling and Moscow. Homeowners storing furniture and household items sensitive to changes in temperature can opt to store their belongings in a temperature-controlled building. The building is heated in the winter and cooled in the summer maintaining a constant temperature year-round.

Looking to store a car for the winter season, Jermyn Self Storage has a limited supply of traditional drive-up storage units with electrical supply for a trickle charger(call for availability). Do you have a need for an outdoor parking space, they can help with that too. Outdoor space is available for cars, boats, Rvs, and commercial equipment.

In addition to storage, Jermyn Self Storage is also a U-Haul Authorized Dealer. Being an Authorized Dealer allows them to schedule or rent a U-Haul truck or equipment for the self-mover anywhere in the country. Their trucks range in size from a pick-up truck and cargo van to a 26’ truck, which can transport the contents of a home. Along with trucks, they offer open and closed trailers, tow dolly and auto transports. Are you moving out of state? They can schedule a U-Haul truck and an auto transport to haul your extra vehicle.

If the U-Haul truck or equipment is not available in Jermyn Self Storage’s inventory, they will go the extra mile to pick it up at another location so that you don’t have to(based on availability).

In addition to truck and equipment rentals, they offer U-Haul moving and packing supplies, appliance and furniture dolly and furniture pad rentals.

Call today for a tour or to make a storage or U-Haul reservation. Calls are answered 24/7 and Denise and Liz will be happy to help you and give you personalized service.They come with over 10 years of storage and U-Haul knowledge and experience. Phone 570-843-1900.

Geisinger To Host Hiring Events for All Positions

As Geisinger continues recruitment efforts to make better health easier for northeastern and central Pennsylvania,the health system will hold in-person hiring events in Danville, Scranton, Williamsport and Lewistown on Wednesday, April 27.

Attendees can discuss career opportunities at Geisinger, as well as potential recruitment incentives. They can also learn about benefits such as retirement programs, parental paid leave, tuition reimbursement and health insurance that starts on the first day of employment. Those who plan to attend should bring an updated resume,as certain positions will offer on-site interviews.

Geisinger offers a variety of career opportunities in departments that provide direct patient care and those who support operations. Openings throughout Geisinger in northeastern and central Pennsylvania include registered nurses, licensed practical nurses,respiratory therapists,patient companions, pharmacy technicians, phlebotomists, social workers, environmental services technicians, and food service workers, among others.

The hiring events will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 27 at the following locations:

  • The Pine Barn Inn, 43 Pine Barn Place, Danville
  • Hilton Scranton, 100 Adams Ave., Scranton
  • Farrington Place, 416 W. Third St.,Williamsport
  • Geisinger Lewistown Hospital, 400 Highland Ave., Lewistown

Registration is encouraged, but notrequired for the April 27 hiring events.Walk-ins are welcome. Visitjobs.geisinger.org/hiring to register and view all roles that are eligible for hiring incentives.To learn more about job opportunities at Geisinger or to sign up for Geisinger job alerts, visit jobs.geisinger.org.

Penn State Scranton To Host Italian Heritage Event

We are excited to welcome Italian-American Author, Louis Palazzi Jr to Penn State Scranton on Monday, April 25 at 5 p.m. in the Study Learning Center’s Sherbine Lounge. 

This event is sponsored by the UNICO Chapter of Scranton. 

Lou Palazzi Jr. lives locally in the NEPA area and in his work “The New Americans: Portraits of an Italian-American Family,” he sheds light on Italian Immigration from the perspective of a family whose origin was predominantly Northern. It follows the stories of immigrants who came during The New Immigration from 1880-1920. We will have special guests from UNICO, The Largest Italian American Service Organization in the United States present for this event who are looking forward to meeting our students. Lou will have copies of his book to personally sign for attendees. 

Food and refreshments will be provided free of charge.

Please use the links below to RSVP so we have a head count for food.

Book signing: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=RY30fNs9iUOpwcEVUm61LuRUTfkXZsdNi7Efd8_3ENVUQkJKSDAxUUNNWDAyRUZBRUg5WVFRUFRUWC4u

Pennsylvania American Water Announces Grants for Local Environmental Projects

Pennsylvania American Water announced today that 13 watershed-related projects across the Commonwealth will receive financial support through the company’s annual Environmental Grant Program. The recipients will receive a share of grant funds totaling nearly $75,000 for their community-based projects that improve, restore or protect watersheds.

A panel of judges selected the grant recipients from 50 applications, which were evaluated on environmental need, innovation, community engagement and sustainability.

“On this Earth Day, we are inspired by all of these organizations and their commitment to environmental stewardship,” said Mike Doran, president of Pennsylvania American Water. “We hope that these projects equally inspire our communities to get involved and help protect our natural resources.”

The 2022 grant recipients are:

· Berks Nature, Berks County – Papermill Dam Removal on the Cacoosing Creek ($6,476). Funding will be used to restore the riparian zone along Cacoosing Creek by planting native trees and plants. Additionally, a youth fishing program will be offered following the removal of the dam.

· Dormont Stormwater Authority, Allegheny County – West Liberty Avenue Parking Lot Rain Garden ($10,000). The Authority plans to install a rain garden at the West Liberty Avenue parking lot to provide a natural, pervious area for stormwater runoff. The garden will also help prevent flooding and debris from entering the collection system as a best management practice.

· Eastern Pennsylvania Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation, Luzerne County (EPCAMR) – Millcreek Watershed Cleanups ($3,435). The project involves stream cleanups of unnamed tributaries along Mill and Gardner Creeks, along with the installation of dataloggers to monitor flow and pollution from nearby abandoned mines.

· East Pikeland Township, Chester County – Hidden River Park & Preserve Riparian Corridor Revitalization ($10,000). Funding will go toward a riparian revitalization project with native shrubs, trees, and 95 acres of meadow grasses to reduce erosion and restore the native habitat.

· Ellwood City, Lawrence County – Phase III Five Points Community Garden ($6,300). With the grant, the borough will install additional garden beds, complete walking paths, and install signage at the Five Points Community Garden.

· Fairview Township, York County – Lawn to Meadow Conversion ($3,863). The project involves using native plants and grasses, including pollinators, to improve water quality by creating a meadow within the township to reduce runoff into local waterways.

· Indiana County Conservation District – First Waves Indiana ($6,390). First Waves Indiana plans to engage underserved youth in meaningful outdoor experiences, including tree planting, stream biology, paddleboarding, and fly fishing, with a resulting video of the program.

· Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority, Lackawanna County – Restoration Plantings ($5,200) With this funding, volunteers will re-establish a native and biodiverse ecosystem as part of a riparian buffer zone restoration planting program along the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail.

· Lackawanna River Corridor Association, Lackawanna County – Managing Stormwater/Rain Barrel Workshop ($2,500). Funding will go toward three rain barrel workshops for residents to educate them on stormwater management and demonstrate rain barrel construction.

· Three Rivers Waterkeeper, Allegheny County – 3 Rivers Watch Expanding Water Quality Monitoring ($9,850). Funding will go toward expanding the organization’s volunteer program, including training for volunteers to assess water quality, as well as increased monitoring, patrolling, and water quality sampling.

· Silver Spring Township, Cumberland County – Water Sampling and Analysis Project ($950). The project involves investigating the origin of pollution sources impairing tributaries to Conodoguinet Creek through water and soil testing. The goal is to reduce pollutants in the streams.

· Warren County Conservation District – Where Would Our Streams Be Without Trees ($690). The Conservation District plans to study the impact riparian buffer restoration has on water quality on Barton Run.

· Watershed Coalition of the Lehigh Valley, Northampton County – Restoration and Outreach Projects for Master Watershed Stewards ($9,240). The Coalition and its partners will install four native shrub nurseries for future sources for live stakes that can be used for stream bank stabilization to reduce pollution and erosion.

Pennsylvania American Water initiated its Environmental Grant Program in 2005 to support projects that protect or restore drinking water sources and surrounding watersheds. Since then, American Water has expanded the annual program to many of its state subsidiaries across the nation. To date, Pennsylvania American Water has donated more than $650,000 to fund more than 135 projects.