The Wright Center Receives $50,000 Federal Grant to Provide COVID-19 Testing to Underserved Populations The Wright Center for Community Health announces it has been selected as a recipient of $50,000 in grant funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to improve access to COVID-19 testing for the region’s underserved and vulnerable populations, including rural residents. The NIH made the funding available through its Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics-Underserved Populations (RADx-UP) initiative. Organizers of the federally supported project aim to ensure that all Americans, especially populations most affected by the pandemic, have access to COVID-19 testing. The Wright Center plans to use the funding to deploy its mobile medical unit, called Driving Better Health, to expand testing availability in rural areas of Susquehanna and Wayne counties. The mobile unit also will build upon its current COVID-19 outreach in southern Luzerne County, serving residents of Greater Hazleton including its significant Spanish-speaking population. Since March 2020, The Wright Center’s practices have conducted about 29,000 COVID-19 tests. The Wright Center’s proposed grant-funded activities in Northeast Pennsylvania will be overseen by the RADx-UP Coordination and Data Collection Center (CDCC), led by the Duke Clinical Research Institute and the University of North Carolina School of Medicine’s Center for Health Equity Research. The data – and the lessons – compiled during this RADx-UP CDCC Community Collaboration Mini-Grant Program will assist in bringing an end to the pandemic, addressing the nation’s long-standing health disparities and preparing for future public health challenges. “The COVID-19 crisis is far from over,” according to information on the RADx-UP website. “Although vaccines are available for most people, testing remains a life-saving tool for many communities as the percentage of people who are vaccinated varies from place to place. Beyond the pandemic, the strategies public health leaders use to address testing (and vaccine) equity may inform how we address the larger structural inequalities and consequently improve health and save lives in the long term.”
Holiday Candles Arrive at Noteology Holiday candles are here!Find your favorites. Love the classics.Try something new! Home for the Holidays Candle Juicy oranges, sweet persimmons, zest from ginger and a hint of Christmas pine give us all of the ‘Home for the Holidays’ feels in one festive candle.Balsam + Fir Candle A tried and true classic, our Balsam + Fir candle is a Christmas tree in a candle! Fraser fir, sweet balsam, and classic pine make this candle a fan favorite! Pomegranate Fig Candle Sweet luscious notes of pomegranate and fig intertwined with orange peel, rhubarb and juicy bartlett pear. It’s been a staff favorite for the moment we poured it! Cranberry Clementine Candle This one is juicy, fruity and citrus based from the clementine and sweet orange notes. The addition of cranberry gives it just the right amount of tartness for a bright holiday sparkle. Shop all holiday candles at Noteology here.
JFSNEPA Receives Grant from Robert H. Spitz Foundation Jewish Family Service of Northeastern Pennsylvania was one of the recent recipients of a grant from the Robert H. Spitz Foundation for the 2020 grant cycle. The grant in the amount of $15,000 will assist with General Operating Support for the organization. Grants from the Robert H. Spitz Foundation are administered by the Scranton Area Community Foundation. Pictured in photo from left to right:, Arthur E. Levandoski, JFS Marketing & Development; Sheila Nudelman Abdo, ACSW, LCSW, JFS Executive Director; Laura Ducceschi, MBA, MA, President / CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation and administrator of Robert H. Spitz Foundation; Cathy Fitzpatrick, Grants Administrator for Scranton Area Community Foundation; Frank Caputo, Scranton Area Community Foundation Grants and Communication Coordinator.
LCEEC Announces Expansion of Conservation & Natural Resource Certificate Program Conservation and Natural Resource students performing water sampling at Lacawac Sanctuary. The Lackawanna College Environmental Education Center (LCEEC) has announced the addition of a spring session of the Conservation and Natural Resource (CNR) certificate program. The program is currently accepting applications and is set to begin on January 24, 2022, and will end on May 13, 2022. During this 15-week accelerated program, students will complete five undergraduate-level field biology courses at the LCEEC located on 211-acres of diverse habitat in Covington Township, Pa. The curriculum focuses on the conservation and interpretation of our natural environment. The program includes instruction in environmental interpretation, wildlife management, freshwater ecosystems, dendrology, and ornithology. Students will also experience both classroom and hands-on field training throughout the program. The CNR certificate is appropriate for anyone seeking a career as a park ranger or in a related field. Students may also take individual courses. Courses are transferable into two or four-year degree programs. Upon graduation, students will receive a CNR certificate and transcripts of their undergraduate coursework. Applications are currently being accepted for the Spring 2022 semester and financial aid is available. The CNR program is also approved for WIOA funding for displaced workers or individuals with high financial needs. Please call PA Career Link for Lackawanna County to verify WIOA funding eligibility. For more information about the program, please visit lackawanna.edu or contact Sharon Yanik-Craig at yaniks@lackawanna.edu or call (570) 842-1506.
Marywood Architecture Students Design Exciting New Bus Shelters On November 12, Marywood School of Architecture students presented designs for new bus shelters to representatives from COLTS, Lackawanna County’s transit system. Above, students share their experiences riding the county’s bus lines with new COLTS Director Tim McGrath. Student Rachel Knuuti’s design for a busy intersection in Minooka includes a safer pickup point and a lane for food trucks. Chris Salisbury’s urban forest would be centrally located on Mulberry Street at the University of Scranton. Miranda Smith presents her innovative use of rail ties to create a much safer bus shelter in front of the Radisson Lackawanna Station hotel. Many of the designs included electrical vehicle charging stations to increase utility and attract new ridership. Matthew Davis’s design included a peaceful waterfall at a proposed new stop at Green Ridge Senior Apartments. Nicholas Biser’s circus tent-inspired bus shelter at Gerrity’s on Keyser Ave included a park and play area.
Geisinger Introduces Military Fellowship Program As part of Geisinger’s continued commitment to military service members and veterans, the health system has launched a new program to support active-duty service members during their transition to civilian life. The Geisinger Military Fellowship Program is a 12-week workplace learning experience for service members as they explore civilian career options after the military. The fellowship is a partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense’s Skillbridge program, which gives service members the opportunity to transfer their knowledge acquired in the military and learn through hands-on experiences with civilian employers. Service members who are within six months of transition to civilian life can work alongside employers like Geisinger to gain experience and training for the next step of their career. “The transition from active duty to the civilian workforce is hard,” said Chris Grill, program manager of Military and Veterans Affairs at Geisinger. “The military fellowship will help service members ease into the next step in their career and gain experience in a civilian healthcare organization. We understand and appreciate the tools and skills that those serving in the military have and how they can contribute to our mission of making better health easier for our patients, members and neighbors. Providing this opportunity for these brave men and women is a win for the individual, Geisinger and the community.” Geisinger employs more than 700 military veterans and service members across northeastern and central Pennsylvania in various roles including physicians, nurses, Life Flight pilots, information technology and human resources, among others. The health system has been recognized for its work with the veteran population, including by being named a Military Friendly employer. To learn more about career opportunities and programs for the military population, visit job.geisinger.org/veterans.
Greater Scranton YMCA Gears Up for 2021 GivingTuesday Campaign The Greater Scranton YMCA believes all children, adults and families from our community deserve the chance to experience all the Y has to offer. For so many, and perhaps now more than ever before, the resources are not available to join the Y, send a child to preschool or enroll in the after-school program. That’s why on GivingTuesday, November 30, 2021, we’re asking for support. GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world. On GivingTuesday, our goal is to raise the funds needed to ensure those most in need from our community can benefit from our services. “The Greater Scranton YMCA is proud to turn no one away for an inability to pay,” said Trish Fisher, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “Annually, we award hundreds of thousands of dollars to low-income children, adults and families from our community, allowing them to benefit from all the Y has to offer. Funds raised for our year-end appeal will allow us to continue fulfilling our mission.” Additionally, as part of the Greater Scranton YMCA’s fundraising efforts, the non-profit organization is proud to participate in AllOne Charities’ GivingTuesday Match Day initiative. From Thanksgiving through December 1st at 4:00pm, AllOne Charities will match contributions participating organizations raise up to $1,000. Donations can be made on AllOne Charities’ GivingTuesday donation form or mailed to 83 East Union Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701. Checks must be made payable to AllOne Charities. For more information or for questions on how to donate to the Greater Scranton or participate in AllOne Charities’ Match Day, contact Meghan Carnevale, Mission Advancement & Marketing Director, at mcarnevale@greaterscrantonymca.org or (570) 828-3113.
Settlers Hospitality Receives Local, State and National Honors Leadership. Excellence. Heritage. Settlers Hospitality is honored to receive a number or recent recognitions from industry peers and community organizations. These distinctions were bestowed on multiple businesses in a variety of categories demonstrating Settlers Hospitality’s strong commitment to its core values across all of its holdings. Settlers Hospitality CEO/Owner Justin Genzlinger was named Business Person of the Year by The Chamber of the Northern Poconos in its 2021 Community Awards. Each year The Chamber salutes outstanding business leaders in appreciation for their enhancement of the region as a great place to live and work. “I’m honored and humbled to receive this recognition,” says Justin Genzlinger. “After an unprecedented year of challenges, it’s especially meaningful to me to be named Business Person of the Year. Weathering the uncertainties of COVID-19 was no easy task, but I think we’ve come out of it stronger as a company and even more connected as a community.” Historic preservation was a founding principle of Settlers Hospitality. That commitment remains steadfast today with four heritage properties among its collection of hotels. Therefore, it was a privilege to be selected as a finalist in the 2021 Historic Hotels Awards of Excellence in seven categories! The program recognizes and celebrates the finest historic hotels and hoteliers from across the United States and around the world. To be chosen as a finalist among hundreds of nominees represents the pinnacle of this very select group. Historic Hotels of America (HHA) bestowed its highest honor on Founders Jeanne and Grant Genzlinger. During the recent awards ceremony and gala in Kohler, WI the couple was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Each year HHA recognizes individuals whose lifelong passion has resulted in the preservation and celebration of the history and stories of a legendary historic hotel. The Genzlingers were honored for their 40-plus year career in the hospitality industry and an enduring legacy of historic preservation that has transformed the Lake Region of the Pocono Mountains. Settlers Hospitality was also chosen as a finalist in multiple categories including a nod for Best Social Media for The Settlers Inn, Sustainability Champion for Ledges Hotel, Best Small Historic Inn for The Sayre Mansion and Best Historic Resort for Silver Birches. Additionally, CEO/Owner Justin Genzlinger was nominated for Historic Hotelier of the Year and Founders Jeanne and Grant Genzlinger were also nominees for Steward of History and Historic Preservation. Hotel Anthracite in Carbondale, PA was recently honored with the 2020 Heritage Tourism Award from the PA Route 6 Alliance. Each year the organization honors one group, organization or project from the 11-county PA Route 6 Heritage Corridor that promotes economic development and stimulates tourism while still respecting the heritage and cultural resources of the corridor. Nominees hail from throughout the Keystone State, from Pike County in the east to Erie County in the West. Hotel Anthracite celebrates Carbondale’s rich coal mining past in its name, décor and historical exhibits. When the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce announced its list of 2021 SAGE Award nominees, The Settlers Inn was delighted to be included. The annual event recognizes the outstanding efforts, talent, creativity and innovation in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The Settlers Inn was singled out as a finalist for the 2021 Impact Award- People and Culture. The category acknowledges a business or organization that has gone above and beyond in response to the COVID-19 crisis to ensure the well-being of its employees. “We are truly honored by each and every recognition,” states Genzlinger. “It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of our whole staff. The awards are an excellent opportunity to showcase the efforts of everyone at Settlers Hospitality.”
Griffin Pond Animal Shelter Home Improvement Raffle Series Just in time for the holidays! Win a prize for someone special in your life … or, for yourself! Griffin Pond Animal Shelter is proud to introduce its Home Improvement Raffle Series. This raffle offers our friends a chance to win fantastic prizes that will not only improve the comfort and coziness of your homes but also tools all of you DIYers will love. Our first raffle prize is an Allen + Roth 42″ Propane Gas Fire Table from its Windsor series. The table is beautifully constructed and includes several features. · 55000-BTU · Hand-woven tan wicker sides · Durable, rust-free brown finish aluminum construction · Brown woodgrain finish tabletopTickets can be purchased here or at the shelter between 9am and 4pm daily, including weekends
