Johnson College Offering Computer Information Technology Course to Scranton School District High School Students Johnson College is now enrolling high school students from the Scranton School Districts into a 15-week Computer Information Technology course starting January 18, 2022. The course will be held Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 5:50 p.m. on the Johnson College campus in Scranton, PA. The course costs $500 per student and includes tuition and books. Space is limited. The introduction of JAVA is presented in this course so that students can design and develop dynamic object-oriented programming projects. Some of the topics include inheritance, decision structures, arrays, and the creation of classes using data objects. The languages used to implement object-oriented content are C# and C++. In addition, this course helps to demonstrate strategies and prepare models that can be used as a project foundation so that advanced tools can be further applied to construct application software contents. For more information and to register, contact the Johnson College Enrollment Department at 570-702-8856 or enroll@johnson.edu.
WVIA Now Live on Directv Stream WVIA announced today that it is now live streaming on DIRECTV STREAM. A dedicated live channel for WVIA is already available to all local DIRECTV STREAM customers, supplemented with additional PBS on-demand programming that will continue to expand PBS’s digital footprint and offer viewers additional ways to stream PBS content. “As viewer habits continue to evolve, PBS remains committed to making our award-winning, national and local content available to all Americans across as many platforms as possible. This partnership will allow PBS and our member stations to expand our digital footprint and reach more viewers with content that inspires, educates, and entertains,” said Ira Rubenstein, PBS Chief Digital and Marketing Officer. “Entertainment is personal and should serve every member of the household, which is why we’re partnering with PBS to deliver DIRECTV STREAM customers more choice, more control and a more convenient way to access the content they care about most,” said Rob Thun, Chief Content Officer for DIRECTV. Relationships like this one ensure that on-demand content from PBS favorites including AMERICAN EXPERIENCE, ANTIQUES ROADSHOW, FRONTLINE, GREAT PERFORMANCES, MASTERPIECE, NATURE are available to as many viewers as possible. In addition, PBS KIDS channel has recently joined both the DIRECTV STREAM and DIRECTV lineups, helping to extend the PBS mission of preparing young children for success in school and life through trusted, educational media, available anytime and anywhere. Now, even our youngest of viewers can access their favorite series, including DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD, MOLLY OF DENALI, ODD SQUAD, PINKALICIOUS & PETERRIFIC and WILD KRATTS, among many others, via DIRECTV and its on-demand menu or using the same capabilities on DIRECTV STREAM. In addition to DIRECTV STREAM, WVIA content is available on all WVIA-branded PBS platforms, including PBS.org and PBSKIDS.org, as well as the PBS Video app and PBS KIDS Video app. WVIA members are also able to view an extended library of quality public television programming via Passport.
Geisinger Lung Cancer Screening Program Promotes Early Detection Geisinger’s lung cancer screening program, launched over the last year, is the best way for at-risk patients to receive annual screenings key to the early detection of lung cancer. When detected early, lung cancer is easier to treat, and screenings are an important diagnostic tool in the process. Cancer screenings like mammograms and colonoscopies are familiar to many patients, but fewer know they might be eligible for yearly lung cancer screenings. Lung cancer is responsible for the most cancer-related deaths in men and women in the U.S, and lung cancer screenings are non-invasive diagnostic tests that can help detect cancer in its earliest stages. During the screening, a specialized scanner is used to take a detailed computerized picture of the lungs. This low-dose CT scan is painless and uses 75 percent less radiation than a traditional CT scan. Screening takes only a few minutes, and regular activities can be resumed immediately following the scan. “Think of lung cancer screening the way you think of any other preventive exam,” said Matthew Facktor, M.D., thoracic surgeon and director of the lung cancer screening program at Geisinger. “It’s necessary for staying on top of your health, and your doctor can help you decide if a screening is right for you.” Patients are eligible for yearly lung cancer screening if they do not have lung cancer symptoms and meet all of the following criteria: Are between the ages of 55 and 77Have a 30-pack-year history of smoking (smoked an average of one pack per day for 30 years, two packs per day for 15 years, etc.)Currently smoke or quit smoking within the last 15 years After the scan, results are analyzed by the comprehensive screening program and shared with both patient and doctor, who will collaborate if further testing is needed. “You and your doctor will work together to create a plan around your particular needs,” said Dr. Facktor.” For more information about lung cancer screening at Geisinger, visit geisinger.org/lungcancerscreening or call 570-600-6883.
The Wright Center for Community Health Receives Federal Funding to Support Telehealth Services The Federal Communications Commission’s Wireline Competition Bureau recently awarded a nearly $500,000 grant to The Wright Center for Community Health in collaboration with Endless Mountains Health Systems to support telehealth infrastructure that serves patients in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming counties. The $491,814 grant was made available through the federal COVID-19 Telehealth Program: Round 2. The Wright Center was also the recipient of $629,051 in grant funding for Round 1 of the program. The new round of grant funding supports the purchase and installation of secure telehealth devices and supporting systems. The new technology will expand and enhance telehealth capacity for both health care systems, including check-ins, triage, care delivery and follow-up appointments with video conferencing and telehealth audio calls at regional community health practices in Northeast Pennsylvania. “We are extremely grateful for this generous federal award to enhance access to and the delivery of essential health services related to COVID-19,” said Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak, president and chief executive officer of The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education. “These crucial resources will have a long-term, positive impact on enhancing access to primary preventive care and chronic disease management services for patients, including those with substance use disorder. “We are equally thrilled to have partnered with Endless Mountains Health Systems on this initiative and to be delivering these critical resources to the rural community they serve.” Endless Mountains Health Systems, a federally designated critical access hospital, is a not-for-profit 25-bed acute care hospital with emergency services and ancillary services. Critical access hospitals, while vital to the health and welfare of the communities they serve, are challenged often in accessing the resources and capacity to set up their own telehealth infrastructure. Including Endless Mountains Health Systems as a strategic partner and pursuing support for their technology needs enhanced The Wright Center’s grant application and vital regional health system connectivity. A successful FCC Round 1 recipient, The Wright Center’s partnership with Endless Mountains Health Systems further extends impactful telehealth reach in rural Pennsylvania during the pandemic. The new funding stream enhances access for patients served by Endless Mountains Health Systems by providing them an opportunity to tele-connect with their health care providers. In addition, the technology will be compliant by federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) standards for patient-doctor interaction. Telemonitors, kiosks and related mobile devices will serve as the patient-doctor platform for the exchange of electronic health records, telehealth visits and information services, while enhancing the platform between patient portals and digital applications that support scheduling, show rates and follow-up telehealth visits for COVID-19-related services. Overall, telehealth services facilitate public health strategies, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, by increasing social distancing and offering additional flexibility for patients and providers that can save time and resources. E-visits also afford continuity of care, which can prevent negative consequences due to delays in preventive, chronic and routine care.
Marywood University Presidential Society Dinner Honors Alumni Benefactors Pictured from left to right are Barbara Cawley, Sister Mary Persico, IHM, Ed.D., Marywood University President, and Mary Ellen Coleman. At its recent Presidential Society Dinner, Marywood University honored Barbara Cawley ’63 and Mary Ellen Coleman (H)’68 with the Presidential Mission Medal. Presidential medal recipients are servant leaders who embrace a commitment to Marywood’s core values of Catholic identity, respect, empowerment, service, and excellence. They inspire others to serve and advance Marywood’s commitment to excellence and empowerment through education.. Additionally, Barbara Sowinski, M.A. ’00; the late Ann Marie Janders, M.S.L.S. ’68; and The Donald B. and Dorothy L. Stabler Foundation were inducted into the Saint Alphonsus Society, which honors benefactors whose lifetime commitments to Marywood have reached or exceeded $500,000. Cawley’s leadership, devotion, talents, and support have made a lasting impact at Marywood. She was taught, mentored, supported, guided, and counseled by the IHM Sisters in Catholic grade school and high school, as well as throughout her college days and professional opportunities at Marywood. Her career has featured high-profile leadership positions in both corporate and educational settings, including her distinctive service at Marywood, first as Director of Development, then as Vice President of Development, Alumni Relations, and Public Relations, and, more recently, as Alumni Engagement and Development Liaison and Advocacy Committee Liaison to corporate, foundation, and government offices. Her accomplishments are not solely in the professional milieu; Cawley’s community involvement is prolific, meaningful, and lifelong, encompassing numerous civic, cultural, and charitable organizations and events. Coleman has contributed her professional expertise, community influence, and generous personal resources in support of Marywood and its mission. Her considerable professional achievements, including a long, successful career in the out-of-home media industry, are framed by her highly effective leadership in numerous charitable, civic, and professional organizations. She is known for being astute, professional, caring, and dependable, meeting life’s challenges and uncertainties without hesitation and with a riveting passion for helping others. Her passionate involvement with Marywood spans several decades, including serving for nine years as Director of Development, another nine years as a member of the Board of Trustees, and, presently, more than ten years as an Advancement and Alumni Engagement Consultant. Presidential Mission Medal recipients inspire others to serve and advance the University’s commitment to excellence and empowerment through education. Sister Mary Persico, IHM, Ed.D., Marywood University president, said, “These women have humbly, wholeheartedly, and graciously lived the Marywood mission and, in so doing, have helped transform Marywood. Commitment to helping others is at the very core of their existence. On behalf of the campus community, I thank Barbara and Mary Ellen for their unwavering advocacy for the present and future success of this great institution.”
Gerrity’s Offering $50 Gift Cards for COVID-19 Vaccine Gerrity’s Supermarkets will be holding three COVID-19 vaccine clinics over the next two weeks. Gerrity’s and Lackawanna County have partnered to offer $50 Gerrity’s gift cards to anyone who receives their first dose at one of the clinics. Lackawanna County will be sponsoring the cost of the gift cards for 100 recipients at each clinic.Gerrity’s pharmacists will be dispensing the Moderna vaccine to anyone who is 18 years of age or older. People can sign up by visiting gerritys.com. Joyce “Mom” Fasula, president of Gerrity’s, is very pleased to be able to offer the vaccines. “We are grateful to Lackawanna County for giving us the opportunity to offer these gift cards,” said Fasula. “We are so thrilled to have a positive impact on the health of our community.”The clinics will be held at the following locations:Keyser-Oak Shopping Center, Scranton on Wednesday, December 8702 S. Main Ave., Scranton on Wednesday, December 154015 Birney Ave., Moosic on Thursday, December 16
Scranton Area Community Foundation Awards Grant to The Garden of Cedar The Garden of Cedar in Scranton has been awarded a $15,000 grant by the Scranton Area Community Foundation. The grant proceeds will be used to assist in constructing several innovative features at the Garden including ADA accessible planting beds, a vertical planting wall to maximize crop yield, custom planting greenhouses for off-season gardening, and children’s discovery stations. The Garden of Cedar is located at 715 Cedar Avenue in South Scranton. The mission of The Garden of Cedar is to provide a unique functional urban community garden and discovery area that will provide healthy nourishment, education and enjoyment to a diverse culturally rich community comprised of recent immigrants and long-term neighborhood residents. The Garden’s signature feature will be a wandering maze pathway bounded by vegetable and fruit planting beds. Visitors will be able to wander along a serpentine path, with stops & starts, and return safely to the point of origin. Along the way they will be able to observe various planting techniques employed by residents of the local community. The project is being developed by Frank Dubas, president of the Garden, a non-profit organization. Frank resides in New Canaan, CT and Scranton, PA. Construction is expected to commence at the site in early 2022. “I am extremely grateful that the Scranton Area Community Foundation has recognized the mission of the Garden by making this award to assist with several innovative and transformational features. When complete, The Garden of Cedar will be a testament to the resilience of one of Scranton’s most diverse and deserving neighborhoods. The Garden will be like none other,” said Dubas.
Northeast Rehab Proud to Sponsor WNEP’s Ryan’s Run 12 Northeast Rehab recently presented Allied Services Integrated Health System with a check for $15,000, their contribution to the 2021 WNEP’s Ryan’s Run campaign. As 12-year sponsors of the fundraising and awareness raising campaign led by WNEP TV’s Ryan Leckey, NERA have donated more than $180,000 to Allied Services. The proceeds from the annual charity campaign benefit children and adults with disabilities, life-changing injuries and illnesses served by Allied Services, enabling the non-profit health system to invest in cutting-edge technology, staff and services throughout Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania. “Our practice’s long-standing support of Ryan’s Run and Allied Services has achieved great results for everyone involved and most importantly for patients who have utilized technology and services developed though the program,” noted Lisa Monahan-Gatto, CEO. “The partnership has been wonderful for all involved.” The charity campaign culminates on November 7, 2021, when a team of volunteers from around Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania and beyond will participate in the TCS New York City Marathon. About Northeast Rehab: Founded in 1990,Northeast Rehab is a multi-specialty physician group specializing in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Neurology, and Occupational Medicine. In addition to providing comprehensive non-surgical treatment for back and neck pain, board-certified physicians provide services for many other disabling conditions in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
Lackawanna College to Offer Tuition-Free Classes to Local McDonald’s Employees Lackawanna College announced a new partnership that will allow employees in 16 local McDonald’s attend college tuition-free. Under the agreement, qualifying employees at the chain’s locations operated by the Mueller family can pursue a bachelor’s or an associate degree at Lackawanna College. To qualify, McDonald’s employees must work 90 days and have a minimum of 16 hours per week to register for classes and begin earning credits. “This is a huge win for our community at large,” said Dr. Jill Murray, Lackawanna College President. “This partnership is solving the two major social and economic issues— a growing national workforce shortage and the rising cost of college tuition. Opportunities like this make college affordable and accessible – a great equalizer for all families.” The public-private partnership is one of many at Lackawanna College but is the first of several partnerships that will cover a student’s full tuition. “Our organization is so excited to partner with Lackawanna College, “said Christina Mueller-Curran, owner/operator of Mueller family McDonald’s. “This partnership is so meaningful because it will be a way to provide accessible education for our employees and allow them to fulfill their personal goals and ambitions. We look forward to seeing the personal and professional growth and development of our employees as a direct result of their ability to continue their education if they so choose.” This opportunity is exclusively available at the Mueller family McDonald’s in Allentown, Bethlehem, Carbondale, Clarks Summit, Dickson City, Eynon, Honesdale, Mountain Top, Old Forge, Scranton, Shavertown, Tunkhannock, Wilkes-Barre, and Wyoming, To learn more about this partnership and others, visit www.lackawanna.edu/partners.
Gunn-Mowery Vice President Receives Forty Under 40 Award Central Penn Business Journal selected Jill Nye, CIC, CISR, AINS, API, CAPI, Vice President, Personal Lines Manager as a 2021 Forty Under 40 recipient. Forty Under 40 recognizes professionals 40 years of age and younger who have been successful in the Central Pennsylvania area. Honorees, chosen by the Central Penn Business Journal editors, were selected based on professional accomplishments, community service and commitment to inspiring change. A listing of winners is available at https://www.cpbj.com/40-under-40-awards/. “The 2021 Forty Under 40 honorees are Central Pennsylvania’s future leaders. Their professional accomplishments, community service and commitment to inspiring change are extraordinary,” said Suzanne Fischer-Huettner, senior group publisher of the Central Penn Business Journal. “These honorees help to make Central Pennsylvania a wonderful place to live and work. The Central Penn Business Journal is pleased to celebrate their accomplishments.” Jill joined Gunn-Mowery in 2008 with the acquisition of the Wiley Agency. After 15 years in Personal Insurance and 3 years in Commercial Insurance, Jill was promoted to Vice President, Personal Lines Service Manager in January of 2019. In this role, she supervises the Personal Lines department, trains staff and implements processes throughout all office locations. Jill has earned her CIC (Certified Insurance Counselor), CISR (Certified Insurance Service Representative), API (Associate in Personal Insurance) and AINS (Associate in General Insurance) designations. In December of 2018, Jill was awarded the Certified Advisor of Personal Insurance (CAPI) designation by the Wharton School of Business and Chubb Insurance. To date, there are only 174 professionals who hold this prestigious designation. The winners were honored on Oct. 14 at the Hilton Harrisburg’s outside terrace, One North Second Street in Harrisburg. Honorees were also profiled in a magazine inserted into the Oct. 15 issue of Central Penn Business Journal and will be available online at CPBJ.com.
