Geisinger Recognized for Military Employment and Support Geisinger has been recognized for its continued support of military veterans and active service members with two recent designations. The Pennsylvania-based health organization was recognized by Military Times on its 2021 Best for Vets: Employers rankings and earned the 2022 Military Friendly® Employer designation by VIQTORY. Both honors recognize Geisinger’s commitment and efforts to building programs and opportunities for military veterans. “Both of these honors recognize Geisinger’s commitment to building important programs and opportunities for our military veterans in the community and beyond,” said Kim Drumgo, Geisinger’s chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer. “We know that a diverse workforce with unique experiences and backgrounds makes our team stronger, and our veterans and their family members are an important part of our Geisinger family. We honor their many sacrifices and support their career growth and health.” To be designated a Military Friendly Employer, Geisinger was evaluated using public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. Methodology, criteria and weightings were determined by VIQTORY with input from the Military Friendly Advisory Council of independent leaders in the higher education and military recruitment community. Final ratings were determined by combining an organization’s survey score with an assessment of the organization’s ability to meet thresholds for applicants, new hire retention, employee turnover and promotion & advancement of veterans and military employees. For the Best for Vets ranking, Military Times collaborated with Fors Marsh Group (FMG) to update the research methodology and analysis from previous years to provide a streamlined, user-friendly survey experience for participants. All survey changes were made based on subject matter expert reviews of the survey and rigorous qualitative research, including focus groups and in-depth interviews with Military Times subscribers. FMG designed, deployed, analyzed and wrote the report for this year’s survey. The updated survey captured the areas of greatest importance to transitioning service members, veterans and their families when looking for an employer. Recruitment and employment practices, as well as retention and support programs, were given the most weight and importance in scoring and final rankings. “Geisinger is committed to military veterans by providing care options and career opportunities to them in their local communities,” said U.S. Army veteran Chris Grill, program manager of Military and Veterans Affairs at Geisinger. “We know that employing talented people, like those from our veteran community, contributes to our overall goal of making better health easier for our patients and members.” Geisinger employs more than 700 active-duty service members and veterans throughout the system. As part of its commitment to the military and its veterans, Geisinger introduced a paid military leave benefit, which provides service members employed by Geisinger to be paid for time at annual trainings, encampments and drills. It also recently established military fellowship program eases the transition of active-duty service members looking to move into a civilian career. To learn more about Geisinger’s veteran programs and career opportunities, visit jobs.geisinger.org/veterans.
3 Allied Services Facilities Earn U.S. News & World Report Best Nursing Homes Awards 3 skilled-nursing facilities operated by Allied Services Integrated Health System are among the 13% of facilities nationwide that were recently recognized as a Best Nursing Home for 2021-22 by U.S. News & World Report. As nursing homes and facilities across the country continue to grapple with the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, U.S. News remains at the forefront of providing data-driven information and guidance to help residents, families, and caregivers understand their long- and short-term care options. Allied Services currently provides short- and long-term rehabilitation to more than 2100 patients each year at its 5 skilled nursing and transitional rehab facilities in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre. The following homes earned Best Nursing Homes status by achieving ratings of “High Performing,” the highest possible rating, for Short-Term Rehabilitation and/or Long-Term Care: Allied Services Scranton Transitional Rehab Unit: Short-Term Rehabilitation Allied Services Wilkes-Barre Transitional Rehab Unit: Short-Term Rehabilitation Allied Services Center City Skilled Nursing: Long-Term Care U.S. News gives the designation of Best Nursing Home only to those homes that satisfy U.S. News’s assessment of the appropriate use of key services and consistent performance in quality measures. This is the 5th consecutive year that the Allied Services Transitional Rehab Units have received the survey’s top rating of “High Performing” for Short-Stay Rehabilitation, earning them the title of “Best Nursing Homes.” The Short-Stay Rehabilitation rating was introduced in 2018 to provide patients with a clearer view of the quality of care provided by nursing homes to short-stay patients in need of intensive rehabilitation or nursing services before they return home after a surgery, stroke, accident or illness. “As a non-profit health system, we have made it a priority to give patients in our region access to the very best in clinical expertise and advanced rehab technology” commented Karen Kearney, MSW, Vice President, Inpatient Rehabilitation. “This carries through to our Transitional Rehab Units where patients receive nationally-acclaimed short-term rehabilitation under the direction of our Nursing Home Administrators, Chris Minich and Chris Fazzini.” A third Allied Services facility received recognition from US News. Allied Services Center City Skilled Nursing Center is the only facility in Northeast Pennsylvania to receive the survey’s top rating of “High Performing” for Long-Term Care. “This past year has been challenging for our patients, residents, staff and their families” reflected James Cooney, NHA, Vice President Skilled Nursing for Allied Services. “These awards are welcome recognition for the commitment to quality care that our staff exemplifies. We are proud of the care that staff at all of our skilled nursing facilities provide, around-the-clock, 365 days a year.” Now in its 12th year, the U.S. News Best Nursing Homes ratings and profiles offer comprehensive information about quality of care, COVID-19 vaccination requirements for residents and staff, flu and pneumonia vaccination rates, and infection control violations listed on the resident safety summary. Individuals can easily conduct customized research for a highly rated nursing home by location, size, and Medicare and Medicaid coverage. This year’s methodology includes an emphasis on homes meeting certain standards of patient safety, which could limit a home’s ability to achieve a ‘High-Performing’ rating. These standards include a minimum threshold for the staff COVID-19 vaccination rate, overuse of antipsychotic drugs, and frequent visits to the emergency department, among other criteria. Homes that have below a 75% COVID-19 staff vaccination rate are not considered a leading facility. A significant percentage of Short-Term Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care programs that would otherwise have qualified as ‘High-Performing’ were downgraded at the time of publication. The ratings include data on staffing, success in preventing ER visits, and pneumonia vaccination rates among other metrics. Out of 13,175 nursing homes that received a Long-Term Care Rating, 1,063 were designated as High-Performing. The Short-Term Care Rating incorporates measures of quality including consistency of registered nurse staffing, use of antipsychotic drugs, and success in preventing falls. For 2021-22, 13,500 facilities received a Short-Term Rating, while only 1,651 homes earned a High-Performing Rating.
Simplex Industries, Inc. Names David Boniello as President Simplex Industries, a leader in the modular industry and one of the region’s leading employers, has announced a succession plan in which long-time Vice President David Boniello will become President of the company on January 1, 2022. The announcement was made by current President and managing partner Patrick Fricchione, Jr. Fricchione will remain Chairman and CEO of the company. “Dave Boniello’s promotion to President is a natural progression that reflects his three-decades of expertise in the industry and successful leadership at Simplex Industries,” said Patrick Fricchione, Jr. “As a respected voice in the industry, Dave is uniquely positioned to take over the day-to-day operations of Simplex and I am confident he will lead in Simplex with integrity. This long-planned transition will allow Dave to focus on the daily operations and I’ll be able to devote myself to Simplex’s long-term future growth.” Dave Boniello joined Simplex over 30 years ago and rose through a number of sales and management positions to his current role as Vice President of Simplex Industries and Cornerstone Building Solutions. Cornerstone is the local building division of the company. In recent years, Boniello’s focus has been developing and maintaining relationships with large scale customers. In that role he has overseen some of the company’s largest apartment and town home projects in Philadelphia, suburban New York City and across the Mid-Atlantic region. “I’m honored to lead Simplex during an exciting time of growth and opportunity, and am privileged to work with such a committed group of employees,” said Boniello. “I’ve dedicated the majority of my professional life to the company and formed close bonds with our employees, customers and vendors. As we celebrate 50 years of Simplex Industries’ history, I’m coming into the new role with the company in perhaps the best condition since our founding by the Fricchione family in 1971. As a leader in our field, it’s my goal and my challenge to continue on what our employees have built over the past 50 years.” Dave Boniello is a native of Dunmore, PA and graduate of Johnson College (Scranton, PA). He is a past Chairman of the Johnson College Board of Directors and a long-time Johnson College Board member. Boniello has been an active board member of the Lackawanna Home Builders Association and Home Builders Association of NEPA alongside being a member of the Women’s Resource Center Golf Tournament Committee.
Scranton Penguins Teddy Bear Toss to Support Tobyhanna Operation Santa Claus December 4 Toss a plush toy onto the ice after the Penguins’ first goal! Support Tobyhanna Operation Santa Claus by bringing a new, unwrapped stuffed animal to the game and toss it onto the ice after the Penguins’ first goal. All toys will be collected and distributed to children in need throughout northeast Pennsylvania. Tobyhanna Operation Santa Claus is a charitable private organization operating at Tobyhanna Army Depot. Buy tickets for the game here!
FNCB Bank Donates Scholarship Funds to Marywood University’s Momentum Program FNCB Bank presents a $7,500 Education Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) donation to Marywood University for their Momentum Program. Marywood University’s Momentum Program provides high school juniors and seniors with the opportunity to get a head start on college by enrolling in college level courses. Students can choose from a variety of courses, most often liberal arts courses, during the Fall, Spring, Summer I and Summer II semesters through high school graduation. Since 2010, FNCB has contributed just under $2,500,000 to local educational and scholarship organizations through the EITC initiative. From left: Jerry Champi, FNCB Bank President and CEO; Patricia Rosetti, Marywood University Leadership Annual Giving Officer. FNCB Bank, locally based since 1910, has announced a $7,500 Pennsylvania Education Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) donation to Marywood University for their Momentum Program. Marywood University’s Momentum Program provides high school juniors and seniors with the opportunity to get a head start on college by enrolling in college level courses. Students can choose from a variety of courses, most often liberal arts courses, during the Fall, Spring, Summer I and Summer II semesters through high school graduation. Since 2010, FNCB has contributed just under $2,500,000 to local educational and scholarship organizations through the EITC initiative. The support of Marywood University is part of FNCB’s larger Community Caring initiative. As a true, local community bank, FNCB Bank is making a difference through volunteerism, donations and outreach programs.
The Wright Center Names New Associate Vice President of Development and Patient & Community Engagement The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education recently named Laurie LaMaster as associate vice president of development and Patient & Community Engagement. A veteran of the regional media market, LaMaster spent 12 years as vice president of promotion and marketing at WNEP-TV 16. Most recently, she was director of marketing and promotion at KMTV-3 News Now in Omaha, Nebraska, where she oversaw marketing, advertising, promotion, public relations and creative services. “I am excited to work collaboratively with my colleagues and members of the community to ensure everyone has access to health care so they can live their life to the fullest,” said LaMaster. “Our efforts will raise community awareness and also raise the necessary funds to deliver preventive and primary care to the communities that need it most.” At The Wright Center, LaMaster will pilot a proactive model of community fundraising and awareness, and create and implement a fundraising and community engagement strategic plan to increase awareness of the organization and grow revenue. She will identify, create, launch and execute fundraising opportunities and special events with oversight from the Patient & Community Engagement board. Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement board is comprised of resident physicians, physician faculty, administration and staff. Members focus on improving access to health care while addressing the negative social and economic determinants of health, such as food and housing insecurity, poverty and access to education that negatively affect the overall well-being of people. Volunteers provide oversight, direction and support for Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement team members. “We are excited to welcome Ms. LaMaster to our team and community,” said William Waters, co-chair of The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement board. “Her familiarity and knowledge of the region will benefit our growing network of community health centers and resident physician learners that are dedicated to providing comprehensive primary and preventive health care to the citizens who need it most in Northeast Pennsylvania.” Overall, LaMaster’s role will support the regional nonprofit’s mission and vision to improve the health and welfare of the community through inclusive and responsive health services and the sustainable renewal of an inspired, competent workforce of physicians.
Open Skate at Mohegan Sun Arena Returns This Thursday to Benefit Toys for Tots The ASM Global managed Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza will open its doors once again for public ice skating on Thursday, December 2nd for the Toys for Tots Open Skate presented by Utz in support of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. Anyone bringing a new, unwrapped toy or making a $5.00 contribution to Toys for Tots is permitted to participate in the Open Skate. The Open Skate will run from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Complimentary snacks will be available for guests’ courtesy of Utz Snack Foods and light refreshments will be available for purchase with partial proceeds donated to Toys for Tots. All guests in attendance will have the opportunity to win some great prizes while at the event including: Disney On Ice ticketsHarlem Globetrotters ticketsWilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins ticketsJason Isbell tickets at the FM Kirby CenterTickets for a surprise family show being announced on November 30thJump passes to Skyzone PittstonMohegan Sun Pocono prize packLT Verrastro prize pack$50 Red Robin gift cardAnd more! This is the only day throughout the year that the public is allowed to skate on the ice at Mohegan Sun Arena, home to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. Patrons must bring their own skates to participate in the Open Skate. Mohegan Sun Arena will not have skates on site for rent and all guests that will be going on to the ice will need to be wearing skates. Skate rentals are available at the Toyota SportsPlex (Community Ice Rink) at Coal St. in Wilkes-Barre for $4 per pair starting at 5PM on Wednesday, December 1st. There are a limited number of skate rentals available. Proper photo ID and a credit card must be presented to rent skates. All skates must be returned to the Toyota SportsPlex at Coal St. before 12pm on Friday, December 3rd. For more information on the Toyota SportsPlex, please visit their website at http://toyotasportsplex.com. ASM Global reminds everyone attending events at Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza to please adhere to the new hygiene and security policies in place consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Pennsylvania Department of Health guidance for the safety of all participants, guests and employees at the arena including: Face coverings and social distancing for guests who are fully vaccinated is not required but is strongly encouraged per current recommendations from the CDCAll guests two years of age and older who are not fully vaccinated must wear face coverings during their visit except while actively eating or drinkingGuests do not need to show physical proof of being fully vaccinatedWe will rely on our guests to accurately follow the guidelines based on their vaccination status If a guest is experiencing any of the following, we ask that you stay home: A guest who has COVID-19 symptoms.A guest who has a COVID-19 test result pending. A guest who is under a healthcare provider’s care for a positive COVID-19 test.A guest who has been exposed to COVID-19 (unless fully vaccinated). For more information on the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program, please visit http://www.toysfortots.org. Mohegan Sun Arena is owned by the Luzerne County Convention Center Authority and Managed by ASM Global.
Johnson College Currently Enrolling Students in Next Fundamentals of Welding Class Johnson College’s Continuing Education Program is currently enrolling students in its next Fundamentals of Welding class, scheduled for Monday, December 13, 2021, on its campus in Scranton. Space is very limited. Students will learn the basics of the major welding processes. After fundamentals, students can enroll in an intermediate class in either Shielded Metal Arc Welding (Stick), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (TIG), or Gas Metal Arc Welding (MIG). Each of these classes works toward plate certification to a common welding code. To learn more or enroll, contact the Johnson College Continuing Education department at 570-702-8979 or email continuinged@johnson.edu.
Holiday Windows Light Up Downtown Scranton When you drive or walk through the Downtown Scranton Business District this holiday season, enjoy magical window displays in storefronts as part of the Holiday Window Showcase. The showcase will be on display Wednesday, November 24 through January 7, 2022
NE PA Wineries’ Collaboration Wins at National and International Competitions From left: Dan Schreffler of Space Time Mead & Cider Works, and Pete Aiello of Honey Hole Winery with their Double Gold Medal award winning Lavender Mead. A lavender honey wine (mead) made by Honey Hole Winery in Drums, and Space Time Mead & Cider Works in Dunmore has received medals in three national competitions. Honey Hole Winery’s/Space Time Mead & Cidery Work’s “Collaboration Lavender Metheglin” received a Double Gold medal and “Best of Class” at the American Wine Society’s (AWS) 2021 Commercial Wine Competition held in Atlantic City, New Jersey. At the 2021 Mazer Cup International Commercial Mead Competition, the mead took silver in the Semisweet Metheglin (spiced mead) category; and received a bronze medal in the Sweet Metheglin category at the 2021 National Honey Board’s Mead Crafters Competition. “What is so great about this recognition is that the wine was made from all locally sourced ingredients,” said Pete Aiello of Honey Hole Winery. “Northeastern Pennsylvania has some wonderful growers and beekeepers!” “We love working with Honey Hole Winery,” weighed in Dan Schreffler of Space Time Mead & Cider Works. “Pete has some wonderful ideas and is able to bring together some fantastic growers, like herbs from Graces Lavender Farm in Catawissa; and honey from the Bee Keeper’s Daughter in Plains. To source ingredients close to home, partner with a friend at a local winery, and receive national recognition, is special.” Out of 6 collaboration wines, the Lavender Metheglin is the second double gold medal award winning mead! The next collaboration will be released in Spring of 2022 featuring 100% Pennsylvania grown grapes!
