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 tabletop

Tickets can be purchased here or at the shelter between 9am and 4pm daily, including weekends

Scranton Tomorrow: Holiday Open House

We can’t wait to shop & dine with you!
Join us this Sunday at the Holiday Open House in Downtown Scranton, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Participating retailers and restaurants are offering holiday incentives, hot cocoa & more! Plus, there is Free On Street Parking All Day!

Happy Holidays!

Hospice of the Sacred Heart to Deliver Thanksgiving Meals to Homebound Patients for 16th Year

On Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, November 25th, Hospice of the Sacred Heart will deliver meals to patients and their families. This is the 16th year the hospice will provide this service project. Over 700 meals will be prepared by Mansour’s Market Café in Scranton, packaged, and delivered by hospice staff members.

“We so look forward to this day. The process is changing again this year due to the COVID-19 epidemic, but the result is that we will safely deliver over 700 Thanksgiving meals to our patients and their families. This project once again demonstrates our gratitude for the blessings in our lives,” said Diane Baldi, CEO, Hospice of the Sacred Heart.

Media outlets are invited to photograph the distribution process beginning at 7:50 am at Mansour’s Market Café, 969 Prescott Avenue, Scranton. Deacon Patrick Massino will bless the meals at 8 am and deliveries will begin immediately afterwards. Diane Baldi, CEO, will be available for interviews between 8 and 10 am.

Space Time Mead & Cider Works Announces Winner of Label Art Competition

Space Time Mead & Cider Works is pleased to announce Megan Runco of Scranton as the winner of the Third Annual Space Time Mead & Cider Works Label Art Competition. Runco’s piece Fragility in Bloom won both the Judges’ Selection and the People’s Choice Selection out of 16 entries.

The winning artwork. Created using pencil and alcohol inks on yupo paper.

This year’s theme is the “Overview Effect,” which is the shift in perspective that astronauts experience in observing Earth from space. “Many people experienced their own perspectives and priorities shifting because of the global pandemic,” said Dan Schreffler, President/Winemaker of Space Time Mead & Cider Works. “Megan’s work really captured both a different way to view the world and a hope for a better future.”

Runco’s artwork will be featured on the label of a wine named “The Overview Effect.” The style and release date of the wine are yet to be determined. “This artwork needs a special wine worthy of the label Megan created,” added Schreffler.

“I felt very excited and honored to have my art selected to be a part of a great local product,” said Runco. “The work was inspired from the fragile, yet important role flowers and pollination play in the balance of life. I wanted this piece to represent something so important yet quite delicate.”

Dan Schreffler of Space Time Mead & Cider Works presenting $200 check to Brent Guzik, Communications Manager, Everhart Museum.

The competition raised $200, which was donated the Everhart Museum.  “The Everhart Museum is grateful to Space Time Mead & Cider Works for its dedication to promoting and celebrating local artists, as well as for its generous contribution to the Everhart’s mission of educating, inspiring, and enriching our community through natural history, science, art, and humanities,” said Brent Guzik, Everhart Museum communications manager.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra to Perform at Mohegan Sun Arena November 21, Benefiting Griffin Pond Animal Shelter

10 Million Albums Sold + 10 Million Tickets Sold = 25 Years of TSO Success
Let’s Make it a Purrfect 10 Again on November 21
for the Animals at Griffin Pond Animal Shelter!
Larry Magid Entertainment Group along with 98.5 KRZ and WNEP-TV are proud to welcome the multi-platinum, progressive rock group, Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) when they return to Wilkes-Barre for their 2021 North American tour!

TSO will perform two spectacular shows at 3 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 21, at Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza, 255 Highland Park Blvd., Wilkes-Barre Twp. Tickets for both shows are on sale now with a portion of the ticket proceeds benefitting Griffin Pond Animal Shelter courtesy of TSO and 98.5 KRZ.  

Tickets can be purchased online at Ticketmaster: www.ticketmaster.com/artist/780815?venueId=16613 or 98.5 KRZ: www.audacy.com/985krz/events/trans-siberian-orchestra  

Tickets also are available at the Mohegan Sun Arena Box Office.  

This year’s long-awaited TSO tour celebrates the 25th anniversary of the group’s landmark album Christmas Eve and Other Stories, the 3x certified platinum album that launched the group to superstardom and spawned the bring-the-whole-family rock holiday tradition.  

For more information, please contact Jackie Galvin, M.S., development and communications director, at 570-586-3700 ext. 522 or jackie@griffinpondanimalshelter.com