Booster doses of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine available at Geisinger

Following recent guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Geisinger is offering booster doses of the Pfizer (Comirnaty) COVID-19 vaccine for people who are eligible.

Those eligible for a booster include people who have received their two doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, and:

  • Are age 65 and older
  • Are a long-term care resident
  • Are age 18 to 64 with an underlying medical condition that puts them at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19
  • Are age 18 to 64 and have a job that puts them at increased risk of being exposed to COVID-19

People can get their booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine beginning six months after receiving their second dose.

If you’re unsure if you qualify for the booster or have any specific questions, contact your doctor.

The booster dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is the same dosage (0.3 milliliters) as the first and second vaccine doses. The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine received full FDA approval in late August. 

Anyone who has received the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine is not eligible for a booster vaccine at this time, according to the CDC.

You can make an appointment for a booster COVID-19 vaccine at Geisinger through MyGeisinger or by calling 570-284-3657. Appointments are available at the vaccine centers at the Geisinger Health Plan Building near Danville, Geisinger CenterPoint in Jenkins Township, Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital and Geisinger Lewistown Hospital. Appointments are also available at Geisinger Philipsburg and Geisinger Pharmacy locations in Dallas, Danville, Lewistown, Lock Haven, Mount Pocono, Pottsville, State College and Scranton.

Remember to bring your COVID-19 vaccine card or proof of having received the vaccine to your appointment. More information about the COVID-19 vaccine is available at Geisinger.org/COVIDVax.

As a reminder, no visitors are permitted for outpatient appointments, unless medically necessary, and masks must be worn by everyone in all Geisinger buildings and facilities.

Fall Events at Settlers Hospitality

When fall comes calling to the Pocono Mountains, Settlers Hospitality responds with a host of special events that capture the essence of the season. The Settlers Inn, Ledges Hotel, Silver Birches and Hotel Anthracite deliver the flavors and festivities that make autumn a treasured time in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Shrimp will be featured in a big way at The Dock on Wallenpaupack. From October 24 to November 24 enjoy a variety of appetizers and entrees starring the crustacean. Dishes include Bang-Bang Shrimp, Bacon Wrapped Shrimp with Asian Glaze, Shrimp Toast with Ginger Ponzu, Crab Stuffed Shrimp, Steak and Shrimp, Coconut Shrimp and Shrimp Carbonara.

Solve crime while you dine! Hotel Anthracite in Carbondale will host an evening of intrigue with a Murder Mystery Dinner Theater on October 29. The drama begins at 7 p.m. Gather clues as you savor a delectable three course meal. The cost is $49 per person.

The Settlers Inn will once again have guests spellbound with its Storytelling Dinner. On October 29 and 30 New York Times writer Neil Genzlinger will enthrall audiences with tantalizing tales. Genzlinger is an accomplished writer and storyteller with three wins at Moth StorySlam Open Competitions. He’ll be joined by Michaela Murphy the host of “Word of Mouth Live!” at the Bucks County Playhouse where she is the director of education. The highly regarded speech and performance coach has appeared at many storytelling events including the Moth Mainstage, Harmony in the Woods and TEDxBarnardCollegeWomen. The events unfold in The Undercroft set aglow by over 100 pumpkins hand carved especially for the occasion. Live music and a delectable farm-to-table meal round out the evening. Reservations are required for The Storytelling Dinner, which costs $65 per person.

The restaurants of Settlers Hospitality will dig deep into the truffle scene. During the month of November, The Settlers Inn, The Dock on Wallenpaupack and Glass-wine.bar.kitchen will offer dishes featuring the delicacy. The culinary occasion culminates with a Truffle Italian Wine Dinner on November 12 at The Settlers Inn. A guest chef will create an elegant menu of items spotlighting truffles and paired with Italian wines. The decadent evening will include presentations by Urbani Truffles and Pio Cesare Vineyards. Reservations are required.

Settlers Hospitality will salute members of the armed forces with complimentary overnight accommodations on Veterans Day, November 11. Veterans may stay at The Settlers Inn, Ledges Hotel, Silver Birches or Hotel Anthracite free of charge. The Settlers Inn will also host a fireside welcome wine on Thursday evening especially for service members. Reservations are required for overnight accommodations.

Before the big feast, gather for a Friendsgiving at Glass-wine.bar.kitchen. The casual celebration on Thanksgiving Eve, November 24 features live music by John Curtin plus food specials.

Celebrate Thanksgiving with Settlers Hospitality. For a traditional Thanksgiving meal of farm-to-table favorites, make a reservation for Thanksgiving Dinner at The Settlers Inn on November 25. Seatings will be available in from noon-6:30 p.m. in the dining room and the Undercroft. There are two options for lakeside holiday dining at Silver Birches on November 25. Enjoy a fuss-free, family-style meal at The Dock on Wallenpaupack while the popular Thanksgiving Buffet returns to The Waterfront. Large parties may reserve private dining space in The Helm or Starboard Room. Stay home and enjoy a Thanksgiving feast with none of the cooking. Both The Settlers Inn and The Dock on Wallenpaupack will offer Thanksgiving Dinner to Go featuring turkey and all the trimmings. Orders must be placed by November 23. Meals will be ready for pick up on November 25 between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Whether it’s a relaxing getaway, memorable meal or unique special event, Settlers Hospitality crafts the finest offerings of the season into exceptional experiences.

Cancer Institute Announces New Officer and Member to the Board of Directors

The Northeast Regional Cancer Institute’s Board of Directors appointed Robert Cole PhD to the Board of Directors. He will serve as Vice Chair to fulfill a mid-term vacancy.  

Robert Cole, PhD, is the Senior Vice President, Chief Analytics Officer at Allied Services Integrated Health System. He is a 25-year employee of the health system. The non-profit organization is the leading provider of healthcare and human services for northeastern Pennsylvanians with disabilities and chronic illness.   

Robert earned a Master’s and a Doctorate in Experimental Psychology from the State University of New York at Binghamton, NY and brings strong data analytics backed by actionable insights into the organization’s business lines.  

Robert Cole, PhD, lives in Duryea with his wife, Donna, and their daughter Carsyn. He grew up in Duryea, graduated from Pittston Area High School and earned his bachelor’s in psychology from Bloomsburg University in 1992.  

Hospice of the Sacred Heart Relocating to Hybrid Workplace in Montage

Hospice of the Sacred Heart is relocating their Wilkes-Barre administrative office and their Moosic Center for Education to a large, very modern and technology-ready space with offices and multi-purpose rooms at 53 Glenmaura National Boulevard in Moosic. The new space is on the first floor of the Cigna Building high atop Montage Mountain.

The relocation follows a decision to transition to a hybrid workplace for most administrative employees. Clinical, social, pastoral and bereavement services are not affected by the relocation. “The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic requires that we work differently and apart as much as possible. Most administrative employees will perform a majority of their daily duties remotely,” said Diane Baldi, Chief Executive Officer, Hospice of the Sacred Heart.

The new location will have work stations, meeting rooms and multi-purpose rooms for work and activities that cannot be performed remotely. “The future of work is hybrid. I believe many healthcare organizations will adopt our new work plan in some form,” Baldi said.

Hospice of the Sacred Heart, a 501(c)(3) Pennsylvania nonprofit organization, opened in 2003 and was located at 130 Wilkes-Barre Boulevard in Wilkes-Barre. Unprecedented growth occurred shortly afterwards and the agency moved to 600 Baltimore Drive, Wilkes-Barre, in 2007. Hospice of the Sacred Heart also operates a 10-bed inpatient unit at 100 William Street in Dunmore.

The mission of Hospice of the Sacred Heart is to provide comfort, care, hope and choice to patients and their families, while guiding them through the end of life journey.

Geisinger Hospitals Going Pink This October

A study funded by the American Cancer Society found that annual mammograms substantially reduce the risk of dying from breast cancer. The study, published in the journal Radiology, comes at a critical time, as a staggering number of women have missed their regular mammogram over the past 18 months due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This October, in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness month, Geisinger is doing its part to raise awareness about the importance of early breast cancer detection. Geisinger hospitals across Central Pennsylvania will be lit pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the millions of people and families who have battled and are battling the disease.

All Geisinger Health Plan members will receive a pair of pink socks in the mail to remind them and their loved ones to schedule their annual mammograms. Geisinger is also sending automated phone messages that connect members with its customer care team for easy mammogram scheduling.

“Mammography detects breast cancer early, before symptoms become obvious. Mammograms can also detect benign (non-cancerous) breast disease such as cysts and fibroadenomas. The American College of Radiology and other leading health groups have determined that the most lives are saved with annual mammograms beginning at age 40. Your doctor may recommend starting earlier if you have a family history or other risk factors.” said Dr. Rosemary Leeming, director of the Breast Program, Geisinger.

In 2019, Geisinger unveiled its mobile mammography unit, and the pink bus will continue to help patients in underserved areas this year – a convenient way to schedule mammogram appointments.

“This October, let us all remember the loved ones we have lost to breast cancer, support those in treatment, and reaffirm our commitment to raising awareness on the importance of early detection of breast cancer in our communities,” added Dr. Leeming.

For more information on mammograms and breast cancer care, visit geisinger.org/breastcare to schedule your mammogram. 

PennDOT Invites Pennsylvanians to Share Feedback

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is accepting construction and maintenance services feedback through an online survey. The public can take the survey through October 26 at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2021PDConstruction.

“Through collaborative efforts, we maintain our transportation network while also planning and executing statewide transportation improvements,” PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian said. “This survey will help us understand needs measure public expectations and identify educational opportunities.”

The 20-question survey asks how they receive PennDOT roadway information and how often PennDOT meets or exceeds expectations in construction and maintenance activities. Respondents are also asked about experiences with reporting concerns to the department, and whether or how they use the state’s 511PA traveler information services.

The public can check conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles in Pennsylvania by visiting www.511pa.com. The service, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information, and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.

511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional Twitter alerts accessible on the 511PA website.

Information on projects occurring or being bid this year is viewable at www.projects.penndot.gov. Visit the “Regional Offices” page at www.penndot.gov to sign up for travel alerts in a specific area.

Subscribe to statewide PennDOT news and traffic alerts at www.penndot.gov/news or choose a region under “Regional Offices.” Information about the state’s infrastructure and results the department is delivering for Pennsylvanians can be found at www.penndot.gov/results. Find PennDOT’s planned and active construction projects at www.projects.penndot.gov.

Follow PennDOT on Twitter and like the department on Facebook and Instagram.

The University of Scranton Receives $1 Million Donation

From left: Jacquelyn Dionne and John Dionne receive the President’s Medal at the President’s Business Council dinner in 2013.

The University of Scranton’s Kania School of Management announced a gift of $1 million from John D. Dionne ’86 and Jacquelyn Dionne ‘89. The generous donation will be used to name and support two Kania honors programs: the Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program; and the Robert L. McKeage Business Leadership Honors Program. The fund will support the growing Study Abroad program and other activities for students in these two honors programs, as well as other students enrolled in the Kania School of Management.

The Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program and the Robert L. McKeage Business Leadership Honors Program are among the University’s five undergraduate programs of excellence. The Business Honors Program is a selective four-year program geared toward highly-motivated undergraduate students interested in pursuing academic excellence in business who will pursue honors studies in the areas of economics, entrepreneurship, operations management, accounting, finance, international business, marketing and management. The Business Leadership Honors Program is a highly-selective program students enter in their junior year. Participants explore the basic theories and concepts of leadership through special seminars and courses in management, ethics, strategy and analysis, in addition to field trips to learn from top executives and projects in leadership, service and mentoring.

For over twenty-five years, the Dionnes have been good friends and generous benefactors of The University of Scranton and the Kania School of Management. The Dionnes were co-recipients of the 2013 University President’s Medal and were the driving force behind creating the Kania School Business Leader Hall of Fame. The green located at the heart of the University’s campus is named in their honor.

“I can’t thank you enough for your generosity and steadfast support. You are an example to our students and your fellow graduates and an inspiration to me.” said Joseph G. Marina, S.J., University president, upon announcing the gift at his Inauguration as Scranton’s 29th president on Sept. 24.

A native of Scranton, Jackie Dionne is a registered nurse and received her bachelor’s degree in health administration from the University. She currently serves as an RN with elderly and Alzheimer’s patients. Jackie Dionne serves on the University’s Board of Trustees and previously served on its board from 2011 to 2017. She works with numerous charitable organizations, including the National Charity League, Horizons Organization of Bridgeport and Meals on Wheels.

A New Hampshire native, John Dionne graduated with a bachelor’s degree in economics/finance and accounting from the University and later earned an MBA from Harvard Business School. A very successful business executive, he retired in 2013 as a senior managing director from the Blackstone Group. He currently serves as a senior advisor to Blackstone, is a senior lecturer at the Harvard Business School, and a director of Fortune 500 companies. A former chair of the University’s Board of Trustees, John Dionne, helped launch the President’s Business Council and the annual award dinner. A frequent speaker in the Kania School of Management’s Executive in Residence program and other leading universities, he was recently ranked among Harvard’s top 50 most prominent alumni.

“We are grateful to honor two of the long-time icons of the Kania School in current Professor Dr. Robert McKeage and the late Dr. Frank Corcione. They share a demanding Jesuit philosophical ideal, illustrated by the quote of St. Luke – ‘from whom much is given, much is expected,’” said John Dionne. “Dr. Corcione was demanding but cared, and motivated students to give it their all. Wall Street is awash with ‘Corcione products.’”

“Additionally, we are pleased to enhance the rapidly growing demand by students for semesters abroad by making them more affordable. We believe the program is a life-changing experience and an exciting complement to a University of Scranton Catholic and Jesuit education,” added Jackie Dionne. “Dr. McKeage is award-winning, dedicated faculty member, who always places student learning first.”

Penn East FCU Shredding Day: October 21

Penn East FCU will host a FREE on-site Shredding Day from 10am –2pm in the Scranton Office parking lot at 441 N. 7th Avenue. This is a great time of the year to get rid of tax documents, credit card and bank statements, and other items which could be used to commit identity theft.

Acceptable documents for shredding are limited to confidential and sensitive materials. Non-confidential materials such as books, magazines, newspapers, and other items should be recycled through your local municipal recycling program.

Scranton Fringe Casting Actors and Dancers for Special Winter Performance

Scranton Fringe, in tandem with Lackawanna County Arts & Culture Department, Lackawanna Markets, and numerous other community partners, is thrilled to announce an original, outdoor theatrical performance set to take place on the Lackawanna Courthouse Square in Downtown Scranton this winter!

The performance is an original work, created and produced by Scranton Fringe. Colorful performances, a large outdoor set, and a tiny bit of winter-themed magic will bring this unique production to life.

All dialogue, underscoring, and sound effects will be professionally pre-recorded. All performers will lipsynch this outdoor performance to ensure proper sound levels and smooth technical operations. All types of actors/performers and dancers, with a variety of skillsets and creative backgrounds, are encouraged to apply! Please note you do not have to be both an actor and dancer to apply.

REHEARSALS:
The first few rehearsals/production meetings will be held over Zoom for additional COVID safety and to minimize the time required by the performers. Rehearsals will begin in November and will be set as best as possible by group consensus and availability. Applicants should not be actively involved in another production at this time without letting Fringe know during the submission process.

Tech & dress rehearsals will occur on-site in downtown Scranton Monday, November 29th thru Thursday, December 2nd.

PERFORMANCE DATES/TIMES:
Friday, December 3rd, 6:30 pm & 7:30 pm
Saturday, December 4th, 5 pm & 6 pm
Each performance is approx. 15 minutes in length and call time for both performance dates are 1 hour before the first show.

SUBMISSION PROCESS & PAYMENT:

Actors of all types and dancers/movement artists are strongly encouraged to apply by emailing their headshot, resume, and any links to past work to info@scrantonfringe.org. Links to work that includes the actor’s voice are encouraged though not required.

We expect to have our full casting announced by/around the week of October 22nd, 2021.

Actors aged 16-17 may submit only if they have / can present parents permission.

Each hired performer will receive a $325 stipend (paid approx. 2 weeks following the last performance).

All performers for this special project will be asked to provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 and periodic testing may be required to ensure as safe a work environment as possible. We will notify all who apply if they have been offered a role or not.