Johnson College Enrolling for New Pharmacy Technician Program Johnson College is now enrolling for its new Pharmacy Technician program, beginning at both its Scranton and Hazleton campuses. The program will run at Johnson College Scranton on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:00 to 9:30 p.m. starting October 7th. The program will run at Johnson College Hazleton on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00 to 9:30 p.m. starting October 15th. This comprehensive 50-hour program will prepare students to work as a pharmacy technician in retail or other pharmacy setting. Course content includes pharmacy medical terminology, the history of pharmacy, the pharmacy practice in multiple environments, pharmacy calculations and measurements, reading and interpreting prescriptions, and defining drugs by generic and brand names. Through classroom lectures and hands-on labs, students will review dosage calculations, drug classifications, the “top 200 drugs”, I.V. flow rates, sterile compounding, dose conversions, aseptic technique, the handling of sterile products, total parenteral nutrition (TPN), dispensing of prescriptions, inventory control and billing and reimbursement. This program meets the requirements needed to sit for the Pharmacy Technician Certified Board (PTCB) exam as well as the National Workforce Career Association (NWCA) Pharmacy Technician (PTAC) exam. Participants of the Pharmacy Technician program will be eligible to participate in an optional, 80-hour clinical externship. Requirements for the externship include a resume; waiver; release form; statement of health; vaccines for MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B series, Tdap (within the last 10 years); a TB test (within the last 12 months); background check; drug screen; and state registration if applicable. The total cost of the course is $1,650, which includes textbooks, a PTCB exam voucher, and a PTCB prep course. To learn more or to enroll, visit https://johnson.edu/continuing-ed/pharmacytech/ or contact the Continuing Education Department at 570-702-8979 or continuinged@johnson.edu.
Small Business Development Center Hosts Seminar on Social Media Marketing Strategies Register to attend the seminar on Thursday, August 22. Register Today!
Providence Engineering Announces Leadership Transition Providence Engineering, a leading provider of building engineering services, is pleased to announce a significant leadership transition. Effective January 2025, David Bernhardt, PE, the current President and CEO, will maintain the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO), while Dana Ziegler, PE, will be promoted to President. Leadership Transition Reflects Strength from Within David Bernhardt, PE, has been an integral part of Providence Engineering for many years, joining the firm in 2003, becoming an owner in 2009, and most recently serving as President and CEO since 2015. Under his guidance, the company has expanded its service offerings, strengthened its market position, and transitioned to a 100% employee-owned company. As David continues in the role of CEO, he will provide strategic oversight and visionary leadership for the company. David commented, “I am excited to continue driving Providence Engineering’s strategic vision and collaborating with my colleague and friend, Dana Ziegler. When Dana takes over as President in January, he will be the third President in our firm’s history. This promotion is a testament to his management and leadership skills and to the operational strength of our employee-owned company structure. I am confident that Dana’s leadership, as President, will not only strengthen and expand our ability to deliver dependable and innovative solutions to our clients, but will also provide an increasingly rewarding workplace for our employee owners.” Dana Ziegler, PE, who has been with Providence Engineering in varying capacities for over 14 years, brings extensive experience and a deep understanding of the company’s operations and culture to his new role as President. Dana’s promotion from within the organization is a clear indication of Providence Engineering’s commitment to nurturing talent and recognizing the achievements of its team members. Dana earned his Bachelor of Science in Structural Design and Construction Engineering Technology from The Pennsylvania State University, and before returning to Providence in 2014, he was Vice President of Engineering and Operations at his family’s construction firm. Dana expressed his enthusiasm, “I am excited and honored to step into the role of President at Providence Engineering. Having grown within this remarkable company, I am deeply committed to our values and mission. We have always strived to be the engineer of choice, and I look forward to working closely with our talented team to continue delivering comprehensive building engineering solutions to our clients.” A 100% Employee-Owned Company One of Providence Engineering’s distinguishing features is its 100% employee-owned structure. This ownership model fosters a culture of collaboration, accountability, and shared success. Each employee-owner is invested in the company’s long-term prosperity, ensuring a high level of dedication and engagement. This structure not only benefits the employee-owners but also enhances the service quality provided to clients. For More Information As we progress through the remainder of 2024 and into 2025, please follow the Providence Engineering social media channels to keep updated on this exciting leadership transition and learn more about Providence’s third President, Dana Ziegler.
Marywood Students Nominated for Mid-Atlantic Regional Emmy A group of students in Marywood University’s Multimedia Communication program have been nominated for a student Emmy Award in the Mid-Atlantic Region’s College/University Student Production Live Sporting Event/Game category. The student awards program is conducted by the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. The students were nominated for their work in sports media production, and the entry being considered is “Marywood University Pacers Basketball.” The team of students involved includes: Vincent Goldschmidt, Announcer; Felix Lettini, Technical Director; Soren Svanson, Camera; Corey Iyoob, Reporter; Cameron Gorman, Audio; Bernard Roedel, Videographer/Editor; Benjamin Galko, Camera, and John Downey, Sportscaster. The students are advised by Jim Donnelly, Assistant Coordinator of Broadcast Operations. Winners will be announced on September 21 at the Wyndham Grand in Pittsburgh, PA.
Audacy’s Exclusive Offer to Chamber Members To access Audacy’s exclusive offer, contact Kimberlee Greenleaf, senior account manager, by email or phone. Email: Kimberlee.Greenleaf@Audacy.com Phone: (570) 880-5307
Outreach Center Hosts Children’s Career Fair Outreach – Center for Community Resources will host its fourth annual Children’s Career Fair at Outreach, 431 North 7th Avenue, Scranton, on Saturday, August 17, 2024, from 10 AM to 1 PM. This exciting Children’s Career Fair will ignite young minds and offer opportunities for kids of all ages to explore various career options and discover their passions in a fun and interactive environment. Children and parents will have the opportunity to explore over 30 careers through fun and interactive activities. Several local companies will also be offering information on current employment opportunities within their companies. The Outreach Children’s Career Fair is free and open to all families with children interested in interacting with businesses and exploring future career possibilities! It’s never too early for children to think about their future careers! Last year’s event featured hands-on activities like fishing for recyclables, creating their own house floorplan, bubble blowing, creating a mural with the Outreach staff, seeing emergency vehicles up close, and so much more! We aim to spark curiosity, stimulate creativity, and broaden horizons as children engage with professionals from various industries. Event Highlights: Diverse Career Booths: Children will have the opportunity to visit exciting career booths representing professions like science, technology, arts, healthcare, engineering, and more. Volunteers from each industry will be on hand to share their experiences, answer questions, and demonstrate exciting aspects of their professions. Hands-on Activities: The event will feature numerous interactive activities that allow children to explore different careers. Each activity will be educational and entertaining, from creating art masterpieces to conducting simple science experiments. Back-to-School Supplies and Haircuts: To add to the excitement, back-to-school haircuts, and back-to-school supplies will be available. Career materials will also be available to promote learning and creativity. “We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to dream big and aspire to greatness,” said Lori Chaffers, Executive Director. “The Children’s Career Fair is a perfect platform for children to explore various professions, ignite their imaginations, and gain valuable insights into different career options. By exposing them to diverse possibilities, we hope to motivate and prepare them for a bright future.” We are grateful to all the volunteers, partners, and sponsors whose support has made this event possible. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to inspire the future leaders of tomorrow! Parents and caregivers are encouraged to attend with their children and participate in the activities together. For more information, please call Liz Ratchford at the office: (570) 558-7562 or cell: (570) 954-6755
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders Publish 2025 Home Schedule The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, Triple-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, are pleased to announce their home schedule for the 2025 International League season. The RailRiders will begin their season on the road on March 28, 2025, with the home opener scheduled for Tuesday, April 8, 2025. The 2025 season is once again slated with 150 games, split evenly between PNC Field and the road. “As we close out the current season with great crowds and more RailRiders wins, we can also start looking ahead to what is next,” said Scranton/Wilkes-Barre General Manager Katie Beekman. “It’s going to be a busy off-season with renovations and upgrades. Our front office staff is excited to start planning the next season of fun to help complement the experience everyone has nightly when they come to PNC Field.”The 2025 home schedule is comprised of 12 six-game series and one three-game set. Scranton/Wilkes-Barre will host Buffalo (Toronto), Charlotte (Chicago White Sox), Indianapolis (Pittsburgh Pirates), Lehigh Valley (Philadelphia Phillies), Nashville (Milwaukee Brewers), Rochester (Washington Nationals), Syracuse (New York Mets) Toledo (Detroit Tigers) and Worcester (Boston Red Sox) at PNC Field.Highlights of the 2025 home schedule include:April 8 thru 13: Opening Week at PNC Field against the Rochester Red Wings April 22 thru 27: Charlotte Knights return to PNC Field for the first time since 2019 May 13 thru 18: SWB hosts the Toledo Mud Hens June 10 thru 15: First 2025 match-up at PNC Field with Syracuse Mets July 4 thru 6: Three games at PNC Field against the IronPigs beginning on Independence DayJuly 8 thru 13: Nine-game homestand continues with Buffalo Bisons in town July 29 thru August 3: First Nashville Sounds series in Moosic since 1991 August 12 thru 17: Indianapolis Indians journey to NEPA for the first time since 2019 September 9 thru 14: Final home set of regular season as Lehigh Valley returns to close 2025 IronRail Series Road opponents, game times, and promotions will be announced at a later time, and the 2025 schedule remains subject to change. For more information, please visit swbrailriders.com or call (570) 969-BALL.
WVIA Conversations for the Common Good: Trust in Our Elections WVIA Free Event September 19th, at 6:30 PM at the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Fair and secure elections are the bedrock of our democracy. However, many members of our community have little information about what happens after they cast their ballots. As we head into the general election in November, WVIA, and Keep Our Republic invite you to attend this informative, nonpartisan event dedicated to fostering a deeper understanding of the 2024 election process and equipping our community to combat misinformation surrounding election integrity. At this event, experts from across the state and from our community will talk about what’s new for Pennsylvania’s elections in 2024, how votes are counted, certified, and audited, and answer questions on topics like mail-in ballots, the role of the courts and media in elections, how technology impacts election security, and what federal, state, and local governments are doing to combat election interference. This event will provide valuable insights to help you stay informed for the upcoming November 5th election. We hope to see you there. REGISTER HERE
The Wright Center Shines Light on Substance Use Disorder The Wright Center agrees that most of us know someone who has struggled with substance use disorder. For too many people, it’s a battle that ends in tragedy. Clearly, we need every possible resource we can muster to fight this ever-evolving public health crisis that affects our communities, and awareness campaigns like International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) play a prominent role. Observed every Aug. 31, IOAD not only raises awareness about overdose but also promotes evidence-based overdose prevention measures and drug policy. More poignantly, it also recognizes the overwhelming grief felt by the families and friends of those who have died or suffered permanent injury due to an overdose. The theme of this year’s IOAD is “Together we can,” which illustrates the power of communities to stand together and lessen one of the world’s biggest public health crises through collective action. It’s a great, hopeful message. The Wright Center for Community Health works every day to deliver hope to the individuals and families touched by substance use disorder and overdoses. Our Pennsylvania-designated Opioid Use Disorder Center of Excellence has been one of the local leaders in providing community-based substance use disorder treatment since 2016 when it was among the 45 flagship centers named by the state. Patients qualify for Opioid Use Disorder Center of Excellence care if they have an opioid use disorder, have co-occurring behavioral/substance misuse and physical health conditions, require assistance navigating the health care system, and need guidance to stay engaged in treatment in order to avoid relapse. Services are offered regardless of the patient’s insurance status or ability to pay, with a sliding-fee discount program available to those who qualify. Unlike a traditional inpatient rehabilitation facility, we offer an outpatient services model that allows patients to receive exceptional care while attending to the other aspects of their lives. We employ a “whole-patient” philosophy centered around medications for opiate use disorder, a truly innovative concept that combines medical and social supports to guide an individual on their recovery journey. Patients are cared for by a first-rate and highly committed team of recovery and behavioral health specialists, social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, certified recovery specialists, and medical providers, who collaborate closely to counsel and support individuals coping with a variety of substance use disorders – not just opioids, but also alcohol, cocaine, and other addictive drugs. We also help them find stable housing, navigate insurance barriers, and repair family and community relationships. The Wright Center for Community Health also works to reduce opioid-related deaths and has been approved as a Pennsylvania Overdose Prevention Program (POPP) site. Through this program, The Wright Center distributes naloxone kits and drug-checking strips to individuals in the event they experience an emergency with a family member, friend, or in the community. Naloxone, a life-saving medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, is free to the community at any of our regional community health centers. We’re also very proud of our Healthy Maternal Opiate Medical Support (Healthy MOMS) Program, which recently received a $62,000 grant from the Wilkes-Barre City Health Department to expand its services. The grant came via the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration’s Maternal and Child Health Services block grant, which the state allocated to the city’s health department for distribution. Healthy MOMS, co-founded by The Wright Center in 2018 and modeled after a program in Ohio, is a multi-agency effort that assists pregnant women and new mothers in achieving and maintaining sobriety. It was first launched in Lackawanna and Susquehanna counties but now serves women and their families throughout much of Northeast Pennsylvania. To date, the program has served more than 500 mothers and 282 babies. Participants are offered blanket services that include medications for opiate use disorder and other addiction services, counseling, primary health care, OB-GYN care, parenting tips, legal advice, and other forms of support. Based on the available evidence, mothers who join Healthy MOMS and participate in recovery services well before their delivery dates are less likely to give birth to babies who experience neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), a potentially painful and costly medical condition caused when a newborn withdrawal from opioids or other drugs that the baby had been exposed to in the womb. We see addiction as a lifelong disease requiring a long-term commitment to recovery. Rest assured, we’ll continue improving upon that commitment in the years ahead. Together, we can save and enhance the lives of many people in our communities.