Johnson College is re-establishing its on-campus face-covering policy due to the contagious delta COVID-19 variant and Lackawanna County’s substantial COVID-19 spread.  Effective immediately, all faculty, staff, students, and visitors, regardless of vaccinated status, must be masked at all times while inside on-campus buildings, classrooms, and labs.

The health and safety of our campus community continues to be our top priority as we deliver our mission of student-centered, real-world, hands-on learning in a caring and safe environment.

This plan is subject to change pending guidelines set forth by local, state, and national government officials and appropriate health agencies. For updated information, please visit our website, Johnson.edu.

Satya Upadhyayula, D.M.D., a board-certified general practice dentist, has joined the oral health team at The Wright Center for Community Health, which includes two additional board-certified dentists and five certified public health dental hygienists. Dr. Upadhyayula is accepting new patients of all ages at The Wright Center’s Mid Valley location, 5 S. Washington Ave., Jermyn, as well as the Scranton location, 501 S. Washington Ave.

Dr. Upadhyayula is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. He earned his master’s degree in oral biology from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry, Kentucky, and his bachelor’s degree in dental surgery from Dr. NTR University of Health Sciences, India.

Prior to joining The Wright Center, Dr. Upadhyayula completed his oral and maxillofacial surgery internship at the University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, as well as externships with the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, and MedStar Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C.

The Wright Center offers comprehensive dental services for the whole family, including emergency services and routine check-ups and cleanings, plus denture care, oral cancer screenings, extractions, fillings and X-rays. As a Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike, The Wright Center provides safety-net primary care — including dental, medical, behavioral/mental health, addiction and recovery, and Ryan White HIV services — regardless of insurance status or ability to pay, with a Sliding Fee Discount Scale available to eligible patients based on family size and income.

To schedule a dental appointment with Dr. Upadhyayula, visit TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-230-0019.

In 2014, FNCB Bank held a “piggy bank” contest in area elementary schools to teach children the importance of saving money. The contest encouraged children to use their creativity to design a piggy bank, which was then placed on display for employee and customer voting.

Several weeks ago, when the FNCB Bank Foundation announced the winners of the 2021 merit scholarship awards, two familiar names appeared — Danielle Lamberti of Lackawanna Trail High School and Sarah Stettler of Holy Redeemer High School — amazingly, both were winners of the piggy bank contest held seven years ago when they were in fifth grade, including Ms. Lamberti’s “Best in Show” entry.

In her scholarship entry, Ms. Lamberti, an incoming nursing major at Misericordia University, mentioned the importance of winning the piggy bank contest, saying it was “the start of her savings journey.”

When asked how she felt about going from winning the piggy bank contest to being awarded a college scholarship, she said, “Ever since I won the piggy bank contest, I have been using FNCB Bank for all my personal banking. It’s all very encouraging to see how far I have come since 2014 and that every penny is hard earned. To win the scholarship now just ties in the sense of community and belonging I’ve felt, especially since winning.” She added, “This experience brings me much happiness through old and new memories and is so appreciated for my nursing future in college and after.”

Similarly, Ms. Stettler, an incoming psychology major at King’s College, also opened her first savings account with FNCB after winning the piggy bank contest. “If it wasn’t for that piggy bank contest seven years ago, I may not have known about the scholarship opportunity,” she said. “There aren’t words strong enough to convey my deep appreciation for FNCB’s generosity.”

Michael Cummings, FNCB’s Marketing Manager added, “We were delighted when we pieced together the connection, and proud to award them with yet another accomplishment. We wish them both the best of luck in the fall.”

For more information on the FNCB Bank Foundation Scholarship program, please visit www.fncb.com/scholarship. 

The 13^th Annual Pauly Friedman Family 5K Walk/Run on Sunday, Aug. 29 is offering runners, walkers and families of all ages and abilities a new location, a scenic route, and added attractions as it continues to support Family Service Association of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s free Pennsylvania 211 Northeast / Help Line service in the region.

The Sidney and Pauline Friedman Jewish Community Center (JCC), 613 S.J. Strauss Lane, Kingston, under the direction of Gary Bernstein, CEO of the Friedman JCC, will host the annual event, which begins at 9 a.m. Participants can register for the walk/run online at www.runsignup.com/friedman5k. Early registration for the walk and run costs $25 or $10 for students and participants age 21 and younger. Registration also is available the day of the event from 7:30-8:45 a.m. The cost is $30 per person. All pre-registrants will receive a T-shirt.

The overall first place male and female winners in the run and walk will receive medals. In addition, first, second and third place finishers in eight age categories will earn medals.

The new course for the Friedman Family 5K Walk/Run begins at the JCC (A map of the course is also available online at www.runsignup.com/friedman5k). Athletes will bear right onto Third Avenue upon leaving the 13.4 acre Weinberg Campus of the community facility until arriving at the Kingston Recreational Center. They will follow a trailhead that will take everyone behind the center and onto the levee system.

Once on the levee system, participants will travel through the Riverfront Park Common Area and into Kirby Park. To complete the route, participants will retrace the route back along the levee system, past the Kingston Recreational Center and end at the JCC.

The annual event is in memory of the late Pauline “Pauly” Friedman, a long-time board member and chairperson of FSA’s board of directors. Her leadership and actions continue to benefit the nonprofit agency and the many people who utilize its services and programs. She organized the first fundraiser for the health and human services agency in modern history and formed the Friends Committee, the volunteer fundraising arm of FSA that continues to play an important role today. Proceeds from the run/walk benefit PA 211 / Help Line, which was her favorite program.

“Pauly was dedicated to her community and PA 211 Northeast,” said Remy Sweeney, a board member at FSA and chairperson of the 13^th annual program. “The Friedman family continues to support her initiatives and many other worthwhile endeavors for the betterment of the Greater Wyoming Valley.”

The 13^th Annual Friedman Walk/Run also features various auctions and raffles for baskets and prizes, live music by DJ Bouncin’ Bernie A(ll) D(a) H(its) DJ Productions, food vendors, health and learning initiatives with the Commission on Economic Opportunity (pre-diabetes screening) and PA Distance Learning Charter School (interactive learning van), massages for participants by Eleventh Element spa, and more.

“Pauly was always about inclusion and community,” said Tom O’Neill, a member of the organizing committee. “The Friedman Jewish Community Center is the perfect backdrop for an event held in her memory and in support of her favorite program at Family Service Association of Northeastern Pennsylvania.” 

The annual event has raised nearly $135,400 since its inception in 2009. Proceeds support the free services of FSA’s PA 211 NE / Help Line, which provides information and referral services that help people face life challenges by connecting them to the local resources they need. It is available year-round, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. By dialing 211, texting 211 (898 211 and zip code) or utilizing the website (www.pa211ne.org), it saves time and frustration by eliminating the need to navigate a maze of agencies by organizing all available resources in one, locally operated database.

Calling 211 connects people to professional caseworkers who address diverse needs, such as domestic violence, emergency shelters, vaccination clinics, food banks, crisis intervention, rent and utility payment assistance, drug and alcohol detoxification, and more.  

“211 is such a vital part of our community, especially now during the pandemic,” added Sweeney, who has been an FSA board member for three years. “With this being the 13^th annual race, I wanted to make sure to raise awareness and reinforce the essential services it provides to everyone in Northeastern and North-Central Pennsylvania.”

A group of involved and concerned members of our community founded the Family Service Association of Northeastern Pennsylvania (FSA) in 1895 in order to provide diverse services to children, individuals, seniors and families that empower them to reach their full potential by building healthier relationships, and ultimately stronger communities.

Today, its 13 programs provide services to residents in 17 counties, including Bradford, Clinton, Columbia, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Lycoming, Monroe, Montour, Northumberland, Pike, Snyder, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, Union, Wayne and Wyoming counties. For more information about FSA or to support its programs, please log on to www.fsanepa.org, call, (570) 823-5144, or email, families@fsanepa.org.

On July 27, 2021, Luzerne County Council approved a Resolution to implement Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE). The Council approved C-PACE to help owners of commercial, industrial, nonprofit, and agricultural property with access to low-cost, long-term financing for energy and water conservation projects.

“By passing this resolution, Luzerne County has added another resource for businesses and non-profits to grow by investing in their operations while helping the environment at the same time, said Romilda Crocamo, acting County Manager.”

The approval of the C-PACE resolution authorizes Luzerne County to enter into a Cooperative Agreement with Sustainable Energy Fund for the administration of the Program.

Now that a Resolution has been passed, Luzerne County commercial and industrial businesses, agriculture interests, and nonprofits, with the aid of private capital providers, will be able to finance clean energy and water efficiency projects. The C-PACE program, offering as much as 100% financing, will save local constituencies money and energy, while providing even greater opportunity for growth and success with this initiative.

“Sustainable Energy Fund is proud to offer its 20 years of experience in clean energy lending to Luzerne County, allowing them to take advantage of this powerful new energy finance tool for bringing investment, jobs, and clean energy to their communities,” said John Costlow, President of SEF.

Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) is a financial tool for property owners to obtain low-cost, long-term financing for energy efficiency, renewable energy, and water conservation projects. C-PACE can facilitate a loan from private capital sources for a project by placing a voluntary specialpayment on the property’s annual tax bill that repays the cost of the upgrades. Nationally, more than $2 billion has been invested through PACE loans. In Pennsylvania, C-PACE investment could help retrofit one of the nation’s oldest building stocks and accelerate growth in a local energy efficiency industry that already accounts for 65,000 jobs.

For more information on program development, program guidelines, and links to the preapplication, visit https://www.luzernecpace.org. If you have a project and would like assistance finding a contractor or capital provider, contact SEF at (610) 264-4440.

Come on out to PNC Field this Saturday August 14th for a great deal on Tickets! Bleacher ticker tickets are only $5 and field reserved seating is $10! Don’t miss out on this great deal to watch the RailRiders take on the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs.

Game Highlight (2): Bud Light Seltzer Saturdays
Get $2 Black Cherry Bud Light Seltzers for two hours after gates open every Saturday this season. | Presented By Northeast Eagle & Times- Leader Media Group

Game Highlight: Post Game Fireworks!
Stick around after the final out to enjoy spectacular fireworks immediately following the game. Gates open at 5:00 P.M.

Promotion: Legends Race Bobblehead Giveaway
Our beloved Legends Racers will be honored in the first of a two-part giveaway. The first 2,500 fans through the gates at PNC Field will receive a Mickey Mantle and Thurman Munson dual bobblehead. This duo of revered racers will help your bobblehead collection make great strides. | Presented By PNC Bank | First 2,500 Fans

The Human Resources Center of NEPA encourages an environment of continuous learning.  Sometimes there are staff who take it one step further. Such is the case for two HRC employees: Jaclyn Moser, Payroll Specialist, and JoHanna Wnenta Schultz, Program Specialist. Both of these driven women took it upon themselves to further their education and have recently graduated from their respective universities with Master’s degrees in their field.

Jaclyn recently celebrated her 7-year anniversary with HRC. While Jaclyn has grown with HRC professionally as a Payroll Specialist, her decision to return to school was purely a personal goal.

“I have always wanted to obtain my Master’s degree,” Jaclyn said. “I am a lifelong learner and love to learn.” She goes on to joke that if she could be paid to go to school, she might never leave.

Jaclyn received her Master’s in Human Resources and Employee Relations with concentrations in Benefits and Compensation and Employment and Labor Law from Penn State University.

JoHanna is currently the Community Participation Support Program Specialist of HRC’s Church Street location in Honesdale, PA. Her passion for the advocacy and support of individuals with disabilities comes from her late father, who was a dedicated advocate himself. JoHanna is widely regarded as an industry expert and recently presented as a panelist at the Maine Association for Community Service Provider’s 2-day webinar series.

“Jackie actually motivated me to get my Master’s,” JoHanna remarked with a chuckle. “True story! We are former officemates!” She goes on to add, “my dad was also a huge supporter. I could not have completed my degree in 2 years without the encouragement of my family.”

JoHanna Wnenta Schultz received her Master’s in Education: Curriculum and Instruction for Special Education from Liberty University and graduated with Highest Honors of Distinction.

On behalf of all of HRC, we would like to congratulate both Jaclyn and JoHanna on their successes. We are incredibly proud to proclaim them as valued HRC staff. We know they will continue to utilize their skills to assist HRC in continuing our mission to serve and support individuals with disabilities in NEPA. Congratulations, Jackie and JoHanna!

AAA North Penn was honored to once again present The Lodge at Woodloch with this prestigious rating, maintained consecutively since 2010.  

The AAA Diamonds rating has helped travelers make better decisions for more than 80 years. The unannounced, professional inspections ensure every Diamond-designated property is clean, comfortable and safe.

More than just a typical rating system, the AAA Diamond designations reflect what type of experience a property offers so guests can make the right choice for every trip. Whether it’s an overnight stop, a family vacation or a special-occasion splurge, Diamonds offer guidance at a glance to make travel planning easier.

Hotels at this level are committed to providing every guest with a high degree of hospitality, with attentive service in upscale surroundings, according to AAA. They typically offer an extensive array of amenities and guest services.

The Lodge at Woodloch is part of a select group of establishments within North America. Currently, just 1,676 hotels hold the AAA Four Diamond Rating.

Set on 500+ pristine wooded acres with a 15-acre private lake, The Lodge at Woodloch is an award-winning destination spa resort located in Northeast Pennsylvania.  The all-inclusive stay includes lavish accommodations, exceptional dining, outdoor adventures, fitness/wellness programs and educational forums.  The Lodge at Woodloch embraces a philosophy of personal awakening.  When swept up in the whirlwind of life, guests can shift from their everyday routine and reconnect to stress-relieving outlets benefiting them long after they leave. 

The Lodge at Woodloch takes great pride in their commitment to constant renewal and innovation. During this past year, the team introduced new spaces, spa treatments, and offerings for their guests. A multi-million dollar addition allowed room for an expanded Art Studio and the new Chakra Lounge- a serene relaxation area. The new spa menu features products from haia (Happy As I Am) wellness.

WVIA President / CEO Carla McCabe has been announced as a finalist in Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce 2021 Young Professionals Awards for the Young Professional Women’s Leadership Award by Athena ® International, sponsored by Riggs Asset Management Co.

“I am humbled by this announcement. I am proud to work with such a talented team at WVIA and of the achievements we have had this past year. It is an honor to be included in a program that is championing the efforts of so many talented young professionals in the Greater Wyoming Valley” said McCabe. 

The Young Professional Women’s Leadership Award from the Athena® International organization and sponsored by Riggs Asset Management Co. recognizes an exceptional individual who demonstrates the highest level of professional excellence in her business or profession, has devoted time and energy to the community in a meaningful way, and, most especially, has generously assisted other women in attaining their full potential.

The Young Professionals Awards recognizes amazing rising stars helping to move the region forward. Every year, young professionals in the community are nominated for one of ten award categories and the top three finalists in each category are recognized at a special awards ceremony, where the category winners are announced and awarded live. Additionally, the Young Professional Development Award is also given to a company in our area that invests in developing and growing young talent in our region.

More information on the Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce 2021 Young Professional Awards can be found at: https://business.wyomingvalleychamber.org/events/details/2021-young-professionals-awards-12045?calendarMonth=2021-09-01 . The awards will be presented on Tuesday, September 14, 2021 at the Garden Drive-In in Hunlock Creek, PA.

Johnson College received official notice from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) affirming Johnson College’s full accreditation.

As a Middle States Commission on Higher Education accredited institution, students, families, and employees are assured of the quality and rigor of the educational experience provided by Johnson College. Being accredited also ensures that students who qualify may receive more federal financial aid options and that credits will transfer to and from other regionally accredited institutions with more ease. Additionally, the MSCHE designation allows the use of a more streamlined process to add new program and increases our ability to solicit funding and grant opportunities to better prepare students to become part of the essential workforce in industries with which the College collaborates.

The affirmation comes following a huge undertaking that began in 2015. The College was awarded candidacy status in November of 2016. After the submission of Accreditation Readiness Reports, the College was approved for Self-Study in the spring of 2018. The entire College community engaged in a self-study process, which extended to 2-years due to the pandemic, involving staff, faculty, students, industry partners, board members, administration, and on-site and virtual visits from an MSCHE evaluation team.

“Becoming Middle States accredited means Johnson College will never settle for the status quo. We are committing ourselves to becoming a continuously improving organization, one that rises and succeeds together,” said Dr. Katie Leonard, President & CEO of Johnson College. “This accomplishment was achieved by the hard work of our entire campus community. When we work together, we make a difference in the lives of our students and, in turn, our community and region.”

The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) is a voluntary, non-governmental membership association that defines, maintains, and promotes educational excellence across institutions with diverse missions, student populations, and resources. It examines each institution as a whole and performs peer evaluation and regional accreditation of colleges and universities in the Mid-Atlantic United States.

Johnson College provides real-world, hands-on learning in a caring environment and prepares graduates to enter into or advance their careers. Johnson College degrees become essential careers. Johnson College was founded in 1912 and is the region’s premier technical college, offering 15 associate degree and 3 academic certificate programs. A low student-to-teacher ratio supports an emphasis on hands-on instruction. Located in Scranton on a 44-acre campus, the College is an accredited, private, non-profit, co-educational institution with a strong tradition of working with regional businesses and industries to ensure a skilled and qualified workforce. For additional information on Johnson College, please call 1-800-2-WE-WORK, email enroll@johnson.edu, or visit Johnson.edu. 

Dr. Katie Leonard, President & CEO of Johnson College announced the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) accreditation during a Presidential Update Video distributed to the Johnson College community.  To watch this Presidential Update Video, please visit: https://youtu.be/uLa4Ar-2VS8.