Marywood University Wraps Up Its “Making Spirits Bright” Campaign Successfully Marywood University’s answer to encouraging prayer, sharing gifts, and uplifting people through November and through New Year’s Day is a success. Marywood University began its festivities in November with its “Making Spirits Bright,” initiative, prior to students leaving campus to finish the remainder of their semesters online. The students desire to help plan and share in the holiday event, which has become such a special part of their Marywood experience, was the catalyst for campus representatives to gather with students and find creative, community-minded solutions. The timeline also connected to the spirit of Marywood’s sponsors, the IHM Congregation, who celebrate their Founders’ Month in November. Marywood University’s Community Christmas Card Writing project yielded nearly 5,500 Christmas cards that were delivered to 18 different groups locally, nationally and internationally. Participants included 17 clubs and campus organizations, 2 athletic teams, 21 additional individual students, 58 staff members, 20 departments, 5 faculty, 1 retiree, the retired IHM sisters living at Our Lady of Peace residence, and 97 students at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Elementary School, Dunmore, Pa. Recipients of the Community Christmas Card Writing project included Marywood Heights residents, Our Lady of Peace residents and staff, NativityMiguel School students and staff, the Gino Merli Veterans Centers residents and staff, St. Francis Commons residents and staff, Regional Hospital staff, Moses Taylor Hospital staff, Geisinger CMC staff, St. Joseph’s Center residents and staff, Friends of the Poor staff, the children in Big Friends Little Friends after-school program, and active/deployed military members. Marywood University also collected a record number of gifts this year, thanks to the generosity of the “Making Spirits Bright” initiative. More than 160 gifts were provided to local children/teens through Friends of the Poor, 73 gifts were provided to Marywood Heights residents, and 146 items for persons experiencing homelessness were donated to the Keystone Rescue Mission. Marywood University’s “Making Spirits Bright” kicked off its campaign with an Outdoor Tree Lighting and Blessing of Nativity. Student groups typically create ornaments for the tree, but, since it was an outdoor event this year, the student organizations decided to participate in campus decorating efforts with Marywood’s Grounds/Maintenance staff. Campus decorating was completed by 18 volunteers who contributed 54 hours of service to decorate campus. Marywood University continues its “Making Spirits Bright” project through New Year’s Day. The “Light Up Campus” drive through light display will remain in place through the New Year. Additionally, Marywood University’s award-winning, student-run radio station, WMFM 91.7, will continue its traditional community gift of broadcasting commercial-free Christmas music, 24/7 through News Year’s Eve. And, Marywood University’s concerts, events, mass, and chats can be accessed, at youtube.com/watch?list=PLNBU0ru7D18C-3quPrCUVwxt2FTeHZD6I&v=r_pZAXVqVO4&feature=emb_title. To check out all of Marywood University’s “Making Spirits Bright” initiatives, please visit marywood.edu/article/2020-Making-Spirits-Bright.
PennDOT: New Law Will Improve Pennsylvanians’ Ability to Obtain ID, Update CDL License Requirements The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) today said that a new state law will provide opportunities that will give Pennsylvanians experiencing homelessness the ability to be issued a free identification card and Pennsylvanians with visual impairments improved access to obtain a driver’s license and will help improve roadway safety through updated commercial driver’s license requirements. “This new law makes significant changes to increasing many of our residents’ independence, ultimately enhancing their quality of life,” said PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian. Act 131 of 2020, which Governor Tom Wolf recently signed into law, makes it possible for Pennsylvanians experiencing homelessness to be issued a free initial photo ID or renewal. Individuals will be required to apply in person at a PennDOT Driver License Center and must meet identification and other requirements. Additional information can be found on the Driver and Vehicle Services website, www.dmv.pa.gov. This section of the law is effective January 25, 2021. Additionally, Act 131 provides for a safe program that will allow eligible individuals to use bioptic telescope lenses to help them to qualify for and obtain a driver’s license. Bioptic telescope lenses are authorized for use in at least 28 other states and are designed to help individuals meet visual acuity standards who otherwise wouldn’t be able to obtain a license. PennDOT is currently developing the program’s training and licensure process and will implement the program on the effective date of this section of the legislation, which is September 27, 2021. Act 131 will also update requirements and restrictions for commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders, including reporting requirements for convictions and violations. In addition, this law will also bring Pennsylvania into compliance with upcoming federal CDL regulations, which will include a lifetime disqualification from operating a commercial motor vehicle for human trafficking convictions. These sections of the law will become effective on various dates starting in early 2021. For more information on Driver and Vehicle Services, please visit www.dmv.pa.gov. Driver and vehicle online services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and include driver’s license, photo ID and vehicle registration renewals; driver-history services; changes of address; driver license and vehicle registration restoration letters; ability to pay driver license or vehicle insurance restoration fee; driver license and photo ID duplicates; and driver exam scheduling. There are no additional fees for using online services. Follow PennDOT on Twitter at www.twitter.com/PennDOTNews, or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PennsylvaniaDepartmentofTransportation.
Keystone College Professional Development Institute Calendar of Events Effective Remote PresentationsOnlineJanuary 14, 2021 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.Fee: $50Learn public speaking techniques in the remote landscape of business today. The program explores best practices for organized remarks and presentations that will engage and impact your audience. Providing Exceptional Customer Service in the Remote WorkplaceOnlineJanuary 27, 2021 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.Fee: $50This program will examine some of the basics that your organization should be asking of your service employees to make a positive difference with your customers. A series of valuable team relationship programs are offered on Fridays in January. The content will lead a participant through effective communication, maximizing collaboration, and creating an environment of accountability in the virtual workplace environment. Participants can enroll in a single program of interest or receive a 10% discount for enrolling in the series of three programs. From the links below, you will be able to choose one, two, or all three courses. Building Trust and CommunicationOnlineJanuary 15, 2021 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.Fee: $50In this one-hour program, participants will learn best practices to foster an environment of transparent communication, build trust, along with actionable skills for working through difficult conversations. This program is ideal for management of all levels, from those well practiced to the newest hire. Improving Team Relationships in a Virtual Environment (1)OnlineEnroll in 1, 2, or 3 programs best suited to you or your team’s professional development needs.There is a 10% discount when you register for all 3 programs at the same time. Engage your team! Collaboration (2)OnlineJanuary 22, 2021 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.Fee: $50The need for collaboration in 2020 and beyond is real and has been a buzz in different industry settings. In this one-hour program, participants will discuss the pitfalls and ways to build a collaborative environment in a safe way. Creating Accountability in a Virtual Environment (3)OnlineJanuary 29, 2021 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.Fee: $50 This one-hour program will provide attendees with 5 actionable keys to creating and maintaining an environment of accountability in the new remote work environment. Discover tools to foster an environment of collaboration and ensure team success. Moving Projects Forward in a Remote Environment OnlineFebruary 11 and 18, 2021 – 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.Fee: $100Learn best practices on managing remote project team members and guiding them as they move your projects forward. Register today by visiting www.keystone.edu/pdi or by contacting 570-945-8621 or pdi@keystone.edu. Course dates and times may be subject to change due to availability.
Geisinger’s Scranton, Wilkes-Barre Hospitals Welcome First Babies of 2021 Geisinger Community Medical Center and Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center recently greeted their first newborns of the new year. Liam Antoniotti was born at 8:11 a.m. on Jan. 1 at Geisinger Community Medical Center’s Childbirth Center in Scranton. He is the son of Tori Kerschner of Elmhurst, and Liam arrived weighing 6 pounds, 7.7 ounces, and measuring 19 inches. Kamden Maurer was born at 7:40 p.m. on Jan. 1 at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre. He is the son of Mikenzee Sims and Anthony Maurer of Plymouth, and Kamden arrived weighing 4 pounds, 7.2 ounces, and measuring 18 inches. Emma Rose Usavage was born at 8:51 p.m. on Jan. 1 at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center. She is the daughter of Andrea Boedecker and Tom Usavage of Plymouth, and Emma arrived weighing 7 pounds, 8.7 ounces, and measuring 18.5 inches.
Geisinger Receives Donation for Fresh Food Farmacy™ Program Area families will get the gift of nutritious food, thanks to The GIANT Company’s gift to Geisinger’s Fresh Food Farmacy™ program. Because the COVID-19 pandemic has strained on food banks and food-insecure families across the state, the $200,000 gift from The GIANT Company will help sustain and expand the program. Education, diet and wellness coaches and assistants give Fresh Food Farmacy patients and families a “whole health” approach to their nutritional needs. Geisinger also plans to offer more wellness coaching through an app that will be created for patients of the program. Through partnerships with local food organizations the Fresh Food Farmacy provides fresh, healthy food to patients and their families for up to 10 meals per week. Patient education is also an important factor in the program, which addresses two key factors, including food insecurity and uncontrolled diabetes. Patients in the program have shown remarkable results with weight loss, lower blood pressure and improved measurements of triglycerides and cholesterol. Recent data shows that Fresh Food Farmacy patients have collectively achieved nearly $1.5 million in healthcare savings. “The GIANT Company’s gift will help us to reach even more patients and their families,” said Allison Hess, vice president of health, Geisinger Steele Institute for Health Innovation, said. “For example, we plan to expand to include patients with conditions other than diabetes. There are many disease states that show improvement in patients who eat healthy, fresh foods. And with the results we’ve seen with patients who have diabetes, we look forward to exploring those new avenues.” The GIANT Company has a long history of generosity to Geisinger and Children’s Miracle Network at Geisinger. Early this year, GIANT provided $250,000 in donations for COVID relief to five children’s hospitals including Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital. The company also provided meals for many of Geisinger’s frontline workers during the pandemic. “Working with our incredible network of community partners, we continue to bring our new brand platform, For Today’s Table, to life in the communities we serve,” said Nicholas Bertram, president of The GIANT Company. “Like The GIANT Company, Geisinger believes that every family should be able to share a healthy meal. Since its launch, their Fresh Food Farmacy program has helped remove barriers to accessing nutritious, good-tasting food and we are honored to be able to support its expansion, bringing it to even more families.” Since 2017, Geisinger’s Fresh Food Farmacy has provided more than 706,000 meals to 4,828 families in the Lewistown, Shamokin and Scranton areas. To make a donation to the program, visit donations.geisinger.org and select Fresh Food Farmacy in the dropdown menu.
Marywood University’s Student Health Services Take Steps to Stop the Impact of Covid-19 on Its Campus Marywood University’s Student Health Services staff are doing their part in limiting the spread of COVID-19. With the help of Geisinger Health System and The Wright Center, Stephanie Jennings, CRNP, and Maura Smith, RN, director of Student Health Services at Marywood University, have received the first of the two doses in the vaccination process. Ms. Jennings received the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, and will receive the second dose on January 12, while Mrs. Smith received the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, and will receive her second dose on February 1, 2021. Mrs. Smith said, “Neither I or Stephanie had any side effects following our vaccines, other than the side effect of hope. The sooner we can stop the spread, the sooner we can stop the impact on our campus community and beyond.” Ms. Jennings, who works per diem with Geisinger Health System, was able to get inoculated through work, and The Wright Center is offering vaccines to those who are working in the healthcare field, which is how Mrs. Smith received her vaccine. Mrs. Smith said, “We [Marywood University] hope to have a clinic on campus through a local pharmacy for the COVID-19 vaccines, similar to what we [Marywood University] offer to the campus community for flu shots, in the near future.”
The Wright Center for Community Health Receives Grant From Robert H. Spitz Foundation The Wright Center for Community Health has received an $8,000 grant from the Robert H. Spitz Foundation to enable its Community Health Workers to assist patients who are coping with a variety of hardships that can impact their healthcare. Grant funding will be used to help individuals overcome economic barriers, such as lack of nutritious food or transportation to medical appointments, so patients can focus on addressing health issues. The Wright Center’s Community Health Workers will also connect patients with a variety of community resources, such as GED programs and job training. The Robert H. Spitz Foundation, a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that supports initiatives and programs serving the residents of Northeastern Pennsylvania, is administered by the Scranton Area Community Foundation. Robert H. Spitz was born in Scranton and was a 1955 graduate of Scranton Central High School and the University of Miami. Before retirement, Mr. Spitz had been employed by the U.S. Department of Labor and owned several local restaurants. The Robert H. Spitz Foundation was established from his estate in 2015. The Wright Center was one of 42 nonprofit organizations in Northeast Pennsylvania selected to receive grants during the Spitz Foundation’s 2020 funding cycle, which collectively distributed $771,000. Pictured, from left, are care team members from The Wright Center for Community Health: Sydney Rentsch, Community Health Worker; Keri Macknosky, Certified Community Health Worker; Kari Machelli, R.N., Director of Case and Care Management Services; Kayla Kincel, Community Health Worker; and Whitney Cooper, Community Health Worker.
Northeast Regional Cancer Institute Names Chair for 18th Annual C.A.S.U.A.L. Day Tom R. DePietro, PharmD was recently named chair for the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute’s 18th Annual C.A.S.U.A.L. (Colon cancer Awareness Saves Unlimited Adult Lives) Day. Tom R. DePietro is a pharmacist/owner of DePietro’s Pharmacy. After earning his Doctorate of Pharmacy from Temple University School of Pharmacy in 2009, Tom worked for a large chain pharmacy and quickly realized patients could be better served. Three years later, in 2012, Tom opened an independent pharmacy in his hometown of Dunmore. DePietro’s Pharmacy has been recognized numerous times by the Scranton Chamber of Commerce as “Business of the Year”, “Best Practices in Community Involvement”, and “Best Practices in Customer Service.” DePietro’s has also been voted Reader’s Choice “Best Local Pharmacy” for the past 8 years. Individually, Tom has been recognized for his philanthropy by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, NEPA Chapter. Tom is also actively involved in promoting the profession of pharmacy and serves on the Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association Independent Pharmacy Owner Committee and is on the Board of Directors for the Pennsylvania Pharmacists Care Network. Every day, Tom plays numerous roles as a business owner, a pharmacist, community supporter, father, husband, and friend. Tom serves on the Board of the Greater Scranton YMCA and he also serves as the Chairman of the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority. Tom resides in South Abington Township with his wife Eugenia and two daughters, Dominica and Adriana. Tom’s involvement with the Cancer Institute began with his generous support to the Annual Spirit of Hope Celebration hosted by the Spirit of Hope Board of Ambassadors. As an Ambassador, Tom has been the presenting sponsor for four years. Additionally, Tom has supported C.A.S.U.A.L. Day for many years as a retail location. C.A.S.U.A.L. Day, set for Thursday, March 25, 2021, is a dress down day to raise awareness for colorectal cancer in northeast Pennsylvania. On this day, participants dress casual while wearing a specially designed face masks, silicone wrist-bands and/or t-shirts. The focus of this awareness campaign is to have a casual conversation about colon cancer. All proceeds from the event stay in NEPA and go towards the Cancer Institute efforts to raise awareness and support to support colorectal cancer prevention, early detection education and screenings. For more information about C.A.S.U.A.L. Day and how you can participate, please call the Cancer Institute at (570) 941-7984 or visit www.cancernepa.org.
