Lackawanna College Partners with MMI for Pre-College Program MMI Preparatory School, located in Freeland near Hazleton, has approved a pre-college agreement with Lackawanna College, enabling MMI students to earn college credits while still in high school. This agreement, finalized in October 2024, follows an extensive evaluation process in which MMI reviewed area colleges and selected Lackawanna College to partner with for Pre-College programs. “Jennifer Novotney (Director of Curriculum and Instruction at MMI) and I met with approximately a dozen colleges and universities this summer, and very quickly Lackawanna College rose to the top, not only for the college’s experience with Pre-College programs but the ability to work together and move quickly,” said Dr. Tammy M. Chrin, Ed.D., Director of College Counseling at MMI Preparatory School. Currently, 40 eligible MMI students are set to benefit from the initiative, with the program already in place and being collaboratively administered by MMI and Lackawanna College staff. “I am excited to be working with MMI, their staff, faculty, and students. This partnership will help students earn college credits before graduating from high school and save their families thousands of dollars in the process. We are proud to be a part of this process for the families of MMI,” said Phillip Campbell, Director of College Partnerships at Lackawanna College. MMI students have the flexibility to take classes online, attend courses at the Lackawanna College Hazleton Center, or participate in concurrent classes held at MMI Preparatory School. “Our students are really excited about the concurrent enrollment opportunities that are available. We currently have 29 credits available over junior and senior year that students can earn college credit for,” said Dr. Chrin. “I’ve introduced associate degree options to our students through the Level Up program and we have a number of students, especially our sophomore class, who are considering earning an associate degree before they would earn their high school diploma.” Lackawanna College promotes the following goals through its partnership with MMI Preparatory School: Enable high school students to earn college credits, saving time and money toward their higher education goals. Provide exposure to college-level coursework, easing the transition from high school to higher education. Offer pathways to career-focused programs. Help students explore fields of study before committing to a major. “This is something we’ve been looking at for quite some time here at MMI, a partnership that give us the opportunity to offer our students both concurrent and dual enrollment classes,” said Marci Hosier Assistant Head of School at MMI. “We know this is something that is extremely timely and relevant for our students and their families, and our staff has done a fantastic job working with Lackawanna College in getting this up and off the ground.” About MMI Preparatory School For 145 years, MMI Preparatory School has been providing dedicated area students with a comprehensive and inspiring 6th through 12th grade college preparatory program that maximizes each individual’s academic, social, and character potential in preparation for success in college and beyond. The school is jointly accredited by the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools (PAIS) and the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS). MMI is a school where every student can reach their full potential: academically, ethically, and socially. For more information about MMI Preparatory School, visit www.mmiprep.org or call 570-636-1108. About Lackawanna College’s Pre-College Program Lackawanna College’s Pre-College Programs provide high school students with the opportunity to jump-start their college journey by earning credits while still in high school. These programs offer flexibility, allowing students to take college-level courses online, on-campus, or directly within their high schools. By participating, students can save on tuition costs, explore various academic disciplines, and gain valuable experience that prepares them for the transition to higher education. With a focus on academic enrichment and college readiness, Lackawanna College empowers students to take the first step toward achieving their educational goals.
Geisinger Gold Medicare Advantage Enrollment Deadline Approaching Dec. 7 deadline to sign up for a plan that helps seniors fill coverage gaps With the Dec. 7 Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) deadline quickly approaching, there’s still time for eligible seniors to evaluate and enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan for 2025. Medicare Advantage plans help older adults fill healthcare gaps that traditional Medicare does not cover, such as vision, dental and prescription benefits.Geisinger Gold Medicare Advantage plans offer supplemental benefits and comprehensive health coverage with access to 64,000+ in-network physicians and more than 225 hospitals. As an added perk, all Geisinger Gold plan members can join Geisinger 65 Forward, a program that delivers concierge care focused on older adults. At a 65 Forward Health Center, members enjoy: Same-day appointments to see the doctor faster Longer 1:1 time with the doctor Social and educational activities A personal wellness plan, including state-of-the-art fitness equipment, exercise classes and wellness coordinators Geisinger’s program data indicates participation in programs like 65 Forward lowers emergency room visits by 40% and inpatient admissions by 15%. Learn more about Geisinger’s Medicare Advantage health plans at go.geisinger.org/ourplans. Information sessions are also taking place at various locations. To sign up for a session, visit: go.geisinger.org/seminar.
ThermoLite Celebrates 50-year Anniversary ThermoLite, a highly respected industry leader of high-quality insulated glass manufacturing, was founded in 1974 by Joe Mesko Sr., and three of his sons, Joe, Gary, and George, as a vertically integrated supplier of insulated glass. The launch of ThermoLite fifty years ago enabled Mesko Glass to better control the quality and timely delivery of insulated glass to better serve their growing customer base. Today through their corporate headquarters and expansive manufacturing facility, both located in northeast Pennsylvania, ThermoLite produces vinyl windows in various sizes and shapes, and also distributes sliding patio doors. ThermoLite provides vinyl windows and insulating glass for homes and businesses and coordinates with contractors and architects throughout a 150-mile multi-state radius of Scranton, PA. President John Mesko states with great pride that “in our 50th year we are stronger than ever and have adapted exceptionally well to the ever-evolving window and glass manufacturing landscape. I am very proud of the state-of-the-art vinyl window and glass products we provide our customers. I am equally proud of ThermoLite’s loyal employees that we interact with daily.” ThermoLite has numerous certifications for window and glass products by independent third-party organizations dedicated to advancing the industry by promoting growth, quality, and innovation. John Mesko added, “ThermoLite has built a legacy of quality and service!”
The University of Scranton Hosts Data Science Competition High School Students Participate in Data Science Competition High School students from Carbondale Area, Mid Valley, Scranton Prep and Valley View participated in The University of Scranton’s inaugural Data Science Day Competition. Supported by a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant awarded to University mathematics professor Joseph Klobusicky, Ph.D., the interactive competition included a tutorial introduction to data science and the computer software that would be used during the competition. The day also included a luncheon keynote address by Melinda Kleczynski, Ph.D., a post-doctoral scholar at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and remarks from Carolyn Barry, Ph.D., dean of Scranton’s College of Arts and Sciences. University students majoring in mathematics and other fields assisted with the competition. The high school students competed in an individual and a doubles division. In the individual division, Scranton Prep seniors Ethan Fenner (1st place), Vincent You (2nd place), and Ryan Flaim (3rd place) were recognized. Pictured from left are Ryan Flaim, Vincent You, Ethan Fenner, and Dr. Klobusicky. In the doubles division, sophomores from Mid Valley Secondary Center Giada Vagni, Olyphant, and Zackary Buza, Throop, came in first place. Seniors from Scranton Prep Logan Dixon, Factoryville, and Sam DeNaples, Moscow, placed second. Data Science is a growing, much-in-demand field. A knowledge of probability and statistics is crucial, as they are considered the “mathematical back bone” of data analysis, according to Dr. Klobusicky. For graduates of Scranton’s class of 2023, those majoring in data analysis had one of the highest salaries reported ($70,800) in its post-graduate survey. Additional information about undergraduate programs in mathematics at The University of Scranton can be found on the department’s webpage.
Greater Scranton YMCA Receives Grant from PPL Foundation The Greater Scranton YMCA is pleased to announce it has received a $5,000 grant from the PPL Foundation. These funds will support the Y’s Summer Scholars Program, a free six-week summer learning program. The goal of Summer Scholars is to prevent summer learning loss for children from low- income families through a combination of literacy instruction (using the Four Blocks Model), enrichment activities aligned to literacy instruction and positive youth development opportunities. The program targets struggling readers and serves rising first, second and third grade students attending the Dunmore and Mid Valley School Districts. “The Greater Scranton YMCA is so grateful to the PPL Foundation for their generosity,” said Rich Surridge, President & CEO. “Thanks in part to this grant award, and additional support from local foundations, businesses, and proceeds from the Annual Harry P. McGrath Memorial Golf Tournament, our YMCA will continue providing the Summer Scholars Program for struggling readers in our community at no cost to families. It’s because of the commitment of community partners like the PPL Foundation that we are able to serve those in need.” For more information about the Summer Scholars Program, contact Helen Cruser, Education Director, at hcruser@gsymca.org.
Urban Co-Works Celebrates its First Year New Downtown Scranton Coworking Space Now Home to Tech Companies, Non Profits, Consultants, Remote Workers and More. Urban Co-Works is proud to celebrate its first year of operations at 116 North Washington Avenue in downtown Scranton. This industrial-chic coworking space has become a vibrant hub for businesses, non-profits, consultants, remote workers, and others embracing flexible work styles. “Since opening in December of last year, we’ve welcomed a diverse group of professionals to our space,” said Urban Co-Works CEO Jeffrey Goronkin. “Our members include attorneys, healthcare professionals, digital marketing consultants, and more. Companies such as PennFoster, Corning, Giga Power, and Intuit have also joined us, making Urban Co-Works a true melting pot of talent and expertise.” Over the past year, Urban Co-Works has grown to include more than 80 businesses, offering flexible office solutions tailored to their individual and corporate needs. “Whether it’s a full-time office membership or occasional use, we have affordable plans to fit every professional’s needs,” Goronkin added. Unlike traditional office leases, Urban Co-Works offers month-to-month memberships and a host of amenities, including high-speed internet, fully furnished offices, complimentary beverages, printing services, and more. Nicole Reyes, CEO of Insight Marketing Executives said, “We chose to establish our office at Urban Co-Works because of its vibrant community and flexibility. Over the past year, we’ve seen firsthand how this space supports our entrepreneurial drive to grow. Access to shared spaces like meeting rooms, the coworking area, and other amenities has been instrumental in scaling our business. We also enjoy the opportunities they make to build valuable relationships with other like-minded professionals.” Jacquie Pershing, Licensed Clinical Social Worker said, “Starting my private practice, I knew I wanted a space that would keep me connected to other professionals—because let’s be real, private practice can get a bit lonely sometimes! That’s when I found Urban Co-Works, and I couldn’t be happier. The people here are so friendly, and I absolutely love the opportunity to network with other professionals. I look forward to engaging with them throughout the day and breaking up my routine with light, casual conversations. Whether it’s chatting about the weather, swapping recommendations for new movies, or hearing about the latest hiking spots, these little coffee breaks in the morning are a highlight. My office space is perfect, and the whole atmosphere at Urban Co-Works just feels so welcoming. I always look forward to walking in and getting started!” The Scranton location was made possible through a collaborative effort with Mayor Paige G. Cognetti, the City of Scranton, and Charlie Jefferson, owner of 116 North Washington Avenue and Urban Co-Works. “Urban Co-Works is committed to providing a top-tier workspace that fosters community and collaboration,” said Goronkin. “We are excited to offer professionals in Scranton a unique coworking experience designed to help them thrive and succeed.” KEY FEATURES AT URBAN CO-WORKS 57 Modern Offices: Urban Co-Works boasts 57 fully furnished offices, providing professionals with a private and comfortable workspace tailored to their needs. Training Room: The facility includes a dedicated training room equipped with large screen TV’s, erasable writing boards and other technology, ideal for workshops, seminars, and corporate training sessions. Multiple Meeting Spaces: Members have access to various meeting spaces designed for collaboration and brainstorming sessions, fostering a creative and productive atmosphere. Privacy Pods: For those moments when focus and concentration are paramount or to jump on a Zoom call, Urban Co-Works offers privacy pods, providing a quiet and distraction-free workspace. Expansive Coworking Space: The coworking space is equipped with 20 workstations with a modern adjacent kitchen, offering an open and flexible environment for individuals by day and networking events in the evening. Other amenities include high speed internet, a copy center and mail room, member-only networking events, coffee and tea, self-service snack station and more. MEMBERSHIPS Urban Co-Works offers a variety of memberships to accommodate the various needs of today’s workforce. Virtual Mailing: Ideal for remote professionals, this membership level provides a prestigious business address and mail handling services. Coworking: Access to shared workspaces on a part-time to full-time basis, allowing flexibility for those who need a professional environment without a long-term commitment. Private Offices: Fully furnished private offices provide professionals with a dedicated and personalized workspace on a month-to-month basis. Conference Room by the Hour: Need a professional meeting space? Urban Co-Works offers conference room rentals on an hourly basis, ensuring organizations and professionals have access to the facilities when they need them.
Scranton Cultural Center – Tickets Now Available for “Whose Live Anyway?” The current cast members of the Emmy-nominated TV show “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” are proud to present their new improv tour: WHOSE LIVE ANYWAY?, appearing live in concert at the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple on Thursday, May 15 at 7:30 PM. WHOSE LIVE ANYWAY? is 90 minutes of hilarious improvised comedy and song all based on audience suggestions. Cast members Greg Proops, Jeff B. Davis, Ryan Stiles, and Joel Murray will leave you gasping with the very witty scenes they invent before your eyes. Audience participation is key to the show, so bring your suggestions and you might be asked to join the cast onstage! This particular style of improvisational comedy is rife with countless gags, one-liners, hilarious games and even songs so good you will hardly believe they were made up on the spot. The teamwork and trust that it takes to perform a show with no script is apparent, but when the best of the best do it, they do it effortlessly. Watch them build entire scenes, characters, and storylines right before your eyes as they take you on a white-knuckle ride through endless chuckles. Ryan Stiles’ television credits include roles on “The Drew Carey Show” and “Two and a Half Men,” while Greg Proops has lent his vocal talents to animated characters in Star Wars: Episode 1, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and Brother Bear. However, both got their start as comedians and are excited to return to their funny-bone-tickling roots. Jeff B. Davis is also a highly experienced improv comedian and starred in the cult classic cartoon series, “Harmonquest.” He has also starred in “Drew Carey’s Green Screen Show” and “Improv-a-Ganza,” while gaining fame for his spot-on impressions of Christoper Walken, Keanu Reeves, and Jeff Goldblum. Joel Murray is the youngest of the nine Murray brothers, including Bill Murray, but has become a star in his own right. Though he has over 250 sitcom appearances, he is best known for his recurring roles like Freddy Rumsen on “Mad Men” and Eddie Jackson on “Shameless.” He has also appeared in One Crazy Summer, The Artist, Scrooged, and Bobcat Goldthwait’s God Bless America.. WHOSE LIVE ANYWAY? showcases some of the improv games made famous on the long-running TV show as well as some exciting new ones, featuring musical direction by Bob Derkach. All ages welcome. WHOSE LIVE ANYWAY? will take place in the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Theatre, located on the building’s first floor, with doors opening for bar and concessions at 6:30 PM. Tickets start at $59.00 (includes fees), and will be available for purchase beginning December 5 at 10 AM at the Fidelity Bank Box Office at the SCC in person or by calling (570) 344-1111, or via Ticketmaster. For more information or to view a full schedule of
Scranton Tomorrow to Announce Holiday Window Showcase Winners Scranton Tomorrow invites the community to gather on Courthouse Square this Friday, December 6, at 5 p.m. for the annual Lackawanna County Tree Lighting Ceremony, where the winners of the Holiday Window Showcase will be revealed. This beloved tradition features festive displays in downtown storefronts, with local businesses competing for top honors in multiple categories. A secret panel of judges has selected the best holiday windows, and the winners will be celebrated during the Tree Lighting Ceremony. The event marks the beginning of the Lackawanna Winter Market, a three-day holiday vendor village offering unique gifts, live entertainment, and much more.
Maternal and Family Health Services Awards Scholarships to Lackawanna College Maternal and Family Health Services (MFHS) is proud to announce that two participants in the Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) program have received scholarships to attend Lackawanna College. Beginning in 2018, Lackawanna College has provided full-tuition scholarships for clients from MFHS who are enrolled in the NFP program in an effort to continue to provide affordable, high quality educational opportunities to the residents of Northeastern Pennsylvania. “We are thrilled to see our Nurse-Family Partnership participants taking the next step in their educational journeys,” said Maria Montoro Edwards, President and CEO of MFHS “This scholarship program provides an incredible opportunity for these women to build a strong foundation for their futures, which will benefit not only them but also their children and the broader community.” This initiative aims to support NFP mothers in their educational and career aspirations, empowering them to build brighter futures for themselves and their families. This is a significant step forward in ensuring that NFP mothers have access to higher education, which is key to fostering economic stability and improving overall family health. The Nurse-Family Partnership is a renowned program that pairs mothers with registered nurses who provide guidance and support through pregnancy and the first two years of the child’s life. The program has been proven to improve maternal and child health, increase economic self-sufficiency, and foster long-term positive outcomes for families. “At Lackawanna College, we believe in the transformative power of education to create brighter futures for individuals, families, and communities. As a former board president of MFHS, I am especially proud to see this partnership continue its legacy of offering scholarships to students participating in the Nurse-Family Partnership. This initiative not only supports the professional growth of these students, but also our shared commitment to improving healthcare and fostering success for families in our community” said Dr. Jill Murray, President of Lackawanna College. For more information about Maternal and Family Health Services and the Nurse-Family Partnership program, please visit https://mfhs.org/services/nurse-family-partnership Photo L to R: Denise Larson, AVP Enrollment Management and Student Success, Lackawanna College Maria Montoro Edwards, PhD, President and CEO, Maternal and Family Health Services Stephanie Cox, Scholarship Recipient Maria Stefano, Scholarship Recipient Cheryl Kramer, MS, RN, NFP Nurse Home Visitor, Maternal and Family Health Services AnnMarie Jennings, BSN, RN, Nurse Supervisor NFP, Maternal and Family Health Services Ann Jones, BSN,RN, Director of NFP, Maternal and family Health Services
Woodloch Selected for Nation’s First Onsite Respite Facility Two long-standing partners dedicated to providing relief and renewal for those affected by cancer are joining forces to create a transformative space – the nation’s first onsite respite facility, For Pete’s Sake Cancer Respite Center at Woodloch. Projected to open in 2026, this innovative center will serve more than 4,000 people annually and redefine cancer care in Pennsylvania. For nearly two decades, Montgomery County-based For Pete’s Sake Cancer RespiteFoundation has helped families take a break from cancer through meaningful, restorative experiences. Similarly, Woodloch Resort, renowned for its world-class hospitality in the Pocono Mountains, has offered family-focused getaways for over 65 years. Since 2011, the organizations have collaborated to support patients, loved ones and caregivers navigating the cancer journey. This joint venture consolidates all For Pete’s Sake’s services into one signature location in Hawley. A $3.5 million grant through Pennsylvania’s Redevelopment Capital Assistance Program brings the project closer to its $25 million fundraising goal, complementing significant contributions already secured. “So many of us have been touched by this terrible disease,” said Sen. Lisa Baker, a project advocate. “This infusion of state dollars is a significant investment that will help leverage the corporate, foundation, and private donations required to establish this premier complex right here in northeastern Pennsylvania.” Woodloch owner Bob Kiesendahl, a cancer survivor, understands the value of reconnecting with family and self during difficult times. “Since Woodloch’s inception, our purpose and ‘why’ has been to make the world a better place,” Kiesendahl said. “Our partnership with For Pete’s Sake was forged after our first conversation, and our shared mission has strengthened our bond over the last 13 years, bringing us to this milestone moment.” Set on 32 acres, the 34,000-square-foot campus will feature amenities designed with input from oncology professionals, addressing the emotional, financial, spiritual and physical challenges of cancer in a safe, restorative environment. Features include a dining room serving 60,000 meals annually, an art room, a chapel, yoga space, a swimming pool for water therapy and nature trails. Groundbreaking is scheduled for spring 2025, with completion in 2026. For Pete’s Sake serves adults with all cancer types, partnering with hospitals and cancer centers such as Penn Medicine, Lehigh Valley Health Network, St. Luke’s, Jefferson Health, Allegheny Health Network, Alliance Cancer Care, Geisinger, Fox Chase and UPMC. Patients must be nominated by their oncology team to participate. Jennifer Coleman, diagnosed with cancer in 2023, experienced the program firsthand with her family. “At that point, we didn’t know if I would respond to the treatments,” Jennifer said. “When faced with such uncertainty, it was comforting to have a beautiful place to be together, away from all the chaos of cancer, and sit with my husband simply watching our kids playing in the sun, enjoying the lake and laughing again.” A year later, Jennifer and her daughter Corrine are giving back as facilitators for new families, appreciating the profound impact of the program from both perspectives. “Our outcomes data proves that respite makes a significant therapeutic impact on patients, caregivers, and their families, strengthening communication, relationships, resilience, and quality of life,” said Marci Schankweiler, founder and CEO of For Pete’s Sake Cancer Respite Foundation. “We are profoundly grateful to everyone making this dream a reality, including Gov. Shapiro, Sens. Baker and Brown, and Reps. Fritz and Olsommer.” For more information on how to get involved, please visit www.RespiteTransformed.org.
