Your Beautiful Flowers Handing Out Flower Petals at Courthouse Square Your Beautiful Flowers will be hitting the streets of Scranton at Courthouse Square on Wednesday, October 18, handing out hundreds of flowers to busy commuters to help brighten up their week, as part of the ‘Petal it Forward’ program, in partnership with the Society of American Florists (SAF), of which Your Beautiful Flowers is a member. Your Beautiful Flowers is joining hundreds of florists across the country in Petal It Forward. This random-acts-of-kindness effort is in response to the release of data by SAF showing the positive emotional benefits of flowers. University research reveals that flowers have an immediate impact on happiness and a long-term positive effect on moods. Now, a survey has found that, when it comes to flowers, it’s just as good to give as it is to receive. With this data in mind, the Petal It Forward team is not only spreading happiness to lucky Scranton residents who receive the flowers, but arming these recipients with the tools they need to Petal it Forward and spread happiness to others: An extra flower bouquet to share with a loved one, coworker or even a stranger. “We see the positive impact day in and day out when we make our flower deliveries,” said John Kennedy of Your Beautiful Flowers “People love to get flowers ‘just because’ so we wanted to create random smiles today and give people a chance to do the same for someone else.” A survey by SAF illustrates the impact of flowers. The results reveal the many benefits of flowers, including their positive effects on one’s emotions and happiness, and back up previous research studies on flowers conducted by Rutgers, Harvard and Texas A&M. (See www.aboutflowers.com/research more information on the university studies.) The following are highlights from SAF’s survey results: When it comes to happiness, it’s just as good to give flowers as it is to receive: 88 percent of Americans report that giving flowers makes them feel happy, while 80 percent reported that receiving flowers makes them feel happy. Just being around flowers improves your mood: 76 percent of Americans agree that having flowers in their home or office improves their mood. The best reason to receive flowers is “just because”: Women (92 percent) are more likely to agree with this, but the majority of men (three in four) also share this sentiment. Florists to the rescue! Nearly four in 10 Americans indicate florists have helped them in a past or current relationship; most frequently to say, “I love you,” or schedule a surprise delivery. “The impact of giving or receiving flowers is powerful and memorable,” said Kennedy “It can turn an ordinary day into an extraordinary one.” Aimee and the Petal It Forward Team will give away hundreds of bouquets to people on the street. After receiving their flowers, recipients are asked to spread the happiness by gifting their extra flower bouquet and sharing their happiness on social media using #petalitforward. For more information on the benefits of flowers, visit www.aboutflowers.com and www.aboutflowersblog.com
The Rotary Club of Scranton Hosts World Polio Day The Rotary Club of Scranton will hold an evening panel discussion on World Polio Day, this Tuesday, October 24, 2023. The event will be held at the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine (GCSOM) located at 525 Pine Street, Scranton. The panel discussion will take place from 6 to 7:30 p.m., with the last half hour reserved for public questions. Panelists will include world, national and regional leaders from the fields of healthcare, higher education and government. Serving on the panel is Michael K. McGovern who, as Chair of the Rotary International PolioPlus Committee, is at the forefront of the battle to eradicate polio throughout the world. Topics of discussion will include pandemic preparedness, immunization/vaccine accessibility, critical first response issues and current global polio eradication efforts. Joseph A. Riccardo, Jr., Foundation Chair of the Rotary Club of Scranton joined Scranton Rotary a few years ago and is very proud of Rotary’s international mission to eradicate polio. “Similar to 1980 when smallpox was finally eradicated, I have a desire to be part of what would be only the second time in history to accomplish something of this magnitude. I am honored to be a part of a great mission, working with wonderfully driven people who are all pressing toward a common goal for the human race, in making this world a healthier, better place. So much has already been done toward this goal. I believe we are at the last mile of making this a reality. I like that Rotary is working together on an international level to eradicate polio. We are people of action,” he said. In addition to the evening panel discussion, Joseph initiated bringing two hundred high school students to the medical school on World Polio Day as part of a young leaders public health summit. “Our goal is for this to not be limited to polio, but rather to involve motivated high school students who are interested in STEM topics to create a young leaders’ laboratory of sorts. The students will be presented with issues of local and global impact, to engage in problem-solving discussions and model exercises that place them in the roles of public health officials, private researchers and community leaders. We hope it is a call to action within the community,” said Joseph. Contact Joe A. Riccardo, Jr., at 570-904-0166 or by email at joericcardo@yahoo.com for more information about World Polio Day. www.scrantonrotary.org
The Settlers Inn Hosts Storytelling Dinner Tantalizing food. Glowing jack-o’-lanterns. Captivating tales. The annual Storytelling Dinner at The Settlers Inn, October 27 and 28, has all the elements for a spooktacular evening of thrills and chills. The event features Clay Mcleod Chapman, a prolific horror novel and comic book author. Chapman enthralls guests with yarns ranging from supernatural and psychological to the macabre. The Brooklyn, NY based author penned multiple novels, comic books and children’s books, as well as scripts for film and television. His horror novels include “The Remaking,” “Whisper Down the Lane,” and “Ghost Eaters.” Chapman also co-wrote “Quiet Part Loud,” a horror podcast produced by Jordan Peele’s Monkeypaw for Spotify. In comics, Chapman is the writer of the ongoing Marvel series, “Scream: Curse of Carnage.” He also co-wrote “Wendell & Wild,” which was adapted into an animated movie streaming on Netflix and featuring the voices of Keegan Michael Key, Jordan Peele and Angela Bassett. Storytelling Dinner has been a staple of the fall season at The Settlers Inn since 1987. The event unfolds for two consecutive evenings in The Undercroft illuminated by over 100 pumpkins hand carved especially for the occasion. Many of the carved pumpkins boast elaborate, detailed designs. The Settlers Inn Founder Grant Genzlinger and friend David Dunsmore lead a team of carvers in a day long effort. Together they create everything from life-size pumpkin people to miniature scenes. Each jack-o’-lantern is unique and imbued with its own characteristics. Live music and a delectable farm-to-table meal round out the festivities. Reservations are required for The Storytelling Dinner, which costs $85 per person. Call 570-226-2993.
NEPIRC CEO Appointed to Intergovernmental Policy Advisory Committee The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) recently announced the appointment of 10 individuals, including Eric Joseph Esoda, president and CEO of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center (NEPIRC), to the Intergovernmental Policy Advisory Committee (IGPAC). The full roster of appointees, consisting of tribal, local, regional and state representatives, includes: Eric Joseph Esoda, president and CEO, Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center Sam Cho, commissioner, Port of Seattle James Collard, director of planning and economic development, Citizen Potawatomi Nation Emily Desai, deputy director of international affairs and trade, California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development Yusuf Hakeem, Tennessee State House Representative Rory Hoskins, mayor of Forest Park, Illinois Mike Matson, mayor of Davenport, Iowa Laurence Reszetar, director of international business strategy, Minnesota Trade Office Daphnee Sainvil, division manager, Government Affairs and Economic Development, City of Fort Lauderdale, Florida Eugene Seroka, executive director, The Port of Los Angeles “This highly qualified group of stakeholders and elected officials represent diverse backgrounds, interests and priorities, and I congratulate them on joining this important committee,” said Ambassador Katherine Tai. “The IGPAC is a critical link that ensures USTR’s work is responsive to needs of all people in the United States,” she added. The new appointees will join five existing members of the committee. The IGPAC provides general policy advice to the United States Trade Representative on issues involving trade and development that have a significant relationship to the affairs of U.S. state and local governments. Advisement areas may include negotiation objectives and bargaining positions prior to entering into multinational trade agreements, the anticipated or actual impacts of implementing trade agreements, ongoing or other matters relating to previously executed trade agreements or general matters regarding the trade policies of the United States. The Committee is comprised of members who have expertise in general trade, investment and development issues. As a member of the committee, Esoda will represent the concerns and opinions of small and mid-sized domestic manufacturers. Esoda brings more than 20 years of economic development experience, coupled with private consulting and business advising expertise. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Scranton, a master’s degree in accounting from Binghamton University and certification in diversity and inclusion from Cornell University. He is currently pursuing a business strategy certificate from Cornell University.
Scranton Cultural Center Postpones Production Scranton Cultural Center and the production of “Late Nite Catechism,” originally scheduled for October 15, has been postponed to February 4 at 3:00 PM in Shopland Hall. “Late Nite Catechism” is presented by Entertainment Events, Inc. All tickets for tonight’s performance will be honored at the new date. Patrons can contact their original point of purchase or the SCC’s Fidelity Bank Box Office at (570) 344-1111 with any questions.
Wright Center Leader Selected To Sit On Pennsylvania Mental Health Planning Council Scott Constantini, associate vice president of primary care and recovery services integration for The Wright Center for Community Health, has been named to a three-year term on the Pennsylvania Mental Health Planning Council’s (MHPC) Adult Advisory Committee. The Adult Advisory Committee is one of three MHPC committees under the direction of the deputy secretary of the state’s Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS). Before he was promoted to his current role in 2022, Constantini served for six years as the director of behavioral health at The Wright Center for Community Health. In his current role, he collaborates with hospitals, school districts, public health agencies, government entities, and other community partners to expand access to and improve behavioral services across the region. He also sits on the Lackawanna County Overdose Fatality Review Committee under the direction of county District Attorney Mark Powell. Constantini has a strong track record of developing sustainable projects in the recovery and primary care realms, working with the state Department of Health Services, Department of Health, and Department of Drug and Alcohol programs through The Wright Center for Community Health’s Opioid Use Disorder Center of Excellence program, the Pennsylvania Coordinated Medication Assisted Treatment Program and a variety of other key programs designed to improve the behavioral health of Pennsylvanians. He also oversees various federal grants to expand addiction services, such as medications for opiate use disorder, to address the opiate overdose crisis. “I will represent The Wright Center for Community Health, our patients, and the region with integrity and pride to help guide the state on the future of mental health services across Pennsylvania,” he said. “As we know, there is a lot of work to be done.” The MHPC consists of three committees: The Children’s Advisory, Adult Advisory, and Older Adult Advisory committees. They aim to advise on a broad behavioral mandate that includes mental health, substance misuse, behavioral health disorders, and cross-system disability.
WVIA Receives Grant Funding For New Local Reporter WVIA has been awarded an $80,000 grant through the Williamsport Lycoming Competitive Grant Program at the First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania. This grant will support the addition of a dedicated, full-time WVIA News reporter to exclusively cover Williamsport and the Lycoming County region. WVIA News is currently composed of a News Director and five full-time journalists who, along with freelance writers, videographers, and photographers, bring detailed community stories to life from many perspectives within Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania. WVIA News was founded in 2022 and has been rapidly growing, gaining momentum fueled by the generous support from local communities and the increased demand for a trusted source for local nonprofit journalism. In a recent survey conducted by WVIA News, 53.7% of respondents stated that they are only somewhat satisfied with the local news options available to them, and 65.9% stated that it is very important to them that a news outlet covers local news. Residents of Lycoming County made up a substantial portion of the survey responses. WVIA’s Senior Director of Education and Grants, Vicki Austin, commented, “I am thrilled that the First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania recognizes the value of a reporter dedicated to Williamsport and Lycoming County, and is providing the support needed for WVIA News to make it happen. This investment in news for the health of the community reflects the Foundation’s vision to create powerful communities through passionate giving.” As a trusted, legacy organization serving our region for over fifty years, WVIA covers 22 counties and has a unique coverage area. For the past three years WVIA President & CEO, Carla McCabe, has prioritized local content and the creation and growth of the News Team with solid support and guidance from WVIA’s Board of Directors. WVIA is dedicated to expanding its News Team and developing reporters who can focus on regional issues in its varied communities. “Williamsport City and Lycoming County as a whole are priorities for WVIA News,” said WVIA President & CEO, Carla McCabe. “An embedded journalist that can report exclusively on topics affecting these areas while developing collaborative relationships with journalists from other regional outlets will allow WVIA to further our mission in this region.” “From the beginning, WVIA News has been asking people what they want from local journalism, and what we’ve heard is quite clear,” says News Director, Julie Sidoni. “They want the best information they can find about important happenings in their communities. This new reporter ensures that the people who live in Williamsport and Lycoming County will have someone dedicated to telling the stories that matter to them most.” This is the second grant-funded news position for WVIA in 2023. These additions to WVIA’s growing news department are evidence of the level of support from donors and the community for local non-profit journalism, and the level of commitment from WVIA to fill the need for such. The Williamsport Lycoming Competitive Grant Program is made possible through the generosity of multiple field of interest funds. Abert F. and Edythe B. Hardt Fund Alfred A. DiCenso and Robert L. Ellison Foundation Fund Catherine E. Reardon Fund Charles J. Plankenhorn Fund Dietrick Lamade Fund Dr. Marshall D. Welch, Jr. Fund Elizabeth C. Kackenmeister Fund Elizabeth S. Metzger Fund Fairman R. Megahan Fund Frances Piatt Frey Fund Frederic T. Moore Fund I Frederic T. Moore Fund II George A. & Shirley S. Durrwachter Fund George R. Lamade Fund Harold W. and Grace L. Biehler Memorial Fund Herbert P. Haskin Memorial Fund Hortense Sherman Fund Howard J. and George R. Lamade Family Fund James B. Graham Fund John G. Snowden Fund Lawrence E. Maroney Fund Louis A. Wetzel Fund Margaret R. Brown Fund Marion Mallinson and Marion Clinger Fisher Fund Mattie E. Clark Fund May Heilman Spangle Fund Myron H. McBride and Gertrude H. McBride Fund Olga Lehman Fund Peter and Rosemarie DePasquale Fund R. H. Confair Family Fund Reverend Thomas P. Simmons Wilson and Ida G. Wilson Memorial Fund Thomas L. Stearns Fund Van Buskirk-Rothrock Fund William C. Heilman Fund William H. Plummer Fund Williamsport Lycoming Community Fund
PennDOT Hosts Public Meeting For The Route 347 Project In Lackawanna County The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) invites the public to a Public Meeting with Plans Display regarding the Route 347, Section 253 Culvert Project. The SR 347 Section 253 project involves improvements to the crossing of SR 347 over Kennedy Creek in Scott Township, Lackawanna County. The project proposes to replace an existing metal arch culvert with a new reinforced concrete box culvert. The existing culvert is experiencing deterioration with scour distress that requires corrective action to sustain a safe crossing at this location. The new culvert has been designed to match the hydraulic performance of the original culvert and maintain the existing floodplains so as not to adversely affect adjacent property owners. Roadway improvements associated with the project include full-depth reconstruction in the vicinity of the culvert, providing lane and shoulder widths meeting current design criteria. Additionally, new guide rail and pavement markings will be provided throughout the project limits. Only minor utility impacts are anticipated to construct the project. Public Meeting The in-person public display meeting for both projects will take place at: Time: 7:00 PM Date: Thursday, October 17, 2023 Location: Scott Township Building (1038 Montdale Road, Scott Township, PA, 18447) The public comment period is from October 2, 2023 – October 31, 2023. The plans display will be held online and will be available from October 2, 2023, to November 3, 2023. Online information, including detailed project information and comment form, can be found by visiting the following PennDOT District 4-0 website: Route 347, Section 253 Culvert Project (pa.gov). The purpose of the plans display is to introduce the project, display and describe the planned traffic control, and receive public input regarding questions or concerns with the project. The project documents can be made available in alternative languages or formats if requested. If you need translation/interpretation services or have special needs or have special concerns that require individual attention, contact Mr. Charles Reuther, PennDOT Project Manager, at creuther@pa.gov.
Keystone College Signs Articulation Agreement With Another Community College Keystone College and Northampton Community College (NCC) have signed an articulation agreement enabling students who obtain associate degrees from NCC to seamlessly transfer to Keystone to pursue their bachelor’s degrees. Under the partnership, NCC students who graduate with an associate degree and meet transfer requirements will be guaranteed admission into similar Keystone bachelor’s degree programs. The partnership enables students to know that courses they have successfully completed at NCC will apply to their bachelor’s degree program at Keystone. Signing the Keystone College/Northampton Community College Articulation Agreement are, from left, Keystone Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Andra Basu, Ph.D.; Keystone President John F. Pullo, Sr; NCC President David A. Ruth, Ph..D.; and NCC Provost and Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs Marc Singer, Ed.D. “This partnership agreement is a wonderful opportunity for both Keystone College and Northampton Community College to provide additional pathways to students of all ages as they pursue their educational and career goals,” said Keystone President John F. Pullo, Sr. “The more options students have, the more professional opportunities they will have as well.” The programs in the articulation agreement are: Accounting, A.AS. to Financial Planning, B.S. and Accounting, B.S.Business Administration, A.A. to Supply Chain Management, B.S.Hospitality Management, A.A.S. to Hospitality Business Management, B.S.Sport Management, A.A. to eSport and Gaming Management, B.S. and Sport and Recreation Management, B.S.Biological Science A.S. to Health Science, B.S. Early Childhood Education, A.A.S. to Early Childhood Education B.S. (certification) and Child and Family Studies, B.S. in Teaching (non-certification) “In our efforts to partner with four-year institutions, the articulation agreements with Keystone College provide an unrestricted and convenient road to earning a bachelor’s degree, allowing our students to concentrate on reaching their goals with ease,” said NCC President David A. Ruth, Ph.D. Recognized as one of the best educational values in Northeastern Pennsylvania, Keystone offers more than 50 undergraduate and graduate degree options in liberal arts and science-based programs in business, communications, education, natural science, environmental science, and social sciences. Located on a beautiful 276-acre campus 15 minutes from Scranton, Pa. and two hours from New York City and Philadelphia, Keystone is known for small class sizes and individual attention focused on student success through internships, research, and community involvement. With an enduring commitment to the regional community it serves and a focus on student success, NCC has developed a reputation as an institution of extraordinary distinction, earning accolades at the state and national levels for innovative programs, outstanding faculty and impressive student achievements.
