Johnson College Receives Pennsylvania Hunger-Free Campus Grant The Pennsylvania Department of Education has awarded Johnson College a $20,000 Hunger-Free Campus grant to address students’ food security needs. This grant was awarded to Johnson College after receiving a two-year designation as a Pennsylvania Hunger-Free Campus. This is the College’s second full Hunger-Free Campus Grant and second two-year designation as a Pennsylvania Hunger-Free Campus. Grant funds will be used to maintain the College’s Scranton Campus’s food pantry, the Refuel Station, and establish a full pantry at its Hazleton campus to serve all Johnson College students experiencing food insecurity. The Refuel Station is currently located in the Community Hub on Johnson College’s Scranton campus and offers non-perishable foods, personal care items, and school supplies. The funds will also provide supplies for mini pantry carts located across Scranton and Hazleton campuses and off-site training laboratories. The grant will also expand assistance to students applying for benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and increase students’ access to off-campus community resources. “The Hunger-Free Campus program ensures that Johnson College students can focus on their academic goals without the stress of hunger,” said Kellyn Williams, Vice President of Special Programs and the Hunger-Free Project Director at Johnson College. “This program continues to assist our efforts to stock our campus food pantry, provide meal vouchers, and make it easier for students to meet their basic needs while pursuing their education. By addressing food insecurity, this program contributes to improved mental and physical well-being, leading to better academic performance and overall college success for students.” The Pennsylvania Hunger-Free Campus Initiative aims to build a coalition of colleges and universities focused on addressing hunger and other basic needs for their students; create opportunities for connection among student hunger advocates; provide resources and strategies for campuses; and support opportunities to apply for grants related to addressing food insecurity. Students who may need assistance at Johnson College may reach out to the Community Hub to access the student food pantry and to discuss other options and resources such as local food banks and the State’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Use New Year’s resolutions to pursue attainable health goals The holiday season might be in full swing, but I have no doubt many of you are already looking forward to setting some fresh life goals for 2025. There’s nothing wrong with making New Year’s resolutions, as they allow us to strive for genuine self-improvement, often in the areas of overall health and well-being. That’s all for the better, although we should resist the temptation to aim too high – at least at first. My advice is to set small goals that, over time, can lead to bigger, more sustainable successes that ultimately result in a healthier you. So, with that in mind, here are some potential health-related resolutions you might want to pursue in the coming year: Adjust your diet to include more whole grains, fruits, and vegetables while reducing red meat, sweets, and overly processed foods. Moderate your alcohol consumption, as research continually reveals its detrimental effects on long-term health. Pursue regular exercise, whether through a gym membership, regular runs, walks around your neighborhood, or whatever fits your schedule best. Prioritize better sleep. The quality of our sleep regimen profoundly affects our overall quality of our life. Practice self-care: resist self-criticism, invest in therapy, find time for hobbies and activities that make you happy, adopt a mindfulness or meditation routine, or treat yourself to a massage or manicure. Make time each day to focus on your needs. Volunteer with a local organization or nonprofit – doing good for others can significantly boost your sense of fulfillment. Limit social media and overall screen time, something many of us can benefit from reducing. Make more time for family and friends. While material things are nice, investing in deeper relationships ultimately leads to a more fulfilling life. While offering these suggestions, I should also point out that The Wright Center is fully committed to improving people’s long-term health through our lifestyle medicine initiative, which is based on the concept that poor lifestyle choices drive most modern chronic illnesses in America. Lifestyle medicine is focused on helping patients and their families improve their health and overall quality of life by adopting a host of long-term lifestyle behaviors, including eliminating tobacco use, improving diet, practicing stress relief techniques, increasing physical activity, strengthening personal relationships and connections, and adjusting sleep habits for better, more restorative rest. Our team is trained in both conventional medicine and lifestyle medicine, and we work closely with patients to create a personalized lifestyle self-care plan that’s not only easily implementable but sustainable. These modifications can go a long way toward preventing or managing chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes (type 2), high blood pressure, high cholesterol, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, metabolic syndrome, coronary artery disease, cancers that are lifestyle-associated (e.g., prostate and breast), osteoarthritis, chronic pain, chronic autoimmune diseases, and chronic psychological stress. The science is clear on this – a healthier lifestyle leads to a healthier, longer, happier life. And if that’s at the core of your 2025 New Year’s resolutions, I’m happy to report you’re on the right track. On that note, happy holidays and happy New Year! Ajit Pannu, M.D., a board-certified family medicine physician, is accepting patients of all ages at our Dickson City Community Health Center. Dr. Pannu is also the associate program director of The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s Regional Family Medicine Residency Program, where he completed his residency.
I NEED A SPEAKER OFFERS SPECIAL PRICING ON WORKSHOPS Get the Most Value from Your Training and Development Budget I Need A Speaker is offering public speaking training at a special price during December 2024 and January 2025. “Many companies have unused training funds at the end of the calendar year. Using that money to schedule one or two training sessions will benefit individuals on public-facing teams, such as sales, marketing, customer service, or related departments,” said Autumn Bohner, marketing communications manager for I Need A Speaker. The special rate of $3,800 includes one day with six hours of training, a workbook, and lunch for participants. Workshops will be taught by Tricia Richards-Service, PhD, who has taught public presentation for more than 20 years. She is the founder and president of I Need A Speaker, a global online platform for qualified speakers at all price points. This offer is valid for on- or off-site workshops for up to 12 people. Off-site workshops are available at your choice of two pre-selected venues: one in Wilkes-Barre, and one in Scranton. To be eligible, clients must book the workshops for dates in January 2025. A travel fee will be applied for clients who are more than 75 miles from Scranton, PA. “Professional development is a great way to motivate and reward employees,” said Bohner. “What a wonderful, practical way to end one year or begin another.” For more information or to book your training date, email info@ineedaspeaker.com.
Wayne Bank Grants $10,000 to NEPA Nonprofit The Board of The John and Helen Villaume Foundation announced that the Family Services of NEPA was selected to receive one of the Foundation’s 2024 community grant awards. David Kale, Sr. Grant Writer and Communications Manager, received a check in the amount of $10,000 from The John and Helen Villaume Foundation. The John and Helen Villaume Foundation, established by Honesdale natives John and Helen Villaume, was created to benefit charitable, religious, scientific, literary and educational programs within Wayne County. Since its inception, the Foundation has made awards totaling over $2,500,000.00 with Wayne Bank managing the account in the Wealth Management and Trust Services Division of Wayne Bank. Family Services of NEPA is a not-for-profit, non-sectarian organization which provides diverse services to children, seniors, individuals, and families empowering them to reach their full potential and resulting in healthier relationships and stronger communities. Established in 1895 by a group of concerned community members, FSA NEPA has been built by a governing board, a professional staff, and an involved consumer community. PA 211 NE/HelpLine provides a free 24/7/265 information and referral service which connects callers/contacts with resources to meet daily vital needs, both in Wayne County and 16 others in the region. Additional information about the Foundation and grant applications may be obtained from: The John and Helen Villaume Foundation, c/o Wayne Bank Wealth Management and Trust, 717 Main Street, Honesdale, PA 18431, or by phone: 570-253- 8507 or email: Trust@WayneBank.com
Governor Shapiro Reduces or Eliminates Registration Fees for Some Veterans, Retired Customers Through bipartisan efforts between the Shapiro Administration and the Pennsylvania General Assembly, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is pleased to announce that due to changes established in Act 60 of 2024, signed by Governor Shapiro in July, the annual income threshold for a retired Pennsylvanian to qualify for a reduced vehicle registration fee was increased, allowing more people to be eligible for this benefit. Additionally, some veterans may now be eligible for free vehicle registration and titling fees. “We’re glad that these changes in the law help make things a little easier for older Pennsylvanians and our veterans,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “PennDOT and the Shapiro Administration are committed to working with the General Assembly on commonsense changes like these that have a direct, positive impact on people’s lives.” Previously, the annual income threshold for a retired customer to qualify for a reduced registration fee of $11 annually was $19,200. Beginning December 16, 2024, the annual income threshold increases to $29,906 and will be subject to annual Consumer Price Index adjustments. “As we age, many of us find ourselves hitting the road less, yet paying the same registration fee as those who drive more frequently. With the changes to the annual income limits, these reduced fees will enable more older adults to save some money to spend on other necessities while still having peace of mind on their vehicle’s registration,” said Pennsylvania Department of Aging Secretary Jason Kavulich. “Thanks to Governor Shapiro, the General Assembly, and PennDOT for keeping older adults a priority.” For qualifying customers to receive the reduced vehicle registration fee of $11, they must complete and submit Form MV-371, “Application for a Retired Person’s Processing Fee of a Vehicle Registration.” Customers should attach the completed form to their invitation to renew and return it to PennDOT to be processed. The $11 annual fee will be applied after the application is processed. More information on eligibility requirements can be found on PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website. Act 60 also provides for the elimination of registration and title fees for one passenger vehicle or truck weighing 9,000 pounds or less owned by military veterans who meet the following requirements (license plate fees still apply): Vehicles registered to a veteran who lost a limb or eye or who became partially paralyzed while serving in the Armed Forces of the United States.Vehicles registered to a person who, as a member or the Armed Forces of the United States, was captured by the enemy in any armed conflict for which the Department of Defense authorizes a campaign medal. Vehicles registered to a person who has been awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. Vehicles registered to a person who has been awarded the Purple Heart. “As the Commonwealth’s leading advocate for our servicemembers, past and present, the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is grateful to the Shapiro Administration for its continued support of veterans and their families,” said Brig. Gen. John Pippy, Pennsylvania’s acting adjutant general and head of the DMVA. “Many veterans who have served our nation have sacrificed to a level most will never experience. Efforts like eliminating registration and title fees for eligible veterans sends an important message that Pennsylvania has not forgotten all you have done while in uniform.” For more information about driver licensing and vehicle services for veterans, visit PennDOT’s driver and vehicle services website. Traveling by domestic aircraft on or after May 7, 2025? You will need a REAL ID-compliant product or other federally-accepted form of identification if you do. Visit www.dmv.pa.gov/REALID for information on how you can get a REAL-ID compliant driver’s license or identification card today. There are less than six months left to prepare. Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras. 511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional X alerts.
Tobyhanna Presents Awards to this Quarter’s Top Talent On Dec. 16, Tobyhanna Army Depot (TYAD) named its fourth quarter Employees of the Quarter, recognizing two team members who exemplify the exceptional standards set by the depot’s workforce. This quarter, Greg Sabol was recognized in the senior category, and Cree Wolf earned junior category recognition. Sabol serves as a Machinist in the Fabrication and Assembly/Machining Branch. His story is one of perseverance, ambition, and dedication. A member of the deaf and hard of hearing community, he first joined Tobyhanna Army Depot as a summer intern from the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID). Despite the obstacles Sabol faces, he is resolute in pursuit of his goals. Since completing his internship, he has been promoted three times, serving as an inspiration to his team. His broad experience spans several programs such as Stryker, Bridge Supplemental Set, Sea Sparrow, Ground/Air Task-Oriented Radar, Armament Repair Shop Set, and PM Tactical Radios. “My grandfather was in the Navy,” Sabol explained. “So, I am proud of the work I do, especially systems like Sea Sparrow that directly support the Navy.” Machining Branch Supervisor Keith Knecht describes Sabol as a modest man. “Without hesitation, Greg will take the most challenging jobs in the shop and then will recognize others in the branch for the work instead of himself.” said Knecht. “As soon as a new piece of equipment comes in, he is one of the first to ask to be trained.” Most recently, he has been lauded by Fabrication & Component Refinishing Division Chief Thomas Petroski for developing an innovative solution to prevent nozzle heads from breaking on water cutting machines. Implementing his idea is projected to save a significant amount of money spent on replacements, not to mention the labor hours required to repair them. “Greg is the subject matter expert on water jet cutting machines,” Petroski noted. “He is always looking for better ways to improve productivity by staying informed of the latest technology advancement in metal cutting machinery and techniques.” Sabol was humbled by the recognition and plans to continue putting his best foot forward and mentoring newer employees on his team. “Working hard every day is just part of my commitment to supporting the warfighter,” he added. When Sabol is not working, he is planning his next trip to Maine to visit his family’s log cabin and practice wakeboarding. Wolf serves in the civilian ranks of Team Tobyhanna as a Telecommunications Specialist in Tobyhanna Army Depot’s (TYAD) Wideband Control Test Division. Wolf’s work directly supports TYAD’s rapidly expanding cyber mission. As the battlefield continues to evolve, Team Tobyhanna is adapting with it to meet the needs of the joint warfighter. The fifth “c” in C5ISR, the depot’s focus on expanding its cyber capabilities secures TYAD’s continued legacy as a leading readiness provider to our nation’s warfighters. Wideband Control Test Division Chief Tania Perciaccante said cyber subject matter experts like Wolf are leading the charge to remain on the cutting edge. “Mr. Wolf’s willingness to learn new things and work with other team members has proven critical to the success of the division’s test automation efforts,” said Perciaccante. In nominating Wolf for the award, Perciaccante specifically lauded his leading of a re-engineer of automated scripts used in software testing. Through database comparison and participation in vendor-led test events, Wolf’s efforts have increased test fidelity and reduced test time from 40 minutes to four minutes as well as manpower required to execute the tests. Perciaccante added that Wolf “consistently trained other team members on the use of the test automation scripts as well as common troubleshooting techniques,” earning respect from his colleagues and setting the entire team up for success in the process. “Mr. Wolf has also been recognized by his peers and other team leaders as being a driving force behind the division’s automation effort,” said Perciaccante. Wolf was honored to receive the award and said it was satisfying to have his hard work recognized. “I was very happy and surprised to be named an Employee of the Quarter,” said Wolf. “I’d like to think any success I’ve achieved is a direct reflection of giving it my all every day, being confident in my work, and doing good work.” Wolf said he finds pleasure in the precision his work requires. “I like to go deep into my work and find pleasure in delving deep to deliver the best product possible.” Thanks to Wolf’s efforts, and through TYAD’s ideals of continuous improvement and process-based leadership, Team Tobyhanna remains well positioned to deliver the current and next generation of America’s warfighters the highest quality product available. The Employee of the Quarter awards and other employee recognition programs align with Tobyhanna’s long-range strategic plan, TOBY2035 – specifically the Investing In Our People line of effort. TOBY2035, the depot’s long-range strategic plan, has four focus areas: Investing in Our People, C5ISR Readiness, Shape the Future and Strategic Communications. TOBY2035 aims to posture the depot for success in the coming years as the Department of Defense’s premier worldwide C5ISR readiness provider. Tobyhanna has proudly partnered with NTID since 2012, providing meaningful career and internship opportunities to their students. Depot personnel work directly alongside NTID instructors to ensure the school’s curriculum aligns with operational needs. Tobyhanna Army Depot is a recognized leader in providing world-class logistics support for command, control, communications, computers, cyber, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C5ISR) systems across the Department of Defense. Tobyhanna’s Corporate Philosophy, dedicated work force and electronics expertise ensure the depot is the joint C5ISR provider of choice for all branches of the Armed Forces and industry partners.. Tobyhanna’s unparalleled capabilities include full-spectrum logistics support for sustainment, overhaul and repair, fabrication and manufacturing, engineering design and development, systems integration, post production software support, technology insertion, modification, foreign military sales and global field support to our joint warfighters. About 3,200 personnel are employed at Tobyhanna, located in the Pocono Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania. Tobyhanna Army Depot is part of the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command. Headquartered at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, the command’s mission is to deliver integrated C5ISR weapon systems, business systems, and medical sustainment to enable full spectrum combat operations at the point of need.
Johnson College Receives Grant from Robert H. Spitz Foundation to Support Student Safety Net Program Johnson College has been awarded a $3,000 grant from the Robert H. Spitz Foundation to support its safety net program for students needing assistance meeting basic needs. This program provides emergency relief for basic needs such as transportation and necessary educational expenses, including personal protective equipment, program-specific tools, and industry certification fees. The safety net program will help students remain in school to complete their education and move on to earn family-supporting wages through employment in the region. The safety net program is available to help all Johnson College students at both the Scranton and Hazleton campuses. Students facing short-term financial emergencies may request assistance in the College’s Community Hub where staff will confidentially help identify solutions, community agency supports, and eligible state/federal programs to meet students’ basic needs.
TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty Cohort 3 Showcases Innovative Startups During Final Presentations The latest cohort of TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty celebrated their entrepreneurial journey with a final presentation event held at Marywood University on Wednesday, December 11. Surrounded by local funders, dignitaries, family, and friends, the participants demonstrated the progress of their innovative business ventures developed during the 10-week program. TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty, operated by The Greater Scranton Chamber entrepreneurship and incubator program, IGNITE, in partnership with Lackawanna County, Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania, and tecBRIDGE aims to cultivate a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Lackawanna County by empowering tech-based startups with the tools and support needed to succeed. “You are pioneers,” Lackawanna County Commissioner Bill Gaughan told the entrepreneurs. “By daring to bring your ideas to life, you are not only shaping your own futures but also the future of our community. Your hard work, creativity, and determination embody the entrepreneurial spirit that will drive Lackawanna County forward in the years to come.” Bob Durkin, president of The Greater Scranton Chamber, echoed this sentiment, “TechCelerator is a perfect example of what can happen when public and private interests come together. Under this program, the concerted efforts of the Lackawanna County Commissioners, Ben Franklin Technology Partners, tecBRIDGE, and The Chamber have now given a total of 23 individuals and business partners the opportunity to pursue their dreams of business ownership.” This third cohort featured a diverse group of entrepreneurs, each with a unique vision to address real-world challenges: Don McGowan, The Cusp Club John George, CrasherConnect Eric Farrell, EZ Fantasy Sports Veronica LaRocque, Grow with L.E.A.R.N. LLC Fred Aebli, GetMeCoding.com Justin Byrd, SelfServeMenu.com Joel DeCarli, Apex Innovations Bill Booth, trasectory The program provided participants with access to expert mentors, business development resources, and networking opportunities to refine their business plans and pitches. The event culminated in powerful presentations that highlighted each entrepreneur’s vision and progress. The Greater Scranton Chamber and The County are committed to supporting two more cohorts of entrepreneurs who dream of owning and operating their own businesses in the region.
My Benefit Advisor: Creating Value in Employee Benefits In recent years, it has become apparent that the traditional principles pertaining to “value” in workplace benefits have changed. The reality that many employers have begun to embrace is twofold: Employees are not just workers, but real people, and A person’s job is a component of their life, not separate and distinct from it. As a result, employers have realized the need to deliver both value and purpose in their benefit portfolios. To do this, in face of the economic and business uncertainties facing them, organizations are strategically redirecting their benefit expenditures on things that matter most to their employees. They are seeking to understand what employees prefer and value, eliminating underutilized and less relevant benefits, while focusing on improving wellbeing outcomes in a cost-effective manner. Behind salary, most employees rate benefits, empathy and flexibility in their position responsibilities as most important when evaluating either their current job or future employment opportunities. As a result, employers are evaluating their benefit programs to assure they are properly designed to help keep employees feeling safe, protected and prepared for any health concerns that may arise. Additionally, business leaders continue to embrace flexibility both in the workplace and in the benefit programs offered to accommodate the needs of their staff. The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce offers its members access to My Benefit Advisor as a solution for employee benefits, including voluntary offerings. For more information about My Benefit Advisor, visit our website at gscc.mybenefitadvisor.com or contact Rob Higginbotham at (800) 377-3536. This e-mail is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient or have received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender by replying to the sender. After notifying the sender of the error, you should immediately delete this e-mail from your system. Please be aware that any unauthorized disclosure, dissemination, distribution, duplication or use of the e-mail contents or any attachments therein is strictly prohibited.
Misericordia University Launches Course on Emergency Preparedness for Healthcare Organizations Misericordia University is proud to announce the launch of a groundbreaking course designed to equip future healthcare leaders with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate emergencies effectively. This innovative program, Emergency Management for Healthcare Institutions, addresses the growing need for specialized training in disaster readiness and crisis management within the healthcare sector. This course also provides students with the necessary skills and knowledge to help their future employers comply with federal emergency preparedness requirements. “The healthcare industry faces unique challenges when preparing for and responding to emergencies,” said John R. Ash MHA, Ph.D., FACHE, Assistant Professor and Program Director for Healthcare Administration. “This course provides essential tools and strategies to ensure that healthcare organizations can deliver safe, effective care under the most challenging circumstances. Students earned multiple, national, certifications from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Center for Domestic Preparedness.” The course offers a comprehensive curriculum that integrates practical applications with the latest research in emergency management. Key topics include: Risk assessment and mitigation strategies specific to healthcare settings Developing and testing emergency response plans Crisis communication and coordination with public health agencies Managing resources during pandemics, natural disasters, and other emergencies Building resilience in healthcare teams and systems Fire Suppression Designed for healthcare administrators, clinicians, and emergency response professionals, the course combines expert-led lectures, hands-on simulations, and case studies from real-world events. Participants will gain actionable insights and practical skills to enhance their organization’s preparedness and response capabilities. The program aligns with Misericordia University’s commitment to fostering excellence in healthcare education and addressing critical industry needs. “Our goal is to empower healthcare professionals with the expertise to protect patients, staff, and communities during crises,” said Ash, a nationally certified Firefighter-Paramedic. Dr. Ash designed this course from the ground up by leveraging his 45 years of experience in public safety and using resources readily available from the federal government.
