Scranton Tomorrow Recycling Program Yep. It’s true. We’re spilling the beans on our new recycling program! Did you know … even if you toss your used coffee pods into the recycling bin, they are not being recycled in Lackawanna County? That’s because these convenient little pods can only be recycled if they are fully deconstructed. That’s too labor intensive to be practical. So, they add to the pile in the landfill. Don’t worry. We have a solution! In honor of America Recycles Day on November 15, Scranton Tomorrow’s Safe, Clean & Green Team is launching a program to recycle single-use coffee pods in partnership with the City of Scranton, Lackawanna County, and NeighborWorks of Northeastern Pennsylvania. How you can participate. Through the month of November, simply save your used pods instead of throwing them away. Once you’ve gathered a bunch, contact Steve Ward, Downtown Safe, Clean & Green Ambassador Team Leader at Scranton Tomorrow, at 570.963.5901 or steve@scrantontomorrow.org to make arrangements for drop-off. We’ll send all pods to a specialized recycling facility where components will be separated, the plastic part will be recycled and remanufactured, and the coffee grounds will be composted. Learn More Email Steve Ward to Sign Up Partners The single-use coffee pod recycling program in Lackawanna County is a project of Scranton Tomorrow in partnerships with:
PennDOT, KPB Name Students Chosen for Young Ambassadors Program The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful (KPB) today announced the slate of Young Ambassadors of Pennsylvania for 2022-2023. The new-to-Pennsylvania program seeks to build community stewards and civic leaders by inspiring, engaging, and empowering young Pennsylvanians to not only keep their communities clean and beautiful but also become ambassadors in their community for a shared vision of a clean and beautiful Pennsylvania. The program, being administered by KPB, was recommended in the commonwealth’s litter action plan, announced by Governor Tom Wolf in November 2021. Students applied to the program and were chosen through a competitive application process. The students have committed to eight months of service as an ambassador while representing and upholding the mission and values of KPB. From October through May 2023, they will also develop civic leadership skills and experience to champion and advocate for clean and beautiful communities across Pennsylvania. 2022-2023 Young Ambassadors of PA: Allegheny County Andy Forrester, Grade 11, Pine-Richland High School;Cale Klaff, Grade 12, Pine-Richland High School;Eli Majocha, Grade 12, Highlands High School; andLuke Anderson, Grade 10, Pine Richland High School. Bradford County: Corben Conklin, Grade 11, Athens Area High School. Butler County: Carmen Skal, Grade 12, Butler Senior High School. Cambria County Jensen Westrick, Grade 12, Central Cambria High School; andMaddie Ostinowsky, Grade 12, Bishop Carroll Catholic High School. Chester County Henri Brunel, Grade 12, Conestoga High School; andNaomi Tzoanos, Grade 11, Owen J. Roberts High School. Columbia County: Brady McNamara, Grade 11, Central Columbia High School. Cumberland County Ania Chandra, Grade 12, Cumberland Valley High School;Morgan Stellfox, Grade 10, East Pennsboro Area School District; andZahra Anjum, Grade 11, Cumberland Valley Virtual Academy. Dauphin County: Eleana Rijo, Grade 10, Susquehanna Township High School. Delaware County CJ Chen, Grade 11, Strath Haven High School; andSage Baker, Grade 10, Strath Haven High School. Erie County Emma Burkett, Grade 12, Northwestern High School;Tanvi Udgiri, Grade 11, Northwest Pennsylvania Collegiate Academy; andGianna Stewart, Grade 11, Northwest Pennsylvania Collegiate Academy. Indiana County Anna Layden, Grade 11, Purchase Line Junior Senior High School; andVia Krimin, Grade 12, Indiana Area Senior High School. Lackawanna County: Grace Beckish, Grade 10, North Pocono High School. Lancaster County: Stella Blue Weaver, Grade 12, JP McCaskey High School. Lehigh County Adrian Chavez, Grade 10, Nazareth Area High School; andSiddhant Khandelwal, Grade 12, Parkland High School. Lycoming County: Jaden Nixon, Grade 12, St. John Neumann Regional Academy. Monroe County: Rese Schlameuss, Grade 11, East Stroudsburg High School South. Montgomery County Claudia Brach, Grade 12, Perkiomen Valley High School;Ri Sringari, Grade 12, Perkiomen Valley High School; andRudra Patel, Grade 12, Souderton Area High School. Philadelphia County: Minping Nie, Grade 11, Central High School. Pike County: Fawn Dutcher, Grade 10, East Stroudsburg High School North; andAngelique Smalls, Grade 11, East Stroudsburg High School North. Washington County: Abby Salzman, Grade 12, California Area High School.
Marywood University’s “Dietitian for a Day” Program Marywood University is hosting a “Dietitian for a Day” program on Tuesday, November 15, from 9:15 a.m. – 1:15 p.m., in the O’Neill Center for Health Families on the University’s campus. The program is free and open to anyone considering a career in nutrition and dietetics. The program offers students an opportunity to learn what a dietitian is and about the different areas in which dietitians practice. Attendees will gain hands-on experience in several practice areas including sports, clinical and community nutrition, food science, and food service. The program also includes a session with admissions and financial aid counselors, a tour of Marywood’s campus, and lunch. Attendees will have the opportunity to interact with the nutrition and dietetics faculty as well as current students. Attendees will gain a clearer picture about the career opportunities for a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and the types of classes, course material, and supervised practice involved in being a nutrition and dietetics major. Marywood’s Nutrition and Dietetics department provides coursework that prepares students to provide nutrition care in a variety of settings. Register online by November 10 at https://admissions.marywood.edu/register/DietitianNov22 to attend “Dietitian for a Day.”
PS Bank Announces SBA Preferred Lender Status PS Bank is pleased to announce that it has received Preferred Lender Program (PLP) status from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Achieving PLP status is another milestone for PS Bank and its lending team as its portfolio continues to expand throughout Northeastern and North Central Pennsylvania. PS Bank was nominated for the designation by the Philadelphia SBA field office because of its experience and expertise with SBA lending. PS Bank offers a variety of SBA loan options for small business owners to meet expansion, acquisition, refinance, and working capital needs. As a preferred lender, PS Bank can close transactions in a more seamless way – removing documentation hurdles and speeding up the loan approval process. PLP accreditation is based on an SBA review that analyzes loan processes, loan servicing, loan package development, and overall performance. Banks are reviewed based on their risk rating, default rates, purchase rates, loss rates, on-site reviews, loan volume, and more. “Our lending team’s dedication to the success of each business customer, their customized approach to meeting business objectives, and their experience handling SBA transactions has led to our designation as a preferred lender,” said Anthony J. Gabello, President and CEO. For over 100 years, PS Bank’s experienced lending team has developed close relationships with business owners in a variety of sectors. “Our team was especially successful during the outbreak of COVID-19 in their ability to service nearly every business that sought financial support through the Paycheck Protection Program. Regardless of business size, the necessary support was provided to each and every customer,” said Gabello. Paul Walsh, vice president and commercial loan officer, has used the SBA program for over 20 years. “Put simply, SBA lending is good prudent lending. It benefits borrowers by providing lower down payments and longer terms than traditional bank financing, keeping money within the business instead of tying it up in fixed assets or other expenses,” said Walsh. “Throughout my career, SBA Lending has enabled me to provide small businesses with the best financing options available.”
The Wright Center News Wright Center Launches National Physician Assistant Program The Wright Center for Community Health recently welcomed eight master’s degree-level students who will be gaining knowledge and experience in its primary care practices as they complete a program to become physician assistants. The students are part of the first class to enroll in the Central Coast Physician Assistant program, a new initiative of A.T. Still University of Health Sciences (ATSU) in partnership with the National Association of Community Health Centers and select health centers across the country. Participants in the 24-month program attend ATSU’s Santa Maria campus in California for one year during their pre-clinical phase. Then they enter a clinical phase, which includes 35 weeks of supervised clinical practice experiences at The Wright Center or other partnered community health center. “The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education are deeply immersed in and passionately committed to developing and inspiring our current and future interprofessional health care workforce,” said Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak, president and CEO of The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education. “We are excited to embrace an expanded role in preparing physician assistants to work in community-based teaching health center settings, where they will serve and care for historically underserved populations. “Our partnership with ATSU’s College for Healthy Communities will force-multiply the delivery of our shared mission to improve the health and welfare of America,” she added. “Future graduates of the program will be essential for the continued workforce renewal of safety-net community providers such as The Wright Center for Community Health, which depend on dedicated teams of caring, patient- and community-centered healers.” Physician assistants Bryan Boyle and Angelo Brutico, each of whom is a Marywood University alumnus and Wright Center employee, will provide on-site program supervision and leadership as ATSU’s regional directors of physician assistant education. The Central Coast Physician Assistant program prepares its graduates to be “highly competent professionals in the science of medicine” who are “steeped in the osteopathic tradition of body, mind, and spirit care for the whole person.” The Wright Center and ATSU have a long track record of successfully collaborating to conceptualize and launch programs that develop compassionate, skilled physicians and other health care professionals to help address workforce shortages in the nation’s rural and other underserved communities. Representatives from the A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona (ATSU-SOMA), based in Mesa, were involved in the planning stages of The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s National Family Medicine Residency – a first-of-its-kind program that places resident physicians in one of four partner training sites in the U.S. In 2020, as part of a separate program, The Wright Center for Community Health became a rotational host site for aspiring doctors enrolled at ATSU-SOMA – which prides itself on being “the medical school of the future.” The school’s unique medical education model allows students to spend their first year on campus in Mesa, Arizona, followed by three years at a community health center, where an emphasis is placed on fostering community-minded physicians who will be advocates for equitable health care access. About 30 ATSU-SOMA medical school students are currently based at The Wright Center’s primary care practices in Northeast Pennsylvania. These programs, in combination with The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s existing residency and fellowship programs, have positioned The Wright Center nonprofit enterprise to be a true regional provider of interprofessional health care education. The inaugural cohort of physician assistant students is scheduled to complete its clinical rotation at The Wright Center in June 2023. To learn more about opportunities in the Central Coast Physician Assistant program, visit ATSU’s website at atsu.edu. Or contact Carla Blakeslee, The Wright Center’s coordinator of clerkships, by calling 570-591-5116 or sending an email to blakesleec@thewrightcenter.org.
Boback’s Bill to Establish Purple Star School Program Legislation to establish the Purple Star School Program in Pennsylvania, sponsored by Rep. Karen Boback (R-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Wyoming), chairman of the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, advanced to the Senate after its unanimous passage in the House of Representatives today. “A child in an average military family may move up to nine times during their school-age years, creating a unique set of challenges,” said Boback. “The Purple Star School Program would make the Commonwealth’s service members aware that a school is dedicated to responding to the special needs their children face during transitions to a new community.” Under House Bill 1867, Pennsylvania schools would be designated as Purple Star campuses if they demonstrate military-friendly practices and meet certain requirements such as: having a military liaison staff member; a webpage that includes resources for military students and families; and professional development training opportunities for staff members on issues relating to military students. Boback noted the program is voluntary for school districts. Pennsylvania would join 27 other states that have Purple Star designation programs if Boback’s bill becomes law.
Marywood University’s “Nurse for a Day” Program Marywood University is hosting a “Nurse for a Day” program on Wednesday, March 16, 2022, from 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., in the Center for Natural and Health Sciences on the University’s campus. The program is free and open to anyone interested in pursuing a nursing degree. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in CPR training and Simulation and Nursing Lab activities. A tour of Marywood’s campus will be provided, as well as lunch, at which attendees can meet with nursing faculty members. The “Nurse for a Day” program provides prospective nursing students with the opportunity to explore and find resources available to them. By speaking with faculty and current nursing students, attendees get a clearer picture about the types of classes, course material, and clinical work involved with a nursing major. Marywood’s nursing department provides academic and clinical coursework to prepare students to provide health care services in a variety of settings. Graduates of the undergraduate program have unlimited opportunities in hospitals and school and nursing home settings. Other areas of practice include pharmaceuticals, research, consulting, management, and administration. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) graduates may also choose to continue their education in pursuit of a career as a nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, or educator. To attend for “Nurse for a Day,” please register by Wednesday, March 9, 2022, at marywood.edu/NurseForADay. For additional information about Marywood University’s nursing program, please visit www.marywood.edu/nursing, or call (570) 348-6275.
Johnson College Renames Its Veterinary Technology Program to Veterinary Nursing Johnson College has renamed its two-year Veterinary Technology Associate in Science Degree Program to Veterinary Nursing. Johnson College joins a movement within the Veterinary Science industry, being the 11th college and university to rename its Veterinary Technology program. This name change more accurately describes the nature of the program and better aligns it with the skills needed in the Veterinary Science field. Veterinary Nursing will continue to be a two-year associate degree program preparing students to take the Veterinary Technician National Exam. In addition, students earn the credentials required to become entry-level Veterinary technicians. Last year, 100% of this program’s graduates who took the VTNE passed. Currently, the College has a three-year Veterinary Technician National Exam average pass rate of 94%. “We are incredibly excited about this change and look forward to watching our graduates succeed in the Veterinary Technology industry,” said Bill Burke, M.S., Johnson College’s Vice President of Student and Academic Affairs. “Per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this industry has a 16% Growth potential through 2029.” As technicians, graduates collect samples, perform lab tests, take radiographs, prepare the surgical suite, assist in surgery, monitor anesthesia, and provide general nursing care to patients. Second-year students in the program will still be required to complete clinical rotations in the on-campus Animal Care Center. For more information about Johnson College’s Veterinary Nursing program visit Johnson.edu or contact the Johnson College Enrollment team at 570-702-8556 or enroll@johnson.edu.
Geisinger Launches Nursing Scholars Program for Employees Nurses make up the largest segment of the healthcare workforce and play critical roles in caring for patients. Now, Geisinger employees interested in a nursing career will have an easier path. By launching a new career development program, Geisinger will provide financial, educational and wellness support to its employees pursuing a career in nursing. The Geisinger’s Nursing Scholars Program eases the financial burden of nursing school and is open to any employee who’s worked with Geisinger for a year or more and isn’t already a registered nurse (RN) or provider. The program awards $40,000 in financial support with a 5-year work commitment as an inpatient nurse. The goal is to support 175 scholars per year by offering rolling admissions to the program. While supporting employee career and professional goals, the program will also mitigate a shortage of nurses across the organization and beyond. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the nation needs 1.1 million new RNs by 2022 to avoid a nursing shortage. “There is a recruitment gap of approximately 300 registered nurses per year across the Geisinger system,” said Janet Tomcavage, chief nursing executive at Geisinger. “According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Employment Projections, registered nursing is listed among the top occupations in terms of job growth through 2029. The RN workforce is expected to grow from 3 million in 2019 to 3.3 million in 2029, an increase of 7%. Community members across our footprint can join the Geisinger workforce and take advantage of this wonderful career advancement opportunity.” The program serves as an entry point into the healthcare profession for high school students and for anyone considering a career in nursing. Community members who are not Geisinger employees can apply for available positions within Geisinger and qualify for the program after only one year of employment. “We are aware that many of our employees are keen to pursue a nursing career but need additional support from us in achieving their dreams. This comprehensive nursing scholars’ program is designed to provide financial, educational and well-being support for Geisinger employees who would like to become registered nurses,” added Tomcavage. Geisinger will support the employee scholars in preparation to go back to school to set them up for success. Guidance in choosing a school and type of degree is available via an internal website and personal counseling. Those who wish to attend prep classes may do so through internally offered classes designed by Geisinger experts. Basic math, navigating online classes and work-life balance are some of the courses offered. While employees are in school, support via study groups, mentoring from Geisinger nurses and professional development opportunities will be available at Geisinger. “Studying while working is a huge undertaking and we understand that employees will need more than just financial support. We want to be able to support our employees’ well-being and provide them with help that they might need when preparing to go back to school. Geisinger’s Nursing Scholars Program is designed to motivate and support employees in achieving their best at work and at school,” said Rebecca Stoudt, associate dean of nursing student education at Geisinger. Geisinger partners with various nursing schools across its footprint, and has created easy access to healthcare for many Pennsylvania communities. The Geisinger Career Center, a recruitment and career services hub, offers community members and Geisinger employees the chance to make a difference through available job opportunities in the health system. Beyond the physical career center, located at 529 Mill St. in Danville, anyone interested can make virtual or phone consultations to learn about Geisinger careers. Candidates can speak with a Geisinger representative about open positions, and current Geisinger employees can learn more about professional development resources and events. Open positions at Geisinger are also listed at jobs.geisinger.org. To find out more about the career center or to make an appointment, call 877-564-6447 or email GeisingerCareers@geisinger.edu.
