WVIA News Matched with Reporter from Report for America Report for America has placed corps member Isabela Weiss with WVIA News. Weiss is one of over 60 reporters and photojournalists Report for America has matched with local newsrooms across the country. Weiss, a storyteller turned reporter from Athens, GA, will join WVIA News in July and report on Rural Government. “It’s so exciting! I’m really looking forward to joining the WVIA team,” said Weiss. “I’m thrilled to get to know NEPA and cover the stories that matter to you.” Report for America is a national service program that places journalists into local newsrooms to report on under-covered issues and communities. An initiative of the nonprofit media organization, The GroundTruth Project, it is structured to harness the skills and idealism of an emerging group of journalists plus the creative spirit of local news organizations. “WVIA News was thrilled to learn that we’d been chosen to receive a Report for America corps member,” said Julie Sidoni, WVIA’s News Director. “After such a competitive application process, it’s gratifying to know we’re on the right track when it comes to building a journalism department that truly serves the people of Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania.” “WVIA has grown a new newsroom from the ground up over the last couple of years and is ready for the opportunity to support our corps member in this role,” said Amy Tardif, Regional Manager for region 1 with Report for America. “We believe she will provide much needed attention to stories about rural government in the 22-county region that have previously gone uncovered.” Report for America’s work is made possible by the Knight Foundation, Google News Initiative, Microsoft, Spring Point Partners, Natasha and Dirk Ziff, Joyce Foundation, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Walton Family Foundation in partnership with the Missouri School of Journalism, The Hearthland Foundation, Corporation for Public Broadcasting, The Just Trust, Lumina Foundation, Posner Foundation, Arthur Vining Davis Foundation, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, Jonathan Logan Family Foundation, Peter and Carmen Lucia Buck Foundation, Henry L. Kimelman Foundation, the Commonwealth Fund, Tow Foundation, W. K. Kellogg Foundation, Heising-Simons Foundation, Park Foundation, Evelyn Y. Davis Foundation, and other leading philanthropic partners. To learn more about Report for America and its efforts to strengthen communities through public service journalism, please visit www.reportforamerica.org.
Tobyhanna Honors Leader with Supervisor of the Quarter Award Tobyhanna Army Depot’s newest Supervisor of the Quarter was named last week at the organization’s quarterly leadership meeting. Edward Bentler received the accolade for his leadership of the Installation Services Directorate’s Roads & Grounds Branch during the first quarter of 2023. The branch has a vast mission, shouldering responsibility for snow removal, wastewater treatment, potable water, masonry, roofing, locksmithery, grass cutting, maintenance of cargo door equipment, and emergency repairs to critical underground utilities such as water mains and sewer lines. Supervisors of the Quarter are selected by a panel of judges based upon four criteria: accomplishment of their duties; how effectively they set an example to others; efforts to improve the depot productivity; and how they display selfless service in accordance with Army values. Bentler was nominated for the award by William Ramey, Director of Installation Services. “Ed leads from the front, takes on the most challenging tasks, and does so with the utmost level of professionalism,” Ramey said. “Without Ed’s leadership, the most basic utilities on our installation would not work as efficiently as they do. He is a servant leader that puts the needs of his team and the installation before his own.” The formal recognition and associated praise came as a total shock, according to Bentler. “Being named as Supervisor of the Quarter was totally unexpected – I didn’t even know I was in the running! I am grateful and humbled to even be considered for this honor,” adding that he wishes the award could be shared. “Any success I have had is because of my team,” he said. “We are a small team and everything we achieve, we achieve together.” A native of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Bentler is no stranger to servant leadership. He served in the U.S. Air Force for six years on active duty. Bentler then remained in the Air Force Reserve for another fourteen years, deploying to Southwest Asia for the third time in 2009 – an assignment that saw Bentler missing the birth of his second child. Since joining Team Tobyhanna, Bentler has worked as a maintenance worker, locksmith, and mason in the Roads & Grounds Branch as well as an engineering technician elsewhere in Installation Services. He sought out the leadership role in his former branch to make a difference for his teammates. “When I decided to pursue this position, I did it because I wanted to grow the team and heighten visibility of their impact on Tobyhanna’s mission. Having worked there myself, I knew how important it was to help them understand that they are worth more than they think,” he noted. Describing himself as a “people-first leader,” Bentler emphasized the need for supervisors to act as part of the team. “Work alongside your team – not ‘over’ them. Train them to be empowered, share as much information with them as you can, and, most important, be accountable. Acknowledge your mistakes so they feel comfortable doing the same.” While he has appreciated the opportunity for recognition, Bentler said it pales in comparison to seeing his team succeed. “There’s nothing better than seeing the team celebrate when they complete a task they didn’t think they could do. I am proud to be their leader.” The Supervisor of the Quarter award – and its companion Employee of the Quarter awards – are TOBY2035 initiatives aligned with the Invest in Our People line of effort. The plan, which has three additional focus areas, strives to position Tobyhanna for success in the coming years as the Department of Defense’s premier worldwide C5ISR readiness provider. 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 3,100 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 empower the Soldier with winning C5ISR capabilities.
Lackawanna College Student-Run Restaurant Hosts BBQ Event Lackawanna College’s student-run restaurant, 409 on Adams, will host a BBQ on the patio event with live music, lawn games and cocktails on Thursday May 4, 2023 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Lackawanna College School of Hospitality students will team up with Greenley’s BBQ of Tunkhannock, to make an array of smoked summer foods such as brisket, pork and chicken. Also featured are a variety of salads, and desserts made by Lackawanna College’s Baking and Pastry students. “Instead of just learning about how to plan and manage events, students are actually executing leadership, organization and collaboration skills in a real-world setting, giving them a leg up when moving out into their careers,” Director of Lackawanna College’s Kiesendahl School of Hospitality Kristen McNally said. The proceeds of the BBQ support Lackawanna’s Gratuity Scholarship, used to directly support School of Hospitality students. “While the BBQ is a first-time event, we have done many themed events for our guests. Some objectives of the courses students take during their fourth semester are learning techniques of a volume kitchen and display proficiency in platter production for larger events,” McNally said. “These themed events support those objectives as well as give the students a fun immersive way to learn.” The BBQ on the patio is open to the public and located at 409 Adams Ave., Scranton, PA 18509. Tickets are $40 per person and include admission, food, 1 drink token (21+, ID required) and all non-alcoholic beverages. Proof of digital confirmation is required for the event. Guests interested in joining the event can click this link to sign up.
Marywood University Upcoming Events Marywood University to Hold a Virtual Master of Fine Arts Information Session Marywood University will hold a virtual Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Information Session on Thursday, May 25, at 4 p.m. This information session is free and open to anyone who is interested in pursuing a low-residency master of fine arts degree. To register, please visit marywood.edu/mfainfo. Marywood’s “Get Your Master’s with the Masters” MFA program is the oldest and best low-residency program in the country, designed for educators, graphic designers, and illustrators who are working professionally anywhere in the world and are interested in earning a terminal degree. The virtual info session will cover what to expect during the three-year program that includes four, two-week residential summer sessions at Marywood’s campus; six study tours conducted in New York City and other major cities; and independent work. Former student thesis and class project examples will be shared. While production and technical skills are stressed, the thrust of the program is on creativity and conceptual thinking. By design, the program is structured for students to keep their day job while pursuing a terminal degree. While production and technical skills are stressed, the core of the program encompasses creativity and conceptual thinking. For more details about the MFA in Graphic Design and Illustration Degree program, visit marywood.edu/visual-arts-graphic-design-illustration-masters-degree. To register for the MFA Info Session, please visit marywood.edu/mfainfo. For additional information about Marywood University’s MFA Information Session, please contact Steven Brower, MFA, director of the “Get Your Master’s with the Masters” MFA program at Marywood University, at (570) 348-6211, ext. 2569, or email sbrower@marywood.edu. Marywood University to Hold Transfer Tuesdays Opportunities Marywood University has set several dates in late spring and throughout the summer for its Transfer Tuesdays program. Transfer Tuesday events are for current or former college students, at all stages of their college journey, who are considering transferring to Marywood University. Transfer Tuesdays opportunities will take place on the following Tuesdays: May 23, June 20, July 18, and August 15, 2023. Those interested in the spring/summer Transfer Tuesdays events can schedule an appointment every half hour, beginning at 2 p.m. and running through 6 p.m. Registered visitors can discuss financial aid and scholarship options, transfer credits, take a tour of campus, review credits for transfer eligibility, and complete an application for admission. Marywood University’s fall semester begins on Monday, August 28, 2023. For additional information about transferring to Marywood, or to register for the Transfer Tuesdays program, please visit marywood.edu/transfer or call Marywood University’s Office of University Admissions, at (570) 348-6234 or email YourFuture@marywood.edu. Philadelphia Poet Laureate to Address Graduates at Marywood University’s 105th Commencement Trapeta B. Mayson, LCSW, MBA, Philadelphia’s fifth poet laureate, will address graduates at Marywood University’s 105th Commencement on May 20, 2023. She will receive an honorary doctorate at the ceremony. Mayson was born in Liberia. Her family immigrated to the United States when she was a young girl, and she was raised in Philadelphia. She earned her bachelor of arts degree in political science and master’s degrees in social services and business from Bryn Mawr Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research and from Villanova University School of Business respectively. In addition to serving as Philadelphia’s fifth poet laureate, Mayson is a licensed clinical social worker and Chief Program Officer at a community mental health agency in Philadelphia. Her term as the city’s poet laureate occurred in 2020-2021, during the height of the pandemic, a time that underscored the vital intersection of mental health and poetry as part of the human experience. In response, she established the Healing Verse Philly Poetry Line, a toll-free telephone line featuring a 90-second poem by a Philadelphia-connected poet, offering callers encouraging verses of care and community, along with providing national mental health resources. The author of two self published poetry collections, Mocha Melodies and She Was Once Herself, Mayson also released the music and poetry projects SCAT and This Is How We Get Through, in collaboration with jazz guitarist Monnette Sudler. A Cave Canem, Pew, and Aspen Words fellow, she was awarded a Leeway Transformation Award and is a Pennsylvanian Council on the Arts grantee, among others. Mayson is a member of the Greene Street Artist Cooperative and, in 2021, she received an Academy of American Poets Laureate Fellowship
Marywood University Designated a Voter Friendly Campus Marywood University was recently named a Voter Friendly Campus, one of 258 campuses in 38 states and the District of Columbia, by Fair Elections Center’s Campus Vote Project and NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education as part of the nationwide Voter Friendly Campus initiative. The initiative recognizes institutions that have planned and implemented practices that encouraged their students to register and vote in the recent 2022 elections, along with a stated commitment to continue to foster and promote good voting habits for years to come. Those institutions designated Voter Friendly Campuses represent a wide range of two-year, four-year, public, private, rural, and urban campuses, collectively serving over 3.5 million students. “As part of our ongoing efforts as a designated Voter Friendly Campus, Marywood continues to promote civic engagement every year, not just during major election years,” said Kevin Farrell, director of student engagement at Marywood University. “With our Pacers to the Polls initiative, as well as our participation in the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge, the university has made a strong statement about its civic mission to prepare students to be engaged participants in our democracy, and we are eager to continue engaging students throughout 2023, 2024, and beyond.” Pacers to the Polls is Marywood’s nonpartisan campaign focused on increasing voter registration, preparedness, and turnout among students. Many different events and initiatives take place throughout the year as part of this campaign, and they are led and managed by a task force of students, staff, and faculty members. The ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge strives to change civic culture and institutionalize democratic engagement activities and programs on college campuses, making them a defining feature of campus life. The mission of the 2023 Voter Friendly Campus designation is to bolster colleges and universities’ efforts to help students overcome barriers to participating in the political process—every year, not just during years featuring federal elections. Marywood was evaluated based on a written plan detailing how the university registered, educated, and turned out student voters in 2022, how it facilitated voter engagement efforts on campus, and by providing a final analysis of its efforts.
The IGNITE TechCelerator Program Participants Present Insights As the culmination of their ten-week participation in the TechCelerator at Lackawanna County Program, the principals of eight county based small businesses recently presented insights about their business plans. An enthusiastic audience of funders, coordinators, dignitaries, and supporters applauded the presentations at Penn State Scranton’s new Engineering Building, at the evening event. Each of the presenting small businesses received a $10,000 grant from the program sponsors to support their future growth. The eight businesses are Babinski Co., Gamer Realities, Mass Layer, Neuralytics, McGowan Co., Sensify, Success Fundamentals, Sylf. Future products and services from these companies range from 3D printing services, a self-serve alcohol dispenser, video game production, educational podcasts, and more. Bob Durkin, Greater Scranton Chamber President offered, “Partnering with the other sponsors for the TechCelerator program has extended our efforts to encourage and help develop local entrepreneurs through our Ignite program and moves those budding firms into our robust business development incubator sites.” Ken Okrepkie, Regional Manager of Ben Franklin Technology Partners added, “This first Lackawanna County TechCelerator program to assist early adapting entrepreneurs to develop their ideas into moldable businesses has been an unqualified success. We look to replicate this effort with future classes.” The TechCelerator Program is a collaboration among Lackawanna County, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, and Ben Franklin Technology Partners and tecBRIDGE.
Commonwealth Health is a Cornerstone of Northeastern PA The skilled and compassionate hands of physicians, nurses and other team members of Commonwealth Health support the health and well-being of patients who turn to us for expert care. We are here, whenever needed. Beyond providing clinical care, Commonwealth Health is a cornerstone of our community and a major contributor to the economic health of Northeastern PA as a major employer and tax-payer and through our resources to expand and enhance the medical services available close to home. The overall impact is significant and totaled more than $482 million in 2022. Care was provided at more than 1 million patient encounters, including more than 81,500 emergency department visits, more than 19,600 inpatient admissions and more than 23,700 surgeries. Over 965,000 patients received care locally from our physician practices, walk-in locations and outpatient centers. Joy was delivered to local families with the birth of more than 2,000 babies at Moses Taylor Hospital and Wilkes-Barre General Hospital. “We help people get well and live healthier by providing quality care for patients,” said Michael Curran, chief executive officer for Regional Hospital of Scranton and Moses Taylor Hospital. “Our community is truly fortunate to have this dedicated team of clinicians who are making a real difference each and every day.” Commonwealth Health’s network provides a broad range of medical services, from highly specialized heart, lung and joint replacement surgery to more routine surgical needs and preventive care. Since 2022, more than 4,000 hearts beat stronger following cardiac catheterization at Commonwealth Health’s Heart & Vascular Institute located in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre. Eleven interventional cardiologists now offer this life-saving procedure and other treatments for heart health. Commonwealth Health and Rothman Orthopaedic Institute have announced a strategic alignment to transform the offering and delivery of orthopedic care and services in Northeastern PA. We expect to begin to serve patients through the affiliation in late summer 2023. Bringing moms and babies safely through childbirth is our priority. Our AI-based maternal-fetal early warning system monitors vital data throughout labor and delivery to help our maternity team recognize, prevent and respond to potential complications for an even safer birth. Simon Ratliff, chief executive officer for Wilkes-Barre General Hospital stated, “The vital care we provide is only one part of the broad impact we have. We are a cornerstone of this community and we are committed to doing all we can to provide excellent healthcare services and to making Northeastern PA a healthier, better community for all.” Commonwealth Health also gives back to Northeastern PA by providing over $49 million in charity and uncompensated care for the community’s most vulnerable. And the payment of $23 million in property and sales taxes helps support civic resources and services. The hospitals’ payroll of more than $361 million ripples across the local economy as employees buy goods and services. Last year the hospitals added enhanced benefits to help team members achieve their personal and professional goals, including assistance with student loan repayments, reimbursement of licensure and certification expenses, as well as tuition reimbursement. To train additional caring and skilled nurses, Jersey College and Commonwealth Health have collaborated to establish a School of Nursing on Moses Taylor Hospital’s campus, serving the greater region. We welcomed our first class of students in January 2023. To help the community live healthier, Commonwealth Health offers a free e-newsletter with a monthly dose of health and wellness inspiration sent directly to your inbox. Sign up at commonwealthhealth.net.
Harold Says as the People’s Advocate The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted and exacerbated issues older adults have experienced for years like rising drug prices, isolation and difficulty accessing or affording healthcare. What progress have local organizations made in addressing these challenges? Harold Cameron, is the voice for people, was diagnosed with 2 brain tumors in 2006, had to advocate for himself to get what he needed. “If you start to change the way you think, you will start to change the way you feel”. “With the right attitude ask the right questions, and present the correct information you are irrefutable”. “Bottom line is: Don’t Give Up”. “You are loved, and if you need help, here I am”. Harold Cameron spoke on being the people’s advocate and how he has been impacted through the pandemic. Connect with him on LinkedIN Harold Says Website Watch to the full video HERE
Kost Tire and Auto Supports Law Enforcement Departments “Kost for Cops” is a program to thank our local law enforcement community for keeping us safe and making us proud! Phase One The Kost organization schedules visits with local law enforcement agencies and delivers meals to be enjoyed by members (including K-9 members of the force) and support staff. Erwin Kost Sr. is committed to supporting our law enforcement communities and expressing thanks for their efforts. As a Vietnam era veteranhe served our country, wore the uniform with pride, honor and respect. However when he was coming home his uniform was not respected. Years later, he saw the same attitude emerging with people’s disrespect of our law enforcement community. He said “NOT on my watch!” Erwin Kost Jr. attended a Sunday Mass honoring our local law enforcement. Members of the departments were in their dress uniforms. When a representative of the group addressed the congregation, people stood and showed a massive appreciation of support and sincere thanks! Erwin Jr., thought to himself “our community truly supports our law enforcement.” Both Erwin’s had very different experiences however they both arrived at the same crossroads and agreed to put forth an effort to support our local Law Enforcement. “Kost for Cops” was created, an action plan was established, put in place and implemented. “Our law enforcement communities need to know how much they are appreciated and how thankful we are that they are holding the line in our neighborhoods.”So, the Kost family and organization is going to say “Thank you, for keeping us safe and making us proud.” The Kost organization has delivered meals to over 40 departments in the last 12weeks to express their sincere thanks for the service and commitment on the part of law enforcement that protects our residents and communities. An additional 8visits arebeing planned over the next two months. We want to promote our police and law enforcement personnel in all areas and express thanks for their efforts. We must all support, trust and honor local law enforcement andlook to our efforts to encourage other companies, organizations, and private citizens to do the same. Phase Two The Phase Two mission consists of helping our law enforcement departments keep in touch with the communities they serve and assisting in the development of new levels and channels of connectivity. In many cases, when police are called to a location, people are NOT having a good day. The tension and anxiety may be high, and the ability to communicate as one member of the community to another may help defuse the situation,Enhanced communications build stronger and safercommunities. The Kost organization is developing plans that would supportcommunity-oriented events and activities sponsored by our law enforcementagencies. Such activities includethe “National Night Out”, the first Tuesday in August.Additional department sponsored events and activities throughout the year will be supported. As an example, a few members of a local police department started a food pantry in their neighborhood. Erwin Kost Jr immediately suggested that we setup food drop-off containers in a Koststore location near that police department. “Help comes in a number of ways, “said Kost.“This is an extension of and consistent with our 85 years of being in business, supporting local communities, and family to family service projects.”
Marywood University’s Community Leadership Celebration Marywood University’s Tenth Annual Community Leadership Celebration will honor Professor Emerita of Art Sister Cor Immaculatum Heffernan, IHM, M.F.A. on Thursday, May 4, 2023, 5:30 p.m., at the Center for Athletics and Wellness on the University’s campus. During the celebration, Sister Cor will receive the University’s Lead On Award, in recognition of her lifelong commitment to education, to service, and to the common good. An art auction will be featured during the event that includes a piece of artwork by Sister Cor. The Community Leadership Celebration, Marywood’s signature fundraiser, provides special support to Marywood students and honors individuals in the community who exemplify Marywood’s core values in leadership and service to others. Proceeds from this year’s event will benefit the President’s Innovation Fund, which supports Marywood students through initiatives that enhance the academic experience in the IHM tradition. A professed member of the Congregation of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM), Sister Cor spent the better part of five decades teaching, primarily teaching art at the high school and college levels. After earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Art at Marywood, she went on to complete multiple advanced degrees, including a Master of Arts in Sculpture from the University of Notre Dame, a Master of Science degree in Counseling from Marywood University, and a Master of Fine Arts from Syracuse University. Much of her prolific career as an art educator was spent at Marywood, where she taught for 30 years and served as Art Department Chair for 14 years, until her retirement in 2008. She now holds the distinction of Professor Emerita of Art. As an artist, Sister Cor has been commissioned to create numerous sculptures, some of which can be seen throughout the country, including college, estate, wellness, and spiritual settings. Many of her sculptures and other works adorn the interior and exterior spaces at Marywood University and the IHM Congregation facilities. She has designed and published two books, including Spirit of Light (2004), and, her most recent, Spirit Within: The Art of Sister Cor Immaculatum Heffernan, IHM. Earlier this year, she presented a retrospective exhibit for Spirit Within, featuring paintings, calligraphy, prints, and sculptures at the Mahady Gallery at Marywood University. As a spiritual director, Sister Cor has presented extensive workshops and retreats, on five continents, for the Missionaries of Charity. She also has worked with the Institute for Priestly Formation, along with a multitude of parishes and congregations, offering retreats and spiritual direction for priests, consecrated religious, and members of the laity. In addition to her long career as a Marywood faculty member, Sister Cor is a former Marywood trustee. She also has held membership and leadership positions with the Lackawanna Regional Cultural Council; Everhart Museum; Commission on Architecture and Urban Design; Scranton Diocesan Liturgical Commission; and Meals on Wheels. Sister Cor has been honored by numerous entities for her achievements as an artist, art educator, arts advocate, and a dedicated woman of faith and service. To join Marywood University in honoring Sister Cor Immaculatum Heffernan, IHM at the Community Leadership Celebration on May 4, or for details about event sponsorships and items for auction, please visit marywood.edu/clc, or call (570) 348-6238.
