Noteology Debuts Custom Candle Studio Parade Day may be on the horizon but “getting lit” in Scranton has a whole new meaning! When you think of Noteology, your mind, or shall we say your nose, goes right to their Custom Perfume Studio experience where you make your very own perfume. Since they opened in 2013, this has been their signature experience, with over 10,000 guests coming to Scranton from around the world to experience it. But when the calendar flipped into the new year, a new experience made its debut! “Ever since we opened in 2013, customers always wanted to make candles with us. We simply didn’t have the room in the shops to do it. With our recent expansion and move to 537 Wyoming Ave. in Scranton came the opportunity to do it! We’ve made hundreds of thousands of candles over the years but all behind the scenes. Now you can make them with us using the exact same methods and ingredients that we use.” “What’s great about the Candle Studio experience is that it truly is custom; from picking your vessels to your scents, you get to customize it in very hands-on way.” Each participant gets to pick 2 vessels (aka candle jars) from their vessel wall of over 20 options to choose from, with names like Midnight Black and Mercury Gold, it’s a fun process right from the start. The customization doesn’t stop there. Participants can blend up to 2 scents per candle to create their blend from notes that are brand new to Noteology customers while using the same methodology of the Custom Perfume Studio. “Customers sniff and create their blends with our patented fragrance blotter technique. This really allows you to smell the purity of the scents instead of smelling them in wax like other studios do.” In regards to the hands-on approach, Fleming shares with us that the process is very hands-on, “it’s like being in a chemistry class and an art class at the same time!” Participants select 2 vessels, 2 scent combinations, set their wicks, pour their wax and blend the scents into the wax. Candles need 2 hours to cool, so participants can return later to pick up their candles or have them shipped. “In mimicking our Custom Perfume process, we will also keep your formula on file so you can have it re-made at any time. I always felt this was an important offering for our customers and something that sets us apart from other candle studios. Love you candle? We will be happy to make it again for you!” The experience is $60 per person, takes about an hour, and you’ll make 2 candles. Noteology also offer candle-making parties called Wax and Wine, that are BYOB that occur during hours or after hours for a private event where the shop is reserved exclusively for your group. They are now also offering individual charcuterie boxes to accompany your party package. Sessions and parties are by reservation only and reservations can be made by calling 570-343-2100. “With Valentine’s Day, Galentine’s Day and Mother’s Day coming up, it’s a great time to spend with friends and family while having fun and creating something scent-sational.” What’s happening in the studio this week? Some popular winter combinations have been Scarlet Plum + Beachwood and Vintage Cedarwood + Vetiver. What does your next candle smell like?
National Civics Bee Invites Middle School Students to Enter Essay Topic Identify a problem facing your community. How might a citizen solve the problem? Write a 500-word essay, two pages, double-spaced, that includes the following: What is the problem, and how do different members in your community or neighborhood view it?What civic principles or systems could help to address the problem?What is your idea or recommendation for solving the problem?What primary sources, such as the Declaration of Independence or the United States Constitution, provide supporting evidence or examples for your idea or recommendation?How might members of your community or neighborhood bring your idea or recommendation to life? Judging Criteria Your essay will be evaluated based on how well you: • Demonstrate an understanding of civics.• Acknowledge and address opposing points of view.• Acknowledge and address at least one Founding Principle and one Civic Virtue.• Use primary sources, like newspapers, data, historical documents, images, or other documents that relate to your idea.• Clearly describe an idea innovative or new to you. Local Prizes First Place: $500 cash prize Second Place: $250 cash prize Third Place: $125 cash prize State Prizes First Place: $1,000 cash prize Second Place: $500 cash prize Third Place: $250 cash prize Each finalist receives a certificate. About the Bee The National Civics Bee is an annual competition that encourages young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. In the first round of the contest, local 6th, 7th and 8th grade students will participate in an essay competition. Judges will then select 20 finalists to participate in the local competition: a live quiz event testing civics knowledge. Then, the top 3 students from each local competition will advance to the state competition
8 Participants were Selected for TechCelerator Program Scranton, PA—Lackawanna County, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, and Ben Franklin Technology Partners recently launched a new entrepreneurial program: TechCelerator @ Lackawanna County. Following a competitive application process, eight small businesses were chosen as finalists. All eight were selected for their unique tech-based ideas, commitment to completing the program, and creating a company and jobs based in Lackawanna County. “Lackawanna County is dedicated to promoting entrepreneurship by providing the tools necessary to bring a business plan to reality,” said Brenda Sacco, Director of Economic Development. “We are proud to have funded this great initiative and look forward to seeing these businesses grow and become viable members of our community.” The first cohort session will take place on Tuesday, February 7, at TekRidge, in the Jessup Business Park. The eight participating businesses will walk away with solid networking skills and a foundational understanding of finances, marketing, business strategy, and more. After ten weeks, a graduation ceremony will take place where participants will pitch their finalized business plan. For those who successfully meet the requirements, $10,000 in reimbursable business expenses will assist them in launching their venture. “The tremendous response to the offering (29 applicants) shows that the entrepreneurial spirit is thriving in our region,” said Bob Durkin, President and CEO of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. “What is more, while this pilot program was limited to a select group of technology-based participants, our Chamber IGNITE team will be working to help all the applicants further their dreams of starting a new business.” The eight businesses are Babinski Co., Gamer Realities, Mass Layer, Neuralytics, McGowan Co., Sensify, Success Fundamentals, Sylf. Future products and services range from 3D printing services, a self-serve alcohol dispenser, video game production, educational podcast, and more. About The Greater Scranton Chamber of CommerceThe Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit organization that works to improve the area’s economic environment and quality of life by offering programs and services which stimulate economic growth, promote business prosperity and nurture educational opportunities. For more information about the Chamber, visit www.scrantonchamber.com.
NEPA SHRM Hosts Event for Opioid Epidemic NEPA SHRM hosts The Opioid Epidemic & Substance Abuse in The Work Place. The event will take place on March 9, 2023 from 8:00-10:30AM at Top of the 80s in Hazleton, PA Breakfast will be included. Attendance is FREE for NEPA SHRM Members and $25 for non-members Please Register by March 6, 2023 at www.nepashrm.shrm.org
Lexington Entertainment February Music Schedule Lexington Entertainment is hosting live music at local events throughout the month of February. Friday, February 17, 2023 at 6:00PM-7:00 PM DOUG SMITH’S DIXIELAND ALL-STARS Blakely/Peckville Crimewatch Association Fundraiser – Mardi Gras Style Fiorelli’s 1501 Main Street, Peckville PA 570-489-6777 The cost is $65 Tuesday, February 21, 2023 (Fat Tuesday) at 5:00PM-7:00PM DOUG SMITH’S DIXIELAND ALL-STARS Mardi Gras Celebration – Authentic Cajun Cuisine Villa Maria II 1610 Washburn Street, Scranton, PA (570) 347-8010
Outreach to Host Job Fair Outreach invites job seekers to attend the Department of Corrections Job Fair to be held at the LEAD Center at Outreach, 431 North Seventh Avenue, Scranton, on Wednesday, February 15. 2023 from 10 am to 2 pm. In the event of snow, the makeup date will be Friday, February 17, 2023, from 10 am to 2 pm. The LEAD Center at Outreach is hosting an on-site job fair with the Department of Corrections. Timothy Budgeon, Lieutenant Department of Corrections Recruitment and Retention Specialist, will be on-site to provide information regarding the amazing career opportunities available with the Department of Corrections. Job opportunities include work with: State CorrectionsState ParoleState Community Corrections The Department of Corrections has positions that cover all spectrum’s of experience and education in Civil and Non-Civil Service categories. Positions range from administrative, security, maintenance, food service, education, psychology, medical, dental, and more. Earn up to $22.28 per hour to start! Outreach – Center for Community Resources serves over 4,500 adults and children each year by offering a variety of programs that promote family stability and economic self-sufficiency, with respect for the individual and with the highest professional standards. The LEAD Center at Outreach helps individuals overcome barriers to employment and is proud to partner with the Department of Corrections to serve our local community. For more information, contact: Jennifer Shoemaker at 570-703-0049.
Pilgers’ Pastries Offers Valentine’s Day Specials Pilgers’ Pastries is helping you find the perfect gift this Valentine’s Day. Stop in the bakery to take part in our Valentine’s Day Lovers Basket Giveaway! One large basket valued at $80 and two small baskets valued at $25 each will be awarded February 11th, 2023. Follow us on Instagram or Facebook or check out our website for details.
Former State Rep. Mike Peifer Joins Novak Strategic Advisors Novak Strategic Advisors today announced that former State Representative Mike Peifer has joined the firm as a Senior Advisor. Peifer most recently served in the State House of Representatives, representing the 139th legislative district – which consists of parts of Pike and Wayne Counties – for eight terms. “We are thrilled to have Mike join the Novak Strategic team,” Novak Strategic Advisors’ Managing Partner Dan Hayward said. “Mike’s private sector experience working in the financial field and as a small business owner coupled with his vast knowledge of state government gives him unique perspective and insight on a wide range of issues affecting the Commonwealth’s business, higher education, regulatory and taxation environments. As an elected official, Mike’s leadership and consensus building skills were recognized and respected by members on both sides of the political aisle. We look forward to adding his valuable insights, knowledge and experience to the Novak team.” Throughout his tenure in the state legislature, Peifer garnered a reputation for thoroughly understanding the state’s complex fiscal issues. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee and chair of the House Finance Committee, he was intricately involved in the Commonwealth budget process, as well as updates and changes to Pennsylvania’s Tax Code.Additionally, for the past 6 years, Peifer has served as Chair of the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). The agency administers financial aid resources and tools for Pennsylvania students. Peifer’s public service career also includes local government experience – he previously served as the Pike County Treasurer. Prior to running for office, he worked as a certified public accountant and was a senior tax consultant for Price Waterhouse. “Novak Strategic Advisors has long been regarded as one of the most reputable, well-rounded, results driven advocacy organizations in Harrisburg and across the Pennsylvania,” Peifer said. “Whether it be public affairs, government relations or grassroots and grasstops strategies, I learned very early in my career as a state representative that when the Novak team is involved you are dealing with a slate of hard-working professionals that know the issues inside and out. I’m excited to lend my expertise to the firm and look forward to helping our clients locally, regionally and across Pennsylvania.” For more than 20 years, Novak Strategic Advisors has offered comprehensive and targeted government relations and public affairs solutions to real-world business needs. Its unique, client-centered approach is based on personalized and focused strategies that incorporate its vast statewide networks, consensus and relationship building, and creating cohesive coalitions. To learn more about Novak Strategic, please visit its website at www.novakstrategic.com.
Meet Vince Papale At The Ritz! On March 2, 2023 The Lackawanna County Northeast Pennsylvania Visitors Bureau will be holding a movie and meet and greet with the man and the legend Vince Papale at The Ritz. VIP meet & greet at 5:30 PM and the movie INVINCIBLE starts at 7:00 PM. You can hear his heartwarming, inspirational, and motivating story. The Ritz Theater & Performing Arts Center 222 Wyoming Avenue, Scranton PA, 18503 570.252.4156