Meals on Wheels Community Services of NEPA Receives Blanket Donation Meals on Wheels Community Services of NEPA received a donation of blankets and sanitizing products from Ocean State Job Lot. “We are grateful for the tremendous support that we’ve seen from the community for this year’s Holiday Blanket Drive,” said Kristen L. Kosin, executive director of Meals on Wheels of NEPA. “This donation from Ocean State Job Lot helped to bring us to our goal. We appreciate their continued support the agency.” “The Ocean State Job Charitable Foundation has a tradition of supporting organizations that are able to make a positive impact on the local communities,” said Edward Stephens, Store Manager of Ocean State Job Lot. “Meals and Wheels has a long tradition of doing just that in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Ocean State Job Lot of Dickson City is proud to support them in their annual blanket distribution for seniors in our community.” The Holiday Blanket Drive has provided comfort to the elderly and homebound clients of Meals on Wheels of NEPA for more than six years. The program distributes donated throw blankets, socks, and toiletries to elderly and homebound clients living throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania during the holiday season. The core programming of Meals on Wheels Community Services of NEPA is the Home Delivered Meals program, which serves elderly adults and adults with disabilities in our community. Individuals whose life circumstances make it difficult or impossible for them to prepare needed nourishment receive a hot meal delivered to them by volunteers and caring staff. In addition to keeping the senior well-nourished, Meals on Wheels often provides the only human contact many homebound individuals experience each day. Meals on Wheels of NEPA has been in existence since 1969, and to date, has served over 5 million meals.
Wolf Administration Invests in Rail Infrastructure Today, Governor Tom Wolf announced the approval of 25 rail freight improvement projects that will enhance freight mobility while creating or sustaining more than 200 jobs across Pennsylvania. “Keeping goods moving efficiently has proven to be more important now than ever,” said Governor Wolf. “These investments in Pennsylvania’s rail system create jobs, support efficient freight travel and help keep the business community connected to the global economy.” Pennsylvania has 65 operating railroads, which is more than any other state. PennDOT is committed to working with private rail operators and rail-served businesses to construct new rail lines and assist in maintaining and improving Pennsylvania’s roughly 5,600 miles of freight lines. The State Transportation Commission voted to approve $33 million for the following projects through the Rail Transportation Assistance Program (RTAP) and the Rail Freight Assistance Program (RFAP). Following is a list of the 25 approved rail freight projects with the state share: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Clearfield, Elk, Indiana, Jefferson, Lawrence, and McKean Counties: Buffalo & Pittsburgh Railroad: $1.8 million to replace approximately 5.5 miles of worn rail on curves to improve rail conditions and safety. Allegheny and Washington Counties: Pittsburgh and Ohio Central Railroad: $693,000 to rehabilitate two at-grade rail crossings, replace a turnout, and repair the Greer Tunnel. Berks County: Redevelopment Authority of Berks County: $1.4 million to replace approximately 1,600 feet of track and construct a ½-mile siding to the Boyertown Foundry including rehabilitation of the 4th Ave bridge. Blair County: Everett Railroad: $309,000 to rehabilitate three bridges with new deck ties and pier repairs; andMcCabe Group: $87,000 to replace ties and rail on their siding and rehabilitate a small rail bridge. Bradford County: RJ Corman Railroad, Lehigh Line: $700,000 to replace approximately 5,000 ties and rehabilitate an at-grade crossing. Bucks County Bucks County Railroad Preservation & Restoration Corporation: $490,000 to install four turnouts, replace approximately 800 feet of rail and ties, and construct 800 feet of new track. Cambria and Clearfield Counties: RJ Corman Railroad: $3 million to improve the Cresson Subdivision and Clearfield Yard with spot tie and rail replacement and rehabilitate five at-grade crossings. Centre County: SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority: $1.5 million to rehabilitate nine railroad bridges. Chester County: East Penn Railroad: $700,000 to rehabilitate the Octoraro Branch by replacing approximately 7,000 ties, 1,100 feet of rail, and three mainline switches, as well as 10 miles of surfacing; andInternational Paper Company: $371,000 to construct approximately 500 feet of new track to their plant and rehabilitate 1,200 feet of track with new ties and ballast. Fayette and Westmoreland Counties: Wheeling and Lake Erie Railway: $9 million to replace approximately 19 miles of rail, improving the track from jointed rail to continuous welded rail Greene County: Smart Sand: $565,000 to construct a new turnout and replace four mobile conveyors. Lackawanna County: Delaware-Lackawanna Railroad: $699,000 to replace six turnouts on Bridge 60 on the Strawberry Hill rail line. Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties: Redevelopment Authority of Luzerne County: $511,000 to replace approximately 4,000 ties and one switch. Lancaster County: Reist Popcorn Company: $178,000 to rehabilitate and extend their rail siding and construct an unloading pit with conveyor. Lycoming County: Bulkmatic LLC: $166,000 to rehabilitate their yard tracks and extend their siding by 150 feet. Mifflin County: Mifflin County Industrial Development Corporation – $157,000 to rehabilitate approximately 600 feet of track within the industrial park.Standard Steel – $700,000 to build ¼-mile of new track with a turnout and replace ¼-mile of track and two turnouts. Philadelphia County: CSX Transportation: $6 million to rehabilitate their railroad bridge over Washington Avenue and remove an inactive spur bridge along the 25th Street Viaduct, increasing safety and improving access. Somerset County: Corsa Coal Corporation: $349,000 to rehabilitate 10 miles of track at its Cambria Plant, including repairs to the loop track and runaround track. Susquehanna County: Central New York Railroad: $2.3 million to rehabilitate the nine-span 1930 Lanesboro Bridge, improving safety for freight trains as well as vehicles and pedestrians beneath the bridge. Venango County: Oil Creek Titusville Lines: $112,000 to rehabilitate approximately 10 miles of track with spot tie replacements and 1,000 tons of ballast. Warren County: Western New York and Pennsylvania Railroad: $1.1 million to rehabilitate approximately 11.5 miles of track between Lottsville and East Columbus. Wyoming County: Procter & Gamble Paper Products: $146,000 to rehabilitate its yard tracks with approximately 1,000 feet of 136-pound rail, ties, and surfacing. For more information on PennDOT rail grant programs visit the department’s Rail Freight and Ports page. Follow PennDOT on Twitter and like the department on Facebook and Instagram.
Funds Raised for Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital The KISS for Kids Holiday Radiothon held on Dec. 9 and 10 in support of Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital was a huge success, raising $75,690 for the health of local sick and injured children. The two-day, 26-hour broadcast featured local children who have been treated at the hospital, as well as families’ stories of how the hospital and pediatric services have made a difference in their lives. Hosts Gary Chrisman, Bob Hauer, Andi Kurzweg and Gail Bair spent the two days telling miracle stories and encouraging listeners to become Miracle Makers by giving $20 per month. All the funds raised during the radiothon event will stay local to provide high quality care for children in our region. KISS FM and the Children’s Miracle Network at Geisinger team would like to thank the listeners and sponsors who gave generously to help provide care for kids and their families. Thank you to title sponsor, Moff and Associates, phone bank sponsor, Weis Markets; and Angel Hour sponsors: Sunbury Motors, Ford, Hyundai and Kia, PALCO Federal Credit Union, and Wyrope Williamsport Federal Credit Union; Wall of Miracles sponsor: Alexander Family Dealerships; and Giggle Break sponsor, Ciocca Dealerships. Additionally, a special thanks to Bloomsburg Walmart for donating a new blanket to patients in the children’s hospital on behalf of each miracle maker donor and to matching donors, Ray and Erin Hayes, Bloomsburg Walmart, Dr. and Mrs. Frank Maffei and Judy Graham and Nick Jones. This year’s event was the 17th annual radiothon which has raised more than $445,000 for local children treated at Geisinger. For more information or to make a donation, visit online at go.geisinger.org/kissradio or call 1.800.322.5437.
FNCB Bank’s Adopt-A-Family Program Employees from FNCB Bank, locally based since 1910, recently donated grocery gift cards and more than 100 wrapped gifts to nine local families as part of the Bank’s “Adopt-A-Family” holiday project. More than 130 FNCB staff members participated this year in Adopt-a-Family, the Bank’s signature holiday gift-giving event. The program matches local families in need from the Catherine McAuley Centers and Children and Youth Services of Wayne County with those wishing to donate. “Since launching the program nine years ago, more than 100 families have been adopted, helping to make a brighter Christmas for many in Northeastern Pennsylvania,” said Gerard Champi, FNCB Bank President & CEO. “We’re grateful to every team member who joined our campaign and helped us provide food and gifts to families in need this holiday season.” The Adopt-a-Family project is part of FNCB’s larger Community Caring initiative. As a true, local community bank, FNCB is making a difference through volunteerism, donations and outreach programs.
The Wright Center Announces Plan to Add Psychiatry Residents The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) has approved the Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s application to add an additional three resident physicians to the psychiatry residency. To meet the growing national demand for psychiatric care, the current workforce of about 45,580 psychiatrists must increase by 2,800 behavioral specialists by 2025, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Today’s estimated 6.4% shortage of psychiatrists is expected to nearly double to 12% by 2025. “As demand grows, workforce shortages during the pandemic have exacerbated our nation’s health crisis,” said Dr. Sanjay Chandragiri, program director of the Psychiatry Residency. “The ability to expand our psychiatry team will help us provide patients with the care and treatment they deserve and expect from The Wright Center.” ACGME is the body responsible for accrediting all graduate medical training programs for physicians in the United States. The growth of The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s Psychiatry Residency enables 25 resident physicians to serve the region at eight community practices in Lackawanna, Luzerne and Wayne counties, while also replenishing the nation’s health care workforce in this specialty field. The additional residents will join The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s Psychiatry Residency in July. For more information about behavioral health services or to make an appointment at The Wright Center for Community Health, please go to thewrightcenter.org or call 570-941-0630.
Lackawanna College Awarded Grant to Enhance Electricity Education Lackawanna College has been awarded $20,000 from the TC Energy Foundation to enhance electricity training for students in the College’s School of Petroleum and Natural Gas located in Tunkhannock, Pa.The grant allows the College to purchase state-of-the-art simulation equipment that will train students on components and situations found in modern electrical circuits. “We are grateful to the TC Energy Foundation for its support of our programs,” said Susan Gumble, director of the School of Petroleum and Natural Gas. “Electricity education and hands-on training play an integral role in preparing our students for successful careers in the natural gas industry.” The funding will also be used for printed materials, including lab books and workbooks that students will use while taking electricity-related courses. “Building strong communities through giving back is an integral part of our values,” said Trevence Mitchell, Assistant Director of the TC Energy Foundation. “We are proud to support the next generation of skilled tradespeople and thank Lackawanna College for providing students the necessary training to ensure they are ready to enter the workforce.” For more information on the Lackawanna College Tunkhannock Center, home of the School of Petroleum and Natural Gas, visit https://www.lackawanna.edu/tunkhannock.
Johnson College to Host In-Person Transfer Day On Wednesday, January 5, 2022, Johnson College is holding a Transfer Day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Moffat Student Center on its campus in Scranton, PA. The College is encouraging current college students interested in changing the direction of their education and ultimately their career path to visit its campus. Students will meet with Enrollment, Financial Aid, Career Services, and Counseling and Disability Services representatives. In addition, staff members from the Registrar’s Office will be on-hand for transfer credit analyses and review potential schedules for the upcoming semester. Students will learn why Johnson College is the leader in hands-on education, how it exposes students to industry from day one, and how its two-year degree programs, focusing on careers in in-demand industries, have the highest return on investment in the short term. To attend Transfer Day at Johnson College, students must register online at https://johnson.edu/transfer/ or contact the College’s enrollment team at enroll@johnson.edu or (570) 702-8856.
PennDOT Honors Employees for Innovative Ideas The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) today recognized 48 PennDOT employees with Innovation Awards for their efforts to improve work practices and create efficiencies. One team member from PennDOT’s District 4 which represents Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming counties were among the honorees. “PennDOT has a strong legacy of creativity to help us meet our daily mission and goals,” said PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian. “I’m proud to recognize these employees for their creativity and dedication to the department.” Employees were recognized for ideas and smart practices submitted through IdeaLink 20/20 and PennDOT WorkSmart, online employee engagement systems that allow employees to share their ideas and efficient work practices. Over the last decade, PennDOT employees have submitted approximately 3,700 ideas through IdeaLink, nearly a quarter of which have been implemented. Since 2016, approximately 240 smart practices have been published in PennDOT’s WorkSmart system. Gramian and other department executives honored winner Dawn Foley during an virtual ceremony. Foley was recognized for mapping District 4’s Invoice Payment Process for non-ECMS Vendors. Project teams now have a clearer view of responsibilities, processes, and timelines to be followed. “Dawn has truly excelled in her service to the travelling public in northeast Pennsylvania. She is a valued team member within our organization and works at a very high level everyday” said Richard Roman, P.E., District Executive for PennDOT Engineering District 4. Motorists can check conditions on major roadway miles 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 Twitter alerts accessible on the 511PA website. Subscribe to PennDOT news and traffic alerts in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming counties at www.penndot.gov/District4. Information about infrastructure in District 4, including completed work and significant projects, is available at www.penndot.gov/D4Results. Follow local PennDOT news on Twitter and like the department on Facebook and Instagram.
Northeast Regional Cancer Institute Receives Donation The Plains Township Police Department collaborated with Futuristic Innovative Graphics in Kingston to specially design t-shirts as a breast cancer awareness fundraiser in October 2021. They raised $1,462.66 to support the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, a local organization focused on easing the burden of cancer in northeastern Pennsylvania. It was important to the organizers to keep the proceeds local. This is the second year of this fundraiser. Community members were able to purchase t-shirts online through Futuristic Innovative Graphics website. The fundraiser was promoted on social media through the police department, graphics company and the Cancer Institute’s designated pages. The Plains Township Police Department plan to host this fundraiser again in fall 2022.
Wright Center’s Associate Director Elected a Fellow of the American College of Physicians Dr. Mark Madhok, associate program director of the Internal Medicine Residency Program at The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education, has been elected a fellow of the American College of Physicians (ACP). ACP fellows are a distinguished group of doctors dedicated to continuing education in medical practice, teaching and research. More than 31,000 physicians have earned this mark of distinction since 1975. It represents the pinnacle of integrity, professionalism and scholarship for those who aspire to pursue careers in internal medicine, according to the college. “The Wright Center is extremely proud of Dr. Madhok’s accomplishments and dedication to the advancement of his resident physicians and patients in Northeast Pennsylvania,” said Dr. Jumee Barooah, designated institutional official of The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education. “His contributions to the field of medicine extends to his noted scholarly research and broader community involvement.” A board-certified internal medicine physician, Madhok also is a primary care and internal medicine physician at the Scranton and Scranton Counseling Center practices. In addition, he is a clinical associate professor of medicine at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine and an adjunct clinical associate professor of medicine at the School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona, A.T. Still University. “The FACP status that you now hold reflects your commitment and accomplishments within the internal medicine community,” Dr. Saba A. Hasan, chair of the ACP Credentials Committee, wrote to Madhok. For more information about The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education, call 570.343.2383 or go to TheWrightCenter.org.
