Summer AmeriCorps VISTA Positions at NeighborWorks AmeriCorps VISTA Summer Volunteer Looking for a fun and meaningful way to spend your summer? NeighborWorks is seeking two responsible, self-motivated individuals to provide 10 weeks of service, June 6 to August 14, 2022, through AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America). NeighborWorks is a nonprofit organization that revitalizes neighborhoods and creates opportunities for families to improve their lives through quality housing and financial guidance. VISTA Summer Associates are an integral part of our dedicated, hardworking team, which is devoted to bringing low-income individuals and communities out of poverty. About the Position Coordinating volunteer home repair projectsInstalling home safety kits for seniorsAttending community eventsCoordinating neighborhood and park cleanupsMaintaining vacant lotsPicking up litter along main commercial corridorsDocumenting quality of life issues (property code violations, missing street signs, etc.)Gathering stories from residents in written, audio, and video formats This position requires a commitment to serve as a full-time team member for a 10-week period this summer. Although this is a non-salaried volunteer position, VISTA Summer Associates receive a bi-weekly living allowance of $575.40 and are eligible for an education award or cash stipend at the end of their term of service. For more information about the AmeriCorps VISTA program, visit americorps.gov. Qualifications U.S. citizen at least 18 years of ageAbility to work independently on a variety of projects and lead others in service activitiesExcellent verbal and written communication skillsBasic computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft OfficeValid driver’s license and privately owned vehicle for service-related travel How to Apply Applications will be accepted until May 2, 2022, or until the positions are filled. To apply, email your resume to Todd Pousley, Neighborhood Revitalization Manager, at tpousley@nwnepa.org.
Starry Knights Learning Center Earns ECE Champion Award Starry Knights Learning Center received the Equity in Early Childhood Education (ECE) Champion Award, honorable mention level. The Department of Human Services Acting Secretary Meg Snead announced the Equity in Early Childhood Education (ECE) Champion Award recipients to programs across the commonwealth. More than 50 ECE providers were awarded based on their ability to enhance equitable practices within their program as part of providing quality services for children and families. “Early Childhood Education professionals, providers and programs have been such an inspiration during the pandemic, and it should come as no surprise they are also leading equity and inclusion efforts as well,” said Acting Secretary Snead. “Month of the Young Child is focused on bringing attention to the needs of young children and their families and to recognize ECE programs and services that meet those needs – including equity and inclusion.” “It has been a rough two years for ECE programs, and I am so proud to highlight programs that are going above and beyond during this time,” said Deputy Secretary of the Office of Child Development and Early Learning, Tracey Campanini. “The work around equity and inclusion is so important and we really wanted to make sure that work was recognized and celebrated.”
Boback, Pickett, Fritz to Co-Host Gun Law Seminar In their continuing effort to better inform the public regarding Pennsylvania’s firearms laws, Reps. Karen Boback (R-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Wyoming), Tina Pickett (R-Bradford/Sullivan/Susquehanna) and Jonathan Fritz (R-Susquehanna/Wayne) are co-hosting a Gun Law Seminar in Laceyville on Thursday, May 5. The free event will begin at 6 p.m. at the Black Walnut American Legion, 328 Route 6 Road. Doors will open to attendees at 5:30 p.m. “If you already have a concealed carry permit, or are thinking of obtaining one, please consider attending our seminar,” said the legislators. “There are some misconceptions about Pennsylvania’s concealed carry law out there and we’re co-hosting this event in an effort to lay out the facts for gun owners, with the help of our panel of experts.” The seminar will be conducted by Wyoming County Sheriff Robert Roberts and Wyoming County District Attorney Joseph Peters, who will also take questions from the audience. “Even if you are not a gun owner, the information that will be provided regarding the concealed carry law and Castle Doctrine is helpful for everyone to know,” added the co-hosts. Attendees are required to register for the seminar. They can do so by calling Boback’s office at 570-836-4777 or RSVP online at www.repboback.com/events; Pickett’s office at 570-265-3124 or www.reppickett.com/events; or Fritz’s office at 570-278-3374 or www.repfritz.com/events.
The Wright Center Names Executive Vice President Higher education strategist and Luzerne County resident Scott Koerwer, Ph.D., Ed.D., has joined The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education in the role of executive vice president and chief administrative officer. In his new role, Koerwer will provide executive leadership oversight of The Wright Center’s human resources, information technology, facilities and marketing and communications departments, as well as contribute to the organization’s clinical delivery and educational missions. He also will guide the integration of the organization’s graduate and undergraduate interprofessional medical, behavioral and dental education activities. “I’m both pleased and honored to have Scott as a member of our executive leadership team,” said Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak, president and CEO of The Wright Center. “He has a passionate commitment to building and empowering accountable, high-performing teams of employees with a shared understanding of goals and purpose.” Koerwer previously served as vice president for strategy and planning at the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. He also was founding dean of its Graduate School. Koerwer has more than 30 years of experience working at world-class institutions of higher education. At Newberry College, in Newberry, South Carolina, he served as the 21st president of the college and as professor in the department of business. He served as deputy dean and clinical professor of management at The Darla Moore School of Business, University of South Carolina; associate dean of graduate and executive programs and services at the Robert H. Smith School of Business, University of Maryland; and as a director in the Executive Education Division of the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. Koerwer also has served in leadership and partner roles at private and early-stage companies. Active in the community, Koerwer has served on boards of organizations including the Sidhu School of Business and Leadership Advisory Board at Wilkes University, the Lehigh University Rossin School of Engineering, Keystone College Board of Trustees, the Abington YMCA Advisory Board and multiple chambers of commerce. A lifelong learner, Koerwer has a bachelor’s degree from Muhlenberg College. He earned a master’s degree in government from Lehigh University, a Doctor of Education from the University of Pennsylvania, and a Doctor of Philosophy from Thomas Jefferson University. Koerwer and his family reside in Dallas, Pennsylvania.
VIM to Host The Office 5k Valley in Motion is hosting The Office 5K. The road race passes sites featured on NBC’s “The Office.” Starting in the shadow of the Electric City sign in downtown Scranton, runners or walkers will pass the Penn Paper, Cooper’s, the Dwight mural, and more. Participants can dress up as their favorite Office character for fun and prizes. WHEN: Saturday, April 30, 1pmWHERE: Race starts and ends at the 500 Linden Street block in downtown ScrantonSIGN-UP: www.theoffice5K.comPRE-PARTY: Packet pickup and pre-race party at Cooper’s Seafood House on April 29 from 5-7pm. Office trivia, raffle baskets, and special Firkin Friday small-cask beer will be on tap. A fun promotional video is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aw3CnoeaIjs Race proceeds benefit Valley In Motion, a non-profit fostering community and quality of life in the Lackawanna Valley. More information about VIM at www.valleyinmotion.org.
Swift Kennedy on How to Retain Employees with Affordable Health Plans With inflation rates at a 40-year high, most business owners are trying to cut costs in every way possible. But even though group health insurance rates have increased dramatically over the last year, employers realize they must continue to offer high quality benefits in order to retain workers in this tight labor market. So, how can employers walk the tightrope between cutting their health insurance costs and satisfying employee expectations? Jerry Calistri, President and CEO of the insurance brokerage firm Swift Kennedy & Associates, suggests that business owners consult with an insurance brokerage firm to help solve this quandary. “When it comes to group health plans, striking the right balance between quality and affordability is what good brokers do best,” said Calistri, whose brokerage firm specializes in group employee benefits in the mid-Atlantic region. To help companies strike that balance, Swift Kennedy offers clients multiple-year strategies that can include both traditional benefit plans and alternative options, such as level-funded plans. The agency also provides clients with data analyses, as well as Benchmarking reports showing what similar companies offer their employees. In addition, the firm works with many different carriers in order to negotiate highly competitive quotes for clients. Employee Incentives Since motivated employees usually seek the best medical care available at the lowest price, Swift Kennedy provides clients with educational seminars to inform workers about their benefits and promote employee engagement. Many of the benefit plans that Swift Kennedy offers clients also feature services that incentivize employees to participate more fully in their healthcare decisions, while keeping their costs down. For example, some policies include wellness programs featuring professional coaching, on-site assessments, and other services designed to encourage exercising and other healthy activities, since healthy lifestyle choices can reduce an employee’s medical costs. More and more plans now also include telemedicine, which allows employees to have online medical appointments instead of in-person doctor visits for certain medical conditions. These popular programs are convenient for workers and highly cost-effective for employers. In addition, some policies offer prescription benefit management programs, which incentivize employees to select less expensive generic and mail order drugs instead of brand name ones. “Getting high quality health insurance at a reasonable cost is especially important during this time of inflation and record high employee turnover,” said Calistri. “That’s why Swift Kennedy works hard to provide employers with insurance strategies and solutions that not only help them retain workers, but also help boost their bottom lines!”
FNCB Bank “Twosday” Donations On Tuesday, February 22, 2022 (2.22.22), also known around the world as “Twosday,” FNCB Bank wanted to do something unique for this rare palindrome. Afterall, the date was so rare, another Twosday won’t happen again for another 400 years, in 2422. In addition to every employee wearing custom designed 2.22.22 t-shirts, team members were asked to nominate local charities to receive a special donation of $222.22. Initially the Bank was going to select two winners for obvious reasons but selected four due to the tremendous response. In fact, the Bank selected two “human” winners, Ruth’s Place and the Children’s Advocacy Center and two “non-human” winners, Blue Chip Farm Animal Refuge and Griffin Pond Animal Shelter. “The response was overwhelming,” said Michael Cummings, FNCB Bank Vice President, Marketing Manager. “We’re glad we were able to have a little fun and help some very deserving organizations at the same time. In 2422 when FNCB is 512 years old, we will do it again.” The Twosday fundraiser was part of FNCB’s larger Community Caring initiative. As a true, local community bank, FNCB Bank is making a difference through volunteerism, donations and outreach programs.
