Jim and Cathy Gavin To Be Honored by Marywood University Marywood University’s Eighth Annual Community Leadership Celebration, Inspiring Social Justice, will honor Jim and Cathy Gavin of Scranton. The Celebration will take place on the University’s campus in the Motherhouse and Seminary Morgan Memorial Garden on Thursday, June 10, 2021, where they will be awarded the 2021 Lead On Award. Inspiring social justice is a theme that unites Jim and Cathy, the Gavin and Walsh families, and the IHM Congregation in common purpose. In furtherance of that common purpose, Marywood University sets the standard for educating and preparing our youth for a successful and meaningful role in society. Mr. and Mrs. Gavin have a lifelong relationship with the Sisters Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Congregation beginning in grade school at Chapel and Holy Rosary schools in the 1950s. This relationship has flourished over seven decades. Mr. Gavin graduated from the University of Scranton in 1971, following three years of active military service. He earned graduate degrees in Social Work and Management from Marywood in 1973 and 1985. A professional social worker, Mr. Gavin worked in the behavioral health field for 47 years in clinical as well as management positions. He recently retired after 21 years as President/CEO of Community Care Behavioral Health Organization, a UPMC insurance company, and is currently a Senior Advisor to executive leadership. Elected to the Marywood University Board of Trustees in 2014, Mr. Gavin is a member of various committees serving as Treasurer and Chair of Finance since 2016. Mrs. Gavin began a lifelong career in the restaurant business at Stirna’s Restaurant in 1967. After a short stay at The Scranton/Lackawanna Human Development Agency she returned to her true passion, Stirna’s Restaurant. In 1980, with the support and assistance of a friend and attorney, she purchased the business and remains its sole proprietor today. During the next 40 years, Mrs. Gavin began and managed what is today a thriving catering business. She also negotiated and managed the food service contract for Lackawanna College. In 2008, on the 100th anniversary of Stirna’s Restaurant, with the help of her son Michael, she totally renovated the West Market Street facility. Today, the restaurant and catering businesses continue to thrive under their management and supervision. During Jim and Cathy’s fifty years of marriage, their focus has been on family, church, and community. They have two children, Kate and Michael, and two grandchildren, Gavin and Grace. They are proud members of the Gavin/Walsh families, who are collectively committed to the missions and work of the IHM Congregation. Mr. and Mrs. Gavin are active on numerous boards dedicated to the health and welfare of the citizens in Lackawanna and Allegheny counties. For additional information on the Eighth Annual Community Leadership Celebration at Marywood University, to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, or to buy tickets to the event, please visit marywood.edu/clc, or call 570-348-6238.
SIMONA On-Site Job Fair Join us for our on-site spring job fair on June 5th and 7th at our factory at 101 Power Boulevard in Archbald. We will be giving plant tours, accepting applications and holding interviews on the spot!This will be a fun day to meet our great team at SIMONA. Join us for lunch at an on-site food truck, grab some giveaways and enter a chance to win a $200 gift card!Learn about our excellent salary and benefits package, on-the-job training, paid holidays, generous time off, and opportunities for career growth. SIMONA offers some of the most generous retention and incentive bonuses in the area! These incentives go far beyond the weekly paycheck.What’s more is SIMONA is a company like a friend, meaning that we care about our employees and have a strong team and family-like culture. Come and see for yourself!View our open positions at www.workatsimona.com. Planning to attend? Get a head start and let us know ahead of time by filling out this short form https://forms.gle/szM6CmLd7eF7yuDf9. Please note this is optional and registration is not required!
Geisinger CenterPoint Offering Walk-In COVID-19 Vaccines Thursday and Friday Geisinger continues to make it easier to get a COVID-19 vaccine by offering walk-in vaccine events on Thursday, May 20, and Friday, May 21, at the Geisinger CenterPoint Vaccine Center in Jenkins Township. Walk-in COVID-19 vaccinations will be available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday and Friday. Geisinger is offering the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, which is a two-dose vaccine administered 21 days apart. Walk-in vaccines are available to anyone age 12 and over, but those under 18 years old must have a parent or legal guardian with them to receive their vaccine doses. The vaccine center is staffed with pediatric teams, including pediatricians, to answer any questions and assist with the vaccinations. Geisinger continues to offer COVID-19 vaccines by appointment at its four vaccine centers, and those can be made through myGeisinger or by calling 570-284-3657. More information about the COVID-19 vaccine, including information for parents of newly eligible children, is available at geisinger.org/COVIDVax.
Duryea at Dusk 5K & 1 Mile Walk Goes Virtual for 2021 The Duryea at Dusk committee has set their fifth Duryea at Dusk 5K and 1-mile walk as a virtual race again this year due to COVID-19 restrictions. Participants can register online now through Saturday, June 5. Participants are encouraged to complete their 5K or 1-mile safely around their neighborhood, on a treadmill, track or at a park between June 5-12. The cost to register is $15 per person or $25 per person with a Duryea at Dusk 2021 t-shirt. All runners and walkers will receive a customizable Duryea at Dusk virtual bib and can post their finisher photos on Duryea at Dusk’s Facebook page. Through personal experience with a family member battling cancer, Duryea native sisters, Katie Brudzinski and Allison Brudzinski wanted to be part of something bigger that would involve their entire community. Duryea at Dusk was created from that idea. This is the fifth year of this event. It will impact the local community and support a local organization, the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, whose mission is to ease the burden of cancer in northeastern Pennsylvania. Since inception, Duryea at Dusk has raised $40,261 for the Cancer Institute.Individuals or businesses looking for information can reach out to Duryea at Dusk committee by email at duryeaatdusk@gmail.com. To register for the virtual run or walk or donate to it, go to: https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/Duryea/DuryeaatDusk
Crystal Windows Ranked 9th Largest NY Area Minority Firm The recognition of national award-winning manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems continues as the company has again been included in the top business ranking of New York City area minority-owned firms. In its May 3, 2021 edition, noted publication Crain’s New York Business ranked Crystal Windows 9th on its list of the New York area’s largest minority-owned companies. Crystal Windows has been included in the Crain’s list for the past 23 years, since 1998. This year’s ranking represents Crystal’s highest achievement to date with the Crain’s list. The Crain’s list is comprised of the largest privately held firms that are at least 51% minority-owned and headquartered in New York City or in seven surrounding New York and New Jersey counties. The ranking is based on annual company revenues from the prior year. The list, while no longer annual, is compiled and published every few years. Others on the 2021 list include Goya Foods, Sigma Plastics, and Bartlett Dairy. “I’m extremely proud that Crystal’s ongoing success continues to be recognized by Crain’s,” said Steve Chen, Crystal’s President. “With 20 million diverse people and tens of thousands of minority-owned companies in the New York metro area, this makes the recognition even more significant. It’s all been made possible by our dedicated employees, our great fenestration trade customers, and the appeal of our energy efficient made-in-America window products.” Crain’s, the region’s premier weekly business magazine, is published in print and online. In prior years, Crystal Windows and both its Chairman Thomas Chen and President Steve Chen have been featured or included in the magazine’s articles, recognitions, and TV show. Most notably, Steve Chen was recognized in the past as a Crain’s Top 40 Under 40 Young Business Executive. Crystal was also the recipient a few years ago of the Crain’s Top Family Business Award.
The Women’s Resource Center Great Chefs Event The Women’s Resource Center (WRC) is excited to announce we will host our 30th Annual Great Chefs event on June 3, 2021, at 7 pm. Last year Great Chefs was canceled due to the pandemic, but we couldn’t just let the celebration of our 30th-year slide by. So, in an abundance of caution and safety for our community, the WRC has decided to virtually host the event at no cost to viewers. The evening will feature WNEP-TV 16’s Home & Backyard host Jackie Lewandoski with cooking demonstrations from local chefs. Participants include: Paradise Soulfood & Sweets, Colarusso’s Coal Fire Pizza, Andy Gavin’s Eatery & Pub, The Cabin Bar and Grill, and Lackawanna College’s 409 on Adams Restaurant. There will also be an opportunity to hear from Women’s Resource Center survivors, some special entertainment, and participate in our fabulous online basket raffle. Funds raised at Great Chefs support the WRC Safe Housing Program. The Program prioritizes emergency housing options for adults and children who are in immediate danger, are in a potentially lethal situation due to intimate partner violence, and/or are homeless due to that violence. To become a sponsor, preview basket raffle items, and access to the event, please visit: https://greatchefs21.givesmart.com. This site is continuously being updated, so check back often for exciting things to come! Join us to continue our mission of providing Emergency Housing to adults and children and start them on the path to safety? What: Women’s Resource Center’s 30th Annual Great Chefs: Take Two!When: June 3, 2021 at 7:00pmWhere: https://greatchefs21.givesmart.comHonoree: Lackawanna Insurance Group Participants:Peg Ruddy – Executive Director, Women’s Resource CenterGina Pitoniak – Board Member, Women’s Resource CenterAmy Everetts – Director of Development, Women’s Resource CenterJackie Lewandoski – Host, WNEP-TV 16’s Home & Backyard Featured Restaurants:Paradise Soulfood & SweetsColarusso’s Coal Fire PizzaAndy Gavin’s Eatery & PubThe Cabin Bar and Grill409 on Adams Restaurant Event Production:Sarah Effertz – Owner, Blu Elefante Endeavor Audio
Johnson College Spring 2021 Semester President’s List Dr. Katie Leonard, President & CEO of Johnson College, has announced the President’s List of students who have completed the 2021 Spring Semester with a grade point average of 3.90 or higher. Evan Wilcox, Architectural Drafting & Design Technology, Milanville, PA John DeLucca, Electrical Construction and Maintenance Technology, Pittston, PA Brandon Dougherty, Electrical Construction and Maintenance Technology, South Abington Township, PA Philip Davitt, Electrical Construction and Maintenance Technology, Dickson City, PA Shane McHugh, Computer Information Technology, Scranton, PA David Weaver, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technology, Carbondale, PA Brandon Grandinetti, Computer Information Technology, Olyphant, PA Michael Salansky, Computer Information Technology, Uniondale, PA Brittany Bethel, Veterinary Technology, Dallas, PA Devon Nowicky, Radiologic Technology, Drums, PA Jorden Sekol, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Old Forge, PA Alexander Nallin, Veterinary Technology, Scranton, PA For additional information on Johnson College, please call 1-800-2-WE-WORK, email enroll@johnson.edu, or visit Johnson.edu.
Marywood University to Hold Virtual Master of Fine Arts Information Session Marywood University will hold a virtual Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Information Session on Thursday, June 10, 2021, 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 https://admissions.marywood.edu/register/mfa. Marywood’s “Get Your Master’s with the Masters” MFA program for designers and illustrators is the oldest and best low-residency program in the country, designed for those who are working full time, but who are also interested in earning a terminal degree. 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.
Masking Remains Mandatory at All Geisinger Properties To continue ensuring the health and safety of our employees, patients and visitors, wearing a mask is still required on all Geisinger properties, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status. On Thursday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated mask-wearing guidelines for people fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The CDC outlined certain locations, including hospitals and health care settings, as places where masks should still be worn. In alignment with this guidance, wearing a mask is still required in all Geisinger hospitals, clinics and office buildings. Masking is one of the most effective ways of reducing the spread of COVID-19, and Geisinger has had a mandatory masking policy in effect since early April of 2020. This policy will remain in effect until further notice. The CDC guidelines state fully vaccinated individuals can choose to not wear a mask while outdoors in crowds and in most indoor settings. Geisinger continues to offer COVID-19 vaccine appointments for anyone age 12 and over at its four vaccine centers in central and northeastern Pennsylvania. Vaccine appointments can be made through MyGeisinger or by calling 570-284-3657. More information about the COVID-19 vaccine, including information on newly eligible children, is available at geisinger.org/COVIDVax.
PennDOT, PSP Focus On Traffic Safety With ‘Click It or Ticket’ Mobilization With Memorial Day weekend and the summer travel season approaching, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) are urging drivers to keep traffic safety top of mind when behind the wheel. The agencies will work with municipal police departments and other safety partners across the commonwealth to participate in the national “Click It or Ticket” seat belt education and enforcement initiative from May 17 through June 6, 2021. “‘Click it or Ticket’ isn’t about citations, it’s about saving lives,” said PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian. “Buckling up is the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones in a crash.” Pennsylvania law requires any occupant younger than 18 to buckle up when riding in a vehicle, as well as drivers and front-seat passengers. Children under the age of two must be secured in a rear-facing car seat, and children under the age of four must be restrained in an approved child safety seat. Children must ride in a booster seat until their eighth birthday. In addition to adopting a zero-tolerance approach toward violators, troopers certified as child passenger safety technicians will offer car seat fittings and inspections throughout Pennsylvania, helping ensure that car seats are in good working condition, installed properly, and free from recalls. “State police child passenger safety technicians look forward to hosting dozens of events across the commonwealth to highlight child passenger safety,” said Major Robert Krol, director of the Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Patrol. “We hope everyone who drives with children in their vehicles will take advantage of this free resource to keep their youngest passengers safe while traveling.” A complete list of child passenger seat fitting stations is available at psp.pa.gov. As part of the enforcement efforts, state and local police, along with agencies across the United States, will participate in a one day Border-to-Border initiative on May 24 to provide increased seat belt enforcement at state borders, reinforcing the states’ focus on safety. PennDOT data shows there were 11,265 crashes in 2020 where at least one occupant was not wearing a seat belt, resulting in 348 fatalities. As the summer driving period kicks off, we encourage Pennsylvanians to “Know Before You Go” by checking conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles in Pennsylvania by visiting www.511PA.com. The service, 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. Motorists can also see active construction projects at www.511PA.com. For more information on seat belt safety visit, www.PennDOT.gov/Safety. PennDOT’s media center offers resources for safety organizations, community groups, or others who share safety information with their stakeholders. Social-media-sized graphics highlighting topics such as seat belts, impaired driving and distracted driving can be found online at www.PennDOT.gov in the “Media Center” under the “About Us” footer. Follow PennDOT on Twitter at www.twitter.com/PennDOTNews, like the department on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PennsylvaniaDepartmentofTransportation and Instagram at www.instagram.com/pennsylvaniadot.
