Geisinger – Is Your Medicine Cabinet Fully Stocked? Stocking up on medicine cabinet essentials means you’ll be ready to tackle any cut, sprain or illness. Have you checked out your medicine cabinet lately? You might expect to find bandages, and maybe some Tylenol® or cold medicine. Or is it lacking a few essentials because someone used them up or tossed them out? Staying fully stocked is smart. If you have the right supplies in your medicine cabinet, you can treat everything from headaches to bee stings. Cleaning out your medicine cabinet Before you hit the store to stock up on first aid supplies, peek at what you have. Start by taking everything out of your medicine cabinet. Set aside any expired or unused prescriptions. Then make a list of what you’re keeping and note the expiration dates. Tape the list to the inside of the cabinet door so you can see it anytime. If you prefer a digital copy, use your phone or digital assistant to keep a list. When you replace something, scratch out the old expiration date and write in the new one so you’ll know when it’s time for a replacement. After documenting your inventory, make a second list — this one of the medicine and first aid supplies you need. Then stock up! What to keep in your medicine cabinet Not sure where to start? Some useful over-the-counter medications to keep on hand can include: Pain relievers Eye drops Decongestants Cough drops Antacids Aloe vera Hydrocortisone cream Antibiotic cream Personal medications prescribed by your doctor, like an EpiPen® It’s also good to have tools on hand that can help with everything from removing ticks to patching up cuts and scrapes. Injuries and illness are hard to predict so stocking up on a few things can help keep you prepared for the unexpected. Keep your medicine cabinet supplied with: Assorted bandages, including gauze Thermometer Cotton balls and cotton swabs Tweezers Nail clippers Rubbing alcohol Hydrogen peroxide Safety pins Scissors Have an infant at home? Don’t forget about baby nail clippers, diaper cream and other baby-safe tools. Storing medicine at home Once you have everything you need in your medicine cabinet, set the rest of your household up for success. If you have young children, keep medications and tools like scissors out of their reach, and consider keeping prescriptions for things like pain medicine hidden so they’re not accessible to others. While medicine cabinet supplies are great for treating minor illness and injuries, major cuts or allergic reactions may require a call to your doctor or even a trip to urgent care or the ER. But with a properly stocked medicine cabinet, you’ll be able to patch up the minor injuries of the day without leaving home. Disposing of expired medicine Have unused or expired medicine you want to get rid of? Drop them in a secure medication disposal box like Geisinger’s Medication Take Back Program. Getting rid of unwanted medicine is easy. Just find a location near you and drop them in. If you can’t get to a medication drop box, follow these easy steps to properly dispose of your medicine: Remove the prescription label or use a marker to obscure your name and address on the label. (This helps keep your personal info safe.) Mix medications with cat litter, dirt or coffee grounds to make them unappetizing. Put the mixture in a sealed bag with a little bit of water to make the medication unusable and throw it away. Remember: When you’re getting rid of medicine, don’t flush it down the toilet. It can contaminate local waterways. For the latest health and wellness tips and advice visit geisigner.org/balance.
The Wright Center Pediatrician Appointed to Statewide Board Dr. Manju Mary Thomas, a pediatrician and deputy chief medical officer and medical director of pediatrics and school- and community-based medical home services at The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education, has been appointed to the Pennsylvania School-Based Health Alliance (PSBHA) Board of Directors. The Philadelphia-based PSBHA advocates for school-based health centers by promoting the development of innovative, scalable care systems that address the key medical and academic challenges caused by limited access to high-quality health care and wellness education. Dr. Thomas, board-certified in pediatrics and obesity medicine, provides care for infants, children, and adolescents at The Wright Center’s Mid Valley Practice in Jermyn. She also leads The Wright Center’s School-Based Practice at West Scranton Intermediate School and is a physician faculty member for The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s Regional Family Medicine Residency Pediatrics Program. “As a pediatrician and advocate for children’s health, I am honored to join the Pennsylvania School-Based Health Alliance Board of Directors,” said Dr. Thomas, whose career spans over two decades. “School-based health centers are essential in addressing both medical and academic challenges faced by students who lack access to quality care. By offering comprehensive, accessible services, we not only support students’ physical and mental well-being but also enhance their ability to thrive academically. The growing need for these centers is clear, and I am excited to work with the PSBHA to champion innovative solutions that bring high-quality care directly to our schools where it is most needed.” She joins Robin Rosencrans, executive administrative assistant at The Wright Center, who serves as secretary on the PSBHA board of directors. Dr. Thomas is also co-leading the recent relaunch of Lackawanna County’s Reach Out and Read, a nonprofit national program that distributes books to children during their regular pediatric visits to promote early literacy and health through pediatric care. She earned her medical degree from St. John’s Medical College in Bangalore, India, and completed her pediatrics residency at Brookdale University Hospital in Brooklyn, New York. Before joining The Wright Center in 2021, she was an attending pediatrician at Lehigh Valley Health Network. Dr. Thomas resides in Palmer Twp., Pennsylvania, with her husband, Dr. Mahesh Krishnamurthy.
The University of Scranton Awarded Seven-Figure Grant The University of Scranton receives seven-figure Appalachian Regional Commission grant for Technology-Driven Transformation in Workforce Development and Innovation Project. The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) awarded a $1,321,980 grant to The University of Scranton’s to support its Technology-Driven Transformation in Workforce Development and Innovation project. The grant leverages opportunities for outreach and collaboration, including with area small businesses, that will be created by the August 2025 opening of the nearly 90,000-square-foot Robert S. and Marilyn A. Weiss Hall now under construction. The University of Scranton was awarded a $1,321,980 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) to support its Technology-Driven Transformation in Workforce Development and Innovation project which is expected to involve 159 students, 10 businesses and 137 participants. The grant leverages opportunities for outreach and collaboration that will be created by the August 2025 opening of Robert S. and Marilyn A. Weiss Hall, now under construction. Seen here is a rendering of Weiss Hall. ARC announced awards of $68.2 million for 65 projects through its Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative. POWER directs federal resources to economic diversification and revitalization projects in Appalachian communities affected by the downturn of the coal industry. The awards, announced on Oct. 16, amount to ARC’s largest POWER investment since the initiative was launched in 2015. The projects funded impact 188 counties in 10 Appalachian states: Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Scranton is one of just 20 projects in Pennsylvania selected to receive ARC awards. Scranton received the seventh largest award in the Commonwealth. The ARC grant funding leverages the workforce development, applied research and community outreach opportunities that will be created in the four-story Weiss Hall, including the expanded and dedicated space for the University’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC). The new space furthers the development of SBDC programming and encourage new collaborations with academic departments housed in the new building. The ARC grant will support the development of the Small Business Ready program that builds on the success of the existing Small Business Development Center’s Internship Program. Small Business Ready involves the development of a specialized training program tailored to the unique needs of small business for student interns. The training program will address the development of soft skills, such as interpersonal skills, problem-solving abilities, leadership and written and oral communication, which were identified by employers as often lacking in new hires. The program will also seek to foster an entrepreneurial mindset and nurture creativity and innovation among University students and provide practical training on business planning, management fundamentals, cybersecurity basics, marketing and social media strategies, accounting, and finance principles. SBDC consultants will develop the training program in collaboration with local small business owners, and the University’s career development staff and faculty. The program will leverage specialized equipment and technology that will be available in a 10,000-square-foot innovation hub on the first floor of Weiss Hall, which includes a virtual reality/augmented reality training laboratory. The ARC grant will also establish a networking program to facilitate more meaningful connections between students and small business owners and representatives. University students will take the lead in organizing and coordinating events and activities related to this initiative. In addition, the grant supports the development of initiatives for two of the University’s academic programs housed in Weiss Hall: the Psychology Department Experiential Learning and Outreach; and the Cybersecurity, Crime Analysis, Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Education, Training and Outreach. The University anticipates 159 students, 10 businesses and 137 participants will be impacted through the ARC grant. The Appalachian Regional Commission is an economic development entity of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 423 counties across the Appalachian Region. Since 2015, ARC has invested $484.7 million in 564 projects impacting 365 coal-impacted counties. Collectively, these investments are projected to support nearly 54,000 jobs and prepare nearly 170,000 workers and students for new opportunities in growing industries.
Tobyhanna Powering the Future with Energy Conservation and Innovation Tobyhanna Army Depot (TYAD) recognizes Army Energy Month every October, supporting the Army in its commitment to energy efficiency, sustainability, and mission readiness. This year’s theme is “Powering the Mission.” For decades, Tobyhanna has embraced innovative technologies to reduce energy consumption. The focus on energy efficiency has helped the depot operate more sustainably and contributed to significant cost savings – addressing one of the Army’s largest expenses: energy. In its earlier years, the depot’s primary energy source was coal. In 1999, the organization transitioned to natural gas for its heating systems, drastically reducing its carbon footprint and winning the prestigious White House Closing the Circle Environmental Award. One of TYAD’s standout efforts is its installation of a vegetative (green) roof in 2006 to regulate indoor temperature and save energy. The 14,141-square-foot roof space was covered with sedum perennials, as soil and dense vegetation cover have exceptional insulation value. This project continues to benefit the installation today. More recently, the depot has tapped into renewable energy sources like solar energy, installing solar panels and solar walls on several buildings. “The Environmental Team needs to be creative with solutions when looking for renewable energy projects as the area and mission constrain the use of solar and wind power,” said Environmental Branch Chief Paula Mesaris. “We are also looking to integrate more smart metering capability to better understand where and how energy is used in order to better target improvements, such as building envelope improvements, rapid rollup doors, and sensor technology.” All light bulbs across the installation are in the process of being converted to LED bulbs, which use a fraction of the energy required to power traditional fluorescent bulbs and last much longer. The depot’s fleet of vehicles is gradually transitioning to electric vehicles. These government zero emissions vehicles can be charged on-post at one of several recently added charging stations. A strong, resilient energy infrastructure is key to ensuring the depot’s long-term viability. These sustainability initiatives enhance TYAD’s ability to adapt to evolving environmental challenges while remaining a dependable resource for the Army. “Reduction of electricity use and switching to carbon-free electricity producers also reduces our greenhouse gas emissions, improving climate resiliency,” added Environmental Engineer Devin Zurawski. According to Energy Manager David Ecklund, TYAD has seen a significant reduction in energy usage as a result of these combined efforts. “We have been trending downward since 2019,” said Ecklund. “The goal for 2024 was 125 million British thermal units (BTU) per thousand square feet, based on a 1.5% reduction from a 2019 baseline of 133 million BTU per thousand square feet. Tobyhanna’s actual energy use intensity for 2023 is 98 million BTU per thousand square feet, or 22% better than our goal.” Despite the depot’s success, now is not the time to rest on its laurels. It is imperative to continue pushing forward to achieve even greater results. Continuing to demonstrate environmental stewardship is directly aligned with TYAD’s strategic plan, specifically the Shape the Future line of effort. Future plans include the installation of a microgrid on the installation by 2035, as part of the Army Climate Strategy. This particular project is critical to mission readiness. “Microgrid installation will provide resiliency and reduce risk to the mission in the event of a power outage or energy shortage,” said Mesaris. 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 3,300 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 deliver integrated C5ISR weapon systems, business systems, and medical sustainment to enable full spectrum combat operations at the point of need.
The Swiftwater Announces Job Fair for Hospitality Careers The Swiftwater, renowned for its commitment to exceptional guest experiences, is pleased to announce an upcoming Job Fair on October 28th, offering a range of career opportunities in hospitality. The event will be held at Desaki Restaurant, located at 2054 Route 611 in Swiftwater, PA and will take place during two convenient sessions: 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Candidates interested in joining a dynamic team that prides itself on creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere are encouraged to attend. The job fair will provide applicants with the opportunity to learn more about the available positions, meet with department managers, and explore a career with The Swiftwater. Positions available include: Server: Provide attentive, high-quality service to our guests, creating a memorable dining experience in a refined setting. Housekeeping: Play a crucial role in maintaining the pristine standards of our guest rooms and public spaces, ensuring a comfortable stay for every guest. Laundry: Support our housekeeping team by handling the care and cleaning of linens and uniforms, contributing to our commitment to impeccable service. Front Desk: Deliver exceptional guest service, ensuring a warm and welcoming arrival experience, and handling all front desk operations with efficiency and professionalism. “We are looking for individuals who share our passion for hospitality and are excited to join a team dedicated to delivering excellence every day,” said Dante Trapasso, Managing Partner. “Our upcoming job fair is a great opportunity for prospective employees to meet us, explore their potential within the hospitality industry, and see firsthand what makes The Swiftwater a special place to work.” Interested candidates are encouraged to bring a copy of their resume and be prepared for on-site interviews. For more information about the Job Fair, please contact info@theswiftwater.com We look forward to meeting you and discussing how you can become a part of our team at The Swiftwater.
Marywood University’s Nursing Graduates Achieve 100% Pass Rate Marywood University’s nursing program was recently notified that its 2024 graduating class achieved a 100 percent pass rate on the NCLEX Exam. The NCLEX is the world’s premier licensure exam and uses computerized adaptive testing (CAT) technology to deliver the exam, ensuring a valid and reliable measurement of nursing competence. This is the second consecutive year that Marywood nursing graduates have achieved a perfect pass rate within one year of graduation. “Our nursing graduates’ achievement of a 100% pass rate on the NCLEX nursing exam for the second consecutive year is a testament to their dedication, resilience, and exceptional preparation,” said Dr. Theresa Tulaney, chair of Marywood University’s nursing program. “We are committed to empowering our students to excel in their nursing careers while making a meaningful difference and providing their patients with an exceptional standard of care.” Marywood University further expanded its deep commitment to health sciences, including nursing, when it opened the Pascucci Family Health Sciences Pavilion in June.
Marywood University Announces New Faculty Members Shelby W. Yeager, M.Ed., LAT, ATC, CSCS, Dean of the College of Health Sciences, and James F. Eckler, Jr., M.ARCH, MSAS, Interim Dean of the Reap College of Creative and Professional Studies, recently announced new faculty members at Marywood for the 2024-2025 academic year. By college/program, new faculty include: COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES: Communication Sciences and Disorders Kaitlyn Froese, AuD, Instructor of Practice/Clinical Audiologist. Dr. Froese earned a Doctor of Audiology (AuD) degree from the University of Arizona and holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Marywood University. Health, Nutrition, and Exercise Science Maureen Burke, M.S., Assistant Professor of Practice. Ms. Burke holds a Master of Science degree in Exercise Science and Health Promotion from California University of Pennsylvania, and she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education (athletic training), with minors in Coaching and in Nutrition, from Marywood University. Emily Wargo M.S., Instructor of Practice. Ms Wargo is a Registered Dietitian, who received her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition & Dietetics with a minor in Science and her Master of Science in Sports Nutrition & Exercise Science from Marywood University. She is a board-certified specialist in Lifestyle Medicine and a Mindfulness-Based Eating Awareness instructor. Ms. Wargo was accepted into the International Olympic Committee Sports Nutrition Diploma program, with the goal to receive her Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics credential. Nursing, Respiratory Therapy, and Healthcare Administration Sarah Dalton, B.S., Instructor of Practice/Director of Clinical Education. Ms. Dalton earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Respiratory Therapy from Marywood University. She also holds an Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Therapy from Luzerne County Community College. Physician Assistant Dane Doornbos, DMSc, Assistant Professor of Practice. Dr. Doornbos holds a Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) degree from the University of Lynchburg. He earned two degrees from Marywood University, including a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, with an emphasis in Clinical Practices, as well as a minor in English. Both of his Marywood degrees were bestowed with honors. Chelsea Robinson, M.S., Assistant Professor of Practice/Clinical Coordinator. Ms. Robinson earn both her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies and her Bachelor of Science in Pre-Physician Assistant Studies from Marywood University. Psychology and Counseling Mindy Farley, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Counselor Education. Dr. Farley received her Doctor of Philosophy degree in Counselor Education and Supervision from Capella University. She holds a Master of Science degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and a Bachelor of Arts in Counseling & Human Service from the University of Scranton. Her graduate and undergraduate degrees were awarded magna cum laude. Heather Rakestraw, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Practice. Dr. Rakestraw earned a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology in the Child and Family track from Kent State University. Additionally, she holds a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology from Kent State, and she was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, summa cum laude, from Temple University. Science, Mathematics, and Computer Science Derrick Boucher, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Physics. Dr. Boucher was awarded a Doctor of Philosophy in Physics from Lehigh University, where he also earned a Master of Science degree in Physics. Additionally, he holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics, cum laude, from the University of Scranton. Michael Gottstein, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Mathematics. Dr. Gottstein earned a Ph.D. in Mathematics from Binghamton University, where he also received a Master of Arts in Mathematics. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with a minor in Statistics from Misericordia University. Kimberly Stanek, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Chemistry. Dr. Stanek holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Virginia. She also earned two bachelor’s degrees, a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry, from the University at Buffalo. School of Social Work Yerodin Lucas, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Social Work. Dr. Lucas served as Executive Director of Equity and Inclusion at Marywood University prior to becoming a full-time social work faculty member. He earned two degrees from Marywood University, including a Ph.D. in Administration & Leadership and Master of Social Work degree. Dr. Lucas also holds a Master of Arts in Education from Temple University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (Minor in International Relations) from Arcadia University. REAP COLLEGE OF CREATIVE AND PROFESSIONAL STUDIES School of Architecture Jim Sullivan, M.Arch., AIA, Professor of Architecture. Mr. Sullivan is a licensed architect, who previously served as Dean of the Reap College of Creative and Professional Studies and as Dean of Marywood’s School of Architecture. He holds Master of Architecture degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Environmental Design degree from Miami University of Ohio. School of Visual and Performing Arts (Art Therapy) Jackalynn Wilson, M.A. Instructor of Practice/Art Therapy. Ms. Wilson is a Board-Certified Art Therapist. She holds both a Master of Arts in Art Therapy and a Bachelor of Arts in Art Therapy, with minors in Sculpture and Psychology, from Marywood University. School of Visual and Performing Arts (Music, Theatre, and Dance) Allison Fox, M.A., Instructor of Practice/Interim Director of Music Therapy. Ms. Fox holds a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lesley University. Her field of study on the master’s level was Expressive Therapies (Music Therapy). She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from the University of Delaware. Her field of study included Music and Jazz Studies.
Johnson College to Host Fall Open House Johnson College will hold its Fall Open House on Saturday, November 2, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on its Scranton campus. To register to attend the Open House, visit Johnson.edu/openhouse or contact Johnson College’s Enrollment Department at 570-702-8856 or enroll@johnson.edu. The Open House will include discussions about the admissions process, information about financial aid for those who qualify, and student services such as student life, student support, and career services. Plus, same-day acceptance will be available for many programs if students bring their high school or college transcripts. Tours of each technical area will be conducted and program directors and instructors will be available to review the specifics of their programs.
