University of Scranton Psychology Professor Receives Conservation Award Jessica Nolan, Ph.D., professor of psychology and director of the Environmental Studies Concentration at The University of Scranton, received a 2021 Women in Conservation Award from PennFuture, an independent, nonpartisan environmental advocacy organization. Dr. Nolan received the award for Woman of Environmental Education. Dr. Nolan joined the faculty at Scranton in 2008. She teaches Environmental and Conservation Psychology and Social Psychology, among other courses, and runs the Conservation Psychology Lab at the University. The Conservation Psychology Lab studies the human impact on the environment and uses the tools and methods of psychology to understand and solve environmental problems. Her research focuses on the application of psychological tools and principles to understand and solve environmental problems. She has studied the effects of normative social influence on various environmental behaviors, including energy conservation and household recycling. Dr. Nolan has published more than a dozen articles on environmental behavior in peer-reviewed scientific journals and has presented her research at numerous professional conferences. In her role as director of the Environmental Studies Concentration, Dr. Nolan has partnered with local environmental groups such as Friends of Lackawanna, Eastern Pennsylvania Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation and the Lackawanna River Conservation Association to sponsor more than a dozen co-curricular events for students and the local community. In 2018, Dr. Nolan received the University’s Excellence in Integrating Sustainability into the Curriculum Award. This award is given to a faculty member who strives for excellence in teaching about sustainability and makes extraordinary efforts to introduce concepts of sustainability into the curriculum. Dr. Nolan is also the founder of Green Drinks Scranton, an informal networking group that provides a forum for area residents interested in environmental issues to connect and learn from one another. Dr. Nolan earned her bachelor’s degree at Cornell University, her master’s degree at California State University and her Ph.D. at the University of Arkansas.
Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza to Host Excess Inventory Sale On behalf of the Luzerne County Convention Center Authority, the ASM Global staff at Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza will host an “Excess Inventory Sale” on Saturday, September 25th from 7AM-11AM inside the venue’s West Gate Entrance. Mohegan Sun Arena will have gently used furniture, appliances, A/V equipment, pickup truck and kitchen equipment for sale. Transactions may be made with cash, credit card, cashier’s check or money order. All sales are final. Guests may not bring items to sell. All items must be paid for on site and picked up on or before Friday, October 1st at 5:00pm. For more information, please call (570) 970-7600 or visit the venue’s website at https://mohegansunarenapa.com/inventorysale/
Marywood University Professor Receives Second Fulbright Specialist Award Sister Angela Kim IHM, Ph.D., Full Professor, Director of the School of Social Work, and Director of MSW Program at Marywood University, received her second Fulbright Specialist Award to Poland from the William J. Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board. She will complete a project that aims to exchange knowledge and establish partnerships benefiting participants, institutions, and communities both in the U.S. and overseas through a variety of educational and training activities within the field of social work at the Rzeszow University of Technology in Poland. She is one of over 400 U.S. citizens who share expertise abroad through the Fulbright Specialist Program, which operates in over 160 countries worldwide each year. Recipients are selected on the basis of academic and professional achievement, demonstrated leadership in their field, and their potential to foster long-term cooperation between institutions in the U.S. and abroad. Since its establishment in 1946, the Fulbright Program has given more than 400,000 students, scholars, teachers, artists, and scientists the opportunity to study, teach and conduct research, exchange ideas, and contribute to finding solutions to shared international concerns. For further information about the Fulbright Program or the U.S. Department of State, please visit http://eca.state.gov/fulbright or contact the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Press Office by telephone 202-632-6452 or e-mail ECA-Press@state.gov. For additional information about Marywood University’s School of Social Work, please visit www.marywood.edu/ssw/, or call (570) 348-6282. For additional information about the Marywood University Fulbright program, please visit www.marywood.edu/fulbright/benefits.html, or email vari@marywood.edu, or call 9570) 348-6211, ext. 2400.
NET Credit Union Recognized as Top 200 Healthiest Credit Unions in 2021 DepositAccounts.com, a subsidiary of LendingTree, has released its list of the 2021 Top 200 Healthiest Credit Unions in America. DepositAccounts.com evaluates the financial health of every federally-insured bank and credit union in the United States once per quarter. To determine bank ranking and recognition, DepositAccounts.com grades each institution on a number of factors, including capitalization, deposit growth, and loan-to-reserve ratios. “We believe it is important to give consumers a way to evaluate the financial health of their institutions,” said Ken Tumin, founder of DepositAccounts.com. “Our list empowers consumers to make informed decisions when selecting a financial institution.” For a complete listing of the 2021 Top 200 Healthiest Credit Unions in America, visit https://www.depositaccounts.com/banks/health.aspx. Click here to learn more about NET Credit Union.
Woodloch Resort to Host 13th Annual “A Night for the Cure” On Sunday, October 17, 2021, Woodloch Pines Resort, an all-inclusive resort in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains, will host the 13th annual A Night for the Cure. The tricky tray fundraiser benefits Susan G. Komen Greater Pennsylvania as part of BK Hope Cures. Originally established 22 years ago by Bob Kiesendahl (BK), co-owner of Woodloch and leukemia survivor, the organization’s mission is to raise awareness and funds in the fight against cancer. While 2020’s event was cancelled due to the pandemic, 2019’s tricky tray attracted more than 500 attendees and raised over $21,000, 100% of which benefitted Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Half of the dollars raised stay right here in Pennsylvania for education, screening and treatment grants, and the other half goes towards cancer research. Held in the Heritage Nightclub at Woodloch Pines from 5 to 8 PM, the family-friendly evening will feature over 150 items donated by local individuals and businesses, as well as wine and beer tastings, hors d’oeuvres, a dessert table, and a 50/50 raffle. Guests will enjoy live entertainment and have the chance to win dining gift certificates, unique gift baskets, and overnight stay packages at the area’s leading resorts and hotels. Admission costs $10, and 100% of the proceeds are donated. The dress code is casual, and attendees are encouraged to wear pink in support of the cause. In the event of Covid-related challenges, the location will be moved outdoors under the canopied ice rink at Woodloch Pines. “It’s a wonderful night to get together with friends, show our support for the survivors, and raise money for the cause. We’re now in our 13th year, and the event just continues to get better and better. We are extremely grateful to the local businesses and individuals who donate their time and talents to make A Night for the Cure spectacular. All of this hard work and generosity is truly making a difference in the battle against cancer,” said Bob Kiesendahl. In addition to A Night for the Cure, Hope Cures also holds two other fundraising events each year, which include both a golf tournament and a 5K run/walk. Over the past 22 years, Hope Cures has raised over $1.3 million. These funds benefit cancer research and patient care at several worthy facilities and foundations. For more information about Hope Cures and this October’s event, please visit: www.bkhopecures.org/trickytray. Additionally, table and room reservations can be arranged by calling Woodloch Resort at 570-685-8002.
Human Resources Foundation of NEPA Welcomes New Director The Human Resources Foundation of NEPA is pleased to announce the appointment of Daniel Card as Foundation Executive Director. The Human Resources Foundation, established in 2015, provides financial support to programs and services that benefit individuals with disabilities throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. A Wayne County native, Daniel has served the community for many years and in several ways: as President of the Lions Club, President and Treasurer of the Wayne Economic Development Corporation, and President of the Workforce Investment Group, just to name a few. As Foundation Director, Daniel hopes to utilize his skills and the relationships he has developed to fulfill the mission of the Human Resources Foundation. Please join us in welcoming Daniel Card, HRF Executive Director, as he continues the work of the Foundation by supporting services to individuals and programs of Northeast Pennsylvania. To welcome Daniel, or inquire about HRF’s programs, please contact Daniel.card@hrfnepa.org.
Geisinger offering Super Saturday flu shot clinics The best defense against getting the flu is by getting a flu shot. This year, Geisinger is making it easier to get one by hosting three Super Saturday flu vaccine events through October. Select Geisinger community medicine offices are hosting drive-thru flu shot events for patients and Geisinger Health Plan members ages 3 and older. Select Geisinger 65 Forward Health Centers are also offering walk-in or drive-thru flu vaccine events for patients and Geisinger Health Plan members age 65 and older. All Super Saturday flu vaccine events are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The additional Super Saturdays are October 2 and October 16. “While we had a relatively mild flu season last year, we cannot let our guard down against the flu this year,” said Stanley Martin, M.D., Geisinger director of infectious diseases. “This year it’s going to be critical for everyone who is able to be vaccinated against the flu to help keep unnecessary flu hospitalizations to a minimum. Getting your flu vaccine is the best way to do that.” Flu season generally begins in late October and runs through May. Getting vaccinated early in the season is the best defense to keep yourself and those around you flu-free, Martin said. There are 23 Geisinger community medicine offices hosting the drive thru flu events, including: Geisinger Bellefonte (819 E. Bishop St.)Geisinger Berwick (2200 W. Front St.)Geisinger Bloomsburg Reichart Road (2407 Reichart Road)Geisinger Dallas Family Practice (114 Lt. Michael Cleary Drive)Geisinger Frackville (701 W. Oak St.)Geisinger Healthplex State College (132 Abigail Lane)Geisinger Healthplex Woodbine (16 Woodbine Lane, Danville)Geisinger Kingston (560 Pierce St.)Geisinger Kulpmont (119 Nevada Drive)Geisinger Lewisburg (250 Reitz Blvd.)Geisinger Lewistown Community Medicine (21 Geisinger Lane)Geisinger Lock Haven (68 Spring St.)Geisinger Lycoming (780 Broad St., Montoursville)Geisinger Milton (155 S. Arch St.)Geisinger Moshannon Valley (210 Medical Center Drive, Philipsburg)Geisinger Mountain Top (35 S. Mountain Blvd.)Geisinger Mt. Pleasant (531 Mt. Pleasant Drive, Scranton)Geisinger Mt. Pocono (126 Market Way)Geisinger Orwigsburg (300 Hollywood Blvd.)Geisinger Pittston (42 N. Main St.)Geisinger Pottsville (529 Terry Reiley Way)Geisinger Selinsgrove (201 Roosevelt Ave.)Geisinger Tunkhannock (10 Trible Drive) There are six Geisinger 65 Forward Health Centers hosting flu events. Drive-thru vaccines are available at: Geisinger 65 Forward Kingston (499 Wyoming Ave.)Geisinger 65 Forward Hazleton (20 Diana Lane, West Hazleton)Geisinger 65 Forward Scranton (3 W. Olive St.) Walk-in flu vaccines are available at: Geisinger 65 Forward Milton (5170 Route 405)Geisinger 65 Forward Shamokin Dam (30 Baldwin Blvd.)Geisinger 65 Forward Wilkes-Barre (41 S. Main St., Midtown Village) There’s no need to preregister to get a flu shot. Remember to wear a mask and loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the upper arm. When arriving at a drive-thru vaccination site, follow all directional signage. You will need to fill out a short electronic form before receiving your flu shot. Remain inside your vehicle next to an opening window, and be aware that staff will not enter vehicles to provide flu shots. The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone age 6 months and older, Martin said. There are certain people who are considered most vulnerable for contracting the flu, including pregnant women, patients with asthma and other respiratory infections, heart and lung conditions, diabetes and anyone over age 65. Caregivers for children between 6 months and 3 years old, who can’t be vaccinated at the Geisinger primary care drive-thru events, should make an appointment with their pediatrician’s office for a flu shot. For a full list of Super Saturday flu vaccine events, as well as helpful tips on staying flu free this season, visit geisinger.org/flunews.
WVIA Announces News Director WVIA, the PBS and NPR affiliate for northeastern and central Pennsylvania, has announced that Julie Sidoni is the organization’s new News Director. Sidoni will start at WVIA on October 4, 2021. As WVIA’s news director, Sidoni will lead WVIA’s investment in local journalism and will oversee WVIA’s local coverage across all of the station’s television, radio, and digital platforms. “We are thrilled that Julie will be guiding WVIA’s journalism team. Our priority in the past year has been to increase local output across platforms and have deeper conversations that effect change,” said WVIA President and CEO Carla McCabe. “With Julie’s extensive career serving northeastern and central Pennsylvania and her knowledge of the issues that matter most to the people we serve, Julie is uniquely positioned to lead this public service for the WVIA community by adding a journalistic perspective.” “With over 20 years of covering stories in our region, we are very excited to have Julie come aboard,” said Ben Payavis II, WVIA Chief Content Officer. “We look forward to the contributions she and her team will bring to the radio programs Morning Edition and All Things Considered, as well as our public affairs television series, Keystone Edition.” Julie began her award-winning journalism career in public radio, at the NPR affiliate WDUQ-FM in Pittsburgh. She also spent time learning the business as a producer at WTAE-TV in Pittsburgh before graduating from Duquesne University, and soon landed her first on-air television reporting job at WJAC-TV in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. A year and a half later, she was hired as a reporter for WNEP-TV in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and spent nearly 20 years there as an anchor/reporter. Aside from her work in the news business, Julie is also a writer and has been awarded a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Wilkes University. She is also an adjunct professor in the School of Communications at Wilkes University, teaching undergraduate public speaking. The St. Marys, PA native now calls Kingston home. She lives there with her husband, Attorney Jeffrey Yelen, and her two sons, Charlie and Jack. “I have loved serving my community all these years through my work at WNEP. I’m now very much looking forward to putting those years of experience into practice here at WVIA,” Sidoni said. “I learned how to be a journalist from my colleagues in public television and radio, so in many ways, this feels like a homecoming.”
Geisinger and Acadia Healthcare Break Ground for New Behavioral Health Center Geisinger and Acadia Healthcare Company held a groundbreaking ceremony for Geisinger Behavioral Health Center Northeast, a new 96-bed inpatient behavioral health facility. The event occurred on the site of the new facility at 60 Glenmaura National Blvd. in Moosic. Slated to open in the fall of 2022, the facility is a joint venture between Acadia Healthcare, the nation’s largest provider of behavioral health services, and Geisinger, which serves more than 1 million people across 45 counties in Pennsylvania. The center will address the growing need for accessible, high-quality behavioral health services in northeastern Pennsylvania. The facility will provide care for adult, pediatric and adolescent patients who struggle with acute symptoms of behavioral health disorders such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, psychosis, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This array of acute behavioral health services provides a level of care unparalleled in northeastern Pennsylvania, especially for children and adolescents. The facility represents an approximately $40 million investment in the community. “The need for behavioral health resources is a national issue that we also face here in northeastern Pennsylvania,” said Jaewon Ryu, M.D., J.D., Geisinger’s president and chief executive officer. “Geisinger is committed to making better health easier for all of the communities we serve, and we are excited to partner with Acadia to provide these much-needed services close to home for our patients.” “We’re thrilled to have an opportunity to introduce this new facility to Moosic and the surrounding communities,” said Debbie Osteen, chief executive officer of Acadia Healthcare. “We are so proud to work together to address a rising need in this area. This facility, like all in the Geisinger network, will become a strong member of the community, collaborating with all organizations, hospitals and first responders.” Geisinger and Acadia will open a similar facility in Danville, with construction slated to begin in 2022. These two new centers will allow Geisinger to consolidate inpatient behavioral health programs from Geisinger Medical Center, Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital and Geisinger Community Medical Center, providing additional capacity and expanded private room availability at those hospitals. Together, the new facilities are expected to create approximately 200 new jobs by 2024. Pictured in photo are: Matthew Walsh, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Geisinger; Jaewon Ryu, MD, JD, president and chief executive officer, Geisinger; Justin Coffey, MD, chair, psychiatry and behavioral health, Geisinger; Michael Genovese, MD, JD, chief medical officer, Acadia Healthcare; Isa Diaz, senior vice president of strategic affairs, Acadia Healthcare; John Hollinsworth, executive vice president of operations, Acadia Healthcare; Heather Acker, vice chair of the Geisinger Board of Directors; Virginia McGregor, chair of the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Board of Directors and member of the Geisinger Board of Directors.
