Hospice of the Sacred Heart Relocating to Hybrid Workplace in Montage Hospice of the Sacred Heart is relocating their Wilkes-Barre administrative office and their Moosic Center for Education to a large, very modern and technology-ready space with offices and multi-purpose rooms at 53 Glenmaura National Boulevard in Moosic. The new space is on the first floor of the Cigna Building high atop Montage Mountain. The relocation follows a decision to transition to a hybrid workplace for most administrative employees. Clinical, social, pastoral and bereavement services are not affected by the relocation. “The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic requires that we work differently and apart as much as possible. Most administrative employees will perform a majority of their daily duties remotely,” said Diane Baldi, Chief Executive Officer, Hospice of the Sacred Heart. The new location will have work stations, meeting rooms and multi-purpose rooms for work and activities that cannot be performed remotely. “The future of work is hybrid. I believe many healthcare organizations will adopt our new work plan in some form,” Baldi said. Hospice of the Sacred Heart, a 501(c)(3) Pennsylvania nonprofit organization, opened in 2003 and was located at 130 Wilkes-Barre Boulevard in Wilkes-Barre. Unprecedented growth occurred shortly afterwards and the agency moved to 600 Baltimore Drive, Wilkes-Barre, in 2007. Hospice of the Sacred Heart also operates a 10-bed inpatient unit at 100 William Street in Dunmore. The mission of Hospice of the Sacred Heart is to provide comfort, care, hope and choice to patients and their families, while guiding them through the end of life journey.
Geisinger Hospitals Going Pink This October A study funded by the American Cancer Society found that annual mammograms substantially reduce the risk of dying from breast cancer. The study, published in the journal Radiology, comes at a critical time, as a staggering number of women have missed their regular mammogram over the past 18 months due to the COVID-19 pandemic.This October, in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness month, Geisinger is doing its part to raise awareness about the importance of early breast cancer detection. Geisinger hospitals across Central Pennsylvania will be lit pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the millions of people and families who have battled and are battling the disease.All Geisinger Health Plan members will receive a pair of pink socks in the mail to remind them and their loved ones to schedule their annual mammograms. Geisinger is also sending automated phone messages that connect members with its customer care team for easy mammogram scheduling.“Mammography detects breast cancer early, before symptoms become obvious. Mammograms can also detect benign (non-cancerous) breast disease such as cysts and fibroadenomas. The American College of Radiology and other leading health groups have determined that the most lives are saved with annual mammograms beginning at age 40. Your doctor may recommend starting earlier if you have a family history or other risk factors.” said Dr. Rosemary Leeming, director of the Breast Program, Geisinger.In 2019, Geisinger unveiled its mobile mammography unit, and the pink bus will continue to help patients in underserved areas this year – a convenient way to schedule mammogram appointments.“This October, let us all remember the loved ones we have lost to breast cancer, support those in treatment, and reaffirm our commitment to raising awareness on the importance of early detection of breast cancer in our communities,” added Dr. Leeming.For more information on mammograms and breast cancer care, visit geisinger.org/breastcare to schedule your mammogram.
PennDOT Invites Pennsylvanians to Share Feedback The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is accepting construction and maintenance services feedback through an online survey. The public can take the survey through October 26 at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2021PDConstruction. “Through collaborative efforts, we maintain our transportation network while also planning and executing statewide transportation improvements,” PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian said. “This survey will help us understand needs measure public expectations and identify educational opportunities.” The 20-question survey asks how they receive PennDOT roadway information and how often PennDOT meets or exceeds expectations in construction and maintenance activities. Respondents are also asked about experiences with reporting concerns to the department, and whether or how they use the state’s 511PA traveler information services. The public can check 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. 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. Information on projects occurring or being bid this year is viewable at www.projects.penndot.gov. Visit the “Regional Offices” page at www.penndot.gov to sign up for travel alerts in a specific area. Subscribe to statewide PennDOT news and traffic alerts at www.penndot.gov/news or choose a region under “Regional Offices.” Information about the state’s infrastructure and results the department is delivering for Pennsylvanians can be found at www.penndot.gov/results. Find PennDOT’s planned and active construction projects at www.projects.penndot.gov. Follow PennDOT on Twitter and like the department on Facebook and Instagram.
The University of Scranton Receives $1 Million Donation From left: Jacquelyn Dionne and John Dionne receive the President’s Medal at the President’s Business Council dinner in 2013. The University of Scranton’s Kania School of Management announced a gift of $1 million from John D. Dionne ’86 and Jacquelyn Dionne ‘89. The generous donation will be used to name and support two Kania honors programs: the Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program; and the Robert L. McKeage Business Leadership Honors Program. The fund will support the growing Study Abroad program and other activities for students in these two honors programs, as well as other students enrolled in the Kania School of Management. The Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program and the Robert L. McKeage Business Leadership Honors Program are among the University’s five undergraduate programs of excellence. The Business Honors Program is a selective four-year program geared toward highly-motivated undergraduate students interested in pursuing academic excellence in business who will pursue honors studies in the areas of economics, entrepreneurship, operations management, accounting, finance, international business, marketing and management. The Business Leadership Honors Program is a highly-selective program students enter in their junior year. Participants explore the basic theories and concepts of leadership through special seminars and courses in management, ethics, strategy and analysis, in addition to field trips to learn from top executives and projects in leadership, service and mentoring. For over twenty-five years, the Dionnes have been good friends and generous benefactors of The University of Scranton and the Kania School of Management. The Dionnes were co-recipients of the 2013 University President’s Medal and were the driving force behind creating the Kania School Business Leader Hall of Fame. The green located at the heart of the University’s campus is named in their honor. “I can’t thank you enough for your generosity and steadfast support. You are an example to our students and your fellow graduates and an inspiration to me.” said Joseph G. Marina, S.J., University president, upon announcing the gift at his Inauguration as Scranton’s 29th president on Sept. 24. A native of Scranton, Jackie Dionne is a registered nurse and received her bachelor’s degree in health administration from the University. She currently serves as an RN with elderly and Alzheimer’s patients. Jackie Dionne serves on the University’s Board of Trustees and previously served on its board from 2011 to 2017. She works with numerous charitable organizations, including the National Charity League, Horizons Organization of Bridgeport and Meals on Wheels. A New Hampshire native, John Dionne graduated with a bachelor’s degree in economics/finance and accounting from the University and later earned an MBA from Harvard Business School. A very successful business executive, he retired in 2013 as a senior managing director from the Blackstone Group. He currently serves as a senior advisor to Blackstone, is a senior lecturer at the Harvard Business School, and a director of Fortune 500 companies. A former chair of the University’s Board of Trustees, John Dionne, helped launch the President’s Business Council and the annual award dinner. A frequent speaker in the Kania School of Management’s Executive in Residence program and other leading universities, he was recently ranked among Harvard’s top 50 most prominent alumni. “We are grateful to honor two of the long-time icons of the Kania School in current Professor Dr. Robert McKeage and the late Dr. Frank Corcione. They share a demanding Jesuit philosophical ideal, illustrated by the quote of St. Luke – ‘from whom much is given, much is expected,’” said John Dionne. “Dr. Corcione was demanding but cared, and motivated students to give it their all. Wall Street is awash with ‘Corcione products.’” “Additionally, we are pleased to enhance the rapidly growing demand by students for semesters abroad by making them more affordable. We believe the program is a life-changing experience and an exciting complement to a University of Scranton Catholic and Jesuit education,” added Jackie Dionne. “Dr. McKeage is award-winning, dedicated faculty member, who always places student learning first.”
Penn East FCU Shredding Day: October 21 Penn East FCU will host a FREE on-site Shredding Day from 10am –2pm in the Scranton Office parking lot at 441 N. 7th Avenue. This is a great time of the year to get rid of tax documents, credit card and bank statements, and other items which could be used to commit identity theft.Acceptable documents for shredding are limited to confidential and sensitive materials. Non-confidential materials such as books, magazines, newspapers, and other items should be recycled through your local municipal recycling program.
Scranton Fringe Casting Actors and Dancers for Special Winter Performance Scranton Fringe, in tandem with Lackawanna County Arts & Culture Department, Lackawanna Markets, and numerous other community partners, is thrilled to announce an original, outdoor theatrical performance set to take place on the Lackawanna Courthouse Square in Downtown Scranton this winter!The performance is an original work, created and produced by Scranton Fringe. Colorful performances, a large outdoor set, and a tiny bit of winter-themed magic will bring this unique production to life.All dialogue, underscoring, and sound effects will be professionally pre-recorded. All performers will lipsynch this outdoor performance to ensure proper sound levels and smooth technical operations. All types of actors/performers and dancers, with a variety of skillsets and creative backgrounds, are encouraged to apply! Please note you do not have to be both an actor and dancer to apply.REHEARSALS:The first few rehearsals/production meetings will be held over Zoom for additional COVID safety and to minimize the time required by the performers. Rehearsals will begin in November and will be set as best as possible by group consensus and availability. Applicants should not be actively involved in another production at this time without letting Fringe know during the submission process.Tech & dress rehearsals will occur on-site in downtown Scranton Monday, November 29th thru Thursday, December 2nd.PERFORMANCE DATES/TIMES:Friday, December 3rd, 6:30 pm & 7:30 pmSaturday, December 4th, 5 pm & 6 pmEach performance is approx. 15 minutes in length and call time for both performance dates are 1 hour before the first show.SUBMISSION PROCESS & PAYMENT:Actors of all types and dancers/movement artists are strongly encouraged to apply by emailing their headshot, resume, and any links to past work to info@scrantonfringe.org. Links to work that includes the actor’s voice are encouraged though not required.We expect to have our full casting announced by/around the week of October 22nd, 2021.Actors aged 16-17 may submit only if they have / can present parents permission.Each hired performer will receive a $325 stipend (paid approx. 2 weeks following the last performance).All performers for this special project will be asked to provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 and periodic testing may be required to ensure as safe a work environment as possible. We will notify all who apply if they have been offered a role or not.
Griffin Pond Animal Shelter Wag-O-Ween Postponed Griffin Pond Animal Shelter has made the difficult decision to cancel its inaugural Wag-O-Ween 5K and Pet Costume Parade which was scheduled to take place Saturday, Oct. 16, at McDade Park, Scranton. Despite positive public reception of the event, advance race and pet costume registrations were not high enough to make the events engaging and competitive for participants. Seeing a pattern in lower turnout amongst other local races, shelter officials believe concerns about COVID-19 and the highly transmissible delta variant may have impacted event registration. While shelter officials are disappointed they needed to cancel this year’s event, they are planning to have the event next fall. For more information, please contact Jackie Galvin, M.S., development and communications director, at 570-586-3700, ext. 522 or jackie@griffinpondas.com.
Chamber Announces Fall 2021 SAGE Awards Finalists Today, we announced the finalists for the Fall 2021 SAGE Awards, the Scranton Awards for Growth and Excellence. The SAGE Awards honor outstanding local businesses for their talent, creativity, and innovation. The winners will be announced on Friday, November 12 at the Chamber Gala, a black-tie optional event held safely at the Hilton Scranton & Conference Center and presented by Fidelity Bank. More than 80 applications were received for this year’s awards and 50 community leaders and professionals volunteered to review applications and select finalists. The Chamber is proud to honor businesses that are making valuable contributions to the region and contributing to our overall quality of life. The finalists, in each category, are: BEST PRACTICES IN COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT• Pioneer Construction Company Inc.• Posture Interactive• Scranton Area Community FoundationBEST PRACTICES IN CUSTOMER SERVICE• Center City Print• Hilton Scranton & Conference Center• theKIMMY BEST PRACTICES IN MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS• Fidelity Bank• Horizon Dental Care• The Honesdale National Bank BUSINESS OF THE YEAR• FNCB Bank• Golden Technologies• Posture Interactive HOMETOWN STAR• Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA• Scranton Jazz Festival• Scranton Tomorrow IMPACT: COMMUNITY OUTREACH• Friends of the Poor• NeighborWorks of Northeastern Pennsylvania• The University of Scranton IMPACT: PEOPLE AND CULTURE• Golden Technologies• Hematology & Oncology Associates of Northeastern Pennsylvania, PC• The Settlers Inn IMPACT: PRODUCTS AND SERVICES• Friends of the Poor• Montage Mountain Resorts• One Point, Inc. NEW AND EMERGING BUSINESS OF THE YEAR• CTB Studio• Epic Revenue Consultants• Reed Advisory Group NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR• Agency for Community EmPOWERment of NEPA• Miller-Keystone Blood Center• Treatment Court Advocacy Center of Lackawanna County SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR• Center City Print• Noteology• Quest Studio Congrats to all finalists!! The recipient of each award will be announced on Friday, November 12 at the Chamber Gala, a black-tie optional event held safely at the Hilton Scranton & Conference Center. GALA TICKETS In addition, all award finalists can also win the People’s Choice Award, where the winner will be chosen by a community wide online vote on our website from Monday, November 1 through Friday, November 5.
Lackawanna College President Named to Ben Franklin Technology Partners Board Lackawanna College President Dr. Jill Murray has been selected as a member of the Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania (BFTP/NEP) Board of Directors. BFTP/NEP has led tech-based economic growth in the region for more than 35 years. “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve on the Ben Franklin Technology Partners Board of Directors,” said Dr. Murray. “The appointment is an honor and I look forward to collaborating with this innovative organization to support our local economy and encourage the growth of new businesses within our region.” “We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Jill Murray to our board,” said Angelo J. Valletta, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania. “Her deep experience and thoughtful perspectives will be a great asset to our organization.” Dr. Jill Murray became the ninth and first female president of Lackawanna College on July 1, 2020. Prior to serving as president, Dr. Murray served as the College’s executive vice president and chief innovation officer from 2012 to July 1, 2020. From 2008-2012, she operated as the College’s vice president of academic affairs, where she was responsible for developing and overseeing all of Lackawanna College’s academic curricula. During her time at Lackawanna, Dr. Murray has helped double the student population, increased student retention and graduation rates, expanded online learning options, and lead the creation of academic programming and support services. She also implemented a strategic planning process at the College. Dr. Murray is the catalyst behind Lackawanna College’s successful esports program, one of NEPA’s first programs of its kind. Dr. Murray also assisted with the formation of the award-winning Level Up program, which allows high school students to affordably begin their college education and potentially complete an associate degree by high school graduation. Due to the success of the Level Up program, Lackawanna College was named one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies in 2021 by Fast Company.
