Johnson College Spring 2023 Semester President’s List

Dr. Katie Leonard, President & CEO of Johnson College, has announced the President’s List of students who have completed the 2023 Spring Semester with a grade point average of 3.90 or higher.

Laura Alleva-Cox, Automotive Technology, Archbald, PA

Jacob Banta, Automotive Technology, Trucksville, PA

Richard Christianson, Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology, Susquehanna, PA

Alyssa Crawford, Electrical Construction Technology, Jermyn, PA

Briana Curtis, Electrical Engineering Technology, Blakely, PA

Hezekiah Deitz, Electrical Construction Technology, Hamlin, PA

Brandon Grandinetti, Computer Information Technology, Olyphant, PA

Jared Hodorawis, Architectural Drafting & Design Technology, Honesdale, PA

Thomas Huffsmith, Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology, Factoryville, PA

Sean Hughes, Architectural Drafting & Design Technology, Moscow, PA

Anthony Kutchmanich, Physical Therapist Assistant, Greenfield Twp., PA

Samantha Leeuwen, Radiologic Technology, Springbrook Twp., PA

Jeremy Lewis, Radiologic Technology, Bear Creek, PA

Dustin McAllister, Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology, Scranton, PA

Jessica McKee, Radiologic Technology, Thornhurst, PA

Chase Notz, Computer Information Technology, Scranton, PA

Alexandra Nowicky, Radiologic Technology, Drums, PA

Christian Overholtz, Automotive Technology, Scranton, PA

John Ozark Jr., Diesel Truck Technology, Pittston Twp., PA

Evan Smith, Architectural Drafting & Design Technology, Tunkhannock, PA

Matthew Spiccioli, Electrical Construction Technology, Kingston, PA

Kamron VanWert, Architectural Drafting & Design Technology, Peckville, PA

Devin Walsh, Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology, Olyphant, PA

Kevin Williams, Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology, Eynon, PA

About Johnson College

Johnson College provides real-world, hands-on learning in a supportive environment and prepares graduates to enter into or advance in their in-demand careers. Johnson College was founded in 1912 and is the region’s only technical college, offering 18 associate degrees, four academic certificates, and over 30 continuing education programs. A low student-to-instructor ratio supports an emphasis on hands-on learning. Located in Scranton on a 44-acre campus with a satellite campus serving the greater Hazleton area, the College is an accredited, private, non-profit, co-educational institution with a strong tradition of working with regional businesses and industries to ensure a skilled and qualified workforce. For additional information on Johnson College, please call 1-800-2-WE-WORK, email enroll@johnson.edu, or visit Johnson.edu.

PennDOT Invites Students to Participate in Paint the Plow Program

Deadline for submissions is June 15, 2023

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is inviting high school students in the northeast region to participate in the annual Paint the Plow program. The program challenges youth to incorporate a statewide theme and incorporate it into an original mural that they paint on one of PennDOT’s snowplow blades to promote winter driving safety and foster appreciation for school art programs and student creativity.

The 2023 theme, “Seat belts are always in season,” was chosen to remind motorists that seat belts save lives and should be worn year-round.

Paint the Plow was piloted in Cambria County in 2015 and later expanded to several surrounding counties and across the state. In the northeast region last year, students in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Wyoming counties participated.

Students in public and private schools are eligible to participate, though school officials must make the arrangements. Plow delivery and pick-up dates vary by county. PennDOT may modify program categories based on participation numbers.

Additional information on the program, including the guidelines for participation, can be found online at www.penndot.pa.gov or obtained from Elizabeth Fabri at efabri@pa.gov or 570-963-3502 or Jessica Ruddy at jeruddy@Pa.gov or 570.963.4044.

PennDOT cannot provide financial support for supplies or travel expenses connected with this program but does make every effort to publicize the contributions of the schools and the students. This will include, but is not limited to, social media postings, postings on the PennDOT website, media press releases, and public displays at a local PennDOT facility. 

Subscribe to PennDOT news and traffic alerts in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Wyoming counties at www.penndot.pa.gov/District4.

Information about infrastructure in District 4, including completed work and significant projects, is available at www.penndot.pa.gov/D4Results.

Follow local PennDOT news on Twitter and like the department on Facebook and Instagram.

Educator in the Workplace Finishes 2023 Cohort

Scranton, PA—Skills in Scranton, the workforce development affiliate of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, concluded the 2023 Educator in the Workplace (EIW) program on Thursday, May 4. The program was partially funded by the City of Scranton American Rescue Plan (ARPA) Non-Profit COVID Relief Grant and sponsored by Pennsylvania American Water and the Scranton Area Community Foundation.

Twenty-six participants, including teachers, school counselors, principals, administrators, and school board directors, participated in the cohort, learning about Northeastern PA’s in-demand careers and industries. Various sessions included a State of the Workforce presentation, tour of the Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County, an in-depth look into manufacturing regionally, on-site business tours, presentations by CareerLink Lackawanna and a facilitated curriculum writing session.

“The EIW program provides an opportunity for educators to learn from and network with community business leaders and peers from adjacent school districts,” said Emily Pettinato, workforce development specialist, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. “Participants share best practices, career pathways resources and essential career skills that can be brought back to their districts and integrated into classroom instruction. The resources provided by the EIW program is supporting the development of a robust regional talent pipeline.”

Throughout the 2023 EIW program, the participants have applied what was learned during the program integrating basic workforce skills into classroom instruction. Takeaway lessons included interviewing, resume writing, clocking into class to earn credit, and simulating real-time workplace practices.

The Chamber and Skills in Scranton have begun preparations for next year’s EIW cohorts.  For more information or to register for future EIW programs, contact Emily Pettinato at epettinato@scrantonchamber.com or visit www.SkillsinScranton.com.

The 2023 Educator in the Workplace participants Include:

  1. Johanna Chorba, Scranton School District
  2. Thomas Murray, Scranton School District
  3. Hayley Miller, Scranton School District
  4. Laurie Marino, Valley View School District
  5. John Fox, Riverside School District
  6. Richard Hensel, Scranton School District
  7. Karlene Cicco, Scranton School District
  8. Bonnie Baker, Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County
  9. Samantha Masco, Carbondale Area School District
  10. Licia Olivetti, Carbondale Area School District
  11. Dalyana Gillette, Scranton School District
  12. John Ray, Scranton School District
  13. Nanine Gramigna, Scranton School District
  14. Jessica Norris, Scranton School District
  15. Gabrielle Pidgeon, Carbondale Area School District
  16. Amanda O’Brien, Scranton School District
  17. Carrie Wittenbrader, Western Wayne School District
  18. Jessica Capwell, NEIU19
  19. Melinda Arcuri, Marywood University Adult Basic Literacy Education Program
  20. Sandy Morahan, Forest City School District
  21. Teri Erdmann, Forest City School District
  22. Katelyn Phillips, Lakeland School District
  23. Larry Pegula, Valley View School District
  24. Lori Kelley, Valley View School District
  25. Christina Burak, Valley View School District
  26. Mary Swift, Scranton School District

About Skills in Scranton

Skills in Scranton, an affiliate organization of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, integrate workforce and economic development through collaborative partnerships, connecting industry and education to drive local economic prosperity.

About The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit organization that works to improve the area’s economic environment and quality of life by offering programs and services which stimulate economic growth, promote business prosperity and nurture educational opportunities. For more information about the Chamber, visit www.scrantonchamber.com.

Former Congressman Keynote at 154th Annual Chamber Dinner

Scranton, PA—The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce announced that the 154th Annual Dinner, presented by PNC Bank, will be held on Wednesday, May 24, at the Hilton Scranton & Conference Center.

The Annual Dinner celebrates the accomplishments of The Chamber’s past fiscal year and will feature a keynote presentation by Harold Ford, Jr, a former United States Congressman and executive vice president and regional president in New York with PNC Bank.

Ford is the executive vice president and regional president of PNC Bank, New York. In this role, he is responsible for new business development and deepening relationships with clients and community organizations. Prior to being named to his current role in February 2023, Ford served as vice chairman of Corporate & Institutional Banking (C&IB) for PNC Bank. Serving as a Congressman for 10 years (1997–2007), he represented the people of Tennessee’s 9th congressional district. He was on the House Financial Services, Budget, and Education Committee and a member of the Congressional Black Caucus.

Tickets for the annual dinner are available online at www.ScrantonChamber.com. The Chamber board of directors, staff, and membership looks forward to celebrating all that has been accomplished in the greater Scranton community.

About The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit organization that works to improve the area’s economic environment and quality of life by offering programs and services which stimulate economic growth, promote business prosperity and nurture educational opportunities. For more information about the Chamber, visit www.scrantonchamber.com.

Pocono Raceway Discount for Chamber Members

The Pocono Raceway offers Chamber members discounted tickets to the following events:

NASCAR Cup Series on Sunday, July 23
The Great Pocono Raceway Airshow on Saturday, May 27
The Great Pocono Raceway Airshow on Sunday, May 28

Chamber members can use code SCRANTON during checkout or use this link (using the link shows prices at the discounted rate) to purchase tickets.

Johnson College to Host Transfer Day on May 24

Johnson College is holding a Transfer Day on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, from 12 to 3 p.m. on its campus in Scranton, PA. The College is encouraging current college students that are interested in changing the direction of their education and ultimately their career path to visit its campus.

Students will meet with Enrollment, Financial Aid, Career Services, and Counseling and Disability Services representatives. In addition, staff members from the Registrar’s Office will be on-hand for transfer credit analyses and review potential schedules for the upcoming semester. Students will learn why Johnson College is the leader in hands-on education, how it exposes students to industry from day one, and how its two-year degree programs, focusing on careers in in-demand industries, have the highest return on investment in the short term. 

To attend Transfer Day at Johnson College, students must register online at https://johnson.edu/transfer/ or contact the College’s enrollment team at enroll@johnson.edu or (570) 702-8856.

Lackawanna College to Host Golf Tournament

The Lackawanna College Athletics Department announces the Lackawanna College Annual Golf Tournament. The 2023 tournament will be on Monday, June 5th, at Elmhurst Country Club in Moscow, PA.

The tournament starts with registration and lunch at 11:30 a.m. in the club house, followed by a 1:00 p.m. shotgun start. Hole sponsors, closest-to-the-pin contests, longest drive competitions, and more door prizes and raffles will be available for all attendees. At 6:00 p.m., dinner will be in the club house, with prizes awarded and raffle items drawn.

“Proceeds from this tournament will support the needs of our student-athletes through various athletic department programming,” Danny Berg Coordinator of Athletic Operations and Fundraising said. “It’s also a great opportunity for our supporters to see the faces of the athletics department and have a nice day golfing.”

The tournament is open to teams of four and individual golfers, starting at $200 for single golfer registration, and $800 for a team. The price includes golf, cocktails and reception at Elmhurst Country Club.

Golfers and their teams interested in participating are encouraged to visit www.lackawannafalcons.com/golftournament for registration. Parties interested in sponsoring the event can also find additional information on sponsorship packages and ways to get involved.

Misericordia University Announces New Facility Construction

Misericordia University announced today that renovation and construction has begun on a 38,000 square foot state-of-the-art facilty to house its popular Occupational Therapy (OT) and Physical Therapy (PT) programs. The new education and health care space will be within a renovated section of the former Mercy Center which is immediately adjacent to campus. The university and the Sisters of Mercy recently completed discussions for a long-term lease on the property, which formerly housed a skilled nursing facility that ceased operations in 2022.

The renovated building will feature separate and specially designed space for both the occupational therapy and physical therepy programs. Among the many features, the new facility will offer observation rooms and labs, state-of-the-art lecture rooms with interactive video capibilities, a home health lab, acute care lab, student lounges and flexible study rooms, capstone centers, and faculty offices, as well as clinic spaces where students and faculty will engage the community. .

“Our occupational and physical therapy programs have a long track record of preparing excellent clinical practicioners who care deeply about their patients,” says Daniel J. Myers, Ph.D., president. “This is a very special opportunity to utilize an existing building that is essentially on our campus to enhance both programs’ physical space. We appreciate the Sisters of Mercy working so closely with us on this opportunity following their decision to change the use of that facility.”

The $8.5 million dollar renovation started on March 16 with demolition of the interior walls, ceilings and mechanical systems. OT will be on the first and second floors while PT will occupy the third floor. Work will also be done on the entrance area to establish the building as a Misericordia University entity and create appropriate and secure access to adjoining housing for Sisters of Mercy. Twenty-five Sisters of Mercy still reside in an attached residential wing of the former Mercy Center. It is expected that work will be complete by December 2023 and ready for use by students in January 2024.

“Perhaps the most distinguishing charastics of our OT and PT programs, and what makes them the region’s premier programs, are the quality of our faculty and the quality of the student-faculty interactions,” says Barbara Schwartz-Bechet, Ph.D., dean of the College of Health Science and Education. “We had adequate space before, but this upgrade will add needed space to facilitate those excellent, existing student faculty interactions as well as keep up with cutting-edge technology and the demands of delivering a premier program.”

The Misericordia University Occupational Therapy department was first accredited in 1985 by the American Occupational Therapy Association. Currently, full-time, traditional students who successfuly complete the Bachelor’s of Science in Occupational Science (OS) degree, continue into the Master’s of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) degree track or the Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD) degree track. The program also offers a weekend entry-level master’s program for adult learners wishing to enter the field or occupational therapy assistants wishing to earn their master’s. A post-professional OTD program is also available for OT master’s holders looking to move to the doctoral level.

Misericordia University’s Physical Therapy Department a features a six-and-a-half year professional program resulting in a bachelor’s degree and a doctor of physical therapy (DPT) degree. Students can choose from a variety of disciplines for undergraduate study (pre-DPT). Students accepted into the pre-DPT program as freshmen are guaranteed progression into the DPT program as long as academic criteria are met; there is no need to re-apply to the graduate phase of the program.

The OT and PT programs are currently housed in the university’s Passan Hall, on lower campus at 100 Lake Street. Passan was the former Commonwealth Telephone headquarters and was repurposed in 2011 to house many of the unviersity’s health science progams, including Nursing, Speech-Language Pathology, Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapy. The relocation of OT and PT to the former Mercy Center will afford new opportunities to utilze the space they leave behind. A campus review is underway to determine the best use of that space.

Founded in 1924 by the Sisters of Mercy, Misericordia University is Luzerne County’s oldest four-year institution. The university offers dozes of academic programs on the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels in both full- and part-time formats from the College of Health Science and Educatoin, The College of Business, and the College of Arts and Sciences. For more information about Misericordia University, please call 570-674-6400 or visit www.misericordia.edu.

Mohegan Pennsylvania Rolls Out Enhanced Gift Card Program

Mohegan Pennsylvania has launched an Enhanced Gift Card Program, powered by eGIFTIFY. Through this program, guests will be able to order and send customizable digital and traditional gift cards that can be used for shopping, dining, entertainment, the hotel at Mohegan Pennsylvania and the spa.

“We are very excited about this partnership with eGIFTIFY, and to be the first gaming destination in Northeast Pennsylvania to offer digital gift cards to our guests,” said Tony Carlucci, President & GM of Mohegan Pennsylvania. “This innovative way of sending gift cards to friends and family is not only convenient, but it’s timely and secure.”

Digital gift cards can be purchased directly at moheganpa.com/giftcards and can be sent to recipients via email, SMS, Facebook or by printing a copy of the order. Traditional gift cards are also available for purchase via the Enhanced Gift Card Program and can be shipped to recipients. Gift cards cannot be used towards gaming and cannot be purchased with Momentum Dollars.

My Benefit Advisor on Finding the Right Health Plan

Offering the right mix of benefits to employees is a daunting task for almost any company.  Yet most business owners understand the importance and value a strong employee benefit portfolio has on their company’s growth and overall success.  But choosing the best benefits is only part of the story.  Choosing the right insurance carriers to provide those benefits is not only the other part of the story, but an often undervalued aspect as well.

When evaluating different carriers for benefit plans, there are several things employers should consider prior to making a decision.  While working with a benefits broker or consultant will greatly simplify this process, it is ultimately up to the business owner to assure the carrier selection is the best fit for their company.  Here are a few points to consider:

Carrier Credentials…In addition to checking that carriers are licensed to do business in any state(s) with client locations, decision makers should also seek assurance that the carrier is financially sound and meets all state requirements such as those involving required premium reserve levels. 

Diversity of Products and Services…Most companies today, especially those with more than a few employees, tend to offer multiples plan options for their employees to choose from.  The right carrier should have a wide portfolio of plans available for any group.  Which of those plans should be in the company benefit package?  That should be based on the specific demographics of each business, the health care needs of that population and the company budget.

Provider Networks…Prior to including a plan in the company’s benefit portfolio, the decision maker should be assured that employees and their families will be comfortable choosing from the physicians and hospitals within the provider’s network.

Cost Competitiveness…This is obvious, but with all other factors being equal, the plan premiums for both the company and it’s employees are a major factor in any decision to choose or bypass a carrier.

Level of Technology…Online access to health information, digital tools and monitoring and other technology can assist in the management of health issues, taking stress away from employees seeking enhanced well-being and providing employers utilization based savings in the process.

Customer Service Experience…Research the level of personalized customer service that the provider offers members.  Especially in smaller businesses, where there are fewer if any human resource personnel for employees to turn to for help with claim issues, a friendly, responsive and effective call center can make or break the employee experience.

The The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce offers its members access to My Benefit Advisor as a solution for employee benefits, including voluntary offerings. For more information about My Benefit Advisor, visit our website at gscc.mybenefitadvisor.com or contact Dawn Card at (800) 377-3539.