Morristell Receives 2023 Change Maker Award

On Thursday, June 15, Nicole Morristell, executive director of Leadership Lackawanna received the 2023 Change Makers Awards presented by the Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce. The award was presented at Light up the Valley, held at Public Square Park in Wilkes-Barre.

Morristell and 40 community influencers were recognized for their outstanding efforts to make NEPA a brighter place. Through her efforts, Morristell impacts the community by being an advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion; volunteerism and innovation—improving the quality of life in the greater Scranton region.

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.

About Leadership Lackawanna
Leadership Lackawanna, an affiliate of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, is a 501(c)(3) charitable, nonprofit organization in northeastern Pennsylvania dedicated to community leadership and professional development. Leadership’s six programs: Tomorrow’s Leaders Today, Leadership Collegiate, Core, Leadership Fundamentals 2.0, Executive, and Welcome Scranton!—enhance the skills, connections, and knowledge of emerging and established leaders, enabling them better to serve our communities, workplaces, and organizations. Established in 1982, Leadership Lackawanna has created more than 2,500 community leaders. For more information, visit www.leadershiplackawanna.com.

Maternal and Family Health Services Circle of Care Now Open

Maternal and Family Health Services held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for its Circle of Care, a one-stop healthcare and nutrition location in Scranton. Congressman Matt Cartwright was honored at the event with the Distinguished Public Service Award in recognition of securing $2.1 million in community project funding for the new facility.

MFHS Circle of Care offers a maternal home model of care, which includes the following services in one location:

  • Pregnancy Care
  • Reproductive Health Care
  • The WIC Nutrition Program
  • The Nurse-Family Partnership
  • Dental Care
  • Mammograms and Cancer Screening
  • Primary Care (well and sick visits)
  • Pediatric Care (well and sick visits, vaccinations)
  • Behavioral Health Care

For more information go to https://www.mfhs.org/ or to schedule an appointment, call 1-570-961-5550.

UCP of NEPA Summit Slam Pickleball Tournament

United Cerebral Palsy of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UCP of NEPA) will host the “Summit Slam Pickleball Tournament for UCP of NEPA” from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 22, at Birchwood Tennis and Fitness Center, 105 Edella Rd., Clarks Summit. The event is a non-sanctioned, round-robin tournament of men’s, women’s, and mixed teams. Teams will enjoy playing on eight newly-surfaced, indoor Nova® hard pickleball courts and will have access to modern clubhouse facilities. All players will receive an official tournament shirt, player gift bag, bottled water, and a free drink coupon for a beverage from the exclusive event drink menu at the “Clink & Dink Tournament Eve Happy Hour

The “Clink & Dink Tournament Eve Happy Hour” will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, July 21, at Andy Gavin’s Eatery & Pub, 1392 N. Washington Ave., Scranton. This event will include pickle-themed drink specials, food, raffles, and more. Prior to the event, any guest who makes a $10 donation via UCP of NEPA’s website, www.ucpnepa.org, will receive a free drink coupon for an item from the exclusive event drink menu.

There also will be a basket and gift card raffle of prizes from restaurants, businesses, and more located throughout northeastern Pennsylvania. Chances may be purchased at either event or online at www.ucpnepa.org.

For more information, please contact Mrs. Jackie Galvin, M.S., director of communications and development, at j.galvin@ucpnepa.org or 570-347-3357, ext. 33.

To register to play or to provide sponsorship or donation, visit www.ucpnepa.org.

All event proceeds will be used to fund programs to help children with special needs develop their skills and abilities through UCP of NEPA’s children’s service center, Clarks Summit.

Johnson College to Host Celebration of Industry

Johnson College will host its first-ever Celebration of Industry event on September 7, 2023, on the College’s Scranton campus. The event will honor David Boniello ’84, President of Simplex Industries, as the recipient of the President’s Spirit of Giving Award for his leadership and contributions to Johnson College and the region.

Johnson College’s Celebration of Industry is a signature fundraising event that celebrates the unique relationship between the College and its industry partners. Each year, an industry partner will be honored for work as an industry champion and for playing a vital role in supporting the College’s students and the community. Proceeds from the event will benefit the College’s Innovation at Work Capital Campaign to improve programs and facilities for student success.

The President’s Spirit of Giving Award is an artistic representation of the community, students, and the College made of steel and welded together in a flowing 3D design. The award was designed and created by members of the College’s Welding Department including Tony DeLucca, Welding Technology Program Director, Ben Lipperini, Welding Instructor, and Josh Perniciaro, Welding Instructor.

Mr. Boniello is a native of Dunmore, Pa., and graduated from Johnson College with an Associate Degree in Building Construction Technology in 1984. He became an active member of the College community by participating in its Program Advisory Committees, as a member of the Board of Directors in 2008, and became the first alum to be named Chair of the Board of Directors in 2016.

Mr. Boniello worked on the College’s first capital campaign from 2009 to 2014, helping to raise over $5.1 million, and currently chairs the College’s $5 million five-year capital campaign, Innovation at Work, launched in 2021. He played an instrumental role in the College’s nationwide search for the current President and CEO, Dr. Katie Leonard.

Mr. Boniello has been part of the Simplex team for over 30 years. Throughout his professional career, he rose through positions in sales and management before being appointed to Vice President of Simplex, where he focused on developing and maintaining relationships with large-scale customers. He oversaw the company’s largest apartment and townhome projects across the Mid-Atlantic region. He was promoted to President in 2022. Furthermore, in 2005, he was an instrumental part of the company’s efforts to launch its own retail division for home sales called Cornerstone Building Solutions Inc. of which he currently serves in the capacity of President.

In addition to his commitment to Johnson College, Boniello is a former board member of the Lackawanna Home Builders Association and Home Builders Association of Northeastern Pennsylvania, along with the Women’s Resource Center Golf Tournament Committee.

Simplex Industries has been an industry partner of Johnson College for over 25 years. The partnership benefits both organizations and most importantly, the local community. Through collaborative efforts with NeighborWorks of Northeastern Pennsylvania and the Lackawanna County Area on Aging, the College and Simplex are involved with the Elder Cottage Housing Opportunity (ECHO). The project allows older adults to remain close to family or caretakers as they age by placing cottages on their properties. These structures are designed and built by Johnson College students and members of the Simplex team.

To learn about available sponsorship opportunities for the Celebration of Industry, please contact Karen Baker, Senior Director of College Advancement, at kbaker@johnson.edu or (570) 702-8908.

Janney Montgomery Scott, LLC Named Finalist in WealthManagement.com Industry Awards

Janney Montgomery Scott, LLC Named Finalist in WealthManagement.com Industry Awards acknowledges and celebrates the companies, individuals, and organizations who demonstrate outstanding achievement in support of financial advisor success. Janney Montgomery Scott, LLC was named a finalist in four categories this year: Corporate Social Responsibility, Transition Support, Technology, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

The Chamber to Host Summer Business Card Exchange

The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce will host its Summer Business Card Exchange on Wednesday, June 28, from 5–7 p.m. at High Tines Archery at 116 Monahan Ave., Dunmore.

High Tines is a family-run archery pro shop and shooting range with owners who have over 20 years of experience in the archery and outdoor industry. While immersed in a unique outdoors-themed setting, members of The Chamber can make new connections, expand their professional network, and enjoy complimentary beverages and lite snacks. Members who attend the event can enter their business cards to win a door prize. Register for the June 28 Business Card Exchange by visiting https://www.scrantonchamber.com/events/business-card-exchange-at-high-tines-archery/.

Professional networking often serves as a foundation for a successful business, which is why The Chamber regularly opens such opportunities to its members. If you want to join this strong community of leaders, please visit www.scrantonchamber.com or call (570) 342–7711 for more information.

About The High Tines Archery and Outdoors
High Tines Archery is a family-owned and operated pro shop and indoor archery range. The owners, Greg and Maria, along with their children and family members, work closely with customers to provide individual attention to each person that walks through the door. Greg, with 20+ years in the archery and outdoors industry, and Maria, with 20+ years as an educator in secondary schools, use their knowledge and skills to provide adults and children with enjoyable and informative experiences.

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.

Geisinger to Continue Maternity Needs for NEPA

With the recent announcement that Wilkes-Barre General Hospital will close its labor and delivery services, Geisinger wants to assure the communities of northeastern Pennsylvania that Geisinger will work hard to fill that care gap.

Rest assured that labor and delivery services will continue at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre and Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton.

Leaders from both Geisinger facilities are holding recruitment events in hopes of filling staff vacancies and bolstering our OB-GYN services throughout the northeast. Teams are finding ways to create additional space to accommodate a potential volume increase in births. Logistical plans for providing transportation quickly and effectively for a mother and child are also being put in place.

Geisinger accepts all major insurances, including Aetna, Cigna, Highmark, United Healthcare and Medicare.

Geisinger will stay true to its mission to make better health easier for families in the communities we serve. Mothers-to-be who need to make a birthing plan can contact Geisinger to schedule an appointment by calling 570-808-7916.

Geisinger also offers full OB-GYN and Women’s Health services at our outpatient Women’s Health clinics in Luzerne and Lackawanna counties. To find a provider near you, visit providers.geisinger.org, type in your zip code and search women’s health or pregnancy.

Keystone Mission Receives Donation from Wegmans Food Market

In the last six months, Wegmans in Wilkes-Barre has supported Keystone Mission’s Transformation Center through the Make a Meal Program.

One of the five structured pillars of Keystone Mission’s Transformation Center is Life Skills Training. Part of this programming includes residents learning how to make meals for healthy living. Trained by staff and volunteers, residents are then given a weekly allowance to budget, purchase food at a local grocery store, and prepare meals.

Wegmans is one of the local partnerships that has provided residents the ability to shop locally and reap the benefits of healthy living through healthy eating.