2024-25 Educator in the Workplace Announces New Cohort The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce’s workforce development affiliate, Skill in Scranton, announces the 2024-25 Educator in the Workplace (EIW) cohort. Designed to bridge the gap between education and industry, EIW fosters collaboration between educators, school leadership, and officials to local businesses to enhance classroom instruction, student learning, and workforce readiness. The cohort welcomes a diverse group of participants, including K–12 educators, school counselors, administrators, adult program teachers, school board directors, superintendents, and principals from across northeastern Pennsylvania. Cohort participants are as follows: Bonnie Baker, Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County Lisa Bath, Abington Heights School District Joanne Beauvais, Merakey Education Center Gena Bensinger, Northeast Intermediate Unit 19 William Buza, Mid Valley School District Amy Capman, Mid Valley School District Jessica Capwell, Northeast Intermediate Unit 19 Brian Carey, Scranton School District Tara Carey, Scranton School District Mary Kate Culkin, Scranton School District Arianne DelSordo, Old Forge School District Kaylee Dunning, Carbondale Area School District Terri Erdmann, Forest City Regional School District William Freeman, Lakeland School District Dalyana Gillette, Scranton School District Nanine Gramigna, Scranton School District Andrea Gross, Scranton School District Lynn Harding, Scranton School District Jennifer Herman, Scranton School District Ryan Hnat, Scranton School District Maria Hurst, Scranton School District Jessica Judge, Scranton School District Jane Kabuiku, SCI Waymart Christine Kallinger-Allen, Abington Heights School District Stephanie Klinkel, Scranton School District Samantha Krenitsky, Scranton School District Shannon Kuchak, Lackawanna Trail School District Melissa Lavelle, Old Forge School District Christopher Lazor, Riverside School District Buford Lively, Northeast Intermediate Unit 19 Emily Lutz, Scranton School District Laurie Marino, Valley View School District Katie McCarthy, Scranton School District Christine Menichini, Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County Marie Merkel, Scranton School District Sandy Morahan, Forest City Regional School District Landon Morey, Montrose Area School District Janelle Nestrick, Scranton School District Jessica Norris, Scranton School District Kathleen Nycz, Old Forge School District Carm Perri, Carbondale Area School District Cynthia Petrucci, Scranton School District Amy Petty, Abington Heights School District Gabrielle Pidgeon, Carbondale Area School District Sheri Ransom, Mountain View School District John Ray, Scranton School District Kayla Record, S.E.E.D. Planning Group Kerri Ruddy Archer, Scranton School District Kylene Sautner, Scranton School District Bernadette Schumacher, Mid Valley School District Renee Vigil, Forest City Regional School District Shauna Williams, Blue Ridge School District Tim Wolff, Scranton School District Marc Wyandt, Lakeland School District The Chamber and Skills in Scranton leadership congratulates each member of the cohort and looks forward to their positive impact on the community’s education landscape. The educators will have the unique opportunity to collaborate with local businesses and industry leaders, gaining firsthand knowledge to inspire and prepare their students for today’s and tomorrow’s workplace.
Gino J. Merli Center Celebrates 30 Years on Veterans’ Day The Gino J. Merli Veterans’ Center will celebrate both its 30th anniversary and Veteran’s Day weekend by lighting up the sky with a drone display. This is the first drone display of this magnitude in the City of Scranton. The event will take place at the Gino J. Merli Center in Scranton on Friday, November 8, 2024 at 7pm. Sponsors and donations are gladly accepted, and proceeds benefit the Gino J. Merli Resident Welfare Fund. Please contact Volunteer Resource Coordinator Janice McAllister for more information at (570) 961-4380 or janmcallis@pa.gov
The Dime Bank Supports Pocono Environmental Education Center The Dime Bank is proud to announce a $9,000.00 donation to the Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) through the PA Department of Community and Economic Development’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit to support their hands-on environmental education programs for local school students. “The Dime Bank is committed to supporting initiatives that promote environmental education and sustainability,” said President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Bochnovich. “We believe that investing in the future of our planet is essential, and PEEC’s programs are a valuable resource for our community’s young people.” PEEC’s mission is to inspire, educate, and empower people to care for the natural world. Through their innovative programs, students have the opportunity to explore the wonders of nature, learn about environmental issues, and develop a deeper appreciation for the planet. Director of Development Amanda Subjin stated, “We are so thankful for the support of The Dime Bank through the EITC program. The majority of the funding we receive through these donations is dedicated towards providing hands-on environmental education programming to local school students either by visiting their classroom or when they come to PEEC for a field trip. How exciting for students to connect with their local national recreation area!”
Indraloka Announces Free Fall Events for October NEPA’s first farmed animal sanctuary and wellness center for people, is hosting FREE events throughout the fall. These events offer visitors the opportunity to experience a fun and inspiring environment, meet new friends, and learn about ways to create healthier lifestyles for themselves, their families, and the future. On Thursday, September 26th, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., the Sanctuary Sunrise Social invites people to enjoy a free continental breakfast in Indraloka’s beautiful Art Barn while meeting and mingling with other local businesses. Those interested can also join a complimentary sanctuary tour immediately following. On Friday, October 4th, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., we’re hosting an Open Mic and Karaoke Night, sponsored by the Lackawanna County Arts & Culture Department. Musicians, poets, comedians, singers, and raconteurs are invited to showcase their talents. Snacks and beverages are included. On Saturday, October 12th, from 10 a.m. to noon, Public Volunteer Day is designed for those interested in spending time with the beloved animals of Indraloka while helping out with light chores. It’s a great opportunity to test drive volunteering regularly or just for the day. If you’ve always wanted to know what it’s like to volunteer, here’s your chance! Monthly donors to Indraloka are invited to free Circle of Compassion tours twice yearly. On September 28th, we’ll host a special tour with plenty of photo ops with the animals. Existing monthly donors can email info@indraloka.org for details on how to register. Not a monthly donor? Becoming one is easy. Just click this link and choose a wonderful animal to sponsor. “Indraloka’s free events are the perfect way to check us out and see what we’re all about. Even though we’ve been in NEPA for nearly 20 years now, many are unaware we’re here. And those who do know about us often don’t realize we are much more than a farmed animal sanctuary. We offer a place of peace, healing, and fun for everyone, including people of all ages and abilities,” Indraloka founder Indra Lahiri, PhD, says. Indraloka hosts a wide variety of family-friendly events weekly. Low-cost summer and day camps help ease the financial burden of providing healthy, fun activities for children. Indraloka’s NEPA Rescue Veterinary Clinic provides low-cost veterinary care for animal companions in income-qualified households and low-cost spaying and neutering to all animals. The clinic also provides low-cost care to animals in other shelters and assists communities with their Trap, Neuter, and Release programs that help manage feral cat populations. This past weekend, Leslie Interlandi, DVM, Director of Indraloka’s vet clinic, neutered 48 feral cats, thereby reducing the potential feral population by thousands of cats. But it is Indraloka’s work serving people where we have made the most significant strides. This year, Indraloka introduced programs that help people build resilience and overcome trauma, depression, and anxiety. Studies show that people can experience greater well-being through a holistic approach to mental health, including animal-assisted and nature therapy. Dr. Lahiri’s background in organizational psychology and her work in developing trauma-informed education and leadership workshops inform every program and activity Indraloka offers. Dr. Lahiri is available for in-person and phone interviews. Please call 570-855-8440.
PennDOT Invites Pennsylvanians to Share Feedback on Construction, Maintenance Services The statewide survey is available until October 22. 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 22 by visiting 2024 PennDOT Construction/Maintenance Customer Satisfaction Survey. Construction and maintenance work has been underway across the state this year. From January through August, 303 bridges were put out for bid to be repaired, replaced, or preserved by PennDOT or industry forces. Additionally, from January through August more than 3,100 roadway miles were improved by department or partner crews. This includes 1,114 miles of paving. “PennDOT is working hard for Pennsylvanians every day, and work on our roads and bridges is one of our largest services in our communities,” PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll said. “This survey is one way the public can help us find successes, potential improvements, or educational opportunities.” The 24-question survey asks respondents 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. Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, 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 X alerts.
Save the Date for Fall Winefest Attention wine lovers! Next weekend, Saturday October 5th from Noon until 5pm, Montage Mountain is having their annual Fall Winefest inside and around the main lodge. It’s the perfect way to get out and enjoy a fall day in NEPA as the seasons change. Sample and purchase wine from two dozen wineries, enjoy shopping, food trucks, live music and more as you stroll the festival grounds. Tickets include all your wine samples and start at just $39 each. For all the details or to grab tickets, go to bit.ly/mmfallwinefest. Cheers!
The Third TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty Cohort Selects Eight Participants The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, Lackawanna County, and Ben Franklin Technology Partners of NEPA are proud to announce the start of the third cohort and participants of TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty. “The mission of The Chamber is to attract, sustain, and grow business in our region. TechCelerator @Lackawanna is a perfect example of how together with Lackawanna County and Ben Franklin Technology Partners. We are providing an entrepreneurial ecosystem to nurture the growth of small businesses in our region,” shared Bob Durkin. In another round of competitive application process, eight new participants were chosen. All eight were selected for their unique for-profit, tech-based business ideas, commitment to completing the 10-week program, and creating a company and jobs based in Lackawanna County. The eight participants are Don McGowan and Arena-X; John George and CrasherCon; Eric Farrell and EZ Fantasy Sports; Veronica LaRocque and Grow With L.E.A.R.N LLC; Fred Aebli and IT Corps, Inc.; Justin Byrd and Machi-System, LLC DBA SelfServeMenu.com; Joel DeCarli and The Job Box; and Bill Booth and Treasectory. “TechCelerator is a great way to help keep our local talent at home,” Commissioner Matt McGloin added. “We welcome and commend the latest group of prospective entrepreneurs to the program, knowing that their ideas and energy will help to expand and diversify the economy, and inspire others to follow their lead.” The third cohort starts on Wednesday, October 2, at the Chamber’s TekRidge Center in the Jessup Small Business Park. Participants will walk away with solid networking skills and a foundational understanding of finances, marketing, business strategy, and more. Those who successfully meet the requirements will be eligible for up to $10,000 on select start-up reimbursement of business expenses, which will assist the participants in launching their venture.
My Benefit Advisor on Creating “Cool” Job Perks for Employee Inspiration Most business owners will agree that maintaining employee happiness is a key factor in working to achieve overall success in their business operations. Although there are many complexities involved in achieving this goal, creating a positive corporate work culture through the offering of unique and desirable job perks has proven successful for many companies. With the proper selection of incentives, individuals within the workforce are more likely to feel part of a larger team and appreciated for their contribution to the common goals of the organization. As a result, human resource personnel will find it easier to both attract and retain necessary talent. Of course, salary increases and bonuses are welcomed by nearly all employees. But going beyond that to find more unique and impactful benefits or perks targeted to a particular workforce requires benefit planners to understand the demographics and needs of their employees. An easy way to discover the priorities and interests of employees is simply to ask them through one-on-one interviews, group meetings or surveys. An engaged workforce is a more productive workforce. Perks that create motivation among employees will reduce turnover and help increase productivity. Here are a few ideas for “cool” perks that have been successfully utilized by companies: Occasional “free food” or “snack giveaways An elimination of official work hours In-Office professional training programs Family-focused benefits Onsite health services Childcare discounts or on-site childcare facilities Surprise days off Financial wellness programs Continuing education programs Student loan assistance New baby bonuses Fertility assistance Private Lactation facilities Give back programs Office parties Pet focused benefits Personalized appreciation notes Work anniversary celebrations Welcome packages for new employees
Comcast Expands Fiber-Rich Network to Homes and Businesses in Northeastern Pennsylvania Comcast Breaks Ground on Construction to Extend Xfinity Network in Carbon, Luzerne, and Schuylkill Counties. After announcing its expansion to more than 12,000 homes and businesses in other parts of Luzerne Countyearlier this year, Comcast today announced it is extending its fast, reliable and secure broadband network to more parts of Carbon, Luzerne, and Schuylkill Counties in Northeastern Pennsylvania including additional homes and businesses in Banks, Blythe, Butler, East Norwegian, Hazle, Kline, Rush, and Schuylkill Townships as well as McAdoo, Middleport, New Philadelphia, and Tamaqua Boroughs. Construction is underway to deliver access to Xfinity and Comcast Business products, including Xfinity Internet and Mobile, and Comcast Business Internet and Mobile, with full project completion anticipated in 2026. “As a lifelong Schuylkill County resident and farmer, I’m proud to see Comcast bring its fast, reliable Internet to more local homes and businesses,” said Barron L. “Boots” Hetherington, Chair of the Schuylkill County Commissioners. “We are thrilled Comcast is expanding its network throughout Carbon, Luzerne, and Schuylkill Counties, helping our local communities to harness the power of connection.” The first residents and businesses will be connected to Xfinity and Comcast high-speed broadband later this year and can visit Xfinity.com/MyTown and enter their addresses for additional details on construction timing and upcoming service availability. “We are focused on expanding access to our fast, reliable and secure broadband network to as many Americans as possible, including more residents and businesses in Carbon, Luzerne, and Schuylkill Counties,” said Ricky Frazier Jr., Senior Vice President, Comcast’s Keystone Region, which is based in Pennsylvania. “Our communities deserve the best WiFi experience both inside and outside of the home, and we look forward to providing these local communities products and services on the nation’s largest, fastest network.” This network expansion comes after a series of local Comcast capital investment projects this year including the completion of construction to connect 3,500 more homes and businesses in parts of East Norwegian and New Castle Townships, and Palo Alto, Port Carbon, and St. Clair Boroughs as well as connecting more than 26,000 homes and businesses in the City of Wilkes-Barre, Hanover, and Wilkes-Barre Townships, and Ashley, Sugar Notch, and Warrior Run Boroughs. Comcast currently serves more than 80 municipalities across Carbon, Luzerne and Schuylkill Counties. In addition, the company has installed two Lift Zones in Luzerne County at the Greater Pittston YMCA located at 10 North Main Street, Pittston, PA 18640, and Lehman Sanctuary at 261 Jackson Road, Shavertown, PA 18708 as well as a Lift Zone at the Salvation Army Corps Pottsville located at 400 Sanderson St., Pottsville, PA 17901 in Schuylkill County. Lift Zones provide free WiFi service to help these community centers promote digital learning. Lift Zones, which provide Internet access on-the-go, complement our Internet Essentials program that provides in-home broadband connectivity. Lift Zones help students, veterans, and anyone who, for a variety of reasons (including homelessness, or housing insecurity issues), need somewhere to go during the day to connect to the Internet. Lift Zones are part of Project UP, Comcast’s comprehensive $1 billion commitment to help build a future of unlimited possibilities and the continuation of the company’s long history of giving back to communities where it provides service and where its employees live and work.
