Johnson College Hazleton Previewing New HVAC Lab Johnson College Hazleton Campus will host A Closer Look event for its new Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) laboratory, offering prospective students and community members a look at the future of high-demand trades training. The event will take place Thursday, Dec. 11, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Johnson College Hazleton Campus, located in the CAN DO Training Center at 370 Maplewood Drive, Hazle Township, within the Humboldt Industrial Park. Space is limited, and registration is required. To register, visit johnson.edu/closerlook or contact the Johnson College enrollment team at enroll@johnson.edu or 570-702-8856. The new facility is designed to provide hands-on training with the latest industry equipment, preparing students for stable, rewarding careers that meet local workforce needs. Attendees will have the opportunity to: See the Tech: Explore the new equipment installed in the laboratory. Meet the Experts: Talk with experienced HVAC instructors and career advisors about the program structure and job opportunities. Secure Your Future: Learn how the curriculum aligns with local workforce demand, providing a direct path to employment.
Treasurer Garrity Announces New Savings Partnership Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity today announced a new partnership between the Pennsylvania Treasury Department and Gift of College that provides family and friends the ability to purchase gift cards for loved ones in their life to support their savings through the PA 529 College and Career Savings Program and the PA ABLE Savings Program. “I’m excited to expand the ways families can save and encourage others to take part in their savings journey through the Gift of College program,” Treasurer Garrity said. “Providing the option for digital gift card purchases for contributions to PA 529 and PA ABLE is a new, simple and fun way to give the gift of education and more to Pennsylvanians this holiday season.” “We are thrilled that gift cards for PA 529 and PA ABLE accounts are now available throughout the great Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” adds Wayne Weber, Gift of College, CEO. “Every gift given is a contribution toward a brighter future.” Gift of College provides an easy way to give meaningful monetary gifts to loved ones at any time. Gift of College gift cards can be redeemed directly into PA 529 and PA ABLE accounts and are now available for purchase online at pa529.com/gift and paable.gov/gift. The PA 529 College and Career Savings Program allows families to steadily and strategically save in a tax-advantaged way for qualifying educational expenses no matter what career path a child may take. Saving with PA 529 does not impact a student’s eligibility for PA state financial aid. Families can choose from the PA 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan (GSP) or Morningstar Gold-Rated PA 529 Investment Plan (IP). The PA 529 IP recently earned its third consecutive Gold Rating from Morningstar, maintaining the program’s status as a top-five 529 plan in the country. PA ABLE Savings Program accounts provide a tax-advantaged way to save for qualified disability expenses without impacting important benefits. No federal or state income tax is paid on PA ABLE account growth or withdrawals when used for qualified expenses.Starting in January 2026, PA ABLE eligibility is expanding so eligible individuals of any age can open a PA ABLE account if their disability occurred before age 46. In addition to Gift of College gift cards, PA 529 and PA ABLE account owners can continue to share their unique Ugift codes with loved ones who wish to help them save in their accounts.To learn more about Gift of College and Ugift contributions for PA 529 and PA ABLE, visit pa529.com/gift and paable.gov/gift.
Geisinger Life Flight Earns Accreditation Geisinger Life Flight has earned accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS) for its commitment to exceptional patient care and safety in medical transport. Accreditation is granted only to programs that meet or exceed rigorous standards, which are regularly updated to reflect advancements in care and safety standards for patients and staff during transport. “CAMTS accreditation reinforces Geisinger’s commitment to safe, high-quality care for every patient under our care,” said David Schoenwetter, DO, division chief hospital medicine, Geisinger. “Our team works tirelessly to be a leader in our communities and provide comprehensive air transportation to our patients in their most dire times of need.”
Allied Hosting Adaptive Dance Event and Seasonal Community Celebration The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education Residents, Jackson Carney, D.O., and Rayan Islam, D.O., were inspired to create the “Rumba & Roll” event after realizing the lack of adaptive dance services in their area. The Residency program, created in 2022 in partnership with Northeast Rehab and Allied Services Integrated Health System, now includes twenty-four Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Residents in two nationally recognized rehabilitation hospitals in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre Twp. Both residents were recently certified in adaptive dance by American DanceWheels, a Philadelphia-based non-profit organization that teaches adaptive ballroom and Latin dancing to people with and without disabilities. The certification was an intensive 3-day training course focusing on safety, musicality, movements, and technique. Aubree Marchione, Creative Director, led the certification classes. The medical residents saw an opportunity to bring back what they learned from their courses, and share it with Scranton area wheelchair users. They believe the physicality, innate connection, and fun that dancing provides is an area of disability care that is often skimmed over, and not taken seriously in the care community. The doctors believe the adaptive community has much more potential, and much more to give. The event being held on December 6th at the Allied Services Corporate Center is the culmination of all of that belief and passion. It is run entirely by the medical residents, with help from Allied Services staff, including therapists. There will be an all-inclusive adaptive dance lesson, finger foods and drinks, dancing on a real dance floor, and an opportunity to connect with others for a fun, seasonal outing celebration.
Johnson College To Receive Lowe’s Foundation Gable Grant The Lowe’s Foundation has awarded a $450,000 Gable Grant to Johnson College, northeastern Pennsylvania’s only two-year career technical college, as one of only 12 community and technical colleges receiving the competitive awards in the United States. Since awarding its first grants in 2023, the foundation has expanded skilled trades career pathways through its growing roster of 60 community colleges and nonprofit organizations across 28 states. Through expanded training opportunities, this grant is helping Johnson College build the next generation of skilled tradespeople at a time when the industry needs it most. According to the National Association of Home Builders, the skilled labor gap drives a $10 billion annual economic loss in the housing industry, much of which is felt locally. Johnson College is using the grant to purchase advanced training equipment for its newly expanded heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and electrical construction technology (ECT) laboratory and to update equipment in the carpentry and cabinetmaking technology laboratory on its Scranton campus. Additional equipment will be purchased to expand HVAC and electrical construction labs at Johnson’s satellite campus located in the CAN DO Training Center in Hazle Township. “Collectively, we are writing a comeback story for the skilled trades industry,” said Janice Dupré, Lowe’s executive vice president of human resources and chair of the Lowe’s Foundation. “Through our Gable Grants network, these schools join a community of innovators helping one another effectively recruit, train and employ the people America needs to revitalize our infrastructure.” “Support from the Lowe’s Foundation will not only expand our capacity for skilled trades education today, but for the future as well,” said Walter Wood, building trades and technology division chair and HVAC program director at Johnson College. “Our students will receive hands-on training with technology currently being used in the field. This is a tremendous advantage for employers hiring our graduates and raises the overall capabilities of the skilled trades industry across our region.” From funding new skilled trades facilities and instructors to accreditation programs, the grants will support carpentry and construction, HVAC, electrical, plumbing and appliance repair training nationwide. These grants are part of the Lowe’s Foundation’s five-year, $50 million commitment to support the training of 50,000 people for skilled trades careers. Since 2023, the Lowe’s Foundation has awarded $43 million in Gable Grants to help educate and advocate for the next generation of skilled tradespeople. The grants support training programs focusing on carpentry and construction, HVAC, electrical, plumbing and property maintenance. Nick George, left, and Jake Riebe, students in Johnson College’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) technology program, work on a residential hot-water boiler purchased with funds from the $450,000 Lowe’s Foundation Gable Grant awarded to Johnson College, northeastern Pennsylvania’s only two-year career technical college and one of only 12 institutions nationwide to receive the competitive award.
Lace Village To Present Brunch With Santa CHRISTMAS at LACE VENUE by EPICUREAN Saturday, Dec. 20 Celebrate the magic of the season with a beautiful @epicureandelightcatering holiday brunch buffet featuring live music, Santa & Mrs. Claus, festive crafts for the kids, and Yuletide spirits for adults. A joyful experience for the whole family in a stunning holiday setting! ACTIVITIESPhotos with Santa & Mrs. ClausLive holiday music by Neil NicastroHoliday Craft Area for the Kids BRUNCH MENU ANTIPASTO & BREAKFAST TABLE A lavish holiday spread of fresh seasonal fruit, smoked salmon with bagels and accompaniments, assorted Danish, muffins, and sweetbreads, chef’s seasonal salads, imported meats and cheeses, and classic antipasto specialties. CHEF’S OMELET STATIONMade-to-order omelets with farm-fresh eggs, seasonal vegetables, artisan cheeses, and savory meats. WAFFLE WONDERLAND Build your own golden waffle masterpiece with warm maple syrup, fresh fruit, whipped cream, assorted berries, sauces, sprinkles, and more CARVING STATION Hand-carved beef tenderloin served with horseradish cream and red wine jus, accompanied by roasted baby potatoes with herbs and haricots verts tossed with caramelized shallots. HOT COCOA BAR Warm up with a cup of rich, creamy hot chocolate made with real cocoa and topped just the way you like it! Includes an assortment of festive toppings and garnishes. ELECTRIC CITY BAKEHOUSE CUPCAKE DONUT STAND(available for purchase)A whimsical assortment of fresh holiday cupcakes & donuts with sweet seasonal toppings. BEVERAGE HIGHLIGHTS Cash Bar Signature Cocktails: Hot Cocoa Espresso Martini – rich chocolate with a caffeinated holiday kick Maple Old Fashioned – a winter twist on a classic favorite Cranberry Mimosa – sparkling and festive with a tart berry finish EVENT PRICING:Adults: $48ppChildren (12 & Under): $25 Deadline December 10 LOCATION:Lace Village1315 Meylert AvenueScranton, PA 18503 Click here for more information.
YMCA Announces 2025 Jingle Bell Jog The Greater Scranton YMCA invites runners, walkers, families, and holiday enthusiasts to join the fun at the 2025 Jingle Bell Jog, taking place on Saturday, December 13, with a 9:00 a.m. start time at the Y. The 2nd Annual Jingle Bell Jog features a 5K Run and 1-Mile Walk, offering something for participants of all ages and fitness levels. Runners and walkers are encouraged to embrace the holiday spirit by wearing their favorite festive attire. The first 50 registrants will receive a free t-shirt. Proceeds from the event benefit the Y’s Financial Assistance Program, which helps ensure that everyone, regardless of age, background, or income, has access to the Y. “We are excited for the 2025 Jingle Bell Jog to bring our community together in a fun and festive way,” said Rich Surridge, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “During this season of giving, the Greater Scranton YMCA is so proud to provide financial assistance to children, adults, and families from our community and this will event will support our efforts.” Participants can register online at https://runsignup.com/scrantonymcajinglebelljog or at the Y, located at 706 North Blakely Street in Dunmore. The cost for participants over the age of 12 is $25 and there is no charge for participants 12-years-old and under. Same day registration is available for $35. Day of race check-in and packet pick-up will be open from 8:00-8:45 a.m. and an awards ceremony will take place at approximately 10:00 a.m. For more information, please contact Jennifer Dolphin, Race Coordinator, at dolphinjennifer7@gmail.com.
Madame Jenny’s To Host Brunch With Santa Get into the holiday spirit with the inaugural Buffet Brunch with Santa—a joyful gathering perfect for the whole family. Guests can enjoy a delicious, chef-curated brunch buffet filled with seasonal favorites, sweet treats, and festive drinks while soaking in the warm ambiance of the season. Sunday, December 7, 2025 11:00 AM Tickets: $35 per person plus tax Club inside Ale Mary’s126 Franklin AveScranton, PA 18503 Click here for more information.
