NEPA Health Care Foundation Opens Careers in Care Nursing Scholarships

The Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation today announces the opening of its new Careers in Care Nursing Scholarship application, established through the Scranton Area Community Foundation.  This $700,000 competitive nursing scholarship program aims to support the growth and development of the nursing workforce in NEPA. The Careers in Care Nursing Scholarship Program is now accepting applications from students who plan to pursue or who are pursuing nursing and who will practice in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Interested students with demonstrated financial need can apply through the Scranton Area Community Foundation’s online portal found at safdn.org/nursing.

The deadline to apply for a nursing scholarship is Saturday, May 15, 2021.

To qualify for a Careers in Care Nursing Scholarship, individuals must show they have had a permanent address in Lackawanna, Luzerne, or Wyoming County for the last three years. Scholarships are available to those interested in obtaining a CNA and entering the healthcare workforce. Scholarships are also for anyone employed in the healthcare field in either Lackawanna, Luzerne, or Wyoming County and looking to advance as an LPN or RN. Additionally, students may apply if they are in their third or fourth year of a four-year nursing degree and looking for financial assistance. ‘Nontraditional’ students or those looking to go back to school to obtain a nursing degree may also apply. A registered nurse looking to obtain a Master’s degree may also qualify for a Careers in Care Nursing Scholarship. Letters of recommendation are required when applying.

These scholarship opportunities offered by the Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation through its Careers in Care program, come during a time where the strains on the healthcare workforce in Northeastern Pennsylvania have been significant. These scholarships aim to make an impact on the nursing workforce in Lackawanna, Luzerne, and Wyoming Counties.

“These scholarships will provide the much-needed financial support to students who may otherwise not have been able to further their education,” stated Director of Nursing and Associate Professor of Practice at Marywood University, Dr. Theresa Tulaney, Ph.D., MS, RN, GCNS. “In addition, it will allow students to focus on their education instead of having to work many hours to alleviate difficult financial situations,” she added.

“The Foundation’s Board understands the strains that the regional healthcare workforce is facing and,  through the Careers in Care initiative, strives to make an impact to address these critical issues,” said James Clemente, NEPA Health Care Foundation Board Chair. “Over the past year, we have seen just how timely this really is.”

Additionally, through Careers in Care, the NEPA Health Care Foundation will provide grant support totaling $830,000, to a variety of organizations including Lackawanna College, for its three-year plan to enhance the pipeline of local healthcare professionals and increase the number trained and retained in the region; United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA for its Upward Economic Mobility Program; and Saint Joseph’s Center for direct support professional wage increases. 

The Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation’s Careers in Care initiative is a $1.5 million commitment over a three-year period (2020-2023) focused on moving the needle on these critical areas.

The rollout of the Careers in Care initiative comes after the completion of a regional listening tour which the Foundation conducted from May through September of 2019.  The NEPA Health Care Foundation conducted 30 site visits across the region to determine the health workforce challenges from the perspective of multiple healthcare providers, colleges, universities, vocational schools, agencies, and other nonprofit organizations, and how the Foundation could best make an impact.

“It was clear from discussions during our listening tour that there is a great demand for nurses at all levels. Supply is just not able to meet demand,” said Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. She continued, “It was also clear that the development of the regional health workforce pipeline needs to continue to start earlier with students.” The Scranton Area Community Foundation administers the NEPA Health Care Foundation.

In addition to the Careers in Care initiative, the NEPA Health Care Foundation is also in the seventh year of a $3.2 million commitment to the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine (GCSOM) for scholarship support for incoming first-year medical students from Lackawanna, Luzerne and Wyoming counties.  The NEPA Health Care Foundation Scholars program covers full tuition for these scholars, who indicate a commitment to practice medicine in Northeastern PA.

The Fireside Martini Grill Patio Now Open

The Fireside Martini Grill patio is now open with three igloos set up and available for customers to dine in. The restaurant is featuring St. Patrick’s cocktails and will soon have spring cocktails for purchase.

Swift Kennedy Helps Companies with HR & Benefits Administration

The proliferation of vaccinations and recent easing of restrictions on some Pennsylvania businesses are giving hope to many local employers that they may soon be able to jumpstart their businesses and hire new employees or rehire old ones.

However, many business owners have learned a valuable lesson from this crisis – namely, that to operate successfully in a world of unpredictable lockdowns, they need to update their Human Resources and Benefits Administration systems.

That is one reason that so many companies are now turning to insurance brokerage firms like Swift Kennedy & Associates to help them streamline their systems and manage HR issues ranging from onboarding and employee education to terminations and COBRA administration.

Virtual HR/Benefits Administration

Swift Kennedy offers employers a virtual HR/Benefits platform that enables them to hold digital open enrollment meetings and to keep track of how far each employee has advanced in the enrollment process through an enrollment progress dashboard. 

This system also streamlines a company’s absence management and enhances both its benefit communications and employee education.  In addition, employers have access to Swift Kennedy’s benefit support team via webchat, video conference, phone, and email.

Employees appreciate the fact that this platform lets them use virtual plan comparison tools when selecting benefit packages and enrolling online.  They also like being able to view their benefits digitally 24/7 on both their computers and mobile devices.

Swift Kennedy’s other HR/Benefits services include day-to-day benefits administration (including claims assistance, billing support, enrollments, and terminations), COBRA administration, and access to a comprehensive digital library of HR and benefits information.

The agency also helps businesses find affordable medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance plans, as well as alternative funding options.  

“We pride ourselves on helping employers manage their HR and Benefit needs from start to finish,” said Jerry Calistri, Swift Kennedy’s President and CEO, who is a Certified Healthcare Reform Specialist.

Swift Kennedy, which specializes in group employee benefits and senior insurance plans, works with all health insurance carriers in Pennsylvania and has offices in State College, Williamsport, Scranton, DuBois, Johnstown, and Virginia Beach.

PennDOT Invites Pennsylvanians to Share Feedback on Winter Services

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is seeking the public’s feedback on winter services through an online survey found at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PDWinter2021.

“PennDOT is proud of our winter operations and communications,” said PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian. “The results from this survey will help us measure public expectations and identify education opportunities.”

The survey is available through April 6 and should take about five minutes to complete. All responses are completely anonymous.

The 12-question survey asks respondents about their timeline expectations for safe and passable roadways, how they rank snow-removal priorities, and how they rate PennDOT’s winter services.

Respondents are also asked how they receive PennDOT roadway information, and whether or how they use the state’s 511PA traveler information services. During the winter, www.511PA.com offers its standard traffic and incident information while adding PennDOT plow-truck locations, winter roadway conditions, and other services.

At any time, motorists can check conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles 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 Twitter alerts accessible on the 511PA website.

As construction season begins, 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 at www.PennDOT.gov/news. Follow PennDOT on Twitter at www.twitter.com/PennDOTNews, like the department on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PennsylvaniaDepartmentofTransportation and Instagram at www.instagram.com/pennsylvaniadot.

Ideaworks Marketing Wins “Best in Show” at AAF NEPA’s 2021 Virtual Addys

Ideaworks Marketing is proud to announce that the agency won four awards at the American Advertising Federation – NEPA Chapter (AAF NEPA)’s 2021 Virtual American Advertising Awards on Friday, March 12, including the coveted Best in Show Award.

The agency captured the Best in Show and a Gold Award for its integrated branded content campaign, snacktiME. SnacktiME is a pop-up concept the agency created for Sodexo (an international contract management company) as part of its Universities segment’s resident dining promotion series. The program itself includes 12 pop-up “snack spots” that will satisfy students, no matter what they’re craving. Each pop-up station name and design pulls in the word “ME” from the snacktiME logomark (e.g. Treat ME; Give ME Global), demonstrating the highly personal, functional benefits of foods and how they augment a customized dining experience for today’s discerning college students. Campaign materials included poster artwork, social media graphics, an easy-to-follow implementation guide for dining teams and more.

Ideaworks also took home two Silver Awards: one for its “Hide and Reveal” Limited-Time Offer collateral for Sodexo’s K-12 Schools segment, and another in the self-promotion category for the agency’s 2021 Calendar, “Together As One,” which celebrates the beauty of diversity with an originally created set of calendar cards that form a mural.

Ideaworks is a proud member of AAF NEPA and is humbled to have achieved the top honor at its 2021 Virtual Advertising Awards, as the team always strives to produce award-winning work for its valued clients. The agency congratulates all winners and would like to extend special thanks to AAF NEPA for a great event.

Lackawanna College Environmental Center Announces Free Core Manufacturing Program

The Lackawanna College Environmental Education Center (LCEEC) will host a free Core Manufacturing Skills certificate program beginning April 6 with in-person and online classes. The free 200-hour program will provide participants with skills necessary for entry-level positions in advanced manufacturing through classroom, simulation-based and online skill-building lessons.

“We are excited to be able to incorporate principles of sustainably into the third and final session of this popular program,” said Sharon Yanik-Craig, Center Director for LCEEC. “Green jobs aren’t just in renewable energy— existing manufacturing jobs can be enhanced by green knowledge to minimize negative environmental impacts, conserve energy and natural resources and maintain a safe working environment for employees”.

By completing the program and passing a final competency assessment, students will earn a Core Manufacturing Skills Certificate from Lackawanna College and NEPIRC, which is recognized by area manufacturing industry employers. The certificate will prepare graduates for positions in high-demand fields in environmental stewardship, maintenance, manufacturing, production, quality assurance and safety compliance.

For more information or to register, visit www.lackawanna.edu/enrichment.

Pennsylvania American Water Addresses Most Common Household Leaks During Fix a Leak Week

More than two in three Americans have experienced a leak at their home, according to a recent survey conducted by global research agency Opinium on behalf of Pennsylvania American Water in an effort to better understand Americans’ awareness of household leaks.

The results coincide with the annual recognition of Fix a Leak Week (March 15-21, 2021), a national campaign led by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) each year that helps raise awareness about leaks and other water issues that contribute to water waste within homes.

This year’s Fix a Leak Week comes as we approach the one-year mark of COVID-19, when many people began spending more time indoors and water usage increased. In fact, since the start of the public health emergency, about a quarter of Americans say they have been using more water, meaning it’s more important than ever to be aware of common issues and know how to spot them.

“By conducting our survey, we were able to take a comprehensive snapshot of where we stand when it comes to water leaks and water conservation during this unprecedented time,” said Mike Doran, president of Pennsylvania American Water. “As part of our mission in helping to better serve customers, we are using this year’s Fix a Leak Week to help people understand where and how to spot common problematic leaks to help improve home safety and support water efficiency and conservation.”

  • More than half of Americans have experienced leaks in their bathroom (52%) and kitchen (50%). Here are some ways to keep track of some of those common leaks:
    • Test your toilet. Place a drop of food coloring in the toilet tank. If any color shows up in the bowl after 10 minutes, you have a leak. (Flush immediately after the experiment to avoid staining the tank.)
    • Watch what you put down the drain. There are many things we put down the drain that don’t belong there. Check out our list of what should never go down your drain for items that may be hurting your pipes.
  • Up to 77% of Americans reported seeing signs of a potential water leak. Checking up on this can be as easy as doing the following:
    • Examine faucet gaskets and pipe fittings. Look for any water on the outside of the pipe to identify any leaks.
    • Check outside. Examine the exterior of your home if you think you have a leak. If hoses are left on even a little, they can drip, resulting in wasted water over time. Irrigation systems can leak underground, causing mushy sod and other above-ground indications of issues.
  • Nearly a quarter of Americans report using more water since the beginning of the pandemic. Here’s what you can do if you’re worried about your water usage:
    • Keep track of water usage, especially during cold winter months. If, during January or February, a family of four exceeds 12,000 gallons per month, there might be a leak.

Pennsylvania American Water is committed to fixing leaks by replacing or upgrading water infrastructure in order to provide clean, safe, reliable water to customers. Over the next 10 years, American Water will be investing $22 to $25 billion to replace and upgrade pipes, pumps, treatment and storage. Visit here for more information about Fix a Leak Week.

Marywood University to Hold Admitted Student Month

Marywood University will hold its Admitted Student Month during April this year. Due to pandemic restrictions, this traditionally one-day event has been reimagined to offer admitted students the flexibility and opportunity to either meet on campus or visit virtually. This specially designed event is free and open to all senior high school students who have been admitted to the University. To register, visit www.marywood.edu/admitvisit, email DayOne@marywood.edu, or call the Office of Admissions, at (570) 348-6234.

Participants in Admitted Student Month will be able to chat with admissions staff, connect with faculty in their program of interest, meet with financial aid representatives, and can either tour campus in person or take a guided virtual tour.

For those still interested in applying to Marywood—there’s still time to apply, get accepted, and attend Admitted Student Month. Visit www.marywood.edu/admissions, or call the Office of Admissions at (570) 348-6234 to speak with an admissions counselor.

Greater Scranton YMCA Launching E-Sports Program

With a goal to promote teamwork, leadership, online safety, and individual growth steeped in YMCA Youth Development practices, the Greater Scranton YMCA is proud to announce its participation in the national Y’s E-Sports program.

The Y is made up of people from all backgrounds working side by side to strengthen communities. We are committed to advancing equity for all in everything we do so that everyone—regardless of who they are or where they come from—has an opportunity to reach their full potential with dignity. The E-Sports program will be another pathway for the YMCA to empower youth and teens to reach their full potential by providing them with access to nurturing environments, enriching experiences and support systems that reduce barriers and strengthen cognitive, physical and social-emotional development.

Registration is open for the program, which will be comprised of NBA 2K, Super Smash Bros. and Rocket League. Each league can serve up to 50 children in middle and high school. Registrants will make up the Greater Scranton YMCA team, which will compete against other YMCAs across the country. Interested participants will need to have the ability to play on a PC, Xbox, PlayStation or Switch. In its pilot session, there will no cost to participate in the program, which is open to existing YMCA members and non-members (in future sessions, registration fees will apply).

“The YMCA is excited to launch this new program as we continue to evolve to find ways to keep kids engaged with one another virtually during COVID,” said Wayne Stump, Branch Executive Director, Greater Scranton YMCA. “Not only do E-Sports require teamwork, communication, critical and strategic thinking, creativity, sportsmanship and leadership, but they also help kids develop friendships and provide an educational opportunity through developing STEM skills that can help with a future career path.”

Similar to in-person youth sports leagues, E-Sports will be held in eight-week sessions, with practice and games held twice per week. The program will run from April 5th through May 28th. The middle school group will practice and compete on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:00-7:00 p.m. and the high school group will practice and compete on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00-7:00 p.m. Yearly league championships will lead to regional championships, which will then lead to the national championship. For more information, contact Wayne at wstump@greaterscrantonymca.org or (570) 828-3266. To register, visit https://scranton.recliquecore.com/programs/40031/

MLB Announces Experimental Playing Rules to be Tested During 2021 Minor League Season

Major League Baseball (MLB) announced today the testing of a variety of experimental playing rules at various levels of the Minor Leagues during the upcoming 2021 season. These experimental playing rules have been approved by the Competition Committee and the Playing Rules Committee. MLB will closely monitor and analyze the impact of each rule change throughout the 2021 season and report to Clubs on their effects for further analysis. Consistent with the preferences of our fans, the rule changes being tested are designed to increase action on the basepaths, create more balls in play, improve the pace and length of games, and reduce player injuries.

Below is a summary of the experimental rules that will be tested during the 2021 Minor League
season, which will vary by level of play:

TRIPLE-A (LARGER BASES): To reduce player injuries and collisions, the size of first, second and third base will be increased from 15 inches square to 18 inches square. The Competition Committee also expects the shorter distances between bases created by increased size to have a modest impact on the success rate of stolen base attempts and the frequency with which a batter-runner reaches base on groundballs and bunt attempts.

DOUBLE-A (DEFENSIVE POSITIONING): The defensive team must have a minimum of four players on the infield, each of whom must have both feet completely in front of the outer boundary of the infield dirt. Depending on the preliminary results of this experimental rule change, MLB may require two infielders to be positioned entirely on each side of second base in the second half of the Double-A season. These restrictions on defensive positioning are intended to increase the batting average on balls in play.

HIGH-A (“STEP OFF” RULE): Pitchers are required to disengage the rubber prior to throwing to any base, with the penalty of a balk in the event the pitcher fails to comply. MLB implemented a similar rule in the second half of the Atlantic League season in 2019, which resulted in a significant increase in stolen base attempts and an improved success rate after adoption of the rule.

LOW-A (PICKOFF LIMITATION, PITCH TIMER, AND ABS):

  • ALL LOW-A LEAGUES: Pitchers will be limited to a total of two “step offs” or “pickoffs” per plate appearance while there is at least one runner on base. A pitcher may attempt a third step off or pickoff in the same plate appearance; however, if the runner safely returns to the occupied base, the result is a balk. Depending on the preliminary results of this experimental rule change, MLB will consider reducing the limitation to a single “step off” or “pickoff” per plate appearance with at least one runner on base.
  • LOW-A SOUTHEAST: In addition to the limitations on step offs/pickoffs, MLB will expand testing of the Automatic Ball-Strike System (“ABS”) that began in the Atlantic League and Arizona Fall League to select Low-A Southeast games to assist home plate umpires with calling balls and strikes, ensure a consistent strike zone is called, and determine the optimal strike zone for the system.
  • LOW-A WEST: In addition to the limitations on step offs/pickoffs, following successful pace of game rules testing among Florida State League teams in 2019, on-field timers (one in the outfield, two behind home plate between the dugouts) will be implemented to enforce time limits between delivery of pitches, inning breaks and pitching changes. The on-field timer used in Low-A West will include new regulations beyond the system currently used in Triple-A and Double-A to reduce game length and improve the pace of play.

“We are listening to our fans. This effort is an important step towards bringing to life rules changes aimed at creating more action and improving the pace of play,” said Michael Hill, MLB Senior Vice
President of On-Field Operations. “These experimental playing rules have been approved by the
Competition Committee and the Playing Rules Committee to be tested and analyzed in a highly competitive environment.”

“These experimental rules are designed to put more balls in play, create more excitement on the
basepaths and increase the impact of speed and athleticism on the field,” said Raúl Ibañez, MLB Senior Vice President of On-Field Operations. “As another important goal of the rules approved by the Competition Committee and the Playing Rules Committee, we expect the new larger bases to increase player safety. We look forward to testing these rules in the Minor Leagues.”

“The game on the field is constantly evolving, and MLB must be thoughtful and intentional about
progressing toward the very best version of baseball – a version that is true to its essence and has enough consistent action and athleticism on display to entertain fans of all ages,” said Theo Epstein, Consultant to MLB. “These rules experiments will provide valuable insight into various ways to create a playing environment that encourages the most entertaining version of the game. What we learn in the Minor Leagues this year will be essential in helping all parties chart the right path forward for baseball.”

MLB also continues its three-year partnership agreement with the Atlantic League of Professional
Baseball (ALPB), which was announced in 2019. This partnership agreement allows MLB to test and adjust experimental playing rules and changes to equipment each season. Any new experimental playing rules for the 2021 season will be announced in the coming weeks.