Geisinger Expanding COVID Vaccine Availability Geisinger is expanding the availability of COVID-19 vaccines to those who qualify as part of the state’s updated Phase 1A groups. Vaccine appointments are available at the health system’s community-based vaccine centers throughout central and northeastern Pennsylvania. Appointments are required to receive the vaccine, and can be made online using myGeisinger. A questionnaire must be completed prior to scheduling to ensure eligibility and for health screening purposes. Those receiving the vaccine must bring to their appointments identification that verifies your eligibility as part of the state’s Phase 1A groups (certificate, license etc.) and a valid driver’s license. If you’ve been cared for by Geisinger or have Geisinger Health Plan insurance, but don’t have a myGeisinger account, you can create one online. Those who haven’t been cared for by Geisinger and don’t have Geisinger Health Plan insurance or anyone under the age of 18 can call 570-284-3657 for help setting up an account. In alignment with federal and state guidelines and as supplies, staffing and logistics allow, COVID vaccines will now also be available to those who qualify as part of the state’s Phase 1A groups. Phase 1A groups now include: Healthcare workersPeople age 65 and olderPeople age 16–64 with high-risk medical conditions including:CancerChronic kidney diseaseCOPDDown syndromeHeart conditions (e.g., heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy)Weakened immune system (from solid organ/blood/bone marrow transplant, immune deficiencies, HIV, use of corticosteroids or other immunity-weakening medicines)Obesity (body mass index [BMI] of ≥30 kg/m2) or severe obesity (BMI ≥40 kg/m2)PegnancySickle cell diseaseSmokingType 2 diabetes Geisinger is administering the Pfizer BioNTech and Moderna COVID vaccines. Due to the vaccine distribution process, it isn’t possible to select the vaccine you receive when scheduling your appointment. It’s important to remember that two doses of the vaccine are required, so it’s encouraged to consider both doses when scheduling. The second dose of the Pfizer vaccine is needed 21 days after the first, and the second dose of the Moderna vaccine is needed 28 days after the first. Scheduling for your second dose occurs at the time you receive the first dose at the vaccine center. It’s required to receive both vaccine doses at the same location. Receiving that second dose is a critical step in the COVID vaccination process to trigger the immune response needed to develop an immunity level against COVID-19. Vaccines also remain available to Geisinger staff and those in the state’s Tier 1A phase. To date, Geisinger has provided over 25,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses. Even as the vaccine becomes more available in our communities, preventive measures to help stop the spread of the virus continue to be important. Everyone, including those who receive the vaccine, should continue to properly wear a mask, avoid group gatherings, maintain physical distancing and practice proper handwashing. For answers to questions about the vaccine, visit the Geisinger COVID-19 vaccine resources center at geisinger.org/COVIDvax.
Johnson College Now Enrolling Students in Forklift Operator Training Course Johnson College’s Continuing Education program is offering a Forklift Operator Training Course on Saturday, February 6, 2021 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.in the Diesel Technology Center on the College’s campus in Scranton. The cost of the course is $200, but if you are a current Johnson College student or alumni the cost is only $100. Space is limited! Contact the Continuing Education team at 570-702-8979 or continuinged@johnson.edu to learn more and enroll. The forklift operator training is designed to familiarize students with OSHA Powered Industrial Truck Operator Training Requirements (29CFR Standard 1910.178 and ASME B56.1), provide current training requirements under the newly adopted standards and to assist participants in becoming an authorized operator of forklifts through theory and tactile testing. 12 hours of instruction including pre-operational inspection, picking up, traveling and placing loads, parking procedures, refueling, and practical operation.
Lackawanna College and Harrisburg University Sign Transfer Agreement Lackawanna College and Harrisburg University of Science and Technology have signed an agreement that will make it easier for students from Lackawanna College to continue their education at Harrisburg University. Thanks to the 2+2 agreement signed this month, academically qualified students who earn an Associate of Science Degree in Cyber Security from Lackawanna College will be able to transfer into Harrisburg University’s Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Operations and Management program at junior-level standing. The agreement marks the second accord HU has signed with Lackawanna College. Last year, HU and Lackawanna College inked an agreement that grants students who complete Lackawanna’s RN-to-BSN nursing program acceptance into HU’s Master of Science in Nursing program. “We recognize the need for well-trained cyber security professionals across the nation, and we are proud to provide our students with the opportunity to complete their bachelor’s degrees,” said Lackawanna College President, Dr. Jill Murray. “This agreement with Harrisburg University allows our students to further pursue studies that will prepare them to fill these high-demand positions in their field.” Lackawanna College students who transfer to HU will enjoy the same benefits as current HU students and will be provided equal opportunities in applying for financial aid and in the award and distribution of funds. Lackawanna College students transferring to HU also will receive consideration for campus housing on the same basis as native HU students. “This partnership will allow Harrisburg University and Lackawanna College to better serve students in Pennsylvania,” said Harrisburg University President Dr. Eric Darr. “Our teams are dedicated to making this partnership successful, and I think there are a lot of other significant opportunities for us to work together to meet workforce needs. I look forward to expanding our partnership with Lackawanna College.”
NEPIRC & IRC Network to Host Free Legal Aspects of COVID-19 Vaccination for Employers Webinar In response to industry inquiries, the Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center (NEPIRC) and the Industrial Resource Center (IRC) Network will host a no-cost “Legal Aspects of COVID-19 Vaccination for Employers” webinar for manufacturing firms of all sizes on Wednesday, February 10, 2021 from 10:00 AM to 11:15 AM. The live interactive webinar will be broadcast via Microsoft Teams and advance registration is required. The webinar will be moderated by NEPIRC and the featured presenter will be Atty. James Devine, a partner of Cipriani & Werner – a nationwide legal firm that specializes in representing employers in this niche aspect of HR and employment law. Among other topics, the event will cover the legal ramifications of mandating vaccination for employees, how to address the concerns of workers opposed to vaccination, the extent to which employers can disclose the vaccination status of co-workers and similar topics. Manufacturing sector managers, supervisors, HR professionals and executives desiring to register for the event should email CLICK HERE to immediately register. While the event is free to attend, electronic “seating” is limited to 250 attendees.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Man and Woman of the Year Campaign in Northeast PA The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Man and Woman of the Year campaign in Northeast PA is slated to kick off on March 16, 2021 and we are looking for YOU! Are you looking to join an organization and make a HUGE impact in the fight against cancer? Why not be a candidate for the Man and Woman of the Year Campaign? What is Man & Woman of the Year?Each year, in communities across the country, dynamic, passionate candidates engage in a spirited competition to earn The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s “Man & Woman of the Year” titles by raising funds for blood cancer research. The candidates compete in honor of children who are local blood cancer survivors, the Boy & Girl of the Year. Every dollar counts as one vote, and the titles are awarded to the man and woman with the most votes at the end of ten weeks. The top local fundraisers in the country win the national titles. To date, these dedicated leaders have helped LLS invest almost $1 billion in research to advance the LLS mission. In 2020, 800 candidates from across the country collectively raised 50 million. Man & Woman candidates are goal-orientated and compassionate. Their relentless efforts help us in pursuit of our goal: a world without blood cancer. The funds raised through Man & Woman of the Year are used in many ways: LLS offers free blood cancer information, education and support.Help patients, survivors, families and healthcare professionals.Touch patients in communities through the 60 Chapters across the U.S. and Canada.Drive policies that accelerate the development and approval of new treatments.Advocate for blood cancer survivors and their families, helping patients navigate their cancer treatments and ensuring they have access to quality, affordable and coordinated care. How to ParticipateIf you know someone you think would be an ideal candidate you may nominate them and/or become part of their campaign team. Or, you may want to find out more about becoming a candidate yourself. In any case, you should contact Megan Galko, Campaign Development Manager – Man & Woman of the Year, at 570-751-6281 or megan.galko@lls.org to discuss the nomination further. If you’re a born leader, ask about being part of Leadership Committee. If you prefer to have your company associated with this prestigious campaign, find out about becoming a corporate sponsor. Any way you to choose to participate in this high-profile campaign, you’ll be helping people with blood cancers live better, long lives.
Geisinger Welcomes Cardiac Surgeon Into Leadership Roles An accomplished surgeon and experienced leader in his field, John Conte, M.D., has joined Geisinger as chair of Cardiothoracic Surgery and vice chair of the Geisinger Heart Institute. Dr. Conte brings more than 25 years of clinical practice to the heart care team at Geisinger, and he provides surgical care in addition to serving in his leadership capacity. He currently cares for adult patients at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre and Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton. Dr. Conte specializes in minimally invasive aortic and mitral-valve surgery. He is an expert in valve repair and replacement, and – in patients with abnormalities of the aorta, such as aortic aneurysms – valve-sparing aortic root surgery. He also has a special interest in complex and re-operative cardiac surgery. Dr. Conte earned his medical degree at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., where he also completed a residency in surgery and served as a fellow in cardiovascular research. He accomplished fellowship training in cardiothoracic surgery at Stanford University Medical Center in Palo Alto, California. Before coming to Geisinger, Dr. Conte was Professor of Surgery and held leadership roles at the University of Maryland Medical Center, The Johns Hopkins University Hospital and Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. He is certified by the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Thoracic Surgery and has served as a member and officer in many professional organizations. Throughout his career, Dr. Conte has been an academic surgeon known for clinical research and his ability to mentor and train young cardiac surgeons. He is committed to remaining an active, practicing surgeon while driving innovative therapies in the Geisinger Heart Institute.
FNCB Bank Provides $30,000 Grant to Crestwood School District FNCB Bank, locally based since 1910, is pleased to announce our latest project supporting the community with a $30,000 grant used to purchase a new digital message center for the Crestwood School District. The new state-of-the art LED message center replaces one that stood for many years in front of the secondary campus along South Mountain Boulevard. “We expect the new message center will be a great addition to the campus and community, allowing the district to salute students for their many accomplishments and inform the community of upcoming events,” said Jerry Champi, FNCB Bank President and CEO. The message center donation represents part of FNCB’s larger Community Caring initiative. Through outreach programs, donations and an employee volunteer network, FNCB is committed to helping the communities they serve.
Shop Library Express Bookstore Online Library Express Bookstore customers can now shop the local Scranton store online through Bookshop.org. Visit Bookshop.org and type Library Express Bookstore in the search box or go directly to the bookstore’s page by entering this url: https://bookshop.org/shop/libraryexpress. Bookshop.org is designed to help support local bookstores and provide a way for customers to shop online while still supporting their community. It’s easy to sign up, shop, and support. Every time a customer shops the bookstore through Bookshop.org, Library Express Bookstore, as an affiliate, will receive a portion of the sales as a commission. This in turn supports the library-side of the bookstore and library, providing free programs for children, teens, and adults. Besides finding a variety of bestsellers and books for all ages, customers can also shop Library Express online for gifts including jigsaw puzzles, Dunder Mifflin books, and The Office merchandise. Customers can call the Bookstore at (570) 558-1670 for more information or visit their website at https://lclshome.org/b/library-express/.
City of Scranton Donates Fire Engine to Johnson College The city of Scranton recently donated a Sutphen Fire Engine to Johnson College. This donation will assist the College in providing its students the hands-on training they need to enter the region’s essential workforce. Johnson College’s Diesel Truck Technology, Automotive Technology, and Heavy Equipment Technology students will be trained on every system of the truck, from the front bumper to the rear bumper. Student training will include engine and driveline, electrical and lighting, and basic preventative maintenance. They will also be trained on systems that are unique to firefighting vehicles including the water pumping system, water storage system, and emergency vehicle lighting and warning systems. Johnson College provides real-world, hands-on learning in a caring environment and prepares graduates to enter into or advance in their careers. Johnson College degrees become essential careers. Johnson College was founded in 1912, and is the region’s premier technical college, offering associate degrees in 15 programs and 3 academic certificates. An emphasis on hands-on instruction is supported by a low student-to-teacher ratio. Located in Scranton on a 44-acre campus, the College is an accredited, private, non-profit, co-educational institution with a strong tradition of working with regional business and industry 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.
