Progressive Care Unit Opens at Geisinger Community Medical Center A new Progressive Care Unit (PCU) featuring private rooms and a modern, evidence-based design is now open at Geisinger Community Medical Center and specializes in caring for the complex needs of trauma, medical and surgical patients. Located on the hospital’s fourth floor, directly above the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), the PCU houses 18 private rooms and nursing alcoves that allow direct visual oversight of patient rooms through large glass windows. The care model decentralizes nursing stations to improve surveillance of each patient and enhances the care team’s communication with patient families, giving family members closer access to nursing staff. “The nursing model used in the new PCU allows for improved monitoring of critically ill patients from the nurses’ station that extends around the entire unit,” said Glenna Barletta, nursing operations manager at Geisinger Community Medical Center. “Nursing alcoves are located outside each room to ensure the care team is always close by.” Development of the PCU is part of a $16 million project that also begins the hospital’s approach to a private-bed model. Designed to improve patient experience, quality of care and efficiency of operation, the unit’s spacious, state-of-the-art, private rooms meet the need to care for critically ill patients. “We know the benefits of the private-room model on clinical quality and patient experience are well-studied and indisputable,” said Ujwal Tuladhar, M.D., hospitalist at Geisinger Community Medical Center. “They include reduced risk of hospital-acquired infection, reduced patient stress levels due to improved privacy and reduction of unwanted noise, and better facilitation of care. Private rooms cater to patient comfort, better rest and more room for caregivers and loved ones.” The PCU’s private rooms are larger than the semi-private rooms of the previous step-down unit with enough space to accommodate critical care technology, allowing the care team to treat higher-acuity patients, such as ventilator patients who require medications that elevate blood pressure. “The room size allows for more sophisticated equipment to fit into the space and provides our care team with greater ability to move around the patient to deliver care,” Barletta said. “This allows us to broaden the criteria of patients the unit can accept.” The PCU has two waiting rooms — a quiet room and another with a television — and features multiple family meeting rooms, a wellness room with massage chairs, and two bariatric patient rooms with showers. To get to the PCU from the main lobby at Geisinger Community Medical Center, take the C elevators to level 4, then take a right off the elevator and follow signs to the PCU.
Marywood University’s School of Social Work to Hold Master of Social Work Virtual Information Sessions Marywood University’s School of Social Work, Lehigh Valley program, will hold Master of Social Work (MSW) Virtual Information Sessions on Wednesday, January 6, at Noon, Monday, January 25, 2020, at 5:30 p.m., and Wednesday, February 10, 2021, at 5:30 p.m. The sessions are free and open to anyone interested in advancing their career with a master of social work degree. To register for the MSW Virtual Information Sessions, at the Lehigh Valley location, please visit https://forms.gle/qY556z48aGAPyAZB8. The MSW Information Sessions will provide study options for full- and part-time students; advanced standing for bachelor of social work graduates; provide admissions information; and give internship program options. For additional information about Marywood University’s School of Social Work or its MSW Information Sessions, please visit www.marywood.edu/ssw/index.html, or call the office of Admissions, at (570) 348-6234.
Johnson College Receives It’s On Us PA Grant Johnson College was one of 42 Pennsylvania institutions of higher education awarded a grant through Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf’s “It’s On Us PA” initiative. The $30,000 grant will help Johnson College improve campus awareness regarding sexual violence among students, faculty and staff. The funds will help create an updated curriculum module for all students on the College’s Desire2Learn learning management system. The College will review current institutional policies, processes and resources available for reporting sexual violence and serving the needs of potential victims with a Pennsylvania Title IX consultant who will make recommendations for improved compliance and reporting. The grant will also support updated training for the College’s Title IX coordinator and staff to be sure that Johnson College is following best practice operations for continued campus safety within a climate of proactive leadership The College’s mission is to be proactive in making students, faculty and staff fully aware of the issue of sexual violence, how to report and what resources are available to assist those in need. Additional grant activities will include a campus-wide It’s On Us program event in the spring where students, faculty and staff will be encouraged to take the It’s On Us pledge against campus violence. “Our goal is to maintain the excellent record of low to no incidents of sexual violence on our campus,” said Dr. Katie Leonard, Johnson College president & CEO. “Should the need arise, we want to be proactively prepared to comply with Pennsylvania law. The It’s On Us grant will help us accomplish these goals.” The It’s On Us PA grant program was created to provide colleges and universities with support and resources necessary to shift campus culture and promote healthy relationships. The grant provides funding from January 2021 through May 2022 to implement strategies on campuses to address goals of the Governor’s It’s On Us PA campaign, which include: Improve awareness, prevention, reporting, and response systems regarding sexual violence in schools, colleges, and universities to better serve all students.Remove/reduce barriers that prevent survivors of sexual violence from reporting and/or accessing vital resources by creating a more consistent, empowering reporting process for student survivors of gender-based violence.Demonstrate significant, proactive, and sustainable leadership to change campus culture by challenging Pennsylvania’s education leaders – including college and university presidents, as well as students, teachers, faculty, staff, families, and communities to pledge to improve their institutions’ climate around sexual assault. Since 2016, the Wolf Administration has awarded 150 It’s On Us PA grants totaling nearly $4 million to more than 70 post-secondary institutions, including public and private two-year and four-year colleges and universities. For additional information on Johnson College, please call 1-800-2-WE-WORK, email enroll@johnson.edu, or visit Johnson.edu.
Lackawanna College Receives It’s On Us PA Grant Lackawanna College received a grant award of $19,250 as part of Governor Tom Wolf’s 2020-21 It’s On Us PA grant program. This is the third time Lackawanna College has received this grant.The College joins 42 postsecondary institutions across the state slated to receive this funding, which helps colleges and universities address and respond effectively to sexual violence on campus. To support the Governor’s It’s On Us PA campaign, Lackawanna College will launch its “It’s On Us, Lackawanna” initiative. The project will include targeted training for staff on Title IX procedures and trauma awareness and a variety of sexual violence awareness events during the “Red Zone”. The “Red Zone” is the first six weeks of the fall semester, a time when students, particularly freshmen, are most likely to experience sexual assault on college campuses. “We are excited and thankful to once again be a part of the State It’s On Us initiative. Providing the proper educational tools and resources are the first steps in maintaining a safe and comfortable campus environment,” said Brian Costanzo, Lackawanna College Title IX Coordinator. “Dollars from this program will provide those necessary resources and opportunities to both students and staff members.” The initiative will educate, engage, and serve Lackawanna’s students, faculty and staff and improve the College’s current sexual violence response systems. The It’s On Us PA campaign, launched in 2016 by Governor Tom Wolf, was pioneered during the Obama administration. The Governor’s It’s On Us PA grant program aims to support post-secondary institutions’ efforts to create campus environments in which all community members are informed, active bystanders, working together to end sexual violence, and where survivors are able to access the rights, resources, and accommodations afforded to them through state and federal law.
National Band Association Journal Publishes Article by Dr. F. David Romines An article addressing advanced saxophone instructional techniques by Fred David Romines, D.M.A., associate professor of music education, director of bands and co-chairperson of the Music, Theatre, and Dance department at Marywood University, was published in the November 2020 issue of the National Band Association Journal. The submission reveals several instructional insights routinely addressed in the Marywood course, “MUSC 303A Woodwind Methods I” (a course required of all Marywood music education majors). Dr. Romines has been a member of the National Band Association (NBA) since 1977 and presently serves the NBA as Pennsylvania State Chairperson. The National Band Association Journal has a current circulation of approximately 2,500 band directors from all 50 United States, Europe, and Asia. Dr. Romines has studied saxophone with several of the country’s leading performers and teachers, including: Anthony D’Andrea, Gary Sperl, Jerry Coker, William Scarlett, Douglas Masek, and Steven Mauk. For additional information about Marywood’s Music, Theatre, and Dance department, go to marywood.edu/mtd, or call the Office of Admissions, at (570) 348-6234.
Crystal Window AC85 Acoustic Window Receives Industry Recognition National manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems and its impressive product line continue to receive fenestration industry recognition. Leading national trade publication US Glass Magazine named the Crystal Acoustic Window AC85 Aluminum Window the winner in the façade/glazing systems category of its annual “Readers’ Choice Awards,” featured in the December 2020 issue. This is the second year in a row and the third time in the past five years that a new Crystal product was picked as a favorite. “The Crystal Series AC85 Acoustic Window delivers industry leading acoustic sound transmission reductions,” said Sabrina Leung, Crystal’s R&D/Architectural Sales Manager. “Independent lab testing of the AC85 window for a recent project in New York certified an outstanding Outdoor-Indoor Transmission Class (OITC) sound reduction rating of 42 using double pane insulated glass. This means properties in high noise areas near highways, rail lines, airports, or heavy traffic can use these windows to provide very comfortable interior environments.” The aluminum frame Crystal AC85 Acoustic Window is available in either casement or fixed window styles. The heavy-duty aluminum 7-⅞” depth thermally-broken master frame window features a dual-sash configuration for both styles. For the casement, the interior sash opens in and the exterior sash opens out. The AC85 dual sashes each have a 1-¼” glazing pocket which accepts double or triple pane insulated glass units. With appropriate glass, Low-E coatings, and argon filling options, notable U-values of 0.28 are achieved. The US Glass Readers’ Choice Awards are determined by the publication’s national and international subscribers voting online during November for the most impressive new products featured in the publication during the year. Crystal was a previous Readers’ Choice Award winner in 2019 with its Magnus Commercial Vinyl Series 4500 uPVC window line and in 2016 with its aluminum Series 8500/8600 projected window line. US Glass is the most widely read architectural glass industry magazine, offered monthly in both print and online editions. The associated US Glass online information platform provides a daily email service to subscribers and offers the latest industry news, product information, commentary, and observations of leading industry experts.
MMQ Announces Promotions MMQ, P.C. is pleased to announce the following promotions: Emily Clifford, CPA has been promoted to Manager. Emily joined MMQ in January 2014 and has extensive accounting, audit and tax experience in not-for-profit organizations and family owned businesses in various industries. As Manager, Emily will be training and supervising staff while leading client engagements. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and a Master’s in Business Administration from Wilkes University. Emily is a member of the AICPA and the PICPA. Anthony J Gangemi has been promoted to Senior Associate. AJ has been a member of the MMQ team for over 3 years. As a Senior Associate, AJ will provide accounting, audit and tax services for non-profit organizations, employee benefit plans and small business clients. AJ received a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and a Master’s in Business Administration, Accounting from Misericordia University. He is currently working towards the completion of his CPA license requirements.
Penn State Scranton to Observe Annual MLK Day with Virtual Event Penn State Scranton will once again honor the enduring legacy of the late Martin Luther King Jr. while recognizing the campus’ own commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion with a virtual presentation of its sixth annual MLK Day Celebration. The free event will take place on Martin Luther King Jr. Day – Monday, Jan. 18 — at 2 p.m. on Zoom, and is open to both the campus community and the general public. Those interested in attending can register at: https://scranton.psu.edu/mlk. This year’s MLK Day theme is “Love and Truth,” according to Dharti Ray, campus coordinator of diversity, equity and inclusion. In addition to remarks by Chancellor Marwan Wafa, student leaders of the Multicultural Council — Indian Student Association, Student Organization of Latinos, Black Student Union and LGBTQA+ Club — will present readings from some of King’s iconic speeches. The campus will also recognize those committed to making the world a more diverse and inclusive place with its Excellence in Diversity Award. Two awards will be given at the ceremony: one to a member of the campus community, and another to a local community member or organization who demonstrate a commitment to diversity. Meanwhile, the campus is a community partner for the Greater Scranton MLK Commission’s annual MLK Day Community Event, which will take place Jan. 18 at noon on Zoom. Also open to the general public, the free event will feature a talk by Penn State alumnus and former NBA player John Amaechi, now an organizational psychologist, internationally known public speaker and bestselling author. To register for the event, visit https://safdn.org/mlk-event. “We are always excited to be part of their celebrations. The MLK Commission works very hard throughout the year to put their event together and we are happy to provide any assistance needed,” Ray said. The “Love and Truth” theme, selected by the MLK Commission, was inspired by King’s quote from his 1964 Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech: “I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right temporarily defeated is stronger than evil triumphant.” “Love and truth leads to empathy; we all need to listen with empathy,” Ray said. According to the MLK Commission, Amaechi’s talk, which is titled “The Unarmed Truth” and being sponsored by Geisinger, will delve into the concept of unarmed truth “in an effort to inspire and move our community towards equitable justice and unconditional love.” “Be prepared to be inspired and transformed as Dr. Amaechi challenges the beliefs and behaviors that prevent us from being our best selves and community, and offers personal insights and tools to create hope and individual growth,” said MLK Commission publicist Jennifer Pennington. Now is as good a time as ever to reflect on and put into action King’s philosophies, Wafa said, given the bigotry that still exists in American society and was further amplified during the 2020 nationwide protests resulting from the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officers. In Wafa’s view, the community as a whole should be able to agree to commit to issues of social justice, “so that we can all live in peace and harmony.” “All of these things we see now raise the alarm that we should be doing more to remove the barriers that exist between us, so that we can see we’re all human beings who despite our differences share many things in common,” Wafa said. “People need to get to know one another so they don’t fear each other and draw false assumptions about those who are different from them. We should be bringing humanity together and overcoming our fears of those we don’t know, while also celebrating our differences.” MLK Day typically features a community service element in which students, faculty and staff spend part of the day volunteering out in the community. While COVID-19 mitigation efforts will prevent that this year, Ray said event participants will have the opportunity to register for programs that promote diversity and inclusion, including the campus’ well-regarded Diversity Circles. Ray said King’s ideals apply well to the missions of academic institutions like Penn State Scranton — which is why it’s so crucial to pay homage to his legacy. “Leaders are developed throughout their college experience and it is important to remind all of MLK’s journey,” Ray said. “His vision to provide equal and fair education to all is a principle of many institutions today. Equitable opportunities for all is the vision he had for the future of America, and we must continue to push that mission forward. That is the way to sustain a more diverse and inclusive society.” For more information on the campus MLK Day Celebration, contact Ray at 570-963-2685 or djr5630@psu.edu. For further information on the MLK Commission’s event, contact Pennington at 570-903-9450 or gsmlkcommission@gmail.com. And, for more on Amaechi, visit www.amaechiperformance.com.
Geisinger Employees Begin Receiving Second Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine Geisinger’s health care heroes are now receiving their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Wednesday morning, exactly 21 days since vaccine doses first were given within the health system, employees returned and rolled up their sleeves to get their second dose. In three weeks Geisinger has ramped up to the point of more than 1,000 vaccines per day over the past week, totaling approximately 12,000 people with their first dose of the COVID vaccine. When people get their first doses, they’re scheduled immediately to receive their second dose. Receiving that second dose is a critical step in the COVID vaccine process. Both doses are necessary to trigger the immune response needed to develop an immunity level against COVID- 19. Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center nurse Tara Skutack was the first health care worker to receive the second vaccine dose on Wednesday at the hospital. “I received the COVID vaccine for my family and patients,” Skutack said. “I’m excited for a better and healthier future. So far, I’m feeling great.” Resident physician Muhammad Sabih Saleem, M.D., said he received the vaccine as a step in moving forward, and as someone who cares for COVID patients. “I currently work in the intensive care unit and see COVID patients every day,” Saleem said. “It’s up to us to take this first step forward so that everyone else will join us when the vaccine becomes available to them. I feel relieved after getting the vaccine — we have been waiting for it for a long time. It’s a step towards a better future.” Geisinger has been receiving the Pfizer BioNTech and Moderna vaccines at facilities over the past few weeks. The Pfizer vaccine was received first, and front-line employee vaccines began on December 16. Both vaccines require two doses, with the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine requiring a second dose 21 days after the first, and the Moderna vaccine requiring a second dose 28 days after the first. Emergency medicine physician Luke Sullivan, D.O., said his family was a major motivator for why he received the vaccine. “I got the COVID vaccine so I could safely take care of my patients and remain healthy while doing so,” Sullivan said. “I also got it for my 2-year-old, my wife who works in healthcare, and my elderly parents, who I haven’t been able to see. It feels awesome to have received my second dose and I look toward the future.” In line with state guidelines and recommendations, Geisinger has been focusing on vaccinating its employees and healthcare workers. Geisinger is in the process of reaching out to EMS personnel and community providers to coordinate their vaccines, in alignment with the PA Department of Health order to use 10 percent of the vaccine supply to vaccinate those in Tier 1A. The vaccine is being administered as quickly as it can, but is completely dependent on supply, staffing and the logistics with distribution. While it’s expected to be well into the year until the vaccine becomes widely available to the public, Geisinger is working to make it easy to receive both COVID vaccine doses, including making the vaccine available at no cost to patients. With more shipments of the vaccines making their way to Geisinger and many in the community receiving the vaccine, Geisinger continues to encourage the preventive measures that have been stressed to help stop the spread of the virus as it’s expected to be well into the summer before vaccines are readily available for all community members. 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. CUTLINES: Skutack COVID vaccine: Nurse Tara Skutack receives the second dose of the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine on Wednesday morning at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre. Skutack was one of the first Geisinger front-line healthcare workers to receive the first dose of the vaccine on December 16. Nurse Alison Krakosky administered this second dose. Abbas COVID vaccine: Resident physician Sayeda Abbas, M.D., receives the second dose of the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine on Wednesday morning. Given by nurse Alison Krakosky at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre, Abbas was one of the first Geisinger employees to receive a COVID vaccine when it was first available on December 16. Saleem COVID vaccine: Resident physician Muhammad Sabih Saleem, M.D., receives the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Wilkes- Barre. Saleem, one of the first front-line health care workers at Geisinger to receive a first dose, received this second dose of the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine from nurse Alison Krakosky. Sullivan COVID vaccine: Geisinger emergency medicine physician Luke Sullivan, D.O., rolls up his sleeve to receive the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre on Wednesday. Sullivan received the second dose of the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine from nurse Alison Krakosky.
Step Inside a Snow Globe for Greenhouse Dining at Glass-wine.bar.kitchen The weather outside may be frightful, but inside the greenhouse it’s delightful. Diners at Glass- wine.bar.kitchen will now get to see Paupack High Falls in a whole new light. Greenhouses and igloos were recently installed on the decks at Ledges Hotel overlooking the river gorge for socially distanced outdoor dining throughout winter. Made of polycarbonate material, the four greenhouses measure 8 x 12 and can accommodate up to eight people for private dinners. Electric heaters keep things cozy while vents at the roof and over the door allow for natural air flow. “As the weather turned cold, we knew we needed to reimagine dining yet again,” explained Justin Genzlinger, Owner/CEO of Settlers Hospitality. “The greenhouses and igloos serve a practical purpose, but also enable us to offer our guests a new, unique experience. At night the greenhouses are illuminated and dining with a 360-degree view of the surrounding gorge- it really is a magical atmosphere.” Guests in the greenhouses will enjoy a prix fixe menu served family style. There are two dining packages available- standard and deluxe. Both options boast a four-course meal featuring some of the signature fare from Glass-wine.bar.kitchen. The cheese/charcuterie board, a perennial favorite among diners at the restaurant, will get things started. The second course will bring a farmhouse salad and roasted garlic hummus. Depending upon the package, entrée options for the third course range from Bistro Steak and Sautéed Shrimp to Pan Seared Duck and Diver Scallops. The final course features an assortment of hand selected desserts. Upgrades are also available such as a French Onion Soup Hot Pot for the table. Greenhouses may be reserved for dinner seven days a week. There’s a $350 minimum per greenhouse and a $100 non-refundable deposit is required to hold a reservation. Glass-wine.bar.kitchen also added to its outdoor dining options with the introduction of igloos. Setup on the deck overlooking the falls, there are two heated igloos that can accommodate up to four people for a la carte dining. The restaurant is open seven days a week for indoor dining, outdoor dining on the enclosed deck and take-out. Menus are available at ledgeshotel.com For more information, check out SettlersHospitality.com.
