Geisinger to Host Free Community Shred Events across Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania

In observance of Earth Day, Geisinger will host free community shred events across northeastern and central Pennsylvania throughout the month of April.

Employees and members of the public are invited to bring any personal or professional confidential documents — such as bank statements, credit card bills and tax forms — to be securely shredded on-site and recycled.

Each person is limited to three boxes. Do not use bins for non-paper waste or garbage.

For more information, call 570-271-6030.

Community shred events:

  • Monday, April 8Geisinger Mt. Pleasant, 531 Mt. Pleasant Drive, Scranton, 7 – 11 a.m. 
  • Tuesday, April 9Geisinger Healthplex State College, 132 Abigail Lane, Port Matilda, 7 – 11 a.m.
  • Friday, April 12Geisinger Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, 1175 E. Mountain Blvd., Wilkes-Barre, 7 – 11 a.m.
  • Monday, April 15Geisinger Health Plan Hughes Center, 9 Stearns Lane, Danville, 7 – 11 a.m.
  • Tuesday, April 16Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital, 1020 Thompson St., Jersey Shore, 7 – 11 a.m.
  • Thursday, April 18Geisinger Lewistown Hospital, 400 Highland Ave., Lewistown, 7 – 11 a.m.
  • Friday, April 19Geisinger Shamokin Area Community Hospital, 4200 Hospital Road, Coal Township, 7 – 11 a.m.
  • Monday, April 22Geisinger Medical Center Muncy, 255 Route 220, Muncy, 7 – 11 a.m.
  • Friday, April 23Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital, 549 Fair St., Bloomsburg, 7 – 11 a.m.
  • Friday, April 26Geisinger Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, 1175 East Mountain Blvd., Wilkes-Barre, Noon – 4 p.m.
  • Monday, April 29Geisinger Health Plan Hughes Center, 9 Stearns Lane, Danville, Noon – 4 p.m.

The University of Scranton Spring Events

In recognition of Pope Francis’s call toward environmental sustainability, The University of Scranton’s Sustainability Office has chosen the theme “The People’s Planet, Climate Justice” for this spring’s Earth Day celebration. The theme of climate justice focuses on the merging of civil rights and climate change to draw attention to the effects of environmental changes on different communities. Many of the University’s offices and departments have come together to offer numerous educational events in honor of Earth Day and Scranton’s ongoing sustainability efforts.

Events are open to the public, free of charge, unless otherwise indicated.

This year’s Environmental Essay Contest is open to all area students in grades 5-12. The essay will revolve around the theme “The People’s Planet, Climate Justice.” Submissions will be accepted until April 3, and winners will be announced at the Evening of Environmental Science event on April 20. For more details, visit the contest webpage.

World Water Day will be celebrated through an interactive event at the University’s DeNaples Center on March 22. Informative activities and displays will help raise awareness of water usage and its importance. March 22 will also start Plant Based Meals Week for University students, in which the positive impacts of eating green will be promoted at meals offered at the Fresh Food Company.

Tonyehn Verkitus, executive director at Physicians for Social Responsibility Pennsylvania, will discuss environmental factors and how disparities in communities jeopardize health and well-being at a Community-Based Learning talk on March 23. The talk begins at 11:45 a.m. in the McIlhenny Ballroom of the DeNaples Center.

On March 30, the film “The Seeds of Vandana Shiva” will be screened at the Moskovitz Theater of the DeNaples Center at 7:30 p.m. The film shows many successful changes made through environmental activism and caring for all people. Vandana Shiva is a wonderful example of a woman’s lifelong leadership and activism that has improved the lives of millions of people around the world.  A very interesting, entertaining, and inspiring movie.

On April 14, an Environmental Art Show address will be given by artist Stephanie Williams in the Heritage Room of the Weinberg Memorial Library, beginning at 4:30 p.m. William’s work includes pictures of nature, people, creatures, sounds and energies. The library will also host an Environmental Art Show featuring environmental art of members of the University community from April 14 to April 25 in the Heritage Room during library hours.

On April 17, Nicole Negowetti, former clinical instructor at the Harvard Animal Law and Policy Clinic, will discuss her work concerning sustainable agricultural procedures. The talk, offered by the University’s Gail and Francis Slattery Center for Ignatian Humanities, begins at 5:30 p.m. at Brennan Hall, The Pearn Auditorium.

The Earth Day Fair will take place the following day, April 18, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the atrium of the Loyola Science Center. The event will host University student displays as well as, displays from university departments, local non-profits and governmental offices, which will provide information about sustainable practices and products.

The Evening of Environmental Science, set for April 20, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the atrium of the Loyola Science Center, will feature a display of essays received for the Earth Day Essay Contest, as well interactive environmental displays and activities. Awards for the Essay Contest will be presented at the event.

Earth Day celebrations conclude with a three-hour kayaking trip on the Susquehanna River for students on May 6, hosted by the University’s Sustainability Office and the Society for Sustainability and Conservation.

Visit The University of Scranton’s sustainability webpage for information about the University’s sustainability efforts and Earth Day events, or call the Office of Sustainability at 570-941-6267.

Geisinger to Host Free Events across Pennsylvania

In observance of Earth Day, Geisinger will host free community shred events across northeastern and central Pennsylvania throughout the month of April.

Employees and members of the public are invited to bring any personal or professional confidential documents — such as bank statements, credit card bills and tax forms — to be securely shredded on-site and recycled.

Each person is limited to three boxes. Do not use bins for non-paper waste or garbage.

For more information, call 570-271-6030.

Community shred events:

  • Monday, April 3Geisinger Mt. Pleasant, 531 Mt. Pleasant Drive, Scranton, 7 – 11 a.m.
  • Tuesday, April 4Geisinger Healthplex State College, 132 Abigail Lane, Port Matilda, 7 – 11 a.m.
  • Friday, April 7Geisinger Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, 1175 E. Mountain Blvd., Wilkes-Barre, 7 – 11 a.m.
  • Monday, April 10Geisinger Health Plan, Hughes Center, 9 Stearns Lane, Danville, 7 – 11 a.m.
  • Tuesday, April 11Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital, 1020 Thompson St., Jersey Shore, 7 – 11 a.m.
  • Thursday, April 13Geisinger Lewistown Hospital, 400 Highland Ave., Lewistown, 7 – 11 a.m.
  • Friday, April 14Geisinger Shamokin Area Community Hospital, 4200 Hospital Road, Coal Township, 7 – 11 a.m.
  • Monday, April 17Geisinger Medical Center Muncy, 255 Route 220, Muncy, 7 – 11 a.m.
  • Friday, April 21Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital, 549 Fair St., Bloomsburg, 7 – 11 a.m.
  • Monday, April 24Geisinger Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, 1175 E. Mountain Blvd., Wilkes-Barre, Noon – 4 p.m.
  • Friday, April 28Geisinger Health Plan, Hughes Center, 9 Stearns Lane, Danville, Noon – 4 p.m.

Marywood University Launches New Environmental Studies Program

As the world celebrates Earth Week, Marywood University affirms its role in environmental responsibility and advocacy, as well as its enduring commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability, by announcing the launch of a new Environmental Studies degree program.

The bachelor of arts program in Environmental Studies features three tracks, including Environmental Humanities, Environmental Justice, and Environmental Science. The tracks in the Environmental Studies program focus on environmental advocacy and encompass scientific principles, ethical frameworks, public policy, connections to the natural world, and communications skills. While Marywood offers an existing bachelor of science program in Environmental Science for those who wish to become professional environmental scientists/researchers, the new Environmental Studies program is designed for students who want to pursue a more advocacy-based approach in areas like law, journalism, or public policy versus a traditional science-only trajectory.

The Environmental Studies program reflects Marywood’s mission and core values, also aligning with its status as a member of the first international cohort of Laudato Si’ Universities by the Vatican Dicastery for the Promotion of Integral Human Development. Marywood became one of the first universities to commit to being a Laudato Si’ University in October 2021, in support of Pope Francis’ 7-Year Journey Towards Integral Ecology—an action-oriented and holistic approach that addresses seven ecological and social challenges in the world.

“Today’s complex environmental challenges call for versatile professionals who can adapt to and thrive in a variety of settings,” said Erin A. Sadlack, Ph.D., associate dean of the Insalaco College of Arts and Sciences. “Environmental Studies students at Marywood University will address real world problems, becoming well versed in the comprehensive analysis of complex environmental issues and potential solutions, oral and written communication skills, and critical thinking. The curriculum varies depending on the track of study chosen, but all Environmental Studies majors share the same foundational coursework and must do a capstone project.”

Career options include advocacy-based professions focused on environmental issues, such as education, consulting, law, urban planning, policy, public relations, and more. Students are prepared to work in the environmental advocacy sectors of these professional areas upon graduation or to pursue advanced studies if their particular career aspirations warrant additional education.

An Environmental Studies minor also is available to all students, complementing many existing majors and pre-professional programs at Marywood.

For more information about the new Environmental Studies program at Marywood University, visit marywood.edu/progs/ug/environmental-studies or contact Marywood University Admissions by email at YourFuture@marywood.edu or by phone at 570-348-6234.

University of Scranton Earth Day Events

Inspired by Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical titled “On Care for Our Common Home,” The University of Scranton’s Sustainability Office has selected the theme “We Are All Connected” for their Spring sustainability initiative. To celebrate this theme, especially as Earth Day approaches, the Sustainability Office will host several events for students, faculty and staff as well as guests from the greater Scranton community.

Area students in grades 5-12 may participate in the University’s Earth Day Essay Contest. Submissions will be accepted through April 4. This year’s theme is “We Are All Connected.” For submission rules and details, visit: https://www.scranton.edu/sustainability/docs/earth-week-2022/earthday-2022-essay-rules.pdf.

Winners of the essay contest will be announced at the Evening of Environmental on Wednesday, April 20, in the Atrium of the Loyola Science Center on campus. The event takes place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and features interactive science experiments run by University students. The event will also include a display of the essays submitted. Finalists will receive Earth Day medals and certificates at a ceremony.

On the following day, April 21, the University will host a lecture by renowned American climatologist and geophysicist Michael Mann, Ph.D., author of “The New Climate War: The Fight to Take Back Our Planet.” Dr. Mann is the Distinguished Professor of Atmospheric Science at Pennsylvania State University, with joint appointments in the Department of Geosciences and the Earth and Environmental Systems Institute. He is also director of the Penn State Earth System Science Center. He is the author of five books on climate change, as well as more than 200 peer-reviewed and edited publications, numerous op-eds and commentaries. The lecture begins at 7:30 p.m. in the McIlhenny Ballroom of the DeNaples Center on campus.

The final Earth Day event for the month of April will be an art show address on April 25 by Laura Kern, an artist from rural Pennsylvania who uses her sculptures to emphasize the connection between humans and the environment, as well as to highlight prominent environmental and societal issues. Kern will present her address in the Heritage Room of the Weinberg Memorial Library. The event runs from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Other events open to University students, faculty and staff include an Environmental Art Show on the fifth floor of the Weinberg Memorial Library from April 19 to April 26; an Earth Day Fair in the lobby of the Loyola Science Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 19; an Environmentally-Friendly Tie-Dye event, taking place on the Dionne Campus Green at 5 p.m. on April 20; and a kayaking trip on the Susquehanna River on May 7.

Several related events also took place in March, including a screening of “The Human Element,” a film in which photographer James Balog uses his camera to document and uncover how environmental change affects the lives of Americans each day. The University also hosted a celebration of World Water Day on March 22.

All of these events are sponsored by the University’s Sustainability Office with the support of the Jesuit Center, the Kania School of Management, the Multicultural Center, the environmental studies concentration and major, the Weinberg Memorial Library and the Society for Sustainability and Conservation student organization.

Geisinger Hosts Free Community Shred Day Event Across Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania

In observance of Earth Day, Geisinger is hosting free Community Shred Days at several locations across northeastern and central Pennsylvania. Community members can bring their confidential personal and financial documents, such as bank statements, credit card bills and tax forms to be securely shredded on site and recycled.

Limit of three boxes of documents per person.Paper only,please —do not place other waste into bins.

Join us for a Shred Day event near you:

•Friday, April 1, 7 –11 a.m.at Geisinger Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, 1175 E. Mountain Blvd., Wilkes-Barre

•Monday, April 4, 7 –11 a.m. at Geisinger Shamokin Area Community Hospital, 4200 Hospital Road, Coal Township

•Thursday, April 7, 7 –11 a.m. at Geisinger Health Plan, Hughes Center, 9 Stearns Lane, Danville

•Monday, April 11, Noon–4 p.m. at Geisinger Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, 1175 E. Mountain Blvd., Wilkes-Barre

•Tuesday, April 12, 7 –11 a.m. at Geisinger Healthplex State College, 132 Abigail Lane, Port Matilda

•Friday, April 15, 7–11 a.m. at Geisinger Medical Center Muncy, 255 Route 220, Muncy

•Monday, April 18, Noon–4 p.m. at Geisinger Health Plan, Hughes Center, 9 Stearns Lane, Danville

•Tuesday, April 19, 7 –11 a.m. at Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital, 1020 Thompson St., Jersey Shore

•Friday, April 22, 7 –11 a.m. at Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital, 549 Fair St., Bloomsburg

•Monday, April 25, 7 –11 a.m. at Geisinger Mt. Pleasant, 531 Mt. Pleasant Drive, Scranton

•Friday, April 29, 7 –11 a.m. at Geisinger Lewistown Hospital, 400 Highland Ave., Lewistown

Call 570-271-6030 for more information

The University of Scranton’s Earth Day Essay Contest

Area students in grades five to 12 can participate in The University of Scranton’s Earth Day Essay Contest 2022. The contest is offered free of charge and this year’s essay theme is “We Are All Connected.” Topics students can write about include conservation, recycling, healthy eating, agriculture, renewable energy, eliminating single use containers, bees, gardening or transportation, among other subjects.

Essays for students in grades five and six must be between 200 to 400 words. Essays for students in grades seven and eight must be between 300 to 500 words. Essays for students in grades nine to 12 must be between 500 to 700 words. Electronic submissions must be sent to susan.falbo@scranton.edu on or before Monday, April 4. Mail-in entries must be postmarked on or by April 1 to be considered and can be sent to: The University of Scranton, Office of Sustainability, Smurfit Arts Center, 445 Madison Avenue, Scranton, PA 18510, Attn: Earth Day Essay Contest.

Visit the University’s Sustainability website for complete submission rules and details.

Winners of the Earth Day Essay Contest will be announced by the University’s Sustainability Office and student Sustainability and Conservation Society at an Evening of Environmental Science program for participants and their families and teachers on Wednesday, April 20, 2022, beginning at 6 p.m., in the atrium of the Loyola Science Center on campus.

The University of Scranton’s Earth Day Essay Contest Open for Submissions

Area students in grades seven to 12 can participate in The University of Scranton’s Earth Day Essay Contest 2021. The contest is offered free of charge and this year’s essay theme is “Caring for our Common Home.”

Essays for students in grades seven and eight must be between 200 to 400 words. Essays for students in grades nine to 12 must be between 300 to 500 words. Electronic submissions must be sent to susan.falbo@scranton.edu on or before Friday, April 9.

Visit the University’s Sustainability website for complete submission rules and details. Only electronic submissions will be accepted this year. Mail-in entries will not be accepted for 2021.

Winners of the Earth Day Essay Contest will be announced via an event hosted on The University of Scranton Sustainability Office Facebook page on Earth Day, April 22, beginning at 7 p.m.

This year marks the 51st anniversary of Earth Day.