Lackawanna College Recognized as a “2024 Great College to Work For” Lackawanna College Joins the Ranks of the Nation’s Top Institutions For the second year in a row, Lackawanna College is recognized as one of the nation’s top workplaces in higher education by the 2024 Great Colleges to Work For® program. The results, released today in a special edition of The Chronicle of Higher Education, are derived from a comprehensive survey encompassing 216 colleges and universities nationwide. Of those, only 75 institutions achieved the distinction of being named a “Great College to Work For,” based on their practices and policies. Results are reported by institution size, and Lackawanna College was recognized in the small college category, which includes schools with enrollments between 500 and 2,999 students. This year, Lackawanna College won honors in two recognition categories: Job Satisfaction & Support: Recognizes institutions where employees have high job satisfaction, feel supported and have the resources to succeed. Mission & Pride: Highlights institutions where employees understand the mission, take pride in their work and recommend the college as a great place to work. “Receiving recognition once again as a ‘Great College to Work For’ is a profound honor and a reflection of our collective efforts to build an exceptional workplace. This recognition highlights the dedication, passion, and enthusiasm that each team member brings to our organization. It is not just a reflection of our workplace culture but a celebration of the values we uphold and the commitment we share to support and inspire our students, and each other, every day.” Lackawanna College President and Chief Innovation Officer Jill Murray, Ph.D., said. The rankings are the result of a two-part assessment process: an institutional questionnaire that gathers detailed information on employment data and workplace policies, and a survey distributed to faculty, administrators and professional support staff. The primary factor in deciding whether an institution received recognition was the employee feedback. “Earning this distinction once again is a powerful affirmation of the dedication our employees demonstrate each day in embodying our mission. We are committed to providing high quality education to our students and working to improve our surrounding communities. This honor is a direct result of their hard work and their commitment to making our mission a reality, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve achieved together,” Vice President for Human Resources Renee Mundy, Esq., SPHR, SHRM-SCP said. About the Great Colleges to Work For® Program The Great Colleges to Work For® program is one of the largest and most respected workplace recognition programs in the country. For more information and to view all current and previous recognized institutions, visit the Great Colleges program website at GreatCollegesProgram.com and GreatCollegesList.com. ModernThink, a strategic human capital consulting firm, administered the survey and analyzed the results.
Geisinger – How to Perform a Self-Breast Exam How to perform a self-breast examKnow exactly what to do, and what to look for, so you can keep on top of your health.Dr. Rebecca Jordan, general surgery, breast, Geisinger Life can get busy, but you’re never too busy to take a moment to check on your health. A monthly, at-home breast exam is just one of the many ways you can keep on top of any changes with your body. Along with your regular mammogram, monthly breast self-exams give you the opportunity to check for variations in skin texture, bumps or changes in your breasts.But, exactly how do you do a breast self-exam? Performing a breast exam at home It’s a good idea to align these monthly self-exams with your menstrual cycle. Choose a time when your breasts are the least tender or swollen. The best time is often the week after your period ends. Looking at a mirror, keep your arms at your sides to start. And remember that the key to these exams is to look for any changes compared to the previous month. You’ll begin your self-exam by looking for any visual changes in your breasts’ appearance. Visual changes in your breast appearance may include: Puckering or dimpling of the skin Changes in your breast size Nipple inversion Next, lie down to spread out your breast tissue to make it easier to feel for any bumps or lumps. Take your time as you feel around your breast and stick to a pattern — such as moving clockwise or up and down. Use the pads of your fingers to feel around, use different levels of pressure and gently squeeze your nipple to check for discharge. Examine your entire breast before moving to your other side and make sure to feel around your armpits, because your breast tissue extends up to that area. You can also perform a self-exam in the shower, using soap so your fingers glide up and down your skin more easily. When should you call your doctor to schedule a mammogram? Remember, just because you feel a lump or have any symptoms doesn’t mean you have breast cancer. But it’s always a good idea to follow up with your doctor to rule it out. Schedule an appointment with your doctor if you notice any of the following: A hard lump in your breast or underarm Bloody nipple discharge Changes in your breast size Nipple inversion Pain redness, warmth or swelling in your breast Puckering or dimpling Scaly skin Sores or rashes At this appointment, your doctor will perform an external breast exam, like the one you get at your annual appointment. In some cases, they may recommend additional testing. For younger people, we may only recommend an ultrasound. Other times, we may recommend a magnetic resonance imagining test — or MRI — which can help when there have been no findings through other imaging tests but other symptoms present, including nipple discharge. Your doctor may even recommend a mammogram, especially if you have dense breasts or a lump that requires further testing. A mammogram, or low-dose X-ray exam of your breasts, will allow your doctor to detect any changes in your breast tissue that can’t be detected during a breast exam. You’ll be scheduled for either a screening mammogram or a diagnostic mammogram to determine the cause of your symptoms and come to a diagnosis. Remember that keeping on top of your health, including scheduling regular mammograms and self-exams, is important to detecting signs of breast cancer at their earliest stages — when they are easiest to treat. By following these steps each month, you’re doing just that — taking steps towards your healthiest self. To learn more about breast cancer care at Geisinger, visit geisinger.org/breastcare.
Geisinger – What Can Raise Your Risk of Breast Cancer? What can raise your risk of breast cancer?While you can’t control all your risk factors of breast cancer, you can arm yourself with knowledge. Better-informed health decisions, like taking preventive measures, could reduce your risk.By: Rebecca Jordan, DO, general surgery, breast, Geisinger Breast cancer is one of the better-known conditions because it’s relatively common. It’s likely you or someone you know — a friend, family member, neighbor or coworker — will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Fortunately, you can take charge of your breast health now to help change the direction of your narrative and keep your breast cancer risk as low as possible. While breast cancer can’t always be prevented, regular screenings and healthy lifestyle choices can reduce your risk. The important first step is arming yourself with knowledge and the right resources to help prevent breast cancer or catch it in its earliest stages when success rates are higher. When you know your risk factors of breast cancer, you can make informed health decisions and take preventative measures by changing elements in your environment and lifestyle. Modifiable risk factors of breast cancer Modifiable risk factors are those you can control. You can modify lifestyle choices like diet, physical activity and alcohol consumption. Scientists don’t know what causes breast cancer. But they do know positive changes in your environment and daily habits can reduce your breast cancer risk. Maintain a healthy weight and eat a balanced diet Being overweight or obese is a known breast cancer risk factor. Exercise regularly and eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins to lower your risk. Limiting your intake of processed food, sugar and red meat may also be beneficial. Stay physically active Because a sedentary lifestyle increases your risk of breast cancer, aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise (brisk walking, swimming or biking) or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise (running or aerobics) each week. Limit alcohol consumption The more alcohol you drink, the greater your risk of breast cancer. If you choose to drink alcohol, limit the amount to no more than one drink a day for women and no more than two drinks a day for men. Quit smoking Smoking cigarettes, being around secondhand smoke or using other tobacco products are known risk factors. The harmful chemicals in tobacco can increase your risk of breast cancer, especially when you use or are exposed to them for long periods of time. Limit exposure to certain chemicals and pollutants Exposure to harmful substances, such as pesticides — especially DDT — industrial chemicals, plastic that contains BPA and even some beauty products that include parabens, can increase your risk of breast cancer. However, more research is needed in this area. Understand the impact of your reproductive history Childbirth can affect your risk, too. Factors that increase your risk of breast cancer include becoming pregnant for the first time after age 30, not breastfeeding and never giving birth at all. Avoid hormone replacement therapy Hormone replacement therapy is used to relieve symptoms of menopause and help prevent osteoporosis. But according to research, taking some forms of hormone replacement therapy, especially those that combine estrogen and progesterone, for more than five years during menopause can raise your risk of breast cancer. If you’re considering hormone therapy, talk to your doctor about the benefits versus risks to decide if it’s right for you. Can deodorant cause breast cancer? Because underarm antiperspirant or deodorant is applied near the breast, some fear that the potentially harmful ingredients in these products, such as aluminum compounds or parabens, might be absorbed into the body, disrupt hormone levels and lead to breast cancer. Research on this topic is limited, but the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute state there is no convincing scientific evidence to support the claim that deodorant or antiperspirant use increases the risk of breast cancer. While concerns about deodorant and antiperspirant use persist, focusing on known risk factors and taking appropriate steps to maintain breast health are the most important things you can do to reduce your risk. Can birth control cause breast cancer? Many studies have found consistent evidence that women who use birth control pills that contain both estrogen and progesterone have a slightly higher risk of developing breast cancer. This is especially true if they have used them for longer than 10 years. We know that estrogen and progesterone stimulate the development and growth of some cancers, but studies vary on the true risk of these medications. Fortunately, research also shows us that once the pills are stopped, the risk for breast cancer seems to return to normal within about 10 years. If you’re considering oral contraceptives, talk to your doctor. They can guide you based on your medical history, risk factors and birth control preferences. Weigh the risks versus benefits with a healthcare professional to decide what’s best for you. Nonmodifiable risk factors of breast cancer Nonmodifiable risk factors are those beyond your control, including your age, gender and family history of breast cancer. Although you can’t change these risk factors, being aware of them can help you and your healthcare provider make informed decisions about screening and risk management. Nonmodifiable risk factors of breast cancer include: Your age, especially if you’re older than 50 Family history of breast or ovarian cancer Inherited genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2 Dense breast tissue Early menstruation (before age 12) and late menopause (after age 55) Reducing your risk factors of breast cancer Now you know what changes to make in your environment and daily habits to reduce your modifiable risk factors. But don’t forget about screenings and early detection strategies. They’re crucial in the fight against breast cancer. Regular breast cancer screenings, such as mammograms and clinical breast exams, can help detect the disease in its early stages when it’s most treatable. If you’re in your 20s or 30s, start getting a clinical breast exam every one to three years when you visit your primary care provider or gynecologist. Before turning 40, talk to your doctor about risk factors that determine how often you should have a screening mammogram. The American Society of Breast Surgeons recommends women of average risk start annual screening mammograms at age 40. Do you know you have nonmodifiable risk factors for breast cancer, such as a family history or genetic mutations? Your doctor can make personalized recommendations for earlier or additional breast screening and discuss options for risk reduction, such as medications and preventive surgeries. Early detection is the best protection: The five-year survival rate is highest for early-stage breast cancer. Understanding your unique risk profile, you can work with your healthcare team to develop a personalized plan for early detection and risk reduction — and beat the odds if you’re diagnosed. To learn more about breast cancer care at Geisinger, visit geisinger.org/breastcare.
2024-25 Educator in the Workplace Announces New Cohort The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce’s workforce development affiliate, Skill in Scranton, announces the 2024-25 Educator in the Workplace (EIW) cohort. Designed to bridge the gap between education and industry, EIW fosters collaboration between educators, school leadership, and officials to local businesses to enhance classroom instruction, student learning, and workforce readiness. The cohort welcomes a diverse group of participants, including K–12 educators, school counselors, administrators, adult program teachers, school board directors, superintendents, and principals from across northeastern Pennsylvania. Cohort participants are as follows: Bonnie Baker, Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County Lisa Bath, Abington Heights School District Joanne Beauvais, Merakey Education Center Gena Bensinger, Northeast Intermediate Unit 19 William Buza, Mid Valley School District Amy Capman, Mid Valley School District Jessica Capwell, Northeast Intermediate Unit 19 Brian Carey, Scranton School District Tara Carey, Scranton School District Mary Kate Culkin, Scranton School District Arianne DelSordo, Old Forge School District Kaylee Dunning, Carbondale Area School District Terri Erdmann, Forest City Regional School District William Freeman, Lakeland School District Dalyana Gillette, Scranton School District Nanine Gramigna, Scranton School District Andrea Gross, Scranton School District Lynn Harding, Scranton School District Jennifer Herman, Scranton School District Ryan Hnat, Scranton School District Maria Hurst, Scranton School District Jessica Judge, Scranton School District Jane Kabuiku, SCI Waymart Christine Kallinger-Allen, Abington Heights School District Stephanie Klinkel, Scranton School District Samantha Krenitsky, Scranton School District Shannon Kuchak, Lackawanna Trail School District Melissa Lavelle, Old Forge School District Christopher Lazor, Riverside School District Buford Lively, Northeast Intermediate Unit 19 Emily Lutz, Scranton School District Laurie Marino, Valley View School District Katie McCarthy, Scranton School District Christine Menichini, Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County Marie Merkel, Scranton School District Sandy Morahan, Forest City Regional School District Landon Morey, Montrose Area School District Janelle Nestrick, Scranton School District Jessica Norris, Scranton School District Kathleen Nycz, Old Forge School District Carm Perri, Carbondale Area School District Cynthia Petrucci, Scranton School District Amy Petty, Abington Heights School District Gabrielle Pidgeon, Carbondale Area School District Sheri Ransom, Mountain View School District John Ray, Scranton School District Kayla Record, S.E.E.D. Planning Group Kerri Ruddy Archer, Scranton School District Kylene Sautner, Scranton School District Bernadette Schumacher, Mid Valley School District Renee Vigil, Forest City Regional School District Shauna Williams, Blue Ridge School District Tim Wolff, Scranton School District Marc Wyandt, Lakeland School District The Chamber and Skills in Scranton leadership congratulates each member of the cohort and looks forward to their positive impact on the community’s education landscape. The educators will have the unique opportunity to collaborate with local businesses and industry leaders, gaining firsthand knowledge to inspire and prepare their students for today’s and tomorrow’s workplace.
The Dime Bank Supports Pocono Environmental Education Center The Dime Bank is proud to announce a $9,000.00 donation to the Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) through the PA Department of Community and Economic Development’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit to support their hands-on environmental education programs for local school students. “The Dime Bank is committed to supporting initiatives that promote environmental education and sustainability,” said President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Bochnovich. “We believe that investing in the future of our planet is essential, and PEEC’s programs are a valuable resource for our community’s young people.” PEEC’s mission is to inspire, educate, and empower people to care for the natural world. Through their innovative programs, students have the opportunity to explore the wonders of nature, learn about environmental issues, and develop a deeper appreciation for the planet. Director of Development Amanda Subjin stated, “We are so thankful for the support of The Dime Bank through the EITC program. The majority of the funding we receive through these donations is dedicated towards providing hands-on environmental education programming to local school students either by visiting their classroom or when they come to PEEC for a field trip. How exciting for students to connect with their local national recreation area!”
PennDOT Invites Pennsylvanians to Share Feedback on Construction, Maintenance Services The statewide survey is available until October 22. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is accepting construction and maintenance services feedback through an online survey. The public can take the survey through October 22 by visiting 2024 PennDOT Construction/Maintenance Customer Satisfaction Survey. Construction and maintenance work has been underway across the state this year. From January through August, 303 bridges were put out for bid to be repaired, replaced, or preserved by PennDOT or industry forces. Additionally, from January through August more than 3,100 roadway miles were improved by department or partner crews. This includes 1,114 miles of paving. “PennDOT is working hard for Pennsylvanians every day, and work on our roads and bridges is one of our largest services in our communities,” PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll said. “This survey is one way the public can help us find successes, potential improvements, or educational opportunities.” The 24-question survey asks respondents how they receive PennDOT roadway information and how often PennDOT meets or exceeds expectations in construction and maintenance activities. Respondents are also asked about experiences with reporting concerns to the department, and whether or how they use the state’s 511PA traveler information services. Motorists can check conditions on major roadways 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 X alerts.
Comcast Expands Fiber-Rich Network to Homes and Businesses in Northeastern Pennsylvania Comcast Breaks Ground on Construction to Extend Xfinity Network in Carbon, Luzerne, and Schuylkill Counties. After announcing its expansion to more than 12,000 homes and businesses in other parts of Luzerne Countyearlier this year, Comcast today announced it is extending its fast, reliable and secure broadband network to more parts of Carbon, Luzerne, and Schuylkill Counties in Northeastern Pennsylvania including additional homes and businesses in Banks, Blythe, Butler, East Norwegian, Hazle, Kline, Rush, and Schuylkill Townships as well as McAdoo, Middleport, New Philadelphia, and Tamaqua Boroughs. Construction is underway to deliver access to Xfinity and Comcast Business products, including Xfinity Internet and Mobile, and Comcast Business Internet and Mobile, with full project completion anticipated in 2026. “As a lifelong Schuylkill County resident and farmer, I’m proud to see Comcast bring its fast, reliable Internet to more local homes and businesses,” said Barron L. “Boots” Hetherington, Chair of the Schuylkill County Commissioners. “We are thrilled Comcast is expanding its network throughout Carbon, Luzerne, and Schuylkill Counties, helping our local communities to harness the power of connection.” The first residents and businesses will be connected to Xfinity and Comcast high-speed broadband later this year and can visit Xfinity.com/MyTown and enter their addresses for additional details on construction timing and upcoming service availability. “We are focused on expanding access to our fast, reliable and secure broadband network to as many Americans as possible, including more residents and businesses in Carbon, Luzerne, and Schuylkill Counties,” said Ricky Frazier Jr., Senior Vice President, Comcast’s Keystone Region, which is based in Pennsylvania. “Our communities deserve the best WiFi experience both inside and outside of the home, and we look forward to providing these local communities products and services on the nation’s largest, fastest network.” This network expansion comes after a series of local Comcast capital investment projects this year including the completion of construction to connect 3,500 more homes and businesses in parts of East Norwegian and New Castle Townships, and Palo Alto, Port Carbon, and St. Clair Boroughs as well as connecting more than 26,000 homes and businesses in the City of Wilkes-Barre, Hanover, and Wilkes-Barre Townships, and Ashley, Sugar Notch, and Warrior Run Boroughs. Comcast currently serves more than 80 municipalities across Carbon, Luzerne and Schuylkill Counties. In addition, the company has installed two Lift Zones in Luzerne County at the Greater Pittston YMCA located at 10 North Main Street, Pittston, PA 18640, and Lehman Sanctuary at 261 Jackson Road, Shavertown, PA 18708 as well as a Lift Zone at the Salvation Army Corps Pottsville located at 400 Sanderson St., Pottsville, PA 17901 in Schuylkill County. Lift Zones provide free WiFi service to help these community centers promote digital learning. Lift Zones, which provide Internet access on-the-go, complement our Internet Essentials program that provides in-home broadband connectivity. Lift Zones help students, veterans, and anyone who, for a variety of reasons (including homelessness, or housing insecurity issues), need somewhere to go during the day to connect to the Internet. Lift Zones are part of Project UP, Comcast’s comprehensive $1 billion commitment to help build a future of unlimited possibilities and the continuation of the company’s long history of giving back to communities where it provides service and where its employees live and work.
Johnson College Receives Grant from AllOne Foundation Johnson College has been awarded a $95,000 grant from AllOne Foundation to update training equipment for its health science programs and to support community outreach to school-age and adult learners interested in pursuing training in the healthcare industry. The grant will assist the College in addressing Northeastern Pennsylvania’s healthcare workforce needs. AllOne Foundation awards Johnson College a $95,000 grant from AllOne Foundation to update training equipment for its health science programs and support community outreach to those interested in the healthcare industry. Pictured left to right in front of a SynDaver Silicone Anatomy Model: John Cosgrove, CEO, AllOne Foundation; Dr. Katie Pittelli, President & CEO, Johnson College; Frank Apostolico, board member, AllOne Foundation; and Heather DeFazio, Physical Therapist Assistant Program Director, Johnson College. Providing students at Johnson College with the latest technology used in modern clinical settings is essential to their industry-focused, hands-on learning. The upgraded, cutting-edge equipment acquired through this grant will prepare students from Physical Therapist Assistant, Radiologic Technology, Biomedical Equipment Technology, and Medical Assistant programs for any environment they encounter during internships and post-graduate careers. These upgrades will include a SynDaver Silicone Anatomy Model, which will allow Physical Therapist Assistant students to best understand the muscles that they will work in their daily careers; a portable digital X-ray machine for Radiologic Technology students; and an EKG machine for Biomedical Equipment Technology students. Using Johnson College’s Careers in Healthcare RV, previously funded by the Northeastern Pennsylvania Healthcare Foundation and the Moses Taylor Foundation, the College will also visit regional schools, healthcare and employment fairs, and camps to meet with residents and discuss opportunities for careers in the healthcare field. Sample equipment within the RV will give people an inside look at careers in the Physical Therapist Assistant, Radiologic Technology, Biomedical Equipment Technology, and Medical Assistant fields. To learn more about Johnson College’s health science programs, visit Johnson.edu.
Tobyhanna Army Depot Recognizes National Tradesperson Day Tobyhanna Army Depot (TYAD) wouldn’t be the world-class organization it is today without the skill, dedication, and precision of its tradespeople. On National Tradesperson Day, TYAD joins our nation in saluting those who utilize trade skills to make missions successful. Their craftsmanship is the backbone of every successful project, ensuring our warfighters have the tools they need to excel. Maintenance Worker Frank Padula began his career as a tradesperson directly out of high school when he took a summer job working in construction, which saw him framing houses and doing home remodeling around a lake. Though this experience, he developed a drive to expand his abilities. His boss suggested he read books regarding more advanced techniques and that if he proved himself, he’d allow him to handle new types of tasks. Padula hit the books and before long, he started to grow progressively in the field performing tasks such as cutting stair treads and measuring roof rafters. While working at the lake, he said he also had to remove docks from the water and re-paint them. Although he didn’t realize it at the time, these hands-on experiences positioned him well for a career at TYAD. Padula joined Team Tobyhanna as a painter in 2007 in search of stable, well-paying career. Growing up in a strong, patriotic family, he said working at the depot was appealing because it provided him a unique opportunity support our nation’s warfighters while doing work he excelled at. He had uncles and grandfathers that served in World War II, the Vietnam War, and the Korean War, so his connection to the depot’s mission runs deep. Padula’s job as a painter offered him the opportunity to support the depot’s forward support mission and see a lot of the country. He said that no matter where he went, he wanted to make sure TYAD was well represented. “I got to go paint in probably 13 or 14 different states at other bases and I really wanted to give a strong outlook on Tobyhanna. I wanted people to say ‘these guys are really good guys and this is a good group from Tobyhanna,’” said Padula. “I wanted me to reflect on how we are as an installation. I made a lot of friends from a lot of states just being personable.” After eight years working in the paint shop, Padula accepted an opportunity to deploy to Southwest Asia for six months working on non-tactical vehicles. He said he learned a lot about team building and how the world views the government industrial complex. Padula said when he returned, he wanted to continue working in the trades and was grateful TYAD would offer him the opportunity to do so, which he said is his favorite thing about working at the depot. “There is always room for advancement. If I wanted to do something, Tobyhanna has never ever said no to me on anything I wanted to do to better myself,” said Padula. “The opportunities here are endless.” Padula began working in his current role as a Maintenance Worker roughly seven years ago, a job he said enjoys because it allows him to do new, unique things all the time. On any given day, he said he may be repairing walls, hanging pictures, repairing flooring, making signs, and beyond. He also serves as a member of the depot’s snow removal team, a role he was able to take on after earning his commercial driver’s license through TYAD. Padula said he considers himself fortunate that he gets to do what he does every day because it truly is his calling in life. “When you like what you do it’s not considered work. I love my job,” said Padula. “A lot of people say ‘hey why don’t you go do this, this, or that.’ I just really like what I do. It is not stressful when you enjoy what you’re doing.” Padula said his biggest piece of advice for people considering a career in the trades is to take pride in what you do. “If you don’t have your heart in it, don’t bother doing it. Your work reflects you,” said Padula. “People that have a master craft, you can see that their love and passion goes into it. You’re the most important thing that your work reflects on.” Electronics Worker Connor O’Neill joined Team Tobyhanna in 2021 through the depot’s Pathways Program, which provides streamlined Federal employment opportunities for students near graduation and recent graduates. He holds an Associates Degree in Electrical Construction Technology from Johnson College. O’Neill said his interest in the trades came when he was in high school. Unsure of what career path he wanted to go down, he recalled a “Tech Shop” class he took where he learned how to wire light bulbs and preformed other similar activities. He said that experience swayed him to go into the trades, and the thought of earning a two-year degree from Johnson College was appealing to him as it allowed him to more quickly enter the workforce. The beginning of O’Neill’s depot career saw him working on the AN/TRC-190, a multi-channel radio that has the capability to link point-to-point ultra-high frequencies with nodes from communication systems. For just over a year now, he has been supporting the Multiple Range Threat Systems Branch doing mechanical work. One of O’Neill recent projects included the disassembly, repair, and reassembly of a Joint Threat Emitter (JTE), which creates an authentic combat training experience for aircrews by projecting various signals that mimic a range of domestic and foreign threats, including radar and heat-seeking missiles, to pilots in flight. He said the work truly does vary from day to day, but he is happy to support in whatever way the team needs him to. Having had family members serve in the military, he said his connection to TYAD’s mission is a personal one. “My grandfather was in the Navy and my great grandfather was in the Army, so I do have some personal ties to Tobyhanna’s mission. It’s for guys like them that makes work that we do that much better,” said O’Neill. “You’re contributing to your country and our military.” O’Neill said he is proud to be able to serve the country and also takes pride in ensuring a job well done. “I take pride in doing a quality job at whatever point. I give it 110% and even if that is just taking baby steps, I know I’m doing all I can do,” said O’Neill. “If I get something wrong, it’s nothing to frown upon. Everybody makes mistakes every day. I just have fix them, hold myself accountable, and reflect. How I improve myself every day is what matters.” O’Neill said he is grateful for the mentorship and advice he’s been offered since joining Team Tobyhanna. His biggest piece of advice to prospective tradespeople is to make a connection with a subject matter expert and not be afraid to see everything the trades have to offer. “If you’re in high school, I would recommend taking a shop class to try to figure out what it is you want to do. Even if that’s taking multiple shop classes or just working with someone that knows what they’re doing,” said O’Neill. “Getting that little bit of experience helps out when you’re trying to figure out what trade you want to do.” O’Neill concluded by saying the teamwork aspect of his job is what gives him motivation each day. “My favorite thing about working at Tobyhanna is giving back to the Army and the military, but also the people that work here. All of the people on the shop floor and all of our upper management are really good people,” said O’Neill. “Everybody has been good to me, so I do my best to be good to them. To be able to come in, see the same people every day, and know that we can tackle obstacles together to get work done is a great feeling.” Industrial Worker Helper Jacqueline Bogdan joined Team Tobyhanna in 2019 following a career working in food service. She said she learned of job opportunities at the depot after attending an on-post career fair. Like Padula, she sought a career at TYAD for a better work-life balance and stability. Bogdan spends most of her time supporting TYAD’s kitting operations. On a typical day, she said she and her team will start by reviewing work on her shop’s electronic production control board to determine what is behind, ahead, or right on schedule. From there she will begin to prepare the work to be built or shipped out, a process which includes packaging and inspecting equipment. In addition to her kitting responsibilities, she has also spent time working in the depot’s C4ISR Finishing Center and actively supports Mobile Depot Maintenance trips. Occurring both inside and outside of the United States of America, her tasks included refurbishing shelters, maintaining towers on Air Force bases, working on Rolling Airframe Missile Launchers, and performing equipment installs on High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles. Bogdan said she started in an entry-level position and gained additional skills through on-the-job training and experiential learning. She said she’s very grateful for the opportunities that have been offered to her so far and suggested all professionals keep an open mind when it comes to job opportunities. “Be open minded when people give you offers. Take a chance working in different areas so that you can learn something. You might not realize that you like it and it can end up being what is best for you. Sometimes, those opportunities don’t come again.” said Bogdan. “I never would’ve expected I’d be at Tobyhanna. Some people work just a long time to get here, so I feel very blessed to be here.” Bogdan said she appreciates how despite TYAD being a large place, her position makes it that she can meet new people and understand the installations vast and varied workload. “When you get to see new faces and see what everyone else is doing, it helps open up the horizon of the depot,” said Bogdan. “I like to know what everyone else is doing so that we can team up to be productive. It feels nice to get to meet new people.” Bogdan said that she likes that her work in the trades allows her to experience different things. “Things change a lot in this job and I’m not always doing the same thing consistently,” said Bogdan. “Whether I’m on a Navy shipyard, Air Force base, or helping organize the shop here at Tobyhanna, I like that I get to change things up.” Bogdan concluded by urging all professionals, junior and senior, to make their personal and professional development a top priority. “You have to keep your chin up and invest in yourself,” said Bogdan. “You have to be your biggest priority.”
Northeast Regional Cancer Institute Receives Donation from McDonald Foundation The McDonald Foundation presented the Cancer Institute with a $5,000 donation to support the Cancer Institute’s Community-Based Cancer Screening Navigation Program. Nevin Gerber, a representative of the McDonald Foundation and Spirit of Hope Ambassador together with Leo Vergnetti, Chairman of the Spirit of Hope Board of Ambassadors, presented the check. From left to right: Karen M. Saunders, President, Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, Nevin Gerber, McDonald Foundation and Leo Vergnetti, Board of Ambassadors Chairman. The Spirit of Hope Board of Ambassadors is a group of community volunteers that hosts an annual Spirit of Hope Celebration in November at Mohegan Pennsylvania. Proceeds from the event benefit the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute’s Community-Based Cancer Screening Navigation Program. This program helps low income and un/underinsured individuals in northeast Pennsylvania get their recommended colorectal, breast, cervical, and lung cancer screenings. For more information about the Spirit of Hope Celebration, visit, www.spiritofhopecelebration.org .
