Lackawanna College Awarded Funding for Suicide Prevention

The Pennsylvania Higher Education Suicide Prevention Coalition has awarded Lackawanna College a mini-grant to launch “You Matter”, a student-led project that combines a visual suicide prevention campaign with a one-day suicide prevention event. 

The grant will be used to install large-scale inspirational message decals and support an event for Lackawanna students, faculty and staff to provide education on suicide prevention. At the event, participants will write encouraging messages to support students who are struggling on a banner that will be displayed on campus.

The campaign, led by Lackawanna’s PRIDE student organization and supported by the Student Engagement and Student Wellness programs, will be launching a platform for creating an Active Minds chapter in fall 2021. Active Minds is a nonprofit organization that supports mental health awareness and education for students.

“Our PRIDE club students are so excited about this initiative because it reflects what PRIDE stands for in promoting peace, respect, inclusion, dignity, and equality with oneself,” said Christine Kiehart, Lackawanna College Associate Professor in Academic Development.

The project builds on the College’s current efforts to implement suicide prevention programming for students and trauma-informed care training for staff. Through the “You Matter” event, the college seeks to change campus culture by promoting positive self-esteem and encouraging conversation about suicide prevention and mental health. 

Boback Announces Over $6 Million in Federal Funding Awarded to Area School Districts

Rep. Karen Boback (R-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Wyoming) has announced additional funding made available to local school districts from the federal Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CCRSA).

“Ensuring that our students and teachers are provided for has been a priority during this pandemic,” explained Boback. “It is wonderful to see that federal funds were made available to our school districts from this program that plans for and covers those additional expenses sustained due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

In the 117th Legislative District, Dallas, Lackawanna Trail, Lake Lehman, Northwest Area and Tunkhannock School Districts all received funding as a part of the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER). As part of the federal Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CCRSA), Congress and the Trump Administration established and appropriated a total of $54.3 billion for the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund. Funding is distributed to states based on each state’s proportionate share of Title I, Part A (Title I-A) funding. ESSER funds are intended to support COVID-19 response efforts and may be spent on a wide range of allowable activities.  

Pennsylvania’s share of this funding is approximately $2.22 billion, which will be distributed to the state’s school districts and charter schools based on the Title I-A formula.  This funding is on top of the $471 million that was distributed to school districts last year through the CARES Act.

Marywood University Receives $200,000 Grant

Marywood University recently received a $200,000 grant to The Donald B. and Dorothy L. Stabler endowed Scholarship fund, which was established in 2020 with a gift from the Foundation in the amount of $385,000.

The Donald B. and Dorothy L. Stabler Foundation was established by Mr. and Mrs. Stabler in 1966 exclusively for charitable, religious, scientific, literary, or educational purposes. Students who receive a Stabler Scholarship commit to making contributions to the endowment scholarship fund after their graduation in an amount at least equal to what they received. This is a “debt of conscience” rather than a legal obligation, and it helps to create a culture of philanthropy in students who have received funding and support.

Sister Mary Persico, IHM, Ed.D., president of Marywood University said, “This generous gift will create resources that best serve our students during these times that require flexibility and ingenuity—two bedrocks of a Marywood education founded in the liberal arts tradition. Because of The Donald B. and Dorothy L. Stabler Foundation, our resilient and innovative students will have the resources to emerge stronger and better. Their support indeed inspires the next generation of Marywood students to dedicate their lives to serve the common good.”

For additional information about Marywood University, please visit www.marywood.edu, or call the Office of Admissions, at (570) 348-6234.

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 Participate

If 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.