Penn State Scranton SAT Prep Course

Penn State Scranton’s SAT Prep course offers high school students the opportunity to prepare for their SAT exams. By utilizing SAT-produced materials and practicing with retired test questions, students become familiar with the time issues and flow of the SAT test and they also review subject matter with instructors and develop strategies to successfully take the test. This SAT prep course is offered in-person at Penn State Scranton.

For information and registration visit: https://scranton.psu.edu/SAT-prep

Lexington Entertainment Holiday Performance Schedule

Sunday, December 15                   DOUG SMITH’S DIXIELAND ALL-STARS                                    5:00 – 7:00

                                                       New Orleans Christmas

                                                       Villa Maria, 1610 Washburn Street,  Scranton, PA

Wednesday, December 25             JIM WALTICH / DOUG SMITH JAZZ DUO                                  Noon – 5:00

                                                            Christmas Dinner

                                                            Skytop Lodge’s Windsor Dining Room, Skytop, PA

Let’s CHOP Out Hunger for Kids this Holiday Season

Help Us Feed 45,000 Children Weekly! Volunteer at CHOP Out Hunger’s New Scranton Warehouse

Join us in our mission to end child hunger across Pennsylvania! CHOP Out Hunger relies on dedicated volunteers to help provide nutritious meals to 45,000 kids in need each week.

Ways to Make a Difference:
Packing Support: Assemble weekend backpack bags for children
Pop-Up Pantries: Help distribute fresh food to families
Office Assistance: Aid with administrative tasks
Your time and effort give children the fuel they need to thrive. Become part of our movement to create a hunger-free future.

Sign up here.

Enjoy a “Sweet” Treat this Holiday Season

Electric City Sweets is here to sweeten up your season! 🌟 Not just a beloved local treat, but your go-to for customized corporate gifts that impress. 

From our fully personalized Signature 10 Pack to elegant truffle boxes adorned with a ribbon and custom hangtag, we’ve got your holiday gifting covered. Simplify your shopping and share the sweetest memories with us.  🍫

🚚 Free Local Delivery 

🚚 Shipping Nationwide

Hudspeth Joins The Chamber as Human Resources Manager

The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce Kristin Hudspeth as its new Human Resources Manager. In this role, Hudspeth oversees all aspects of human resources, including recruitment, employee engagement, benefits administration, and compliance with labor laws. She plays a pivotal role in fostering a positive and productive workplace culture, working closely with The Chamber’s leadership team to align HR strategies with organizational goals.

“On behalf of The Chamber, I am pleased that Kristin Hudspeth has become part of our Team. Kristin’s vast experience and personality will certainly make this newly created position a success,” shared James Coleman, vice president of internal administration.

Hudspeth brings extensive HR management experience, including her recent role leading the executive director search for the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic—showcasing her commitment to supporting local organizations and their missions. She has led innovative human resource solutions at IKEA North America Services and beyond. Hudspeth’s expertise includes talent acquisition, learning and development, and employee engagement, with a proven track record of supporting employee growth and driving business success.

A native of Clarks Summit, PA, Hudspeth holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from the State University of New York – F.I.T. She is passionate about creating workplace environments where employees thrive and organizations excel.

The Chamber’s leadership is excited to welcome Hudspeth to the team and looks forward to her contributions to advancing its mission of supporting businesses and communities in northeastern Pennsylvania.

Cimahosky Honored as a Top 20 Under 40 by NEPA Business Journal

The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce leadership is proud to announce that AJ Cimahosky, business development specialist, has been selected as one of the Top 20 Under 40 by the NEPA Business Journal. This prestigious recognition highlights young professionals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation, and dedication to their communities and industries.

In his role at The Chamber, Cimahosky supports the organization’s mission to drive business and economic development in Lackawanna County. He works within the Chambers divisions of Scranton Lackawanna Industrial Building Company (SLIBCO) and The Scranton Plan. Through The Scranton Plan, Cimahosky manages marketing initiatives that promote job creation and retention in the region. His work with SLIBCO involves attracting new industries, facilitating business expansion, and supporting facilities management, further bolstering the area’s economic growth.

“AJ has been an integral member of the Chamber’s Business Development team since 2021, playing a key role in advancing our region’s business attraction efforts, fostering job creation, and driving community investment initiatives,” shared Amy Luyster, vice president of business and workforce development. “His dedication has not only contributed to the Chamber’s success but has also created a meaningful and lasting impact on Lackawanna County.”

Cimahosky brings a wealth of experience to his current role, including his time as a business development and research analyst at Mericle Commercial Real Estate, where he specialized in economic development and marketing, and as Manager of Continuing Education for Johnson College.

Cimahosky is a NEPA native, a Honesdale High School alum, and a graduate of Pennsylvania State University with a bachelor of science degree in Energy, Business, & Finance. He currently resides in Glenburn Township with his wife, Sara, and his daughter, Aubrey.

Lackawanna College Partners with MMI for Pre-College Program

MMI Preparatory School, located in Freeland near Hazleton, has approved a pre-college agreement with Lackawanna College, enabling MMI students to earn college credits while still in high school.

This agreement, finalized in October 2024, follows an extensive evaluation process in which MMI reviewed area colleges and selected Lackawanna College to partner with for Pre-College programs.

“Jennifer Novotney (Director of Curriculum and Instruction at MMI) and I met with approximately a dozen colleges and universities this summer, and very quickly Lackawanna College rose to the top, not only for the college’s experience with Pre-College programs but the ability to work together and move quickly,” said Dr. Tammy M. Chrin, Ed.D., Director of College Counseling at MMI Preparatory School.

Currently, 40 eligible MMI students are set to benefit from the initiative, with the program already in place and being collaboratively administered by MMI and Lackawanna College staff.

“I am excited to be working with MMI, their staff, faculty, and students. This partnership will help students earn college credits before graduating from high school and save their families thousands of dollars in the process. We are proud to be a part of this process for the families of MMI,” said Phillip Campbell, Director of College Partnerships at Lackawanna College.

MMI students have the flexibility to take classes online, attend courses at the Lackawanna College Hazleton Center, or participate in concurrent classes held at MMI Preparatory School.

“Our students are really excited about the concurrent enrollment opportunities that are available. We currently have 29 credits available over junior and senior year that students can earn college credit for,” said Dr. Chrin. “I’ve introduced associate degree options to our students through the Level Up program and we have a number of students, especially our sophomore class, who are considering earning an associate degree before they would earn their high school diploma.”

Lackawanna College promotes the following goals through its partnership with MMI Preparatory School:

  • Enable high school students to earn college credits, saving time and money toward their higher education goals.
  • Provide exposure to college-level coursework, easing the transition from high school to higher education.
  • Offer pathways to career-focused programs.
  • Help students explore fields of study before committing to a major.

“This is something we’ve been looking at for quite some time here at MMI, a partnership that give us the opportunity to offer our students both concurrent and dual enrollment classes,” said Marci Hosier Assistant Head of School at MMI. “We know this is something that is extremely timely and relevant for our students and their families, and our staff has done a fantastic job working with Lackawanna College in getting this up and off the ground.”

About MMI Preparatory School

For 145 years, MMI Preparatory School has been providing dedicated area students with a comprehensive and inspiring 6th through 12th grade college preparatory program that maximizes each individual’s academic, social, and character potential in preparation for success in college and beyond. The school is jointly accredited by the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools (PAIS) and the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS).  MMI is a school where every student can reach their full potential: academically, ethically, and socially. For more information about MMI Preparatory School, visit www.mmiprep.org or call 570-636-1108.

About Lackawanna College’s Pre-College Program

Lackawanna College’s Pre-College Programs provide high school students with the opportunity to jump-start their college journey by earning credits while still in high school. These programs offer flexibility, allowing students to take college-level courses online, on-campus, or directly within their high schools. By participating, students can save on tuition costs, explore various academic disciplines, and gain valuable experience that prepares them for the transition to higher education. With a focus on academic enrichment and college readiness, Lackawanna College empowers students to take the first step toward achieving their educational goals.

Geisinger Gold Medicare Advantage Enrollment Deadline Approaching

Dec. 7 deadline to sign up for a plan that helps seniors fill coverage gaps

With the Dec. 7 Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) deadline quickly approaching, there’s still time for eligible seniors to evaluate and enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan for 2025. Medicare Advantage plans help older adults fill healthcare gaps that traditional Medicare does not cover, such as vision, dental and prescription benefits.

Geisinger Gold Medicare Advantage plans offer supplemental benefits and comprehensive health coverage with access to 64,000+ in-network physicians and more than 225 hospitals. 

As an added perk, all Geisinger Gold plan members can join Geisinger 65 Forward, a program that delivers concierge care focused on older adults. At a 65 Forward Health Center, members enjoy:

  • Same-day appointments to see the doctor faster
  • Longer 1:1 time with the doctor 
  • Social and educational activities
  • A personal wellness plan, including state-of-the-art fitness equipment, exercise classes and wellness coordinators 

Geisinger’s program data indicates participation in programs like 65 Forward lowers emergency room visits by 40% and inpatient admissions by 15%. 

Learn more about Geisinger’s Medicare Advantage health plans at go.geisinger.org/ourplans.

Information sessions are also taking place at various locations. To sign up for a session, visit: go.geisinger.org/seminar.