Moses Taylor Foundation Honored with Friend of School Nursing Award The Pennsylvania Association of School Nurses and Practitioners (PASNAP) recognized Moses Taylor Foundation as the recipient of the 2025 Friend of School Nursing Award for Pennsylvania. This award is presented to organizations and individuals outside the profession of school nursing who have made significant contributions to the practice of school nursing in the Commonwealth. Christine Marcos, Senior Program Officer, has been immersed in the Foundation’s strategic focus area of school-based health for seven years. She shares, “School nurses are on the front lines of meeting the health needs of students, and their work encompasses far more than what most people realize. They are key to helping students manage chronic diseases, connecting families to crucial resources, screening children for health concerns, and much more. Our Board and staff are continually inspired by their resilience, knowledge, and passion for student health, and it is our privilege to support their work.” Representatives from Moses Taylor Foundation accepted the award on March 22, 2025, in State College. Alongside key partners such as PASNAP, Moses Taylor Foundation has so far invested $1.7 million, countless staff hours, and other resources to support school nurses through a four-point strategy that includes: Advocacy for regular reevaluation of school health law, policies, and mandates Building awareness of the school nurse role and connections between school nurses and key partners Increased professional development opportunities specific to the role of the school nurse Research and piloting of innovative school nurse workforce and funding models “Since 2019, Moses Taylor Foundation has put school nurses front and center, advocating for solutions to barriers affecting school nurses, and helping to improve school health services for the students of Pennsylvania. I can think of no person or organization more deserving of this year’s Friend of School Nursing award,” said Kathy Verbel, MEd, BSN, RN, NCSN, PASNAP’s Moses Taylor Foundation Liaison.
Marywood University Aviation Program Soars into Philadelphia Region Marywood University is expanding the reach of its longstanding Aviation Management program into the Philadelphia region at Wings Field Airport (LOM), commonly known as “the Blue Bell Airport,” in the Philadelphia suburb of Blue Bell. Established 25 years ago, Marywood’s aviation program has seen a rising demand, especially as commercial pilots retire in record numbers and a global shortage of certified pilots escalates. Now, through its partnership with Fly Gateway Aviation Institute, Marywood is extending its proven Scranton-based program into the Philadelphia area, offering students in Southeastern Pennsylvania and surrounding regions the ability to stay, learn, and train close to home. “What Marywood University offers is a distinctive, professional, immersive aviation experience, which is more than just pilot training—students earn a business degree, in addition to flight certification, which ultimately gives them more options, greater flexibility, and better employability throughout their career,” said Captain Joseph McDonald, Director of Marywood’s Aviation Management Program and a retired American Airlines Captain. “Our partnership with Fly Gateway allows Marywood to go beyond Scranton and offer this incredible opportunity to students in the Southeastern Pennsylvania/Delaware region.” Marywood University offers two tracks in its Aviation Management Program—one for Pilot/Flight Operations, for those who wish to become certified pilots, and another for Airline/Airport Management, for those interested in the business side of the industry. Through an all-in-one integrated program, students receive aviation-specific training with a strong business foundation, providing the leadership and management skills needed to succeed in today’s aviation industry. Students can take all non-pilot related courses online to earn a Bachelor of Business Administration degree, while taking in-person flight courses and instruction at the Blue Bell Airport. As part of their training, students will have access to a fleet of modern aircraft, including the 2022-2024 Piper Archer 100i. These advanced airplanes feature cutting-edge electronic displays, ensuring that students train on the latest industry technology and are well-prepared for the modern cockpit environment. Another distinctive feature of Marywood’s Aviation Management Program is the ability for those in the Pilot/Flight Operations track to fly sooner. “At Marywood University, we believe in learning by doing. Students in our program fly during their freshman year,” said Anthony Nestico, Assistant Director of Marywood’s Aviation Management Program and a JetBlue First Officer. “Most pilot programs make them wait until their sophomore or junior year before they ever get to fly a real airplane. While we have airplane simulators to get them started, they are soon prepared and equipped to take flight in their first year.”
PennDOT Announces Registration for 2025 Pick Up Pennsylvania Over 3.2 million pounds of litter and trash picked up in 2024 by more than 77,000 volunteers As part of the Shapiro Administration’s commitment to maintaining the Commonwealth’s natural resources and enhancing tourism, Pennsylvanians are invited to register for the 2025 Pick Up Pennsylvania litter cleanup initiative. A collaborative effort among the Pennsylvania Departments of Transportation (PennDOT) and Environmental Protection (DEP) and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, Pick Up Pennsylvania offers civic-minded volunteers an opportunity to help keep their communities clean and free from litter. Litter can pollute streams and rivers with microplastics, degrading water quality, and harming the fish, birds, and wildlife that depend on healthy streams and rivers to thrive. Pick Up PA, an annual volunteer effort to clean up Pennsylvania roads, parks, streams and communities, represents Governor Shapiro’s commitment to protecting Pennsylvania’s cherished natural resources. Earlier this year the Shapiro Administration announced more than $15 million in funding to conserve and protect waterways and watersheds, reclaim abandoned mine sites, and plug abandoned wells. In 2024, more than 77,000 volunteers participated in Pick Up Pennsylvania. Over 3.2 million pounds of litter and trash were picked up, 4.5 million pounds of materials recycled, and more than 14,000 trees, flowers and other greens were planted. Also in 2024, PennDOT’s Adopt-A-Highway program hosted nearly 23,000 volunteers belonging to 4,600 groups and supported the collection of more than 39,000 bags of trash from PA roadways. “Last fiscal year, PennDOT spent $18 million picking up litter along the 40,000 miles of state-owned roadways. The Shapiro Administration has made protecting the Commonwealth’s environment a key focus, and we’re proud to continue that work,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “The thousands of Pennsylvanians who volunteer their time to keeping litter out of our roads, parks and waterways are a key component to keeping PA beautiful, and there is always more work to be done.” DEP and Pennsylvania Waste Industries Association are sponsoring trash disposal, free of charge or at a reduced rate for registered program participants, at participating landfills from April 1 through April 30, with prior approval. Events scheduled through May 31 are eligible to receive free trash bags, gloves, and safety vests provided by support from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and PennDOT, as supplies last. “Litter is a problem that affects all of us – it pollutes streams, dirties our parks and highways, and is just gross,” said Acting DEP Secretary Jessica Shirley. “When people see an area with litter, it’s a signal that they can also just toss their trash – so it is important to keep Pennsylvania litter-free. Joining a pickup event, or organizing your own, is a great way to keep Pennsylvania beautiful.” “We are incredibly grateful to our volunteers, local officials, and sponsors who make Pick Up Pennsylvania, the state’s largest community improvement program, possible,” said Shannon Reiter, President of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful. “As we drive along the highways and back roads of Pennsylvania, it’s easy to see the impact of litter. Litter affects our quality of life, the natural environment, and economic development in communities across the state.” Registered litter cleanups, illegal dump cleanups, community greening and beautification, special collections and education events are eligible for free cleanup supplies. To host, register or join an event near you or to inquire about free supplies and trash disposal, visit keeppabeautiful.org, choose “Programs,” then “Pick Up PA” or contact Michelle Dunn, Pick Up Pennsylvania Program Coordinator, at 877-772-3673 ext. 113 or mdunn@keeppabeautiful.org. “After the long winter, we hope residents are ready to get outside, roll up their sleeves, and pick up the trash left behind as the snow melts,” said Reiter. “Enhancing an area with plants, flowers, or a fresh coat of paint can also help keep it litter-free. Anyone can participate in Pick Up PA by visiting our website.
Johnson College Hazleton to Host Spring Open House Johnson College Hazleton will hold its Spring Open House on Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the CAN DO Training Center located inside the Humboldt Industrial Park at 370 Maplewood Drive in Hazle Township. To register for the Open House, visit Johnson.edu/hazletonopenhouse or contact Johnson College’s Enrollment Department at 570-702-8856 or enroll@johnson.edu. The Open House will include discussions about the admissions process, information about financial aid for those who qualify, and student services such as student life, student support, and career services. Plus, same-day acceptance will be available for many programs if students bring their high school or college transcripts. Tours of each technical area will be conducted and program directors and instructors will be available to review the specifics of their programs.
Party on the Patio is Back at Mohegan Pennsylvania! Both new and returning tribute bands take the stage for 20 weeks of free, live entertainment beginning Thursday, May 1st Mohegan Pennsylvania is excited to announce the return of the most popular and largest free outdoor concert series, Party on the Patio! The 16th year of this renowned outdoor concert series is set to kick off at Mohegan Pennsylvania on Thursday, May 1st and bring tribute band fans 20 weeks of can’t-miss live entertainment. Additionally, each week guests can indulge in delicious bites from one of Pennsylvania’s most popular food trucks. Doors open at 6:00pm and the bands get the party started at 7:30pm. There is no cover to attend Party on the Patio. This year, Mohegan Pennsylvania’s Outdoor Concert Venue will feature both past fan-favorites such as Stayin’ Alive (a tribute to the Bee Gees) on Thursday, May 8th, Back in Black (a tribute to AC/DC) on Thursday, June 12th, and Philadelphia Freedom (a tribute to Elton John) on Thursday, July 10th. Plus, a few new bands will make their Party on the Patio premiere, including Crash My Party (a tribute to Luke Bryan) on Thursday, June 5th, Fame (a tribute to David Bowie) on Thursday, July 31st, and Stevie Mac (a tribute to Fleetwood Mac) on Thursday, August 21st. The full list of featured bands* for Party on the Patio is as follows: 5/1/25: 52nd Street Band, a tribute to Billy Joel 5/8/25: Stayin’ Alive, a tribute to the Bee Gees 5/15/25: Red Neck Castaway Band, a tribute to Kenny Chesney 5/22/25: Super Trans AM, The Super 70’s Concert Experience 5/29/25: Mamma Mania!, NYC’s Premier ABBA Tribute 6/5/25: Crash My Party, a tribute to Luke Bryan 6/12/25: Back in Black, a tribute to AC/DC 6/19/25: Best of the Eagles, a tribute to the Eagles 6/26/25: Jay Bon Jovi, a tribute to Bon Jovi 7/3/25: Rubix Kube, The Eighties Strikes Back show 7/10/25: Philadelphia Freedom, a tribute to Elton John 7/17/25: Bostyx, a tribute to Boston & Styx 7/24/25: Completely Unchained, a tribute to Van Halen 7/31/25: Fame, a tribute to David Bowie 8/7/25: The Amish Outlaws, Pennsylvania’s Hottest Cover Band 8/14/25: New York’s Finest, a tribute to the Police 8/21/25: Stevie Mac, a tribute to Fleetwood Mac 8/28/25: Idol Kings, a tribute to REO Speedwagon & Journey 9/4/25: Draw the Line, a tribute to Aerosmith 9/11/25: Motley 2, a tribute to Mötley Crüe *Lineup subject to change All guests must be 21+ to attend Party on the Patio. Additionally, most areas of Mohegan Pennsylvania are restricted to guests 21 years of age and older, including the hotel, gaming areas, and several restaurants. Valid, unexpired photo identification is required (driver’s license, passport, military ID). Expired identification will not be accepted. Wristbands issued for Party on the Patio are not valid for the gaming floor. For the safety and security of guests and team members, bags and purses are limited to the following: small clutch purses not larger than 4”x6” or bags that are clear on all sides and do not exceed 8”x10”. All persons, bags and personal items are subject to inspection. No portable chairs are permitted. For more information about Party on the Patio, visit moheganpa.com/potp.
Scranton Cultural Center Tickets for The Rock Orchestra Out Soon Tickets for The Rock Orchestra will be available on April 11 at 10am. MEGA Events will present The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight on December 7 at 8:00 PM at the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple. The show will take place in the Weinberg Theatre and will feature an epic 90-minute concert, breathing beautifully dark energy into legendary rock and metal. After mesmerizing audiences across Europe and the UK, The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight is set to electrify the USA once again. In ethereal candlelit settings, this band of 14 classical musicians unleash effortlessly enchanting melodies alongside powerful walls of distortion. Audiences will witness the unexpected union of classical music and metal. The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight features top hits from iconic bands like Metallica, AC/DC, Rolling Stones, Rage Against The Machine, My Chemical Romance, Linkin’ Park, SOAD, Guns N Roses, Evanescence, Papa Roach, The Cranberries and more. The show will take place in the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Theatre, located on the building’s first floor, with doors opening for bar and concessions at 7:00 PM. Tickets start at $62.80 including fees. Prices are subject to change. Tickets will be available for purchase on April 11 at 10 AM at the Fidelity Bank Box Office at the SCC in person or by calling (570) 344-1111, or via Ticketmaster. For more information or to view a full schedule of events, visit SCCMT.org.
The Wright Center’s Jignesh Sheth Reflects on National Doctors’ Day March 30 was National Doctors’ Day – a perfect opportunity to celebrate all the great physicians out there, including those who practice locally. The annual observance honors the “dedication, skill, and unwavering commitment of physicians in providing high-quality health care to individuals and communities worldwide,” according to the American Medical Association. The first National Doctors Day was held all the way back in 1933 by Dr. Charles B. Almond in Winder, Georgia. Now it’s observed by health care organizations across the country, offering institutions and patients the chance to express their appreciation for physicians working in all facets of medicine. At The Wright Center, we take immense pride in our doctors. Since our beginnings in 1976 as the Scranton-Temple Residency Program, we have been dedicated to providing high-quality primary and preventive care to the residents of Northeast Pennsylvania. Today, our doctors uphold a twofold mission: delivering comprehensive, whole-person primary health services to all – regardless of insurance status, ZIP code, or ability to pay – and educating the next generation of physicians and interprofessional health care professionals. And as a Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike, or FQLA, we’ve been able to expand our local network’s locations in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayne and Wyoming counties, as well as our Driving Better Health mobile medical and dental unit, that all told serve tens of thousands of patients annually. Our doctors follow a patient-centric model, with an emphasis on overcoming barriers to care by delivering coordinated and comprehensive services, including primary and preventive care, pediatrics, behavioral health, dental care, infectious disease services, lifestyle medicine, obesity medicine, and addiction recovery services. Through that full spectrum of care, we strive to improve access to care by emphasizing care management of patients with numerous medical needs, as well as through the use of key quality improvement practices, among them health information technology. Given the topic, I’d like to take the opportunity to boast about some recent accolades we received. In February, our president and CEO, Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak, received the 2025 ATHENA Leadership Award, presented by the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and sponsored locally by Michael A. Barbetti LLC Certified Public Accountants. The award honors an exceptional individual who has achieved excellence in their business or profession, has served the community in a meaningful way, and has assisted women in their attainment of professional goals and leadership skills. Dr. Thomas-Hemak certainly embodies all of these fine qualities. Meanwhile, our community health centers in Clarks Summit, Jermyn, South Scranton Wilkes-Barre recently received the National Committee for Quality Assurance’s Patient-Centered Medical Home certificate of recognition. The award recognizes our locations’ commitment to delivering affordable, high-quality, whole-person primary health services through the patient-centered medical home model. In addition to strengthening patient-clinician relationships and enhancing the management of chronic conditions, the patient-centered medical home model also increases staff satisfaction and reduces health care costs. It’s wonderful to receive awards and certifications like these, which reaffirm the first-rate, cutting-edge work our physicians are carrying out every day. It is truly an honor and a privilege to serve the people of Northeast Pennsylvania.
Lackawanna College’s Spring Pop-up is Back Lackawanna College is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated return of its magical Spring pop-up dining experience, Wisteria, set to open in April 2025. This one-of-a-kind event transports guests to a whimsical, enchanting garden where they will be immersed in an atmosphere filled with celestial floating lights, a mystical wishing tree, and an unforgettable array of delicious food, beverages, and desserts.Guests will be able to experience the wonders of Wisteria on the following dates: April 9, 10, 16, 23, 24, and 30 May 1, 7, 8, and 14 Doors open at 5:00 PM, and the magic will continue until 10:00 PM each evening. What makes Wisteria truly special is its role as a live classroom, where students from Lackawanna College’s School of Hospitality and Marywood University’s School of Architecture collaborate to bring this magical experience to life. As a result, the pop-up not only delights visitors but also provides invaluable hands-on learning opportunities for students. “We’re incredibly proud of how our pop-up events, including Wisteria, have drawn thousands of visitors to Scranton and helped boost the local economy,” said Stephanie Decker, AVP of Advancement at Lackawanna College. “This initiative is an incredible way to showcase the talent of our students while supporting important programs on campus.”The funds raised from Wisteria directly support key initiatives at Lackawanna College, including: Providing loaner laptops to students in need to ensure they have the tools to succeed academically. Addressing food insecurity through the College’s on-campus food program, The Common Kitchen. Supporting leadership development by offering $3,000/semester scholarships to third and fourth-year students in leadership roles. Providing scholarships to students facing financial barriers to further their education. Lackawanna College is now seeking sponsors for the 2025 Wisteria season. Sponsors will play a vital role in supporting the College’s initiatives and the future workforce. A variety of sponsorship opportunities are available, with benefits including exclusive event access, promotional visibility, and recognition on the College’s website and social media channels. For more information about sponsorship opportunities or to become a sponsor, please review the enclosed sponsorship materials or contact Stephanie Decker at (570) 241-6975 or deckers@lackawanna.edu.“Your support of Wisteria will have a lasting impact on our students and the greater Scranton community,” added Decker. “Together, we can continue to make a difference!” Sponsorship Opportunities: Granting Wishes Sponsor – $5,000 – Includes invitations to the opening night, complimentary drink passes, and extensive brand exposure. Magic Maker Sponsor – $2,500 – Includes invitations to the opening night, drink tokens, and brand recognition. Light Up a Life Sponsor – $1,500 – Includes invitations, company logo on menus, and event signage Workforce Sponsor – $500 – Includes website and social media recognition. Innovation Sponsor – $250 – Includes social media recognition. For more information, contact: Stephanie Decker AVP of Advancement, Lackawanna College Phone: (570) 241-6975 Email: deckers@lackawanna.edu
