Monthly archive

April 2020

Central Pa. hospital that laid off 400 is evaluating staff needs as it assesses ‘new normal’

Published on in People

LEWISBURG – A central Pennsylvania hospital that laid off or reduced hours for approximately 400 employees or 60 percent of its workforce is evaluating staff needs as it prepares to resume some services halted during the peak of the coronavirus pandemic.

“We also have to evaluate what our ‘new normal’ looks like,” Kendra Aucker, president and CEO of Evangelical Community Hospital near Lewisburg said Wednesday.

The hospital next Monday will begin the process of re-opening in wake of Gov. Wolf’s decision to permit resumption of elective surgeries and procedures at healthcare facilities, she said.

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Pennsylvania Education Secretary: Schools may not open in fall

Published on in People/School

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) — More than a month into the statewide school closure, state Education Secretary Pedro Rivera says with current data, he doesn’t see schools reopening in the fall.

“We’re preparing for the best, but we’re planning for the worst,” Rivera said.

He said schools across the commonwealth have stepped up by providing continuity of education through online and print materials, as well as programming broadcast on public television.

“At the end of the day, we’re going to make sure that the health and welfare of our students is first and foremost, front and center,” Rivera said. “And we’re not going to allow and ask students to return to school in an unsafe environment.”

Continue Reading on We Are Central PA

Central PA Food Bank taking part in national Farmers to Families Food Box program

Published on in Food & Dining

HARRISBURG, Pa. — The USDA is teaming up with food banks across the nation, taking $3 billion to help farmers get meals to families in need.

The Farmers to Families Food Box program will pay farmers for their surplus food.

Locally, the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank says the partnership will be a huge help.

“From the USDA, we don’t have to use our other funds. It’s free. We just get it to our pantries,” said Joe Arthur, executive director for the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. “Then, of course, people in need never pay for the emergency food, so it’s kind of a win-win-win. And that’s why we’re excited about it’s healthy food, and it’s not going to cost us anything, so that’s a big deal.”

Continue Reading on Local 21

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Several central Pa. Friendly’s locations temporarily close due to coronavirus pandemic

Published on in Business

Several Friendly’s locations have temporarily closed in central Pennsylvania due to COVID-19.

Friendly’s filed four WARN (Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification) notices with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry. In four different letters addressed to local officials that were also sent to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, the company informed officials of four temporary location closings. The locations are in Dauphin, Cumberland, Adams and Lebanon counties.

All four letters noted that all of the employees at each location were laid off and that the company is hopeful that the layoffs will be temporary. However, the restaurant chain was unable to provide a date of when it can resume operations, noting that the layoffs could last more than six months.

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Pennsylvania will open golf courses, private campgrounds May 1

Published on in Business/People

(The Center Square) – Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf said Monday he will reopen golf courses, private campgrounds, marinas and guided fishing trips May 1.

The announcement follows last week’s guidance that construction sites also will resume operations Friday as the state looks toward loosening pandemic restrictions in less affected counties in the coming weeks.

“As the weather warms and daylight lengthens, enjoying time outdoors is an important way to manage stress,” Wolf said. “As we start to take measured, limited steps to reopen our commonwealth, reopening these industries will help to rebuild our economy and strengthen our mental health.”

Residents must still practice social distancing and universal masking, and reopened businesses must follow guidance from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on how to operate safely, the administration cautioned.

Continue Reading on WFMZ

Central Pennsylvania Food Bank teaming up with agriculture to provide boxes of fresh food

Published on in Food & Dining

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) — The “Farmers to Families Food Box Program” will give fresh produce, dairy products, and meats from domestic farms and box them to distribute to families in need through regional food banks and other food assistance organizations.

The USDA program will procure an estimated $100 million per month in fresh fruits and vegetables, $100 million per month in a variety of dairy products, and $100 million per month in meat products nationwide.

“This program helps farmers, other food producers, and their employees to survive the economic devastation caused by the COVID-19 crisis,” said Joe Arthur, Executive Director of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, “And it will provide additional healthy food to millions of people who are now in need. Food banks like ours will make sure these healthy food boxes get to kitchen tables, and we will help prevent the heartbreaking loss of food grown and raised by our American farmers.”

Continue Reading on ABC 27

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Coronavirus update: Deaths associated with the virus now stand at 1,550, state says

Published on in Health

(Harrisburg) — State health officials say more than 1,500 deaths in Pennsylvania are now associated with the coronavirus pandemic.

The state health department on Sunday also reported an additional 1,116 positive cases to bring the statewide total above 41,000 in all 67 counties. The number of infections is thought to be far higher because many people have not been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected with the virus without feeling sick.

Most hospitalizations and deaths have occurred in patients 65 or older, officials said.

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Feds: Central Pa. restaurant chain should pay nearly $150K for shorting workers on overtime, minimum wage

Published on in Government

The operator of a central Pennsylvania restaurant chain has reached a tentative deal to pay nearly $150,000 to settle federal accusations that it shorted its employees on minimum wage and overtime pay.

The preliminary consent agreement between Montezuma of Pennsylvania LLC and the U.S. Department of Labor won’t be final unless it is approved by U.S. Middle District Judge Jennifer P. Wilson.

That deal is on the table less than two weeks after the feds lodged a complaint against the chain, which specialized in Mexican cuisine and has restaurants in Chambersburg, Waynesboro and Gettysburg.

Continue Reading on Pennlive

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Central PA remains in red phase of Gov. Wolf’s reopening plan, no timetable to reach green

Published on in Health/People

Harrisburg, PA — The governor says the reopening process will not be a county-by-county process.

“What we are saying is that we want the exposure of these citizens of this region, of this county, to be minimal,” Governor Wolf said in a phone interview.

Meaning the counties in the regions laid out on this map will be opened together when they reach certain benchmarks.

You can see most of Central PA is in the south-central region, except for Lancaster County.

Continue Reading on Local 21 News

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Proudly PA | The Makery Mask Makers

Published on in People

HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Makery is known for bringing Central Pennsylvania families together to create arts, crafts and even cakes.

In this week’s Proudly PA, Jessie McDonough shows us how the Makery enlisted the help of the community in a time of crisis.

The Makery Art and Craft studio started nine years ago in Central Pa.

“It began with myself actually teaching sewing lessons to some children in our community,” said Amy Frank, the founder of the Makery. “I worked with a client at a local boutique and she said a lot of her clients were kids asking for sewing lessons so we started that in a small little space above that boutique.”

Now Amy Frank has a bigger space near State College and she has 15 instructors working at the Makery.

Continue Reading on Local 21

 

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Make-A-Wish Giving Week begins to benefit wishes across Central PA currently on-hold due to COVID-19

Published on in People

LANCASTER, Pa. — Wednesday marks the beginning of the inaugural “Giving Week” for the Philadelphia, Delaware & Susquehanna Valley Chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

The week, which ends April 29th, marks the 40th anniversary of the Make-A-Wish Foundation chapter.

“This week is instrumentally important for us to be successful,” Dennis Heron, President & CEO of the PDSV Make-A-Wish Foundation Chapter said. “We understand the environment we find ourselves in because of COVID-19, if you can make a donation at whatever level: $10, $25, $50, it will build up dramatically.”

Continue Reading Fox 43

Gov. Wolf lays out coronavirus reopening plan

Published on in Government/People

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Residents of north-central and northwestern Pennsylvania are projected to be the first in the state to be released from Gov. Tom Wolf’s stay-at-home order, and many retail stores in those areas should be able to reopen by May 8.

That’s according to a statewide reopening plan released Wednesday.

Wolf wants to begin easing some pandemic restrictions in areas of Pennsylvania that have been lightly impacted by the new coronavirus.

Continue Reading on We are Central PA

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Pop-up food distribution for River Valley Health & Dental patients in Williamsport

Published on in People

Williamsport – River Valley Health & Dental, in partnership with the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, is holding a special distribution of food boxes and produce for 50 of their patients (or as long as supplies last) on Thursday, April 23 from 3-5 p.m. at 431 Hepburn Plaza.

The food distribution will help patients who may experiencing food insecurity to obtain supplement food and produce during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The identified families who were offered this assistance were also selected due to their need for nutritional support for managing their health and the increased threat of the virus to those managing or at risk of diabetes.

River Valley has been at the forefront of developing nutritional programs for diabetic patients and this distribution is an additional effort to help with creating ways for many to consider changes in their diet and lifestyle that might lead to better health outcomes.

Continue Reading on North Central PA

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Chinese organization in central Pa. donates hundreds of face masks to state police

Published on in Health/People

In the wake of shortages, a central Pennsylvania organization has gone the extra mile to ensure local Pennsylvania State Police troopers have the protective gear they need to serve the public during the coronavirus outbreak.

The agency shared on Twitter that the Central Pennsylvania Chinese Association recently donated 250 face masks to the Pennsylvania State Police’s barracks in Harrisburg.

“We are so thankful to those who have lended a helping hand,” the troopers said.

The Harrisburg station patrols areas of Dauphin, Cumberland, Franklin, Adams and Perry counties.

The CPCA is a non-profit organization which hosts cultural and social activities to promote friendship between central Pennsylvania communities.

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Helping Hands: Penn College professors give supplies and skills during COVID-19

Published on in People

Williamsport – As college classes are moved online and labs are emptied, professors are finding ways to put their experience and extra supplies to good use.

“We’re just honored to be able to help our community, because let’s face it these are our neighbors, these our our alumni, they’re our family members,” said Sandra L. Richmond, dean of the School of Nursing & Health Sciences at the Pennsylvania College of Technology.

Penn College is known for its hands-on approach to learning through interactive labs and on-the-job training. So when the campus was closed and students were restricted to learning from the safety of their homes, labs sat empty and materials were left unused.

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Credit union donates $25,000 to support state’s food banks

Published on in Food & Dining/People

HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania State Employees Credit Union donated $25,000 to Feeding Pennsylvania to support the state’s food banks that are facing increased demand as a result of COVID-19.

Food banks across the state are spending more than $1 million a week to assist those in need, said George Rudolph, PSECU president and CEO.

“As a credit union, PSECU is committed to the people helping people philosophy, and on behalf of our members, we feel it is important to contribute to the efforts of Feeding Pennsylvania and its partner food banks as they work so hard to meet that increased need,” he said in a press release.

Of the credit union’s total donation, $10,000 will be earmarked for the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, whose footprint covers 27 counties across central Pennsylvania, including Dauphin County where PSECU is headquartered.

Continue Reading on Ell Wood City Ledger

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Local Dunkin’ Donuts provides free breakfasts for frontline medical workers

Published on in Food & Dining

Frontline medical workers in nine of Geisinger’s medical screening tents throughout Northeast and Central Pennsylvania will get a little treat to help them get through these rough days thanks to local Dunkin’ Donuts franchisee groups. Starting on April 16, local Dunkin’ shops have started to provide boxed coffee, individually wrapped donuts, and bagels with cream cheese to workers at the tents.

“From the start of the pandemic, Dunkin’ franchisees – all of whom are independent businesspeople in their communities – have supported the heroes on the frontlines of the coronavirus (COVID-19) response, serving those who serve and those in need during these unprecedented times,” the company shared in a prepared statement.

Dunkin’ has also launched an online gift card site for people across the country to send an eGift card as a token of appreciation to doctors, nurses, first responders, teachers, grocery workers, neighbors, or any other hero in their life. Dunkin will donate $1 per eGift purchase up to $100,000 to the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation Emergency Funds for families affected by COVID-19.

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Central Pennsylvania Food Bank receives $100,000 from the PNC Foundation

Published on in Food & Dining/People

HARRISBURG – The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank announced it received a $100,000 grant from the PNC Foundation to aid in response to the COVID-19 crisis.

This gift will be used to help meet the needs of food insecure residents of central Pennsylvania during the COVID-19 crisis. To feed children and their families, as well as all those facing hunger during this time, the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank is packing and distributing boxes of crisis response food. All Crisis Response Boxes contain approximately 25 pounds of shelf-stable food as well as fresh milk, produce, and meat. To reduce barriers, the Food Bank provides all Crisis Response food to its partners at no cost. The funding from the PNC Foundation will help underwrite the costs of procuring, packing, and distributing the Crisis Response food.

“PNC has been a longtime partner of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank and we are grateful for their wonderful gift to aid in our response to the COVID-19 crisis,” said Joe Arthur, executive director of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. “With schools closed and so many families facing an uncertain financial future, we need to make sure that everyone still has enough nutritious food to stay healthy. Life-sustaining gifts like this one will help us ensure that no family is hungry through this crisis and beyond.”

Continue Reading on The Courier Express

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New video gaming terminals coming to Central Pa. truck stops

Published on in People

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) – Second State Gaming is announcing the approval of video gaming terminals at four truck stop locations in Central Pennsylvania.

On April 1, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board approved video game terminal establishment licenses for four locations where Second State Gaming will operate, maintain and service VGTs.

Patrons will soon be able to visit Second State Gaming rooms in Carlisle, Jonestown, Hamburg, and Mifflinville.

VGTs are very similar to the slot machines seen at a casino. Second State Gaming’s machines go through rigorous testing and undergo a validation process to ensure they meet compliance with national and state standards in order to be approved by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.

Continue Reading on ABC 27

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4th Fest, Festival of the Arts 2020, other events canceled due to COVID-19 concerns

Published on in Pennsylvania/People

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (WTAJ) — Happy Valley Adventure Bureau President and CEO Fritz Smith led a Zoom news conference Friday at which organizers of Central PA 4th Fest, Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts, People’s Choice Festival, and Philipsburg Heritage Days, announced the mutual decision to cancel their respective events as a result of lingering COVID-19 impacts and concerns.

This will be the first time in the event’s 54-year history that the Festival of Arts will not take place in July.

Organizers – who agreed early on to make the decision as a group – said the logistics of continued planning within a fluid environment, along with uncertainties about the status of large group gatherings by mid-summer were the driving factors behind the decisions.

Festival staff will turn their attention to presenting artists and musicians in a “virtual festival” in early July. As events for the “virtual festival” are scheduled, they will be listed on the Festival’s website.

Continue Reading on We are Central PA

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