WVIA to Present a Special Keystone Edition Reports WVIA will present a live, hour-long special, Keystone Edition Reports: PA University Merger, which focuses on the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education’s proposed university integration plan on Thursday, May 6th, 2021, at 8 p.m. on WVIA TV. Viewers are encouraged to join in the conversation and have their questions answered by calling the live broadcast at 1-800-326-9842, emailing keystone@wvia.org, or using the hashtag #keystonereports. The program can also be seen live on PCN, The Pennsylvania Cable Network. Currently, there are 14 universities in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE). A proposed integration of six universities into two would take that number down to eight. Keystone Edition Reports takes a look at the proposed changes and how those changes will affect students, faculties, and the communities where they live and work. The episode will focus on the Northeast Implementation Plan that includes Bloomsburg University, Lock Haven University, and Mansfield University. Guests for the special broadcast include Dr. Bashar Hanna, President, Bloomsburg University & Interim President of Lock Haven University, Dr. Jamie Martin, President of the Association of the Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties, Dr. Karen Whitney, President Emerita of Clarion University, Fred Gaffney, President of the Columbia-Montour Chamber of Commerce, and Mayor Mike Detweiler of Mansfield, Pennsylvania, as well as additional interviews with other community members, leaders, and university faculty and students.
Lisa Dowse Promoted to VP, Human Resource Officer David Raven, President and CEO of The Honesdale National Bank, announced Lisa Dowse, is now Vice President, Human Resource Officer. In making the statement, Raven noted, “Lisa continues to play an important role in supporting and contributing to positive employee relations. She is recognized for her contribution in promoting numerous programs to promote the well-being of everyone involved in our bank.” In her current role, Dowse provides support and service for employees regarding recruitment, payroll, benefits, along with many other functions in the Human Resources department. Throughout her career, she has attended the PA Bankers School of Banking and attended many webinars and seminars to advance her knowledge in the financial industry. Dowse will continue to provide her expertise of over 27 years in the industry to HNB as VP, Human Resource Officer. In mentioning her role at HNB, Dowse noted, “ I am happy to be a part of the HNB family and everything that it represents, I recently celebrated my 20th anniversary with HNB.” Dowse is a graduate of Western Wayne High School. She is a participant in many local community events. She is a past board member of the Chamber of the Northern Poconos and also served as a Co-Chair on the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties funds distribution committee. She recently joined the Lake Ariel Fire Company’s Ladies Auxiliary. Outside of the bank, her spare time is spent with family, her daughter Marissa and grandchildren, Mason, Kamden and Kinley and working around her house. The Honesdale National Bank, established in 1836, holds the distinction of being the area’s oldest independent community bank headquartered in Northeastern PA, with offices in Wayne, Pike, Susquehanna, Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties. The Honesdale National Bank offers personal banking, business banking and wealth solutions. For more information on HNB’s products and services, visit www.hnbbank.bank.
Steamtown National Historic Site Celebrates Return of the “Big Boy” No. 4012 Steamtown National Historic Site (NHS) is pleased to announce that its Union Pacific Railroad “Big Boy” No. 4012 has returned to static exhibition in the park following an extended cosmetic restoration; just in time for National Train Day and National Preservation Month. The locomotive was removed from display in 2019 in order to replace rusted parts, remediate hazardous materials from its original construction, and receive a new paint job. No. 4012 is among a unique class of 25 articulated steam locomotives with a 4-8-8-4 wheel set built solely for the Union Pacific Railroad by the American Locomotive Works (ALCO). Most were constructed in 1941 (including No. 4012) on the eve of United States’ entry into World War II. As such, their ability to haul heavy loads unassisted subsequently played a critical role in America’s home front war effort. An engineering marvel that is perhaps the high point to steam locomotion technology, the “Big Boys” nonetheless became obsolete as more efficient, reliable, and cost-effective diesel-electric locomotive technology was refined during the 1950s. The last Union Pacific “Big Boy” revenue run occurred in 1959. Union Pacific Railroad recently restored “Big Boy” No. 4014 to operational service to honor the railroad’s long history and to commemorate its role in building the first transcontinental railroad, which was completed in 1869. Only eight “Big Boys” survived the scrapper’s torch, with Steamtown NHS’s No. 4012 the only one to be found on exhibit in the U.S.’s eastern time zone. Join us on Saturday, May 8th (National Train Day) to learn more about the history of the “Big Boy” and steam railroading in general, ongoing preservation and restoration efforts, and enjoy a representative collection of steam-era locomotives, passenger cars, and other rolling stock. Visitors are encouraged to celebrate Train Day responsibly.In accordance with the National Park Service (NPS) COVID-19 response, face masks are required on NPS-administered lands where physical distancing cannot be maintained and in all NPS buildings and facilities. Located in downtown Scranton, Pa., Steamtown NHS is open daily from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. From Interstate-81 follow exit 185 (Central Scranton Expressway); then follow the brown and white signs to the park entrance at Lackawanna Avenue and Cliff Street (GPS: N 41.41, W 75.67). General park information is available by phoning (570) 340-5206 during regular business hours, or by visiting the park website anytime.
PennDOT and PA State Police Reminder to Share the Road Safely As both temperatures and motorcycle traffic on commonwealth roadways are on the rise, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) join agencies throughout the nation in recognizing May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. “As more and more people enjoy the fun and excitement of motorcycling, we want to remind both motorcyclists and motorists to share the road safely,” said PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian. “Staying aware while driving or riding, obeying speed limits and being responsible will help keep fatalities and injuries as low as possible.” There were more than 3,400 crashes involving motorcycles on Pennsylvania roadways in 2020, resulting in 217 fatalities. Crashes rose by more than 300 from the 2019 number of 2,977, while fatalities also rose from 174 in 2019. “Remember to slow down, don’t drink and ride, and keep yourself upright and ready for the next riding adventure,” said Colonel Robert Evanchick, commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police. “All levels of motorcycle riders are encouraged to enroll in a free safety training class and refresh their skills or even learn a new technique.” PennDOT has contracted with several third-party motorcycle training providers to offer free motorcycle safety training classes to Pennsylvania class M permit and motorcycle license holders. Class sizes may be limited, as safety guidelines are in effect to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, and classes can be scheduled at multiple training sites throughout Pennsylvania. Class schedules are coordinated by each third-party training provider for their individual locations and additional information can be found at www.penndot.gov/PAMSP. Additional classes and locations will continue to be added. Successful completion of a basic or intermediate course waives the requirement to take a skills test at a PennDOT Driver License Center and automatically earns the permit holder their motorcycle license. Motorcycle permit holders who complete a 3-wheel basic course will earn a motorcycle license with restriction prohibiting the operation a of 2-wheel motorcycle. Additionally, PennDOT offers a virtual motorcycle training course for individuals under 18 who are required by law to complete a department-approved motorcycle safety course before they can take the skills test and obtain their motorcycle license. To schedule or for more information on this course, visit www.penndot.gov/PAMSP. As part of efforts to promote the safe operation of motorcycles in Pennsylvania, PennDOT and PSP invite motorcycle advocates, safety partners and riders to submit videos to PennDOT on a safety topic of their choosing – from avoiding distractions while riding to tips on motorcycle maintenance to ensure a safe ride. More information on this public appeal can be found at www.penndot.gov/PAMSP and clicking on “Motorcycle Safety Video Project.” Some safety tips motorists should remember when sharing the road with motorcycles include: Watch for motorcycles: motorcycles are small and may be difficult to see. Check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes and at intersections.Allow more following distance: leave at least four seconds when following a motorcycle. Always signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic. Respect a motorcycle as a full-size vehicle with the same rights and privileges as any vehicle on the roadway. Allow a motorcyclist a full lane width as the motorcyclist needs the room to maneuver safely in all types of road conditions. Never drive impaired. Motorcyclists can do their part to help avoid crashes by following some simple safety tips: Be seen by wearing reflective clothing and put reflective tape on your protective clothing and motorcycle. Also wear face or eye protection and a DOT-approved helmet.Use common sense by riding sober, obeying all speed limits and allowing enough time to react to potentially dangerous situations.Know your motorcycle and conduct a pre-ride check.Practice safe riding techniques and know how to handle your motorcycle in adverse road and weather conditions. For more information on motorcycle safety and training, please visit www.penndot.gov/PAMSP.
Johnson College’s 102nd Commencement Ceremony to be Held May 11 at the Circle Drive-In Johnson College will confer degrees to over 160 graduates at commencement exercises to be held at the Circle Drive-In on the Scranton Carbondale Highway in Scranton on Tuesday, May 11, 2021 (Rain date: Wednesday, May 12, 2021). The ceremony will begin at dusk and will be live streamed on the College’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/JohnsonCollegePA. Graduates will be awarded Associate in Science degrees (A.S.), Associate of Applied Science degrees (A.A.S.), and academic certificates. The decision to hold the 102nd commencement ceremony at the Circle Drive-In was made with the health and well-being of the College’s campus community and their loved ones in mind. The ceremony will be following Pennsylvania’s social distancing and sanitization guidelines. Candy Fry, Director of New Business Development at A. Pickett Construction, Inc. and Johnson College graduate, will give the commencement address. Degrees will be presented by Dr. Katie Leonard, President and CEO of Johnson College, and Marianne Gilmartin, Esq., the 2020-2021 Chair of the Board of Directors. David Weaver, a graduate of the Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology program and recipient of the Johnson College Award for Academic Excellence in the Associate in Applied Science programs and Jessica Bodt, a graduate of the Radiologic Technology program, and recipient of the Johnson College Award for Academic Excellence in the Associate in Science programs will serve as student speakers. These awards recognize the students with the highest grade point average in each degree category. Following is a list of the 2021 Class of Johnson College: Associate in Science Programs Computer Information Technology Cesar Acosta Zachary Allen George G. Campbell Pablo Correa Brandon David Emmett Michael B. Frazier Matthew Glancey Justin Paul Hackling Evan Kleinert Shane Alexander McHugh Michael Moran, Cum Laude David Isaiah R. Perez Joseph L. Rosencrans II Colby Southivong, Cum Laude Henry Lewis Trapp IV Physical Therapist Assistant Andrew W. Adkins Kendra Marie Bendyk, Cum Laude William Bennett, Cum Laude Kayla Hill Olivia Mae Kovalchik Connor Kranick Garett Michael Mowry Kelly Ann Smith Zachary K. Sopko Radiologic Technology Alyssa Marie Arnone Trista Lynn Babcock Jessica Bodt, Magna Cum Laude James M. Brooks David Herne Amanda M. Jablonski Marissa Anne Keegan Amber Renee Lindsey Kayla Miller Mackenzie A. Munley Abby Elizabeth Orth Alyssa Talerico, Cum Laude John T. Werner Arkadiusz Zwiercan Veterinary Technology Alexandra M. Bukeavich Faith L. Dermody Marissa Rose Doty Mikayla A. Ely Laea Marie Figula Brittany Elise Garner Ashlyn Marie Kilvitis Haley Korfmann Abigail Kudrich Jessica L. Murman Khira L. Wudarski Associate in Applied Science Programs Advanced Manufacturing Technology Adam A. Berardelli Samuel Asa Hopkins Gabriel Martelli Zachary J. Martin Jared W. Mauro Architectural Drafting & Design Technology Bailey R. Bannon Jake Osbourne Malynda Mae Peabody Sydney Anne Swan Trevor Dore Troiani Dominick Verrastro Automotive Technology Zachary Blockberger James Folenta Mitchell Griffin Emily Lozinger Shamir Pradhan Jonathan Wilga Biomedical Equipment Technology Justin Anderson Richard K. Ayers Todd Cauley, Magna Cum Laude Alissa A. Feliciano Shea Connor Kelly Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology William Scott Cardone Cody A. Fisher Justin Grier Daniel Thorwald Jones Christopher Kakareka Camryn Kuchak Jason Walter Phillips Jr. Thomas Rosar Jr. Corey Smith Diesel Truck Technology Michael Cicerini Zachary Paul Hessey Alan R. Kellam Jr. Dominic Motta Kathryn I Novajosky Kaitlyn Marie Phillips Vincent Canio Rubino Walter J. Terry Seth Trichilo Michael J Walsh Jr. Thomas M. Zaltauskas Electrical Construction & Maintenance Technology Avery Billings William T Bunnell Dylan Burns John T. DeLucca, Magna Cum Laude Charles M. DeNapoli Brandon John Dougherty, Magna Cum Laude Jacob William Evancho Keith J. Feduchak Jr. Bryan L. Giambra, Cum Laude Michael D. Giannetta III Donovan Hamilton Al-Maurice Ingram Matthew Jarvis Lawrence Ryan Lello Michael Joseph McIntyre Nicholas Anthony Panunzio Steven Paszek Jr. Eli Ruffing Tyler David Skibinski Justin Skutack Kimberle Smith Shawn Martaigra Smith Jr. Jakob Snopkowski Evan Keith Snyder James Patrick Sommers Ian Stevens Calvin John Derek Sutcliffe Samuel Talarico Mark A. Tolerico Chase Williams Electronic Engineering Technology Jamie John Cramer Michael Paul Lynn Jared Marsellas Jarett M Riemer Shaun Xavier Shearer Stephen Speed Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning Technology Nicholas Marc Benetos Robert Conlan Buck Anthony James Bucklaw Frank J. Buono Jr., Summa Cum Laude Connor Clauss-Walton Tyler Paul Davies Adam C. Eiden Michael Francis Matthew J. Froelick Janet L. Gibbons Edon Ismajlaj, Cum Laude Colton J. McDonald Robert McMynne Timothy Menichini Scott R. Warman David G. Weaver, Summa Cum Laude Mike Williams Jr. Certificate Programs Diesel Preventative Maintenance Technology Skyler Jared McCloud Welding Technology Benjamin Arendt Justin Cheresko Shawn Coates Jesse A. Cooper Samuel Cox Calvin J. Hedgelon Austin Jorgensen Kristina Kathryn Kaminski Brandon Tyrone Keith Kole John Kerber Rebeccah King Joshua Kline Emmanuel Lucero Dane Francis McLaughlin John Notarianni Tyler Nothstein Nicholas Price Andrew Ryman Dale E. Soden Tommaso R Tamberelli Robert Wilcox Joseph N. Yarbrough Summa Cum Laude: GPA of 3.90 or HIGHERMagna Cum Laude: GPA 3.89 – 3.80Cum Laude: GPA 3.79 – 3.70Based on GPA to December 2020 For additional information on Johnson College, please call 1-800-2-WE-WORK, email enroll@johnson.edu, or visit Johnson.edu.
Marywood University School of Architecture Students Win First Place Marywood University School of Architecture students recently won first place in the Attached Housing Division of the 2021 U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon Design Challenge. The students’ design is the Electric Jane—an affordable, net-zero energy prototype for Habitat for Humanity. The Solar Decathlon is an international collegiate competition, comprising 10 contests, that challenges student teams to design and build highly efficient and innovative buildings that are powered by renewable energy. In addition to the support of Marywood faculty throughout the competition, students were also supported by industry partners, including Richard Pedranti Architect (RPA), Greenman-Pedersen, Inc. (GPI), Build SMART, and Habitat for Humanity. Marywood University faculty members including Jodi La Coe, Ph.D., assistant professor of architecture; and Elizabeth Andrzejewski, instructor of architecture at Marywood University, served as the team leaders, and were supported by Maria MacDonald, professor of practice of interior architecture and executive director of the Center for the Living City; Russell Roberts, lecturer in the School of Architecture; and Bill Conlogue, Ph.D., professor in the English program at Marywood University; as well as other faculty who offered their expertise to the students. Winners of the design competition were announced on Sunday, April 18, 2021, during the competition event. The winning project will be exhibited publicly during the Observe Scranton Festival on May 7-8, 2021, at Fancy Parsley, 233 Oakford Court, Scranton. For additional information about Marywood University’s School of Architecture, please visit marywood.edu/architecture/index.html, or call the Office of Admissions at (570) 348-6234. For additional information on the Observe Scranton festival, please visit observescranton.org/schedule.
Geisinger ConvenientCare Back to Normal Operations With the traditional respiratory virus season winding down, all Geisinger ConvenientCare walk-in clinics are back to normal operations, with five locations no longer designated as cold and flu centers. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, Danville, Lewistown and State College locations were transitioned to ConvenientCare Cold & Flu Centers. While the locations continued providing all walk-in care services, their focus was on respiratory viruses. “We created these dedicated cold and flu centers to help people get treatment for respiratory virus symptoms in a more efficient way because many of those symptoms overlap with COVID-19,” said Richard Martin, M.D., medical director for Geisinger ConvenientCare. “It made sense to direct people to get care for those symptoms in one spot, rather than a hospital or doctor’s office. We were fortunate to have minimal flu activity in our area this winter.” As we move into spring, it’s smart to know where to go for the care you need. ConvenientCare clinics are for minor health issues that can be resolved in a single visit. These include allergies, sinus infections, cold and flu symptoms, earaches, insect bites and tick removal, sprains and minor cuts. They’re the best place to head if you or your child are sick or need medical attention that doesn’t require a trip to the emergency room. The clinics are staffed by advanced practitioners who treat patients age 1 and older. With 21 locations across central and northeastern Pennsylvania, most Geisinger ConvenientCare clinics are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Most locations offer save-your-spot online check-in and evening and weekend hours. “Our ConvenientCare walk-in clinics benefit our neighbors who are looking for health care services closer to home,” Martin said. “Our locations are designed to be there when you need them most to help make better health easier. If it’s a health problem that needs attention before you can see your primary care provider — but isn’t quite serious enough to head to the emergency room — we’re the place you want to visit.” To learn more about what Geisinger ConvenientCare treats, visit geisinger.org/urgentcare. The clinics accept most major insurance plans and offer reasonable copays. Hold your place in line or check wait times at any of the locations by visiting geisinger.org/urgent.
NeighborWorks NEPA Aging in Place Program Highlighted in National Publication NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania’s Aging in Place program was recently the subject of a feature article published by Resolve Magazine. Since being launched in 2018, the Aging in Place program has seen more than 350 older adults assisted with both physical modifications to their homes to allow for safer living, as well as outreach services that help to combat senior isolation through the Friendly Visitor initiative. To highlight this work, staff from Resolve Magazine recently paid a visit to Scranton to profile James Kuchwara, a city resident and Vietnam veteran who has been assisted in continuing to live in his home through physical modifications made by the Aging in Place program. James and his wife, Linda, were visited at their home and interviewed by staff from Resolve Magazine, who produced both a written article and video interview highlighting the improvements in quality of life made for James by our Aging in Place staff. “We were delighted that Resolve Magazine highlighted our Aging in Place program and offered an in-depth look at the positive impact this work has had on so many older adults in our community,” NeighborWorks President and CEO Jesse Ergott said of the visit. “The story shared by James is emblematic of the difference that has been made in the lives of hundreds of residents, allowing them to remain safely in their homes as they grow older and to continue contributing to the vibrancy of life in our neighborhoods.” Established in 2019 as an extension of the mission of Aunt Bertha, a public benefit corporation which hosts the largest free network of social services in the country, Resolve Magazine is a national publication that highlights people and organizations that make positive change happen in their communities. NeighborWorks partners with Aunt Bertha and Geisinger to help older adults access our Aging in Place services. To read the story, and to access a highlight video from the interview with James, please visit the Resolve Magazine website. The video can also be viewed separately on the Aunt Bertha Youtube page.
