PennDOT Announces New Implementation of Skills Test In keeping with Governor Josh Shapiro’s commitment to expand Pennsylvania’s workforce and serve Pennsylvanians more efficiently, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) today announced that a new, modernized commercial driver’s license (CDL) skills test will be implemented at all PennDOT Driver License Centers that offer CDL skills tests and at all third-party CDL driving skill testers beginning August 28, 2023. As new technologies emerge, the modernized CDL skills test ensures that CDL drivers have the knowledge and skills to drive safely on the road while waiving outdated requirements that hold workers back. For example, the Shapiro Administration recognizes school districts have been dealing with the school bus driver shortage since the pandemic and school bus engines have become more complex and modern. That’s why, starting August 28th, PennDOT will waive the “Under the Hood requirement” for school bus drivers, which means that potential school bus drivers will no longer need to take the portion of the CDL test that requires them to identify engine components. “Governor Shapiro has made it clear that the Commonwealth should help people succeed, not get in the way. Under his direction, PennDOT is working to make our services more accessible and effective for the people of Pennsylvania,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “As someone with a CDL, I know that technology in our vehicles has greatly evolved and improved, even in our commercial vehicles. This modernized test is another way PennDOT is enhancing its services to better serve our CDL applicants while still ensuring the safety of school bus passengers.” The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has created a long-term waiver extension that allows a state to modify the Commercial Driver’s License test for drivers seeking to obtain a school bus endorsement. PennDOT will implement this waiver granted by FMCSA, and as a result, potential school bus drivers no longer need to take the portion of the CDL test that identifies engine components “under the hood.” Under the current federal waiver, the “under the hood” portion of the test may be waived for school bus driver applicants through November 27, 2024. “Knowing the components of a school bus engine does not impact a school bus driver’s safe driving skills,” said Deputy Secretary for Driver and Vehicle Services Kara Templeton. “By implementing this waiver from FMCSA, we hope that more drivers will apply for the school bus endorsement and become school bus drivers.” As always, the CDL skills test examines an applicant’s knowledge based on vehicle features and focuses on key skills needed to safely operate a commercial vehicle. Now, the skills test has received a much needed update to reflect modern vehicle features. Applicants must pass the full CDL Skills Test – which includes pre-trip inspection, basic control and a road test – to receive their CDL. Prospective applicants scheduled to take the test after August 28, 2023, are encouraged to review and study the updated Commercial Driver License Manual to prepare for each portion of the knowledge and driver skills test. The Vehicle Inspection (VI) test and the Basic Control Skills (BCS) test were updated during the modernization process. CDL applicants may be asked to identify up to 90 different components on the vehicle and describe what they are looking for to ensure it is safe and ready for use compared to the current requirement of more than 100 items. In addition, a checklist is now authorized to be used as a memory aid for this segment. The BCS Testwill require CDL applicants to demonstrate four maneuvers to demonstrate control: Forward Stop to demonstrate an applicant’s ability to judge the front of the vehicle; Straight-Line Backing to demonstrate the applicant’s ability to back the vehicle in a straight line; Forward Offset Tracking to demonstrate an applicant’s ability to maneuver the vehicle around other objects while moving forward; and Reverse Offset Backing to demonstrate an applicant’s ability to offset reverse and park the vehicle. Applicants who have already completed portions of the skills testing prior to August 28 will need to complete current versions of CDL Skills Testing. These applicants should continue to review and study the current Commercial Driver License Manual to prepare for each portion of the knowledge and driver skills test. More information on commercial driver licenses and copies of the Commercial Driver License Manuals can be found on the Commercial Drivers page on PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services website.
HNB Promotes Jamie Shnipes to Branch Manager Thomas E. Sheridan Jr., President, and CEO of The Honesdale National Bank, has announced Jamie Shnipes has been promoted to Branch Manager of HNB’s Eynon Office. In making the announcement, Sheridan stated, “Jamie began her banking career at HNB with the opening of our Eynon Office.” He continued, “We are proud to see her grow with us here at the bank, as she has shown great commitment to those in our local community.” As Branch Manager, Shnipes will be responsible for generating business within the Eynon Office and managing daily workload to ensure customer expectations are met. She will lead the supervision of frontline personnel, while ensuring the office is compliant with audits and account management. Shnipes began her career in the financial industry in 2013 as a Part-time Teller/CSR at HNB. In 2018 she accepted a full-time position at the bank. She will continue growing her career as Branch Manager of our Eynon Office. In commenting on her time at the bank, Shnipes noted, “Working at HNB has given me the opportunity to grow in the banking industry.” She continued, “When I became a teller/CSR at HNB, I fell in love with my job, and continued to meet great people in my community and at work.” Shnipes resides in Eynon, Pa. and is a graduate of Valley View High School. Outside of the bank, she enjoys being with family, either hanging out by the pool or spending time at their camper.
Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce Donates to Northeast Regional Cancer Institute The Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce hosted their annual golf tournament on Monday August 7, 2023. The event gives Chamber members the opportunity to spend a day networking on the green, with a portion of the day’s proceeds benefiting a local charitable organization. The Northeast Regional Cancer Institute (NRCI) was selected as the featured nonprofit for this year’s tournament. Golfers raised $3,100 through basket raffles and putting contest. The proceeds will support NRCI’s mission of easing the burden of cancer in northeastern Pennsylvania and benefit their programs and services. “Thank you to all of our golfers, sponsors, donors, volunteers, and golf committee members that helped to raise awareness and funds for the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, our featured non-profit this year at the 2023 Annual Chamber Golf Tournament. We are so happy to be able to spread the word and support such a wonderful organization serving our community,” said Ahmad Ali, Director of the Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Marywood University Aviation Program Announces New Partnership Marywood University announced today that it has entered into a partnership with FlyGATEWAY Aviation Institute to provide state-of-the-art flight training for Marywood University Aviation students. As the need for airline pilots continues to grow more rapidly than the demand can be met, Marywood officials said this new partnership will provide their aviation students with a wealth of resources, enabling them to train on aircraft and in facilities that will provide a training experience of the highest standard as they work toward their goal of becoming professional pilots. FlyGATEWAY, a large flight school currently with operations in four locations throughout Pennsylvania and Delaware, is excited to expand their operations to accommodate Marywood University Aviation students by adding a new location based out of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport. Capt. Joseph McDonald, director of the Marywood Aviation Program and assistant professor of aviation, observed, “In addition to their classroom and technical training, the flight training provided by FlyGATEWAY will provide Marywood Aviation students with experience for real-world application and career development, ensuring that our graduates are prepared for a thriving career in aviation upon program completion. Marywood’s Aviation program, like others across the country, now plays a vital role in helping to mitigate the acute pilot shortage impacting the airline industry today.”
WVIA to Premiere Special Presentation WVIA, Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania’s PBS and NPR affiliate, will present a special program entitled, “Holocaust Warnings, American Antisemitism and Extremism” on Thursday, September 7th, at 9:00 p.m. This program follows a panel discussion and community conversation held at the WVIA studios in June, moderated by WVIA’s Julie Sidoni. “This project was unlike anything I’d ever been involved in. It took a lot of time, collaboration and research. But it was an honor to interview some of the nation’s most accomplished experts on the topic,” said WVIA News Director, Julie Sidoni. “I hope this project starts important conversations in communities all around Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania.” The program will feature an in-depth panel discussion with world-renowned scholars, two of which have ties to the local region. The panelists include Dr. David N. Myers, a Scranton native who is a distinguished Professor of History in the UCLA History Department and author or editor of more than 15 books in the field of Jewish history. Dr. Carol Rittner, RSM, born and raised in Camp Hill, PA, who is a distinguished Professor Emerita of Holocaust and Genocide Studies at Stockton University in New Jersey, and the author or editor of 21 books and numerous essays about the Holocaust. Dr. Alex Alvarez, a Professor in the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona. He studies collective and interpersonal violence and is also a published author on the subject, and Dr. Kelly McFall, a Professor of History and Director of the Honors Program at Newman University in Wichita, Kansas. His professional interests lie in the history of violence, especially comparative genocide. The program will also feature interviews with Holocaust survivors, descendants of Holocaust survivors, and several local high-school students who provide feedback on how the Holocaust and extremism are perceived by younger generations, particularly within the lens of how quickly hateful rhetoric can spread on social media. “Holocaust Warnings is a timely program that is essential viewing for everyone. It is a reminder that the Holocaust was not inevitable and that we must all be vigilant in fighting against all forms of intolerance and discrimination.” said Ben Payavis II, WVIA’s Chief Content Officer. “At WVIA, we stand against hate, and our hope is that this program will help strengthen the voices of others that are willing to take that stand with us.” This program examines the roles of the media and our education system in reporting on and educating others about the Holocaust, namely the importance of speaking out against hate as well as intolerance. The Holocaust Warnings production is only the first phase in a multi-year community conversations project for WVIA. “This initiative continues to evolve and grow,” says WVIA President and CEO, Carla McCabe. “What started out as a one-off program is now a multi-year initiative which will include an educational component and community outreach events as well as a podcast series on hate, which is currently in development.” The program will be broadcast on WVIA TV and streamed live on the WVIA website. It will also be available on demand after the broadcast. Encore broadcasts will be aired on Friday, September 8th at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm; Sunday, September 10th at 1:00 pm; Thursday, September 21st at 9:00 pm; and Friday, September 22nd at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm. To learn more about Holocaust Warnings, please visit: https://www.wvia.org/holocaust-warnings
FNCB Bank Awards Staff FNCB Bank, locally based since 1910, today announced that Durell Davis, Staff Auditor II, was awarded the Certified Practitioner in Internal Audit (“cPIA”) designation award by cRisk Academy. cRick Academy is the largest, on-demand webinar and certification training platform for internal auditors and professionals in risk and compliance. Adding the cPIA credential to his accomplishments, Mr. Davis will stand out and demonstrate he is: A credible and trusted internal auditor.A true expert who understands and can apply the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing.A stronger, more competent professional who is knowledgeable in internal controls, the internal audit process, risk-based internal auditing, and internal audit emerging risks.Committed to the profession of internal auditing and equipped for career-advancing opportunities.Differentiated from his peers. Mr. Davis joined FNCB Bank in 2015 as an Indirect/Consumer Underwriter II and transferred to Staff Auditor I in 2018. Mr. Davis is a graduate of Pocono Mountain H.S. and University of Phoenix where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting. He is currently serving as Treasurer and serves on the Board of Governors for the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) – NEPA Chapter.
Hospice Remembrance Walk Returns After Three-Year Hiatus More than 1,200 walkers are expected to pause and remember their loved ones in a unique and special way at the Hospice of the Sacred Heart Remembrance Walk. The walk will take place on Saturday, October 7th at McDade Park in Scranton for the first time since 2019. The event did not take place in 2020, 2021, and 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Registration begins at 8:30 am and the walk will kick off at 10 am. The Wright Center is the presenting sponsor. The one-mile walk around scenic McDade Park is wheelchair accessible and pet-friendly. The $25 registration fee ($30 after September 20th) includes lunch and a long-sleeve t-shirt with a customizable pin-on bib, so participants can walk in memory of a loved one. Teams of five or more are $20 each and children 12 and under are free. There will be a DJ, basket raffle, children’s activities, a ceremonial bell ringing and ice cream. Proceeds from the walk will help support Hospice of the Sacred Heart programs and services. The event will begin with an opening prayer by Msgr. Thomas M. Muldowney, Pastor, Saint Catherine of Siena Parish in Moscow and WNEP-TV anchor and reporter, Stacy Lange, will start the walk. Diane Baldi, Hospice of the Sacred Heart CEO, will be available for interviews. Those wishing to participate individually or as a team can register online at www.HospiceSacredHeart.org, by calling 570-706-2400 or at McDade Park the day of the walk.
