Marywood Professor Named “Trailblazer in Higher Education” Jeffrey Kegolis, Ph.D., Marywood University’s vice president for the student experience, was recently named to City & State PA’s listing of 2024 Higher Education Trailblazers. City & State PA is a premier multimedia news organization that dedicates its coverage to Pennsylvania’s state and local government, including all things politics and public policy, with in-depth, non-partisan news coverage that serves Pennsylvania’s leaders every day as a trusted guide to the issues impacting the Keystone State. Since arriving at Marywood University last year, Dr. Kegolis, who is passionate about supporting college students, has championed a new, counselor-staffed mental health support hotline and rolled out The Hub, a space for academic, career, and veterans’ services at the campus learning commons. Dr. Kegolis’ career in higher education spans more than two decades and features extensive experience in multiple areas of student services, including leadership programs, campus engagement/activities, residence life, fraternity & sorority life, and student conduct, among others. Dr. Kegolis holds a Ph.D. degree in higher education administration from Bowling Green State University. He also is a graduate of Marywood University, where he earned a Master of Science degree in counselor education with secondary school certification. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology with a neuroscience concentration from King’s College.
The Comm to Participate in NEPA Gives 2024 For 24 hours the Waverly Community House—from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.—on Thursday, June 6, 2024, to Friday, June 7, 2024, donors may make secure donations to their favorite local nonprofit organizations through NEPA Gives online platform. Donations to participating nonprofits will be enhanced with bonus funds provided by NEPA Gives sponsors—making donor dollars stretch further! Nonprofits will also be eligible for cash prizes. Registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving residents in Northeastern Pennsylvania can participate in NEPA Gives. And anyone can donate! This year, all proceeds raised through NEPA Gives will assist the Comm in offering educational programming such as the Destination Freedom Program! How to Donate: Visit the NEPA Gives website on June 6th. Search for “Waverly Community House” and select our organization. Make your donation and share your support on social media using #NEPAGives and #WaverlyCommunityHouse.
PennDOT Announces Lane Restrictions on I-81 PennDOT announces there will be lane restrictions on Interstate 81 northbound and southbound beginning Monday, June 3, 2024, as follows: Interstate 81 northbound and southbound in Lackawanna County from Exit 191 (Dickson City) and Exit 194 (Clarks Summit), Monday, June 3-Thursday, June 6, 2024, from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM for ariel utility work. Interstate 81 northbound in Luzerne County from Exit 165 (Mountain Top/Wilkes-Barre) to Exit 180 (Moosic) in for shoulder cutting and pothole patching. Work will occur Monday, June 3, 2024, from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Motorists should expect delays and are advised to take alternate routes when possible. When encountering a work zone, please drive the posted speed limit, turn on your headlights, pay close attention to signs and flaggers, and avoid all distractions. In high-traffic locations, motorists are encouraged to use both lanes of travel to the merge point and take turns merging into the open lane. Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information, and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras. 511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following local alerts on X.
PennDOT/BPD-I Continue I-80 Nescopeck Creek Bridges Construction Motorists are advised that the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and Bridging Pennsylvania Developers I (BPD-I) will continue pre-construction activities for the I-80 Nescopeck Creek Bridges Project in preparation of complete reconstruction of the two bridges carrying I-80 eastbound (EB) and westbound (WB) over Nescopeck Creek in Black Creek Township, Luzerne County. On or around Monday, June 10, the construction contractor Bridging Pennsylvania Constructors and Major Bridge subcontractor, Wagman will continue the first of four construction stages to be completed in 2027. Phase 1 of construction includes reconstructing the existing shoulders along eastbound Route 80, constructing the outside portion of the new eastbound Route 80 bridge over Nescopeck Creek, reconstructing a portion of Tank Road (Route 3016). A portion of the existing retaining wall along eastbound Route 80 due to the widened eastbound structure. Short term lane closures on I-80 EB will occur between 6:00 PM and 2:00 AM, on Monday through Friday, for approximately 2 weeks. The Phase 1 Tank Road (Route 3016) detour (graphic) will be implemented for all through traffic to support the following: Lowering the elevation of existing Tank Road (Route 3016) to prepare for the installation of a temporary traffic signal to be used from Phase 2 through the end of the project. Constructing a temporary construction access road connecting eastbound I-80 with Tank Road (Route 3016) for equipment and material deliveries during the bridge reconstruction. Maintained access for local traffic to residences and private properties along Tank Road (Route 3016). After Tank Road (Route 3016) has been reconstructed to the designed final elevation, the detour will be lifted. This is anticipated for late fall 2024. However, the temporary traffic signal on Tank Road will be utilized through all subsequent construction phases. Motorists can expect two lanes of traffic to be maintained in both north and south lanes at all times on Route 80, with the exception of occasional lane closures, which will occur during off-peak hours. In February 2024, PennDOT and BPD-I hosted the I-80 Nescopeck Pre-Construction Public Meeting in Nescopeck Township to introduce key members of the I-80 Nescopeck team and provide an update about specific pre-construction and anticipated upcoming construction activities, traffic plans and scheduling. To download the presentation, click here. This project is part of the ongoing PennDOT Major Bridges P3 Program. Bridging Pennsylvania Developers – I (BPD-I) is led jointly by Macquarie Capital and Shikun & Binui USA as Lead Project Developers and Equity Members. The Bridging Pennsylvania Constructors (BPC) joint venture (JV) consortium includes the design & construction expertise of FCC Construction and S&B USA Construction, based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. S&B USA Construction is the construction arm of Shikun & Binui Ltd, and is also the parent company of Fay, one of the BPC four Major Bridge subcontractors. Other Major Bridge subcontractors include The H&K Group, Kokosing Construction Company, Wagman Heavy Civil, and Lead Designer, Michael Baker International. Motorists can check conditions on major roadway miles by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information, and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras. 511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional Twitter alerts accessible on the 511PA website. Subscribe to PennDOT news and traffic alerts in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Wyoming counties at www.penndot.pa.gov/District4. Information about infrastructure in District 4, including completed work and significant projects, is available at www.penndot.pa.gov/D4Results.
Marywood Dance Marathon for Children’s Hospital Surpasses Goal Marywood University recently held its first Dance Marathon to benefit the Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital. The event, which set a goal of $12,000, surpassed that amount through generous support from the community and successfully raised $16,000.67. Held near the end of the spring semester, Marywood students came together for the event, and the night of dancing also included face painting, sand art, corn hole, and catered food. Hospital and University representatives also spoke to the students about the impact of their efforts. Food and talent donations were contributed by TGI Fridays, GIANT, Perkins Franchising and Development, Primanti Bros. Restaurant and Bar, Lynn Sandy’s Bakery, Marywood’s Gourmet Dining LLC, Texas Roadhouse, Mike Walton DJ services, Party Crew LLC, Highway Line Dancing, Marywood’s Zumba instructor Vanessa Rodriguez, and more. The event concluded with a closing ceremony the next morning, during which students heard from Anne Baum, President of Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital, and Vanessa Gramm, the Director of Child Life at the hospital. The highlight was hosting the Marzen family, who shared their experience being treated at the hospital and how Marywood’s efforts are making a positive difference for families like them. Kevin Farrell, Marywood’s director of student engagement, noted that the students involved hope to expand this endeavor next year and make it an annual event.
Wayne Bank Promotes John Baker to Senior Vice President Jim Donnelly, President and CEO of Wayne Bank, is pleased to announce the promotion of John Baker to Senior Vice President. According to Mr. Donnelly, “I’m thrilled to announce the promotion of John to Senior Vice President. His exceptional leadership and innovative vision have been instrumental in driving our IT department’s success. He has instilled a real sense of service in his team. Under John’s leadership, the IT Team at Wayne Bank delivers exceptional professionalism and service with a smile.” John joined Wayne Bank in 2010 and currently serves as the Bank’s Information Technology Manager. John is responsible for overseeing the administration of the Bank’s network infrastructure, telephone systems, and all related software programs. He holds an Associate Degree in Computer Information Technology from Johnson College. John resides in Hawley with his wife, Amy, and daughter, Adalynn.
SWB RailRiders to Host 90s Night Featuring C & C Music Factory EVERYBODY DANCE NOW! The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders are thrilled to announce that C & C Music Factory will make a guest appearance at 90s Night on June 22 at PNC Field! The RailRiders host the Buffalo Bisons with a 6:05 P.M. first pitch. Gates open at 5 with a plush CHAMP beanie baby-styled giveaway for the first 2,000 fans. The RailRiders will wear custom jerseys to be auctioned off benefitting the Blue Chip Farm Animal Refuge. During the game, C & C Music Factory will sign autographs and take pictures with fans. Freedom Williams joined the group in 1989 and carries on their legacy to date. After the final out, stick around for our Post-Game 90s Dance Party featuring C & C Music Factory! DJ Hersh will spin all the best jams from the 1990s on the Geisinger Plaza at the main entrance of PNC Field. C & C Music Factory’s 1990 debut album “Gonna Make You Sweat” is certified five-times Platinum and featured the iconic smash-hit title track as well as top-ten hits like “Here We Go (Let’s Rock & Roll)” and “Things That Make You Go Hmmm…” The ensemble group had seven number one hits on the US Dance charts and “Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)” was included as a top-ten track in VH1’s “100 Greatest Dance Songs.” Updated 2024 Appearance Schedule June 22- C & C Music Factory June 29- Leslie David Baker aka “Stanley Hudson” from The Office July 24- Amazing Tyler’s Balancing Act August 17- Chauncey Leopardi aka “Squints” from The Sandlot August 30- Black Panther on Marvel’s Defenders of the Diamond Night To purchase tickets or for more information, call (570) 969-BALL or visit www.swbrailriders.com.
The Wright Center Welcomes Alumnus as Graduation Speaker The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s 45th graduation ceremony on Saturday, June 22, at Mohegan Pennsylvania Convention Center in Wilkes-Barre will feature an alumnus who works as a University of Pennsylvania hospitalist and clinical instructor as the keynote speaker. The Wright Center’s graduation ceremony will honor and recognize 67 resident physicians from seven disciplines: 32 in Internal Medicine; 14 in Regional Family Medicine; 16 in National Family Medicine; one in Psychiatry; one in Cardiovascular Disease; two in Geriatrics; and one in Gastroenterology. Keynote speaker Dr. Humza Quadir of Philadelphia graduated from The Wright Center’s Internal Medicine Residency in 2022. He joined the staff of Penn’s Perelman School of Medicine and is also affiliated with the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and Penn Presbyterian Medical Center. At The Wright Center, Dr. Quadir served in several leadership roles, including chief resident during the final year of his three-year residency. He also served as vice president of the house staff council, a voting member of the Graduate Medical Education Committee (GMEC), and a member of GMEC’s Quality and Safety Committee. Dr. Quadir received his medical degree from Ziauddin University in Karachi, Pakistan, in December 2014. “Dr. Quadir is a leader who understands the importance of our mission to improve the health and welfare of our communities through inclusive and responsive health services and the sustainable renewal of an inspired, competent workforce that is privileged to serve,” said Dr. Jumee Barooah, senior vice president of education and designated institutional official for The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education. “He’s carried those same values to his roles as a hospitalist and clinical instructor. We’re looking forward to hearing the wisdom he will impart to our graduates as they embark upon the next chapter of their careers.” The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education was established in 1976 as the Scranton-Temple Residency Program, a community-based internal medicine residency. Today, The Wright Center is one of the largest U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration-funded Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education Safety-Net Consortiums in the nation. Together with consortium stakeholders, The Wright Center trains residents and fellows in a community-based, community-needs-responsive workforce development model to advance their shared mission to improve the health and welfare of communities through inclusive and responsive health services and the sustainable renewal of an inspired, competent workforce that is privileged to serve.
Jessica Spare Joins HNB as VP, Commercial Loan Officer Thomas E. Sheridan Jr., President, and CEO of The Honesdale National Bank, announced Jessica Spare has joined HNB as VP, Commercial Loan Officer. In making the statement, Sheridan noted, “We are excited to bring Jessica’s longstanding expertise to HNB” He continued, “Her loyalty to our area elevates our commitment to providing great service to our customers and uplifting future opportunities in our community.” Spare is a graduate of Hazelton Area High School and received a Bachelor of Science degree in business management from Pennsylvania State University. Currently residing in Drums, PA, she started her 27-year career in the financial industry at a local financial institution as a Teller. From there she progressed to CSR, Credit Analyst, Portfolio Manager, Small Business Lender, and eventually Commercial Loan Officer. She will continue at HNB as VP, Commercial Loan Officer. In this role, she is responsible for the development and management of commercial loan customers to establish long-term banking relationships in the Luzerne County market. In describing her recent move to HNB, Spare said, “I am excited to be a part of the HNB family! It is clear to see that everyone works together as a team and supports each other to achieve success!” Spare is a member of the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce and the Hazleton Area High School Baseball Booster Club. She currently serves as Chair of a Women in Business Planning sub-committee along with a number of other leadership roles in the community. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and volunteering in the community.
