The Scranton Cultural Center to Host the Ultimate Elvis Experience

The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple and JZ Tours will present “The Ultimate Elvis Experience starring Shawn Klush” on April 14 at 8:00 PM in the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Theatre.  The popular tribute artist, who hails from Pittston, last appeared at the SCC in 2015 to a nearly sold-out crowd.

Born and raised in the small coal-mining town of Pittston, Pennsylvania, Shawn’s love for music led him to begin imitating his musical idol, Elvis Presley.  He performed in the famous Poconos region followed by a tour of Canada where he entered and won the $5,000.00 prize in the “Worldwide Elvis Competition” in Montreal.  This caught the attention of the award winning Las Vegas show, “Legends in Concert” where for many years he starred as ‘Elvis’ in their Myrtle Beach, Las Vegas, Branson and Atlantic City show rooms.  Each January he stars in the “Elvis Birthday Tribute Tour”, an extravaganza with Elvis’ own musicians, singers, and friends, in major venues in multiple cities.

Shawn has released 5 CDs. He has performed with Elvis’ closest friends, musicians and singers such as JD Sumner and the Stamps Quartet, The Jordanaires, The Imperials, DJ Fontana, Charlie Hodge, Jerry Scheff, The Sweet Inspirations, Joe Guercio, Jerry Schilling and Joe Esposito. He portrayed Elvis in the hit TV miniseries “Shake, Rattle and Roll” which aired on CBS and VH1 and HBO’s Vinyl.

Shawn was a featured performer on the Late Show with David Letterman performing to over 5 million viewers with the entire CBS Orchestra on Network Television and portrayed Elvis in HBO’s Vinyl. produced by Martin Scorsese and Mic Jagger.

Tickets start at $40.75 (includes fees) with VIP Ticket Packages also available.  They are available for purchase 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 Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple’s 2022-2023 Season is sponsored by Fidelity Bank and LT Verrastro and supported by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, and the Lackawanna County Office of Arts and Culture, and Commissioners Jerry Notarianni, Debi Dominick, Esq. and Chris Chermak. A special thank you to its media partners: Access NEPA, Allied Services, Audacy, Citizens’ Voice, Lamar Advertising, MAC Signs, The Times-Tribune and Times Shamrock Communications.

PennDOT to Host In-Person Public Meeting

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Engineering District 4-0, will present preliminary plans to the public for the Interstate 81 (I-81) Reconstruction Project at a plans display meeting on February 15, 2023, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Dunmore Elementary Center gym at 300 West Warren Street in Dunmore, Lackawanna County. Attendees can learn about the planned improvements to roadway surfaces, structures, interchanges, and future traffic flow on the seven-mile stretch of I-81 between Exit 178 in Avoca and Exit 185 in Scranton. The public is invited to submit their feedback and questions at the meeting, by mail, or online throughout the comment period, which extends from February 15 to March 15, 2023.

PennDOT will deliver a formal presentation and host a question-and-answer session during the meeting at 6:00 PM. An informational video illustrating the final condition of the highway will also be available. During the comment period, digital copies of the project plans, the project video, and a comment form will be available for the public to view on the project webpage, which can be found on the PennDOT Engineering District 4-0 website at https://www.penndot.gov/RegionalOffices/district-4/PublicMeetings/Pages/default.aspx. Click on the Lackawanna County box, then choose the tile marked “SR 81 (Interstate 81) Section D46 (Avoca to Scranton) Reconstruction Project”.

The project area begins at the northern end of the existing Avoca Interchange (Exit 178) and includes the Moosic Interchange (Exit 180), Davis Street Interchange (Exit 182), and River Street and President Biden Expressway Interchange (Exit 184 and 185).

“Our main goal is to reduce the frequency of crashes and traffic congestion along this corridor,” said Richard N. Roman, P.E., District Executive for PennDOT Engineering District 4-0. “We’re planning to widen the highway from two lanes to three lanes and improve the location of exits, as well as correct issues with roadway curves and lanes. These upgrades will improve the driving experience once the project is complete.”

The proposed design calls for the removal of left-hand exits and standardizes roadway curves and lane widths. The new roadway will widen into the existing median and, upon completion, will include three 12-foot travel lanes and two 12-foot shoulders in both directions. Traffic along the new highway should flow freely based on predicted vehicle usage data for the year 2055 (or about twenty years post-construction) developed for traffic studies.

PennDOT also studied various environmental and historic factors while developing the preliminary roadway designs. These factors included (but are not limited to) socio-economic features, waterways and wetlands, historic properties, and waste concerns. Overall, the design avoids impacts to most of the identified environmental and historic resources in the project area. 

The I-81 Reconstruction Project (Avoca to Scranton) is just one of six highway improvement projects in the region that are advancing through design or construction under the direction of PennDOT and/or the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission. In-depth planning and design work for the SR 81, D46 project is still underway and will continue through the end of 2027.

“Because we are in the early stages of this complex project, construction isn’t expected to start until Spring 2028,” Roman said. During construction, PennDOT will maintain two lanes of traffic in both directions.

In total, the planned improvements are estimated at $500 million.

The project documents can be made available in alternative languages or formats if requested. If you need translation/interpretation services, have special needs or concerns that require individual attention, or would like to submit a general question or comment, please contact the project team at I81Reconstruction@aecom.com. 

Pursuant to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, PennDOT does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability. If you feel that you have been denied the benefits of, or participation in a PennDOT program or activity, you may contact the PennDOT, Bureau of Equal Opportunity, DBE/Title VI Division at 717-787-5891.

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.gov/District4.

Information about infrastructure in District 4, including completed work and significant projects, is available at www.penndot.gov/D4Results.

Follow local PennDOT news on Twitter and like the department on Facebook and Instagram.

IRS Announces Special Saturday Hours

As part of a continuing effort to improve service this tax season, the Internal Revenue Service today announced special Saturday hours for the next four months at Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs) across the country.

The special Saturday availability across the nation will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., on Feb. 11, March 11, April 8 and May 13. Offices in dozens of states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico will be open during this special four-month event, with no appointments required. More than 40 locations currently plan to be open on Feb. 11, with 58 offices currently scheduled for March 11. The IRS encourages taxpayers to visit a special IRS.gov page for the latest information on the special Saturday hours.

“These Saturday openings are part of the extra steps the IRS is taking to make a difference for taxpayers,” said Acting IRS Commissioner Doug O’Donnell. “IRS employees are working hard to help people by making improvements across our operations. These walk-in locations are critical, and funding from the Inflation Reduction Act is allowing us to add more employees across the nation to better assist taxpayers this filing season and beyond. These special Saturday hours will help people get the services they need.”

The IRS encourages everyone to first check IRS.gov for information about these special openings before traveling to an office. They may even find an online resource to resolve their tax concern to avoid a trip.

At these offices, called TACs, people receive in-person help from IRS employees. Normally, these centers are not open on Saturdays, and people must have appointments to receive services.

During these Saturday hours, people can walk-in for all services routinely offered at an office, except for making cash payments. They can also ask about setting up an Online Account and getting an Identity Protection PIN among other topics.

To see which TACs will be open, visit IRS.gov/saturdayhours.

Services provided

The IRS’s Contact Your Local Office site lists all services provided at specific TACs.

If someone has questions about a tax bill or IRS audit or they need help resolving a tax problem, they’ll receive assistance from IRS employees specializing in those services. If these employees aren’t available, the individual will receive a referral for these services. IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service employees may also be available to help with some issues.

Professional foreign language interpretation will be available in many languages through an over-the-phone translation service. For deaf or hard of hearing individuals who need sign language interpreter services, IRS staff will schedule appointments for a later date. Alternatively, these individuals can call TTY/TDD 800-829-4059 to make an appointment.

Come prepared

For people visiting these offices, individuals should bring the following documents:

  • Current government-issued photo identification,
  • Social Security cards or ITINs for themselves and all members of their household, including their spouse and dependents (if applicable),
  • Any IRS letters or notices received and related documents,
  • For identity verification services, two forms of identification and, if filed, a copy of the tax return for the year in question.

During the visit, IRS staff may also request the following information:

  • A current mailing address,
  • Proof of bank account information included on a tax return to receive payments or refunds by direct deposit.

Tax return preparation options

While tax return preparation is not a service offered at IRS TACs, information will be shared about available local free tax preparation options. Help is also available using the following services:

  1. Eligible individuals or families can get free help preparing their tax return at Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) or Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) sites. To find the closest free tax return preparation help, use the VITA Locator Tool or call 800-906-9887.
  2. To find an AARP Tax-Aide site, use the AARP Site Locator Tool or call 1-888-227-7669.
  3. Any individual or family earning $73,000 or less in 2022 can use tax software through IRS Free File at no cost. There are products in English and Spanish.
  4. MilTax, a Department of Defense program, offers free return preparation software and electronic filing for federal tax returns and up to three state income tax returns. It’s available for all military members, and some veterans, with no income limit.

Help available 24/7 at IRS.gov

The fastest and easiest way for people to get the help they need is through IRS.gov. Go to www.irs.gov for more information. Available resources include:

For additional information on available services, see IRS Publication 5136, IRS Services Guide.

Penn State Scranton Begins Library Construction

Penn State Scranton’s Library Building is undergoing a $13.1 million renovation that will dramatically change both the front and back facades of the structure and include technology and interior updates aimed at making the facility a premier learning environment.

Built in 1970, the Library Building also houses the campus’ nursing program labs and support spaces on the first floor, as well as faculty offices, and library spaces on the second floor.  

The existing nursing facilities were designed for what was then a two-year associate degree nursing program. Penn State Scranton now offers a four-year bachelor of science degree in nursing that requires patient simulation training and debriefing spaces, as well as additional learning spaces, for this growing program. 

The library currently serves anywhere from 250 to 400 students per day. In an average semester, students check out and use its textbook reserves over 1,000 times. It has not been significantly updated in over 50 years, and in its current state, is not capable of meeting all of the needs of the campus community. 

The renovation project will consolidate the nursing program into one area on campus and provide additional room for nursing faculty, teaching spaces and labs, including patient simulator labs. A new lower-level entrance will improve ADA accessibility to the building and increase the nursing program’s visibility on the campus. 

The library space will be transformed to make it suitable for the 21st-century student. Improvements include an increase of study rooms from two to five; a devoted quiet study space for students; an updated instruction classroom that allows for more interactive class time; numerous power outlets at convenient locations; and book stacks at heights and locations that allow for natural light. 

Overall, plans also call for: ADA compliant restrooms; improvements and additional space for the building mechanical systems, including the HVAC system, which will be improved in both areas for occupant comfort and energy efficiency; installation of LED lighting; a more accessible lobby area; a public elevator; the addition of a lactation room; and enhanced site connections to the campus’ walkways. 

“This renovation project will help grow enrollment in the nursing program, thus graduating more nurses from Penn State to help address the shortage of nurses currently being experienced in northeast Pennsylvania,” Penn State Scranton Chancellor Marwan Wafa said. “The library project will provide a comfortable and encouraging space for our students to study and improve access to all the resources of Penn State’s library system, helping our students to succeed academically.” 

Penn State Scranton Nursing Program Coordinator Justina Malinak said her department is looking forward to the facility improvements, which will help further future growth and development in the program and equip campus nursing graduates for the evolving healthcare environment. 

“While the library always has provided, and will continue to provide, stellar services to the Penn State campus community, this newly renovated space will help to draw students to the campus and provide current students with a more comfortable and safe space to study,” said Jennie Knies, head librarian of the Scranton campus and Nesbitt Libraries and co-director of the Commonwealth Campus Libraries. 

Construction is expected to be complete in January 2024. In the interim, the nursing department has moved its simulator labs and faculty to the campus’ Gallagher Conference Center and the Library is operating out of space on the ground floor of the Dawson Building.

A $13.1 million renovation project will update the Classroom-Library Building at Penn State Scranton to consolidate the nursing program into one area on campus, and provide additional room for nursing faculty, teaching spaces and labs, including patient simulator labs, among other improvements. 
Credit: Penn State

Goodwill Now Offering Free Job Club

Goodwill Industries of Northeastern Pennsylvania in partnership with the Scranton Area Community Foundation is now offering a free Job Club to members the community. The Job Club offers networking, social supports, skills training, work assessments, and job seeking tools for job seekers to effectively match with employers from our community.

Aveanna Healthcare Celebrates Forever Nurse

Aveanna Forever Nurses are a special group of clinicians who have cared for the same patient for ten or more years. Aveanna Healthcare is always excited when they can help a nurse and patients’ family find the perfect fit. Nurse Angela is the newest Aveanna Forever Nurse. Angela’s dedication, compassion, and heart for care have made a difference in her patient’s life over the past decade.

COLTS Announces New Route

The County of Lackawanna Transit System (COLTS) announced the addition of Route #32 Taylor/Walmart Express Route after receiving feedback from passengers and drivers. In an effort to continually improve services, COLTS will now provide express bus transportation to/from the Taylor Commons to the Lackawanna Transit Center on the new route.

Misericordia University Now a Chapter of the American Association for Men in Nursing

Misericordia University’s male nursing club, The Men of Mercy is now one of three universities in Pennsylvania to be an official chapter of the American Association of Men in Nursing. Richard Hennigan, MSN Ed, RN-BC, assistant professor of Nursing and advisor of The Men of Mercy, says, “We encourage male nursing students and registered nurses from other institutions who may want to join our chapter. I hope this will help recruit new students to consider Misericordia’s nursing program.”

NeighborWorks’ Kathi Tavera Receives HUD Certification

Kathi Tavera, NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania’s Homeownership Specialist, recently received her HUD Housing Counseling certification from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). “We’re thrilled for Kathi to receive her HUD certification. This is a huge step for her professional development, but it also speaks volumes to her commitment to helping homeowners and homebuyers in the local community,” said Jesse Ergott, President & CEO of NeighborWorks.