PennDOT Announces ‘Innovations Challenge’ Contest The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced today that students are invited to participate in the sixth annual PennDOT Innovations Challenge, which encourages students to use their problem-solving, creative and strategic-thinking abilities to solve real-world transportation challenges in a competition among their peers. The Innovations Challenge is open to all students in grades 9-12, regardless of their school’s learning model. For this year’s challenge, students are asked to develop ideas to help address the shortage of commercial truck parking along major interstate corridors in Pennsylvania. Trucks parking on highway shoulders and ramps is common during overnight hours and presents a significant safety issue. As just-in-time deliveries continue to be the mainstay of global business, the demand for truck parking will continue to increase. Federal hours-of-service regulations require more down time for drivers, which translates into an increased demand for truck parking, and many local governments have strict ordinances against overnight truck parking in their communities. The challenge asks students to select one of Pennsylvania’s interstate corridors where truck parking is a known issue and develop an innovative approach to increase commercial truck parking availability in that area and offset costs incurred for construction. The solution must consider local ordinances and zoning laws for the area selected, commercial entity interaction in land development, community impact, restroom facilities, and space requirements for commercial trucks that are generally 70-80 feet long. “Pennsylvania is a critical freight corridor, and it’s important that commercial drivers have adequate safe parking along our roadway network,” said PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian. “I’m excited to see the creative ideas that the students bring to this year’s challenge.” Regional Innovations Challenge winners will be selected and invited to present their solutions to the PennDOT Secretary and a panel of judges, who will determine the statewide winner. For this year’s challenge, the Associated Pennsylvania Constructors (APC) has donated $2,500 and the American Council of Engineering Companies of Pennsylvania (ACEC/PA) has donated $1,500 for a combined total award of $4,000 to the statewide winning team. “In addition to the challenge itself, we hope that this experience will open students’ minds to the possibility of a career in transportation after graduation, maybe even with PennDOT,” Gramian said. For complete Innovations Challenge details, visit www.penndot.gov/innovation and click on Innovations Challenge. The submission deadline is Jan. 27, 2023.
The Wright Center Schedules Winter Coat and Clothing Giveaways As winter approaches, The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement aims to help underserved individuals and families in the community prepare for colder temperatures by offering free coats, warm clothes and personal care items. Two distributions are scheduled for November in Lackawanna County. During these Community Closet events, patients and community members are invited to select items for children and adults from among an assortment of new and gently used coats, hats, boots, gloves and other outerwear. Community Closet events are planned at these practice locations on the listed dates: The Wright Center for Community Health Mid Valley Practice 5 S. Washington Ave., Jermyn Thursday, Nov. 3,from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Wright Center for Community Health Scranton Practice 501 S. Washington Ave., Scranton Monday, Nov. 14, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Each attendee will be awarded 10 “points” to exchange for clothing and 5 “points” to exchange for hygiene items that will be marked with points, rather than prices. Quantities will be limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Organized by The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement, this year’s clothing distributions are made possible by generous donations from The Wright Center’s employees, board members and valued supporters such as Operation Warm. The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement focuses on improving access to health care while addressing the negative social and economic determinants of health that can affect underserved patients, including food insecurity, limited educational opportunities, homelessness and poverty. For more information about the Community Closet events, call Gerri McAndrew, director of community outreach and engagement, at 570-591-5273.
Geisinger Promotes Cardiologist Pugazhendhi Vijayaraman, M.D., has been promoted to chief of clinical electrophysiology for Geisinger. In his new role, Dr. Vijayaraman oversees the integration and growth of services for patients with heart-rhythm disorders across the health system. These arrhythmias include tachycardia (fast heart rate), bradycardia (slow heart rate) and atrial fibrillation (AFib) among others. A Geisinger provider since 2005, Dr. Vijayaraman specializes in cardiac electrophysiology, cardiac ablation and cardiac device implantation. He is world-renowned for his research and clinical expertise in conduction system pacing, which stimulates the heart’s natural electrical conduction system to correct rhythm disorders and has improved patient outcomes. An authority on innovative methods of implantation, he has educated Geisinger fellows as well as physicians from across the globe. “For the past 17 years, it’s been my pleasure to serve our communities and help grow electrophysiology services for our patients,” Dr. Vijayaraman said. “I look forward to making better health easier for more of our friends and neighbors as we continue to expand the outstanding electrophysiology care available to them close to home.” Before accepting his position as chief of clinical electrophysiology, Dr. Vijayaraman served as director of electrophysiology labs for Geisinger’s northeast region and program director of Geisinger’s clinical cardiac electrophysiology fellowship — roles he continues to serve. His presence and leadership at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center were integral to the hospital’s investment in its electrophysiology suite, which has expanded availability to patients in the region and established the medical center as a destination for heart-rhythm care. Dr. Vijayaraman will work closely with regional chiefs of cardiology and the chair of Geisinger’s Department of Cardiology, George Ruiz, M.D., to coordinate electrophysiology care across the system, create new programs that complement clinical efforts, provide our communities with expanded clinical expertise and review any clinical quality challenges that arise. “We have a team of experienced and talented electrophysiologists that rivals any in our region of the country,” Dr. Vijayaraman said. “I’m committed to supporting them with the facilities, technology, research and resources they need to care for our communities with excellence.”
Allied Services Receives Donation From Kiel Eigen Fund The Kiel Eigen Fund presented a $3,000 contribution to Allied Services for its nationally-renowned Spinal Cord Injury rehabilitation program, as part of the proceeds from the recent Tee Time for KielGolf event at Fox Hill Country Club.
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Announces Student MVP Program The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders and NEPA Crane & Hauling are pleased to announce the Student MVP program is returning for the 2022-23 academic year. Local elementary school and middle school students can be honored and rewarded for their efforts during the current school year! The Student MVP program uses the fun of RailRiders baseball as an incentive and reward system for students at no cost to schools, teachers or the students themselves. Teachers at participating schools will create criteria and help track students towards their goal of becoming an MVP. A limited number of MVP awards are available at each grade level in each school, helping incentivize and reward positive academic and behavioral development. “NEPA Crane & Hauling is proud to team up with the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders and show our support to students in our local area,” said Jeff Keeney, the owner of NEPA Crane & Hauling. “Students today are faced with many challenges and often their hard work goes unnoticed. NEPA Crane & Hauling is extremely proud of our local students for their hard work and dedication to their education, and we are cheering them on as they strive to reach their goals and chase their dreams.” Each Student MVP will be honored at the RailRiders game on Friday, June 23, 2023. Additionally, each MVP will receive: • A Personalized Award Certificate signed by the RailRiders General Manager, CHAMP and completed by their teacher • A shout out on the video board during the game, welcoming all of our RailRiders Student MVPs attending the game • A special gift from NEPA Crane & Hauling and the RailRiders Principals can register their schools by visiting www.milb.com/scranton-wb/community/studentmvp now. The deadline to register is November 22, 2022. For more information, contact Krista Lutzick, the Community Relations Manager for the RailRiders, at klutzick@swbrailriders.com or by calling (570) 558-4616.
Broadway in Scranton Presents Legally Blonde America’s favorite blonde, Elle Woods, is ready to prove who’s in charge (again) as Legally Blonde – The Musical comes to the Scranton Cultural Center for 4 performances December 2 – 4 (Friday at 8PM, Saturday at 2PM & 8PM, Sunday at 1PM). The ultimate Broadway tribute to girl power, Legally Blonde will take you from the UCLA sorority house to the Harvard halls of justice with its coming-of-age story. Beginning Monday, October 17 at 10AM, tickets will be available in person at the Scranton Cultural Center box office and online at BroadwayInScranton.com. For group (10+) rates and more information, call 570.342.7784. Based on the iconic movie, Legally Blonde follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes, sexism, snobbery and scandal in pursuit of her dreams, and proves, contrary to dated bias, that you can be both legally blonde AND the smartest person in the room. Things are groovy for Elle Woods but suddenly her life is turned upside down when her boyfriend dumps her so he can start getting more “serious” about his life and attend Harvard Law. Determined to get him back, Elle uses her brain and ingenuity to also get admitted to Harvard. School begins with endless struggles, but with the help of her new friends, Elle quickly realizes her potential and her strengths, as she sets out to change the narrative. This contemporary, topical story touches on many current hot button issues while delighting audiences with memorable songs and explosive dances. Legally Blonde warms the heart by proving that self-discovery never goes out of style! The 2022-2023 National Tour of Legally Blonde is produced by Daniel Sher of Big League Productions, Inc. The musical is directed by Jeffrey B. Moss, with choreography by Bob Richard. Set design is by Randel Wright, with lighting by Charlie Morrison and stunning new elaborate video design by Jon Infante. Casting is by Alison Franck.
Clarks Summit University Celebrates Hall of Honor Ceremony Clarks Summit University inducted new members into the university’s Athletic Hall of Honor on September 30, on CSU’s campus during Homecoming: Alumni and Family Weekend. The 2022 Hall of Honor inductees are Dr. Bill Higley, Ronnie Chastain and the 1991–92 Defender men’s basketball team. Joining 20 other distinguished members and three teams, the 2022 inductees have achieved significant athletic achievement and demonstrated exemplary character. Higley, a 1984 alumnus of CSU, became Defender softball coach in 2002. He retired in 2019 with 240 wins. He was named conference Coach of the Year twice. The first time was in 2005 as he led the Lady Defenders to their first 20-win season and a spot in the North Eastern Atlantic Conference Championship. Higley’s impact goes beyond the field as he modeled godly character and positively impacted his players. Higley currently serves as CSU’s vice president for academics and has returned to the diamond as head softball coach for the 2022–23 season. Ronnie Chastain, a Clarks Summit resident, has served as CSU’s head athletic trainer since 2004. He has played a major role in the success of Defender athletics. With a reputation for excellence in his field, Chastain often has students from other universities shadow him during their athletic training practicum. “Athletic trainers are allied health care professionals who give care from prevention to workouts to on-the-field/court emergency and daily care as injuries and incidents happen. We follow through with post-injury treatments, rehabilitation, and we team closely with coaches, doctors and PTs to modify activities and return players to full activity.” Chastain said of the honor, “It was a very pleasant surprise and encouraging to be recognized. I consider it a calling, and I love helping athletes, mentoring young professionals and working with the Athletics Department team.” The 1991–92 men’s basketball team was also inducted into CSU’s Hall of Honor. The team won the Division II National Christian College Athletic Association National Championship in 1992. With CSU Athletic Hall of Honor member Russ Howard at the helm, the Defenders finished the season with a 20–7 record and three All-Conference Awards. Howard was named Coach of the Year. Derek Mosher led the team in scoring, averaging 22.6 points per game. Mosher finished the season with 610 total points and earned the NCCAA II Maravich Award. Sharing the First-Team All-Conference title with Mosher, Robbie Stearns had 182 assists and 549 total points. Point guard and coaching legend Mike Show led in three-point field goal percentage with 41.7 percent; he amassed 327 points his final year as a player. Show, a Clarks Summit resident, has been active in the community, leading basketball camps and clinics. He was inducted into CSU’s Hall of Honor in 2006. This year, Show was promoted to CSU’s director of athletics. “It was truly a great team,” said Show of the 1992 squad. “Looking at each of us individually, I don’t know that anyone thought we were championship material. But together, we made an incredible team. Coach Howard did a great job putting us together. He played to our strengths. The thing about that team is that we didn’t care who scored or who got the credit as long as we got the win. We supported and cared for each other, and the team was really cohesive. We had great unity. It was a great group of guys.” The 1992 team included Steve Barton, Dan Brown, Dean Bult, Mark Erikson, Scott Flatt, Paul Gruet, Mark Moody, Derek Mosher, Keith Overholt, Dave Pirrie, Mike Show, Ken Shupp, Rob Stearns, Chris Storr and Oliver Yasay. Russ Howard was head coach with assistants Randy Carman and Doug Loescher. The Clarks Summit University Athletic Hall of Honor was established in 2006 to recognize athletes, coaches, staff and athletic supporters who have made a lasting impression on the Defender Athletics program. Twelve Clarks Summit University teams compete in NCAA Division III’s Colonial States Athletic Conference.
Johnson College Enrolling Students in Emissions Training Class Johnson College’s Continuing Education Program is currently enrolling students in its OBDII Emissions Training class. The class will be held in the Moffat Student Center on the Johnson College campus on Monday, Nov. 14, and Tuesday, Nov. 15 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., and conclude with testing on Thursday, Nov. 17 at 6 p.m. Space is limited. To learn more or enroll call 570-702-8979 or email continuinged@johnson.edu. The OBDII computer monitors a vehicle’s emission control systems in real time and is capable of informing a motorist or technician of a systemic issue the moment it occurs. The system operates through a series of indicator lights, drive cycles, trouble codes, and readiness monitors. During an inspection, an emission analyzer scan tool plugs into the diagnostic connector that is attached to the OBDII computer and communicates with the vehicle. The OBDII computer relays to the scan tool whether it has discovered errors in the emission control systems. The emission analyzer then determines whether the vehicle is being operated in compliance with emission standards. For more information visit johnson.edu/continuingeducation The class fee of $180 is paid to Johnson College and a study material and testing fee of $39.99 is paid directly to the PA Training Portal.
Johnson College To Host an Open House Johnson College will hold an on-campus Open House on Saturday, November 5, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. To register to attend the Open House, visit Johnson.edu/openhouse or contact Johnson College’s Enrollment Department at 570-702-8856 or enroll@johnson.edu. Open House will include discussions about the admissions process, information about financial aid for those who qualify, and student services such as student life, student support, and career services. Plus, same-day acceptance will be available for many programs if students bring their high school or college transcripts. Tours of each technical area will be conducted and program directors and instructors will be available to review the specifics of their programs.
Hospice To Deliver Thanksgiving Meals To Homebound Patients On Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, November 24th, Hospice of the Sacred Heart will deliver meals to patients and their families. This is the 17th year the hospice will provide this service project. Over 700 meals complete with turkey, all traditional Thanksgiving sides and dessert will be prepared by Mansour’s Market Café in Scranton, packaged, and delivered by hospice staff members and volunteers. “We so look forward to this day. The process is closer to normal this year as COVID-19 restrictions are somewhat relaxed, but the result is that we will safely deliver over 700 Thanksgiving meals to our patients and their families. This project once again demonstrates our gratitude for the blessings in our lives,” said Diane Baldi, CEO, Hospice of the Sacred Heart. Media outlets are invited to photograph the distribution process beginning at 7:50 am at Mansour’s Market Café, 969 Prescott Avenue, Scranton. Deacon Patrick J. Massino will bless the meals at 8 am and deliveries will begin immediately afterwards. Diane Baldi, CEO, will be available for interviews between 8 and 10 am. About Hospice of the Sacred Heart: Not-for-profit, free standing hospice program serving Northeastern Pennsylvania since 2003Main office is located in Moosic, with an Inpatient Unit located in DunmoreCare provided for over 1,000 patients in 2021 and over 18,000 to dateEmploys approximately 120 employees throughout Northeastern PennsylvaniaVolunteers provided over 2,000 hours of support to patients and families in 2021
