Trolls LIVE! in Wilkes-Barre Next Week

Get ready for another hair-raising adventure when Poppy, Branch and all their Trolls friends come to life on stage in Trolls LIVE! Jam-packed with epic music, glitter, humor and happiness, Trolls LIVE! will visit Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza May 24th and 25th, 2022 for 2 Trolls-tastic performances. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at www.TrollsLIVE.com, Ticketmaster.com and in person at the NBT Bank Box Office at Mohegan Sun Arena.

The journey begins when the Trolls’ Hug Time is unexpectedly put at risk. Knowing the only way to save it is by doing what the Trolls do best, Poppy hosts a toe-tapping, Trolls-tastic show! Poppy, Branch, Cooper, Cloud Guy, Satin and Chenille, Smidge, Guy Diamond, Fuzzbert, Biggie and Mr. Dinkles invite you into the colorful world of Trolls Village for this interactive performance only the Trolls can create. This is one Trolls party you won’t want to miss!

The world of the Trolls comes alive in this totally interactive, story-rich musical celebration of everything the Trolls love – singing, dancing, rainbows, glitter and plenty of hugs. The extravaganza utilizes the latest in scenic projection, puppetry and media technology, and features a host of special effects and interactive surprises. Trolls LIVE! includes two acts with an intermission and will enchant both children and adults alike with its popular Trolls show-stopping songs, as well as introduce audiences to all-new electrifying Trollsmusic and choreography.

What: Trolls LIVE! coming to Wilkes-Barre
When:   Tuesday, May 24th at 6:00pm
               Wednesday, May 25th at 6:00pm
Where:  Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza
               255 Highland Park Blvd.
               Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702

Tickets: Tickets start at $18 (plus applicable fees). Tickets are available at the NBT Bank Box Office or online at Ticketmaster.com. Prices are subject to change. Additional fees and special offers may apply. A limited number of tickets are available for the Trolls LIVE! VIP Party, starting at $128 (plus applicable fees). VIP Party perks include premium show seating, a souvenir lanyard, and an after-show Meet & Greet with your favorite hosts, Poppy and Branch!

For more information or to join Trolls Hair Mail for presale and other exclusive offers, visit www.TrollsLIVE.com. Follow Trolls LIVE! on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @trollslive, and use #TrollsLIVE. 

Partners Announce the 2022 Edition of Scranton City Pride Cleanups & Plantings

After a strong first year of joint planning and programming, Scranton City Pride clean-ups and plantings are returning to the Electric City for 2022. Organizers are pleased to announce the weeklong event will take place in neighborhoods throughout the City, and the Downtown Business District, thanks to a partnership between Scranton Tomorrow, NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania, and the City of Scranton. Scranton City Pride will be held, June 4 through 12, in conjunction with national NeighborWorks Week.

Representatives from all three partnering organizations gathered this afternoon at Scranton Tomorrow’s office on Linden Street in Downtown Scranton to share the exciting news. Guest speakers included: Leslie Collins, President and CEO, Scranton Tomorrow; Jesse Ergott, President and CEO, NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania; Michael Gilmartin, Chairperson, Scranton Tomorrow Board of Directors; Eileen Cipriani, Director, Office of Community Development City of Scranton ; and Teddy Michel, Vice Chairperson, NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania Board of Directors.

“The success of our Scranton Tomorrow and NeighborWorks collaboration is an example of the power of partnerships,” Collins said. “Our joint venture has allowed us to reestablish the campaign in the downtown business district and our neighborhoods in every section of the City. This year’s programming ranges from cleanups to beautification, and inclusive and creative service projects. We are so grateful for this collaboration, and we invite everyone in the community to take pride in our City, and join us.”

With an increased interest in volunteer opportunities from their supporters, and national NeighborWorks Week taking place in early June, Scranton City Pride has found a natural fit for NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Get Involved

Tobyhanna Army Depot Participate in Emergency Training Scenarios

Tobyhanna Army Depot will participate in emergency training scenarios this week from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The exercises are designed to evaluate the depot’s capabilities to respond to different scenarios. Visitors and employees may notice an increased use of emergency services vehicles, and security personnel carrying weapons and tactical equipment during the exercise.  The public should not be alarmed if they see personnel responding to simulations or hear the associated noises such as blank gunfire or sirens.  Exercises like this are held regularly to provide insight into Tobyhanna’s capabilities and improve upon emergency response processes.

For more information, call the Tobyhanna Army Depot Public Affairs Office at, 570-615-7308.

Attorney Joseph Grady, former Scranton Workers’ Compensation Judge, joins the Law Offices of O’Malley & Langan

The Partners at O’Malley & Langan are pleased to announce that Scranton native Attorney Joseph Grady has joined the firm and is now accepting clients.

Building on a distinguished, 30-year career as a Workers’ Compensation Judge, Attorney Grady brings with him a remarkable depth of experience in navigating the legal system.

“I’ve represented many Workers’ Compensation clients in Joe’s courtroom over the years. He was always fair, even-handed, and highly professional,” says Todd J. O’Malley, Founder and Senior Partner at O’Malley & Langan. “I’ve always believed knowledge and experience count when you’re representing a client, particularly in Workers’ Compensation cases. Having handled thousands of complex cases, Joe’s insights and wisdom make him an invaluable addition to our team.” Attorney Mary Anne Lucas, a Partner at the firm, agrees, “No matter how much progress is made in improving workplace safety, people are still getting hurt on the job and employers’ insurance companies are still trying figure out how they can reduce benefits or completely stop payments on medical bills and prescriptions. As a Judge, there’s not much Joe didn’t see. Now, our clients can benefit from his wealth of knowledge.”

Licensed in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Attorney Grady served as a Workers’ Compensation Judge with the PA Department of Labor and Industry in the Scranton office from 1992 through 2022. Over the years, he was at the forefront of implementing innovative practices and procedures that resulted in more efficient and timely litigation of matters within the Workers’ Compensation adjudicatory system. He was also instrumental in establishing one of the first mediation programs in the state for Workers’ Compensation litigants.

“Having seen so many lives affected by work injuries in different ways, I understand the importance of good representation with any work injury,” says Attorney Grady, reflecting on his decision to join O’Malley & Langan. “The attorneys at O’Malley & Langan appeared before me for many years representing clients with work injuries. I can say – without hesitation – they were always well prepared, understood the issues, and provided the best representation for their clients. That’s why I decided to work alongside them, helping those affected by workplace injuries.”

Educated at Scranton Preparatory High School, the University of Scranton, and Seton Hall University School of Law, Attorney Grady is currently a member of the Pennsylvania and Lackawanna Bar Associations. He has served as President of the Lackawanna County Bar Association and its Young Lawyers Division. He was also a member of the Bar Association Board of Directors and served on various committees including Chairman of the Mediation Committee.

Attorney Grady was recognized several times by the University of Scranton and the J.A. Panuska College of Professional Studies and Edward R. Leahy, Jr. Endowment for planning and developing the  Annual Northeast United States Conference on DisAbility. He also earned the 2013 Lackawanna County Bar Association President’s Award, and the 2022 Lackawanna Bar Association’s Exemplary Service Award. He is a longtime lecturer and course planner on Workers’ Compensation topics for both the Lackawanna County and Pennsylvania Bar Associations.

Philanthropic by nature and an enthusiastic community leader, Attorney Grady has been active over the years with the ARC/Parents of Down Syndrome of Lackawanna County, and previously served on the Board of Directors of Saint Joseph’s Center, Scranton. A founding member of the Steamtown Marathon and previous Exalted Ruler with the Scranton Elks Lodge, he has also contributed his time and talent as the Assistant Race Director for the Ronald McDonald House of Scranton’s 5K Run/Walk.

The son of Marjorie Werner Grady of Scranton and the late Eugene P. Grady, Attorney Grady is married to Anne Cottone Grady. They are the proud parents of one son, Christian Grady. As one of seven children, he has three brothers, Michael Grady, MD, Washington DC; Patrick Grady, MD, Clarks Summit; Eugene Grady, MD, Scranton; and three sisters, Mary Kay Pierce, Waverly; Ellen Huckenpoehler, Maryland, and Joan Loftus, Ed.D., New Hampshire. His father-in-law, the late Judge S. John Cottone, served as a Judge for the Court of Common Pleas of Lackawanna County and was a United States Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

For 30+ years, the team of attorneys at O’Malley & Langan has been serving clients throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania from offices located in Scranton, Pittston, and Towanda.

Attorney Grady can be contacted by telephone at (570) 344-2667 or via email at jgrady@omalleylangan.com. Visit our website to learn more about the Law Offices of O’Malley & Langan and Attorney Joseph Grady.

Sandvik Materials Technology Acquires Pennsylvania Extruded Tube Company

Sandvik and PEXCO job fair planned May 20 and 21

International steel manufacturer Sandvik Materials Technology (SMT), headquartered in Sandviken, Sweden, is expanding its investment in northeastern Pennsylvania with the 100% acquisition of Pennsylvania Extruded Tube Company (PEXCO), located in Clarks Summit, Lackawanna County.

SMT has owned 70% of PEXCO and recently acquired the remaining 30% from its partner Nippon Steel Extruded Tube, Inc (NSEXT). PEXCO has been a joint venture between SMT and NSEXT since 1993 and has approximately 86 employees at its single site in Clarks Summit, located adjacent to SMT’s tube manufacturing facility on Griffin Pond Road.

 PEXCO’s line of business focuses on the production of extruded steel utilizing high purity stainless steel provided from the melting facility in Sweden and is part of SMT’s tube division.

The PEXCO extrusion press is the only press of its size range in the U.S. market, and it has a capacity of producing over 21 million pounds of finished product per year.

 According to Göran Björkman, president of Sandvik Materials Technology, taking sole ownership of PEXCO will accelerate SMT’s portfolio shift in North America. It will also strengthen SMTS position, portfolio, and ability to serve the local market, through a full alignment of PEXCO ‘s hot extrusion and cold working units on the campus near Scranton.

 “This allows for future investments to fully support our strategic priorities, and I am very pleased that we continue to execute on our profitable growth strategy, at the same time as we are continuing to excel our operational excellence program,” explains Björkman.

“PEXCO has been very successful partnership between Sandvik and Nippon Steel Corp for almost 30 years. However, given the increased demand for higher alloyed materials, the acquisition of the remaining 30% will allow us to secure, improve and develop our ability to better serve the U.S. market,” says Michael Andersson, president of Tube Division.

 According to Ryan Stoa, P.E., president of PEXCO, both PEXCO and SMT have approximately 20 job openings and plan a combined job fair on May 20 from 2-6 p.m., and on May 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on site at 982 Griffin Pond Road, Clarks Summit, PA 18411, with both white- and blue-collar roles available. Prospective candidates may also visit sandvik.com/careers if they are unable to attend.

“Sandvik Materials Technology has had a presence in Pennsylvania since the early 1970s and as we expand our roles in the U.S., we aim to be the premier supplier of advanced technical stainless steel tubing and materials to the Americas market,” adds Stoa.

For information on the job fair, contact Donna Sunick at 570-585-7624 or donna.sunick@sandvik.com.

Blue Man Group Rescheduled to September

Due to an unforeseen local labor shortage, this week’s performances of BLUE MAN GROUP, scheduled for Wednesday, May 18 and Thursday, May 19, 2022 have been rescheduled.  The new dates for BLUE MAN GROUP are now Thursday, September 22 and Friday, September 23, 2022.  

For those currently holding tickets to the Wednesday, May 18, 2022 performance, your tickets will be honored for the Friday, September 23, 2022 performance.   For those currently holding tickets to the Thursday, May 19, 2022 performance, your tickets will be honored for the Thursday, September 22, 2022 performance.   Patrons can also exchange into either of the September performance dates if needed.    

Should patrons wish to receive a refund, refunds will be available until Friday, June 17 and available at the point of purchase. If you do not choose this option, your tickets will remain valid for the rescheduled dates. Please contact the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple Box Office M-F 10am-5pm with any questions.    

On behalf of Broadway In Scranton, the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple and BLUE MAN GROUP, we apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.  For additional information on the September 22 – 23 performances of BLUE MAN GROUP in Scranton log on to BroadwayInScranton.com.

Marywood University to Hold Virtual Master of Fine Arts Information Session

Marywood University will hold a virtual Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Information Session on Thursday, May 26, at 4 p.m. This information session is free and open to anyone who is interested in pursuing a low-residency master of fine arts degree. To register, please visit https://admissions.marywood.edu/register/MFA_May2022.

Marywood’s “Get Your Master’s with the Masters” MFA program for designers and illustrators is the oldest and best low-residency program in the country, designed for those who are working full time, but who are also interested in earning a terminal degree.

For additional information about Marywood University’s MFA Information Session, please contact Steven Brower, MFA, director of the “Get Your Master’s with the Masters” MFA program at Marywood University, at (570) 348-6211, ext. 2569, or email sbrower@marywood.edu.

Wolf Administration Reminds Riders, Drivers to Practice Safety

With both temperatures and the number of motorcycles traveling on Pennsylvania roadways on the rise, the Wolf Administration today reminded drivers and motorcyclists to share the road, obey traffic laws and watch out for one another throughout the riding season.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) and motorcycle safety advocates joined forces to promote and encourage the safe operation of all vehicles. Governor Tom Wolf has proclaimed May Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in Pennsylvania.

“As more and more people enjoy the fun and excitement of motorcycling, it is in the best interest of 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 lower fatalities and injuries from unnecessary crashes.”

There were 3,578 crashes involving motorcycles on Pennsylvania roadways in 2021, resulting in 226 fatalities. Crashes rose by more than 150 from the 2020 number of 3,404, while fatalities also rose from 217 in 2020.

“We encourage riders to slow down, ride defensively, and remember to not drink and ride in order to keep themselves upright and ready for their next riding adventure,” said Major Robert Krol, director of the Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Patrol. “Enrolling in a free safety training class can help motorcycle enthusiasts of all skill levels refresh their skills or even learn some new techniques.”

Through the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program (PAMSP), Pennsylvania residents with a motorcycle permit or license can earn a motorcycle license or refresh their skills through a variety of training to help develop safe riding skills, no matter how experienced or inexperienced. The courses include: the Basic Rider Course (BRC); the Intermediate Rider Course (IRC); the Advanced Rider Course (ARC); and the 3-Wheeled Motorcycle Basic Rider Course (3WBRC). 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.

PennDOT has contracted with several third-party motorcycle training providers to offer these safety training classes free of charge to residents with a motorcycle permit or license. Interested individuals are encouraged to contact training providers directly for class availability, as additional courses may be offered, and providers may offer additional walk-in or waiting list opportunities when individuals fail to report for the training.

Classes can be scheduled at multiple training sites throughout Pennsylvania. Class schedules are coordinated by each third-party training provider for their individual locations. Additional information can be found at www.penndot.pa.gov/PAMSP. PennDOT anticipates additional training sites will become available during the 2022 riding season, and customers are encouraged to check the website for updated class offerings.

To ensure that only properly licensed riders are operating on Pennsylvania roadways, under Act 126 of 2013, after securing their first motorcycle learner’s permit, people may only reapply for a permit up to three times in a five-year period.

Once the person’s motorcycle learner’s permit expires, the individual may retake the knowledge test and reapply for a new permit. If a permit holder is unsuccessful in obtaining a motorcycle license after the third permit reapplication, they must wait the entire five years from the initial issuance of the permit to get another one. This law is aimed at preventing the practice of continually extending the permit without retaking the knowledge test or ever taking the skills test and obtaining a motorcycle license.

Some safety tips motorists should keep in mind when sharing the road with motorcycles include:

  • Watch for motorcycles. Be aware that 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 of distance between a motorcycle and your vehicle. 
  • 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, visit the PennDOT website.