Immigrants Stories to be Presented in “80 Minutes Around the World” The Misericordia University College of Arts and Sciences will present “80 Minutes Around the World,” a once-in-a-lifetime event that takes audience members on an 80-minute trip around five continents as eight storytellers each share their immigration experiences. The storytellers come from around the United States with families connecting back to Guatemala, Philippines, Greece, Eritrea, Argentina, Laos, Canada, Turkey, and Poland. The show combines award-winning performers including Nestor Gomez (show creator), Adam Wade (Magnet Theater, NYC) and John Gebretatose (HUGE Theater, Minneapolis) with regional and local storytellers who are first- and second-generation immigrants and refugees. The show will tour through Luzerne and Lackawanna counties with performances at Misericordia University’s Lemmond Theatre on April 28 at 7:30 p.m. and April 29 at 12:30 p.m., the F.M. Kirby Center on April 29 at 7:30 p.m., and the Scranton Cultural Center on April 30 at 7:30 p.m. All shows are free and open to the public. This show is the culmination of The Voices Project: Immigration, a year-long visual and storytelling arts project conducted at Misericordia University. Over the past eight months, over 50 students at Misericordia University interviewed first and second-generation immigrants, refugees and DACA recipients and created stories based on the immigration experiences of their interviewees. These students participated in classes with Alicia Nordstrom, Ph.D., professor and chairperson of the psychology department; Allan Austin, Ph.D., professor of history and Patrick Hamilton, Ph.D., professor and chairperson of the English department, to examine the topic of immigration from psychological, historical, and literary perspectives. The project kicked off with an art exhibit called Voices: Immigration curated by Laine Little, the Director of the Pauly Friedman Art Gallery, which displayed visual, graphic, and sculptural works from six immigrant artists, one of whom will be sharing his story and hosting a pop-up art exhibit at the April show. The show is supported by grants from the Lackawanna Arts Council, the Soyka Funds for the Humanities, and the Misericordia University College of Arts and Sciences. For more information, email Alicia Nordstrom at anordstrom@misericordia.edu or 570-674-8008. You can learn about previous versions of The Voices Project at www.misericordia.edu/voicesproject and follow show information on social media at #MUVoices project and facebook.com/MUVoicesProject. Founded by The Sisters of Mercy in 1924, Misericordia University is Luzerne County’s first four-year college and offers 56 academic programs on the graduate and undergraduate levels in full- and part-time formats. Misericordia University ranks in the “National Universities” category of U.S. News and World Report’s 2021 edition of Best Colleges. The Princeton Review recognizes Misericordia as a 2021 “Best Northeastern” college, and Money Magazine includes Misericordia in its 2020-2021 “Best Colleges” list. College Consensus, the Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Education rank Misericordia among the top colleges and universities nationally.
PennDOT Announces Online Plans Display for Project in Luzerne County The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) invites the public to both an in-person and online plans display for the SR 1050, Section 351 Bridge Project over Toby Creek in Kingston Township, Luzerne County. This project involves the SR 1050, Section 351 Bridge over Toby Creek in Kingston Township, Luzerne County. The project is located in a rural residential setting immediately adjacent to the southbound travel lanes of SR 309 in Kingstown Township midway between Luzerne and Trucksville. There are no bicycle or pedestrian facilities within the project area. This project was originally scoped by PennDOT in 2016 as a deck replacement, but later changed to a full superstructure replacement based on the results of a 2018 bridge inspection. Currently, there are three alternatives being considered for the project. These alternatives include removal of existing bridge and providing a new access road from Hillside Rd., removing (and not replacing) the existing bridge, and rehabilitating the existing bridge by way of replacing the superstructure. These alternatives will be evaluated as part of the environmental review process and in consultation with the local property owners and other interested parties. The purpose of the plans displays is to introduce the project and receive public input regarding the alternatives being considered. It is also an opportunity for the public to review and comment on the project’s potential effect upon Cultural Resources pursuant to the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation’s 36 CFR Part 800 regulations implementing Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. The plans display will be held in-person and online. The in-person plans display for the SR 1050, Section 351 Bridge Project over Toby Creek will be held on April 25, 2022 at the Kingston Township Municipal Building located at 180 East Center Street, Shavertown, PA 18708. The in-person plans display will be available between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM. The digital version of the plans display will be available from March 25, 2022 to May 25, 2022. Online information, including the alternatives being considered and a public comment form, can be found by visiting the following PennDOT District 4-0 website: https://www.penndot.gov/RegionalOffices/district-4/PublicMeetings/Pages/default.aspx Click on the Luzerne County box, then choose the tile marked SR 1050 Section 351 Bridge Project The purpose of the plans display is to introduce the project and receive public input regarding questions or concerns with the project. The project documents can be made available in alternative languages or formats if requested. If you need translation/interpretation services or have special needs or have special concerns that require individual attention, contact Amy Lolli, PennDOT Project Manager, at 570-614-2958 or amlolli@pa.gov. 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. For more information on projects occurring or being bid this year, those made possible by or accelerated by the state transportation funding plan (Act 89), or those on the department’s Four and Twelve Year Plans, visit www.projects.penndot.gov. 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.
Thomas P. Cummings Discretionary Fund Established at Lackawanna College Atty. Tom Cummings, pictured center, has established the Thomas P. Cummings Discretionary Fund at Lackawanna College. The fund will assist students in the culinary and hospitality programs in need of non-tuition-related emergency funding. Pictured are from left, Kristen McNally, Kiesendahl School of Hospitality Director; culinary student Lucas Fein; Atty. Cummings; culinary student Brielle Marchione; Mariellen Walsh, Associate Vice President of Advancement at Lackawanna College.
Climate Change Expert to Speak at The University of Scranton Recognized globally as a leading expert on climate change, climatologist and geophysicist Michael E. Mann, Ph.D., will discuss his new book “The New Climate War: The Fight to Take Back Our Planet” at The University of Scranton on April 21. The lecture, offered free of charge, begins at 7:30 p.m. in the McIlhenny Ballroom of the DeNaples Center. The author of five books on climate change, Dr. Mann’s research has been published in more than 200 peer-reviewed and edited publications. He was a lead author on the Observed Climate Variability and Change chapter of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Third Scientific Assessment Report in 2001 and was organizing committee chair for the National Academy of Sciences Frontiers of Science in 2003. He contributed, with other IPCC authors, to the award of the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize. He was named to the Bloomberg News list of 50 Most Influential People in 2013, Academic’s Ten Most Influential Earth Scientists list in 2020, and, in 2002, was named by Scientific American as one of 50 leading visionaries in science and technology, among dozens of other honors and awards. Dr. Mann is the Distinguished Professor of Atmospheric Science at Pennsylvania State University, with joint appointments in the Department of Geosciences and the Earth and Environmental Systems Institute. He is also director of the Penn State Earth System Science Center. He is the co-founder of the award-winning website RealClimate.org. Dr. Mann’s latest book, “The New Climate War: The Fight to Take Back Our Planet,” was nominated among the 15 Best Science and Environment Books of 2021 by The Times (UK) and nominated for the Business Book of the Year 2021 by Financial Times (runner-up). His book explores the intricacies of the struggle to conquer the disinformation campaigns of the fossil fuel industry and their intentional division of modern climate advocates. Dr. Mann demonstrates that these tactical efforts by fossil fuel producers currently render the work of climate advocates ineffective and divert attention from necessary sweeping environmental policy actions. Along with these topics, Dr. Mann will discuss inadequate solutions as well as the responses to the climate crisis he deems best. Dr. Mann earned his bachelor’s degree in physics and applied mathematics from the University of California at Berkeley; and his master’s degree in physics and Ph.D. in geology and geophysics from Yale University. Dr. Mann’s research and presentation echo the Jesuit teaching and commitment to care for our common home. Pope Francis broadcasts the same message, highlighting in his encyclical that “the Creator does not abandon us” and that, as humans, we have a duty to protect the planet because “humanity still has the ability to work together in building our common home” (Laudato Si’ 13). Presented as part of The University of Scranton’s Earth Day events this year, the lecture and other related events focus on the theme “we are all connected,” inspired by Pope Francis’ famous encyclical On Care for Our Common Home (Laudato Si’). The lecture is presented by the University’s Jesuit Center and Office of Sustainability. Health and safety protocols that are in effect on April 21 as outlined in the Royals Back Together plan must be followed by those in attendance.For more information about the lecture, email mark.murphy@scranton.edu or call call 570-941-6267.
PennDOT, PSP, PTC, Construction Industry Highlight National Work Zone Awareness Week The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC), and Associated Pennsylvania Constructors (APC) hosted an event today urging motorists to slow down and pay attention in work zones ahead of National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW). The week, which runs April 11-15, is designated to highlight the critical importance of safe driving through work zones. The theme of this year’s NWZAW is “Work Zones are a Sign to Slow Down.” “We are beginning another construction season,” said PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian. “Too often this means hazards for the men and women who are delivering improved roads and bridges. These workers deserve to get home safely. Please slow down and never drive distracted, especially in work zones where roadway conditions can change every day.” According to preliminary PennDOT data, in 2021 there were 1,617 work zone crashes, resulting in 15 fatalities. Additionally, since 1970, PennDOT has lost 90 workers in the line of duty. The PA Turnpike has lost 45 workers since 1940. With a mock work zone in the background, PA Turnpike CEO Mark Compton referenced the hazards of working so close to live traffic. “Our crews are doing their jobs, day in and day out, mere inches from live traffic,” Compton explained. “Our colleagues have been injured and lives have been taken when drivers do not pay attention to construction signage, respect posted speeds or maintain a safe distance.” In Pennsylvania, there are two distinct programs related to active work zones. Under Title 75, Section 3326, motorists caught by police driving 11 mph or more above the posted speed limit in an active work zone, or who are involved in a crash in an active work zone and are convicted for failing to drive at a safe speed, automatically lose their license for 15 days. Additionally, fines for certain traffic violations — including speeding, driving under the influence, and failure to obey traffic devices — are doubled for active work zones. The law also provides for up to five years of additional jail time for individuals convicted of homicide by vehicle for a crash that occurred in an active work zone. Under Title 75, Section 3369, fines are allowed to be administered through the Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement (AWZSE) program. Pennsylvania’s AWZSE program, first implemented in March 2020, uses vehicle-mounted systems to detect and record motorists exceeding posted work zone speed limits by 11 miles per hour or more using electronic speed timing devices. AWZSE systems are only operational in active work zones where workers are present. Work Zones that have an AWZSE system present and active will have unique signs in advance of the enforcement area, alerting drivers to the upcoming enforcement. Registered owners receive a warning letter for a first offense, a violation notice and $75 fine for a second offense, and a violation notice and $150 fine for third and subsequent offenses. These violations are civil penalties only; no points are assessed to driver’s licenses. In 2021, PSP supported 101 projects for work activities where existing enforcement remains the most effective tool. The combination of existing and automated enforcement continues to be applied in a complementary manner and is yielding benefits in Pennsylvania work zones. “Increased penalties in work zones and the implementation of the AWZSE program have made Pennsylvania’s work zones safer,” said Major Robert Krol, Director of the Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Patrol. “The PSP is committed to supporting safety across Pennsylvania’s roadways.” Results included in the AWZSE Annual Legislative Report released online today show that the program is meeting its goals of reducing work zone speeds, changing driver behavior, and improving work zone safety for both workers and motorists. During 2021’s primary construction months (April – November), speeding in AWZSE enforced work zones was reduced to 20 percent of all traffic, down from 35 percent at the start of the program. Similarly, excessive speeding (11 mph or more over the posted speed limit) was reduced to three percent from eight percent at the start of the program. Additionally, improvements in driver behavior have been observed through not only sustained speed reductions in AWZSE-enforced work zones, but also smaller, but measurable, reductions at times when AWZSE is not in effect in those zones. “Ultimately, this program is not about issuing violations,” said Gramian. “The goal is to change driver behavior. We want all motorists to slow down and drive safely so that enforcement programs like AWZSE are no longer needed.” Associated Pennsylvania Constructors Executive Vice President Robert Latham emphasized that highway workers risk their lives every day in order to maintain a roadway system that is safe for the motoring public. “We’re asking that motorists do their part to keep highway workers safe, too,” said Latham. “It only takes a moment of distraction to cause an injury or fatality. Slow down and stay alert.” For more information on the Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement program, including a list of projects where the units are deployed, visit https://workzonecameras.penndot.gov/. For more information on work zone safety, visit www.PennDOT.gov/Safety. For more information on work zone safety and an opportunity to take the safe-driving pledge, visit https://www.idriveorange.com/. Photos and video from this event will be available at www.pacast.com.
University of Scranton to Host Conference on Ethics and Excellence in Public Service The University of Scranton will host the Inaugural Conference on Ethics and Excellence in Public Service for public officials, leaders of nonprofit organizations and students on April 9 on campus. The half-day, in-person conference begins at 8 a.m. with registration and refreshments and will take place on the fifth floor of Brennan Hall. The annual conference is a key initiative of the University’s recently launched Center for Ethics and Excellence in Public Service (CEEPS) with the goal of helping to provide a foundation for ethical governance in Northeastern Pennsylvania by developing and nurturing a community of scholars, public officials and citizens dedicated to improving and protecting democracy at the state and local level. “We expect that the conference will help connect state and local governing officials to one another and make them aware of the opportunities and training offered by the Center,” said JoyAnna Hopper, Ph.D., assistant professor of political science and co-director of CEEPS. “Additionally, we expect that the Conference will offer scholars interested in promoting and protecting democracy through the study of ethics at the state- and local-level an opportunity to present and share research. That research can be disseminated through the Center and shared with community members and state and local governments.” Dr. Hopper also sees the conference as a way to introduce University students to issues concerning ethics and government effectiveness and further engage them in career opportunities in the public and government service sector. University students will participate in a panel discussion about their efforts in 2020 to increase voter registration among young adults. Additional topics covered in panel discussions at the conference include “Local Government Ethics Boards and Codes;” “Grant writing: Best Practices for Local Governments;” and “Legislative Pay, Per Diems, and Ethics.” The conference will conclude with a luncheon keynote address by author Craig Wheeland, Ph.D., a noted scholar in the area of public administration and senior vice president for academics and professor of public administration at Villanova University. Dr. Wheeland has published numerous articles and has also published two books on the topics of local government and urban politics. His research on city management has received external funding from organizations such as the American Political Science Association. Additional information and a schedule of speakers can be seen on the Conference on Ethics and Excellence in Public Service webpage. Registration is required to attend and fees vary for the conference. Reservations and additional information is also available online. A $15 registration fee includes all meals and materials for the day. If you are unable to pay the $15 registration fee, there is an option on the registration form that will allow you to register and attend without paying the fee. The conference is free for students. The University of Scranton health and safety protocols in place on April 9 outlined in the Royals Back Together plan must be followed by conference attendees. For additional information, email ceeps@scranton.edu or contact Sharon Olechna, administrative assistant for the Political Science Department, at 570-941-6326 or by email at sharon.olechna@scranton.edu.
P. Timothy Kelly, Esq. Named to 2021 – 2022 Best Lawyers P. Timothy Kelly Esq., of the Scranton Pennsylvania law firm of Needle Law PC has been named to the 2021-2022 edition of Best Lawyers. Best Lawyers is the oldest and most respected lawyer ranking service in the world. Lawyers who are nominated for consideration are voted on by current recognize Best Lawyers working in the same practice area and located in the same geographic region. Those who receive high peer reviews undergo a thorough verification process to make sure they are currently still in private practice. Only then can these top lawyers be recognized by Best Lawyers.Tim has been named in the category of Personal Injury Litigation-Plaintiffs Learn more about Tim.
Lackawanna College School Supply Closet Lackawanna College Registrar’s Office Connecting Kids with Educational Tools (ROCKET) Project cut the ribbon on a supply closet, a store environment where local K-12 educators, school staff and nonprofit organizations can shop for much-needed school supplies for free. Located in Healey Hall at the College’s main campus in Scranton, the revamped program includes a website with an online ordering system. The supply closet, paired with the website, will allow teachers to order supplies and pick them up in a COVID-safe setting. Since 2010, the ROCKET project has distributed nearly 5,000 backpacks filled with school supplies to local elementary schools, serving 3,800 children across northeastern Pennsylvania. “The Lackawanna College ROCKET Project is an extension of our social impact goals. This project has been in existence since 2009 and we are proud to continue this tremendous initiative with our largest local district,” said Dr. Jill Murray, Lackawanna College President. “The supply closet ensures that elementary school children will have the tools they need to succeed and will continue to have access to educational pathways.” The ROCKET Project’s website and ordering system was developed by web development and hosting startup, Machi-Systems. Machi-Systems is also a client of the College’s business incubator, the Venture Lab. Educators, school staff, & non-profit organizations can request access to shop the ROCKET Project Supply closet at https://lcrocketproject.org/.
Geisinger Doctors to Participate in Susan G. Komen Breast Health Panel Four Geisinger staff members are participating in a virtual roundtable discussion as a part of the Komen Breast Cancer Education Series: Am I High Risk and What Does That Mean? to promote breast cancer awareness. The roundtable, hosted on Tuesday, April 5, will provide an overview of what high risk for breast cancer means and how it is determined. It will cover screening options as well as how, when and why being at high risk is considered when building a treatment plan. Participants include Jacqueline Oxenberg, D.O., associate surgical oncologist and director of the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center; Mary Wolf, P.A., high-risk breast physician assistant; Rachel Schwiter, genetic counselor; and Tatianie Jackson, associate diagnostic radiologist. To register for the panel, visit whova.com. The event kicks off at 5 p.m. with a virtual networking session followed by the roundtable discussion. For more information on cancer care at Geisinger, visit Geisinger.org/BreastCare.
