Johnson College Launches One-Year Cybersecurity Analytics & Operations Academic Certificate Program

Johnson College is proud to announce the launch of its one-year Cybersecurity Analytics & Operations academic certificate program, starting with the Fall 2025 semester. This program will give students the critical skills to enter the fast-growing cybersecurity field.

The program focuses on network operations and security, offering hands-on experience in troubleshooting, maintaining, and protecting IT systems. Students will learn to safeguard sensitive data by identifying vulnerabilities, penetration testing, network monitoring, incident response, and disaster recovery.

Graduates will be prepared for careers as network associates, incident handlers, information security analysts, IT auditors, and digital forensic examiners. The program also emphasizes critical thinking, troubleshooting, and effective communication—skills vital for success in cybersecurity.

With cybersecurity job growth projected at 33% from 2023 to 2033, the demand for skilled professionals is stronger than ever.

“We’re excited to launch this program to meet the growing demand for cybersecurity experts,” said Dr. Katie Pittelli, President & CEO of Johnson College. “Graduates will gain the technical expertise and soft skills necessary to thrive in this dynamic industry.”

For more information or to enroll, visit Johnson.edu/cybersecurity or contact the Enrollment Department at 570-702-8856 or enroll@johnson.edu.

Electric City Trolley Museum Presents Trolley Through Times excursion

The Electric City Trolley Museum will offer a special “then and now” excursion onthe Laurel Line on Saturday, April 26 at 10 am and 1 pm.  Join Electric City Trolley Motormen John Sheerin and Bob Young for a ride to Little Virginia on the Trolley Through Time as they tell interesting stories about how the line was built, and share images of scenes along the line.

Bob Young grew in the Dutch Hollow section of South Scranton, and his co-presenter John Sheerin is a native of East Mountain. Both men spent much of their youth exploring the rugged landscapes that connected their neighborhoods. The old “Over the Hill” route and the abandoned tunnel line became their playground, a stretch of land rich with history and adventure. Now, as motormen for the Electric City Trolley excursions, they get to revisit these places along the Laurel Line with every trip down the tracks retracing the paths where they once hiked, played, and explored …and they look forward to sharing the treasured memories of their youth on this very special Trolley Through Time.

Tickets cost $15 and can be purchased by calling 570.963.6590

A portion of the proceeds benefit the 505 Restoration project.

Marywood University Library Receives ByWater Solutions Grant

Marywood University’s Library is the February 2025 winner of the ByWater Community Giveback Grant.

Each month, ByWater Solutions selects one library to be awarded $500. These funds are meant to support libraries and their communities and to fill gaps in funding to further library goals. The company is always looking for ways to give back, as a small token of thanks for all the hard work that libraries do in their communities every day. The funds from the ByWater Grant will be used to support outreach initiatives at Marywood University’s library.

Dr. Tabbi Miller-Scandle, Assistant Vice President for Research & Sponsored Programs, commented, “The use of the ByWater Grant will fund a newly created Friends of the Library board and outreach programs throughout the Spring 2025 semester. This includes an open house event for students, faculty, and staff to try out our new Oculus Meta Quest 3 virtual reality headsets, which were recently donated to the library. Another program will be held during finals week, providing snacks and resources to students as they finish the school year.”

The Swiftwater to Host Job Fair at Desaki Restaurant

The Swiftwater, a premier concierge hotel redefining hospitality in the Pocono Mountains, is excited to announce its upcoming Job Fair on April 14th from 9 AM to 6 PM at Desaki Restaurant. This is a fantastic opportunity for job seekers to join a luxury hospitality team that values service, excellence, and a passion for creating unforgettable guest experiences.

We are currently hiring for the following positions:
 ✔ Front Desk – Be the first point of contact for our guests, providing warm welcomes and seamless check-ins.
 ✔ Night Audit (Overnight) – Ensure smooth overnight operations while maintaining accuracy in guest accounts.
 ✔ Housekeeping (Day, Swing, and Overnight) – Play a key role in maintaining the elegance and comfort of our guest rooms.
 ✔ Server – Deliver an exceptional dining experience with top-tier service and attention to detail.

✔ Concierge – Craft personalized experiences and assist guests in discovering the best of the Poconos.
 ✔ Line Cook – Bring your culinary skills to life in a fast-paced, team-oriented kitchen environment

Candidates are encouraged to bring their resumes and be prepared for on-the-spot interviews. Whether you are looking for a fresh start, a career shift, or an opportunity to grow in the hospitality industry, The Swiftwater Job Fair is your chance to become part of an elite team dedicated to excellence.

Join us at Desaki Restaurant on April 14th and take the first step toward an exciting career in hospitality!

For more information, contact: info@TheSwiftwater.com. 

PennDOT Announces Innovations Challenge Regional Winners

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) today announced that a team of students from the Career Technology School of Lackawanna County has been selected as the PennDOT Innovations Challenge winner in the Dunmore-based, six county region. The PennDOT Innovations Challenge – now in its eighth year – is a statewide competition for high school students to develop creative and strategic solutions to real-world transportation challenges.

The Innovations Challenge reflects the Shapiro Administration’s focus on a safe, efficient transportation system and gives students an opportunity to explore a career in state government.

Mentored by Jonathan Coyne, team members include: Paige Rivers and Ben Cerra.

“More than 90 percent of the unbelted travelers who died in crashes on our roads last year could have been saved by seat belts,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “In a crash, a seat belt can mean the difference between life and death. We need to reach our drivers and riders with that message.”

For this year’s challenge, students were asked to develop a cost-effective, innovative solution that can help PennDOT more effectively increase motorist awareness for seat belt safety and change driver behavior to improve roadway safety.

On average, more than 350 unrestrained fatalities occur on Pennsylvania’s roadways annually. PennDOT is committed to continuously improving roadway safety and deploys a multi-faceted strategy, which involves promoting behavioral programs and implementing infrastructure improvements. Nevertheless, the number of unrestrained fatalities remains high and changing driver behavior is crucial to solving this issue.

The winning regional team’s innovation was a seat belt indicator on the exterior of a vehicle.

“We are excited to announce that Paige Rivers and Ben Cerra from the Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County are the winners of the 2025 Innovations Challenge for PennDOT Engineering District 4,” said Richard N. Roman, District Executive for PennDOT Engineering District 4. “Their innovative idea to add a seat belt indicator light to the exterior of a vehicle will advance to the statewide judging. We wish them all the best in the statewide competition.”

Regional Innovations Challenge winners will be invited to present their solutions to the PennDOT Secretary and a panel of judges in April, when a statewide winner will be determined. For this year’s challenge, the Transportation Policy and Education Foundation, an educational arm of the Associated Pennsylvania Constructors organization, the American Council of Engineering Companies of PA, the Mid-Atlantic Section of the Institute of Transportation Engineers and the Intelligent Transportation Society of Pennsylvania are providing a combined total award of $6,000 to the statewide winning team.

For complete Innovations Challenge details, visit the PennDOT website.

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 regional X alerts.

Golden Coast Fashion Show Supports NEPA Youth Shelter

Golden Coast invites the Scranton Chamber of Commerce to attend an exciting Fashion Show benefiting the NEPA Youth Shelter. The event will take place on April 5, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at Glen Oak Country Club. The evening will feature a cocktail hour with lite bites, followed by a runway show showcasing fashions from Golden Coast and The Haberdashery. Tickets are available for purchase in-store or by phone at Golden Coast. Join us for an unforgettable night of fashion, fun, and philanthropy, all while supporting a great cause.

ReSTart Scranton Launches Art Initiative to Combat Litter

Local business owner and runner Jeannine Luby, a committed member of the Scranton community, is taking action to combat litter and raise awareness about environmental sustainability through art. Inspired by the Swedish practice of “plogging,” where runners pick up litter during their workouts, Luby began collecting trash on her runs in northeastern Pennsylvania last year. Driven by a desire to make a greater impact, she reached out to local artist and AFA Gallery Director Theresa O’Connor to bring her vision to life.

With the support of a Lackawanna County Arts and Culture grant, and the administrative backing of Maureen McGuigan, Director of Arts & Culture for the county, along with Scranton’s Recycling and Safety Coordinator Christopher McClatchy, Luby and O’Connor are spearheading ReSTart Scranton—a unique initiative to reduce waste and foster the creation of sustainable art. The project encourages community members to pick up litter during their daily routines and transform the found items into creative artwork.

The grant, which funds this effort, has enabled ten local artists to be commissioned for the creation of works from litter collected during a community clean-up event in early March. Each artist will receive a stipend and can sell their pieces at AFA Gallery. In addition, the grant allows county residents to submit their own sustainable art for the exhibition, with the entry fee waived. Artists can find submission details here: https://www.artistsforart.org/callforwork.

The ReSTart Scranton Sustainable Art Exhibition will be open from March 28 to April 26, with a special interactive art installation during the First Friday event in Scranton on April 4. At this event, attendees will have the opportunity to engage with a bird’s nest installation made from found materials and contribute messages to the Earth by adding their own notes to the nest.

The ReSTart Scranton project also includes a Facebook group where community members can stay updated on upcoming events, learn more about waste reduction, and get inspired to create their own sustainable art.

For more information about the ReSTart Scranton initiative and upcoming events, visit the official Facebook group or reach out to the AFA Gallery.

The Dime Bank Promotes Gary Schemel II to Assistant VP

The Dime Bank is pleased to announce the promotion of Gary Schemel II to the position of Assistant Vice President. In his role, Mr. Schemel is responsible for the oversight of the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) / Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and the fraud department. He is instrumental in designing, implementing, and overseeing the BSA/AML compliance program, ensuring the Bank’s adherence to relevant laws and regulations, and investigating potential suspicious activity.

Schemel joined The Dime Bank in September 2015, as a fraud specialist. In December 2021, he was promoted to BSA-fraud manager, and most recently, in December 2024, he was elevated to BSA/AML fraud officer. This latest promotion to assistant vice president recognizes his significant contributions and expertise in this critical area.

“We are delighted to recognize Gary’s hard work and commitment with this well-deserved promotion,” said Peter Bochnovich, The Dime Bank president and chief executive officer. “Gary has consistently demonstrated a strong understanding of BSA/AML regulations and has played a vital role in ensuring the integrity and security of The Dime Bank. His dedication and expertise make him an invaluable asset to our team. Please join me in congratulating Gary and wishing him continued success.”

Schemel brings eleven years of banking experience to his new role, including his tenure at The Dime Bank. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from King’s College. He has furthered his professional development by completing the PA Bankers Association’s Banking School in 2018 and is currently enrolled in the PBA Advanced School of Banking. Additionally, Schemel earned his BSA/AML Professional Certification from the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) in 2023. Outside of his professional achievements, Schemel is currently taking an improv class.

“At The Dime Bank, teamwork really makes the dream work,” said Gary Schemel II. “I am honored and grateful for this opportunity and look forward to continuing to contribute to the success of The Dime Bank in this elevated capacity.”

The University of Scranton Presents ‘Rhapsody in Blue’ Recital

On Friday, Apr. 4, Performance Music at The University of Scranton will present a recital entitled “Rhapsody in Blue at 100” featuring the acclaimed Frederick Hohman, D.M.A., premiering the first full organ transcription of Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue.” The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue. Admission is free and the concert is open to the public. Seating is on a first-come, first-seated basis.

According to Cheryl Y. Boga, conductor and director of Performance Music, this will be Dr. Hohman’s 4th visit to Houlihan McLean to perform on its fully restored and historic Austin Opus 301 Symphonic Organ. “Every visit by Fred is what I like to call an organ adventure – he doesn’t just perform a concert, he shares his passion and knowledge of the instrument at every opportunity during his visit.”

In addition to being a concert organist of stunning musicality and virtuosity, Dr. Hohman is an award-winning composer of organ and choral music, a creator of organ transcriptions, an online educator, a musical instrument designer and a classical music audio-video producer. Hohman earned his performer’s certificate, Mus.B., M.M. and D.M.A. in the organ studio of David Craighead at The Eastman School. In 1984, he won First Prize in both the prestigious Clarence Mader and Arthur Poister competitions. This was the first step leading to decades of organ concert tours, taking him throughout the world, appearing in concert and religious venues, including appearances before regional and national conventions of the American Guild of Organists (AGO), The Organ Historical Society and The American Institute of Organbuilders.

Dr. Hohman founded the recording label Pro Organo in 1985 and has overseen the production and release of over 300 organ and choral music titles, including 16 releases, of which he is also the featured artist. Acclaimed by a critic with The Diapason magazine as “one of the symphonic organ’s strongest exponents,” during the 1980s, Dr. Hohman championed a revival of the Symphonic School of organ-playing. His writings and recordings ignited a revival in symphonic organ literature and performance practices of the early 20th century, which led to his first organ transcription publications and several additional CD releases.

Dr. Hohman has served The American Guild of Organists (AGO) on its national committees focused upon education and was commissioned by them to appear as video instructor in a series of 30 AGO-produced videos entitled “Lessons for the New Organist,” which are free for all to view at AGO’s website. Hohman has also provided written guidance and encouragement to aspiring organists as an adjudicator in 20 national and international organ competitions.

The University of Scranton’s Houlihan-McLean Center Austin Opus 301 symphonic organ was built in 1910 by the Austin Organ Company of Hartford Connecticut for the Immanuel Baptist Church in Scranton and was restored and re-dedicated by the university in 2005 in a recital performed by Thomas Murray of Yale University. Since then, many renowned organists have performed on the instrument in solo-recitals, and it has accompanied the university’s student ensembles in the performance of many major works of the choral and instrumental repertoires. The instrument is one of the few rare surviving original examples of early 20th-century organ building, and the impressive instrument possesses a total of 3,178 pipes, 45 ranks and four manuals. The instrument is currently maintained by Clem, Cole, Dan, and Steve, technicians/artists from Emery Brothers/Dieffenbach organs.

For further information on the recital, call 570-941-7624, email music@scranton.edu or visit scranton.edu/music. For more info on Dr. Hohman, visit frederickhohman.net.