Marywood University School of Architecture students recently won first place in the Attached Housing Division of the 2021 U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon Design Challenge. The students’ design is the Electric Jane—an affordable, net-zero energy prototype for Habitat for Humanity.

The Solar Decathlon is an international collegiate competition, comprising 10 contests, that challenges student teams to design and build highly efficient and innovative buildings that are powered by renewable energy.

In addition to the support of Marywood faculty throughout the competition, students were also supported by industry partners, including Richard Pedranti Architect (RPA), Greenman-Pedersen, Inc. (GPI), Build SMART, and Habitat for Humanity.

Marywood University faculty members including Jodi La Coe, Ph.D., assistant professor of architecture; and Elizabeth Andrzejewski, instructor of architecture at Marywood University, served as the team leaders, and were supported by Maria MacDonald, professor of practice of interior architecture and executive director of the Center for the Living City; Russell Roberts, lecturer in the School of Architecture; and Bill Conlogue, Ph.D., professor in the English program at Marywood University; as well as other faculty who offered their expertise to the students.

Winners of the design competition were announced on Sunday, April 18, 2021, during the competition event. The winning project will be exhibited publicly during the Observe Scranton Festival on May 7-8, 2021, at Fancy Parsley, 233 Oakford Court, Scranton.

For additional information about Marywood University’s School of Architecture, please visit marywood.edu/architecture/index.html, or call the Office of Admissions at (570) 348-6234. For additional information on the Observe Scranton festival, please visit observescranton.org/schedule.

With the traditional respiratory virus season winding down, all Geisinger ConvenientCare walk-in clinics are back to normal operations, with five locations no longer designated as cold and flu centers.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, Danville, Lewistown and State College locations were transitioned to ConvenientCare Cold & Flu Centers. While the locations continued providing all walk-in care services, their focus was on respiratory viruses.

“We created these dedicated cold and flu centers to help people get treatment for respiratory virus symptoms in a more efficient way because many of those symptoms overlap with COVID-19,” said Richard Martin, M.D., medical director for Geisinger ConvenientCare. “It made sense to direct people to get care for those symptoms in one spot, rather than a hospital or doctor’s office. We were fortunate to have minimal flu activity in our area this winter.”

As we move into spring, it’s smart to know where to go for the care you need. ConvenientCare clinics are for minor health issues that can be resolved in a single visit. These include allergies, sinus infections, cold and flu symptoms, earaches, insect bites and tick removal, sprains and minor cuts. They’re the best place to head if you or your child are sick or need medical attention that doesn’t require a trip to the emergency room. The clinics are staffed by advanced practitioners who treat patients age 1 and older.

With 21 locations across central and northeastern Pennsylvania, most Geisinger ConvenientCare clinics are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Most locations offer save-your-spot online check-in and evening and weekend hours.

“Our ConvenientCare walk-in clinics benefit our neighbors who are looking for health care services closer to home,” Martin said. “Our locations are designed to be there when you need them most to help make better health easier. If it’s a health problem that needs attention before you can see your primary care provider — but isn’t quite serious enough to head to the emergency room — we’re the place you want to visit.”

To learn more about what Geisinger ConvenientCare treats, visit geisinger.org/urgentcare. The clinics accept most major insurance plans and offer reasonable copays. Hold your place in line or check wait times at any of the locations by visiting geisinger.org/urgent.

NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania’s Aging in Place program was recently the subject of a feature article published by Resolve Magazine.

Since being launched in 2018, the Aging in Place program has seen more than 350 older adults assisted with both physical modifications to their homes to allow for safer living, as well as outreach services that help to combat senior isolation through the Friendly Visitor initiative.

To highlight this work, staff from Resolve Magazine recently paid a visit to Scranton to profile James Kuchwara, a city resident and Vietnam veteran who has been assisted in continuing to live in his home through physical modifications made by the Aging in Place program. James and his wife, Linda, were visited at their home and interviewed by staff from Resolve Magazine, who produced both a written article and video interview highlighting the improvements in quality of life made for James by our Aging in Place staff.

“We were delighted that Resolve Magazine highlighted our Aging in Place program and offered an in-depth look at the positive impact this work has had on so many older adults in our community,” NeighborWorks President and CEO Jesse Ergott said of the visit. “The story shared by James is emblematic of the difference that has been made in the lives of hundreds of residents, allowing them to remain safely in their homes as they grow older and to continue contributing to the vibrancy of life in our neighborhoods.”

Established in 2019 as an extension of the mission of Aunt Bertha, a public benefit corporation which hosts the largest free network of social services in the country, Resolve Magazine is a national publication that highlights people and organizations that make positive change happen in their communities.

NeighborWorks partners with Aunt Bertha and Geisinger to help older adults access our Aging in Place services. To read the story, and to access a highlight video from the interview with James, please visit the Resolve Magazine website. The video can also be viewed separately on the Aunt Bertha Youtube page.

Visit Designs by Olivia Grey online or in store at 206 Depot St. Clarks Summit, PA 18411 to shop handpoured all natural soy candles, wax melts, and diffusers.

Munley Law is pleased to announce that attorney Marion Munley recently spoke at the Pennsylvania Bar Institute’s Persuasion Skills for Trial Success webcast. She discussed jury trials in a pandemic, with a special focus on opening statements.

Marion Munley is a champion of victims’ rights and the civil justice system. She is known for her compassionate approach to representing the catastrophically injured and her tireless devotion to her clients and their families. Triple Board Certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy in Civil Trial, Civil Practice, and Truck Law, Marion has earned an AV-Preeminent designation from Martindale-Hubbell, the industry’s highest ethical and client satisfaction rating.

Marion is an active member of the American Association for Justice (AAJ) and currently serves on the AAJ Board of Governors and on its Executive Committee. She was the first woman to become Chair of the AAJ Trucking Litigation Group in 2018 and is a past chair of the AAJ Women Trial Lawyers Caucus. Marion is the second woman in Pennsylvania to become Board Certified as a Civil Trial Advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Among her other professional affiliations are the American Board of Trial Advocates, the International Society of Barristers, and the Summit Council.

She has been named to the Best Lawyers in America list by Best Lawyers since 2012 and was selected as “Lawyer of the Year: Personal Injury – Plaintiffs” for the Allentown Metro Area this past year. Marion has also been selected to the list of Pennsylvania Super Lawyers for the last 15 years and has been consistently recognized as one of the “top 50 Women Lawyers in Pennsylvania” in Super Lawyers Magazine. A graduate of Temple University School of Law (J.D., 1986), Marion received her undergraduate degree from Scranton University in 1983.

Marywood University was recently notified that its Graphic Design program ranks among the top 10 in Pennsylvania for 2021, by Animation Career Review. The Graphic Design program at Marywood incorporates the study of design and type, conceptual development, design history, research, studio technique, and strategies for problem-solving.

The criteria used for the animation rankings consists of academic reputation, admissions selectivity, depth and breadth of the program faculty, value as it relates to tuition and indebtedness, graduation rate, geographic location, and employment data. During the school year, Animation Career Review reaches out to each of the schools under consideration to request information about their specific program, as well as their perspective regarding which other school programs they considered to be the most impressive, both nationally and regionally.

Marywood University offers a bachelor of fine arts (BFA), master of fine arts (MFA), as well as a minor in graphic design. Additionally, the MFA is a low-residency program. Other program highlights include the opportunity to work on real design projects, small class sizes, 24-hour access to fully equipped computer labs that are complete with Adobe Creative Suite and other industry-standard software. Further, students in the graphic design program have the opportunity to add a minor in areas including advertising, business, communications, illustration, and photography. Students develop a professional visual portfolio and participate in the University’s Senior Exhibition each year.

For additional information about Marywood University’s Top-Ranked Graphic Design Program, please visit marywood.edu/art, or call the Office of Admissions, at (570) 348-6234. For additional information about the Animation Career Review Top 10 Graphic Design School Programs in the state, please visit animationcareerreview.com/articles/top-10-graphic-design-school-programs-pennsylvania-2021-college-rankings.

The New York Yankees have announced the Break Camp rosters for their four Minor League affiliates. The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders initial roster of the 2021 season features 19 players with Major League experience and four of the organization’s top 30 prospects.

Scranton/Wilkes-Barre opens the season on Tuesday, May 4, on the road against the Syracuse Mets. Opening Night marks the 1,000^th game for Doug Davis as a manager and he has an impressive mix of talent at his discretion. 12 players on the Break Camp roster have previously suited up for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, while eight would make their Triple-A debut. The 19 players with Major League service time have appeared in over 3,500 games collectively on the big league level.

Right-handed pitcher Deivi García is the #2 prospect in the New York Yankees system, per Baseball America. Garcia made his Major League debut in 2020 and has already had two stints on the Yankees roster this season. Albert Abreu (#17) Nick Nelson (#23) and  Brooks Kriske (#28) join García as the other top prospects on the initial roster.

Pitchers (17)- Albert Abreu, Kyle Barraclough, Braden Bristo, Nestor Cortes, Deivi García, Luis García, Nick Goody, Nick Green, Brian Keller, Brody Koerner, Brooks Kriske, Trevor Lane, Reggie McClain, Mike Montgomery, Nick Nelson, Addison Russ, Adam Warren

Catchers (4)- Rob Brantly, Robinson Chirinos, Kellin Deglan, Max McDowell

Infielders (6)- Armando Alvarez, Miguel Andújar, Derek Dietrich, Chris Gittens, Kyle Holder, Andrew Velazquez

Outfielders (4)- Greg Allen, Trey Amburgey, Socrates Brito, Ryan LaMarre

This Break Camp roster is subject to change prior to Opening Day.

Single-game tickets for the month of May, as well as Full, Half and Partial Season Ticket Memberships, are on sale now. For more information on the 2021 season, please visit swbrailriders.com or contact the club by calling (570) 969-2255.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is hosting an on-demand virtual public meeting and comment period for a Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) study exploring sustainable transportation funding options. The public meeting is accessible online at all hours of the day through June 1, 2021, at www.penndot.gov/funding.

The PEL study, in support of the PennDOT Pathways program, is being conducted to identify near- and long-term alternative funding solutions and establish a methodology for their evaluation.

In February, PennDOT announced candidate bridge projects being considered as a part of the Major Bridge Public-Private Partnership (P3) Initiative. This initiative, the first of the PennDOT Pathways Program, was formed in response to one of the early findings of the PEL study – that tolling of major bridges in need of replacement or rehabilitation is a potentially viable near-term funding solution. The draft PEL study report is currently available for review and comment and identifies additional medium- to long-term funding alternatives that could be considered for implementation.

PennDOT encourages the public to review the materials presented in the virtual meeting and to provide comments, which will be accepted throughout the duration of the meeting. Online comments can be submitted directly from the meeting website or via other comment submission methods, including:

• Email: PennDOTPathways@pa.gov
• Hotline: 717-325-6129

For more information about the PennDOT Pathways program, visit www.penndot.gov/funding.

The Transportation Revenue Options Commission (TROC), which was established by Governor Tom Wolf’s Executive Order on March 12, today received a briefing on the draft PEL study. When completed, the final PEL study will be provided to the TROC.

PennDOT will make all reasonable modifications to policies, programs, and documents to ensure that people with disabilities and those with limited English proficiency have an equal opportunity to enjoy all of its programs, services, and activities. In accordance with Governor Tom Wolf’s COVID-19 mitigation efforts, the Virtual Public Meeting will be held online only.

To request assistance to participate in the virtual public meeting or review the PEL study, please contact PennDOT’s Communications Office by emailing dotcomm@pa.gov or calling 717-783-8800 from 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM. PennDOT will not place a surcharge on an individual with a disability or those with limited English proficiency to cover the costs of providing auxiliary aids/services or reasonable modifications of policy. If you have other questions or challenges, please contact PennDOT’s Bureau of Equal Opportunity to request help by emailing RA-penndoteoreports@pa.gov or calling 1-800-468-4201; TTY (711).

Subscribe to statewide PennDOT news and traffic alerts at www.penndot.gov/news or choose a region under “Regional Offices.” Information about the state’s infrastructure and results the department is delivering for Pennsylvanians can be found at www.penndot.gov/results. Find PennDOT’s planned and active construction projects at www.projects.penndot.gov.

Follow PennDOT on Twitter at www.twitter.com/PennDOTNews and like the department on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PennsylvaniaDepartmentofTransportation and Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/pennsylvaniadot/.

Lackawanna College is launching its Medical Assistant (MA) program at its satellite centers in Sunbury and Hazleton in Summer 2021. The College will also launch the program at its main campus in Scranton and at the Lake Region Center in Fall 2021. The decision to expand the program comes from a growing demand for certified medical assistants throughout northeastern and central Pennsylvania.

“Medical assistants are valuable to our local healthcare teams because they handle so many crucial aspects of a patient’s care, including working directly with patients and handling administrative duties,” said Kelly Musti, Dean of Health Sciences & Assessment at Lackawanna College. “Students with a medical assistant certificate from Lackawanna College will have a strong foundation for entering the field.”

As the healthcare industry grows, so does the need for qualified healthcare professionals. According to the Borough of Labor Statistics, the employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 19% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.

One of Lackawanna College’s partners, Guthrie, a non-profit integrated healthcare system, works with the College to offer clinical rotations for students and hires Medical Assistant graduates. “At Guthrie, we have found that the students in the College’s Medical Assistant program are enthusiastic and willing to learn in our clinical environments in order to broaden their knowledge beyond the classroom or other virtual options,” said LuAnn Sakers, Director of Practice Administration at Guthrie Troy/Canton.

Lackawanna College’s medical assistant program runs for over 30 weeks and combines classwork with hands-on clinical experience, 712 classroom and lab hours, and a minimum of 160 practicum hours. After successful completion of the course and clinical externship, students will be eligible to sit for the National Health-Career Association CCMA exam, an industry-recognized credential. 

To learn more or apply to the Lackawanna College Medical Assistant Program, visit www.lackawanna.edu.