Lackawanna College Signs Transfer Agreement with SUNY Orange

Orange County Community College (SUNY Orange) and Lackawanna College Lake Region Center have jointly approved a transfer agreement that provides a seamless and smooth pathway for SUNY Orange graduates to transfer to Lackawanna and remain on track to earn a bachelor’s degree in four years.

For qualifying SUNY Orange graduates who intend to transition immediately to Lackawanna College after earning their associate’s degree, Lackawanna will waive the transfer application fee, extend students a $1,250-per-year scholarship, consider them for tuition discounts if they are eligible, and provide access to Lackawanna advising while the students are still enrolled at SUNY Orange to facilitate an easy transfer process. For their part, SUNY Orange graduates must maintain at least a 2.8 grade point average and enroll full-time at Lackawanna in one of the College’s seven bachelor’s degree programs.

“I’d like to thank President Dr. Jill Murray and her team at Lackawanna for collaborating with our staff, led by Dr. Erika Hackman, vice president for academic affairs, to provide SUNY Orange graduates with a viable and a seamless pathway to a bachelor’s degree at an institution that is close by,” said Dr. Kristine Young, SUNY Orange president. “A handful of Lackawanna’s bachelor’s degree programs align perfectly with our degrees, specifically in the areas of accounting, business, criminal justice and human services, and I’m confident their RN-to-BSN program will be of interest to our nursing grads.”

“This agreement is a culmination of our efforts to partner with SUNY Orange to create streamlined pathways for students who desire to continue their education at Lackawanna College, where they will achieve bachelor’s degrees in high-demand fields and make a difference in our communities,” said Jennifer Passenti, director of the Lackawanna College Lake Region Center.

Nestled in the heart of downtown Scranton, Lackawanna College remains one of the oldest educational institutions in the region. For more than 120 years, the College has been empowering students to become the next generation of leaders, and its roots in Scranton run deep. Since its formation in 1894, the College’s mission has always been to provide a quality education to all persons who seek to improve their lives and better their communities.

Presently, the College has five satellite centers in Hawley, Hazleton, Sunbury, Tunkhannock and Towanda, Pennsylvania; an Environmental Education Center in Covington Township; and a rapidly expanding main campus in Scranton. Lackawanna College is accredited by the Commission of Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

The College prides itself on its focused class sizes, which allow for personalized attention from skilled and extremely passionate faculty; its progressive curriculum, innovative programs, and cutting-edge learning studios that better prepare students; and the unparalleled student support services and active student life community that deepens each student’s college experience. For more information, contact the SUNY Orange Academic Advising office at advising@sunyorange.edu or call (845) 341-4070. For additional information about Lackawanna College, contact Jennifer Passenti at passentij@lackawanna.edu or call (570) 226-4625.

Additional PennDOT Driver License Centers to Reopen

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced today that, due to the most recent guidance from the Center for Disease Control and the Pennsylvania Department of Health, beginning Tuesday, June 1, additional driver license centers throughout the central part of the state will reopen for driver licensing and photo services.

In May 2020, PennDOT began reopening of headquarter-based driver license centers, temporarily extending days of operation to 5 days weekly at all reopened locations while travel centers remained closed.  This decision was made as a direct result of COVID-19, to mitigate the spread of the virus, and the need to protect the safety of PennDOT’s customers and employees. With the reopening of travel centers for driver licensing services, PennDOT locations with extended days of operation will also change on June 1. Changes in hours of operation for are listed below.

The following locations will reopen on the days and hours listed below the week of Tuesday, June 1:

  • Berwick Driver License Center, 10th and Mulberry Street, Berwick; hours of operation will be Thursday from 9:15 to 3:30 PM. Photo License Center hours will be Thursday and Saturday from 8:30 AM to 4:15 PM;
  • Elizabethville Driver License Center, 4686 State Route 209, Suite 5, Elizabethville; hours of operation will be Thursdays from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Photo License Center hours will be Thursday and Saturday from 8:30 AM to 4:15 PM;
  • Honesdale Driver License Center, 18 Collan Park, Honesdale; hours of operation will be Tuesday and Saturday from 8:30 AM to 4:15 PM. Photo License Center hours will be Tuesday and Saturday from 8:30 AM to 4:15 PM;
  • Huntingdon Driver License Center, 9048 William Penn Highway, Suite 1, Huntingdon, hours of operation will be Thursday from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Photo License Center hours will be Thursday and Saturday from 8:30 AM to 4:15 PM;
  • Lehighton Driver License Center, 1403 Blakeslee Boulevard, Route 443, Lehighton; hours of operation will be Friday from 9:30 AM to 3:15 PM. Photo License Center hours will be Thursday through Saturday from 8:30 AM to 4:15 PM;
  • Milford Driver License Center, 201 West Harford St., Route 6, Milford; hours of operation will be Wednesday and Thursday from 9:30 AM to 3:15 PM. Photo License Center hours will be Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday from 8:30 AM to 4:15 PM;
  • Montrose Driver License Center, 78 Grow Avenue, Montrose; hours of operation will be Tuesday from 9:30 AM to 3:15 PM. Photo License Center hours will be Tuesday and Saturday from 8:30 AM to 4:15 PM;
  • Shamokin Driver License Center, 5 Anthra Plaza, Shamokin; hours of operation will be Friday from 9:00 AM to 3:45 PM. Photo License Center hours will be Thursday through Saturday from 8:30 AM to 4:15 PM;
  • Tunkhannock Driver License Center, 600 Hunter Highway, Suite 12, Tunkhannock; hours of operation will be Friday from 9:30 AM to 3:15 PM. Photo license center hours will be Friday and Saturday 8:30 AM to 4:15 PM; and
  • Wellsboro Driver License Center, 40 Plaza Lane, Wellsboro; hours of operation will be Wednesday from 8:30 AM to 3:15 PM. Photo License Center hours will be Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 8:30 AM to 4:15 PM;

The following locations in the central part of the state will begin service to our customers during the following hours beginning the week of Tuesday, June 1:

  • Dunmore Driver License Center, 81 Keystone Industrial Park, Dunmore; hours of operation will be Tuesday through Saturday from 8:30 AM to 4:15 PM. Photo License Center hours will be Tuesday through Saturday from 8:30 AM to 4:15 PM;
  • Hazelton Driver License Center, 1052 South Church Street, Hazleton; hours of operation will be Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 8:30 AM to 4:15 PM. Photo License Center hours will be Tuesday through Saturday from 8:30 AM to 4:15 PM;
  • Lewistown Driver License Center, 13217 Ferguson Valley Road, Yeagertown; hours of operation will be Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 8:30 AM to 4:15 PM. Photo License Center hours will be Tuesday through Saturday from 8:30 AM to 4:15 PM;
  • Monroeton Driver License Center, 60 Chiola Lane, Suite 101, Towanda, hours of operation will be Thursday through Saturday from 8:30 AM to 4:15 PM. Photo License Center hours will be Thursday through Saturday from 8:30 AM to 4:15 PM;
  • Snydersville Driver License Center, 4218 Manor Drive, Snydersville; hours of operation will be Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 8:30 AM to 4:15 PM. Photo License Center hours will be Tuesday – Saturday 8:30 AM to 4:15 PM; and
  • Schuylkill Haven Driver License Center, 972 East Main Street, Schuylkill Haven; hours of operations will be Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday from 8:30 AM to 4:15 PM. Photo License Center hours will be Tuesday through Saturday from 8:30 AM to 4:15 PM.

Customers may continue to complete various transactions and access multiple resources online at www.dmv.pa.gov. Driver and vehicle online services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and include driver’s license, photo ID and vehicle registration renewals; driver-history services; changes of address; driver license and vehicle registration restoration letters; ability to pay driver license or vehicle insurance restoration fee; and driver license and photo ID duplicates. There are no additional fees for using online services.

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. 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/.

Johnson College Now Enrolling Middle and High School Students in On-Campus STEM Energy Outreach Program

Johnson College is now enrolling middle and high school students in its STEM Energy Outreach Program being held on-campus, on Monday, June 7, 2021, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. This program introduces students to green, renewable energy through solar concepts using an interactive, hands-on demonstration. For more information and to register visit, https://forms.gle/jTNphmJzbzMR9dSc7 or email Dr. Kellyn Williams, Chief Academic Officer at Johnson College, at knolan@johnson.edu. Space is limited. The STEM Energy Outreach Program is made possible by a grant from the PPL Foundation.

Students will participate in the interactive learning experience by assembling K’nex Education Renewable Energy sets with Johnson College Chief Academic Officer Dr. Kellyn Williams. The completed K’nex kits will be shared with other schools as part of future Johnson College STEM Outreach Programs. 

The PPL Foundation awards annual grants through a competitive application and review process. Through strategic partnerships, the Foundation: supports organizations working to create vibrant, sustainable communities, promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion; and empowers each citizen to fulfill her or his potential. 

For additional information on Johnson College, please call 1-800-2-WE-WORK, email enroll@johnson.edu, or visit Johnson.edu.

McNees to Hold 30th Annual Labor & Employment Seminar

McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC is pleased to announce that it will host its 30th Annual Labor & Employment Seminar on June 10-11, 2021.

The virtual event will feature various topics, including diversity, equity and inclusion, ADA/FMLA/WC, wage & hour law, employee benefits & executive compensation, Biden’s labor board, data breaches, litigation trends and workplace safety.

Approved Credits:

  • CLE Substantive – 9 Hours
  • CPE Management – 9 Hours
  • SHRM – 9 Hours
  • HRCI – 9 Hours

For more information, including how to register, click here.

The Greater Scranton YMCA to Host Free Back to Normal Bash and Open House

On Thursday, June 3rd, the Greater Scranton YMCA will host a free event open to all members of our community. The Back to Normal Bash will take place from 4:00–7:00 p.m. and will feature free food, beverages, DJ, bounce house, magician and more.

The event will take place outside in the back of the Greater Scranton YMCA’s facility in Dunmore. While registration is not required, the first 200 people who RSVP via the Y’s website will receive a FREE T-shirt (adult sizes only)!

In addition to the event from 4:00-7:00 p.m., the Greater Scranton YMCA is opening its doors all day for community members to tour the facility and workout for free. For anyone who joins the Y on June 3rd, the joiner’s fee will be waived.

“We are so excited to be coming out of this trying year and could not think of a better way to celebrate than to have a traditional family-style barbeque with music and magic,” said Trish Fisher, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “We are proud to open our doors for the day, allowing all members of our community to see what our facility has to offer.”

The Y’s Covid-19 safety plan will be in effect during this event. Staff is asking attendees to wear masks, except while exercising, and maintain appropriate distance from others. 

For more information, visit us online or contact Brandon Whipple, Wellness Director, at (570) 828-3116 or bwhipple@greaterscrantonymca.org.

The Dime Bank Promotes James Gardas

The Dime Bank Board of Directors along with President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Bochnovich, are pleased to announce that James Gardas was appointed to the position of Senior Vice President of the Wealth Management Division. Gardas is an investment adviser representative for The Dime Wealth Management, a full-service brokerage operation located within The Dime Bank. 

Gardas has almost thirty years of experience in the customer service arena including twelve years of experience in the Wealth Management Division. Gardas graduated Summa Cum Laude from Charleston Southern University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with a dual major in Business Administration and Mathematics. Gardas is a registered representative of Cetera Advisor Networks LLC and is life, accident and health insurance licensed and is an Accredited Investment Fiduciary. Gardas offers stocks, bonds, mutual funds, money management, annuities, insurance products, advisory services, retirement and educational savings plans, financial and estate planning services, and trusts to individuals and businesses through the Wealth Management Division.

Peter Bochnovich stated, “Jim is an invaluable asset to The Dime Bank team. As the head of our Wealth Management division, Jim’s expertise has broadened the Wealth Management client base since taking the lead. His counsel and knowledge are a great fit for his customers, his team, and as a leader to The Dime Wealth Management division in pursuing our growth objectives.”

He currently resides in Hawley, PA with his wife, Jade, and his two dogs, Moxie and Nugget.

Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple Announces FREE Outdoor Summer Concert Series

WHAT:  Scranton Cultural Center’s FREE Outdoor Summer Concert Series
WHEN:  June 11 (Young Lion), July 9 (Erin Malloy & Friends), August 13 (The Mule Team) and September 10 (Blind Chioce); Doors at 6:00 PM; Shows from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM.
WHERE:  420 N. Washington Avenue – Scranton, PA 18503 (In front of the Cultural Center)
PRICES:  Free!  Cash bar and light fare available for purchase.

The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple is pleased to announce a new Outdoor Summer Concert Series that will be free and open to the public.  The concerts will take place outside of the Scranton Cultural Center and will feature local and regional talent.  The lineup includes Young Lion (June 11), Erin Malloy & Friends (July 9), The Mule Team (August 13) and Blind Choice (September 10). 

“It has been a long hiatus for in-person events, which is what we thrive on” said Deborah Moran Peterson, SCC Executive Director.  “We have enjoyed being able to connect with our audiences virtually through the past year, and we are so grateful to be able to welcome back the community with this free concert series.”

All current CDC Guidelines will be followed at each performance with any updates being shared via social media.  All performances will run from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM; a cash bar with light fare will open at 6:00 PM prior to each show. The Scranton Cultural Center had plans to launch this free series for the community last summer.  During the past year, it has offered its popular Underground Microphone series virtually each week, as well as virtual programming as part of the Center’s Youth Theatre Programming.  To learn more about the Scranton Cultural Center and its upcoming events, visit SCCMT.org.

RailRiders Announce 2021 Summer Giveaways

With capacity at PNC Field expanding to 100% next month, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders are pleased to put single-game tickets for the remainder of the 2021 season on sale now online at swbrailriders.com. In conjunction with single-game tickets and in addition to the giveaways already slated for the season, the RailRiders will have three legendary bobblehead giveaways, eight additional giveaway dates, four custom jerseys and plenty of fan-favorite theme nights this summer.

The RailRiders are pleased to add Seltzer Saturdays to their daily promotions. Get $2 Bud Light Seltzers for two hours after gates open each Saturday home game this season, courtesy of Northeast Eagle.

We start next month with a bang as Jack Williams Tire presents our June 4 post game fireworks blast off. On Saturday, June 5, the first 2,500 fans through the gates get a free hat before the RailRiders host the Lehigh Valley IronPigs at 4:05 P.M.

On Thursday, June 17, the RailRiders transform into the Vejigantes, their Copa de la Diversion identity, for the first of three times this summer. The Vejigantes return on July 22 and August 12 as well to help celebrate Latin heritage across baseball and NEPA.

The forces of good and evil will battle for supremacy on June 18 on Heroes & Villains Night. After the final out, NEPA’s best fireworks show will send everyone home with a WHAM! and a KER-POW! courtesy of ShurSave.

On Saturday, June 19, the first 2,500 fans through the gates at PNC Field will receive a RailRiders 32 oz. beer howler. On July 10, FOX 56 and SWB team up for an umbrella giveaway.

The RailRiders are on the road on July 4 this year and we will celebrate America’s independence a few days later. Join us July 9 for an extended fireworks show and custom jerseys honoring our great nation, which will be auctioned off to benefit the SWB Pinstripes Foundation. After the final out, post gamer fireworks presented by the PA Lottery.

At the end of July, Yankee Legend Derek Jeter enters the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre will celebrate “The Captain.” On Friday, July 23, the RailRiders will wear 2013 throwback vests to honor the Hall of Famer’s stint in SWB and the jerseys will be auctioned after the final out. July 24 is the Derek Jeter bobblehead giveaway, presented by Casey Dental, paying tribute to the accomplishments of one of the game’s greats!

On July 25, the club will celebrate Christmas in July with an Aaron Judge ornament giveaway, presented by Geisinger.

Faith and Family Night is slated for Friday, August 6. Head to the ballpark for a fun evening of fellowship and post game fireworks presented by the PA Lottery. August 7 is Back to School Night at PNC Field and the first 2,500 fans get a RailRiders insulated lunch bag courtesy of Giant.

Paradise hits PNC Field on August 13 as the RailRiders go tropical. The first 2,500 fans will receive a RailRiders beach towel courtesy of Dickson City Hyundai and the club will wear custom Hawaiian-style jerseys that will be auctioned off after the final out. Stick around for another great fireworks show courtesy of Jack Williams Tire.

On Saturday, August 14, our first of two Legends Race dual bobblehead giveaways will find their way to the gates at PNC Field. Mantle and Munson start the sprint on this two-part collectible series, presented by PNC Bank.

Dunder Mifflin fans unite! Scranton/Wilkes-Barre will once again pay tribute to our lovable friends from The Office on September 3. You can’t miss it… and that is what she said.

Our Legends Racers hit the finish line on September 4 when a DiMaggio and Martin dual bobblehead complete the jaunt home, courtesy of Geisinger. On Sunday, September 5, the first 500 kids aged 12 and younger will receive a RailRiders autograph book, presented by Hyundai.

On Friday, September 10, make your way to PNC Field for a RailRiders fleece headband, brought to fans by Times-Shamrock. With one week to go before the rescheduled 2021 Parade Day, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre will also don St. Paddy’s Day-themed jerseys that will be auctioned off and are sure to be a mid-March hit for years to come. Plus… stick around after the game for our final fireworks extravaganza of the season. September 10 is also Boy Scout Night.

Fan Appreciation Day is slated for Sunday, September 12, as Scranton/Wilkes-Barre brings its 2021 home schedule to a close with a random promo item giveaway for the first 2,500 fans.

All major giveaways will be handed out to the first 2,500 fans. All promotions and giveaway dates are subject to change. The RailRiders will operate with six-foot social distancing for the remainder of May but expand to 100% on June 1 per guidelines from the state of Pennsylvania. For more information on the 2021 season, please visit swbrailriders.com or call (570) 969-2255.