PennDOT Hosting a Virtual Public Meeting for the Skinners Falls Bridge PEL Study The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) District 4-0, together with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) Region 9, is preparing a planning study for the Skinners Falls Bridge. The Skinners Falls Bridge crosses the Delaware River, connecting the communities of Milanville, PA and Skinners Falls, NY. It was closed due to safety concerns in October 2019. PennDOT is completing a Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) Study to identify potential alternatives that could be evaluated and determine a path forward. The study represents a collaborative and integrated approach that will consider community, environmental, historic, and economic goals. PennDOT and NYSDOT are seeking input from the community to better understand how to move forward to meet local transportation needs within realistically available financial resources. PennDOT will be hosting a virtual public meeting on March 30th from 6:30pm to 8:00pm and accepting public comment on its website from March 30th through April 23rd. You can attend the public meeting by clicking this link: http://bit.ly/SFBridge. For toll free audio-only access to the virtual meeting, please call (877) 286-5733 and enter ID: 431 695 078#. You can view project materials and take an online survey by visiting the PennDOT District 4-0 website at: https://www.penndot.gov/RegionalOffices/district-4/PublicMeetings/Wayne County/Pages/default.aspx If you have any questions, or would like to request a paper survey please contact the project hotline at (610) 234-5148 or Skinnersfallsbridge@aecom.com. Work on this project will be in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and state Department of Health guidance as well as a project-specific COVID-19 safety plan, which may include protocols for social distancing, use of face coverings, personal and job-site cleaning protocols, management of entries to the jobsite, and relevant training. To help make decisions regarding winter travel, motorists are encouraged to “Know Before You Go” by checking conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles, including color-coded winter conditions on 2,900 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. Users can also see plow truck statuses and travel alerts along a specific route using the “Check My Route” tool. 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. For more information on safe winter travel, an emergency kit checklist and information on PennDOT’s winter operations including a video, visit www.PennDOT.gov/winter. Additional winter driving and other highway safety information is available at www.PennDOT.gov/safety.
2021 NEPA Man & Woman of the Year Campaign Launch The Northeast Man and Woman of the Year Campaign has announced the nine candidates who think they have what it takes to earn the prestigious titles of Man & Woman of the Year, bringing us closer to a world without blood cancers. Year after year, individuals take on this challenge, although only two will win the official title, Man & Woman of the Year. The prestigious fundraising campaign embodies the idea that any individual can have an impact on cancer cures with hard work and dedication. The candidates have set a goal of raising $100,000 during their 10 week campaign and have a goal of not only raising funds for lifesaving blood cancer research, but also raising awareness for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. To provide inspiration and motivation during their campaign, the candidates compete in honor of children who are local blood cancer survivors, also known as the “Boy & Girl of the Year.” This year’s fundraising is in honor of two blood cancer patient heroes, the 2021 Boy & Girl of the Year, Luca and Grace The campaign Kicked off on March 16, 2021 with a Virtual event and will conclude with the Grand Finale Celebration on May 25, 2021. “What happens between these two events is the heart of the race,” says Pamela Formica, LLS’s Campaign Development Director. “Throughout the 10 weeks, each candidate will host events and motivate their networks to raise money for blood cancer research. The man and woman who raise the most money will be named as the local Man & Woman of the Year and go on to compete for national honors.” The 2021 candidates are:Kristen Schoemig—Customer Service Manager, Price ChopperJennifer Narkavitch—Owner, My Girl Managed ServicesAlec Senofonte—Owner, Titan Tree ServicesCourtney Novak—Teacher, Scranton School DistrictTony Piazza—Attorney, Piazza Law GroupJim Talerico—Talerico’s Tropical WineryMike Parker-Attorney, Pond Lehocky ScrantonMike Ruane—Vice President, Strategic Relationship Manager, John HancockFrank Ruggiero—Attorney, Campolieto-Ruggiero Law Offices Visit the Northeast PA Man & Woman of the Year website (https://mwoy.org/mwoy-scranton-0) and learn how you can become engaged with LLS.
Marywood University Ranks Among Best in 2021 Global Ranking PLEXUSS 2021 Global Ranking recently notified Marywood University that it ranks #8 in Best in Pennsylvania Offering Architecture Programs, #14 Best in Pennsylvania Offering Legal Professions Programs, #15 Best in Pennsylvania Offering Environmental Studies Programs, and #15 Best Mathematics Schools in Pennsylvania. All of the rankings are based on the University’s undergraduate programs. In addition to student feedback, PLEXUSS 2021 Global Ranking’s methodology incorporates extensive input from education partners, data scientists, employers, parents, and high school counselors. The PLEXUSS Global Ranking was developed with one group in mind—students. For additional information about Marywood University, please visit marywood.edu, or call the Office of Admissions, at (570) 348-6234. For additional information about the PLEXUSS 2021 Global Ranking, please visit plexuss.com/college/marywood-university/ranking.
Women in Philanthropy Launches ‘Breaking Barriers’ Spring Webinar Series Women in Philanthropy (WIP), the initiative of the Scranton Area Community Foundation that focuses on empowering and transforming the lives of women, girls, and their families in the Lackawanna County region, announces the launch of a timely series of webinars exploring regional challenges affecting women and girls today. The webinars focus on topics identified by Women in Philanthropy supporters as key interest areas to explore more in-depth. Each topic relates to women’s issues today post COVID-19 pandemic including civic engagement and advocacy, childcare, and affordable housing, and will seek to identify ways in which Women in Philanthropy can break barriers and provide funding to make an impact in each of these areas. The Women in Philanthropy ‘Breaking Barriers’ Spring Webinar Series launches during Women’s History Month and during the week of International Women’s Day, at a time when people all across the globe are tuned into fostering a world in which women experience equality, support, and inclusiveness. Today, child care challenges are driving many women out of the workforce at an alarming rate. Child care is a pressing economic issue for working families across the country. The high cost of child care has become a burden for parents who need it to support their families. Today, still under one-third of women hold positions in elective office. Women in Philanthropy hopes to explore the factors that contribute to these realities on a local scale more thoroughly. Each webinar in this series will include a panel discussion featuring regional voices offering diverse perspectives. Panelists during the first webinar—which takes place tonight, Thursday, March 11—will include voices from the Scranton School Board, the Community Justice Project, Black Scranton Project, NEPA Rainbow Alliance, and the League of Women Voters of Lackawanna County. The webinar schedule is as follows: Civic Engagement and Advocacy: Thursday, March 11, 2021, 5:00 p.m. Affordable Childcare: Thursday, March 25, 2021, 5:00 p.m. Affordable Housing: Thursday, April 8, 2021, 5:00 p.m. Civic Engagement and Advocacy, Part 2: Thursday, April 22, 2021, 4:00 p.m. Affordable Childcare, Part 2: Thursday, May 6, 2021, 4:00 p.m. Affordable Housing, Part 2: Thursday, May 20, 2021, 4:00 p.m. The first sessions will lay the groundwork for future discussions. The follow-up webinars will include examples of solution-focused models to consider as Women in Philanthropy works to address the concerns that were raised in the first sessions, followed by small group discussions. Women in Philanthropy Supporters are invited and encouraged to attend the ‘Breaking Barriers’ Spring Webinar Series. Anyone and all are welcome to become a Women in Philanthropy Supporter. To become a Women in Philanthropy Supporter, simply visit https://supportnepawomen.org/become-a-supporter/ and complete the online form. Once-time donations to Women in Philanthropy are also accepted by making a contribution to The Fund for Women and Girls online at safdn.org. These webinars are open to the public but registration is required. Visit supportnepawomen.org/breakingbarriers to learn more.
Great Summers Start at the Greater Scranton YMCA Registration is open for Summer Day Camp at the Greater Scranton YMCA. The 2021 Summer Day Camp Program will begin June 14th. Day camp at the Y provides kids with adventure, healthy fun, personal growth and friendships that can take a so-so summer and turn it into a memory that lasts a lifetime. The Greater Scranton YMCA’s Summer Day Camp provides a welcoming environment for kids where they can belong, build relationships, develop character and discover their potential. The health and safety of our campers and staff is our top priority. In order to have fun and thrive, kids need to feel safe. The Y has adapted its camp program to meet CDC and Pennsylvania Department of Health safety recommendations to help keep kids and staff safe from COVID-19. “Here at the Y, staff is preparing to provide children in our community with their best summer ever in a safe and nurturing environment” said Trish Fisher, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “We believe all kids deserve the chance to experience summer camp. From physical fitness to summer learning and from enrichment activities to social engagement, our summer camp program provides opportunities for all children to learn, grow and thrive.” Early bird registration is open through March 15th, 2021. Financial assistance is available for families who need it to ensure all kids in our community can have enriching summer experiences. To learn more about summer camp and financial assistance, visit https://greaterscrantonymca.org/ or contact Leigh Miller, Education Director, at lmiller@greaterscrantonymca.org or call (570) 346-5003.
Everhart Museum Begins Second Sunday Folk Arts Series In partnership with the PA Council on the Arts Folk & Traditional Initiative, the Everhart Museum is working to sustain cultural and artistic practices rooted in people’s histories, traditions, and everyday lives in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Wyoming counties.To share and educate the community on the creative practices rooted in our region’s traditions, the Museum has introduced the Second Sunday Folk Arts Series. The series will feature a different Folk or Traditional Artist each month. The Second Sundays Folk Art Series began at 2:00 pm on Sunday, March 14th as an online presentation.“The Second Sunday Folk Art Series allows us to honor and highlight some of our region’s amazing artists who have spent their lives practicing, performing, and preserving traditional arts,” said Stefanie Colarusso, the Museum’s Director of Programs and Events. “We have an amazing line-up for 2021. Some of the artists we’ll feature may be familiar to you, and some you’ll be learning about for the first time. Each one of them has incredible stories to share about their journey within their own art form.”The folk and traditional arts often come from a specific ethnic, religious, linguistic, occupational, or regional group. Folk and traditional arts practices are shaped and shared within families, neighborhoods, and communities and are passed down from one generation to another.“It is a program celebrating not only each artist’s art form but, more specifically, it is an exploration of their own journey within that art. Stories of the artists’ upbringing, their personal inspirations and teachers, their own artistic processes, and the way they have shared this art with others are also highlighted in the programs,” said Kimberly Crafton, host of the Second Sundays Series.Those who will be presenting are Maxwell Kofi Donkor, Gaston (Bonga) Jean-Baptiste, Nina Kouznetsov, Frank LittleBear, Peg McDade, Sujata Nair-Mulloth, Mona Pande, Leo Schott, Jr., Doug Smith, and Dr. Kathy Wang.The initiative seeks to identify and document traditional artists in the NEPA region, assist those artists in keeping their traditions and create community access to folk arts through presentations, performances, workshops, and other programs.A full schedule of the Second Sundays Folk Art Series is available on the Museum’s website https://everhart-museum.org/second-sunday-folk-art-series-virtual-ongoing/
Governor Wolf Commits to Phasing Out Gas Tax, Announces Commission to Develop Funding Solutions Governor Tom Wolf today reiterated his commitment to phase out Pennsylvania’s gas tax, which is becoming an unreliable source for funding Pennsylvania’s vast transportation network. To make this possible and to further address the state’s transportation funding needs, the governor has also signed an Executive Order establishing the Transportation Revenue Options Commission, which will develop comprehensive funding recommendations for Pennsylvania’s large and aging infrastructure. “Our economy, our communities, and our future rely on a strong transportation system that supports our safety and growth. We have more than $9 billion in annual unmet needs across our state-maintained transportation system alone. At the same time, Pennsylvania is relying too much on outdated, unreliable funding methods, and the federal government hasn’t taken meaningful action in decades,” Gov. Wolf said. “Phasing out the burdensome gas tax, coupled with seeking long-term reliable funding solutions that will keep pace with our infrastructure needs, deserves a close examination. Forming this bipartisan commission will bring multiple, bipartisan voices to the table to ensure that we can examine reliable, sustainable revenue solutions to address both near-term and long-term funding needs.” Pennsylvania has one of the largest state-owned transportation networks in the country, with nearly 40,000 miles of roads and over 25,400 bridges under its direct purview. PennDOT also oversees aviation, rail freight, public transportation, ports, pedestrian and bicycle programs. In 2019, the Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) identified major risks to transportation funding such as reduced fuel revenues, unpredictable federal funding, and legislative changes to reduce commitments. PennDOT’s latest assessment places the annual gap of its needs in all modes and facilities at $9.3 billion, growing to an annual $14.5 billion gap by 2030. Further, as more fuel-efficient cars and technologies are created, reliance on the gas tax for state revenue is less and less dependable. Any phase out of the gas tax will need to be coupled with new or replacement revenue. The Transportation Revenue Options Commission is comprised of transportation, economic, and community stakeholders from both the public and private sectors, including majority and minority leaders from the House and Senate Transportation and Appropriations committees. PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian will serve as commission chair. The commission will have its first meeting by March 25 and a report of commission activities and funding options will be submitted to the Governor before Aug. 1, 2021. The following individuals were invited to join the commission, with additional representatives from transportation’s varied stakeholders to be invited before the first meeting: Rep. Stan Saylor, Chair, House Appropriations Committee; Rep. Matthew Bradford, Minority Chair, House Appropriations Committee; Sen. Pat Browne, Chair, Senate Appropriations Committee; Sen. Vincent Hughes, Minority Chair, Senate Appropriations Committee; Sen. Wayne Langerholc, Chair, Senate Transportation Committee; Sen. John Sabatina, Minority Chair, Senate Transportation Committee; Rep. Tim Hennessey, Chair, House Transportation Committee; Rep. Mike Carroll, Minority Chair, House Transportation Committee; Gene Barr, Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry; Carl Belke, Keystone State Railroad Association (KSRRA); Becky Bradley, Lehigh Valley Planning Commission; Sarah Clark Stuart, Pennsylvania Pedalcycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee; Howard Cohen, Temple University, Public-Private Transportation Partnerships Board; Mark Compton, Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission; Patricia Cowley, Pennsylvania Bus Association; Secretary Dennis Davin, Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development; Ronald Drnevich, State Transportation Commission; Secretary Cindy Dunn, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources; Colonel Robert Evanchick, Pennsylvania State Police; Rich Fitzgerald; Allegheny County Executive; James Harper Jr., Laborers’ International Union of North America; Katherine Kelleman, Port Authority of Allegheny County; Amy Kessler, North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission; James Kunz, International Union of Operating Engineers; Mike Glezer, Wagman; Jeffrey L. Iseman, Pennsylvania Statewide Independent Living Council; Robert Latham, Associated Pennsylvania Constructors; Brock Myers, Alan Myers; Secretary Patrick McDonnell, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection; Rebecca Oyler, Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association; Secretary Russell Redding, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture; Leslie Richards, Southeastern Public Transit Authority; Shawna Russell, Pennsylvania Public Transportation Association; Dave Sanko, Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors; Bob Shaffer, Aviation Advisory Committee; Leeann Sherman, American Council of Engineering Companies of Pennsylvania; Karl Singleton, Pennsylvania Diversity Coalition; Secretary Jen Swails, Office of Budget; Andrew Swank, Swank Construction; Jerry Sweeney, Southeast Partnership for Mobility; Secretary Robert Torres, Pennsylvania Department of Aging; and, George Wolff, Keystone Transportation Funding Coalition. “I am grateful to all the commission members for contributing their time and expertise to this critical issue,” said PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian. “We must work together to find sustainable, future-focused funding solutions that will keep Pennsylvanians moving.” For more information about transportation funding in Pennsylvania, visit www.PennDOT.gov/funding.
Geisinger Celebrates 40th Anniversary of Child Life Department The Child Life Department at Geisinger is celebrating its 40th anniversary this month coinciding with Child Life Month. It is a time to celebrate child life specialists at Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital (JWCH) who support pediatric patients and their families through play, education and emotional support. “Child Life’s presence at Geisinger has been long standing and incredibly impactful,” said Dr. Frank Maffei, MD, Chair of the Department of Pediatrics. “Their 40 years at Geisinger predates the construction of our JWCH and the services they provide to our children are indeed foundational and essential.” In the program’s early days, specialists focused on playroom activities that encouraged socialization and self-expression, normalizing the hospital environment, providing support for patients and family members of chronically ill patients, supervising volunteers in the inpatient setting and event planning to gather donations for funding. The team also offers medical play to work through feelings and understanding of medical experiences, preparation for tests and procedures, pet therapy, and serve as liaison to the CSIU Hospital School Teacher Program so children don’t fall behind in their academics while hospitalized and more. 15-year-old patient, Leah Williams and her family have had a positive experience with a child life specialist at JWCH. Leah was officially diagnosed with “ALG 13 mutation” in 2014. This condition is a rare disorder and disease-causing variants in ALG13 have been reported in fewer than 20 individuals. Leah’s diagnosis means that she has a seizure disorder, a severe developmental delay, and hypotonia. “Child Life has helped Leah cope and feel comfortable while being at the hospital. Our child life specialist Rose Lauck noticed that Leah responds well to physical touch and enjoys having her arms, feet, and hair rubbed. Rose also makes sure there are things for Leah to look at or listen too while being seen. When it’s time for Leah to have a procedure, she stays with us and provides continuous reassurance. The support has been tremendous, and we are grateful for it,” said Krista Williams, Leah’s mom. Today, the Child Life team has grown to 12 certified child life specialists who support patients admitted to the JWCH inpatient setting, both at Geisinger Medical Center and Geisinger Wyoming Valley, and children visiting various pediatric outpatient subspeciality clinics. This includes hematology and oncology, gastroenterology, cystic fibrosis and orthopedics clinics, same day surgery, sedation services and the emergency department. “The 40th anniversary of our Child Life Department is a celebration of our past, present and future. The continued growth of our department is a result of both the hard work the team has invested over the years and the strong working relationships they have built with members of the multidisciplinary team,” said Rebecca Drumheller, Geisinger’s Child Life Program manager. “Our programming continues to expand as these creative, flexible, out-of-the-box thinkers take the initiative to improve upon the services we provide for our patients and families,” she added. To learn more about Geisinger’s Child Life services, special events or how to make a donation, click here.
Allied Services Establishes Full Scholarships for Lackawanna College Nursing Students Driven by a commitment to invest in life-long careers in healthcare in Northeastern Pa., Allied Services has created the Allied Services Nursing Scholarship to provide full tuition for eligible students in Lackawanna College’s nursing associate degree program. Students awarded these scholarships will have the opportunity to work at Allied Services while continuing their education and be guaranteed a full-time position upon graduation and licensure as a Registered Nurse. Additionally, they will be awarded a sign-on bonus of up to $20,000.“We are incredibly grateful to Allied Services for their significant investment in our nursing students,” said Dr. Jill Murray, Lackawanna College President. “Partnerships like this have a lasting impact on health outcomes in our communities. This opportunity will ensure that our graduates have acquired family-sustaining jobs and fill much-needed positions in our local healthcare facilities.”Applications will be accepted until April 1 of a student’s first year and will be awarded in the Fall 2021 through Spring 2023 semesters to nine second-year students in Lackawanna’s nursing program. The scholarship will cover tuition, fees and textbooks.“Allied Services Integrated Health System has a strong history of reinvesting in education for our employees’ career advancement,” said Bill Conaboy, Esq., President and CEO of Allied Services. “This new nursing education partnership is an excellent example of extending the same opportunities to deserving students who truly want to make a difference in healthcare by joining our team which helps thousands of people, especially the aging in our region and those with chronic illness, in long term care, home health, rehabilitation nursing, and hospice care”. The new scholarship opportunity aligns with Lackawanna College’s and Allied Services’ commitment to preparing students for careers in the field of healthcare, particularly in post-acute and long-term care.More information about how to apply for the Allied Services Nursing Scholarship is available at lackawanna.edu/scholarships.
Marywood University’s School of Social Work to Hold Spring 2021 Online Information Sessions Marywood University’s School of Social Work will hold several Spring 2021 Online Information Sessions for both its Scranton and Lehigh Valley programs. The online information sessions are free and open to anyone who is interested in pursuing an undergraduate, graduate, or doctorate of social work degree. Marywood University’s Scranton location online information sessions will be offered on: Thursday, March 18, 2021, from 12-1 p.m.Friday, March 19, 2021, from 12-1 p.m.Friday, April 9, 2021, from 10-11 a.m.Tuesday, April 13, 2021, from 12-1 p.m.Saturday, April 17, 2021, from 6-7 p.m.Tuesday, April 27, 2021, from 12-1p.m. To register, please visit docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdrAvsa9UBmB4DAh6wuneqiCtvS-2yX9wzbV4j4ZsLHmwrl5g/viewform, or contact Selina Shrestha, at shrestha@marywood.edu, or call (570) 348-6282, ext. 4566 for questions. Marywood University’s online information sessions for its Lehigh Valley Program at DeSales University will be offered on: Thursday, march 18, 2021, from 12-1 p.m.Saturday, March 20, from 9-10 a.m.Monday, April 5, from 5:30–6:30 p.m.Wednesday, April 21, from 5:30–6:30 p.m.Monday, May 20, 2021, from 5:30–6:30 p.m. To register, visit docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfgCYBrq4byUeIzjyvO9ZwgHZb-L4oEfPLsap4t_HDaEE9sbA/viewform, or email lkapes@marywood.edu with questions. Participants will learn more about the accredited master’s degree in social work (MSW). An MSW degree from Marywood University includes both full and part-time study options, and advanced standing for bachelor of social work (BSW) graduates. Additionally, attendees will learn about the admission process and Marywood SSW internship program. For additional questions, please call the Office of Admissions, at (570) 348-6234.
