University of Scranton Earth Day Events Inspired by Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical titled “On Care for Our Common Home,” The University of Scranton’s Sustainability Office has selected the theme “We Are All Connected” for their Spring sustainability initiative. To celebrate this theme, especially as Earth Day approaches, the Sustainability Office will host several events for students, faculty and staff as well as guests from the greater Scranton community. Area students in grades 5-12 may participate in the University’s Earth Day Essay Contest. Submissions will be accepted through April 4. This year’s theme is “We Are All Connected.” For submission rules and details, visit: https://www.scranton.edu/sustainability/docs/earth-week-2022/earthday-2022-essay-rules.pdf. Winners of the essay contest will be announced at the Evening of Environmental on Wednesday, April 20, in the Atrium of the Loyola Science Center on campus. The event takes place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and features interactive science experiments run by University students. The event will also include a display of the essays submitted. Finalists will receive Earth Day medals and certificates at a ceremony. On the following day, April 21, the University will host a lecture by renowned American climatologist and geophysicist Michael Mann, Ph.D., author of “The New Climate War: The Fight to Take Back Our Planet.” 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 author of five books on climate change, as well as more than 200 peer-reviewed and edited publications, numerous op-eds and commentaries. The lecture begins at 7:30 p.m. in the McIlhenny Ballroom of the DeNaples Center on campus. The final Earth Day event for the month of April will be an art show address on April 25 by Laura Kern, an artist from rural Pennsylvania who uses her sculptures to emphasize the connection between humans and the environment, as well as to highlight prominent environmental and societal issues. Kern will present her address in the Heritage Room of the Weinberg Memorial Library. The event runs from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Other events open to University students, faculty and staff include an Environmental Art Show on the fifth floor of the Weinberg Memorial Library from April 19 to April 26; an Earth Day Fair in the lobby of the Loyola Science Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 19; an Environmentally-Friendly Tie-Dye event, taking place on the Dionne Campus Green at 5 p.m. on April 20; and a kayaking trip on the Susquehanna River on May 7. Several related events also took place in March, including a screening of “The Human Element,” a film in which photographer James Balog uses his camera to document and uncover how environmental change affects the lives of Americans each day. The University also hosted a celebration of World Water Day on March 22. All of these events are sponsored by the University’s Sustainability Office with the support of the Jesuit Center, the Kania School of Management, the Multicultural Center, the environmental studies concentration and major, the Weinberg Memorial Library and the Society for Sustainability and Conservation student organization.
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.
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.
The Scranton Cultural Center Presents FREE Concert Enjoy a concert given by the United States Air Force Heritage of America Concert Band at the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple on February 13 at 2:00 p.m. The concert is free and open to the public. For eight decades, the USAF Heritage of America Concert Band has educated, inspired and entertained over 1.5 million people annually, by providing music for events that support Airmen and their families, honor our Nation’s veterans and build relationships of trust between the American people and their Air Force. The Concert Band is comprised of over 40 professional Airman-musicians who captivate audiences on regular tours throughout the East Coast with a variety of renditions of great orchestral classics, marches, Broadway hits, jazz standards, movie music and patriotic favorites. PLEASE NOTE: As per the guidelines of the United States Air Force, all attendees eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccination must show proof of vaccination to gain entry to the performance. All non-vaccinated attendees must show proof of a negative FDA-approved COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of the performance to gain entry. Additionally, masks are required inside the Scranton Cultural Center for all patrons. The United States Air Force Heritage of America Concert Band concert is presented by Gibbons Ford and sponsored by LT Verrastro. It is supported by Lackawanna County and the PA Council on the Arts. The concert will take place in the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Theatre at 2:00 p.m. with the doors opening at 1:30 p.m. Concessions will be available for purchase. Tickets are free to the public and are required for admission. They can be acquired at the Fidelity Bank Box Office at the SCC in person or by calling (570) 344-1111, or via Ticketmaster. Convenience charges apply when claiming online or by phone. For additional information and a full schedule of events, visit SCCMT.org.
Scranton Cultural Center to Host Final Summer Concert The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple will host the final show in its free outdoor summer concert series on September 10 with alternative rock/punk band Blind Choice. The show will take place outside the Scranton Cultural Center at 420 N. Washington Avenue. “This concert series has been such a great success, and we’ve loved providing live entertainment for our community again. It was a great way to lead into our upcoming season,” said Deborah Moran Peterson, SCC Executive Director. Blind Choice is an alternative rock & punk trio from Pennsylvania, Blind Choice was formed with its current members in March 2017. The band, with four years under its belt, has quickly gained success and has shared the stage with artists like Richie Ramone (The Ramones), Bowling For Soup, Drake Bell, Diamante, Sponge and TRAPT Official just to name a few! With well over 150 shows performed, the trio continues to perform throughout the tristate region playing at iconic music venues from The Bitter End to the Stanhope House, H*MAC, Chameleon Club and Mount Airy Casino & Lodge. The band is performs a mix of originals and covers, and stripped down raw acoustic tunes. Band members include Dylan Pysher (Vocals/Lead Guitar), Matt Habrial (Bass/Backup Vocals) and Tanner Snyder (Drums). All current CDC Guidelines will be followed, with any updates being shared via social media. Patrons are requested to wear face coverings while inside the building. The performance will run from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM; a cash bar with light fare will open at 6:00 PM prior to the show. In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be moved indoors. To learn more about the Scranton Cultural Center and its upcoming events, visit SCCMT.org. The free outdoor summer concert series is sponsored by LT Verrastro, Truly Hard Seltzer, UGI Utilities Inc., WBRE/WYOU and Fidelity Bank. It is supported by Lackawanna County and the PA Council on the Arts.
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s Free Online Invention-Con 2021 If you are an entrepreneur, small business owner, or independent inventor, your creative work is among your most valuable assets. Don’t miss your chance to learn how different types of intellectual property (IP), such as patents, trademarks, and copyrights, are critical to your business strategy. Learn more and register early for the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s (USPTO) free online Invention-Con 2021: Capitalizing on your intellectual property, coming August 18-20. Note this year’s special student programing: If you know a young inventor or entrepreneur, the August 18 agenda will feature informative workshops and young innovators who will share their experiences and insights. Please feel free to share the event link: www.uspto.gov/inventioncon Take this opportunity to hear from business and government experts about turning ideas into innovations, protecting your work, and accessing valuable resources that can help you succeed in the marketplace. Keynote speakers Gitanjali Rao, inventor and TIME magazine’s 2020 Kid of the Year; Serene Almomen, CEO of Senseware; and recording artist Ansel Brown will share their insights on science, technological innovation, music, and business. Presentations and workshops will cover: Putting your creativity to workHow to safeguard your work with different types of IP protection: Patents, trademarks, and copyrightsHow creativity and IP apply in fields as varied as artificial intelligence, robotics, fashion, music, and literatureMarketing, manufacturing, and how you can build a competitive advantage around your ideasFun free educational resources for kids and teensInsights from the USPTO experts who examine patent applicationsInnovation and the fight against COVID-19And much more Invention-Con 2021 will also include a wide range of virtual resource booths from the USPTO and other federal government agencies. This event is offered by the USPTO’s Office of Innovation Outreach. For questions or assistance, please contact Inventioncon@uspto.gov. Don’t forget: The USPTO offers many informative presentations, panels, and chats year-round. Find one that interests you on the events page of our website.
Scranton Cultural Center to Host Second Free Outdoor Summer Concert The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple will host its second free outdoor summer concert with Erin Malloy & Friends on July 9. Erin Malloy will be joined by Jim Waltich (piano), Tommy Hamilton (saxophone), Doug Smith (bass), Mark Montella (drums) and Denise LaBamba (percussion). The show will take place outside the Scranton Cultural Center at 420 N. Washington Avenue. “We had a great turnout for our first show with Young Lion, and we are looking forward to featuring Erin Malloy,” said Deborah Moran Peterson, SCC Executive Director. “We have enjoyed being able to connect with our audiences virtually through the past year, but we are so grateful to be able to welcome back our 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. Additional performers in the series include The Mule Team (August 13) and Blind Choice (September 10). To learn more about the Scranton Cultural Center and its upcoming events, visit SCCMT.org. The free outdoor summer concert series is sponsored by LT Verrastro, Truly Hard Seltzer, UGI Utilities Inc. and Fidelity Bank. It is supported by Lackawanna County and the PA Council on the Arts.
Apply for a Free NEPA SHRM Membership The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce would like to share with you an opportunity to apply for membership with NEPA SHRM at no cost through August 16, 2021. NEPA SHRM is an affiliate Chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) comprised of over 300 local Human Resource Professionals representing a large range of businesses in the area. NEPA SHRM chapter is looking to grow and connect HR professionals to continue their quest for ongoing professional development. Benefits of membership include the following opportunities: Development of relationships and contacts with other HR professionals to share information on HR issuesEducational seminars and workshops to improve your HR competencies and help you maintain your professional certificationsAccess to current best practices to make your organization more efficient, increase employee commitment, and help line managers carry out business strategiesDevelopment of leadership skills through volunteer rolesEnhancement of your professional reputation and credentials in the HR field You can view our full calendar of events at https://link.zixcentral.com/u/10a31827/AvwmauaS6xGpsa3PhnsoMg?u=https%3A%2F%2Fnepashrm.shrm.org%2FeventsNEPA SHRM’s success depends on talented, dedicated professionals like you and we hope you will consider joining. While you do not need to be certified to be a member of NEPA SHRM, you do need to be a member of National SHRM. If you are already a National SHRM member, you can join NEPA SHRM at www.nepashrm.shrm.org and click on the JOIN NOW button. If you are not a National SHRM member, you may join at www.shrm.org. The $25 membership fee to join NEPA SHRM has been waived through August 16, 2021. Please consider joining now to save $25!Should you need any assistance or have any questions or comments about membership or benefits, please feel free to contact them at 570.899.1285 or email them at membership.nepashrm@yahoo.com. Thank you for your consideration.
