PennDOT Confirms Michael B.Carroll as Secretary The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced today that the Pennsylvania State Senate has confirmed Michael B. Carroll as the next Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Secretary. Under the direction of Governor Shapiro, Carroll has prioritized efficiency and customer service at PennDOT and is focused on directly improving the lives of Pennsylvanians through streamlined, helpful services. Carroll has advocated in support of Governor Shapiro’s budget, which will provide increased funding for Pennsylvania’s roads and bridges while ensuring the critical work of the State Police remains fully funded. Among other accomplishments since Carroll has taken office, PennDOT has put 229 construction projects out to bid totaling $869.5 million in value. Additionally, PennDOT has made more than 20 commonly-used driver licensing and motor vehicle forms available for online submission, just one week after Governor Shapiro signed an Executive Order establishing the Commonwealth Office of Digital Experience (CODE PA) to improve online services provided by the Commonwealth. Carroll was first elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 2006 and served as Democratic chairman of the House Transportation Committee from 2018 through 2022. “I am honored to have this opportunity, and I’m proud of the team we have assembled to carry PennDOT’s important mission forward,” said Carroll. “Transportation is central to every aspect of our daily lives, and the PennDOT team is hard at work keeping people across the Commonwealth connected to opportunity and each other. I am honored to carry out Governor Shapiro’s vision to ensure PennDOT builds a better future for all Pennsylvanians.” For more information on PennDOT’s mission and leadership, visit the PennDOT website. Subscribe to statewide PennDOT news and traffic alerts at www.penndot.pa.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.pa.gov/results. Find PennDOT’s planned and active construction projects at www.projects.penndot.gov. Follow PennDOT on Twitter and like the department on Facebook and Instagram.
The Wright Center Announces Keynote Speaker for 2023 Commencement Innovative keynote speaker, classical violinist, and composer Kai Kight will deliver the inspiring commencement address, “Compose Your World,” during The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s 44th annual commencement ceremony on Saturday, June 24 at the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple, 420 N. Washington Ave., Scranton, beginning at 4 p.m. As a classical violinist turned innovative composer, Kight uses music as a metaphor to inspire individuals and organizations around the world to compose paths of imagination and fulfillment. He is on a mission to spark a global mindset shift in which ingenuity is the norm and not the exception. “Whether in education, business, health care, or government, the systems and routines we depended on for so long have disappeared,” said Kight. “While this void has been devastating, it also leaves us with an incredible opportunity – a blank page on which we can compose our future. We will look back at this time as the moment we made leaps forward by creating more innovative technologies, more human-centric businesses, and more inclusive workplaces.” His unique background is a blend of both art and science. As a musician, Kight has performed his original music for thousands of people in venues around the world, from the White House to the Great Wall of China. A graduate of Stanford University’s design and engineering program, the Stanford d.school, and the Behavior Design Lab, Kight studied how to help people create healthy and transformative habits in life. “A musical masterpiece is a unique, alive, just right, timeless blessing that captures and connects the fundamental and essential stories of the musical composer, the music, and the audience,” said Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak, FACP, FAAP, president and CEO of The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education. “It remains relevant across time, contemporary circumstances, cultures, and generations. It speaks to humanity about our interdependence and our connectedness to each other and the university. “Kai Kight’s inspiring message to dare to play the music that makes you stronger and his passionate, talented delivery are powerful, therapeutic, and both mission and vision aligned with The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education,” she added. “Through the music he composes and performs and the life stories and lessons he shares, Mr. Kight will certainly relax and entertain us, while paradoxically challenging us to think introspectively and collectively about our own lives, our shared future, and the progressive human journey.” The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s Class of 2023 has 80 graduates from seven disciplines: Internal Medicine (35); Regional Family Medicine (11); National Family Medicine (17); Psychiatry (10); Cardiovascular Disease (4); Geriatrics (2) and Gastroenterology (1). “The physicians in our Class of 2023 know the importance of providing inclusive, responsive, compassionate, high-quality health services to the patients, families, and communities we serve,” said Thomas-Hemak. “They know the playbook of ‘Wright’ health care and medical education, and they know the difference between what Mr. Kight calls air violining and real engagement playing their part in the master orchestra of medicine. “We celebrate our graduates and our confidence that they will go forth into thrilling and fulfilling futures, energized by their competence and meaningful contributions to service society and to advance public health, the noble profession of medicine, and medical education.” In July, The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education will welcome 88 residents and fourfellows to its regional and national residency and fellowship programs. The resident physicians will train in the following programs: Internal Medicine Residency (40); Regional Family Medicine Residency (12); Psychiatry Residency (12), and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (5). The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s National Family Medicine Residency includes resident physicians at the Tucson, Arizona (4); Auburn, Washington (6); Washington, D.C. (6), and Hillsboro, Ohio (3) training sites. Fellows will also begin training in the Cardiovascular Disease (3) and Gastroenterology (1) fellowships in July. Similar to Kight, The Wright Center sparks innovation in the delivery of primary and preventive care and the cost-effective education and training of an inspired, competent physician workforce. The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education is affiliated with The Wright Center for Community Health, which serves as the cornerstone ambulatory care delivery service organization of The Wright Center’s Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education Safety-Net Consortium, the largest in the nation funded by the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration. Together with consortium stakeholders, The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education train primary care residents and fellows in a community-based, community-needs-responsive workforce development model to improve the health and welfare of our communities through inclusive and responsive health services and the sustainable renewal of an inspired, competent workforce that is privileged to serve. For more information about The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education, go to TheWrightCenter.org, call 570.866.3017, or email gmerecruitment@TheWrightCenter.org
Tobyhanna Army Depot Celebrates Arrival of Navy Transporter Personnel at Tobyhanna Army Depot marked the expansion of the AN/APX-123 common transponder workload with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 2. An airborne identification friend or foe (IFF) system, the APX-123 is used in several branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. IFF systems are commonly used for command and control operations, utilizing a transponder to positively identify friendly aircraft. Thousands of aircraft fly with the APX-123. While Tobyhanna has had a robust APX-123 program for the U.S. Army, the ribbon-cutting denotes the beginning of depot support for the U.S. Navy’s version of the asset. Depot Commander Col. Daniel L. Horn presided over the ceremony, which was also attended by depot senior leadership, personnel from Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Naval Supply Systems Weapons Systems Support – Philadelphia, representatives from BAE Systems, and members of the depot workforce who support the project. In his remarks at the event, Horn praised Tobyhanna’s cooperative efforts across the joint services. “Today is a great opportunity to celebrate another collaboration with the U.S. Navy. Team Tobyhanna is proud of its enduring support to America’s warfighters,” he said. Electronics Mechanic Supervisor Frederick Granoski leads the C4ISR Directorate’s Transponders Branch; his team will execute both a repair and test/inspect programs for the APX-123. Granoski said he is excited about the possibilities ahead. “The APX-123 represents a significant growth for our mission, allowing us to support more of this critical asset.” Jason Kilmer agreed. “Not only is our workload increasing, we are also increasing our capabilities by conducting more comprehensive testing on this important equipment,” he noted. Kilmer is an electronics mechanic leader in the Transponders Branch. Representatives from the Navy are also very excited about the new collaboration, said Capt. David Neall. “My team and I are thrilled; we’ve been working on this project for several years and it is great to reach the finish line.” Neall serves as the Deputy Program Manager for Combat Identification Systems. Tobyhanna is slated to repair several hundred assets for the U.S. Navy APX-123 program through at least 2030. The acquisition of new workload such as the APX-123 is directly aligned with Tobyhanna’s long-range strategic plan, TOBY2035. The plan, which focuses on posturing the depot to be competitive in the future, has lines of effort dedicated to expanding Tobyhanna’s portfolio through securing new workload and connecting with the community. The APX-123 represents growth for the depot’s expansive support of Naval weapons systems. Tobyhanna Army Depot is a recognized leader in providing world-class logistics support for command, control, communications, computers, cyber, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C5ISR) systems across the Department of Defense. Tobyhanna’s Corporate Philosophy, dedicated work force and electronics expertise ensure the depot is the Joint C5ISR provider of choice for all branches of the Armed Forces and industry partners. Tobyhanna’s unparalleled capabilities include full-spectrum logistics support for sustainment, overhaul and repair, fabrication and manufacturing, engineering design and development, systems integration, post production software support, technology insertion, modification, foreign military sales and global field support to our joint warfighters. About 3,100 personnel are employed at Tobyhanna, which is located in the Pocono Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania. Tobyhanna Army Depot is part of the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command. Headquartered at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, the command’s mission is to empower the Soldier with winning C5ISR capabilities.
Health Coaching by Yolanda Spring Specials $150 off of a 6-session package – includes 2 60-minute sessions per month for 3 months. $300 off of a 12-session package – includes 4 60-minute sessions per month for 3 months.
PennDOT District 4 Now Hiring The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is seeking hardworking individuals for paid internships, summer maintenance, and student summer workers in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Wyoming counties. If you enjoy working in an active, fast-paced environment with the potential for promotion into a permanent position, check out the various opportunities at PennDOT and apply today! “These positions are a great opportunity for students to work where they live and have a positive impact on the transportation network.” said Jonathan Eboli, P.E., PennDOT Engineering District 4-0 Assistant District Executive of Maintenance. “Students will have the opportunity to learn more about engineering and PennDOT which may lead to interest in full-time careers with the Department after graduation.” Engineering Internship – PennDOT – Statewide (College) Are you looking for a paid internship? The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) offers statewide paid internship opportunities during the summer to students in a variety of majors, predominantly in engineering, science, and technology fields; however, PennDOT does more than just road construction and snow removal. PennDOT is a customer-driven service organization responsible for the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of Pennsylvania’s multimodal transportation system. PennDOT interns enjoy opportunities in various areas of PennDOT operations. Internship opportunities associated with this posting will be headquartered throughout PennDOT’s Engineering Districts. Although all assignments may not be offered in every location, additional examples of work and special projects may be available. View PennDOT’s District map to see where your home county lies.You may be able to obtain academic credit through participation in PennDOT’s internship program. Ask your academic advisor if your college offers credit for paid internships.Additionally, some internships may offer the flexibility to telework if determined operationally appropriate by the hiring organization. PennDOT College Student Summer Worker The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is seeking hard-working college students for employment during the summer months for the 2023 Summer Employment Program! If you enjoy working in an active, fast-paced environment while performing public service, check out this opportunity and apply today! PennDOT Summer Employment Program (Non-Student) https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/pabureau/jobs/3826246/penndot-summer-employment-program-non-student?pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobsThe Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.
Keystone Mission Receives Support from Local Foundations Keystone Mission Receives Support for Aftercare Life Coach Keystone Mission was presented with a $2,500 check from The Honesdale National Bank Foundation to support the hiring of an aftercare life coach for the 2023 year. The goal of this program is to allow graduates to stay connected with supportive case management to ensure a full transition into self-sufficiency, avoiding relapse into homelessness. The life coach will perform follow-up care through home visits, telephone calls, and counseling sessions. They will lend extra support and guidance to our and other community graduates upon successful transition out of homelessness and into the community. Keystone Mission Receives Support to Supplement Breakfast and Lunch Keystone Mission was presented with a $1,000 check from The UNICO Foundation to supplement the breakfast and lunch meals at the Scranton Innovation Center for Homeless & Poverty. The Ralph J. Torraco Food Bank/Shelter Fund Grant provides funds through community-established food/shelter programs that provide food and shelter to those in need.Food security is a critical first step to ensuring that guests of Keystone Mission can begin to focus on transformational self-care that was neglected while homeless. In March 2023, Keystone Mission provided over 1,500 meals in Lackawanna and Luzerne counties.
WYOU to Air Market Debate On Saturday, May 6 from 7:00PM-7:30PM, WYOU will host a multi-market debate between House 163rd District Democrat Candidate Heather Boyd and House 163rd Republican Candidate Katie Ford. The pair are competing in a special election for the open 163rd Pennsylvania House seat. The winner of this race will determine which party has the majority in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. The “Special Edition of This Week in Pennsylvania” will be held at the WHTM/abc27 studio in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The 30-minute debate will be hosted by WHTM abc27 News anchor Dennis Owens. The work by WHTM and Dennis Owens in producing and anchoring four high profile statewide debates in 2022 was critically acclaimed by politicians and journalists across the Commonwealth.
The Greater Scranton YMCA Summer Food Program According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, around 22 million kids receive free or reduced-cost meals thanks to the National School Lunch Program. However, once the school year ends, only 17 percent of those same kids are able to access free meals over the summer break, leaving many children without during the summer months. The Y is working to fill that gap, and thanks to support from the Walmart Foundation, will help keep children healthy and well-nourished this summer, ensuring that kids reach their full potential. Participating youth will receive both food and fun through nutritious meals and snacks, while also enjoying recreational and learning activities aimed at keeping bodies and minds active. Y sites across the country, including the Greater Scranton YMCA, will offer the Summer Food Program to any child under 18. Children enrolled in early childhood education programs at the Greater Scranton YMCA are currently benefiting from the Food Program and will continue to do so throughout the summer. Additionally, the Greater Scranton YMCA partners with the Scranton School District to provide meals and snacks to school age youth enrolled in our Summer Day Camp Program, which kicks-off June 12th. Now in its thirteenth year, the Summer Food Program is part of an existing national partnership between YMCA of the USA (Y-USA) and the Walmart Foundation to address child hunger, which is more prevalent during the summertime. Made possible by a grant from the Walmart Foundation, the Y is better able to reach kids in need. The program is part of the Y’s year-round effort to address child hunger; during the school year, the Y’s Afterschool Meal Program provides a combination of learning activities and healthy snacks at the end of the school day. In summer 2022, the Greater Scranton YMCA served 13,110 meals to children enrolled in Summer Day Camp and Early Childhood Education Programs. This summer, due to increases in program enrollment, the Greater Scranton YMCA projects serving 24,900 meals and 15,825 snacks to children enrolled in Summer Day Camp and Early Childhood Education Programs. To learn more about the Greater Scranton YMCA’s Food Program, contact Katie O’Neill at koneill@gsymca.org.“Hunger has a lasting impact on the development of children,” says Trish Fisher, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “Giving kids access to nutrition-filled meals allows kids to focus,learn and become empowered to reach their full potential. The Y’s Summer Food Program helps make sure kids can enjoy healthy and delicious meals and snacks all summer long.”This year marks the program’s thirteenth year and the Y’s ongoing commitment to helping kids achieve their full potential by nurturing their physical, mental and social-emotional development. Since the start of the Summer Food Program, the Y has served over 220 million healthy meals and snacks to hundreds of thousands of kids.
Treasurer Garrity Leads National Effort to Overturn Mortgage Fees Treasurer Stacy Garrity today announced that she is leading a national effort to eliminate new mortgage fees being imposed on home buyers with good credit and high down payments. The new fees, implemented via policy by the Federal Housing Finance Agency, go into effect today. “This new policy makes it more expensive for people with good credit to buy houses – and that’s absurd,” Treasurer Garrity said. “Americans who have built a good credit score and saved enough to make a strong down payment should not be penalized and forced to pay more on their mortgage every single month. I’m proud that so many of my colleagues from across the country – representing a majority of states – have united to urge the immediate elimination of this policy.” A total of 33 fiscal officers from 26 other states joined Treasurer Garrity in a letter to President Joe Biden and Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Sandra L. Thompson. “For decades, Americans have been told that they will be rewarded for saving their money and building a good credit score,” the letter states. “This policy turns that time-tested principle upside down.” In the letter, Treasurer Garrity and her fellow fiscal officers point out that although FHFA claims the fees will be used to make mortgages more affordable for people with lower credit scores, there are far better ways to achieve that goal: “We all want to increase home ownership across our great country – that’s a central component of the American Dream. … But the right way to solve that problem is not to use the power of the federal government to penalize hardworking, middle-class American families by confiscating their money and using it as a handout. The right way is to implement policies which will reduce inflation, cut energy costs and bring lower interest rates.” The letter concludes with a simple, direct request to President Biden and Director Thompson: “We urge you to take immediate action to end this unconscionable policy.”
The Honesdale National Bank Makes Donation to The Susquehanna County Interfaith The Honesdale National Bank has recently made a $3,000 contribution to The Susquehanna County Interfaith through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program. The funds will go specifically to the organization’s Parent Pathways Program. HNB President & CEO, Thomas E. Sheridan Jr., stated, “Life can change in the most unexpected ways and having organizations like this is something that binds the community together.” He continued, “We are excited to make this contribution in efforts to assist the communities we serve.” Susquehanna County Interfaith provides access to emergency assistance, advocacy programs, and resources for personal development/life change. They offer educational pathways for personal development and long-term independence. The Honesdale National Bank, established in 1836, holds the distinction of being the area’s oldest independent community bank headquartered in Northeastern PA, with offices in Wayne, Pike, Susquehanna, Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties. The Honesdale National Bank offers personal banking, business banking and wealth solutions. HNB is a Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender with NMLS ID # 446237. Pictured (L to R): Karlee Shibley, Lead Case Manager, Susquehanna County Interfaith; Cindy Beeman, Executive Director, Susquehanna County Interfaith; Michelle Kowalewski, Commercial Loan Officer, HNB; Skylar Groover, Hallstead Branch Supervisor, HNB.
