Free Event at The Scranton Cultural Center Listing Information: WHO: The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple WHAT: St. Patrick’s Parade Day Party with Music by Kilrush WHEN: Saturday, March 11 – 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM WHERE: Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple – Grand Ballroom 420 N. Washington Avenue – Scranton, PA 18503 TICKET PRICE: **FREE ADMISSION!!** The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple is once again the place to celebrate this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade! The Center’s annual St. Patrick’s Parade Day Party will begin at 11:00 AM on March 11 and will continue until 4:00 PM. Admission is free and live entertainment will be provided by Kilrush. In addition, several parade performers will continue their acts at the SCC for all party-goers to enjoy, from bagpipers to step dancers and more! Admission is FREE to the public as the Scranton Cultural Center’s gift to the community. A cash bar and light fare will be available for purchase. The 2023 St. Patrick’s Parade Day Party is sponsored by The Society of Irish Women, the Hilton Scranton & Conference Center and LT Verrastro. The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple’s 2022-2023 Season is sponsored by Fidelity Bank and LT Verrastro and supported by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, and the Lackawanna County Office of Arts and Culture, and Commissioners Jerry Notarianni, Debi Dominick, Esq. and Chris Chermak. A special thank you to its media partners: Access NEPA, Allied Services, Audacy, Citizens’ Voice, Lamar Advertising, MAC Signs, The Times-Tribune, Times Shamrock Communications and Eyewitness News – WBRE/WYOU – pahomepage.com.
Lackawanna College’s Robotics Program Announces Amatrol Partnership Lackawanna College’s Robotics & Integrated Technologies Program partners with Amatrol and Allegheny Education Systems. The partnership allows the Center for Technology Innovation’s Robotics & Integrated Technologies Program students to receive hands-on experience with Amatrol equipment such as robotics, automation systems, industrial electronics, programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and many more. “This partnership will assist our students by bridging the gap between the electrical side of robotics and programming,” Robotics & Integrated Technologies Program Director Rob Crane said. “Included in this partnership is troubleshooting, critical thinking skills and PLC work, which we will be performing with Amatrol equipment and educational material as well.” The Robotics & Integrated Technologies Program will use the Amatrol robotics/automation curriculum to educate students on the full scope of building and maintaining automation. “Students will be given material at a level where they can understand it and if they are having trouble learning the concepts, they have the option to go back and review past lessons or another section entirely,” Crane said. The Robotics & Integrated Technologies Program is built with a hands-on approach with students spending 60 percent in the lab. Students will train on the equipment from Amatrol similar to on the job training. The program will align with the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing Institute (ARM), a national expert in robotics and workforce development. “The class material and equipment we will have in the lab is going to have a factory feel with hands-on learning versus only learning in the classroom,” Crane said. “We get more than the scope of learning robotics, we get extra access to everything Amatrol does and this partnership will eventually blend into other programs, such as Electric Vehicle & Advanced Automotive Technologies and the School of Petroleum & Natural Gas.” Amatrol is a global leader in technical education, offering different levels of study in the manufacturing processes starting with the basics and building into more complex technology applications. Within the program are different levels of credentials for students to earn and take into the workforce. These credentials include Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA) certificates for PLCs, basic electrical theory and advanced manufacturing/motor control. Within these certificates are also micro credentials students will receive, keeping them innovative for the future. “We have gone out and done our due diligence to find one of the best educational training equipment and material providers,” Crane said. “We can get a novice student to a very high-level education in a short amount of time.” On March 30, Lackawanna College will host a STEM fair for local high school students to increase student financial literacy and career awareness through a hands-on, immersive experience. The event is coordinated by Lackawanna College’s Business Division, Career Services and Pre-College Departments. Students will balance a monthly budget, compare careers and salaries, and “try out” some of our programs to experience each from the point of view of our students, including CTI programs. The event will run from 8:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Media are requested to RSVP prior to attending event, please contact Eric Eiden, Media Relations Coordinator at (570)961-7807 or eidene@lackawanna.edu to register.
Misericordia’s Women’s History Month Events Pride Night, at Men’s Volleyball Game Wednesday, March 15 • 7:00 pm | Anderson Center 8 Women Who Changed the World Event Tuesday, March 28 • 7:00 pm | Mary Kintz Bevevino Library, McGowan Room Art Gallery Exhibit Through March 31 | Pauly Friedman Art Gallery Flashpoints: Material/Intent/Fused Art Gallery Exhibit Event Thursday, March 16 • 3:30 pm Artist demonstration on encaustic paint with artist and curator Reni Gower Preregistration: llittle@misericordia.edu | 570-675-6250 • 5:30 pm Reception and Gallery Talk | Free and open to the public
Clarks Summit University Hosts Virtual Master of Education Event Join Clarks Summit University for “Increasing Effectiveness as a Curriculum Leader” In an ever-changing world of education, a foundational worldview of curriculum is essential. In this virtual workshop, educators will focus on the important elements of curriculum development and the assessment cycle. Because curriculum encompasses the entire responsibility of a school, all members of the education team should be equipped to participate in curriculum development. Learn alongside experienced educators as you’re reminded of the importance of curriculum development and take away tools and strategies to implement at your school. Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at 7:00 PM until 8:00 PM Register Today!
PennDOT Invites Public Feedback on Transportation in Pennsylvania The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced several opportunities today for Pennsylvanians to participate in the transportation planning process. “Transportation needs to work for everyone, no matter who they are, no matter where they live and no matter how they travel,” said Acting PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “Pennsylvanians’ feedback is critical as we plan and prioritize important improvements to our transportation network.” Every two years the State Transportation Commission (STC) and PennDOT update Pennsylvania’s 12-Year Program (TYP) and public feedback is a critical part of that process. The public comment period for the TYP update begins today and continues through Sunday, April 30. During the public comment period, Pennsylvanians can submit feedback by taking the Transportation Survey or emailing comments to RA-PennDOTSTC@pa.gov. Public feedback and survey results will help identify needs and prioritize transportation projects across the state. PennDOT will also host an online public forum on Wednesday, April 12, from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM. Pennsylvanians can ask transportation-related questions to PennDOT leadership and members of the STC during the public forum. The Transportation Performance Report (TPR) is a combined effort among the STC, the State Transportation Advisory Committee, and PennDOT, and is updated every two years. It is the first step in the state’s transportation program planning process and helps to evaluate the system’s performance and opportunities for progress. 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 provide feedback on Pennsylvania’s transportation network. To request assistance participating in the survey or the Online Public Forum, contact the Department’s Program Center by emailing RA-PennDOTSTC@pa.gov or calling 717-783-2262. Requests for Public Forum assistance should be made by Monday, April 3. If you have other questions or challenges, contact PennDOT’s Bureau of Equal Opportunity to request help by emailing beodot@pa.gov or calling 717-787-5891; TTY (711). To learn more about how transportation projects are planned and funded, visit www.TalkPATransportation.com. 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.
WVIA to premiere ROAR on May 11 WVIA has announced its next original documentary film ROAR: The Story of the Southern Columbia Football Tigers will premiere May 11th at 8 p.m. on WVIA television. The documentary chronicles the 2022 Southern Columbia Area High School Football Tigers as they chase a PIAA (Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association, Inc.) record sixth consecutive state championship. Award-winning WVIA filmmaker Alexander Monelli tells the story of their season from the locker room to practices to the sidelines of the games, giving viewers an up close and never-before-seen look at one of the top high school football programs in the state. Located in rural Catawissa, Pennsylvania (near the world-renowned Knoebels Amusement Resort), the film aims to discover what makes the small-town team so successful year after year. The film will feature interviews with the 2022 Southern Columbia football team and its coaches alongside interviews with former NFL players Henry Hynoski (Southern Columbia, New York Giants) and Bo Orlando (Berwick, Houston Oilers), as well as former WNEP sports director Jim Coles, who covered Southern Columbia and regional high school football for 33 years, and current WNEP sports reporters, Landon Stolar and Steve Lloyd. “We have this incredible story right in our own backyard. The Southern Columbia football program was almost shut down in 1979 because of a 26-game losing streak and poor player turnout. It is now the perennial state champion with the winningest high school football coach in Pennsylvania history,” said filmmaker Alexander Monelli. “Everyone has their theory (good and bad) about how Southern is so dominant every year. I’m trying to shed some light on that with this film. It was such a dramatic season with so many surprises, injuries, and losses. I don’t think anyone could have predicted how their story unfolded.” “What I hope people will say after this documentary is ‘they do things the right way,” said head coach Jim Roth. “As far as the way we work, the way we treat players, the way we interact, and then the rest takes care of itself and translates into wins.” “Southern Columbia High School football is a unique story, and we are excited to give our viewers an up-close and personal view of this team,” said Ben Payavis II, WVIA Chief Content Officer. “WVIA takes pride in shining a light on the stories of our region and giving them a platform to be shared with the world.” The trailer for ROAR: The Story of the Southern Columbia Football Tigers can be viewed here: https://www.wvia.org/roar-the-story-of-the-southern-columbia-football-tigers About Southern Columbia Area High School Football Tigers The Southern Columbia Football Tigers are the most decorated high school football team in the history of Pennsylvania. Prior to the 2022 season, they have won 12 PIAA state titles (1994, 2002-2006, 2015, 2017-2021). Head coach Jim Roth has a record of 475-64-2, which is the most wins by any head football coach at any level in state history.
Geisinger to Start Assessment across Pennsylvania On Wednesday, March 1, Geisinger, in collaboration with other regional hospital systems, will start the triennial Community Health Needs Assessment to identify challenges and solutions to local health-based topics.As in prior Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNAs), Geisinger will partner with Evangelical Community Hospital and Allied Services Integrated Health System on the assessment. Partnership among regional organizations allow for a better understanding of health needs across the communities served and encourages collaboration to address the identified needs.“The CHNA provides us with a snapshot of key health challenges affecting our communities,” said Matt Walsh, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Geisinger. “It leverages information from a variety of reliable resources — Pennsylvania Department of Health, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Anne E. Casey Foundation, U.S. Census, for example — and marries it with information from people in our community. It informs our strategy and helps us identify what we can do to improve our communities. Finally, the CHNA assists other organizations who can provide additional services to our area.”The assessment will be conducted by Community Research Consulting, a woman-owned business based in Lancaster, Pa. that partners with healthcare providers, social service agencies, foundations, government entities and other community organizations to build vibrant, healthier, and sustainable communities by addressing community health, housing, socioeconomic disparities, capacity building, population health management, and other similar challenges.Nonprofit hospital organizations are required to conduct a CHNA every three years and develop implementation strategies that address the identified health needs. These reports identify needs through data collection and analysis. The CHNA expands the hospital’s focus to include health issues impacting the greater community and promotes collaboration among local advocates, partners and hospitals. This upcoming CHNA will be conducted throughout 2023 and will cover Jan. 1, 2024, through Dec. 31, 2026. The region’s current CHNA runs through Dec. 31, 2023.
PHRIENDS Murder Mystery Comes to Mohegan Pennsylvania On Saturday, April 15th beginning at 8:00pm, the Keystone Grand Ballroom at Mohegan Pennsylvania will host the popular special event known as PHRIENDS: The One That’s Parody – Interactive Murder Mystery Show. This 13+ event allows the audience to become a part of the action during a 90-minute murder mystery. Guests will be tasked with following clues, interrogating suspects and more. Tickets are available now for $35.00, available online through EventBrite. This fun-filled event coming to Mohegan PA will also have cocktails and other drinks available for purchase. For more information, guests can also visit WithOutaCue.com ABOUT PHRIENDS: The One That’s a Parody – Interactive Murder Mystery Show: It’s been a few years since everyone’s favorite group of friends have all been together at the same time, but this calls for a celebration! Gunther has successfully opened a chain of cafes and his six best customers have taken a trip down to Pennsylvania for the grand opening of “Perk Place.” The party isn’t all fun and games, however. Ross and Rachel are on a break…again, some unexpected guests cause tension for Monica and Chandler, Phoebe is having issues finding a babysitter for her nieces and nephew and is someone actually trying to SHARE food with Joey?! Before the night is out, someone might be a victim of some “friendly” fire. …No one told you death was gonna be this way. PART OF THE FUN There will be several opportunities to take selfies with the characters (and a fun race to see who can get them all first), hidden clues, and even an opportunity to get your mug shot. Once the performance begins, you will become part of the action as you play detective and try to solve the mystery.
Indraloka Animal Sanctuary Host Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony The NEPA Rescue Veterinary Clinic, a project of the Indraloka Animal Sanctuary along with the NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative, will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, March 2, at 5:00 p.m. at Indraloka Animal Sanctuary in Dalton. The ribbon-cutting ceremony will launch the opening of the NEPA Rescue Veterinary Clinic, which aims to increase access to quality, low-cost veterinary care for animals in the care of 35+ animal welfare organizations across the Northeastern Pennsylvania region that are part of the NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative, including Griffin Pond Animal Shelter, Adopt-a-Boxer, Quigley’s Shelter Pets, and others. What: All members of the media are invited to attend the NEPA Rescue Veterinary Clinic ribbon-cutting ceremony, with the opportunity to tour the new facility and to learn more about this groundbreaking vet clinic, which is the only one of its kind in the area. When: Thursday, March 2, 5:00 pm Where: Indraloka Animal Sanctuary (336 Oak Dr, Dalton, PA 18414) The Clinic will be led by Dr. Leslie Interlandi, DVM, a rescue medicine specialist and resident veterinarian at Indraloka. “The NEPA Rescue Veterinary Clinic was designed to address the incredible veterinary shortage in our area, which has only worsened following COVID-19, and which has made accessing veterinary appointments difficult for local shelters and rescues,” stated Laura Ducceschi, President & CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation, which houses the NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative. The NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative is a collective of animal shelters, rescues, advocates, and sanctuaries in the region that have come together to advance various causes in animal welfare and to increase the collective resources available to these agencies. Its mission is to work on initiatives aimed at ensuring animals in Northeastern Pennsylvania achieve a happy and healthy life—free from abuse and neglect. The Scranton Area Community Foundation serves as the convener of the NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative, which aims to bring together individuals, shelter and rescue groups who are working together to help solve challenges for the benefit of people and animals in NEPA. The NEPA Rescue Veterinary Clinic is supported by the NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative and grant funding from the Robert H. Spitz Foundation, the Scranton Area Community Foundation, and other regional funders. Indraloka Animal Sanctuary rescues animals from the most desperate circumstances. “They all need immediate emergency vet care. Getting that care has proven to be one of the most difficult aspects of running a sanctuary,” stated Indra Lahiri, Founder of the Indraloka Animal Sanctuary. “Dog and cat rescues also struggle to get rescued animals the particular care they need,” she added. “The NEPA Rescue Veterinary Clinic aims to provide high-quality, low-cost emergency vet care quickly.” The NEPA Rescue Veterinary Clinic offers services to 501(c)3 rescues, shelters, and sanctuaries located in Northeastern Pennsylvania that are part of the NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative. To become involved with the NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative, contact the Scranton Area Community Foundation at awc@safdn.org.
RailRiders University Community Series Begins April 5 Annual series puts local high school and special needs teams on PNC Field 13 times this year.The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders are pleased to announce the schedule for the seventh annual RailRiders University Community Series, presented by Geisinger. Each year, the RailRiders welcome local high school and special needs teams onto PNC Field to showcase their talents. 2023 RailRiders University Community SeriesDate Time Game Details April 5 4:30 P.M. Wyoming Seminary High School vs. Holy Redeemer High SchoolDoubleheader A battle of first-year head coaches starts the schedule when Kyle Ofier and the Blue Knights take on Ryan Knowles and the Royals.Riverside High School vs. Holy Cross High SchoolRailRiders University instructor Sean Hughes leads the Vikings against the defending District 2 Champion Crusaders, led by Sandy Menichetti. April 6 4:30 P.M. Hanover Area High School vs. Greater Nanticoke High SchoolEric Spencer’s Trojans and Todd Kolbicka’s Hawkeyes return to PNC Field. April 10 3:00 P.M. Western Wayne High School vs. Mid Valley High SchoolWildcats John Bonyl takes on RRU instructor Ryan Kropa’s Spartans. April 17 4:30 P.M. Delaware Valley High School vs. North Pocono High SchoolRRU instructor Brian Jardine and the Trojans host Sean Gilbin and the Warriors, who are making their PNC Field debut. April 21 4:30 P.M. Panther Valley High School vs. Abington Heights High SchoolThe Comets and RRU’s Billy Zalewski, host the Panthers from District 11.April 24 4:30 P.M. West Scranton High School vs. Scranton High School Jamie Higgins, a RRU instructor, and the Knights host Brian Minnich and the Invaders in this classic rivalry match-up.Triple-A Affiliate of theScranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRidersPNC Field 235 Montage Mountain Road Moosic, PA 18507 570-969-2255 www.swbrailriders.commedia advisoryApril 28 4:30 P.M. Blue Ridge High School vs. Mid Valley High SchoolThe Spartans host coach Rob Dibble and the Raiders. May 1 4:30 P.M. Valley View High School vs. Abington Heights High SchoolAnother great rivalry game that pits the Cougars, led by Jason Munley, against the Comets. May 7 TBD Crestwood High School vs. Dallas High SchoolAfter the RailRiders host the Rochester Red Wings, Sean Foley’s Comets and Mike Viglione’s Mountaineers wrap our Community Series with a rivalry clash. There is no parking or admission fee for any of the 2023 RailRiders University Community Series games.The RailRiders are also proud to host the Wyoming Valley Challenger League as part of the Community Series on June 11, 25 and July 9. RailRiders University will host three camps this summer – June 27-29, July 25-27 and August 15-17. Save the dates now and be sure to book your six to 14 year-old once registration begins. Contact Robby Judge at (570) 558-4612 or rjudge@swbrailriders.com for additional information.The 2023 RailRiders University Community Series is presented by Geisinger as part of their continued commitment to Northeastern Pennsylvania. For more information, please contact the RailRiders front office at(570) 969-BALL.
