The University of Scranton Events March Events at The University of Scranton Through Mar. 10 Art Exhibit: “ANew Understanding: Paintings by Travis Prince.” Hope Horn Gallery, Hyland Hall. Free during gallery hours. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu. Mar. 3-5 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. Performance: “Little Women; the Broadway Musical” music by Jason Howland, lyrics by Mindi Dickstein, book by Allan Knee presented by The University of Scranton Players. McDade Center for Literary and Performing Arts. Ticket prices vary. Call 570-941-4318 or email players@scranton.edu. Mar. 4 Following 8 p.m. performance: Talk Back immediately after the performance of “Little Women; the Broadway Musical” by The University of Scranton Players as part of the University’s year-long “Celebrating Women: 50th Anniversary of Coeducation” series of events. McDade Center for Literary and Performing Arts. Ticket prices vary. Call 570-941-4318 or email players@scranton.edu. Mar. 5 7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert” featuring The University of Scranton Concert Choir and The Scranton Brass Orchestra. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu. Mar. 7 6 p.m. Salary Negotiations Workshop offered by The University of Scranton’s Career Development Office and the Jane Kopas Women’s Center as part of the University’s year-long “Celebrating Women: 50th Anniversary of Coeducation” series of events. Room 405, The DeNaples Center. Free. Call 570-941-6194 or email jkwc@scranton.edu. Mar. 8 3 p.m. Women of Vision and Courage Award Presentation offered by The University of Scranton’s Jane Kopas Women’s Center as part of the University’s year-long “Celebrating Women: 50th Anniversary of Coeducation” series of events. McIlhenny Ballroom, DeNaples Center. Free. Call 570-941-6194 or email jkwc@scranton.edu. Mar. 13 noon. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Seminar: “The Courage to Care” presented by Carol Rittner, RSM, D.Ed., distinguished professor emerita of Holocaust and Genocide Studies and the Dr. Marsha Raticoff Grossman Professor Emerita of Holocaust Studies at Stockton University, New Jersey. The luncheon is part of the University’s year-long “Celebrating Women: 50th Anniversary of Coeducation” series of events. Rose Room, Brennan Hall. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email brooke.leonard@scranton.edu. Mar. 20 through Apr. 14 Art Exhibit: “Post COVID: Art by Students for the Scranton School District.” Hope Horn Gallery, Hyland Hall. Free during gallery hours. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu. Mar. 23 11:45 a.m. Community-Based Learning Talk “Environmental Health” presented by Tonyehn Verkitus. McIlhenny Ballroom, DeNaples Center. Free. Call 570-941-4419 or email community@scranton.edu. Mar. 24 5 p.m. Art Gallery Lecture: “Post COVID: Art by Students for the Scranton School District” presented by Darlene Miller-Lanning. Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Free. Reception to follow at the Hope Horn Gallery. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu. Mar. 25 9 a.m. Preview Day for accepted students to The University of Scranton’s class of 2027. Various locations on campus. Call 570-941-7540 or email admissions@scranton.edu. Mar. 28 noon. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Seminar: “A Foreigner Called Picasso” presented by Annie Cohen-Solal, writer and social historian, distinguished professor at Bocconi University, Milan, Italy. Rose Room, Brennan Hall. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email brooke.leonard@scranton.edu. Mar. 29 5:30 p.m. Schemel Forum with Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Collaborative Program: “Mozart: The Mind and Music of a Genius” presented by Richard Kogan, M.D., professor of psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medical College and artistic director, Weill Cornell Music and Medicine Program. Sordoni Theater, WVIA Public Media Studies. Reception to follow. Registration required. $35 per person. Call 570-941-4740 or email brooke.leonard@scranton.edu. Mar. 29 7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “General Recital” featuring flute choir, percussion ensemble, steel drums and more. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu. Mar. 29 7:30 p.m. Office of Sustainability film and panel discussion “The Seeds of Vandana Shiva.” Moskovitz Theater, DeNaples Center. Free. Call 570-941-7520 or email mark.murphy@scranton.edu. Mar. 30 5 p.m. 26th Annual ACHE Healthcare Symposium: “Bedside and Administration: A Strategic Alliance.” McIlhenny Ballroom, DeNaples Center. Registration required. Includes dinner, presentation and panel discussion. Fees vary. Call 570-709-9892 or email scarlet.alexander@scranton.edu. The University of Scranton to Offer Free Masterclass and Concert On Sunday, Feb. 19, at 7:30 p.m., Performance Music at The University of Scranton will present a concert featuring The University of Scranton Jazz Band with special guest guitarist and vocalist Matt Munisteri. The 7:30 p.m. concert will take place in the Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue. Munisteri will also offer a free guitar masterclass in the afternoon before the concert, please email music@scranton.edu for more information. According to Performance Music directors Cheryl Y. Boga and Philip J. Kuehn, the concert will feature a variety of songs about love and heartbreak, in a nod to the concert’s proximity to Valentines’ Day. Munisteri and the Jazz Band will combine to perform a number of songs together, and there will be several solo pieces during the concert featuring only Munisteri. A multi-faceted musician, Munisteri is the sparkling guitarist on several chart-topping jazz CDs. He is a critically lauded songwriter and nimble lyricist, an urban banjo-warrior, a selfless and devoted sideman, a wry-yet-honest singer, an engaging and winning front-man, and an arranger whose ear-pulling re-inventions of well-traveled songs have contributed to Grammy winning CDs for artists such as Loudon Wainwright and Catherine Russell. Munisteri’s debut CD “Love Story” from 2003 wound up on several critic’s “Best Of” lists, and garnered the number two slot on Amazon’s Top Ten Jazz CDs of The Year. A formidable lyricist, his literate songs have been compared to Randy Newman, Mose Allison and Bob Dorough. Munisteri has been featured on France’s ARTE television, profiled in Downbeat magazine, honored with Acoustic Guitar Magazine’s Editor’s Choice award, and has been the subject of several broadcasts on NPR. When not working on his own projects, his primary sideman gigs for the last few years have been playing with violinist Mark O’Connor’s Hot Swing, Steven Bernstein’s Millennial Territory Orchestra and with the singer Catherine Russell, for whom he also currently serves as Music Director. He also lent a hand to his friend, guitarist Julian Lage, producing Julian’s acclaimed solo guitar debut “Worlds Fair” (2015). The primary focus of Performance Music at The University of Scranton is its student choral and instrumental performing ensembles. There is no music major at the University, and all enrolled Scranton students (undergraduate and graduate) from every major are eligible for membership in the University bands, choirs and string ensembles, with neither an audition nor enrollment fee required for membership. Hundreds of students participate in the ensembles each year, and a number of University faculty, staff and alumni perform with them. Performance Music’s large ensembles include Concert/Symphonic Band, Concert Choir/Singers, String Orchestra and Jazz Band (big band format). Smaller groups are made up of members from within the large ensembles, and include Steel Drum Band, Percussion Ensemble, Flute Ensemble, Trumpet Ensemble and Sax Ensemble, plus other small vocal and instrumental groups in various formats. Solo, duo and trio performance opportunities are available to members of the ensembles through the general recitals offered each semester. Other programs within the department, including guest artist concerts, World Premiere Composition Series, Nelhybel Collection and Scranton Brass Orchestra, closely coordinate programming with the student ensembles and offer unique opportunities for student musicians in the ensembles to hear, observe, interact and perform with numerous world-class musicians and artist-teachers. High school juniors and seniors who are considering applying to Scranton are encouraged to contact Performance Music to arrange to sit in on a rehearsal, meet the staff, attend a concert or tour the building. For further information on the concert, call 570-941-7624, email music@scranton.edu or visit scranton.edu/music. Please check Performance Music’s website, within 24 hours of the concert for information regarding venue requirements for audiences, as policies regarding campus health and safety may change throughout the season. For further information about Munisteri, visit mattmunisteri.com.
Clarks Summit University to Host Lunch & Learn Event Learn from Dr. Crawford Loritts in this resource event presented by Clarks Summit University and Baptist Bible Seminary. Click here to register today! Expand Your Godly Leadership Skills God has called His people to lead in different ways and various settings. No matter where you are leading, you can put four basic concepts into practice to become a more effective, godly leader. Learn from national speaker Dr. Crawford Loritts about the characteristics of brokenness, communion, servanthood andobedience. At the Lunch & Learn Leadership event at Clarks Summit University, Loritts will examine each counter-cultural trait and help you understand a truly biblical view on leadership. His sessions are based on his insightful book, “Leadership as an Identity: The Four Traits of Those Who Wield Lasting Influence.” Details: March 30, 2023Recreation Center Room 209Clarks Summit University538 Venard Road, Clarks Summit, PA $25 per person includes breakfast, Chick-fil-A lunch, three main sessions plus Q&A time.Due to limited seating, registration is required and early registration is encouraged. The first 50 people to register will receive the complementary gift of Loritts’ book: “Leadership as an Identity.” Register today! Schedule: 8:30 a.m. Registration/Continental Breakfast9 a.m. Session 1: Brokenness10 a.m. Session 2: Communion (combined session with CSU students)11 a.m. Session 3: Servanthood & ObedienceNoon Lunch: Chick-fil-A; Q&A time with Dr. Crawford Loritts Meet National Speaker: Dr. Crawford Loritts Loritts speaks at conferences, universities, churches and evangelistic outreaches across the nation and other parts of the world. He’s been the featured speaker at Super Bowls, NCAA Final Four Chapel and the Pentagon. President and founder of “Beyond our Generation,” he is committed to helping shape the next generation of Christian leaders. Loritts has been a church planter, pastor and on staff of Campus Crusade for Christ. He serves on several boards including CRU, FamilyLife and Chick-fil-A. The author of nine books and host of two national radio programs has received five honorary doctorates. The New Jersey native trusted Christ as his Savior when he was a teenager. He met his wife in college; they’ve been married since 1971.
Tobyhanna Army Depot Takes on Mission When it comes to making a world class business operate efficiently, good teamwork is essential. Never has this been truer than when talking about one of Tobyhanna Army Depot’s newest workloads — installation kits for the Stryker Brigade Combat Team, or SBCT. The SBCT is a mechanized infantry force structured around the Stryker, a family of eight-wheeled armored fighting vehicles equipped with both four and all-wheel drive. SBCTs serve as a stopgap measure between the U.S. Army’s light mobile infantry units and heavier armored units. Tobyhanna’s support of the SBCT installation kits is the epitome of a cross-functional effort. The work spans multiple different teams across the depot to ensure its completion. Hands-on work is expertly handled by artisans in the Systems Integration and Support Directorate, who fabricate cables and bracketry. Logistics support for the kitting effort and project management skills are provided by the Production Management Directorate, while engineering support comes from the Production Engineering Directorate. A short turnaround window makes the diverse mission even more complex. While the dynamic mission was certainly a challenge, Team Tobyhanna was ready, willing, and able to take it on. Before even beginning to work on certain components to Stryker, depot artisans were required to obtain numerous unique certifications. There were also challenges working with new metals and crafting cables compatible with the Stryker system. Depending on the vehicle type and the role it is serving, there are up to 18 different Stryker installation kits that can be configured. Despite these many hurdles, the team behind the project has managed to reduce turnaround time by approximately 50%. Electronics Technician Blake Small is one piece of this large puzzle. He said that even though the team knew it was a challenge, he was confident in their ability to complete whatever was thrown at them. “The workload presented to us at Tobyhanna to support the Second Cavalry Regiment Stryker integration effort was no easy task. Thankfully, we have a diverse and knowledgeable workforce willing to accept the challenge and execute beyond our customer’s expectations,” said Small. “The SBCT was tremendously impressed with the quality and workmanship of the products Tobyhanna delivered. They even commented on the preservation of product and how components were packaged to mitigate damage through shipping.” Small works in the Production Engineering Directorate’s Communications Engineering Branch. Small added that the quality of Team Tobyhanna’s effort plays a big part in the successful completion of the work. “This was truly a great team effort. Starting with leadership addressing concerns and adjusting focus where needed which, in turn, conveyed down to the skilled laborers taking each task head on,” said Small. “It goes to show, Team Tobyhanna can achieve great tasks when challenged.” Jesse Tutino, chief of the Systems Integration and Support Directorate’s Preproduction & Development Branch agreed. “We all collaborated and cooperated to overcome a monumental challenge to deliver quality cables for the SBCT kits on time. We pooled our resources to work through some difficult situations, showing our resilience and ability to adapt in the face of adversity. I am proud to be a part of this team.” Support for the SBCT installation kits is directly aligned with Tobyhanna’s long-range strategic plan, TOBY2035 — specifically the C5ISR Readiness line of effort. Additional focus areas for the plan include investing in our people, shaping the future and strategic communications. TOBY2035 aims to posture the depot for success in the coming years as the Department of Defense’s premier worldwide C5ISR readiness provider. 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, 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.
Voodoo Brewery to Host Comedy Show Get ready for a wild night of laughs with Zane Lamprey Host of the worlds best drinking shows (Three Sheets, Drinking Made Easy, Chug, and Four Sheets) as he hits the stage at Voodoo Scranton on Tuesday February 21st! Don’t miss your chance to see Zane as he embarks on SKI PATROL which is his 3rd Stand-Up comedy tour at breweries across the country and prepares for his next Amazon Prime Special!Tickets are limited so be sure to get yours while they last—For a great night of comedy in the Electric CityGet tickets at Zanelamprey.com6:30 VIP Doors7:00 VIP Q&A7:30 General Admission Doors8:00 SHOWTIME Zane’s TENDER LOOKS special is currently on Amazon Prime!
Marion Munley Speaks at Conference Munley Law is pleased to announce that Marion Munley spoke at the Sidney T. Marable Arizona Association for Justice Annual Conference – 2022. She spoke on the topic, “Persuading the Butchers, Bakers, and Candlestick Makers: Using Liability and Lay Witnesses to Prove Damage.”A champion of victims’ rights and the civil justice system for over 25 years, Marion is known for her compassionate approach to representing the catastrophically injured and her tireless devotion to her clients and their families. Triple Board Certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy in Civil Trial, Civil Practice, and Truck Law, Marion has earned an AV-Preeminent designation from Martindale-Hubbell, the industry’s highest ethical and client satisfaction rating. A leader in the legal community, Marion is an active member of the American Association for Justince (AAJ) and currently serves on the AAJ Board of Governors and on its Executive Committee. She was the first woman to become Chair of the AAJ Trucking Litigation Group in 2018 and is a past chair of the AAJ’s Women Trial Lawyers Caucus. Marion is the second woman in Pennsylvania to become Board Certified as a Civil Trial Advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Among her other professional affiliations are the American Board of Trial Advocates, the International Society of Barristers, and the Summit Council, an exclusive group of todays top civil justice attorneys committed to the highest levels of trial advocacy, to obtaining justice for individuals and families who have been hurt by corporate wrongdoing, and to the protection of the civil justice system. Listed in The Best Lawyers in America® since 2012, Marion has been named the 2022 “Lawyer of the Year” for Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Last year, she was recognized as Best Lawyers® 2021 “Lawyer of the Year” for Personal Injury-Plaintiffs for the Allentown metro area. Marion has also been selected to the list of Pennsylvania Super Lawyers for the last 18 years and has been consistently recognized as one of the “top 50 Women Lawyers in Pennsylvania” in Super Lawyers Magazine. A graduate of Temple University School of Law (J.D., 1986), Marion received her undergraduate degree from the University of Scranton in 1983.
Pennsylvania Treasurer News Treasurer Stacy Garrity Wants to Make Sunday’s Big Game Even More Super for Pennsylvanians with Unclaimed Property To celebrate the Philadelphia Eagles earning a spot in Sunday’s big game, Treasurer Stacy Garrity said today that more than $35.3 million is owed to 282,595 Pennsylvanians and Philadelphia sports fans alike with a name or business name that includes the words Jalen, Hurts, Jason, Kelce, Haason, Reddick, DeVonta, Smith, Eagles, Fly, Super, or Bowl. “I’m one of the millions of fans rooting for the Eagles to win on Sunday – and I’m also rooting for Pennsylvanians to claim property that rightfully belongs to them,” Garrity said. “One of my top priorities as Pennsylvania’s Treasurer is to help the residents of our great state score touchdown after touchdown when it comes to unclaimed property. I encourage everyone to search for unclaimed property this weekend. It can be done so fast online that you won’t even miss the commercials!” Unclaimed property includes things like dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, forgotten stocks, insurance policies, tangible property like the contents of abandoned safe deposit boxes, and more. State law requires businesses to report unclaimed property to Treasury after three years of dormancy. Last year, Treasury returned more than $211 million to Pennsylvanians, the most returned in a calendar year since 2018 – also the last time the Eagles brought home the Lombardi Trophy. In total, Treasury is currently seeking the owners of more than $4 billion in unclaimed property. One in ten Pennsylvanians is owed unclaimed property, and the average value of a claim is $1,600. To learn more about unclaimed property or to search Treasury’s database, visit patreasury.gov/unclaimed-property. Media Contact:Samantha Heckel, Press Secretary, 717-418-0206 or sheckel@patreasury.gov Treasurer Stacy Garrity Announces Return of More Than $60,000 in Unclaimed Property to Lackawanna County Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity and Lackawanna County officials announced today that more than $60,000 in unclaimed property has been returned to Lackawanna County. “It’s exciting to get this money back where it belongs – to benefit the residents of Lackawanna County,” Treasurer Garrity said. “As long as I serve as Pennsylvania’s treasurer, I will work with our team to return property to its rightful owners, no matter how long it has been unclaimed – and regardless of whether it’s valued at a few dollars or thousands of dollars. I encourage everyone to search our online database to see if they, their loved ones or their government or business entity may be owed some of the more than $4 billion in unclaimed property safeguarded by Treasury.” “The Lackawanna County Controller’s Office appreciates the assistance of Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity and her staff in facilitating the process of returning $60,436.61 of unclaimed property back to Lackawanna County where it will now benefit county taxpayers,” Lackawanna County Controller Gary DiBileo said. “In times like this, every dollar counts,” Lackawanna County Commissioner Chris Chermak said. “Having this unclaimed property returned to our county is great news for taxpayers, and I will work to ensure that it’s put to good use. I thank Treasurer Garrity and her team for working with Lackawanna County to get this money back where it belongs – and I encourage everyone to search and see if there’s any unclaimed property waiting for you.” The $60,436.61 returned to Lackawanna County included 111 individual properties ranging in value from $0.01 to $21,151.89. The oldest property dates back to 1985, while the most recent is from 2019. Properties returned include accounts payable checks, claims payments checks, cashier’s checks, court deposits, and other forms of unclaimed property. How the funds are spent will be determined by county officials. Treasurer Garrity has returned nearly $7 million to 43 local governments, including counties and municipalities, since taking office. Treasury is working to return more than $4 billion in unclaimed property to its rightful owners. About one in ten Pennsylvanians is owed unclaimed property, and the average claim is worth nearly $1,600. Unclaimed property can include dormant bank accounts, claims payments, accounts payable, uncashed checks, insurance policies, contents of forgotten safe deposit boxes and more. State law requires businesses to report unclaimed property to Treasury after three years of dormancy. To learn more about unclaimed property or to search Treasury’s database, visit patreasury.gov/unclaimed-property. Media contact: Samantha Heckel, Press Secretary (Treasury), 717-418-0206 or sheckel@patreasury.gov Gary DiBieleo, Controller (Lackawanna County), 570-963-6726 or dibileog@lackawannacounty.org Treasury Announces Transition to New Unemployment Compensation Prepaid Debit Card Provider The Pennsylvania Treasury Department today announced the beginning of a transition period to a new prepaid debit card provider for Unemployment Compensation (UC) and State Workers’ Insurance Fund (SWIF) claimants. Claimants of both programs are strongly encouraged to verify that they have their correct mailing address on file with the Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) to ensure all mailings reach them in a timely manner. Claimants can also change their payment method to direct deposit by visiting L&I’s website. Money Network prepaid debit cards, issued by My Banking Direct, will replace U.S. Bank ReliaCards® currently in use. Beginning on or about March 6, 2023, the Money Network prepaid debit cards will be mailed to UC/SWIF recipients who receive benefit payments via prepaid debit card. The new card will arrive in a plain white envelope with an Omaha, Nebraska, return address. Recipients should be sure to remove the card before discarding this envelope. Here are images of the new Money Network prepaid debit card (left) and the U.S. Bank ReliaCard® (right): Here’s the anticipated timeline of the transition to Money Network prepaid debit cards: Starting February 17, 2023: New UC/SWIF claimants who request payment by prepaid debit card will be enrolled with Money Network. February 17, 2023, through approximately March 20, 2023: Anyone filing a claim during this timeframe will likely receive one or more benefit payments via check issued by the Pennsylvania Treasury Department and mailed to the address on record with L&I. February 28, 2023: The last day UC/SWIF benefit payments will be loaded to ReliaCards. March 1, 2023, through March 23, 2023: Anyone who received benefit payments via a ReliaCard prior to March 1, 2023, will receive payments during this period via check issued by the Pennsylvania Treasury Department and mailed to the address on record with L&I. Beginning March 6, 2023: Money Network prepaid debit cards will be sent via U.S. mail to UC/SWIF claimants who request payment by prepaid debit card. Beginning March 24, 2023: All UC benefit payments made via prepaid debit card will be loaded onto Money Network prepaid debit cards. Claimants should note that any remaining balances on U.S. Bank ReliaCards® will not transfer to the new Money Network prepaid debit cards. Those with remaining funds on U.S. Bank ReliaCards® should continue to use the card until it reaches a zero ($0.00) balance. Remaining funds can also be transferred to a personal savings or checking account. While the number of people affected by this change will vary depending on the number of claims, approximately 47,000 claimants statewide will receive Money Network prepaid debit cards by the end of March. Nearly all of those will be recipients of UC benefits; the number of SWIF benefit recipients affected by the change is estimated to be fewer than 20. Treasury makes no determinations regarding UC and SWIF eligibility or benefit payment amounts. All questions regarding program eligibility and payment amounts should be directed to L&I. For more information on the transition to new Money Network prepaid debit cards visit Treasury’s webpage about the transition, Treasury’s FAQ, and L&I’s UC website. In 2022, as Treasury’s contract with U.S. Bank for the ReliaCard was coming to an end, Money Network was selected as the successful bidder to provide debit card services to the UC program following an extensive and open competitive procurement process. Money Network Financial, LLC, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fiserv, headquartered in Brookfield, Wisconsin. The Money Network prepaid debit card is issued by My Banking Direct, a service of New York Community Bank. Claimants with questions can email UCDtreasuryweb@patreasury.gov or call 877-869-1956. Media contact: Samantha Heckel, Press Secretary, 717-418-0206 or sheckel@patreasury.gov
Valley In Motion to Hold 5K Registration is NOW OPEN for the Valley in Motions 5K The race starts at 1pm on Saturday, May 6 and ends with a block party in front of the Backyard Ale House in downtown Scranton. Sign up here. We’ve had a few people register already, including a woman from Idaho. Good news travels fast!We made a couple changes based on feedback last year. We made the walk shorter, adding hydration and a couple Office-themed activities to keep you going. And we’re adding a new turn to make sure runners can’t miss the Dwight Schrute Mural. Relive last year’s race with these photos or the race results. If you have your own photos, load them onto our Facebook post and drum up some excitement. Let’s get some exercise, have some fun, and make new memories!
SBA Annoucnes Loans Available in Eastern Pennsylvania The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced today that Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) are available in eastern Pennsylvania for small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private nonprofit organizations affected by drought from June 1 through Sept. 4, 2022. The declaration includes the primary counties of Carbon, Lehigh, Monroe, and Northampton in Pennsylvania; and the adjacent counties of Berks, Bucks, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Montgomery, Pike, Schuylkill, and Wayne in Pennsylvania; and Sussex and Warren in New Jersey.“When the Secretary of Agriculture issues a disaster declaration to help farmers recover from damages and losses to crops, the Small Business Administration issues a declaration to eligible entities, affected by the same disaster,” said Kem Fleming, director of SBA’s Field Operations Center East. Under this declaration, the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program is available to eligible farm-related and nonfarm-related entities that suffered financial losses as a direct result of this disaster. Apart from aquaculture enterprises, SBA cannot provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers or ranchers. Nurseries are eligible to apply for economic injury disaster loans for losses caused by drought conditions.The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates of 2.935 percent for small businesses and 1.875 percent for private nonprofit organizations, with terms up to 30 years. These working capital loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that could have been paid had the disaster not occurred. The loans are not intended to replace lost sales or profits. Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela/s/ and should apply under SBA declaration # 17774.Disaster loan information and application forms can also be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (if you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services) or sending an email to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov. Loan applications can also be downloaded from sba.gov/disaster. Completed applications should be mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.Submit completed loan applications to SBA no later than Oct. 2, 2023. Working capital loans to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, and small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes meet their ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of the disaster. These loans are intended to assist through the disaster recovery period.Credit Requirements:• Credit History – Applicants must have a credit history acceptable to SBA.• Repayment – Applicants must show the ability to repay the loan.• Collateral – Collateral is required for all EIDL loans over $25,000. SBA takes real estate as collateral when it is available. SBA will not decline a loan for lack of collateral, but SBA will require the borrower to pledge collateral that is available.Interest Rates:The interest rate is determined by formulas set by law and is fixed for the life of the loan. The maximum interest rate for this program is 2.935 percent.Loan Terms:The law authorizes loan terms up to a maximum of 30 years. SBA will determine an appropriate installment payment based on the financial condition of each borrower, which in turn will determine the loan term. Loan Amount Limit:The law limits EIDLs to $2,000,000 for alleviating economic injury caused by the disaster. The actual amount of each loan is limited to the economic injury determined by SBA, less business interruption insurance, and other recoveries up to the administrative lending limit. SBA also considers potential contributions that are available from the business and/or its owner(s) or affiliates. If a business is a major source of employment, SBA has the authority to waive the $2,000,000 statutory limit.Loan Eligibility Restrictions:• The applicant business must be located in the declared disaster area.• Only uninsured or otherwise uncompensated disaster losses are eligible.• The economic injury must have been the direct result of the declared disaster.• Nurseries are only eligible for economic injury caused by declared drought disasters.• By law, agricultural enterprises such as farmers and ranchers are not eligible for any type of SBA assistance.• Applicants who have not complied with the terms of previous SBA loans are not eligible. This includes borrowers who did not maintain flood and/or hazard insurance on previous SBA loans.• Loan assistance is available only to the extent the business and its owners cannot meet necessary financial obligations due to the disaster. This determination is made by SBA.Date: 02/02/2023Note: Loan applicants should check with agencies / organizations administering any grant or other assistance program under this declaration to determine how an approval of SBA disaster loan might affect their eligibility. Refinancing:Economic injury disaster loans cannot be used to refinance long term debts.Insurance Requirements:To protect each borrower and the Agency, SBA may require you to obtain and maintain appropriate insurance. By law, borrowers whose damaged or collateral property is located in a special flood hazard area must purchase and maintain flood insurance. SBA requires that flood insurance coverage be the lesser of 1) the total of the disaster loan, 2) the insurable value of the property, or 3) the maximum insurance available. Completing the SBA Loan Application:The application asks for the same information about the business and its principal owners that are generally required for a bank loan. If you need help, SBA personnel will explain the forms and give you assistance at no charge. You may use the services of accountants, attorneys, or other representatives at your own expense, if you wish. Use of a representative and the fees they charged must be listed on your loan application.Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information, and download applications at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services. Completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.
The University of Scranton News The University of Scranton Celebrates Black History Month The University of Scranton’s Multicultural Center, the Office of Community Engagement and Government Relations, the Weinberg Memorial Library, the Hope Horn Art Gallery, the Louis Stanley Brown Black Student Union and other organizations have planned a number of events for Black History Month at venues on- and off-campus. “As many have said, African-American and Black history is American history,” said Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president, in a Black History Month message to the University community. “The historic and ongoing resistance to racial injustice that Black people have undertaken has made the United States more just, more equal, and more democratic in ways that have changed our country forever for the better.” On Wednesday, Feb. 1, the University will light its Class of 2020 Gateway sign in red, yellow and green for Black History Month. The sign will feature these colors on Saturday evenings in February. The Multicultural Center will sponsor a table sit on the second floor of the DeNaples Center titled “MC Awareness Month Table Sit: Black Resistance.” The table sit begins at 11 a.m. Also on Feb. 1, the University’s will begin its Black History Month Film Series with the screening of “Moonlight,” which won the 2017 Academy Award for Best Picture. Presented by the Weinberg Memorial Library and the Louis Stanley Brown Black Student Union, the films will be shown at 7 p.m. free of charge on Wednesdays in February in the Moskovitz Theater of the DeNaples Center. Other films planned for the Black History Month Film Series are: “Blackkklansman,” the 2018 Academy-award winning film directed by Spike Lee, on Feb. 8; “Whose Streets?,” a documentary about how the police killing of Mike Brown inspired a global movement, on Feb. 15; and the documentary “Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975,” on Feb. 22. The series will conclude with the screening of “Sparkle,” a musical film inspired by The Supremes, on Tuesday, Feb. 28, at 7 p.m. On Friday, Feb. 3, the University’s Hope Horn Art Gallery will host a lecture by artist Travis Prince about the exhibition of his work titled “A New Understanding: Paintings by Travis Prince.” The lecture will take place at 5 p.m. in the Pearn Auditorium of Brennan Hall, followed by an opening reception of his work in the Hope Horn Gallery, Hyland Hall. Prince’s work will be on display during gallery hours through March 10. The exhibit and lecture are free of charge. On Thursday, Feb. 9, the University will host a Community-Based Learning Talk, titled “Black History and Housing in Scranton,” by Glynis Johns, CEO and founder of the Black Scranton Project. The event is part of the “Scranton’s Story, Our Nation’s Story” project, a National Endowment for the Humanities funded initiative led by the University and community organizations. The talk, offered free of charge, beings at 6 p.m. in the Moskovitz Theater of the DeNaples Center. Registration is required to attend and can be made at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CBL23BlackHistoryHousing Also as part of “Scranton’s Story, Our Nation’s Story” project, a Black History PBS Film Series will be screened on three Sundays in February. The first film of the series, “Harriet Tubman: Visions of Freedom,” will be shown at 3 p.m. on Feb. 5 at the Black Scranton Project Center for Arts and Culture, 1902 North Main Avenue. The film “Becoming Frederick Douglass” will be shown at 3 p.m. on Feb. 19, also at Black Scranton Project Center for Arts and Culture. The series will conclude with the showing of “Jim Crow of the North” at 3 p.m. on Feb. 26 at the Moskovitz Theater of the DeNaples Center. The files are presented free of charge. Registration is required to attend and can be made by emailing info@blackscranton.org or by calling 570-941-4419. In addition, the Multicultural Center will also host a trivia night for students the evening of Feb. 7, and is planning additional events for later in the month, including a grand opening ceremony for the Center’s newly-renovated location on the first-floor of the DeNaples Center. The University also launched a progress update webpage for its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategic Plan, to inform the University community of the ongoing work accomplished regarding this initiative. For additional information about the University’s Black History Month events and learning opportunities, contact the Multicultural Center at 570-941-5904 or multicultural@scranton.edu. 2023 Earth Day Essay Contest Set for Area Students Area students in grades 5 to 12 can participate in The University of Scranton’s Earth Day Essay Contest 2023. The contest is offered free of charge. This year’s essay theme is “The People’s Planet, Climate Justice,” a celebration of our shared global community and how we may all contribute to make it a better one. Topics students can write about include Conservation, recycling, bees, access to healthy eating, factory farming, renewable energy, eliminating single use containers, gardening, public transportation, community, family, vertical planting and plant-based meals, among other subjects. Essays for students in grades five and six must be between 200 to 400 words. Essays for students in grades seven and eight must be between 300 to 500 words. Essays for students in grades nine to 12 must be between 500 to 700 words. Electronic submissions must be sent to susan.falbo@scranton.edu on or before Monday, April 3. Mail-in entries must be postmarked on or by April 1 to be considered and can be sent to: The University of Scranton, Office of Sustainability, Smurfit Arts Center, 445 Madison Avenue, Scranton, PA 18510, Attn: Earth Day Essay Contest. Visit the Sustainability & Energy Management Department section of the University’s facilities management page, then scroll down to locate the contest guidelines, complete submission rules and details. Winners of the Earth Day Essay Contest will be announced by the University’s Sustainability Office and student Sustainability and Conservation Society at an Evening of Environmental Science program for participants and their families and teachers on Thursday, April 20, 2022, beginning at 5:30 p.m., in the atrium of the Loyola Science Center on campus. University of Success Now Accepting Applications he University of Scranton’s University of Success, a four-year pre-college mentorship program, is now accepting applications for the upcoming 2023 academic year that begins this summer. Students who are currently in the eighth grade are eligible to apply. The University of Success is an academic and enrichment program funded entirely by corporate and foundations grants, so there is no charge to students and their families. The program’s goal is to assist first generation bound students to successfully complete high school and gain entrance into a college or university. Accepted students will begin the program with a two-week residential summer academy which will be held on the campus of The University of Scranton from July 9 to 21. Upon completion of the summer program, the students will continue to meet for enrichment sessions throughout their high school career. The deadline for submission of applications is Saturday, April 1, 2023. Applications may be obtained by emailing Margaret Loughney, University of Success program director, at margaret.loughney@scranton.edu. Applications may also be obtained online at The University of Success web site. The University of Scranton to Offer Free Masterclass and Concert On Sunday, Feb. 19, at 7:30 p.m., Performance Music at The University of Scranton will present a concert featuring The University of Scranton Jazz Band with special guest guitarist and vocalist Matt Munisteri. The 7:30 p.m. concert will take place in the Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue. Munisteri will also offer a free guitar masterclass in the afternoon before the concert, please email music@scranton.edu for more information. According to Performance Music directors Cheryl Y. Boga and Philip J. Kuehn, the concert will feature a variety of songs about love and heartbreak, in a nod to the concert’s proximity to Valentines’ Day. Munisteri and the Jazz Band will combine to perform a number of songs together, and there will be several solo pieces during the concert featuring only Munisteri. A multi-faceted musician, Munisteri is the sparkling guitarist on several chart-topping jazz CDs. He is a critically lauded songwriter and nimble lyricist, an urban banjo-warrior, a selfless and devoted sideman, a wry-yet-honest singer, an engaging and winning front-man, and an arranger whose ear-pulling re-inventions of well-traveled songs have contributed to Grammy winning CDs for artists such as Loudon Wainwright and Catherine Russell. Munisteri’s debut CD “Love Story” from 2003 wound up on several critic’s “Best Of” lists, and garnered the number two slot on Amazon’s Top Ten Jazz CDs of The Year. A formidable lyricist, his literate songs have been compared to Randy Newman, Mose Allison and Bob Dorough. Munisteri has been featured on France’s ARTE television, profiled in Downbeat magazine, honored with Acoustic Guitar Magazine’s Editor’s Choice award, and has been the subject of several broadcasts on NPR. When not working on his own projects, his primary sideman gigs for the last few years have been playing with violinist Mark O’Connor’s Hot Swing, Steven Bernstein’s Millennial Territory Orchestra and with the singer Catherine Russell, for whom he also currently serves as Music Director. He also lent a hand to his friend, guitarist Julian Lage, producing Julian’s acclaimed solo guitar debut “Worlds Fair” (2015). The primary focus of Performance Music at The University of Scranton is its student choral and instrumental performing ensembles. There is no music major at the University, and all enrolled Scranton students (undergraduate and graduate) from every major are eligible for membership in the University bands, choirs and string ensembles, with neither an audition nor enrollment fee required for membership. Hundreds of students participate in the ensembles each year, and a number of University faculty, staff and alumni perform with them. Performance Music’s large ensembles include Concert/Symphonic Band, Concert Choir/Singers, String Orchestra and Jazz Band (big band format). Smaller groups are made up of members from within the large ensembles, and include Steel Drum Band, Percussion Ensemble, Flute Ensemble, Trumpet Ensemble and Sax Ensemble, plus other small vocal and instrumental groups in various formats. Solo, duo and trio performance opportunities are available to members of the ensembles through the general recitals offered each semester. Other programs within the department, including guest artist concerts, World Premiere Composition Series, Nelhybel Collection and Scranton Brass Orchestra, closely coordinate programming with the student ensembles and offer unique opportunities for student musicians in the ensembles to hear, observe, interact and perform with numerous world-class musicians and artist-teachers. High school juniors and seniors who are considering applying to Scranton are encouraged to contact Performance Music to arrange to sit in on a rehearsal, meet the staff, attend a concert or tour the building. For further information on the concert, call 570-941-7624, email music@scranton.edu or visit scranton.edu/music. Please check Performance Music’s website, within 24 hours of the concert for information regarding venue requirements for audiences, as policies regarding campus health and safety may change throughout the season. For further information about Munisteri, visit mattmunisteri.com. March Events at The University of Scranton Through Mar. 10 Art Exhibit: “ANew Understanding: Paintings by Travis Prince.” Hope Horn Gallery, Hyland Hall. Free during gallery hours. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu. Mar. 3-5 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. Performance: “Little Women; the Broadway Musical” music by Jason Howland, lyrics by Mindi Dickstein, book by Allan Knee presented by The University of Scranton Players. McDade Center for Literary and Performing Arts. Ticket prices vary. Call 570-941-4318 or email players@scranton.edu. Mar. 4 Following 8 p.m. performance: Talk Back immediately after the performance of “Little Women; the Broadway Musical” by The University of Scranton Players as part of the University’s year-long “Celebrating Women: 50th Anniversary of Coeducation” series of events. McDade Center for Literary and Performing Arts. Ticket prices vary. Call 570-941-4318 or email players@scranton.edu. Mar. 5 7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert” featuring The University of Scranton Concert Choir and The Scranton Brass Orchestra. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu. Mar. 7 6 p.m. Salary Negotiations Workshop offered by The University of Scranton’s Career Development Office and the Jane Kopas Women’s Center as part of the University’s year-long “Celebrating Women: 50th Anniversary of Coeducation” series of events. Room 405, The DeNaples Center. Free. Call 570-941-6194 or email jkwc@scranton.edu. Mar. 8 3 p.m. Women of Vision and Courage Award Presentation offered by The University of Scranton’s Jane Kopas Women’s Center as part of the University’s year-long “Celebrating Women: 50th Anniversary of Coeducation” series of events. McIlhenny Ballroom, DeNaples Center. Free. Call 570-941-6194 or email jkwc@scranton.edu. Mar. 13 noon. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Seminar: “The Courage to Care” presented by Carol Rittner, RSM, D.Ed., distinguished professor emerita of Holocaust and Genocide Studies and the Dr. Marsha Raticoff Grossman Professor Emerita of Holocaust Studies at Stockton University, New Jersey. The luncheon is part of the University’s year-long “Celebrating Women: 50th Anniversary of Coeducation” series of events. Rose Room, Brennan Hall. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email brooke.leonard@scranton.edu. Mar. 20 through Apr. 14 Art Exhibit: “Post COVID: Art by Students for the Scranton School District.” Hope Horn Gallery, Hyland Hall. Free during gallery hours. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu. Mar. 23 11:45 a.m. Community-Based Learning Talk “Environmental Health” presented by Tonyehn Verkitus. McIlhenny Ballroom, DeNaples Center. Free. Call 570-941-4419 or email community@scranton.edu. Mar. 24 5 p.m. Art Gallery Lecture: “Post COVID: Art by Students for the Scranton School District” presented by Darlene Miller-Lanning. Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Free. Reception to follow at the Hope Horn Gallery. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu. Mar. 25 9 a.m. Preview Day for accepted students to The University of Scranton’s class of 2027. Various locations on campus. Call 570-941-7540 or email admissions@scranton.edu. Mar. 28 noon. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Seminar: “A Foreigner Called Picasso” presented by Annie Cohen-Solal, writer and social historian, distinguished professor at Bocconi University, Milan, Italy. Rose Room, Brennan Hall. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email brooke.leonard@scranton.edu. Mar. 29 5:30 p.m. Schemel Forum with Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Collaborative Program: “Mozart: The Mind and Music of a Genius” presented by Richard Kogan, M.D., professor of psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medical College and artistic director, Weill Cornell Music and Medicine Program. Sordoni Theater, WVIA Public Media Studies. Reception to follow. Registration required. $35 per person. Call 570-941-4740 or email brooke.leonard@scranton.edu. Mar. 29 7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “General Recital” featuring flute choir, percussion ensemble, steel drums and more. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu. Mar. 29 7:30 p.m. Office of Sustainability film and panel discussion “The Seeds of Vandana Shiva.” Moskovitz Theater, DeNaples Center. Free. Call 570-941-7520 or email mark.murphy@scranton.edu. Mar. 30 5 p.m. 26th Annual ACHE Healthcare Symposium: “Bedside and Administration: A Strategic Alliance.” McIlhenny Ballroom, DeNaples Center. Registration required. Includes dinner, presentation and panel discussion. Fees vary. Call 570-709-9892 or email scarlet.alexander@scranton.edu.
The Dime Bank Donates to the Women’s Resource Center The Dime Bank is proud to support The Women’s Resource Center (WRC) with a $4,500.00 donation through the PA Department of Community and Economic Development’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program. The WRC is committed to preventing dating and sexual violence in Lackawanna and Susquehanna Counties. Using Safe Dates, an evidence-based dating abuse prevention curriculum, WRC helps middle school and high school students learn about healthy relationships, communication, calming techniques, red flags, and how to help friends. Programs are interactive, age-appropriate, and designed to raise awareness, build skills, change attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors, and empower young people to form healthy relationships with friends, peers, and current or future dating partners. February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month and The Dime Bank’s Carbondale and Steamtown branches are displaying student artwork throughout the month. All in the community are invited to visit the branches to view the artwork. “We are so grateful for The Dime Bank’s support of our Safe Dates Program and letting us display the artwork for Teen Domestic Violence Awareness Month” said Amy E. Everetts, WRC Director of Development. For more information on WRC, visit www.wrcnepa.org.
