PennDOT Announces Regional Innovations Challenge Winner The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) today announced that a team of students from the North Pocono School District, in Lackawanna County has been selected as the PennDOT District 04 winner for its fifth Innovations Challenge. Mentored by Nathan Jones, advisor, North Pocono Trojans Engineering team members include Daniel Pierzchala, Mason Natalini, Aaron Witherite, and Logan Alefantis. Now in its fifth year, the PennDOT Innovations Challenge invites high school students in grades 9-12 to use their problem-solving, creative, and strategic-thinking abilities to solve real-world transportation challenges. The Innovations Challenge aims to not only help students explore actual transportation challenges that PennDOT is facing, but also open their minds to the very real possibility of working for PennDOT after graduation. Since last fall, students have been working hard to solve this year’s challenge. Taking Pennsylvania’s diverse demographics into consideration, this year’s Innovations Challenge asked students to develop a comprehensive and cost-effective public engagement strategy, beyond the current public engagement procedures (outlined in detail in Publication 295) that uses innovative technologies and tools that PennDOT can implement to more effectively engage and connect with all age groups during the transportation planning and project development process. “Public engagement is vital to PennDOT’s transportation planning and project development efforts,” said PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian. “However, it can be challenging to bridge technology and generational gaps to ensure everyone is engaged and involved as we plan for transportation improvements.” The winning regional team’s innovation was Rate-A-Ride. Regional winners will now move on to compete virtually in Harrisburg for the state championship. For this year’s challenge, the Associated Pennsylvania Constructors (APC) and the American Council of Engineering Companies of PA (ACEC/PA) are providing a combined total award of $4,000 to the statewide winning team. For complete Innovations Challenge details, visit http://www.penndot.gov/innovation and click on Innovations Challenge. Follow local PennDOT news on Twitter and like the department on Facebook and Instagram.
Johnson College to Host Boy Scouts’ Merit Badge College Johnson College announced it will host over 150 Scouts during the Northeastern Pennsylvania Council, Boy Scouts of America 23rd annual Merit Badge College on Saturday, March 19, 2022, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on its campus in Scranton, PA. Merit Badge College is a special advancement program available to all Northeastern Pennsylvania Scouts holding a rank of 1st class or above. Through the pre-registration process, scouts enrolled in one to four courses from a slate of nearly 25 different Merit Badge offerings, such as Automotive Maintenance, Electronics, Chemistry, Energy, Digital Technology, Woodwork, Citizenship, Dog Care, Business, Veterinary Medicine, and many more. The classes vary from 2 to 6 hours in length. They are facilitated by volunteers from Johnson College’s faculty, staff, and Boy Scout Leaders selected based on being accomplished professionals or experts in the specific field. Merit Badges are earned by Scouts only through the completion of designated prerequisites, active participation, and demonstrated knowledge of the specific material. This event helps Scouts gain understanding and make progress in their Scouting advancement. It also affords opportunities to meet other Scouts and adults throughout the area and get a real taste of a collegiate atmosphere. “By offering our Scouts the chance to earn multiple merit badges for rank advancement, Merit Badge College remains an essential part of the Scouting advancement program,” Dr. Larry Morton of the Boy Scout’s Executive Board and the Council Advancement Chair.
Women’s History Month Events at Penn State Scranton Penn State student organizations and units at campuses across the commonwealth will be holding events in honor of National Women’s History Month, and Penn State Scranton is joining in the effort with a weeklong slate of events, many of which are free and open to the public. According to the National Women’s History Alliance, the theme of National Women’s History Month this year is “Women Providing Healing, Promoting Hope,” which is both a tribute to the ceaseless work of caregivers and front-line workers during the ongoing pandemic and also a recognition of the thousands of ways that women of all cultures have provided both healing and hope throughout history. March 21, Noon to 1:30 p.m. — International Women’s History Kick-off Event (The View Cafe): International Women’s History Month Kick-off Event announcing a week-long clothing drive in partnership with Dress for Success, as well as showcasing businesses that represent a diverse community of women leaders who are contributing to community wellness. Business owners and student leaders at Penn State Scranton will speak, exploring topics of multiculturalism, professionalism, and challenges women face as global citizens in today’s socio-political climate. This event is free and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. March 22, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. — Women’s History Month Bingo Night (The View Cafe): Join Student Affairs in the View Cafe for a Women’s History Month-themed Bingo Night and play for a chance to win prizes and learn about prominent female figures in history! OPEN TO PSU STUDENTS ONLY March 22, 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. — Encanto Movie Screening! (The Sherbine Lounge): Join the Student Organization of Latinos for a night with the Madrigal family in Colombia as we watch Mirabel Madrigal try to save her family and her magical house with the determination and strength she possesses as an independent woman! FREE popcorn will be available to attendees! OPEN TO THE PUBLIC March 23, Noon to 1 p.m. — Frontline Worker Panel (The Sherbine Lounge): Penn State Scranton welcomes women frontline workers from the external surrounding community to speak on their experiences and challenges they have faced during the pandemic as they engage participants in a dialogue that will allow the community to reflect on action steps we can take as a collective nation moving forward in participating in women’s solidarity. There will be a Q+A with the panel to follow the presentation. Featured Panelists will include Nuris Perdomo (Women’s Resource Center), Jasmine Berrocal (State Trooper), Casey Lewis (State Trooper), Marybeth Mecca (Nursing Department), Options Women’s Center, Fire Department. Webinar information available soon. This event is also OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. March 24, Noon to 1 p.m. – United Nations Multicultural Fashion Show (The Sherbine Lounge): The Student Government Association’s U.N. Red Carpet Multicultural Fashion Show featuring our very own students, faculty and staff as catwalk participants, will model attire from their own heritages and ethnic backgrounds. There will be brief remarks for each attire as participants walk. Come experience our wonderful women ambassadors of Penn State Scranton in this multicultural event! Free food and giveaways will be provided! OPEN TO PSU STUDENTS ONLY. March 25, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. — Movie Night: Hidden Figures and Diana Iracheta, A Night with Women in STEM (The Sherbine Lounge): Diana Iracheta, founder of the non-profit organization Latina Engineer, is special guest for a special screening of “Hidden Figures” and panel presentation discussing the challenges women face in S.T.E.M. fields. She will also give a brief overview of her seminal work as an engineer, programs she runs, and services she offers through her non-profit foundation. In tandem with the presentational portion of the evening, Penn State’s very own Engineering Club will feature some of their own female students’ projects on display in a gallery format in Sherbine Lounge where the screening will be held. FREE giveaways including Women in S.T.E.M. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC March 26, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. — Walk a Mile in Her Shoes Baseball Game (SLC Patio, Matt McGloin Baseball Field): Walk a Mile in Her Shoes is a nationwide event that is meant to raise awareness and show solidarity for women who have suffered sexual assault. Penn State Scranton’s baseball team will partner with student clubs, faculty/staff and the DEI office to lead the 2022 Walk a Mile in Her Shoes campaign on campus from the Study Learning Center Patio to the baseball field. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
Settlers Hospitality to Host Wally Wine Fest One of the most anticipated rites of spring in the Pocono Mountains returns to Lake Wallenpaupack, April 8-10. Wally Wine Fest spotlights a multitude of domestic and international brands from wine regions around the world. Festivities kick off on Friday, April 8 as The Settlers Inn hosts a Tuscan Dinner featuring Banfi Wines. On Saturday and Sunday, Silver Birches overflows with wine tastings, food pairings, seminars and a marketplace. Purchase tickets for one of three seated wine tastings on Saturday and Sunday. During the two-hour sessions, attendees will be seated at communal tables to enjoy four small plate tasting courses accompanied by three wine samples per tasting. Ticket holders will select their top three sampling choices from eight different wines for each course. Settlers Hospitality Sommelier, Claude Briere personally chose the featured wines, which include domestic and international labels. Tastings are scheduled from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., 2-4 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. each day. A Bubbly Brunch at The Settlers Inn on Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 am. to 2:30 p.m. adds a bit of sparkle to the festival. Visitors may savor a prix fixe brunch menu, live music and a tasting flight of sparkling wine. Wine seminars all weekend let attendees delve into pours from across the globe. The schedule includes sessions such as Explore High Altitude Wines with Argentina’s Capeta Zapata, Debate the King of Italian Reds: Brunello vs Super Tuscans and Australia vs California Challenge. Seminars are scheduled for Saturday at 11:30 a.m., 2:30 and 5:30 p.m. as well as Sunday at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Sessions range from $35- $50 per person. “We pour our hearts and souls into Wally Wine Fest each year to make it dynamic and engaging for visitors,” states Justin Genzlinger, CEO/Owner, Settlers Hospitality. “It’s gratifying to see the way people have embraced the event and anticipate its arrival every spring. We are thrilled to present such high caliber wineries and make these fabulous vintages accessible to both the novice wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs.” Bottles of every wine featured will be available for sale. Prices range from $10-$100. Fine food, gift items and decor fit for wine lovers overflow at The Marketplace. Visitors may shop offerings from places such as Art on the Edge, which features home/wine décor. The Silent Auction benefits Lake Wallenpaupack’s fireworks display and features overnight stays at area accommodations plus gift cards to local restaurants and businesses. Golf and spa packages, as well as boat and paddle board rentals, are also up for grabs. Live entertainment rounds out the weekend-long festivities. Everyone who attends the festival at Silver Birches receives a commemorative wine glass. General admission is $60 in advance and $75 at the door. Designated drivers may attend for $30. A $200 platinum ticket includes the Tuscan Dinner featuring Banfi Wines at The Settlers Inn on April 8. For $125, guests may attend the Tuscan Dinner only. Visit wallywinefest.com to purchase tickets. Visitors may opt to stay over and take advantage of a $199 Sunday Night Lodging Special offered at the Hawley properties of Settlers Hospitality. Special thanks to Champagne Level event sponsors Silver Birches Resort, Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau, E. & J. Gallo Winery and Bold Gold Media Group, as well as Cabernet Level sponsors, AM Skier Insurance. Organizers also acknowledge the participation of Rose Level sponsorsThe Dime Bank, Wayne Bank, Chant Realtors and Lighthouse Harbor Marina. Settlers Hospitality would also like to thank local sponsors Moka Origins, Lake Region IGA and Adams Outdoor.
RailRiders University Community Series The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders are pleased to announce the schedule for the Sixth Annual RailRiders University Community Series, presented by Geisinger. Each spring, the RailRiders welcome local high school and special needs teams onto PNC Field to showcase their talents. 2022 RailRiders University Community Series April 31:00 P.M.The West Scranton Invaders, managed by Brian Minich, take on the crosstown-rival Scranton Knights, managed by Jamie Higgins.April 54:30 P.M.The Scranton Knights will be back at PNC Field to take on District 2-5A Champions Abington Heights Comets, led by manager Billy Zalewski.April 64:30 P.M.Division 3 powerhouses square off against each other as the Mid Valley Spartans, managed by Ryan Kropa, take on the Holy Cross Crusaders, managed by Sandy Menichetti.April 84:30 P.M.Two perennial conference champions battle as the North Pocono Trojans, skippered by Brian Jardine, host the Holy Redeemer Royals, managed by Chris Ristick.April 912:30 P.M.We welcome two new teams to PNC Field as District 4’s Athens Area Wildcats, managed by Charles Havens, play the Sayre Redskins, managed by Jamie VanDuzer.April 184:30 P.M.One of the area’s biggest rivalries hits the diamond as the Valley View Cougars, managed by Jason Munley, take on Abington Heights. May 1TBDAfter the RailRiders play Lehigh Valley, come and catch a Wyoming Valley Conference rivalry game with District 2-6A Champs. The Hazleton Area Cougars, managed by Russ Canzler, play the Crestwood Comets, led by Sean Foley.May 56:30 P.M.District 11 rivals meet at PNC Field as the Pocono Mountain East Cardinals, skippered by Matt DelGuidice, host the Stroudsburg Mountaineers, managed by Phil Stokes.May 71:00 P.M.DOUBLEHEADER- District 2- 6A champion Hazleton Area plays 6A State Champions La Salle College High School, managed by Kyle Werman. Game two features the District 2-AA Champion Riverside Vikings, managed by Sean Hughes, against the Dunmore Bucks, managed by Sid Hallinan. There is no parking or admission fee for any of the 2022 RailRiders University Community Series games. The RailRiders are also proud to host the Wyoming Valley Challenger League as part of the Community Series on May 15, June 5, 19 and July 17. RailRiders University is offering Spring Training Clinics in April. The clinics run from 9-11 A.M on April 3 and 24. One clinic session is $60.00, but participants can do both dates for $110.00 and each includes tickets for a 2022 RailRiders game and a clinic t-shirt. The RailRiders University Spring Training Clinics staff now includes former Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Ray Black, as well as high school and college coaches and players. Contact Robby Judge at (570) 558-4612 or rjudge@swbrailriders.com for additional information. The 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.
Boback and Committee Review Military-Related Programs Rep. Karen Boback (R-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Wyoming), majority chairman of the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, on Wednesday led an informational meeting to review three programs over which the committee has oversight. “These commissions and institutions perform excellent work on programs and policy matters concerning our military and veteran community across Pennsylvania,” said Boback. “We value their contributions to the Commonwealth and strive to remain good stewards of these valuable programs by highlighting their many accomplishments.” The programs include the Pennsylvania Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3), which supports military-connected children. “We work to remove barriers to educational success imposed on children of military families because of frequent moves and deployment of their parents,” explained Barbara Clemmer, MIC3 commissioner. Officials from the Keystone State Challenge Academy (KSCA) updated committee members on plans to accept its first class of cadets this summer at Fort Indiantown Gap. KSCA is one of 40 academies operated by the National Guard Youth Challenge Program, which is designed to guide at-risk teenagers in furthering their education and setting a path to a brighter future. “The KSCA is currently preparing facilities, hiring staff, and acquiring equipment and supplies to start the residential phase in July,” said Stephen Radulski, KSCA director. “The initial goal is a total of 200 graduates during our first year.” Finally, the Pennsylvania Military Community Enhancement Commission (PMCEC) works to support and enhance the military value of a military installation in an effort to prevent its closure. Currently, there are 12 major military bases in the Commonwealth, which employ more than 57,000 people. “To counteract a potential Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC), we must be forever vigilant and make sure we are doing our utmost to not only preserve our military installations, but to modernize them and to bring in new business,” PMCEC Executive Director Nancy Lescavage told committee members. A video recording of the hearing is available for viewing at www.RepBoback.com/video.
LCEEC Beginner Beekeeping Certificate Program The Lackawanna College Environmental Education Center (LCEEC) in Covington Township is accepting applications for the Beginner Beekeeping certificate program. The program will run April 7-June 9, Thursday’s, 5 p.m.- 7 p.m. at the Environmental Education Center, 93 MacKenzie Road, Covington Twp. The $250 10-session course is for both beginner and seasoned beekeepers. After completing the course, participants will be certified to manage honeybee colonies for maximum bee health and honey production. Courses in the Beginner Beekeeping Certificate program include: History of BeekeepingHoneybee BiologyBehavioral Aspects of HoneybeesApiary Equipment and InstallationRules and RegulationsEnvironmental ChallengesPollinators and their BenefitsHive Check and Applied Care To enroll in the LCEEC Beginner Beekeeping Certificate Program, visit Lackawanna.edu/beekeeping, email lceec@lackawanna.edu or call (570)842-1506.
Join Downtown Business in Support of Ukraine Calling Scranton businesses to help us decorate the downtown in yellow and blue showing support for the people of the Ukraine. Utilizing flags, lighting, window painting, posters, and merchandise are a few ways to showcase your support. Please contact Liz Baldi at lizbaldi@scrantontomorrow.org if you are interested in participating. Scranton Tomorrow will be putting together a press release and would love to include the location and a photo of your display. If you are a Scranton business, but not located in the downtown, and are interested in participating, please let us know, all are welcome! Check out how Ufberg & Associates and Nada & Co are showing their support and get inspired!
