PennDOT Student Art, Safety Program The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is inviting high school students in the northeast region to participate in the annual Paint the Plow art outreach. The program challenges youth to take a predetermined theme and incorporate it into an original mural that they paint on one of PennDOT’s snow plow blades to promote winter driving safety and foster appreciation for school art programs and student creativity. The 2022 theme, “Put Down the Device in Snow and Ice,” was chosen to draw attention to the need for motorists to give themselves ample time for travel during wintry weather in order to arrive safely to their destination. Paint the Plow was piloted in Cambria County in 2015 and later expanded to several surrounding counties and across the state. In the northeast region last year, students in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming counties participated. Students in public and private schools are eligible to participate, though school officials must make the arrangements. Plow delivery and pick up dates vary by county. The program categories may be modified based on participation numbers. Additional information on the program, including the guidelines for participation, can be found online at www.penndot.pa.gov or may be obtained by Jessica Ruddy at jeruddy@Pa.gov or 570.963.4044. PennDOT cannot provide financial support for supplies or travel expenses connected with this program but does make every effort to publicize the contributions of the schools and the students. This will include, but is not limited to, social media postings, postings on the PennDOT website, media press releases and public displays at a local PennDOT facility. Subscribe to PennDOT news and traffic alerts in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming counties at www.penndot.pa.gov/District4. Follow PennDOT’s northeast region on Twitter or Facebook.
Johnson College Signs Dual Admission Agreement Johnson College and Bloomsburg University signed a dual admission transfer agreement on April 27, 2022. Through this agreement, students who apply for dual admission and graduate from Johnson College’s Electronic Engineering Technology program are guaranteed admission to Bloomsburg University. They will enter with at least full junior standing in Bloomsburg University’s Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering Technology program. Johnson College students transferring to Bloomsburg University must meet minimum cumulative grade-point average requirements and satisfy all other transfer requirements. All agreements become effective in Fall 2022. “Creating a pathway for our students to achieve a bachelor’s degree at Bloomsburg University ensures they continue to build on their Johnson College hands-on education to advance their future careers,” said Dr. Katie Leonard, President & CEO of Johnson College. “True to our mission of educating the students of Pennsylvania and beyond, this agreement will ensure that Johnson College students have a seamless transition to Bloomsburg University, creating the best path forward to future success,” said BU President Bashar Hanna.
Run for the Roses to Benefit NeighborWorks This year, NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania is partnering with The Country Club of Scranton to be the benefiting organization of their Kentucky Derby Party – Run for the Roses. A portion of the event ticket and 50/50 raffle proceeds benefits NeighborWorks. It will be held on May 7, 2022 from 5-8pm at the Country Club of Scranton. For over 14 years, Run for the Roses has emulated the festivities present at the Kentucky Derby. Complete with multiple areas to view the live broadcast of the horse race, passed hors d’oeuvres and an outdoor venue, it celebrates the 185-year-old race held at Churchill Downs racetrack. Event goers are encouraged to dress up in “Derby attire” complete with large hats, bow ties and colorful sun dresses and suits. The event will feature food, an open bar, cigar lounge & bourbon bar, derby drink features and a 50/50 raffle. Pre-registration is $85 per person, and non-members can pre-register with a credit card by May 2, 2022. To make a reservation, call 570-586-2311 by May 2, 2022. For more information on the event, please go to the country club’s website here.
Summer AmeriCorps VISTA Positions at NeighborWorks AmeriCorps VISTA Summer Volunteer Looking for a fun and meaningful way to spend your summer? NeighborWorks is seeking two responsible, self-motivated individuals to provide 10 weeks of service, June 6 to August 14, 2022, through AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America). NeighborWorks is a nonprofit organization that revitalizes neighborhoods and creates opportunities for families to improve their lives through quality housing and financial guidance. VISTA Summer Associates are an integral part of our dedicated, hardworking team, which is devoted to bringing low-income individuals and communities out of poverty. About the Position Coordinating volunteer home repair projectsInstalling home safety kits for seniorsAttending community eventsCoordinating neighborhood and park cleanupsMaintaining vacant lotsPicking up litter along main commercial corridorsDocumenting quality of life issues (property code violations, missing street signs, etc.)Gathering stories from residents in written, audio, and video formats This position requires a commitment to serve as a full-time team member for a 10-week period this summer. Although this is a non-salaried volunteer position, VISTA Summer Associates receive a bi-weekly living allowance of $575.40 and are eligible for an education award or cash stipend at the end of their term of service. For more information about the AmeriCorps VISTA program, visit americorps.gov. Qualifications U.S. citizen at least 18 years of ageAbility to work independently on a variety of projects and lead others in service activitiesExcellent verbal and written communication skillsBasic computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft OfficeValid driver’s license and privately owned vehicle for service-related travel How to Apply Applications will be accepted until May 2, 2022, or until the positions are filled. To apply, email your resume to Todd Pousley, Neighborhood Revitalization Manager, at tpousley@nwnepa.org.
Starry Knights Learning Center Earns ECE Champion Award Starry Knights Learning Center received the Equity in Early Childhood Education (ECE) Champion Award, honorable mention level. The Department of Human Services Acting Secretary Meg Snead announced the Equity in Early Childhood Education (ECE) Champion Award recipients to programs across the commonwealth. More than 50 ECE providers were awarded based on their ability to enhance equitable practices within their program as part of providing quality services for children and families. “Early Childhood Education professionals, providers and programs have been such an inspiration during the pandemic, and it should come as no surprise they are also leading equity and inclusion efforts as well,” said Acting Secretary Snead. “Month of the Young Child is focused on bringing attention to the needs of young children and their families and to recognize ECE programs and services that meet those needs – including equity and inclusion.” “It has been a rough two years for ECE programs, and I am so proud to highlight programs that are going above and beyond during this time,” said Deputy Secretary of the Office of Child Development and Early Learning, Tracey Campanini. “The work around equity and inclusion is so important and we really wanted to make sure that work was recognized and celebrated.”
Boback, Pickett, Fritz to Co-Host Gun Law Seminar In their continuing effort to better inform the public regarding Pennsylvania’s firearms laws, Reps. Karen Boback (R-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Wyoming), Tina Pickett (R-Bradford/Sullivan/Susquehanna) and Jonathan Fritz (R-Susquehanna/Wayne) are co-hosting a Gun Law Seminar in Laceyville on Thursday, May 5. The free event will begin at 6 p.m. at the Black Walnut American Legion, 328 Route 6 Road. Doors will open to attendees at 5:30 p.m. “If you already have a concealed carry permit, or are thinking of obtaining one, please consider attending our seminar,” said the legislators. “There are some misconceptions about Pennsylvania’s concealed carry law out there and we’re co-hosting this event in an effort to lay out the facts for gun owners, with the help of our panel of experts.” The seminar will be conducted by Wyoming County Sheriff Robert Roberts and Wyoming County District Attorney Joseph Peters, who will also take questions from the audience. “Even if you are not a gun owner, the information that will be provided regarding the concealed carry law and Castle Doctrine is helpful for everyone to know,” added the co-hosts. Attendees are required to register for the seminar. They can do so by calling Boback’s office at 570-836-4777 or RSVP online at www.repboback.com/events; Pickett’s office at 570-265-3124 or www.reppickett.com/events; or Fritz’s office at 570-278-3374 or www.repfritz.com/events.
The Wright Center Names Executive Vice President Higher education strategist and Luzerne County resident Scott Koerwer, Ph.D., Ed.D., has joined The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education in the role of executive vice president and chief administrative officer. In his new role, Koerwer will provide executive leadership oversight of The Wright Center’s human resources, information technology, facilities and marketing and communications departments, as well as contribute to the organization’s clinical delivery and educational missions. He also will guide the integration of the organization’s graduate and undergraduate interprofessional medical, behavioral and dental education activities. “I’m both pleased and honored to have Scott as a member of our executive leadership team,” said Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak, president and CEO of The Wright Center. “He has a passionate commitment to building and empowering accountable, high-performing teams of employees with a shared understanding of goals and purpose.” Koerwer previously served as vice president for strategy and planning at the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. He also was founding dean of its Graduate School. Koerwer has more than 30 years of experience working at world-class institutions of higher education. At Newberry College, in Newberry, South Carolina, he served as the 21st president of the college and as professor in the department of business. He served as deputy dean and clinical professor of management at The Darla Moore School of Business, University of South Carolina; associate dean of graduate and executive programs and services at the Robert H. Smith School of Business, University of Maryland; and as a director in the Executive Education Division of the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. Koerwer also has served in leadership and partner roles at private and early-stage companies. Active in the community, Koerwer has served on boards of organizations including the Sidhu School of Business and Leadership Advisory Board at Wilkes University, the Lehigh University Rossin School of Engineering, Keystone College Board of Trustees, the Abington YMCA Advisory Board and multiple chambers of commerce. A lifelong learner, Koerwer has a bachelor’s degree from Muhlenberg College. He earned a master’s degree in government from Lehigh University, a Doctor of Education from the University of Pennsylvania, and a Doctor of Philosophy from Thomas Jefferson University. Koerwer and his family reside in Dallas, Pennsylvania.
