PennDOT Survey Seeks Pennsylvanians’ Feedback on Automated Vehicles On behalf of Pennsylvania’s Highly Automated Vehicle (HAV) Advisory Committee, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) today announced the launch of a survey designed to gain an understanding of Pennsylvanians’ perceptions and knowledge of automated vehicles. The HAV Advisory Committee was established by Act 117 of 2018 and is a partnership between public and private key stakeholders that has the power to advise and consult the Secretary of Transportation on each aspect of connected and highly automated vehicles. This includes developing technical guidance, evaluating best practices, and reviewing existing laws, regulations, and policies. The committee is making strides in preparing for this transformational technology, and seeks to gauge Pennsylvanians’ understanding of the technology, level of comfort and expectations. “Automated vehicle technology is rapidly advancing, and many features are already available in newer vehicles,” said PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian. “It is important that the department understands how Pennsylvanians feel about this technology, to help us shape our education and communication focus going forward.” The survey is available at this link, and takes and takes less than 10 minutes to complete. For more information on PennDOT’s efforts in the realm of automated vehicles visit the Automated Vehicles page on PennDOT’s website. Subscribe to statewide PennDOT news and traffic alerts at www.penndot.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.gov/results. Find PennDOT’s planned and active construction projects at www.projects.penndot.gov.
Museum Adventure Weeks to Return to Everhart this Summer Museum Adventure Weeks are back this summer at the Everhart Museum. Three (3) sessions of summer camp are planned with two unique options for young explorers, both encouraging learning, exploration, and discovery. Adventures in the Museum campers will have the opportunity to explore the indoor and outdoor environments at Nay Aug Park while participating in socially distanced activities when in the museum. Adventures at Home is a week-long adventure toolkit, including allmaterials for campers to explore the museum collection from home. Adventures at Home include the option to participate in LIVE virtual classes, tours, and activities with Museum staff on designated virtual weeks. The Museum uses Google Classroom for all virtual participation. WHAT: Museum Adventure WeeksWHEN: June 21st-July 30thGRADES: Kindergarten through 6thCOST: Adventure in the Museum: $180 member, $200 non-memberAdventure at Home: $40 member, $45 non-memberRegistration; Opens on May 3rd Museum Adventure Weeks center on the creative exploration of the Everhart Museum collection and the Nay Aug Park environment. Each week, campers will experience a new topic or theme that uses both art and science in a hands-on, multi-modal approach to learning. Instructors will use visual thinking strategies and inquiry-based learning to talk about art and art objects from around the globe. WEEK 1: NATURE WEEK“LENNY’S FIRST FLIGHT”Adventure at Home Dates: June 21st-25thAdventure in the Museum Dates: June 28th-July 2nd WEEK 2: ART WEEK“THE LAND AROUND US”Adventure at Home Dates: July 5th-9thAdventure in the Museum Dates: July 12th-16th WEEK 3: MYSTERY WEEK“THE DIGS!”Adventure at Home Dates: July 19th-23rdAdventure in the Museum Dates: July 26th-30th To learn more about Museums Adventure Weeks or to register, parents and guardians are encouraged to visit Summer at the Everhart on the Museum’s websitehttps://everhart-museum.org/museum-adventure-summer-program/ or emailassistant.programs@everhart-museum.org. Museum Adventure Week is funded in part by Arts Engage!, Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC), the Overlook Estate Foundation, and the Maslow Family Foundation.
Applications Now Open for 3 Leadership Lackawanna Programs Leadership Lackawanna, the premier community leadership and professional development affiliate of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, is now accepting applications for three of its programs. Leadership U with Penn State Scranton For Lackawanna County High School Seniors (Apply as a Junior)Application Deadline May 7Collegiate Level Course on Community Engagement, Financial Literacy, and More. Earn 3 College Credits!In-Person Program Begins June 30 APPLY Tomorrow’s Leaders Today For Lackawanna County High School Juniors (Apply as Sophomores)Application Deadline May 7Leadership program to gain real-world experiences in the areas of philanthropy, non-profit organizations and community serviceProgram Begins October 2021 APPLY Core Program For Lackawanna County ProfessionalsApplication Deadline June 30Areas of focus include leadership, interpersonal communications, equity, community development, project management, history and moreProgram Begins September 2021 APPLY
SBA Announces Application Opening for Restaurant Revitalization Fund SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman announced the U.S. Small Business Administration will begin registrations on Friday, April 30, 2021, at 9 a.m. EDT and open applications on Monday, May 3, 2021, at noon EDT for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund. The online application will remain open to any eligible establishment until all funds are exhausted. “Restaurants are the core of our neighborhoods and propel economic activity on main streets across the nation. They are among the businesses that have been hardest hit and need support to survive this pandemic. We want restaurants to know that help is here,” said Administrator Guzman. “The SBA has focused on the marketplace realities of our food and beverage businesses in designing the Restaurant Revitalization Fund to meet businesses where they are. And we are committed to equity to ensure our smaller and underserved businesses, which have suffered the most, can access this critical relief, recover, and grow more resilient.” Established under the American Rescue Plan, and signed into law by President Joe Biden on March 11, 2021, the Restaurant Revitalization Fund provides a total of $28.6 billion in direct relief funds to restaurants and other hard-hit food establishments that have experienced economic distress and significant operational losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This program will provide restaurants with funding equal to their pandemic-related revenue loss up to $10 million per business and no more than $5 million per physical location. Funds must be used for allowable expenses by March 11, 2023. “Recognizing the great urgency to help restaurants keep their doors open – and with a clear mandate from Congress – the SBA worked at a breakneck speed and is excited to launch this program,” said Patrick Kelley, SBA Associate Administrator, Office of Capital Access. “From day one, we engaged with diverse stakeholders in the food industry community to make sure we built and delivered the program equitably, quickly, and efficiently.” In preparation, the SBA recommends qualifying applicants familiarize themselves with the application process in advance to ensure a smooth and efficient application experience, specifically by: Registering for an account in advance at restaurants.sba.gov starting Friday, April 30, 2021, at 9 a.m. EDT.Reviewing the official guidance, including program guide, frequently asked questions, and application sample.Preparing the required documentation.Working with a point-of-sale vendor or visiting restaurants.sba.gov to submit an application when the application portal opens. [Note: If an applicant is working with a point-of-sale vendor, they do not need to register beforehand on the site.] Attending a live recorded virtual training webinar: Wednesday, April 28 | 1 p.m. EDT | Register hereWednesday, April 28 | 2:30 p.m. EDT |Register here For the first 21 days that the program is open, the SBA will prioritize funding applications from businesses owned and controlled by women, veterans, and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. All eligible applicants are encouraged to submit applications as soon as the portal opens. Following the 21 days, all eligible applications will be funded on a first-come, first-served basis. Consistent with the legislation and the intent of Congress, the SBA continues to take steps to ensure the equitable distribution of relief, particularly for the smallest businesses, by creating a $9.5 billion set-aside: $5 billion for applicants with 2019 gross receipts of not more than $500,000; $4 billion is set aside for applicants with 2019 gross receipts from $500,001 to $1,500,000; and $500 million for applicants with 2019 gross receipts not more than $50,000. For more information, visit sba.gov/restaurants or in Spanish at sba.gov/restaurantes.
The Honesdale National Bank Promotes Brian Wilken to VP, Business Development Officer David Raven, President and CEO of The Honesdale National Bank, announced Brian Wilken, is now Vice President, Business Development Officer. In making the statement, Raven noted, “Brian embodies the spirit and culture of our HNB team, and his contribution and support to our customers and community is second to none. He understands that our customers success translates to not only our bank, but our community as a whole.” In his current role, Wilken provides the bank with business development opportunities and growth strategies involving our products, services, and business relations. Wilken will continue to provide his experience of 12 years in the financial industry and a whole career in business development to HNB as VP, Business Development Officer. In mentioning his role at HNB, Wilken noted, “This truly is such a rewarding career. I love my job, I get to help people wade through financial decisions every day. Helping their family or their business. I work for an institution that has made helping customers a priority for 185 years, and it’s an honor to carry on that legacy. I also have the privilege to work with an amazing group of people who truly care about customers, the community we serve, and each other.” Wilken is a Honesdale native, graduating from Honesdale High and receiving an Associate’s Degree from SUNY Cobleskill. He is an active member of his community. He is a member of the Grace Ridge Church, President of the Greater Honesdale Partnership, board chairman of the Human Resources Foundation, Board member at Wayne Tomorrow, member of Honesdale Eagles, member of Honesdale Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons #218, member of the Anthony Wayne Royal Arch Chapter, member of the Savonia Comandry, and member of the Wayne Pike Shrine Club. Outside of the bank, he is the father of two young men, Ben and Zack, with his wife Emily Wilken. In his free time, he enjoys hunting and golfing. The Honesdale National Bank, established in 1836, holds the distinction of being the area’s oldest independent community bank headquartered in Northeastern PA, with offices in Wayne, Pike, Susquehanna, Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties. The Honesdale National Bank offers personal banking, business banking and wealth solutions. For more information on HNB’s products and services, visit www.hnbbank.bank.
Greater Scranton YMCA’s Harry P. McGrath Memorial Golf Tournament & Dinner The Greater Scranton YMCA’s 2nd Annual Harry P. McGrath Memorial Golf Tournament & Dinner Celebration will take place Friday, May 21st at Glen Oak Country Club. While the golf portion of the day is sold out (interested golfers can be added to a waiting list), the evening portion of the event is open to everyone, not just golfers, and dinner tickets and sponsorship opportunities are still available. Following the completion of the golf tournament, the evening celebration will begin with cocktails at 6:00 p.m. and the dinner/program at 7:30 p.m. Harry McGrath was a proud member of the Greater Scranton YMCA. He specialized in education law, advocating for the rights of all students, particularly those with special needs. It became his passion to improve the quality of education for children living in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Proceeds from the tournament will support the Y’s Summer Learning Loss Prevention Program, a six-week program serving rising first and second grade students who are struggling with reading and are attending the Dunmore and Mid Valley School Districts. “Our dad worked tirelessly so that children in this area had the necessary tools to succeed in school,” said Betsy McGrath Ardizoni, Event Coordinator and Greater Scranton YMCA Board Member. “The Summer Learning Loss Prevention program is consistent with his goal of using his legal career to positively impact the lives of the children he was privileged to represent, and our family is humbled and grateful to honor his legacy through a program he would undoubtedly support.” Committed sponsors thus far include: Gold Sponsors: Highmark Health; Universal Printing Company LLCSilver Sponsors: Jen Ricci State Farm; Haggerty, McGrath, Collins, O’Rourke and James Families19th Hole Sponsors: The Perry Law Firm; J. Conrad Bosley Appraisal Services; Alliance Wealth Advisors LLC; Fellerman & CiarimboliBackpack Sponsors: Vanston & James Funeral Home; Northeastern Rehabilitation Associates, PC; Topp Business Solutions; P&W/Washo, Inc.; DePietro’s Pharmacy; NET Credit UnionAdditional Sponsors: Frank O’Neill Law Office; The Wood Grille; Helbig Meditation and Arbitration; Malone and Rosetti Merrill Lynch Wealth Management; Timothy and Janet Brier; Joanne Cantafio & Family in Memory of Anthony “Taps” Cantafio; Pat and Christine Philbin; PNC Bank; University of Scranton Athletics; Dick and Richard Conaboy; Maloney Law, P.C.; Northeastern Envelope Company, Inc.; Thomas Lyons and Mesko Glass and Mirror For more information about the tournament, visit the Greater Scranton YMCA’s website or contact Betsy at (570) 768-6118.
Johnson College Receives Grant from the Moses Taylor Foundation Johnson College has been awarded a $75,000 grant from the Moses Taylor Foundation. This grant, which will be disbursed over a three-year performance period, will support the Foundation and College’s goal to address the critical growing need for health care professionals by promoting opportunities for careers in health care and training for traditional and non-traditional students. Using a motorhome shell customized to demonstrate various health care training modalities, Johnson College plans to give potential students a hands-on experience to see and feel what it would be like to work in a health care environment. In addition to the hands-on encounter, Johnson College staff will be available to answer questions and help potential students resolve or eliminate common barriers to educational access. With this new program, Johnson College will be able to show participants that there is a path to meet their needs. Johnson College offers pathways to healthcare careers with associate degree programs such as physical therapist assistant, radiologic technology, and biomedical equipment technology as well as continuing education programs like certified nursing assistant and medical billing and coding. With the focus on engaging non-traditional students, Johnson College will broaden opportunities for students who represent diverse age, economic, educational, and cultural backgrounds. These potential students include displaced workers due to COVID-19, non-English speaking individuals, those who want/need to return to the workforce post-retirement or family, and those seeking a new career path. “This project illustrates exactly what we do so well here at Johnson College. We think of innovative and new ways to provide people with the education and job training that they need to obtain a family-sustaining career,” said Dr. Katie Leonard, President & CEO of Johnson College. “With this mobile lab, we will be able to demonstrate to people in the region that a career in health care is attainable and give them a taste of what hands-on education at Johnson College is like.” For additional information on Johnson College, please call 1-800-2-WE-WORK, email enroll@johnson.edu, or visit Johnson.edu.
Marywood University Announces Music, Theatre, and Dance Concerts Marywood University’s Music, Theatre, and Dance department recently announced several spring concerts and performances to conclude the semester. The Jazz Ambassadors Concert will take place on Friday, April 30, 2021, at 7 p.m. The concert directed by Vincent LoRusso and Steve Kurilla, will be streamed for those interested in attending.Live from the Liberal Arts Center Rotunda on Sunday, May 2, 2021, Marywood University’s Chamber Singers, conducted by Rick Hoffenberg, will bring you, “Hail, Queen of Heaven.” The concert will be live streamed at marywood.edu/performances, for those interested in attending.On Monday, May 3, 2021, at 7 p.m., Marywood University’s String Project Spring Gala will take place in the Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing Arts. This performance will be streamed for those interested in attending. For additional information about Marywood University’s Spring Concerts, please visit marywood.edu/mtd.
Broadway in Scranton Reopens Broadway Theatre League of NEPA’s Executive Director Frank Blasi and Broadway Partner-Producer Albert Nocciolino (NAC Entertainment) announced today that BROADWAY IS BACK!!! The entire touring Broadway community is looking forward to reopening its doors and welcoming back the public. Soon, Broadway fans will once again be able to enjoy the laughter, love, and life-changing transformation that only live performances can provide. “The past year has been challenging, but a new season is upon us. Live theatre will return to NEPA this fall,” said Blasi. “We cannot wait to raise the curtain and see our city bustling again.” Upon reopening, Broadway In Scranton will inform patrons of all our health requirements and protocols, as safety is the top priority. Working with the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple all CDC and PA guidelines will be followed for a safe return to the theatre this fall, and details will be shared when available. “We are so grateful to the community and our loyal subscribers for standing by us during this extraordinary time. The patience, commitment, and support that we have received during this time has been overwhelming. We would not be where we are today without all of you,” added Nocciolino. “We stand by our commitment to bring you the best of Broadway and each of the great shows we promised. The shows cannot wait to get back on the road and entertain audiences across the country, including right here in NEPA.” At this time, we are delighted to share with you the new dates for the upcoming Broadway In Scranton Series. THE NEW BROADWAY IN SCRANTON SERIES: This series includes all of the productions that we announced in June 2020. SEASON SHOWS WAITRESS: December 3 – 5, 202CHARLIE & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY: February 4 – 6, 2022Rodgers & Hammerstein’s SOUTH PACIFIC: March 4 – 6, 2022CATS: April 22 – 24, 2022 SPECIALS to the Season… Season subscribers can add any of these shows to their subscription package at an additional cost. RAIN – A Tribute to The Beatles: October 6, 2021STOMP: January 12 – 13, 2022BLUE MAN GROUP: May 18 – 19, 2022 RE-SCHEDULED This show did not take the stage due to the interruption to our 2019-2020 Broadway series and we are thrilled to announce the new date. Tickets that were previously purchased to the original show dates will be transferred to the rescheduled dates. (Ex – If you have a ticket to the Friday performance, you will attend the Friday, November 5, 2021 performance). BUDDY – The Buddy Holly Story: November 5 – 7, 2021 Season Tickets, priced at $175, $235, $275 and $315 are now on sale and available online at BroadwayInScranton.com), by phone at 570-342-7784, or in person at the Broadway Theatre League’s office by appointment only (345 North Washington Ave, Scranton, PA). For those who have already renewed their season subscription tickets, those subscriptions will automatically transfer to the new dates. Please note that only Season Tickets are on sale now and the Individual show tickets will go on-sale at a later date. Remember that BroadwayInScranton.com and ticketmaster.com are the only official outlets to purchase all tickets for Broadway In Scranton shows at the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple. For more information on the Broadway In Scranton season and shows, visit BroadwayInScranton.com. (*All shows and dates subject to change.)
Lackawanna College Environmental Education Center Summer Day Camp Registration Open This summer, local youths ranging from ages five through 13 will have the opportunity to participate in summer day camps, which are focused on connecting children to nature. They will take place at the Lackawanna College Environmental Education Center, 93 MacKenzie Rd., Covington Township, Pa. Each weeklong camp takes place at LCEEC’s beautiful 211-acre property and LEED Gold Certified facility. The property is home to native plants and wild animals, forested areas, a stream, a marsh, meadows, instructional gardens and both indoor and outdoor classroom space. Campers will spend time exploring natural habitats and playing summer games while the experienced staff guides campers through innovative experiential activities including hiking, stream and forest ecology, environmental activities, nature-based art projects and much more. Focusing on discovery and teamwork, children gain a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of all life while daily interactions with one another helps develop cooperation skills and encourage friendships. A low camper-to-counselor ratio ensures children are safe, supervised and engaged in activities that keep their minds and bodies healthy. Camp themes change weekly and include Honey Bee Conservation, Wilderness Survival, Backyard Habitats, Closer Look, Eco Explorers and Eco Quest. Camps will follow COVID 19 Safety Guidelines recommended by the CDC and ACA. For more information or to register contact the Lackawanna College Environmental Education Center at (570) 842-1506 or email yaniks@lackawanna.edu.
