Lottery Raffle to Benefit the Scranton Public Library The Scranton Public Library is hosting a lottery raffle fundraiser happening now through May 7, 2021. Only 500 tickets will be sold with five cash prizes available. The more tickets sold, the higher the cash prizes. All Scranton Library locations are selling a set amount of numbered tickets. It’s simple to play. Participants can look for their “lucky” number and its location from the list below. Then they visit the library to purchase a ticket. Numbers are first come, first served. All participants will be entered to win the top prize of $3,000* or another cash prize of lesser amount. Tickets are $30 and are on sale now. Ticket Numbers 001 through 125 are sold at the Albright Memorial Library | 500 Vine Street.Ticket Numbers 126 through 250 are sold at the Lackawanna County Children’s Library | 520 Vine Street.Ticket Numbers 251 through 375 are sold at Library Express Bookstore | 2nd Floor of the Marketplace at Steamtown.Ticket Numbers 376 through 500 are sold at the Nancy Kay Holmes Library | 1032 Green Ridge Street. *Total prize amounts will represent 1/3 of gross collected. Proceeds will directly benefit programs and services at the library. For more information, call Jessica Serrenti at (570) 795-4315 or call the library at (570) 348-3000.
PennDOT 2020 Traffic Fatalities Second Lowest on Record The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced today that in 2020, statewide traffic deaths increased to 1,129 from the record low of 1,059 in 2019. Last year was the second-lowest number of highway fatalities recorded and overall fatalities continue to trend downward. “Even one life lost is one too many, and Pennsylvania is committed to moving toward zero deaths,” said PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian. “Our biggest priority continues to be safe travel regardless of the mode you use, and we continue to work with our partners to decrease fatalities through educational outreach, the latest innovations, effective enforcement and low-cost safety improvements.” Pennsylvania roadway deaths were up about 6 percent in 2020 despite an approximate 20 percent reduction in traffic counts statewide last year when compared to 2019. This increase is in line with a recently released report from the National Safety Council, showing preliminary data estimates national motor-vehicle deaths are up 8 percent. “We cannot definitively say why fatalities increased during the COVID-19 pandemic even though it certainly had an impact on traffic volumes statewide,” said Gramian. “Over the long term, traffic fatalities are still trending down, but we must continue to work together to make our roads safer for all drivers. “Motorists are our most important partners in road safety – we can only get to zero fatalities with your help. We urge all Pennsylvanians to always wear their seat belts, never drive impaired or distracted, and always follow the speed limit.” While the overall number of highway deaths increased last year, decreases in fatalities were noted in crashes involving drivers aged 65 or older, head on/opposite direction side swipes, crashes involving distracted drivers, and pedestrian crashes. Fatalities in drivers 65 years old or older dropped from 281 in 2019 to 243 in 2020. Head on crashes/opposite direction side swipe fatalities also decreased from 158 in 2019 to 128 last year. There were 47 fatalities in 2020 crashes involving distracted drivers compared to 62 in 2019. Additionally, the year-to-year longer-term trends also continue to decrease. For example, compared to 2016, there were 59 fewer total traffic deaths, 86 fewer deaths in lane departure crashes, and 60 fewer fatalities involving unrestrained occupants in crashes. The following crash types saw fatality increases in 2020: Crashes involving single vehicle run-off-the-road – 506 fatalities, up from 447 in 2019;Crashes involving local roads – 224 fatalities, up from 186 in 2019;Crashes involving motorcycles – 217 fatalities, up from 174 in 2019; andCrashes involving speeding – 188 fatalities, up from 162 in 2019. According to national data, over 90 percent of crashes are caused by driver behavior. For this reason, PennDOT focuses on data trends to drive enforcement and education improvements and invests $18 million annually in federal grant funds statewide to support these behavioral safety programs. In addition to behavioral safety, PennDOT focuses on infrastructure improvements to roadways in an effort to further reduce fatalities and serious injuries. Approximately $477 million in Federal Highway Safety Improvement Program funds has been invested in 444 unique safety projects from 2015 to 2019. During that same timeframe, another $50 million of state funds was invested in low-cost safety improvements at approximately 3,000 locations. Examples of low-cost safety countermeasures include centerline and edge-line rumble strips and signing and pavement markings. For more information on reportable crash data, visit PennDOT’s Pennsylvania Crash Information Tool (PCIT) website, www.crashinfo.penndot.gov. Under “Crash Downloads,” the “Reportable Crash Fatality Statistics” spreadsheet is updated with 2020 fatalities; 2020 crash statistics and suspected serious injury statistics are not yet available. The “Custom Query Tool” and additional crash downloads will be available later this month. For more information on the department’s highway safety initiatives, visit PennDOT.gov/safety.
Space Time Mead & Cider Works Pledges 1% of Annual Sales to Environmental Causes Space Time Mead & Cider Works joined 1% for the Planet, pledging to donate 1% of annual sales to support The Lackawanna River Conservation Association. “When we started our winery, one of our core principals was to do what we could to protect our natural environment. Afterall, our wine depends on clean air, water, soil and biodiversity”, said Dan Schreffler, President of Space Time Mead & Cider Works. “We could think of no other local organization that has done so much for Lackawanna County’s quality of life by protecting and cleaning up the Lackawanna River and surrounding lands.” “Currently, only 3% of total philanthropy goes to the environment and, only 5% of that comes from businesses. The planet needs bigger support than this, and our growing network of business members is doing its valuable part to increase giving and support on-the-ground outcomes. We’re excited to welcome Space Time Mead & Cider Works to our global movement,” says Kate Williams, CEO of 1% for the Planet. By contributing 1% of their annual sales, thousands of 1% for the Planet members have raised over $265 million to support approved environmental nonprofits around the globe. Nonprofits are approved based on referrals, track record and environmental focus. Thousands of nonprofits worldwide are currently approved. “The biggest challenge we face in our work of river conservation and watershed stewardship is the lack of locally available funding to match state and federal grants and to help sustain our everyday operations,” said Bernie McGurl, Executive Director of the Lackawanna River Conservation Organization, (LRCA). “Having a dedicated fund like 1% for the Planet and a local business, like Space Time Mead & Cider Works reach out to us can be a real game changer to help advance our mission in the Lackawanna Watershed. We gratefully welcome the support of Space Time and look to their example as an encouragement to other local businesses to join with them in supporting 1% for the Planet and the LRCA.”
The Andrew Mazza Diesel Jam 2021 to Benefit Johnson College The Andrew Mazza Foundation in support of Johnson College is proud to announce that Andrew Mazza Diesel Jam 2021 will take place on Saturday, July 10, 2021, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. after being postponed in 2020 due to the pandemic. To accommodate the increasing amount of attendees & participating vendors, this year’s event is moving to the Circle Drive-in located on the Scranton-Carbondale Highway in Scranton, PA. Diesel Jam supports The Andrew Mazza Foundation, the Diesel Truck Technology Program at Johnson College, & scholarships for Johnson College & high school students. Diesel Jam is a celebration of the truck community, featuring a diesel, gas, & antique truck show, mobile dyno runs, industry vendors, apparel vendors, food vendors, live entertainment & more. It is an all-day (rain or shine) family-friendly event. All trucks are invited to participate & prizes will be awarded for Best in Show, Best Big Rig, Best Tow, Best Pick Up, and Best Antique & Diesel Jam People’s Choice. Additionally, cash prizes for the mobile dyno are $1,000 for Highest Overall Horsepower and Guess Your Horsepower prizes for 1st Place – $800, 2nd Place – $500, 3rd Place – $200, 4th and 5th Place – $100 each. Early truck & mobile dyno registration can be completed through the Andrew Mazza Foundation’s website, andrewmazzafoundation.com/diesel-jam until June 30, 2021. The fee to register a truck is a $25 donation. Day of event registration & truck check-in will begin at 8 a.m. on July 10th, registration will be limited & will increase to $35 per registration. An additional $100 fee is required to register for the mobile dyno.
The Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center Adds to its Team of Experts To better assist manufacturers in capitalizing on growth opportunities, addressing workforce challenges and implementing new technologies, NEPIRC continues to add to its team of experts. Steven Goul recently joined the firm as a Mechanical Engineer. Mr. Goul brings with him an impressive resume, which includes ownership of two patents and more than 20 years of engineering experience with companies like Sanofi Pasteur, Honeywell Aerospace and Lockheed Martin. Within those companies, and through ongoing professional education, Mr. Goul received Six Sigma Black Belt, ISO9001, AS9100 and Lean Manufacturing designations and certificates. Additionally, Steve has been an active member of the U.S. Navy for 31 years, including deployment to Afghanistan. Mr. Goul still proudly serves one weekend a month at the U.S. Navy Expeditionary Combat Readiness Center in Norfolk, VA. Mr. Goul’s educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Penn State University and a master’s degree in engineering from the University of Wisconsin, where his thesis focused on teamwork and conflict resolution. In addition, NEPIRC added Brandon Henrie as the organization’s newest Business Advisor. Mr. Henrie possesses 14 years’ experience in the medical sales industry. Throughout that tenure, Mr. Henrie obtained numerous recognition awards for exceptional client service and territory development. Brandon holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Kutztown University. Through continuing education and personal development, Mr. Henrie was a contributing author to “Job’s Analysis of the Range of the ‘Dalton Syringe Rocket.,’” which appeared in the Journal of Chemical Education, and obtained his Lean Specialist certification. Brandon is also an accomplished Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioner and teaches evening and weekend youth classes at Phoenix Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Nescopeck. In his role at NEPIRC, Brandon will maintain and cultivate valued client relationships throughout Lackawanna, Monroe, Pike and Wayne counties.
Kauffman Named Vice President of Quandel Construction Group, Inc. Karl Kauffman, LEED AP, was recently named vice president of preconstruction and estimating for Quandel Construction Group, Inc., a Quandel Enterprises Company, a Central Pennsylvania construction management and general contracting firm. Karl’s transitions into the role following the recent appointment of Michael Karcutskie (former vice president of preconstruction and estimating for Quandel Construction Group) to president of Quandel Construction Group. Based in the firm’s corporate headquarters in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Kauffman is responsible for the implementation and management of the estimating and preconstruction efforts within the Quandel Construction Group team. Previously serving as a senior project manager, Karl used his communication skills to run efficient and timely projects, keep owners informed, and maintain positive relationship with team members. His technical skills have allowed him to assist in resolving issues and work with various superintendent on planning and implementing the firm’s project schedules. Karl began his career with Quandel Construction Group in 2003 and over the past 18 years has demonstrated a deep understanding of the construction industry. “Karl brings exceptional leadership skills to our clients. His creativity, deep commitment to service, and a collaborative style align well with Quandel’s purpose and core values,” said Michael Karcutskie, president of Quandel Construction Groups, Inc. “As we continue to grow and expand our client base, Karl’s experience is an asset to our firm and in meeting our client’s visions and goals.” Karl is a graduate of The Pennsylvania State University, earning his Bachelor of Architectural Engineering Degree. He is involved in the American Society for Healthcare Engineering, holding a healthcare construction certificate. Karl resides in Newport, Pennsylvania with his wife, Rachel, and their daughter, Kloe.
Geisinger Hosts Free Community Shred Day Events In observance of Earth Day, Geisinger is hosting free Community Shred Day events at several locations. Community members can bring their confidential personal and financial documents, such as bank statements, credit card bills and tax forms, to be securely shredded on-site and recycled. Limit of three boxes of paper per person. Paper only please — do not put other waste into bins. Join us for a Shred Day event near you: Thursday, April 22, 7 – 11 a.m. at Geisinger Mt. Pleasant, 531 Mt. Pleasant Drive, ScrantonFriday, April 30, 7 – 11 a.m.; Monday, May 3, noon – 4 p.m. at Geisinger Orthopaedics Institute parking lot, 1175 East Mountain Blvd., Wilkes-Barre For more information, call 570-271-6030.
Marywood University Announces Summer Academic Camps and Clinics Marywood University announces its academic summer camps and clinics. Those interested can choose their passion from more than ten professional, environmental, health, and creative camps and clinics. Marywood University’s camps will follow CDC and Pennsylvania Department of Health Guidelines. Additional guidelines pertaining to individual camps will be sent following registration. To register, visit marywood.edu/camps/index.html. The Environmental Stewardship Summer Camp will be offered from Monday, June 21 – Thursday, June 24, from 8:30 a.m. – noon, each day, at the IHM Center’s Land Restoration Site. The cost of the camp is $75, and is appropriate for ages 10-14. This summer camp will educate students to be better environmental stewards, allowing them to explore some of the sustainability initiatives underway on Marywood’s campus. Attendees will learn about watersheds and mitigating stormwater, learning the importance of planting native plants, current sustainability initiatives, and more.Pottery and Sculpture Camp will take place from Monday, June 28 – Friday, July 2, from 9 a.m. – noon, each day, at the Insalaco Center for Studio Arts. This camp is open to all high school students. The cost of the camp is $300. Attendees will use the pottery wheels, as well as learn hand building techniques like slab building and creating coil pots. They will also learn how to construct figurative and abstract sculptures while they explore various hand building techniques.Comic Book Camp will take place from Monday, June 28 – Friday, July 2, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., each day, at the Shields Center for Visual Arts. This camp is open to all high school aged students. The cost is $375. Attendees will learn to speak in progressive art, the visual language of comics, and will create entire universes with nothing more than a pencil, paper, and inc. During the weeklong Comic Book Camp, attendees will focus on character creation and design, narrative structure and pacing, viewpoint and focus, visual cues, choosing the style of rendering to best compliment the narrative, and much more.Digital Photography Camp will take place on Monday, June 28, – Friday, July 2, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., each day, at the Shields Center for Visual Arts. This camp is open to all interested high school students and the cost is $375. Attendees will learn digital photography basics using either their smartphone camera or digital SLR, as well as Adobe Photoshop. Attendees will explore digital photography techniques including shooting modes, aperture, shutter speeds, ISO, white balance, and composition. Projects include portraits, editorial, fine art, image editing techniques, animated GIFs, photo compositing, and more.Healthcare Discovery: An Interprofessional Camp will take place from Tuesday, June 29 – Thursday, July 1, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., each day. The camp will take place at various locations, and is recommended for 7th – 12thgrade students The cost is $160. This camp offers attendees the opportunity to interact with others who are also interested in pursuing a career in healthcare to learn more about the field, gain pre-professional hands-on experience in each of the disciplines, work collaboratively, and learn from experts in the field in modern facilities.Design Your Future Online Camp will take place from Monday, July 5 – Friday, July 16. This online camp is recommended for junior and senior high school students, and the cost of the DYF online camp is $1,200, with an option to gain 3 hours of college credit for an additional fee. Attendees will be offered a significant first experience in architectural and interiors education. In this two-week online program, attendees will engage in the process of design and develop the basic tools of imagination and expression.Biotechnology Camp will take place from Monday, July 12 – Friday, July 16, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., each day, at the Center for Natural and Health Sciences, Lab 106. This camp is recommended to high school students who are enrolled in AP or honors biology, chemistry, or physics courses. The cost of the camp is $150. Attendees will be exposed to a variety of different techniques related to DNA and proteins to gain an understanding of the structure and function of the molecules. In addition, students will gain knowledge of applications used in medicine and the biotechnology industry regarding how DNA and proteins can be used to diagnose and treat disease.Marywood’s Summer Musical Arts Academy will take place from Sunday, July 18 – Saturday, July, 24, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., at the Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing Arts. The academy is recommended to grades 7-12, and the cost is $375. An exciting, week-long band, orchestra, choral, and theater day camp, attendees will be engaging with exceptional faculty, artists, and other student musicians from our region in classes, rehearsals, sectionals, and performances throughout the experience.Design Your Future (DYF) two-week overnight program will take place from Sunday, July 18, at noon – Saturday, July 31, at noon. Designed for rising high school juniors, seniors, and recent high school graduates, the DYF camp offers students a significant first experience in architectural and interiors education. This two-week overnight program will help students engage in the process of design and develop the basic tools of imagination and expression. The cost of the camp is $2,100.Design Your Future Day (DYF) Camp will take place from Monday, July 19 – Friday, July 23, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., each day, at the Center for Architectural Studies. The cost of the week-long camp is $450, and is recommended for students in grades 8-10. The DYF camp will help attendees engage in the process of design and to develop the basic tools of imagination and expression.Cryptology Summer Camp will take place from Monday, August 2 – Friday, August 5, 2021, from 9 a.m. – noon, each day, in the Comerford Auditorium, at the Center for Natural and Health Sciences. Marywood’s Cryptology Summer Camp is recommended for high school students who are enrolled in AP or honors mathematics. The cost of the camp is $75. This camp will introduce students to cryptology, the study of encryption and decryption techniques that are in common use today. Cryptology is used by specialists in Information Security, a highly lucrative and fulfilling career and one in great demand today. By the end of the week, students will leave with their own program to help them write their own secret messages. For additional information about Marywood University’s “Pick Your Passion” Camps and Clinics, please visit marywood.edu/camps/index.html.
FNCB Bank Announces Staff Additions FNCB Bank, locally based since 1910, today announced the appointment of five new staff members to their Community Office and Commercial Lending teams. Danithza Farrell, Assistant Vice President/Community Office ManagerDanithza Farrell, Assistant Vice President, Community Office Manager, will be responsible for the administration and efficient daily operation of the Dickson City Community Office. She has more than 20 years of experience in banking. Most recently she was an Assistant Vice President/Branch Manager for Landmark Community Bank. She obtained her American Bankers Association Branch Manager Certificate and participated in the ABA’s BSA/Compliance and Marketing & Communication training courses. She is a member of the Rotary Club of Scranton and resides in Clarks Summit with her husband Joseph and children Max and Ela. Michael Darter, Community Office ManagerMichael Darter, Community Office Manager, will be responsible for the administration and efficient daily operation of the Hazleton Community Office. He has more than 25 years of experience in banking and sales training. Most recently he was a branch manager for Santander Bank in the Boston area. He resides in Drums with his son Jacob. Christopher Moshinskie, Assistant Community Office ManagerChristopher Moshinskie, Assistant Community Office Manager, will be responsible for coordinating the daily operation of the downtown Scranton Community Office. He has been in banking since 2017 and most recently served as a Licensed Relationship Banker for Citizens Bank. He is a graduate of Bay Shore HS (NY) and the University of Phoenix, Philadelphia, with a B.S. in accounting. He resides in Jessup with his wife Danielle and children Gianna, Alivia and Logan. Heather Nunemacher, Assistant Vice President, Commercial Officer/Small Business LenderHeather Nunemacher, Assistant Vice President, Commercial Officer/Small Business Lender, will be responsible for the growth and development of new business relationships. She has 24 years of experience in the banking industry. Most recently she was a Business Banker with Truist Bank in Hazleton. She resides in Tamaqua with her husband Thomas and has two children: Kelsey and Sarah. Daniel Boote, Assistant Vice President, Commercial Officer/Small Business Lender Daniel Boote, Assistant Vice President, Commercial Officer/Small Business Lender, will be responsible for the growth and development of new business relationships. He has more than 10 years of experience in banking and most recently held the position of Assistant Vice President, Branch Manager with Community Bank N.A. Active in the community, he is a member of the board of directors for the Freeland YMCA, Northeast Counseling Services, White Haven Chamber of Commerce and Shots for Tots Foundation, He is also a member of the CANDO Economic Development Committee. He is a graduate of Meyers High School and Bloomsburg University with a B.A. in political science. He resides in Wilkes-Barre.
Blue Zones Project Community Transformation Presentation Valley In Motion, a non-profit based in Mayfield, PA, is leading a coalition of health care organizations, foundations, and others to help NEPA become a Blue Zones Community. “Blue Zones” are places where entire communities live significantly longer, healthier, and more active lives. A National Geographic study identified the commonalities across the Blue Zones areas that have led to their longevity and vitality. More than 50 communities across the United States have started the journey to become a Blue Zones Community. We’d like NEPA to be next. This transformation is a large, multi-disciplinary effort that involves the entire community – schools, restaurants, grocery stores, government, businesses, faith-based organizations, and individuals. It works if we all get behind it. As a leader in our community, we are thrilled to invite you to participate in an input session that will help the Blue Zones Project team learn more about NEPA and how employers are supporting employee wellbeing across NEPA. We ask for your help in representing employers in your region and sharing your ideas about the unique strengths, challenges, and opportunities for improving well-being in our community. There will be three “worksite wellness” sessions held April 27 – April 30. Space is limited, so please review the schedule and RSVP today. Join us to hear more about Blue Zones Project in the morning to learn more about Blue Zones Project from their expert team. Blue Zones Project Community Transformation PresentationTuesday April 27, 20219:00 amLOCATION: Virtual event. RSVP for detailsRSVP: go.bluezonesproject.com/NEPA For the input session schedule and to RSVP for any of the events, visit: go.bluezonesproject.com/NEPA. If you have questions, please contact Gus Fahey, President, Valley In Motion at gus@valleyinmotion.org. We hope you can join us to learn more about Blue Zones Project and how it can transform the future of NEPA!
