The University of Scranton Awarded $1.5 Million PA RACP Grant The University of Scranton was awarded a $1.5 million Pennsylvania Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant to support renovations of Hyland Hall to create new laboratory and classroom space for the new mechanical engineering program. The facility renovations are necessary to support the multidisciplinary, high-impact learning design of the undergraduate engineering program that will prepare students to meet the modern-day workforce needs of the field. The renovated space in Hyland Hall will include four engineering laboratories; a student classroom; a garage; staff offices and equipment to allow students to learn using the latest simulation and modeling techniques. Students graduating in mechanical engineering will have the ability to use the techniques and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice; design a system or process within budgetary, environmental, safety and other constraints; and understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental and societal context. Scranton graduates will be able to communicate effectively, function on multidisciplinary teams and understand the professional and ethical responsibility inherent in the field. They will be well prepared to enter the workforce in such industries as automotive, HVAC, aerospace, biotechnology, computers/ electronics, and manufacturing. The University will use the RACP grant to fund a portion of the costs associated with the Hyland Hall renovation project, which will be undertaken in two phases. The first phase will be completed by the start of the 2021-2022 academic year to allow students to begin to use the space in the fall semester. The full project will be completed in the spring of 2022. The University’s Mechanical Engineering program addresses a local need for a much-in-demand field. Few mechanical engineering programs exist in the northeast states, and only seven Jesuit universities in the nation offer this major. Scranton’s 131-credit program will draw students to Northeastern Pennsylvania and also help retain those students who might otherwise leave to study elsewhere. The program will also improve regional workforce development by being responsive to industry needs through the program’s Industrial Advisory Board. “Our mechanical engineering program was conceived and became a reality due to advice and help of our Industrial Advisory Board,” said W. Andrew Berger, Ph.D., professor and chair of the University’s Physics and Engineering Department. The University of Scranton, and the physics and electrical engineering programs in particular, have a long and successful record of placing its students in many science and engineering related careers. “The University of Scranton is one of the finest institutions of higher learning in the country and this grant will allow the University to expand its course offerings and add a cutting edge mechanical engineering program,” said then Pennsylvania Senator John Blake in a press release in January 2021. In addition to mechanical engineering, other majors offered at Scranton offered by the University’s Physics and Engineering Department include computer engineering, electrical engineering, engineering management, biophysics and physics. For additional information, contact the University’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions at 888-727-2686 or email admissions@scranton.edu.
WVIA Wins 2021 Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters Award WVIA has been awarded the 2021 Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters Award in the Judges’ Merit Television Category for the presentation of the Scranton Civic Ballet’s production of ‘The Nutcracker’. “WVIA was honored to present this performance to the people of northeastern and central Pennsylvania. This award is a credit to the talented performers in front of the camera and behind the scenes that made this presentation a possibility.” Said Carla McCabe, WVIA President, and CEO. “It is always an honor to be recognized by the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters for the work that we do.” Said Ben Payavis II, Chief Content Officer at WVIA. This inaugural collaboration was made possible by a generous COVID Creative Community Grant from the Lackawanna County Council on the Arts. “The Nutcracker” presentation, which annually presents an educational performance for 1,200 school children at no charge was seen across 21 counties throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and schools received a digital link to enhance their virtual curriculum with this artistic performance. Under the artistic direction of Helen Gaus, 60 students and adults, ranging in age from 8 to 50, shared the timeless tale of Clara, Drosselmeyer, and the Nutcracker that unfolds as the delicate Sugar Plum Fairy and all of Tchaikovsky’s musical sprites weave their enchanting spell. WVIA’s presentation of the Scranton Civic Ballet’s production of ‘The Nutcracker’ is available to watch anytime, on-demand at https://www.pbs.org/video/the-nutcracker-presented-by-scranton-civic-ballet-company-lmihxl/, as well as on the PBS and WVIA apps. The Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters endeavors to promote collaboration between radio and television broadcast station owners, managers, and staff across the Commonwealth. We assist our member stations in serving their communities, audiences, and advertisers through FCC licensed free over-the-air broadcast program operations. To learn more about the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters, please visit https://pab.org.
Business is Blooming at Settlers Hospitality Settlers Hospitality is growing its operations with the opening of Gorgeous Floral. Katharine Brown, the renowned floral designer from Fox Hill Farm, will join forces with Settlers Hospitality to launch the new floral business in May, just in time for Mother’s Day. The floral boutique will be located along Route 6 in Hawley in the former Dorchester Antiques building. The name is a nod to the location of the business overlooking Wallenpaupack Creek river gorge. In addition to retail sales to the public, Gorgeous Floral will provide in-house floral design for all the properties of Settlers Hospitality. The custom creations will adorn hotel lobbies and grace on-site special events. Guests may also order a seasonal arrangement from Gorgeous Floral for their room as an add-on to any stay. Katharine Brown of Fox Hill Farm in Honesdale will serve as floral designer. The self-professed flower fanatic is known for creating unique looks that capture the essence of any occasion. After nearly a decade styling weddings at Fox Hill Farm, she’s become a highly sought-after floral designer throughout the tri-state area and beyond. “I am so excited to bring my passion for floral design and creativity to Gorgeous Floral. Settlers Hospitality’s commitment to high-caliber experiences and superior service align with my own business values. I’m thrilled to join the team,” said Katharine Brown. Customers may stop in to choose from the selection of pre-made bouquets or order a custom arrangement. Shopping at Gorgeous Floral promises to be a feast for the senses. The artful display will feature a curated mix of houseplants, unique vessels, potted plants, terrariums and elegant living and dried centerpieces. Merchandise will also include gardening kits, books, tools and candles as well as unique, garden related home décor. Items will change with the season and custom orders are always welcome. Plans are also in place to offer small classes on flower arranging, gardening and more in the future. “A floral boutique was truly a natural fit for our business,” explains Justin Genzlinger, Settlers Hospitality Owner/CEO. “It’s one more service we can provide to our wedding couples and event organizers. Not only is in-house floral design a convenience for wedding and event planning, it will bring a cohesive look and distinctive style to special occasions and enhance the décor at all of our properties.”
Scranton Chamber Announces Community Block Party We are excited to announce our plan to host a Community Block Party featuring entertainment, shopping, children’s activities, music, dining and more. “The Chamber Community Block Party” will take place on First Friday, May 7, from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. and Saturday, May 8 from 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. on the 200 & 300 blocks of Penn Avenue in downtown Scranton and is in lieu of the Chamber’s Annual Dinner this year. The event will follow all CDC guidelines. “The Chamber exists because of our local businesses, and we are here to support them. After the turbulent year of 2020 – and as we continue to come out on the other side of the pandemic – our board and staff wanted to plan a safe, family-friendly event that supports all businesses and celebrates our community,” said Bob Durkin, Chamber president. The Chamber is grateful for the local support from businesses already, including “The Chamber Community Block Party” chairs Peter Danchak, regional president of PNC Bank; and Sarah Effertz, owner of Blu Elefante Event Consulting and Management. The family-friendly event will include three stages featuring 24 bands and multi-cultural performance groups, as well as vendor marketplaces, children’s activities, art exhibits and more. Beginning May 2 and running through May 8, the Chamber will also celebrate and promote “Chamber Restaurant Week” across the greater Scranton community.Small business members of the Chamber can apply for a FREE vendor booth in one of our three Marketplaces along Penn Avenue. To secure a vendor booth and learn more, visit our event page.
The University of Scranton Announces Plan for Commencement Events The University of Scranton announced plans for in-person graduate and undergraduate commencement ceremonies for its class of 2021, which will now be held May 22-23, one week earlier than originally scheduled. Additionally, the University will now hold separate ceremonies for each of its undergraduate colleges and for graduate students at the Mohegan Sun Arena. Following Pennsylvania’s current indoor capacity guidelines, a maximum of 2,500 people would be able to attend each ceremony at the arena. The graduate commencement ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 22. Separate undergraduate commencement ceremonies will be held on Sunday, May 23, for graduates of: the Panuska College of Professional Studies at 9:30 a.m.; the Kania School of Management at 1 p.m.; and for the College of Arts and Sciences at 4:30 p.m. Graduates will receive four tickets for guests to attend their ceremonies to ensure space capacity limits are followed. Other health and safety guidelines, such as social distancing and wearing masks, will also be followed. The ceremonies will also be live streamed for online viewing. The announcement, sent to the University community by Jeff Gingerich, Ph.D., acting president, also mentioned plans for a virtual Baccalaureate Mass at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 22. On Friday, May 21, at 8 p.m., the University will hold a virtual Class Night event, at which undergraduate students will be recognized for academic, service and leadership excellence. Information about additional commencement events will be shared in the coming weeks and will be posted on the University’s commencement webpage. The University was able to determine plans for in-person commencement ceremonies because of recent modifications in Pennsylvania’s pandemic restrictions, which were announced Mar. 15. The University will continue to monitor and adapt to changes in health and safety recommendations from federal or state guidelines between now and May
Candy Frye to Deliver Johnson College’s 2021 Commencement Address Johnson College has selected Candy Frye, Director of New Business Development at A. Pickett Construction, Inc. and Johnson College graduate, to give their 2021 commencement address to graduates on Tuesday, May 11, 2021, at dusk, at the Circle Drive-In Theatre in Scranton. As the Director of New Business Development at A. Pickett Construction, Inc., Frye is instrumental in driving new business. She nurtures relationships with existing commercial and facilities-related clients. She identifies new opportunities through the development of strategic relationships with potential clients of various sectors. Prior to this role, Frye was the Dispatch Manager of Pickett Facilities Maintenance, a subsidiary of A. Pickett Construction, Inc. Her background has been diverse in nature, though always trade-related. Mrs. Frye currently serves on the Johnson College Board of Directors, is the current chair for the NEPA Associated Builders and Contractors Association, and is an active member of multiple chambers of commerce. She also serves on the Domestic Violence Service Center Board of Directors as well as multiple associated related committees. During her time as a student at Johnson College, she earned an Associate in Specialized Technology degree in both Building Construction Technology in 1993 and Architectural Drafting and Design in 1994. She was nominated and served as Student Government President as well as received the Non-Traditional Student of the Year award. She resides in Harding with her husband Jay, daughter Jordan, and great-nephew, Noah. For additional information on Johnson College, please call 1-800-2-WE-WORK, email enroll@johnson.edu, or visit Johnson.edu.
Sustainable Energy Fund to Host Annual Public Meeting On May 19, 2021 at 10 AM, Sustainable Energy Fund will host their Annual Public Board Meeting at their Headquarters in Schnecksville, PA. This is an in-person meeting, there is no option for virtual attendance. Those who plan to attend will need to register online and must follow the following COVID safety precautions: Temperature taken upon entering buildingMust wear a mask at all timesMust maintain 6 feet of distance from others in the space Other recommended safety precautions can be viewed on the CDC website and the PA DOH website. COVID precautions are subject to change as the state relaxes mandates and recommendations by the PA DOH and CDC change. To register, please visit www.thesef.org/annual-public-meeting. For questions, please contact Sustainable Energy Fund at 610-264-4440.
Moses Taylor Foundation Awards $140,000 Grant to The Northeast Regional Cancer Institute The Moses Taylor Foundation recently awarded the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute a $140,000 grant to support the Community-Based Cancer Screening Navigation Program. This investment will ensure the continuation and expansion of the existing Community-Based Cancer Screening Navigation Program (Navigation Program). The Navigation Program is a cancer screening initiative focused on education, barrier reduction and facilitation of screenings for breast, cervical, colon and lung cancer targeting low income, un/underinsured and underserved residents of northeast Pennsylvania, while connecting/reconnecting all participants to a medical home to ensure ongoing preventative care. “We are very grateful to receive this grant from the Moses Taylor Foundation. It allows us to continue helping residents of Northeast PA access potentially life-saving cancer screenings” said Laura Toole, Executive Vice President at the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute.
PennDOT Customers Reminded to Use Caution When Renewing License, Registration Online The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) today reminds its customers to exercise caution while renewing their driver’s license or vehicle registration online, and to make sure that they’re on PennDOT’s official Driver and Vehicle Services website, www.dmv.pa.gov, for making these transactions. For the safety of our customers’ identities, PennDOT will never ask for, nor accept, any identity documents over the internet or over text messages for any reason. Any website or text message claiming to provide this service is not affiliated with PennDOT. As such, customers should not submit any images of personal documents to such websites or texts as they will not be transmitted to PennDOT and could be used for fraudulent purposes. “PennDOT is proud to provide our customers with comprehensive online services, like vehicle and driver’s license renewal, address changes, and much more,” said PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian. “However, it’s important that customers ensure that they are on PennDOT’s official site before completing a transaction.” Driver and vehicle online services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and include driver’s license, photo ID and vehicle registration renewals; driver-history services; changes of address; driver license and vehicle registration restoration letters; ability to pay driver license or vehicle insurance restoration fee; driver license and photo ID duplicates; and driver exam scheduling. There are no additional fees for using online services. Additionally, third-party websites can appear “official,” and often pay search engines to appear at the top of search results for common terms, like “renew vehicle registration” or “driver’s license.” Many third-party sites charge additional fees for completing transactions – there are no additional service or convenience fees for completing online transactions on PennDOT’s website. There are a few simple tips to help customers ensure that they are visiting PennDOT’s official website: Rather than using a search engine to reach the PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services website, enter the web address (www.dmv.pa.gov) directly into your browser’s address bar.PennDOT does not charge any additional service or transaction fees for completing online transactions. If you are charged any additional fees, you aren’t on the PennDOT website.Look for the words “An Official Pennsylvania Government Website” in the top left corner. Many commonwealth websites display these words as an additional security measure. If a customer has concerns about a third-party website, they can contact the PA Attorney General Bureau of Consumer Protection at 1-800-441-2555 or visit their website. Follow PennDOT on Twitter at www.twitter.com/PennDOTNews, or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PennsylvaniaDepartmentofTransportation.
The University of Scranton Offers New Online Master’s Degree Specialization The University of Scranton’s online Master of Science in Health Informatics degree will offer a specialization in data analytics, beginning in the fall 2021 semester. Applications are currently being accepted for the program. The curriculum for the master’s degree in health informatics was designed by Scranton faculty, who are active leaders and experts in this burgeoning field. The health informatics program’s mission is to “promote excellence in the Jesuit tradition by preparing graduates in the interdisciplinary field of health informatics to use data, information, knowledge and wisdom to improve health.” Health informatics, data analytics and their associated tools have seen a rapid increase in importance in healthcare due to the current COVID-19 pandemic. This increase comes after a period of amplified interest in big data analysis in healthcare, in an effort to improve patient outcomes and efficiency. A 2019 Leadership survey conducted by the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) shows that executive-level leaders at both health information technology vendors and hospitals are now seeing clinical and business analytics as a higher priority than in the past. As a result, the demand for health informaticians who have data analytics, data mining and data visualization skills is increasing. Another HIMSS analysis shows one of the top five job growth areas for health informatics was found to be analytics consultant. Burning Glass Technologies, a job market analysis company, projects positions for health information managers and directors will grow 20.5 percent through 2029, which is more than four times the national average. Master’s-educated professionals in this position earn up to $106,000 annually. The online program with a data analytics specialization includes three courses that are offered by Scranton’s Operations and Information Management Department, requiring the completion of a total of 39-41 credits for the master’s degree in health informatics with this specialization. Two one-credit modules in statistics and management science are also required, but may be waived depending on the student’s background. The additional courses students will take for data analytics specialization will provide an overview of descriptive, predictive and prescriptive analytics, data mining and data visualization. Graduates will be prepared to turn health data into actionable information. Applicants to the graduate program must meet admission requirements. For additional information, visit the Master of Science degree in Health Informatics webpage or contact Margarete L. Zalon, Ph.D., professor of nursing and director of the University’s online Master of Science in Health Informatics Program at Margarete.zalon@scranton.edu or 570-941-7655.
