The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced today that expiration dates for vehicle registrations and safety and emission inspections will be extended for Pennsylvania residents in response to statewide COVID-19 mitigation efforts.

Deadlines on the following products will be extended effective May 12, 2020:

• Vehicle registrations of all classes which includes, but not limited to, mass transit vehicle registrations, apportioned vehicle registrations, fleet vehicle registrations, dealer plate registrations, temporary registrations and biennial farm exemption certificates scheduled to expire from March 16 through May 31, 2020, the expiration date is now extended through June 30, 2020.
• Safety inspections and emissions inspections scheduled to expire from March 16 through May 31, 2020, the expiration date is now extended through June 30, 2020.
• Persons with Disabilities parking placards scheduled to expire from March 16 through May 31, 2020, the expiration date is now extended through June 30, 2020.

These extensions are in addition to those announced on May 1 related to driver’s licenses, photo ID cards, and learner’s permits scheduled to expire from March 16, 2020 through May 31, 2020 – these products are also extended through June 30, 2020. A camera card is considered a driver’s license, so it is covered by the same terms and conditions extending other driver’s license products.

Additionally, limited services are available at some Driver License and Photo License Centers. For a list of open driver license and photo license centers and the services provided, as well as their hours of operation, please visit www.dmv.pa.gov.

Customers may continue to complete various transactions and access multiple resources online at www.dmv.pa.gov. 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; and driver license and photo ID duplicates. There are no additional fees for using online services.

PennDOT will continue to evaluate these processes and will communicate any changes with the public.

More COVID-19 information is available at www.health.pa.gov. For more information, visit www.dmv.pa.gov or www.PennDOT.gov.

Lackawanna College put up banners on Angeli Hall at 501 Vine Street and on the Mulberry Street side of the College’s building at 401 Adams Avenue to show appreciation and support for workers combating the coronavirus. Since the start of the pandemic, the College has donated Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to hospitals and medical centers and partnered with the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties to raise $3,000 for a COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced today that PennDOT will use existing photos on file for customers who renew their driver’s license and identification card.

“Using a customer’s existing photo will help limit the number of people in our driver and photo license centers, and by extension, help reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19,” said Acting PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian. “This new process is not only a convenience, but it will help to keep our customers and staff safe.”

All customers who renew their driver’s license or photo ID card online or through the mail will receive a new product using the most recent photo of that individual that exists in PennDOT’s system. No camera cards will be issued to these customers, and they will receive their new product by mail within 15 days. The renewal process is complete when the final product is received.

Non-commercial driver’s license and photo ID card holders may renew their product online, providing there are no corrections or changes other than a change of address, by visiting www.dmv.pa.gov. Both non-commercial and commercial drivers may renew their products through the mail.

Individuals who renewed their product on or before May 10, 2020 will receive a camera card in the mail and will need to visit a PennDOT Photo License Center to obtain an updated photo. Additionally, non-U.S. citizens must also visit a driver’s license center in person to complete a transaction. For a list of reopened locations, visit www.dmv.pa.gov.

Expiration dates on driver’s licenses, photo ID cards, learner’s permits and camera cards scheduled to expire from March 16, 2020 through May 31, 2020, have been extended until June 30, 2020.

A Pennsylvania driver’s license is valid for four years, expiring on the day after the driver’s birthday. PennDOT will continue to send an Invitation to Renew to each driver three months prior to license expiration. Individuals age 65 or older have the option of renewing their license every two years, instead of the standard four years.

If a customer’s license is nearing expiration and they were planning to get a REAL ID at their time of renewal, they can renew their license or ID and get a standard, “NOT FOR REAL ID PURPOSES” product. The issuance of REAL ID is currently suspended as a mitigation effort in preventing the spread of COVID-19. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has extended the REAL ID enforcement deadline until October 1, 2021.

Once REAL ID issuance has resumed, customers with a non-REAL ID product can upgrade to a REAL ID and their new product will include any time remaining on their current product, plus an additional four years – customers won’t “lose” time that they’ve already paid for, and after the initial REAL ID product expires, there is no additional fee (beyond regular renewal fees) to renew a REAL ID product.

Driver and vehicle online services at www.dmv.pa.gov 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; and driver license and photo ID duplicates. There are no additional fees for using online services.

PennDOT will continue to evaluate these processes and will communicate any changes with the public.

More COVID-19 information is available at www.health.pa.gov. For more information, visit www.dmv.pa.gov or www.PennDOT.gov.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is reopening indoor facilities at three additional rest areas statewide.

PennDOT’s rest areas were temporarily closed statewide on March 17 in response to Governor Tom Wolf’s mitigation guidance regarding COVID-19 to ensure that proper safety and sanitation protocols were in place. Many rest areas across Pennsylvania have since reopened.

Additional cleaning and maintenance will be performed at all reopened locations. Tourism services are not available at this time.

The below locations have reopened:

• Interstate 70 westbound in Fulton County, 1 mile west of the Maryland state line
• Interstate 80 eastbound in Columbia County, 3.5 miles east of Exit 242
• Interstate 80 westbound in Columbia County, 10 miles west of Exit 256
• Interstate 79 northbound in Allegheny County, 8 miles north of Exit 45
• Interstate 79 northbound in Crawford County, 8 miles north of Exit 154
• Interstate 79 southbound in Crawford County, 3 miles south of Exit 166
• Interstate 79 northbound in Greene County, 5 miles north of Exit 1
• Interstate 79 northbound in Lawrence County, 3.5 miles north of Exit 105
• Interstate 79 southbound in Lawrence County, 3.5 miles south of Exit 113
• Interstate 79 northbound in Mercer County, 5 miles south of Exit 141
• Interstate 79 southbound in Mercer County, 6 miles north of Exit 130
• Interstate 80 eastbound in Centre County, 13 miles east of Exit 133
• Interstate 80 westbound in Centre County, .5 miles west of Exit 147
• Interstate 80 eastbound in Jefferson County, 1 mile east of Exit 86
• Interstate 80 westbound in Jefferson County, 10 miles west of Exit 97
• Interstate 80 eastbound in Luzerne County, 8.5 miles east of Exit 262
• Interstate 80 eastbound in Monroe County, 1 mile east of I-80/I-380
• Interstate 80 eastbound in Montour County, 4.5 miles east of Exit 215
• Interstate 80 westbound in Montour County, 4.5 miles west of Exit 224
• Interstate 80 eastbound in Venango County, .5 miles east of Exit 29
• Interstate 80 westbound in Venango County, 4 miles west of Exit 35
• Interstate 81 northbound in Cumberland County, .5 miles north of Exit 37
• Interstate 81 southbound in Cumberland County, 5.5 miles south of Exit 44
• Interstate 81 northbound in Lackawanna County, .5 miles north of Exit 202
• Interstate 81 northbound in Luzerne County, 1.5 miles north of Exit 155
• Interstate 81 southbound in Luzerne County, 1.5 miles south of Exit 159
• Interstate 81 southbound in Susquehanna County, 4 miles south of Exit 211
• Interstate 83 northbound in York County, 2.5 miles north of the Maryland state line
• Interstate 84 eastbound in Pike County, 6 miles east of Exit 20
• Interstate 84 westbound in Pike County, 1 mile west of Exit 26
• Interstate 70 eastbound in Washington County, 3.5 miles east of Exit 1
• Interstate 81 northbound in Franklin County, 1 mile north of the Maryland state line
• Interstate 81 southbound in Susquehanna County, .5 miles south of the New York state line
• Interstate 90 westbound in Erie County, .5 miles west of the New York state line
• U.S. 15 southbound in Tioga County, 7 miles south of the New York state line

The department will continue to evaluate and will determine whether additional locations can be reopened.

More COVID-19 information is available at www.health.pa.gov. For more information, visit www.dmv.pa.gov or www.PennDOT.gov.

Marywood University’s Art department presents its Senior Exhibit 2020 featuring art therapy, painting, graphic design, illustration, photography, and art education through its online catalog. Turning to the potential of offering the exhibit online, senior undergraduate and graduate art students knew that while in-person exhibits are not possible at this time, art and culture does not stop. Participation in the online catalog also fulfills the professional contribution requirements for the graduating bachelor of arts, bachelor of fine arts, and master of arts students. Furthermore, the artwork presented within the online catalog stands as a testament to the resilience, fortitude and creativity of the Marywood Art Students, Class of 2020. The 2020 Senior Exhibition Catalog can be accessed at marywood.edu/galleries/index.html.

Bachelor of arts and bachelor of fine arts students include: Bryan Allen, Ridge, Md.; Jamie Bamberger, Scranton, Pa.; Marielle Carpentier, Dover, N.H.; Maxine Carrion, West Haven, Conn.; Matt Catanzaro, Peckville, Pa.; Alexandra Covaleski, Peckville, Pa.; April Foley, Bethlehem, Pa.; Nicole Gillette, Westbury, N.Y.; Allison Ham, Easton, Pa.; Nina Haskelson, Huntington, N.Y.; Maeve Hill, Endwell, N.Y.; Alexander Jubinski, Dalton, Pa.; Stephanie Juarez-Ventura, Dunmore, Pa.; Kira Karboski, Olyphant, Pa.; Harley Leblanc, Tobyhanna, Pa.; Sarah Masucci, Dunmore, Pa.; Caitlin Nulton, Pittston, Pa.; Desiree Rill, Hampstead, Md.; Raeanne Seliga, Nanticoke, Pa.; Natalie Shedler, Suffern, N.Y.; Jordan Slater, Covington Twp., Pa.; Samantha Strauss, Gouldsboro, Pa.; Sultan Tamboosi, West Chester, Pa.; Gabrielle Tutoni, Poughkeepsie, N.Y. Andrew Valanda, Scranton, Pa.; Morgan Werner, Lindenhurst, N.Y.; and Sarah Youshock, Scranton, Pa. Master of arts students include: Brackey Brotzman, Brackney, Pa.; David Jackman, Honesdale, Pa.; and Cynthia Stanton, Clifford Township, Pa.

Marywood University’s Art Department helps students attain full development as creative persons through the integration of art studies with the total concept of a liberal arts education. Marywood University art students are involved intensely in self-discovery, self-evaluation, artistic research, and professional presentation of products. As a result, Marywood art students develop a sense of responsibility, empathy, and professionalism, which then is reflected, upon graduation, by commitment and involvement as a professional in the larger community. It is this growing sense of responsibility for quality communication, balanced with creativity, that will enrich future generations.

For additional information about the Art Department at Marywood University, please visit www.marywood.edu/art, or call the Office of Admissions, at (570) 348-6234.

Local businesses make our communities a better place to live.  Their earnings stay within the community and the wages they pay their employees provide the support needed for the local economy to thrive.  But, in these uncertain times, local businesses are struggling and they need our support now more than ever.  While we continue social distancing efforts, we must also come together in other ways to help our local businesses.

Wayne Bank suggests the following ways to show support for the businesses within your community.

1. Purchase gift cards.  One way that you can instantly help a business is by purchasing a gift card.  Many businesses sell gift cards on their websites, making it easy to give your favorite local stores and restaurants an immediate boost.  Gift cards are also perfect for upcoming special occasions and it’s never too early to get some holiday shopping done.
2. Order takeout and delivery. Most local restaurants are offering takeout and delivery options, including online ordering.  Everyone has to eat, so why not treat yourself to dinner from your favorite local restaurant?  This will help not only the restaurant, but will also provide income for delivery drivers. Have meals delivered to your family and friends for a special occasion or just to show you care.
3. Shop local businesses online. Many local businesses have online stores in addition to their storefront locations.  Visit their websites and you might even find that they are offering delivery discounts or curbside pickup options.  Remember that as long as you are buying from your local community, you’re helping to keep local businesses open and local jobs intact.
4. Share on social media. If you don’t have the funds to show support financially, there are still plenty of ways to help.  Share your favorite local businesses on social media and invite others to like and follow their pages.  This can help remind your friends of a business they may have forgotten about or never shopped at.  Your share is a vote of confidence for that business and will encourage others to patronize them as well.
5. Leave positive reviews. Another great way to show support for your favorite local businesses, is to give them a good review online.  Shoppers frequently use online reviews to help them make purchasing decisions and there is no stronger marketing tool than word-of-mouth advertising.  By leaving a positive review, you are encouraging others to become customers of your favorite local businesses.