The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced today that beginning Saturday, June 20, 2020, additional centers throughout the state will offer photo license services, adhering to restrictions on work and social interaction set by Governor Tom Wolf and the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

These re-openings are in addition to those previously announced on June 4, 2020.

The below locations will be opened for photo services only. Customers in need of a photo must have a correct camera card to obtain photo services. Customers without camera cards seeking renewal of their non-commercial license or ID should renew online or by mail to avoid an unnecessary visit to the location.

The following locations will reopen for photo license services only beginning Saturday, June 20:

• Belle Vernon Photo License Center, 960 Rostraver Road, Belle Vernon; hours of operation will be Tuesday through Saturday from 8:30 AM to 4:15 PM;
• Berwick Photo License Center, 10th and Mulberry Street, Berwick; hours of operation will be Thursday and Saturday from 8:30 AM to 4:15 PM;
• Coudersport Photo License Center, 1 South Main St., Coudersport; hours of operation will be Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday from 8:30 AM to 4:15 PM;
• Elizabethville Photo License Center, 4686 State Route 209, Suite 5, Elizabethville; hours of operation will be Thursday and Saturday from 8:30 AM to 4:15 PM
• Honesdale Photo License Center, 18 Collan Park, Honesdale; hours of operation will be Tuesday and Saturday from 8:30 AM to 4:15 PM.
• Huntingdon Photo License Center, 9048 William Penn Highway, Suite 1, Huntingdon, hours of operation will be Thursday and Saturday from 8:30 AM to 4:15 PM;
• Indiana Photo License Center normal, 2334 Oakland Avenue, Suite A, Indiana; hours of operation will be Tuesday through Saturday from 8:30 AM to 4:15 PM;
• Kittanning Photo License Center, 159 Butler Rd. Suite 2d, Kittanning; hours of operation will be Wednesday through Saturday from 8:30 AM to 4:15 PM;
• Lehighton Photo License Center, 1403 Blakeslee Boulevard, Route 443, Lehighton; hours of operation will be Thursday through Saturday from 8:30 AM to 4:15 PM;
• Milford Photo License Center, 201 West Harford St., Route 6, Milford; hours of operation will be Thursday and Saturday from 8:30 AM to 4:15 PM;
• Montrose Photo License Center, 78 Grow Avenue, Montrose; hours of operation will be Tuesday and Saturday from 8:30 AM to 4:15 PM;
• St. Mary’s Photo License Centers, 129 North Micheal St., St. Mary’s; hours of operation will be Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 8:30 AM to 4:15 PM;
• Tunkhannock Photo License Center, 600 Hunter Highway, Suite 12, Tunkhannock; hours of operation will be Friday and Saturday 8:30 AM to 4:15 PM; and
• Waynesburg Photo License Center, 1164 Willow Drive, Waynesburg; hours of operation will be Thursday and Saturday from 8:30 AM to 4:15 PM.

The following locations will reopen for photo license services only beginning Friday, June 26:

• Bedford Photo License Center, 137 Bedford Plaza Rd., Bedford; hours of operation will be Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 8:30 AM to 4:15 PM;
• Clarion Photo License Center, 22631 Route 68 Suite 50, Clarion; hours of operation will be Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 8:30 AM to 4:15 PM;
• Shamokin Photo License Center, 5 Anthra Plaza, Shamokin; hours of operation will be Thursday through Saturday from 8:30 AM to 4:15 PM;
• Wellsboro Photo License Center, 40 Plaza Lane, Wellsboro; hours of operation will be Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 8:30 AM to 4:15 PM; and
• Warren Photo License Center, 984 Hatch Run Road, Warren; hours of operation will be Thursday through Saturday from 8:30 AM to 4:15 PM.

The following locations will reopen for photo license services only beginning Saturday, June 27:

• Seneca Photo License Center, 143 Airport Road, Seneca; hours of operation will be Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday from 8:30 AM to 4:15 PM.

For a list of driver license and photo license centers that are currently open, as well as their hours of operation, please visit www.dmv.pa.gov.

In all reopened locations, the following COVID-19 safety protocols will be in place:

• Customers will be required to wear masks while in the facility;
• Seating will be reduced at all locations to make social distancing easier to maintain six feet distances between each seat;
• The number of customers will be limited to correspond with available counter stations and available seating in the customer waiting area only;
• Admittance to the facility will be limited to only the customer requiring service, unless assistance is needed by an accompanying person;
• Plexiglass sneeze guards have been installed at each counter to protect customers and employees;
• Cleaning protocols have been enhanced to sanitize facilities on an ongoing basis; and
• Markings on floors have been added to assist with social distancing along with signage to communicate special instructions to customers.

As PennDOT reopens driver license and photo license centers, services will be in high demand, and customers should expect longer than normal waits.

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 continue to reopen other locations as soon as safely possible. We will continue to communicate any reopening and 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.

Settlers Hospitality recently expanded its operations by adding The Retreat at Millbrook Cove, 16 lakefront short term rental units, to its collection of properties. Formerly known as Tanglwood, the condominium units are located on Lake Wallenpaupack, five miles south of Silver Birches Resort on Route 507. Silver Birches will manage the units as part of the larger resort.

The toll that the Covid-19 pandemic has taken in recent months has flipped the hospitality industry on its head, requiring properties across the world to change immensely and adapt rapidly to a tremendous amount of new operating procedures. One such property, Woodloch Pines, an all-inclusive family resort in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains, has embraced these challenges with open arms and made “Resort Responsibly” its new mantra.

The safety of its staff, guests, and the local community has always been of paramount importance to Woodloch. The “Resort Responsibly” program has taken this commitment to the next level, detailing protocols for every department in order to ensure strictest sanitization property-wide and adhere to social distancing guidelines. While operation may look a bit different in the midst of this new normal, the Woodloch experience continues to remain true to its tagline, “Together is the best place to be.”

After remaining closed for over two months, the Poconos resort first reopened on June 5^th following the guidance of the State of Pennsylvania’s “Yellow Phase.” On June 19^th, it moves into the “Green Phase” of reopening, allowing all activities as well in-restaurant dining to resume. The “Resort Responsibly” program addresses six key areas of operation, which are outlined below:

• Reciprocal Promises
  • Woodloch promises to protect the safety of all parties and asks guests to follow suit. This entails taking necessary precautions to ensure social distancing measures, proper hand hygiene, and the use of masks.

• The Woodloch Wellness Standard & Housekeeping
  • Exceeding the recommended guidance set by the state of Pennsylvania and CDC, the Poconos resort has created a full-time Safety Department to oversee guest and staff safety. Their primary focus will be infection control and prevention.
  • Public areas and frequent touchpoints will be vigorously sanitized with hospital-grade cleaners.
  • Woodloch will implement practices in accordance with the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s Safe Stay program, the hospitality industry’s gold standard in cleaning.
  • Housekeeping Safety Inspectors will certify and seal rooms as clean.
  • The resort has invested in technology to minimize the necessary amount of contact between guests and staff.

• Activities, amenities and entertainment
  • The family resort’s 1,500-acre property features nature trails for hiking and biking as well as an expansive lake for swimming and a variety of boating activities.
  • Amenities include: indoor and outdoor pools, hot tubs, go-carts, archery, paintball, shuffleboard, trap shoot, mini golf, escape rooms, horseshoes, bocce, and a brand-new playground.  
  • Activities featured include: game show contests, athletic competitions, trivia contests, scavenger hunts and hallmark guest favorites such as Cupcake Wars, a baking competition where creativity reigns supreme.
  • Guests can enjoy both indoor and outdoor entertainment such as movie nights, variety acts, comedians, and live music. Multiple seating times will be available for indoor acts to ensure adherence to social distancing measures.
  • Golf is also available at neighboring Woodloch Springs, a championship 18-hole golf course.  
  • A la carte spa treatments at the family resort’s sister property, The Lodge at Woodloch, are available on a limited basis.

• Dining Experience
  • Indoor and outdoor dining is now available.
  • Indoor tables will be spaced appropriately and additional seating times may be available to ensure proper social distancing.
  • Take-out dining will be available during set hours for both breakfast and dinner.

• Check-in and Check-out
  • Upon arrival and prior to entering, each guest’s temperature will be taken curbside. One person from each party will be allowed to enter the main office for check-in.
  • Check-out can be completed over the phone, and receipts can be emailed.
  • There will be no daily housekeeping, but guests have the option to receive contact-free delivery of room amenities, linens, and sundries.

• Staff Policies and Procedures
  • Approved PPE will be given to all staff members, and they will be required to wear masks while on property, both indoors and out.
  • Temperatures will be taken upon arrival to work each shift.
  • Contact tracing measures have been implemented in the unlikely event of exposure for our staff and our guests’ protection.
  • The resort’s Safety Department will hold weekly meetings, educating employees about symptom recognition, cleaning and sanitizing procedures, proper hand and personal hygiene as well as protocol guidance.
  • All food and beverage employees will follow Serv-Safe guidelines.

“Maintaining the health and safety of our guests and staff is of the utmost importance to us, and we are committed to going above and beyond to protect them during these unprecedented times. Since we first opened in 1958, the core elements of the Woodloch experience have always been about togetherness and fun. Although we have had to make some adjustments, we are elated to have reopened. We remain more dedicated than ever to delivering our signature brand of excellence and warm hospitality,” said Brad Kiesendahl, C.E.O of Woodloch Pines.

To obtain more information, please visit https://www.woodloch.com/special-statement/

The Dime Bank has awarded scholarships to three students based on their academic and leadership capabilities from Wayne Highlands, Wallenpaupack Area, and Delaware Valley school districts. The students must be furthering their education in the field of business, economics, finance, management, or accounting to be eligible for The Dime Bank Directors Award. Each graduating senior will receive $1,000.00 to attend the college of their choice. The Dime Bank is proud to support future leaders with this educational assistance.

Pictured 2020 Directors Award recipients are: Thomas Wagner from Wallenpaupack Area who will be attending Florida State University majoring in Accounting; Jacqueline Neckers from Delaware Valley who will be attending Temple University majoring in Finance; Aiden Pietraszewski from Wayne Highlands who will be attending the University of Scranton majoring in Finance.

Saturday, July 4th at 12 p.m. VIA Radio will present the premiere of ‘VIA American Soundscape’. With many local Independence Day events being canceled this year due to the COVID-19 virus pandemic, VIA will air the Star-Spangled Banner & Pledge of Allegiance on both VIA Radio and VIA Television for viewers and listeners to pause and reflect in celebration of the birth of our nation.

The program then will continue for the remainder of the hour on VIA Radio featuring patriotic favorites, including Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man, Tchaikovsky’s Finale from the 1812 Overture along with patriotic choral arrangements intertwined with stories of local citizens’ memories of the Fourth of July. VIA is encouraging the public to submit their stories to be featured on-air by using the hashtag #VIA4th and visiting the website wvia.org/4th.

Submissions are due by June 29, 2020.

For further information on the VIA American Soundscape please visit wvia.org/4th

NAC Entertainment and the Broadway Theatre League of NEPA announced the new Broadway In Scranton season today. Featuring four (4) Season Shows along with three (3) specials, the season begins in February 2021 and runs through August 2021.

Before the new Broadway In Scranton season begins in February, BUDDY – THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY will play January 22-24, 2021. These are the rescheduled dates from the originally scheduled March of 2020. All original tickets will be valid at the rescheduled date (Example; if your ticket was for the Friday, March 20 performance, it will be valid for the Friday, January 22 performance) and additional tickets are on sale now!

The 2021 season is a slight deviation from the usual season timeframe of Broadway In Scranton. While we are anxious to return to the theatre, we acknowledge the reality that our industry has been uniquely affected by recent events. To that end, we have adjusted our schedule to accommodate a fall hiatus and are excited to reopen in 2021.

Broadway In Scranton is working with the management at the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple to ensure that the local, state and federal safety guidelines will be followed when the venue reopens and we are once again allowed to gather.

Season Tickets for the 2021 Season are now on-sale. Prices range from $175 to $315. For more information, visit BroadwayInScranton.com, call the Broadway Theatre League of Northeastern PA office at (570) 342-7784, or email info@broadwayscranton.com

Season Shows

• WAITRESS   February 25 – 28, 2021
• Rodgers & Hammerstein’s SOUTH PACIFIC   April 9 – 11, 2021
• CHARLIE & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY   June 4 – 6, 2021
• CATS   July 30 – August 1, 2021

Specials – Season Ticket holders receive many benefits including the opportunity to purchase advance tickets to
these shows.

• RAIN A Tribute to The Beatles   February 10, 2021
• STOMP   April 27 – 28, 2021
• BLUE MAN GROUP   June 15 – 16, 2021

Marywood University will hold its July undergraduate open house on Saturday, July 11, 2020, at 10 a.m., for high school students. The program will be held virtually, and prospective students can register online at marywood.edu/julyOH.

Prospective students and their parents can register for live virtual events with staff, current students, and faculty.  Students and parents can then participate at their convenience in additional online experiences.

For more information about Marywood University’s virtual undergraduate open house, please visit marywood.edu/now, or call the Office of Admissions, at (570) 348-6234.

Marywood University senior Interior Architecture students were recently notified that they received three of the top ten international design awards from Formica Brand Corporation. Jessica Reid, Oxford, N.J., was awarded third place for her “G Table”, and she received $500. She will also be featured in Form Magazine. Allison Plunkett, Hatboro, Pa., received fifth place with her “Imagination Table” design; and Brandon Freely, Clifford Twp., Pa., rounded out the top ten designs with his “Geode Table” design.

The senior interior architecture students designed their pieces as part of their Comprehensive Studio Design Project under the direction of Maria MacDonald, director of undergraduate interior architecture studies, and Thomas Gongliewski, shop manager/technician for the School of Architecture. The project called for designs that included constructability with working construction drawings as part of the design submission.

More than 175 architecture and interior design students across the United States and Canada demonstrated their creativity at the Formica Corporation’s 2020 FORM Student Innovation Competition. Students showcased their creativity by designing furniture pieces for resimercial spaces that embraced the blurring lines between nature and technology. The designs also incorporated patterns from Formica’s SurfaceSet® 2020 Collection.

For additional information about Marywood University’s School of Architecture, please visit www.marywood.edu/architecture/index.html, or call the Office of Admissions, at (570) 348-6234. For additional information about the Formica Brand Corporation 2020 Student Design Competition, please visit  Formica Corporation.

Ideaworks Marketing recently created INVIGOR-8, an easy-to-use, complimentary marketing guide that offers eight tips to small businesses in NEPA as they begin the process of reopening after COVID-19. INVIGOR-8 outlines strategic ways to communicate with employees and customers, promote services and special offerings and more, ultimately invigorating businesses, while recognizing the unique “new normal” for small organizations and their customers. Each of the eight tips in the guide is applicable for pre-reopening, reopening and post-reopening phases, so businesses can continuously refer to the resource no matter what stage of the process they are in.

“As a small, women-owned business, we understand the marketing challenges COVID-19 has presented,” remarked Alyssa Ellsworth, senior director of creative and content. “We were compelled to help those in our community, and our hope is that this resource extends far beyond that, touching as many small businesses who have been affected by the pandemic as possible.”

While the marketing guide itself is complimentary, Ideaworks stands ready to provide easy-to-deploy, heavily discounted marketing collateral and other solutions – ranging from indoor/outdoor signage to digital letter templates, customizable menus, social media graphics and more – that can be tailored to each individual business. Every small business package Ideaworks has developed in conjunction with INVIGOR-8 is currently 25 percent off.

Ellsworth added, “As we mention in INVIGOR-8, helping our clients tackle their most pressing marketing challenges is something we do every day. We felt it was only fitting to share our industry expertise and let small businesses like us know that we are there for them and can help them put these tips into practice with us as their partner.”

If you’d like to receive a digital copy of INVIGOR-8 or would like more information on how Ideaworks can customize solutions to help your business during COVID-19, reach out to Alyssa Ellsworth at alyssaz@ideaworks.marketing.