Peoples Security Bank Raises Over $210,000 at its 15th Annual Golf Tournament

Peoples Security Bank & Trust (PSBT) is excited to announce that the 15th Annual Golf Tournament has raised over $210,000. All proceeds from this golf tournament will help support the grant making activities of the Peoples Security Charitable Foundation. The Peoples Security Charitable Foundation concentrates its grant making activities on 501(c)(3) charitable organizations seeking funds to advance innovative programs having a measurable and positive impact on the residents of the communities in which the Peoples Security Bank conducts business.

A partial amount of the proceeds were presented as grants of $10,000 to each of the following nonprofit organizations: Outreach – Center for Community Resources; Boys & Girls Club of Northeastern Pennsylvania; Victory House of Lehigh Valley; ALAMO (Accion Communal Latino Americano De Montgomery County, Inc.); and Valley Health Partners Street Medicine.

“We believe if we work together as a community, then we can make a difference in the lives of those who need it more than ever. The funds raised from this golf tournament will help us tremendously in supporting nonprofit organizations in the communities we serve. We are deeply grateful for the unwavering support of our sponsors, golfers, and the PSBT team who helped make this event so successful this year,” says Jeffrey Drobins, Executive Vice President, Chief Lending Officer.

The 15th Annual Golf Tournament was held on Monday, August 28 at the Lehigh Country Club with 128 golfers in attendance and 123 sponsors. We would like to give a special thanks to the Presenting Sponsors who helped make this event possible: Cityline-Hamilton Builders, LLC; Tuskes Homes; Livingston Street Capital, LLC; BSI Corporate Benefits; Feinberg Real Estate Advisors, LLC; Paramount Realty; and Florio Perrucci Steinhardt Cappelli Tipton & Taylor, LLC.

The University of Scranton Fall Semester Plans

Sept. 8-29 Art Exhibit: “Cura Personalis: Selections from the University of Scranton Art Collection.” Hope Horn Gallery, Hyland Hall. Free during gallery hours. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu.

Sept. 8 11:30 a.m. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Series: “We’ve Got to Get Ourselves Back to the Garden: Inside the Music and Times of the Woodstock Generation” presented by Rob Kapilow, composer, conductor, music commentator and author. The Kane Forum, Edward Leahy, Jr. Hall. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email brooke.leonard@scranton.edu.

Sept. 8 5 p.m. Art Gallery Curator’s Lecture: “Cura Personalis: Selections from the University of Scranton Art Collection.” Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Reception follows at the Hope Horn Gallery. Free. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu.

Sept. 8 7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “What Makes It Great? The American Songbook” featuring Rob Kapilow, composer, conductor, music commentator and author, with soprano Magdalyn E. Boga. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

Sept. 12 11 a.m. Volunteer Fair for area nonprofit agencies offering volunteer opportunities for students. McIlhenny Ballroom, DeNaples Center. Pre-registration required. Call 570-941-7429 or email ellen.judge@scranton.edu.

Sept. 12 11:30 a.m. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Series: “Gun Violence, Prevention, and the Role of the Media” presented by Jim MacMillan, journalist, educator and social innovator, director of the Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting. Rose Room, Brennan Hall. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email brooke.leonard@scranton.edu.

Sept. 19 11:30 a.m. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Series: “Revitalizing Democracy” presented by Michele Moody-Adams, Ph.D., Joseph L. Straus Professor of Political Philosophy and Legal Theory, Columbia University. Rose Room, Brennan Hall. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email brooke.leonard@scranton.edu.

Sept. 21 7:30 p.m. Ignatian Values in Action Lecture: “Living Against the Grain” presented by Tim Muldoon, theologian, professor and author of several books including The Ignatian Workout. Byron Recreation Complex. Free. Call 570-941-7520 or email linda.walsh@scranton.edu.

Sept. 23 7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “WE!” featuring Wycliffe Gordon, trombone and Eric Reed, piano with an appearance by The University of Scranton Concert Choir. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

Sept. 28 5 p.m. Lecture: “What is Comparative Theology? How is it humanities? How is it Jesuit? How is it Catholic? Why do you do it, and how have you found that God meets you in this work?” presented by Francis X. Clooney, S.J., Jesuit priest and scholar in the teachings of Hinduism, professor at Harvard Divinity School in Cambridge. Moskovitz Theater, DeNaples Center. Free. Call 570-941-4700 or email sarah.kenehan@scranton.edu.

Sept. 23-24 The University of Scranton Family Weekend 2023. Various campus locations. Call 570-941-4222 or email familyweekend@scranton.edu.

Sept. 28 7:30 p.m. Asian Studies invites you to the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival tea tasting and dessert pairing and learn about the legends and customs associated with the festival. Rose Room, Brennan Hall. Registration required. Free. Email ann.pang-white@scranton.edu to reserve a seat.

Sept. 30 7 a.m. Schemel Forum bus trip to Philadelphia Museum of Art and Rodin Museum. $135 per person. Registration required. Spaces are limited. Call 570-941-4740 or email brooke.leonard@scranton.edu.

Oct. 5 8:30 a.m. 22nd Annual U.S. Conference on DISABILITY “Ability Focused Advocacy: Breaking Barriers to Achieving Careers and Independence” McIlhenny Ballroom, DeNaples Center. Free for general public. Call 570-941-7819 or visit www.scranton.edu/disabilityconference.

Oct. 5 11:30 a.m. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Series: “Transforming Spaces: Public Art and Community Engagement” presented by Michelle Angela Ortiz, 2021 Art is Essential Grantee, 2020 Art For Justice Fund Grantee, Pew Fellow, Rauschenberg Foundation Artist and Activist Fellow, and Kennedy Center Citizen Artist National Fellow. Rose Room, Brennan Hall. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email brooke.leonard@scranton.edu.

Oct. 6-20 Art Exhibit: “Earth’s Apothecary: Recent Works by Jordan Oakey.” Hope Horn Gallery, Hyland Hall. Free during gallery hours. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu.

Oct. 11 6 p.m. Slattery Center for Ignatian Humanities: “Chanteur of French Songs” presented by Kevin Soucie, guitarist. Slattery Center. Free. Call 570-941-4700 or email sarah.kenehan@scranton.edu.

Oct. 12 5:30 p.m. Humanities Forum Lecture: “Bison Hide, Elephant Tusk, and Sperm Whale Oil: The Industrial Revolution and the ‘Late Holocene Depletions’ ca. 1800-1920” presented by J.R. McNeill, Distinguished University Professor at Georgetown University. PNC Auditorium, Loyola Science Center. Free. Call 570-941-4700 or email sarah.kenehan@scranton.edu.

Oct. 13 11:30 a.m. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Series: “AI and Deciphering the Criminal Mind” presented by Ann Burgess, D.N.Sc., renowned expert in trauma, abuse assessment and treatment. Rose Room, Brennan Hall. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email brooke.leonard@scranton.edu.

Oct. 13 5 p.m. Artist’s Lecture: “Earth’s Apothecary: Recent Works by Jordan Oakey.” Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Reception follows at the Hope Horn Gallery. Free. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu.

Oct. 14 7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Recital” featuring Llewellyn Sanchez-Werner, piano. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

Oct. 17 5:30 p.m. Schemel Forum with the Gail and Francis Slattery Center for Ignatian Humanities Collaborative Program: “Myers Distinguished Visiting Fellow in the Humanities and Civic Engagement Lecture” presented by Dale Jamieson, Ph.D., professor emeritus of environmental studies; director, Center for Environmental and Animal Protection; affiliated professor of law, medical ethics and bioethics; founding director of environmental studies program; and former chair of the environmental studies department and professor of philosophy at New York University. Rose Room, Brennan Hall. Registration required. Fees vary. Receptions follows. Call 570-941-4740 or email brooke.leonard@scranton.edu.

Oct. 19 5 p.m. Humanities Forum: Lecture and Book Signing by Patricia Leavy, author of Hollyland. Rose Room, Brennan Hall. Free. Call 570-941-4700 or email sarah.kenehan@scranton.edu.

Oct. 22 9 a.m. Open House for prospective students and their families. Various locations on campus. Registration required. Free. Call 888-SCRANTON or email admissions@scranton.edu.

Oct. 27-Nov. 17 Art Exhibit: “Scranton’s Story: Oral History Portrait Photographs.” Hope Horn Gallery, Hyland Hall. Free during gallery hours. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu.

Oct. 27 5 p.m. Art Gallery Panel Discussion: “Scranton’s Story: Oral History Portrait Photographs.” Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Reception follows at the Hope Horn Gallery. Free. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu.

Oct. 28 7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert” featuring The University of Scranton Jazz Band with guest soloist Chris Lewis, tenor sax. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

Oct. 20-22 and 27-29 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. “Dead Man’s Cell Phone” presented by The University Players. Royal Theater, McDade Center for Literary and Performing Arts. Ticket prices vary. Call 570-941-4318 or email players@scranton.edu

Oct. 30 6 p.m.Schemel Forum with the Friends of the Weinberg Memorial Library Collaborative Program: “Book Bans and Censorship” presented by Tracie D. Hall, executive director American Library Association, author, curator and advocate for the Arts. PNC Auditorium or remote. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email brooke.leonard@scranton.edu.

Nov. 2 11:30 a.m. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Series: “A Molecule Away from Madness: Tales of the Hijacked Brain” presented by Sara Manning Peskin, M.D., assistant professor of clinical neurology, University of Pennsylvania. Rose Room, Brennan Hall. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email brooke.leonard@scranton.edu.

Nov 2 4 p.m. Humanities Forum Lecture: “Explaining the Cosmos: Can the Philosopher Help?” presented by Dean Zimmerman, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor of Philosophy, Rutgers University, author and lecturer. Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Free. Call 570-941-4700 or email sarah.kenehan@scranton.edu.

Nov. 4 7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert” featuring The University of Scranton Symphonic Band. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.
Nov. 5 9 a.m. Open House for prospective students and their families. Various locations on campus. Registration required. Free. Call 888-SCRANTON or email admissions@scranton.edu.

Nov. 9 7:30 p.m. Henry George Lecture: “The ‘China Shock’ After 22 Years” presented by Robert C. Feenstra, Ph.D., C. Bryan Cameron Distinguished Chair in International Economics, University of California, Davis. McIlhenny Ballroom, DeNaples Center. Free. Call 570-941-4048 or email janice.mecadon@scranton.edu.

Nov 10 Noon. Humanities Forum Lecture: “The Habit of Poetry: The Literary Lives of Nuns in Mid-century America” presented by Nick Ripatrazone, author and culture editor of Image Journal. Rose Room, Brennan Hall. Free. Call 570-941-4700 or email sarah.kenehan@scranton.edu.

Nov. 12 4 p.m. Performance Music: “The Generation Sing!” The Catholic Choral Society opens their 75th anniversary season jointed by The University of Scranton concert Choir and Valley View High School Choir with middle school and elementary choirs. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

Nov. 16 7 p.m. Keynote Lecture and Book Signing: “Who are We as a Nation? Education for Democracy” presented by Danielle Allen, Harvard University political theorist and author of Justice by Means of Democracy. The event is part of “Scranton’s Story, Our Nation’s Story,” a project supported by a NEH grant led by The University of Scranton and community partners. McIlhenny Ballroom, DeNaples Center. Free. Call 570-941-4419 or email community@scranton.edu.

Nov. 16-18 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday. “Footloose” presented by Liva Arts Company. The Royal Theater, McDade Center for Literary and Performing Arts. $5. Call 570-941-7401 or email livaartscompany@gmail.com.

Nov. 18 7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert” featuring The University of Scranton String Orchestra with guest violinist Kako Miura Boga. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

Dec. 2 8 p.m. Performance Music: “56th Annual Noel Night” featuring The University of Scranton Singers and Chamber Ensembles. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

Dec. 10 7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “Empty Stocking Fund Benefit Concert.” Performance Music student musicians perform solo, duo, trio and small group renditions of a variety of Christmas favorites. Houlihan-McLean Center. Admission: one new unwrapped toy, new toiletry items or a monetary donation. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

Schemel Courses:
Tuesdays: Sept. 12, 19, 26 and Oct. 3, 10, 24 6 p.m. Schemel Forum Course: “Indiana Jones and the Twentieth Century” presented by Sean Brennan, Ph.D., professor of history, The University of Scranton. Room 305, Weinberg Memorial Library. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email brooke.leonard@scranton.edu.
Wednesdays: Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25 and Nov. 1, 8 6 p.m. Schemel Forum Course: “The Crisis of the Sciences: Positivism, Essentialism, and the Need for Critical Theory?” presented by Andrew LaZella, Ph.D., professor of philosophy, The University of Scranton. Room 305, Weinberg Memorial Library. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email brooke.leonard@scranton.edu.
Mondays: Oct. 23, 30 and Nov. 16, 13, 20, 27 6 p.m. Schemel Forum Course: “Writing in Place” presented by Hank Willenbrink, Ph.D., associate professor, English and Theatre, The University of Scranton. Room 305, Weinberg Memorial Library. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email brooke.leonard@scranton.edu.

The Wright Center News

Read below to discover what Maria Kolcharno from the Wright Center says about The Healthy MOMS program.

Maria Kolcharno, L.S.W., serves as director of addiction services for The Wright Center for Community Health. She supervises the daily operations of addiction-related services and grant-funded clinical operations, including the Opioid Use Disorder Center of Excellence. It’s hard for me to believe that it’s been five years since The Wright Center and a number of other regional community organizations launched the Healthy MOMS program as a way to meet the needs of families affected by substance use disorder.

“The Healthy MOMS – it stands for Maternal Opiate Medical Support – program was established in 2018 to help pregnant women and new mothers overcome addiction and embrace a life in recovery. Participants are offered blanket services that include medication-assisted treatment and addiction services, counseling, primary health care, OB-GYN care, parenting tips, legal advice, and numerous other forms of support. It’s all about providing mothers with the strong foundation they’ll need for them and their children to enjoy a happy, healthy life.

Named after a program of the same name in Ohio, Healthy MOMS was initially introduced as a pilot program in two counties, with initial grant funding secured by the Lackawanna/Susquehanna Office of Drug and Alcohol Programs. Today, the program assists women in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Schuylkill, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Wyoming counties.

Thanks to the collaborative efforts of community partners representing Northeast Pennsylvania’s health care, legal, housing, and social service organizations, the program has proven to be nothing less than a resounding success. Over the past five years, we’ve touched the lives of more than 430 babies and mothers.

I’m very proud of the number of people our program has been able to assist, but I know we must continue working hard to reach more people in need. As we know too well, even under the most idyllic circumstances, it takes a village to raise a child. Adding the complex struggles surrounding opioid addiction to the equation can make pregnancy an even tougher time.

With that realization in mind, our team focuses on our clients’ health, financial, legal, and personal needs. The program provides medication-assisted treatment, behavioral health, case management, and social services, ideally engaging mom and baby all the way up until the child’s second birthday.

The evidence suggests that mothers who join the program and participate in recovery services well before their delivery dates are less likely to give birth to babies who experience neonatal abstinence syndrome, a potentially painful and costly medical condition caused when a newborn withdraws from opioids or other drugs that the baby had been exposed to in the womb.

While Healthy MOMS has served mothers as young as 14, the program mostly works with women in their 20s and 30s. Many of our moms have said the program gave them a stronger sense of optimism and an increased self-confidence, and several others have noted that it led them to wanting to obtain their GED and pursue their education even further.

Obviously, the program depends on solid funding to carry out its mission, and thankfully we’ve been fueled by generous grant support from private, state, and federal entities, including the AllOne Foundation, Robert H. Spitz Foundation, Direct Relief, the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, and the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration. And, of course, our many community partners are hugely integral to our continued success.

Five years in, we’ll keep that momentum going, continuing to build upon Healthy MOMS’ services and partnerships. It’s truly a privilege to be involved with a community program so worthwhile.”

For more information on the Healthy MOMS program, call 570-955-7821 or visit www.healthymoms.org.

Read below to discover what Maureen Litchman from the Wright Center says about healthy aging.

Maureen Litchman, M.D., a board-certified family medicine physician, is the medical director of The Wright Center Wilkes-Barre Practice, where she sees patients of all ages. Dr. Litchman also serves as associate program director of the Regional Family Medicine Residency Program at The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education.

“I walked into my kitchen. Mail strewn on the counter. There it was. An envelope posted from AARP addressed to me. It was 2005. Reality struck. I was old enough to be eligible for membership. The good news is there are lifestyle changes we can make to lead healthier lives and positively impact our longevity.

Each of us can take a proactive approach in adjusting and supporting our changing bodies. This can be done gracefully by making healthier choices. I am happy to share with you some behaviors each of us older citizens can do to improve the quality and quantity of our lives. And if you’re not quite in an “older age group,” it’s never too early to start adopting some of these changes. Please consider sharing them with someone you love so they can start making some positive changes.

Please allow me to promote September’s observance of Healthy Aging Month, which
began more than 30 years ago to encourage people to focus on their physical and mental health in a positive way.

There are several ways each of us can live healthier lives. Many healthy practices are well within our reach with the right amount of motivation and encouragement. Engaging with others in your pursuit of better health creates supportive relationships. This increases your chances for success.

Below are a few tips to consider. I suggest following one or two behaviors to start and incorporate additional changes every few weeks.

  1. Maintain a healthy diet: Increase your intake of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, low-fat dairy products, and water. Alcohol may be consumed in moderation.
  2. Get up and move! Treat yourself to a walk and enjoy the scenery. If the weather is inclement, find an indoor site such as a local mall and get some steps in. Try increasing how long you walk over a few weeks with a goal of walking for 30 minutes, three days a week. Ways you can increase your activity include: park further away from your destination, use steps instead of an elevator, and walk into drive-in places such as a bank.
  3. See your doctor: Schedule regular preventive and primary care checkups with your primary care physician to reduce disease occurrence or to detect it early enough so treatment may be more effective.
  4. Get a good night’s sleep: Some adults may struggle to get adequate sleep. Your strive to goal would be to sleep seven to nine hours per night. This may increase your level of alertness and improve your mood and memory.
  5. Avoid using tobacco products to include smoking, vaping, and chewing: Please know there are several effective options to assist you in quitting. Have your primary care physician be a member of your team to help you battle this health challenge.
  6. Monitor your brain health: Our brains may change as we get older. The good news is, dementia is not a normal part of the aging process. We can improve brain health by performing activities which challenge our brains: crossword puzzles, Wordle, Sudokus, etc. Please notify your doctor if anything related to your memory or overall brain health has occurred.

We at The Wright Center are trained to help you with your health challenges. We offer a full range of geriatric services that promote good health, prevent disease, treat afflictions, and manage disabilities. We firmly believe that our holistic, whole-person approach to treatment and care is especially beneficial to aging adults who may be categorized as frail or not being listened to by other doctors. We provide them with the tools to live a full and healthy life thanks to our specialized services, which include Alzheimer’s and dementia evaluation and testing; well visits with providers; ongoing care for chronic conditions; caregiver support; preventive care and health education; case management; and linkage to community resources and support services.

That approach is paying big dividends, as evidenced by our geriatric program being recognized
by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement as an Age-Friendly Health System Partner for
providing a full spectrum of primary health and support services for our patients who are young
at heart.

We’re all aging – but with a lot of personal effort and the assistance of our health care providers,
we can age well and continue to enjoy our lives. Whether you refer to getting older as “the golden years” or “the silver tsunami,” let’s all strive to make them the best years of our lives because they are precious.”

PennDOT Announces Electric Vehicle Funding

Today, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Secretary Mike Carroll, U.S. Senator Bob Casey, Federal Highway Administration Deputy Administrator Andrew Rogers, and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) announced the first round of conditional awards for federal National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) funding. These awards further the Shapiro Administration’s work to address climate change, grow the Commonwealth’s economy, and ensure that the future of Pennsylvania transportation is on track to be cleaner, safer, more affordable, and more reliable than ever before. 

Fifty-four projects in 35 counties were selected to expand access to and the reliability of electric vehicle charging within Pennsylvania. The $33.8 million federal investment is part of the $171.5 million PennDOT will receive and distribute for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure over five years through the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). 

“Our team worked diligently to meet federal NEVI requirements while spreading opportunities among various companies and communities,” Carroll said. “Because of Governor Shapiro’s leadership and record of delivering for Pennsylvanians, we are among the first states distributing these funds to provide travelers with options and confidence while also benefitting our environment. These new investments will create good paying jobs and allow Pennsylvanian residents, businesses, and visitors to travel across the Commonwealth faster, cleaner, and more reliably.”

The conditional awards include various recipients – including seven Pennsylvania headquarters – and site locations across the state. Four federally compliant charging ports will be funded at each charging location with 216 total funded charging ports. Twenty-two of the projects are in or within half a mile of state or federally-designated disadvantaged communities. View the conditional award list by county, on the department’s NEVI web page.

“Thanks to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, we can strengthen and expand our electric vehicle charging infrastructure,” Senator Casey said. “This funding will allow us to deploy electric vehicle charging stations across our Commonwealth, from cities to suburbs to rural areas, promoting energy security, creating jobs, and reducing our carbon footprint.”

Moving forward, a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) public involvement process will begin for each project. Projects can begin after those processes are successfully completed and agreements with each recipient are executed. Some projects may begin as early as late 2023. 

“In Pennsylvania and across the country, President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is building the backbone of our national network of EV charging stations that will ensure a seamless experience for drivers when they’re charging up – similar payment systems, clear pricing information, interoperable connector types, and reliable charging speeds as we make the historic transition to electric vehicles,” Rogers said. “With federal investments made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Pennsylvania is taking a critical step forward as States across our nation begin deploying EV chargers for the communities they serve, and we are proud partner with them in this shared project.”

The NEVI funding supports the Commonwealth and federal goal of expanding EV charging along the previously designated Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFCs) and Interstate lookalikes. Pennsylvania has over 1,800 miles of AFCs. Per the guidance from U.S. DOT, NEVI formula funds must first be used to “build out” designated AFCs (meaning there must be no more than 50 miles between stations and less than 1 mile from an AFC exit) and meet U.S. DOT minimum standards and requirements. 

The PA NEVI program includes multiple rounds of funding. During Round 1 selection, the focus was on building out the AFC network along the interstates to meet the NEVI requirements. Once AFCs are fully built out, PennDOT will shift to expanding the NEVI Formula Program funding to fund right-sized EV chargers for Pennsylvania’s community charging.

“Northeast Pennsylvania is leading the way by taking full advantage of the bipartisan infrastructure law and the resources it affords,” said Congressman Matt Cartwright. “With today’s announcement, we’re taking another big step forward in building out our electric vehicle charging network, modernizing our infrastructure, and creating good-paying jobs.”

Projects were evaluated on a competitive basis following federal requirements and other factors:

  • Choosing a variety of recipients not only statewide but also along individual AFCs;
  • Projects that provided a variety of amenities and services to improve customer experience (such as varied payment options);
  • Positive local economic development and workforce opportunities; and
  • Locations that are welcoming, safe, and accessible for all.

The NEVI funds support the planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of charging sites. The PA NEVI program is a reimbursement program and applicants are required to provide a minimum 20% match. PennDOT received 271 unique funding submissions requesting $165.4 million for this round of investments.

Today’s event was held at the Scranton Electricians JATC Training Center. All electricians installing, operating, or maintaining EV supply equipment must have a certification from the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP) or graduation or a continuing education certificate from a registered apprenticeship program. Where more than one electrician is required, at least one electrician must meet the requirements above, and at least one electrician must be enrolled in an electrical registered apprenticeship program.

While Round 1 NEVI projects progress, PennDOT continues meeting federal deadlines for additional funding rounds and working toward closing all AFC gaps while expanding community charging access.  Round 1 and 1a will focus exclusively on the AFC network. The department anticipates opening Round 1a later this fall with approximately $20 million available.  

Additionally, on August 1, PennDOT submitted its Federal Fiscal Year 2024 NEVI Plan Update for federal review. The public may share input on the plan through an online survey or emailing ra-pdevcorridors@pa.gov. PennDOT will make all reasonable modifications to policies, programs, and documents to ensure that people with disabilities and those with limited English proficiency have an equal opportunity to provide feedback on Pennsylvania’s transportation network. If you have other questions or challenges, contact PennDOT’s Bureau of Equal Opportunity to request help by emailing beodot@pa.gov or calling 717-787-5891; TTY (711).

For more information on NEVI funds in Pennsylvania visit the PennDOT website.

Pennsylvania can compete for billions of dollars in federal funds across a wide range of federal grant programs through the BIL, also known as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). To help communities and organizations learn about these opportunities, PennDOT created a web page, www.penndot.pa.gov/IIJA, with details on federal grant opportunities to help municipalities, townships, and other community agencies with understanding the multiple transportation program grants that are available. The page includes Grant Alerts, guides, and links to important resources for local municipalities and organizations interested in pursuing federal funding opportunities

Information about state infrastructure in Pennsylvania, including completed work and significant projects, is available at www.penndot.pa.gov/results. Find PennDOT’s planned and active construction projects at www.projects.penndot.gov.

Urban Co-Works to Open in October

Urban Co-Works expects to open for business at its newest location at 116 N. Washington Avenue in Scranton, Pennsylvania, this October.  The company announced they are now booking hard-hat tours for people interested in signing up for membership. “Our premier flexible office space has meeting rooms, an expansive coworking area, conference rooms, privacy pods for Zoom calls, 60 private offices, a training room, and more. Anyone working from home or who needs a modern office is just going to love what we have to offer,” said Jeffrey Goronkin, CEO of Urban Co-Works.

The company has also announced they have appointed Tiffany Cross-Luciani as General Manager at Urban Co-Works in Scranton, who will head up these tours. Cross-Luciani was formerly the Economic Development Director for the City of Scranton. Goronkin said, “Tiffany brings incredible talent and connections to the new position, and we are excited to have her join the team.”

Cross-Luciani will manage operations at the industrial chic coworking space and be a familiar face to members. Cross-Luciani said, “I’m excited to work alongside our professional community and help foster an environment where businesses thrive and ideas flourish. Urban Co-Works will provide world-class office solutions to our city that are affordable and flexible. It’s a wonderful opportunity for all of us.”

Entrepreneurs, consultants, and other professionals who need an office can take advantage of the flexible memberships offered by Urban Co-Works.  Prices start at $150/month for access to their premier office space. A variety of membership levels, from part-time to full-time, are available. The company also rents its meeting rooms by the hour and offers day passes and virtual business mail services.

Anyone interested in taking a tour of Urban Co-Works can register on their website at www.urbancoworks.com.

PennDOT Driver License Photo Centers to Close for Labor Day Holiday

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) today announced that all driver license and photo centers, including its full-service center in Harrisburg, will be closed Saturday, September 2, 2023, through Monday, September 4, 2023, in observance of the Labor Day holiday.  Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services, including all forms, publications and driver training manuals, online through PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website, 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; driver license and photo ID duplicates; and driver exam scheduling. There are no additional fees for using online services. 

A complete listing of PennDOT driver and photo license center closings in 2023 is available online. If you are planning to visit one of PennDOT’s On-Line Messenger Service Centers, please call ahead for hours of operation during holidays.

Motorists can check conditions on major roadway miles by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information, and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.

511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following twitter regional alerts.

Follow PennDOT on Twitter and like the department on Facebook and Instagram. 

Penn State Scranton Announces Leadership Essentials Workshop Series

WorkshopDateTimeCostRegistration
Setting the Stage for Excellent Performance
Create and maintain a motivational climate to help employees understand and meet expectations.		Thursday,
9/7/23		9 a.m. to 12 p.m.$89 discounts availableTo register call 570-963-2600
Clarifying Expectations and Observing Performance
Focuses on preparing a supervisor to handle the “front-end” management responsibilities. 		Thursday,
9/21/23		9 a.m. to 12 p.m.$89 discounts availableTo register call 570-963-2600
Coaching and Providing Feedback
Key role of a supervisor is to provide feedback. Learning to give appropriate feedback and coaching and recognizing how to best deliver it.		Thursday,
10/5/23		9 a.m.
to 12 p.m.		$89 discounts availableTo register call 570-963-2600
Dealing with Challenging Performance Situations
Focus is on helping to respond with greater skill and confidence when confronting off-target performance.		Thursday,
10/12/23		9 a.m. to 12 p.m.$89 discounts availableTo register call 570-963-2600
Growth Mindset and Goal Setting
Develop a detailed plan for success with the mindset to support growth by opening your mind to the possibilities the new year can bring.		Thursday, 11/2/239 a.m. to 12 p.m.$89 discounts availableTo register call 570-963-2600

Scranton Tomorrow to Celebrate Completion of The Office Mural

Celebrate the completion of The Office: The Story of Us mural by Hagopian Arts with Scranton Tomorrow and members of the Mural Arts Program at First Friday in October: Mural Dedication & Meet and Greet with the Artist Friday, October 6, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. on rear 503 Lackawanna Avenue in downtown Scranton.