University of Scranton Small Business Center Development News Gretchen Kukuchka Honored as Pennsylvania’s State Star at SBDC Annual Conference Gretchen Kukuchka, Business Consultant, has been named the (Pennsylvania) State Star, an award celebrating outstanding performance and client satisfaction, and recently had the opportunity to celebrate the award at America’s SBDC 44th annual conference during the State Star Reception. The State Star Award is the highest honor that the PASBDC awards, celebrating one exceptional individual who has truly made a difference in their state network. Develop a Strong Business Idea in 8 Simple Steps Tuesday, 9/19/23 | 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Discover the essential steps to turn your business idea into a reality. This webinar will guide you through: Choosing your business idea: Learn how to select a viable business concept. Resource assessment: Understand the financial and time commitments required. Navigating industry regulations: Get insights on industry-specific rules. Target market definition: Identify your ideal customers. Competitive advantage: Determine what sets you apart from competitors. Business plan writing: Recognize the importance of a well-structured business plan. Register here. Applications Are Now Open for StartUP’s Fall Series StartUP is a six-week series where participants learn through live sessions on Zoom and meet weekly on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Sessions kick off on Tuesday, September 26. Topics covered include: Business start-up basics Legal and insurance considerations Marketing and social media essentials Business plan development Accounting and budget skills Financing options and requirements Goal setting and other essential skills… Apply here. Horizon Farm Credit Announces Third Annual ‘Farmers on the Rise’Award Competition Horizon Farm Credit is hosting the third annual Farmers on the Rise award competition this fall. Established in 2021, the Farmers on the Rise program was created to honor outstanding beginning farmers (three to ten years of experience) within the diverse agricultural community who excel in their field. This year’s program will award up to ten $10,000 awards. The application is now open and closes on October 6, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. Visit the link below for additional details, including eligibility requirements. Learn more here. Creative Entrepreneurs: You May Be Eligible for Financial Support from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts and Partner Organizations The Pennsylvania Council on the Arts and the PCA’s Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts (PPA) partner organizations are pleased to make available the Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program. This program is designed to pair access to existing small business consulting services with financial resources up to $2,000 for creative entrepreneurs who aspire to start their own for-profit business or who operate an existing for-profit micro business Learn more here. Master Online Marketing for Freewith this Webinar from the PennWest Clarion SBDC Tuesday, 9/19/23 | 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Getting your business online is one thing, making sure the content is engaging and actionable is another. Now, more than ever, businesses need to have a strong brand and web presence. Doing so can seem overwhelming, from a time and monetary perspective. This webinar will go over tips and tricks to marketing online that cost $0! We will go over no-cost solutions to help you create and diversify your marketing, such as Canva, Unsplash, Bit.ly, and a few other free programs. Register here.
Wayne Bank Promotes Collin Ennis Jim Donnelly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wayne Bank, is pleased to announce the promotion of Collin Ennis to Commercial Loan Officer. According to Mr. Donnelly, “I’m so proud to announce this promotion of Collin. His expertise and client skills have made him an asset to our company, and his new role will allow Collin to work more closely with our commercial customers, to help them grow and expand their business. Since first joining Wayne Bank in 2022, Collin has served as a Commercial Loan Associate. In Collin’s new role, he will be responsible for providing exceptional customer service, initiating new business, and deepening current business relationships within our Wayne and Pike County service areas. He is a graduate of the University of Scranton, where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance.
Wayne Bank Promotes Derek Bellinger Jim Donnelly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wayne Bank, is happy to announce the promotion of Derek Bellinger to Residential Mortgage Sales Manager. According to Mr. Donnelly, “I’m so pleased to announce this promotion. Derek’s extensive experience and commitment to the communities we serve, makes him an asset to our mortgage team and well-deserving of this promotion. Derek has acted as a mentor to our new mortgage team members for a number of years. His deep knowledge of the product set, natural leadership style and inherent kindness make him ideal for this role. In Derek’s new role, he will be responsible for managing the sales efforts of our team of Mortgage Originators to meet and exceed our customer expectations.” Derek has 27 years of banking and management experience and has held several titles during his banking career, including Commercial Loan Officer, Financial Center Manager, and Multi-Site Branch Manager. Derek is an active member of the community and is involved in many non-profit organizations. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of The Human Resources Center, The Chamber of the Northern Poconos, and the Honesdale Lions Club. Derek holds a Master of Science degree in Human Resources Administration from the University of Scranton.
Summit Pointe Fall Cookout Summit Pointe apartments and their resident held a fall cookout. Below are a few highlighted photos.
Broadway in Scranton to Host JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR Tickets for JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR go on sale THIS MONDAY, September 18th beginning at 10AM. Tickets will be available in person at the Scranton Cultural Center box office, by phone at 570-344-1111, and online at BroadwayInScranton.com.Box Office hours are Monday – Friday 9AM – 5PM, Saturday 10AM – 2PM. Prices range from $40 – $75 (additional fees apply for phone and online purchases). For group (10+) rates and more information, call 570.342.7784.Following critically acclaimed, sold-out engagements in the UK, the reimagined 50th Anniversary tour of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR will come to Scranton October 27 -29. Performance times are Friday at 7:30PM, Saturday at 2:00PM and 7:30PM, and Sunday at 1:00PM.Jack Hopewell stars as Jesus, joined by Elvie Ellis as Judas and Faith Jones as Mary. The tour also welcomes Grant Hodges as Caiphas, Nicholas Hambruch as Pilate, and Kodiak Thompson as Annas. The ensemble includes Ethan Hardy Benson, Joshua Bess, Jordan Wesley Brown, Jahlil M. Burke, Cooper Clack, Kalei Cotecson, Emma Cook, Lydia Eku, Savannah Fisher, Domanick Anton Hubbard, Haley Huelsman, Jeremy Makana Hurr, Brett Hennessey Jones, Lena Matthews, Hosea Mundi, L’Oréal Roaché, Colin Robertson, Darren James Robinson, Erich W. Schleck and Lauren Soto. Featuring lyrics and music by Emmy, GRAMMY, Oscar and Tony winners Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, the North American tour of this iconic musical is helmed by acclaimed director Timothy Sheader and cutting-edge choreographer Drew McOnie. Rounding out the creative team is costume design by 2016 Tony Award nominee Tom Scutt, with a set based on original designs by Tom Scutt, lighting design by Lee Curran, sound design by Keith Caggiano, with music supervision by David Holcenberg and music direction by Mark Binns. JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary series of events during the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ, as seen through the eyes of Judas. Reflecting the rock roots that defined a generation, the legendary score includes ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’, ‘Gethsemane’ and ‘Superstar’. JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is a proven musical phenomenon with a world-wide fan base. As demonstrated by NBC’s Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert, this epic work attracted over 9.6 million viewers, earned the highest ratings in its time period, and received the highest critical ranking of any live musical event on network TV. On September 17th, 2021 a variety of special edition Jesus Christ Superstar albums, remastered at Abbey Road, were released. These special anniversary editions are a celebration of the original 1970 double concept album and its continued success spanning an incredible 50 years. Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR won the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival, selling out two consecutive engagements in 2016 and 2017. The production played a West End engagement at the Barbican in 2019 before returning to Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre in concert version during the summer of 2020.
PennDOT Urges Caution in Work Zones The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is reminding motorists to drive safely in work zones after an incident on Newton Road in Scranton, in an active work zone following this weekend’s severe weather event. The employee suffered injuries requiring medical attention and transportation to a local hospital. “Work zones may be a temporary inconvenience, but these workers all deserve to get home safely,” said PennDOT Engineering District 4 Assistant District Executive of Maintenance, Jonathan Eboli, P.E. “Please slow down and never drive distracted, especially in work zones where employees are working in close proximity to traffic. Additionally, roadway conditions can change every day.” When approaching a work zone, motorists are reminded they cannot remove cones, and signage or proceed through the work zone. Roads throughout our District have been compromised and may collapse. Roads are closed for the safety of motorists and workers. Under Title 75, Section 3326, motorists caught by police driving 11 mph or more above the posted speed limit in an active work zone, or who are involved in a crash in an active work zone and are convicted for failing to drive at a safe speed, automatically lose their license for 15 days. Additionally, fines for certain traffic violations — including speeding, driving under the influence, and failure to obey traffic devices — are doubled for active work zones. The law also provides for up to five years of additional jail time for individuals convicted of homicide by vehicle for a crash that occurred in an active work zone. Posted Work Zones: All motorists are required to travel with their headlights turned on in all posted work zones, not just active work zones. It is necessary for drivers in vehicles with daytime running lights to turn on their headlights in order to activate their taillights. Safety Tips If you encounter our work zones, please keep the following tips in mind for your safety and the safety of highway workers. Drive the posted work zone speed limit. Stay alert and pay close attention to signs and flaggers. Turn on your headlights if signs instruct you to do so. Maintain a safe distance around vehicles. Don’t tailgate. Use four-way flashers when stopped or traveling slowly. Avoid distractions and give your full attention to the road. Always buckle up. Expect the unexpected. Be patient. Active Work Zones Please note: PennDOT manages two distinct programs relating to active work zones: Criminal Violations under 75 Pa. C.S. § 3326 (Duty of driver in construction and maintenance areas or on highway safety corridors) identifies fines and penalties when an officer pulls you over for a violation. Civil Violations under 75 Pa. C.S. § 3369 (Automated speed enforcement systems in active work zones) began in 2018. Section 3369 allows for a fine to be administered using calibrated and tested automated speed enforcement technology. Civil violations are only fines and don’t reflect any points or insurance ratings. 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 regional Twitter alerts accessible on the 511PA website. Subscribe to PennDOT news and traffic alerts in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Wyoming counties at www.penndot.pa.gov/District4.
PennDOT Hosts Press Conference on Road Conditions Today, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Secretary Mike Carroll, Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency Director (PEMA) Randy Padfield, Pennsylvania State Police, and PennDOT Engineering District 4 officials held a press conference updating the public on road conditions as a result of this weekend’s rainfall in the Northeast Region. Flooding from significant rainfall on Saturday, September 9 between 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM resulted in damaged roadways, bridge and road closures, and downed utilities in Lackawanna Luzerne, and Wyoming counties. “We understand the impacts that these heavy rains and flooding have had on the people of northeast Pennsylvania,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “PennDOT and the Shapiro administration are committed to getting these important repairs completed quickly, and we anticipate most of the impacted roadways will be open this week.” PEMA officials are directing any residents and businesses affected by flooding to report damage to their local emergency management coordinator. “PEMA personnel were engaged with county emergency management staff throughout the weekend to monitor any state support that may have been needed,” said PEMA Director Randy Padfield. “We will work closely with our state, county, and municipal partners to assess damages and determine whether or not this incident might meet federal thresholds for assistance.” Accuweather classified the rain event as “Training Thunderstorms,” which refers to heavy rain or thunderstorms continuously hitting the same area in a straight line. The region received the following rainfall totals: Clarks Summit: 3.52 inches; Falls: 2.81 inches; Dallas: 2.77 inches; and Clarks Green: 4.69 inches. Rain fell at the following rates per hour: Clarks Summit: 0.78 inches; Falls: 0.62 inches; Dallas: 0.92 inches; and Clarks Green: 0.85 inches. There were 23 roads closed due to flooding in Lackawanna, Luzerne, and Wyoming counties. Currently, 11 have been repaired and reopened, and 12 have remained closed with size planned to be open today including Route 11(Northern Boulevard) in Chinchilla. PennDOT expects the remaining closed roadways to be open by Monday, September 18, 2023. “All crews will remain solely focused on flood repairs until all work has been completed,” said PennDOT Engineering District 4 Assistant District Executive of Maintenance Jonathan Eboli, P.E. “A combination of department forces and contractors will address damage quickly and efficiently.” Currently, there are 12 roadways closed: CountyState Route/Exit/Mile MarkerTownshipStatusReasonEstimated Date of ReopeningLackawannaBloom Ave (Local Road)ScrantonClosedStorm DamageTBDLackawannaRoute 11 NB/SBChinchillaClosedDowned Tree in WiresMonday, September 11, 2023LackawannaRoute 3005Ransom TownshipClosedDamaged RoadwayMonday, September 11, 2023LackawannaRoute 3006 (Milwaukee Road)Newton TownshipClosedBridge FloodedMonday, September 18, 2023LackawannaRoute 3007 (Evergreen Drive)Ransom TownshipClosedFloodingMonday, September 11, 2023LackawannaRoute 3009Newton TownshipClosedDamaged RoadwayMonday, September 11, 2023LackawannaRoute 4032 (Shady Lane Road)South AbingtonClosedDamaged RoadwayMonday, September 15, 2023LackawannaRoute 4036 (Falls Road)Newton TownshipClosedBridge FloodedTBDLackawannaRoute 6011 (West Market Street)ScrantonClosedCulvert DamageTBDLackawannaRoute 4027 (Airport Road)Newton TownshipClosedFloodingMonday, September 18, 2023LuzerneRoute 1047DallasClosedDamaged RoadwayMonday, September 15, 2023LuzerneRoute 1047DallasClosedDamaged RoadwayMonday, September 29, 2023 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 regional Twitter alerts accessible on the 511PA website. Subscribe to PennDOT news and traffic alerts in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Wyoming counties at www.penndot.pa.gov/District4. Information about infrastructure in District 4, including completed work and significant projects, is available at www.penndot.pa.gov/D4Results.
The Gallery of Scranton to Host Show Curated by Renowned Artist Timothy Hawkesworth See artwork from some of the Philadelphia market’s most iconic artists when world-renowned Timothy Hawkesworth presents Philadelphia Artists Framed. The exhibition runs at The Gallery of Scranton September 29 through October 24, 2023. Hawkesworth is curating the show in collaboration with The Gallery of Scranton’s founder, Helen Lavelle. Hawkesworth, along with his partner Lala Zeitlyn, have worked with all exhibiting artists at biannual workshops held at Spring Hills Farm in Dalton, PA, as well as at retreats and workshops in the Philadelphia market and Ireland. The show will launch with a special preview event on Friday, September 29, from 5-8 p.m. The artists will be available throughout the evening to speak about their art and meet with the community. Participating artists include Maria Archer, Mish-el Benjamin, David Boyer, Pat Boyer, Timothy Hawkesworth, Helen Lavelle, AnnaBelle Loeb, Anne Marble, Eileen Marolla, Joan McNamara, Jean Simard, Gerry Tuten and Lala Zeitlyn. Lavelle said hosting a Hawkesworth show with these artists in Scranton speaks to our area’s rising status in the art world. “These artists may be from Philadelphia, but they come to Lackawanna County often to work with Tim, who has conducted workshops at Spring Hills Farm for many years. The natural beauty of the farm astounds and inspires them. It fuels their commitment to Northeast Pennsylvania. They are coming here to meet art enthusiasts, patrons, collectors and community stakeholders because the artists understand Scranton as a creative hub,” states Ms. Lavelle. Hawkesworth grew up in Ireland and immigrated to the U.S. in 1977. He has been showing in New York since the early 1980s as well as other cities around the country and in Europe. His work is in many public and private collections including the Brooklyn Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, The Irish Museum of Modern Art and the Dublin City Hugh Lane Museum. He is represented by Littlejohn Contemporary in New York and Peyton Wright Gallery in Santa Fe. His work was featured in a solo exhibit at the Royal Hibernian Academy in Dublin in 2008. He has exhibited at the Dublin City Hugh Lane Museum as part of “the quick and the Dead”, a show of five Irish Expressionists. His work has been reviewed in the New York Times, Art News, the New Yorker, the LA Times, the Boston Globe and the Irish Times. Hawkesworth’s work is critically acclaimed around the world. Curator Irish Arts Review said, “Tim Hawkesworth has attained a fluency and surety in his painting that marks him as one of the most important painters of his generation.” The New York Times stated, “Timothy Hawkesworth’s small graphite drawings manage to create a distinctive centripetal density of their own. Mr. Hawkesworth’s overriding themes seem to be liberty constrained, nervous lines act as a metaphor for imprisonment.” The Philadelphia Inquirer said, “Infused with humanitarian spirit and done by an artist unafraid of his own perceptions, Hawkesworth is a significant painter, all right.” As part of hosting his two annual workshops, the Spring Hills Foundation recently awarded three scholarships to Northeast Pennsylvania artists to study with Hawkesworth. For more information about The Gallery and this exhibition, contact Lavelle at hlavelle@lavellestrategy.com.
