PA Safety Partners Discuss Transportation Safety, Announce Results of Operation Safe Stop 2021

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) was joined today by the Pennsylvania State Police, the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Lower Allen Township Police, and West Shore School District transportation partners to reinforce the importance of school transportation safety and highlight the potential school transportation challenges posed by changing daylight conditions.

The results of Operation Safe Stop, an annual school bus enforcement and education initiative that was held on October 20 this year, were also announced.

Operation Safe Stop data revealed that participating school districts and law enforcement agencies reported 252 violations of the law, up from the 120 reported last year. The initiative is held in conjunction with local and state police departments, school districts, and pupil transportation providers to conduct enforcement, raise public awareness about the consequences of improper passing of school buses, and reduce occurrences. Convictions for breaking the School Bus Stopping Law decreased from 746 in 2019 to 314 in 2020.

“Although there were less convictions of the School Bus Stopping Law last year, one incident of passing a school bus is one too many, which is why we’re reminding motorists of its importance,” said PennDOT Deputy Secretary Kurt Myers. “With additional challenges such as darkness coinciding with more of our students’ school bus ride times and the distraction of the quickly approaching holiday season, it is important that motorists remain vigilant while sharing the road with school buses and students,”

The School Bus Stopping Law requires motorists approaching a school bus with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended, to stop at least 10 feet from the bus. Motorists approaching from all directions are required to stop. However, motorists who encounter a school bus stopping on the opposite side of a divided highway are not required to stop when lanes of the highway are clearly separated by a divider, such as a concrete barrier or grassy median.

“The penalties if convicted of disobeying the law are a $250 fine, five points on your driving record and a 60-day license suspension,” said Corporal Zeina Black, Permits and Bus Safety Unit Supervisor with the Pennsylvania State Police. “But even worse than these penalties, a tragedy could occur if either a driver or a student is not paying attention to their surroundings.”

Some safety tips for students to remember while waiting for or loading and unloading the bus include:

  • Get to the school bus stop five minutes early, so you won´t have to run across the road to catch the school bus.
  • When waiting for the school bus, stay away from traffic.
  • Line up at least five giant steps away from the curb or the roadway to wait for the school bus.
  • Never run after the school bus if it has already left the school bus stop.
  • Never push when getting on or off the school bus.

“Student safety at school bus stops is a top priority that requires the cooperation and attention of all motorists,” said John Kashatus, School Safety Education Advisor, Department of Education. “Local school districts work hard to identify the safest locations possible for school bus stops and to train their staff. But to ensure that students remain out of harm’s way, we urge all drivers to be attentive and watch for the flashing lights of school buses and always stop when students are getting on and off.”

For more information on school transportation and other safety subjects, visit www.penndot.gov and under “Travel in PA” look under “Safety,” then click on the “Traffic Safety and Driver Topics” tab.

Pediatrician joins The Wright Center for Community Health’s Mid Valley Practice

The Wright Center for Community Health has named Dr. Manju Mary Thomas, a pediatrician, as medical director of Pediatrics and Community-Based Medical Home Services. She is accepting infants, children and adolescents as new patients beginning Dec. 20 at the Mid Valley Practice, 5 S. Washington Ave., Jermyn.

Thomas, board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics, will also be a pediatric physician faculty member for The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education. The Palmer Township resident completed her residency in pediatrics at Brookdale University Hospital, Brooklyn, New York. She received training in a busy community-based hospital and gained experience in inpatient and outpatient settings, including the pediatric intensive care unit (ICU), neonatal ICU, and general pediatric and adolescent care.

Prior to joining The Wright Center for Community Health, she was an attending pediatrician at Lehigh Valley Health Network. In addition, she was an attending faculty pediatrician at St. Luke’s Hospital – Sacred Heart Campus, Allentown, and chief faculty pediatrician of the family practice residency program at Sacred Heart Star Wellness, a Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike similar to The Wright Center for Community Health.

She will provide primary and preventive care for pediatric and adolescent patients at The Wright Center for Community Health. Go to thewrightcenter.org or call the Mid Valley Practice at 570-230-0019 to schedule an appointment with her.

Robert H. Spitz Foundation Grant Supports Outreach Center for Community Resources

In photo (left to right): Frank Caputo, Grants & Communications Coordinator, Scranton Area Community Foundation, Administrator of the Robert H. Spitz Foundation; Cathy Fitzpatrick, Grants & Scholarship Manager, Scranton Area Community Foundation; Eve Schell and Alicia Olivetti, Outreach Early Head Start Family Development Specialists, Jack Nogi, Trustee, Robert H. Spitz Foundation

The Robert H. Spitz Foundation awarded a $25,000 grant to support the programs and services that Outreach provides to the regional community. Outreach serves a broad population of those affected by poverty and other challenges: single parents, unemployed workers, educationally at-risk children, veterans, individuals with health, behavioral and cognitive issues, individuals in recovery, and others in transition. Outreach improves the lives of over 4,000 adults and children each year with award-winning workforce and family development programs that support individuals as they navigate through life’s challenges.

The support from the Robert H. Spitz Foundation supports Outreach programs and services that are being provided at the Center on Seventh Avenue, virtually, and through home visiting child-serving programs. The Robert H. Spitz Foundation grant will provide the operational support necessary for Outreach to respond to the increased need being experienced in the community for workforce and family services and programs.

The Robert H. Spitz Foundation supports initiatives and programs serving the residents of Lackawanna County and Northeastern Pennsylvania. Robert H. Spitz was born in Scranton and was a 1955 graduate of Scranton Central High School and the University of Miami, Florida. Before retirement, Mr. Spitz had been employed by the U.S. Department of Labor and was also the owner of several local Arby’s restaurants. Since 2015, the Robert H. Spitz Foundation has provided over $3.7 million in funding to the community. The Scranton Area Community Foundation serves as the administrator of the Robert H. Spitz Foundation.

The University of Scranton Adds Public Policy and Service Major

The University of Scranton now offers a new undergraduate major in public policy and service, which will prepare students for careers in the public, nonprofit and private sectors or to pursue specialized graduate training in public administration, public policy and nonprofit studies and nonprofit management. The new major, housed in the University’s College of Arts and Sciences and Department of Political Science, is currently enrolling students for the fall 2022 semester.

“A public policy major acquires the knowledge and skills from political science, business, theology and other areas of the curriculum needed to successfully analyze and propose solutions to some of the most complex problems confronting our region, country and world today,” said Michael Allison, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Department of Political Science at The University of Scranton.

The new interdisciplinary major combines coursework from public policy, public administration and nonprofit studies. Students will learn the fundamentals of administration and policymaking in the United States and acquire skills in budgeting, personnel management, policy analysis and program evaluation, in addition to expertise in a specific policy area. Courses include Political Science Research, Policy Analysis, Women’s Right and Status, Environmental Policy Process, Economic Policy and Public Budgeting and Social Welfare Policy, among others.

Students majoring in public policy and service will also complete an internship, community-based learning course or independent study to apply firsthand what they learned in the classroom.  Several internship opportunities relevant to the program already exist in the local area in government agencies, nonprofits and the Institute for Public Policy and Economic Development. Students will also be able to complete coursework in Washington, D.C., through the Washington Internship Institute and the Washington Center where the University has articulation agreements already in place. The University’s new Center for Ethics and Excellence in Public Service provides opportunities for student internships, research projects, and training programs, as well as networking opportunities with public officials and alumni working in public service careers.

For additional information, contact the University’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions at 888-727-2686 or email admissions@scranton.edu, or Dr. Allison at 570-941-4392 or michael.allison@scranton.edu.

ShopRite Pharmacies Offering $50 Gift Cards for COVID-19 Vaccine

ShopRite pharmacies in Daleville and Moosic plan to offer $50 gift cards* to anyone who receives the COVID-19 vaccine, a program in conjunction with Lackawanna County and the Chamber. Mondays through Fridays from November 15 through December 3 the incentives will be offered. A breakdown of the schedule is listed below:

  • Monday, November 15th through Friday, November 19th (11 a.m. – 7 p.m.)
  • Monday, November 22nd through Friday, November 26th (11 a.m. – 7 p.m.)
  • Monday, November 29th through Friday, December 3rd (11 a.m. – 7 p.m.)

Interested parties can reserve an appointment by calling either pharmacy:

  • ShopRite of Daleville Pharmacy

PHONE: (570) 842-7848
921 Drinker Turnpike, Suite 24, Covington Township, PA 18444

  • ShopRite of Birney Plaza pharmacy

PHONE: (570) 904-6042
3382 Birney Avenue, Moosic, PA 18444

More information about receiving a vaccine through ShopRite can be found here: https://vaccines.shoprite.com/

*While supplies last.

Young Announced as Assistant Director of Allied Services Vocational Services

Erin Young was announced as Assistant Director of Vocational Services in Scranton.  Erin has been with Allied Services Integrated Health System since 2013, and has served as a Program Specialist, Lead Program Specialist, and most recently as Clinical Coordinator. She is the Incident Management Lead contact, part of the team involved in the Quality Assessment Improvement Process (QAI), an Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) Certified Investigator and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) trainer for the Vocational Services Division.  

In addition to continuing to function in her current role, Erin’s new responsibilities will include oversight of workshop staff and day-to-day operations of the Vocational Work Program. Erin’s knowledge of the program and dedication to providing the best possible services will serve her well in her new position. 

Marywood University’s Concert Choir and Orchestra to Join Forces for Major Fall Performance

Pictured in the collage from the top, left to right, are: Rick Hoffenberg, DMA, Director of Choral Activities; Evan Harger, ABD, Director of Orchestral Activities; the Marywood Concert Choir and Orchestra.

For the first time in five years, the Marywood University Concert Choir and Orchestra, along with four vocal soloists, are joining forces to present a major fall performance on Sunday, November 21, 2021, at 4 p.m., in the Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing Arts. The concert is free, open to the public, and in person. Masking protocols must be followed inside all Marywood University facilities.

The two ensembles will present a monumental piece of music by Michael Tippett, A Child of Our Time. The concert also will feature Three Spirituals for Orchestra by Adolphus Hailstork. According to the directors, this is the largest-scale concert that Marywood’s Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance has presented to the public since 2016. The Concert Choir is directed by Rick Hoffenberg, DMA. The Orchestra is directed by Evan Harger. Concert soloists include: Jennifer Cowgill, soprano; Ellen Rutkowski, mezzo-soprano; Wes Poole, tenor; and M. Moses Andradé, bass.

Tippett’s A Child of Our Time was composed during World War II in response to the horrors of Kristallnacht, and the piece wrestles with issues such as racial tensions and persecution that are as relevant now as they were 80 years ago. The composer, an ardent pacifist, used African-American spirituals to represent the voices of the oppressed, in this case the Jews who were murdered by the Nazis.

For additional information about the Concert Choir and Orchestra Concert and other performances at Marywood University, please visit marywood.edu/mtd/events or call (570) 348-6268.

The University of Scranton to Host Acclaimed Trumpeter and Vocalist Benny Benack III

Benny Benack III to Perform Nov. 12 Impact Banner
Acclaimed trumpeter and vocalist Benny Benack III will perform at a concert featuring The University of Scranton’s Jazz Ensemble on Friday, Nov. 12, at 7:30 p.m. in the Houlihan-McLean Center.

On Friday, Nov. 12, Performance Music at The University of Scranton will present a concert featuring the University’s Jazz Ensemble with acclaimed trumpeter and vocalist Benny Benack III as their guest soloist. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue.

The concert is open to invited guests and all members of the University community. Admission is free, all audience members must wear masks throughout the performance. University campus access and other health and safety information will be updated throughout the semester and can be seen on the Royals Back Together webpage. Please check Performance Music’s website, scranton.edu/music, within 24 hours of the recital for the most current information on audience COVID-19 mitigation measures (e.g., masking, vaccination, distancing, etc.).

The program will feature Benack soloing with the band on both voice and trumpet, and will include a variety of songs such as Bye Bye Blackbird, Choo Choo Ch’Boogie, Operator, Sway, St. Louis Blues and more.

Performance Music Conductor and Director Cheryl Y. Boga is excited for Benack’s first visit to Scranton. “I have known Benny since fall of 2009 and have truly enjoyed watching and listening to him develop into such a mature, versatile and exciting musician and entertainer,” said Boga. “I am really looking forward to having him work with our students.”

A 2014 finalist in the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Trumpet Competition and winner of the 2011 Carmine Caruso International Trumpet Competition, Benack has already proven himself to be a rare talent as both a jazz trumpeter and vocalist. A frontman for Postmodern Jukebox, the vintage music collective famed for its old-school covers of modern pop songs, Benack in 2020 released “A Lot of Livin’ to Do,” the follow-up to his well-received 2017 debut album, “One of a Kind.” 

The third in the generational line of a legendary family of Pittsburgh jazzmen, Benack has been showcased in international headliner tours at Jazz at Lincoln Center Shanghai, JALC’s “NY Jazz All-Stars” (Mexico), throughout Asia and Europe, and has headlined his own group’s tours throughout the U.S. He has performed at New York City’s leading jazz venues, as well as played in the house band for NBC’s “Maya & Marty” and performed as a trumpet soloist with the Christian McBride Big Band, Ann Hampton Callaway, Josh Groban and Ben Folds.

The University of Scranton Jazz Band is a 22-member ensemble made up of students from majors spanning the curriculum. There is no music major at the University, and all enrolled Scranton students (undergraduate and graduate) are eligible for membership in the University bands, choirs and string ensembles, with neither an audition nor enrollment fee required for membership. Other programs within the department, including both large ensemble and chamber ensemble music-making opportunities, guest artist concerts, World Premiere Composition Series, the Nelhybel Collection and Scranton Brass Orchestra, closely coordinate programming with the student ensembles and offer unique opportunities for student musicians in the ensembles to hear, observe, interact and perform with numerous world-class musicians and artist-teachers.

High school juniors and seniors who are considering applying to Scranton are encouraged to contact Performance Music to arrange to sit in on a rehearsal, meet the staff, attend a concert, or tour the building.   

For further information on the concert, call 570-941-7624, email music@scranton.edu or visit scranton.edu/music. For more info on Benack, visit bennybenackjazz.com.