Johnson College Now Enrolling for OSHA 30-Hour Training Course Johnson College is now accepting enrollments for its 30-hour, non-credit OSHA training course, which will be held at the college’s Scranton campus from Nov. 5 through Nov. 20, 2025. Classes will take place on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 to 8:45 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Designed for individuals in leadership roles, employees in general industry, and those seeking advanced safety training, the in-person course will cover critical workplace safety topics such as fall protection, electrical safety, and personal protective equipment (PPE). Participants will learn how to reduce workplace accidents, ensure compliance with OSHA regulations, and promote a culture of safety within their organizations. Upon successful completion, participants will receive the official OSHA 30 General Industry Outreach Course Completion Card. The cost of the course is $600. To register or learn more, visit johnson.edu/continuing-ed/osha-30, email the WAVE Team at wave@johnson.edu, or call 570-702-8979.
PennDOT Follows Shapiro Administration’s Focus on Winter Preparation Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Secretary Mike Carroll and Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PA Turnpike) Director of Maintenance John DelRicci today amplified the Shapiro Administration’s efforts to prepare the Commonwealth for the winter, highlighted job opportunities, and provided guidance on how Pennsylvanians can gear up for the upcoming winter travel season. “Public safety is at the core of the Shapiro Administration’s mission, and PennDOT and our partners are prepared for the season ahead,” Secretary Carroll said. “We urge the public to be our teammates in making this season a safe one – prepare yourselves and your vehicles before winter begins. We also encourage people to apply to join our full-time or temporary teams to help serve our communities.” The public can access travel information on nearly 40,000 state-maintained roadway miles year-round at www.511PA.com, and during the winter they can find plow-truck locations and details of when state-maintained roadways were last plowed. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information, and access to more than 1,200 traffic cameras. To help the public prepare for the season and share information about winter services, PennDOT offers operational information and traveler resources on its winter web page. The site also has a complete winter guide with detailed information about winter services in each of PennDOT’s 11 engineering districts. As part of its mission and commitment to safety, the PA Turnpike has been preparing its vehicles and system to support roadway safety during the winter months. More than 600 equipment operators and safety patrol personnel as well as traffic operators are ready to provide 24/7 staffing and roadway assistance throughout the winter. The PA Turnpike understands the importance of supporting efficient and reliable travel and works to keep the PA Turnpike system as free of snow and ice as possible. “We do our best to stay on top of winter weather to make the Pennsylvania Turnpike as safe as we can –because safety is core to our values, but we also need motorists to use safe driving habits and exercise caution during winter weather conditions,” DelRicci said. “As we gear up for winter, we need to work collectively to keep our employees and customers safe. Avoid driving during winter weather events when possible and when it’s not – reduce your speed, exercise extreme caution when you see amber or green lights and give plenty of distance between yourself and the plow trucks.” With an estimate of over $207 million budgeted for this winter’s statewide operations, PennDOT deploys nearly 4,700 on-the-road workers, has more than 512,000 tons of salt on hand across the state, and will take salt deliveries throughout the winter. PennDOT is actively seeking temporary equipment operators statewide for the winter season to supplement the department’s full-time staff. Details on minimum requirements – such as possession of a CDL – as well as application information, are available at www.employment.pa.gov/penndot. Through the same website, job seekers can apply for other non-operator winter positions such as diesel and construction equipment mechanics, welders, clerks and more. If motorists encounter snow or ice-covered roads, they should slow down, increase their following distance and avoid distractions. Additionally, seat belts should always be worn in a vehicle. Last winter in Pennsylvania, preliminary data shows that there were 8,329 crashes, 29 fatalities, and 2,959 injuries on snowy, slushy or ice-covered roadways. Eleven of the people who died weren’t wearing a seat belt, and 17 of the fatalities were in crashes where a driver was going too fast for conditions and drove out of their lane. Motorists should prepare for potential wintry weather by ensuring they have supplies in their cars before heading out: food, water, blankets, extra gloves and hats, cell phone charger, hand or foot warmers, windshield brush and scraper, and any specialized items like medications or baby and pet supplies. Southeastern region winter preparations Carroll and DelRicci were joined today by PennDOT’s Delaware County Maintenance Manager Anthony Goreski, who highlighted PennDOT District 6’s readiness for the winter season across the five-county Philadelphia region. District 6 is responsible for over 10,000 snow-lane miles on state highways in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties. The District 6 fleet consists of 182 state-owned snowplow trucks and 262 contractor trucks and has more than 97,000 tons of salt on hand. Assisting PennDOT this winter in the Philadelphia region are 89 municipalities that entered into winter maintenance agreements covering more than 2,500 snow lane miles, whereby local crews salt and plow specified state roads in each municipality.
PennDOT Engineering District 4 Traffic Bulletin The PennDOT Engineering District 4 Traffic Bulletin advertises current and upcoming travel restrictions scheduled on state-owned highways in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Wyoming counties. The Traffic Bulletin is updated in real-time during normal business hours. Please note: The schedule is subject to change due to weather or unforeseen circumstances. The Traffic Bulletin link will be emailed on Fridays each week but can be viewed at your convenience any time of the day. To view the current Traffic Bulletin, click here: Traffic Bulletin. Motorists can check conditions on major roadways 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.
MFHS To Host Breast Cancer Awareness Event Breast Cancer Screenings: What You Need to Know Join Maternal and Family Health Services for a conversation on Breast Cancer Screening and Women’s Health, with MFHS provider Kimberly Shaffer, DNP, CRNP, FNP-BC. Breast Cancer Awareness giveaways and light refreshments will be served. This event is free and open to the community! Click here to find more information.
SCC Announces Peppa Pig: My First Concert in Spring Get ready to “Splish Splash” in muddle puddles because Peppa Pig and her family (including new baby sister Evie) are on their way to the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple on March 31 at 6 PM. Tickets start at $35.85 (includes fees) and will be available for purchase beginning October 24 at 10 AM at the Fidelity Bank Box Office at the SCC in person or by calling (570) 344-1111, or via Ticketmaster. Under license from Hasbro, a leading games, IP and toy company, this fun and interactive classical music experience introduces children 18 months of age and older to the magic of a live orchestra concert. In Peppa Pig: My First Concert, families will see Peppa Pig, along with Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig, George and baby sister Evie, learn all about the different sounds that instruments make together. Family audiences will enjoy some of their favorite music from the show played by a live orchestra and discover some other exciting orchestral pieces perfect for children. Plus, some little ones will be invited to join Peppa and her family to make music of their own! Peppa Pig: My First Concert includes orchestral renditions of popular songs from the animated TV series, such as “The PEPPA PIG Theme” and “The Bing Bong Song,” along with classical pieces like “In the Hall of the Mountain King,” a selection from The Nutcracker, and other selections by composers such as Beethoven and Mozart. “PEPPA PIG has always inspired kids to explore the world with curiosity and joy, and My First Concert brings that same spirit to the stage,” said Matt Proulx, Senior Vice President of Global Experiences, Partnerships and Music at Hasbro. “As the show tours the U.S., it will introduce countless children to the thrill of a live orchestra — a joyful first that families can share together.” While 2026 marks the first time Peppa Pig: My First Concert will make its way across North America, it has played to sold out houses across Europe winning rave reviews, from audiences of all ages, along the way. .
Greater Scranton YMCA Awarded Grant, Supporting Early Learning Center In April, 2025, the Greater Scranton YMCA was awarded a $5,000 Community Needs Grant from the Scranton Area Community Foundation. The grant supported the replacement of the outdoor fence at the Y’s Early Learning Center in Olyphant. FROM LEFT:Frank Caputo, Grants & Communications Coordinator, Scranton Area Community Foundation; Rich Surridge, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA; Tressa Capoccia, Senior Education Director, Greater Scranton YMCA; Cathy Fitzpatrick, Director of Grants and Scholarships, Scranton Area Community Foundation The Olyphant Early Learning Center opened in April, 2024 and currently has 102 children ages zero through five enrolled. The center is located on a busy street and was in need of added security and privacy. Before the new fence was installed, a chain link fence covered 90 percent of the outdoor playground, with the remaining ten percent vinyl. Grant funding has allowed the Greater Scranton YMCA to replace the chain link fencing with a vinyl option. “The safety and security of the children in our care and of our staff is our top priority,” said Rich Surridge, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “This grant award has enabled our Y to replace the old chain link fence around the outdoor playground at the Olyphant center with a vinyl one, enhancing both the safety and privacy of the children we serve. Our YMCA is so grateful for community partners like the Scranton Area Community Foundation.” For more information about early childhood education at the Greater Scranton YMCA, contact Tressa Capoccia, Senior Director of Education, at tcapoccia@gsymca.org or visit the Y online at www.greaterscrantonymca.org.
Johnson College Receives Grant from Fastenal BK5K Johnson College received a $1,650 grant from the Fastenal BK5K Youth Fund Committee to support the College’s Girls on Fire events. Girls on Fire is a unique one-day STEM event designed for 6-9th grade students to explore career opportunities in non-traditional STEM fields. Pictured left to right: Tim Frank, Associate Director of Community Engagement, Johnson College; Marcelo DeSousa, Regional Operations Manager S-HUB, Fastenal; Whitney McDonald, S-HUB Help Desk Manager, Fastenal; Dr. Katie Pittelli, President and CEO, Johnson College; Kellyn Williams, Associate Vice President of Special Programs, Johnson College. The event is an integral part of the College’s Women in Industry Initiative and is held in conjunction with International Women’s Day. The Girls on Fire event includes tours of Johnson College’s campuses, presentations about industry experiences from women working in non-traditional STEM fields, and hands-on activities related to many of the programs offered at the College. Fastenal’s support helps Johnson College continue its mission to inspire young women to pursue rewarding careers in STEM and the trades. By connecting students with real-world experiences and industry professionals, the College aims to break down barriers and empower the next generation of women in technical fields. The BK5K, a 5-kilometer road race and walk, is held to honor Bob Kierlin, founder of Fastenal Company and lifelong supporter of youth programs. All proceeds support local youth organizations/programs that demonstrate financial need, where races are held. Learn more at https://www.bk5k.com/.
PennDOT, Safe Driving for Teens Emphasized The Shapiro Administration shared the importance of driver safety with young drivers at high schools across the Commonwealth during the annual Teen Driver Safety Forum. The forum was held at Northeastern High School in Manchester and featured a panel of representatives from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID), and local safety advocates. The panel answered questions from an in-person and online audience of students on topics ranging from safe driving tips to how to get a driver’s license. “We can all help make highways safer by working together to help new drivers gain experience and knowledge,” said PennDOT Deputy Secretary for Driver and Vehicle Services Kara Templeton. “Parents and teachers can help set a good example for teens by making safe driving choices.” Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death among teens. From 2020 to 2024, there were 78,266 vehicle crashes in Pennsylvania involving at least one driver between the ages of 16 and 19, resulting in 479 fatalities. 63 percent of those crashes involved a teen driver driving too fast for conditions (22,662 crashes), driver inexperience (7,452), driver distraction (13,372), or careless turning (13,771). “An important factor in ensuring that a young driver develops good habits behind the wheel is parental involvement, starting long before their teen gets a learner’s permit,” said Captain Adam Reed, Assistant Director, Office of Community Engagement for the Pennsylvania State Police. “We all can influence positive behaviors among teen drivers through our own actions by eliminating distractions and obeying all traffic laws, including seatbelt use.” The Shapiro Administration is working to reduce these risks by encouraging young drivers to limit the number of passengers riding with a teen driver, obey all road rules, and use common sense. Parents of teen drivers should consider the following recommendations to help their children become safe and responsible drivers: Have regular conversations with your teen about safe driving skills, even before they get their learner’s permit. Establish a parent/teen driving contract. Encourage teen drivers to avoid distractions behind the wheel, such as talking or texting on their cell phone. Limit the number of passengers teen drivers may have in their vehicle. Drivers under 18 may not carry more than one passenger under the age of 18 who is not an immediate family member unless one parent or guardian is in the vehicle. After the first six months of incident-free driving on a junior license, the limit is increased to no more than three passengers under the age of 18 who are not immediate family members unless one parent or guardian is in the vehicle. Limit dawn, dusk, and nighttime driving until the teen driver gains more experience and enforce a curfew. Remember, state law prohibits 16- and 17-year-olds with a junior license from driving between 11:00 PM and 5:00 AM. Gradually increase the amount of time and distance teen drivers are allowed to drive. Enforce observance of speed limits and other rules of the road. Ride with teen drivers occasionally after they receive their license to monitor driving skills. Set a good example with responsible driving habits. Further reinforcing safe driving habits among teen drivers, the PA Turnpike, PED, and PennDOT teamed up to launch a statewide training program last year to improve the safety of new drivers and protect roadway workers. Pennsylvania’s New Driver Work Zone Safety Program is an online training that utilizes engaging videos, infographics, knowledge checks, and powerful testimonials to educate new drivers on work zone laws, signage, and key facts, while also presenting real-life scenarios to enhance understanding. “Driving is a highly complex skill that requires years of practice to perfect,” said Acting Department of Education Secretary Dr. Carrie Rowe. “Driver education training programs are invaluable in teaching novice drivers, especially teenagers, the critical skills they need to successfully and safely navigate on the roads.” Driver education programs also offer an extended benefit to young drivers. Pennsylvania Insurance Department reminds young drivers that, in addition to shopping around, there are ways that they can proactively keep their rates lower, such as taking advantage of discount opportunities by taking driver’s ed classes and maintaining good grades. Teens who focus on making good decisions behind the wheel, such as always wearing a seatbelt, eliminating distractions, and putting phones away while driving, tend to avoid accidents and driving violations, which are key to keeping rates low. “Auto insurance is an important financial protection for students and their families. While many high school students are excited to get their driver’s license, rates for young drivers, usually paid by parents, are high, because young, inexperienced drivers have a higher likelihood of filing insurance claims,” said Pennsylvania Insurance Deputy Commissioner David Buono. “As new drivers develop good driving habits, it is also necessary that they understand the importance of remaining insured and the role of auto insurance, including the coverages they buy.” For more information on teen driver safety, visit PennDOT’s website.
Outreach Awarded $100,000 Grant by AllOne Foundation & Charities Outreach – Center for Community Resources (Outreach) is grateful and thrilled to have been named one of ten recipients of a $100,000 grant from the AllOne Foundation & Charities’ (AOF&C) Founders Impact Grant as part of AOF&C’s 10th Anniversary Celebration. From left: President & CEO of Outreach, Lori Chaffers, CEO of AllOne Foundation & Charities, John Cosgrove, Program Officer of AllOne Foundation & Charities, Nora Kern. In April, AOF&C visited Outreach’s Seventh Avenue Center to tour the facility, speak with staff, and gain a firsthand look at the work generously supported by AOF&C. During this visit, AOF&C surprised Outreach with a check. Outreach excitedly kept this information confidential until the official 10th anniversary celebration. On Friday, October 10th, at The Banks Waterfront in Pittston, PA, AOF&C kicked off its 10th Anniversary celebration by announcing the Founders Impact Grant recipients who will help meet its goal of awarding $50 million to Northeast and North Central Pennsylvania by the end of this anniversary year. Outreach received a $100,000 unrestricted grant to address the organization’s greatest needs. Outreach supports individuals and families by providing services to help them attain stability and economic self-sufficiency. Outreach offers a variety of evidence-based programs, including Parents as TeachersⓇ, SafeCareⓇ Augmented, and the Incredible YearsⓇ Parenting Program. Outreach also offers a toddler play & learn group, family reunification services, supervised visitation, prison reentry, life skills programming, GED tutoring, and workforce development. Since 2022, one program, graciously supported by AOF&C, has been Outreach’s postpartum doula services. This program connects pregnant women with an Outreach postpartum doula to provide education and support during the earliest days of their infant’s life. AllOne has been a valuable partner in bringing this critical service to families in Lackawanna County. From left: Community Outreach & Resource Development Director Liz Ratchford, Program Director II Angela Seibert, Doula Erica Baltrusaitis, Carlene Gula, Doula Giuliana Ealo, Outreach President & CEO Lori Chaffers, CEO of AllOne Foundation & Charities John Cosgrove
Friends of the Poor and Catherine McAuley Center Merge Two faith-based organizations dedicated to serving individuals and families in need have officially merged, combining their missions, resources, and staff under one unified entity: Friends of the Poor and Catherine McAuley Center (FOTP/CMC). The merger brings together the complementary strengths of both organizations, sponsored by The Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and The Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, respectively. “Our sponsoring organizations recognized that we share deep similarities in our Catholic missions, values, and service approaches,” said Sister Mary Ellen Fuhrman, RSM, Chair of the Corporate Members. “By combining our efforts, we can significantly expand our reach to the most vulnerable members of our community.” After more than a year of collaborative operations at the Catherine McAuley Center’s administrative offices at 430 Pittston Avenue in Scranton, both organizations determined that a formal merger would best serve their shared mission. “While working side by side, we discovered we were stronger together,” said Lee Termini, Board Chair. “We were already delivering a unified effort for our funders, partners, and the people we serve— formalizing that relationship was the natural next step.” Expanded Capacity, Unified Impact Under the merged organization, programs including emergency shelter, clothing assistance, food distribution, furniture provision, and other family-sustaining services now operate under one umbrella, streamlining access for those in need. “This consolidation allows us to expand our outreach and alleviate the impacts of poverty while fostering human dignity and self-sufficiency for more of our neighbors,” said Meghan Loftus, President & CEO. Immediate Impact: Enhanced Thanksgiving Community Program The organization is already demonstrating its increased capacity through expanded partnerships for this year’s 49th Annual Thanksgiving Community Program. Through new collaborations with Meals on Wheels NEPA, Lackawanna County Area Agency on Aging, and the United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike Counties, FOTP/CMC will distribute 5,500 meals—an increase of 1,500 from previous years. The week-long 49th Annual Thanksgiving Community Program includes three signature events: Interfaith Prayer Service In collaboration with the Scranton Area Ministerium Friday, November 21 | 6:00 PM Potluck, 7:00 PM Service Temple Hesed, 1 Knox Road, Scranton Thanksgiving Community Dinner for Adults and Elderly Tuesday, November 25 | 2:30 PM–5:30 PM (or until supplies last) Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Avenue at Vine Street Drive-through or walk-up service available *Home delivery for homebound individuals coordinated through Lackawanna County Area Agency on Aging, registration details forthcoming Family to Family Thanksgiving Food Basket Distribution Wednesday, November 26 | 8:00 AM–4:00 PM (or until supplies last) Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Avenue at Vine Street *Limit of four dinners per vehicle *Social service agencies may arrange larger pickups by contacting Linda Robeson at lindarobeson@comcast.net “For 39 years, our Food Basket Program has reached thousands of families during the holidays,” said Linda Robeson, Family to Family Food Basket Program Director. “Last Thanksgiving, we served more than 4,000 local families, and with the community’s continued generosity, we hope to meet that goal again this year. From our families to yours—thank you.”
