NEPA Philharmonic Takes Center Stage in June and July The Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic’s June and July events will include a main stage concert, the NEPA premiere and private screening of the award-winning documentary Maestra, the launch of the 2024-2025 season, a summer BBQ hosted by the Philharmonic League, Yoga on the Roof, and free Independence Day concerts in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre. Saturday, June 1, the Philharmonic will kick off its summer season with a Masterworks concert featuring the esteemed Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1, with pianist, Xiayin Wang, and Rachmaninoff’s sublime Symphony No. 2. The concert will take place at 7:30PM at Kirby Center for the Creative Arts at Wyoming Seminary. Tickets range in price from $38-$76, with free student admission (available through calling the box office or at the door). Parking is also free. Concert sponsors are Sundance Travel, Geisinger Temple B’nai B’rith, and Steinway & Sons. On Sunday, June 2, the Philharmonic will host a private screening and reception at the Scranton Art Haus of the award-winning documentary “Maestra” featuring the NEPA Philharmonic’s conductor Mélisse Brunet. This will be the only screening in our region of this internationally acclaimed film. VIP Tickets are $125, which includes a private meet and greet with Maestra Mélisse Brunet at 1:30 PM. Patron tickets are $75 and includes a 2 PM reception, movie screening and Q & A. The “Maestra” event is sponsored by Scranton Art Haus and Serenity Senior Living. Tickets must be purchased in advance and seating is limited. June will also mark the launch of the eclectic 2024-25 season “Building Bridges”. Next season will feature the fully professional NEPA Philharmonic at its best, with tributes to Queen and Tina Turner, two holiday concerts, and three classical concerts featuring works by Tchaikovsky, Bizet, Sibelius, Dvorak, Copland, the thrilling Carmina Burana and more. Concert venues include Scranton Cultural Center, F. M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Kirby Center for Creative Arts, and Mohegan Pennsylvania Casino. The full season will be announced in June with early bird subscriptions available for purchase in July. On June 26 the Philharmonic League will host Swing Into Summer with Jazz & Jeans at Constantinos in Clarks Summit. Join us as we celebrate our 2024 Philharmonic League honoree, Mary Marrara, recognizing her many years of commitment to the League and to our community. Music for the event will be by Erin Malloy. Tickets are $55 per person. Please RSVP: The Philharmonic League, PO Box 4525, Scranton PA 18505, or nepaphil.org All proceeds benefit the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic, with a large portion dedicated to Once Upon an Orchestra Community Outreach and our Senior Citizen Outreach. The 11th Annual Yoga on the Roof, a project of Jaya Yoga Studio Clarks Summit owned by Hillary Steinberg, features live music by the Philharmonic and will take place on Thursday, July 4th at 9 AM on the roof of the Marketplace at Steamtown’s Electric City Parking Garage. This annual one-hour yoga practice is open to all level practitioners and is followed by treats from Maximum Zen. A donation of $15 supports young people’s programs of the NEPA Philharmonic. Preregistration is possible at nepaphil.org and walk ins are welcome. An annual tradition…free Independence Day NEPA Philharmonic concerts will take place on Courthouse Square in Scranton on Wednesday, July 3rd, and at Kirby Park in Wilkes Barre on Thursday, July 4th. A program of familiar patriotic songs will be followed by a giant fireworks display. These concerts are sponsored by The City of Scranton, The City of Wilkes-Barre, and Visit Luzerne County (Department of Tourism). For tickets and additional information about the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic, please check out nepaphil.org or call 570.270.4444.
The Swiftwater Hotel Opening Day Announced The Pocono Mountains welcomes its newest luxury destination, The Swiftwater, opening its doors to guests on June 10th, 2024. Nestled amidst the serene beauty of the Pocono Mountains, The Swiftwater offers a unique blend of modern elegance and natural Pocono design, promising an unparalleled experience for both leisure and business travelers alike. The Swiftwater boasts 100 meticulously designed guest rooms and suites. From plunge pool suites to King and Queen rooms, every detail has been carefully curated to provide the ultimate in comfort and relaxation. The hotel features an indoor/outdoor pool, fitness center, concierge lounge, and garden patio. Guests will discover a culinary journey at The Swiftwater’s signature restaurant, The Olivet. The restaurant offers a fine dining experience, sourcing local ingredients and seasonal flavors. The Olivet also features a unique bar experience with cocktail flights, olives from around the world, and mimosa flights for a signature breakfast experience. Breakfast will be open to hotel guests only, with dinner being open to the public with limited availability. The Swiftwater is also an ideal venue for corporate retreats and special events. Featuring the Branch executive meeting room and lightning-fast Wi-Fi, it is the perfect spot to meet with your team. Advanced audio-visual technology and a dedicated event planning team ensure that every event is executed flawlessly. In addition to luxurious accommodations and world-class dining, The Swiftwater is the perfect home away from home for your adventures in the Pocono Mountains. Our dedicated concierge is available to help you plan your itinerary from whitewater rafting to wine tasting and everything in between. Our location in the heart of the Pocono Mountains makes it the perfect retreat for rejuvenation and adventure. The Swiftwater partners with local artisans and producers, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Pocono region.
The Wright Center Receives Grant The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education was awarded a $3 million grant to train internal medicine residents and faculty to better serve patients living with limited English proficiency and/or physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities. The five-year grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), will also be used to train internal medicine residents and faculty in best practices for patients who all too often experience disproportionate impacts to care access. The Wright Center is one of 18 programs around the country awarded a total of $8 million in grants as part of HRSA’s mission to improve access to health care for underserved and marginalized groups. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, up to 27% of adults in the United States live with some type of disability. The Wright Center for Community Health provides whole-person primary health services to patients in eight counties, including Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Wyoming counties. Nearly 16% of residents in Lackawanna and Luzerne counties are people with disabilities, while more than 16% of the population in Pike and Susquehanna counties and nearly 18% in Wayne County are people with disabilities, according to the American Community Survey. The state average, according to the same survey, is just under 14%. “The absence of professional training toward disability consciousness for health care practitioners is one of the most significant barriers that prevent people with disabilities from receiving appropriate and effective health care,” said Dr. Jumee Barooah, the senior vice president of education and designated institutional official for The Wright Center. Additionally, the communities The Wright Center serves are becoming increasingly diverse, with a notable influx of Hispanic, Indian, Nepali, and Bhutanese residents moving to the region within the last decade. More than 60 languages are spoken in the Scranton School District. Patients at The Wright Center speak more than 22 languages, including Spanish, Nepali, Mandarin, Krio, Gujarati, Hindi, Serbian, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese. Research has shown that when a patient’s primary spoken language differs from the primary language of the health system, worse health outcomes often result, according to Wright Center officials. Putting methods in place to aid communication with patients who are most comfortable communicating in a language other than English can improve their health and well-being. “We were so pleased to learn we were awarded this grant from HRSA,” Dr. Barooah said. “It is allowing us to increase the number of internal medicine physicians who are trained in these vital best practices through developing and implementing an enhanced curriculum, which in turn will have a positive impact on patient care for all of our community members.”
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, go to the PennDOT Engineering District 4 website homepage, click on Traffic Bulletin, or click here: Traffic Bulletin (pa.gov). 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, or by following local alerts on X. 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.
Dime Bank Brings Financial Education to Schools The Dime Bank donated $9,000.00 to the nonprofit Brighter Financial Futures, operating as the Pennsylvania Council on Financial Literacy. This contribution, facilitated through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program, benefits students in the Wayne Highlands, Wallenpaupack, and Delaware Valley school districts, as well as Canaan Christian Academy, through the Personal Finance Education Program. The Personal Finance Program combines three components: a personal finance curriculum covering financial and business topics, a stock market challenge simulation for teaching stock market investment, and a personal budgeting game simulation to educate students on credit, budgeting, net worth, and financial well-being for an improved quality of life. Congratulations to all the participants, with a special recognition to the top three students in each of the following categories: High School: 1st Place – Connor Selfridge/Delaware Valley High School; 2nd Place – Aidan Beheran/Wallenpaupack Area High School; 3rd Place – Micah Musser/Canaan Christian Academy. Middle/Elementary School: 1st Place – Xander Wilcox/Wayne Highlands Middle School; 2nd Place – Sutton Rizzo/Wallenpaupack Middle School; 3rd Place – Diana Sutton/Wallenpaupack Elementary School. Personal Budgeting Challenge: 1st Place – Brooklyn Moody/Wayne Highlands; 2nd Place – Micah Musser/Canaan Christian Academy; 3rd Place – Mark Reinhardt/Delaware Valley. The first-place winners of the Stock Market Challenge, Xander Wilcox of the Wayne Highlands Middle School and Connor Selfridge of the Delaware Valley High School received a Chromebook, a $100.00 gift card, and The Dime Bank gift basket. All other students received gift cards, as did the teachers. President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Bochnovich commented, “Mastering personal finance skills is crucial for laying a strong foundation for future accomplishments. That’s why we believe this program is highly beneficial for students to help them improve their understanding of financial management.”
Marywood Professor Named “Trailblazer in Higher Education” Jeffrey Kegolis, Ph.D., Marywood University’s vice president for the student experience, was recently named to City & State PA’s listing of 2024 Higher Education Trailblazers. City & State PA is a premier multimedia news organization that dedicates its coverage to Pennsylvania’s state and local government, including all things politics and public policy, with in-depth, non-partisan news coverage that serves Pennsylvania’s leaders every day as a trusted guide to the issues impacting the Keystone State. Since arriving at Marywood University last year, Dr. Kegolis, who is passionate about supporting college students, has championed a new, counselor-staffed mental health support hotline and rolled out The Hub, a space for academic, career, and veterans’ services at the campus learning commons. Dr. Kegolis’ career in higher education spans more than two decades and features extensive experience in multiple areas of student services, including leadership programs, campus engagement/activities, residence life, fraternity & sorority life, and student conduct, among others. Dr. Kegolis holds a Ph.D. degree in higher education administration from Bowling Green State University. He also is a graduate of Marywood University, where he earned a Master of Science degree in counselor education with secondary school certification. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology with a neuroscience concentration from King’s College.
The Comm to Participate in NEPA Gives 2024 For 24 hours the Waverly Community House—from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.—on Thursday, June 6, 2024, to Friday, June 7, 2024, donors may make secure donations to their favorite local nonprofit organizations through NEPA Gives online platform. Donations to participating nonprofits will be enhanced with bonus funds provided by NEPA Gives sponsors—making donor dollars stretch further! Nonprofits will also be eligible for cash prizes. Registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving residents in Northeastern Pennsylvania can participate in NEPA Gives. And anyone can donate! This year, all proceeds raised through NEPA Gives will assist the Comm in offering educational programming such as the Destination Freedom Program! How to Donate: Visit the NEPA Gives website on June 6th. Search for “Waverly Community House” and select our organization. Make your donation and share your support on social media using #NEPAGives and #WaverlyCommunityHouse.
PennDOT Announces Lane Restrictions on I-81 PennDOT announces there will be lane restrictions on Interstate 81 northbound and southbound beginning Monday, June 3, 2024, as follows: Interstate 81 northbound and southbound in Lackawanna County from Exit 191 (Dickson City) and Exit 194 (Clarks Summit), Monday, June 3-Thursday, June 6, 2024, from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM for ariel utility work. Interstate 81 northbound in Luzerne County from Exit 165 (Mountain Top/Wilkes-Barre) to Exit 180 (Moosic) in for shoulder cutting and pothole patching. Work will occur Monday, June 3, 2024, from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Motorists should expect delays and are advised to take alternate routes when possible. When encountering a work zone, please drive the posted speed limit, turn on your headlights, pay close attention to signs and flaggers, and avoid all distractions. In high-traffic locations, motorists are encouraged to use both lanes of travel to the merge point and take turns merging into the open lane. 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, or by following local alerts on X.
PennDOT/BPD-I Continue I-80 Nescopeck Creek Bridges Construction Motorists are advised that the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and Bridging Pennsylvania Developers I (BPD-I) will continue pre-construction activities for the I-80 Nescopeck Creek Bridges Project in preparation of complete reconstruction of the two bridges carrying I-80 eastbound (EB) and westbound (WB) over Nescopeck Creek in Black Creek Township, Luzerne County. On or around Monday, June 10, the construction contractor Bridging Pennsylvania Constructors and Major Bridge subcontractor, Wagman will continue the first of four construction stages to be completed in 2027. Phase 1 of construction includes reconstructing the existing shoulders along eastbound Route 80, constructing the outside portion of the new eastbound Route 80 bridge over Nescopeck Creek, reconstructing a portion of Tank Road (Route 3016). A portion of the existing retaining wall along eastbound Route 80 due to the widened eastbound structure. Short term lane closures on I-80 EB will occur between 6:00 PM and 2:00 AM, on Monday through Friday, for approximately 2 weeks. The Phase 1 Tank Road (Route 3016) detour (graphic) will be implemented for all through traffic to support the following: Lowering the elevation of existing Tank Road (Route 3016) to prepare for the installation of a temporary traffic signal to be used from Phase 2 through the end of the project. Constructing a temporary construction access road connecting eastbound I-80 with Tank Road (Route 3016) for equipment and material deliveries during the bridge reconstruction. Maintained access for local traffic to residences and private properties along Tank Road (Route 3016). After Tank Road (Route 3016) has been reconstructed to the designed final elevation, the detour will be lifted. This is anticipated for late fall 2024. However, the temporary traffic signal on Tank Road will be utilized through all subsequent construction phases. Motorists can expect two lanes of traffic to be maintained in both north and south lanes at all times on Route 80, with the exception of occasional lane closures, which will occur during off-peak hours. In February 2024, PennDOT and BPD-I hosted the I-80 Nescopeck Pre-Construction Public Meeting in Nescopeck Township to introduce key members of the I-80 Nescopeck team and provide an update about specific pre-construction and anticipated upcoming construction activities, traffic plans and scheduling. To download the presentation, click here. This project is part of the ongoing PennDOT Major Bridges P3 Program. Bridging Pennsylvania Developers – I (BPD-I) is led jointly by Macquarie Capital and Shikun & Binui USA as Lead Project Developers and Equity Members. The Bridging Pennsylvania Constructors (BPC) joint venture (JV) consortium includes the design & construction expertise of FCC Construction and S&B USA Construction, based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. S&B USA Construction is the construction arm of Shikun & Binui Ltd, and is also the parent company of Fay, one of the BPC four Major Bridge subcontractors. Other Major Bridge subcontractors include The H&K Group, Kokosing Construction Company, Wagman Heavy Civil, and Lead Designer, Michael Baker International. 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.
Marywood Dance Marathon for Children’s Hospital Surpasses Goal Marywood University recently held its first Dance Marathon to benefit the Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital. The event, which set a goal of $12,000, surpassed that amount through generous support from the community and successfully raised $16,000.67. Held near the end of the spring semester, Marywood students came together for the event, and the night of dancing also included face painting, sand art, corn hole, and catered food. Hospital and University representatives also spoke to the students about the impact of their efforts. Food and talent donations were contributed by TGI Fridays, GIANT, Perkins Franchising and Development, Primanti Bros. Restaurant and Bar, Lynn Sandy’s Bakery, Marywood’s Gourmet Dining LLC, Texas Roadhouse, Mike Walton DJ services, Party Crew LLC, Highway Line Dancing, Marywood’s Zumba instructor Vanessa Rodriguez, and more. The event concluded with a closing ceremony the next morning, during which students heard from Anne Baum, President of Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital, and Vanessa Gramm, the Director of Child Life at the hospital. The highlight was hosting the Marzen family, who shared their experience being treated at the hospital and how Marywood’s efforts are making a positive difference for families like them. Kevin Farrell, Marywood’s director of student engagement, noted that the students involved hope to expand this endeavor next year and make it an annual event.
