UNC to Host Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for New CEDAR Center United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC) will host a ribbon cutting ceremony for its new CEDAR (Community Education, Development, And Revitalization) Center on Friday, August 8, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at 526 Cedar Avenue in South Scranton. All media outlets and public officials are invited to attend. UNC officially moved into the CEDAR Center on June 23, 2025, marking a major milestone in the organization’s 100+ year history. The CEDAR Center now serves as UNC’s regional hub for adult education, workforce development, and a range of community-based programs. Speakers at the event will include Senator Marty Flynn, Lackawanna County Commissioner Bill Gaughan, Mayor of Scranton Paige Cognetti, Lisa Durkin, UNC President and CEO, and Dr. Kellyn Williams, UNC Board Member. The building, a former branch of the South Side Bank & Trust Company, was generously donated by Peoples Security Bank in 2014. Construction began in April 2024, transforming the space into a welcoming and accessible facility designed to meet the growing needs of the community. UNC extends sincere thanks to the many funding partners who helped bring the project to life, including Senator Robert P. Casey Jr., Peoples Security Bank, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (RACP), the PA Department of Community and Economic Development (Keystone Communities, Local Share Account, and Neighborhood Partnership Program), Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority, Lackawanna County, the City of Scranton, the Oppenheim Foundation, PNC Bank, PPL Electric Utilities, and The Dime Bank. We’d additionally like to thank Project Architect Ralph J. Melone, AIA, and General Contractor Robert Bamford of Mar-Paul Construction Co., Inc. The ribbon cutting will celebrate the opening of this vital new space and UNC’s continued commitment to serving individuals and families across Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Shapiro Administration Announces $41M for Freight Infrastructure The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced today that the application period for the grants under the Rail Transportation Assistance Program (RTAP) and the Rail Freight Assistance Program (RFAP) is now open and will accept applications until August 29. The investments made possible by this program help businesses grow and upgrade their rail freight network, aligning with Governor Shapiro’s commitment to improving Pennsylvania’s infrastructure and supporting economic growth. “Pennsylvania’s rail freight network keeps goods moving and supports the economy, making it a critical piece of our transportation infrastructure,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “These investments are another example of the Shapiro Administration’s commitment to bolstering the business community and enhancing rail-line safety.” Pennsylvania has 65 operating railroads, which is more than any other state. PennDOT is committed to working with private rail operators and rail-served businesses to construct new rail lines and assist in maintaining and improving Pennsylvania’s roughly 5,600 miles of freight lines. During the 2024 grant period, PennDOT awarded $55 million for 30 rail freight projects, creating or sustaining 344 jobs across Pennsylvania. PennDOT manages two grant programs: RTAP, a capital budget grant program funded with bonds; and RFAP, which is funded through the Multimodal Fund created by Act 89 of 2013. Both programs provide financial assistance for investment in rail freight infrastructure, with the intent of preserving essential rail freight service and stimulating economic growth through new or expanded rail freight service. For eligible organizations wishing to apply for funding through either program, applications will be available on the application website beginning 8:00 AM on Monday, August 4, 2025 and ending at 4:00 PM on Friday, August 29, 2025.
Shapiro Administration Announces $80 Million in Grant Funding Towards Community Infrastructure PennDOT will host a TA Set-Aside Webinar on Wednesday, July 9 – learn more, here. Today, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced the 2025 Transportation Alternatives (TA) Set-Aside of the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Surface Block Grant Program will begin accepting applications on July 14 and be open for submissions through October 31, 2025. The Shapiro Administration will offer a total of $80 million across award recipients, supporting the Administration’s goal of expanding access to a range of transportation options and improving safe access to schools in communities across Pennsylvania. A webinar for municipalities and other project sponsors will be held on Wednesday, July 9 at 10:00 AM to talk through the application process and answer questions that applicants may have; project sponsors may include regional transportation authorities, transit agencies, public land agencies, and school districts, local education agencies or schools. To join the webinar and learn more about the application process and eligible projects, please visit the TASA Webpage. “Pennsylvanians make decisions about how they travel for many reasons, the most critical of which is the infrastructure available to them,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “The TA Set-Aside program offers communities around the Commonwealth the opportunity to improve infrastructure and provide residents with a broader range of transportation options.” TA Set-Aside program provides funds to construct pedestrian and bicycle facilities, improve access to public transportation, create safe routes to schools, incorporate community improvements such as historic preservation and vegetation management, provide environmental mitigation related to stormwater and habitat connectivity, create trail projects that serve a transportation purpose, and provide for vulnerable road user safety assessment program projects. Draft applications must be submitted to PennDOT district offices by September 5, 2025. All participating large Metropolitan Planning Organizations’ (MPOs) selections and all District and Planning Partner application review comments will be due January 23, 2026. The statewide project selection committee will meet in March 2026 to recommend projects for receipt of statewide TA Set-Aside funds.
UNC’s South Side Farmers Market Holds PNC Day United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC) invites all media outlets and community members to join us on Saturday, June 21, 2025, for a special PNC Day at our year-round South Side Farmers Market. The market takes place every Saturday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. We are now outdoors at the corner of 526 Cedar Avenue and Alder Street in Scranton. This event honors PNC, our Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (PA DCED) Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) tax credit partner, for their investment in the South Side Farmers Market. Through the NAP program, PNC has played a vital role in supporting the market’s growth and long-term sustainability. The Neighborhood Assistance Program continues to strengthen the market by supporting vendor recruitment, marketing efforts, and the development of local partnerships. The market will feature our regular lineup of local vendors offering fresh produce, handmade goods, delicious treats, and more. To mark the occasion, everyone who attends the market on June 21 will receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win one of two half-share CSAs from Endless Roots Farm in Waverly. Plus, UNC will be purchasing the first 100 ice cream treats from The Rolling Conez Ice Cream Truck — free to market-goers while supplies last! A CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) provides subscribers with regular deliveries of fresh, seasonal produce throughout the growing season. It’s like a subscription to healthy, local food — and a great way to support regional farmers! We’re also excited to welcome a new vendor — JaM’s Delights. Come hungry! ShoovyQ BBQ will be serving up delicious food, and families can enjoy fun outdoor activities, including UNC’s brand-new cornhole boards, free to play. The South Side Farmers Market accepts SNAP/EBT. Benefit cardholders can receive an additional $2 for every $4 spent through the Food Bucks incentive program. For more information on SNAP/EBT, Food Bucks, or to become a cooking demonstrator, contact Lee Eckardt, Farmers Market Manager, at fm@uncnepa.org. The South Side Farmers Market is also supported by the PA Department of Community and Economic Development’s Neighborhood Partnership Program investment from The Dime Bank. This project is also financed in part by a grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Community and Economic Development through the PA Fresh Food Financing Initiative, administered by The Food Trust.
The Wright Center and WVIA-TV Seeking Audience Members for Panel Discussion The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education and WVIA-TV 44 are collaborating on the panel discussion, “Conversations for the Common Good: Shaping Tomorrow’s Health Workforce,” on Tuesday, June 17, beginning at 6:15 p.m. at Scranton Preparatory High School’s Bellarmine Theater. The free program is open to the public. The program is being recorded and will be aired live on WVIA-TV 44 in June and July. The show explores how education programs and partnerships are transforming the future of health care by training the next generation of health care professionals. Panelists include Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak, president and CEO of The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education; Dr. Katie Pittelli, president and CEO of Johnson College; Jill Avery-Stoss, president of The Institute; and Pennsylvania State Representative Bridget M. Kosierowski. Tracey Matisak of WVIA will moderate the panel discussion. The show will air on WVIA-TV 44 on June 26, 9 p.m.; June 27, 2 p.m.; June 29, 1 p.m.; July 10, 7 p.m.; July 11, 4 p.m.; and July 13, noon. To participate in the live recording, you must register for free tickets in advance. Go here for more information or to reserve your ticket.
UNC’s Carbondale Farmers Market has Special NBT Bank Day United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC) invites all media outlets and community members to join us on Thursday, June 5, for a special NBT Bank Day at our year-round Carbondale Farmers Market. The market is held every Thursday from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Fallbrook Community Center, located at 185 Fallbrook Street, Carbondale. This event recognizes NBT Bank, our Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (PA DCED) Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) tax credit partner, for their investment in the Carbondale Farmers Market. Through the PA DCED program, NBT Bank has played a vital role in supporting the market’s growth and long-term sustainability. The Neighborhood Assistance Program continues to strengthen the market by supporting vendor recruitment, marketing, and the development of local partnerships. The market will feature all of our regular local vendors offering fresh produce, handmade goods, delicious treats, and more. To mark the occasion, UNC will provide free pizza from Pat’s Pizza in Carbondale and free ice cream to enjoy while shopping. Each shopper will receive a reusable market bag (while supplies last), and Bobbie Cooks Bakery will offer a special birthday treat to celebrate their first year in business. Shoppers can also enter a raffle—each purchase at any vendor earns an entry to win two season passes to Lakeland Orchard & Cidery and Roba Family Farms, a prize valued at $250. Families can also enjoy fun outdoor activities, including games with UNC’s brand-new cornhole boards, free to play. UNC’s Carbondale Farmers Market accepts SNAP/EBT. Benefit cardholders can receive an additional $2 for every $4 spent through the Food Bucks incentive program. For more information on SNAP/EBT, Food Bucks, or to become a cooking demonstrator, contact Lee Eckardt, Farmers Market Manager, at fm@uncnepa.org. Carbondale Farmers Market is funded in part by a Collaborative Philanthropy Grant from AllOne Foundation & Charities and is also supported by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s Neighborhood Partnership Program, with investments from Honesdale National Bank, NBT Bank, Gentex Corporation, and Mar-Paul Construction. Additional funding is financed in part by a grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Community and Economic Development through the PA Fresh Food Financing Initiative, administered by The Food Trust.
Shapiro Administration Invests Nearly $10 Million to Improve PA Airports The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) today announced a $10 million state investment in projects at five public use airports for facility improvements, infrastructure preservation, and development. Supporting safe, reliable infrastructure while growing the Commonwealth’s economy is a key priority for the Shapiro administration. Pennsylvania’s robust aviation industry employs over 226,000 people, provides nearly $12.5 billion in payroll and employment benefits, and has a $34 billion annual economic impact. In addition to providing travel options, airports also facilitate services such as air cargo and freight, police and law enforcement, emergency medical services, firefighting, and disaster and emergency response. “Pennsylvania’s aviation industry provides good-paying jobs while linking communities to a larger transportation system that moves goods and people around the world,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “These investments are another example of Governor Shapiro’s focus on maintaining our infrastructure while also expanding business opportunities.” The funds will support the following projects: Bucks County: Quakertown Airport – $1.1 million of state funds to construct three new hangars. Doylestown Airport – $525,000 of state funds for the continued rehabilitation of hangars. Doylestown Airport – $157,500 of state funds to demolish four structures on airport property. Doylestown Airport – $360,000 of state funds to extend public water access to the terminal area of the airport. Jefferson County: DuBois Regional Airport – $225,000 of state funds for the continued renovations of their administration building. Lehigh County: Lehigh Valley International Airport – $1.5 million of state funds to construct a parking structure to enhance terminal commercial development. Luzerne County: Wilkes-Barre Scranton International Airport – $6.2 million in state funds to expand the terminal and upgrade the Transportation Security Administration screening area. The projects will be funded by the state Capital Budget through the Aviation Transportation Assistance Program, which is supported by bonds. To learn more about how the Shapiro Administration is supporting transportation across all modes, visit PennDOT’s website.
Shapiro Administration Reminds Motorcyclists of Free Safety Training Through PA Motorcycle Safety Program High school training program prepares young riders and promotes lifelong safety habits May is Motorcycle Awareness Month As part of Governor Josh Shapiro’s commitment to saving lives and keeping Pennsylvania’s roads safe, the Pennsylvania Departments of Transportation, Education, and Insurance, the Pennsylvania State Police and safety advocates joined forces today at Northeastern High School in Manchester to highlight efforts to improve motorcycle safety and promote rider training for all ages. Free motorcycle safety training has been available through PennDOT’s Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program (PAMSP) for 40 years. This year’s celebration also recognizes the successful implementation of a PAMSP training program at Northeastern High School. “The lessons learned through PAMSP courses provide riders with important training to mitigate crashes and reinforce the message for all motorists and riders to share the road safely,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “Drivers and riders alike can should remember to stay aware while driving or riding, obeying speed limits and being responsible while operating any vehicle.” In a bold move to enhance student safety on the roadways, Northeastern High School, in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Department of Education and PAMSP, now offers the Basic Rider Course to students in spring and fall classes. They can earn credits toward graduation while learning how to operate a motorcycle safely and responsibly. To date, 21 students have successfully completed the Basic Rider Course at Northeastern, with more students interested in next year’s courses. “We are proud of our budding motorcycle program for the students at Northeastern High School and hope to continue the effort to better prepare them for a safer future operating a motorcycle,” said Dr. Jason M. Bottiglieri, Northeastern School District Superintendent. “We are confident that teaching our students good riding habits early on will help save lives.” “We applaud the efforts of our individual schools and our school districts in providing meaningful and life-changing educational opportunities to our young citizens,” said PA Department of Education Deputy Secretary of Elementary and Secondary Education Amy Lena. “Anytime we can promote safety and teach a valuable life skill to our students, it’s a win-win.” There were 3,292 crashes involving motorcycles on Pennsylvania roadways in 2024, resulting in 219 fatalities. Crashes fell from the 2023 number of 3,424, while fatalities also fell from 238 in 2023. “Enjoy Pennsylvania’s roadways on your motorcycle, and share the roadways responsibly and safely,” said Major Robert Krol, Director of the Bureau of Patrol for the Pennsylvania State Police. “Never ride while impaired or distracted. Ride defensively and don’t hesitate to seek basic or advanced training to keep your skills sharp.” Through PAMSP, Pennsylvania residents with a motorcycle permit or license can earn a motorcycle license or refresh their skills through a variety of training courses , regardless of experience. The courses include: the Basic Rider Course (BRC); the Intermediate Rider Course (IRC); the Advanced Rider Course (ARC); and the 3-Wheeled Motorcycle Basic Rider Course (3WBRC). Successful completion of a basic or intermediate course waives the requirement to take a skills test at a PennDOT Driver License Center and automatically earns the permit holder their motorcycle license. Motorcycle permit holders who complete a 3-wheel basic course will earn a motorcycle license with restriction prohibiting the operation a of 2-wheel motorcycle. Classes can be scheduled at multiple training sites throughout Pennsylvania. Class schedules are coordinated by each third-party training provider for their individual locations. Additional information can be found at www.penndot.pa.gov/PAMSP. PennDOT anticipates additional training sites will become available during the riding season, and customers are encouraged to check PennDOT’s website for updated class offerings. Schools or school districts interested in starting a motorcycle training program should contact PAMSP from more information. The Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID) reminds riders that they must have insurance to drive a motorcycle in the commonwealth. Pennsylvania’s motorcycle insurance market is competitive, and many insurers offer discounts for motorcyclists who complete safety courses, have memberships in certain associations, or have safe driving records. Insurers also offer discounts for “bundling,” also known as buying multiple policies. Pennsylvanians are encouraged to discuss available discount options with their insurer. “The Commonwealth is a wonderful place in which to ride. Motorcyclists don’t just have a passion for their bikes – it’s a way of life,” said Shannen Logue, PID Deputy Commissioner for Product Regulation. “We want motorcyclists to take the available safety courses and follow safety guidelines, so that they can continue to enjoy the beautiful roadways in Pennsylvania while staying safe. And, riding safely may also help reduce your insurance cost.” Pennsylvanians with insurance questions, or who wish to file a complaint, can contact PID’s Consumer Services Bureau online or by calling 1-877-881-6388. Some safety tips motorists can keep in mind when sharing the road with motorcycles include: Watch for Motorcycles: motorcycles are small and may be difficult to see. Check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes and at intersections. Always signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic. Respect a motorcycle as a full-size vehicle with the same rights and privileges as any vehicle on the roadway. Allow a motorcyclist a full lane width as the motorcyclist needs the room to maneuver safely in all types of road conditions. Never drive impaired. Motorcyclists can do their part to help avoid crashes by following some simple safety tips: Be seen by wearing reflective clothing and put reflective tape on your protective clothing and motorcycle. Also wear face or eye protection and a DOT-approved helmet. Use common sense by riding sober, obeying all speed limits, and allowing enough time to react to potentially dangerous situations. Know your motorcycle and conduct a pre-ride check. Practice safe riding techniques and know how to handle your motorcycle in adverse road and weather conditions. If you’re flying domestically, you will need a REAL ID-compliant product or other federally-accepted form of identification. Visit www.dmv.pa.gov/REALID for information on how you can get a REAL-ID compliant driver’s license or identification card today.
