The Wright Center and WVIA-TV 44 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.
