Latest news with #ElizabethWright
Hamilton Spectator
30-05-2025
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
Tetlit Gwich'in to film climate change documentary on moose hunt
Hunters, Elders and youth are organizing a fall moose hunt and will be filming the expedition with the help of a cash injection from the Arctic Inspiration Prize (AIP). 'Wisdom from the Water' was awarded $30,000 during the May 13 AIP ceremony in Ottawa, one of 12 teams to receive a prize from the overall $3.7-million annual charitable event. 'It's still sinking in,' said Tetlit Gwich'in Chief Elizabeth Wright. 'We're very excited. 'The youth will have this documented for further use, so that other youth who are not on the trip will be able to see it.' Wright said the idea came out of last year's fall moose hunt, where a group of 15 youth joined hunters, Elders and other mentors as they sourced their quarry over a five-day excursion. The adventure was so popular organizers decided to build on it. Now, the plan is to not only harvest a moose, but for the youth to film the effort. But more than that, they will also document how a warming climate is transforming the Peel River canyon and will interview Elders about the changes they have witnessed over their lives. Wright said the goal is to not only help youth reconnect with the land and their culture but to also acquire some modern work skills in documentary film-making. 'We're going to do a documentary talking about the impacts climate change has on the land and the wildlife in the Peel watershed,' she said. 'The Elders noticed over time the caribou don't go into certain areas anymore and birds are coming earlier. 'We want the youth to do the whole documentation. They'll be taking pictures and video, but also they're going to be learning about climate change. We want the Elders to share what they've seen that's different. Whether its the landscape, whether it's the channel in the Peel river or the migratory routes of the animals we depend on.' Planning is still at an early stage, but Wright said the goal is to do an eight to 10 day trip in September, to allow for more people to get involved if they have scheduling conflicts. She said the outing is open to as many youth as are interested and participants from other Mackenzie and Beaufort Delta communities are also welcome. The trip will be by motorboat going up river. She expressed her gratitude to Margaret Gordon for sponsoring the bid for the Arctic Inspiration Prize and thanked the project's support staff, as well as the Gwich'in Tribal Council. 'It's very humbling,' she said. 'It was a community project — and it was the community that won.' Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Penn State report outlines reasons for keeping Scranton campus open
Citing its importance to the region and the diverse population it serves, Penn State officials are recommending keeping Penn State Scranton open to be a hub for Penn State in Northeast Pennsylvania. In a report issued Tuesday, officials said the campus in Dunmore is worth investing in because of 'its regional significance, operational soundness, and capacity to serve as a primary hub for Northeastern Pennsylvania' and suggested it serve as the primary anchor for the region. The report highlights investments in the campus, including the renovated mechanical engineering labs, nursing suite and library. It points out the mechanical engineering program is growing and the nursing program is regionally respected. The campus unveiled a $13.1 million renovation of the library and nursing facilities last fall and dedicated a new mechanical engineering building in late 2022. Officials acknowledged in the report that the campus has experienced declining enrollment but remains viable for future growth and investment, adding that being in Lackawanna County puts it in a position to serve a dense and diverse population. 'Unlike many campuses facing demographic headwinds, Penn State Scranton benefits from proximity to growing suburban communities and school districts and access to major highways, making it a logical anchor for Penn State's presence in the region,' the report states. 'The area's demographic profile also includes significant populations of first-generation and lower socioeconomic status students, aligning with Penn State's access mission.' The campus enrolled 827 students for the fall semester, 88% of which live in Pennsylvania and nearly 55% of which reside in Lackawanna County, according to enrollment information from the university. Enrollment has dropped nearly 27% in 10 years and 40% from its peak of 1,388 students in 2010, according to the report. Of those students, nearly 42% are Pell Grant recipients, 16% are underrepresented minorities, almost 46% are first-generation college students and nearly 17% are student athletes. While on-campus housing isn't offered, the report states the campus has strong connections to local school districts, employers and transfer pipelines, characteristics that the report said makes it particularly well suited to support dual enrollment growth, regional partnerships and hybrid academic models. 'Penn State Scranton's leadership has demonstrated both vision and effectiveness,' it concludes. 'The campus has consistently engaged in University-wide planning and collaboration efforts, and its openness to innovation positions it well to adopt new delivery models or share administrative services with other locations. Faculty and staff have embraced Penn State's goals, and the campus community has maintained a strong culture of adaptability and student-centeredness.' Elizabeth Wright, regional chancellor for the campus and the ones in Hazleton and Wilkes-Barre, said in an emailed statement Wednesday that while there has been no official decision by the Board of Trustees regarding campus closures, the recommendation to keep the Scranton campus open and invest in it was based its location near major interstates and metropolitan areas, demographics and the significant number of first generation and low income students. She added the campus' mechanical engineering and nursing programs are two areas with strong potential based on community needs and trends. 'The campus has already made significant investments in those programs over the past several years, most recently with the Mechanical Engineering Building, new Nursing Suite and Library Building renovations,' Wright said in the statement. 'We believe Penn State Scranton enhances Penn State's mission and provide meaningful impact to northeast Pennsylvania.' Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi announced in February that some commonwealth campuses will be closing, and she will decide which ones by the end of the semester, with no campus closing before the end of the 2026-27 academic year. The announcement stated that 12 of the university's 19 campuses — including Scranton and three others in Northeast Pennsylvania, Penn State Wilkes-Barre, Hazleton and Schuylkill — were under review. Media outlets reported this week that the president recommended closing the DuBois, Fayette, Mont Alto, New Kensington, Shenango, Wilkes-Barre and York campuses. Officials publicly shared the full recommendation report regarding the campus closures Tuesday night following the reports. Trustees will meet privately Thursday to continue discussing the proposal, SpotlightPA reported. Elected officials and community leaders in Lackawanna County have called for Penn State Scranton to remain open, citing its importance to the region and the students it enrolls. Reached for comment about the report Wednesday, Bob Durkin, president of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, said he was happy to hear the campus could remain open. 'I'm pleased that Penn State has decided to continue that investment and to recognize the financial, economic and workforce value of Penn State Scranton,' he said. Durkin said the campus is top for nursing and mechanical engineering, job fields that are forecasted to grow in the region. Penn State Scranton also employs people from the area on its campus. 'They've provided us with assistance and direction on how do they and we help grow the workforce and the entrepreneurial ecosystem of Lackawanna County and Northeastern Pennsylvania,' Durkin said. He said the campus allows students to access a Penn State education locally and it fits in well with the higher education ecosystem in Northeast Pennsylvania. 'Penn State is an absolutely first-class institution and that's an experience that you can only get if you're in a commonwealth campus,' Durkin said. 'I'm looking forward to Penn State University Park continuing to follow up on those words and continuing to invest as necessary.' In addition Penn State Scranton, the report outlines reasons for keeping the Hazleton and Schuylkill campuses open.
Forbes
01-05-2025
- Forbes
Avoid These 10 Rookie Mistakes On Your First Cruise
Norway is a popular destination for first-time cruisers. David Nikel Booking your first cruise can be exciting, as cruise lines continue to expand their offerings with bigger ships, broader itineraries, and new experiences at sea. But for passengers new to cruising, this variety can also be overwhelming. It is easy to fall into common traps that can impact your enjoyment, and your budget. Here are ten of the most common mistakes first-time cruisers make, along with practical tips to help you avoid them. Not all cruise lines are created equal. Some focus on family-friendly activities, while others cater to older travelers or those looking for a more refined experience. Choosing based solely on price or itinerary is a mistake many first-timers make. Research each cruise line's typical clientele, entertainment style, dining options, and atmosphere. For example, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line offer large resort-style ships with extensive onboard entertainment like water slides and shows, while Cunard and Holland America lean toward traditional cruising with a quieter, more formal feel. Even within the same cruise line, ships can vary significantly in size, style, and onboard atmosphere. For instance, P&O Cruises operates both Arvia and Iona, which are large, family-friendly megaships, but the line also owns Aurora, a smaller, adults-only ship offering a much more traditional cruising experience. While it is possible to arrive in your embarkation city the morning of your cruise, it is a significant risk. Delayed or canceled flights, missed connections, and even traffic can result in a stressful day, or even a missed departure. Unless you live close to the port, plan to arrive at least one day in advance. This is especially important when international travel is involved. Cruise Blog's Elizabeth Wright said that starting your vacation with peace of mind is worth the cost of one night in a hotel: "Instead of relying on luck and hoping my flight departs on time, I prefer to fly out the night before. This way, I can have a relaxing embarkation morning that isn't plagued with anxiety over whether I'll make the ship." Packing too much is a common mistake among first-time cruisers. Cabins typically offer limited storage, and many newcomers overpack, assuming they will need multiple outfits per day. "Most cruising these days is casual, and you really only need a few outfits to rotate through a voyage," explained The Points Guy's Gene Sloan, who added that in the worst-case scenarios, it's always possible to do laundry on board. However, there are key items you should not forget. Bring a carry-on with essential items for embarkation day, such as medications, swimwear, and a change of clothes. It can take several hours for your checked luggage to arrive at your cabin. Also, check your cruise line's rules in advance. Items like travel irons, kettles, and surge-protected power strips are usually prohibited. Most major cruise lines now offer mobile apps that are essential tools once onboard. These apps allow you to check the daily schedule, make dining reservations, book activities, view your onboard account, and sometimes even unlock your cabin door. Download and log into the app before you arrive at the port. Internet access may be limited at sea, but most apps function through the ship's internal network,without needing to buy an expensive internet package. Beverage packages are heavily promoted by all cruise lines and can appear to offer good value. However, they are not always the best financial choice. The cost of these packages varies by cruise line and itinerary. In many cases, you would need to consume a high number of alcoholic beverages per day to break even. Consider your usual drinking habits, how many days you will spend at sea (on which you'll likely consume more), and what beverages are already included in your fare. Some packages also include non-alcoholic drinks, specialty coffees, and bottled water, which may improve the value for some travelers. Buffet restaurants are convenient, but relying on them exclusively means missing out on elevated dining experiences. Most cruise lines offer main dining rooms with table service, multi-course menus, and often higher-quality food. These are included in your fare and can provide a more relaxing and enjoyable mealtime experience. In some cases, you are not even limited to one starter or main course. Don't forget that main dining rooms are typically open for breakfast too, and usually lunch on sea days. This environment is often a much calmer way to start your day than the bustle of the breakfast buffet. Cruise lines offer a wide range of shore excursions, but they are often priced at a premium. While they can be convenient, especially in complex or remote destinations, not every port requires a guided tour. Research your destinations in advance. In some cases, attractions are within walking distance or easily reached by public transportation, taxi, or a local sightseeing bus. You may be able to plan your own day ashore for a fraction of the cost. While many cruise experiences are included in your fare, extras can add up quickly. This includes specialty dining, drinks, spa treatments, Wi-Fi access, laundry services, and gratuities. Most cruise lines allow you to track your spending through the app or your cabin television. Check your account regularly to avoid surprises at the end of your trip and to catch any billing errors early. Cruise lines often run special offers on spa treatments, fitness classes, and specialty dining. However, these are often on port days when many passengers are ashore. If there is a premium experience you are interested in, check for promotions either on embarkation day or during quieter times. Booking a massage or dinner on a port day can save money and provide a more peaceful experience. With so much going on, from shows and trivia games to water slides and wine tastings, it is easy to overschedule yourself. Many first-time cruisers make the mistake of trying to attend every event and eat in every venue, only to burn out midway through the trip. The golden rule is to pace yourself. If a particular port does not interest you, consider staying on board to enjoy the ship while it is quieter. Taking a slower approach allows you to appreciate the cruise experience rather than rushing through it. Cruising can be a relaxing and enjoyable way to travel, but only if you plan accordingly. By avoiding these common mistakes, you will be better prepared to enjoy your time at sea and make the most of your first cruise.
