NeighborWorks Honored with “Townie” Award NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania (NeighborWorks) was recently recognized for the success of its Beautiful Blocks program with a 2022 “Townie” Award from the Pennsylvania Downtown Center (PDC). Presented in the category of “Physical Improvements & Design: Program-Wide Façade Rehabilitation,” the award honors the Beautiful Blocks program, which provides matching funding support to groups of residents in Scranton and Carbondale to assist in making exterior improvements to their homes. “Our team is most appreciative of the recognition by the Pennsylvania Downtown Center of our Beautiful Blocks program with a 2022 Townie Award,” Jesse Ergott, NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania President & CEO, said of the award. “To see the significant positive impact made in neighborhoods throughout Scranton and Carbondale by Beautiful Blocks recognized by our peers across the Commonwealth in this way is something we celebrate with all of the neighbors whose participation made this innovative program possible.” The Townie Award was presented during the Pennsylvania Downtown Center’s 2022 Townie Awards Gala Dinner, held in late June in Harrisburg as part of the organization’s annual conference. Todd Pousley, Neighborhood Revitalization Manager, accepted the award on behalf of our organization. Joining Todd were staff members Gerard Hetman (Community Development Specialist) and Miranda Pace (West Scranton Neighborhood Coordinator). Also joining them was Wayne Evans, a NeighborWorks board member who originally developed the Beautiful Blocks program during his past service as Scranton Mayor. Since 2019, the Beautiful Blocks program has awarded more than $235,000 in funding to 37 groups of residents in Scranton and Carbondale. These funds have been matched with over $500,000 in matching funds from participating residents, resulting in the completion of more than 280 home improvement projects and a total investment of more than $750,000 into neighborhoods in both communities.
SACF President and CEO Celebrates 10 Years of Leadership On Wednesday, June 15, the Scranton Area Community Foundation Board of Governors recognized Laura Ducceschi for 10 years of service at the Foundation, serving in the executive leadership role as the Foundation’s President and CEO since 2012. Over the past 10 years, Ducceschi has led the Foundation, which works to create stronger, healthier communities across Northeastern Pennsylvania through organized philanthropy. “During the course of the past decade, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has seen tremendous growth under her leadership, nearly quadrupling the charitable assets under Foundation management,” stated Barbara O’Hara, Esq., Scranton Area Community Foundation’s Board Chair. “Laura has effectively and successfully led and grown the Foundation in terms of programs established, partnerships formed, charitable funds initiated, donors engaged, grants and scholarships awarded and so much more.” The Scranton Area Community Foundation has granted over $25 million in funding under Ducceschi’s leadership to support programs and projects that enhance the quality of life for people in the Lackawanna County region and beyond. In her role,Ducceschimanages over 270 charitable funds and two separate private foundations, which in total exceed nearly $95 million. Ducceschi also led the first-ever NEPA Gives, a collaborative effort with other regional foundations which in three years has raised nearly $3 million dollars for nonprofit organizations in only 72 hours. “Laura helps to guide the philanthropic initiatives of those in our community, helping them to make a real difference in the quality of life in Northeastern PA,” stated David Price, Scranton Area Community Board Treasurer. “Transparency, ethics, and innovation are central to Laura’s leadership style. During her tenure, the Foundation was twice reaccredited at the highest standards for excellence in Community Foundations from the Council on Foundations, which is a national organization.” “Laura has spearheaded many impactful regional initiatives aimed at catalyzing change. These include The Center for Community Leadership and Nonprofit Excellence, which has provided cutting-edge training and education opportunities to hundreds of nonprofit leaders and employees; Women in Philanthropy, which provides thousands of dollars in direct funding to help transform the lives of local women, girls, and their families; NEPA Moves; The NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative; the NEPA Health Care Foundation Scholars Program; and the Careers in Care Health Workforce Program, all to benefit surrounding communities,” O’Hara added. “In her 10 years of service, Laura has transformed the Scranton Area Community Foundation into a state of the art change agent for our community. Without a doubt, our area is a better place to live because of her vision and drive,” stated Dave Hawk, who chaired the Search Committee when Ducceschi was hired and was Chair of the Board the year Ducceschi began in her role in 2012. “Congratulations, Laura, on 10 years of work. I can only imagine the wonderful things that will happen over the next 10 years,” he added. “Under Laura’s leadership in 2020, the Scranton Area Community Foundation was one of the first foundations in the country to create a COVID-19 Response Fund, which raised and distributed more than $1.4 million through 183 grants to nonprofit organizations, many of which serve as the safety net in Northeastern Pennsylvania, providing food, shelter and resources to the most vulnerable members of our communities,” stated Maggie Martinelli, the Scranton Area Community Foundation’s Vice President of Administration and Projects. Ducceschi has an MBA in Organizational Management from Drexel University’s Lebow College of Business; an MA in Communication from the Annenberg School of Communication at the University of Pennsylvania; and a BA in Communication from the University of Scranton, where she graduated summa cum laude. She completed her Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP) certification from the American College of Financial Services and is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE). Laura has a Certificate in Change Management from Cornell University, a Certificate in Design Thinking from Harvard University, a Certificate in Nonprofit Board Governance Consulting from BoardSource, and is a Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt. Ducceschi received the Oustanding Fundraising Professional Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals- NEPA Chapter in 2021; the Excellence in Diversity Award from Penn State University-Scranton in 2019; the Executive Mentorship Award from the Allan P Kirby Center at Wilkes University in 2018, and was recognized as a top 25 Women in Business from the NEPA Business Journal in 2015. She will be honored with the Founder’s Award at Meals on Wheels Mix and Mingle event in September, 2022. She serves as a member of the Geisinger Advisory Board, a Trustee of the Schwartz-Mack Foundation, a Trustee on the Scranton Life Board, and is on the NEPA Grantmakers Steering Committee. Ducceschi has also contributed to reports and publications aimed at understanding how equitable economic impact is best achieved in small to medium sized cities. “We are proud of all Laura has accomplished in the community as the President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation over the past ten years and look forward to continued growth, community impact, and stability under her leadership,” added O’Hara. The Scranton Area Community Foundation looks forward to beginning the process of moving into its permanent home at the Century Club of Scranton building located at 612 Jefferson Avenue, Scranton, later this year. The Scranton Area Community Foundation has been a trusted community partner since 1954, serving the people of the region by working in partnership with donors to transform lives. The Foundation offers a wide variety of charitable planning tools such as charitable gift annuities, scholarship funds, donor-advised funds, and charitable trusts to help donors maximize the impact of their charitable giving to causes and charities they care about. To learn more about the Scranton Area Community Foundation, visit safdn.org or contact Brittany Pagnotti, Communications Manager of the Scranton Area Community Foundation at 570-347-6203.
The Settlers Inn Earns Wine Spectator Restaurant Award The Settlers Inn was honored for its outstanding wine program in Wine Spectator’s 2022 Restaurant Awards, which celebrates the world’s best restaurants for wine. “I want to congratulate all 3,169 restaurants that earned one of Wine Spectator’s three awards for their devotion to all things wine,” said Marvin R. Shanken, Editor and Publisher, Wine Spectator. “These awards not only guide our readers to dining establishments with impressive wine lists and outstanding service, but also serve to honor restaurants for their achievements and commitment to maintaining pristine cellars. We are thrilled to reveal our 2022 Dining Guide, which points to places where wine drinkers are warmly welcomed.” “It’s a privilege to earn this recognition from Wine Spectator as an acknowledgement of our commitment to providing superior wine service to guests of The Settlers Inn,” states CEO/Owner Justin Genzlinger. “To be distinguished as one of only two restaurants in Northeast PA to receive this prestigious award is an honor. We’re proud of our Sommelier, Claude Briere, and Director of Food and Beverage Steven Vennie, who have cultivated an award-winning wine experience for our guests.” Wine Spectator began its program to recognize the world’s best wine lists in 1981. There are three levels: the Award of Excellence, the Best of Award of Excellence and the Grand Award—with 1,782; 1,290; and 97 winners this year in each respective category. The Settlers Inn won the Best of Award of Excellence. Recipients display excellent breadth across multiple winegrowing regions and/or significant vertical depth of top producers, along with superior presentation. Wine Spectator’s special Restaurant Awards issue becomes available to readers July 12. Follow the Restaurant Awards on Instagram (@wsrestaurantawards), with hashtag #WSRestaurantAward, and at Restaurants.WineSpectator.com, where all winners can be searched by location and sorted by attributes including name, proximity, award level, cuisine and pricing. Winners are also profiled in the free Restaurant Awards app, available for iPhone and iPad users.
Citizens Savings Bank Announces Promotions Citizens Savings Bank in Clarks Summit has announced the promotions of Walter Belasky and Keleena McNichols. Mr. Belasky has been promoted to the position of Assistant Vice President/Collections Manager in the Collections Department at Citizens Savings Bank. Walter earned certifications in Security and Fraud Investigations and is a member of the PDCFlow organization. Looking back on his career with the bank, Walter started in January 2020 as a Full Time Collector and was then promoted in January 2021 to the role of Collections Manager. In this new position, Walter will continue to be responsible for the supervision, organizing, planning, and directing of the institution’s loan collection activities in accordance with the institution’s policies and participate in special assignments as directed by senior management or the Board of Directors. Mr. Belasky resides in Moscow. Ms. McNichols has been promoted to the position of Assistant Vice President/Loan Operations Manager of the Loan Operations Department at Citizens Savings Bank. Ms. McNichols earned her degree in English from Marywood University in 2008 and has held several roles at the bank throughout her career. Looking back on her 14 years with the bank, Keleena started her career as a Customer Service Representative/Teller in our South Scranton Branch. She was elevated to Customer Service Specialist in 2010 and then became a Collector in 2015. In 2019, Keleena took on the role of Assistant Loan Operations Manager and then was elevated to Loan Operations Manager in 2021. Keleena is also Co-Founder and Board Member for Fight 4 Vets and has been Treasurer of the Betty Welby Foundation for the previous 16 years. In this new position, Keleena will continue to be responsible for the supervision, organization, planning and directing the bank’s loan operations function and participate in special assignments as directed by senior management or the Board of Directors. Ms. McNichols resides in Scranton.
Discovery MI Preschool Expands and Rebrands Discovery Montessori will open a second campus in North Scranton this September and expand its educational programs to include grades 1-3. Discovery Montessori (Providence), located on N Main Ave Scranton, will initially host 30 students across preschool, kindergarten and first grade. Second and third grades will be added in the coming school years as students move up and the school’s capacity increases to 45 students. In keeping with Montessori philosophy and practice, students will be in multiage classrooms of 3-6 years old and 6-9 years old. To reflect the school’s commitment to Montessori methods and its expansion into early elementary, the school has rebranded to Discovery Montessori and unveiled its new logo. Marianne Davis, President of the Board of Discovery Montessori explained, “With the addition of the North Main Avenue location, we are excited to expand our services beyond preschool and kindergarten to students in the first three primary grades. Given this expansion, it was confusing to be called a preschool when we offer so much more. Our new name emphasizes our approach of using the Montessori educational platform for our students which has been our objective since we first launched the school.” “A core part of our mission since day 1 has been to ensure at least half of our students attend at no cost or reduced tuition and we are pleased to confirm this commitment across our whole student body.” The school was recently awarded a Community Needs Grant of $18,500 by The Scranton Area Community Foundation to help open Discovery Montessori (Providence). “This grant will be instrumental in helping us purchase the materials, furniture and supplies required to open the new center this September,” added Ms. Davis. The Scranton Area Community Foundation President and CEO, Laura Ducceschi explained the grant, “Our Foundation is proud to support organizations that provide improved educational opportunities for children and young adults in the area. Providing a strong educational base for youngsters reinforces the value of inquisitive learning and launches life-long learning.” Discovery Montessori is set to be accredited by the American Montessori Society in December 2022, following a five year accreditation process. “This is a major achievement that underscores our faithful adherence to Montessori philosophy and practice. As the only accredited Montessori school in Scranton, parents can be confident that we provide quality programs that meet strict standards and protocols,” said Ms. Davis. Discovery Montessori ensures that a minimum of half their students come from families with low to moderate incomes through a range of community partnerships and subsidies. Tuition free places are provided through Head Start and Pre K Counts. The school also accepts Child Care Works subsidy for tuition and participates in Scholarship programs through United Way. Through these partnerships and programs, currently 75% of their students receive free or reduced tuition. Discovery Montessori incorporates learning through play alongside structured learning to ensure the social, academic, physical, and emotional development of each child in the school. Their unique approach to education enriches the whole child, sparking a love of learning that sets students on the path to future success in school and beyond. Discovery Montessori was selected the Non-Profit Organization of the Year in the SAGE Awards presented by the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce.
Disaster Blaster Launches National Franchise System Local Scranton area business, Disaster Blaster, recently announced that franchise opportunities are now available! Presently offering Disaster Blaster franchises for sale in 31 states (and growing), Disaster Blaster and their management team are excited to welcome and support Disaster Blaster franchises as they open and grow in their local markets. As the premier mitigation and restoration firm in our area, Disaster Blaster brings a great deal of expertise to all of their franchises, providing them the support they need to grow their local Disaster Blaster businesses. A big step for a local business from our area, Disaster Blaster will be providing training and ongoing support to all franchises. The Disaster Blaster management team has over 25 years of experience in operating an indoor environmental, mitigation, and restoration company locally and offers a wide range of services including, but not limited to, water damage mitigation, mold remediation, radon mitigation, asbestos abatement, basement waterproofing, infectious disease disinfection, and hazardous drugs cleanup. With its full array of services, they offer a unique system that is virtually recession-proof and seasonally consistent. Disaster Blaster will continue to develop additional new services, as well as roll out new sales and marketing efforts and national programs as the franchise system grows. This is an excellent opportunity for anyone who has interest in owning their own business. Anyone interested in applying to purchase a new franchise should call either Matthew or Gary Lyons at (302) 242-1042.
Telespond Senior Services New President and CEO The Board of Directors of Telespond Senior Services, with offices in Scranton and Kingston, announced the appointment of Donna O’Toole Sedor as President/CEO effective August 8th. Sedor replaces Joseph J. Grilli, MPA, DPA, who is retiring. Sedor holds extensive experience in communications, fundraising, and program development. A dedicated community leader, Sedor also served as a chamber of commerce vice president for nearly 25 years. As president and CEO, Sedor will oversee day-to-day operations, community awareness campaigns, and fundraising at Telespond Senior Services. Since 1974, the non-profit organization has provided on-site adult day care services, in-home personal care and a robust, volunteer-led senior companionship program to the residents of Lackawanna County and surrounding communities. Currently, Telespond has plans for two new initiatives to further support the region’s seniors: a Foster Grandparent program and an on-site Advocacy Center. To support the development of both initiatives, Grilli has been retained to advance and implement new Programs. In this part-time consulting position, Grilli will also continue to act as liaison for charitable foundations and grants. Prior to joining Telespond Senior Services, Sedor served as Employment Navigator at Up Steps: A Program of New Roots, Inc. in Wilkes-Barre. Before working at Up Steps, Sedor held positions in program leadership and development at the Arc of Luzerne County, the Women’s Resource Center, and the Wyoming Valley Children’s Association. She was Vice President of the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce from 1990 to 2014 and has taught courses in public speaking and public relations at Wilkes University since 1987. Anne Brennan, current secretary and outgoing chair of Telespond’s board of directors, thanks Dr. Grilli for his unwavering commitment to the organization’s mission. “Joe has worked tirelessly to promote and expand Telespond’s services,” she says. “He has helped renew the agency’s reputation as an essential service provider for our community’s aging population, and the board is grateful he will continue to serve as a consultant.” She welcomes Sedor to the organization on behalf of the board and says, “We believe that she will bring the same level of enthusiasm and dedication to Telespond’s mission.”
The Wright Center Celebrates National Health Center Week 2022 The Wright Center for Community Health will join with similar organizations and advocates across the United States next week in marking National Health Center Week, Aug. 7-13. The observance provides an opportunity for the nation’s Community Health Centers to raise public awareness about the vital role they play in delivering affordable, nondiscriminatory health care to communities in need, including rural, high-poverty and other historically underserved areas. Health centers provide comprehensive care to nearly 30 million patients at about 11,000 sites located across every U.S. state and territory. Collectively, these health centers save the nation’s taxpayers more than $24 billion each year through the prevention of emergency, hospital and specialty-care costs. The Wright Center, which operates primary care practices in Northeast Pennsylvania, will celebrate this year’s observance with a series of activities that both reflect its mission and pay homage to the many constituencies on which Community Health Centers rely for their ongoing success: dedicated board members, employees, patients and community partners. The Wright Center’s events include multiple community outreach activities in Lackawanna and Luzerne counties, many of them featuring the center’s mobile medical unit called Driving Better Health. For example, the mobile medical unit will be used to conduct a COVID-19 vaccination and testing clinic from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 12, at Lackawanna County Courthouse Square in downtown Scranton. In addition to offering pandemic-fighting vaccines and boosters, The Wright Center’s employees will be on hand to distribute Narcan, an important tool in the effort to reduce drug overdose deaths amid the ongoing opioid crisis, and encourage voter registration through the Vot-ER initiative, a nonpartisan campaign to boost participation in the electoral process. Other events to be held as part of The Wright Center’s observance of National Health Center Week: Driving Better Health appearance at the New Roots Heartwood Center, 100 S. Wyoming St., Hazleton, with COVID-19 vaccination and testing clinic from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday, Aug. 8. The Heartwood Center is a provider of homeless and recovery support services. Food bag distribution at The Wright Center for Community Health Kingston Practice, 2 Sharpe St., Kingston, from noon to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 10, while supplies last. The limited number of free bags will be given on a first-come, first-served basis. Children’s Health Day activities to be held in conjunction with the weekly South Side Farmers Market, 526 Cedar Ave., Scranton, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 13. The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement will offer COVID-19 test kits, a limited number of free school backpacks and children’s art activities. COVID-19 vaccination and testing clinic with Driving Better Health vehicle at the newly opened Keystone Mission Transformation Center, 290 Parkview Circle, Wilkes-Barre, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 15. The clinic will be open to clients of the Keystone Mission program that serves homeless men as well as to the broader public, including residents of the neighborhood’s nearby public housing complexes. For more information about The Wright Center’s National Health Center Week activities and other public events, visit its online calendar at TheWrightCenter.org/events.
