The Wright Center’s to Host Golf Tournament

The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education will hold their inaugural charity golf tournament on Monday, May 15 at the Glenmaura National Golf Club in Moosic in support of the patients The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement serves in Northeast Pennsylvania. The captain-and-crew tournament will feature a shotgun start at 10 a.m.

John Kearney, a Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education board member, is serving as honorary chairperson of the fundraiser. Mary Marrara, a member of The Wright Centers for Community Health and Patient & Community Engagement boards, and Mark Seitzinger are serving as co-chairpersons.

The tournament is in honor of the late William M. Waters, Ph.D., who played a significant role in The Wright Center’s enterprise governance, most recently serving as vice chairperson of The Wright Center for Community Health’s Board of Directors and co-chairperson of The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement.

“Dr. Waters selflessly volunteered countless hours to The Wright Center and its patients. He was a relentless champion for developing responsive primary care services and primary care physician champions,” said Kara Seitzinger, executive director of public affairs and advisor liaison to the president and CEO. “In his memory, we are raising funding to ensure everyone has access to high-quality primary care, no matter their insurance status, ZIP code, or ability to pay.”

The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement focuses on improving access to health care while addressing the negative social and economic determinants of health that can affect underserved patients, including food insecurity, homelessness, and poverty.

The entry fee for golfers is $250, which includes lunch and beverage service on the course, followed by a cocktail hour and dinner. A wide selection of sponsorship levels is available for the tournament. For details and inquiries regarding sponsorships, please contact Seitzinger at seitzingerk@thewrightcenter.org or by calling 570.591.5170.

For more information about The Wright Center, go to TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-230-0019.

The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education’s inaugural charity golf tournament on Monday, May 15 benefits the patients served by The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement. The captain-and-crew tournament at Glenmaura National Golf Club in Moosic features a shotgun start at 10 a.m. Committee members, seated from left, include Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak, president and CEO, The Wright Centers; honorary chairperson John Kearney, The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education board, and co-chairperson Mary Marrara, The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement board; second row, Marianna Eisner, The Wright Centers; Helayna Szescila, The Wright Centers; Lori Cotrone, The Wright Centers; Gerard Geoffroy, The Wright Center for Community Health board; and Kara Seitzinger, The Wright Centers; third row, Ronald P. Daniels, The Wright Centers; Atty. Joseph Price, The Wright Centers; Ed Walsh, The Wright Centers; Nunzi Allergucci, co-chairperson Mark Seitzinger, Ed Cimoch, and Mark Hemak. Missing from the photo are committee members Gail Cicerini, Mary Klem, Danielle Dalessandro, and Nick Biondi.

Johnson College to Offer Forklift Operator Training Course

Johnson College‘s Continuing Education program is offering a Forklift Operator Training Course on Sunday, March 19, 2023, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Diesel Truck Technology Center on the College’s campus in Scranton. The cost of the course is $200, but if you are a current Johnson College student or alum the cost is only $100. Space is limited! Visit johnson.edu/continuingeducation or contact our Continuing Education team at 570-702-8979 or continuinged@johnson.edu to learn more and enroll.

The forklift operator training is designed to familiarize students with OSHA Powered Industrial Truck Operator Training Requirements (29CFR Standard 1910.178 and ASME B56.1), provide current training requirements under the newly adopted standards, and assist participants in becoming an authorized operator of forklifts through theory and tactile testing. Nine hours of instruction including pre-operational inspection, picking up, traveling, and placing loads, parking procedures, refueling, and practical operation.

Johnson College provides real-world, hands-on learning in a supportive environment and prepares graduates to enter into or advance in their in-demand careers. Johnson College was founded in 1912 and is the region’s only technical college, offering 17 associate degrees, four academic certificates, and over 30 continuing education programs. A low student-to-instructor ratio supports an emphasis on hands-on learning. Located in Scranton on a 44-acre campus with a satellite campus serving the greater Hazleton area, the College is an accredited, private, non-profit, co-educational institution with a strong tradition of working with regional businesses and industries to ensure a skilled and qualified workforce. For additional information on Johnson College, please call 1-800-2-WE-WORK, email enroll@johnson.edu, or visit Johnson.edu.

United Way Offers Community Service Scholarship

The United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties is pleased to announce the availability of the 2023 Mike Munchak Community Services Scholarship to assist high school seniors from Lackawanna, Wayne or Pike Counties, who plan to continue their education at an accredited university, college, or trade school in a two or four-year degree program. If selected, the 2023 recipient will receive a one-year award of $6,300 to commemorate Munchak’s #63, retired by the Houston Oilers. Funding for the award comes from proceeds of the Mike Munchak Charity Golf Classic and will be presented at this year’s 27th annual tournament, slated for this upcoming June at the Country Club of Scranton.

A 2001 enshrinee in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Mr. Munchak’s career has earned him accolades as both a player and a coach. Yet, it is his work off the field that led to a scholarship program being established by the United Way to honor his long-standing commitment to his hometown of Scranton and the people of the area.

“For the past 26 years, we’ve been honored to work with Mike and we remain grateful to him for his unwavering commitment to the people of our community,” said Gary Drapek, president of the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties.

To be eligible for the scholarship, candidates must be actively involved in community service activities within programs/agencies receiving funds from the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties, be full-time residents and/or students of a school district within Lackawanna, Wayne or Pike Counties, and be accepted by an accredited university, college or trade school, in a two or four-year degree program track, for the 2023/2024 school year.

Additional requirements include a demonstrated financial need, academic achievement, agency recommendation and a track record of community service.

The 2022 scholarship recipient was Michael Watkins, a Scranton Preparatory High School graduate.  His community service accomplishments included the United Way Day of Caring, Boys and Girls Club, Scranton Cultural Center Food and Clothing Drives, St. Paul’s Block Party, Kettle Basketball Camp, visits to Mountain View Nursing

Center, Peer Tutoring and Orientation at Scranton Prep. 

Additionally, Watkins was a member of the National Honor Society, Dean’s Team, Vice President of the Business Club, Treasurer of Kiva Microfinance Club, President of Advanced Strategical Minds as well as an array of other clubs and activities.  The Scholarship Committee noted Michael’s superior GPA as well as the leadership qualities he exhibited throughout his time at Scranton Prep.

To be considered, completed applications must be postmarked no later than March 31, 2023. A complete listing of eligibility requirements and the application are available to complete (or download) at www.uwlc.net.  Any further questions can be directed to Frank Kincel at the United Way 570.343-1267 x233.

Marywood University Adds More Events to Spring Schedule

Marywood University’s Music, Theatre, and Dance department has added several more events to its original spring semester performance schedule. Performances are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted as admission cost required or designated as a school district performance. Admission prices, if any, will be listed with the performance. Check online at marywood.edu/news/mtd-events-spring-2023 for the most recent performance information.

March
Sunday, 3/5Northeastern Youth Wind and String Ensemble 4 p.m.Munley Theatre, Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing ArtsConcert
Saturday, 3/25Gabriella ComesNoonMarian Chapel, Swartz Center for Spiritual LifeSenior Recital
Sunday, 3/26Gabriel Jenceleski 2 p.m.Marian Chapel, Swartz Center for Spiritual LifeJunior Recital
Sunday, 3/26Adam Jonkman and Dax Sowul5 p.m.Marian Chapel, Swartz Center for Spiritual LifeSenior Recital
Tuesday, 3/28Mason Coccodrilli7 p.m.Room 98, Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing ArtsSenior Recital
Thursday, 3/30Jack and The Beanstalk*10 a.m.Munley Theatre, Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing Arts — *School District Performance; not open to the publicChildren’s Theatre Performance
Friday, 3/31Jack and The Beanstalk*11 a.m.Munley Theatre, Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing Arts — *School District Performance; not open to the public  Children’s Theatre Performance
April
Saturday, 4/1Jack and The Beanstalk*2 p.m.Munley Theatre, Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing Arts *Admission cost required. Cost is $10 per person (regardless of age); free with Marywood ID. Tickets can be purchased in advance by credit card at https://marywood.universitytickets.com/ or purchased at the door with cash.Children’s Theatre Performance
Saturday, 4/1  Jessica Tassey and Aryana SmithNoonMarian Chapel, Swartz Center for Spiritual LifeSenior Recital
Sunday, 4/2Nomadic Chromatics2 p.m.Room 104, Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing ArtsA cappella Concert
Sunday, 4/2Ruiwen Su3 p.m.Marian Chapel, Swartz Center for Spiritual LifeJunior Recital
Sunday, 4/16Tutti Concert2 p.m.Munley Theatre, Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing ArtsConcert
Sunday, 4/16Wind Symphony4 p.m.Munley Theatre, Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing ArtsConcert
Friday, 4/21Orchestra7 p.m.Marian Chapel, Swartz Center for Spiritual LifeConcert
Saturday, 4/22Max Kaiser and Bridget Guziewicz 1 p.m.Marian Chapel, Swartz Center for Spiritual LifeSenior Recital
Saturday, 4/22Hyun Sook Jeong (guest artist)7:30  p.m.Marian Chapel, Swartz Center for Spiritual LifePiano Recital
Sunday, 4/23Orchestra Concert2 p.m.Marian Chapel, Swartz Center for Spiritual LifeConcert
Wednesday, 4/26General Recital8 p.m.Marian Chapel, Swartz Center for Spiritual LifeGeneral Recital
Thursday, 4/27Jazz Ambassadors7 p.m.Marian Chapel, Swartz Center for Spiritual LifeConcert
Sunday, 4/30Concert Choir and Civic Orchestra2 p.m.Munley Theatre, Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing ArtsConcert
May
Monday, 5/1String Ensemble Concert7 p.m.Munley Theatre, Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing ArtsConcert
Monday, 5/1Voice General Recital8 p.m.Marian Chapel, Swartz Center for Spiritual LifeVoice Recital
Saturday, 5/6Chamber Singers7:30 p.m.Marian Chapel, Swartz Center for Spiritual LifeConcert
Sunday, 5/7Percussion Ensemble2 p.m.Munley Theatre, Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing ArtsConcert
Sunday, 5/7Carlie Cocco4 p.m.Marian Chapel, Swartz Center for Spiritual LifeJunior Recital
Monday, 5/8String Project6:30 p.m.Munley Theatre, Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing ArtsConcert
Tuesday, 5/9Evening of Strings7 p.m.Marian Chapel, Swartz Center for Spiritual LifeConcert
Thursday, 5/11General Recital8 p.m.Marian Chapel, Swartz Center for Spiritual LifeGeneral Recital
Friday, 5/12D’Ambra Galvin7 p.m.Marian Chapel, Swartz Center for Spiritual LifeSenior Recital

University of Scanton to Host HamSCI Workshop

The University of Scranton will host the HamSCI Workshop 2023, which engages amateur radio enthusiasts and professional scientists to collaborate on existing and future innovative research projects. Titled “Forging Amateur-Professional Bonds,” the conference takes place March 17-18 at locations on campus and at the historic Lackawanna Station hotel. HamSCI is an officially recognized NASA Citizen Science project and the conference has received grant support from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC.)

“The HamSCI Workshop plays a unique and important role in the development of both the amateur radio community and the scientific workforce,” said Nathaniel Frissell, Ph.D., (W2NAF) assistant professor of physics and electrical engineering at The University of Scranton.

Speakers for the HamSCI Workshop 2023 include a keynote presentation by Patricia Reiff, Ph.D., (W5TAR) professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Rice University and founding director of the Rice Space Institute. She will discuss the importance of united teams of amateurs and professionals in conducting and advancing scientific research. She earned her Ph.D. in space physics and astronomy from Rice University.

Joseph Huba, Ph.D., vice president of Syntek Technologies and former head of the Space Plasma Physics Section at the Naval Research Laboratory, will discuss “Modeling the Ionosphere with SAMI3.” Dr. Huba’s tutorial will provide a general overview of ionospheric physics and SAMI3, which models the plasma and chemical evolution of seven ion species. Dr. Huba earned his Ph.D. in theoretical plasma physics at the University of Maryland.

Also, speaking at the conference will be Jesse Alexander (WB2IFS/3), a licensed amateur radio operator, who will discuss his efforts to introduce young people to the wonder of the Electromagnetic Spectrum through hands-on ham radio-based experiences.

The HamSCI Workshop will give participants hands-on experience using University’s amateur radio station W3USR as well. The workshop will also serve as a team meeting for the HamSCI Personal Space Weather Station project (PSWS), which is a $1.3 million NSF funded project previously awarded to Dr. Frissell.

The workshop also features presentations of research abstracts related to the latest developments related radio science and amateur radio, including those related to solar eclipse ionospheric effects, Sporadic E, traveling ionospheric disturbances (TIDs), and space and terrestrial weather impacts to radio propagation. University of Scranton students Veronica Romanek, Hampton, New Jersey, a senior physics and Spanish double major; Francis Tholley ’21, Darby, a software engineering graduate student, who earned his bachelor’s degree in computer engineering from Scranton; and Shaaf Sarwar, Qazalbash Chowk, Lahore, Pakistan, a senior physics major and recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship, will be among the research presenters.

In addition, the Murgas Amateur Radio club from NEPA will showcase old amateur radios in an “Amateur Radio Through the Ages” exhibit in the display cases on the second floor of Loyola Science Center. The Murgas Amateur Radio Club and Scranton Pocono Amateur Radio Club will also run a special event amateur radio station at the workshop using the W3USR call sign and offer on-site amateur radio license exams.

The HamSCI Workshop 2023 offers both in-person or virtual participation. Lodging for the event is available at the historic Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel Scranton and the Hilton Scranton and Conference Center. For registration details and conference information, visit the HamSCI Workshop 2023 webpage.

NeighborWorks Accepting Applications for Grants

Applications are now being accepted for the fifth cycle of Beautiful Blocks, a home improvement program jointly sponsored by NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania and the City of Scranton. Beautiful Blocks provides matching grants of up to $1,000 per property to groups of five or more Scranton residents to help them make exterior improvements to their homes. The Beautiful Blocks program seeks to make neighborhoods throughout Scranton more attractive places to live.

Eligible exterior improvements include everything from landscaping and painting to larger projects like sidewalks and lamp posts. Grants will be awarded through a competitive application process. Applications will be judged on the number of participating residents, project impact and coordination, and the likelihood of neighbors continuing to work together in the future.

Pre-applications are being accepted until March 27. Awards will be announced in May, with work taking place throughout the summer. According to NeighborWorks President & CEO Jesse Ergott, “We look forward to neighbors coming together and taking collective steps to improve their neighborhoods throughout the City of Scranton in our fifth Beautiful Blocks program cycle.

Our first four years in Scranton were a great success in seeing residents work together in making their neighborhood a better place through their involvement with Beautiful Blocks.” Over the first four cycles of Beautiful Blocks in the City of Scranton, more than 340 individual projects have been completed by Scranton residents, grouped into 45 block groups.

More than $287,000 in grant funding has been distributed to as part of these projects, with participating residents contributing more than $735,000 in matching funds to improving their neighborhoods.

Scranton residents interested in participating in the Beautiful Blocks program can download pre-application instructions and access the pre-application document by visiting the program homepage at https://www.nwnepa.org/programs/neighborhood-revitalization/beautiful-blocks.html.

More information is also available by contacting Gerard Hetman, NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania Community Development Specialist, at (570) 558-2490 or ghetman@nwnepa.org.

The Anthracite Heritage Museum Reopens for Charter Day

The Anthracite Heritage Museum will be open and free to the public in celebration of Charter Day on Sunday, March 12 to celebrate the 342nd anniversary of Pennsylvania’s original charter.

The Anthracite Heritage Museum will offer free admission and a special presentation of a film by the Underground Miners. The film features a 30 minute conversation with nonagenarian anthracite miner Phil Voystock.  It will run each hour. 

These events are part of the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission’s Charter Day event, when museums and historic sites throughout Pennsylvania celebrate the Commonwealth’s birthday with free admission and special programs.

Allied Services Named Charity Partner For TCS New York City Marathon

Allied Services has been named an Official Charity Partner for the 2023 TCS New York City Marathon, which takes place on Sunday, November 5. Allied Services will be among more than 550 official charity partners providing thousands of runners the opportunity to run in the world’s biggest and boldest marathon. 

The TCS New York City Marathon is one of the city’s most anticipated and iconic annual sporting events, attracting runners and spectators of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities worldwide. More than 50,000 runners are expected this year after the race returned to full capacity last year. 

In the past 13 years, Allied Services has raised over $5 million by participating in the TCS New York City Marathon. The funds raised have enabled Allied Services to invest in cutting-edge rehab technology and programs that change the lives of children and adults with disabilities in northeastern and central Pennsylvania. The Allied Services charity team for 2023 will include 55 volunteer athletes from around the United States.  Runners interested in joining the team can learn more at www.allied-services.org/teamallied/apply-to-run/ 

“Allied Services is thrilled to be named as an official charity partner of the 2021 TCS New York City Marathon,” said Jim Brogna, Vice President of Strategic Partnership Development. “The TCS New York City Marathon has provided a transformative experience not only for our dedicated runners raising funds for our cause but also for our employees and the individuals and families we serve.” 

“The TCS New York City Marathon is one of the most exciting days of the year, and thanks to our incredible charity partners it is also one of the most impactful and purposeful sporting events in the world,” said Christine Burke, Senior Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, NYRR. “New York Road Runners is proud to support the Allied Services team and the incredible impact they have made to their communities as they raise important funds to benefit individuals with disabilities in Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania.” 

The NYRR Official Charity Partner Program allows nonprofit organizations to raise funds to support their missions and services. Participating charities can offer guaranteed entry to runners who fundraise on their behalf. 

Since its inception in 2006, the TCS New York City Marathon Official Charity Partner Program has raised more than $460 million for more than 1,000 worthy nonprofit organizations across the globe. Before the start of the official program, the New York City Marathon had served as an outlet for individual philanthropic runners since the 1980s. 

Johnson College to Host Open House

Johnson College will hold an in-person Open House on its campus in Scranton on Saturday, March 25, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. To register for the Open House, visit Johnson.edu/openhouse or contact Johnson College’s Enrollment Department at 570-702-8856 or enroll@johnson.edu.

Open House will include discussions about the admissions process, information about financial aid for those who qualify, and student services such as student life, student support, and career services. Plus, same-day acceptance will be available for many programs if students bring their high school or college transcripts. Tours of each technical area will be conducted and department chairs will be available to review the specifics of their programs. CDC guidelines will be implemented. Johnson College provides real-world, hands-on learning in a supportive environment and prepares graduates to enter into or advance in their in-demand careers. Johnson College was founded in 1912 and is the region’s only technical college, offering 17 associate degrees, four academic certificates, and over 30 continuing education programs. A low student-to-instructor ratio supports an emphasis on hands-on learning. Located in Scranton on a 44-acre campus with a satellite campus serving the greater Hazleton area, the College is an accredited, private, non-profit, co-educational institution with a strong tradition of working with regional businesses and industries to ensure a skilled and qualified workforce. For additional information on Johnson College, please call 1-800-2-WE-WORK, email enroll@johnson.edu, or visit Johnson.edu

Wayne Bank Promotes Kristen E. Lancia

Jim Donnelly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wayne Bank, is pleased to announce the promotion of Kristen E. Lancia, CFMP to Vice President and Marketing Manager.

Mr. Donnelly noted, “I am happy to announce Kristen’s promotion.  Kristen leads our marketing team.  In doing so she has developed effective and creative plans that help drive the Bank’s strategic objectives.  She manages the Wayne Bank, Bank of the Finger Lakes, and Bank of Cooperstown brands.  Kristen is constantly increasing her skill set to assure that she is able to effectively lead the marketing efforts.  Kristen has earned this recognition.”

Mrs. Lancia began her career with Wayne Bank in 2012 and most recently served as the Bank’s Marketing Officer.  She earned a Bachelor of Science in Design & Merchandising with a Writing Concentration from Drexel University and holds a Certified Financial Marketing Professional designation from the American Bankers Association.  Mrs. Lancia is currently pursuing a Google Digital Marketing & E-Commerce Professional Certificate and resides in Scranton with her husband, Ralph.  She enjoys cooking, gardening, and learning French as a second language.

Wayne Bank is a subsidiary of Norwood Financial Corp., Member FDIC, and is located in Honesdale, Pennsylvania. The Bank has 29 Community Offices serving Wayne, Pike, Monroe, Lackawanna, and Luzerne Counties in Pennsylvania, along with Delaware, Sullivan, Otsego, Ontario, and Yates Counties in New York State, including those offices operating under the Bank of Cooperstown and Bank of the Finger Lakes brands. The stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol— NWFL.