Outreach Receives Grant to Support Adult GED Program The Robert H. Spitz Foundation has awarded a $20,000 grant to support Outreach’s Adult GED Program. Since 2021, Outreach has been offering individualized GED tutoring and preparation for individuals in Scranton free of charge. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that individuals with a GED earn, on average, 25% more than those without (2022). Outreach offers flexible, personalized instruction and subject-specific tutoring that allows individuals to learn at their own pace and around their work and family schedules. GED programming aligns with Outreach’s mission to help individuals and families gain economic self-sufficiency and family stability. Many GED participants are able to advance their careers upon completing their GED credential. For more information on the GED program, call Outreach at 570-348-6484 Frank Caputo, Grants and Scholarships Manager, Scranton Area Community Foundation; Joel Skivington, GED Instructor and Lori Chaffers, President/CEO, Outreach – Center for Community Resources; and Cathy Fitzpatrick, Director of Grants and Scholarships, Scranton Area Community Foundation.
NET Donates AEDs to the Taylor Community NET Credit Union recently donated three AED’s to the Taylor Borough. An AED, Automated External Defibrillator, is a portable life-saving device to treat people experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. This life saving device provides electrical shock to the heart to restore normal rhythm. The Taylor Police Department will keep the AED’s in their patrol cars. Hopefully, these devices will not have to be used, but if so, the department is prepared in case of emergency. “Being able to support our local communities is an honor. Budgets are tightening for everyone, and being able to donate some potentially life saving equipment without burdening taxpayers is a win for us all,” states Clarence Baltrusaitis, CEO of NET Credit Union. NET Credit Union opened their Taylor Branch at 900 S Main Street in the summer of 2023. We encourage the community to become a member of our credit union. Because of our members, we are able to give back with donations like this. Pictured L to R: Clarence Baltrusaitis, NET CEO; Police Chief Brian Holland, Taylor Borough Police Department; Jessica Hernandez, NET Taylor Branch Manager; Loni Kavulich, Mayor of the Taylor Borough; Cindy Bellucci, Taylor Borough Manager; Jim Digwood, Taylor Borough Councilman; Ken Mickavicz, Taylor Borough Council President; Fran DeAngelo, Taylor Borough Council Vice President; Chuck McKeel, Taylor Borough Councilman.
NEPA Philharmonic Brings the Joy of Music to Schools The musicians of the NEPA Philharmonic, alongside students from their Mentoring Program, have been keeping busy this winter, spreading the joy of music across the community! From inspiring local students in schools to sharing powerful musical moments with senior center residents, NEPA Phil has truly made a difference this season. Music in Our Schools This January, the NEPA Philharmonic’s Woodwind Quintet visited South Scranton Intermediate and Scranton High School, introducing students to the unique sounds of the wind instruments and offering a glimpse into the world of professional music. In February, former NEPA Philharmonic Principal Cellist Alberto Parrini brought his expertise to Abington Heights High School, working with student musicians—many of whom are also part of the Philharmonic’s Mentoring Program—on key techniques including bowing, rhythm, scales, and tone. Later in the month, renowned pianist Marcantonio Barone joined Parrini for an inspiring performance at Wyoming Valley West Middle School, where they engaged with young string musicians. These opportunities allow students to connect directly with professionals, gaining invaluable insight and experience that enhances the incredible work of local music programs. The enthusiasm and dedication from the students were evident, and their interactions with these accomplished musicians will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact. A special thank you goes out to the dedicated teachers—Greg Hulse, Diane Amari, Allison Covell, and Suzanne Hall—whose support made these visits possible. We encourage the community to express their gratitude to local music educators for their ongoing efforts in shaping the next generation of musicians. Mentoring Program and Outreach The NEPA Philharmonic Mentoring Program recently visited Green Ridge Care Center as part of the Music in Our Senior Centers initiative. Students shared their musical talents with senior residents, creating meaningful connections across generations through the universal language of music. The heartfelt performance was a testament to the power of music to bring people together. Rehearsals for the Mentoring Program’s upcoming chamber ensembles are also in full swing. Young musicians—including violinists Isaiah, Roman, Soren, and Alec, violists Judah and Lucas, and cellists Giada and Aiden—are hard at work in coaching sessions with Philharmonic musicians Gabriel and Leah, preparing for their highly anticipated Mentoring Program Chamber Concert on May 18th.
Marywood University Art Students Earn Addy Awards for Creative Work Several Marywood art students earned Addy awards for their creative work from the American Advertising Federation NEPA chapter, at a ceremony held at the Mohegan Sun Convention Center on February 28. They competed against other students from Penn College of Technology, Susquehanna University, Wilkes University, and the University of Scranton. Award categories and Marywood student winners include the following: Judge’s Choice (both students and professionals compete for this award): Caroline Flynn, sophomore graphic design; Jaws poster Student Gold Addy, Best of Show (both professionals and students compete for this award) and People’s Choice: Stephanie Klemick, senior graphic design; Fruit Cups packaging Klemick also won the Rising Star award, given to senior students or young professionals under the age of 24 in the field, which is based on their achievements and contributions to the community. Klemick’s gold award winning entry will advance to the regional competition, with students from several states competing, and then, if she wins, she will advance to the national competition. Student Silver Addy awards: Jess Sunar, senior illustration major; illustration series Julia Perpetua, senior graphic design; juice packaging Lilli Millon, graduate student; Marywood strings poster Sabrina Resuta, senior graphic design; chocolate packaging Honorable mentions were awarded to: Emily Duris, senior graphic design Melissa Bostjancic, senior graphic design; Bostjancic was also nominated for the Rising Star Award. Stephanie Klemick, senior graphic design Sabrina Resuta, senior graphic design Lilli Millon, graduate student Photo ID, from left to right: Julia Perpetua, Emily Duris, Lilli Millon, Melissa Bostjancic, Stephanie Klimek, Caroline Flynn, Jess Sunar. Also recognized, but absent from the photo, was Sabrina Resuta.
Marywood University Sets Graduate Spring Open House on Campus Marywood University will hold a spring open house for prospective graduate students on Wednesday, March 19, at 6 p.m. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m. with light refreshments and conversations with faculty. The event will be held in the Fireplace Lounge at the Nazareth Student Center on the University’s campus. Prospective students will learn about the admissions process and affordability options, and receive valuable information about their program of interest from faculty at individual meetings. To register, visit https://admissions.marywood.edu/register/GrOH25. Contact the Office of University Admissions at gograd@marywood.edu or 570-348-6234 with any questions.
Johnson College Now Enrolling for OSHA Training Course Johnson College is now accepting enrollments for its 30-hour, non-credit OSHA training course at the Scranton campus. The course will run from April 22 to May 3, 2025, with classes scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. The final week will feature classes on Monday, May 5, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m., and Thursday, May 8, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. Participants will gain comprehensive knowledge on a range of essential safety topics, including fall protection, electrical safety, personal protective equipment (PPE), and more. The course, which is delivered through in-person classroom instruction, is designed to help individuals reduce workplace accidents, ensure compliance with federal safety standards, and foster a culture of safety within their organizations. The OSHA 30-hour training is ideal for individuals in leadership roles, those seeking advanced safety training, and employees in the general industry workforce. Upon successful completion of the course, attendees will receive the official OSHA 30 General Industry Outreach Course Completion Card. The cost for the course is $600. For more information or to reserve a spot in the course, visit johnson.edu/continuing-ed/osha-30. You can also contact the Continuing Education team at 570-702-8979 or continuinged@johnson.edu.
Johnson College to Host Spring Open House Johnson College will hold its Spring Open House on Saturday, March 22, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on its Scranton campus. To register to attend the Open House, visit Johnson.edu/openhouse or contact Johnson College’s Enrollment Department at 570-702-8856 or enroll@johnson.edu. The 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 program directors and instructors will be available to review the specifics of their programs.
