MCR Design Group Expands Inventory John Phillips, Owner of MCR Design Group, recently increased production elements by adding tent rentals, expo assets such as pipe and drape, and commercial design to the company’s wide array of existing design inventory and services. With an outstanding track record in weddings, corporate events, concerts, and even music conferences MCR is your one-stop source for every aspect of your event. From Entertainment, Rentals, Florals, Production Elements, and Planning, we are the region’s most versatile and dynamic event company. “2021 brings new growth! With an ever-changing landscape to meet client demand, we will keep a LIMITED stock of tents in our inventory while continuing to partner with great tent companies in the area” said, John Phillips, MCR Design Group. New Features:• Commercial Christmas Design• Tents• Pipe and Drape for Expos• New Production Elements For more information, visit www.bookmcr.com or LIKE them on Facebook.com/bookmcr
Johnson College Receives $5,000 from Fidelity Bank through Pennsylvania’s EITC Program Recently, Dr. Katie Leonard, President & CEO at Johnson College visited Fidelity Bank in Dunmore to receive a $5,000 check in support of the College’s STEM Outreach and Industry Fast Track Program from Michael J. Pacyna, Jr, Executive Vice President and Chief Business Development Officer at Fidelity Bank and Daniel J. Santaniello, President and Chief Executive Officer at Fidelity Bank,. Fidelity Bank donated to Johnson College as part of Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program, which is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. Through its STEM Outreach, Johnson College utilizes its experience in providing industry-focused technical education to expand its outreach to elementary, middle, and high school students. The outreach raises awareness of the benefits of STEM education and the possibilities of achieving economic independence through employment in a STEM career field. Johnson College’s Industry Fast Track program offers high school students an opportunity to enroll simultaneously in secondary and post-secondary coursework at Johnson College. The course meets state requirements for high school graduation while providing introductory level college courses. For additional information on Johnson College, please call 1-800-2-WE-WORK, email enroll@johnson.edu, or visit Johnson.edu.
The University of Scranton Awarded $1.5 Million PA RACP Grant The University of Scranton was awarded a $1.5 million Pennsylvania Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant to support renovations of Hyland Hall to create new laboratory and classroom space for the new mechanical engineering program. The facility renovations are necessary to support the multidisciplinary, high-impact learning design of the undergraduate engineering program that will prepare students to meet the modern-day workforce needs of the field. The renovated space in Hyland Hall will include four engineering laboratories; a student classroom; a garage; staff offices and equipment to allow students to learn using the latest simulation and modeling techniques. Students graduating in mechanical engineering will have the ability to use the techniques and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice; design a system or process within budgetary, environmental, safety and other constraints; and understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental and societal context. Scranton graduates will be able to communicate effectively, function on multidisciplinary teams and understand the professional and ethical responsibility inherent in the field. They will be well prepared to enter the workforce in such industries as automotive, HVAC, aerospace, biotechnology, computers/ electronics, and manufacturing. The University will use the RACP grant to fund a portion of the costs associated with the Hyland Hall renovation project, which will be undertaken in two phases. The first phase will be completed by the start of the 2021-2022 academic year to allow students to begin to use the space in the fall semester. The full project will be completed in the spring of 2022. The University’s Mechanical Engineering program addresses a local need for a much-in-demand field. Few mechanical engineering programs exist in the northeast states, and only seven Jesuit universities in the nation offer this major. Scranton’s 131-credit program will draw students to Northeastern Pennsylvania and also help retain those students who might otherwise leave to study elsewhere. The program will also improve regional workforce development by being responsive to industry needs through the program’s Industrial Advisory Board. “Our mechanical engineering program was conceived and became a reality due to advice and help of our Industrial Advisory Board,” said W. Andrew Berger, Ph.D., professor and chair of the University’s Physics and Engineering Department. The University of Scranton, and the physics and electrical engineering programs in particular, have a long and successful record of placing its students in many science and engineering related careers. “The University of Scranton is one of the finest institutions of higher learning in the country and this grant will allow the University to expand its course offerings and add a cutting edge mechanical engineering program,” said then Pennsylvania Senator John Blake in a press release in January 2021. In addition to mechanical engineering, other majors offered at Scranton offered by the University’s Physics and Engineering Department include computer engineering, electrical engineering, engineering management, biophysics and physics. For additional information, contact the University’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions at 888-727-2686 or email admissions@scranton.edu.
WVIA Wins 2021 Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters Award WVIA has been awarded the 2021 Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters Award in the Judges’ Merit Television Category for the presentation of the Scranton Civic Ballet’s production of ‘The Nutcracker’. “WVIA was honored to present this performance to the people of northeastern and central Pennsylvania. This award is a credit to the talented performers in front of the camera and behind the scenes that made this presentation a possibility.” Said Carla McCabe, WVIA President, and CEO. “It is always an honor to be recognized by the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters for the work that we do.” Said Ben Payavis II, Chief Content Officer at WVIA. This inaugural collaboration was made possible by a generous COVID Creative Community Grant from the Lackawanna County Council on the Arts. “The Nutcracker” presentation, which annually presents an educational performance for 1,200 school children at no charge was seen across 21 counties throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and schools received a digital link to enhance their virtual curriculum with this artistic performance. Under the artistic direction of Helen Gaus, 60 students and adults, ranging in age from 8 to 50, shared the timeless tale of Clara, Drosselmeyer, and the Nutcracker that unfolds as the delicate Sugar Plum Fairy and all of Tchaikovsky’s musical sprites weave their enchanting spell. WVIA’s presentation of the Scranton Civic Ballet’s production of ‘The Nutcracker’ is available to watch anytime, on-demand at https://www.pbs.org/video/the-nutcracker-presented-by-scranton-civic-ballet-company-lmihxl/, as well as on the PBS and WVIA apps. The Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters endeavors to promote collaboration between radio and television broadcast station owners, managers, and staff across the Commonwealth. We assist our member stations in serving their communities, audiences, and advertisers through FCC licensed free over-the-air broadcast program operations. To learn more about the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters, please visit https://pab.org.
Business is Blooming at Settlers Hospitality Settlers Hospitality is growing its operations with the opening of Gorgeous Floral. Katharine Brown, the renowned floral designer from Fox Hill Farm, will join forces with Settlers Hospitality to launch the new floral business in May, just in time for Mother’s Day. The floral boutique will be located along Route 6 in Hawley in the former Dorchester Antiques building. The name is a nod to the location of the business overlooking Wallenpaupack Creek river gorge. In addition to retail sales to the public, Gorgeous Floral will provide in-house floral design for all the properties of Settlers Hospitality. The custom creations will adorn hotel lobbies and grace on-site special events. Guests may also order a seasonal arrangement from Gorgeous Floral for their room as an add-on to any stay. Katharine Brown of Fox Hill Farm in Honesdale will serve as floral designer. The self-professed flower fanatic is known for creating unique looks that capture the essence of any occasion. After nearly a decade styling weddings at Fox Hill Farm, she’s become a highly sought-after floral designer throughout the tri-state area and beyond. “I am so excited to bring my passion for floral design and creativity to Gorgeous Floral. Settlers Hospitality’s commitment to high-caliber experiences and superior service align with my own business values. I’m thrilled to join the team,” said Katharine Brown. Customers may stop in to choose from the selection of pre-made bouquets or order a custom arrangement. Shopping at Gorgeous Floral promises to be a feast for the senses. The artful display will feature a curated mix of houseplants, unique vessels, potted plants, terrariums and elegant living and dried centerpieces. Merchandise will also include gardening kits, books, tools and candles as well as unique, garden related home décor. Items will change with the season and custom orders are always welcome. Plans are also in place to offer small classes on flower arranging, gardening and more in the future. “A floral boutique was truly a natural fit for our business,” explains Justin Genzlinger, Settlers Hospitality Owner/CEO. “It’s one more service we can provide to our wedding couples and event organizers. Not only is in-house floral design a convenience for wedding and event planning, it will bring a cohesive look and distinctive style to special occasions and enhance the décor at all of our properties.”
Scranton Chamber Announces Community Block Party We are excited to announce our plan to host a Community Block Party featuring entertainment, shopping, children’s activities, music, dining and more. “The Chamber Community Block Party” will take place on First Friday, May 7, from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. and Saturday, May 8 from 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. on the 200 & 300 blocks of Penn Avenue in downtown Scranton and is in lieu of the Chamber’s Annual Dinner this year. The event will follow all CDC guidelines. “The Chamber exists because of our local businesses, and we are here to support them. After the turbulent year of 2020 – and as we continue to come out on the other side of the pandemic – our board and staff wanted to plan a safe, family-friendly event that supports all businesses and celebrates our community,” said Bob Durkin, Chamber president. The Chamber is grateful for the local support from businesses already, including “The Chamber Community Block Party” chairs Peter Danchak, regional president of PNC Bank; and Sarah Effertz, owner of Blu Elefante Event Consulting and Management. The family-friendly event will include three stages featuring 24 bands and multi-cultural performance groups, as well as vendor marketplaces, children’s activities, art exhibits and more. Beginning May 2 and running through May 8, the Chamber will also celebrate and promote “Chamber Restaurant Week” across the greater Scranton community.Small business members of the Chamber can apply for a FREE vendor booth in one of our three Marketplaces along Penn Avenue. To secure a vendor booth and learn more, visit our event page.
Sarah Effertz Sarah Effertz, owner of Blu Elefante events, has a passion for creating unforgettable moments that bring people together to celebrate the things that are important to you! With over 15 years of event planning and marketing experience, Sarah has helped create powerful and profitable fundraisers for community partners, helped companies celebrate key milestones with cocktail receptions and golf tournaments, gathered like-minded individuals for intimate dinner parties, blown the roof off of venues for concerts and music festivals, and glammed up the runway with striking fashion shows. With Blu Elefante, she has also helped families and friends come together to celebrate some of life’s greatest moments! What makes Blu Elefante stand out is Sarah’s passion and creativity, her love for people, and seeing the magic that happens when all your moving parts come together to give you and your guests an amazing experience that you won’t soon forget! Sarah is a dynamic professional with a bachelor’s in business administration, with a focus on marketing and finance, along with a master’s degree in project management. Her home base is Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania, and services the greater NEPA region, including Allentown to Philadelphia, and also New Jersey and New York. Her history of service includes: past board of directors for Dress For Success Lackawanna, past regional director for the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, and past school board member for Summit Christian Academy. She currently serves as a board member for Here 4 A Reason, a worship team vocalist at The Grove Church in Scranton, and as a wife and mother to three wonderful children.
Peter Danchak PETER J. DANCHAKPNC BANK, NORTHEAST PA Peter J. Danchak is the regional president of the Northeast PA region of PNC Bank. Danchak joined PNC Bank in 1984 and has held various positions of responsibility in Corporate Banking. He was named Regional President of the Northeast PA Market of PNC Bank in January 2001. Active in the community, Danchak currently serves as Chairman of the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine 2020/2021 Annual Golf Classic and as Co-Chair of the Scranton Plan. He serves on the Board of Directors of AllOne Health Foundation, the Highmark Regional Advisory Board and the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Business & Industry. In October of 2020 was appointed to the Early Learning Investment Commission Emeritus Advisory Council. Danchak served as Chairman of the 2019 and 2018 Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Annual Golf Classics and The United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties Annual Campaigns in 2013/2014 and 2002/2003. He also Co-Chaired the Northeastern Pennsylvania Boy Scouts of America 2019 and 2018 Annual Dinners and The Pennsylvania Early Learning Investment Commission from his appointment in 2008 through 2018. He also previously served as a member of the Board of Directors of the ARC of Northeastern Pennsylvania Foundation, Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania, the Luzerne Foundation, the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, King’s College, Keystone College, Johnson College, Junior Achievement of Northeastern Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Bankers Association, the Greater Pittston Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Scranton Chamber Board of Commerce and Scranton Lackawanna Industrial Building Company. He served on the Board of Trustees of Marywood University, Scranton Preparatory School and the University of Scranton Kania School of Management. He also served on the President’s Advisory Council for Keystone College. Danchak received a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from the University of Scranton and was awarded an honorary degree from them in 2018.
