Keystone Mission Receives Grant from the Robert H. Spitz Foundation The Robert H. Spitz Foundation provided a $6,000 grant to Keystone Mission’s Scranton Innovation Center for Homeless & Poverty for housing needs. The grant directly supports the housing program at the Mission, which aids adults experiencing homelessness to access affordable and permanent housing. Our Housing Life Coach bridges the gap between guests experiencing homelessness and outside agencies that have housing/shelter programs available. The Life Coach trains each guest on how to fill out public housing applications, conduct an apartment/house search, and/or set up the proper appointments and transportation.
The Anthracite Museum Holiday Hours Anthracite Heritage Museum Holiday Hours:Friday, December 22, 10am – 4pmSaturday, December 23, 10am – 1pmSunday, December 24, closedFriday, December 29, 10am – 4pmSaturday, December 30, 10am – 1pmSunday, December 31, closed1. The museum will be closed to general visitation January and February 2. We will be open for the Knox Mine Program, January 20, at 2:00 pm3. We will host an presentation on the Museum’s second sponsored trip to the UK, January 28, at 2:00 pm.4. We are thrilled to announce that starting in March, the museum will open for general visitation Thursday to Sunday each week!Eckley Holiday Hours:Thursday, December 21, 10am – 4pmFriday, December 22, 10am – 4pmSaturday, December 23, 10am – 1pmSunday, December 24, closedThursday, December 28, 10am – 4pmFriday, December 29, 10am – 4pmSaturday, December 30, 10am – 1pmSunday, December 31, closed1. On January 17, in partnership with the Luzerne County Historical Society, we will host Justin Emershaw discussing modern mining as part of Mining History Month. 7 pm 2. The museum will be open on weekends during January and February. Sat-Sun, 10 am to 4 pm. Have a wonderful Holiday Season!3.Starting in March, the museum will be open Wed-Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm each week!
The Dime Bank Donates to Local Animal Shelter The Dime Bank recently pledged $10,000.00 to the Olga and Dorothea Dessin Animal Society (Dessin), a non-profit private organization that facilitates the placement of countless animals into caring homes each year. Dessin’s fundraising efforts and facility maintenance were hindered by COVID. The Dime Bank funds will assist with crucial renovations, such as upgrading the septic system, HVAC, electrical systems, and restoring the kennels. The Dime Bank Chief Operating Officer Lisa Cavage stated, “Being a community bank, The Dime Bank understands the significance of Dessin Animal Shelter’s unwavering dedication to providing animal rescue, medical care, animal housing, and adoption services. We extend our gratitude to Dessin’s staff and volunteers for their hard work, and we hope that our pledge will aid in upgrading their facilities.” If you would like to assist Dessin with a donation, would like to volunteer, or adopt a pet, visit www.dessinshelters.com.
Scranton Area Community Foundation Celebrates a Record Year of Grantmaking On the evening of Thursday, December 7, the Scranton Area Community Foundation hosted its 2023 Annual Community Celebration at the Hilton Scranton and Conference Center, celebrating a record year of grantmaking and recognizing the impact of notable charitable funds and community partners making a difference. Over 200 attendees gathered to celebrate the impact and accomplishment made possible by the Foundation’s generous partners, donors, funds, and more. At the event, Scranton Area Community Foundation President and CEO Laura Ducceschi, along with members of the Scranton Area Community Foundation Board of Governors, thanked the donors and friends whose contributions enabled the Foundation to distribute nearly $8 million in grants and scholarships from charitable funds and an additional $2 million from foundations under management, the highest since the Foundation’s inception in 1954. The Foundation also acknowledged and celebrated community partners and funds who have led the way in making a significant impact in 2023. Featured Funds included the Fendrock Family Fund, the Susan Burke Foundation for Colon Cancer, and the Sondra G. and Morey M. Myers Charitable Gift Fund. Featured Community Partners were Scott R. Thorpe, Accountant/Partner, Ostrowski Beckley, and Thorpe PC; Chris Bohinski and WBRE-TV. The event also paid tribute to Attorney Jack Nogi, who was a dedicated trustee of the Robert H. Spitz Foundation. Attorney Nogi was instrumental in working with the Scranton Area Community Foundation to distribute over $2 million in grants from the Robert H. Spitz Foundation since 2016. The Scranton Area Community Foundation is on a mission to enhance the quality of life for all people in Northeastern Pennsylvania through the development of organized philanthropy. With nearly $95 million in assets under management and more than 330 charitable funds, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served as a steward, grantmaker, charitable resource, and catalyst for change since 1954. The Foundation leads various initiatives, including Women in Philanthropy, the Center for Community Leadership and Nonprofit Excellence, NEPA Moves, and the NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative. Additionally, the Foundation hosts and facilitates NEPA Gives and the NEPA Learning Conference. The Scranton Area Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, tax-exempt organization confirmed in compliance with National Standards of U.S. Community Foundations. More information about the Scranton Area Community Foundation can be found at www.safdn.org.
Johnson College Receives Motorcycle Donation Johnson COllege of Technology: Total Control Motorcycle Training presented Johnson College with a 2000 Kawasaki Vulcan Motorcycle. The gift will benefit students of the College’s Continuing Education PA State Vehicle Safety Inspector course as well as the Automotive Technology program. It will primarily be used as a tool to administer the tactile test to students attempting to obtain their PA State Vehicle Safety Inspection license. Johnson College’s Pennsylvania State Vehicle Safety Inspection course consists of 12 classroom hours, a writing test, and a two-hour tactile test scheduled independently with the course instructor. Students who complete this course receive certification from PennDOT. The class size is limited to 12 students and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis according to the date of payment. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and have a valid operator’s license for each class of vehicle they intend to inspect. Classes are held at Johnson College’s Scranton campus in the Automotive Center of Weaver Hall. Learn more about this program and registration details at https://johnson.edu/continuing-ed/pa-state-vehicle-safety-inspector/.
I Need A Speaker Forms Cohort on Public Speaking Training I Need A Speaker: Registration is open for the first training and branding program offered by I Need A Speaker, an online connection hub for speakers and the people who want to book them. The cohort-based event is a two-day, in-person program on February 8 and 9, 2024 in Scranton, PA. “This program is suited to individuals who are interested in public speaking opportunities and want to elevate their skill set and develop their personal brand,” explained I Need A Speaker founder Tricia Richards-Service, PhD. “Ideal candidates for this program include subject matter experts, higher education faculty, corporate leaders, and anyone who has a public-facing role in his or her organization.” The training program includes interactive instruction on message refinement, outlining, storytelling, word choice, and performance. As part of the program, participants also receive a speaker logo, electronic press kit, professional headshots, video evaluation, a sizzle reel (a brief video demonstrating each speaker’s competency), and inclusion in the marketing reel for I Need A Speaker. “To provide everyone with personalized attention, registration is limited to the first 10 people,” said Richards-Service. “We are also welcoming one scholarship recipient in each cohort.” The registration deadline for this cohort is January 31, 2024. To obtain additional information or secure your spot, e-mail info@ineedaspeaker.com or call 570-955-6965.
FNCB Bank Donates $85,000 to the Diocese of Scranton FNCB Bank, based locally since 1910, has allocated $85,000 through the Pennsylvania Education Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program to the Diocese of Scranton Scholarship Foundation. This donation aims to facilitate tuition assistance for students enrolled in pre-school, elementary, and high school programs throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. The Diocese of Scranton Scholarship Foundation annually extends tuition awards to over 1,000 families, a substantial portion of which is funded by contributions from FNCB Bank. “This donation underscores FNCB Bank’s commitment to supporting education and the local community,” said Gerard Champi, FNCB Bank President & CEO. “Our contribution aligns with the Diocese of Scranton’s objectives, and we are pleased to assist in providing educational opportunities to many deserving students across Northeastern Pennsylvania.” Since participating in the EITC initiative in 2010, FNCB has contributed over $3,000,000 to local educational and scholarship organizations, underlining the bank’s sustained commitment to fostering educational opportunities in the region. FNCB Bank’s commitment to the Diocese of Scranton Scholarship Foundation is part of its broader Community Caring initiative that extends beyond financial contributions, encompassing volunteerism, donations, and outreach programs.
Northeast Regional Cancer Institute Releases Latest Local Cancer Surveillance Report The Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, a local community-based nonprofit organization, has released the latest report on cancer, “Cancer in Northeastern Pennsylvania: Incidence and Mortality for Common Cancers”. The report is available at: http://cancernepa.org/ This unique, locally focused report was compiled by Cancer Institute Vice President of Cancer Surveillance, Karen Ryczak, RN and Medical Director, Samuel Lesko, MD, MPH. The report documents that both incidence and mortality rates for cancer remain significantly higher in NEPA than the U.S. It also identifies those specific cancer sites for which there is a disparity in either incidence or mortality. In NEPA, we continue to see statistically significantly higher incidence rates for cancer of the lung, larynx, oral cavity and pharynx, esophagus, colon and rectum, urinary bladder, pancreas, thyroid, cervix, and uterus compared to the U.S. Evidence based screenings are available for breast, cervical, colon and lung cancer that can reduce deaths from these cancers and in the case of cervical and colon cancer, may prevent cancers from developing. Primary care providers are well suited to advise individuals on what screenings are appropriate based on age, gender, personal and family history, risk factors and eligibility criteria for screenings. The goal in sharing these data is to raise awareness across the community and to promote collaborative efforts to reduce the risk of select cancers through healthy lifestyle choices and adherence to proper screening guidelines. The report offers important insight for Northeastern Pennsylvania residents, health professionals, and government leaders. For additional information or if you would like a hard copy of the full report, please feel free to contact the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute at (570) 904-8808 or admin@cancernepa.org.
NeighborWorks NEPA Collaborates on Elder Cottage Housing Opportunity NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania (NeighborWorks) and the Luzerne County Area Agency on Aging have collaborated to bring the Elder Cottage Housing Opportunity (ECHO) program to Luzerne County to help older adults live safely and independently near caregivers in their community. NeighborWorks and the Luzerne County Area Agency on Aging have been given the opportunity to provide the first ECHO unit to Luzerne County older adults thanks to a grant awarded to the Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA) and Pennsylvania for Aging (P4A) through the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA). ECHO units are small, separate manufactured homes that are temporarily placed on the property of an older adult’s friend or family member, allowing the older adult to maintain independence while the property owner continues to provide caregiving to ensure the older adult’s safety. Applications will be taken until February 15, 2024. Interested parties can access the application and Frequently Asked Questions on the NeighborWorks website at www.nwnepa.org or at the Luzerne County Area Agency on Aging office located at 111 N Pennsylvania Boulevard, Suite 100, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701. Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria: host property located in Luzerne County, PA; older adult income at or below 80% area median income; older adult must be able to live independently but require occasional caregiver assistance; older adult must be agreeable to paying affordable rent. Build and unit placement will be provided by Simplex Homes. For more information and a schedule of events please contact Sean McDonough, Project Manager at 570-558-2490.
Request for Public Input Hearings in Scranton on Proposed Water Rate Hikes On Friday, the City of Scranton and Borough of Dunmore sent a letter to the Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission (PUC) formally requesting that the Commission hold public input hearings on Pennsylvania-American Water Company’s (PAWC) outrageous proposed water rate increases. The letter states, “From all corners of the city, residents have been calling city hall, speaking at city council meetings, discussing with city councilmembers, writing to the newspaper, and posting on social media about the tangible impact these rate increases would have on their household budget.” In light of this substantial public interest, the City specifically requested that the Commission hold an in-person public hearing in Scranton: “The opportunity for our residents to share their perspective face-to-face would no doubt benefit the Commission in its review of the proposed rate changes. We would be more than happy to offer City Hall as a location for the hearing and to assist in any other way possible.” According to the Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate, the PAWC proposal would increase the water bill for a typical residential customer by about 25 percent, from $70.65 per month to $88.24 per month. “I’m grateful to the residents who have made their voices heard on these proposed rate hikes and encourage residents to file formal complaints with the PUC. We understand how painful these hikes would be for our residents,” said Mayor Paige G. Cognetti. “This letter signed jointly by Scranton and Dunmore officials continues our advocacy for fair utility rates alongside necessary improvements to make our water infrastructure more sustainable.” “I’m proud to support the taxpayers of both Scranton and Dunmore in fighting these massive increases over the past two years,” said Scranton City Council President Bill King. “These rate hikes are simply not sustainable to our constituents. Thank you to the many citizens that have reached out to City Council and the Mayor’s Office to express their concerns.” “I have heard from many residents across the Borough, and there is a consistent sentiment—Dunmoreans cannot bear the burden of another massive utility hike,” said Dunmore Mayor Max Conway. “Borough Council and I are committed to taking action to oppose this increase. We will explore every available avenue to advocate for the well-being of the residents of Dunmore.” The letter was sent in advance of the Public Utilities Commission’s pre-hearing on the rate cases, which is expected to take place in late December. Residents can file formal complaints with the PUC here: https://www.puc.pa.gov/complaints/formal-complaints/. The PUC Case Docket Numbers are R-2023-3043189 (water) and R-2023-3043190 (wastewater).
