Lexington Entertainment Summer Lineup Saturday, May 6 DOUG SMITH’S DIXIELAND ALL-STARS 5:00 – 8:00 Run for the Roses Kentucky Derby Day Fundraiser Scranton Country Club 1011 Morgan Highway Clarks Summit, PA $100 donation Saturday, May 13 DOUG SMITH BAND 8:00 Saturday Night Dance & Grand March Skytop Lodge Skytop, PA www.skytop.com Friday, May 19 ARCADIA CHORALE with the DOUG SMITH JAZZ TRIO 8:00 Opposites Attract Saint Luke’s Presbyterian Church Hall 232 Wyoming Avenue Scranton, PA Saturday, May 20 DOUG SMITH’S DIXIELAND ALL-STARS 12:30- 3:30 Community Day –Free to the Public Everhart Museum Nay Aug Park Scranton, PA Saturday, June 3 DOUG SMITH’S DIXIELAND ALL-STARS 8:00 Saturday Night Dance & Grand March Skytop Lodge (History Week) Skytop, PA www.skytop.com Sunday, June 4 DOUG SMITH’S DIXIELAND All-STARS 1:00 – 3:30 featuring Erin Malloy Lackawanna County Heritage Fair Montage Mountain Moosic, PA Thursday, June 1 DOUG SMITH JAZZ TRIO 6:00 – 9:00 Jewish Family Services “Community Matters” Event Scranton Cultural Center 420 North Washington Avenue Scranton, PA Wednesday, June 14 GUITARIST BRIAN KEELER w/ the DIXIELAND ALL-STARS 5:00 – 7:00 Summer Solstice Fest French Azilum Historic Site Bradford County, PA Saturday, June 17 DOUG SMITH BAND 8:00 Saturday Night Dance & Grand March Skytop Lodge Skytop, PA www.skytop.com Sunday, June 18 DOUG SMITH’S DIXIELAND ALL-STARS 1:00 – 4:00 Community Celebration Cresco Train Station Cresco, PA Friday, June 23 PAULETTE COSTA & FRIENDS 5:00 – 7:00 Friday Night Concert Allen Park 1100 Price, Street Scranton, PA Tuesday, June 27 ERIN MALLOY & FRIENDS 6:30 – 8:30 Tunes on Tuesday Suraci Bocce Reservations: 570-806-1158 – $15 Intersection of Routes 2012 & 2014 Clifford Township, PA Saturday, July 1 DOUG SMITH BAND 6:30 –7:45 (Rain Date July 7) Independence Day Celebration Central Park Church Street, Honesdale, PA Fireworks at Dusk Thursday, July 6 DOUG SMITH BAND featuring Erin Malloy 5:00 – 7:00 Summer Concert Series Waverly Community House Waverly, PA Friday, July 7 BRIAN KEELER & THE DOUG SMITH JAZZ QUARTET 5:00 – 7:00 Brain Keeler Art Opening (First Friday) Artworks Gallery & Studio 236 Penn Avenue Scranton, PA Saturday, July 15 DOUG SMITH’S DIXIELAND ALL-STARS 3:00 –5:00 Summer Concert Gouldsboro Train Station Gouldsboro, PA
PennDOT District 4 Now Hiring The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is seeking hardworking individuals for paid internships, summer maintenance, and student summer workers in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Wyoming counties. If you enjoy working in an active, fast-paced environment with the potential for promotion into a permanent position, check out the various opportunities at PennDOT and apply today! “These positions are a great opportunity for students to work where they live and have a positive impact on the transportation network.” said Jonathan Eboli, P.E., PennDOT Engineering District 4-0 Assistant District Executive of Maintenance. “Students will have the opportunity to learn more about engineering and PennDOT which may lead to interest in full-time careers with the Department after graduation.” Engineering Internship – PennDOT – Statewide (College) Are you looking for a paid internship? The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) offers statewide paid internship opportunities during the summer to students in a variety of majors, predominantly in engineering, science, and technology fields; however, PennDOT does more than just road construction and snow removal. PennDOT is a customer-driven service organization responsible for the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of Pennsylvania’s multimodal transportation system. PennDOT interns enjoy opportunities in various areas of PennDOT operations. Internship opportunities associated with this posting will be headquartered throughout PennDOT’s Engineering Districts. Although all assignments may not be offered in every location, additional examples of work and special projects may be available. View PennDOT’s District map to see where your home county lies.You may be able to obtain academic credit through participation in PennDOT’s internship program. Ask your academic advisor if your college offers credit for paid internships.Additionally, some internships may offer the flexibility to telework if determined operationally appropriate by the hiring organization. PennDOT College Student Summer Worker The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is seeking hard-working college students for employment during the summer months for the 2023 Summer Employment Program! If you enjoy working in an active, fast-paced environment while performing public service, check out this opportunity and apply today! PennDOT Summer Employment Program (Non-Student) https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/pabureau/jobs/3826246/penndot-summer-employment-program-non-student?pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobsThe Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.
The Gallery of Scranton Celebrates Special Showcase The Gallery of Scranton will celebrate naming “Diva Theater its “Theater in Residence” and the closing of “The Artist’s Soul” exhibit with a special presentation on Friday, May 5. The Diva troupe will use music, movement, acting and original works in response to the visual art ofprominent Northeast Pennsylvania artists Robert Bergstrasser, Michele Davis, Paul DeLuca, Timothy Hawkesworth, Earl Lehman, Allison Maslow, Travis Prince, Frank Wengen, and the gallery’s owner, Helen Lavelle, who were all featured in “The Artist’s Soul” exhibit. The collaborative event is sponsored by Fidelity Bank who understands the positive impact that the arts have in our community. “The importance of the arts and creative sector on economic growth and vitality is often overlooked, but cannot be overstated,” said Dan Santaniello, president of Fidelity Bank. “Collaborative partnerships between nonprofits and the business sector make sense for our community.” Diva Theater is a nonprofit, award-winning community theater celebrating its 25th Anniversary in the city of Scranton. The company is under the direction of Paige and Bob Balitski with performances held in the Olde Brick Theatre. The performers have been rehearsing in the gallery itself and Paige Balitski said she is excited for the chance to partner on this special event. “At Diva Theater, we pride ourselves in producing original plays by local writers and showcasing thetalented performers we have here in Northeast PA. Everything we do works toward fostering the artsthroughout the community so we are excited to partner with Helen and The Gallery of Scranton to bring the work of these accomplished artists to life,” she said. The Gallery of Scranton will open at 5 p.m. and the Diva performance will begin promptly at 6 p.m.Attendees will have a chance to meet and interact with all of the performers during a reception following their ½ hour show. Lavelle adds, “When the arts are integrated into the fabric of our community, great things happen. The Artist’s Soul exhibit has been viewed by hundreds to date. Now we are honored to bring Diva Theater talent to The Gallery of Scranton…and are thankful to Fidelity Bank whose support allows all to enjoy this performance free of charge.”
Center City Print Picnic in the Park As a way to commemorate Center City Print’s 10 year anniversary, the Paperback Foundation was created to promote positive environmental initiatives in communities across Pennsylvania. Enjoy our first annual Picnic In The Park where we bring our event to Lackawanna County’s McDade Park. Enjoy live music by Daddy-O & The Sax Maniacs, local eats and crafts, environmental education, and a day full of family fun. Together we can revitalize natural areas, create habitats for biodiversity, and improve our communities. Learn more about the Paperback Foundation by clicking here.
Keystone Mission Receives Support from Local Foundations Keystone Mission Receives Support for Aftercare Life Coach Keystone Mission was presented with a $2,500 check from The Honesdale National Bank Foundation to support the hiring of an aftercare life coach for the 2023 year. The goal of this program is to allow graduates to stay connected with supportive case management to ensure a full transition into self-sufficiency, avoiding relapse into homelessness. The life coach will perform follow-up care through home visits, telephone calls, and counseling sessions. They will lend extra support and guidance to our and other community graduates upon successful transition out of homelessness and into the community. Keystone Mission Receives Support to Supplement Breakfast and Lunch Keystone Mission was presented with a $1,000 check from The UNICO Foundation to supplement the breakfast and lunch meals at the Scranton Innovation Center for Homeless & Poverty. The Ralph J. Torraco Food Bank/Shelter Fund Grant provides funds through community-established food/shelter programs that provide food and shelter to those in need.Food security is a critical first step to ensuring that guests of Keystone Mission can begin to focus on transformational self-care that was neglected while homeless. In March 2023, Keystone Mission provided over 1,500 meals in Lackawanna and Luzerne counties.
WYOU to Air Market Debate On Saturday, May 6 from 7:00PM-7:30PM, WYOU will host a multi-market debate between House 163rd District Democrat Candidate Heather Boyd and House 163rd Republican Candidate Katie Ford. The pair are competing in a special election for the open 163rd Pennsylvania House seat. The winner of this race will determine which party has the majority in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. The “Special Edition of This Week in Pennsylvania” will be held at the WHTM/abc27 studio in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The 30-minute debate will be hosted by WHTM abc27 News anchor Dennis Owens. The work by WHTM and Dennis Owens in producing and anchoring four high profile statewide debates in 2022 was critically acclaimed by politicians and journalists across the Commonwealth.
The Greater Scranton YMCA Summer Food Program According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, around 22 million kids receive free or reduced-cost meals thanks to the National School Lunch Program. However, once the school year ends, only 17 percent of those same kids are able to access free meals over the summer break, leaving many children without during the summer months. The Y is working to fill that gap, and thanks to support from the Walmart Foundation, will help keep children healthy and well-nourished this summer, ensuring that kids reach their full potential. Participating youth will receive both food and fun through nutritious meals and snacks, while also enjoying recreational and learning activities aimed at keeping bodies and minds active. Y sites across the country, including the Greater Scranton YMCA, will offer the Summer Food Program to any child under 18. Children enrolled in early childhood education programs at the Greater Scranton YMCA are currently benefiting from the Food Program and will continue to do so throughout the summer. Additionally, the Greater Scranton YMCA partners with the Scranton School District to provide meals and snacks to school age youth enrolled in our Summer Day Camp Program, which kicks-off June 12th. Now in its thirteenth year, the Summer Food Program is part of an existing national partnership between YMCA of the USA (Y-USA) and the Walmart Foundation to address child hunger, which is more prevalent during the summertime. Made possible by a grant from the Walmart Foundation, the Y is better able to reach kids in need. The program is part of the Y’s year-round effort to address child hunger; during the school year, the Y’s Afterschool Meal Program provides a combination of learning activities and healthy snacks at the end of the school day. In summer 2022, the Greater Scranton YMCA served 13,110 meals to children enrolled in Summer Day Camp and Early Childhood Education Programs. This summer, due to increases in program enrollment, the Greater Scranton YMCA projects serving 24,900 meals and 15,825 snacks to children enrolled in Summer Day Camp and Early Childhood Education Programs. To learn more about the Greater Scranton YMCA’s Food Program, contact Katie O’Neill at koneill@gsymca.org.“Hunger has a lasting impact on the development of children,” says Trish Fisher, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “Giving kids access to nutrition-filled meals allows kids to focus,learn and become empowered to reach their full potential. The Y’s Summer Food Program helps make sure kids can enjoy healthy and delicious meals and snacks all summer long.”This year marks the program’s thirteenth year and the Y’s ongoing commitment to helping kids achieve their full potential by nurturing their physical, mental and social-emotional development. Since the start of the Summer Food Program, the Y has served over 220 million healthy meals and snacks to hundreds of thousands of kids.
Treasurer Garrity Leads National Effort to Overturn Mortgage Fees Treasurer Stacy Garrity today announced that she is leading a national effort to eliminate new mortgage fees being imposed on home buyers with good credit and high down payments. The new fees, implemented via policy by the Federal Housing Finance Agency, go into effect today. “This new policy makes it more expensive for people with good credit to buy houses – and that’s absurd,” Treasurer Garrity said. “Americans who have built a good credit score and saved enough to make a strong down payment should not be penalized and forced to pay more on their mortgage every single month. I’m proud that so many of my colleagues from across the country – representing a majority of states – have united to urge the immediate elimination of this policy.” A total of 33 fiscal officers from 26 other states joined Treasurer Garrity in a letter to President Joe Biden and Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Sandra L. Thompson. “For decades, Americans have been told that they will be rewarded for saving their money and building a good credit score,” the letter states. “This policy turns that time-tested principle upside down.” In the letter, Treasurer Garrity and her fellow fiscal officers point out that although FHFA claims the fees will be used to make mortgages more affordable for people with lower credit scores, there are far better ways to achieve that goal: “We all want to increase home ownership across our great country – that’s a central component of the American Dream. … But the right way to solve that problem is not to use the power of the federal government to penalize hardworking, middle-class American families by confiscating their money and using it as a handout. The right way is to implement policies which will reduce inflation, cut energy costs and bring lower interest rates.” The letter concludes with a simple, direct request to President Biden and Director Thompson: “We urge you to take immediate action to end this unconscionable policy.”
The Honesdale National Bank Makes Donation to The Susquehanna County Interfaith The Honesdale National Bank has recently made a $3,000 contribution to The Susquehanna County Interfaith through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program. The funds will go specifically to the organization’s Parent Pathways Program. HNB President & CEO, Thomas E. Sheridan Jr., stated, “Life can change in the most unexpected ways and having organizations like this is something that binds the community together.” He continued, “We are excited to make this contribution in efforts to assist the communities we serve.” Susquehanna County Interfaith provides access to emergency assistance, advocacy programs, and resources for personal development/life change. They offer educational pathways for personal development and long-term independence. The Honesdale National Bank, established in 1836, holds the distinction of being the area’s oldest independent community bank headquartered in Northeastern PA, with offices in Wayne, Pike, Susquehanna, Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties. The Honesdale National Bank offers personal banking, business banking and wealth solutions. HNB is a Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender with NMLS ID # 446237. Pictured (L to R): Karlee Shibley, Lead Case Manager, Susquehanna County Interfaith; Cindy Beeman, Executive Director, Susquehanna County Interfaith; Michelle Kowalewski, Commercial Loan Officer, HNB; Skylar Groover, Hallstead Branch Supervisor, HNB.
