The Greater Scranton YMCA Annual Healthy Kids Day The Greater Scranton YMCA is hosting the Y’s annual Healthy Kids Day® on May 6 at 10:00 a.m. This free, annual event features a variety of family-friendly activities to encourage healthy kids, healthy families and a healthy start to the summer season. “It is so important for kids to stay active over the summer, both physically and mentally,” said Trish Fisher, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “At the Y, we believe in providing resources to families to ensure that their children have access to what they need to reach their full potential, no matter the time of year. Healthy Kids Day is a fun, free community-wide event that encourages families to take advantage of all the great summer resources that the Y has to offer.” Sponsored by Eggland’s Best, Healthy Kids Day’s mission is to turn fun and play into lifelong memories. Some featured activities include a Kids Fun Run that kicks-off at 10:30 a.m., vendor fair, petting zoo, rides, bounce houses, entertainment and more. “At Eggland’s Best, we strive to help families fulfill their health and wellness goals by supplying them with the only egg that provides superior taste, nutrition, versatility and freshness compared to ordinary eggs,” said Kurt Misialek, President and CEO of Eggland’s Best. “We’re thrilled to be an Official Sponsor of Healthy Kids Day to make nutrition fun and encourage families to choose better-for-you foods.” Locally, Healthy Kids Day is sponsored by Community Bank, Matrix Fitness, TOPP Business Solutions, Cal Mal Vending Services, Northeastern Rehabilitation Associates, NET Credit Union and Rainey & Rainey CPAs. For more information, contact Brandon Whipple at (570) 828-3116 or bwhipple@gsymca.org or visit the Y online at https://www.greaterscrantonymca.org/special-events/.
Marywood’s Online Master of Public Administration Program Ranked Among Best in Nation Scranton, PA (February 28, 2023) — Marywood University’s Master of Public Administration Program has been recognized as one of the best schools for online learning at the master’s level by OnlineMastersDegrees.org (OMD). Marywood’s public administration programs earned top honors for overall quality, affordability, and commitment to student success. OMD analyzed more than 7,700 accredited universities by using data pulled from the schools themselves and from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). To be eligible for ranking, a university must hold active regional accreditation and have at least one partially online master’s program in the ranking subject. Just 8 percent of U.S. postsecondary institutions earned a ranking position. “Providing students with opportunities to get a master’s online is only part of our rankings,” said Kyle Darland, co-founder of OMD. “Top-ranked schools also had competitive tuition rates and/or scholarships to help drive costs down.” Ranking at #30, Marywood University, which offers a fully online MPA program, was the only regional institution, as well as one of only two institutions in Pennsylvania, that placed. In addition to its regular online degree program, Marywood recently launched an Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA) Program to fast track graduate degree completion for those working in the public, nonprofit, and private sectors. Designed for working professionals with at least five years of post-bachelor’s degree experience, the EMPA program allows students to take graduate courses in public policy and administration without taking time off from their careers. Set to begin in the fall 2023 semester, the program is currently accepting applicants.
Larry Vojtko to retire from WVIA, WVIA Radio announces updated radio lineup, and the addition of WVIA Arts Radio PITTSTON, Pa. – Following a long career of public service and broadcasting, WVIA Radio programming director Larry Vojtko has announced his retirement, effective Friday, June 3rd, 2023. Vojtko, who started with WVIA in 1982, served as WVIA Radio Programming Director and afternoon classical music host in addition to being the host for additional radio programs including the Simply Grand music series. “I am so grateful to our listeners for welcoming me into their lives for over 41 years,” said Vojtko. “My years here have been full of more amazing experiences and memories than I can list and I thank you for tuning in with us each day.” Larry will continue to serve as moderator for WVIA television’s Keystone Edition Reports. “We are beyond thankful to Larry for sharing his voice, his talents, and his classical music expertise with our community for so many decades. He has truly enriched the lives of generations of listeners. Now with his departure, we wondered what will WVIA Radio afternoons be in his absence?” said Carla McCabe, WVIA President and CEO. “As always, we turned to our listeners and the mission of our station for guidance.” Beginning June 5th, WVIA Radio will expand its offerings from NPR and WVIA’s digital radio channel HD2 will be rebranded as WVIA Arts Radio. The updated schedules are below: WVIA Radio Weekday Schedule (as of 6/5/23): 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. – Morning Edition 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Classical Music with Lisa Mazzarella 12 p.m. – 12:15 p.m. – ArtScene with Erika Funke 12:15 p.m. – 2 p.m. – Classical Music with Erika Funke 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. – Here & Now 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. – All Things Considered 6 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. – Marketplace 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. – The Daily 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. – Fresh Air 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. – All That Jazz with George Graham 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. – Mixed Bag with George Graham 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. – BBC World Service WVIA Arts Radio Weekday Schedule (as of 6/5/23): 12 a.m. to 10 a.m. – Classical 24 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Classical Music with Lisa Mazzarella (simulcast) 12 p.m. to 12:15 p.m. – ArtScene with Erika Funke (simulcast) 12:15 p.m. to 2 p.m. – Classical Music with Erika Funke 2 p.m. – Performance Today 4 p.m. – Classical 24 “WVIA has compared years of ratings data, tallied audience surveys, combined with feedback from listening sessions across our region to ensure we will be delivering the very best radio content for our audience,” said McCabe. “The advantage of having multiple digital radio channels allows us to provide more programming options than ever before. Our audience told us they wanted more NPR programs, more classical, and more local content, we are excited to provide exactly that!” “We’ve been assessing our service to the community for some time; it just so happens that this shift in service coincides with my retirement,” said Larry Vojtko. “I am excited that beginning this June, WVIA will be offering more NPR programs and more arts programming than ever before.” For questions and feedback listeners are encouraged to visit wvia.org, call WVIA at 570-602-1297 or email customerservice@wvia.org About WVIA WVIA is the PBS and NPR affiliate serving over 22 counties in northeastern and central Pennsylvania. For over 50 years WVIA has been committed to serving the people by offering informational, educational, and entertaining content that enriches and expands viewpoints and serves as a catalyst for positive change. WVIA television channels include WVIA TV, WVIA PBS Kids 24/7, and WVIA Create. WVIA’s radio channels include WVIA Radio, WVIA HD2, and the Chiaroscuro Channel. WVIA’s programs can also be found streaming live and on-demand on wvia.org and the WVIA app. WVIA Mission WVIA educates, inspires, entertains, and fosters citizenship, diverse cultures, and perspectives to nurture community. Photo Caption: Larry Vojtko to retire from WVIA. WVIA Radio announces updated radio lineup, and the addition of WVIA Arts Radio.
SSgt Coker joins Scranton Air Force Recruiting Team Please welcome SSgt Justin Coker to the Air Force Recruiting team in Scranton. He’s been with the Air Force for over 7 years as a fire fighter and is excited to share his experience with the community. Now with 2 active duty AF recruiters we have more availability for applicants.
The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education awarded federal grants to plan and develop residency programs in pediatric dentistry, pediatrics, and obstetrics and gynecology Scranton, Pa. (April 5, 2023) – The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education have been awarded three grant awards totaling $1.5 million from the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) for the planning and development of three residency programs, further expanding and enriching physician training opportunities in Northeast Pennsylvania. As a nearly 50-year-old nonprofit enterprise providing graduate medical education and primary health services in Northeastern Pennsylvania, The Wright Center, along with partnering institutions and community providers, intends to explore establishing accredited residency programs in pediatric dentistry, pediatrics, and obstetrics and gynecology. “We are grateful for the high-impact financial support from HRSA’s Bureau of Health Workforce and Congressman Cartwright’s reliable leadership support for our mission and our region,” said Dr. Jumee Barooah, The Wright Center’s designated institutional official. “These graduate medical education planning and development grants will allow The Wright Center to invite and convene inclusive community stakeholders to strategic planning conversations inspired by a shared understanding of the impact of these training programs to increase access to primary health services and future career opportunities for children and adults in the communities we serve.” This federal grant funding was made available through HRSA’s Bureau of Health Workforce Teaching Health Center Planning and Development Program, using appropriations from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The initiative is intended to strengthen and expand community-based residency programs in rural and other medically underserved communities across the United States. HRSA’s Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education funding is allocated specifically for physician and dental training that includes community-based and governed care settings, such as The Wright Center for Community Health’s Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike venues. The training opportunities created for these residents help to expand and improve the distribution of the nation’s primary health services workforce beyond affluent urban areas to economically disadvantaged areas. As a grant awardee, The Wright Center may apply its funding to startup costs, including planning meetings, curriculum development, recruitment and training of residents and faculty, and necessary activities related to obtaining program accreditation from either the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) or the Commission on Dental Accreditation. The successful introduction of these programs will represent another milestone in The Wright Center’s continued strategic growth as a generator of compassionate, highly skilled, and patient-centered physicians who can help to address the region’s and nation’s ongoing health care services inequities and workforce shortages. The nonprofit organization was founded in 1976 as the Scranton-Temple Residency Program. A year later, it welcomed its first class of six internal medicine residents. Since then, the organization has been renamed and has grown in size and scope to reflect the community’s – and the country’s – evolving needs. It now trains about 250 residents and fellows each academic year in the region and at partner training sites in Arizona, Ohio, Washington state, and Washington, D.C. The Wright Center currently offers residencies in internal medicine, family medicine, physical medicine & rehabilitation, and psychiatry, as well as fellowships in cardiovascular disease, gastroenterology, and geriatrics. All of its residency and fellowship programs are accredited by the ACGME. Additionally, in partnership with NYU Langone Dental Medicine, The Wright Center has served as a training site since 2021 for dentists in an Advanced Education in General Dental Residency Program. To learn more about the medical education opportunities at The Wright Center, visit TheWrightCenter.org.
FREE Business Event: t-factor Virtual Summit Join Christian Business Men’s Connection at Clarks Summit University in Clarks Summit, PA, on Wednesday, May 10 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for the t-factor Virtual Summit. t-factor’s transforms workplace cultures around the world for good, for God, for growth. This free virtual instructional initiative is designed for CEOs, senior leaders and influencers who have an interest in transforming their organization into a purpose-driven and faith-friendly workplace.
Lackawanna College Hazleton Center Awarded Grant from Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry HAZLETON, PA – Lackawanna College received $377,097.61 from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry as part of the PAsmart Building, Supporting and Expanding Registered Apprenticeship and Pre-Apprenticeship Programs in the Building and Construction Trades Grant. The funding will be used to establish the Lackawanna College Construction Pre-Apprenticeship Program at the Lackawanna College Hazleton Center. “We are thrilled to receive this grant for the new Construction Pre-Apprenticeship Program here at the Lackawanna College Hazleton Center,” Director of the Lackawanna College Hazleton Center April Harris-Snyder said. “This program will not only help the Hazleton Center expand its educational catalog but give back to the community with dedicated graduates.” The Lackawanna College Construction Pre-Apprenticeship Program is a 16-week semester of college level coursework having students complete six credit-bearing courses, obtaining 11 certifications and earning 16.5 college credits. The goal of the program is to prepare students for a variety of entry-level jobs in the construction industry such as carpenters, construction laborers, electricians, HVAC workers and plumbers. Included in the program is an eight-week ESL course for students who may require a basic English education. The program will seek to serve individuals in the Hazleton area and provide training options for those unable to attend a career technology center. April Harris-Snyder, director of the Construction Pre-Apprenticeship Program, has experience establishing workforce training programs with ESL students in the Hazleton community. The program she helped organize has partnerships with Associated Builders and Contractions, Inc. (ABC) Eastern PA Chapter and Hayden Power Group. Graduates of the program will become a member of ABC and will take part in a career fair hosted by ABC. The program is set to launch in July 2023. The Lackawanna College Hazleton Center will host a grand opening of the Construction Pre-Apprenticeship Certification on Wednesday April 12, 2023 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Media are requested to RSVP prior to the event. On April 15 Lackawanna College Hazleton will host an Open House for high school students interested in attending Lackawanna College. Students can learn about the programs at Lackawanna college and take a personalized tour of the Hazleton Center. Media are requested to RSVP prior to attending.
The Dime Bank donated $10,000.00 to NeighborWorks NEPA Lackawanna County, PA / April 7, 2023 / Earlier this year, The Dime Bank donated $10,000.00 to NeighborWorks Northeastern PA via the Neighborhood Assistance Program. NeighborWorks rejuvenates neighborhoods and creates opportunities for individuals and families to improve their lives through quality housing and financial guidance. This donation will support the 2023 Scranton Beautiful Blocks Program. The program provides matching grants of up to $1,000.00 to each member of a group of at least five Scranton residents to help them make exterior improvements to their homes. Grants are awarded annually through a competitive application process. “We want to sincerely thank The Dime Bank for their generous contribution towards this year’s Beautiful Blocks Program in Scranton,” said Jesse Ergott, NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania President & CEO. “We are grateful for their commitment to making a positive impact in our community and beyond.” “As a community bank, The Dime Bank is proud to partner with NeighborWorks and contribute to their efforts of revitalizing neighborhoods and building community connections. We are excited to be part of their Beautiful Blocks Program that encourages teamwork among neighbors and invests in property improvement,” stated William Boyle, The Dime Bank Senior Vice President Chief Lending Officer. About The Dime Bank The Dime Bank is committed to being involved in and contributing to our community’s development. If you are passionate about your future, choose The Dime Bank as your financial partner. Serving its primary market of Northeast Pennsylvania since 1905, the bank offers a full array of financial services and solutions. Community banking yields community benefits. Dimeco, Inc., parent company of The Dime Bank, trades on the OTCQX Marketplace under symbol DIMC. For more information on The Dime Bank, visit www.thedimebank.com. About NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania NeighborWorks is a nonprofit organization that has worked for more than 40 years to increase the financial stability of families and individuals by providing programs and services that create and preserve responsible homeownership and affordable housing throughout the City of Scranton, Lackawanna County and Northeastern Pennsylvania. With programs including homeownership coaching and education, aging in place, home renovation services, and neighborhood revitalization initiatives, NeighborWorks is deeply ingrained in the community. More information about NeighborWorks can be found at www.nwnepa.org. Pictured: Brian C. Urbas, The Dime Bank Vice President Commercial Lending Officer; William R. Boyle, The Dime Bank Senior Vice President Chief Lending Officer; Jessica L. Capwell, The Dime Bank Assistant Vice President Steamtown Branch Manager; Jesse Ergott, NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania President & CEO; Maurice E. Dennis, The Dime Bank Vice President Commercial Lending Officer.
Marywood University to Break Ground for the Pascucci Family Health Sciences Pavilion on April 28 Scranton, PA (April 19, 2023) — Marywood University will break ground for a new health sciences pavilion on Friday, April 28, during a 4 p.m. ceremony on the entrance lawn of the Center for Athletics and Wellness on University Avenue. A community reception will follow in the atrium at the Keith J. O’Neill Center for Healthy Families. The new Pascucci Family Health Sciences Pavilion will be an exciting addition to The Keith J. O’Neill Center for Healthy Families, further expanding the university’s deep commitment to health and wellness. It will be a space where health professions students can learn and grow together, sharing state-of-the-art labs, classrooms, conference areas, and the latest technologies. Construction has already begun, and the project completion is expected in the summer of 2024, in time for fall 2024 classes. Sister Mary Persico, IHM, Marywood President, members of the Marywood University Board of Trustees, and students majoring in various health professions will be on hand for the groundbreaking ceremony. The new pavilion is being named in honor of the Pascucci Family, major benefactors of the project. The Pascucci Family Health Sciences Pavilion is also being made possible in part by Community Project Funding through Congressman Matt Cartwright, who played a significant role in securing the grant. Hemmler+Camayd Architects designed the new pavilion, and it is being constructed by Sordoni Construction Services, Inc. Image ID:A rendering depicts a view of the new Pascucci Family Health Sciences Pavilion at dusk. The new facility, is expected to be completed in the summer of 2024, in time for fall 2024 classes.
THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF NEPA PLANS CLAY SHOOTING FUNDRAISER SCRANTON – The Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeastern Pennsylvania announced a first-time fundraiser to benefit the Club. The Club is hosting a Clay Shooting event on June 8th at Lehigh Valley Sporting Clays located at 2750 Limestone Street Coplay, PA 18037. Registration will begin at 8:30 am with a Shotgun at 9:30 am. There will be a delectable BBQ lunch to follow. Sporting Clays originated in England and was created to provide a recreational activity for hunters and people who like the outdoors. Each station provides a different setting and a variety of target presentations for optimal entertainment. Participants will experience games in stations and a 50/50 cash raffle. Everything one should need for shooting is available at the clubhouse. Basic instruction will be provided by their expert instructors. Sponsorship Packages include: Individual Shooter, $200 Includes Cart, Lunch, Ammo, Targets, and Loaner Gun if neededTeam of 4, $800 Includes Cart, Lunch for 4, Ammo, Targets, and Loaner Gun if neededPlatinum Sponsor, $2,500 Includes Team of 8; Lunch for 8; Cart, Ammo, Targets, Loaner Gun if needed, Station Sponsor Sign, Priority Sign Placement, Banner, Logo on a Lamar Advertising Billboard, Sponsor Table during registration, and Social Media blastGold Sponsor, $2,000 Includes Team of 4; Lunch for 4; Cart, Ammo, Targets, Loaner Gun if needed, Station Sponsor Sign, Logo on a Lamar Advertising Billboard, and Social Media blastSilver Sponsor, $1,500 Includes Team of 4; Lunch for 4; Cart, Ammo, Targets, Loaner Gun if needed, Station Sponsor Sign, and Social Media blastLunch Sponsor, $1,000 (only one available) Includes Team of 2, Lunch for 2, Cart, Ammo, Targets, Loaner Gun if needed, and BannerCart Sponsor, $1,000 (only one available) Includes Team of 2, Lunch for 2, Cart, Ammo, Targets, Loaner Gun if needed, and Logo on all Cart Signs l Station Sponsors, $250 Sponsor Sign Recognition at a shooting station (no shooters) This event is rain or shine and is open to the public. For more information contact Julianne Cucura at 570-342-8709 ext. 110 or jcucura@bgcnepa.org or visit Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeastern Pennsylvania – 2023 Clay Shooting Fundraiser (networkforgood.com).
