UWLC to Host Agency Training Day The United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties is going to hold an “Agency Training Day” on July 19th, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. in the Jewish Community Center, on Jefferson Ave, Scranton. This will serve as an opportunity for currently funded, as well as new organizations, to come together to learn about the funding process, what is expected of them, and what is changing within this process for the 2024-2025 funding cycle. Every organization that is planning to apply for United Way funding is encouraged to attend this Training Day. Please RSVP to William Craven, wcraven@uwlc.net, by June 30th. For further comment, call Will Craven, Manager, Community Impact Funds (570) 343-1267 x226.
The UWLC Preparing to Reopen Funding Cycle The United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties is preparing to re-open their 2-year funding cycle to all qualifying 501-c3’s within Lackawanna and Wayne Counties.To Qualify: Programs/Organizations must be a 501-c3 health and human organization.Must have organizational budgets of $400,000 or more.Program must fall within (1) of (3) identified United Way Priority Areas:Economic Mobility: stabilizing families and individuals during time of crisis and empowering them with skills and knowledge in order to build long-term financial resilience.Education: providing youth and families with access to quality learning experiences that empower them to achieve personal success.Health: providing families and individuals the opportunity to achieve physical and mental health by empowering them with skills development and intervention systems. For organizations interested in applying for funding they must submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) to William Craven, Manager, Community Impact Funds, wcraven@uwlc.net. If they qualify, the organization will then apply with the Request for Proposal (RFP).
PennDOT/BPD-I to Host Stakeholder Update Webinar The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and Bridging Pennsylvania Developers I (BPD-I) will host a virtual Public Update Webinar for the I-81 Susquehanna Bridge Project at 6:00 PM on June 15th, 2023. This project is part of the ongoing PennDOT Major Bridges P3 Program. The purpose of the webinar is to introduce key members of the BPD-I team and provide an update about specific pre-construction and anticipated upcoming construction activities and scheduling. This webinar will feature a comment form that allows participating stakeholders to directly submit comments to our team and we will provide additional avenues to stay informed on the latest project updates. Register here for the webinar. Subscribe to PennDOT news and traffic alerts in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Wyoming counties at www.penndot.pa.gov/District4. Information about infrastructure in District 4, including completed work and significant projects, is available at www.penndot.pa.gov/D4Results.
WVIA to Host New Community Conversation Project and Luncheon WVIA, in partnership with Misericordia University, announces the launch of a new multi-part project entitled, “Holocaust Warnings, American Antisemitism and Extremism.” Through community conversations, broadcast and digital media experiences, and educational curriculum, Holocaust Warnings, American Antisemitism and Extremism, examines the rising vitriol and divisiveness across our country, what that means for the future of our democracy, and how we can educate ourselves to strengthen our diverse community. The project will culminate in a sixty-minute television program debuting in Fall 2023 for regional broadcast and digital distribution and shared with public media stations across the country. The intentions of this project are to highlight this important issue, facilitate a community dialogue, and create educational content all with the goal of bringing the Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania communities together to understand how hurtful words and unchallenged hatred can lead to violence against others. The luncheon will take place on Thursday, June 22, 2023 at 12pm at the Sidney and Pauline Friedman Jewish Community Center, 613 S J Strauss Lane, Kingston, PA. The event will feature a conversation and community discussion with Dr. David Myers, Dr. Alex Alvarez, Dr. Kelly McFall and Dr. Carol Rittner, RSM, moderated by WVIA News Director Julie Sidoni. The event is free and open to the public, but reservations are required. To register for the Holocaust Warnings community luncheon event, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/holocaust-warnings-american-antisemitism-extremism-community-luncheon-tickets-643103599177 To learn more about Holocaust Warnings, please visit: https://www.wvia.org/holocaust-warnings
Lackawanna College Hosts Annual Golf Tournament for 2023 The Lackawanna College Athletics Department will have a golf tournament fundraiser to support student athletes through various athletic department programming. It will take place Monday, June 5, 2023 at 1:00 p.m at the Elmhurst Country Club in 319 Gardner Rd, Moscow, PA 18444. The tournament starts with registration and lunch at 11:30 a.m. in the club house, followed by a 1:00 p.m. shotgun start. Hole sponsors, closest-to-the-pin contests, longest drive competitions, and more door prizes and raffles will be available for all attendees. At 6:00 p.m., dinner will be in the club house, with prizes awarded and raffle items drawn. The tournament is open to teams of four and individual golfers.
Quandel Construction Group Promotes Employee Quandel Construction Group, LLC, a leading construction management and general construction firm, announces the promotion of Sarah Knehr to the position of project executive and healthcare team leader. Knehr has been an integral part of the Quandel team for more than 10 years, beginning as a project manager and working her way up to senior project manager before earning her latest promotion. Throughout her tenure at Quandel, Knehr has demonstrated outstanding leadership skills, technical industry knowledge, and a commitment to delivering quality projects that meet client expectations. Her expertise in managing complex projects, developing project plans and budgets, and collaborating with stakeholders at all levels has been invaluable to the company’s success. In addition to her extensive experience in construction management, Sarah has significant expertise in the construction process from start to finish, which includes her ability to lead the teams from renovations to new hospitals ground up. As project executive and healthcare team leader, Knehr will be responsible for overseeing a portfolio of healthcare projects, leading project teams, and completing quality projects on time, within budget. She will also work closely with clients to understand their needs and achieve their goals while maintaining Quandel’s commitment to excellence. “Sarah is an exceptional leader with a proven track record of delivering successful projects for our clients,” said Greg Quandel, president and chief executive of Quandel Construction Group. “Her promotion to project executive reflects our confidence in her ability to drive results and lead our team to continued success.” “Sarah’s technical competency and soft skills have made her a leader in our healthcare market,” Quandel continued. “Her attention to detail, commitment to deadlines, and willingness to participate and contribute to project pursuits are commendable. Owners and team members alike know that when they ask something of her, it gets done. She embodies Quandel’s purpose to lead, make a difference, and build a better future.” Knehr holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Cincinnati and is a certified healthcare constructor. She is also an active member of several industry associations, including the American Building Contractors, Keystone Contractors Association, and the Architecture, Construction, and Engineering (ACE) Mentor Program of Central PA. Quandel is proud to have her on its team and looks forward to her continued success in her new role.
4th Annual NEPA Gives Close to Reaching $1 Million The 4th annual NEPA Gives is underway—where 250+ local nonprofit organizations are working together across eight counties in Northeastern Pennsylvania for 24 hours to collectively raise awareness about the critical work they carry out across the region and raise much-needed funds. As of June 2nd, NEPA Gives raised over $822,087 for participating nonprofits with more donations still rolling in. To celebrate NEPA Gives, there was an in-person event on Friday evening, June 2, at the Hilton Scranton Conference Center to coincide with First Friday Scranton. The ‘Give Gathering’ celebration included live entertainment including music by Black Tie Stereo, giveaways, real-time and live-streamed updates on NEPA Gives with Chris Strub, known nationally as ‘The Giving Day Guy’, and opportunities for the general public to meet many of the participating nonprofits. This event is for all ages and is free to attend. Promoted as the single largest day of philanthropy in Northeastern Pennsylvania, NEPA Gives is a 24-hour online giving extravaganza that’s all about giving back to the community. NEPA Gives is hosted by the Scranton Area Community Foundation, in partnership with The Luzerne Foundation, Greater Pike Community Foundation, Wayne County Community Foundation, Carbon County Community Foundation, Posture Interactive, and other community sponsors. Hundreds of thousands of dollars in matching funds, incentives, and prizes provided by various community partners, businesses, and sponsors made donations to participating nonprofits during NEPA Gives stretch even further. This is the fourth year for NEPA Gives. In the past three years, NEPA Gives has raised nearly $3 million for hundreds of local nonprofit organizations in Northeastern Pennsylvania. To learn more about #NEPAGives, visit nepagives.org or contact Brittany Pagnotti, Communications Manager of the Scranton Area Community Foundation at 570-347-6203.
Saint Joseph’s Center to Host Summer Festival The Saint Joseph’s Center Summer Festival will be held at Marywood University on Friday, July 28 from 4—10 pm, Saturday, July 29 from 4—10 pm and Sunday, July 30 from Noon to 7 pm. Familiar favorites include the return of the Taco Stand, The Grill, Potato Pancake and Lemonade stands. Bingo, Children’s Games and the giant slide will be featured along with traditional stands like It’s a Wrap, Tricky Trays, The Book Booth, and General Store. We are happy to announce that this is the 26th Anniversary of the Go Joe Bike Ride! We are forever grateful to Joe Snedeker and WNEP for all the miles, friendships and great memories thanks to the Go Joe Bike Ride. Each year, Joe pedals hundreds of miles, within and beyond WNEP’s viewing area to raise critical funds for important resources for individuals and families served by Saint Joseph’s Center. WNEP will host the Annual Telethon on Friday, July 28th and Saturday, July 29th, 2023 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm on the Festival Grounds at Marywood University. Viewers can tune in to watch WNEP-TV 16 and learn more about the positive ways that Saint Joseph’s Center is impacting the community.
The Greater Scranton YMCA Recognizes Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month The Greater Scranton YMCA recognizes the impact of Alzheimer’s in communities and the impact physical activity has on preventing it. Below, the Greater YMCA has information on ways to stay active. June is National Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. Worldwide, more than 55 million people are living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. Did you know that studies have shown that physical activity reduces the risk of cognitive decline? At the Greater Scranton YMCA, we promote the importance of physical activity at any age! Just a little bit of activity can go a long way in helping improve brain health. Check out some of the great offerings in our community below, which can be used as a great start on anyone’s health and wellness journey: Silver Sneakers focuses on strengthening muscles and increasing range of movement for daily life activities. Participants can use hand-held weights, elastic tubing with handles and a Silver Sneakers ball. Often a chair is used for seated exercises or standing support. The Art of Connection: Spirited Art® is an optimistic, creative painting class for folks who want to learn the basics of acrylic painting in the company of great friends. In each class, we will show you step-by-step how to create your own masterpiece that you can be proud of and take home. Spend some time and relax with us. Enhance®Fitness is a proven, community-based senior fitness and arthritis management program. Its purpose is to help older adults become more active, energized and empowered for independent living. For more information about Enhance®Fitness, contact Brandon Whipple. Personal Training: Training with our certified personal trainers is a great way to get in shape safely, efficiently and effectively. They provide the motivation necessary for you to achieve your goals with regular fitness testing, personalized programming and accountability. For more information, please contact Brandon Whipple, Program Director, at bwhipple@gsymca.org or visit www.greaterscrantonymca.org.
The Catherine McAuley Center Expands Services The Catherine McAuley Center expands services to include single fathers and intact families. For many years, the Catherine McAuley Center has provided shelter to women and children experiencing homelessness. However, recognizing that there are still unmet needs within the community, the center is thrilled to announce its expansion of services. In addition to providing shelter to women and children, the center will now also offer assistance to single fathers and intact families. The Catherine McAuley Center acknowledges that homelessness is a complex issue that affects individuals from all backgrounds. According to Executive Director Krista Murray, “Our decision to broaden our services was driven by the realization that there is a lack of resources for single fathers and intact families in our community that are experiencing homelessness.” The center is eager to begin assisting these groups in their journey towards a brighter future. For more information on these expanded services, please contact the Catherine McAuley Center at 570-342-1342.
