Haggerty Hinton & Cosgrove Child Passenger Safety Week Child Passenger Safety Week is September 18-24, and I couldn’t let the week pass without sharing a few sobering statistics and one small thing you can do that may very well change the future of those you love the most. In 2020, 845 children below the age of 13 died in motor vehicle crashes.212 of those children were unrestrained at the time of the accident, i.e. not “buckled up” in an age-appropriate car or booster seat.Choosing to restrain children in rear seats rather than front seats can reduce the risk of fatal injury by about 75% for children up to 3 years old, and by 50% for children between 4 and 8 years old. This Child Passenger Safety Week, make sure your child is in the right car seat for their age and weight. But even more, please wear your seat belt every time you get behind the wheel. If you want your child to be a teen driver who wears their seat belt by habit, you must model it when they’re young. I believe it’s one of those things that’s truly “caught rather than taught.” Take care, buckle up everyone in your family, and, as always, reach out if I can help you in any way.
Scranton SBDC Webinars Gear Up for Financing: What Do I Need to Prepare? (Webinar) Wednesday, 9/21/22 ● 12:00 pm – 1:00 pmRegistration link: https://pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/29777Facebook event link: https://fb.me/e/3ueM5mCM9 The process of financing your small business will take time, good planning, decision-making, and even your money! Join us for this two-part series, “Gear Up for Financing”, as we show you what is needed to prepare for financing and steps to take and what financing options are available to your small business. Session one, “What Do I Need to Prepare?” will help you evaluate: What knowledge you’ll needDecisions to considerHow timing and fit of loan to use come into play Start-up and existing small business owners are welcome! Whether you’re a new entrepreneur or an experienced business owner, planning for success should start early, and applying for capital requires documentation, often including financial projections and a business plan, and more. This session will also supply some insight into best practices on the financial side of your business and how the SBDC can help you.“What Do I Need to Prepare?” is the first in the two-part series, “Gear Up for Financing”. Part two, “What Are My Funding Options?” will take place on Wednesday, September 28 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Registration for that session can be done here: https://pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/29778 The First Step Express: Starting Your Business (Webinar)Thursday, 9/22/22 ● 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Registration link: https://pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/29703Facebook event link: https://fb.me/e/1XdWkJTD5 Have you always had a dream to start your own business, but aren’t sure where to begin? Attend our First Step Express webinar! A condensed version of our First Step: Starting Your Business seminar, this one-hour webinar will help aspiring entrepreneurs to begin the process of successful business ownership including a quick look at: Applications and licenses needed to start a business Different types of business structures (sole proprietorship, LLC, etc.)Business plan basicsFinancing optionsSBDC Services available as you start your business All pre-venture clients are encouraged to attend this course or a similar program, or complete pre-venture materials to prepare for the engagement, prior to being assigned to a consultant for one-on-one assistance. How to Know if Your Business Idea Will Really Work (Webinar)Tuesday, 9/27/22 ● 10:00 am – 11:00 am Registration link: https://pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/29706Facebook event link: https://fb.me/e/2UpvPQlck You have an idea for a new business but are wondering where to start. Is the idea worth pursuing? How can you tell if it is or isn’t? This session will get you thinking about your motivation for starting a business by walking you through simple steps that will help you determine if the idea is feasible. Steps covered will include: Considering Your Business Ideas (What type of business do you want to start?)Assess Your Resources (How much will this endeavor cost, both financially and in time spent?)Review Industry Regulations (Every industry has them!)Define Your Target Market (Who are you going to sell to? Hint – it’s not everyone!)Identify Your Competitive Advantage (What do you have to offer that your competitors don’t?)Write a Business Plan (Yes, it is important!) Gear Up for Financing: What Are My Funding Options? (Webinar)Wednesday, 9/28/22 ● 12:00 pm – 1:00 pmRegistration link: https://pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/29778Facebook event link: https://fb.me/e/2c3AVgkPr The process of financing your small business will take time, good planning, decision-making, and even your money! Join us for this two-part series, “Gear Up for Financing”, as we show you what is needed to prepare for financing and steps to take and what financing options are available to your small business. Now that you know what to gather and work on and know what lenders are looking for, it’s time to take a look at what financing options are available to your small business. Session two, “What Are My Funding Options?” will go over some opportunities, such as: Your own fundsFriends and familyBanks or credit unionsMicroloansFinance companiesAnd more Start-up and existing small business owners are welcome! “What Are My Funding Options?” is the second in the two-part series, “Gear Up for Financing”. Part one, “What Do I Need to Prepare?” will take place on Wednesday, September 21 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Registration for that session can be done here: https://pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/29777 Making the World Your Market: Considerations for Going Global (Webinar)Thursday, 10/6/22 ● 9:00 am – 10:00 amRegistration link: https://pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/29702Facebook event link: https://fb.me/e/2R63TyLFK The world seems to be getting smaller. Doing business internationally is one strategy for business growth. Is it right for your business? Before companies decide to expand to other markets, they need to analyze and test the viability of those markets and develop an internationalization strategy that will contribute to their growth. Going global opens up many new opportunities and potential markets, as well as some potential hurdles. Learn the why, where, what, when, and how to bring your company into the international arena and more with presenter Douglas Harding, Senior Business Consultant and SBA-Certified Export & Trade Counselor, Duquesne University SBDC. Additional presenters will include: Deborah Langan, Senior International Business Manager, NEPA AllianceJoe Burke, Avoca Strategies (Export Experiences and Examples)Nasim Sadr-Fala, Senior International Trade Specialist, U.S. Commercial Service PhiladelphiaEdward A. Schick, Export Finance Manager – PA, DE and Southern OH, Office of International Trade, U.S. Small Business Administration There will also be time for questions and answers.The University of Scranton SBDC, Duquesne University SBDC, and the Pennsylvania SBDC are partnering with the U.S. Commercial Service in Philadelphia and SBA Export Financing to bring you this Pennsylvania Regional Exporting Network event. 30 Minutes to Better Search Engine Optimization: Keyword Research (Webinar)Thursday, 10/6/22 ● 12:00 pm – 12:30 pmRegistration link: https://pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/29745Facebook event link: https://fb.me/e/1Kh2ZodSW What is search engine optimization, or SEO? Often it’s about making slight modifications to terms used on your website to increase traffic from search engines like Google. Are you using vocabulary that is commonly known or too niche? Are you including your location? In this session, we will show you how to use the most effective keywords for your small business, how to use location-based terms to increase traffic, as well as some tools that will help you in this process. “Keyword Research” is part one in the four-part “30 Minutes to Better Search Engine Optimization” series, designed to provide easy tips and tricks to increase traffic to your website. Register for additional sessions here: Thursday, 10/13: Small Business Blogging Thursday, 10/20: Backlinking Thursday, 10/27: Measuring Results 30 Minutes to Better Search Engine Optimization: Small Business Blogging (Webinar)Thursday, 10/13/22 ● 12:00 pm – 12:30 pmRegistration link: https://pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/29746Facebook event link: https://fb.me/e/2fvan31u7 Why is blogging important to a small business? Search engines favor recent information, so regular blog updates increase the likelihood of your information being seen. We will discuss this blogging, how it can be done easily, and how to enrich your posts with keywords to get more traction. “Small Business Blogging” is part two in the four-part “30 Minutes to Better Search Engine Optimization” series, designed to provide easy tips and tricks to increase traffic to your website. Register for additional sessions here: Thursday, 10/6: Keyword Research Thursday, 10/20: Backlinking Thursday, 10/27: Measuring Results 30 Minutes to Better Search Engine Optimization: Backlinking (Webinar)Thursday, 10/20/22 ● 12:00 pm – 12:30 pmRegistration link: https://pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/29747Facebook event link: https://fb.me/e/3yA2rHRIT What is backlinking? A backlink is a link that is created when one website links to another, for instance when your Google profile links to your small business website. The more sites that link to your page give your website relevance in search engines. In this session, we will discuss creating your brand online and the benefit of using the same information on all profiles, from social media to chambers of commerce to sites like Google and Yelp. “Backlinking” is part three in the four-part “30 Minutes to Better Search Engine Optimization” series, designed to provide easy tips and tricks to increase traffic to your website. Register for additional sessions here: Thursday, 10/6: Keyword Research Thursday, 10/13: Small Business Blogging Thursday, 10/27: Measuring Results 30 Minutes to Better Search Engine Optimization: Measuring Results (Webinar)Thursday, 10/27/22 ● 12:00 pm – 12:30 pmRegistration link: https://pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/29749Facebook event link: https://fb.me/e/1Sz4OOaGY You know what terms will get your website the most traction, your first blog post has been shared, and all of your profiles link back to your website. How do you know if this is all working? Are you actually getting more engagement on your website? In the fourth and final session of our search engine optimization series, we will give you the tools to measure these initiatives to show how it is paying off for your small business. “Measuring Results” is part four in the four-part “30 Minutes to Better Search Engine Optimization” series, designed to provide easy tips and tricks to increase traffic to your website. Register for additional sessions here: Thursday, 10/6: Keyword Research Thursday, 10/13: Small Business Blogging Thursday, 10/20: Backlinking
Johnson College Automotive Technology Program Receives Reaccreditation The Automotive Technology program at Johnson College received reaccreditation by the ASE Education Foundation, formerly known as NATEF, and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). The program has been reaccredited in the following areas: Engine Repair; Automatic Transmission/Transaxle; Manual Transmission and Drive Axles; Suspension and Steering; Brakes; Electrical/Electronic Systems; Heating and Air Conditioning; Engine Performance. In order to achieve this renewed recognition, the College’s Automotive Technology program underwent rigorous evaluation by the ASE Education Foundation using nationally accepted standards of excellence in areas such as instruction, facilities, and equipment. Through the endeavors of both our program instructors and the ASE Education Foundation, Johnson College can more successfully bridge the gap between the needs of industry and classroom training to assure that students enter the workforce as well-prepared technicians. Johnson College’s Automotive Technology program is an Associate of Applied Science degree program that prepares students as entry-level technicians in the automobile and diesel industries. Upon completion, graduates can expect to work for employers in career fields such as automotive, truck, farm and earthmoving equipment dealerships; truck, power generation and construction companies; automotive service centers; engine repair/machine shops; automotive equipment distributors; independent service garages; automotive parts manufacturers; sales representation; as well as auto insurance companies. They may also work with brake systems, transmissions, alignments and repairs; be representatives in claims, sales, and service; or become truck/fleet maintenance technicians.
Employees and Board Members Honored for Years of Service at HNB The Honesdale National Bank has had the great fortune of having loyal and long-tenured employees helping serve its customers and greater communities. The Bank is pleased to recognize 22 employees and four board members who celebrated milestones of service in 2022. Thomas E. Sheridan, HNB President & CEO, offered, “It is with great honor that we recognize those who make our organization one that cares and supports our local community. Each role plays a huge part in upholding for our mission to make strides in service for our customers each and every day.” 5 Years of Service Those recognized for 5 years of service are Sarah Gardner, Mortgage Advisor, HNB Mortgage; Paul Kuhn, Trust Clerk, Corporate Center; Nancy Mazzillo, Clerk, HNB Mortgage; Elizabeth Nagy, VP, Director of Sales , Marketing and Digital Banking, Corporate Center; Teresa Popko, Teller/CSR, Eynon Office; Cassandra Saul, Assistant Branch Manager, Forest City Office; Kelly Shuman, Teller/CSR Float, Lake Wallenpaupack Office; Stacey Theobald, Head Teller/CSR, Main Street Office; Jill Usefara, Loan Closing Coordinator, HNB Mortgage; Virginia Weidow, Mortgage Loan Processor, HNB Mortgage; Alissa Weiss, Cash Management Officer, Corporate Center. 10 Years of Service Recognized for 10 years of service are Jody Evanitsky, Loan Operations Representative II, Corporate Center; Judy Flaherty, AVP Loan Closing Manager, HNB Mortgage; Alli Walczyk, Head Teller/CSR, Route 6 Office. 15 years of Service Recognized for 15 years of service are Kevin Colgan, Fraud and Security Officer, Corporate Center; Lucy Palko, Head Teller, Hamlin Office; Rich Simmers, VP, Residential Mortgage Manager, HNB Mortgage. 20 Years of Service Recognized for 20 years of service are Jerry Eck, Courier, Corporate Center; Lisa Hendrickson, Deposit/Loan Operations Representative, Corporate Center; Chuck Jurgensen, Board Member; Kurt Propst, Board Member; Donna Rinehimer, AVP, Underwriting Manager, HNB Mortgage. 30 Years of Service HNB extends its appreciation to all its employees for their dedication to supporting its customers and local community! Recognized for 30 years of service, Vicky Bryant, VP, Data Processing Manager, Corporate Center; Roger Dirlam, Board Member; Paul Meagher, Board Member; Linda Miller, AVP, Collections Officer, Corporate Center.
Tobyhanna Recognizes Employees on National Tradesman Day Tobyhanna Army Depot observed National Tradesman Day on September 16 by shining a spotlight on some of its expert tradesmen and saluting all tradesmen who contribute to the organization’s mission. The depot employs artisans in a variety of trades for both mission and base operations. Many of these tradesmen work in the Directorate of Systems Integration and Support (SIS), supporting refinishing and manufacturing operations vital to Tobyhanna’s overall mission supporting the joint warfighter. Kenneth West is a General Equipment Repair Mechanic in the Systems Integration and Support Directorate. He chose to enter a trade simply because he had a passion for vehicles. West said he grew up riding and racing dirt bikes as a hobby and that he’s always felt a sense of gratification when learning how to take things apart and put them back together again. His father did a lot of mechanical work, which allowed him to get his initial look into working in that profession. His passion for hands-on learning led him to the Motorcycle Mechanic School in Orlando, Florida which allowed him to get his start in the power sports industry. After spending a few years working at a small mom and pop store and then at Electric City Harley Davidson, West joined Team Tobyhanna in 2019. Working in the Tactical Vehicle Branch, West is a member of the depot’s High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle shop where the team receives vehicles and then performs resets, repairs, inspections and more. West said he and the team understand how important the work they do is for our nation’s warfighters, and they take great pride in ensuring their work is done at the highest possible level. “We’re helping out the Army and other branches of military by fixing these vehicles and making them mechanically sound for other bases and ultimately the battlefield,” said West. “Everyone in this shop takes pride in what they do. Every Humvee is worked on by a trained professional so that they’re sent out in the field one hundred percent mechanically ready to rock ‘n’ roll.” Electronics worker Melvin Pena-Rivera is a member of Team Tobyhanna’s innovative Pre-Production and Planning Branch, responsible for onboarding and developing comprehensive processes for new cable workloads. The Branch’s mission was attractive because of its wide range of projects, Pena-Rivera noted. “I like a challenge, and here I get the chance to do something different every day. I also can use many of the skills I have acquired to overcome the unique challenges presented during the prototyping process.” Creativity runs in Pena-Rivera’s family – his father was a painter and sculptor, and Pena-Rivera himself enjoys artistic expressions such as producing original music, drawing and 3D modeling in his free time. A relative newcomer to the depot, Pena-Rivera joined Team Tobyhanna in 2018 after emigrating to the United States. He left his home country of Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria decimated the island, resulting in few job opportunities. Despite having to start over, Pena-Rivera tries to bring the experience from his previous careers to his current one. “Working as a technical engineer and drafter in Puerto Rico gave me skills and insight that I use to make Tobyhanna’s mission successful.” Outside of his creative endeavors, Pena-Rivera enjoys movies, stand-up comedy and returning to Puerto Rico to spend time with his favorite two people: his daughter and his mother, whom he cites as a personal and professional inspiration. “My mom is the hardest working person I know, and I’m proud to be her son.” Tradesmen are also employed in other capacities at the depot, making meaningful contributions to the organization’s mission. Gregory Kipp works in the Production Engineering Directorate, sustaining the critical equipment that powers the Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS) warehousing system. Kipp and his co-workers play a key role in the logistics support required to achieve Tobyhanna’s mission. A graduate of Johnson College, Kipp originally pursued a career in computer engineering, but quickly found he would rather make his living pursuing his passion. “As a kid, I drove my parents nuts taking phones, calculators, and other things apart. During my early college years, I realized how much I missed that practical type of work, so I decided to change course.” Kipp subsequently earned a degree in Electrical Construction and Maintenance and joined Team Tobyhanna in 2004. He says he’s never looked back. “I truly enjoy what I do, whether it’s troubleshooting a challenging problem or simple maintenance. Getting to do it with people I like is a bonus.” Paul Deprimo, Chief of the Mobile Equipment Branch, says Kipp is a huge asset to his team. “Greg continually strives to expertly maintain and repair any and all equipment he is responsible for, and does so with professionalism, dedication and pride.” In his free time, Kipp enjoys cooking, woodworking, and spending time with his two young daughters. An avid movie-watcher, Kipp also boasts the unique achievement of having seen his favorite film, “The Fifth Element”, an astounding 140 times.
SACF Women in Philanthropy Civic Engagement Summit Rescheduled The Civic Engagement Summit hosted by Women in Philanthropy that was previously scheduled for September 16, 2022, has been rescheduled to take place on Thursday, October 6, at the Century Club of Scranton. This new date allows Women in Philanthropy the opportunity to include additional national and regional partners in the conversation who are prepared to lend their voices in these discussions and support the local work on civic engagement and advocacy. Last week, Women in Philanthropy announced a partnership with the National Constitution Center, a private nonprofit organization in Philadelphia that will provide Women in Philanthropy with a thorough understanding of government and the importance of civic engagement. Together with experts in the field, Women in Philanthropy will host this Civic Engagement Summit to engage in valuable discussion and explore topics including how to encourage voter participation, promote the development of leadership and advocacy skills across the region, and engage youth in civic education. Participation in this event will help in creating action plans to further engage individuals and communities in civic life in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Women in Philanthropy, the initiative of the Scranton Area Community Foundation comprised of over 100 regional supporters, announced earlier this month that it would be hosting a Civic Engagement Summit to explore the topic of civic engagement and advocacy as it relates to women, girls, and their families in Northeastern Pennsylvania. After much research and many organized panel discussions with regional, state, and national experts over the past two years, Women in Philanthropy learned that the COVID-19 pandemic brought many challenges causing people to feel disengaged from civic life and from advocating for important causes. Women in Philanthropy also learned that there are a variety of ways to make a difference in the area of Civic Engagement and Advocacy that focus on breaking many of the barriers women, girls, and their families are facing. Civic engagement can look like activism, voting, volunteering, environmentalism, community and national service, running for office, service-learning, and many other activities. Civic engagement is an important part of the democratic process. It affects not just individuals but also improves entire neighborhoods and impacts societies. “What we’ve identified is that there is a tremendous opportunity to help make civic engagement and advocacy more inclusive, and to further support women and youth in the civic space,” stated Laura Ducceschi. “Women in Philanthropy hopes to advance this important topic and work to eliminate the barriers to civic engagement that exist across the region.” The Civic Engagement Summit will take place on Thursday, October 6, at the Century Club of Scranton (612 Jefferson Avenue, Scranton from 11:00 PM – 4:00 PM. Registration is $30 for the general public, $10 for students, and complimentary for Women in Philanthropy supporters. The cost includes lunch, refreshments, and an evening networking reception from 4 to 5 p.m. To become a Women in Philanthropy supporter, please visit supportnepawomen.org or call the Scranton Area Community Foundation at 570-347-6203.
Nunzi’s Advertising Ribbon Cutting Thursday, September 22nd, from 3-6pm Nunzi’s Advertising will be celebrating the new location with a ribbon cutting ceremony: 372 N. Main Street, Taylor, PA 18517. The new location will provide more space – for employee work stations, parking spaces and expansion as we invest in new machinery and equipment to increase product offerings. Nunzi’s Advertising was founded in 2006 by Nunzio Allegrucci Jr. in his parent’s house upon graduating from Penn State University. He grew up with a small business background from spending time with his father, an eye for logos, color combinations, and the love of interacting with people. This was what made him decide to go into business for himself. Today, Nunzi’s Advertising is a company that has capabilities to handle any, and all types of advertising projects. They include graphic design, uniform programs, merchandise and printing logos on any product our clients can envision. Our best clients are those who value a true relationship and work hand-in-hand with us to achieve the outcomes they seek. Our team is extremely passionate about every project that comes through our office, and take pride in their work. In today’s work environment, we understand the need for quality service at good prices to be completed with quick deadlines. We service small businesses, nationwide franchises, and several non-profit organizations. Please join us for the celebration. Grand Opening at New Location: 372 Main St., Taylor, PA 18517Thursday, September 22nd, 2022 from 3-6pm You can expect food, drinks and merchandise. Our brands will also be on display so you can see the newest merchandise for the season – and the best sellers.
Marywood University Sets Fall Admissions Events Prospective undergraduate and graduate students can attend designated Open Houses at Marywood University this fall to learn more about specific programs and educational opportunities. For additional details, go to the websites listed, or call the Office of Admissions at (570) 348-6234. Additionally, prospective undergraduate students can email YourFuture@marywood.edu and prospective graduate students can email GoGrad@marywood.edu for more information. Undergraduate Open Houses: Saturday, October 29, and Saturday, November 12, at 9 a.m. Two Undergraduate Open Houses are scheduled, including Saturday, October 29, 2022, and Saturday, November 12, 2022, for high school students and their parents. Registration for both events begins at 9 a.m. in the Fireplace Lounge at the Nazareth Student Center on the University’s campus. Prospective students can meet with current Marywood students, faculty, and coaches. There will be opportunities to explore academic departments, learn more about the admissions process, and tour campus. Information sessions with admissions and financial aid counselors also will be available. The event includes a continental breakfast and a complimentary lunch. To register, visit marywood.edu/openhouse. Graduate Open House: Saturday, November 5, at 10 a.m.-Noon Prospective graduate students can attend a Graduate Open House on Saturday, November 5, 2022, at 10 a.m., at Nazareth Student Center, for an overview of Marywood, a financial aid and scholarship session, and meetings with faculty. Optional tours of campus also are available. To register, visit marywood.edu/gradopenhouse.
Carlos Avila and Vincent Grana Perform Sept. 17 at The University of Scranton Performance Music at The University of Scranton will welcome pianist Carlos Avila and bass vocalist Vincent Grana for a recital scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 17. The recital begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue. Admission is free, with seating on a first-come, first-seated basis. According to Performance Music Conductor and Director Cheryl Y. Boga, Avila has been a favorite performer at the University for the last decade, having appeared here both as a soloist, as well as with a variety of ensembles. Boga said, “As he serves as pianist for a number of renowned and ‘rising star’ operatic voices, I asked him to select the vocalist for this performance from among his favorite young artists on the national scene, and he is looking forward to introducing our Scranton audience to Vincent Grana.” One of the most in-demand pianists on the classical music scene, the New York City-based Avila has played concerts across North and South America, Europe and Asia. He has performed at festivals such as Schleswig-Holstein, Tanglewood, Sarasota, Aspen, Banff, Music Academy of the West, Pianofest, Holland, ChamberFest Dubuque, Lake George and the Carnegie Hall Workshops. An avid collaborator, Avila has maintained a 20-year partnership with acclaimed violinist Jay Oh, with whom he has given over 80 recitals across Asia and the United States. He has played at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s All-Access Chamber series and the New York Philharmonic’s Leonard Bernstein salon series, and has been showcased on New York’s WQXR, where he gave an all-transcription recital broadcast as one of the winners of The Juilliard School’s prestigious Gina Bachauer Piano Competition. Avila serves on the collaborative piano faculty at the Heifetz Institute, and is a highly in-demand studio pianist at conservatories throughout the NYC area. A proud Filipino American, Avila is a graduate of Juilliard, where he studied with Jerome Lowenthal. Based in Phillipsburg, New Jersey, Grana debuted at Dayton Opera performing the role of Zuniga in their production of Bizet’s Carmen. He has performed with the Castleton Festival under the baton of Maestro Lorin Maazel, covering such roles as Alcindoro and Benoit (“La Boheme”), Simone (“Gianni Schicchi”) and Escamillo in a concert performance of “Carmen.” In addition, he has performed in the Crested Butte Music Festival’s production of “L’elisir d’amore” and has worked with such renowned artists as Samuel Ramey. A Philadelphia District winner at the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, Grana has sung with Sarasota Opera as an apprentice artist and performed the role of Simone in Puccini’s “Gianni Schicchi” with Martina Arroyo’s Prelude to Performance program in the summer of 2017. Some of his more recent roles include Gardiner in Opera San Jose’s production of “Moby Dick,” Il Priore in Bellini’s “La Straniera” and Podestà in Rossini’s “La Gazza Ladr,” both with Teatro Nuovo, and Rafael and Adam in Haydn’s “The Creation and Colline in La Boheme” at the Dayton Opera.
Women in Philanthropy To Host Civic Engagement Summit Women in Philanthropy, the initiative of the Scranton Area Community Foundation comprised of over 100 regional supporters focused on empowering women, girls, and their families in Northeastern Pennsylvania, is hosting a Civic Engagement Summit on Friday, September 16, 2022, to explore the topic of Civic Engagement and Advocacy, as it relates to women, girls, and their families in Northeastern Pennsylvania. At this event, together with experts in the field, Women in Philanthropy invites participants to engage in valuable discussion and explore topics including how to encourage voter participation, promote the development of leadership and advocacy skills across the region, and engage youth in civic education. Participation in this event will help Women in Philanthropy take action, break barriers, and engage individuals and communities in civic life in Northeastern Pennsylvania. After much research and many organized panel discussions with regional, state, and national experts over the past two years, Women in Philanthropy has learned that the COVID-19 pandemic brought many challenges causing people to feel disengaged from civic life and from advocating for important causes. Women in Philanthropy also learned that there are a variety of ways to make a difference in the area of Civic Engagement and Advocacy that focus on breaking many of the barriers women, girls, and their families are facing. “What we’ve identified is that there is a tremendous opportunity to help make civic engagement and advocacy more inclusive, and to further support women and youth in the civic space,” stated Laura Ducceschi, Scranton Area Community Foundation’s President and CEO, who helped to launch the Women in Philanthropy initiative in 2014. “Women in Philanthropy is inviting individuals from communities across the region to come together to advance this important topic and work to eliminate the barriers to civic engagement that exist across the region.” This event will take place at the Hilton Scranton & Conference Center in Scranton on Friday, September 16, 2022, from 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM. Registration is complimentary for Women in Philanthropy supporters and $30 for the general public. Lunch, refreshments, and an evening networking reception from 5 to 6 PM are included. To become a Women in Philanthropy supporter, please visit supportnepawomen.org or call the Scranton Area Community Foundation at 570-347-6203.
