The University of Scranton Receives $2,000 Grant The University of Scranton Community English as a Second Language (ESL) Program received a $2,000 critical needs grant from the Scranton Area Community Foundation. The grant will be used to purchase textbooks and workbooks to serve the growing number of community members who seek to improve their English. Through this program, which is free to participants, University of Scranton students tutor local refugees and immigrants in English as a second language at the Language Learning Center, located in O’Hara Hall on the University’s campus. The textbooks will expand the capacity and improve the quality of the Community ESL Program through audio and video content, reading and writing exercises, workbooks and more. The University’s World Languages and Cultures Department oversees the University’s Scranton Community ESL Program. Yamile Silva, Ph.D., professor of Spanish, serves as the department’s chair.
Commonwealth Health Donation to Local Organizations In recognition of National Doctors’ Day on March 30th, Commonwealth Health hospitals Moses Taylor Hospital and Regional Hospital of Scranton are honoring their physicians by donating twenty-five hundred dollars to the St. Joseph’s Center and United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA in Scranton.This day is designated to thank doctors for their heroic compassion in our time of need. This is an opportunity to pause and recognize their tireless efforts and commitment to your health and the health of your loved ones.This year, Moses Taylor Hospital and Regional Hospital physicians elected to support the community by donating to nonprofit organizations in lieu of gifts that the hospitals would provide to them in honor of Doctors’ Day.“On Doctors’ Day, and every day, we are thankful to work with skilled and compassionate providers.” said Michael Curran, CEO of Commonwealth Health Moses Taylor Hospital and Regional Hospital of Scranton. “We are grateful for their contributions, sacrifices, and unwavering care provided to the patients our hospitals and clinics treat each year throughout the community.”Earlier this month, the physicians voted to determine what organizations would receive the donations and they elected to help the St. Joseph’s Center and United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA in Scranton. United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA’s purpose is to meet the needs of local low-income families, seniors, youth, and new immigrants, while also empowering them to attain self-sufficiency. Rooted in the core values of care, concern, compassion and commitment, the Saint Joseph’s Center humbly serves people who are diagnosed with intellectual disability and those who seek pregnancy support, adoption assistance, outpatient therapy or medical day care services.
Settlers Hospitality Raises over $5,000 for Foundation Settlers Hospitality hosted their annual Chili and Wing Cookoff at Silver Birches in March. The event drew over 300 people and raised more than $5,000 for the Settlers Cares Foundation. Over 20 of the best chefs from local restaurants, schools, and organizations, as well as talented home cooks, dished out their best wing and chili recipes to be named tops in each category. Event goers sampled all the entries and voted for the People’s Choice Award. Ticket sales, along with a 50/50 raffle, netted $5,118 for the Settlers Cares Foundation. The newly formed non-profit provides short-term, emergency support to Settlers Hospitality employees and affiliates experiencing hardship. “This was our first fundraising endeavor and it’s incredibly gratifying that the community came out and showed such amazing support,” states Janna Genzlinger, Settlers Cares Foundation Executive Director. “We’re honored and humbled by the success of the event, which will enable us to assist our co-workers and affiliate employees in their darkest hour.” The Foundation provides tax-free grants to eligible workers in need due to an unexpected life event such as natural disaster, illness or death. Upcoming fundraisers benefitting Settlers Cares Foundation include a Tent Sale on May 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Settlers Inn featuring upcycled goods. A gala is also slated for November and a concert in December. For more information, visit SettlersCares.org
The Waverly Community House to Host Waverly Waddle On Saturday, May 13, 2023, The Waverly Community House will be hosting the 31st Annual Waverly Waddle. This year, 25% of all registration fees will go to the Countryside Conservancy. This event will take place at 1115 North Abington Road, Waverly PA 18471. Check in between 8:00AM-8:45AM. The race will start at 9:00AM. The Waverly Waddle is the Comm’s annual 5k walk/run beginning and ending at the Waverly Community House. The “Waddle” travels an approximate 3-mile route through scenic Waverly. It takes place each year in May on the Saturday of Mother’s Day weekend. It is an official electronic chip-timed race with awards given out to top finishers in each age/sex division.This long-standing community event, which signals a spirited kick-off to summer always takes place, rain or shine! Official race t-shirts are given out to those who register early. Registrations are accepted in advance HERE and on the morning of the race. Registration is required by April 13th in order to receive a free t-shirt. Cost: Advance Registration-$20 per person$12-Age 12 and underAge 6 and under is FREE$35 for a family of 3 or more Cost: Day-Of Registration– $25 per person$15– Age 12 and underAge 6 and under is FREE$40 for a family of 3 or more Race Contact: Kathy WrightKathy@waverlycomm.org(570) 586-8191 Register: HERE or at neparunner.com
Steamtown National Historic Site 2023 Train Schedule Steamtown National Historic Site (NHS) train rides resume for the season on Thursday, May 11, 2023. The Steamtown NHS rail experience varies from short 30-minute trips exploring the park’s historic railroad yard to full-day trips through the Poconos. Short train rides, which include the Scranton Limited or Caboose Experience, will begin on Thursday, May 11th. The first excursion trip of the season will take place on Saturday, May 20th to Carbondale, PA allowing visitors to experience the community’s Spring Marketplace event. Starting Saturday, April 1st visitors will be able to purchase advance tickets online through recreation.gov for our summer excursions (May-Aug.); tickets for our autumn excursions (Sep.-Oct.) will be released 90 days in advance of the excursion date. Tickets for our short train rides, the Scranton Limited or Caboose Experience, will not be available for advance purchase online and must be purchased on-site at the Information Kiosk, the day of your visit. All ticket sales will be credit card only. Beginning Thursday, May 11th: Our short train rides, the Scranton Limited or Caboose Experience will operate Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, as staffing permits. Departure times are: 10:30am, 11:30am, 1:15pm, and 2:30pm.Tickets are $6 for adults and kids over the age of 5; $1 for kids 5 and under. Tickets must be purchased on-site at the Information Kiosk, the day of your visit. Tickets are valid all day on the date of purchase and may be used for multiple short train ride experiences.Seating availability is first come, first served. We recommend getting in line 15-20 minutes ahead of scheduled departure time.The Caboose Experience will be offered in lieu of the Scranton Limited on dates we offer longer excursion rides, as staffing permits. 2023 Summer Excursions: Tickets available for purchase online Saturday, April 1st Saturday, May 20th – Carbondale: Spring MarketplaceSaturday, May 27th – Gouldsboro: Craft ShowSaturday, June 10th – Carbondale: Outdoor Adventure Train with LHVA (BIKE)Saturday, June 10th – Archbald: Outdoor Adventure Train with LHVA (HIKE)Sunday, June 18th – Cresco: Father’s Day ExcursionSaturday, June 24th – Delaware Water Gap: Founder’s DaySaturday, July 15th – Tobyhanna: Ice House Tour or Self-Guided Town TourSunday, July 23rd – Gouldsboro: Depot Open, Children’s Activities, and FoodSaturday, August 12th – East Stroudsburg: (F)East StroudsburgSunday, August 27th – Cresco: Museum Open, Entertainment, and Food 2023 Autumn Excursions: Tickets available for purchase online 90 days in advance of excursion date Saturday, September 2nd – Gouldsboro: Craft ShowSaturday, September 23rd – Carbondale: Autumn MarketplaceSaturday, October 7th – Tobyhanna: Fall Foliage, Ice House Tour or Self-Guided Town TourSunday, October 15th – Cresco: Leaf Peeper ExcursionSaturday, October 21st – Delaware Water Gap: Fall FoliageSaturday, October 28th – Gouldsboro: Ghoulsboro Halloween NOTICE: Train rides are subject to cancellation due to mechanical issues, inclement weather, or crew availability. Steamtown National Historic Site (NHS) train rides resume for the season on Thursday, May 11, 2023. The Steamtown NHS rail experience varies from short 30-minute trips exploring the park’s historic railroad yard to full-day trips through the Poconos. Short train rides, which include the Scranton Limited or Caboose Experience, will begin on Thursday, May 11th. The first excursion trip of the season will take place on Saturday, May 20th to Carbondale, PA allowing visitors to experience the community’s Spring Marketplace event. Visitors are now able to purchase advance tickets online through recreation.gov for our summer excursions (May-Aug.); tickets for our autumn excursions (Sep.-Oct.) will be released 90 days in advance of the excursion date. Tickets for our short train rides, the Scranton Limited or Caboose Experience, will not be available for advance purchase online and must be purchased on-site at the Information Kiosk, the day of your visit. All ticket sales will be credit card only. Beginning Thursday, May 11th: Our short train rides, the Scranton Limited or Caboose Experience will operate Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, as staffing permits. Departure times are: 10:30am, 11:30am, 1:15pm, and 2:30pm.Tickets are $6 for adults and kids over the age of 5; $1 for kids 5 and under. Tickets must be purchased on-site at the Information Kiosk, the day of your visit. Tickets are valid all day on the date of purchase and may be used for multiple short train ride experiences.Seating availability is first come, first served. We recommend getting in line 15-20 minutes ahead of scheduled departure time.The Caboose Experience will be offered in lieu of the Scranton Limited on dates we offer longer excursion rides, as staffing permits. 2023 Summer Excursions: Tickets now available for purchase online Saturday, May 20th – Carbondale: Spring MarketplaceSaturday, May 27th – Gouldsboro: Craft ShowSaturday, June 10th – Carbondale: Outdoor Adventure Train with LHVA (BIKE)Saturday, June 10th – Archbald: Outdoor Adventure Train with LHVA (WALK)Sunday, June 18th – Cresco: Father’s Day ExcursionSaturday, June 24th – Delaware Water Gap: Founder’s DaySaturday, July 15th – Tobyhanna: Ice House Tour or Self-Guided Town TourSunday, July 23rd – Gouldsboro: Depot Open, Children’s Activities, and FoodSaturday, August 12th – East Stroudsburg: (F)East StroudsburgSunday, August 27th – Cresco: Museum Open, Entertainment, and Food 2023 Autumn Excursions: Tickets available for purchase online 90 days in advance of excursion date Saturday, September 2nd – Gouldsboro: Craft ShowSaturday, September 23rd – Carbondale: Autumn MarketplaceSaturday, October 7th – Tobyhanna: Fall Foliage, Ice House Tour or Self-Guided Town TourSunday, October 15th – Cresco: Leaf Peeper ExcursionSaturday, October 21st – Delaware Water Gap: Fall FoliageSaturday, October 28th – Gouldsboro: Ghoulsboro Halloween NOTICE: Train rides are subject to cancellation due to mechanical issues, inclement weather, or crew availability. Steamtown National Historic Site (NHS) train rides resume for the season on Thursday, May 11, 2023. The Steamtown NHS rail experience varies from short 30-minute trips exploring the park’s historic railroad yard to full-day trips through the Poconos. Short train rides, which include the Scranton Limited or Caboose Experience, will begin on Thursday, May 11th. The first excursion trip of the season will take place on Saturday, May 20th to Carbondale, PA allowing visitors to experience the community’s Spring Marketplace event. Visitors are now able to purchase advance tickets online through recreation.gov for our summer excursions (May-Aug.); tickets for our autumn excursions (Sep.-Oct.) will be released 90 days in advance of the excursion date. Tickets for our short train rides, the Scranton Limited or Caboose Experience, will not be available for advance purchase online and must be purchased on-site at the Information Kiosk, the day of your visit. All ticket sales will be credit card only. Beginning Thursday, May 11th: Our short train rides, the Scranton Limited or Caboose Experience will operate Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, as staffing permits. Departure times are: 10:30am, 11:30am, 1:15pm, and 2:30pm.Tickets are $6 for adults and kids over the age of 5; $1 for kids 5 and under. Tickets must be purchased on-site at the Information Kiosk, the day of your visit. Tickets are valid all day on the date of purchase and may be used for multiple short train ride experiences.Seating availability is first come, first served. We recommend getting in line 15-20 minutes ahead of scheduled departure time.The Caboose Experience will be offered in lieu of the Scranton Limited on dates we offer longer excursion rides, as staffing permits. 2023 Summer Excursions: Tickets now available for purchase online Saturday, May 20th – Carbondale: Spring MarketplaceSaturday, May 27th – Gouldsboro: Craft ShowSaturday, June 10th – Carbondale: Outdoor Adventure Train with LHVA (BIKE)Saturday, June 10th – Archbald: Outdoor Adventure Train with LHVA (WALK)Sunday, June 18th – Cresco: Father’s Day ExcursionSaturday, June 24th – Delaware Water Gap: Founder’s DaySaturday, July 15th – Tobyhanna: Ice House Tour or Self-Guided Town TourSunday, July 23rd – Gouldsboro: Depot Open, Children’s Activities, and FoodSaturday, August 12th – East Stroudsburg: (F)East StroudsburgSunday, August 27th – Cresco: Museum Open, Entertainment, and Food 2023 Autumn Excursions: Tickets available for purchase online 90 days in advance of excursion date Saturday, September 2nd – Gouldsboro: Craft ShowSaturday, September 23rd – Carbondale: Autumn MarketplaceSaturday, October 7th – Tobyhanna: Fall Foliage, Ice House Tour or Self-Guided Town TourSunday, October 15th – Cresco: Leaf Peeper ExcursionSaturday, October 21st – Delaware Water Gap: Fall FoliageSaturday, October 28th – Gouldsboro: Ghoulsboro Halloween NOTICE: Train rides are subject to cancellation due to mechanical issues, inclement weather, or crew availability. Located in downtown Scranton, Pennsylvania, Steamtown NHS is open 9:00am to 5:00pm, daily. From Interstate-81 follow exit 185 (President Biden Expressway, formerly known as Central Scranton Expressway); then follow the brown and white signs to the park entrance at Lackawanna Avenue and Cliff Street (GPS: N 41.41, W 75.67). General park information is available by visiting the park website anytime.
Crystal Windows Unveils New Recruiting Videos National manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems recently created a series of recruiting videos featuring employees discussing their experiences working at the company. These interviews include longtime and newly hired employees working in production, sales, administration, and logistics at Crystal locations across the country and at subsidiary Gateway Extrusions in Union, MO. At a time when manufacturers face hiring challenges, Crystal has revamped and improved many of its recruiting strategies, employment benefits offered, and employee communications. The new recruiting videos are part of this effort, which is showing positive results. “In addition to competitive salaries and benefits, Crystal offers employees opportunities for career development at every stage, from their first day,” said Isabella Leung, HR Manager. “Most of our supervisors and managers have been promoted from within the company because of the experience and knowledge gained on the job, and they are recognized throughout the industry as experts and leaders.” The employee experience themed recruiting videos, 23 in all, are posted on a rotating schedule on Crystal’s social media platforms, corporate website, and company YouTube channel. They are also a featured highlight at business expos, career fairs, and on campus recruiting events Crystal attends in the metro New York, northeast Pennsylvania, St. Louis, MO, and Riverside, CA regions where Crystal and subsidiary factories are located. “Besides being great for outside career fairs, Crystal’s recruiting videos are an effective tool for our current employees to share with family and friends who may be interested in joining the Crystal family,” said Leung. “Our employees speak from the heart about the satisfaction they find working at Crystal. These are powerful testimonials.” A sample of Crystal recruiting videos can be seen at the company website, under the About Crystal/Careers tab at https://crystalwindows.com/careers. These and other employee interview videos were made in conjunction with updates to Crystal’s award-winning corporate video The Story of Us, seen on the website home page.
Geisinger to Host Free Events across Pennsylvania In observance of Earth Day, Geisinger will host free community shred events across northeastern and central Pennsylvania throughout the month of April. Employees and members of the public are invited to bring any personal or professional confidential documents — such as bank statements, credit card bills and tax forms — to be securely shredded on-site and recycled. Each person is limited to three boxes. Do not use bins for non-paper waste or garbage. For more information, call 570-271-6030. Community shred events: Monday, April 3 – Geisinger Mt. Pleasant, 531 Mt. Pleasant Drive, Scranton, 7 – 11 a.m.Tuesday, April 4 – Geisinger Healthplex State College, 132 Abigail Lane, Port Matilda, 7 – 11 a.m.Friday, April 7 – Geisinger Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, 1175 E. Mountain Blvd., Wilkes-Barre, 7 – 11 a.m.Monday, April 10 – Geisinger Health Plan, Hughes Center, 9 Stearns Lane, Danville, 7 – 11 a.m.Tuesday, April 11 – Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital, 1020 Thompson St., Jersey Shore, 7 – 11 a.m.Thursday, April 13 – Geisinger Lewistown Hospital, 400 Highland Ave., Lewistown, 7 – 11 a.m.Friday, April 14 – Geisinger Shamokin Area Community Hospital, 4200 Hospital Road, Coal Township, 7 – 11 a.m.Monday, April 17 – Geisinger Medical Center Muncy, 255 Route 220, Muncy, 7 – 11 a.m.Friday, April 21 – Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital, 549 Fair St., Bloomsburg, 7 – 11 a.m.Monday, April 24 – Geisinger Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, 1175 E. Mountain Blvd., Wilkes-Barre, Noon – 4 p.m.Friday, April 28 – Geisinger Health Plan, Hughes Center, 9 Stearns Lane, Danville, Noon – 4 p.m.
Johnson College Hosts Annual 3D Printing Competition Johnson College hosted its annual 3D Printing Competition for local high school students on Friday at its Scranton campus. The competition was an opportunity for students from Forest City, Wallenpaupack, and the Wilkes-Barre STEM Academy to showcase their abilities and creativity using science, technology, engineering, and math. Using 3D CAD (Computer Aided Design) skills, participants designed and printed gravity hooks that picked up objects of various weights and sizes. The student who placed first, Michael Andrews from the Wilkes Barre Area STEM Academy, was awarded a $1,000 scholarship to Johnson College as well as a $50 gift card from Matterhackers. Second place was awarded to Danielle Holzapfel and third place to Kai Puma Stehlilk, both from Wallenpaupack Area High School. The event, which was sponsored by OpenBuilds, The New Jersey Chapter of SAMPE, GreenGate3D, and Automated Lifestyles, featured a keynote address given by Stephanie and Isaac Budmen, founders of Budmen Industries, the manufacturer of the award-winning Buildini 3D printer. Some of the College’s local industry partners were also in attendance to discuss future employment opportunities with the students. To learn more about Johnson College’s STEM opportunities for local school districts, visit johnson.edu
Outreach – Center for Community Resources 35th Anniversary Kickoff Outreach – Center for Community Resources is celebrating our 35th Anniversary of moving families forward. Formerly the Employment Opportunity & Training Center of NEPA (EOTC), Outreach serves over 4,500 individuals each year by helping them move towards economic self-sufficiency and family stability. We invite you to celebrate our 35th Anniversary and have an “axe-ceptional” and fun evening with Outreach by attending our kickoff celebration at Electric City Axe Throwing, 1141 Capouse Avenue, Scranton on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, from 5 PM to 7 PM. Enjoy Axe Throwing, food, beer, wine, raffles, and more. Tickets are limited to 60 guests, so purchase them soon! Visit www.outreachworks.org for tickets and information, or call Lori Ryan at the office: (570)558-7565. Scan QR Code to purchase tickets! Outreach is happy to kick off our celebration at Electric City Axe Throwing, a veteran-owned business in Scranton. Owners Jose Bataller and Sam Williams first met in 2017 while serving in the Marine Corps Embassy Security Group program at US Embassy Podgorica, Montenegro. Three years later, they were inspired by their visit to FXBG Axes, owned and operated by their former Detachment Commander, Gunnery Sergeant David Crawley, and his wife, Krista Crawley. Jose and Sam decided that Scranton was the perfect spot for axe throwing. Outreach is proud to serve Veterans and is excited about the opportunity to partner with Electric City Axe Throwing as our kickoff to our yearlong celebration. Please consider joining Outreach for a fun evening and support a Veteran-owned business in our community. Outreach Center for Community Resources delivers family educational and workforce development services and programs to the regional community to promote family stability and economic self-sufficiency. Outreach provides evidence-based early childhood programs that help families and children gain the skills needed to be healthy and productive members of the community. Outreach programs support families experiencing adverse life events, including economically disadvantaged families, individuals seeking services that are involved in the Women’s and Veteran’s Treatment Court System, residents at the Lackawanna County Prison, and justice-involved juveniles. Outreach improves the lives of over 4,500 adults and children each year with evidence-based family development, early childhood education, adult GED services, and workforce programs that support them as they navigate life’s challenges
