Greater Scranton YMCA Kicks Off Summer with Annual Healthy Kids Day

The Greater Scranton YMCA is hosting the Y’s annual Healthy Kids Day® on Saturday, May 21st, encouraging families to take a moment to help kids be kids and set them up for a summer of success. Sponsored by Howard Johnson®by Wyndham, the day-long event will feature activities such as a petting zoo, rides, healthy cooking demonstrations, arts and crafts, a kid’s fun run and more to motivate and teach families how to develop and maintain healthy routines at home.

“At the Y, we believe in the potential of all children and each day we work to help kids find that potential within themselves,” said Trish Fisher, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “Healthy Kids Day is a fun, free community-wide event to kick off summer and remind us all how important it is for kids to stay active physically and mentally throughout the summer.”

Celebrating its 30thanniversary in 2022, Healthy Kids Day is the Y’s national initiative to improve health and well-being for kids and families. The Y hopes to use the day to get more kids moving and learning, creating healthy habits they can continue while they’re away from the classroom. When kids are out of school, they can face hurdles that prevent them from reaching their full potential. Research shows that without access to out-of-school learning activities, kids fall behind academically. Kids also gain weight twice as fast during summer than during the school year. With all that’s going on in the world right now, Healthy Kids Day is a reminder to families that we can help ensure all children have access to what they need to reach their full potential, even during out-of-school time.

Keeping Kids Healthy All Summer Long

In celebration of YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day, the Y offers the following tips to help families develop healthy habits this summer that can have a lifetime effect:

  • High Five the Fruits and Veggies–Make sure kids get at least five servings of fruits and veggies each day, the minimum number nutritionists recommend for healthy childhood development. And to keep kids’ taste buds evolving, have everyone in the family try at least one bite of a new fruit or vegetable at least once a month.
  • Read Together –The summer is a great time to enjoy books with summer program participants—and 30 minutes a day goes a long way! Take trips to the local library or create a family reading challenge to see who can log the most minutes of reading. Encourage youth to create their own stories as well.
  • Get Moving! –Activities that require movement also help kids flex their mental muscle. Use materials in unique ways: ask youth to build models, manipulate tools or develop their own theatrical scenes.
  • Play Together –Play may be the best way to prevent childhood obesity. By putting more play into your family’s day, you will soon find yourself getting the activity that will have your family feeling energized and strong.
  • Make sleep a priority–Doctors recommend 10-12 hours of sleep a day for children ages 5-12 and 7-8 hours per night for adults. Sleep plays a critical role in maintaining our healthy immune system, metabolism, mood, memory, and learning.

TheGreater Scranton YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day will take place atthe Y’s facility, located at 706 N. Blakely Street, Dunmore, from 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. The Kids Fun Run (pre-registration not required) will begin with the 3-5-year-old race from 10:30-10:40 a.m. followed by ages 6-9 from 10:45-10:55 a.m. and the 10-14-year-old race from 11:00-11:10 a.m. Additional features of the day include a petting zoo, rides, vendor fair, face painting, healthy cooking demonstrations and more.

Locally, Healthy Kids Day is sponsored byHighmark Blue Cross Blue Shield,Community Bank,Johnson,Matrix Fitness,Rainey & Rainey CPA,Topp Business Solutions,Northeastern Rehabilitation Associates,Brucelli Advertisingand NET Credit Union.

For more information, contact Brandon Whipple, Wellness Director, at bwhipple@greaterscrantonymca.org or call (570) 828-3116 or visit the Y online at www.greaterscrantonymca.org.

Johnson College Receives $1,000,000 Gift

Today, during an on-campus event to celebrate Ideal T. and Frances P. Saldi Day at the College, Johnson College‘s President & CEO, Dr. Katie Leonard, announced a $1,000,000 gift from Johnson College graduate Ideal T. Saldi and his wife Frances P. Saldi (formally Frances Prutisto).

The Saldi’s gift is a milestone for the College, as it’s the largest gift from an alum and one of the most significant gifts in Johnson College’s history.

“Johnson College kept me out of the coal mines and provided me the skills that allowed me to earn money to pay for college,” said Mr. Saldi. “Whatever success I have enjoyed, I owe to Johnson College. We look at this donation as a payment of a debt.”

“Ideal and Frances’ gift will have a direct and lasting impact on our students and the College,” Dr. Leonard added. “It inspires us to deliver the best real-world, hands-on, industry-driven education that our students, industry partners, and community expect from Johnson College.”

Mr. Saldi is a graduate of Johnson College, class of 1949, Jessup High School, The Pennsylvania State University, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Mrs. Saldi is a graduate of Archbald High and earned a Liberal Arts degree from The Pennsylvania State University.

Mr. Saldi started his professional career at the General Electric Company and was employed there for 18 years, rising through the ranks to become General Manager of one of their businesses. He left General Electric to start several companies beginning with Integrated Display Systems, which he later sold to Refac Electronics in New York City and became president of the combined companies. He later became president of C-Cor Electronics in State College, Pennsylvania, and AM Communications.

In all, he started a total of 18 companies during his professional career and continues to run two he started in 1981. Mr. Saldi has served on several Board of Directors and has been awarded 18 patents during his professional career.

After raising four children, Mrs. Saldi began her career as a real estate agent – first with a retirement community, then moving on to private residential sales.

The Saldi’s have three surviving children, six grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

Johnson College provides real-world, hands-on learning in a supportive environment and prepares graduates to enter into or advance their careers. Johnson College degrees become essential careers. Johnson College was founded in 1912 and is the region’s only technical college, offering 17 associate degree and 4 academic certificate programs. A low student-to-instructor ratio supports an emphasis on hands-on learning. Located in Scranton on a 44-acre campus, the College is an accredited, private, non-profit, co-educational institution with a strong tradition of working with regional businesses and industries to ensure a skilled and qualified workforce. For additional information on Johnson College, please call 1-800-2-WE-WORK, email enroll@johnson.edu, or visit Johnson.edu.

PennDOT and the Pennsylvania State Police Highlight Litter Enforcement Corridors

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) have collaborated to discuss penalties of littering and littering in a Litter Enforcement Corridor.

PennDOT and PSP held a press event today in Lackawanna county to explain what Litter Enforcement is, why it’s important and what the penalties are for littering.

“PennDOT District 4 is proud to partner with the Pennsylvania State Police and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful today to highlight our efforts to reduce littering in northeast PA.  PennDOT relies on volunteers in the Adopt a Highway program to help us keep roadways clean and free of litter”, said PennDOT Assistant District Executive Jonathan Eboli, P.E. “We encourage everyone to get involved with the Adopt-A Highway Program in their community.”

Litter Enforcement Corridors have a high aesthetic or historic value worth preserving or need some additional help with litter issues. Approved segments are marked with signs to notify motorists of additional litter fines: doubled penalties for motorists caught scattering rubbish and tripled when it is done by a commercial business. Litter Enforcement Corridors also offer increased safety for workers or volunteers who are picking up trash in a designated corridor.

When drivers in these areas see traffic control devices, they must yield the right of way, as in a construction work zone. For this reason, it’s important to plan a cleanup event with local or state authorities involved when possible.

For more information on establishing a Litter Enforcement Corridor, consult PennDOT’s Roadside Enforcement Manual on PennDOT’s website.

Area Resident Promoted to Director of Dental Operations

Kimberly McGoff, of Spring Brook Township, has been promoted to director of dental operations at The Wright Center for Community Health.

McGoff joined the nonprofit health care organization in December 2019, serving as manager for its fast-growing dental service line. The Wright Center operates state-of-the-art fixed dental clinics at two locations: its Mid Valley Practice at 5 S. Washington Ave., Jermyn, and its Scranton Practice at 501 S. Washington Ave., in the city’s South Side neighborhood.

McGoff assisted in establishing those clinics as approved training sites for dental residents who are completing an Advanced Education in General Dentistry Program offered by New York University’s Langone Dental Medicine Postdoctoral Residency Program. Through this new partnership, The Wright Center welcomed its first dental resident in July 2021.

During McGoff’s tenure, The Wright Center has successfully expanded access to dental services for Northeast Pennsylvania residents, especially those who are Medicaid users. She recently oversaw the startup of a monthly dental clinic at The Wright Center for Community Health Hawley Practice, 103 Spruce St., Hawley. The Wayne County site conducts its dental clinics on the second Monday of each month.

Similarly, The Wright Center has begun providing dental services to populations of special concern, including children, through the use of its mobile medical unit, Driving Better Health. The vehicle is deployed, for example, to Luzerne County Head Start locations, where The Wright Center’s providers offer screenings, oral exams and cleanings.

The Wright Center currently operates nine primary care practices in Northeast Pennsylvania, offering access to high-quality, nondiscriminatory and affordable health services. The organization, which in 2019 was designated a Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike, offers integrated care, providing patients with the convenience of going to a single location to access medical, dental and behavioral health care, plus addiction treatment and other supportive services.

The Wright Center treats patients of all ages, income levels and insurance statuses. No patient is turned away for lack of health insurance or an inability to pay. Certain patients may be eligible for its sliding-fee discount program.

Please go to TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-230-0019 for more information about the dental services provided by The Wright Center for Community Health.

Dunmore Winery Holds Label Competition

Space Time Mead & Cider Works is sponsoring its 4thAnnual Label Competition to design a bottle label for specialty wine. The theme for this year’s competition is Unity;inspired by the work of people towards peace and justice for Ukraine.Strides toward unity exemplify our hope for people to come together in the future. All proceeds from the contest will be given to Doctors Without Borders to provide funds for Ukraine and other efforts globally.

Dan Schreffler notes, “Unity was chosen as a reminder of the past accomplishments we earthling have done when working together for a better world. The International Space Station’s (ISS) module called Unity was put in orbit in 1998. It connects the Russian and United States segments of the station and is where the crew eats meals together, even now.”

Prizes will be given to the Judge’s Selection and People’s Choice winners. Judge’s Selection will be chosen by contest’s sponsors. They will have their name and artwork featured on special release of wine and will receive a cash award of $250. The People’s Choice will be selected by voting. The top voted label will receive a cash award of $250. The competition submission deadline is June 1, 2022. All official competition rules, forms and dates can be found by visiting https://spacetimemeadworks.com/label-art-competition/.

Summer AmeriCorps VISTA Positions at NeighborWorks

AmeriCorps VISTA Summer Volunteer

Looking for a fun and meaningful way to spend your summer? NeighborWorks is seeking two responsible, self-motivated individuals to provide 10 weeks of service, June 6 to August 14, 2022, through AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America). NeighborWorks is a nonprofit organization that revitalizes neighborhoods and creates opportunities for families to improve their lives through quality housing and financial guidance. VISTA Summer Associates are an integral part of our dedicated, hardworking team, which is devoted to bringing low-income individuals and communities out of poverty.

About the Position

  • Coordinating volunteer home repair projects
  • Installing home safety kits for seniors
  • Attending community events
  • Coordinating neighborhood and park cleanups
  • Maintaining vacant lots
  • Picking up litter along main commercial corridors
  • Documenting quality of life issues (property code violations, missing street signs, etc.)
  • Gathering stories from residents in written, audio, and video formats

This position requires a commitment to serve as a full-time team member for a 10-week period this summer. Although this is a non-salaried volunteer position, VISTA Summer Associates receive a bi-weekly living allowance of $575.40 and are eligible for an education award or cash stipend at the end of their term of service. For more information about the AmeriCorps VISTA program, visit americorps.gov.

Qualifications

  • U.S. citizen at least 18 years of age
  • Ability to work independently on a variety of projects and lead others in service activities
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Basic computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office
  • Valid driver’s license and privately owned vehicle for service-related travel

How to Apply

Applications will be accepted until May 2, 2022, or until the positions are filled. To apply, email your resume to Todd Pousley, Neighborhood Revitalization Manager, at tpousley@nwnepa.org.

Starry Knights Learning Center Earns ECE Champion Award

Starry Knights Learning Center received the Equity in Early Childhood Education (ECE) Champion Award, honorable mention level.

The Department of Human Services Acting Secretary Meg Snead announced the Equity in Early Childhood Education (ECE) Champion Award recipients to programs across the commonwealth. More than 50 ECE providers were awarded based on their ability to enhance equitable practices within their program as part of providing quality services for children and families.

“Early Childhood Education professionals, providers and programs have been such an inspiration during the pandemic, and it should come as no surprise they are also leading equity and inclusion efforts as well,” said Acting Secretary Snead. “Month of the Young Child is focused on bringing attention to the needs of young children and their families and to recognize ECE programs and services that meet those needs – including equity and inclusion.”

“It has been a rough two years for ECE programs, and I am so proud to highlight programs that are going above and beyond during this time,” said Deputy Secretary of the Office of Child Development and Early Learning, Tracey Campanini. “The work around equity and inclusion is so important and we really wanted to make sure that work was recognized and celebrated.”

Boback, Pickett, Fritz to Co-Host Gun Law Seminar

In their continuing effort to better inform the public regarding Pennsylvania’s firearms laws, Reps. Karen Boback (R-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Wyoming), Tina Pickett (R-Bradford/Sullivan/Susquehanna) and Jonathan Fritz (R-Susquehanna/Wayne) are co-hosting a Gun Law Seminar in Laceyville on Thursday, May 5. The free event will begin at 6 p.m. at the Black Walnut American Legion, 328 Route 6 Road. Doors will open to attendees at 5:30 p.m.

“If you already have a concealed carry permit, or are thinking of obtaining one, please consider attending our seminar,” said the legislators. “There are some misconceptions about Pennsylvania’s concealed carry law out there and we’re co-hosting this event in an effort to lay out the facts for gun owners, with the help of our panel of experts.”

The seminar will be conducted by Wyoming County Sheriff Robert Roberts and Wyoming County District Attorney Joseph Peters, who will also take questions from the audience.

“Even if you are not a gun owner, the information that will be provided regarding the concealed carry law and Castle Doctrine is helpful for everyone to know,” added the co-hosts.

Attendees are required to register for the seminar. They can do so by calling Boback’s office at 570-836-4777 or RSVP online at www.repboback.com/events; Pickett’s office at 570-265-3124 or www.reppickett.com/events; or Fritz’s office at 570-278-3374 or www.repfritz.com/events.