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 projectsInstalling home safety kits for seniorsAttending community eventsCoordinating neighborhood and park cleanupsMaintaining vacant lotsPicking up litter along main commercial corridorsDocumenting 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 ageAbility to work independently on a variety of projects and lead others in service activitiesExcellent verbal and written communication skillsBasic computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft OfficeValid 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.
The Wright Center Names Executive Vice President Higher education strategist and Luzerne County resident Scott Koerwer, Ph.D., Ed.D., has joined The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education in the role of executive vice president and chief administrative officer. In his new role, Koerwer will provide executive leadership oversight of The Wright Center’s human resources, information technology, facilities and marketing and communications departments, as well as contribute to the organization’s clinical delivery and educational missions. He also will guide the integration of the organization’s graduate and undergraduate interprofessional medical, behavioral and dental education activities. “I’m both pleased and honored to have Scott as a member of our executive leadership team,” said Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak, president and CEO of The Wright Center. “He has a passionate commitment to building and empowering accountable, high-performing teams of employees with a shared understanding of goals and purpose.” Koerwer previously served as vice president for strategy and planning at the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. He also was founding dean of its Graduate School. Koerwer has more than 30 years of experience working at world-class institutions of higher education. At Newberry College, in Newberry, South Carolina, he served as the 21st president of the college and as professor in the department of business. He served as deputy dean and clinical professor of management at The Darla Moore School of Business, University of South Carolina; associate dean of graduate and executive programs and services at the Robert H. Smith School of Business, University of Maryland; and as a director in the Executive Education Division of the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. Koerwer also has served in leadership and partner roles at private and early-stage companies. Active in the community, Koerwer has served on boards of organizations including the Sidhu School of Business and Leadership Advisory Board at Wilkes University, the Lehigh University Rossin School of Engineering, Keystone College Board of Trustees, the Abington YMCA Advisory Board and multiple chambers of commerce. A lifelong learner, Koerwer has a bachelor’s degree from Muhlenberg College. He earned a master’s degree in government from Lehigh University, a Doctor of Education from the University of Pennsylvania, and a Doctor of Philosophy from Thomas Jefferson University. Koerwer and his family reside in Dallas, Pennsylvania.
VIM to Host The Office 5k Valley in Motion is hosting The Office 5K. The road race passes sites featured on NBC’s “The Office.” Starting in the shadow of the Electric City sign in downtown Scranton, runners or walkers will pass the Penn Paper, Cooper’s, the Dwight mural, and more. Participants can dress up as their favorite Office character for fun and prizes. WHEN: Saturday, April 30, 1pmWHERE: Race starts and ends at the 500 Linden Street block in downtown ScrantonSIGN-UP: www.theoffice5K.comPRE-PARTY: Packet pickup and pre-race party at Cooper’s Seafood House on April 29 from 5-7pm. Office trivia, raffle baskets, and special Firkin Friday small-cask beer will be on tap. A fun promotional video is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aw3CnoeaIjs Race proceeds benefit Valley In Motion, a non-profit fostering community and quality of life in the Lackawanna Valley. More information about VIM at www.valleyinmotion.org.
Steamtown National Historic Site Announces 2022 Train Schedule Train rides are returning to Steamtown National Historic Site (NHS) beginning Saturday, May 14, 2022 and coinciding with National Train Day. The Steamtown 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, the Scranton Limited and Caboose Experience, will begin on Saturday, May 14th. The first excursion trip of the season will take place on Saturday, May 28th to Jessup, PA allowing visitors to experience the annual Saint Ubaldo Day “Running of the Saints” (La Corsa dei Ceri). New for the 2022 season, all ticket sales will be credit card only. Starting Tuesday, April 19th 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 later in the season on Friday, July 15th. Tickets for our short train rides, the Scranton Limited and 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. Beginning Saturday, May 14th: · The Scranton Limited or the Caboose Experience will operate on Saturdays and Sundays, as staffing permits. Departure times are: 10:30am, 11:30am, 1:30pm, and 2:30pm. · Tickets are $6 for adults and kids over the age of 5; kids 5 and under are free. Tickets must be purchased on-site at the Information Kiosk, the day of your visit. On days we offer our longer excursion rides, the Caboose Experience will be offered in lieu of the Scranton Limited, as staffing permits. 2022 Summer Excursions: Tickets available for purchase online Tuesday, April 19th at 10:00am · Saturday, May 28th – Jessup: Saint Ubaldo Day “Running of the Saints” (La Corsa dei Ceri) · Sunday, June 12th – Gouldsboro: Special Railfest Excursion Saturday, June 18th – Carbondale: Outdoor Train (BIKE) · Saturday, June 18th – Archbald: Outdoor Train (HIKE) · Saturday, July 16th – Tobyhanna: Ice House Tour · Saturday, July 23rd – Archbald: Penn Division History · Sunday, July 31st – Cresco: Antique Cars and Live Music · Saturday, August 13th – East Stroudsburg: Lunch in the Park · Sunday, August 28th – Cresco: Antique Cars and Live Music 2022 Autumn Excursions: Tickets available for purchase online Friday, July 15th at 10:00am · Saturday, September 24th – Carbondale: Autumn Marketplace · Saturday, October 1st – East Stroudsburg: Pickle Me Poconos · Saturday, October 8th – Gouldsboro: Pumpkin Patch · Saturday, October 22nd – Tobyhanna: Fall Foliage and Town Tour · Saturday, October 29th – Gouldsboro: Ghoulsboro Halloween It’s never too early to start your trip planning! Specific event information can be found by visiting the event calendar on the park website anytime. Station information and ticket pricing can be found on recreation.gov by searching “Steamtown National Historic Site.” NOTICE: · The NPS has updated its masking guidance based on the CDC’s new COVID-19 Community Levels tool, which helps communities decide what prevention steps to take. Masking requirements in NPS buildings are based on local conditions, however masks are still required on all forms of public transportation, including trains operated at Steamtown NHS. · Train rides are subject to cancellation due to mechanical issues, inclement weather, or crew availability. The following spaces and activities are available during regular visiting hours: · The Visitor Center; · The Park Store; · The 1902 Roundhouse including the “Cut-a-Way” display; · The 1937 Roundhouse; · The Theater; · The History Museum; · The Technology Museum; · Designated areas within the Railyard. The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners continues to be paramount. While the listed areas are accessible for visitors to enjoy, services may be limited. The CDC has offered guidance to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. We will continue to monitor all park functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19 and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health. 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 phoning (570) 340-5200, or by visiting the park website anytime: www.nps.gov/stea
South Side Farmers’ Market Moves Outdoors In its 14th year of operation, the South Side Farmers’ Market, run by United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s (UNC), is Scranton’s only year-round farmers’ market. A local source for meats, eggs, breads, produce and more.The Summer Market will be open every Saturday from 10am –1pm at 529 Cedar Avenue, behind the former South Side Bank & Trust Building. The South Side Farmers’ Market offers local & organic produce including a variety of unique fresh greens, mushrooms, pasture-raised eggs, and a large variety off arm fresh meats and artisan cheeses at the market all season long. Bread and baked goods, cookies, desserts, roasted coffee beans, plants, natural skin care items, art, pottery, nuts & snacks, jewelry and other natural food products are available at the market. Returning this year is a fan-favorite and award winning Mexican restaurant selling hot food for customers to treat themselves to while they shop or sit at our brightly coloured café while they enjoy live music. Some featured vendors are Fullers Overlook Farm, Quails-R-Us, Twin Brook Farms, Calkin’s Creamery, Bet’a Bread Bakery, Funny Wine Girl Jeannine, Rylee Jade, KB Pottery, El Buen Amigo, Evil Sweets by Lulu, Christine Coligan Art, Kaizen Snacks,NEPA Micro Greens, Peaches Greens, NEPA Coffee Roasters and more. The market has guest vendors selling items from raw honey, succulents, gifts, spirits,and so much more! The market is also hosting a Summer Music Series, where live music will entertain customers. We begin with The South Side Five, sponsored by Notology on May 7th. June 18thwill be Frankie Gervasi of The Poets, sponsored by Kost Tire, and we fill in there maining 4 months outside with Charles Havira & Nick Driscoll on July 16th, War Ballad on August 20th, Satur Bae on September 17th(which will coincide with our Welcoming Scranton Celebration) and wrap up the season on October 8th(our final outdoor market day) with the Jacob Cole Trio. In addition to the music days, we will also have weekends scheduled with activities like a petting zoo, face-painting & balloon art, a gaming station and so much more. Watch the market newsletter and social media pages for updates and scheduling! The South Side Farmers Market is funded through a Neighborhood Partnership Program grant with Peoples Security Bank, PNC Bank and PPL Electric. For more information, please contact Kelly, South Side Farmers Market Manager at 570-866-2472.
Professor at The University of Scranton Receives Grant Gerard Dumancas, Ph.D Gerard Dumancas, Ph.D., associate professor of chemistry at The University of Scranton, received a $1.158 million National Science Foundation funded Noyce Scholars grant that will support future science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) high school teachers in high-need school districts. The grant, which will be allocated over a five-year period beginning (this summer) (in the 2022-2023 academic year), will provide a scholarships and educational training support to 21 STEM students with a major or minor in secondary education. “There are many areas in the United States that are in need of great high school science and mathematics teachers in Pennsylvania – really across the country. We have advanced technologies in the U.S., yet many of our students lag behind those in other countries, especially with skills related to the sciences and mathematics. As educators, we are trying to train and build the work force of the future, and their high school exposure to the sciences and math is a key element to their – and our – future,” said Dr. Dumancas, a widely published analytical chemist, who considers himself to be “a teacher first.” Dr. Dumancas’s research on the development and application of novel spectroscopic and computational tools applied to chemical analysis of food and biomedical products has been published in multiple top-tier, peer-reviewed academic journals. Since coming to the University of Scranton, he has published four research articles and submitted four book chapters. “It takes a great deal of support to make a good science or mathematics teacher,” said Dr. Dumancas. The NSF grant provides a financial stipend to participants selected to become Noyce Scholars, in addition to affording them early field teaching experience and mentoring opportunities with practicing teachers in partner schools. Noyce Scholars will also participate in special courses to expose them to computational science methods, among other educational opportunities in the sciences. “The grant is geared to provide documented support to students to make them successful as high school STEM teachers,” said Dr. Dumancas, who said the success of the scholars is monitored and is part of the research collected through the grant. Programs that prove to be successful can receive additional support in the future. Mid Valley School District and Luzerne County Community College (LCCC) are partner schools for the grant. Students at these schools will have the opportunity to participate in special programing in the STEM fields at the University supported by the University faculty and Noyce Scholars. University students in their senior or junior year of studies, majoring or minoring in secondary education in the STEM field and meeting other academic and program requirements can apply to become a Noyce Scholar for the fall 2022 semester. LCCC students continuing their education at Scranton who meet the program requirements can also apply to the program for their junior and senior years. Students selected to the program are required to teach in a high-need school district anywhere in the United States for two years for each year of their participation as a Noyce Scholar. Applications for the program will become available in the coming weeks, but anyone interested could contact Dr. Dumancas by email at gerard.dumancas@scranton.edu. Dr. Dumancas joined the faculty at Scranton in the spring of 2022. He earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of the Philippines and his Ph.D. in analytical chemistry from Oklahoma State University. During his career, Dr. Dumancas has generated more than $2 million in external research grants and has published more than 40 manuscripts in peer-reviewed academic journals.
