NAMI Northeast Begins Walk-and-Talk Series NAMI Northeast Region Executive Director Marie Onukiavage met recently with outdoor professionals in the community to connect on a new series of monthly walks to highlight help provided by NAMI while encouraging participants to experience the healing power of nature. NAMI will collaborate with Ski Shack owner and yoga instructor Melissa Roberts on planning locations and having Melissa offer stress-relieving breathing techniques and guidance on walking trails. Marie met recently with Melissa and Paul Bechtel, Lackawanna County Director of Parks & Recreation, who provided information and input on parks throughout the county that offer beautiful trails for everyone to explore as they attempt to unplug from daily stressors and plug in to the peace and tranquility that exists among the trees and greenery. NAMI encourages everyone in the community to join them on June 26 at 6 p.m. at Camp Freedom as they highlight men’s mental health and the importance of talking about it openly to remove stigma. NAMI will share information and resources available and nonprofit Camp Freedom personnel will spotlight the many wonderful services they provide, along with leading a walk on their scenic property.
Johnson College to Hold Instant Enrollment Decision Day Johnson College is hosting an Instant Decision Day for prospective students on Thursday, June 20, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at both the College’s Scranton and Hazleton campuses. To register to attend, visit johnson.edu/instant. During the Instant Decision event, Johnson College will provide prospective students with an immediate enrollment decision. Students must supply their high school and/or college transcripts. It is highly recommended that the prospective student completes a Johnson College application before attending. Applications for Johnson College’s Physical Therapist Assistant, Radiologic Technology, and Veterinary Nursing programs are excluded from instant decisions.
Lackawanna County and Chamber Hold Press Conference to Unveil Strategic Partnership Aimed at Expanding Business and Workforce Development Scranton, PA–June 11, 2024 — Lackawanna County and The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce announce a joint press conference to be held at The Chamber on Wednesday, June 12, at 9 a.m. Lackawanna County Commissioners Bill Gaughan, Matt McGloin, and Chris Chermak, in conjunction with the Chamber President Bob Durkin, will unveil a partnership on Wednesday, June 12, in which the partnership aims to expand the county’s business and workforce development through two strategic initiatives. “I am encouraged and proud to unveil this partnership between Lackawanna County and The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. For far too long we have duplicated efforts, and with this partnership we can be stronger together and make greater impacts in our County in training our workforce, supporting our existing businesses, and creating new opportunities for entrepreneurial growth here at home. It is our job to create opportunity for our residents and what better way than in collaboration with the Chamber due to their successful history. We look forward to working hard together and celebrating success moving forward”, said Commissioner Bill Gaughan At the press conference, the Commissioners and Chamber leadership will present a multi-year plan, and under the partnership, the Chamber will take on the primary role of managing business development, marketing and lead management for Lackawanna County. Lackawanna County will continue to work in tandem with the Chamber on all opportunities to support workforce training, small businesses and the growth of entrepreneurship within the county through both collaborative ideas and financial investments. In addition, working in collaboration with the Lackawanna County Planning and Economic Development department will allow both organizations to streamline processes, reduce duplication of efforts, and ensure a coordinated approach to economic development. “I am really excited about the initiatives unveiled here today, and the positive and collaborative relationship we have forged with the County Commissioners. This underscores our collective commitment to maximize the resources available to strengthen our regional economy, for the good of all the citizens of Lackawanna County”, said Chamber President Bob Durkin.
UNC to Hold Pine Brook NPP Community Celebration United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC) invites the public to our Pine Brook NPP Community Celebration. This event celebrates the significant contributions of our Neighborhood Partnership Program (NPP) investors: Cottera Energy, FNCB Bank, and Peoples Security Bank & Trust. The celebration is scheduled for Friday, June 21, 2024, from 2 PM to 4 PM, at the Capouse Corner Green Space, 1371 Capouse Avenue at New York Street in Scranton. The event will feature food, games, a plant giveaway, and fun activities for the community to enjoy. We ask attendees to bring a book to donate to the Little Free Library located in the space. This celebration highlights the generous $50,000 annual contributions from Cottera Energy, FNCB Bank, and Peoples Security Bank & Trust through the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development Neighborhood Partnership Program (NPP). These contributions, totaling a $900,000 investment over six years, are instrumental in our ongoing efforts to rebuild, restore, and revitalize the Pine Brook community, a designated Elm Street Community through the Pennsylvania Keystone Communities program. Anyone interested in attending this celebration, please RSVP to Chrissy Manuel at cmanuel@uncnepa.org or call her at 570.878.5643.
Waverly Community House Tennis Camp and Lessons Waverly Comm Children and Youth Clinics: June 17 – August 2 If you are participating in extended Comm Camp, tennis can be included. Please contact Diane at (570) 586-8191 to register. If you are not participating in extended Comm Camp, you may still register. The fee is $70. Beginner: 1-2PM Intermediate: 2-3PM Private and Semi-Private Lessons: Private and semi-private lessons are available, please contact Diane at (570) 586-8191 to register. Private: $40/Hour; $25/30 Min SEMI: $30/Hour/Person
Marywood University Sets Summer Open House Marywood University will hold a summer undergraduate open house for high school students and their parents on Saturday, July 13, 2024, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. in the Fireplace Lounge at the Nazareth Student Center on the University’s campus, and the last campus tour departs at 1:45 p.m. A complementary continental breakfast and lunch are included in the event. During the open house, prospective students can walk through the student services & organizations fair and find out how Marywood students fit in and have fun on campus. In addition, students will be able to explore various majors at an academic fair, learn more about the admissions process, visit an academic department of their choice and spend some time with faculty, as well as chat with varsity coaches and tour Marywood’s campus. For more information and to register, visit marywood.edu/openhouse, email YourFuture@marywood.edu, or call Marywood University’s admissions office at (570) 348-6234.
NEPA Philharmonic to Perform at Jaya’s Annual on the Roof On Thursday, July 4th, at 9 AM, Hilary Steinberg of Jaya Yoga in Clarks Summit, and the Marketplace at Steamtown will sponsor the eleventh annual Yoga on the Roof, which includes one hour of yoga accompanied by live music played by Philharmonic musicians. The yoga practice will be followed by treats compliments of Maximum Zen. This event is a favorite way to launch to Independence Day celebrations and benefits the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic’s educational and outreach programs. A five-minute mediation led by Lisa Rigau will open the event. Leading the yoga practice will be Jaya Yoga’s owner Hilary Steinberg, and instructor Lily Mackarey. Featured musicians are Leah Valenches, Juliet Valenches, and Peter Brubaker. Yoga on the Roof is a unique event in Northeastern Pennsylvania, taking place on the morning of the holiday overlooking historic downtown Scranton. Participants are invited to pre-register at nepaphil.org until Tuesday, July 2nd. Walk ins are welcome. All are asked to arrive by 8:45 AM on Thursday, July 4th, rain or shine. A donation of $20 is requested. The Philharmonic projects that directly benefit from Yoga on the Roof are Music in our Schools, Meet the Maestra, Young People’s Concerts, a juried mentoring program for talented high school music students, musical performances in senior living centers and a new initiative for tots in regional libraries. Pre-registration is also available by calling the Philharmonic at 570.270.4444. For additional information about Yoga on the Roof, please contact hilary@jayayogastudio.com. The Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic is a fully professional symphony orchestra performing in Lackawanna and Luzerne counties. Music Director and Conductor is Mélisse Brunet. For additional information about the Philharmonic, sponsorship opportunities, and concerts, please call (570) 270-4444.
PA Dept of Agriculture Announces Reading Ranger Program Grey Towers National Historic Site is proudly offering a free Reading Ranger Program for the summer of 2024. This is the second year that the reading program is taking place on the grounds. This program will include read-aloud stories focusing on environmentalism and conservation read by a Forest Service Ranger on Monday mornings. The readings will be followed by a craft activity, hike, or scavenger hunt. Parents are required to remain with children during this program. The Reading Ranger Program will be held at the lower pavilion, located at the lower parking lot of Grey Towers from 10:00am to 11:00am. The schedule is as follows for children ages 4 to 13: June 10, 2024, Smokey’s Story: with Rudy Wendelin Exhibit Tour June 17, 2023, Kids Making a Difference in Their Communities June24, 2024, Noticing the World Around You July 01, 2024, Fire and Fireworks Safety July 8, 2024, Fire Management and Fire Towers: with hike to the fire tower July 15, 2024, Conservation and Community: learning about Gifford Pinchot July 22, 2024, Trees at Grey Towers: tree identification and trail hike July 29, 2024, Invasive Species Management: identification, Discovery Trail log August 05, 2024, 2024 Smokey 80th Birthday: preparation for celebration, birthday card August 12, 2024, Box Turtle at Long Pond: create your own turtle story Grey Towers National Historic Site was donated to the US Forest Service by the Pinchot family in 1963. It is the former home of Gifford Pinchot, founder and first chief of the Forest Service and Cornelia Pinchot, suffragette and advocate for children’s rights and education. Public programs such as the Reading Ranger program enable the US Forest Service to continue the Pinchot legacy and the tradition of inviting the community to enjoy our natural resources at this historic site. The US Forest Service was able to expand the Reading Ranger Program for 2024 with the Every Kid Outdoors grant to help encourage fourth grade students to appreciate and visit public lands. An RSVP is not necessary. For more information please visit www.fs.usda.gov/greytowers , www.facebook.com/GreyTowersNHS or www.twitter.com/GreytowersNHS.
Grey Towers National Historic Site Celebrates Smokey Bear’s 80th Birthday June 10, through June 21, 2024, Grey Towers National Historic Site will host several historic Smokey Bear paintings that can be viewed for free. We are excited to be just one of 14 national forests and grasslands in the Nation to host the paintings by Rudolph (Rudy) Wendelin. The national painting tour is part of Smokey Bear’s 2024 birthday celebration. On loan from the USDA National Agricultural Library, these replica paintings were completed from 1977 through 1995 and remain the most famous depictions of Smokey Bear. Painter Rudy Wendelin worked for the Forest Service as an illustrator beginning in 1933 and was the mastermind behind Smokey’s human like appearance in his signature ranger hat and blue jeans. Thanks to Wendelin’s art, Smokey’s message “Only YOU can prevent wildfires” has prevailed through the generations. The paintings will be located in the mansion tower and will be available for free viewing from June 10 to June 21, 2024, from 10:30am until 3:00pm. There will be ticketed public museum tours offered as well on Thursdays through Mondays at 11am, noon, 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm for the month of June. Tours last approximately one hour and are the ground floor museum and the gardens area. Tickets are $10.00 per adult, 12-17 year olds are $5.00 and 11 and under are free. Tickets can be purchased the day of the tour in person at our Visitor Center located at the historic outbuilding the Letterbox. Sunday June 16, 2024, Grey Towers will be offering a open house with a reduce adult rate of $5.00. The first floor museum will be open for ticketed guest to walk through from noon until 3pm. For groups over 12 visitors, please contact the Jared Simister at Jared.simister@usda.gov to arrange a group tour. In the event that the collection delivery is delayed, adjusted details on viewing the Smokey Bear paintings will be posted to our website www.fs.usda.gov/greytowers and our Facebook page www.facebook.com/GreyTowersNHS. The public can do their part to prevent human-caused wildfires and take Smokey’s message #onlyyou personally this year. Smokey Bear turns 80 this August, and the Forest Service is keen on celebrating this milestone to increase fire prevention awareness across the country. More information on Smokey Bear and his message can be viewed at www.smokeybear.com.
