Johnson College’s Carpentry Auction Raises Money for Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA Johnson College Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology program hosted its Annual Carpentry Auction at the College’s Scranton campus on Wednesday, April 24, 2024. The event raised over $10,000 to benefit the Children’s Advocacy Center of Northeastern Pennsylvania in support of its mission to provide excellence in the assessment and treatment of child abuse and neglect. More than 70 items created by Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology students were available for auction. There was a wide variety of woodwork including chess boards, tables, chests, benches, and more. Many of the items were made from re-purposed materials. Johnson College provides real-world, hands-on learning in a supportive environment and prepares graduates to enter into or advance in their in-demand careers. Johnson College was founded in 1912 and is the region’s only technical college, offering 18 associate degrees, four academic certificates, and over 30 continuing education programs. A low student-to-instructor ratio supports an emphasis on hands-on learning. Located in Scranton on a 44-acre campus with a satellite campus serving the greater Hazleton area, 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.
EMPOWER, The Leadership Experience: Inspiring Leaders and Cultivating Potential EMPOWER, The Leadership Experience, presented by Geisinger and hosted by The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, left attendees feeling motivated, challenged, and deeply engaged in soul-searching conversations. With over 800 attendees, including 61 enthusiastic high school students, the event was a testament to the region’s commitment to cultivating leadership and business innovation. Attendees found the experience to be resourceful, tapping into a wealth of knowledge and expertise from the event’s two keynote speakers and 46 regional breakout speakers, panelists, and wellness presenters. For the second consecutive year, The Honesdale National Bank sponsored the teen program, providing high school students with a unique opportunity to embark on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Through a series of workshops and interactive sessions, these young leaders were equipped with the skills and motivation to uncover their purpose and drive positive change in their communities. The Teen Program was in partnership with The Chamber’s leadership development affiliate, Leadership Lackawanna, and Luzerne County’s leadership cohort, Leadership Northeast. President of The Chamber, Bob Durkin, shares, “The growth of EMPOWER with over 800 attendees is, I believe, a measure of the emergence of women in leadership positions across northeastern Pennsylvania. We hope and believe that this program is providing women with professional and personal development tools and resources that will add to that trajectory.” Keynote speakers Dr. Lauren Hazzouri and Patrice D. Banks, renowned for their expertise in leadership and personal development, shared their insights and experiences, leaving a lasting impression on attendees. “You are going to fail. PERIOD. You are human, and it’s just going to happen. However, it’s what you do with that failure to move forward to continue with your purpose,” shared Patrice D. Banks, founder of Girls Auto Clinic. Dr. Hazzouri and Banks, through their captivating stories and practical advice, empowered participants to embrace change, overcome obstacles, and unlock their purpose. Attendees at the breakfast keynote session were asked to name one word that defines their purpose. The three most common phrases reported were happiness, helping others, and families. The challenge to all attendees was to run hard after their purpose and allow their purpose to fuel their life ambitions. The event’s lineup of regional breakout speakers and panelists covered a diverse range of topics. Attendees found these sessions to be invaluable, offering actionable takeaways, and fresh perspectives on leadership in today’s dynamic world. The conference included the Highmark Wellness Studio, which hosted 10 wellness presenters, and the Fidelity Vendor Marketplace, which housed 37 Chamber members and their businesses. As EMPOWER continues to evolve, organizers remain committed to providing a platform for leaders at all stages of their journey to connect, learn, and grow together. With each passing year, the event serves as a catalyst for positive change, empowering individuals and organizations to make a lasting impact on the world around them. Northeast PA, save the date for April 24, 2025, at Kalahari Resort & Conventions.
Waverly Community House to Host Poetry and Multimodal Workshop Waverly Community House to host “Visualizing Verse – VR Poetry and Multimodal Workshop by Dr. Margot Douaihy” May 16 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm Join Dr. Margot Douaihy, the 2023 F. Lammot Belin Arts Scholarship Winner, for a presentation of her virtual reality poetry project. Margot will also lead an engaging workshop on how to create multimodal & multimedia poetry. All welcome! FREE No advance registration required.
UNC’s Project Hope Summer Day Camp Return for 2024 United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC) Project Hope at Camp Kelly is excited to provide a traditional summer day camp once again for children living in Scranton. Campers are provided transportation to and from the camp located in the beautiful countryside of Tunkhannock, PA and experience arts and crafts, sports, and a variety of other fun and educational activities. They will be served breakfast, lunch, and a nutritious snack before returning home the duration of camp from July 1to July 26. Registration for UNC’s Project Hope is required, and opens on May 1, 2024, online at www.uncnepa.org/projecthope.
Women’s Resource Center to Host Prosecco and Pearls Fundraising Event Get ready for the return of the highly anticipated Women’s Resource Center event, Great Chefs, with this year’s theme: Prosecco and Pearls. This cherished tradition serves as a fundraiser for the Women’s Resource Center, marking its remarkable 34th year. Join us on Thursday, May 2nd at 5:30 pm at the Scranton Cultural Center for an exquisite evening that promises a culinary journey like no other, showcasing high-end appetizer samplings from renowned area restaurants. As guests indulge in delectable bites, they’ll be surrounded by the elegant ambiance inspired by the iconic Tiffany blue color, adding a touch of sophistication to the affair. Prepare to be dazzled as we come together to support a worthy cause while savoring the finest flavors our community has to offer.
Johnson College to Host Event for Architectural Drafting & Design Technology Johnson College is hosting a Closer Look event for its two-year Architectural Drafting & Design Technology program on May 1, 2024, from 5 to 7 p.m. on its Scranton campus. Prospective students can explore the College’s Architectural Drafting & Design Technology laboratory inside the new Ideal Saldi Hall while learning more about the program, career opportunities, and the enrollment process. Johnson College’s two-year Architectural Drafting & Design Technology Associates Degree program prepares students as entry-level technicians in computer-assisted drafting (CAD) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) for residential and commercial construction. Instruction and hands-on learning include all phases of building design drafting, print reading, cost estimating, specifications writing, and sustainability concepts. For more information or to register, visit Johnson.edu/closerlook or contact the College’s Enrollment department at (570) 702-8856 or enroll@johnson.edu.
Greater Scranton YMCA Sets Kids Up for a Healthy Start to the Summer at Healthy Kids Day The Greater Scranton YMCA is hosting the Y’s annual Healthy Kids Day® on May 11 from 10:00 a.m. through 2:00 p.m. located at 706 North Blakely Street in Dunmore. This free, annual event features a variety of family-friendly activities to encourage healthy kids, healthy families and a healthy start to the summer season. Sponsored nationally by Peanuts, Healthy Kids Day’s mission is to turn fun and play into lifelong memories. Some featured activities include a Kids Fun Run, vendor fair, bounce houses, face painting, entertainment, refreshments and more. The event is open to the community and registration is not required. “It is so important for kids to stay active over the summer, both physically and mentally,” said Trish Fisher, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “At the Y, we believe in providing resources for families to create healthy habits, no matter the time of year. Healthy Kids Day is a fun, free communitywide event that encourages families to take advantage of all the great summer activities the Y has to offer.” Locally, Healthy Kids Day is sponsored by Community Bank, Rainey & Rainey, NET Credit Union, Topp Business Solutions, Matrix, Cal Mal Vending Services and Brucelli Advertising. Kids Fun Run schedule (free and registration is not required!):10:30-10:40 a.m. – Ages 3-510:45-10:55 a.m. – Ages 6-911:00-11:10 a.m. – Ages 10-14*Located outside in the back of the facility. For more information about Healthy Kids Day, including reserving a table at the vendor fair or for sponsorship opportunities, contact Brandon Whipple, Senior Program Director, at (570) 828-3116 or bwhipple@gsymca.org.
Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine to Host Black Ties for White Coats Gala Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, with learning venues throughout northeastern and central Pennsylvania, will host its Black Ties for White Coats gala on Saturday, April 20, at Mohegan Pennsylvania in Wilkes-Barre to benefit medical student scholarships. Prominent community members who embody aspects of the school’s founding principles, community service and well-being will also be honored. When: Saturday, April 20, 6 – 11 p.m. Where: Mohegan Pennsylvania 1280 Highway 315 Wilkes-Barre This year’s honorees are: Community Honoree:The Scranton School for Deaf & Hard of Hearing Children Well-being Honoree:Shubhra Shetty, MD Founders Honoree:Tom Churilla, MD ’13
The Chamber is Gearing Up for EMPOWER, The Leadership Experience The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce is hosting its ninth year of EMPOWER, presented by Geisinger, on Thursday, April 25, at Kalahari Resort & Convention. EMPOWER is the premier women’s leadership event in northeastern Pennsylvania. It is a day-long conference highlighting the ability all women have to create positive change in their communities and lives while recognizing the extraordinary power that exists when women come together to support each other. The 2024 conference theme is “purpose.” It will feature dynamic keynote speakers Dr. Lauren Hazzouri and Patrice D. Banks, as well as special appearances from the mayor of Scranton, Paige G. Cognetti, Honorable State Representative Bridget Kosierowski, and the Honorable State Senator Rosemary Brown. Dr. Hazzouri is a licensed psychologist, speaker, and founder of Hazzouri Psychology, a full-service psychology practice in downtown Scranton. Patrice D. Banks is the founder of Girls Auto Clinic, which provides automotive buying and repair resources, products, and services, and is a platform for Banks to educate and empower women through their cars. Attendees will engage with 44 regional speakers through invaluable breakout sessions and have access to a wellness studio and a small business marketplace. Breakout session presenters include: Lori Moran, The University of Scranton; Kathryn Bondi, Posture Interactive; Dr. Andrea DiMattia and Dr. Michelle Schmude, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine; Bethany Staples and Brittany Watt, Market Share Consulting; Dr. Carrie Demers, PureRejuv Wellness Center at the Himalayan Institute; Jennifer Lutsey, Children’s Service Center; Shane Powers, NeighborWorks of Northeastern PA; Jenna Urban, Urban Mac Media; Dr. Elizabeth Carter, AAPPEAL, LLC; Dr. Katie Desiderio, Moravian University; Olivia Eaddy, Prudential; Kristyn Smith, Tobyhanna Army Depot; Eric Acosta, Wilkes University; Nicole Strauser, Prudential; Shanie Mohamed, the Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce; Bella Ceccoli, Scranton Area Community Foundation; Glynis Johns, Black Scranton Project; Kelley Laird, Fidelity Bank; Mandie Hendricks, Janney Montgomery Scott; Dr. Tricia Richards-Service, I Need A Speaker; PA State Senator Rosemary Brown; Marie Beggin, Penn East Federal Credit Union; Chelsey Coslett, NEPIRC; Stephanie Mihal, MMQ & Associates; Dr. Sarah Wodder, Scranton Counseling Center; Jennifer Davis, Sordoni Construction Services, Inc.; Patricia Cummings, Patricia O Cummings Therapy, LLC; Christie Estadt, Body Blueprint PTC; Dr. Barbara Plucknett, The Body Blueprint Demystified; and Brianna Strunk, Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau. For a second year, The Honesdale National Bank will sponsor a teen program at EMPOWER. The program is a unique opportunity specifically curated for teen attendees (ages 16-18) designed to enhance personal and professional development. The Teen Program is in partnership with Leadership Lackawanna and Leadership Northeast. Over 800 attendees will appear at EMPOWER, The Leadership Experience, on April 25. Tickets are available online at www.ScrantonChamber.com.
