Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Raises Money for Students Braving the weather for a good cause,golfers enjoyed camaraderie and a round at one of northeastern Pennsylvania’s most scenic courses on June 12 while donating to bolster the future of health care in the region. The Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Golf Classic, sponsored by PNC Bank, was held at Glenmaura National Golf Club and raised money to support medical student scholarships. “We’re grateful to everyone who participated in the Golf Classic or donated to the Student Scholarship Fund, and to PNC Bank, whose sponsorship helped make this event possible,” said Julie Byerley, M.D., M.P.H, president of Geisinger College of Health Sciences, dean of Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, and executive vice president and chief academic officer of Geisinger. “Their generosity lays a foundation for our future medical students, physicians and the continued care of the communities we serve.” With an aging population in the region and a national physician shortage, recruitment and retention of students from diverse backgrounds and financial means is critical to providing care locally and nationally. Geisinger’s Student Scholarship Fund helps educate and train doctors who can help close the physician gap, some of whom will serve northeastern and central Pennsylvania.
United Way Announces Scholarship Recipient The United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike awarded the Mike Munchak Community Service Scholarship to Vanessa Hodges, a 2023 graduate of Forest City Regional High School. The scholarship award was officially presented as part of the 27th Annual Mike Munchak Charity Golf Classic to benefit the United Way held at the Country Club of Scranton. The sold-out golf tournament raised over $100,000 for United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike. Over $1,500,000 have been raised during the 27 years of this golf outing. “For the past 27 years it has been our honor to welcome Mike back home to Scranton, and we remain grateful to him for his unwavering commitment to the people of our community,” said Gary Drapek, President and CEO of the United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike. The United Way established the Mike Munchak Community Service Scholarship to assist high school students from Lackawanna, Wayne and Pike Counties, who plan to continue their education in an accredited university, college, or trade school in a two or four-year degree program. The amount of the one-time scholarship is $6,300 in honor of Mike’s #63, retired by the Houston Oilers in 1994. Completing the scholarships 12th year of existence, a total amount of $75,600 in scholarship funds have been distributed to local graduates. To be eligible, candidates must be volunteers in programs funded by the United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike, have a demonstrated commitment through community service activities and be full-time residents and/or students of a school district within Lackawanna, Wayne or Pike Counties. Additional requirements include a demonstrated financial need, academic achievement, agency recommendation and a track record of community service. “Education is one of our pillars here at the United Way. This scholarship is a prime example of how important a good education along with strong community involvement is in helping ensure Lackawanna, Wayne and Pike Counties continue to Live United. Every year we are amazed at the amount of Hall-of-Fame caliber seniors who apply for this scholarship. The future certainly remains bright here in NEPA,” added Drapek. The 2023 scholarship recipient is Vanessa Hodges, a Forest City Regional High School graduate who will be attending Penn State Scranton to pursue a degree in Business. Vanessa’s community service accomplishments include the American Red Cross Blood Drive, Feed a Friend Program, Toys for Tots, Steamtown Marathon, Teresa’s Angels and her senior project supporting the Annual Forest City Softball Parents Club. Additionally, Vanessa is a member of the National Honor Society, Future Business Leaders of America, Student Council, the Yearbook Committee as well as an array of clubs and activities in which she is engaged. The Scholarship Committee noted Vanessa’s superior GPA as well as the leadership qualities she exhibited throughout her time at Forest City Regional. “Funding essential programs throughout Lackawanna, Wayne and Pike Counties as well as running our own community outreach programs has led us into our 2nd Century of Service in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Continuously evolving each and every year has been the key to our success. Like the mindset of a Hall-of-Fame Athlete, we set a goal every year and do everything in our power to achieve that goal, just like our homegrown football legend himself, Mike Munchak,” Drapek concluded.
UCP of NEPA Summit Slam Pickleball Tournament United Cerebral Palsy of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UCP of NEPA) will host the “Summit Slam Pickleball Tournament for UCP of NEPA” from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 22, at Birchwood Tennis and Fitness Center, 105 Edella Rd., Clarks Summit. The event is a non-sanctioned, round-robin tournament of men’s, women’s, and mixed teams. Teams will enjoy playing on eight newly-surfaced, indoor Nova® hard pickleball courts and will have access to modern clubhouse facilities. All players will receive an official tournament shirt, player gift bag, bottled water, and a free drink coupon for a beverage from the exclusive event drink menu at the “Clink & Dink Tournament Eve Happy Hour The “Clink & Dink Tournament Eve Happy Hour” will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, July 21, at Andy Gavin’s Eatery & Pub, 1392 N. Washington Ave., Scranton. This event will include pickle-themed drink specials, food, raffles, and more. Prior to the event, any guest who makes a $10 donation via UCP of NEPA’s website, www.ucpnepa.org, will receive a free drink coupon for an item from the exclusive event drink menu. There also will be a basket and gift card raffle of prizes from restaurants, businesses, and more located throughout northeastern Pennsylvania. Chances may be purchased at either event or online at www.ucpnepa.org. For more information, please contact Mrs. Jackie Galvin, M.S., director of communications and development, at j.galvin@ucpnepa.org or 570-347-3357, ext. 33. To register to play or to provide sponsorship or donation, visit www.ucpnepa.org. All event proceeds will be used to fund programs to help children with special needs develop their skills and abilities through UCP of NEPA’s children’s service center, Clarks Summit.
Winner Announced in YMCA Lap Swim Challenge Fundraiser On Saturday, June 17th, the Greater Scranton YMCA held its Inaugural Lap Swim Challenge. The event was a great success, raising $3,602 for the Greater Scranton YMCA’s Stingrays Swim Team. We had 38 community members participate in the challenge. The grand prize winner, Rachel Frissell, swam 134 lengths of the pool in the allotted 45-minute challenge time frame. She will receive an annual membership to the Greater Scranton YMCA. Attached are the results of the challenge.
Northeast Regional Cancer Institute Receives Donation from Fundraiser The Northeast Regional Cancer Institute received $7,675 from La Belle Soirée à Paris Fundraiser. In August, the family of Judi H. Perry Hartridge, a cancer survivor who passed away in 2007, hosted a fundraiser, La Belle Soirée à Paris. The event was held at Maiolatesi Wine Cellars. It featured live music by concert pianist, John Paris and Paul LaBelle and The Exact Change All Star Band. Additionally, there was a 50/50 and a basket raffle. Over $7,600 was raised from the fundraiser. Proceeds support the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute. The Judi H. Rock On Committee has been working with NRCI and hosting fundraisers for several years in honor of Judi H. Perry Hartridge. Paul LaBelle is the Founder of Judi H. Rock On. About The Northeast Regional Cancer Institute The Northeast Regional Cancer Institute is a nonprofit community-based agency serving seven counties in northeast Pennsylvania with offices located in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre. Focusing on surveillance, community and patient services, and hospital and practice support services, the Cancer Institute invests 100% of its resources locally. PHOTO ATTACHED: La Belle Soirée Check Presentation The Judi H. Rock On Committee presented the Cancer Institute with a check from the La Belle Soirée event. From left to right: Amanda E. Marchegiani, Community Relations Coordinator, Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, John Hartridge, Karen M. Saunders, President, Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, Paul LaBelle, Founder of Judi H. Rock On, Johnny Hartridge, Sharon LaBelle, Carmel D’Angelo, and Dana Morris.
Woodloch Resort to Host 14th Annual “A Night for the Cure” On Sunday, October 23, 2022, Woodloch, an inclusive resort in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains, will host the 14th annual A Night for the Cure. The tricky-tray fundraiser benefits Susan G. Komen for the Cure as part of BK Hope Cures. Originally established 23 years ago by Bob Kiesendahl (BK), co-owner of Woodloch and leukemia survivor, the organization’s mission is to raise awareness and funds in the fight against cancer. Held in the Heritage Nightclub at Woodloch from 5 to 8 PM, the family-friendly evening will feature over 150 items donated by local individuals and businesses, as well as wine and beer tastings, hors d’oeuvres, a dessert table, and a 50/50 raffle. Guests will enjoy live entertainment and have the chance to win dining gift certificates, unique gift baskets, and overnight stay packages at the area’s leading resorts and hotels. Admission costs $10, and 100% of the proceeds benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure. 50% of the dollars raised stay right here in Pennsylvania for education, screening and treatment grants, and 50% goes towards cancer research. The dress code is casual, and attendees are encouraged to wear pink in support of the cause. Last year, over 400 people attended and more than $15,000 was raised. “Every year the event gets bigger and better. It’s a great night to celebrate with friends, raise money for the cause, show our support for survivors, and take a chance on some really great prizes. We are extremely grateful to the local businesses and individuals who donate their time and talents to make A Night for the Cure the special event that it is,” said Bob Kiesendahl. In addition to A Night for the Cure, Hope Cures also holds two other fundraising events each year — a golf tournament and a 5K run/walk. Over the past 23 years, Hope Cures has raised over $1.3 million. These funds benefit cancer research and patient care at several worthy facilities and foundations. For more information, please visit: www.bkhopecures.org/trickytray. Additionally, table and room reservations can be arranged by calling Woodloch Resort at 570-685-8002.
Rescue & Restore Church Fundraising Banquet Join Rescue & Restore Church for dinner and an evening of hope and encouragement with Auntie Anne Beiler, founder of Auntie Anne’s® Pretzels. The “Beauty for Ashes: Nothing In Life Is Wasted.” fundraising banquet will take place on Friday, August 26th from 7-9 p.m. at Fiorelli Family Catering. Anne Beiler, better known as Auntie Anne, the Founder of Auntie Anne’s® Pretzels, the world’s largest hand-rolled pretzel franchise. Anne’s journey towards success began many years before she rolled the first pretzel when she and her husband experienced any parent’s worst nightmare – losing a child. This propelled Anne into years of darkness, depression, sexual abuse, and despair, but out of her pain came purpose and the desire to persevere towards personal and professional success. Many television shows have featured Anne’s Entrepreneurial insights and personal story, including Secret Millionaire, The Oprah Winfrey Show, Good Morning America, ANDERSON, and Food Court Wars. Many of us can relate to Anne’s personal struggles. Her mission is to help women overcome the pain, blame, and shame of their past by sharing their stories so they can lead with purpose. We hope you’ll join us for this very special evening! Register here.
Waverly Community House Events The Waverly Community House is hosting several events. Easter Bunny Hop Saturday, April 9thWhen: Saturday, April 9th, 2022 1:00pm – 3:00pm Where: Comm Back Lawn 1115 North Abington Rd, Waverly $30.00 per family Join us for crafts, games, live music from the Doug Smith Dixieland Band, a bake sale, egg hunt, and of course, a visit from our favorite Easter Bunny! Today is the last day to buy tickets! Please click HERE for tickets. The 2022 Waverly Waddle Saturday, May 7thWhat: A 5K Run/Walk fundraiser around scenic Waverly Where: The Waverly Community House, 1115 N. Abington Road, Waverly, PA When: Saturday, May 7, 2022 – 8:00-8:45 am check in – 9:00 race start! Register online HERE! Register by April 15th to receive a race tee shirt! Questions: Please call 570.586.8191, Ext 2 Kathy Wright Visit “The Upstairs Thrift”! Our upscale thrift shop featuring women’s, men’s, and children’s clothing and housewares. Spring is in the shop!!! Stop by The Comm Library Enjoy our lending library. We have an updated assortment of adult and children’s books. Check out our Destination Freedom Special Exhibits GalleryAmong the exhibits are a wooden cane with names of local Civil War prisoners of war, a Bible found on the Gettysburg battlefield, medicinal bottle from the practice of Waverly’s Dr. Andrew Bedford, Waverly Grand Army of the Republic Post No. 307 Sketch Book, a portrait of Jonathan Jasper Wright, a poster sized image of African American Civil War veterans returning to Montrose in 1865, and a collection of Civil War era newspapers, to name just a few. The Gallery is open on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 5:00 to 7:00 pm or by appointment by calling 570-586-8191 Ext. 2 or by visiting the website: www.waverlywalkingtours.org. Questions may be emailed to ejmurphy@waverlycomm.org.
