SAF Selected for CFLeads’ Economic Mobility Action Network The Scranton Area Community Foundation is proud to announce it is only one of ten foundations nationwide selected by CFLeads to participate in the Economic Mobility Action Network’s advanced cohort, a network funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The Economic Mobility Action Network is made up of twenty community foundations across the nation, chosen through a competitive process, for their work to advance economic mobility in the region they serve, with a focus on equity. The Scranton Area Community Foundation will work with the Rochester Area Community Foundation, North Texas Community Foundation, Cambridge Community Foundation, Foundation For The Carolinas, ACT for Alexandria, and other leading foundations nationwide. In 2023, CFLeads was awarded a $4.8 million grant by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for its economic mobility work and will support the 20 community foundations in two cohorts with capacity-building support and innovative strategies beginning in September 2024. The goal will be to further strengthen and refine the community’s economic mobility plan with a focus on equity. The cohort consists of Laura Ducceschi, Scranton Area Community Foundation President and CEO; Ellen Burkey, Scranton Area Community Foundation Board Chair; Vivian Williams, Scranton Area Community Foundation Director of Community Impact; and key partners from the City of Scranton and the Institute for Public Policy. “This incredible opportunity will provide the Scranton Area Community Foundation with a new national network, allowing it to develop additional relationships with peers who are pioneering innovative approaches to community challenges as well as with funding partners nationwide,” stated Laura Ducceschi, Scranton Area Community Foundation President and CEO. The Economic Mobility Action Network is led by CFLeads’ Economic Mobility team. More information is available on the EMAN webpage. CFLeads’ mission is to help community foundations build strong communities by advancing effective practices, sharing knowledge, and galvanizing action on critical issues of our time. “CFLeads is committed to empowering community foundations to lead change in their local place-based work. With the Economic Mobility Action Network, we’re fostering collaboration among 20 community foundations to advance equitable economic mobility. By aligning our shared focus on racial equity with a community leadership lens, we’re driving systemic change that truly reflects the needs and aspirations of our communities,” stated Mary L. Thomas, CFLeads’ President & CEO. “I am thrilled to announce the selection of an outstanding group of community foundations to join our Economic Mobility Action Network. The competitive process highlighted the incredible commitment and innovative approaches of applicants across the country. In making our selections, we considered not only the strength of each application but also the scope, geographic diversity, institutional alignment, and deep community engagement demonstrated by these foundations. We are confident that this cohort will drive meaningful change and advance economic mobility in their communities,” stated Dr. Leonard Brock Vice President for Learning and Impact (Issues) at CFLeads. To learn more about the Scranton Area Community Foundation, visit safdn.org or contact Mary Joyce, Communications Manager at the Scranton Area Community Foundation at 570-347-6203.
The University of Scranton Hosts Election Panel Discussion University students posed thought provoking questions on the upcoming to panelists at the Pennsylvania Cable Network (PCN) panel discussion. University of Scranton students from the International Relations course taught by Gretchen Van Dyke, Ph.D., associate professor of political science, posed thought-provoking questions on the upcoming presidential election to panelists at an event hosted by Pennsylvania Cable Network (PCN) on campus. The panel discussion will air on PCN stations across the commonwealth on Monday, Sept. 16, at 8 p.m. It will also be posted to their website. Participating in the panel discussion at the University, were, from left: Francine Schertzer, senior vice president and chief content officer for PCN-TV, moderator; and panelists Jean Wahl Harris, Ph.D., professor of political science at the University; Borys Krawczeniuk, a reporter with WVIA; Brit Crampsie, principal for Brit Crampsie Communications; and Christopher Nicholas, principal for Eagle Consulting. The discussion will air on PCN stations on Monday, Sept. 16, at 8 p.m., and will air on PCN stations on Monday, Sept. 16, at 8 p.m., and will also be posted to their website. Scranton was one of just four colleges from across Pennsylvania selected to participate in PCN’s panel discussions about the election. The college panel discussions from the other schools will air at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 17-19. Panelists participating in Scranton’s discussion were: Jean Wahl Harris, Ph.D., professor of political science at the University; Borys Krawczeniuk, a reporter with WVIA; Brit Crampsie, principal for Brit Crampsie Communications; and Christopher Nicholas, principal for Eagle Consulting. Francine Schertzer, senior vice president and chief content officer for PCN-TV, was the moderator.
Child Hunger Outreach Program Hosts Pasta Dinner Fundraiser CHOP Out Hunger will host a special Pasta Dinner Fundraiser. For $15, you can enjoy a meal prepared by Pettinato’s Restaurant, including pasta with a meatball, salad, bread & butter, and dessert. Convenient and ready to enjoy at your leisure! But that’s not all—each meal purchased provides a meal to a child in need. All proceeds from this event will go directly towards funding CHOP Out Hunger’s vital programs that support children, seniors, and families facing food insecurity in our community. Get your tickets today and make a real difference!
Wright Center hires Doctor for Patient Care/Medical Education Dr. Stephen S. Long Jr., an internal medicine-pediatrics (Med-Peds) physician, recently joined The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education. He is now accepting patients of all ages at two of The Wright Center for Community Health’s primary care community health centers. Dr. Long is available for appointments at The Wright Center for Community Health’s Clarks Summit primary care center at 1145 Northern Blvd. in South Abington Township on Mondays and Tuesdays and the Mid Valley primary care center at 5 S. Washington Ave. in Jermyn, from Wednesdays through Fridays. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Long, visit TheWrightCenter.org or specifically call the Clarks Summit location at 570-585-1300 or the Mid Valley location at 570-230-0019. A member of the American College of Physicians, American Academy of Pediatrics, and National Med-Peds Resident Association, Dr. Long received his medical degree from the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. He returned to Northeast Pennsylvania after completing his Med-Peds residency at MaineHealth Maine Medical Center in Portland. A Bethlehem, Pennsylvania native, he earned his Bachelor of Science in biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, and philosophy from the University of Scranton. Dr. Long has also embraced an institutional academic leadership role in faculty development which will allow him to thoughtfully guide and contribute to the professional growth and development of his physician colleagues, while fostering an environment of continuous lifelong learning and improvement. Dr. Long lives in Moscow with his wife, Juliette Meyers, an Archbald native recently hired by The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education as an art therapist. A Valley View High School graduate, she received a master’s degree in art therapy and a bachelor’s degree in communications and media studies from Marywood University.
Groovefest Ceremonial Keg Tapping The event starts at 1pm on Sep 21st and will have an authentic German menu from a local German food truck, Fraulien Meats and Sweets, special Oktoberfest merch and decor, fall favorites like the special barrel aged marshmallow pumpkin porter, and two Oktoberfest beers; Groove’s Oktoberfest Marzen and Weizenfest both on tap and in four packs, with German music playing throughout the day to celebrate.
The University of Scranton Welcomes Guest Performers for Family Weekend Joseph Boga and The Scranton Ramblers with guest guitarist Stephane Wrembel, and an appearance by the University Concert Choir set for Sept. 21. On Saturday, Sept. 21, Performance Music at The University of Scranton will present a concert featuring Joseph Boga and the Scranton Ramblers with guitarist Stephane Wrembel, as part of the University’s annual Family Weekend festivities. The concert, which will also include an appearance by The University of Scranton Concert Choir, begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue. Admission is free and the concert is open to the public. Seating on a first-come, first-seated basis. “All of us in Performance Music are delighted to present such an outstanding Family Weekend concert, especially where our choir gets to perform a piece alongside musical powerhouses Joseph Boga and Stephane Wrembel,” said Janelle Decker, conductor and co-director of Performance Music at Scranton. Boga, an area native, is a member of the legendary group Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks, which appears in New York City every Monday in their roost – Birdland. In addition to his work with Giordano and The Nighthawks, Boga also leads his own groups and has performed and/or recorded with a variety of other ensembles such as Stephane Wrembel’s Django New Orleans, David Ostwald’s Louis Armstrong Eternity Band, Jazz Museum in Harlem All-Stars, James Langton’s New York All-Star Big Band and The Kyle Athayde Dance Party, as well as with artists such as Stephane Wrembel, Wycliffe Gordon, Adrian Cunningham, Loren Schoenberg, Wynton Marsalis and many others. His film appearances include Killers of the Flower Moon, season 2 of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Capote vs. The Swans and others. Stephane Wrembel is quite simply one of the finest guitar players in the world. Though specializing in the Django Reinhardt style, he revels in transcending and expanding, and the breadth and range of his playing and compositions are unmatched. His music incorporates jazz, blues, classical, swing, flamenco and rock. All of these influences come together as a genre identifiable only as Stephane Wrembel. This prolific musician, composer, educator and musical director has released a steady stream of music since 2002, truly making his mark as one of the most original guitar voices in contemporary music. He tours the world and has headlined venues such as Jazz at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, The Town Hall in N.Y.C. and The Lyon Opera House in France, and has dazzled audiences at events like Montreal Jazz Festival, Rochester International Jazz Festival, Django Reinhardt Festival in France, Ellnora Guitar Festival, Caramoor Jazz Festival and many others. Wrembel won a Grammy award for his tune Bistro Fada, which Woody Allen used as the theme song for his 2011 Oscar-winning film, Midnight in Paris. Other musicians performing with The Scranton Ramblers for the concert will include trombonist Sam Chess; guitarist Roy Williams (a native and current resident of the Scranton area); Will Reardon-Anderson, alto sax and clarinet; and Jay Rattman, bass saxophonist (a native of the Delaware Water Gap area. The University of Scranton Concert Choir is an soprano, alto, tenor and bass (SATB) mixed choir comprised of members of the University community from majors and departments spanning the curriculum – none of whom are music majors – who are brought together by their mutual love for making music. They will be performing “La Vie En Rose” with the featured guest ensemble. For further information on the performance, call 570-941-7624, email music@scranton.edu or visit the Performance Music website. For more on Boga, visit josephboga.com, and for more info on Wrembel, visit stephanewrembel.com
Marywood Univeristy and NEPA Philharmonic Collaborate on Concert Marywood University’s music, theatre, and dance (MTD) department is part of a unique performance collaboration between its music faculty and the Northeast PA Philharmonic. A concert, titled “Quartet for the End of Time by Olivier Messiaen,” will take place on Saturday, September 28, at 7 p.m. in the Marian Chapel at the Swartz Center for Spiritual Life on Marywood University’s campus. Featured musicians include Sophie Till–violin; Christiane Vaida–cello; Ron Stabinsky–piano, and Pascal Archer–clarinet. To secure tickets prior to the performance, go to: https://marywood.universitytickets.com/w/event.aspx?id=1580&p=1. Tickets are $15 for the general public or free with a Marywood ID. To learn about other Marywood University MTD events, go to marywood.edu/mtd and scroll to the bottom of the page to view upcoming performances.
UNC’s 8th Annual Welcoming Scranton Celebration United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC) invites the community to our 8th Annual Welcoming Scranton Celebration on Saturday, September 14, 2024, from 10 am to 1 pm at 526 Cedar Avenue, at the corner of Alder Street, in Scranton. This fun-filled celebration is in conjunction with our South Side Farmers Market. Welcoming Scranton, a part of Welcoming Week, is a national celebration that warmly embraces long-term residents and newcomers, fostering a sense of belonging in our shared community. It promotes cross-cultural understanding and raises awareness of the benefits of welcoming everyone. Family, friends, and neighbors can look forward to a wide range of diverse activities at Welcoming Scranton. Enjoy the upbeat Latin sounds of Grupo Zona, free ice cream from Scoopz Ice Cream Truck, free face painting with local artist Monica Noelle, and free balloon animals with Becky Corby. Many other community resource organizations will also be joining us. Shop our 15+ Farmers Markets vendors and their one-day special $5 deal, purchase authentic Mexican food from El Buen Amigo, and challenge your mind with cultural trivia, activities, and games from UNC’s Community Revitalization and Education Departments for fun prizes. For more information, please contact Chrissy Manuel, UNC’s Director of Development and Communication, at 570.878.5643 or cmanuel@uncnepa.org.
