United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike Distributed Grants at Campaign Kickoff The United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike is delighted to announce the distribution of $63,000 in grants to several deserving Wayne County nonprofit organizations. These grants aim to empower and strengthen our community by providing essential support for a range of initiatives that benefit our residents and improve the quality of life in Wayne County. With the United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike’s 2023-2024 Campaign in full swing, these grants were the result of generous contributions during last year’s fundraising efforts. The recipients of these grants were selected through an application and review process, in which a group of Wayne County volunteers evaluated applications based on their potential impact, alignment with our community’s needs, and ability to make a difference in the lives of our neighbors. The following nonprofit organizations, along with their program, have been chosen to receive funding: The ARC of Northeastern PA: Advocacy Services Child Hunger Outreach Partners (CHOP): CHOP in School Pantry and Backpack Programs The Cooperage: Bright Kids Diakon Child, Family and Community Ministries: RSVP of Berks, Pike and Wayne Counties Program Girls on the Run – Lehigh Valley and Pocono: GOTR Wayne County Program Expansion Habitat for Humanity: Multi-Family Home Honesdale Communities That Care: Communities That Care – Scholarship Program Hose Co. No. 1- Honesdale Fire Department: Can you lend us a Hand (Tools) Lacawac Sanctuary: Youth Environmental Stewardship Institute Maternal & Family Health: Nurse-Family Partnership Program Salvation Army: Back-to-School Clothing Program Second Harvest: Expanded Food Access Victims Intervention Program: Victims Intervention Program Wayne County Public Library: Wellness in Winter at the Wayne County Public Library Wayne County Community Foundation: Wayne County Drug and Treatment Court Fund Workforce Wayne: WP Shine United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike is dedicated to fostering collaboration and innovation among local nonprofits, and these grants are just one way we work towards achieving that mission. We believe that by supporting these organizations, we can create a stronger, more resilient community for everyone. A Campaign Kickoff event was held the night of Tuesday, September 19th at Wallenpaupack Brewing Company where the grants were distributed amongst Wayne County’s best. The United Way formally began their campaign in Wayne and Pike County as they also welcomed Pike County under their wing of the 100+ year tradition of the United Way serving Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Marywood University to Host Forum Addressing Violence with Bestselling Author The Defenders of Democracy, a nonpartisan grassroots advocacy organization currently focused on a collaborative community approach to violence prevention, will host a forum in response to the growing epidemic of violence in our country. The forum, “A Community Confronts Violence: A New Vision,” will be held on Thursday, October 12, 2023, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Nazareth Hall, Marywood University. The event is free to attend and is open to the public. Michael Fanone, the former District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Officer who nearly died on January 6, 2021, at the Capitol in Washington, D.C., will be the keynote speaker. Officer Fanone will discuss his bestselling book, Hold the Line, which addresses many of today’s most critical issues and how they impact our lives. Joining Officer Fanone will be Dr. Matthew Schaffer, the Director of Psychological Services at Marywood University and an expert in threat assessment, who will lead an interactive discussion about creating a community initiative to prevent violence in our region. The event’s goal is to bring together the various governmental, public, and private entities working on violence prevention and to explore models that have been effective in other communities and countries. The Defenders of Democracy was established and is administered through the Scranton Area Community Foundation to foster issues in civic engagement. “The Scranton Area Community Foundation supports events that bring the community together to work on solutions that enhance the quality of life for all people in Northeastern Pennsylvania,” stated Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “This event aims to convene the community to work on solutions that address violence within our communities. It is an important topic that has come up more and more frequently in community conversations, both locally and nationwide.” Copies of Officer Fanone’s Hold the Line book will be available for sale. Officer Fanone will stay to autograph copies following the event. Munley Law is the presenting sponsor. While the event is free and open to the public, registration is required. Register at https://www.campusce.net/marywood/course/course.aspx?catId=62.
FNCB Bank Supports UNICO Scranton Coat Drive With $1,000 Grant FNCB Bank, locally based since 1910, has announced a $1,000 grant to UNICO Scranton to help purchase new winter coats for children in need at Friends of the Poor in Scranton. “We take for granted having a warm coat when temperatures drop, but for many in our community, this is not always the case,“ said Michael Cummings, FNCB Bank Senior Vice President, Marketing Manager. “In addition to our donation, we encourage folks to drop off new or gently used men’s, women’s, and children’s coats at any FNCB Bank location in Lackawanna County to help tackle this need.” The support of UNICO Scranton and the Friends of the Poor is part of FNCB’s larger Community Caring initiative. A true, local community bank, FNCB Bank is making a difference through volunteerism, donations, and outreach programs.
Marywood University Celebrated EMPOWER Campaign at Launch Event On Friday, at an outdoor celebratory launch event, Marywood University announced the public phase of its comprehensive campaign, EMPOWER: The Campaign for Marywood. The event, which featured the popular local band, The Chatter, kicked off the campaign as well as Marywood’s Alumni and Family Weekend. Alumni, students and their families, faculty, staff, and members of the greater community attended the announcement and the celebration that followed. EMPOWER is a multi-year effort to raise $30 million with three priority areas: to create access to education through scholarships for students with financial need, to reimagine campus through the construction, renovation, and renewal of buildings and spaces to support growing programs and next-gen learning, and to enhance the student experience through annual and endowed philanthropic support. To date, Marywood has raised $24 million from alumni, parents, and friends of the University during the quiet phase of the campaign. During the event, Marywood University President Sister Mary Persico, IHM, Ed.D. introduced the official campaign video, and followed its presentation by stating, “Through the EMPOWER campaign, we are embarking on a journey that transcends the boundaries of our campus. The impact of this campaign will ripple far beyond these walls, reaching into the very heart of our local community and contributing to the development of the region.” She continued, “By empowering our students, by fostering innovation and learning, we are sparking a chain reaction that will uplift our local communities, stimulate economic growth, grow the workforce, and inspire a brighter future for all.” Campaign co-chairs, Marywood Board of Trustees Chair Lisa Lori, Esq. and Marywood Trustee Robert Tamburro, followed Sister Mary, with Atty. Lori noting, “Marywood’s commitment to education has always been steadfast, empowering students to believe in themselves and serve their communities…Together, we will create, reimagine, and enhance the future of Marywood University.”
The Chamber Announces the 2023 SAGE Awards Finalists The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce announces the finalists for the 2023 SAGE Awards, the Scranton Awards for Growth and Excellence. The SAGE Awards honor outstanding local businesses and nonprofits for their talent, creativity, and innovation. The winners will be announced on Friday, November 3, at The Chamber Gala, a black-tie optional event that will be held at the Scranton Art Haus. More than 90 applications were received for this year’s awards, and nearly 40 community leaders and professionals volunteered to review applications and select finalists. The Chamber is proud to honor businesses and nonprofits that are making valuable contributions to the region and contributing to our overall quality of life. The finalists, in each category, are: Business of the Year BDA Architects, LLC. Titan Tree Service, Inc. United Sports Academy Community Involvement Excellence Alter House Restaurant Sordoni Construction Services, Inc. Tobyhanna Army Depot Customer Service Excellence NET Credit Union Tech42 LLC. TheKimmy Marketing and Communications Excellence Posture Interactive The Honesdale National Bank Wayne Bank New and Emerging Business of the Year LFG Life Fitness Goals Market Share Consulting Serenity Care Personal Care Community Non-Profit Organization of the Year Scranton Counseling Center Scranton Jazz Festival WVIA Products and Services Excellence I NEED A SPEAKER Merut Construction Reed Advisory Group, LC. Small Business of the Year Blu Elefante Events Ski Shack The Training Loft Workplace Excellence Children’s Service Center of the Wyoming Valley The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education Woodloch Resort 2023 Milestone Award Recipients New for 2023, the Member Milestone Award recognizes businesses and nonprofits celebrating an anniversary in 5-year increments. Each business and nonprofit will be recognized and presented with a certificate. American Heart Association BDA Architects, LLC. Fidelity Bank Goodwill Industries of Northeastern Pennsylvania Highland Associates, Ltd. Inspired Studio Montage Mountain Resorts Needle Law PC Outreach – Center for Community Resources Ski Shack Space Time Mead & Cider Works Talerico’s Tropical Winery Tobyhanna Army Depot WNEP WVIA Additionally, all SAGE Award finalists can also win the People’s Choice Award, where the winner will be chosen by a community wide online vote, available on www.scrantonchamber.com from Monday, October 9 through Friday, October 13.
Keystone Mission Secures Public Shower Access Keystone Mission successfully advocated and secured public shower access for the unhoused population it serves in the City of Scranton at its facilities open for public use. Guests at Keystone Mission’s Innovation Center now have access to showers at Scranton’s Weston Field House, to preserve their health, safety, and dignity just as all other members of the public, thanks to a meeting with agency leaders and personnel.Shower access allows guests to clean up for job interviews, obtain job interviews, and other opportunities that would not be available to them.
Tobyhanna Army Depot Artisans Recognized on National Tradesman Day Tobyhanna Army Depot celebrated National Tradesman Day by shining a spotlight on some of its expert tradesmen and saluting all tradesmen who contribute to the organization’s mission. The depot employs artisans in a variety of trades for both mission and base operations. Many other tradespeople work in the Installation Services Directorate’s Facilities Maintenance Branch, providing vital support to base operations and tackling a broad mission that ranges from plumbing to electrical and beyond, according to Public Works Division Chief James Wisnewski. “The Facilities Maintenance Branch defines what it means to be a customer service organization. No matter how complex or urgent the task is, they are always up for the challenge. Their efforts ensure that Tobyhanna can accomplish its C5ISR mission,” he said. Scott Burti joined the Facilities Maintenance Branch three years ago, after a successful career as a commercial electrician. A father of five, he says he sought federal employment for opportunity. “My family is the most important thing to me and my prior career had me consistently working 11-to-12-hour days, 7 days a week. I am thankful for the opportunity to be a part of Team Tobyhanna, where I can use my skills while also having great work-life balance.” Burti lauded the depot workforce as one of the organization’s greatest assets. “I have made some of the best friends I’ve ever had here. The people here are amazing.” While the depot’s vast campus allows Burti to utilize his electrical knowledge, he considers himself a lifelong learner and recently shadowed Installation Services directors as part of the TOBY2035 Federal Wage System Directorate Internship Program. He says the internship was truly eye-opening. “Shadowing Mr. Ramey and Ms. Leonard changed my perception of what is required to be a senior leader at Tobyhanna. Experiences like this [the internship] are key to dispelling myths and improving our culture,” adding that he hopes to use his dynamic background to benefit Tobyhanna’s business operations in the future. A graduate of East Stroudsburg University, Burti earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in business with a concentration in psychology and is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration degree. He is also a current member of the Leadership Lackawanna Core Class of 2023-2024. In his personal life, Burti enjoys golfing, spending time with his family and volunteering in his community. Michael Gaudette is a Maintenance Mechanic in the Installation Services Directorate. He is known around TYAD for his wealth of abilities which include plumbing, fitting pipes, and managing the heat and boilers on base. Prior to joining Team Tobyhanna in 2008, he had 15 years of experience doing residential and commercial work of the same sort. Although Gaudette has taken a few classes here and there, he considers himself trained on the job. He said he trained alongside individuals with years of experience and learned many best practices from those mentors. Although grateful for the experience he gained, he looked to TYAD in search of something better, citing the flexibility as one of the main things that brought him here. As TYAD covers 2.4 million square feet of space, it’s easy to imagine that no two days repeat themselves. Gaudette said that is what he likes best about working here. “For me it’s always something different. I’m not in the same place every day,” said Gaudette. “We have tons of different buildings around TYAD and I’m in different buildings all the time. No job is ever the same.” One highlight of his depot career thus far came in 2010 when Gaudette served for six months in Afghanistan working on Counter Improvised Explosive Devices. Although never having formally enlisted, he said he viewed the eye-opening experience as his way of helping to give back. Outside of TYAD, Gaudette enjoys the outdoors, describing himself as an avid golfer, hunter and fisherman. He also enjoys spending time with his family and watching his four grandchildren participate in youth soccer and baseball. Daniel Unger is an Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic in the Installation Services Directorate. Growing up in a nearby community, Unger said he’s known about TYAD and its mission of supporting the Warfighter for most of his life. He attended Johnson College where he graduated with a Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC) degree in 2019 and said that upon graduation, he wanted to try his best to join the Depot’s talented workforce. Unger described himself as a hands-on person. He said knew early on that he wanted to enter an industry that allowed him to keep his hands moving. He took an interest in HVAC after shadowing a family friend who owned a HVAC business. Unger officially joined Team Tobyhanna in 2020 as a contractor and was brought on as a full-time employee in May 2022. Like Gaudette, he said that his favorite thing about working at TYAD is that every day is different and presents a new challenge. “The thing I like most about my job is that there’s so many different places and so many different types of equipment. I even have my own van,” said Unger. “[TYAD] is almost like its own little city so I don’t really work on the same equipment every day. It is always something new.” When he’s not at work, Unger keeps busy by riding his 2021 Harley Davidson motorcycle around and working on his antique truck, a 1984 Ford F350. He also has his own HVAC business doing residential installations in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Facilities Maintenance Branch Chief John MacKinney III lauded the trio and emphasized their commitment to Tobyhanna’s mission. “These are some of the most dedicated folks I have worked with. They stay late or come in at all hours of the day to address emergencies,” he said. “I feel honored to lead this team, and hope we continue to exceed expectations.” Installation Services Director William Ramey agreed. “They bring a wealth of knowledge to support our critical infrastructure requirements. Their commitment to teamwork and solving complex problems contributes to the success of our entire installation,” said Ramey. Joshua Ward is one of Team Tobyhanna’s newest members, serving as a Heavy Mobile Equipment Mechanic in the Production Engineering Directorate’s Mobile Equipment Branch. Ward and his colleagues in the depot Motor Pool sustain mission-critical equipment such as forklifts, utility vehicles, excavators and much more. A Northeastern Pennsylvania native, Ward worked in the private sector as a plumber prior to his depot career. He says his current role is a better fit for his abilities. “I worked as a mechanic in the Army, so being a part of the Motor Pool allows me to use that experience. Every day here is unique, and I like being able to work on different types of equipment for different reasons. Some days, I’m fighting to fix a door latch and others, I am changing batteries.” Among Ward’s key roles is serving as Tobyhanna’s roll back operator – a role pivotal to Tobyhanna’s mission supporting military readiness. Roll back materiel movement is required to relocate assets from one part of the depot to another, as well as to transport equipment on-and-off post for service not available in the Motor Pool. While he’s only worked as an Army Civilian for a few months, Ward is no stranger to Tobyhanna Army Depot – he previously served on post as a member of U.S. Army Reserve’s 392nd Signal Battalion. Ward continues to serve his nation as a member of the 412th Engineering Company, headquartered in Scranton and has more than 10 years of military service under his belt. Like others, Ward noted the immense number of opportunities available at Tobyhanna Army Depot and says he is setting big goals for himself. “In the future, I want to move into leadership, and I’m working now to identify courses that can help me grow. I also want to continue my education.” In his limited free time, Ward enjoys do-it-yourself projects on his home, spending time with his two young children, and fishing – especially at Barney’s Lake. Ward’s supervisor, Michael Fedorisin, celebrated Ward and the impact he has made in such a short time. “Josh is a great worker and a true asset to our Motor Pool team. He doesn’t hesitate to take on a repair that is out of his normal day-to-day routine, as he is always looking to expand his skill set. His drive and strong work ethic show his passion to support his fellow warfighters.”
UNC’s Carbondale Farmers Market Introduces New Program United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s Carbondale Farmers Market is happy to introduce a new program to stretch the food dollars of SNAP/EBT recipients called Fresh Produce Food Bucks, thanks to a Nutrition Incentive Program in partnership with The Food Trust in Philadelphia. The Food Trust Fresh Produce Food Bucks program helps make fresh produce and other healthy foods accessible and affordable. Food Bucks are SNAP incentives earned at the point of purchase by shoppers paying with SNAP. At Carbondale Farmers Market, for every $4.00 in SNAP benefits spent, the customer will receive $2.00 in Fresh Produce Food Bucks with no limit each week. Individuals that spend $20.00 in SNAP/EBT will receive $10.00 to shop for fresh produce every week. Individuals are encouraged to speak with the Market Manager during market hours to learn more about the program. SNAP/EBT benefits can be utilized at any vendors who sell SNAP qualified products. Food Bucks can be redeemed at any of our produce vendors including Halstead’s Farm, Sturdy Greens and Mid-Valley Organics; to purchase local, fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and mushrooms. Carbondale Farmers Market provides space for our customers to shop with local businesses and farmers every week, year-round.
PennDOT Invites Pennsylvanians to Share Feedback on Construction and Maintenance Services The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is accepting construction and maintenance services feedback through an online survey. The public can take the survey through October 20 by visiting 2023 PennDOT Construction/Maintenance Customer Satisfaction Survey. Construction and maintenance work has been underway across the state this year. From January through August, 485 bridges were put out for bid to be repaired, replaced or preserved by PennDOT or industry forces. So far this year 161 state and local bridges were completed, 17 of which went out for bid this year. Additionally, from January through August more than 3,100 roadway miles were improved by department or partner crews. This includes 1,065 miles of paving. “The PennDOT team and our industry partners work hard to keep people moving and our economy growing,” PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll said. “This survey is one way that we continually look for educational opportunities and areas of success or potential improvement.” The 24-question survey asks respondents how they receive PennDOT roadway information and how often PennDOT meets or exceeds expectations in construction and maintenance activities. Respondents are also asked about experiences with reporting concerns to the department, and whether or how they use the state’s 511PA traveler information services. Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras. 511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional Twitter alerts. Subscribe to statewide PennDOT news and traffic alerts at www.penndot.pa.gov/news or choose a region under “Regional Offices.” Information about the state’s infrastructure and results the department is delivering for Pennsylvanians can be found at www.penndot.pa.gov/results. Find PennDOT’s planned and active construction projects at www.projects.penndot.gov.
Johnson College and CAN DO Host Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to Celebrate Grand Opening In a joint celebration held today, September 27, CAN DO and Johnson College held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the ‘Johnson College at the CAN DO Training Center’. This celebration comes after the two institutions announced their partnership to bring a technical school to the Greater Hazleton Area earlier this year. The ‘Johnson College at the CAN DO Training Center’ ribbon cutting event showcased the expansive 20,000 sq. ft. facility – which was once home to the former McCann School of Business and Technology. Guests were invited to tour the new school, including classrooms, lab spaces, and the campus resource center that is open to all students. Capriotti’s Catering and Little Treats and Cakes by Janna catered the event with light lunch fare and desserts. Dr. Katie Leonard, President and CEO of Johnson College, and Joseph Lettiere, President and CEO of CAN DO, were both present and spoke about how this partnership is a monumental achievement for the Greater Hazleton Area, its residences, and its businesses. Dr. Katie Leonard spoke of the importance of the College’s industry partners throughout her remarks. “I like to say that we are founded and grounded in industry”, she mentioned. “The industry partnerships we’ve fostered here in the Greater Hazleton region helped us identify the need for skilled technicians and technologists in the area and the need for us to create unique, hands-on, industry-driven experiences for students who want to work within those industries.” During his remarks, CAN DO President and CEO, Joseph Lettiere, stated, “CAN DO’s partnership with Johnson College is monumental for the Greater Hazleton Area and its residents as a whole. Through the various programs available on this campus, our community will have direct access to the necessary training and education our industries are in need of…these programs truly move the needle for members of our community by providing industrial education that will ultimately lead to family- and life-sustaining careers.” Other key members of this partnership and esteemed dignitaries also in attendance included Charles Burkhardt, Chair of the CAN DO Board of Directors, Pat Dietz, Chair of the Johnson College Board of Directors, Pennsylvania State Senator David Argall, representing Pennsylvania’s 29th Senatorial District, and members from both CAN DO and Johnson College’s Board of Directors. With its strategic positioning inside of the Humboldt Industrial Park, Johnson College’s Hazleton campus will provide students with advantageous proximity to nearly 70 industries currently employing more than 11,000 individuals. The campus is also now a central education hub for communities within lower Luzerne and surrounding counties. While classes officially began on August 28, the new school offers a robust curriculum aimed to cater to the diverse academic and industry needs of the Greater Hazleton Area community. Notable program offerings include a 2-Year Associate Degree in Applied Science for Electrical Construction Technology and 1-Year Academic Certificate programs in Welding Technology, Industrial Technology, and Building and Property Maintenance. Additionally, the school offers continuing education certificate courses in Medical Assistant, Computer Support, and Security Specialist, as well as Class A CDL Driver Training. For more information about these upcoming programs, visit johnson.edu/Hazleton.