NeighborWorks Accepting Applications for the Beautiful Blocks Program NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania Beautiful Blocks program is still accepting applications for our 2024 program cycle! Residents of the City of Scranton, City of Carbondale, and (new for 2024!) City of Pittston are invited to join with their neighbors to apply for our Beautiful Blocks program. Beautiful Blocks provides matching grants of up to $1,000 per property to groups of five or more residents in participating communities to help them make exterior improvements to their homes. The Beautiful Blocks program seeks to make neighborhoods throughout Scranton, Pittston, and Carbondale more attractive places to live. Eligible exterior improvements include everything from landscaping and painting to larger projects like sidewalks, front porch repair, door and window replacement, and more! This is the first year Beautiful Blocks is available to residents of the City of Pittston. Also new this year, Scranton residents who decide to replace their front sidewalk are eligible for an additional $3,000 in grant funds, on top of the $1,000 standard grant and the property owner’s $1,000 match. Our Beautiful Blocks program closes for applications at the close of business on Monday, March 18. Don’t miss your chance to improve your neighborhood through this innovative and engaging program! Interested residents are asked to read and review our pre-application instructions, before working with neighbors to complete the pre-application document. These items are available on our Beautiful Blocks homepage, where interested residents can also access video testimonials from our past program cycles. More information is also available by contacting Gerard Hetman, NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania Community Development Specialist, at (570) 558-2490 or ghetman@nwnepa.org.
Johnson College Hosts Spring Open House Johnson College will hold a Spring Open House on Saturday, March 23, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on its Scranton campus. To register to attend the Open House, visit Johnson.edu/openhouse or contact Johnson College’s Enrollment Department at 570-702-8856 or enroll@johnson.edu. The Open House will include discussions about the admissions process, information about financial aid for those who qualify, and student services such as student life, student support, and career services. Plus, same-day acceptance will be available for many programs if students bring their high school or college transcripts. Tours of each technical area will be conducted, and program directors and instructors will be available to review the specifics of their programs.
NEPIRC Announces Upcoming Events & Trainings The month of April Events & Trainings April 3, 2024 – Arc Flash / NFPA 70E Training Starting April 9 – 8-Week Leadership Development Essentials April 10 – ISO 9001:2015 Internal Auditor Training Starting April 24 – Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Training Starting April 15 – SolidWorks Essentials Training The Month of May Events & Trainings Starting May 9 – High-Impact Leadership Training Starting May 9 – Two-Hour Leadership Development Essentials Seminar Starting May 13 – Lean Specialist Certificate Program Learn more online at NEPIRC Training, Workshops & Events – NEPIRC
The Dime Bank Donates to Local Wayne County Organization The Dime Bank donates $125,000.00 to the Wayne County YMCA Project through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development under the Neighborhood Assistance Program Tax Credit Program (NAP). The Wayne County YMCA Project qualifies for the NAP grant under a Special Programs Priorities as this project is considered a rural initiative which encourages nonprofit organizations to develop projects that have a positive community and economic impact in rural areas. This is a multi-phase project to build a new state-of-the-art facility. Chief Financial Officer Jeffrey Roche stated, “At The Dime Bank, community involvement is not just a value – it’s a way of life. We understand the importance of supporting and nurturing the areas we serve. We are dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of our customers and neighbors. At the YMCA, strengthening community is their cause, and we are happy to help them accomplish that goal.” “A community project of this size and scope would not be possible without the support of The Dime Bank. This donation will enable us to complete phase II of this project that includes the completion of final engineering / design which will position the Project for the construction phase. Thank you to The Dime Bank for their commitment and participation in this critical community project,” stated Paul Edwards, Co-Chairperson Wayne County YMCA Board of Trustees.
Everything Natural Hosts “Wellness Wednesdays” Series Everything Natural is launching a monthly educational series called “WELLNESS WEDNESDAYS “. These sessions, offered once a month, usually on a Wednesday at 6 p.m., will feature Q&A discussions with regional experts on a wide range of topics. Also in the mix will be experiential classes, such as yoga, qigong, dance, cooking, and healthy lifestyle concerns. Our presenters are experienced, credentialed professionals offering the most up-to-date and comprehensive information for your personal enrichment. Everything Natural’s mission is to serve the community, and as such, there is no charge for the series. Series Kickoff: March 20 Intro to Ayurveda Emma Hobson, Certified Instructor Call the store to register at 570-586-9684
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders Offers Discount to College & Military Fans The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, Triple-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, have announced two special offers for the upcoming 2024 season. An upgraded College Rush ticket offer has returned for students and the club has also updated its offer for active or retired members of the military. College Rush The RailRiders College Rush ticket offer has been improved for 2024. College students can get $10 bleacher seats for any home game at PNC Field this season. Tickets can be purchased using the student’s valid .edu email address on the RailRiders website, limited to two tickets per transaction. Military Discount Active or retired members of the military will receive $2 off tickets purchased at the RailRiders Box Office at PNC Field when they show a valid identification card. The offer is good for up to four tickets per person for all games this season. Please note that these offers are valid for every game of the 2024 season with the exception of July 4.
Greater Scranton YMCA Receives Grant from Local Foundation Funding will support the inclusion of STEM equipment and supplies in to the YMCA’s Early Childhood Education Department. In 2023, the Greater Scranton YMCA was awarded a $16,244 grant from AllOne Charities. Grant funding will support the inclusion of STEM equipment and educational materials in the YMCA’s Early Childhood Education Department. The addition of STEM equipment and activities into the Greater Scranton YMCA’s Early Childhood Education curriculum will allow staff to make a greater educational impact on the growing number of children we serve. Through exposing young children to STEM activities and initiatives early in life, the groundwork will begin being laid, helping children enter kindergarten with a broader knowledge base and the tools and resources needed for success. “We are so grateful to AllOne Charities for this generous grant award,” said Trish Fisher, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “Enrollment in early learning programs continues to grow. We are so proud to provide the children in our care with access to daily opportunities to engage in STEM activities, as exposure to STEM initiatives is a critical component to academic success.” For more information about the Greater Scranton YMCA’s Early Childhood Education Department, contact Tressa Parker, Education Director, at tparker@gsymca.org or visit the YMCA online at www.greaterscrantonymca.org.
Episode Seven: All Things Chamber Don’t Miss the Update Leadership Lackawanna is accepting applications for three programs: Tomorrow’s Leadership Today, Core, and Welcome Scranton. Learn more at LeadershipLackawanna.com. Did You Know? The Chamber’s Government Affairs and Advocacy Committee works directly with elected officials at the city, state, and federal levels on behalf of the member. Learn more and read about The Chamber’s 2023/2024 priorities. The Chamber is Hiring. Join the Chamber staff and help attract, sustain, and grow businesses in northeastern PA. Complete the Survey The survey will take less than one minute to complete. Let the Chamber know your thoughts about the new “All Things Chamber” video series. Click the button below to access the survey today. SURVEY Event Update The March 19 Capitol Conversations with Secretary Nancy Walker is rescheduled for Wednesday, April 10. Register today to attend. Upcoming Chamber Events EVENT PAGE MEMBER BENEFITS Advertisements
The Chamber Welcomes New Employees: Day and Gambucci The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce announces the hire of Maria Day as the new IGNITE Program Manager. IGNITE is the entrepreneurship program of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce As the IGNITE Program Manager, Day will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of entrepreneurship in Lackawanna County. Her primary responsibility will include orchestrating strategic vision through innovative education, counseling, influential networking, and mentorship support. “The Chamber is thrilled to welcome Maria as the new IGNITE Program Manager,” shared Aaron Whitney, director of facilities and asset management. “With her understanding of entrepreneurship, she will propel the program to new heights, significantly contributing to the growth of businesses and job opportunities within our community.” Day holds a master’s degree in public administration from Marywood University. Prior to joining The Chamber, she worked as the Senior Undergraduate Admissions Counselor at Marywood University. She brings expertise and passion for fostering entrepreneurial ecosystems to her new role. Day shares, “I am very excited to be joining the Chamber! I am eager to work with The Chamber and IGNITE Program to expand local entrepreneurship and business opportunities.” Under Day’s leadership, the IGNITE program aims to provide comprehensive support to entrepreneurs and startups in the greater Scranton area, accomplishing The Chamber’s mission of attracting, sustaining, and growing businesses in northeastern PA. The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the hire of Marla Gambucci as the new Communications Manager. In this role, Gambucci will serve as the primary graphic designer for The Chamber and its affiliate organizations, oversee content creation and management of social media accounts, maintain and update Chamber and affiliates’ websites, and provide invaluable support to Chamber events and programming. An alumna of Marywood University, Gambucci holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design. “We are excited to welcome Marla to our Chamber team where she brings a fresh perspective to the every changing communications work space,” shared Bob Durkin, president of The Chamber. Gambucci is a dance instructor and choreographer outside the Chamber at Carmel Ardito School of Dance. With Stephanie Ventura-Juarez’s departure, Gambucci assumes the role of communications manager. “The Chamber has allowed me to create art that makes a difference. I am excited to utilize my skills to impact the community, promote important values of business development, and help more people learn about The Chamber,” shared Marla Gambucci. Gambucci officially assumed her role as Communications Manager on February 26, 2024.
Deborah Kolsovsky Honored as ATHENA recipient at The Chamber’s International Women’s Day Breakfast The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce hosted the International Women’s Day Breakfast on March 8, 2024, at the Hilton Scranton and Conference Center. Sponsored by The Honesdale National Bank, the event brought together 300 distinguished business leaders and advocates to celebrate the achievements of women in business and honor their contributions to the community. The largest regional International Women’s Day Celebration, the Chamber partnered with Dress For Success Lackawanna to recognize the recipients of the organization’s “Women Making an Impact” campaign. In addition, Deborah Kolsovsky, executive vice president and regional director for PNC Institutional Asset Management®, was recognized as the 2024 ATHENA Leadership Award recipient. Sponsored by Michael A. Barbetti, LLC, CPA, the ATHENA Award symbolizes excellence in leadership and mentorship bestowed upon an outstanding individual who exemplifies these qualities. Donna Barbetti, presenting this year’s award to Kolsovsky, whose leadership, dedication to empowering women, and commitment to community service have made a lasting impact on our community. “This was the perfect way to celebrate International Women’s Day. We honored one of our region’s most successful women in business, Debbie Kolsovsky, and shined a light on the valuable role of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and Dress for Success have in promoting the professional development of women in the workplace,” shared Bob Durkin, president of The Chamber. Senator Rosemary Brown (R) and State Representative Bridget Kosierowski (D) presented Kolsovsky with an official resolution recognizing her professional and community contributions. The event served as a testament to women’s collective strength, resilience, and achievements across industries and professions. It provided a platform for networking, mentorship, and collaboration, fostering an environment where women can thrive and succeed.
