Leadership Lackawanna Announces Core Program Class of 2023–24 The Leadership Lackawanna core program class of 2023–24 met on Thursday, September 14, 2023, for their first session, which included an orientation and an introduction to leadership basics. Leadership Lackawanna strives to enhance emerging and established leaders’ skills, connections, and knowledge, strengthening our communities, workplaces, and organizations. Core Program class: Cali Rose Nataloni, Nunzi’s Advertising Hannah Shurtleff, First National Bank Rachael Santoro, Goodwill Industries of NEPA Amber Trunzo, Catherine McAuley Center Kelli McCullough, The Wright Centers Rachel Brummet, The Honesdale National Bank Abbey Merker, Montage Mountain Resorts Isabelle Ceccoli, Scranton Area Community Foundation Michaela Martines, The Wright Centers April James, Allied Services Home Health Jenn Sosa, Penn East Federal Credit Union Kim Lazuka, Greater Scranton YMCA Chelsea Cadwalder, NBT Bank Emily Pettinato, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce Dana Force, United Neighborhood Centers Tara Floyd, Tobyhanna Army Depot Jacob Torba, Griffin Pond Animal Shelter Megan Kolis, Condron Sweda Advertising Scott Burti, Tobyhanna Army Depot Stever Brown, LCBC Church Kristi Cleveland, Fidelity Bank Pam Fischer, Benco Dental Parker Dorsey, NeighborWorks NEPA Megan Benedict, Wells Fargo Thomas Swope, The AZEK Company Kaitlin Allard, Barry Callebaut Jason Pozniak, Nibbles & Bits Christoper Moshinskie, FNCB Bank Tara Jones, Lackawanna River Conservation Association Matthew Jones, Tobyhanna Army Depot Richard Peters, Alleima USA LLC Shaun Young, Tobyhanna Army Depot Stacy Cognetti, Lackawanna College Emily Glodzik, Penn State Scranton Nicole A. Morristell, executive director, shares, “I’m excited for the adventures and opportunities that lie ahead. This year’s participants have accomplished great things in their past and I look forward to seeing how they will utilize the leadership skills they acquire over the next ten months.” In Leadership Lackawanna’s 10-month Core Program, participants gain direct and indirect leadership, interpersonal and managerial skills, as well as an enhanced understanding of the issues relevant to the Greater Scranton region, through monthly sessions. Areas of focus can include community development, economic development, government, health care, law, education, quality of life, sustainability, history and media, with sessions featuring widely recognized specialists. Members of the class also devote a large portion of their time to develop and implement community projects, hence enhancing their leadership abilities, fostering teamwork and benefiting local nonprofit organizations. Leadership Lackawanna’s Core Program accepts applications from candidates who live, work or play in Lackawanna County. Front row, left to right Cali Rose Nataloni, Nunzi’s Advertising; Hannah Shurtleff, First National Bank; Rachel Santoro, Goodwill Industries of NEPA Amber Trunzo, Catherine McAuley Center Kelli McCullough, The Wright Center Rachel Brummett, The Honesdale National Bank Abbey Merker, Montage Mountain Resorts Isabella Ceccoli, Scranton Area Community Foundation Michaela Martines, The Wright Center April James, Allied Services Home Health Jenn Sosa, Penn East Federal Credit Union Second row, left to right Philip Zvirblis, NET Federal Credit Union Kim Lazuka, Greater Scranton YMCA Chelsea Cadwalder, NBT Bank Emily Pettinato, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce Dana Force, United Neighborhood Centers Tara Floyd, Tobyhanna Army Depot Stacy Cognetti, Lackawanna College Emily Glodzik, Penn State Scranton Jacob Torba, Griffin Pond Animal Shelter Megan Kolis, Condron Sweda Advertising Scott Burti, Tobyhanna Army Depot Back row, left to right Steve Brown, LCBC Church; Kristi Cleveland, Fidelity Bank; Pam Fischer, Benco Dental; Parker Dorsey, NeighborWorks NEPA; Megan Benedict, Wells Fargo; Thomas Swope, The AZEK Company; Kaitlin Allard, Barry Callebaut; Jason Pozniak, Nibbles & Bits; Christopher Moshinskie, FNCB Bank; Tara Jones, Lackawanna River Conservation Association Matthew Jones, Tobyhanna Army Depot Richard Peters, Alleima USA LLC Absent from photo: Shaun Young, Tobyhanna Army Depot
Wright Center Employee Receives Statewide Honor Kara Seitzinger, executive director of public affairs and advisor liaison to The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education’s president and CEO, was named by the Pennsylvania Association of Community Health Centers as the recipient of a 2023 Award for Primary Care Excellence (APEX) in recognition of her work as a community ambassador. The association annually bestows its APEX awards in 10 categories to recognize the outstanding efforts of dedicated individuals and teams who work or volunteer for Pennsylvania’s community health centers. An APEX represents the pinnacle of service, quality, innovation, and achievement in primary health care. The association awarded two Community Ambassador Awards this year. A Scranton resident, Seitzinger received the award on Oct. 11 at the association’s Annual Conference and Clinical Summit in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. “Kara is truly worthy of this prestigious award. I cannot think of anyone who is a stronger advocate for the patients, families, and communities we serve,” said Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak, president and CEO of The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education. “She embodies the mission of The Wright Center to improve the health and welfare of our communities through inclusive and responsive health services and the sustainable renewal of an inspired, competent workforce that is privileged to serve. “Thanks to her efforts, our patients and families struggling with food insecurity receive nutritious foods; community members who need warm clothing are given winter garments; and those who need transportation to doctor’s appointments receive travel vouchers. Her monumental public service efforts are honestly hard to quantify, but our communities are healthier and safer because of her reliable and tireless efforts.” The Community Ambassador Award is “presented to an individual who champions the community health center mission through a steadfast commitment to build relationships, enact change, and promote awareness and bring positive attention to their health center,” according to the association. Seitzinger works to expand The Wright Center’s visibility and public health impact throughout the region, often identifying and joining forces with mission-aligned community partners to conduct outreach programs that support vulnerable populations and medically underserved communities. As part of a collaboration with the CDC Foundation, she coordinated with government, business, and nonprofit leaders at the height of the coronavirus pandemic to launch a public health campaign in the Hazleton area to expand access to COVID-19 education, testing, vaccines, and treatment. Later, the campaign also succeeded in delivering CDC-recommended childhood vaccinations to more than 700 school-aged children, enabling their uninterrupted participation in the classroom. Seitzinger has also played a key role in the planning and execution of fundraising events that allow The Wright Center to provide goods and services to patients and community members in need. For example, the “Road to Recovery” car show in Scranton helps to offset transportation costs for certain individuals who are served by The Wright Center’s Opioid Use Disorder Center of Excellence and Healthy MOMs program so they can get to and from their medical appointments. Seitzinger often serves as the health center’s point person for high-profile community impact projects, such as sponsoring the region’s annual PrideFest Parade, most recently held in Wilkes-Barre. The Wright Center’s participation in the event helps to raise awareness of its Ryan White HIV Clinic and to reach community members who might otherwise not have the resources needed to seek care. The Wright Center currently operates 10 primary and preventive care practices in Northeast Pennsylvania, including a mobile medical vehicle called Driving Better Health. Its practices offer integrated whole-person care, meaning patients typically have the convenience of going to a single location to access medical, dental, and behavioral health care, as well as community-based addiction treatment and recovery services. It accepts most major health insurance plans, including Medical Assistance (Medicaid), Medicare, and CHIP, noting that no patient is turned away due to an inability to pay. To learn more about The Wright Center’s mission and many services, call 570-230-0019 or visit TheWrightCenter.org.
Scranton Area Community Foundation Announces Flood Relief Grant Program to Lackawanna County Residents In response to the severe storms that struck Lackawanna County in September, the Scranton Area Community Foundation is in the process of establishing a flood relief grants program aimed at supporting individuals and community organizations directly affected by these recent flood events and which are experiencing hardship as a result. There will be two grant programs aimed at flood relief hardship issues—the Lackawanna County Flood Relief Fund and a grants program in partnership with the City of Scranton. Specific eligibility and application process parameters for the flood relief grants programs will be provided when the process opens the week of October 23rd. The first program, The Lackawanna County Flood Relief Fund, has been established by the Scranton Area Community Foundation to support community organizations and small businesses in the Lackawanna County area experiencing hardship from being directly affected by flood events. The second grants program, developed in partnership with the City of Scranton, will support individuals residing in the City of Scranton experiencing hardship from having been affected by flood events. This flood relief grants program will provide support to eligible recipients through resources available from Scranton’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. Additional details on both grant programs, which will be forthcoming, will include eligibility information, areas covered under the grant programs, and how to apply. The Lackawanna County Flood Relief Fund was created with seed money from the Scranton Area Community Foundation. Generous individual donors, foundations, and organizations, including The Moses Taylor Foundation, Pennsylvania American Water, the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, and PS Bank, have provided additional support to the Fund. These donations will directly support grants made from the Lackawanna County Flood Relief Fund as funds are available. The Lackawanna County Flood Relief Fund will continue soliciting additional charitable donations from other organizations and individuals to respond effectively to the incoming needs. The Lackawanna County Flood Relief Fund will aim to meet the greatest array of needs of the organizations and communities disproportionately impacted by flood events in Lackawanna County. “In critical situations like this, we know the needs are great, so as a Community Foundation, we are preparing for how best to serve those who need assistance. We understand the importance of listening to the communities we serve and responding to these needs,” said Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “We are fortunate to have a very generous community, who we believe will continue to step up and support this very important cause.” The Lackawanna County Flood Relief Fund is currently accepting charitable donations, 100% of which will go toward supporting those affected in Lackawanna County. Contributions to the Fund can be made online at https://scranton.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=4598. Donations can also be mailed via check to The Scranton Area Foundation, 615 Jefferson Ave., Suite 102, Scranton, PA 18510, and made payable to “Scranton Area Foundation” with “LC Flood Fund” in the memo line. For more information about the flood relief grant programs, please contact Frank Caputo, Grants & Communications Coordinator at the Scranton Area Community Foundation at grants@safdn.org. ABOUT THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT (ARPA) OF 2021: ARPA is a $1.9 trillion federal economic stimulus bill. The City of Scranton received $68.7 million in ARPA funds to respond to the COVID-19 public health emergency and its economic impacts. The mission of Scranton’s ARPA program is to give people access to resources, rebuild the infrastructure systems that impact their everyday lives, and foster equitable wealth generation that targets the needs of Scranton residents.
Marywood Offers Students Academic Program Exploration Days Marywood University is hosting upcoming on-campus experiences to help prospective students explore several academic program areas, set to take place throughout the fall semester. Programs holding special exploration days include: Dietitian Day, October 27: This is a great opportunity to allow students interested in the field to gain hands-on experience in several practice areas including sports, clinical and community nutrition, food science, and food service. Meet with admissions staff, faculty, current students, tour campus, and enjoy lunch prepared as part of one of the activities. Registration is limited. To register: https://admissions.marywood.edu/register/DietitianFall23 Criminal Justice Day, October 30: Students interested in the field of criminal justice can meet with current students, recent alumnus and guest speaker Master Trooper David Peters, and learn more about Marywood’s program. Event includes light breakfast and tours of campus. To register: https://admissions.marywood.edu/register/Fall23CJ Music, Theatre, and Dance Day, November 2: Interested students will meet with faculty and current students, and choose from sessions focusing on music therapy, music education, theatre, instrumental music, and vocal/choral music. Attendees also will learn more about the various student organizations available within the department. Optional campus tour. To register: https://admissions.marywood.edu/register/MTDFall23 Art Day, November 6: Marywood’s Art Department Visit Day offers the perfect blend for the student eager to learn more about everything Marywood has to offer. Attendees will get a closer look at the department’s programs, meet faculty and students, tour the facilities, and participate in activities. Space is limited. To register: https://admissions.marywood.edu/register/Fall23ArtDay Exercise Science Day, November 15: This is a day of immersive and hands-on learning in topic areas including sports performance and sports rehabilitation. The event also includes a program overview, meetings with faculty, a Q&A student panel, and breakout sessions. Breakfast and campus tour included. Registration closes on November 10. To register: https://admissions.marywood.edu/register/ExerciseScience23
Big Bass Lake Community Association, Inc. Earns 2023 Great Place to Work Certification Big Bass Lake Community Association, Inc. (BBLCA) is proud to be Certified™ by Great Place To Work® for the first time. The prestigious award is based entirely on what current employees say about their experience working at BBLCA. This year, 90% of employees responded, saying it’s a Great Place To Work. Great Place To Work® is the global authority on workplace culture, employee experience, and the leadership behaviors proven to deliver market-leading revenue, employee retention and increased innovation. “Great Place To Work Certification is a highly coveted achievement that requires consistent and intentional dedication to the overall employee experience,” says Sarah Lewis-Kulin, the Vice President of Global Recognition at Great Place To Work. She emphasizes that Certification is the sole official recognition earned by the real-time feedback of employees regarding their company culture. “By successfully earning this recognition, it is evident that BBLCA stands out as one of the top companies to work for, providing a great workplace environment for its employees.” We are thrilled to become Great Place To Work-Certified™ as we consider employee experience a top priority every day,” said General Manager & Chief Operating Officer Neil Bresnahan. “We owe our continued success to our team of dedicated employees at BBLCA. We celebrate and thank them for all they do to earn this incredible recognition.” According to Great Place To Work research, job seekers are 4.5 times more likely to find a great boss at a Certified great workplace. Additionally, employees at Certified workplaces are 93% more likely to look forward to coming to work, and are twice as likely to be paid fairly, earn a fair share of the company’s profits and have a fair chance at promotion.
Scranton Area Community Foundation Announces Nonprofit Excellence Awards Recipients The Scranton Area Community Foundation, through its Center for Community Leadership and Nonprofit Excellence, announces the recipients of its first-ever Nonprofit Excellence Awards. The Nonprofit Excellence Awards recognizes nonprofit organizations, individuals, and local community projects that embody themes of collaboration, innovation, advocacy, and inclusion. The awards were given during the Foundation’s NEPA Learning Conference, held at the Hilton Scranton & Conference Center, on September 22. During the Conference, the Scranton Area Community Foundation awarded the Nonprofit of the Year, the Collaborative Project of the Year, the Rising Star Award, and the NEPA Gives Superstar Award. The Nonprofit of the Year Award recognizes a nonprofit organization in Northeast Pennsylvania that demonstrates excellence in leadership, management, innovation, collaboration, and impact. The 2023 Nonprofit of the Year Award recipient is United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA. United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA works together with neighbors to provide services and create opportunities that empower individuals and build strong, interdependent communities. The Collaborative Project of the Year Award celebrates successes and acknowledges the collaborative efforts of Northeastern Pennsylvania organizations that achieve extraordinary results due to their partnerships. The 2023 Collaborative Project of the Year Award recipient is Readiness in Skilled Employment (RISE). The RISE program was developed by a collaborative including Johnson College, United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania, The Institute for Public Policy & Economic Development, and the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund. The program tackles the mismatch between available jobs and the people who need them and has been cited as a model for potential expansion into other locations. The Rising Star Award recognizes an individual who is an up-and-comer in the NEPA nonprofit sector. The 2023 Rising Star Award recipient is Ryanne Jennings, President and CEO of the Wayne County Community Foundation. The NEPA Gives Superstar Award recognizes a NEPA Gives participant who went above and beyond for the 2023 NEPA Gives event by attending events, holding peer-to-peer fundraisers, and successfully reaching new donors who helped them raise money beyond their goal. The 2023 NEPA Gives Superstar Award recipient is NEPA Youth Shelter.
University of Scranton November Events Through Dec. 15 Library Exhibit: “Learning to Write-American Penmanship Manuals from the David Kaminski and Zaner-Bloser Collections 1791-1980.” Heritage Room, Weinberg Memorial Library. Free during library hours. Call 570-941-6341 or email michael.knies@scranton.edu. Nov. 2 11:30 a.m. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Series: “A Molecule Away from Madness: Tales of the Hijacked Brain” presented by Sara Manning Peskin, M.D., assistant professor of clinical neurology, University of Pennsylvania. Rose Room, Brennan Hall. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-7816 or email kym.fetsko@scranton.edu. Nov 2 4 p.m. Humanities Forum Lecture: “Explaining the Cosmos: Can the Philosopher Help?” presented by Dean Zimmerman, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor of Philosophy, Rutgers University, author and lecturer. Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Free. Call 570-941-4700 or email sarah.kenehan@scranton.edu. Nov. 3 6 p.m. Art Exhibit First Fridays reception: “Scranton’s Story: Oral History Portrait Photographs.” Hope Horn Gallery, Hyland Hall. Free. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu, Nov. 4 7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert” featuring The University of Scranton Symphonic Band. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu. Nov. 5 9 a.m. Open House for prospective students and their families. Various locations on campus. Registration required. Free. Call 888-SCRANTON or email admissions@scranton.edu. Nov. 9 7:30 p.m. Henry George Lecture: “The ‘China Shock’ After 22 Years” presented by Robert C. Feenstra, Ph.D., C. Bryan Cameron Distinguished Chair in International Economics, University of California, Davis. McIlhenny Ballroom, DeNaples Center. Free. Call 570-941-4048 or email janice.mecadon@scranton.edu. Nov 10 Noon. Humanities Forum Lecture: “The Habit of Poetry: The Literary Lives of Nuns in Mid-century America” presented by Nick Ripatrazone, author and culture editor of Image Journal. Rose Room, Brennan Hall. Free. Call 570-941-4700 or email sarah.kenehan@scranton.edu. Nov. 12 4 p.m. Performance Music: “The Generation Sing!” The Catholic Choral Society opens their 75th anniversary season jointed by The University of Scranton concert Choir and Valley View High School Choir with middle school and elementary choirs. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu. Nov. 16 7 p.m. Keynote Lecture and Book Signing: “Who are We as a Nation? Education for Democracy” presented by Danielle Allen, Harvard University political theorist and author of Justice by Means of Democracy. The event is part of “Scranton’s Story, Our Nation’s Story,” a project supported by a NEH grant led by The University of Scranton and community partners. McIlhenny Ballroom, DeNaples Center. Free. Call 570-941-4419 or email community@scranton.edu. Nov. 16-18 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday. “Footloose” presented by Liva Arts Company. The Royal Theater, McDade Center for Literary and Performing Arts. $5. Call 570-941-7401 or email livaartscompany@gmail.com. Nov. 18 7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert” featuring The University of Scranton String Orchestra with guest violinist Kako Miura Boga. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.
