Applications Open for Student Ambassador Program Do you know a local high school senior who is interested in learning more about the state government and legislature? Applications are now open for Senator Flynn’s 2nd Annual Student Ambassador Program! Applications will be accepted until 5:00PM on Friday, December 9. Last year’s inaugural Student Ambassador Program This comprehensive legislative shadowing program offers local students the opportunity to learn about the Pennsylvania legislature and state government, experience the value of diversity by working with students from other schools and backgrounds, and to represent their personal and community’s interests by proposing legislation to Senator Flynn and their local State Representatives. Senator Flynn’s Student Ambassador Program is open to graduating high school seniors from all of the high schools in the 22nd Senatorial district in addition to students who live in the 22nd Senatorial district but are homeschooled, attend a charter school, or attend a high school outside of the legislative district. If selected, students will be expected to attend meetings once a month from January through early June. Each month, students will learn about an aspect of state government and lawmaking through presentations and discussions with local and state elected officials, legislative staffers, and individuals that influence lawmaking in Pennsylvania. Student Ambassadors will take a field trip to the State Capitol building in Harrisburg, PA in May to tour the building, observe legislative session, and be introduced by Senator Flynn on the Senate Floor. Throughout the entirety of the program, students will work in small groups to create a piece of legislation that they will then present to Senator Flynn during the last program session meeting in June. For more information on the program and to apply, visit www.senatorflynn.com/student-ambassador/
The Wright Center for Community Health Promotes Garvin The Wright Center for Community Health has promoted Marcella Garvin to lead case manager of the collaborative Healthy Maternal Opiate Medical Support (MOMS) program. Garvin joined the regional nonprofit primary and preventive care provider in 2020 as a case manager for the Healthy MOMS program. In her previous role, Garvin provided care and support to mothers in recovery from substance use disorder. She focused on developing and expanding the Healthy MOMs program in Luzerne and Wyoming counties, collecting and analyzing data related to the program. As the lead manager for the Healthy MOMs program, Garvin is responsible for providing comprehensive case management services to address the opioid epidemic as it affects pregnant women, newborns and their families. The position will collaborate with community partners to assist with pregnancy-related issues and work closely with the program’s community partners. Garvin’s additional responsibilities include a range of patient-centered services that link clients with medication-assisted treatment and addiction services, counseling, primary care, OB-GYN care, and a range of other supports. Garvin earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in linguistics from the University of Pittsburgh and an MBA in business administration and technology from Carlow University. In addition, she is a certified recovery specialist and a certified addiction counselor. A member of the Luzerne County Breastfeeding Coalition and County Cares, Garvin is also pursuing her certification as a certified lactation counselor. The Healthy MOMs program is modeled after a similar program in Ohio, using a collaborative, team approach to treat mothers with substance use disorder in a holistic manner. Launched in 2018, the program is offered in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Schuylkill, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming counties. To date, 199 infants have been born into the Healthy MOMs program and 149 mothers are actively engaged in it. For more information, call 570-955-7821 or visit HealthyMOMS.org.
The University of Scranton SBDC Upcoming Programs Grow Your Small Business with an Internship in 2023! (Webinar)Thursday, 11/10 | 8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.For existing small businesses located in Bradford, Lackawanna, Monroe, Pike, Susquehanna, Tioga, Wayne, and Wyoming Counties: Could hosting an internship propel your business forward in 2023? Join The University of Scranton SBDC, Small Business Internship Initiative, and the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce for a quick 30-minute session to learn about what a paid educational internship is, different types of internships (traditional, micro, hybrid, or virtual), and what makes up a great internship. Determine whether you’re ready to host an internship this coming Spring and learn more about the Small Business Internship Initiative. Hear from the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce about their Small Business Internship Fund resource, too.Details & Registration30 Minutes to Better Search Engine Optimization: Measuring Results (Webinar)Thursday, 11/10 | 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.You know what terms will get your website the most traction, your first blog post has been shared, and all of your profiles link back to your website. How do you know if this is all working? Are you actually getting more engagement on your website? In the fourth and final session of our search engine optimization series, we will give you the tools to measure these initiatives to show how it is paying off for your small business.Details & Registration The First Step Express: Starting Your Business (Webinar)Tuesday, 11/22 | 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. A condensed version of our First Step: Starting Your Business seminar, this one-hour webinar will help aspiring entrepreneurs to begin the process of successful business ownership including a quick look at applications and licenses needed to start a business, different types of business structure (sole proprietorship, LLC, etc.), business plan basics, financing options , and SBDC Services available as you start your business.Details & Registration The Importance of Food Safety: An Introduction to the Food Safety Modernization ActMonday, 11/28 | 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. & Tuesday, 11/29 | 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.This session will be held in person at The Stourbridge Project in Honesdale. A detailed info sheet, including session description, event image, and cut-and-paste email can be found here.A PDF flyer is also attached to this email. Social Media 101 for Restaurants, Coffee Shops, and Carry-Out (Webinar)Tuesday, 12/6 | 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.Social media is essential for any small business in order to engage customers and drive sales. Being able to build a following and attract customers to your restaurant requires effective use of social media platforms and strategies that highlight the culinary adventures in store. But just how is social media able to capture this excitement?Details & Registration Limited Food Establishments: Adding Value in Your Home KitchenNew to On-DemandSetting up and operating a food business from your home kitchen used to be so simple. Today, national- and state-based changes to food safety standards can make it an overwhelming endeavor. But don’t worry – the SBDC is here to help. During this session, we will cover start-up steps, inspections, and registration, as well as ways to grow a commercial food business in your home – addressing the intricate differences based on the types of food made, how the food is sold, and where it is sold.Details & Registration
Johnson College Hosts Annual Scholarship Breakfast Johnson College hosted its annual Scholarship Breakfast on Wednesday, November 9, at Fiorelli Catering in Peckville. The event was held to recognize the scholarship recipients and thank and honor the generous donors who make scholarships available to students. The College awarded 42 students with scholarships during the event. Devin Walsh, a student in Johnson College’s Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning program, and recipient of one of the College’s Presidential Scholarships served as student speaker. “To me, the Presidential Scholarship is more than just money,” Walsh said. “It means that my accomplishments are valuable enough for Johnson to put such an enormous amount of faith in that I will follow through with my education and become a great example of what Johnson College provides to the community.” Walsh says that the scholarship has lifted the burdens that accompany the cost of pursuing a degree in higher education. “Most college students need to make major sacrifices, work numerous jobs, and take out huge loans that will cause stress, leading to the inability to focus on coursework,” Walsh told attendees. “The financial assistance of the Presidential Scholarship is a life changer for my family and me.” The event also featured keynote speaker, David Hawk, who, with his wife Ann, are founders of the Hawk Family Foundation created to help the underprivileged, support education, and encourage community initiatives to help families thrive. The Hawk Family Foundation contributed to the College’s Innovation at Work Capital Campaign specifically for student scholarships and campus developments. The breakfast concluded with the presentation of the scholarship awards by Katie Leonard, Ed.D., president and CEO of Johnson College, and Jeanine Engelmann, Ed. D., Chief Academic Officer of Johnson College. The presented awards included: AAA North Penn Annual Scholarship, Dylan DeGroat; Andrew Mazza Memorial Scholarship, Gavin Noll; Anthony Ploskonka Memorial Scholarship, Brianna Covington; Bartolai Family Scholarship, Peter Winowich; Christopher Pambianco ‘65 Book & Tool Scholarship, Kenneth Stucker; C.M.C. Rich Vinansky Memorial Golf Tournament Scholarship, Jessica McKee; Dr. George J. Hallesky Memorial Scholarship, Donovon Brown; Ed Vogel Memorial Scholarship, Nicholas Lathrop; Edgar A. and Ida M. Alekna Scholarship, Alexander Carpenetti, Luke Galli, Jordan Navarro, and Madison Trotto; Frank and Jean Hubbard Scholarship, James Lamberti; Hawk Family Foundation Scholarship, Julianne Feigenbutz and Christian Overholtz; Irene Ploskonka Memorial Scholarship, Ryan Phillips; Islyn Thomas Achievement Award, Alexander Canjar; Janie Lamberton Memorial Scholarship, Cassidy Weber; John K. and Mary E. Blackledge Memorial Scholarship, Andrea Marques; John T. Gerod Scholarship, Richard Reed; Johnson College Presidential Scholarship, Jessica McKee, Emily Ohme, and Devin Walsh; The Margaret Briggs Foundation Scholarship, Matthew Spiccioli; Moffat Merit Award, Richard Bowen; Moses Taylor Foundation Scholarship, Sierra Matash and Gina Simeone; MotorWorld Lexus Scholarship, Jeremy Russo and Casey Williams; Orlando S. Johnson Merit Award, Emma Faithfull and Madison Kier; Ross Family Foundation Scholarship, Alyssa Crawford and Tiahna Jackson; Ruth Stitt Morgan Memorial Scholarship, Kodee Bates; Scranton UNICO Scholarship, Christopher Henderson; Sean J. Calpin Automotive Technology Scholarship, Mackenzie Snyder; Sebastian “Sebby” Amico Memorial Scholarship, Jallen Wilks; Society of Broadcast Engineers, Chapter II Scholarship, Kyle Williams; Technology Merit Award, Michael Altieri and Anna-Marie Lake; The John R. O’Hara Scholarship, Brandon Grandinetti; The P. Fricchione and Sons Scholarship, Jonathon Hunsberger; Thomas Hesser Scholarship, Zachary Menichello; and Villa Capri Cruisers Car Club Scholarship, Jeremy Russo.
Marywood University to Observe National School Psychology Week During the week of November 7-11, 2022, schools throughout the country are celebrating National School Psychology Week (NSPW) to highlight the important work school psychologists do to help students thrive. Every year in November, school psychologists, professors, and graduate students gear up to bring awareness to the field of school psychology and highlight the work that school psychologists do to help students thrive. The theme for our 2022 National School Psychology Week is “Together We Shine”. This theme encourages us to see hope after a series of challenging years. It’s about offering hope as students move forward from the difficult COVID-19 pandemic. We have all faced difficulties created by the pandemic, social injustice and inequity, economic stress, and challenges to mental and physical health. For some, it has been a time of real challenge, and finding light is critical to building resilience and hope. Though each of us has our own inner light, when we bring together our ideas and actions to uplift each other, we shine even brighter, both as individuals and as a community. During the week, school psychologists will connect with students and staff to highlight how each person’s contributions can move us forward. Just as we continue developing our own skills individually and with support from others, we in turn can help others foster resilience and support those who need it as well. School psychologists are particularly skilled at assisting students and staff in thriving and working together, whatever the challenge. With expertise in both education and mental health, school psychologists are uniquely qualified to help address the needs of students and schools. This means addressing challenges such as poverty, academic underachievement, mental and behavioral health issues, bullying, homelessness, increasing cultural and linguistic diversity, record high student enrollment—to name just a few. All argue for the critical importance of the services provided by school psychologists. School psychologists throughout the country are empowering students to deal with mental and behavioral health challenges, to connect with others, and to discover endless possibilities for academic success, as well as social and emotional well-being. Unfortunately, research suggests that longstanding shortages of school psychologists continue to threaten students’ access to needed school psychological services. Although this shortage continues to be a national problem, Marywood University officials are to be acknowledged and congratulated as they sought to address this critical issue shortage by recently reinstating its Ed.S. program in School Psychology. The program is directed by Dr. Stuart Badner. Under his direction and leadership, the School Psychology program at Marywood has been recruiting cadres of new school psychology students since Fall 2020 and are expecting to graduate its first class of entry-level school psychology professionals in May 2023. Moreover, the leaders of Marywood University are committed to developing a truly exceptional and much-needed program, aligned with National Association of School Psychology practice standards.
Greater Scranton YMCA Receives Grant In October, 2022, the Trustees of The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation authorized a one year Capital Grant award to the Greater Scranton YMCA in the amount of $500,000. The grant will support capital renovations at the YMCA, including the re design of the welcome center, the newly constructed commercial and teaching kitchens, the creation of dedicated community space and aging infrastructure. While a lot has changed at the Greater Scranton YMCA since March, 2020, our pledge hasremained, to always be here in times of need. When the devastating effects of COVID 19swept across the country and landed on our doorsteps, we quickly mobilized to determinehow to best serve our community. Our capital renovations will continue to allow our Y toaddress the growing needs our community faces as we work to heal the whole person andreturn to normal. Construction began in September, 2021 and ended in March, 2022. “We are so grateful to The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation for their incredible generosity in turning our dreams into a reality,” said Trish Fisher, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “Our recently completed capital renovations have allowed our Y to increase the number of healthy meals and snacks we provide the children in our care; provide our members and community with space to convene; ensure for a secure welcome center; and address infrastructure concerns.”
NeighborWorks New Board and Staff This past year, NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania (NeighborWorks) is pleased to welcome several new board and staff members to the team. Board:Joyce Avila is the President of CAFÉ Creating and Facilitating Equality. As a presenter, facilitator, keynote speaker and educator, she organizes and facilitates workshops in the areas of diversity, life change and transition, leadership, communication, conflict resolution, stress management and self-care. Matthew Domines is the Director of Finance for the City of Scranton. He performs a variety of tasks in his role, including planning and coordinating all significant fiscal and related administrative functions for efficient accounting and financial systems, policies, and processes that meet the city’s current and future needs. Damon Spady is a minority business owner who owns and operates his own travel company, Damon’s Getaways. A Dunmore resident, Damon also serves as treasurer for the NAACP Lackawanna County Branch. Mary-Pat Ward is the Development and Fundraising Director for the Catherine McAuley Center. She is involved with the local arts community and enjoys traveling and visiting historical sites. She is a member of the regional roller derby team, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Roller Radicals and resides with her husband, Doug, and daughter, Izzy, in West Scranton. Staff: David DePietro is our Accounting Manager, where he helps manage the day-to-day activities of all financial and business-related operations. He has a strong nonprofit and grant accounting experience background and worked in the nonprofit field for 10+ years. Alyssa Espinoza joins the staff as a full-year AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteer in Service to America) member. A West Scranton native and West Scranton High School alumnus, Alyssa will be serving as the volunteer coordinator for NeighborWorks projects throughout the year. This past May, she graduated with a BA in Psychology and Sociology from Ohio University. Parker Dorsey recently concluded his own VISTA year and joins the staff in a full-time capacity as the Community Program Assistant. Parker will be continuing his role in building capacity and enhancing marketing and communications efforts across all program lines. This past May he received his MBA from Mississippi State University, and is a 2020 graduate of Wilkes University with a BA in Communication Studies. Miranda Pace is our West Scranton Neighborhood Coordinator, where she manages various community development projects and programs as part of the implementation of the West Scranton Neighborhood Plan. Fernanda Proaño is our HUD Certified Housing Counselor, she will help expand our Homebuyer Education, Counseling and Financial Coaching services to Wayne and Pike County. She has over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector with a focus on financial education and coaching. Melody Robinson is our Aging in Place Specialist for Wayne County, where she has expand our Aging in Place services into Wayne County. She has a background in sales and comes highly recommended from established partners in Wayne County.
Tobyhanna Army Depot Latest Warfighters of the Quarter Two devoted soldiers from Northeastern Pennsylvania were honored on Friday, November 11, as they were officially named Tobyhanna Army Depot’s (TYAD) Warfighters of the Quarter for the 3rd and 4th Quarter of 2022. The award recognizes the relationship between employees at TYAD and the warfighters they work each day to support. The presentation was held at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Wilkes-Barre, PA, during Friday night’s Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins hockey game versus the Hartford Wolf Pack. The recipients are just the latest honorees on a list of 35 distinguished soldiers. The honorees are Sergeant First Class (SFC) Robert D. Walker and Staff Sergeant (SSG) Wesley A. Brand. With 15 and 9 years of military services respectively, these two soldiers have lived the Army Values for a long time and are the epitome of what it means to be Warfighter of the Quarter. SFC Walker is currently stationed at the High-Tech Regional Training Site-Maintenance at TYAD, where he is responsible for the tracking of training for 14 full time staff on a daily basis. In addition, he has ordered over $500,000 in maintenance repair parts for equipment that improved unit equipment readiness by more than 60%, which contributed immeasurably to real-life training scenarios. He also worked with several quota sources managers to acquire class seats for critical unit requirements (both job-related and professional development) that vastly improved readiness and morale. Over his 15-year military career, Walker has spent time in places such as Washington, Las Vegas, Texas and has also served as a reservist in Iraq. He is the recipient of four Army Commendation Medals (ARCOM), an Army Achievement Medal (AAM), two Army Good Conduct Medals, a National Defense Service Medal and an Armed Forces Reserve Medal. Walker said that he didn’t necessarily know where the road would take him, but everywhere he has been presented new challenges and interesting opportunities, including this Warfighter of the Quarter award. “I’ve been to many different places that I never expected before joining the Army, but things happen and you find yourself there and it always ends up being very rewarding,” said Walker. “I’ve always just tried to do what I can for everybody, so I never expected this award. It is a tremendous privilege.” Master Sergeant David P. Indie commended Walker for his strong work ethic and selflessness. “SFC Walker is dedicated to mission success by meeting every challenge head on. He continually goes above and beyond by completing maintenance tasks to ensure the High Tech’s equipment is mission capable and ready to train the new warfighters in the Signal Regiment,” said Indie. “He is sought out by the entire unit daily to assist in performing tasks and without hesitation, will stop what he is doing to help.” SSG Brand is currently a member of the Wilkes-Barre Recruiting Company and has excelled as a recruiting non-commissioned officer (NCO). He was number one within the company for FY22 mission accomplishment in what is considered one of the more difficult recruiting areas. In addition to his duties with the recruiting company, he also spends time as a high school golf team coach, hockey team coach, and has organized numerous fundraising events in his community. Over his nine years in the service, Brand has spent time at Fort Campbell, Fort Carson, Fort Knox, Afghanistan, Kuwait, and more. He has earned an ARCOM, three AAMs and has completed a show of force deployment in Germany. SSG Brand is also a graduate of the Army Recruiting Course and Air Assault School. SSG Brand said that he was very caught off guard when he learned he’d been selected as one of the latest Warfighters of the Quarter – but was very honored. “When I heard the news, I almost didn’t know exactly how to feel,” said Brand. “I don’t do the things that I do for awards but receiving them is a great honor and it is nice to know that there are people out there who notice.” Captain Taylor Viotto spoke highly of Brand, praising his accomplishments both on and off duty. “SSG Brand is a stellar NCO that is among the top 1% of Soldiers I have worked with in my career,” said Viotto.
