Treasurer Garrity: Unclaimed Property In celebration of National Roller Coaster Day, Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced today that nearly $43 million is owed to more than 208,000 Pennsylvanians who are ready to take the ride of their lives – those with a name or business name that includes the words coaster, ride, loop, up, down, thrill, summer, park, Edwin or Prescott. “The last few years have been a wild ride, and we could all use a little extra cash in our wallets,” Garrity said. “Please keep your arms and legs inside the ride at all times, and get ready to search for unclaimed property – you don’t even have to stand in line! The average roller coast ride is about two minutes long, but it doesn’t even take that long to see if Treasury has unclaimed property waiting for you.” Unclaimed property includes things like dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, forgotten stocks, insurance policies, tangible property like the contents of abandoned safe deposit boxes, and more. The state’s unclaimed property law requires assets to be turned over to Treasury after certain periods of time, generally three years. “When Edwin Prescott patented the first looping roller coaster in North America in 1898, he had no idea how many smiles his invention would bring to millions of people,” Garrity said. “Finding unclaimed property is another reason to smile, especially since the average claim is about $1,500. One in ten Pennsylvanians is owed unclaimed property, so there’s a good chance you might end up with money in your pocket!” Last year, Treasury returned more than $135 million to Pennsylvanians. Treasury is currently seeking the owners of more than $4 billion in unclaimed property. Tangible property received by Treasury may be auctioned after approximately three years, but any proceeds from a sale will be kept in perpetuity until an owner is found. Military decorations and memorabilia are never auctioned, and Treasury works diligently to find veterans and their families to reunite them with these priceless symbols of service. Search Treasury’s unclaimed property database to see if you or someone you know has property waiting to be claimed at patreasury.gov/unclaimed-property.
Fall Semester Events Planned at The University of Scranton Sept. 2-30 Art Exhibit: “Time and Lace: A History of the Scranton Lace Company.” Hope Horn Gallery, Hyland Hall. Free during gallery hours. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu. Sept. 2 7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert” featuring Matt Marantz Quartet. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu. Sept. 7 3 p.m. PCN 2022 Pennsylvania Election Panel Discussion. Pennsylvania Cable Network panel discussion on Pennsylvania’s Governor and U.S. Senate races. Panelists include JoyAnna Hopper, Ph.D., co-director of The University of Scranton’s Center for Ethics and Excellence in Public Service, and Borys Krawczeniuk, investigative reporter for the Scranton Times-Tribune. Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Free. Call 570-941-7401 or email info@scranton.edu. Sept. 7 3:45 p.m. Public Meeting for The University of Scranton’s Department of Health and Human Performance – Speech-Language Pathology program with the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Kane Forum, Leahy Hall. Free. Call 570-941-6305 or email info@scranton.edu. Sept. 8 5:30 p.m. Lecture: “The 1902 Anthracite Strike: Causes and Consequences, A 120th Anniversary Evaluation” presented by Bob Wolensky, Ph.D., sociologist and anthracite historian with panel respondents. 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. Lackawanna County Courthouse, 200 N. Washington Avenue. Free. Call 570-941-4419 or email community@scranton.edu. Sept. 12 Noon. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Series: “Covering the White House: Challenges and Opportunities” presented by Ashley Parker, White House Bureau Chief for the Washington Post and NBC/MSNBC senior political analyst. Rose Room, Brennan Hall or remote. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-7816 or email kym.fetsko@scranton.edu. Sept. 16 5 p.m. Art Gallery Curator’s Lecture: “Time and Lace: A History of the Scranton Lace Company.” Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Reception follows at the Hope Horn Gallery. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu. Sept. 17 7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Recital” featuring Carlos Avila, piano, and Vincent Grana, bass voice. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu. Sept. 19 Noon. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Series: “Higher Education’s Indispensable Role in Preserving and Advancing Democracy” presented by Ira Harkavy, Ph.D., founding director, Barbara and Edward Netter Center for Community Partnerships, University of Pennsylvania. Kane Forum, Edward Leahy Hall or remote. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-7816 or email kym.fetsko@scranton.edu. Sept. 21 7:00 p.m. “A Shop on Every Corner: Memories of the Garment Industry Film Screening and Discussion” presented by Ken Wolensky, Ph.D., historian and Maureen McGuigan, filmmaker. 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. Ritz Theater and Performing Arts Center. Free. Call 570-941-4419 or email community@scranton.edu. Sept. 23 9 a.m. NASA Northeast Pennsylvania Industry Day, a networking event focused on collaboration opportunities with local businesses. Fourth Floor, DeNaples Center. Free with reservations required to attend. (reservation link if needed: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nasa-industry-day-and-small-business-networking-event-tickets-383703245737). Call 570-941-7401 or email info@scranton.edu. Sept. 23-25 The University of Scranton Family Weekend 2022. Various campus locations. Call 570-941-4222 or email familyweekend@scranton.edu. Sept. 24 7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert: Family Weekend” featuring Joseph Boga and the Scranton Ramblers with an appearance by The University of Scranton Concert Choir. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu. Sept. 28 Noon. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Series: “Managing Today and Envisioning Tomorrow: Leading the City of Scranton” presented by Paige Gebhardt Cognetti, mayor, City of Scranton. Rose Room, Brennan Hall or remote. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-7816 or email kym.fetsko@scranton.edu. Sept. 29 6:30 p.m. President’s Business Council 21st Annual Award Dinner honoring Patricia A. Byrnes Clark ’86, global chief talent officer, Havas Group, and Thomas P. O’Brien ’86, CEO and president, SumRidge Partners, LLC, at Gotham Hall, New York City. Proceeds from the dinner support the University’s Presidential Scholarship Endowment Fund. Tickets required. Call 570-941-5837, visit www.scranton.edu/PBCdinner or email timothy.pryle@scranton.edu. Oct. 1 9 a.m. Scranton’s Ready to Run Northeast Pennsylvania Program: “Wanted: More Women Like You in Politics.” Brennan Hall. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-6326 or email sharon.olechna@scranton.edu. Oct. 5 6 p.m. Asian Studies Public Lecture and Meet the Award-winning Author “Life on the Move: Transnational Migration and Cross-Cultural Imagination in Taiwan Literature and Film,” Part 1. Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Free. Call 570-941-6312 or email ann.pang-white@scranton.edu. Oct. 6 6 p.m. Asian Studies Film Screening and Meet the Award-winning Director of “The Good Daughter.” “Life on the Move: Transnational Migration and Cross-Cultural Imagination in Taiwan Literature and Film,” Part 2. Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Free, Call 570-941-6312 or email ann.pang-white@scranton.edu. Oct. 7 through Nov. 18 Art Exhibit: “Mayan Narratives: San Lucas Tolimán, Guatemala” photographs by Byron Maldonado. Hope Horn Gallery, Hyland Hall. Free during gallery hours. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu. Oct. 7 5 p.m. Art Gallery Lecture: “Mayan Narratives: San Lucas Tolimán, Guatemala” presented by Byron Maldonado. Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Reception follows at the Hope Horn Gallery. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu. Oct. 12 7:30 p.m. Ignatian Values in Action Lecture: “On Juneteenth” presented by Annette Gordon-Reed, Pulitzer Prize winner and New York Times best-selling author. Byron Recreation Complex. Free. Call 570-941-4419 or email community@scranton.edu. Oct. 13 Noon.Schemel Forum and Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Collaborative Program: “Threats to Equity: The Influence of Social Determinants on Human Behaviors that Promote Well-being” presented Julie Byerley, MD, president and dean of Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. Rose Room, Brennan Hall or remote. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-7816 or email kym.fetsko@scranton.edu. Oct. 15 2 p.m. Art Gallery: “Walking Tour: Scranton Lace Company/Lace Village Site.” Free. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu. Oct. 15 7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Recital” featuring Andrew Gonzalez, viola and violincello da spalla. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu. Oct. 21-23 and 28-30 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. “Almost, Maine” presented by The University Players. Royal Theater, McDade Center for Literary and Performing Arts. Ticket prices vary. Call 570-941-4318 or email players@scranton.edu. Oct. 23 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. Oct. 23 7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Recital” featuring Llewellyn Sanchez-Werner, piano. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu. Oct. 29 7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert” featuring The University of Scranton Jazz Band and guest drummer Carmen Intorre Jr. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu. Nov. 6 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. 8 7:30 p.m. 36th annual Henry George Lecture: “Still Worth the Trip? Modern-Era Busing and other Lessons from Urban School Reform” presented by Parag Pathak, Ph.D., professor of economics, MIT. McIlhenny Ballroom, DeNaples Center. Free. Call 570-941-4048 or email janice.mecadon@scranton.edu. Nov. 10 Noon. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Series: “On Democracy, Inequality and Jazz Improvisation” presented by Wayne Winborne, Ph.D., executive director, Institute of Jazz Studies, assistant professor arts culture and media, Rutgers University-Newark. Rose Room, Brennan Hall or remote. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-7816 or email kym.fetsko@scranton.edu. Nov. 12 7:30 a.m. Schemel Forum bus trip to New York, New York, to August Wilson’s “The Piano Lesson” $150. Registration required before Sept. 30. Spaces are limited. Call 570-941-7816 or email kym.fetsko@scranton.edu. Nov. 12 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. 17 7 p.m. Lecture featuring Curtis Zunigha, enrolled member of the Delaware Tribe of Indians and co-founder/co-director of the Lenape Center. 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, The DeNaples Center. Free. Call 570-941-4419 or email community@scranton.edu. Nov. 17-19 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday. “Rent” 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 6 p.m.. Schemel Forum with the Friends of the Weinberg Memorial Library Collaborative Program: The Royden B. Davis, S.J. Distinguished Author Award Event honoring Ayad Akhtar, Pulitzer Prize winning and Tony Award nominated playwright, novelist and screenwriter. McIlhenny Ballroom, The DeNaples Center. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-7816 or email kym.fetsko@scranton.edu. Nov. 18 7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert” featuring The University of Scranton String Orchestra. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu. Dec. 2 Noon. Schemel Forum’s Munley World Affairs Luncheon Series: “How Putin’s Invasion of Ukraine Changed the World” presented by Trudy Rubin, Worldview columnist, The Philadelphia Inquirer. Rose Room, Brennan Hall or remote. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-7816 or email kym.fetsko@scranton.edu. Dec. 3 8 p.m. Performance Music: “54th Annual Noel Night” featuring The University of Scranton Singers and Chamber Ensembles. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu. Dec. 5 5 p.m. Community Relations Roundtable: “The Journey from ‘Immigrant’ to Citizen” featuring local resource speakers from a range of backgrounds, in collaboration with the Schemel Forum. 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. PNC Board Room, Brennan Hall. Free. Call 570-941-4419 or email community@scranton.edu. Dec. 9 Noon. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Series: “Process of Peace, Palermo: An Experience, a Model” presented by Leoluca Orlando, professor, former mayor of Palermo, honorary mayor of Palermo Huila Columbia and cofounder of Global Parliament of Mayors. Rose Room, Brennan Hall or remote. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-7816 or email kym.fetsko@scranton.edu. Dec. 11 7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “Empty Stocking Fund Benefit Concert.” Performance Music student musicians perform solo, duet, trio and small group renditions of a variety of Christmas favorites. Houlihan-McLean Center. Admission: one new unwrapped toy, new toiletry items or a monetary donation. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu. Schemel Courses: Mondays: Sept. 19, 26 and Oct. 3, 17, 24, 31 6 p.m. Schemel Forum Course: “Crossing the Line(s): Reading and Writing Contemporary Poetry” presented by Billie Tadros, Ph.D., assistant professor of English and theatre, The University of Scranton. Room 305, Weinberg Memorial Library. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-7816 or email kym.fetsko@scranton.edu. Wednesdays: Sept. 21, 28 and Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26 6 p.m. Schemel Forum Course: “What is Fascism?” presented by Roy Domenico, Ph.D., professor of history, The University of Scranton. Room 305, Weinberg Memorial Library. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-7816 or email kym.fetsko@scranton.edu. Tuesdays: Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25 and Nov. 1, 8 6 p.m. Schemel Forum Course: “How a Masterpiece of Medieval Irish Art Bridged the Classical and Christian Worlds” presented by Stephen Whittaker, Ph.D., professor of English and theatre, The University of Scranton. Room 305 Weinberg Memorial Library. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-7816 or email kym.fetsko@scranton.edu.
Marywood University to Host Constitution Day Talk In recognition of Constitution Day, and with the support of the Dean’s Fund for the Humanities, Marywood University’s Social Sciences Department is hosting Dr. Pippa Holloway from the University of Richmond. Dr. Holloway will present a talk on the history and the evolving story of felon disenfranchisement in the United States and its larger connections to voting rights. The event, which is free and open to the public, will be held on Thursday, September 15, from 7-8:30 p.m., in the Upper Nazareth Dining Room, Nazareth Student Center. In addition to Dr. Holloway’s talk, materials will be available to register to vote and receive information about voting in the upcoming Pennsylvania elections in November. Dr. Holloway is the Douglas Southall Freeman Distinguished Professor of History at the University of Richmond and the author of Living in Infamy: Felon Disfranchisement and the History of American Citizenship (Oxford University Press, 2014) and Sexuality, Politics, and Social Control in Virginia, 1920–1945 (UNC Press, 2006).
Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center named among best major teaching hospitals Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center was ranked No. 9 on Fortune/Merative’s 2022 “25 Top Teaching Hospitals” list. The rankings are based on public data sets including Medicare cost reports, Medicare Provider Analysis and Review data, and core measures and patient satisfaction data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Hospital Compare website. Michelle Thompson, MD, chief education officer and vice dean for graduate medical education and designated institutional official, said, “It’s public affirmation recognizing the clinical leadership team and all Geisinger Wyoming Valley employees for their contributions and efforts leading to a top-quality hospital that allows for an exceptional educational experience for the many residents and students who work and learn here.” According to Erika Fry, a senior writer at Fortune, Merative’s researchers found that hospitals achieving a ranking tend to share seven key characteristics, including: a mature culture (and a commitment to maintaining it)nursing excellencedeeply committed leadershipquality-focused hospital boardsan embrace of datainnovative technology (used in a practical manner), andlocal autonomy within health systems These characteristics come as no surprise to Daniel Landesberg, Geisinger’s associate vice president for clinical operations. “At Geisinger Wyoming Valley, we are fortunate to have everything on Merative’s list – particularly excellent nurses and committed leadership that emphasizes innovation and technology,” he said. “Their energy and focus make our hospital the ideal place for residents and fellows to work and learn.” Fortune also writes that the list, “represents those hospitals that held up best against the pandemic’s ongoing stress test. They achieved better results than peer institutions on performance indicators intended to measure clinical outcomes, operational efficiency, patient experience, and financial health. The study, which for this year evaluated 2,650 U.S. hospitals, relies on publicly available Medicare data for its analysis. The Top Hospitals list also considers an organization’s contributions to its community and equity of care.” The list is a debut for Fortune/Merative because Fortune’s long-time research partner, IBM Watson Health, became a standalone company named Merative when it was purchased in 2022.
University of Scranton Degree Ranks in Top 7 Percent A comprehensive analysis of the return on investment (ROI) of college degrees at more than 4,500 colleges in the United States shows the value gains of liberal arts education during the lifetime of a career. The analysis also ranks the ROI of a degree from The University of Scranton among the top 6.1 percent of colleges in the country after 40 years, among the top 7 percent after 30 years and among the top 11 percent after 20 years. The analysis by the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce calculated the 40-year net present value of a University of Scranton degree is $1.133 million, which ranked No. 276 of 4,500 colleges in the nation (top 6.1 percent). The 30-year net present value for a Scranton degree was calculated at $842,000, which ranked at No. 310 in the nation (top 7 percent); and the 20-year net present value of a degree was $488,000, which ranked at No. 489 in the country (top 11 percent). The Center ranked 4,500 colleges based on the net value of the degrees at 10, 20, 30 and 40 years after enrollment using data from the expanded College Scorecard. The analysis, published online in the spring of 2022, looked at the net cost of attendance, which includes tuition, fees, books and supplies, and living expenses, minus aid received from all sources. The Center then calculated the net present value of a degree, which is “a metric that includes costs, future earnings and the length of time it would take to invest and earn a certain amount of money over a fixed horizon.” The analysis found that “bachelor’s degrees from private colleges, on average, have higher ROI than degrees from public colleges 40 years after enrollment. Community colleges and many certificate programs have the highest returns in the short term, 10 years after enrollment, though returns from bachelor’s degrees eventually overtake those of most two-year credentials.” In addition, the analysis showed “the median ROI of liberal arts colleges is nearly $200,000 higher than the median for all colleges. Further, the 40-year median ROI of liberal arts institutions ($918,000) is close to those of four-year engineering and technology-related schools ($917,000), and four-year business and management schools ($913,000).” Scranton has been recognized for its value in other national rankings such as U.S. News & World Report and The Economist. Most recently, Money magazine ranked the University at No. 268 among its selection of just 623 of the nation’s best values for a college education.
RailRiders 2023 Season Schedule The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, Triple-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, are pleased to announce their schedule for the 2023 season. The RailRiders will open their season on March 31 with a three-game homestand and conclude their second straight 150-game schedule on the road on September 24, split evenly with 75 games at home and 75 on the road. “While we watch an exciting end to the 2022 season, we are also thrilled to start planning for 2023,” said Katie Beekman, the RailRiders General Manager. “The schedule release now gives our fans a chance to watch some great games over the month ahead while thinking about the next wave of talent ready to represent Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and the New York Yankees. It also gives us the momentum to start thinking about how we can make the 2023 season even better than what we experienced this year.” The 2023 schedule is comprised of 24 six-game series and two three-game sets. The RailRiders will play 132 games against teams from the International League’s East Division and 18 against clubs from the West. The RailRiders meet teams from the old iteration of the IL North for 117 games out of the 150 scheduled. Scranton/Wilkes-Barre plays Buffalo (Toronto affiliate) 21 times and has 24 games apiece against Lehigh Valley (Philadelphia), Rochester (Washington), Syracuse (New York Mets) and Worcester (Boston). The RailRiders will host Omaha, marking the first trip to Moosic for the Kansas City affiliate since 1990, and Norfolk (Baltimore) for six-game sets while traveling to St. Paul (Minnesota) for the second straight year and hitting up Charlotte (Chicago White Sox) and Columbus (Cleveland) for the first time since 2019. Highlights of the 2023 regular season schedule include: March 31 thru April 2: Opening Weekend at PNC Field against Buffalo April 18 thru 30: A 12-game road trip to St.Paul and Worcester. The RailRiders will visit the Saints for the second straight season. May 2 thru 14: A two-week homestand with Rochester and Omaha coming to town, marking the first time the Kansas City Royals Triple-A affiliate plays in Moosic since 1990. May 16 thru 21: First SWB trip to Charlotte since August 2019 June 6 thru 11: Norfolk returns to PNC Field for the second straight season as Baltimore boasts one of the top farm systems in baseball. June 28 thru July 3: Six-game series at Syracuse ending on Monday, July 3 July 4 thru 9: Lehigh Valley heads to PNC Field starting a set on Independence Day July 14 thru 16: The RailRiders post-MLB All-Star break series takes the club to Norfolk for a three-game set. August 1 thru 13: Scranton/Wilkes-Barre hosts Rochester and Syracuse in a two-week homestand. August 22 thru 27: The IronPigs return to Moosic for the final IronRail series of the season and the second-to-last homestand of the regular season. August 29 thru September 10: SWB heads to Rochester and Columbus for the last long road trip of the season. September 12 thru 17: The RailRiders host Buffalo in the final homestand of the season. September 19 thru 24: Scranton/Wilkes-Barre’s final road trip brings the regular season to a close in Syracuse.
NeighborWorks Honored with “Townie” Award NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania (NeighborWorks) was recently recognized for the success of its Beautiful Blocks program with a 2022 “Townie” Award from the Pennsylvania Downtown Center (PDC). Presented in the category of “Physical Improvements & Design: Program-Wide Façade Rehabilitation,” the award honors the Beautiful Blocks program, which provides matching funding support to groups of residents in Scranton and Carbondale to assist in making exterior improvements to their homes. “Our team is most appreciative of the recognition by the Pennsylvania Downtown Center of our Beautiful Blocks program with a 2022 Townie Award,” Jesse Ergott, NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania President & CEO, said of the award. “To see the significant positive impact made in neighborhoods throughout Scranton and Carbondale by Beautiful Blocks recognized by our peers across the Commonwealth in this way is something we celebrate with all of the neighbors whose participation made this innovative program possible.” The Townie Award was presented during the Pennsylvania Downtown Center’s 2022 Townie Awards Gala Dinner, held in late June in Harrisburg as part of the organization’s annual conference. Todd Pousley, Neighborhood Revitalization Manager, accepted the award on behalf of our organization. Joining Todd were staff members Gerard Hetman (Community Development Specialist) and Miranda Pace (West Scranton Neighborhood Coordinator). Also joining them was Wayne Evans, a NeighborWorks board member who originally developed the Beautiful Blocks program during his past service as Scranton Mayor. Since 2019, the Beautiful Blocks program has awarded more than $235,000 in funding to 37 groups of residents in Scranton and Carbondale. These funds have been matched with over $500,000 in matching funds from participating residents, resulting in the completion of more than 280 home improvement projects and a total investment of more than $750,000 into neighborhoods in both communities.
The Settlers Inn Earns Wine Spectator Restaurant Award The Settlers Inn was honored for its outstanding wine program in Wine Spectator’s 2022 Restaurant Awards, which celebrates the world’s best restaurants for wine. “I want to congratulate all 3,169 restaurants that earned one of Wine Spectator’s three awards for their devotion to all things wine,” said Marvin R. Shanken, Editor and Publisher, Wine Spectator. “These awards not only guide our readers to dining establishments with impressive wine lists and outstanding service, but also serve to honor restaurants for their achievements and commitment to maintaining pristine cellars. We are thrilled to reveal our 2022 Dining Guide, which points to places where wine drinkers are warmly welcomed.” “It’s a privilege to earn this recognition from Wine Spectator as an acknowledgement of our commitment to providing superior wine service to guests of The Settlers Inn,” states CEO/Owner Justin Genzlinger. “To be distinguished as one of only two restaurants in Northeast PA to receive this prestigious award is an honor. We’re proud of our Sommelier, Claude Briere, and Director of Food and Beverage Steven Vennie, who have cultivated an award-winning wine experience for our guests.” Wine Spectator began its program to recognize the world’s best wine lists in 1981. There are three levels: the Award of Excellence, the Best of Award of Excellence and the Grand Award—with 1,782; 1,290; and 97 winners this year in each respective category. The Settlers Inn won the Best of Award of Excellence. Recipients display excellent breadth across multiple winegrowing regions and/or significant vertical depth of top producers, along with superior presentation. Wine Spectator’s special Restaurant Awards issue becomes available to readers July 12. Follow the Restaurant Awards on Instagram (@wsrestaurantawards), with hashtag #WSRestaurantAward, and at Restaurants.WineSpectator.com, where all winners can be searched by location and sorted by attributes including name, proximity, award level, cuisine and pricing. Winners are also profiled in the free Restaurant Awards app, available for iPhone and iPad users.
Citizens Savings Bank Announces Promotions Citizens Savings Bank in Clarks Summit has announced the promotions of Walter Belasky and Keleena McNichols. Mr. Belasky has been promoted to the position of Assistant Vice President/Collections Manager in the Collections Department at Citizens Savings Bank. Walter earned certifications in Security and Fraud Investigations and is a member of the PDCFlow organization. Looking back on his career with the bank, Walter started in January 2020 as a Full Time Collector and was then promoted in January 2021 to the role of Collections Manager. In this new position, Walter will continue to be responsible for the supervision, organizing, planning, and directing of the institution’s loan collection activities in accordance with the institution’s policies and participate in special assignments as directed by senior management or the Board of Directors. Mr. Belasky resides in Moscow. Ms. McNichols has been promoted to the position of Assistant Vice President/Loan Operations Manager of the Loan Operations Department at Citizens Savings Bank. Ms. McNichols earned her degree in English from Marywood University in 2008 and has held several roles at the bank throughout her career. Looking back on her 14 years with the bank, Keleena started her career as a Customer Service Representative/Teller in our South Scranton Branch. She was elevated to Customer Service Specialist in 2010 and then became a Collector in 2015. In 2019, Keleena took on the role of Assistant Loan Operations Manager and then was elevated to Loan Operations Manager in 2021. Keleena is also Co-Founder and Board Member for Fight 4 Vets and has been Treasurer of the Betty Welby Foundation for the previous 16 years. In this new position, Keleena will continue to be responsible for the supervision, organization, planning and directing the bank’s loan operations function and participate in special assignments as directed by senior management or the Board of Directors. Ms. McNichols resides in Scranton.
Discovery MI Preschool Expands and Rebrands Discovery Montessori will open a second campus in North Scranton this September and expand its educational programs to include grades 1-3. Discovery Montessori (Providence), located on N Main Ave Scranton, will initially host 30 students across preschool, kindergarten and first grade. Second and third grades will be added in the coming school years as students move up and the school’s capacity increases to 45 students. In keeping with Montessori philosophy and practice, students will be in multiage classrooms of 3-6 years old and 6-9 years old. To reflect the school’s commitment to Montessori methods and its expansion into early elementary, the school has rebranded to Discovery Montessori and unveiled its new logo. Marianne Davis, President of the Board of Discovery Montessori explained, “With the addition of the North Main Avenue location, we are excited to expand our services beyond preschool and kindergarten to students in the first three primary grades. Given this expansion, it was confusing to be called a preschool when we offer so much more. Our new name emphasizes our approach of using the Montessori educational platform for our students which has been our objective since we first launched the school.” “A core part of our mission since day 1 has been to ensure at least half of our students attend at no cost or reduced tuition and we are pleased to confirm this commitment across our whole student body.” The school was recently awarded a Community Needs Grant of $18,500 by The Scranton Area Community Foundation to help open Discovery Montessori (Providence). “This grant will be instrumental in helping us purchase the materials, furniture and supplies required to open the new center this September,” added Ms. Davis. The Scranton Area Community Foundation President and CEO, Laura Ducceschi explained the grant, “Our Foundation is proud to support organizations that provide improved educational opportunities for children and young adults in the area. Providing a strong educational base for youngsters reinforces the value of inquisitive learning and launches life-long learning.” Discovery Montessori is set to be accredited by the American Montessori Society in December 2022, following a five year accreditation process. “This is a major achievement that underscores our faithful adherence to Montessori philosophy and practice. As the only accredited Montessori school in Scranton, parents can be confident that we provide quality programs that meet strict standards and protocols,” said Ms. Davis. Discovery Montessori ensures that a minimum of half their students come from families with low to moderate incomes through a range of community partnerships and subsidies. Tuition free places are provided through Head Start and Pre K Counts. The school also accepts Child Care Works subsidy for tuition and participates in Scholarship programs through United Way. Through these partnerships and programs, currently 75% of their students receive free or reduced tuition. Discovery Montessori incorporates learning through play alongside structured learning to ensure the social, academic, physical, and emotional development of each child in the school. Their unique approach to education enriches the whole child, sparking a love of learning that sets students on the path to future success in school and beyond. Discovery Montessori was selected the Non-Profit Organization of the Year in the SAGE Awards presented by the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce.
