Scranton Area Community Foundation Receives National Recognition The Scranton Area Community Foundation recently received reaccreditation with the nation’s highest standard for philanthropic excellence. National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations® establish legal, ethical, and effective practices for community foundations everywhere. “Meeting the National Standards benchmarks is a rigorous, comprehensive process,” said Randy Royster, board member of the Council on Foundations. “This accreditation is a significant accomplishment that indicates the Scranton Area Community Foundation demonstrates a commitment to transparency, quality, integrity, and accountability as it carries out its mission.”The National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations® program requires community foundations to document their policies for donor services, investments, grantmaking, and administration. With over 500 community foundations accredited nationwide, the program is designed to provide quality assurance to donors, as well as to their legal and financial advisors.“This is critically important to our donors,” said Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “When people make a charitable bequest or establish a fund, they are putting their trust in us to help carry out their legacy. They are counting on us to steward the investment wisely, honor their charitable wishes and, in some cases, provide lifetime income to a loved one. The National Standards accreditation says all of our practices are of top quality and ethical standards, and worthy of our donor’s trust.” The Scranton Area Community Foundation works to meet critical community needs and support local causes, programs, and organizations. From improving access to equitable transportation; transforming the lives of women, girls, and their families; building the capacity of nonprofit organizations; advancing various causes in animal welfare; and ensuring all residents have access to safe and healthy housing, the Scranton Area Community Foundation is dedicated to helping to improve the quality of life in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The Scranton Area Community Foundation offers a range of charitable funds, allowing donors to advance a cause, support an individual organization, provide flexible support for community needs, or recommend individual grants. In addition to affirming the organization’s philanthropic services, the reaccreditation validates the Scranton Area Community Foundation’s grantmaking practices for the nonprofit community.“Our National Standards reaccreditation is a significant accomplishment,” said Barbara O’Hara, Scranton Area Community Foundation’s board chair. “When people trust the Scranton Area Community Foundation with a charitable bequest, to establish a fund, or set up a charitable gift annuity, they do it knowing that we have met rigorous standards for donor services, investment management, grantmaking, and administration.” National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations® is the first program of its kind for charitable foundations in the United States.The Scranton Area Community Foundation is on a mission to enhance the quality of life for all people in Northeastern Pennsylvania through the development of organized philanthropy. With nearly $90 million in assets under management and more than 300 charitable funds, the Scranton Area Community Foundation distributed over $6 million in grants and scholarships in 2022. The Foundation has served as a steward, grantmaker, charitable resource, and catalyst for change since 1954. The Foundation leads various initiatives including Women in Philanthropy, the Center for Community Leadership and Nonprofit Excellence, NEPA Moves, and the NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative. Additionally, the Foundation hosts and facilitates NEPA Gives and the NEPA Learning Conference. More information about the Scranton Area Community Foundation can be found at www.safdn.org.The Community Foundations National Standards Board is a supporting organization of the Council on Foundations and is responsible for the quality, value, and integrity of compliance with National Standards. For more information on the National Standards Board, visit its website at www.cfstandards.org.
Quandel Enterprises Names New Chief Risk Officer Effective March 13, 2023, Quandel Enterprises has named Jerome Urban chief risk officer for the entire Quandel Enterprises family of companies. As chief risk officer, he will work closely with Quandel Enterprise’s executive team and board of directors to innovate, implement, and strengthen our risk management initiatives in response to the ever-changing landscape of the construction industry. Urban previously served as the president and chief executive officer for Performance Construction Company, a Quandel Enterprises company. He began with the team in 2006 when he started his career in construction as an estimator. Since that time, he has served as an assistant project manager, project manager, project executive, and vice president of operations. “We are confident that Jerome will bring value and insight into this new role that enables our continued success,” says Greg Quandel, president and chief executive of Quandel Enterprises. Urban is known among his peers to be a team-builder with a keen understanding of the construction business. His focus on enhancing the firm’s clients’ experience through innovation, continuous improvement, and commitment to excellence and exceptional service has made him an integral member of Quandel’s leadership team.
The Wright Center’s Dr. Pancholy receives Designation The fellows of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (SCAI) has named Dr. Samir B. Pancholy, program director of The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship, a Master of the Society of Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (MSCAI) – a designation held by fewer than 100 interventional cardiologists worldwide. The MSCAI designation recognizes physicians who have demonstrated excellence in interventional cardiology and a commitment to the highest levels of clinical care, innovation, publications, and teaching. SCAI was founded in 1978 with a mission to lead the global interventional cardiovascular community through education, advocacy, research, and quality of patient care. SCAI has dedicated its work to advancing the profession and is the designated society for guidance, representation, professional recognition, education, and research opportunities for invasive and interventional cardiology professionals. The society has more than 4,500 members, according to SCAI. Dr. Pancholy has authored more than 150 peer-reviewed manuscripts in reputed international journals, has published several practice-changing randomized controlled trials, and has developed multiple procedural techniques to increase the safety and efficacy of the procedure of cardiac catheterization and catheter-based intervention. His research and educational programs in the area of transradial access (catheterization from the artery in the wrist) have been credited with the widespread adoption of the technique in the U.S. and worldwide. He also invented several devices that make cardiovascular procedures safer, more effective, comfortable, and cost-effective. Dr. Pancholy holds more than 70 patents issued by the United States Patent and Trademark office. SCAI will recognize Dr. Pancholy at the SCAI Scientific Sessions in Phoenix, Arizona, in May. The conference brings together the international interventional cardiology community to share the latest clinical data, procedural guidance, and advanced expertise. “Dr. Pancholy richly deserves this prestigious honor from SCAI,” said Dr. Jumee Barooah, the Designated Institutional Official for The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education. “He shares his expertise with our fellows who travel from around the world to learn from him. He has improved access and quality of cardiac care for countless people thanks to the 37 fellows who have graduated from our fellowship program since 2009.” He also serves as the director of the cardiac catheterization laboratory at the Veterans Administration Center, Wilkes-Barre, and as a professor of medicine at the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton. Dr. Pancholy is board-certified in internal medicine, with additional certifications in cardiovascular diseases, interventional cardiology, advanced heart failure, and transplant cardiology. He earned his medical degree from B.J. Medical College in India, and completed his residency at the State University of New York, Stony Brook. Dr. Pancholy completed fellowships in interventional cardiology and cardiovascular diseases at the Medical College of Pennsylvania Hospital and Presbyterian Medical Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education offers Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Internal Medicine, Regional Family Medicine, National Family Medicine, and Psychiatry residency programs and fellowships in Cardiovascular Disease, Gastroenterology, and Geriatrics. For more information about The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education, go to TheWrightCenter.org or call 570.866.3017.
Local Partnership Program, NEPA RISE Now Accepting Applicants NEPA RISE: Readiness In Skilled Employment is currently accepting applications for their third cohort, set to begin in July of 2023. Interested applicants must be 18 years of age or older, reside within either Lackawanna or Luzerne Counties and currently have a Household Income within 250% of the Federal Poverty Line. Eligibility will be confirmed after an applicant applies online at RISENEPA.org. Interviews will be scheduled now through June 2023, and the program will begin in July 2023.
Keystone College to Offer ServSafe Class Keystone College will offer a ServSafe manager certification class on Wednesday, April 26 from 9 a.m.– 5 p.m. at 120 College Avenue, Factoryville. The training will cover topics involving food-borne illnesses and health risks that commercial food service establishments must learn in order to provide safe food for customers. ServSafe, a nationally recognized certification program for safe food handling practices, meets Pennsylvania regulations and is accredited by the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation. For more information contact Brenda Lidy, 570-657-0248, or brenda.lidy@keystone.edu.
Mohegan Pennsylvania Brings Back Party on the Patio Calling all tribute band fans! Mohegan Pennsylvania’s Party on the Patio is back and better than ever. The popular, free summer concert series kicks off Thursday, June 1st, and every Thursday through September 14th guests can gather at the Outdoor Concert Venue for a party like no other, hosted by DJ Tommy from The River 105. This year’s lineup has been extended to 16 weeks of live tribute bands, and Completely Unchained (a tribute to Van Halen), Fooz Fighters (a tribute to the Foo Fighters), Idol Kings (a tribute to Journey/REO Speedwagon), and Country Legends (a tribute to Keith Urban and Garth Brooks) make their summer debut. Local fan favorites Philadelphia Freedom (a tribute to Elton John), Bon Poison (a tribute to Bon Jovi and Poison) and Dustin Douglas & The Electric Gentleman (a tribute to Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan) are just a few bands set to rock the stage. Doors open at 6:30pm and shows starts at 7:30pm. There is no cover for Party on the Patio. After the show, keep the party going with DJ Tommy at Breakers! After dancing up an appetite, guests can stop by the Mohegan Pennsylvania food tent for freshly grilled burgers and hot dogs or visit a delectable local food truck each week. Coors Light, Blue Moon, Patio Punch and a variety of seltzer, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages will also be available for purchase. Featured bands for Party on the Patio, hosted by The River 105 are as follows: 6/1/23: Stayin Alive, a tribute to the Bee Gees 6/8/23: Completely Unchained, a tribute to Van Halen 6/15/23: Back in Black, a tribute to AC/DC 6/22/23: Fooz Fighters, a tribute to the Foo Fighters 6/29/23: Philadelphia Freedom, a tribute to Elton John 7/6/23: Best of the Eagles, a tribute to the Eagles 7/13/23: Black Dog, a tribute to Led Zeppelin 7/20/23: Idol Kings, a tribute to Journey and REO Speedwagon 7/27/23: Red NOT Chili Peppers, a tribute to Red Hot Chili Peppers 8/3/23: Who’s Bad, a tribute to Michael Jackson 8/10/23: Rubix Kube, a tribute to the 80s 8/17/23: Country Legends, a tribute to Keith Urban and Garth Brooks 8/24/23: Full Moon Fever, a tribute to Tom Petty 8/31/23: Tusk, a tribute to Fleetwood Mac 9/7/23: Dustin Douglas & The Electric Gentleman Present An Evening Of Jimi Hendrix & Stevie Ray Vaughan 9/14/23: Bon Poison, a tribute to Bon Jovi & Poison *Lineup subject to change For more details on the tribute bands and a full list of food truck participants, visit moheganpa.com/potp. All guests must be 21+ to attend Party on the Patio. Additionally, most areas of Mohegan Pennsylvania are restricted to guests 21 years of age and older, including the hotel, gaming areas, and several restaurants. Valid, unexpired photo identification is required (driver’s license, passport, military ID). Expired identification will not be accepted. Wristbands issued for Party on the Patio are not valid for the gaming floor. All persons, bags and personal items are subject to inspection. No portable chairs are permitted.
Misericordia University Open House Misericordia University will hold an open house for high school students and their parents in the spring on Saturday, April 22, 2022, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Check-in will begin at 9:00 AM at the Anderson Health and Wellness Center. The open house event for high schoolers and their parents is the chance to experience the campus, meet students and visiting professors, and speak with admissions and financial aid representatives. Students and their families will tour the campus, sit in on a presentation on admissions and financial aid, meet with faculty in their academic program, and have a delicious lunch. Students and families will interact and hear from current students and tour some specialized facilities with students in their major. Prospective students can tour numerous buildings, including the Frank M. and Dorothea Henry Science Center, which embodies a commitment to advanced technology and infrastructure that lends itself to superior teaching, learning, and research with a state-of-art facility. Specialized tours are offered of John J. Passan Hall Misericordia’s 40,000-square-foot located at 100 Lake St., Dallas. Passan Hall houses state-of-the-art simulator laboratories and classrooms in the nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language pathology programs of the College of Health Sciences and Education. Other opportunities on campus are also offered to the open house attendees. The Pauly Friedman Art Gallery in Insalaco Hall will be open from 9:00 – 3:00 PM for those that wish to view our current exhibit. MU Athletics will be in action with two games: Men’s Lacrosse starting at 1:00 PM at Mangelsdorf Field and Baseball at 3:00 PM at Tambor Field. Finally, see “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” performed by the MU Players at 7:30 PM. If students and their parents are looking for a college that delivers a robust education and a personal experience, look no further than Misericordia University. Misericordia is a small, private university that offers a hands-on, transformative education to all who seek it. Misericordia ensures that each student receives a personalized experience and the resources to achieve their goals. For more information, contact the Misericordia University Admissions Office at 570-674-6264 or email at admiss@misericordia.edu to register now, click here.
The United Way to Help Children Succeed in Life The program provides for vision correction for such children to ensure they have equal opportunity to learn and succeed in life.
Scranton Area Community Foundation to Host NEPA Housing Lab The Scranton Area Community Foundation (SACF), in partnership with the City of Scranton and the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, is hosting “NEPA Housing Lab: Developing Strategies for Impact” on Friday, April 14th from 9 AM – 4 PM at the Radisson Hotel in Scranton. Participants of this workshop-style event will develop steps to address critical housing and homeownership issues in Northeastern Pennsylvania. This workshop-style event will engage with local stakeholders, funders, and lenders to advance the expansion and accessibility of affordable, attainable, and quality housing in Scranton and the Lackawanna County region. Led by the Federal Reserve Bank of Pennsylvania, the Housing Lab consists of two tracks: Affordable Housing Development and Homeownership. Participants will engage in presentations and panel discussions throughout the full day event. Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti will provide opening remarks. The NEPA Housing Lab developed out of previous community roundtable discussions hosted between 2020 and 2022 by SACF in partnership with the City of Scranton and other community partners. In these discussions, community members identified lack of equitable housing as a major issue facing the region. “The affordable housing crisis is everywhere, including Scranton”, said Mayor Paige Cognetti. “We are seeking solutions and are looking forward to working with experts locally and from outside the region to understand what might work, what might not, and most importantly, to move ahead as quickly as possible.” Alongside Mayor Cognetti, the NEPA Housing Lab will also feature the followers presenters & speakers: Laura Ducceschi, President & CEO, SACF; Vivian Williams, Community Initiatives Manager, SACF; Maggie Martinelli, Chief Operating Officer, SACF; Teri Ooms, President & CEO, The Institute; Eileen Cipriani, Director of Community Development, City of Scranton. Panelists will include Ira Goldstein, President of Policy Solutions, The Reinvestment Fund; Fred Bañuelos, Community Investment Business Development Manager, Federal Home Loan Bank Pittsburgh; Dana Hanchin, President and CEO, HDC MidAtlantic; Chris Casciano, Senior Vice President of Credit Union Operations, Community First Fund; Leslie Winder, Director of Community and Economic Development, Urban Affairs Coalition; Abraham Pardo, Director of Housing, The Urban League of Philadelphia; Coleen Baumert, Director of Homeownership Programs, PHFA; Pamela Anslinger, Homeownership and Financial Services Manager, NeighborworksNEPA. An afternoon session, “Exploring Solutions and Moving to Action”, will be facilitated by Samantha Porter, Senior Manager and Advisor, and Patricia Bell, Community Engagement Associate, Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia. “NEPA Housing Lab: Developing Strategies for Impact” will take place on Friday, April 14th from 9 AM – 4 PM at the Radisson Hotel in Scranton.
2022-2023 Winner of NEIU Poetry Out Loud Regional Competition Announced Kendal Pauline, a senior at Hazleton Area Arts and Humanities Academy is the 2022-2023 NEIU Poetry Out Loud Regional Competition Winner and has been named First Runner Up in the 2023 Pennsylvania Poetry Out Loud (POL) State Championship. “AieNEPA and The Northeastern Educational Intermediate Unit is so very pleased to have a strong partnership with WVIA,” said Catherine Richmond-Cullen, Ed.D., Director of AieNEPA. “The Pa Council on the Arts has promoted the National Endowment on the Arts project, Poetry Out Loud, for more than 10 years. Our partner region is the only one in the Commonwealth working with our regional PBS affiliate. The opportunity for young creatives to recite works of poetry on television and radio is amazing. Our gratitude to WVIA cannot be overstated.” “We are proud to take part in the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts statewide Poetry Out Loud program,” said Liz Faist, aieNEPA Assistant Director. “We are grateful to our schools, teachers and students for their participation and dedication. What a fantastic opportunity to be able to share the students’ recitations with the community on such a professional platform. We are truly grateful to WVIA and our POL (Poetry Out Loud) sponsors that make this event possible.” “WVIA Education is thrilled to take part in Poetry Out Loud, an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts and Poetry Foundation, which has given millions of talented high school students like Kendal a space to share their unique voices for more than fifteen years,” said Vicki Austin, Senior Director of Grants and Education. “We appreciate the loyal support of the Overlook Estate Foundation, Inc. and our partners, NEIU 19 and Arts in Education of Northeast PA, without whom this could not happen.” The 2023 Poetry Out Loud Regional Competition premiered on WVIA-TV Thursday, April 6 and is available to watch anytime, on-demand at wvia.org as well as on the PBS and WVIA Apps. To learn more about Poetry Out Loud, please visit https://www.poetryoutloud.org. WVIA Mission WVIA educates, inspires, entertains and fosters citizenship, diverse cultures, and perspectives to nurture community.
