The University of Scranton Presents ‘Rhapsody in Blue’ Recital

On Friday, Apr. 4, Performance Music at The University of Scranton will present a recital entitled “Rhapsody in Blue at 100” featuring the acclaimed Frederick Hohman, D.M.A., premiering the first full organ transcription of Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue.” The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue. Admission is free and the concert is open to the public. Seating is on a first-come, first-seated basis.

According to Cheryl Y. Boga, conductor and director of Performance Music, this will be Dr. Hohman’s 4th visit to Houlihan McLean to perform on its fully restored and historic Austin Opus 301 Symphonic Organ. “Every visit by Fred is what I like to call an organ adventure – he doesn’t just perform a concert, he shares his passion and knowledge of the instrument at every opportunity during his visit.”

In addition to being a concert organist of stunning musicality and virtuosity, Dr. Hohman is an award-winning composer of organ and choral music, a creator of organ transcriptions, an online educator, a musical instrument designer and a classical music audio-video producer. Hohman earned his performer’s certificate, Mus.B., M.M. and D.M.A. in the organ studio of David Craighead at The Eastman School. In 1984, he won First Prize in both the prestigious Clarence Mader and Arthur Poister competitions. This was the first step leading to decades of organ concert tours, taking him throughout the world, appearing in concert and religious venues, including appearances before regional and national conventions of the American Guild of Organists (AGO), The Organ Historical Society and The American Institute of Organbuilders.

Dr. Hohman founded the recording label Pro Organo in 1985 and has overseen the production and release of over 300 organ and choral music titles, including 16 releases, of which he is also the featured artist. Acclaimed by a critic with The Diapason magazine as “one of the symphonic organ’s strongest exponents,” during the 1980s, Dr. Hohman championed a revival of the Symphonic School of organ-playing. His writings and recordings ignited a revival in symphonic organ literature and performance practices of the early 20th century, which led to his first organ transcription publications and several additional CD releases.

Dr. Hohman has served The American Guild of Organists (AGO) on its national committees focused upon education and was commissioned by them to appear as video instructor in a series of 30 AGO-produced videos entitled “Lessons for the New Organist,” which are free for all to view at AGO’s website. Hohman has also provided written guidance and encouragement to aspiring organists as an adjudicator in 20 national and international organ competitions.

The University of Scranton’s Houlihan-McLean Center Austin Opus 301 symphonic organ was built in 1910 by the Austin Organ Company of Hartford Connecticut for the Immanuel Baptist Church in Scranton and was restored and re-dedicated by the university in 2005 in a recital performed by Thomas Murray of Yale University. Since then, many renowned organists have performed on the instrument in solo-recitals, and it has accompanied the university’s student ensembles in the performance of many major works of the choral and instrumental repertoires. The instrument is one of the few rare surviving original examples of early 20th-century organ building, and the impressive instrument possesses a total of 3,178 pipes, 45 ranks and four manuals. The instrument is currently maintained by Clem, Cole, Dan, and Steve, technicians/artists from Emery Brothers/Dieffenbach organs.

For further information on the recital, call 570-941-7624, email music@scranton.edu or visit scranton.edu/music. For more info on Dr. Hohman, visit frederickhohman.net.

Lackawanna Historical Society Genealogy Forum Registration Now Open

The Lackawanna Historical Society’s Genealogy Forum is an opportunity to learn more about specific topics in family history research and discuss particular research tactics to uncover your family story.  These sessions are geared to those who are not new to genealogy research and who have a strong knowledge of their U.S. family history. In taking these courses, registrants should have an idea as to which places their ancestors are from in Europe.

Saturday, April 12 from 10 am to Noon: Researching Ireland and Scots-Irish Records with Barbara Spellman Shuta, Kate Bohan and Madonna Munley at the Lackawanna County Children’s Library Community Room

Saturday, May 10 from 10 am to Noon: Researching Poland with Tony Paddock at the North Pocono Library

Saturday, June 14 from 10 am to Noon: Researching Italy with Ann Marie Castelgrande at Council Chambers, 2nd floor of Carbondale City Hall

Saturday, July 12 from 10 am to Noon: Researching Carpatho-Rusyn Records with Natalie Asikainen at the Albright Memorial Library, Henkelman Room

August (date TBA) Researching Germany with Tom Price at the Valley Community Library

Saturday, September 13 from 10 am to Noon: Researching England and Wales with Tom Price at the Abington Community Library

These sessions are free, but advance registration is required. For more information or to register for these sessions, contact the Lackawanna Historical Society at 570-344-3841 or email lackawannahistory@gmail.com.

Marywood President Emerita Sister Mary Persico Recognized with AICUP Awards

Sister Mary Persico, IHM, Ed.D., Marywood President Emerita and Director of Special Projects, was among three individuals recently honored for their service by the 85-member institutions of the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania (AICUP).

Sister Mary, who is AICUP Chair Emeritus and has served the organization admirably in other leadership capacities, received the Francis J. Michelini Award for Outstanding Service to Higher Education, in recognition of distinguished work in higher education, particularly during her tenure at Marywood University, where she served as the 12th President from 2016-2024. Sister Mary continues to serve Marywood as President Emerita and Director of Special Projects, guiding the work of the university’s new strategic plan and its regular Middle States accreditation review process.

Earlier in the year, Sister Mary and Marywood University were recognized in the Best Opinion category of the 2025 AICUP Comm Awards with the “Distinguished Communicator” designation, given for a piece she co-authored with AICUP President Thomas P. Foley, “A College Degree Is Well Worth the Investment,” which appeared in The Scranton Times-Tribune on January 2, 2024.

The recognitions took place during the AICUP annual meeting on Monday, March 24. The award ceremony at the Hilton Harrisburg was attended by dozens of college presidents from across the Commonwealth, as well as legislators and VIP guests.

Jewish Family Service of NEPA Receives Grant

Jewish Family Service of Northeastern Pennsylvania (JFS) is honored to be a recipient of a $10,000 grant from the Robert H. Spitz Foundation as part of its 2024 grant cycle. This generous funding, administered by the Scranton Area Community Foundation, will provide vital support to JFS, allowing the organization to continue delivering essential programs and services to the community.

For over 100 years, JFS has been committed to supporting individuals and families in need, regardless of race, religion, or background. The grant will directly enhance the agency’s ability to provide mental health counseling, older adult services, food assistance, and emergency support for vulnerable populations throughout our community.

The Robert H. Spitz Foundation, which is dedicated to supporting nonprofit organizations that make a meaningful impact, has been a longstanding advocate for community-driven initiatives. By providing resources to organizations like JFS, the foundation plays a crucial role in fostering resilience and positive change in the region.

Pictured in photo from left to right: Cathy Fitzpatrick, Director of Grants & Scholarships for the Scranton Area Community Foundation; Sheila Nudelman Abdo, ACSW, LCSW, JFS Executive Director; Arthur E. Levandoski, JFS Coordinator of Marketing and Development; Laura Ducceschi, President & CEO for the Scranton Area Community Foundation.

Moses Taylor Foundation Honored with Friend of School Nursing Award

The Pennsylvania Association of School Nurses and Practitioners (PASNAP) recognized Moses Taylor Foundation as the recipient of the 2025 Friend of School Nursing Award for Pennsylvania. This award is presented to organizations and individuals outside the profession of school nursing who have made significant contributions to the practice of school nursing in the Commonwealth.

Christine Marcos, Senior Program Officer, has been immersed in the Foundation’s strategic focus area of school-based health for seven years. She shares, “School nurses are on the front lines of meeting the health needs of students, and their work encompasses far more than what most people realize. They are key to helping students manage chronic diseases, connecting families to crucial resources, screening children for health concerns, and much more. Our Board and staff are continually inspired by their resilience, knowledge, and passion for student health, and it is our privilege to support their work.”

Representatives from Moses Taylor Foundation accepted the award on March 22, 2025, in State College.

Alongside key partners such as PASNAP, Moses Taylor Foundation has so far invested $1.7 million, countless staff hours, and other resources to support school nurses through a four-point strategy that includes:

  • Advocacy for regular reevaluation of school health law, policies, and mandates
  • Building awareness of the school nurse role and connections between school nurses and key partners
  • Increased professional development opportunities specific to the role of the school nurse
  • Research and piloting of innovative school nurse workforce and funding models

“Since 2019, Moses Taylor Foundation has put school nurses front and center, advocating for solutions to barriers affecting school nurses, and helping to improve school health services for the students of Pennsylvania.  I can think of no person or organization more deserving of this year’s Friend of School Nursing award,” said Kathy Verbel, MEd, BSN, RN, NCSN, PASNAP’s Moses Taylor Foundation Liaison.

Marywood University Aviation Program Soars into Philadelphia Region

Marywood University is expanding the reach of its longstanding Aviation Management program into the Philadelphia region at Wings Field Airport (LOM), commonly known as “the Blue Bell Airport,” in the Philadelphia suburb of Blue Bell.

Established 25 years ago, Marywood’s aviation program has seen a rising demand, especially as commercial pilots retire in record numbers and a global shortage of certified pilots escalates. Now, through its partnership with Fly Gateway Aviation Institute, Marywood is extending its proven Scranton-based program into the Philadelphia area, offering students in Southeastern Pennsylvania and surrounding regions the ability to stay, learn, and train close to home.

“What Marywood University offers is a distinctive, professional, immersive aviation experience, which is more than just pilot training—students earn a business degree, in addition to flight certification, which ultimately gives them more options, greater flexibility, and better employability throughout their career,” said Captain Joseph McDonald, Director of Marywood’s Aviation Management Program and a retired American Airlines Captain. “Our partnership with Fly Gateway allows Marywood to go beyond Scranton and offer this incredible opportunity to students in the Southeastern Pennsylvania/Delaware region.”

Marywood University offers two tracks in its Aviation Management Program—one for Pilot/Flight Operations, for those who wish to become certified pilots, and another for Airline/Airport Management, for those interested in the business side of the industry. Through an all-in-one integrated program, students receive aviation-specific training with a strong business foundation, providing the leadership and management skills needed to succeed in today’s aviation industry. Students can take all non-pilot related courses online to earn a Bachelor of Business Administration degree, while taking in-person flight courses and instruction at the Blue Bell Airport.

As part of their training, students will have access to a fleet of modern aircraft, including the 2022-2024 Piper Archer 100i. These advanced airplanes feature cutting-edge electronic displays, ensuring that students train on the latest industry technology and are well-prepared for the modern cockpit environment. Another distinctive feature of Marywood’s Aviation Management Program is the ability for those in the Pilot/Flight Operations track to fly sooner.

“At Marywood University, we believe in learning by doing. Students in our program fly during their freshman year,” said Anthony Nestico, Assistant Director of Marywood’s Aviation Management Program and a JetBlue First Officer. “Most pilot programs make them wait until their sophomore or junior year before they ever get to fly a real airplane. While we have airplane simulators to get them started, they are soon prepared and equipped to take flight in their first year.”

PennDOT Announces Registration for 2025 Pick Up Pennsylvania

Over 3.2 million pounds of litter and trash picked up in 2024 by more than 77,000 volunteers

As part of the Shapiro Administration’s commitment to maintaining the Commonwealth’s natural resources and enhancing tourism, Pennsylvanians are invited to register for the 2025 Pick Up Pennsylvania litter cleanup initiative. A collaborative effort among the Pennsylvania Departments of Transportation (PennDOT) and Environmental Protection (DEP) and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, Pick Up Pennsylvania offers civic-minded volunteers an opportunity to help keep their communities clean and free from litter. 

Litter can pollute streams and rivers with microplastics, degrading water quality, and harming the fish, birds, and wildlife that depend on healthy streams and rivers to thrive. Pick Up PA, an annual volunteer effort to clean up Pennsylvania roads, parks, streams and communities, represents Governor Shapiro’s commitment to protecting Pennsylvania’s cherished natural resources. Earlier this year the Shapiro Administration announced more than $15 million in funding to conserve and protect waterways and watersheds, reclaim abandoned mine sites, and plug abandoned wells.

In 2024, more than 77,000 volunteers participated in Pick Up Pennsylvania. Over 3.2 million pounds of litter and trash were picked up, 4.5 million pounds of materials recycled, and more than 14,000 trees, flowers and other greens were planted.

Also in 2024, PennDOT’s Adopt-A-Highway program hosted nearly 23,000 volunteers belonging to 4,600 groups and supported the collection of more than 39,000 bags of trash from PA roadways.

“Last fiscal year, PennDOT spent $18 million picking up litter along the 40,000 miles of state-owned roadways. The Shapiro Administration has made protecting the Commonwealth’s environment a key focus, and we’re proud to continue that work,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “The thousands of Pennsylvanians who volunteer their time to keeping litter out of our roads, parks and waterways are a key component to keeping PA beautiful, and there is always more work to be done.”

DEP and Pennsylvania Waste Industries Association are sponsoring trash disposal, free of charge or at a reduced rate for registered program participants, at participating landfills from April 1 through April 30, with prior approval. Events scheduled through May 31 are eligible to receive free trash bags, gloves, and safety vests provided by support from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and PennDOT, as supplies last.

“Litter is a problem that affects all of us – it pollutes streams, dirties our parks and highways, and is just gross,” said Acting DEP Secretary Jessica Shirley. “When people see an area with litter, it’s a signal that they can also just toss their trash – so it is important to keep Pennsylvania litter-free. Joining a pickup event, or organizing your own, is a great way to keep Pennsylvania beautiful.”

“We are incredibly grateful to our volunteers, local officials, and sponsors who make Pick Up Pennsylvania, the state’s largest community improvement program, possible,” said Shannon Reiter, President of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful. “As we drive along the highways and back roads of Pennsylvania, it’s easy to see the impact of litter. Litter affects our quality of life, the natural environment, and economic development in communities across the state.”

Registered litter cleanups, illegal dump cleanups, community greening and beautification, special collections and education events are eligible for free cleanup supplies. To host, register or join an event near you or to inquire about free supplies and trash disposal, visit keeppabeautiful.org, choose “Programs,” then “Pick Up PA” or contact Michelle Dunn, Pick Up Pennsylvania Program Coordinator, at 877-772-3673 ext. 113 or mdunn@keeppabeautiful.org.   

“After the long winter, we hope residents are ready to get outside, roll up their sleeves, and pick up the trash left behind as the snow melts,” said Reiter. “Enhancing an area with plants, flowers, or a fresh coat of paint can also help keep it litter-free. Anyone can participate in Pick Up PA by visiting our website.

Johnson College Hazleton to Host Spring Open House

Johnson College Hazleton will hold its Spring Open House on Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the CAN DO Training Center located inside the Humboldt Industrial Park at 370 Maplewood Drive in Hazle Township. To register for the Open House, visit Johnson.edu/hazletonopenhouse or contact Johnson College’s Enrollment Department at 570-702-8856 or enroll@johnson.edu.

The Open House will include discussions about the admissions process, information about financial aid for those who qualify, and student services such as student life, student support, and career services. Plus, same-day acceptance will be available for many programs if students bring their high school or college transcripts. Tours of each technical area will be conducted and program directors and instructors will be available to review the specifics of their programs.