United Way Announces Scholarship Recipient The United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike awarded the Mike Munchak Community Service Scholarship to Celia Emiliani, a 2024 graduate of West Scranton High School. The scholarship award was officially presented as part of the 28th Annual Mike Munchak Charity Golf Classic to benefit the United Way held at the Country Club of Scranton. The sold-out golf tournament raised over $100,000 for United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike. Over $1,600,000 have been raised during the 28 years of this golf outing. “For the past 28 years it has been our honor to welcome Mike back home to Scranton, and we remain grateful to him for his unwavering commitment to the people of our community,” said Gary Drapek, President and CEO of the United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike. The United Way established the Mike Munchak Community Service Scholarship to assist high school students from Lackawanna, Wayne and Pike Counties, who plan to continue their education in an accredited university, college, or trade school in a two or four-year degree program. The amount of the one-time scholarship is $6,300 in honor of Mike’s #63, retired by the Houston Oilers in 1994. Completing the scholarships 13th year of existence, a total amount of $81,900 in scholarship funds have been distributed to local graduates. To be eligible, candidates must be volunteers in programs funded by the United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike, have a demonstrated commitment through community service activities and be full-time residents and/or students of a school district within Lackawanna, Wayne or Pike Counties. Additional requirements include a demonstrated financial need, academic achievement, agency recommendation and a track record of community service. “Education is one of our pillars here at the United Way. This scholarship is a prime example of how important a good education along with strong community involvement is in helping ensure Lackawanna, Wayne and Pike Counties continue to Live United. Every year we are amazed at the amount of Hall-of-Fame caliber seniors who apply for this scholarship. The future certainly remains bright here in NEPA,” added Drapek. The 2024 scholarship recipient is Celia Emiliani, a West Scranton High School graduate who will be attending the University of Pittsburgh to pursue a degree in International Business. Celia’s community service accomplishments include the American Red Cross Blood Drive, activities at the Knights of Columbus, St. Patrick’s Food Pantry, Scranton 1/2 Marathon, Community Intervention Center, Read Across America, Scranton Public Library among many other activities. Additionally, Celia is a member of the National Honor Society, West Scranton High Class President of 2024, Student Representative to the Scranton School Board, SADD Club Secretary as well as an array of clubs and activities in which she is engaged. The Scholarship Committee noted Celia’s superior GPA as well as the leadership qualities she exhibited throughout her time at West Scranton. “Funding essential programs throughout Lackawanna, Wayne and Pike Counties as well as running our own community outreach programs has led us into our 2nd Century of Service in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Continuously evolving each and every year has been the key to our success. Like the mindset of a Hall-of-Fame Athlete, we set a goal every year and do everything in our power to achieve that goal, just like our homegrown football legend himself, Mike Munchak,” Drapek concluded.
Hospice of the Sacred Hearts to Host Camp Healing Hearts Hospice of the Sacred Heart hosts Camp Healing Hearts. This event is a five-day camp experience to provide grief education to children ages 8 to 14 who have experienced the death of a loved one. Camp is designed to provide campers exposure to the arts, giving them the opportunity to develop healthy ways to express themselves and process their emotions. Trained bereavement counselors and members of the regional arts community work together to assist the campers in finding comfortable outlets to share their grief. Jennifer Seechock, Hospice of the Sacred Heart Director of Counseling Services, will be available throughout the week for media interviews. The five-day camp is free and is made up of instructional sessions in various art platforms. This year’s theme is Pure Imagination. Bereavement counselors will be available throughout the week if any campers or family members require individual support. Community volunteers lend their time to campers with artistic projects in painting, writing, photography, yoga, dance, singing and cooking/baking. All sessions will be held in person at the lodge at Montage Mountain Resort. At the conclusion of camp activities, campers and their families will enjoy a day at the waterpark on Friday, August 9th. Media representatives are encouraged to attend any session Tuesday through Friday. A video retrospective of Camp Healing Hearts will be presented before the feature film at the Circle Drive-In, 1911 Scranton Carbondale Highway, Dickson City, on a date to be determined. WHEN: Monday through Friday, August 5 through 9, 9:00 – 11:30 AM BEST DAYS FOR MEDIA COVERAGE ARE TUESDAY THROUGH FRIDAY, AUGUST 6 THROUGH 9, 9:30 TO 11:30 AM. Jennifer Seechock, Hospice of the Sacred Heart Director of Counseling Services, will be available during those times for media interviews. WHERE: Montage Mountain, 1000 Montage Mountain, Scranton, PA 18507 CONTACT: Jennifer Seechock Hospice of the Sacred Heart (570) 855-4370 jseechock@HospiceSacredHeart.org Camp Healing Hearts is sponsored by New York Life, Lackawanna County, Montage Mountain Resort, Simrell Media, Lamar Advertising and Mansour’s Market Café.
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Railriders Playing as the Malmö Oat Milkers The evening of June 28th, the Malmö Oat Milkers came to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, but they’ll have some familiar faces. Your hometown RailRiders played as the Oat Milkers, Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™)’s newest team brought to the league by Oatly, the world’s original and largest oatmilk company. Questions such as “the Malmö whats?” “How do I even pronounce that?” and/or “what is oatmilk?” as well as statements including “I don’t get it, and I just want to watch some RailRiders baseball” are appropriate and, frankly, not shocking. Luckily, the Oatly public relations department shared some answers with us, which admittedly could bring either more clarity or more confusion to this situation. Announced during MLB Tonight’s March 27 evening broadcast, the introduction of The Malmö Oat Milkers to the league is part of Oatly’s ongoing multi-year partnership with MiLB as the first-ever national plant-based, non-dairy sponsor, and pays homage to Oatly’s home city of Malmö, Sweden. All of MiLB’s already existing 120 teams are each playing one game this season as the Oat Milkers, including the RailRiders – making the Oat Milkers more than just the 121st team of MiLB, but also an occasion for our local players to wear non-generic, but also non-outlandish pink accented jerseys for nine entire innings. Fans are under no obligation to wear Oat Milkers’ gear, but we’re told Oatly – the corporate sponsors – would love that. While now primarily known for “assuming the identity of a MiLB team,” Oatly also makes a delicious range of oat-based, non-dairy milk alternatives that offer the same creamy taste, frothy feel, and functionality as cow’s milk, while generally having a lower environmental impact1. This includes frozen dessert concessions available for purchase at PNC Field.
United Way Receives Generous Donation The United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike is excited to announce a generous donation of $50,000 from the Hawk Family Foundation, Dunmore, in support of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library as well as the allocation process of the United Way. This generous contribution will not only help provide free books to children, fostering a love of reading and promoting early childhood literacy but also be distributed to various agencies throughout NEPA during United Way’s allocation process. The donation was presented on June 25th, 2024 at the Gertrude Hawk corporate location in Dunmore, PA. $25,000 will be directly donated to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, highlighting the foundation’s commitment to community engagement and support for educational initiatives. The Dolly Parton Imagination Library, a beloved program by many, mails free, high-quality books to children from birth until they begin school, regardless of the family’s income. The other $25,000 donation are non-designated funds which allows the United Way to distribute them to various programs administered by agencies throughout Lackawanna, Wayne and Pike County that focus on key areas of the United Way; Health, Economic Mobility and Education. “We are incredibly grateful to the Hawk Family Foundation for their generous support of the United Way,” said Gary Drapek, President & CEO of the United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike. “This donation will have a profound impact on the lives of many children and families in our community.” The United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike remains dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families in the community through education, health, and economic mobility programs. This donation from the Hawk Family Foundation will help further the mission of the United Way and ensure that children and households have the resources they need to succeed.
Outreach – Center for Community Resources to Host Ribbon Cutting Outreach – Center for Community Resources will host a ribbon cutting for its new Young Adult Center (YAC) on Thursday, July 11, 2024, from 10 AM – 1 PM. The ribbon cutting will take place at 11 AM. The YAC is located on the lower level of the Outreach Seventh Avenue Center, 431 North 7th Avenue, Scranton, PA, 18503. Outreach is excited to celebrate the opening of the YAC. The YAC is a newly renovated space at the Seventh Avenue Center and has been serving young people ages (14-24) since January. Programs include youth services to help young people transition into adulthood. Many of the young people served by the Center have had previous involvement in the justice system, are aging out of the foster care system, have withdrawn from high school, or need an extra support system due to family circumstances. The Center is staffed with a Youth Services Manager and three full-time Independent Living Case Managers. The YAC works closely with other Outreach team members to provide full wraparound services, including GED tutoring, workforce development training, life skills, and parenting classes. When needed, Outreach refers to outside agencies for additional services. Outreach – Center for Community Resources offers a variety of programs, with respect for the individual and with the highest professional standards, that promote family stability and economic self-sufficiency. For over 35 years, Outreach has served residents of Northeastern Pennsylvania with evidence-based programming, including home-visiting programs Parents as Teachers®, SafeCare® Augmented, Parent/Child Play & Learn Groups, the Incredible Years® parent training program, family reunification, supervised visitation, prison reentry, life skills programming, GED, and workforce development services. Outreach was privileged to serve nearly 5,000 individuals across the region last year. For more information, please visit www.outreachworks.org Upcoming Events.
Tobyhanna Army Depot Hosts Army Senior Leader Visit Tobyhanna Army Depot discussed the needs of the future force during an Army senior leader’s visit. Matthew Sannito, Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff, Army G-4, visited Tobyhanna on June 25 to witness the organization’s advanced capabilities, world-class facilities, and ongoing modernization efforts, highlighting the depot’s pivotal role providing C5ISR readiness for the joint warfighter. Sannito and the team at the Army G-4 develop, implement, and oversee Army strategy, policy, plans, and programming for logistics and sustainment. Depot Commander Col. James L. Crocker, Sgt. Maj. Michael S. Riggs, and Chief of Staff Kristyn K. Smith hosted Sannito’s inaugural visit to Northeastern Pennsylvania’s largest regional employer. After an overview briefing outlining the depot’s mission and business profile, Col. Crocker facilitated a comprehensive tour for Sannito, shining a spotlight on the depot’s modernized facilities and skilled workforce – all poised to meet the needs of the modern warfighter. “The Tobyhanna Army Depot of 2024 has greatly evolved since our beginnings in 1953. Our workload profile is changing, and we are seeing immense growth in emerging missions like microelectronics, satellite communications, cable fabrication, and radars,” said Col. Crocker. “A proactive modernization strategy set us up for success today, and we will continue building towards tomorrow.” Tobyhanna’s expansive radar campus was a focal point of the tour, which also revealed plans for a dramatic modernization in the near future. The radar campus expansion project, which will invest upwards of $60 million into depot facilities, will expand radar testing capacity as well as increase capabilities for essential equipment used by warfighters across the Department of Defense (DoD). As the DoD’s radar center of excellence, the depot supports current DoD radars in sustainment as well as legacy systems for partner nations. Personnel in the depot’s Strategic Initiatives Office also support emerging warfighter requirements prior to and during the transition to sustainment. The tour highlighted Tobyhanna’s innovative approach to maintenance, including the organization’s radar-centric technology center, which consolidates technological commonalities in a single workspace. Co-locating personnel by technology (instead of individual system) removes functional silos, increases skills of maintenance personnel, and heightens cross-organizational collaboration opportunities. Challenges faced across the Army enterprise, such as supply chain management and obsolescence were also topics of discussion along the tour route. Sannito had the opportunity to see the depot’s emerging microelectronics capability; a novel facility that creates a sustainment strategy for circuit cards lacking support from the original equipment manufacturer or have long lead times. Vital military assets, such as SINCGARS radios, Harris radios, and the AN/TPQ53 will have heightened readiness – all thanks to Tobyhanna’s future-focused readiness strategy. “This new capability can reduce the lead time for critical components from years to mere weeks,” Crocker said. Sannito emphasized the importance of bridging the communication gap between depots and decision makers. “The value of these visits is to get people into the operations and organizations where they don’t have visibility. People advocating for resources may not have a full operational understanding to effectively articulate needs to decision makers,” said Sannito. “It’s all about readiness at the end of the day,” adding that Tobyhanna plays an important role within the DoD. “The work you do here at Tobyhanna Army Depot drives down risk and sustains readiness.” Crocker noted the benefits of engaging with Army officials in his remarks closing out the visit. “Educating senior Army leaders about the vast capabilities of the depot and the challenges we face will only result in better decision making for the entire organic industrial base.” Smith agreed. “Tobyhanna has a dynamic, multifaceted mission, which results in increased readiness for warfighters facing a multi-domain battlefield. The support of leaders across the Army is integral to the success of not only the depot, but the DoD overall. We are thankful for engaged advocates like Mr. Sannito.”
UNC’s Camp Kelly Overnight Camp Registration Still Open United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC) still has available space at our Camp Kelly Traditional Girls Overnight. The camp is in the countryside of Tunkhannock, Wyoming County, just 30 minutes from Scranton. UNC’s Camp Kelly provided a weeklong, authentic, great outdoors version of cabin camping for girls. We created an environment where every girl can learn to feel confident in their abilities and where they are committed to building upon their sense of self with each activity. Our camp is designed to foster confidence, connection, and character in every guest. It is sometimes the first time many young girls stay overnight away from home, starting a memorable personal growth and unique experience. We encourage them to act like children but empower them to become self-sufficient and independent. We also give them the tools they need to become responsible adults. For many girls, it is not only their first time sleeping away from home but in a cabin near the wilderness or without the amenities they are used to. They must embrace getting out of their comfort zone. Campers are invited to register for week 1, July 7 -12, or week 2, July 14-19. The cost is only $405 per camper. If you would like to feature our available space, Kelly Langan, our Director of Children & Teens, is available for interviews and tours of camp. She can be reached at klangan@uncnepa.org. We can also provide interviews with staff and campers. To view pictures of our camp, visit UNC’s Camp Kelly on Facebook.
Geisinger Discusses Mineral vs. Chemical Sunscreen Geisinger says some sunscreen is always better than none for sun protection, but for certain skin types, one kind may take the prize.By: Mikael Kevork Horissian, MD, Dermatology, Geisinger Are you an avid outdoor enthusiast — or someone who spends as little time outside as possible? Either way, and in any season, sunscreen is crucial in protecting your skin from the sun’s damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays. It not only guards against painful sunburn, but also reduces the risk of premature aging and skin cancer. But not all sunscreens are created equal, and abundant options line store shelves. You’ll see terms like mineral, physical or chemical, but what do they mean? The main difference between chemical and mineral sunscreens is how they filter the sun’s rays. While they’re both an effective option for sun protection, the choice between mineral and chemical sunscreens typically comes down to your skin type, sensitivity and personal preferences. What is mineral sunscreen? Mineral sunscreen, also known as physical sunscreen, creates a physical barrier on the skin’s surface to reflect and scatter UV rays. This barrier helps block UV rays from being absorbed into the skin and causing damage. This type of sunscreen uses natural minerals, like titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, as its active ingredients. What is chemical sunscreen? Chemical sunscreen, on the other hand, works by using just that — chemicals — to protect your skin from the sun’s rays. Instead of physically blocking UV rays like mineral sunscreen, it works like a sponge, absorbing UV radiation and converting it into non-damaging heat through a chemical reaction to reduce sun damage. Your skin then releases the heat. Common ingredients found in chemical sunscreens include avobenzone, oxybenzone, octinoxate, octisalate, dioxybenzone and homosalate. Mineral vs. chemical sunscreen: Which is right for you? Each type of sunscreen has a unique set of benefits and drawbacks. Chemical sunscreen benefits People often like chemical sunscreen because of its lightweight, easy-to-apply formula. It blends seamlessly into the skin without leaving any white residue. Chemical sunscreen drawbacks However, chemical sunscreen tends to wear off more quickly. That means you have to reapply it more often, especially if you’re swimming or sweating a lot. It can also take up to 30 minutes to be absorbed into the skin to be effective. And if you have sensitive skin, chemical sunscreen could cause irritation or an allergic reaction. Mineral sunscreen benefits There’s no waiting period for effectiveness with mineral sunscreen — it protects your skin as soon as you apply it. And it’s generally well-tolerated by all skin types, making it ideal if you have sensitive skin, dry skin or eczema. Mineral sunscreens are generally preferred by dermatologists because if applied correctly, they literally form a separation between your skin and the sun. With instant protection and a lower likelihood of breaking down in sunlight compared to chemical sunscreens, mineral sunscreen is a safe, effective option for sun protection. Mineral sunscreen drawbacks A disadvantage of mineral sunscreen: It tends to be thicker, making it harder to apply evenly. And it can leave behind a white, chalky residue on the skin, which may not be appealing particularly if you have a darker skin tone. Are chemical sunscreens safe? The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not labeled either type of sunscreen as unsafe. However, there is growing concern over common ingredients in chemical sunscreen that are absorbed into the bloodstream and their impact on a person’s health. A study recently published in JAMA revealed the amount of chemicals absorbed into the bloodstream is significantly above the FDA’s threshold for waiving added safety trials to determine possible toxicity. This study does not mean that chemical sunscreens are unsafe, but rather more conclusive research is needed to determine if there are any effects on a person’s health. Current medical literature suggests that the known health risks of UV exposure far outweigh the potential risk of chemical absorption from this type of sunscreen. The bottom line? The effectiveness and safety of any sunscreen depend on several factors. Look for sunscreen that: Has an SPF of 30 or higher Is water-resistant Is labeled broad spectrum to protect against UVA and UVB rays If it has all these qualities, it’s proven to effectively protect the skin from sun damage, as long as you apply it generously and reapply it every two hours, or as directed. More sun safety tips Sunscreen alone can’t fully protect your skin from the sun’s UV rays, especially if you’re outside for long periods of time. Besides generously applying and reapplying sunscreen — whether mineral or chemical — follow these other sun-safe practices for optimal protection: Avoid peak hours in the sun, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Wear sun-protective clothing with a UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) of 50 or higher, as well as sunglasses and a wide-brim hat. Stay in the shade whenever possible. By following sun safety practices and making whatever sunscreen you choose a part of your daily routine, you can enjoy the outdoors all summer long while keeping your skin healthy and well-protected. For the latest health and wellness tips and advice, visit geisinger.org/balance.
