Community Advocate, Board Member at The Wright Center Receives State Award Pedro L. Anes, a veteran, business owner, longtime community advocate, and volunteer member of The Wright Centers for Community Health and Patient & Community Engagement Boards of Directors, received a 2024 Impact Award from City & State Pennsylvania during an awards ceremony at Philadelphia Marriott Old City. The multimedia news organization honored Anes, a Puerto Rico native and Scranton resident, for his decades of work significantly advancing diversity, education, and community engagement across Northeast Pennsylvania and the state. City & State Pennsylvania also recognized how, as a volunteer board member at The Wright Center, he uses his leadership skills and vast community connections to support underserved individuals, particularly those with limited English proficiency and low incomes. Anes played a key role in securing continued federal funding for Community Health Centers by advocating directly with congressional leaders during the National Association of Community Health Centers’ 2024 Community Health Institute (CHI) & Expo in Atlanta. “Pedro exemplifies the true spirit of servant leadership, dedicating his life to empowering others and championing initiatives that break down barriers and foster equity,” said Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak, president and CEO of The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education and co-chair of The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement Board of Directors. “His unwavering commitment to diversity, education, participatory citizenship, and community engagement, both locally and nationally, inspires all of us at The Wright Center. We are deeply proud to have him as a valued board member and congratulate him on this well-deserved recognition of his impactful contributions.” His notable initiatives include tackling police brutality in schools, contributing to the development of Pennsylvania’s Every Student Succeeds Act plan, which replaced and updated the 2002 No Child Left Behind Act; leading 2020 Census full count efforts in Northeast Pennsylvania with a special focus on historically undercounted populations; and ensuring the Latinx and other hard-to-reach communities in Scranton received access to COVID-19 vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of the City of Scranton’s Climate Action Planning and Sustainability initiative, Anes collaborated with a regional coalition, including the cities of Scranton and Wilkes-Barre, on the U.S. Department of Commerce National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Integrated Heat Health Information System 2024 Urban Heat Island Mapping Campaign. This initiative seeks to identify urban areas with disproportionately high temperatures – called heat islands – that pose significant health risks to vulnerable populations. The resulting detailed report pinpointed the areas most impacted by extreme heat, providing invaluable insights into the local climate challenges. This data was crucial in shaping the Scranton Climate Action Planning and Sustainability plan, guiding strategic actions to mitigate heat risks, protect at-risk communities, and strengthen overall climate resilience. Anes also founded several impactful programs, such as the Latino Community Services Office, the Familias Saludables program, and the Step Up to Leadership program, to support underserved families while fostering multicultural awareness. He spearheaded an international partnership with Playball Puerto Rico, where he serves as treasurer, and the Monterrey Mexico Rotary Club to create a sustainable field renovation and equipment donation campaign aimed at supporting underserved neighborhoods in Monterey, Mexico. The owner of Inpact Learning LLC, an independent consulting firm, Anes has over 30 years of experience developing successful diversity and inclusion strategies, organizational development, and training across nonprofit, educational, corporate, military, and government sectors. He also is a K-5 English/language arts, history, and geography teacher at Notre Dame Academy in Scranton, where he recently launched a private donation campaign to support the school and its students, securing essential items such as uniforms, winter coats, printers, teaching aids, classroom supplies, equipment, books, and funds for educational field trips. Anes has held diverse roles, including as a senior U.S. Army non-commissioned officer, adjunct professor, chief talent officer, and multilingual partnership specialist with the U.S. Census Bureau. He holds a Ph.D. (ABD) in human development from Marywood University in Scranton, a master’s in administration from Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, and a bachelor’s in management from Park University in Parkville, Missouri. Raised in East Harlem (Spanish Harlem), New York, he moved to the Poconos in 1998 and Scranton in 2002. Anes is also the Mideast region representative of the National Council of the United Nations Association of the United States of America, vice president of the Lackawanna Interagency Council, and a City of Scranton Human Relations Commission member. Earlier this year, he was an organizer and panelist of the 2024 United Nations International Peace Day Interdependence Hexagon Project “Posters for Peace” art exhibit. He was also selected as a panelist representing the National Council of the United Nations Association of the United States of America for the “Finding Peace Through Action: A Community Conversation,” which was streamed live during the Yoko Ono, World of Peace Concert tour in Europe. As a nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike and safety-net provider, The Wright Center serves vulnerable and medically underserved populations, regardless of age, ethnic background, ZIP code, insurance status, or ability to pay. It accepts all insurance plans and offers a sliding-fee discount program based on federal poverty guidelines that consider family size and income. No patient is ever turned away due to an inability to pay. Headquartered in Scranton, The Wright Center’s growing network of community health centers in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayne, and Wyoming counties, including a mobile medical and dental unit called Driving Better Health, provides affordable, high-quality, nondiscriminatory, whole-person primary health services to everyone. Patients typically have the convenience of going to a single location to access integrated medical, dental, and behavioral health care, as well as community-based addiction treatment and recovery services. For more information, go to TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-230-0019. The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement advances The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education’s mission – to improve the health and welfare of our communities through inclusive and responsive health services and the sustainable renewal of an inspired, competent workforce that is privileged to serve – by involving patients and communities in transforming primary health services, fostering workforce development, and addressing public health challenges. Focused on education, advocacy, and reducing socioeconomic barriers, the nonprofit assists vulnerable populations facing poverty, homelessness, food and housing insecurity, limited transportation, and social isolation. Guided by a board of patients and local professionals, it organizes impactful initiatives like health fairs, food drives, and school supply giveaways. Its annual Dr. William Waters Golf Tournament raises critical funds to ensure equitable access to high-quality, whole-person primary health services for everyone.
PS Bank Donates $5,000 to Tunkhannock Area High School Robotics Program PS Bank was proud to recently make a contribution of $5,000 to the Tunkhannock Area High School robotics program. This donation was made possible through the Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit program. The Robotics Team has been in Tunkhannock since 1997 and has helped many students find a passion in engineering and robotics. Over the last few years, the growth in technology and automation in engineering and manufacturing has increasingly highlighted the importance of learning the basics of robotics. With this increase, robotics has made its way into the classroom as part of the electronics laboratory. This donation will help fund resources for the class, club, and team by almost doubling the supplies to design, build, and program robots. Matthew Wincek, Tunkhannock Area High School principal, accepted the donation on behalf of the robotics program. “The Tunkhannock Area High School Robotics Club and Team would like to thank you for your support and generous donation to the program. The increase in supplies allows for more students to get to experience the fun and education of robotics, while growing the team’s motto, “Tigers Today, Leaders Tomorrow,” said Wincek. At the check presentation, PS Bank officers had the chance to meet the leadership of the Tigertrons, including Robert Hug, Advisor; Erik Arndt, President; Emmalee Campbell, Public Relations and Electronics Lead; and Aiden Pallman, Manufacturing and Build Lead.
Penn State Scranton Offers Real Estate Classes Real estate classes at Penn State Scranton, designated and approved by the Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission, are designed to prepare individuals for careers in the real estate field. Those seeking to sit for the Pennsylvania Real Estate Salesperson Exam must take both Real Estate Fundamentals and Real Estate Practice courses. Courses are offered in person at Penn State Scranton located in Dunmore PA. For registration and information, please visit: https://scranton.psu.edu/business-development-community-outreach/options/industry-focused/real-estate
Misericordia University Receives Donation from Wilkes-Barre General Hospital School of Nursing The Wilkes-Barre General Hospital School of Nursing Alumni Association presented a donation to the Center for Nursing History of Northeastern Pennsylvania at Misericordia University on October 22, 2024. The Wilkes-Barre General Hospital School of Nursing opened in 1887, making it the first in the region. The Alumni Association was established in 1895 and disbanded in 2024, marking nearly 130 years. Founded in 2005, the Center is dedicated to preserving local nursing history. For more information and how to donate to the Center for Nursing History, please visit: https://www.misericordia.edu/library/about/center-for-nursing-history.
Marywood University Partners with PA National Guard to Provide 100% Tuition Coverage for Eligible Students and Families Marywood University is proud to announce a new partnership with the Pennsylvania National Guard, making it the only university in Lackawanna County to offer eligible students and their families 100% tuition coverage through the Educational Assistance Program (EAP) and Military Family Education Program (MFEP). The Pennsylvania National Guard’s EAP covers tuition as determined by the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE), enabling Guard members to pursue their degrees with significant financial support. While the program does not cover all fees, eligible students can benefit by meeting the following qualifications: A six-year service commitment to the Pennsylvania National Guard Active membership in the PA National Guard Enrollment in an approved degree program Submission of all required paperwork through the student’s National Guard unit Submission of an annual FAFSA and PA State Grant Application In addition, the Military Family Education Program (MFEP) offers tuition coverage and a portion of the technology fee for the spouses and children of Pennsylvania National Guard members. To qualify for the MFEP, Guard members must commit to an additional six years of service, with all documentation submitted through their unit. With five National Guard units located in Scranton alone and nearly 18,000 members statewide, the Pennsylvania National Guard is the second-largest National Guard in the country. This partnership demonstrates Marywood University’s steadfast commitment to supporting service members and their families while fostering accessible, high-quality education. “Marywood University is honored to stand alongside our brave Pennsylvania National Guard members and their families,” said President Lisa A. Lori, J.D. “As the only university in Lackawanna County offering this opportunity, we are proud to help local service members achieve their educational goals while recognizing their tremendous service to our state and nation.” For more information about eligibility and application details, visit marywood.edu/veterans or contact April Paciotti, Office of Military and Veteran Services Enrollment Manager, SCO at adpaciotti@marywood.edu.
Lackawanna College Receives $963,000 from NIST Grant Lackawanna College is proud to announce it has been awarded a $963,000 grant from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The grant will support a new partnership between the college and Vytal Plant Science Research (VPSR), a non-profit, Hazleton-based biotechnology company dedicated to driving innovation and economic growth in agriculture and plant derived bio-manufacturing industries in Pennsylvania. The funding was secured by former U.S. Congressman Matt Cartwright (PA-08), former ranking member of the House Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations Subcommittee, which oversees NIST’s annual budget, as part of his Fiscal Year 2024 Community Project Funding requests. “This federal investment will boost an industry that was once a staple of Pennsylvania’s economy and today presents further opportunities for new businesses, farm income, good-paying jobs, and environmentally sound products,” said Congressman Cartwright. “I look forward to seeing the positive impact Lackawanna College will have on driving scientific innovation, advancing skilled labor training, and revitalizing local manufacturing in our region.” The funding will allow VPSR to conduct genetic research and develop various strains of industrial hemp. This research will explore gene editing and metabolic engineering of hemp to create at least three new hemp seed varieties that will support the manufacture and deployment of innovative, bio-based products for application in green building construction, packaging, fabrics, renewable energy and land remediation. Alongside this research, Lackawanna College will launch a 15-week certificate program focused on preparing individuals interested in the hemp industry. The program, created in collaboration with VPSR and other leading manufacturing partners, will focus on providing skills needed to work with hemp including horticulture, agriculture, the role of global climate change and artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML). “Our 15-week certificate program is more than just education—it’s a gateway to meaningful careers in a rapidly evolving sector,” said Dr. Jill Murray, President and Chief Innovation Officer at Lackawanna College. “By collaborating with VPSR and leading manufacturing partners, we’ve developed a robust curriculum that will give students hands-on experience with the very latest advancements in hemp technology, ensuring they’re ready to contribute to this expanding industry. We’re not just training for today’s jobs, we’re equipping a workforce that can thrive as industries increasingly turn to sustainable solutions like hemp for the future.” In addition to the certificate program, the NIST funding will also help develop new sustainable agriculture facility at Lackawanna College’s Hazleton Center. Students (K-16), teachers and farmers are welcome to participate in hands-on workshops at the facility dedicated to instructing tissue culture, cloning, gene editing, growing and the cultivation process. These workshops are designed to educate and prepare the next generation of the workforce for opportunities in the hemp industry. “Advancing STEM education programs at two-year colleges is vital for creating pathways and opportunities that enable more talented individuals from diverse regions across the country to enter STEM fields,” said Dr. Shobha Rudrabhatla, Chief Scientific Officer at Vytal Plant Science Research. “Lackawanna College plays a key role in this effort, serving a large community of underrepresented minorities.”
I Need A Speaker Announces Strategic Partnerships with Major Convention and Visitors Bureaus I Need A Speaker announced partnerships with four leading convention and visitors bureaus: Choose Chicago, Meet Boston, Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Visit Pittsburgh. These collaborations mark a significant expansion in the company’s mission to connect event organizers with qualified speakers across all price points. Through these partnerships, I Need A Speaker will expand its reach in key event markets while making professional speakers more accessible to meeting planners and event organizers in these major metropolitan areas. I Need A Speaker’s online platform offers speakers across all budget ranges, ensuring that every organization can find the right speaker regardless of their budget. “Serving the convention and visitors’ bureaus for these major cities is a great way to live our mission of serving event planners and introducing audiences to new talent,” said Tricia Richards-Service, founder and president of I Need A Speaker. “We’re proud to partner with organizations that are committed to delivering a positive experience for meeting attendees.” These partnerships will provide enhanced visibility for I Need A Speaker’s comprehensive speaker directory and greater access to qualified speakers for events of all sizes in and around Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh. I Need A Speaker provides transparent and streamlined booking processes for meeting planners working in these areas. For customized speaker recommendations, meeting planners and event organizers may email info@ineedaspeaker.com. Visit www.ineedaspeaker.com to learn more or join its global user community.
Commonwealth of PA: Agricultural, Environmental, Health, Public Safety, and Additional Grant Opportunities NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs: Recovery Housing for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) and Other Drugs Who May Apply: Community-based organizations, community action agencies, or public health programs that focus on assisting individuals in accessing recovery housing. Use: Personnel services, consulting services, subcontract services, patient services, equipment, supplies, travel, and other costs associated with assisting individuals access recovery housing.Funds: DDAP expects to award five grants totaling $500,000 each. Application Deadline: January 10, 2025 More information: DDAP Website Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs: Integrated Health Solutions Who May Apply: Community-based organizations, community action agencies, or public health programs that focus on assisting individuals in accessing recovery housing. Use: Personnel services, consulting services, subcontract services, patient services, equipment, supplies, travel, and other costs associated with assisting individuals access recovery housing.Funds: DDAP expects to award five grants totaling $500,000 each. Application Deadline: January 10, 2025 More information: DDAP Website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS Department of Community and Economic Development: PA SITES Who May Apply: Municipalities, economic development organizations, redevelopment authorities, municipal authorities, industrial development agencies, and for-profit organizations. Use: To develop competitive sites for businesses to relocate or expand within Pennsylvania.Funds: $400 million in funding is available. Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and approved on a quarterly basis More information: DCED Website Department of Agriculture: Farm Vitality Planning Grant Who May Apply: Farmers, prospective farmers, and others may apply. Use: Strategic business planning to expand or diversify farms or support transition of ownership.Funds: $500,000 in funding is available. Grants shall not exceed $7,500. Application Deadline: Applications will be received until funds are exhausted. More information: Pennsylvania Bulletin Department of Community and Economic Development: Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career Grant Who May Apply: Technical and trade schools, school districts, post-secondary academic institutions, workforce investment boards, economic development organizations, and non-profit organizations. For-profit entities are not eligible. Use: Projects must focus on the development and deployment of workforce training programs for individuals with barriers to employment, engage youth or those with barriers in awareness building activities of manufacturing career opportunities, and advance capacity for local or regional manufacturers to meet the needs of local and regional manufacturers that cannot be met through existing programs such as WEDnet and Industry Partnerships.Funds: Funds are available on an annual basis and vary based on recommendations and constraints set in the annual budget. Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted and evaluated on an ongoing basis as long as funds remain available. More information: DCED Website Department of Environmental Protection: Alternative Fuel Vehicle Rebate Program Who May Apply: Pennsylvania residents whose total household income is below 400 percent of the Federal Income Poverty Level. Use: This program provides a rebate to Pennsylvanians who purchase or lease alternative fuel vehicles.Funds: Rebates vary depending on type of vehicle purchased. Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted and evaluated on a first come, first served basis as long as funds remain available. Please note applications must be received within six months of the date of the vehicle purchase. More information: DEP Website Department of Environmental Protection: WIIN 2107: Voluntary School and Childcare Lead testing and Reduction Grant Who May Apply: Childcare facilities and schools located in Pennsylvania with lead in drinking water sample results within 36 months of the application date showing water fixtures exceeding the remediation trigger level of 5 ppb (parts per billion). Use: Reduction activities may include purchasing and installing hydration stations, point-of-use devices designed to remove lead or replacement of faucets. The primary goal of this grant program is to reduce children’s exposure to lead in drinking water.Funds: Funding under this grant has been appropriated under 1464(d) of the federal Safe Drinking Water Act. Funding provided will be up to $3,000 per hydration station per 100 students in one building. Up to $30,000 may be awarded per building/childcare facility or $100,000 per school district. Application Deadline: Applicants are strongly encouraged to schedule a pre-application meeting to discuss their lead reduction plans to ensure they meet applicable program criteria. Meetings can be scheduled by emailing RA-EPWIINLEAD@pa.gov. More information: DEP Website Council on the Arts: Arts Organizations and Arts Programs (AOAP) Who May Apply: Non-profit agencies with a history of at least two years of consistent arts programming in Pennsylvania and an annual average arts revenue over $200,000. (Must have previously been enrolled in Entry to Arts Organizations and Arts Programs.) Use: The AOAP funding track supports qualified applicants that provide consistent levels of artistic programming and/or arts services in Pennsylvania. Activities and services generally must have a public component.Funds: Grants will have a minimum amount of $13,000 and a maximum amount of $26,000. Application Deadline: January 15, 2025 More information: Arts Website Broadband Development Authority: Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program Who May Apply: Cooperative organizations, non-profit organizations, public-private partnerships, private companies, public or private utility companies, public utility districts, municipalities or units of local government, internet service providers registered through the FCC Use: Deploying and/or upgrading broadband network facilities, data collection, broadband mapping and broadband planningFunds: $1,161,778,242 in federal funding pursuant to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 is available. Application Deadline: January 21, 2025 More information: PBDA Website Community and Economic Development: Historically Disadvantaged Business Assistance Program Who May Apply: Community-based non-profit organizations with a history of at least 3 years operating experience, educational institutions, and non-profit economic development organizations with a history of at least 3 years operating experience. Use: Creation or support of a Business Assistance Service Center for the purpose of serving small, historically disadvantaged businesses.Funds: $20 million in funding was appropriated in the 2024/25 state budget. Application Deadline: January 22, 2025 More information: DCED Website Department of Community and Economic Development: Local Share Account Philadelphia Who May Apply: Community Development Corporations, economic development organizations and redevelopment authorities, business improvement districts/neighborhood improvement districts, non-profit organizations with a 501(c) designation, the City of Philadelphia, the School District of Philadelphia. Any eligible organization must be located in Philadelphia. Use: Economic development projects, neighborhood revitalization projects, community improvement projects, projects in the public interest. Any eligible project must be located in Philadelphia.Funds: Grant amounts will vary based on the specific project requirements but are limited to a minimum request/award of $10,000 and a maximum request/award of $500,000. Application Deadline: January 31, 2025 More information: DCED Website Department of Community and Economic Development: Solar for Schools Grant Program Who May Apply: A school district, intermediate unit, area career and technical school, charter school, cyber charter school, regional charter school, a chartered school for the education of the deaf or blind, a community college, the Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, the Pennsylvania College of Technology. Use: Purchase and installation of equipment for a solar energy project, energy storage costs related to the storage of electricity, engineering, design, and inspection costs, site preparation for ground mounted systems, or any other cost associated with a solar energy project. Funds: $25 million in state funding is available. Application Deadline: January 31, 2025 More information: DCED Website Council on the Arts: Entry to Arts Organizations and Arts Programs (EAOAP) Who May Apply: Non-profit agencies with a history of at least two years of consistent arts programming in Pennsylvania and an annual average arts revenue over $200,000. Use: Entry track is the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts’ (PCA) point of entry for organizations or programs to the AOAP. Applicants must apply in Entry track until recommended for AOAP, which is based on panel review and assessment totalsFunds: Grants totaling $5,000 will be awarded. Application Deadline: February 15, 2025 More information: Arts Website Department of Environmental Protection: Food Recovery Infrastructure Grant Who May Apply: Non-profit organizations Use: Procurement of equipment (refrigerators, freezers, refrigerant and nonrefrigerated box trucks, cargo vans, pallet jacks, dollies, hand fork lifts, stoves, ovens and microwaves) to reduce food waste disposal from food retailers, wholesalers, agriculture organizations, farms and cooperatives and redistribute that food to the public.Funds: Grants up to $50,000 are available. Application Deadline: February 28, 2025 More information: Pennsylvania Bulletin Historical and Museum Commission: Historic Preservation Grant (Construction) Who May Apply: Non-profit organizations and public agencies that own or support a publicly accessible historic property listed, or eligible for listing, in the National Register of Historic Places. Use: Projects involve preservation, restoration, or rehabilitation construction activities at publicly accessible buildings.Funds: Awards range from $5,000 to $100,000 with a 50% cash match required. Application Deadline: March 3, 2025 More information: PHMC Website Historical and Museum Commission: Historic Preservation Grant (Planning) Who May Apply: Non-profit organizations and public agencies that own or support a publicly accessible historic property listed, or eligible for listing, in the National Register of Historic Places. Use: Projects include cultural resource surveys, National Register nominations, planning and project development assistance, and archaeological investigations.Funds: Awards range from $5,000 to $25,000 with a 50% cash match required. Application Deadline: March 3, 2025 More information: PHMC Website Department of Environmental Protection: Small Business Advantage Grant Program Who May Apply: Pennsylvania-based small businesses Use: Adopt processes or acquire equipment which results in energy efficiency, pollution prevention, and natural resource protection.Funds: Funding can range from 50% or $7,500 (whichever is less) up to 80% or $12,000 (whichever is less) and will vary depending on environmental impact and project location. Application Deadline: March 21, 2025 More information: DEP website
Scranton Region Antique Car Club of America Donates $1,500 to Allied Services John P. Moses, Esq. Pediatric Rehab Centers The Scranton Region Antique Car Club of America (SRACCA) has generously donated $1,500 to the Allied Services John P. Moses, Esq. Pediatric Rehab Centers. This contribution reflects a portion of the proceeds from their highly anticipated annual car show, held at Allied Services Corporate Center every year. Next year’s event is scheduled for June 1, 2025, and promises to deliver another day of classic cars, community fun, and charitable giving. Allied Services is deeply grateful for the club’s ongoing support, which helps fund critical pediatric rehabilitation services for children across Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania. Allied Services provides comprehensive and specialized care to more than 1,200 children each year. Through physical, occupational, and speech therapy, the John P. Moses, Esq. Pediatric Rehab Centers, in partnership with AllOne Foundation and Charities, help children of all ages overcome developmental, neurological, and physical challenges, empowering them to reach their full potential.
Nominations for the 2025 ATHENA Award are Open! APPLY HERE The ATHENA Award is presented to an exceptional individual who has achieved excellence in her/his business or profession, has served the community in a meaningful way, and has assisted women in their attainment of professional goals and leadership skills. The ATHENA Award is sponsored by Michael A. Barbetti LLC Certified Public Accountants and will be presented at the Chamber’s International Women’s Day breakfast, sponsored by The Honesdale National Bank. The event will be held at The Hilton Scranton and Conference Center on Friday, March 7, 2025. Nominations must be received by 11:59 pm on Friday, January 17. Apply online at www.ScrantonChamber.com/athena-award
