The University of Scranton Spring Events

In recognition of Pope Francis’s call toward environmental sustainability, The University of Scranton’s Sustainability Office has chosen the theme “The People’s Planet, Climate Justice” for this spring’s Earth Day celebration. The theme of climate justice focuses on the merging of civil rights and climate change to draw attention to the effects of environmental changes on different communities. Many of the University’s offices and departments have come together to offer numerous educational events in honor of Earth Day and Scranton’s ongoing sustainability efforts.

Events are open to the public, free of charge, unless otherwise indicated.

This year’s Environmental Essay Contest is open to all area students in grades 5-12. The essay will revolve around the theme “The People’s Planet, Climate Justice.” Submissions will be accepted until April 3, and winners will be announced at the Evening of Environmental Science event on April 20. For more details, visit the contest webpage.

World Water Day will be celebrated through an interactive event at the University’s DeNaples Center on March 22. Informative activities and displays will help raise awareness of water usage and its importance. March 22 will also start Plant Based Meals Week for University students, in which the positive impacts of eating green will be promoted at meals offered at the Fresh Food Company.

Tonyehn Verkitus, executive director at Physicians for Social Responsibility Pennsylvania, will discuss environmental factors and how disparities in communities jeopardize health and well-being at a Community-Based Learning talk on March 23. The talk begins at 11:45 a.m. in the McIlhenny Ballroom of the DeNaples Center.

On March 30, the film “The Seeds of Vandana Shiva” will be screened at the Moskovitz Theater of the DeNaples Center at 7:30 p.m. The film shows many successful changes made through environmental activism and caring for all people. Vandana Shiva is a wonderful example of a woman’s lifelong leadership and activism that has improved the lives of millions of people around the world.  A very interesting, entertaining, and inspiring movie.

On April 14, an Environmental Art Show address will be given by artist Stephanie Williams in the Heritage Room of the Weinberg Memorial Library, beginning at 4:30 p.m. William’s work includes pictures of nature, people, creatures, sounds and energies. The library will also host an Environmental Art Show featuring environmental art of members of the University community from April 14 to April 25 in the Heritage Room during library hours.

On April 17, Nicole Negowetti, former clinical instructor at the Harvard Animal Law and Policy Clinic, will discuss her work concerning sustainable agricultural procedures. The talk, offered by the University’s Gail and Francis Slattery Center for Ignatian Humanities, begins at 5:30 p.m. at Brennan Hall, The Pearn Auditorium.

The Earth Day Fair will take place the following day, April 18, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the atrium of the Loyola Science Center. The event will host University student displays as well as, displays from university departments, local non-profits and governmental offices, which will provide information about sustainable practices and products.

The Evening of Environmental Science, set for April 20, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the atrium of the Loyola Science Center, will feature a display of essays received for the Earth Day Essay Contest, as well interactive environmental displays and activities. Awards for the Essay Contest will be presented at the event.

Earth Day celebrations conclude with a three-hour kayaking trip on the Susquehanna River for students on May 6, hosted by the University’s Sustainability Office and the Society for Sustainability and Conservation.

Visit The University of Scranton’s sustainability webpage for information about the University’s sustainability efforts and Earth Day events, or call the Office of Sustainability at 570-941-6267.

The University of Scranton Receives $2,000 Grant

The University of Scranton Community English as a Second Language (ESL) Program received a $2,000 critical needs grant from the Scranton Area Community Foundation. The grant will be used to purchase textbooks and workbooks to serve the growing number of community members who seek to improve their English. Through this program, which is free to participants, University of Scranton students tutor local refugees and immigrants in English as a second language at the Language Learning Center, located in O’Hara Hall on the University’s campus.

The textbooks will expand the capacity and improve the quality of the Community ESL Program through audio and video content, reading and writing exercises, workbooks and more.

The University’s World Languages and Cultures Department oversees the University’s Scranton Community ESL Program. Yamile Silva, Ph.D., professor of Spanish, serves as the department’s chair.

Commonwealth Health Donation to Local Organizations

In recognition of National Doctors’ Day on March 30th, Commonwealth Health hospitals Moses Taylor Hospital and Regional Hospital of Scranton are honoring their physicians by donating twenty-five hundred dollars to the St. Joseph’s Center and United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA in Scranton.
This day is designated to thank doctors for their heroic compassion in our time of need. This is an opportunity to pause and recognize their tireless efforts and commitment to your health and the health of your loved ones.
This year, Moses Taylor Hospital and Regional Hospital physicians elected to support the community by donating to nonprofit organizations in lieu of gifts that the hospitals would provide to them in honor of Doctors’ Day.
“On Doctors’ Day, and every day, we are thankful to work with skilled and compassionate providers.” said Michael Curran, CEO of Commonwealth Health Moses Taylor Hospital and Regional Hospital of Scranton. “We are grateful for their contributions, sacrifices, and unwavering care provided to the patients our hospitals and clinics treat each year throughout the community.”
Earlier this month, the physicians voted to determine what organizations would receive the donations and they elected to help the St. Joseph’s Center and United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA in Scranton. United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA’s purpose is to meet the needs of local low-income families, seniors, youth, and new immigrants, while also empowering them to attain self-sufficiency. Rooted in the core values of care, concern, compassion and commitment, the Saint Joseph’s Center humbly serves people who are diagnosed with intellectual disability and those who seek pregnancy support, adoption assistance, outpatient therapy or medical day care services.

Settlers Hospitality Raises over $5,000 for Foundation

Settlers Hospitality hosted their annual Chili and Wing Cookoff at Silver Birches in March. The event drew over 300 people and raised more than $5,000 for the Settlers Cares Foundation.

Over 20 of the best chefs from local restaurants, schools, and organizations, as well as talented home cooks, dished out their best wing and chili recipes to be named tops in each category. Event goers sampled all the entries and voted for the People’s Choice Award. Ticket sales, along with a 50/50 raffle, netted $5,118 for the Settlers Cares Foundation. The newly formed non-profit provides short-term, emergency support to Settlers Hospitality employees and affiliates experiencing hardship.

“This was our first fundraising endeavor and it’s incredibly gratifying that the community came out and showed such amazing support,” states Janna Genzlinger, Settlers Cares Foundation Executive Director. “We’re honored and humbled by the success of the event, which will enable us to assist our co-workers and affiliate employees in their darkest hour.”  The Foundation provides tax-free grants to eligible workers in need due to an unexpected life event such as natural disaster, illness or death. Upcoming fundraisers benefitting Settlers Cares Foundation include a Tent Sale on May 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Settlers Inn featuring upcycled goods. A gala is also slated for November and a concert in December. For more information, visit SettlersCares.org

The Waverly Community House to Host Waverly Waddle

On Saturday, May 13, 2023, The Waverly Community House will be hosting the 31st Annual Waverly Waddle. This year, 25% of all registration fees will go to the Countryside Conservancy. This event will take place at 1115 North Abington Road, Waverly PA 18471. Check in between 8:00AM-8:45AM. The race will start at 9:00AM.

The Waverly Waddle is the Comm’s annual 5k walk/run beginning and ending at the Waverly Community House. The “Waddle” travels an approximate 3-mile route through scenic Waverly. It takes place each year in May on the Saturday of Mother’s Day weekend. It is an official electronic chip-timed race with awards given out to top finishers in each age/sex division.This long-standing community event, which signals a spirited kick-off to summer always takes place, rain or shine! Official race t-shirts are given out to those who register early. Registrations are accepted in advance HERE and on the morning of the race. Registration is required by April 13th in order to receive a free t-shirt.

Cost: Advance Registration-$20 per person
$12-Age 12 and under
Age 6 and under is FREE
$35 for a family of 3 or more

Cost: Day-Of Registration– $25 per person
$15– Age 12 and under
Age 6 and under is FREE
$40 for a family of 3 or more

Race Contact: Kathy Wright
Kathy@waverlycomm.org
(570) 586-8191

Register: HERE or at neparunner.com

Steamtown National Historic Site 2023 Train Schedule

Steamtown National Historic Site (NHS) train rides resume for the season on Thursday, May 11, 2023. The Steamtown NHS rail experience varies from short 30-minute trips exploring the park’s historic railroad yard to full-day trips through the Poconos. Short train rides, which include the Scranton Limited or Caboose Experience, will begin on Thursday, May 11th. The first excursion trip of the season will take place on Saturday, May 20th to Carbondale, PA allowing visitors to experience the community’s Spring Marketplace event.

Starting Saturday, April 1st visitors will be able to purchase advance tickets online through recreation.gov for our summer excursions (May-Aug.); tickets for our autumn excursions (Sep.-Oct.) will be released 90 days in advance of the excursion date. Tickets for our short train rides, the Scranton Limited or Caboose Experience, will not be available for advance purchase online and must be purchased on-site at the Information Kiosk, the day of your visit. All ticket sales will be credit card only.

Beginning Thursday, May 11th:

Our short train rides, the Scranton Limited or Caboose Experience will operate Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, as staffing permits. Departure times are: 10:30am, 11:30am, 1:15pm, and 2:30pm.Tickets are $6 for adults and kids over the age of 5; $1 for kids 5 and under. Tickets must be purchased on-site at the Information Kiosk, the day of your visit. Tickets are valid all day on the date of purchase and may be used for multiple short train ride experiences.Seating availability is first come, first served. We recommend getting in line 15-20 minutes ahead of scheduled departure time.The Caboose Experience will be offered in lieu of the Scranton Limited on dates we offer longer excursion rides, as staffing permits.

2023 Summer Excursions: Tickets available for purchase online Saturday, April 1st

  • Saturday, May 20th – Carbondale: Spring Marketplace
  • Saturday, May 27th – Gouldsboro: Craft Show
  • Saturday, June 10th – Carbondale: Outdoor Adventure Train with LHVA (BIKE)
  • Saturday, June 10th – Archbald: Outdoor Adventure Train with LHVA (HIKE)
  • Sunday, June 18th – Cresco: Father’s Day Excursion
  • Saturday, June 24th – Delaware Water Gap: Founder’s Day
  • Saturday, July 15th – Tobyhanna: Ice House Tour or Self-Guided Town Tour
  • Sunday, July 23rd – Gouldsboro: Depot Open, Children’s Activities, and Food
  • Saturday, August 12th – East Stroudsburg: (F)East Stroudsburg
  • Sunday, August 27th – Cresco: Museum Open, Entertainment, and Food

2023 Autumn Excursions: Tickets available for purchase online 90 days in advance of excursion date

  • Saturday, September 2nd – Gouldsboro: Craft Show
  • Saturday, September 23rd – Carbondale: Autumn Marketplace
  • Saturday, October 7th – Tobyhanna: Fall Foliage, Ice House Tour or Self-Guided Town Tour
  • Sunday, October 15th – Cresco: Leaf Peeper Excursion
  • Saturday, October 21st – Delaware Water Gap: Fall Foliage
  • Saturday, October 28th – Gouldsboro: Ghoulsboro Halloween

NOTICE: Train rides are subject to cancellation due to mechanical issues, inclement weather, or crew availability.

Steamtown National Historic Site (NHS) train rides resume for the season on Thursday, May 11, 2023. The Steamtown NHS rail experience varies from short 30-minute trips exploring the park’s historic railroad yard to full-day trips through the Poconos. Short train rides, which include the Scranton Limited or Caboose Experience, will begin on Thursday, May 11th. The first excursion trip of the season will take place on Saturday, May 20th to Carbondale, PA allowing visitors to experience the community’s Spring Marketplace event.

Visitors are now able to purchase advance tickets online through recreation.gov for our summer excursions (May-Aug.); tickets for our autumn excursions (Sep.-Oct.) will be released 90 days in advance of the excursion date. Tickets for our short train rides, the Scranton Limited or Caboose Experience, will not be available for advance purchase online and must be purchased on-site at the Information Kiosk, the day of your visit. All ticket sales will be credit card only.

Beginning Thursday, May 11th:

  • Our short train rides, the Scranton Limited or Caboose Experience will operate Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, as staffing permits. Departure times are: 10:30am, 11:30am, 1:15pm, and 2:30pm.
  • Tickets are $6 for adults and kids over the age of 5; $1 for kids 5 and under. Tickets must be purchased on-site at the Information Kiosk, the day of your visit. Tickets are valid all day on the date of purchase and may be used for multiple short train ride experiences.
  • Seating availability is first come, first served. We recommend getting in line 15-20 minutes ahead of scheduled departure time.
  • The Caboose Experience will be offered in lieu of the Scranton Limited on dates we offer longer excursion rides, as staffing permits.

2023 Summer Excursions: Tickets now available for purchase online

  • Saturday, May 20th – Carbondale: Spring Marketplace
  • Saturday, May 27th – Gouldsboro: Craft Show
  • Saturday, June 10th – Carbondale: Outdoor Adventure Train with LHVA (BIKE)
  • Saturday, June 10th – Archbald: Outdoor Adventure Train with LHVA (WALK)
  • Sunday, June 18th – Cresco: Father’s Day Excursion
  • Saturday, June 24th – Delaware Water Gap: Founder’s Day
  • Saturday, July 15th – Tobyhanna: Ice House Tour or Self-Guided Town Tour
  • Sunday, July 23rd – Gouldsboro: Depot Open, Children’s Activities, and Food
  • Saturday, August 12th – East Stroudsburg: (F)East Stroudsburg
  • Sunday, August 27th – Cresco: Museum Open, Entertainment, and Food

2023 Autumn Excursions: Tickets available for purchase online 90 days in advance of excursion date

  • Saturday, September 2nd – Gouldsboro: Craft Show
  • Saturday, September 23rd – Carbondale: Autumn Marketplace
  • Saturday, October 7th – Tobyhanna: Fall Foliage, Ice House Tour or Self-Guided Town Tour
  • Sunday, October 15th – Cresco: Leaf Peeper Excursion
  • Saturday, October 21st – Delaware Water Gap: Fall Foliage
  • Saturday, October 28th – Gouldsboro: Ghoulsboro Halloween

NOTICE:

  • Train rides are subject to cancellation due to mechanical issues, inclement weather, or crew availability.

Steamtown National Historic Site (NHS) train rides resume for the season on Thursday, May 11, 2023. The Steamtown NHS rail experience varies from short 30-minute trips exploring the park’s historic railroad yard to full-day trips through the Poconos. Short train rides, which include the Scranton Limited or Caboose Experience, will begin on Thursday, May 11th. The first excursion trip of the season will take place on Saturday, May 20th to Carbondale, PA allowing visitors to experience the community’s Spring Marketplace event.

Visitors are now able to purchase advance tickets online through recreation.gov for our summer excursions (May-Aug.); tickets for our autumn excursions (Sep.-Oct.) will be released 90 days in advance of the excursion date. Tickets for our short train rides, the Scranton Limited or Caboose Experience, will not be available for advance purchase online and must be purchased on-site at the Information Kiosk, the day of your visit. All ticket sales will be credit card only.

Beginning Thursday, May 11th:

  • Our short train rides, the Scranton Limited or Caboose Experience will operate Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, as staffing permits. Departure times are: 10:30am, 11:30am, 1:15pm, and 2:30pm.
  • Tickets are $6 for adults and kids over the age of 5; $1 for kids 5 and under. Tickets must be purchased on-site at the Information Kiosk, the day of your visit. Tickets are valid all day on the date of purchase and may be used for multiple short train ride experiences.
  • Seating availability is first come, first served. We recommend getting in line 15-20 minutes ahead of scheduled departure time.
  • The Caboose Experience will be offered in lieu of the Scranton Limited on dates we offer longer excursion rides, as staffing permits.

2023 Summer Excursions: Tickets now available for purchase online

  • Saturday, May 20th – Carbondale: Spring Marketplace
  • Saturday, May 27th – Gouldsboro: Craft Show
  • Saturday, June 10th – Carbondale: Outdoor Adventure Train with LHVA (BIKE)
  • Saturday, June 10th – Archbald: Outdoor Adventure Train with LHVA (WALK)
  • Sunday, June 18th – Cresco: Father’s Day Excursion
  • Saturday, June 24th – Delaware Water Gap: Founder’s Day
  • Saturday, July 15th – Tobyhanna: Ice House Tour or Self-Guided Town Tour
  • Sunday, July 23rd – Gouldsboro: Depot Open, Children’s Activities, and Food
  • Saturday, August 12th – East Stroudsburg: (F)East Stroudsburg
  • Sunday, August 27th – Cresco: Museum Open, Entertainment, and Food

2023 Autumn Excursions: Tickets available for purchase online 90 days in advance of excursion date

  • Saturday, September 2nd – Gouldsboro: Craft Show
  • Saturday, September 23rd – Carbondale: Autumn Marketplace
  • Saturday, October 7th – Tobyhanna: Fall Foliage, Ice House Tour or Self-Guided Town Tour
  • Sunday, October 15th – Cresco: Leaf Peeper Excursion
  • Saturday, October 21st – Delaware Water Gap: Fall Foliage
  • Saturday, October 28th – Gouldsboro: Ghoulsboro Halloween

NOTICE:

  • Train rides are subject to cancellation due to mechanical issues, inclement weather, or crew availability.

Located in downtown Scranton, Pennsylvania, Steamtown NHS is open 9:00am to 5:00pm, daily. From Interstate-81 follow exit 185 (President Biden Expressway, formerly known as Central Scranton Expressway); then follow the brown and white signs to the park entrance at Lackawanna Avenue and Cliff Street (GPS: N 41.41, W 75.67). General park information is available by visiting the park website anytime.

Crystal Windows Unveils New Recruiting Videos

National manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems recently created a series of recruiting videos featuring employees discussing their experiences working at the company.  These interviews include longtime and newly hired employees working in production, sales, administration, and logistics at Crystal locations across the country and at subsidiary Gateway Extrusions in Union, MO.

At a time when manufacturers face hiring challenges, Crystal has revamped and improved many of its recruiting strategies, employment benefits offered, and employee communications.  The new recruiting videos are part of this effort, which is showing positive results.

“In addition to competitive salaries and benefits, Crystal offers employees opportunities for career development at every stage, from their first day,” said Isabella Leung, HR Manager.  “Most of our supervisors and managers have been promoted from within the company because of the experience and knowledge gained on the job, and they are recognized throughout the industry as experts and leaders.”

The employee experience themed recruiting videos, 23 in all, are posted on a rotating schedule on Crystal’s social media platforms, corporate website, and company YouTube channel.  They are also a featured highlight at business expos, career fairs, and on campus recruiting events Crystal attends in the metro New York, northeast Pennsylvania, St. Louis, MO, and Riverside, CA regions where Crystal and subsidiary factories are located.

“Besides being great for outside career fairs, Crystal’s recruiting videos are an effective tool for our current employees to share with family and friends who may be interested in joining the Crystal family,” said Leung.  “Our employees speak from the heart about the satisfaction they find working at Crystal.  These are powerful testimonials.”

A sample of Crystal recruiting videos can be seen at the company website, under the About Crystal/Careers tab at https://crystalwindows.com/careers.  These and other employee interview videos were made in conjunction with updates to Crystal’s award-winning corporate video The Story of Us, seen on the website home page.

Geisinger to Host Free Events across Pennsylvania

In observance of Earth Day, Geisinger will host free community shred events across northeastern and central Pennsylvania throughout the month of April.

Employees and members of the public are invited to bring any personal or professional confidential documents — such as bank statements, credit card bills and tax forms — to be securely shredded on-site and recycled.

Each person is limited to three boxes. Do not use bins for non-paper waste or garbage.

For more information, call 570-271-6030.

Community shred events:

  • Monday, April 3Geisinger Mt. Pleasant, 531 Mt. Pleasant Drive, Scranton, 7 – 11 a.m.
  • Tuesday, April 4Geisinger Healthplex State College, 132 Abigail Lane, Port Matilda, 7 – 11 a.m.
  • Friday, April 7Geisinger Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, 1175 E. Mountain Blvd., Wilkes-Barre, 7 – 11 a.m.
  • Monday, April 10Geisinger Health Plan, Hughes Center, 9 Stearns Lane, Danville, 7 – 11 a.m.
  • Tuesday, April 11Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital, 1020 Thompson St., Jersey Shore, 7 – 11 a.m.
  • Thursday, April 13Geisinger Lewistown Hospital, 400 Highland Ave., Lewistown, 7 – 11 a.m.
  • Friday, April 14Geisinger Shamokin Area Community Hospital, 4200 Hospital Road, Coal Township, 7 – 11 a.m.
  • Monday, April 17Geisinger Medical Center Muncy, 255 Route 220, Muncy, 7 – 11 a.m.
  • Friday, April 21Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital, 549 Fair St., Bloomsburg, 7 – 11 a.m.
  • Monday, April 24Geisinger Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, 1175 E. Mountain Blvd., Wilkes-Barre, Noon – 4 p.m.
  • Friday, April 28Geisinger Health Plan, Hughes Center, 9 Stearns Lane, Danville, Noon – 4 p.m.