National Civics Bee Invites Middle School Students to Enter Essay Topic Identify a problem facing your community. How might a citizen solve the problem? Write a 500-word essay, two pages, double-spaced, that includes the following: What is the problem, and how do different members in your community or neighborhood view it?What civic principles or systems could help to address the problem?What is your idea or recommendation for solving the problem?What primary sources, such as the Declaration of Independence or the United States Constitution, provide supporting evidence or examples for your idea or recommendation?How might members of your community or neighborhood bring your idea or recommendation to life? Judging Criteria Your essay will be evaluated based on how well you: • Demonstrate an understanding of civics.• Acknowledge and address opposing points of view.• Acknowledge and address at least one Founding Principle and one Civic Virtue.• Use primary sources, like newspapers, data, historical documents, images, or other documents that relate to your idea.• Clearly describe an idea innovative or new to you. Local Prizes First Place: $500 cash prize Second Place: $250 cash prize Third Place: $125 cash prize State Prizes First Place: $1,000 cash prize Second Place: $500 cash prize Third Place: $250 cash prize Each finalist receives a certificate. About the Bee The National Civics Bee is an annual competition that encourages young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. In the first round of the contest, local 6th, 7th and 8th grade students will participate in an essay competition. Judges will then select 20 finalists to participate in the local competition: a live quiz event testing civics knowledge. Then, the top 3 students from each local competition will advance to the state competition
Small Business Internship Informational Webinar Could hosting an internship propel your business forward this summer? Join The University of Scranton SBDC and their Small Business Internship Initiative for a quick 30-minute session to learn about what a paid educational internship is, different types of internships (traditional, micro, hybrid or virtual), and what makes up a great internship. Determine whether you’re ready to host an internship this coming summer and learn more about the Small Business Internship Initiative. You’ll also learn about the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Internship Fund resource. Registration links: Friday, 2/17, 12 noon – 12:30 pm: https://pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/30196 Tuesday, 2/28, 12 noon – 12:30 pm: https://pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/30197
8 Participants were Selected for TechCelerator Program Scranton, PA—Lackawanna County, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, and Ben Franklin Technology Partners recently launched a new entrepreneurial program: TechCelerator @ Lackawanna County. Following a competitive application process, eight small businesses were chosen as finalists. All eight were selected for their unique tech-based ideas, commitment to completing the program, and creating a company and jobs based in Lackawanna County. “Lackawanna County is dedicated to promoting entrepreneurship by providing the tools necessary to bring a business plan to reality,” said Brenda Sacco, Director of Economic Development. “We are proud to have funded this great initiative and look forward to seeing these businesses grow and become viable members of our community.” The first cohort session will take place on Tuesday, February 7, at TekRidge, in the Jessup Business Park. The eight participating businesses will walk away with solid networking skills and a foundational understanding of finances, marketing, business strategy, and more. After ten weeks, a graduation ceremony will take place where participants will pitch their finalized business plan. For those who successfully meet the requirements, $10,000 in reimbursable business expenses will assist them in launching their venture. “The tremendous response to the offering (29 applicants) shows that the entrepreneurial spirit is thriving in our region,” said Bob Durkin, President and CEO of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. “What is more, while this pilot program was limited to a select group of technology-based participants, our Chamber IGNITE team will be working to help all the applicants further their dreams of starting a new business.” The eight businesses are Babinski Co., Gamer Realities, Mass Layer, Neuralytics, McGowan Co., Sensify, Success Fundamentals, Sylf. Future products and services range from 3D printing services, a self-serve alcohol dispenser, video game production, educational podcast, and more. About The Greater Scranton Chamber of CommerceThe Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit organization that works to improve the area’s economic environment and quality of life by offering programs and services which stimulate economic growth, promote business prosperity and nurture educational opportunities. For more information about the Chamber, visit www.scrantonchamber.com.
NEPA SHRM Hosts Event for Opioid Epidemic NEPA SHRM hosts The Opioid Epidemic & Substance Abuse in The Work Place. The event will take place on March 9, 2023 from 8:00-10:30AM at Top of the 80s in Hazleton, PA Breakfast will be included. Attendance is FREE for NEPA SHRM Members and $25 for non-members Please Register by March 6, 2023 at www.nepashrm.shrm.org
Lexington Entertainment February Music Schedule Lexington Entertainment is hosting live music at local events throughout the month of February. Friday, February 17, 2023 at 6:00PM-7:00 PM DOUG SMITH’S DIXIELAND ALL-STARS Blakely/Peckville Crimewatch Association Fundraiser – Mardi Gras Style Fiorelli’s 1501 Main Street, Peckville PA 570-489-6777 The cost is $65 Tuesday, February 21, 2023 (Fat Tuesday) at 5:00PM-7:00PM DOUG SMITH’S DIXIELAND ALL-STARS Mardi Gras Celebration – Authentic Cajun Cuisine Villa Maria II 1610 Washburn Street, Scranton, PA (570) 347-8010
Outreach to Host Job Fair Outreach invites job seekers to attend the Department of Corrections Job Fair to be held at the LEAD Center at Outreach, 431 North Seventh Avenue, Scranton, on Wednesday, February 15. 2023 from 10 am to 2 pm. In the event of snow, the makeup date will be Friday, February 17, 2023, from 10 am to 2 pm. The LEAD Center at Outreach is hosting an on-site job fair with the Department of Corrections. Timothy Budgeon, Lieutenant Department of Corrections Recruitment and Retention Specialist, will be on-site to provide information regarding the amazing career opportunities available with the Department of Corrections. Job opportunities include work with: State CorrectionsState ParoleState Community Corrections The Department of Corrections has positions that cover all spectrum’s of experience and education in Civil and Non-Civil Service categories. Positions range from administrative, security, maintenance, food service, education, psychology, medical, dental, and more. Earn up to $22.28 per hour to start! Outreach – Center for Community Resources serves over 4,500 adults and children each year by offering a variety of programs that promote family stability and economic self-sufficiency, with respect for the individual and with the highest professional standards. The LEAD Center at Outreach helps individuals overcome barriers to employment and is proud to partner with the Department of Corrections to serve our local community. For more information, contact: Jennifer Shoemaker at 570-703-0049.
PA Route 6: Facade Grant Program Lackawanna County businesses, nonprofits, and commercial property owners could be awarded matching funds up to $5,000 to improve storefronts and exterior upgrades. The $5,000 matching funds is a dollar-to-dollar grant for recipients. Eligible projects can include but are not limited to exterior painting, new signs, and canvas awning replacement. Commercial buildings may be located anywhere in Lackawanna County, but applicants whose properties are located on Route 6 will be given extra weight. PA Route 6 has partnered with the Lackawanna Heritage Valley National and State Heritage Area on the grant program. Public meetings are scheduled with the Route 6 Alliance to explain the program guidelines and grant procedures: February 7, 6 PM at the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce February 8, 10 AM at the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce February 8, 6 PM at the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Office February 9, 10 AM at the Lackawanna Valley Heritage Office February 15, 6 PM virtual meeting is scheduled. Contact Vanessa Billings-Seiler at facade@paroute6.com or (812) 774-7082 with questions on the public meetings or grant program. Contact the Lackawanna Heritage Valley at (570) 963-6730 for questions. Learn more about the program online at PARoute6.com/Façade-meeting. Read the full article online at The Times-Tribune.
Pilgers’ Pastries Offers Valentine’s Day Specials Pilgers’ Pastries is helping you find the perfect gift this Valentine’s Day. Stop in the bakery to take part in our Valentine’s Day Lovers Basket Giveaway! One large basket valued at $80 and two small baskets valued at $25 each will be awarded February 11th, 2023. Follow us on Instagram or Facebook or check out our website for details.
