Lackawanna College Receives Grant Funding Lackawanna College received a grant award of $20,000 as part of the Pennsylvania’s Office of the First Lady and the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s 2022-23 PA Hunger-Free Campus grant program. Joining 27 other postsecondary institutions across the state, Lackawanna College will work to reduce student hunger insecurities on campus, provide awareness programs, create student advocacy opportunities and supply access to healthy food options so students can continue to learn and grow in the community. “At Lackawanna College we are grateful to receive the PA Hunger-Free Campus grant for this year,” Lackawanna College President Dr. Jill Murray said. “The funds from this grant will be used to address any student food insecurities through education and school resources to make Lackawanna College a hunger free campus.” The grant will provide information for students on how to get the help they need to not go hungry and issue Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. SNAP helps lower income Pennsylvanians purchase food through an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) ACCESS Card and students can sign up for the program if eligible. “One-third of post-secondary students are at risk of hunger and are potentially forced to withdraw from school,” Associate Vice President of Student Engagement Dr. Dan LaMagna said. “We have the resources to help students at the Student Life Office and this grant will help us communicate with students, getting the assistance they need to not go hungry.” First Lady Frances Wolf launched the PA Hunger-Free Campus campaign in August, 2022, inviting postsecondary institutions to support efforts on addressing student hunger needs on campus. The Governor’s PA Hunger-Free Campus grant program’s goal is to support postsecondary institutions’ efforts to demonstrate their commitment to addressing these needs and diminishing barriers for learners. “There are many great initiatives at Lackawanna College but this one is special in that it is a tool to help students focus on their education, not their next meal,” Dr. LaMagna said. “The grant program will be open to everyone, if there is a need at Lackawanna College, we will fill it and continue to build a culture of care on campus.” Lackawanna College will utilize the funding from the PA Hunger-Free Campus now through December 31, 2023.
Pennsylvania American Water Environmental Grant Program Pennsylvania American Water announced today that applications are now being accepted for the company’s 2023 Environmental Grant Program. The program offers funding for innovative, community-based environmental projects that improve, restore or protect the watersheds, surface water and groundwater supplies in local communities. “So many of our communities and local organizations work to improve our environment and our water resources,” said Marcus Kohl, director of water quality and environmental compliance for Pennsylvania American Water. “We’re proud to continue offering this grant to support those initiatives and positively impact our natural resources.” To qualify, proposed projects must be: Located within the Pennsylvania American Water service areaCompleted between May and November of the grant funding yearBe a new, innovative community initiative or serve as a significant expansion to an existing programBe carried out by a formal or informal partnership between two or more organizationsProvide evidence of sustainability (continued existence after the grant monies are utilized) A panel of judges will evaluate the applications based on environmental need, innovation, community engagement and sustainability. Information and applications can be found on the Environmental Grant Program page of the company’s website, under News & Community. For additional information, please contact pa.communityrelations@amwater.com. Applications must be postmarked by March 31, 2023, and recipients will be notified in late April. In 2022, the program awarded nearly $75,000 to 13 recipients, including: Berks Nature (Berks County); Dormont Stormwater Authority (Allegheny County); Eastern Pennsylvania Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation (Luzerne County); East Pikeland Township (Chester County); Ellwood City (Lawrence County); Fairview Township (York County); Indiana County Conservation District; Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority (Lackawanna County); Lackawanna River Conservation Association (Lackawanna County); Three Rivers Waterkeeper (Allegheny County); Silver Spring Township (Cumberland County); Warren County Conservation District; and Watershed Coalition of the Lehigh Valley (Northampton County.)Established in 2005, this annual grant program has donated more than $650,000 to fund more than 135 projects to protect and improve the environment across the Commonwealth. Last year, 13 organizations received funding for their community-based projects, including the Watershed Coalition of the Lehigh Valley. Funding was used to plant live-stake nurseries to be used for future riparian zone plantings and streambank stabilization projects. One of these nurseries was planted in Lake Heritage, Adams County. More information about this nursery planting can be found on Pennsylvania American Water’s YouTube page.
SWB RailRiders Valentine’s Dinner You don’t have to leave NEPA for an Evening in Paris with a French-inspired five-course meal, this is a unique experience/venue for a private Valentine’s dinner. RailRiders game tickets are included. Other couples or children can be added to your suite for a larger celebration.
Marywood University Art Galleries Announce Exhibits Marywood’s Art Galleries have announced exhibits for the first half of the spring semester, running from January 28 through March 10, in the Mahady and Suraci Galleries. All gallery exhibits, receptions, and talks are free and open to the public. For the most updated information, including gallery hours, go to marywood.edu/community/galleries/ and click on the specific gallery link. Mahady Gallery: Solunar, collaborative work by UNAPXLXGETIQ (Emmanuel Adjei) & Eric Bussart Exhibition dates: January 28–March 10, 2023Opening Reception: Saturday, January 28, 2023 • 2–5 pmGallery Talk: Monday, January 30, 2023 • 3 p.m.Website: marywood.edu/community/galleries/mahady-gallery Solunar is an introspective and collaborative art experience created by artists UNAPXLXGETIQ (Emmanuel Adjei) & Eric Bussart. This mixed media series explores the solunar (Sun and Moon) and how it relates to the human experience on earth while drawing from mythological, philosophical and spiritual teachings from cultures around the world. The artists have previously collaborated on the creation of a public art project, “The Dream,” which depicts Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., located at the intersection of Adams Avenue and Mulberry Street, Scranton, Pa. Suraci Gallery: Sue Jenkins, Natural Natural Wonders, mixed media and collage Exhibition Dates: January 28 – March 10, 2023Opening Reception: Saturday, January 28, 2023 • 2-5 p.m.Gallery Talk: Thursday, February 2, 2023 • 2-3 p.m.Website: marywood.edu/community/galleries/suraci-gallery Sue Jenkins is a fine artist, designer, and educator based in Scranton, PA, who delights in combining her photography with analog and digital collage materials. Using elements like scanned objects, handmade marks, botanical illustrations, acrylic paints, and cut paper with her photos, she crafts richly layered nature inspired digital collage and mixed media worlds filled with plants, animals, and vibrant color. Collectively, the works echo the artist’s biophilic yearning to make work that inspires others to embrace earth and live in harmony with all of nature.
High Tines Archery and Outdoors Presents Montage Mountain Archery Fest Take aim and save the date for the Inaugural Montage Mountain Archery Fest presented by High Tines Archery from June 9-11. The inaugural three-day shoot will be held at Montage Mountain Resorts. This event will feature professionally staged 3D target courses. Archers of all experience levels are welcome to attend. Test your skills, talk with vendors, and create memories.
The Scranton Cultural Center Hosts Breakfast with Santa The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple hosted its inaugural Breakfast with Santa on December 18. The breakfast featured craft activities, festive performances, and a singalong with the Scranton Cultural Center Youth Theatre Program. Santa made an appearance and took holiday pictures with the kids.
Johnson College Holds Competition Johnson College hosted its fifth annual district SkillsUSA Competition. Over 100 high school students throughout the region competed in technical and occupational skills areas. SkillsUSA is a national organization serving teachers and high school and college students preparing for careers in technical, skilled, and service occupations, including health occupations and further education.
CEO of Coal Creative Named to the City and State Pennsylvania Impact 50 President and CEO of Coal Creative, Holly Pilcavage, was named to the City and State Pennsylvania Impact 50 list. The Impact 50, is a select group of people who exemplify what it means to be a socially responsible citizens and who City & State is proud to recognize. View the full Impact 50 list at https://www.cityandstatepa.com/power-lists/2022/12/2022-impact-50/380567/
Settlers Hospitality Announces New Talent Settlers Hospitality recently announced the hiring of personnel for two key roles. James Kelly came on board as Corporate Executive Chef and Hannah Stachlewitz will serve as Executive Pastry Chef. Since he launched his culinary career 15 years ago at The Settlers Inn, James Kelly’s position as Corporate Executive Chef is a homecoming of sorts. He credits the experience with not only developing a passion for creating and executing high quality meals, but also for teaching and mentoring young cooks. He honed his skills in State College and Pittsburgh before taking a position at the acclaimed New York City restaurant, Babbo. There he helped the team reclaim their reputation as one of the best Italian restaurants in the country, even earning a Michelin Star. Kelly’s love for Italian cuisine grew with chef positions at In Vino and Danny Meyer’s Maialino. That work laid the foundation for his success as Executive Chef at Babbo’s sister restaurant, Lupa Osteria Romana. Under his tenure, Lupa became a mainstay for pasta-focused Roman food, and was recognized by the New York Post and Eater. His renown even gained the attention of the Food Network, which provided the opportunity for Kelly to compete on the popular series, “Chopped.” In his role as Corporate Executive Chef, Kelly will lead a team of executive chefs to craft menus and oversee operations at all Settlers Hospitality restaurants and special events. Hannah Stachlewitz joins the Settlers Hospitality team after working in some of the finest restaurants and bakeries in the Pacific Northwest. Most recently she served as Pastry Chef for Kingtide Fish and Shell in Portland. Stachlewitz hails from Ann Arbor Michigan and earned a Certificate in Baking and Pastry Arts from Schoolcraft College in Livonia, Michigan. As Executive Pastry Chef, Hannah will create desserts, pastries, and breads for all the restaurants within the collection of Settlers Hospitality properties as well as custom order celebration and wedding cakes. “We are thrilled to add this depth and breadth of talent to our team at Settlers Hospitality,” explained CEO/Owner Justin Genzlinger. “In their respective roles James and Hannah will carry on the tradition of high quality and elevated cuisine people expect from us, while adding their own unique flavor. We’re excited about what they’ll bring to the table.”
