UNC’s Mid Valley Senior Center Summer Party United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC) invites you to join us for our joyous and celebratory annual Summer Party on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 pm at our Mid Valley Senior Community Center at 310 Church Street in Jessup. New and old friends will come together to celebrate the warmth of summer and the very special 103rd birthday of Julia Mellody, a beloved member of our community. Mellody, an active participant at UNC’s Mid Valley Senior Community Center, is known for her love of parties and her favorite food, ravioli. Our special centenarian birthday cookout bash will be filled with joy, laughter, and live music. And, of course, a delicious cake! We invite you to celebrate summer and wish Julia many more happy and healthy years.
The Wright Center Expanding Healthy MOMS Program The Wright Center for Community Health received a $62,000 grant from the Wilkes-Barre City Health Department to expand a program that helps moms and their babies build a solid foundation to begin their lives in recovery from opioid use disorder. The Wright Center’s Healthy Maternal Opiate Medical Support (Healthy MOMS) program will receive funding through a two-year grant. The grant is provided by the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration’s Maternal and Child Health Services block grant, which the state allocated to the city’s health department for distribution. Members of the Michael Steiner American Legion Jessup Post 411 Ladies Auxiliary recently presented a $2,000 check to representatives of The Wright Center for Community Health’s Healthy Maternal Opiate Medical Support (Healthy MOMS) program. The Healthy MOMS program is a multi-agency effort that The Wright Center co-founded in 2018 to help combat the opioid crisis. It was launched in Lackawanna and Susquehanna counties but has grown to serve women and their families throughout much of Northeast Pennsylvania. The program is modeled after a program of the same name in Ohio and aims to help pregnant women and new mothers achieve and maintain sobriety. To date, it has supported more than 500 mothers and 282 babies, including 137 mothers in Luzerne County. “When I started working with Healthy MOMS in 2020, we had five moms in Luzerne County. Now, just four years later, we have 38 active moms,” said Marcella Bicksler, the lead program manager for the Healthy MOMS program. “We know there’s a huge need. Our goal is to help 50 Luzerne County mothers this year, and this grant will make that goal achievable.” To expand the Healthy MOMS program in Luzerne County, The Wright Center will leverage its existing behavioral health services and its state-designated Opioid Use Disorder Center of Excellence (COE) to provide extensive community outreach, education, prevention efforts, and opioid pregnancy recovery and medication-assisted treatment services. The program provides access to prenatal, perinatal, and postpartum care and access to certified recovery specialists, psychiatrists, board-certified addiction medicine physicians, licensed social workers, and licensed clinical social workers. “We’re uniquely qualified to lead these initiatives,” said Maria Kolcharno, The Wright Center’s Healthy MOMS program manager and director of addictions services. “Our work helps dismantle the stigma frequently linked to addiction and boosts mothers’ self-esteem during and after pregnancy, aiming to enroll them in recovery support services for two years to prevent relapse.” Kolcharno said the program’s success can be attributed to The Wright Center’s approach to delivering whole-person primary health services and connecting Healthy MOMS clients with a variety of wraparound services — from help with housing and utility bills to access to food pantries, clothing supply closets, and many other social services — that encourage healthy behaviors for the mothers and babies. Wilkes-Barre Mayor George Brown said he looks forward to seeing the work The Wright Center will do in the future to help build strong families. “We are pleased to be a community partner with The Wright Center to provide a much-needed service for moms-to-be and their babies,” said Wilkes-Barre Mayor George Brown. “This program provides a core foundation for all aspects of a healthy mom and baby so they can thrive successfully in our community.” For more information about the Healthy MOMS program, visit healthymoms.org.
Treasurer Stacy Garrity Announces Property Tax/Rent Rebate Payments Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced that approximately 442,000 payments totaling about $266 million were disbursed today to Pennsylvanians who have been approved for this year’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program. “This is an all-time record for day one of the Property Tax / Rent Rebate Program,” Treasurer Garrity said. “More people than ever before are eligible for rebates, thanks to great work by the General Assembly and the Governor to expand the program. This money can make a huge difference – especially for the many Pennsylvanians who are struggling to make ends meet, and I encourage everyone who is eligible to apply for their rebate. Treasury will continue to make payments on a rolling basis as we receive approvals from the Department of Revenue.” Of the payments sent today, 56 percent were processed via direct deposit, while 44 percent were paper checks mailed via the U.S. Postal Service. The General Assembly and the Governor expanded the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program this year to increase household income limits for rebates to $45,000 for homeowners and renters (up from $35,000 and $15,000, respectively). Claimants may exclude half of their Social Security income. The maximum standard rebate is now $1,000 (up from $650). Payments will continue to be processed as applications are approved by the Department of Revenue and received by Treasury. The deadline to apply has been extended to December 31, 2024. The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program benefits Pennsylvanians age 65 and older, widows and widowers age 50 and older, and people with disabilities age 18 and older. For more information about eligibility and how to apply, Pennsylvania residents can contact their state legislators, visit the Department of Revenue’s website or call 888-222-9190. Applications can be submitted online with Revenue’s myPATH system. Those who have already applied can check the status of their rebate by clicking on the “Where’s My Rebate?” tool available on this page.
WVIA Presents Kansas City Jazz WVIA released the ticket price includes the concert as well as a desserts and wine after-party. The concert will last approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes with a brief intermission. We encourage you to bring a picnic dinner and after the concert ends, enjoy a dessert and wine after-party with the musicians and the community. A romping, stomping seven-piece band will be here on July 21st to celebrate the legacy of the great American genius Eddie Durham. He was the man behind one of the most quintessential hits of the 20th century, Glenn Miller’s In The Mood, and the resident genius in the original Count Basie band. Loren Schoenberg will serve as the music director for the dynamic seven-piece band showcasing Eddie Durham’s sound. For decades, Eddie Durham’s story was largely overlooked until 2024 when WVIA released the original documentary film Wham-Re-Bop-Boom-Bam: The Swing Jazz of Eddie Durham. This documentary is currently airing on over 250 public television stations throughout the United States, bringing well-deserved recognition to Eddie Durham for his significant contributions to the world of jazz. Loren Schoenberg is a senior scholar of the National Jazz Museum in Harlem, on the faculty at The Juilliard School and has taught at Manhattan School of Music and the New School. Schoenberg has lectured at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the White House, the New York Philharmonic, Stanford University, and the Aspen Institute. Schoenberg, a tenor saxophonist/pianist, has played and recorded with Benny Carter, Benny Goodman, Jimmy Heath, Eddie Durham, Marian McPartland, Clark Terry, John Lewis, Christian McBride, and Buck Clayton, and he was musical director for Bobby Short from 1997 to 2005. He also received two Grammy awards for best album notes in 1994 and 2004. Schoenberg has been published widely (including in The New York Times), and his book, The NPR Guide to Jazz, was released in 2003. In 2001, he led the effort to establish the National Jazz Museum in Harlem and served for more than a decade as its executive director, creating many of its signal programs and enlisting Christian McBride, Jonathan Batiste, Ken Burns, and Wynton Marsalis to help further the museum’s mission.
The Swiftwater to Open New Fine Dining Restaurant The Swiftwater is proud to announce the opening of its in-house fine dining restaurant, “The Olivet,” on June 10th, 2024. Situated within the heart of the Poconos, The Olivet promises to offer an unparalleled culinary experience, blending exquisite culinary artistry with a sophisticated ambiance. Elegant Ambiance The Olivet offers an exquisite space that seamlessly blends the fresh mountain air with a refined dining atmosphere. Gather to enjoy a sophisticated culinary experience, complemented by expertly crafted cocktails and a serene ambiance. The restaurant features indoor and outdoor seating on their garden patio under the stars. The Olivet’s floor to ceiling glass doors are fashioned to seamlessly open to the patio during the warmer seasons. The indoor dining room is a blend of wood beams, glass chandeliers, and gold accents. The bar features a marble countertop, custom gold centerpiece, and gold floral accent lights. A Feast for the Senses The Olivet’s menu is a testament to culinary excellence, offering a diverse array of dishes that cater to discerning palates. Highlights for dinner include Braised Pork Belly, Beetroot Burrata Salad, 12oz. New York Strip Au Poivre, Ricotta Gnudi, and Green Walk Hatchery Rainbow Trout. The bar features a full cocktail, wine and beer menu with signature drinks like the Olivet Martini, Swiftwater Manhattan and Black Diamond Negroni. Highlights for breakfast include Candied Bacon Eggs Benedict, Brûléed French Toast, and Shrimp and Grits. Pair that with a cup of Moka Origins coffee and you’ll start the day ready for adventure. Reservations and Contact Information The Olivet will be open to the public for breakfast and dinner service daily. Breakfast is available 7am-11am and dinner will be served from 5pm-10pm Sunday-Thursday and 5pm-Midnight. Friday and Saturday. Reservations can be made through The Swiftwater website or by calling the restaurant directly at (570) 895-0000. For more information, please visit TheSwiftwater.com.
Lexington Entertainment Releases Fellows Park Sunday Concerts Schedule Lexington Entertainment has released the Fellows Park Sunday Concerts Schedule. All concerts are FREE to the public and are held at Fellows Park Sundays from 4:30 to 6:00 pm 1000 to 1098 Fellows Street in West Side (Corner of Fellows Street and South Main Avenue) Information: 570-983-6485 __________________________________________________________________________________________ June 9 DUSTY VINYL 4:30 pm June 16 JOE STANKY & THE CADETS 4:30 pm June 23 IMPASTAS 4:30 pm June 30 DOUG SMITH’S DIXIELAND ALL-STARS 4:30 pm July 7 JOHN STEVEN’S POLKA BAND 4:30 pm July 14 FABULOUS FORTUNES 4:30 pm July 21 X’TERRA 4:30 pm July 28 JACK MEAD & the 3rd STREET BAND 4:30 pm August 4 LITES OUT 4:30 pm August 11 TOM HAMILTON JAZZTET 4:30 pm August 18 RETRO ALLIANCE & WIGGY DIGGY BAND 4:30 pm August 25 Rain Date 4:30 pm
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.
