The Greater Scranton YMCA Summer Food Program According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, around 22 million kids receive free or reduced-cost meals thanks to the National School Lunch Program. However, once the school year ends, only 17 percent of those same kids are able to access free meals over the summer break, leaving many children without during the summer months. The Y is working to fill that gap, and thanks to support from the Walmart Foundation, will help keep children healthy and well-nourished this summer, ensuring that kids reach their full potential. Participating youth will receive both food and fun through nutritious meals and snacks, while also enjoying recreational and learning activities aimed at keeping bodies and minds active. Y sites across the country, including the Greater Scranton YMCA, will offer the Summer Food Program to any child under 18. Children enrolled in early childhood education programs at the Greater Scranton YMCA are currently benefiting from the Food Program and will continue to do so throughout the summer. Additionally, the Greater Scranton YMCA partners with the Scranton School District to provide meals and snacks to school age youth enrolled in our Summer Day Camp Program, which kicks-off June 12th. Now in its thirteenth year, the Summer Food Program is part of an existing national partnership between YMCA of the USA (Y-USA) and the Walmart Foundation to address child hunger, which is more prevalent during the summertime. Made possible by a grant from the Walmart Foundation, the Y is better able to reach kids in need. The program is part of the Y’s year-round effort to address child hunger; during the school year, the Y’s Afterschool Meal Program provides a combination of learning activities and healthy snacks at the end of the school day. In summer 2022, the Greater Scranton YMCA served 13,110 meals to children enrolled in Summer Day Camp and Early Childhood Education Programs. This summer, due to increases in program enrollment, the Greater Scranton YMCA projects serving 24,900 meals and 15,825 snacks to children enrolled in Summer Day Camp and Early Childhood Education Programs. To learn more about the Greater Scranton YMCA’s Food Program, contact Katie O’Neill at koneill@gsymca.org.“Hunger has a lasting impact on the development of children,” says Trish Fisher, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “Giving kids access to nutrition-filled meals allows kids to focus,learn and become empowered to reach their full potential. The Y’s Summer Food Program helps make sure kids can enjoy healthy and delicious meals and snacks all summer long.”This year marks the program’s thirteenth year and the Y’s ongoing commitment to helping kids achieve their full potential by nurturing their physical, mental and social-emotional development. Since the start of the Summer Food Program, the Y has served over 220 million healthy meals and snacks to hundreds of thousands of kids.
Treasurer Garrity Leads National Effort to Overturn Mortgage Fees Treasurer Stacy Garrity today announced that she is leading a national effort to eliminate new mortgage fees being imposed on home buyers with good credit and high down payments. The new fees, implemented via policy by the Federal Housing Finance Agency, go into effect today. “This new policy makes it more expensive for people with good credit to buy houses – and that’s absurd,” Treasurer Garrity said. “Americans who have built a good credit score and saved enough to make a strong down payment should not be penalized and forced to pay more on their mortgage every single month. I’m proud that so many of my colleagues from across the country – representing a majority of states – have united to urge the immediate elimination of this policy.” A total of 33 fiscal officers from 26 other states joined Treasurer Garrity in a letter to President Joe Biden and Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Sandra L. Thompson. “For decades, Americans have been told that they will be rewarded for saving their money and building a good credit score,” the letter states. “This policy turns that time-tested principle upside down.” In the letter, Treasurer Garrity and her fellow fiscal officers point out that although FHFA claims the fees will be used to make mortgages more affordable for people with lower credit scores, there are far better ways to achieve that goal: “We all want to increase home ownership across our great country – that’s a central component of the American Dream. … But the right way to solve that problem is not to use the power of the federal government to penalize hardworking, middle-class American families by confiscating their money and using it as a handout. The right way is to implement policies which will reduce inflation, cut energy costs and bring lower interest rates.” The letter concludes with a simple, direct request to President Biden and Director Thompson: “We urge you to take immediate action to end this unconscionable policy.”
The Honesdale National Bank Makes Donation to The Susquehanna County Interfaith The Honesdale National Bank has recently made a $3,000 contribution to The Susquehanna County Interfaith through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program. The funds will go specifically to the organization’s Parent Pathways Program. HNB President & CEO, Thomas E. Sheridan Jr., stated, “Life can change in the most unexpected ways and having organizations like this is something that binds the community together.” He continued, “We are excited to make this contribution in efforts to assist the communities we serve.” Susquehanna County Interfaith provides access to emergency assistance, advocacy programs, and resources for personal development/life change. They offer educational pathways for personal development and long-term independence. The Honesdale National Bank, established in 1836, holds the distinction of being the area’s oldest independent community bank headquartered in Northeastern PA, with offices in Wayne, Pike, Susquehanna, Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties. The Honesdale National Bank offers personal banking, business banking and wealth solutions. HNB is a Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender with NMLS ID # 446237. Pictured (L to R): Karlee Shibley, Lead Case Manager, Susquehanna County Interfaith; Cindy Beeman, Executive Director, Susquehanna County Interfaith; Michelle Kowalewski, Commercial Loan Officer, HNB; Skylar Groover, Hallstead Branch Supervisor, HNB.
The University of Scranton’s Online Master Degree Ranked No. 9 in the Nation The University of Scranton was ranked No. 9 in the nation in Fortune’s “Best Online Master’s Degree Programs in Accounting” listing published online Apr. 28. In addition, an accompanying article titled “What can you do with a master’s degree in accounting,” also published by Fortune on Apr. 28, quoted Douglas M. Boyle, D.B.A., professor and chair of the Accounting Department and director of the Ph.D. program at The University of Scranton. “To eventually land a role in senior management, you need to be well-versed in technology, and master’s degree programs in accounting are incorporating more analytical components to help prepare future business leaders,” said Dr. Boyle in the Fortune article. “That’s what a master’s of accountancy (MAcc) provides because accounting is really transitioning, and is one of the leading professions on implementing analytics.” The article noted that Scranton’s online master’s in accountancy program offers specializations in forensic accounting and accounting analytics. Fortune also noted that the field is growing, with “more than 136,400 job openings for accountants and auditors are projected each year, on average, through 2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.” For the “Best Online Master’s Degree Programs in Accounting” ranking, Fortune assessed the selectivity of the online Master of Accounting programs at the colleges as measured by their students’ average undergraduate GPA and the average number of years of work experience of those students, in addition to also considering the colleges’ first-year retention rate and its graduation rate, which accounted for 75 percent of the overall ranking score. In addition, Fortune looked at the one-year enrollment growth of each program (15 percent) and partnered with Ipsos to survey 2,500 business professionals and hiring managers to produce a measurement of the “brand appeal” of the college, or “how much a group of people want to recruit from the university” (10 percent). For two consecutive years, Fortune included Scranton among America’s “Best Online MBA Programs,” including in its 2022-2023 listing. Scranton was also ranked at No. 57 in the nation in Fortune’s 2022-2023 listing of the “Best Part-time MBA Programs.” Earlier this year, U.S. News & World Report ranked Scranton’s online master’s degree programs in business (excluding MBA) at No. 54; and its online MBA program at No. 102 in the nation in its “Best Online Programs” guide. U.S. News also ranked Scranton at No. 72 in the country for “Best Online MBA Programs for Veterans.”
Lackawanna College’s Cybersecurity Lab Sponsored by Mcdonald’s The Lackawanna College Cybersecurity program received a sponsorship from McDonald’s for its lab in the upcoming Center for Technology Innovation (CTI). “It’s super empowering and exciting for the future home of our CTI building and this sponsorship is going to make a difference for us to give back to the students who will then give back to the community as whole,” Director of College Advancement Amber Riedinger said. “Everyone knows McDonald’s and having them come on as a sponsor to back our new facility is huge.” The payment made is $50,000 from the Mueller family, operators of McDonald’s restaurants in the local area. The sponsorship goes to the CTI’s capital campaign fund and will be paid over the course of five years. The lab will be located on the first floor of the CTI building. “We are investing in educating the future of our local community and helping people better themselves by following whatever dreams they have,” Christina Mueller said. “Cybersecurity is a growing industry and becoming more critical every day. We are extremely happy to partner with Lackawanna and make an impact.” The Mueller family franchise is locally owned and operated with 19 McDonald’s restaurants across northeastern Pennsylvania, including two in Allentown. Currently, Lackawanna College and the Mueller family have a partnership where employees who work in Mueller family McDonald’s can receive free tuition. Employees who work at least 16 hours a week and complete 90 days of employment, can earn a degree. Lackawanna College’s Cybersecurity Associate Degree will cover various computer science topics, allowing students to learn how to prevent major cyber security threats and attacks. Cybersecurity is a fast-paced field, and students receive an education preparing them to tackle the problems our online world faces every day. The program is currently accepting enrollment. *In Photo – Pictured left to right – Lackawanna College President and Chief Innovation Officer Jill Murray, Ph.D., Carol Mueller, Christina Mueller and Director of College Advancement Amber Riedinger.
Johnson College Enrolling Students in CNC Machining Training In conjunction with Don’s Machine Shop in West Pittston, Johnson College continues to bring CNC Machining training to Luzerne County. Starting July 24, 2023, students will train to utilize, maintain and program Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines inside Don’s Machine Shop’s classroom and lab at 100 Elm Street, West Pittston. Open enrollment for this 510-Hour CNC class is going on now. Space is limited. To learn more or enroll, visit johnson.edu/510CNC or contact the Johnson College Continuing Education Department at 570-702-8979 or continuinged@johnson.edu. CNC machinists manufacture precision products and components used in various applications such as automotive, medical, electronics, aerospace, transportation, military, and more. Industries throughout northeastern Pennsylvania are currently in need of well-trained CNC machinists. This 510-hour class for beginner-level students includes theory and hands-on learning experiences. The hands-on training, delivered at Don’s Machine Shop, is on some of the most state-of-the-art equipment in the region. This unique, one-of-a-kind training will help open new career opportunities right away. This relationship truly demonstrates how industry is a Johnson College student’s campus. The cost of the class is $7,500. Financial assistance may be available for those who qualify.
NET Credit Union Sponsors Interactive Wall of Fame for Mid Valley School District NET Credit Union is the sponsor for the new Interactive Wall of Fame for Mid Valley School District. There will be three screens installed throughout their high school, elementary school and an outdoor display at their future pavilion within the Athletic Complex. The Wall of Fame is an interactive and digital touch screen that displays athletic awards, general school history and information to share with past students, present students, future students and the community. The information displayed on the screen is also shareable anywhere the internet is available. Mid Valley School District is a Preferred Partner Group of NET Credit Union. This means all faculty, staff and their families are eligible to join NET Credit Union. Pictured Left to Right: Principal Jeffrey Kovaleski of the Mid Valley Secondary Center; Christina Dehaba, NET Taylor Branch Manager; Jessica Tonkin, NET Olyphant Branch Manager; Lauren Pabst, NET Marketing Manager and Tom Nowaowski, Mid Valley Director of Transportation/Athletics
Northeast Regional Cancer Institute Benefits from Healthcare Symposium The University of Scranton’s American College Healthcare Executives (ACHE) chapter hosted the 26th Healthcare Symposium on Thursday, March 30, 2023, entitled, Bedside & Administration: A Strategic Alliance. The event featured a panel discussion with several local healthcare professionals. Basket raffles were also part of the event. The proceeds from raffle and ACHE funds raised $1,000 to support the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute. The University of Scranton ACHE chapter chose NRCI as their benefiting organization for the 2022-2023 school year. In addition to the symposium, they hosted a donut sale in December 2022 and raised $300 for NRCI. Overall, they raised $1,300 to support the organization. For more information about the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, please call (570) 904-8808 or visit www.cancernepa.org.
WVIA News Matched with Reporter from Report for America Report for America has placed corps member Isabela Weiss with WVIA News. Weiss is one of over 60 reporters and photojournalists Report for America has matched with local newsrooms across the country. Weiss, a storyteller turned reporter from Athens, GA, will join WVIA News in July and report on Rural Government. “It’s so exciting! I’m really looking forward to joining the WVIA team,” said Weiss. “I’m thrilled to get to know NEPA and cover the stories that matter to you.” Report for America is a national service program that places journalists into local newsrooms to report on under-covered issues and communities. An initiative of the nonprofit media organization, The GroundTruth Project, it is structured to harness the skills and idealism of an emerging group of journalists plus the creative spirit of local news organizations. “WVIA News was thrilled to learn that we’d been chosen to receive a Report for America corps member,” said Julie Sidoni, WVIA’s News Director. “After such a competitive application process, it’s gratifying to know we’re on the right track when it comes to building a journalism department that truly serves the people of Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania.” “WVIA has grown a new newsroom from the ground up over the last couple of years and is ready for the opportunity to support our corps member in this role,” said Amy Tardif, Regional Manager for region 1 with Report for America. “We believe she will provide much needed attention to stories about rural government in the 22-county region that have previously gone uncovered.” Report for America’s work is made possible by the Knight Foundation, Google News Initiative, Microsoft, Spring Point Partners, Natasha and Dirk Ziff, Joyce Foundation, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Walton Family Foundation in partnership with the Missouri School of Journalism, The Hearthland Foundation, Corporation for Public Broadcasting, The Just Trust, Lumina Foundation, Posner Foundation, Arthur Vining Davis Foundation, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, Jonathan Logan Family Foundation, Peter and Carmen Lucia Buck Foundation, Henry L. Kimelman Foundation, the Commonwealth Fund, Tow Foundation, W. K. Kellogg Foundation, Heising-Simons Foundation, Park Foundation, Evelyn Y. Davis Foundation, and other leading philanthropic partners. To learn more about Report for America and its efforts to strengthen communities through public service journalism, please visit www.reportforamerica.org.
The Wright Center to Offer Dental Services at its Hawley Practice The Wright Center for Community Health will begin conducting two regularly scheduled dental clinics each month at its primary and preventive care practice in Hawley, starting July 17. The clinics will be held on the third and fourth Mondays of every month, with appointments available between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. The Wright Center’s dental professionals will provide affordable, high-quality oral care services, including routine exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, fillings, extractions, and other procedures. A dental hygienist will be on site to assist new and returning patients on the third Monday of the month. A general practice dentist and a dental assistant will see patients during the subsequent monthly clinic, offering advanced treatment. Appointments may be made for children and adults by calling 570-576-8081. The Wright Center for Community Health Hawley Practice is located at 103 Spruce St. The community health center accepts most dental insurances, including Delta Dental, Guardian, United Concordia, and Medical Assistance (Medicaid). To ensure high-quality oral care is available to everyone, The Wright Center offers a sliding-fee discount program to individuals who qualify based on Federal Poverty Guidelines that take into account family size and income. No patient is turned away due to an inability to pay. Receiving routine oral health care not only lessens the likelihood of developing cavities, tooth pain, gum infections, and other mouth troubles, it also promotes good overall health. A healthy smile also can boost an individual’s self-confidence in social settings, including public presentations and job interviews. The Wright Center was designated in 2019 as a Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike by the Health Resources and Services Administration, an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. One year later, The Wright Center opened its Hawley Practice, expanding access to close-to-home care for rural residents in Wayne and Pike counties. Today, the Scranton-based nonprofit enterprise operates nine primary care practices in the region, including a mobile medical vehicle called Driving Better Health. Its practices offer integrated care, meaning patients typically have the convenience of going to a single location to access dental, medical, and behavioral health care, as well as community-based addiction treatment and recovery services. For more information about The Wright Center and its many health care services, visit TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-230-0019.
