Johnson College Hosts Annual 3D Printing Competition Johnson College hosted its annual 3D Printing Competition for local high school students on Friday, March 22, 2024, at its Scranton campus. The competition was an opportunity for students from Forest City, Lakeland, Scranton, Wallenpaupack, and Wilkes-Barre Area STEM Academy to showcase their abilities and creativity using science, technology, engineering, and math. Using 3D CAD (Computer Aided Design) skills, participants designed and printed a device that could launch a projectile across the College’s gymnasium. The student who placed first, James Telep from Lakeland Jr. Sr. High School, was awarded a $1,000 scholarship to Johnson College. Second place was awarded to Caelum Cahoon from Forest City Regional High School and third place to Gavin Zellers from Lakeland Jr. Sr. High School. The event, which was sponsored by The New Jersey Chapter of SAMPE and Boyce Products Ltd., featured a keynote address given by Adam Hecht, co-founder and Director of Additive Manufacturing at DiveDesign, a full-service design agency. He gave students a behind-the-scenes look at how DiveDesign is helping to disrupt industries with the use of 3D Printing. To learn more about Johnson College’s STEM opportunities for local school districts, visit johnson.edu.
Hospice of Sacred Heart Hosts Social Work Breakfast Social Workers from Hospice of the Sacred Heart and many healthcare facilities gathered at the hospice office in Moosic March 21st for the annual Social Work Breakfast. The theme of “Increasing Awareness and Sensitivity about Cultural Diversity and Inclusion” was highlighted by a panel discussion including Dr. Jumee Barooah, Designated Institutional Official, The Wright Center for Community Health, Sister Ruth Neely, CRNP, The Wright Center for Community Health Ryan White HIV Clinic, Martin Russo, an advocate for the transgender community and Rabbi Daniel J. Swartz, Spiritual Leader, Temple Hesed. The mission of Hospice of the Sacred Heart is to provide comfort, care, hope and choice to patients and their families, while guiding them through the end of life journey. Photo caption left to right: Sister Ruth Neely, MSN, CRNP, The Wright Center for Community Health Ryan White HIV Clinic, Rabbi Daniel J. Swartz, Spiritual Leader, Temple Hesed, Diane Baldi, CEO, Hospice of the Sacred Heart, Martin Russo, Advocate for the transgender community and Jumee Barooah, M.D., FACP, Designated Institutional Official, The Wright Center for Community Health
UNC to Host 2nd Annual Designer Purse Bingo UNC’s 2nd Annual Designer Purse Bingo is taking place at Holy Cross High School in Dunmore on Friday April 5th. We have amazing purses to win, “celebrity” callers, a huge bingo recall screen, additional chances on raffle items, 50/50, a gift card pull, and special games – all we need is you! It’s a Friday so bring your own Happy Hour. Doors open at 5:30pm, bingo starts at 6:30pm. Tickets are $30 in advance. $35 at the door. The proceeds benefit UNC’s many programs and services. This is a 21+ event. Register 10 or more for reserved seating. Call Chrissy Manuel, UNC Director of Development & Communications for more information at: (272) 228-1371 or email cmanuel@uncnepa.org. For tickets, please visit: uncnepa.org/bingo
Harry McGrath Memorial Golf Tournament Benefits the Greater Scranton YMCA On Monday, March 18th the McGrath family presented the Greater Scranton YMCA with an $18,000 donation, which represents proceeds from the 4th Annual Harry P. McGrath Memorial Golf Tournament. The tournament was held on September 15, 2023, at Glen Oak Country Club. Tournament proceeds will support the Greater Scranton YMCA’s Summer Learning Loss Prevention Program, Summer Scholars. Summer Scholars is a free research-based and research-proven six-week summer learning program. The goal of the program is to get elementary students on track to read at or above grade level by the start of their next school year. In summer 2024, the program will serve rising first, second and third grade students attending the Dunmore and Mid Valley School Districts. Participants’ days consist of 2.5 hours of literacy in the morning followed by lunch and enrichment in the afternoon. Enrichment activities include field trips, as well as trips to the Greater Scranton YMCA for use of the pools. The program is instructed by certified teachers and YMCA staff. “We are happy to provide support to the Y’s Summer Scholars program,” said Betsy McGrath Ardizoni, Board Member, Greater Scranton YMCA, and daughter of the late Harry P. McGrath, Esq. “Our dad believed in the importance of children receiving the necessary tools to succeed in school, and this program does just that.” The Scranton Area Community Foundation administers the Harry P. McGrath, Esq. Memorial Fund, established in May 2022 by Harry’s family to support the charitable causes and organizations important to him including the Greater Scranton YMCA’s Summer Loss Prevention Program. “The Greater Scranton YMCA is so grateful to the McGrath family for their continued support of our YMCA and our Summer Scholars Program,” said Trish Fisher, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “The generosity of tournament participants and sponsors continues to amaze us. This funding makes such an impact on the lives of the children benefitting from Summer Scholars and supports our mission of keeping the program free for families.” For more information about Summer Scholars, contact Helen Cruser, Education Director, at hcruser@gsymca.org. For more information about the Harry P. McGrath Memorial Golf Tournament, contact Betsy McGrath Ardizoni at ecm0588@gmail.com.
Episode Nine: All Things Chamber Don’t Miss the Update SKILLS 2024: Workforce Summit and Career Fair is Thursday, April 4, at the Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel. This is free for the public to meet potential employers. Chamber members can attend the breakout sessions and keynote presentations for $100. Register online today. EMPOWER, The Leadership Experience TEEN PROGRAM is accepting applications until Friday, March 29. The program is designed to build interpersonal disciplines for high school students aged 16-18. Apply today to attend the all-day conference. The Chamber is expanding its staff to serve the growing membership. Check out the job board for open positions at The Chamber. Event Update Skills in Scranton’s networking program, Like Mind Meet Up, scheduled for Thursday, March 21, is canceled. Upcoming Chamber Events EVENT PAGE MEMBER BENEFITS
McCarthy Flowers Purchases Additional Flower Shops McCarthy Flowers, headquartered in Lackawanna County since 1952, just purchased 4 more Flower Shops in Northern Colorado – Palmer Flowers, with 3 locations, one in Ft Collins, one in Loveland, and another in Greeley CO. This iconic Floral Name began in 1976, and catapulted to become Northern Colorado’s premier florist. In addition, McCarthy Flowers also purchased Paul Wood Florist, the oldest florist in Northern Colorado, founded in 1932. Paul Wood Florist remains a fixture in downtown Ft Collins inside the oldest commercial storefront in Ft Collins. McCarthy already owns two flower shops in Colorado, Lehrers Flowers, and Newberry Brothers Florist, as well as their own wholesale Florist, Associated Wholesale Florist. Prior to the acquisition of Palmer Flowers and Paul Wood Florist, McCarthy Flowers was already the largest volume retail florist in the state. With the new four shops added, McCarthy Flowers of Colorado has double their previous baseline of sale volume. This latest acquisition brings McCarthy Flowers total store count to 30 throughout their 10 state footprint, and full time employee count to over 600. Kevin McCarthy, President of McCarthy Group Florists, says the iconic brands will continue to operate under their trusted names, and welcomes the talent pool to the McCarthy Family.
John N. Grochowski Joins PS Bank Anthony J. Gabello, President and Chief Executive Officer of PS Bank, is pleased to announce the hiring of John N. Grochowski as Indirect Lending Department Manager / Vice President. With John’s hiring, a new line of business has been added to PS Bank’s robust portfolio. Indirect lending will allow for the financing of new and used automobiles for customers across all markets. Mr. Grochowski has over 35 years of banking experience and has spent the past 25 years in the indirect lending area. “With John’s leadership, we anticipate great success for the indirect lending department at PS Bank. He brings tremendous experience and quality relationships to our institution and is a great addition to our team.,” said Gabello. Mr. Grochowski holds a bachelor of science degree in business administration from Wilkes University. He has also served in various leadership and volunteer capacities for numerous community fundraising campaigns. Mr. Grochowski resides in Forty Fort with his wife Luciann.
UNC’s Mid Valley Senior Community Center Starts Ballroom Classes United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC) Mid Valley Senior Community Center starts its newest free activity, Ballroom Dance Classes with Vince Brust on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at 9:00 am. Any interested older adults 60+ can register by calling 570-489-4415, no experience or partner necessary. The classes are offered in partnership with Arts in Education, Lackawanna County Area on Aging, the Pennsylvania Department on Aging, and the Scranton Area Community Foundation. About Vince Brust, Dance Instructor/Choreographer Vince Brust, a graduate from University of Louvain, Belgium, has taught more than 76,000 Dance lessons since 1975. He has in North and South America, Africa, Australia, and Europe. Vince appeared on Oprah Winfrey Show and was a Rotary International Exchange Dance Professional to Brazil. He conducts residencies in Swing, Latin or Ballroom Dancing for 3rd through 12th grades, and Senior citizens. He draws connections between the history and movements of the dance(s) with his students’ own courses: (e.g. Spanish language studies and Salsa; or Swing dance and WWII era). The benefits of such a residency manifold greater self-confidence, self-esteem, and greater “connectedness” with fellow students.
Celebrity Chef Rocco DiSpirito to Host Exclusive Dinner at Mohegan Pennsylvania WHAT: Guests are invited to experience a taste of Italy like never before! On Saturday, April 6th in the Keystone Grand Ballroom, an unforgettable evening will unfold with celebrity chef Rocco DiSpirito and the talented Mohegan Pennsylvania culinary team. WHEN/WHERE: Saturday, April 6th Registration and Cocktail Hour: 4:30pm Dinner: 5:30pm Keystone Grand Ballroom IN DETAIL: The Keystone Grand Ballroom at Mohegan Pennsylvania is set to host an exclusive event featuring a mouthwatering multi-course meal crafted by celebrity chef Rocco DiSpirito and the Mohegan Pennsylvania culinary team. Chef Rocco will introduce each course and visit guests at their tables throughout the event. Each guest in attendance will be among the first in the world to receive an autographed copy of the #1 New York Times bestselling author’s newest book, Everyday Delicious: 30 Minute(ish) Home-Cooked Meals Made Simple: A Cookbook, to be published on Tuesday, April 30th. Availability is limited for this exclusive event. All attendees must be 21 years of age or older. Tickets are $100 and on sale now at the Hotel Front Desk, subject to availability. Hotel packages are also available. Media coverage opportunities at the Rocco DiSpirito Dinner are available. For more information, please contact PR Manager Charisse Huff at Chuff@mohegangaming.com and PR Specialist Jack Graham at Jgraham@mohegangaming.com.
UNC’s Illumination Youth Arts Opening Night Reception & Exhibit United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC) Illumination Youth Arts is presenting their first ever multimedia interactive exhibit titled “Illuminated Echoes: Ancient Games and Youth Artistry.” The public is invited to their opening night reception on Thursday, March 28, 2024, at 6:00 pm at AFA Gallery, 101 Penn Avenue in downtown Scranton. The show runs until April 18, 2024. The display includes photography, painting, drawing, sculpture, and pottery from 22 UNC Youth Artists. Guests are encouraged to mingle with the artists on March 28 to learn about their masterpieces and play the interactive component of the exhibit – the recreation of lost and ancient games. They will learn the history of the games and how to play the replicas created by the artists using 3D design/printing and pottery techniques. Featured artists include Jaida Rosa, Fourth Grade, featuring her ceramics. Tiana Jeter, Seventh Grade, highlighting her photography and ceramics. Janyah Currie, a high school sophomore, displaying her photography, mixed media, and ceramics. Janiya Jones, a high school sophomore, will be presenting her 3D design and photography. Lizmary Camacho, a high school senior, will be showing photography and mixed media. Enjelis Madera, a high school senior, will be featuring her photography, mixed media, and ceramics. Illumination Youth Arts is funded by Lackawanna County, The City of Scranton, United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties, and the Overlook Estate Foundation. For more information, contact Kylee Colvin, UNC’s Community Youth Manager at 570-961-1592, ext. 105.
