Scranton Counseling Center Unveiled New $15 Million Headquarters in South Scranton

A seven-year vision to develop a new state-of-the-art campus for Scranton Counseling Center became a reality Thursday at the corner of Cedar Avenue and Cherry Street in south Scranton. The ribbon cutting for the new $15 million multi-building complex that provides counseling services to mostly uninsured and underinsured consumers suffering with behavioral health and substance use disorders was held in front of the new campus.

The historic site originally housed The Scranton Button Company, and later became the home of Capitol Records. The conversion to Scranton Counseling Center’s new headquarters preserved the main and adjoining buildings while modernizing the structures and significantly upgrading the service spaces, including everything from the windows to all building systems for the nonprofit’s thousands of annual consumers and staff.

The Counseling Center has moved from its previous cramped and outdated space on Adams Avenue – its home for over 3 decades – that was previously a Sears store. “This bright and modern new home is welcoming, inviting and functional,” relayed Dr. Edward F. Heffron, who retired as president and CEO of the Counseling Center last week. “This was a seven-year labor of love that has many supporters and facilitators to get us to today’s event,” he continued. “This opening is the goal that kept me energized and focused during that time. Once we opened the doors, I felt my mission had been completed.”

Jefferson-Werner LLC is the developer and Hemmler and Camayd the architects of the project that was aided with state and federal funding, including a $4 million state Redevelopment Assistance Capital grant and $7 million in new markets tax credits. Grants from The Moses Taylor Foundation, The Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, The Hawk Family Foundation, The Margaret Briggs Foundation, Peoples Security Bank and Trust, and Community Support Group added to the financing support of Commonwealth Cornerstone Group and PNC Bank.

A tribute wall planned for the first-floor hallway of the new facility recognizes the various individuals and groups who aided with the project. The tribune wall names the Scranton Counseling Center board members, the elected officials who supported the funding, the foundations and financial entities who are invested, and the architects, engineers and contractors who completed the work.

Developer Charles Jefferson said, “Some projects are more rewarding than others to complete. This campus renovation is a shining example of improving the needs of the marginalized individuals in our community, preserving and modernizing a historic building, revitalizing this section of south Scranton and connecting a wide and diverse stream of funding to make it happen… in a single focus.”

Scranton Counseling Center is a community-based private nonprofit behavioral health provider serving children, adolescents, adults and families with mental health and substance use disorder issues in Lackawanna, Susquehanna and surrounding counties. The Center is northeast Pennsylvania’s largest integrated provider with over seven decades of quality accessible services for those in need.

Marywood University Awards Noyce Scholarship to Mathematics/Secondary Education Junior

Marywood University recently awarded a Noyce Scholarship to Jason Holman, Taylor, Pa., junior mathematics/secondary education major. A graduate of Riverside High School, Holman is benefiting from the tuition coverage of the scholarship, as well as the connections that he’s making with faculty and staff on the University’s campus.

Marywood’s Advancing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) Teaching (MAST) Program is a scholarship opportunity for biology and math secondary education majors. MAST scholars earn bachelor’s degrees in biology or math and are eligible for a Pennsylvania secondary teaching certification in biology or mathematics.

Holman learned of the Noyce Scholarship from a science professor, and then the message was reinforced by Dhanapati Adhikari, Ph.D., associate professor of mathematics/computer science. Dr. Adhikari explained that students are eligible to apply for the scholarship during their sophomore year, or after passing their sophomore screening for education. After applying, students are invited for an interview and get a status notification by May 1 each year.

Beyond the financial benefits, Holman said, “It [the Noyce Scholarship] puts you out there—doing a lot of tutoring, puts you on the campus map with other people, particularly with faculty and staff members. In the future these connections can serve as recommendations in securing a teaching position.”

Outside of gym classes, math was always Holman’s favorite subject. Having the added benefit of developing a strong relationship with his high school math teacher, who he had during his four years of high school, helped Holman solidify his talents for math and teaching. Enjoying tutoring and seeing the progression of someone learning is what drives Holman in his pursuit of teaching.

Knowing that the Noyce Scholarship will help him get ahead, both financially and in securing employment post-graduation, Holman appreciates the teaching apprenticeship that the scholarship affords, as well as the bonds he has formed with faculty and staff at Marywood University.

The Noyce Scholarship has a service component which requires scholarship recipients to teach in underserved school districts for two years post-graduation, while also providing scholarship recipients with the added benefit of helping to organize the math competition at Marywood, tutoring, and a teaching apprenticeship.

Holman said, “I grew up in the area, and I want to stay here where I can make a difference in building up students to better themselves, which in turn betters the area. I hope to teach in Lackawanna or Wayne County post-graduation.”

The Noyce Scholarship is not limited to tuition and can also be applied to other costs, such as room and board and books. Holman is technically a transfer student, since he transferred to Marywood just days after beginning his studies at another college. He sees the benefits of the Noyce Scholarship for both transfer and traditional undergraduate students, as students can apply during their sophomore year for junior year eligibility.

In addition to his academic work, Holman is also a student-athlete, playing on the University’s men’s basketball team, which brings him full circle to his two favorite subjects—those of a love of math and of basketball.

Lavish Scranton Opens New Location

Lavish Scranton, formerly known as Lavish Body & Home, opened its new location at 200 Adams Ave. The grand opening was held on Friday, April 2. The new location has about 7,000 square feet of space that features its salon, spa, and boutique. Lavish Scranton has consolidated their two previous locations — a store and salon on Linden Street and a spa on North Washington Avenue.

St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen Continues ‘Host for A Day’ Campaign

The St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen in Scranton is conducting its annual “Host for A Day” campaign. An individual, a family, a business, a community organization or faith-based group can sponsor the day’s meal at the kitchen. The day’s meals may also be sponsored in memory of a loved one. Under normal operating procedures, the Kitchen serves 250 hot, nutritious meals every day to men, women and children in need.

Penn East Federal Credit Union Makes Donation to Nursing Center

Penn East Federal Credit Union’s (FCU) Community Involvement Committee recently donated dozens of crafts, activities, and brain games to residents of Allied Services Skilled Nursing Center. The facility in Scranton is one of the area’s largest skilled nursing centers providing comprehensive quality care for both short-term and long-term patients.  

The Penn East FCU Community Involvement Committee’s mission is to engage and contribute to organizations to improve and establish connections in the community. Penn East Federal Credit Union is a community-chartered credit union offering membership to anyone that lives or works in Lackawanna, Luzerne, or Wyoming Counties. 

Scranton Bank Orders Lunch for Geisinger Frontline Workers

Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co. of Scranton ordered lunch from DaVinci Pizza for 125 employees at Geisinger Community Medical Center last week to honor frontline workers.

Throughout the month of March, Peoples Security Bank donated more than 1,600 meals from area restaurants to 13 hospitals across the state and in New York. Up to 125 frontline providers from each hospital received a lunch or dinner, along with a special message of encouragement and appreciation for their selflessness and commitment to their patients.

“Over the past year, most of us have spent all of our waking hours thinking about the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and what it means for us and our families,” said Alicen Backus, marketing representative for Peoples Security Bank. “People who live in our communities have all faced hardships in one way or another, and no one has experienced the impact more than our health care workers, who have been working on the frontline, day in and day out, through it all.“

To honor their continued service and sacrifices, Peoples Security Bank pledged more than $80,000 in the past year to support health care workers and regional food banks within the bank’s Pennsylvania-based footprint grappling with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“On behalf of everyone at Peoples Security Bank & Trust, thank you to everyone at Geisinger for all that you do for our community,” Backus said.

Marywood University and The Center for The Living City Announce Weeklong Observe Scranton Events

Marywood University and The Center for The Living City announce, Observe Scranton, a weeklong program of events. The community festival celebrates Scranton through the eyes of Jane Jacobs, a hometown iconic city activist, on what would be her 105th birthday. Free community exhibits located throughout the city, in collaboration with the Lackawanna County Library, Marywood University, the City of Scranton, other local colleges and universities, and many private community-minded developers, organizations, and businesses, include:

Tuesday, May 4, 2021

  • The festival will kick-off with Jane Jacobs Day & Flag Raising at Scranton City Hall, at 10 a.m., 340 N. Washington Ave., Scranton. Join Sister Mary Persico, IHM, Ed.D., president of Marywood University, Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti, and the Center for the Living City for the inaugural Jane Jacobs Day Proclamation, a day of community conversations and gatherings, along with the Jane Jacobs flag raising on what would have been her 105th birthday.
  • A book launch will take place at 6:30 p.m., in the theater at Lackawanna College. Author Glenna Lang will give a slide presentation to celebrate the publication of her book, Jane Jacob’s First City: Learning from Scranton, Pennsylvania.

Wednesday, May 5, 2021

  • The Jane Jacobs Walk will take place at the Forest Hill Cemetery, at 2 p.m., at 1830 Jefferson Avenue, Dunmore, Pa. Join the cemetery’s caretaker and archivist, Norma Reese, for a fascinating tour of Scranton’s first landscaped cemetery, founded in 1870.
  • The Architecture and History of Lackawanna Avenue will be explored at the Jane Jacobs Walk, at 5:15 p.m., at The Marketplace at Steamtown, 300 Lackawanna Avenue, Scranton. Architect and local historian, Richard Leonori, will lead a several block walk along Scranton’s main downtown street, laid out as part of the original plan for the city in the 1850s.
  • Book signing at Library Express Bookstore will take place at 6:15 p.m., with author Glenna Lang, who will read passages from Jane Jacob’s First City. The book signing will take place at The Marketplace at Steamtown Mall, 2nd floor, 300 Lackawanna Avenue, Scranton.
  • A Community Conversation: A Scranton City Dialogue will take place from 6 – 7:30 p.m., via Zoom. Those interested can register at surveymonkey.com/r/ObserveScranton. An inspired community conversation focusing on questions and themes Jane Jacobs raised in a seminal 1987 letter to the City about “what Scranton is, has been, and can be.” This event is hosted by The University of Scranton and city partners.

Thursday, May 6, 2021

  • From 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. a virtual event, Blue Zone + the Built Environment, will be provided. Those interested can register by emailing Margaret.Brown@sharecare.com with the session the participants plan to attend including:
  • 10 – 11:15 a.m., Built Environment – Government. Discussions targeted to government and planning leaders for public works, economic development, walking and bike infrastructure, public safety, and more.
  • 11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.: Built Environment – Policy Advocates: Discussion targeted to walk and bike advocates, neighborhood associations, chamber of commerce reps, and more.
  • 1 – 2 p.m.: Blue Zones for Elected Officials: Discussions targeted to mayors, city councils, county commissioners, and state and federal representatives, as well as the public.
  • A Book Reading with Glenna Lang and community members will take place at 5:30 pm., at the Lackawanna County Courthouse, across from the iconic Electric City sign. Accompanied by special guests, author Glenn Lang will provide an outdoor book reading of Jane Jacob’s First City, followed by an audience Q&A and book signing.

Friday, May 7, 2021

  • First Friday Scranton, from 5-9 p.m., will feature a wide variety of cultural events found in some of the city’s best restaurants and cafes, as well as galleries, boutiques, and other small businesses.
  • Interactive Exhibit, from 5 -7 p.m., at the Observe Scranton headquarters, 546 Spruce Street, in the Scranton Life Building. During the First Friday event, attendees are encouraged to share their thoughts about the past, present, and future of Scranton.
  • The Inaugural Community Night Light Ride will take place at 8:30 p.m., with registration at 7:30 p.m. Those interested will meet at the corner of Adams Avenue and Spruce Street. A fun evening bicycle ride through the city of Scranton will take place. Attendees are encouraged to decorate their bicycles with lights. Registration can also be made prior to the event, at northeastartproject.com/lightthenighride.

Saturday, May 8, 2021

  • A Jane Jacobs Walk will take place from 10 – 11 a.m., at 1712 Monroe Avenue, Dunmore, the childhood home of Jane Jacobs. Architect and longtime Dunmorean, John Cowder, will retrace Jane’s routes to her neighborhood school, the potato chip factory in the alley, and other mom-and-pop stores she and her family and friends frequented.
  • Scranton StorySlam with Scranton Fringe will take place at the Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Avenue, Scranton, at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. Scranton StorySlam is a celebration of diverse voices, welcoming all to share their stories of triumph, disappointment, humor, and heartbreak with supportive audiences. Featured storytellers include Amber Viola, Chris Kelly, Glynis M. Johns, Gerard Hetman, Laureen M. O’Handley, Terry Thompson, and Jessica Rothchild, Ph.D., as well as many others.

For additional information about Observe Scranton events with Center for The Living City and Marywood University, please visit observescranton.org/schedule.

JFS Mae S. Gelb Food Pantry Receives Donation

The Temple Israel of Scranton Donates $1,450 to the Jewish Family Service of Northeastern Pennsylvania Mae S. Gelb Food Pantry.

The Temple Israel of Scranton Mitzvah Committee, consisting of Suzy and Rick Jacobson, Karen and Robby Pollock, Marian and Gary Beckhorn, Victoria Geyfman, Annie Monsky, Rabbi Miriam Spitzer, Paulette Okun and Geordee Pollock provided 85 Mishloach bags to area Congregants. Proceeds from the purchased bags were donated to the Mae S. Gelb Food Pantry at JFS!

Marywood University Announces “The Counselor Next Door Podcast”

Marywood University’s Counseling and Student Development Center (CSDC) is offering its podcast, titled “The Counselor Next Door,” each Friday through the conclusion of the semester on Friday, May 7, 2021. The podcast’s aim is to present thoughtful conversations to support wellness, drawing from the experience of Marywood’s community.

Each episode of “The Counselor Next Door” covers a topic related to health and wellness from a counseling perspective, discussed by a counselor from Marywood’s CSDC, as well as a member of the University’s community. The topics are varied, ranging from equity and equality to art therapy, spiritual wellness, and more.

Episodes air every Friday, at anchor.fm/marywood-csdc. To learn more about Marywood’s Psychology and Counseling programs, visit marywood.edu/psychology-counseling/index.html, or call the Office of Admissions at (570) 348-6234.