National Chowder Day fundraiser benefits LRCA

Posted on April 2, 2024 by The Dunmorean

Cooper’s Seafood House presented a donation check of $2,620.00 to the Lackawanna River Conservation Association, which was made possible thanks to patrons’ support during the National Chowder Day fundraiser where the restaurant donated 100% of its chowder sales to the LRCA.

Pictured in front row, from left: Stacy Cognetti and, Joyce Hatala, LRCA Board Members, Tara B. Jones, LRCA Executive Director; Missy Welshko-Williams, LRCA Program Manager, and Sara McDonald, LRCA Board Member.

Back row, same order: Paul Cooper, Ryan Cooper, Jesse Cooper, Steve Cooper, Paul Davis, LRCA Board President;, Jack Cooper, and Ray Ceccotti, LRCA Board Members.

Lackawanna River Heritage Trail Recognized as Great Greenway in the State

Posted on September 1, 2021 by The Dunmorean

The Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA-PA), through its Great Places in PA Program, annually designates Great Places. For 2021, the Great Places categories were Greenways/Trails, Public Spaces, and Streets. Eight nominations achieved a Great Places designation, bringing the total Great Places in PA to 46. Great Places have a sustainable vision for the future and serve as a model for other communities. Having high quality examples of successful planning efforts throughout the Commonwealth to share and promote helps to achieve the Chapter’s mission and vision.

APA-PA is proud to announce designation of the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail, which connects more than 30 communities in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Susquehanna, and Wayne Counties, as a 2021 Great Greenway/Trail in Pennsylvania. The Trail stretches more than 70 miles through the heart of the Lackawanna Heritage Valley State and National Heritage Area. It travels along the Lackawanna River and through the Northeastern PA mountains showcasing the areas culture,

history, architecture, and natural landscapes. The trail also provides connections to parks, neighborhoods, and community amenities, such as restaurants, shops, and lodging. Thousands of people annually use the trail for walking, biking, hiking, running, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Additionally, the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Association works with communities to implement trail improvements and with planning committees to host marathons, festivals, bike tours, and other events that attract people from all areas of the country. It also partners with the Lackawanna River Conservation Association to sustain the trail and engage local communities to participate in service days. The Lackawanna River Heritage Trail is an asset to the entire region that is helping to sustain local communities and promote healthy lifestyles.

The Lackawanna River Heritage Trail, together with the Cherry Creek Crossing Trail Network/Monroe County, Lehigh Parkway/Lehigh County, Phoenixville Portion of the Schuylkill River Trail/Chester County, and Warwick to Ephrata Rail Trail/Lancaster County, comprise the slate of 2021 Great Places in PA in the Greenways/Trails category. Additionally, one Great Street and two Great Public Spaces were designated. These Great Places demonstrate the rewarding results that occur through community partnerships, planning, and dedication. In recognizing the 2021 Great Places in PA, the Chapter also celebrates the many community leaders and officials, professionals, and residents who contribute to making the designated places “great.” For information on previously designated Great Places, please visit http://www.planningpa.org.

Dunmore Business Pledges Support to River Conservation

Posted on May 5, 2021 by The Dunmorean

Space Time Mead & Cider Works of Dunmore joined 1% for the Planet, pledging to donate 1% of annual sales to support The Lackawanna River Conservation Association.

“When we started our winery in 2018, one of our core principals was to do what we could to protect our natural environment. After all, our wine depends on clean air, water, soil and biodiversity”, said Dan Schreffler, President of Space Time Mead & Cider Works. “We could think of no other local organization that has done so much for Lackawanna County’s quality of life by protecting and cleaning up the Lackawanna River and surrounding lands.”

“Currently, only 3% of total philanthropy goes to the environment and, only 5% of that comes from businesses. The planet needs bigger support than this, and our growing network of business members is doing its valuable part to increase giving and support on-the-ground outcomes. We’re excited to welcome Space Time Mead & Cider Works to our global movement,” says Kate Williams, CEO of 1% for the Planet.

By contributing 1% of their annual sales, thousands of 1% for the Planet members have raised over $265 million to support approved environmental nonprofits around the globe. Nonprofits are approved based on referrals, track record and environmental focus. Thousands of nonprofits worldwide are currently approved.

“The biggest challenge we face in our work of river conservation and watershed stewardship is the lack of locally available funding to match state and federal grants and to help sustain our everyday operations,” said Bernie McGurl, Executive Director of the Lackawanna River Conservation Organization, (LRCA). “Having a dedicated fund like 1% for the Planet and a local business, like Space Time Mead & Cider Works reach out to us can be a real game changer to help advance our mission in the Lackawanna Watershed. We gratefully welcome the support of Space Time and look to their example as an encouragement to other local businesses to join with them in supporting 1% for the Planet and the LRCA.”