Tag Archives: Laureen A. Cummings

Farmer’s market voucher program

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Farmers-Market.jpg

Lackawanna County senior citizens will once again be able to participate in the very popular local farmers market voucher program that has been a staple in our community for a number of years.     

The Lackawanna County Commissioners Patrick M. O’Malley, Jerry Notarianni and Laureen A. Cummings announced that the County’s Area Agency on Aging, in cooperation with the State Department of Agriculture, will be distributing Farmers Market Nutritional Program vouchers at senior community centers.

Under the program, each eligible senior can receive up to four $5 vouchers that can be redeemed at participating farmers markets and farm stands for fresh fruit and produce.  The program is a win-win for both consumers and farmers.  It gives senior citizens access to locally grown produce and directs shoppers to area farmers that they generally may not see on a regular basis.     

The County has 20,000 vouchers available for distribution.    

Those who qualify are Lackawanna County residents who will be 60 or older by December 31, 2016 and whose annual income does not exceed $21,978 for a single person, $29,637 for a couple or $37,296 for a three person household.  Proof of age in the form of a driver’s license or birth certificate must be provided along with proof of Lackawanna County residency in the form of a utility bill or a driver’s license.

Vouchers will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis, beginning at 9 a.m. at the centers.  Seniors who are unable to visit a site may appoint a proxy to pick-up a voucher for them.  Proxy forms can be obtained at the Area Agency on Aging, local senior centers or online.

Distribution dates and sites include:

Friday, July 8:  Dunmore Senior Center, 1414 Monroe Avenue, Dunmore   

Monday, July 11:  Mid Valley Senior Center, Green Wave Heritage Apts., 310 Church St., Jessup

Wednesday, July 13: Jewish Community Center, 601 Jefferson Avenue, Scranton

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Any questions? Call the Area Agency on Aging at (570) 963-6740.

 

12th Annual Scranton Jazz Festival

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scranton jazz festival pic

The Lackawanna County Commissioners presented a $6,000 arts & culture grant check to organizers of the 12th annual Scranton Jazz Festival, which will be held on August 5, 6 & 7 at the Radisson Hotel and several downtown venues.

The legendary jazz rock band, “Blood Sweat & Tears,” will headline the festival and perform on Sunday, August 7.  Several bands and renowned saxophonist “Little” Jimmy Heath will also be participating in the event.

Shown from left:  Commissioner Patrick M. O’Malley, Sarah Eynon, Jazz Festival Committee; Michael Kearney, Radisson Hotel; Marko Marcinko, Jazz Festival Committee; Maureen McGuigan, the County’s Deputy Director for Arts & Culture; Commissioner Laureen A. Cummings and Robert Schlesinger, Jazz Festival Committee.      

Committee appointed for County Fair

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Christopher DiMatteo

Christopher DiMatteo was chosen for his work with Scranton’s LaFesta Italiana. (Photo Credit: Michael Straub Photo.)

Christopher DiMatteo of Dunmore is among 13 individuals appointed by the Lackawanna County Commissioners recently to serve on the steering committee for establishing a County Fair.

 

The committee has  been charged with the development, organization and implementation of a fair, designed to be an economic, recreational and social engine for Lackawanna County.

“The creation of a County Fair is about family and community. It is an opportunity to provide old-fashioned fun that everyone can enjoy at reasonable prices.  The fair will offer something for everyone – food, activities, crafts and entertainment.  It is a “win-win” for residents, visitors and vendors,” said Commissioner Patrick M. O’Malley.

“County Fairs have been very successful in many regional communities.  The individuals involved in planning our fair are in tune with what needs to be done to develop this event that has been very worthwhile, enjoyable and financially rewarding activities in locations,” said Commissioner Jerry Notarianni.

“There are many talented individuals in Lackawanna County.  The people that we’ve selected to organize a County Fair have the insights and contacts to make this a success, something we can be proud of, and an activity that will be economically beneficial,” explained Lackawanna County Commissioner Laureen A. Cummings.      

The individuals named to the steering committee are: Corey Susz, former President of the Kiwanis Wyoming County Fair; Atty. Armand Olivetti, Edward G. Staback, former State Representative, former Hunting & Game Commission Chairman and Lackawanna County Commissioner; Ronald Williams, former Pennsylvania Northeast Regional Director of Agriculture; Michael Taluto, Safety Press Officer for Penn DOT; Jim Rodway, Lackawanna County’s Director of Community Relations; and Donna Grey, Luzerne County Fair 4-H Chair.    

Also, Christopher DiMattio, LaFesta Italiana; Jess Meoni, graphic designer; Marc Gaughan, former Director of the Moscow Country Fair; Sherry Pritchyk, Fund Raiser/Event Planner; Terry Schettini, Penn State Cooperative Extension Administrator; and Robert Noldy, Hartford Fair volunteer.    

The genesis for a County Fair came from the “Big Idea” Task Force created by the Commissioners in May 2015.

Residents who wanted to make a real difference in the landscape of Lackawanna County submitted an application and information to participate in the planning process for committees in a number of segments.

The committee members will be involved in the design, site selection, vendors’ recruitment, activities, entertainment, fee schedule and other facets required to launch this event.