Beth Dessen Duffy elected as new board member

At the Foundation’s Annual Meeting, Beth Dessen Duffy, daughter of CAN DO’s founder Dr. Edgar L. Dessen was elected as the newest member of the Board of Directors. Beth has been a volunteer on the Edgar L. Dessen Community Service Award (“ELDCSA”) committee and is involved in fundraising for Ferrwood and growing the foundation’s endowment.

Hugh “Terry” Campbell was appointed to the ELDCSA committee.

Beth Duffy joins Matthew B. Bayzick, Earl C. Berger, Melissa Curto, Eugene M. Dougherty, Jeffrey S. Gicking, Mary Beth Hayden, George R. Hludzik, Esq., Gary F. Lamont, Joseph Lettiere, Robert Moisey, Sherri O’Donnell, Donald M. Pachence, E. Thomas Sandrock, Krista Schneider, John J. Spevak, Chris Stamatopoulos and Dan Sweeney.

The following were elected as Foundation officers: Gary F. Lamont, President; Earl Berger, Vice President; Donald M. Pachence, Treasurer; and Chris Stamatopoulos, Secretary.  Melissa Frederick was appointed as the Administrative Coordinator.

The Foundation Board of Directors discussed the progress of its ongoing projects including the creation of the W. Kevin O’Donnell Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship endowment seeks to honor O’Donnell’s legacy and his years of commitment to community service within the Greater Hazleton Area. The scholarship is funded with contributions by CAN DO as well as donations provided by individuals and businesses. Donations previously made in O’Donnell’s Memory have been allocated to the scholarship fund and anyone who wishes to make additional contributions may do so through the CAN DO Community Foundation’s website. Additional dollars will allow for the possibility of increasing the scholarship amount in the future as the fund grows.

Ferrwood Music Camp

The CAN DO Community Foundation has spent many years overseeing the restoration of Ferrwood. Thanks to the support of the community, contributions from individuals, businesses, foundations, unions, and various grants, the foundation is successful in its continuing effort of restoring this historic gem located in Drums. Gary F. Lamont president of the Foundation said, “The bandshell is the most recent result of this generosity.”

Features of the renovated bandshell include the turn-of-the-century facade as well as ADA-compliant restroom accommodations and classroom space. A dedication ceremony was held this past summer with Hazleton Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra, founded by Father Joe Ferrara performing at its 70^th anniversary.

Lamont recognized board members, volunteers, community members, and CAN DO staff for their contributions of time, talent, and resources to the Foundation during the past year.

Annual Fund Drive Chairman and Foundation’s Vice President, Earl C. Berger, provided an update on the current year’s fund drive. Berger expressed his appreciation for the individuals and businesses in the community who continue to make contributions to the campaign. The focus of this year’s fund drive is achieving a barrier-free environment, plans for a walking trail with historic kiosks identifying the Drum’s community and Ferrwood’s history, and preserving the environment.

During the meeting, Matt Bayzick provided an update on planned projects at Ferrwood.

Ms. Stamatopoulos, chair of the Ferrwood Committee, announced the scheduling of an “Inclusive Camp” this summer that will welcome children experiencing limitations. This concept has proven to support the sensitivity and inclusiveness of all children. Ferrwood will be the venue serving children from southern Luzerne County.

Under the Treasurer’s report, the Foundation’s final pledge commitments were funded this past year including downtown Hazleton projects; the Hayden Family Art Center, the CAN DO Community Park, and the Downtown Hazleton Alliance for Progress.

Following its mission, the Foundation continues to review mission-focused projects in the Greater Hazleton community.

In addition to its service projects, the Foundation also utilizes donations to fund several scholarships for high school and college students, as well as the young student musicians who attend Ferrwood Music Camp.

The Ferrwood Committee, chaired by Chris Stamatopolous is joined by Matthew Bayzick, Earl Berger, Phil Latella, Don Pachence, Matt Straub, and Liz Tolan.

It was noted that committee member Matt Straub is updating the Ferrwood Music Camp website which will be ready for this summer’s music camp online registration.

Scholarships

This year, the Foundation will award the 19th annual Edgar L. Dessen Community Service Award (ELDCSA) Junior Leadership scholarships led by Michael and Jane Dougherty and Joseph Clark under the Leadership Hazleton program. The service award is named after CAN DO’s founder, Dr. Edgar L. Dessen. The ELDCSA committee is chaired by Chris Stamatopoulos and also includes Terry Campbell, Melissa Curto, Larry Dessen, Beth Dessen Duffy, Melissa Frederick, Jeff Gicking and Jocelyn Sterenchock.  Members of the committee are involved in the process of selecting the successful recipients of the award.  Ms. Stampatopoulos said, “Each year is difficult due to the impressive pool of candidates to choose from.”

The Joseph Yenchko Award provides “camperships” to Ferrwood Music Camp students through a fund endowed by CAN DO memorializing the first staff member of CAN DO. The Ferrwood Committee reviews and recommends children to receive the camperships.

Additionally, the CAN DO Community Foundation has fully endowed scholarships at Penn State Hazleton which are presented annually.

Donations for scholarships, Ferrwood Music Camp, and the Annual Fund Drive can be made via PayPal, Venmo, and by mailing checks to CAN DO Community Foundation, 1 S. Church Street, Suite 200, Hazleton, PA 18201.

Background

The CAN DO Community Foundation was founded in 1992 to fulfill the CAN DO Planning Committee’s goal of establishing an affiliate organization to support worthwhile projects that would enhance the quality of life in Greater Hazleton. The Foundation, initially funded with seed money from CAN DO, has grown through the generosity of donors to its annual fund drive along with donations of real estate and bequeathed endowments. The organization leverages these funds through the application of funding from other foundations and governmental programs.

The Foundation created a unique model to carry out its mission of “Conservation, Preservation and Reclamation CPR – Breathing New Life into the Community.”

For further information, please contact Chris Stamatopoulos at (570) 881-7868 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..