CAN DO Community Foundation announces FY 2021 officers and board members

The CAN DO Community Foundation announced its officers and board members for the FY 2021.

The foundation's officers remain as follows: Gary F. Lamont, President; Earl C. Berger, Vice President; Donald M. Pachence, Treasurer; Nancy R. Stasko, Secretary; W. Kevin O’Donnell, Assistant Treasurer and Chris Stamatopoulos, Assistant Secretary.

The CAN DO Community Foundation has been working since 1992 to improve the quality of life for Greater Hazleton

Working since 1992 to improve the quality of life for Greater Hazleton

The CAN DO Community Foundation has spent many years overseeing the restoration of Ferrwood Camp in Drums. Here, music camp students perform.

Since it was founded in 1992, the CAN DO Community Foundation has delivered on its mission of “Conservation, Preservation, Reclamation (CPR) – Breathing New Life Into Our Community” by helping to fund community projects throughout Greater Hazleton.

Through generous contributions from individuals and companies, the Foundation has been able to make positive contributions to support these vital community service projects.

CAN DO Community Foundation President Gary F. Lamont said, “We are proud to have played a role in numerous initiatives to improve the quality of life for the Greater Hazleton community. The Foundation will continue to flourish because of the generosity of individuals, businesses and other foundations who share in the commitment to make a positive difference in creating a healthier community – now and for future generations.”

Ferrwood Music Camp cancels in-person activities for 2020 season

Although many people feel music is medicine for the soul, Ferrwood Music Camp officials were forced to make the difficult decision to cancel regular camp activities, as well as the popular student concert that's open to the public, for the 2020 season due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Despite not being able to gather in person, Ferrwood Music Camp director Phil Latella said plans are underway to turn the 2020 camp into a virtual event using online video platform Zoom. He said officials discussed offering a variety of online activities, including a virtual talent show, campfire and marshmallow roast. Zoom users can also change their video background and Latella said officials discussed using an image of the camp's grounds to make students feel at home.

CAN DO Community Foundation honors 2019-20 Edgar L. Dessen Community Service Award scholars

The CAN DO Community Foundation honored seven area high school students who received the 2019-20 Edgar L. Dessen Community Service Award scholarships during the Junior Leadership Hazleton graduation ceremony on March 8.

Alexis Colecio, Amanda Colecio, Antonio Colecio and Kelly Royer, all of Weatherly Area High School; Maxwell Schwabe of Marian High School; Zander Spear of MMI Preparatory School and Kyra Zabretsky of Hazleton Area Academy of Sciences were all selected as Dessen Scholars and received a scholarship to participate in the Junior Leadership Hazleton program. CAN DO President Kevin O'Donnell gave a presentation to the students during the graduation ceremony.

CAN DO Community Foundation honors Patricia Spivak for donating accounting services

The CAN DO Community Foundation Board of Directors honored Patricia Spivak, CPA, for donating her accounting services to complete the foundation’s annual governmental financial requirements.

CAN DO Community Foundation President Gary F. Lamont presented Spivak with a framed resolution honoring her for her generous contribution to the foundation.