CAN DO Community Foundation holds Board of Directors meeting

The CAN DO Community Foundation recently held its Board of Directors meeting at the Freeland YMCA and got a first-hand look at the restoration and improvements that have been made to the building’s façade as a result of the foundation’s involvement. The Freeland community requested the foundation’s assistance and over the past few years, the foundation has worked with the Freeland YMCA, to secure funding for the restoration of the façade and the support of a youth after school program.

Four Penn State Hazleton students receive CAN DO Community Foundation Scholarship

Penn State Hazleton students Aaron Kacyon, Devon Dercole, Brittney Saccketti and Bernardo Becerra each recently received a CAN DO Community Foundation Scholarship in recognition of the foundation’s annual support of local college students.

Kacyon is a senior majoring in information sciences and technology. He is the son of Sherry and Brian Kacyon, Fern Glen.Dercole is a first-year student studying developmental psychology and pre-medicine. She is a graduate of Hazleton Area High School and the daughter of Andrea Dercole and Mario Dercole, Hazleton. She works as a caregiver at a local childcare center. Saccketti will receive her degree in business with a concentration in marketing and management in May. She is a graduate of Hazleton Area High School and is the daughter of Patricia and Albert Saccketti, Freeland. Becerra is a sophomore accounting major, He is the son of Sandy Peirce and a graduate of Solanco High School in Lancaster County.

The CAN DO Community Foundation Scholarship honors and recognizes outstanding academic achievement by an undergraduate student enrolled at the Hazleton campus of Penn State University. It is awarded annually at the Highacres Society Dinner. The scholarship is specifically designated for a student from Greater Hazleton. Full- and part-time students who have attained high academic achievement at the end of their second semester are considered for the award. Continuing education students receive special consideration.

CAN DO Foundation Annual Fund Drive Reaches Goal

The CAN DO Community Foundation has met its goal for the 2016 Annual Fund Drive, announced Chairman Earl C. Berger.

In noting the conclusion of the Annual Fund Drive, Berger expressed his heartfelt appreciation in sharing this accomplishment to the community of Greater Hazleton, saying, “Thanks to you, the foundation has reached its goal. While I have the privilege of announcing this achievement, it took many generous donors to reach the lofty goal.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, thank you for your investment which allows the foundation to continue to work on projects related to our mission of conservation, preservation and reclamation,” Berger said. “I trust that you will agree that your investment is focused on projects that strengthen our community’s character. Again, thank you for your interest and generosity.”

CAN DO Community Foundation holds 24th annual meeting at Ferrwood Music Camp

Officers were elected and accomplishments highlighted during the CAN DO Community Foundation’s 24th annual meeting held at Ferrwood Music Camp.

Prior to the meeting, foundation President Gary F. Lamont recognized Phil Latella for his leadership and volunteering efforts that, along with his team of volunteers, make the music camp a reality. The meeting opened with a thank you also to the members of the board, volunteers, the community and CAN DO for their contributions of time, talent and resources to the foundation during the past year. Lamont noted the significant funding that has been approved for projects that have been “adopted” by the Foundation.

“The effort of board members to be engaged in projects is noteworthy. It allows the foundation to provide support and to leverage their funds with other funding sources to accomplish mission-focused projects,” Lamont said.

Scholarships help area students attend 2016 Ferrwood Music Camp

More than 50 area students learned the value of a quality music education this summer thanks to the generosity of eight area organizations that sponsored scholarships for the children to attend the 2016 Ferrwood Music Camp.

The CAN DO Community Foundation, Chic Sacco, Community, Coxe Foundation, North Penn, Robbie Poltrok Jr. Memorial, Quin Foundation, Security Savings, Vince Fayock and Joseph Yenchko scholarships helped students in grades kindergarten through 12th expand their knowledge of music through band instrument and choral instruction.