Return completed applications, with documented needs, to the Wayne County Community Foundation office by April 15. Applicants must be residents of Wayne County. Recipients will be notified by May 1 with a check presentation scheduled following notification. Whenever possible, the Fund will reimburse organizations, rather than individuals, to assure accountability. Grant applications are available upon request or may be downloaded from the Wayne County Community Foundation website (www.waynefoundation.org - go to the section on "Grantmaking-Grant Guidelines General). Questions about the application process can be directed to the Wayne County Community Foundation at 570-251-9993 or wccf@ptd.net.

Wayne County Historical Recipeint of Foundation Grant

The Wayne County Community Foundation recently awarded a grant for $1,800 to the Wayne County Historical Society. The grant will be used for an upgrade of the Society's microfilm project.

Shown in the picture: Left to Right. Gloria McCullough, Historical Society and Ann O'Hare, Wayne County Community Foundation Board Member.

Click here for additional background information on the Foundation's grant program

Wayne County Community Foundation Awards Grant to Northern Wayne Community Library

The Wayne County recently awarded a grant to the Northern Wayne Community Library for $1,150. The grant will be used to purchase computer equipment for the library.

Shown in Photo: Left to Right...Marion Curtis, Library Director and Paul Edwards, WCCF Executive Director.

Click here for additional information about our Grants program

Girl Scouts Receive Wayne County Community Foundation Grant

The "Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvanica" orgnization received a $1,000 Grant from the Wayne County Comunity Foundation. The grant will be used to support the Girl Scout's "Girl Scout Leadership Experience" program.

Shown in the picture: Left to Right....Kate Crowley, Chair of the Board of Directors and WCCF Executive Director, Paul Edwards.

Click here for additional information about our Grants program

Honesdale High School Receives Summer Arts Grant

The Wayne County Community Foundation's Youth Advisory Committee presented a $250 grant to Honesdale High School's Summer Arts Program that allows students to work directly with local artists. Plans are to expand the existing program to included students from Western Wayne and Wallenpaupack.

(Pictured - Back Row: Austin LoCicero, Andrew Petroski, Andrew Branning, Brandon Stanton, and Ken Koop. Middle Row: Sara Else, Charlie Jordan, Caitlyn Carton, and Sara Musetti. Front Row: Paul Edwards, Wayne County Community Foundation and Ellen Silberlicht, HHS Art Teacher. )

Damascus TV Funded by Wayne County Community Foundation

The Wayne County Community Foundation's Youth Advisory Committee presented a grant totaling $350 to the Damascus Elementary/Middle School to assist in expanding the TV Production Studio. (Pictured left to right; Paul Edwards, Wayne Co. Community Foundation; Heather Ritter, Megan Gallone. Alexis Pfiel; Ms. Faye Woodmansee and Mrs. LoCicero.

For more information about the Youth Advisory see the YAC Mission Statement.

Damascus School Receives Wayne County Community Foundation YAC Grant

The Wayne County Community Foundation's Youth Advisory Committee recently awarded $500 to students at Damascus Elementary/Middle School to help them complete a project called, "Under the Sea" which involves activities based around this them in all subjec areas.

(Pictured left to right: Mr. Paul Edwards, Wayne County Community Foundation Executive Director, Samantha Long, Mrs. Betty Baerenklau, Teacher; Alivea Holloway and Zach Gager. )

For more information about the Youth Advisory see the YAC Mission Statement.

Western Wayne Wins Wayne County Community Foundation Youth Advisory Grant

The Wayne County Community Foundation, Youth Advisory Committee presented a grant to Western Wayne High School Teacher, Mrs. Rebecca Steward and her American Literature class for $33-. The funds will be used to enhance studies of different styles of writing especially the autobiography.

(Pictured left to right: Mr. William Gershey, Wayne County Community Foundation Board and YAC member; Garrett Enslin, Ellen Clauss, Celeena Tomala, Mrs. Steward and Shyanne Webster.)

For more information about the Youth Advisory see the YAC Mission Statement.

Western Wayne High School Receives Wayne Co. Community Foundation Youth Advisory Committee Grant

The Wayne County Community Foundation, Youth Advisory Committee recently awarded $600 to promote participation by Western Wayne Students in the Junior Academy of Science. Hannah Peifer, (shown in the photo receiving the grant) a student at Western Wayne , wrote the grant proposal.

(Photo left to right: Keith Mattern, Rya Mattern, Dr. Clay LaCoe, WWSD Assistant Superintendent, Hannah Peifer, Katie Quinn, and Emily Samson.)

For more information about the Youth Advisory see the YAC Mission Statement.

Wayne Bank Donates to Wayne County Community Foundation

Honesdale, PA- Lewis Critelli, President and CEO of Wayne Bank, is pleased to announce the Bank's donation of $35,000.00 to the Wayne County Community Foundation.

The gift from Wayne Bank to the Wayne County Community Foundation is possible through the Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program. The program under the direction of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development provides tax credits to businesses, which enables the business to make contributions to state-approved organizations, such as the Wayne County Community Foundation, rather than being paid to Harrisburg in the form of taxes that are distributed statewide rather than locally distributed.

The Bank's contribution will be used for the Foundation's innovative educational programs in Wayne County, as well as help the Wayne Highlands School District's Preschool and Food Programs. According to Mr. Critelli, "Wayne Bank is pleased to be able to participate in this state-approved program which allows us to aid the Wayne County Community Foundation in providing necessary educational resources to our local students."

Wayne Bank is a subsidiary of Norwood Financial Corp, Member FDIC, serving Wayne, Pike and Monroe counties. The stock trades under the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol- NWFL with assets of $514.9 million as of September 30, 2009. Photo caption: Through the Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program, Wayne Bank donated $35,000.00 to the Wayne County Community Foundation for its innovative educational programs in Wayne County and to help the Wayne Highlands School District's Preschool and Food Programs. Left to right: Bill Davis, Director for Wayne Bank, Vicky Lamberton, President of the Wayne County Community Foundation Board of Directors; and Lew Critelli, Wayne Bank President and CEO.

Wayne County Community Foundation Sponsoring 7th Annual Dictionary Project

For seven years, the Wayne County Community Foundation has given a dictionary to 3rd Graders in the County. To date, the Foundations has given 2,500 books. The Foundation does this in order to promote learning and make everyone aware of the Foundation’s commitment to education. Last year, for example, the Foundation gave over $100,000 in donations to our schools, both public and private. Beyond that, this is for many students the first book they can call their own and what better book to open the “Windows of Learning” than a dictionary. In the internet-age you may be asking, why do kids need a hardcover book? First, many of the students in Wayne County do not have a computer in their home. Secondly, dictionaries are invaluable tools that help find the meanings of words and thereby also help children learn words that are related. This expands their understanding of our language and wealth of connection which are possible. In short, these are very colorful and superbly illustrated dictionaries published by Scholastic Books making them incredibly motivational. The Foundation gets fabulous feedback from teachers, parents and students and many say they use them many years as they go through school. The Foundation needs to raise $4,000 to pay for the project this year. For every $10 that you give the Foundation places your name, or someone’s name you wish to honor or memorialize on a hand inscribed bookplate. If you want to make a contribution send it to the Wayne County Community Foundation, 214 Ninth St. Honesdale, PA 18431 or call 251-9993.

For additional information contact: Paul Edwards, 251-9993

Wayne County Community Foundation Awards Grant.

The Wayne County Community Foundation awarded a $1000 grant to the Green Dreher Historical Society to purchase a computer. Shown l. to r. Ann O'Hara, WCCF Board Member and Ruth Altemeier, Historical Society President.

For additional information contact: Paul Edwards, 251-9993

Lakeville Fire Company Receive Grant for Expansion.

The Wayne County Community Foundation recently awarded a $2500 grant to the Lakeville Fire Company to help build a substation to serve the Wallenpaupack Lake Estates area. Shown presenting the check is Paul Edwards, WCCF Executive Director along with members of the Lakeville Fire Company, WLE Staff, Township Supervisors and Boy Scouts Representatives.

For additional information contact: Paul Edwards, 251-9993

Community Library of Lake and Salem Townships Receives Community Foundation Grant.

The Wayne County Community Foundation awarded a $2000 Grant to the Community Library of Lake and Salem Townships for the purpose of improving their parking facilities. Shown l. to r. Paula Whitney, Library Board Member, Mary Ellen Bentler, WCCF Board Member and Helen Ward, Library Board Member.

For additional information contact: Paul Edwards, 251-9993

Danielle Cortese Receives 2009 Stovall Scholarship

Danielle Cortese, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Boyce, was awarded the Robert and Inger Stovall Scholarship in the amount of $1500 at the Wayne County Community Foundation's Scholarship Awards Program on June 19, 2009. Danielle is a 2009 Graduate of Honesdale High School. Photo L to R...Danielle Cortese, and Vicky Lamberton, President of the Wayne County Community Foundation.

For additional information contact: Paul Edwards, 251-9993

Lauren Edsall Wins 2009 Jeri Bigart Memorial Scholarship

Lauren Edsall was the 2009 winner of the 2009 Jeri Bigart Memorial Scholarship. She was recognized at this year's Wayne County Community Foundation Awards Program held on June 19, 2009. Pictured L to R...Mr. Robert Kramer, Chairman of the Wayne County Community Scholarship Committee; Lauren Edsall; and Mrs. William Gershey member of the WCCF Scholarship Committee.

For additional information contact: Paul Edwards, 251-9993

Southerton Wins Swendsen Scholarship

Timothy Swendsen, the '09 Valdictorian Graduate of HHS, was awarded the $1000 Gerald and Marilyn Swendsen. The award was given at the Wayne County Community Foundation's Scholarship Awards Program held on June 19, 2009.

For additional information contact: Paul Edwards, 251-9993

Wayne County Community Foundation Awards Edwin Thomas Memorial Scholarships

On June 19, 2009, the Wayne County Community Foundation held its annual Scholarship Awards Program. The $1000 Scholarships were presented to Jonathan Gumble (Honesdale HS); Alexandra Beard (Wallenpaupack HS) and Victoria Sverduk (Western Wayne).

Photo L to R: Attorney Ronald Bugaj, Selection Committee Member; Jonathon Gumble; Mr. Edwin Thomas (Mr. Thomas' Son); Alexandra Beard; Victoria Sverduk and Mr. William Davis, Selection Committee Member.

For more information call: Paul Edwards, 251-9993

Wayne County Commuity Foundation Scholarships Awarded

On June 19, 2009 The Wayne County Community Foundation awarded five $1000 scholarships to deserving Wayne County graduates. This year's scholarships were presented to Wade Malicky, Forest City Regional; Jussica Hanstine, Hancock Central; Charles Whitman, Wallenpaupack; Steven Decker, Honesdale; and Mark Davis, Western Wayne.

Photo L to R: Mrs. Kuni Holbert, WCCF Scholarship Committee; Wade Malicky; Steven Decker; Mark Davis, and Paul Meagher, Scholarship Committee.

For more information contact: Paul Edwards, 251-9993

Scudder Scholarships Awarded to
Ten Wayne Students

At its annual Scholarship Awards Program, the Wayne County Community Foundation Awarded Ten - $2000 Leon Scudder Memorial Scholarships. Those received the scholarships were as follows: Lauren Sweet, Kristina Veltri and Amadna Morales - Wallenpaupack HS; Eric Diehl, Katy DeGraw and Michael Visci - Honesdale High School; Jessica Richter, Robert Moutlon and Shannon Irwin - Western Wayne and Sarah Schweinsburg, Canaan Christian.

Picture L to R...William Gershey, Scholarship Committee; M. Visci, R. Moulton, K. DeGraw, E. Diehl, K. Veltri, S.Schweinsburg, A, Morales and Sharon Herzog, Committee Member.

Wayne County Community Foundation Give Grant to Habitiat for Humanity

The Wayne County Community Foundation awarded a $1000 Grant to Habitat for Humanity to assist with the construction of their 14 home. Pictured L to R..Paul Edwards, Executive Director Wayne County Community Foundation and Mark Graziadio, Board President.

Bethany Public Library Receives Wayne Co. Community Foundation Grant

The Board of Directors of the Wayne County Community Foundation recently awarded a grant in the amount of $1000 to the Bethany Public Library to assist funding for its Summer Reading Program. The Club will operate June through August with the theme, "Be Creative at Your Library." The program will be open th children from birth to yound adults. Included will be many story times, programs prize drawings, contest and games to promote ongoing literacy. There will even be a special Family Story Time on Saturdays. The programs are free of charge.

Pictured: Back Row L to R. Cindy Blair and Ruth Bairstow. Front Row L to R. Paul Edwards, Executive Director Wayne County Community Foundation and De3bra Robinson, Librarian.

For additional information contact: Paul Edwards, 251-9993

Boy Scouts Receive Wayne County Community Foundation Award

The Wayne County Community Foundation recently awarded a $2000 grant to the Boy Scouts of American. The grant will be used for equipment upgrade at the Goose Pond Scout Reservation. The Camp equipment ( COPE Course) will be used this summer by approximately 1300 scouts from Northeastern PA.

Shown in the photo: L to R...Mr. Tomas D. Slavicek, Boy Scouts and Attorney Warren Schloesser, Wayne Co. Community Foundation.

For more information: Paul Edwards 251-9993

Wayne County Community Foundation Awards Twenty Three Scholarships

On June 19, 2009, The Wayne County Community Foundation held it annual Scholarship Awards Program. The Foundation awarded twenty three (23) scholarships to graduating seniors who are residents of Wayne County. Students from Honesdale HS, Wallenpaupack, Western Wayne, Hancock, Forest City and Canaan Christian Academy recevied a total of $35,500. The following scholarships were presented: Leon Scudder Memorial Scholarship (10); Edwin Thomas Memorial Scholarship (3); Wayne Co. Community Foundation Scholarships (5); Jeri Bigart Memorial Scholarship (2); Robert and Inger Stovall Scholarship (1); and Marilyn and Jerry Swendsen Scholarship (1). If you or someone you know is interested in establishing a scholarship that would be administered by the Foundation please call 251-9993; emai wccf@ptd.net or visit us on the web a www.waynefoundation.org.

Pictured L to R..WCCf Board Members on the Scholarship Committee - Kuni Holbert; Sharon Herzog; William Gershey; Robert Kramer (Chairperson) and Paul Meagher.

Wayne County Community Foundation Awards Grant to Upper Delaware Nordic Ski Patrol

The Board of Directors of the Wayne County Community Foundation recently awarded a $750 to the Upper Delaware Ski Patrol. The grant will be used in support of the organization's "Hug-A-Tree" Program. The effort targets children grades K-8 instructing them on how not to get lost and what to do if they are. Pictured L.to R. Sandi Scull, Past Patrol Director, Lois Renda, Patrol Leader and Paul Edwards, Exec. Dir. of the Foundation.

Summer Arts Workshop

A Summer Arts Workshop is being held at different artists' studios through the help and support of The Wayne County Community Foundation and The Wayne County Arts Alliance. Some of our very talented Honesdale High School students are participating with Jeff George, Joan Hill, and Ellen Silberlicht at each of their studios. Each week, these students spend a full day working in different mediums. The materials they will be experiencing are Precious Metal Clay, Polymer Clay, different printmaking techniques, and Monumental outdoor sculpture forms.

Both students and artists will be working side-by-side, sharing their ideas and personal experiences, along with building connections. No doubt, many of the students will be including their pieces produced during these sessions in their art portfolios for entrance into different colleges.

This is a unique opportunity for these students. In a concentrated time, each will get to experience the different art forms along with each artist's approach to working in the different materials.

The 2008 Wayne County Community Foundation's Dictionary Project will again be held this Fall. The project presents dictionaries to area 3rd Graders. Last year, the Foundation presented more than 441 dictionaries to public and private school students in the County. With the help of area banks, bank customers will receive donation slips in their monthly bank statments in the near future. Please contribute to this very popular project.

Foundation Again Sponsors EITC Grants to Local School Districts.

The Education Improvement Tax Credit Program provides significant funding for the three local school districts. The state tax credit program for businesses is administered by the State Department of Community and Economic Development. The purpose of the Education Improvement component of the program is to foster enhanced academic program for public schools.

For the 2008-09 School Year the Foundation received a total of $81,000 to fund our grants. Participants were as follows:

The following grants were awarded:

Wallenpaupack Area
  *Nutrition Education
  *Enhancing Instruction Using
  Smartboard Technology
  *Enhancing Academic Science
  Instruction with Video Conferencing

Western Wayne
  *Activote Technology
  *Enhancing Instruction Using
  Smartboard Technology
  *Robotics Technology

Wayne Highlands
  *Enhancing Instruction Using
  Smartboard Technology
  *Nutrition Education

The Foundation is incredibly thankful for the generosity of our local business participants and the quality of the grants that we received from our County School Districts.

Western Wayne Students Use Smart Board to Enhance Their Instructional Experience

Western Wayne Sixth Graders Work with Robotics Software to Build Windmills

2008 Innovative Teaching Grants Program

Each year, the Foundation invites teachers from local public and private schools to submit grant application for "innovative" teaching projects. Typically, the funding is for those things that are not paid for by local district budgets and have the potential to create innovative and inviting instructional experiences. This year, we received 24 applications for this program. (Wallenpaupack - 6 apps; Wayne Highlands - 4 apps; Western Wayne - 10 apps; Canaan Christian - 1 app; Damascus Christian - 1 app.)

The following was received in contributions to the Foundation in support of Innovative Teaching Grants:

The Innovative Teaching Grants Committee (Jane Varcoe, Jay Starnes, Dan O'Neill) and the Board of Directors approved the following nine programs:

Western Wayne:
  Sandra Willisch - $315 - Kwik Check
  Elizabeth Haber - $500 - 2nd Grade Field Trip
  Kerrie Fitzsimmons - $420 - Homework Project

Wallenpaupack:
  Beth Troop - $500 - Writer's Workshop
  Kathy Reginski - $500 - World Cultures Day - 2nd Grade

Wayne Highlands:
  Jason Smith - $300 - Art Project
  Courtney Karjovich - $440 -Digital Camera

Canaan Christian:
  Jill Droppa - $500 - Discovery Day

Forest City:
  Bridget Moran - $500 - Reading Pen

Total Grants : $3975

Mrs. Sandra Willsch's 5th Grade Class Demonstrates 'Kwik Check Boards" Used to Increase Class Participation

Mrs. Bridget Moran's Forest City Regional Student Use 'Reading Pen' to Assist with Language Instruciton

A Message from the Foundation's President - Vicky Lamberton.

On behalf of the entire Board, I would like to thank you for your support of this great organization. The commitment of our staff and volunteers, as well as our Board, continues to demonstrate our mission to provide opportunities to create a legacy for Wayne County. Whether that legacy is based on a donor's vision or on an individual who support one of our ongoing programs with their donation, rest assured the Foundation will continue to help our region prepare for the future.

The Foundation will stand strong during a time when our economy is at an all-time low and while requests to the Foundation for assistance grow to all-time highs. With your continued support and our dedication, I assure you we will be responsive to the needs of our donors and our recipients.

Let me once again assure you, the Wayne County Community Foundation is working diligently for Wayne County's future and with your ongoing support, our efforts will reap the rewards for may lifetimes... Thank you!

Foundation Presents Dictionaries to County 3rd Graders.

In the 6th Year for the Dictionary Project, the Wayne County Community Foundation presented 441 dictionaries this year to Wayne County 3rd Graders. The students attend eight different public and private schools. The project is support by donations from 165 individuals and businesses. The Foundation wants to thank those who gave to this worthy cause; The Honesdale national Bank, the Wayne Bank, the Dime bank and the Principals and Teachers of the participating schools. Individual photographs from the presentations may be found in the "Photo Gallery" section of this website.

Marilyn and Jerry Swendsen Inaugural Scholarship Awarded.

At the Wayne County Community Foundations Scholarship Awards Program held on June 20, 2008, the inaugural Marilyn and Jerry Swendsen Scholarship was presented to Alex Punzi, Honesdale High School Valedictorian for 2008.

The Swendsen's Scholarship is meant to encourage a HHS Graduate to pursue a career in engineering. According to Mr. and Mrs. Swendsen; There are many challenges in the world needing engineering competence to force a solution. Our Scholarship is awarded to the graduate who will major in the engineering field and has the highest academic standing in their class."

Mr. Swendsen, P.E. is a graduate of Honesdale High School and Penn State with a B.S. Degree in Electrical Engineering. He began a consulting business in Honesdale in 1973 providing services to a variety of clients throughout Pennsylvania particularly serving the health care industry. He received his MBA in 1985 from the Wharton School thereby expanding his involvement in project development and management.

Foundation's Scholarship Program Set Record

The Foundation's annual Awards Program was held on June 20, 2008. We are committed to providing scholarships for deserving seniors from the high schools - both public and private - located in the County. This year a record amount of $32,000 was awarded. The Board Members serving on the Scholarship Committee are; Bob Kramer (Chairperson), William Gershey, Kuni Holbert, Sharon Herzog, and Paul Meagher.

Foundation's O'Neill Society Meets at Lacawac Sanctuary.

The Foundation's Board of Directors held a dinner in honor of the members of the O'Neill Society on August 24, 2008. This group was formed to recognize those donors who have invested in the future of our county by naming the Foundation as a beneficiary in their estate plans. The Society is named in honor of Dan O'Neill long-time community activist and member of our Board. The following are the members of the Society: Kent L. Brown, Jr; Bill and Jessie Davis; Walter and Marilyn Barbe; Paul and Colleen Edwards; George* and Ann Gilchrist; Louis and Frances Gruber; Louise Holbert Guanzini; Tony and Sharon Herzog; Cal* and Kuni Holbert; James and Shirley Chapman; Francis* and Martha E. Franco; Herman H. Rutsch; Vicky Lamberton; Paul and Sandy Meagher; Robert Kramer; Joseph and Patricia Murray; Ann O'Hara; Dan and Alice O'Neill; Warren H. Scholoesser; Leon Scudder*; Jane Varcoe; William Schweighofer; Jerry and Marilyn Swendsen; and Bob Zabady. Note: * Denotes Deceas

Warren Schloesser Receives 2008 Ben Franklin Award.

The Wayne County Community Foundation Board of Directors has selected Attorney Warren Schloesser to receive its highest recognition, The Ben Franklin Award for Community Service. The Award is named in honor of one of the Country's Founding Fathers, Ben Franklin. In addition to Franklin being a noted inventor, statesman, and author he was also a great philanthropist. With the selection there is a $1000 grant from the Ben Franklin Fund which Franklin established in his Will. The $1,000 will go to a community service organization of Attorney Schloesser's choice.

The Board's selection recognizes Warren Schloesser's four decades of service to Wayne County. Attorney Schloesser began practicing law here in 1975. In the past, he has been the Chairperson of the Wayne Co. Health Advisory Council and its representative on the NEPA Health Systems Agency. He was the Chairman of Boy Scout Troop 1 Committee for 17 years and served on the Board of Directors of Wayne County YMCA, the Human Resources Center*, The Wayne County Extension Advisory Board* and Wayne County Bar Association.* He currently serves on the Boards of the following organizations: Bethany Public Library*, Wayne County Chamber of Commerce*, Honesdale Rotary Club*, Northeastern Pa. Boy Scout Council, the American Legion Post 254, and WJFF Public Radio Station. (Note: *Asterisk * denotes service as President or Chairman)

During his service as an officer of the Chamber of Commerce, he contributed to the establishment of the Leadership Wayne Program. Under his leadership the Honesdale Rotary has hosted more than 20 foreign exchange students which allowed 20 local students to experience life in a foreign country. Warren has faithfully supported the American Red Cross Blood Program has given more than 13 gallons of blood. Finally, he has served as Counsel to the Habitat for Humanity of Wayne County since its inception.

In addition to this long list of examples of service is one standout accomplishment. Warren was a Founding Director of the Wayne County Community Foundation and President since the Foundation's inception in 1993 until 2007. Without his foresight, creativity, and keen sense of "community" the Foundation would not be in existence and flourishing so successfully.

Attorney Schloesser is the father of three children, Annemarie Zaitz, Elizabeth Schloesser and Karl Schloesser.

The Board is incredibly indebted to Warren Schloesser for his sustained devotion to the well-being of others, the sharing of his talents and the untold contribution to the growth of the Wayne County Community Foundation. Attorney Schloesser was honored on Thursday, November 13, 2008 at a Dinner at Woodloch Pines

Board Awards Grant to Workforce Wayne County Community Foundation

The Board of Directors of the Wayne County Community Foundation recently awarded a grant of $2,500 to Workforce Wayne. The Grant is aimed to assist the organization as it begins to connect business, education, employment services and economic development toward the goal of creating a 21st century workforce delivery system in Wayne County. Workforce Wayne's main goal is to bring a coordinated approach to serve businesses, education, students and citizens. One top priority is to create regional business-education partnerships, developing and effective communication strategy, and improving access to state-of-the- art technology. (Shown in the picture l. to r. Jennifer Porter, Director of Workforce Initiatives and Paul Edwards, Executive Director of the Community Foundation.)

Foundation Funding Supports Workforce Wayne Career and Technical Task Force Initiative.

On March 9, 2008 business, community and government leaders, and local educators met at Workforce Wayne's Annual Meeting to discuss the future of Career and Technical Education (CTE) in our region. The outcome of this annual meeting was the confirmed need for career and technical training for both our students and our workforce.

Since March, the community has moved forward by forming a CTE Taskforce. The Task Force is in the process of working with the Wayne County school districts to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of a CTE facility that would serve Wayne and Pike County students.

The Wayne County Community Foundation has awarded the Task Force a 5,000-grant award toward the feasibility study. This generous donation is representative of the broad community support the project has received to date and will supplement a 3,000 donation from the Pocono Counties Workforce Investment Board

Wayne Co. Community Foundation Awards Grant to Devereux

Pictured is Angela Beers, Director of Development for the Devereux Center receiving a Grant of $2000 from Paul Edwards of the Wayne County Community Foundation? The Grant will support Devereux's School-to-Work for students with disabilities.

Pleasant Mt. Community Center Receives Grant

The Wayne County Community Foundation recently awarded a $4500 Grant to the Pleasant Mt. Community Center for its Activity Program. The program will be held in the summer and be targeted at youth in the community. It will focus on fitness, nutrition, and wellness. Pictured L. to R.: Bill Bower, Chris Albright, Bucky Burke, Bill Woodward of the Pleasant Mt. Community Center; Vicky Lamberton and Warren Schloesser of the Wayne County Community Foundation

Foundation Supports Chamber "School to Work Project"

In December 2008, The Wayne County Community Foundation awarded $2000 to the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce's School-to-Work Committee. The funds will be used to assist County Seniors with the costs associated with their Graduation Projects. These projects are required by the Pa. Dept. of Education for a student to graduate. The funding will go to seniors who have difficulty with raising funds to pay for their project.

Michal J. Bryant Memorial Fund Established.

Michal J. Bryant was a lifelong resident of Wayne County and co-owner of Calkins Creamery until his death at age 27. Mike love animals, particularly his dogs, and was also a proud firefighter. The Beach Lake Fire Company awarded him the 2007 "Firefighter of the Year" honor posthumously.

On July 1, 2008, the Bryant Family initiated the Michal J. Bryant Memorial Fund to remember two causes that were important to Michael - people with disabilities and community organizations such as 4-H and the volunteer fire company. The fund has grown rapidly reaching endowment status with the Foundation thanks to the generosity of family and friends. The Bryant Family in cooperation with the Foundation is now accepting grants. Pictured is Mike Brayant with his dogs - Millie, Kohl and Buddy.

Wayne County Inclusive Playground Project Creates Partnership with WCCF.

Close your eyes! Now picture a child who has never been on a swing roaring through the air. Can you hear the giggles? Can you see the tears of the parent watching the child explore a new world? The Wayne County Inclusive Playground Project Committee has a dream to build a beautiful, all inclusive playground with no barriers for children with and without disabilities. The playground cost is approximately $300,000 which includes three age-specific play areas, as well as, design expertise from Boundless Playgrounds. Boundless Playgrounds will also provide the equipment, the installation and the surfacing. The WCIPP's job is to raise the funds�The Wayne County Community Foundation will handle the receipt and distributions of all donations and payments. Pictured in Photo 1 is Board members; Paul Diamond, Mary Ann Cavanaugh, Diane Kean, Christine Notchick and gina Pritchard. In foreground are Jack and Cali Cavanaugh.

Shown are students from Mrs. Sandra Willisch's Class at Robert D. Wilson School using their "Kwikc Chek" Boards.

2008 Innovative Teaching Grants Program: Each year, the Foundation invites teachers from local public and private schools to submit grant application for "innovative" teaching projects. Typically, the funding is for those things that are not paid for by local district budgets and have the potential to create innovative and inviting instructional experiences. This year, we received 24 applications for this program. (Wallenpaupack - 6 apps; Wayne Highlands - 4 apps; Western Wayne - 10 apps; Canaan Christian - 1 app; Damascus Christian - 1 app.) The following was received in contributions to the Foundation in support of Innovative Teaching Grants:

  Jim Kilgore   $500
  Grimm Const   $500
  PPL  $2000
  Total  $3000

The Innovative Teaching Grants Committee (Jane Varcoe, Jay Starnes, Dan O'Neill) and the Board of Directors approved the following nine programs:

  Western Wayne:
     Sandra Willisch - $315 - Kwik Check
     Elizabeth Haber - $500 - 2nd Grade Field Trip
     Kerrie Fitzsimmons - $420 - Homework Project

  Wallenpaupack:
     Beth Troop - $500 - Writer's Workshop
     Kathy Reginski - $500 - World Cultures Day - 2nd Grade

  Wayne Highlands:
     Jason Smith - $300 - Art Project
     Courtney Karjovich - $440 -Digital Camera

  Canaan Christian:
     Jill Droppa - $500 - Discovery Day

  Forest City:
     Bridget Moran - $500 - Reading Pen

  Total Grants: $3975