Positively Penn State

There are many benefits to living in a community that is home to a major University. Penn State Schuylkill provides many opportunities and services to Schuylkill Haven. Residents of the borough are invited and encouraged to visit the campus to enjoy what the campus has to offer. Each quarter, “Positively Penn State” will highlight the positive impact the University has on Schuylkill Haven and the surrounding county. Events that are open to the public will also be highlighted here. A majority of these events are free.

Schuylkill Haven, PA (Penn State) November 20, 2009 – This year, Penn State Schuylkill is celebrating a “Diversity within Community” teaching theme. As part of this theme, the campus is embracing the local community on a variety of levels. Schuylkill Haven residents are encouraged to visit the campus for the Cultural Event Series, Midday Music performances, athletic competitions and many other special events. Additionally, the campus is orchestrating an increase in community service efforts throughout the borough and county.

Community Service – Each year Penn State Schuylkill does a significant amount of community service in Schuylkill Haven borough and the neighboring areas. Since the beginning of the Fall semester, the campus has contributed over 250 hours of service to the community. That total does not include the 900 hours of service that three of our students will contribute over the course of this academic year as part of their AmeriCorps scholarship program.

The campus has contributed to the community through blood drives and volunteering at local churches. Furthermore, several PSU Schuylkill students are participating in the Big Brothers and Big Sisters’ school-based program with Schuylkill Haven Middle School.

Many hours have been contributed to the Rest Haven Nursing Home. Students made and delivered over 100 bracelets. They had purchased puzzle books for the residents as well. Staff and students also hosted a Bingo night at Rest Haven.

Students and staff participated in the Make A Difference Day program where they assembled goodie bags for Schuylkill Health Systems Emergency Room. These bags will be handed out to children that come through the emergency room.

The PSU Schuylkill Campus Commission for Women and Health Services, made up of staff, faculty and students, hosted a Breast Cancer Awareness Walk on October 13. Walkers were asked to donate $1.00. A total of $87 was raised for the American Cancer Society. Participants carried pink balloons while they walked around the track on campus. At a separate meeting, the Commission accepted donations of canned goods that were delivered to the soup kitchen in Schuylkill Haven.

The Commission for Women is also planning a "You and PSU Safe" program for November. Police services will talk about safety in parking lots, at gas stations, in malls and in the home.  Additionally, they are working on a “Safe Holidays" program. At this event, a member of a local fire department will talk about holiday safety and the Hidden Stream Cafe chef, Penny Shade, will talk about safe cooking and eating for the holidays. For information on these events, contact Michelle Hosler at mqh5@psu.edu or 570-38520. 

The Nittany Players theatre club volunteered at the Haunted Trail in Pottsville which was free for children. They also assisted in the public readings of Edgar Allen Poe’s literature.

PSU Schuylkill’s THON committee raised nearly $3000 last year for children with pediatric cancer. They are on track to surpass that benchmark by a significant margin this year. Students raising money for THON will be visible throughout the county over the next few months.

Cultural Events Series – Throughout the academic year, Penn State Schuylkill offers a Cultural Event Series that features unique performances. These events are free and open to the public. During the fall semester, attendees enjoyed performances by Palestinian-born comedian Mo Amer, eating disorder expert Elaine Williams, local musician Soji, spoken-word poet Gabriella Garcia-Medina, the Piscataway Indian National Dancers, and the steel drum band Ewabo. Please don’t miss out on future events. If you would like to be included on the Cultural Events mailing list, contact Jeff Fazio at jmf31@psu.edu or 570-385-6246.

Midday Music Series – The Midday Music series showcases live musicians during lunchtime, from noon to 1:00 p.m. in the Hidden Stream Café. These events happen once or twice per month during the academic year. The next Midday Music event takes place on Thursday, December 3. The featured performer is Nelly’s Echo. A list of Midday Music performers for the spring semester is not currently available, but you can receive information on these events by contacting Jeff Fazio in early December.

Special Events – On October 21, there was a special showing of the documentary Tiny Tears on campus. The film sheds light on the international epidemic of AIDS/HIV Orphans. The movie was narrated by Danny Glover and covered Uganda, Thailand, Brazil and the United States.

On October 28, from 4:00–6:00 p.m. on the Mall Walk, Penn State’s Adult Learners Organization, along with many other student clubs and organizations, hosted a Safe Trick-or-Treat for the families of Schuylkill Haven and surrounding areas. There was a variety of activities taking place during the event and there was plenty of free candy. This was the inaugural event for what is anticipated to be an annual event.

There will be showing of Adam Sandler’s movie Bedtime Stories on December 6 at 7:30 p.m. in the Morgan Auditorium. This movie is free and open to the public so please bring your family out to enjoy this PG-rated film.

The Penn State University Laureate, Dr. Anthony Leach, and the Essence of Joy Choir, will be performing in concert at Penn State Schuylkill in the Morgan Auditorium on Saturday, Jan. 23 at 7:30 p.m. The concert is $5 for adults and $3 for students and seniors. The following day, Sunday, Jan. 24 will feature a church service at 10:00 a.m. in the Morgan Auditorium. There is no charge for this service. To order tickets or get more information, contact Patty Shoener at pts11@psu.edu or 570-385-6262.

The Bloodmobile will be on campus on February 17 from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. in the gymnasium. Please consider donating blood.

Athletic Competitions – Schuylkill Haven residents are always welcome and invited to join Penn State Schuylkill for our athletic competitions. The campus enjoys a large variety of athletic competitions throughout the year. Basketball games are $4 and free with a student I.D. Below is a list of upcoming home games:

·         Basketball (men & women) vs. PSU Fayette, Dec. 5, 6:00 p.m.

·         Basketball (men & women) vs. PSU Beaver, Dec. 12, 1:00 p.m.

·         Basketball (men & women) vs. PSU York, Jan. 18, 6:00 p.m.

·         Basketball (men & women) vs. PSU Brandywine, Jan. 20, 6:00 p.m.

·         Basketball (men & women) vs. Penn College, Jan. 28, 6:00 p.m.

·         Basketball (men & women) vs. PSU Worthington Scranton, Jan. 30, 1:00 p.m.

·         Basketball (men & women) vs. PSU Mon Alto, Feb. 9, 6:00 p.m.

·         Softball vs. Penn College, Apr. 6, 2:00 p.m.

·         Softball vs. PSU Mont Alto, Apr. 13, 2:00 p.m.

·         Softball vs. PSU Greater Allegheny, Apr. 24, 2:00 p.m.

·         Softball vs. PSU New Kensington, Apr. 25, 2:00 p.m.

Penn State is a valuable part of the Schuylkill Haven community. As such, borough residents are welcome to join the campus for many exciting events taking place this academic year. There is a beautiful University campus right here in Schuylkill Haven waiting for you to visit and explore your own “Diversity within Community.”

Penn State Schuylkill:

Penn State encourages qualified persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact Jeff Fazio, Assistant Director of Student Affairs, 570-385-6246 in advance of your participation or visit. Penn State is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity, and the diversity of its workforce.

Contact:

Jeff Fazio, Assistant Director of Student affairs
Penn State Schuylkill
570-385-6246
www.sl.psu.edu