Greater Hazleton Area Civic Partnership

06/03/2026

Greater Hazleton Area Civic Partnership Treasurer Joe Yannuzzi presented the 2026 Greater Hazleton Area Civic Partnership Technical Scholarship to Andy Figueroa during the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce Academic Awards Dinner last night. Andy, a Construction Technology student at the Hazleton Area Career Center, will attend Lehigh Carbon Community College to pursue an Associate's Degree in Construction Management. His dedication to learning the construction trade, coupled with his strong work ethic and character, made him an outstanding choice for this year's Scholarship, which will provide $4,000 per year for two years, totaling $8,000. We wish him continued success as he pursues his educational and career goals!

05/07/2026

Senior Andy Figueroa has been selected as the 2026 Greater Hazleton Area Civic Partnership Technical Scholarship Recipient. This scholarship will provide $4,000 per year for two years for a total of $8,000.
Andy is a Beaver Meadows resident and the son of Elizabeth and Delvis Figueroa. He intends to pursue an Associate’s Degree in Construction Management from Lehigh Carbon Community College.
Andy is employed at Rizos Divinos Salon, and is a volunteer for Friends of the Nescopeck. He preaches at the Christian Congregation of Jehovah Witnesses and has earned Highest Honors and First Honors at school.
Mr. Richard Stanek, Construction Technology Instructor says, “In addition to academic strengths, Andy possesses integrity by treating others with kindness and respect. I am confident that he will bring the same level of dedication, intelligence and character to any future endeavor.”
All applicants were asked to write an essay on the value of their work and/or volunteer experience and what they hope to accomplish if awarded the scholarship. Following are some highlights from Andy’s essay.
“The current High School that I attend is a vocational school where I have had the privilege to study construction. Being able to learn about the things that take part in our daily lives, that often get overlooked, has been an unexpected pleasure. To be able to learn a trade that has been crafted and carved through years of rich history is something that has become priceless for me. Being in this trade I’ve had the ability to grow in unbelievable ways in terms of character. It has taught me about a worth ethic and the necessity of being able to think of things to their most basic core and understand them from there. In my future I envision being able to continue doing what I love, Construction, for as long as I can. Since this trade has given me so much, while I know that I will never truly be able to pay back fully what it has given me, I will still do everything in my ability to be to try and give it back. I hope that in the future, even when I have grown wiser with years, it will keep teaching me things about myself and that others could reap from it as I have.”
Cal Herring, Administrator, Greater Hazleton Area Civic Partnership says, “It is very meaningful to us to be able to say that the future for Andy now includes this scholarship. We value the opportunity to help invest in Andy’s future by offering him this funding opportunity and we congratulate him on this achievement so far.”
Herring adds, “We heartily encourage area parents and teens to watch for information on this scholarship activity next year and to give serious thought to applying. The Civic Partnership looks forward to awarding more Technical Scholarships in the future and to helping area students reach their future goals”

04/28/2026

Every spring, the Civic Partnership reaches out to the community for financial assistance during its annual spring fund drive. The donations received during the drive assist the organization in meeting its financial obligations for the year. These include trail maintenance, insurance, and supplies that provide us with the ability to offer to everyone in the area this wonderful recreational asset. If you do not receive a donation request in the mail, please feel free to contribute to us using the information provided in the flyer below.  As always, we thank you for your past generosity  and look forward to your continued support. Thanks. 

04/07/2026

Annually many industries, civic organizations, and schools assist the Partnership with Trail maintenance. This year as in the past, Henkel Dial started the effort with a work session at the Trail last Thursday morning. These dedicated employees helped clean up all that the difficult winter left behind and get the Trail ready for the spring. Our appreciation to Henkel Dial for their continued commitment to the area’s premier recreation facility.

03/31/2026

Again the Hazleton Library is featuring wonderful books at the Trail StoryWalk. It has been a wonderful addition to the Trail with the children and yes, some adults, enjoying this nice aspect of the Trail. Our thanks to the Library staff for all their work in providing this service to the Trail users.

If this warm weather has you itching to get outside and enjoy it, take some time to visit our StoryWalk at the Greater Hazleton Rails to Trails.

This month, in honor of Library Week, we are featuring the story, Lola at the Library. This book tells the story of Lola and her mom as they get ready and visit their local library. What adventures will they find?

The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. StoryWalk® is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson.

02/11/2026

Congratulations to this Civic Patnership scholarship recipient, Larry Stepansky, Jr., for his recent certification as Fire Officer II. The certification is a component of the PA State Fire Academy Certification Program as he met the requirements established by NFPA 1021 standard. Junior is a firefighter with the Freeland Fire Department and a Lieutenant with the Paxtonia Fire Co. in Dauphin County. He is a graduate of the Pennsylvania State University and is employed in the Lower Paxton Twp. Engineering Department. The Partnership Board extends its appreciation to Junior for his continuing growth in the fire service.

12/23/2025

11/11/2025

11/06/2025

On Veterans Day the Greater Hazleton Area Civic Partnership will conduct a dedication ceremony of the renovated flagpole area to our past chair, Tom Ogorzalek. The ceremony will begin at 10:15 AM. He was a dedicated member of the organization who provided leadership and direction which allowed the trail to become what it is today. Also, at the event will be a salute to those who have served our country and have allowed us to remain a free and prosperous land. The American Legion Post 76 at the ceremony will provide a salute to all the veterans at our flag.  At the ceremony we will also unveil our tribute to every branch of the armed services of our country.  Any family member who desires to pay tribute to a veteran can do so by contacting the Partnership at 570-956-8302. There will be a nominal charge of $20 to cover the manufacturing of each tribute.  Our  sincere appreciation to Partnership Treasurer and past Executive Director Joe Yannuzzi for coordinating the construction of the tribute, to Vito Landscaping for all the hard work and making the dream become a reality, and to the Hazleton City Fire Department for their assistance with the flagpole.

11/04/2025

Our sincere condolences to his family and friends. He will be truly missed. May he rest in peace.

We’re deeply saddened to learn of the unexpected passing of Richard Roman, District Executive for PennDOT District 4.

As an organization that relies on a strong partnership with PennDOT to advance economic development projects across our community, Rich was an exemplary professional and engaged leader.

A native of the Greater Hazleton area, Rich had a deep understanding of the region, a commitment to public service and worked tirelessly to strengthen the infrastructure that supports growth and opportunity across the communities he cared so deeply about.

We recognize and sincerely appreciate the role Rich played in fostering collaboration between state and local partners toward the growth and safety of this region.