HARRISBURG – The March edition of the local TV program hosted by Sen. Dave Argall (R-29) highlights Alvernia University Pottsville CollegeTowne and the Mericle Family Center YMCA in Hazleton – two local projects that transformed blighted and vacant buildings, breathing new life into the region.
The first segment of the show visits Alvernia University Pottsville CollegeTowne, which opened its doors in early 2023. The building was formerly a vacant and blighted grocery store, before state and private sector funding completely transformed the site. 50 students have earned degrees in nursing, early childhood education, business administration, and other fields, while 250 additional students are now enrolled on site.
Argall and Rep. Tim Twardzik (R-123) recently worked to secure $1 million in state funding to turn unused space there into a Schuylkill YMCA gymnastics facility. Currently, the Schuylkill YMCA provides gymnastics to 75 youth, with more than 200 on a waiting list.
“I’ve been very proud to bring Alvernia to downtown Pottsville,” said Argall. “They are training the next generation of nurses, educators, and entrepreneurs and now expanding athletic opportunities in downtown Pottsville.”
The show then turns to Hazleton, where strong public-private partnerships raised $7 million to transform the long vacant Hazleton YMCA building into the Mericle Family Center YMCA. This first phase of renovations, which created an early education facility for 150 children, is now complete. The next phase will renovate the pool and gymnasium.
“My children learned how to swim right here at the Hazleton YMCA,” said Argall. “Rep. Dane Watro (R-116) and I are VERY pleased to see it reopen for a new generation to create happy memories of their own.”
This edition of the Argall Report will air on:
- Blue Ridge Communications (Channel 13) every Monday at 10 a.m. and every Wednesday at 10:30 p.m.
- Service Electric Cablevision: Hazleton, Mahanoy City; Shenandoah – on Hazleton’s WYLN TV 35 Channel 507 and MetroCast Communications Channel 10. Please check local listings for airtimes.
- Berks Community Television (Comcast – Channel 15 and Service Electric – Channel 19). Please check local listings for airtimes.
The Argall Report is also available online at https://www.senatorargall.com/argallreport/
CONTACT: Jim Brugger