SCHOTT North America Awarded Multimillion-Dollar Contract SCHOTT, the international technology group and inventor of specialty glass, has been awarded a multimillion-dollar contract from a leading defense contractor for infrared glass. The order supplies glass for launch tube windows, a critical component of air defense systems provided to the U.S. Army. The contract was secured through the advocacy of Rep. Matt Cartwright, from Pennsylvania’s 8th congressional district, who has long supported a robust defense budget. SCHOTT’s Duryea, Pennsylvania facility will manufacture the specialty glass, as it does for other products that support the U.S. Department of Defense. U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright (PA-08) inspecting a launch tube window for the U.S. Army Air Defense System with SCHOTT Project Engineer Elizabeth Chase (Credit: SCHOTT). SCHOTT’s infrared glass, manufactured in its Duryea, PA facility, is used in launch tube windows for air defense systems provided to the U.S. Army. SCHOTT’s recent order was the result of congressional funding for the U.S. Army Matt Cartwright (D-PA), who was instrumental in securing the contract, attended a press conference and production tour at SCHOTT’s Duryea facility. SCHOTT is already producing launch tube window parts for an existing order and will now be able to extend production and further support employment at its site in Duryea. The company has been working with U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) programs since 1969 as a leading developer of high-tech materials and components and is eager to continue its support of the department. The security and defense industry requires high-performance base materials and optical components to enable reliable and precise defense systems. “Our expertise in creating specialty glass suitable for defense applications has earned the trust of the U.S. Army and the DoD, and we’re appreciative of the chance to show why they keep turning to us,” said Christopher Cassidy, President of SCHOTT North America. “This contract not only supports our production site of over 150 employees in Duryea, but also strengthens our commitment to supply the U.S. defense and security market. We especially want to thank Congressman Cartwright for his continued support of SCHOTT and the entire Northeastern Pennsylvania community.”“America’s security and defense require the best materials available, and we’re able to build them right here in Pennsylvania’s 8th Congressional District,” said Rep. Matt Cartwright (PA-08), a senior member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee and Ranking Member of the Commerce, Justice and Science Subcommittee. “SCHOTT has proven its mettle with a history of innovation, and its expertise allowed us to bring federal funding back to this district.”Rep. Cartwright visited SCHOTT’s Duryea facility Wed. April 12 and highlighted the importance of this contract and its impact on the local community.SCHOTT’s U.S. Innovation and Technology Hub, also located in Duryea, continues to be a leader in the research and development of high-tech materials. Its participation in basic materials research has helped create the supply of dual-use products for both civilian and military applications. The company’s glass-ceramic ZERODUR® has been used in space telescopes since 1968, and SCHOTT has supported NASA’s lunar missions with optical lenses for cameras since the early 1960s.Learn more about SCHOTT’s infrared glass and the capabilities that make it applicable to a variety of uses.
Tobyhanna Army Depot Orientation Event Tobyhanna Army Depot (TYAD) hosted local and Pennsylvania state elected officials for an Elected Officials Day orientation event. Attendees had the opportunity to tour the 1,336 acres of mission area that make up TYAD’s world class facilities – employing about 3,100 of their constituents. The purpose of the visit was to allow local leaders the opportunity to see everything TYAD does in support of our Nation’s warfighters so that they may advocate in favor of the depot – and national defense funding – in the future. While brief, the event provided elected officials with a comprehensive overview of the depot as well as a tour of the organization’s modernized facilities. Tour highlights included the depot’s Engineering Analysis and Solutions lab – home to the burgeoning microelectronics mission – and the 25,000 square foot Wideband Integration Center – a critical satellite support mission that brought nearly 50 new technology jobs to the region. Officials also learned about the depot’s growing cybersecurity mission and the opportunities it provides for job seekers. Depot Commander Colonel Daniel L. Horn noted that events like Elected Officials Day are essential to both building and maintaining strong relationships with the community surrounding TYAD. “I want to thank every individual who was able to attend and make today’s event such a success,” said Horn. “Ensuring strong relations with our local and state elected officials allows TYAD to remain top-of-mind when it comes to gaining work in areas where we can be of support.” Depot Chief of Staff Kristyn Smith echoed Colonel. Horn’s sentiment, say she believes hosting events such as Elected Officials Day directly aligns with the Connecting with the Community sub-effort of Tobyhanna’s long-range strategic plan, TOBY2035. “We believe it is important for Pennsylvania local and state elected officials to come to TYAD so that they have the opportunity to see not only the multi-billion dollar annual economic impact the depot has on the region, but also how we are striving to provide meaningful employment to members of their community,” said Smith. “We are grateful for their continued support of Tobyhanna Army Depot.” Among the attendees were representatives from the Northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA) Alliance, who have a longstanding relationship with TYAD. Their President and CEO Jeffrey Box emphasized the organization’s commitment to working with TYAD for years to come. “We want to make sure this fine installation remains effective with the economic impact and number of jobs it brings to northeastern Pennsylvania,” said Box. “We are proud to continue having an enduring relationship with TYAD.” Monroe County Commissioner Sharon Laverdure said she was impressed by TYAD’s worldclass facilities and was grateful for the opportunity to see the work the depot does to support the warfighter on a daily basis. “The tour around the depot was amazing,” said Laverdure. “To see the work [Tobyhanna Army Depot] does for security and safety across the United States was incredible and it is right here in Monroe County. It is important that people understand the value of what is done here.” Elected Officials Day and other community visits align with Tobyhanna’s long-range strategic plan, TOBY2035 – specifically the Strategic Communications line of effort which features a Connecting with the Community sub-effort. The plan aims to posture the depot for success in the coming years as the Department of Defense’s premier worldwide C5ISR readiness provider. Tobyhanna Army Depot is a recognized leader in providing world-class logistics support for command, control, communications, computers, cyber, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C5ISR) systems across the Department of Defense. Tobyhanna’s Corporate Philosophy, dedicated work force and electronics expertise ensure the depot is the Joint C5ISR provider of choice for all branches of the Armed Forces and industry partners. Tobyhanna’s unparalleled capabilities include full-spectrum logistics support for sustainment, overhaul and repair, fabrication and manufacturing, engineering design and development, systems integration, post production software support, technology insertion, modification, foreign military sales and global field support to our joint warfighters. About 3,100 personnel are employed at Tobyhanna, which is located in the Pocono Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania. Tobyhanna Army Depot is part of the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command. Headquartered at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, the command’s mission is to empower the Soldier with winning C5ISR capabilities.
Johnson College to Hold Instant Decision Day Johnson College’s Instant Decision Day for Veterans and those currently serving in the U.S. Military will be held on Friday, April 28, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. virtually and inside Woolworth Hall on the Johnson College Scranton campus. To register to attend in person or virtually, visit johnson.edu. During the Instant Decision Event, Johnson College will provide prospective veteran students and those currently serving in the U.S. military with an immediate enrollment decision. They must supply their high school transcripts and can bring their college and military transcripts if applicable. It is highly recommended that the prospective student completes an application before attending. Applications for Johnson College’s Physical Therapist Assistant, Radiologic Technology, and Veterinary Nursing programs are excluded from instant decisions.
United Neighborhood Centers 3rd Annual Community Cleanup United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA (UNC) and Lackawanna River Conservation Association (LRCA) are hosting a Community Cleanup of the Pine Brook Gateway located at the intersection of Olive St. and Capouse Ave., Saturday, April 15th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Volunteers from LRCA, UNC, the City of Scranton, St. Francis of Assisi, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, Pine Brook residents, and more participate in this community cleanup. This event is part of Keep America Beautiful’s Great American Cleanup and the Pine Brook Community Revitalization Project. Volunteers will meet up at Kevin’s Worldwide, 710 Capouse Ave. at 10:00 a.m. before splitting into teams to clean up Capouse Ave and Olive St, near the RR and trailhead. Supplies will be provided, as well as water and snacks. A second cleanup at the pocket park at 1371 Capouse Ave. is in partnership with Leadership Lackawanna. Participants will meet at the parklet, and will get to work mowing, weed whacking, and cleaning up the site. Equipment is provided by the NeighborWorks Mobile Tool Kit. Those interested in volunteering for either community cleanup event can contact UNC Revitalization Coordinator Holly at Hyorkonis@uncnepa.org or (272)-228-1366.
F.M. Kirby Center Events F.M. Kirby Center to Host Disney Concert Encanto Disney Concerts presents “Encanto: The Sing-Along Film Concert,” at the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts on Thursday, October 26th at 6 P.M. Tickets go on sale on Friday, April 21st at 10 A.M. with a Kirby Member Presale beginning on Wednesday, April 19th at 10 A.M. More information can be found at kirbycenter.org. Tickets can be purchased at kirbycenter.org and at the F.M. Kirby Center Box Office during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 10 A.M. until 5 P.M., or by calling 570-826-1100. Disney Concerts today announced “Encanto: The Sing-Along Film Concert,” a 45-city tour where Encanto lovers of all ages have the opportunity to sing along with their favorite GRAMMY®-Award winning songs performed by a live band while watching the full film. Produced by AMP Worldwide, “Encanto: The Sing-Along Film Concert” will include all the music of the Academy Award®-winning film, including iconic hits like “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” and “Surface Pressure” performed live. Live characters do not appear in this event. The fall 2023 national tour brings last summer’s outdoor venue run to performing arts centers across America. The tour kicks off September 19 in Joliet, IL and travels throughout the US and Canada, concluding November 12 in Orlando, FL. Tickets for most dates go on sale on Friday, April 21 at 10 A.M. local time. See below for a full itinerary and details. Fans are encouraged to dress up as Mirabel, Luisa, Isabela, or any of their favorite characters from the film and to use their voices to transform each venue into one big celebration of the Madrigal family. The Encanto Original Motion Picture Soundtrack features eight original songs by Academy Award-nominated, Tony® and Grammy®-winning songwriter/composer Lin-Manuel Miranda (“Hamilton,” “Moana”) with an original score by Academy Award-nominated and Grammy-winning composer Germaine Franco. The R.I.A.A. Platinum-certified soundtrack held the No. 1 position on the Billboard 200 album chart for 9 non-consecutive weeks and the R.I.A.A. 3x Platinum-certified song “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” topped the Hot 100 chart for 5 weeks. The soundtrack and song held the No. 1 position on the Billboard 200 and Hot 100 simultaneously for five consecutive weeks. Music from Encanto swept the Visual Media categories at the 65th Grammy Awards®, winning Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media, Score Soundtrack for Visual Media, and Song Written for Visual Media (“We Don’t Talk About Bruno”). MANIA: The ABBA Tribute coming to the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts Take A Chance On MANIA…and you won’t be disappointed! The world’s number one touring ABBA tribute comes to the F.M. Kirby Center on Saturday, October 28th, 2023. Ticket Prices: $20.50, $35.50, $45.50, and $55.50 plus fees. Tickets go on sale on Friday, April 14th at 10 a.m. The presale for F.M. Kirby Members begins on Wednesday, April 12th at 10 a.m. MANIA (formerly ABBA MANIA) was formed in 1999 and the show has been selling out theatres and concert halls internationally ever since. This show has toured the world in its quest to bring the music of the Swedish ‘Supergroup’ to their millions of fans, old and new! In 2007 it grossed over Aus $1 million at the box office in Sydney, Australia. The show has ventured to France, Denmark, Belgium, Spain, South Africa, New Zealand, Singapore, USA, Australia, and South Korea as well as touring the UK extensively. The show has been successfully touring the USA annually since 2009 with over 400 performances, many of the venues book the show every year as it has become a ‘tradition’ for both the show and the audiences. The thirst for this sensational recreation of Abba’s concert is getting stronger every year. Agnetha, Bjorn, Benny and Anni-Frid, collectively known as ABBA, dominated the charts for nearly ten years and enjoyed nine UK number 1 hits. At their height they became Sweden’s highest export earners, amazingly, outselling Volvo cars. ‘ABBA Gold’ was continuously in the Album Charts throughout the nineties and is one of the biggest-selling albums ever. ABBA’s timeless songs were written to be enjoyed live and MANIA gives you exactly that. Two hours of uplifting, dance-inducing and sometimes heart-breaking songs, fully live with fantastic staging, lighting, and effects. The show recreates ABBA’s sound not only perfectly, but respectfully too. MANIA is not only for lifelong, die-hard ABBA fans but the new generation of fans, who never had the opportunity to see ‘ABBA’ live. Hits include ‘Dancing Queen’, ‘Waterloo’, ‘Mamma Mia’, ‘The Winner Takes It All’, ‘Super Trouper’, ‘Fernando’, ‘Take A Chance On Me’ and many more that continue to fill dance floors worldwide. If you’re looking for an excuse to party, reminisce or simply be entertained by the best music ever, then call the box office at 570-826-1100 or visit kirbycenter.org “Beware of imitations…this is the real musical tribute!” – Polly Graham, Sunday Mirror
Condron Media Partners with Sweda Advertising to merge into Condron Sweda Advertising Sweda Advertising, established in 2004, and Condron Media, a 29-year-old firm, have combined forces to form Condron Sweda Advertising. The two firms have generated over $100 Million in collective client billings to date. The combined entity, Condron Sweda Advertising, boasts a deep in-house roster of 12 skilled, experienced team members comprised of Account Executives/Brand Managers, Media Planners, Content Writers, Graphic Designers, Audio/Video Producers/Directors, Public Relations Strategists, Print Managers, and Digital/Web Specialists offering 60 impactful advertising, marketing, and public relations services to clients.
Action Lift, Inc. Awarded Prestigious Crown Pioneer Award Crown Equipment Corporation, one of the world’s largest material handling companies, recently announced the James F. Dicke Pioneer Award for 2022, along with the Summit and Ascent Award winners. Action Lift, Inc. in Pittston, PA, earned the prestigious Pioneer Award as Crown’s top-performing independent dealer in North America. This is the second year in a row that Action Lift has received this honor. In addition to the Pioneer Award, the company was awarded the Summit Award, which signifies the best overall Crown dealer within the same market size. “We are thrilled to be named the Pioneer Award winner in addition to the Summit Award. I am very proud of the entire team at Action Lift. If it weren’t for their hard work and dedication, we wouldn’t have seen this level of success.” said Joe Mikiewicz, General Manager of Action Lift, Inc. William F. Medico, President of Action Lift, added, “We are proud to represent Crown Equipment in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Our outstanding team went above and beyond to reach our sales goals while delivering exceptional customer service in the process.” This recognition marks Action Lift’s fourth Pioneer Award and its’ twenty-third Summit Award for outstanding sales and customer satisfaction as a Crown Equipment dealer.
Scranton Area Community Foundation Receives National Recognition The Scranton Area Community Foundation recently received reaccreditation with the nation’s highest standard for philanthropic excellence. National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations® establish legal, ethical, and effective practices for community foundations everywhere. “Meeting the National Standards benchmarks is a rigorous, comprehensive process,” said Randy Royster, board member of the Council on Foundations. “This accreditation is a significant accomplishment that indicates the Scranton Area Community Foundation demonstrates a commitment to transparency, quality, integrity, and accountability as it carries out its mission.”The National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations® program requires community foundations to document their policies for donor services, investments, grantmaking, and administration. With over 500 community foundations accredited nationwide, the program is designed to provide quality assurance to donors, as well as to their legal and financial advisors.“This is critically important to our donors,” said Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “When people make a charitable bequest or establish a fund, they are putting their trust in us to help carry out their legacy. They are counting on us to steward the investment wisely, honor their charitable wishes and, in some cases, provide lifetime income to a loved one. The National Standards accreditation says all of our practices are of top quality and ethical standards, and worthy of our donor’s trust.” The Scranton Area Community Foundation works to meet critical community needs and support local causes, programs, and organizations. From improving access to equitable transportation; transforming the lives of women, girls, and their families; building the capacity of nonprofit organizations; advancing various causes in animal welfare; and ensuring all residents have access to safe and healthy housing, the Scranton Area Community Foundation is dedicated to helping to improve the quality of life in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The Scranton Area Community Foundation offers a range of charitable funds, allowing donors to advance a cause, support an individual organization, provide flexible support for community needs, or recommend individual grants. In addition to affirming the organization’s philanthropic services, the reaccreditation validates the Scranton Area Community Foundation’s grantmaking practices for the nonprofit community.“Our National Standards reaccreditation is a significant accomplishment,” said Barbara O’Hara, Scranton Area Community Foundation’s board chair. “When people trust the Scranton Area Community Foundation with a charitable bequest, to establish a fund, or set up a charitable gift annuity, they do it knowing that we have met rigorous standards for donor services, investment management, grantmaking, and administration.” National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations® is the first program of its kind for charitable foundations in the United States.The Scranton Area Community Foundation is on a mission to enhance the quality of life for all people in Northeastern Pennsylvania through the development of organized philanthropy. With nearly $90 million in assets under management and more than 300 charitable funds, the Scranton Area Community Foundation distributed over $6 million in grants and scholarships in 2022. The Foundation has served as a steward, grantmaker, charitable resource, and catalyst for change since 1954. The Foundation leads various initiatives including Women in Philanthropy, the Center for Community Leadership and Nonprofit Excellence, NEPA Moves, and the NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative. Additionally, the Foundation hosts and facilitates NEPA Gives and the NEPA Learning Conference. More information about the Scranton Area Community Foundation can be found at www.safdn.org.The Community Foundations National Standards Board is a supporting organization of the Council on Foundations and is responsible for the quality, value, and integrity of compliance with National Standards. For more information on the National Standards Board, visit its website at www.cfstandards.org.
Quandel Enterprises Names New Chief Risk Officer Effective March 13, 2023, Quandel Enterprises has named Jerome Urban chief risk officer for the entire Quandel Enterprises family of companies. As chief risk officer, he will work closely with Quandel Enterprise’s executive team and board of directors to innovate, implement, and strengthen our risk management initiatives in response to the ever-changing landscape of the construction industry. Urban previously served as the president and chief executive officer for Performance Construction Company, a Quandel Enterprises company. He began with the team in 2006 when he started his career in construction as an estimator. Since that time, he has served as an assistant project manager, project manager, project executive, and vice president of operations. “We are confident that Jerome will bring value and insight into this new role that enables our continued success,” says Greg Quandel, president and chief executive of Quandel Enterprises. Urban is known among his peers to be a team-builder with a keen understanding of the construction business. His focus on enhancing the firm’s clients’ experience through innovation, continuous improvement, and commitment to excellence and exceptional service has made him an integral member of Quandel’s leadership team.
The Wright Center’s Dr. Pancholy receives Designation The fellows of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (SCAI) has named Dr. Samir B. Pancholy, program director of The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship, a Master of the Society of Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (MSCAI) – a designation held by fewer than 100 interventional cardiologists worldwide. The MSCAI designation recognizes physicians who have demonstrated excellence in interventional cardiology and a commitment to the highest levels of clinical care, innovation, publications, and teaching. SCAI was founded in 1978 with a mission to lead the global interventional cardiovascular community through education, advocacy, research, and quality of patient care. SCAI has dedicated its work to advancing the profession and is the designated society for guidance, representation, professional recognition, education, and research opportunities for invasive and interventional cardiology professionals. The society has more than 4,500 members, according to SCAI. Dr. Pancholy has authored more than 150 peer-reviewed manuscripts in reputed international journals, has published several practice-changing randomized controlled trials, and has developed multiple procedural techniques to increase the safety and efficacy of the procedure of cardiac catheterization and catheter-based intervention. His research and educational programs in the area of transradial access (catheterization from the artery in the wrist) have been credited with the widespread adoption of the technique in the U.S. and worldwide. He also invented several devices that make cardiovascular procedures safer, more effective, comfortable, and cost-effective. Dr. Pancholy holds more than 70 patents issued by the United States Patent and Trademark office. SCAI will recognize Dr. Pancholy at the SCAI Scientific Sessions in Phoenix, Arizona, in May. The conference brings together the international interventional cardiology community to share the latest clinical data, procedural guidance, and advanced expertise. “Dr. Pancholy richly deserves this prestigious honor from SCAI,” said Dr. Jumee Barooah, the Designated Institutional Official for The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education. “He shares his expertise with our fellows who travel from around the world to learn from him. He has improved access and quality of cardiac care for countless people thanks to the 37 fellows who have graduated from our fellowship program since 2009.” He also serves as the director of the cardiac catheterization laboratory at the Veterans Administration Center, Wilkes-Barre, and as a professor of medicine at the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton. Dr. Pancholy is board-certified in internal medicine, with additional certifications in cardiovascular diseases, interventional cardiology, advanced heart failure, and transplant cardiology. He earned his medical degree from B.J. Medical College in India, and completed his residency at the State University of New York, Stony Brook. Dr. Pancholy completed fellowships in interventional cardiology and cardiovascular diseases at the Medical College of Pennsylvania Hospital and Presbyterian Medical Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education offers Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Internal Medicine, Regional Family Medicine, National Family Medicine, and Psychiatry residency programs and fellowships in Cardiovascular Disease, Gastroenterology, and Geriatrics. For more information about The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education, go to TheWrightCenter.org or call 570.866.3017.
