Urban Co-Works Opens Downtown Scranton Urban Co-Works is proud to announce the opening of its newest coworking space in Scranton, Pennsylvania, providing professionals and entrepreneurs with a dynamic and collaborative work environment. The coworking business is located at the newly renovated space at 116 North Washington Ave. With a focus on fostering a dynamic professional community, Urban Co-Works offers a range of amenities to meet the diverse needs of today’s workforce. The new Urban Co-Works in Scranton came together through a collaboration with Mayor Paige G. Cognetti and the City of Scranton, Charlie Jefferson, owner of 116 North Washington Ave, and Urban Co-Works. “Urban Co-Works will substantially contribute to downtown Scranton’s thriving business environment,” said Mayor Paige G. Cognetti. “The City is dedicated to revitalization, and their model of innovation, connectivity, and productivity directly supports that goal while transforming the modern working environment.” “We are excited to see months of hard work result in an incredible space for a growing company,” said Charlie Jefferson. “Urban Co-Works found opportunity in Downtown Scranton thanks to Mayor Cognetti and her economic development staff. They brought Jeff and his company to the downtown and got creative to make the project a reality. The downtown is a vibrant neighborhood with great places to eat and shop and now has the best coworking space in NEPA. It’s the right time for this idea in our town and Urban Co-Works is the perfect company to make it happen.” Jeffrey Goronkin, CEO of Urban Co-Works, expressed his excitement about the Scranton location: “Urban Co-Works is committed to providing a top-notch office environment that brings the business community together. We are thrilled to bring this unique coworking experience to Scranton, offering professionals the ideal space to thrive and succeed.” The Urban Co-Works ribbon cutting, officiated by Bob Durkin, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce CEO, is scheduled for Friday at 4:00 pm with tours of the space and networking to follow. “Urban Co-Works, with a recognized record of success, is adding another asset to our already growing regional small business and remote worker economy. I am certain that this facility will prove to be a complement to the entrepreneurial ecosystem and programming established by the Chamber and our local universities.” KEY FEATURES AT URBAN CO-WORKS 57 Modern Offices: Urban Co-Works boasts 57 fully furnished offices, providing professionals with a private and comfortable workspace tailored to their needs. Training Room: The facility includes a dedicated training room equipped with large screen TV’s, erasable writing boards and other technology, ideal for workshops, seminars, and corporate training sessions. Multiple Meeting Spaces: Members have access to various meeting spaces designed for collaboration and brainstorming sessions, fostering a creative and productive atmosphere. Privacy Pods: For those moments when focus and concentration are paramount or to jump on a Zoom call, Urban Co-Works offers privacy pods, providing a quiet and distraction-free workspace. Expansive Coworking Space: The coworking space is equipped with 20 workstations with a modern adjacent kitchen, offering an open and flexible environment for individuals by day and networking events in the evening. Other amenities include high speed internet, a copy center and mail room, member-only networking events, coffee and tea, self-service snack station and more. MEMBERSHIPS Urban Co-Works offers a variety of memberships to accommodate the various needs of today’s workforce. Virtual Mailing: Ideal for remote professionals, this membership level provides a prestigious business address and mail handling services. Coworking: Access to shared workspaces on a part-time to full-time basis, allowing flexibility for those who need a professional environment without a long-term commitment. Private Offices: Fully furnished private offices provide professionals with a dedicated and personalized workspace on a month-to-month basis. Conference Room by the Hour: Need a professional meeting space? Urban Co-Works offers conference room rentals on an hourly basis, ensuring members have access to the facilities they need when they need them.
The Scranton Cultural Center Bringing Ancient Aliens to the Masonic Temple Listing Information: WHAT: Ancient Aliens LIVETM: Project Earth WHEN: May 1 at 7:30 PM | Doors at 7:00 PM WHERE: Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple, Weinberg Theatre;420 N. Washington Avenue – Scranton, PA 18503 PRICES: $52.70 – $74.90. VIP Upgrade Package available. *Panelist Headshots available at: https://aenetworks.box.com/s/plrsc5ndjjt3zm80o1ebhvfacm78ujp0 The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple will host Ancient Aliens LIVE: Project Earth, a live, in-person event that will explore questions as old as the planet itself: Have extraterrestrials visited Earth? Are they here now, and when will they reveal themselves? The ninety-minute live experience taking place on May 1 celebrates the long-running program Ancient Aliens on The HISTORYâ Channel and features Ancient Astronaut theorist Giorgio A. Tsoukalos, investigative mythologist William Henry, aerospace engineer, UK government UFO investigator Nick Pope, and real-life Indiana Jones, David Childress, as they discuss thought-provoking extraterrestrial theories on fan-favorite topics from Ancient Egypt to the moon, and paves for us the long road to Disclosure. Ancient Aliens LIVE: Project Earth is an experiential extension of Ancient Aliens that explores the theory that extraterrestrials have visited Earth for millions of years. Ancient Aliens LIVE: Project Earth will bring the same curiosity and in-depth examination to the questions, speculations, provocative controversies, first-hand accounts, and grounded theories surrounding this age-old debate. In addition to engaging panel discussions and an audience Q&A, the event will also offer attendees the opportunity to purchase VIP upgrade photo opportunity with the stars, and exclusive Ancient Aliens LIVE: Project Earth merchandise. Tickets for Ancient Aliens LIVE: Project Earth tour go on sale December 1 at 10 AM at the Fidelity Bank Box Office at the SCC in person or by calling (570) 344-1111, or via Ticketmaster. For more information or to view a full schedule of events, visit SCCMT.org.
Tobyhanna Army Depot Packaging Center Chief Gives Back “It’s simple – I just like helping others.” For John Fitzpatrick it really is that simple. Service is at the core of who he is and what he does in his professional and personal life. Graduating from the U.S. Military Academy in 1983, Fitzpatrick was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in military intelligence. Fitzpatrick served in a variety of assignments at Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood) in the 1st Cavalry Division, attended a post-graduate intelligence program and earned his master’s in 1987 and was stationed at Fort Monmouth before leaving the Army in 1990. Service being a pillar in his life, Fitzpatrick almost immediately felt the pull to serve his nation again. “I always felt a call to go back and serve. I had intended to go into the National Guard at that point, but they weren’t taking on new service members at the time.” With the desire to serve his nation still burning bright, the opportunity Fitzpatrick had been waiting for presented itself after nearly two decades. In 2009, Fitzpatrick joined Team Tobyhanna as a contractor before moving to the Army Sustainment Command Packaging Storage and Containerization Center (PSCC) as a Packaging Specialist in 2010. PSCC is a tenant organization operating at Tobyhanna Army Depot. Working his way up to Chief of PSCC’s Logistics, Testing and Applications Division in 2015, Fitzpatrick has enjoyed a second chance to serve his nation as a member of a dynamic team supporting warfighter readiness. “I enjoy that I get to work with a bunch of talented subject matter experts in a variety of areas in packaging, testing, warehouse optimization and AIT technology. That’s very rewarding and equally as rewarding is still having the opportunity to get out and interact with soldiers and get down to supply activities and make a difference there,” said Fitzpatrick. But the military service Fitzpatrick has offered to our nation is just the tip of the iceberg. For many people, the question is ‘How can I find time to serve?’. For Fitzpatrick, it seems service comes first, and any leisure activities fall into line second. Fitzpatrick attributes his and his family’s commitment to service to the example set by his father. “Selfless service was the chief value my father instilled in me. I am (my family’s) third generation to serve in the Armed Forces, and my son is the fourth generation. The example of my father served as my first impetus to give back,” said Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick is a prolific blood donor, donating 75 gallons over four decades of giving. He was first exposed to the need for blood at a young age through his father’s work as a police officer and captain of the local first aid squad. Fitzpatrick first donated during his time in the Army in the 1980s and began donating at Miller Keystone Blood Center (MKBC) in 1999. He is particularly passionate about donating through MKBC since it is the sole blood supplier to 33 hospitals in areas in which Team Tobyhanna employees reside. MKBC also supports our military servicemembers and offers its Veterans Still Serving Program, through which it presents MKBC Challenge Coins to veterans who donate. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, one blood donation can save up to three lives. This means Fitzpatrick’s donations have had the potential to save thousands of lives, including those of his fellow members of Team Tobyhanna. Currently, Fitzpatrick donates platelets every two weeks, 24 times a year. In order to accommodate his and his wife’s other service initiatives including vegetable donations, Fitzpatrick plans his donations around his days off to maximize the impact he can create through his service. “I try to do blood platelet donations on my RDO Friday because Saturdays from June to October are occupied delivering vegetable donations. My wife runs a program called Plant a Row – Lehigh Valley. We deliver the vegetables to about a half dozen different soup kitchens and food banks, so that’s my Saturday, and Wreaths Across America is another effort I get involved with.” Fitzpatrick has taken his passion for blood donation and brought it to others through the organization of blood drives at his parish. Fitzpatrick said he has been organizing blood drives for over a decade. Over the years, his parish has become a relied upon source of blood for his area. Fitzpatrick pointed to blood donation as a particular passion because of the constant need for blood and the meaningful impact it can have. “Right now, there’s a national emergency. They’re looking for O positive and O negative donors. They’re running the risk of running out of blood, so I’m hoping I can convince some people to step up to donate. It’s not hard, and it’s not a lot of time considering the impact that it can have.” Fitzpatrick said only a fraction of those eligible to donate blood do and encouraged those who may have been previously ineligible to donate to check the updated FDA guidelines as they may now be eligible. When asked how he makes time for everything, Fitzpatrick offered some valuable perspective. “I look at it this way. The time you spend donating platelets is just a couple of hours sitting in a chair at a blood donation center, or if it’s just blood it’s an hour in a chair. Just imagine, if you’re the parents of a child in the emergency room that needs blood, and you’re sitting there, too. Where would you rather be?” Fitzpatrick truly embodies the Army core values, particularly selfless service. Through his service to our nation’s warfighters at work and his service to his community, he is living the values impressed upon him by his father as a young man. Depot employees may sign up for monthly on-post Red Cross blood drives by calling (570) 615-7308. To find a blood donation site near you, visit: https://www.giveapint.org/ or https://www.redcrossblood.org/local-homepage.html.
The Women’s Resource Center to Host Santa’s Snippers Santa’s Snippers is back and so are the professional area stylists! The Women’s Resource Center Association has scheduled its 32nd Annual Santa’s Snippers Cut-A-Thon for Sunday, December 3, 2023, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Career Technology Center (CTC) of Lackawanna County located at 3201 Rockwell Avenue, Scranton (across from Schiff’s). While the CTC and its students will be hosting our event, Professional Licensed hair stylists from area salons and barbershops will donate their time and talent that day providing all of the haircuts. Haircuts are $15 and all of the proceeds go toward providing our survivors the resources they need to escape abuse. Walk-ins are Welcome! Guest Stylists are from all over the area including Sanderson Salon, Loyalty Barber Shop, and more!
Johnson College to Host Event at Simplex Homes Johnson College is hosting a Closer Look at its popular 2-year Electrical Construction Technology program on December 13, 2023, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in its unique industry lab space at Simplex Homes at 1 Simplex Drive in Scranton, PA. The event will feature opportunities to learn about the degree program, career opportunities, and the enrollment process. The Johnson College Enrollment team, Electrical Construction Technology students and staff, and representatives from Simplex Homes will be available to answer questions. The two-year Electrical Construction Technology Associates Degree program prepares students as entry-level technicians for the operation, inspection, installation, calibration, repair, maintenance, and safety of residential and commercial electrical equipment. Register for the event at johnson.edu/closerlook. For more information, contact the College’s Enrollment department at (570) 702-8856 or enroll@johnson.edu.
Chamber Celebrates the Retirement of Virginia “Ginger” Goodrich The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce announces that Virginia “Ginger” Goodrich of Scranton will retire on December 31, 2023, after 58 years of employment with the organization. A retirement celebration in her honor will be held at the Scranton Country Club. Goodrich, the longest-tenured employee in the organization’s history, joined the Chamber’s staff in 1965 as a secretary in the industrial development department. After a series of promotions, she has held the position of executive secretary to the president since 1979. In addition, she has served as board secretary for the Scranton Lackawanna Industrial Building Company (SLIBCO), a Chamber affiliate organization, since 1994. “To say that Ginger is an icon of this organization is an understatement,” said Robert Durkin, president of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. ”She has played integral roles in support of the most important initiatives in Chamber history—and by extension, some of the most impactful projects in northeastern Pennsylvania history!” The salutatorian of the class of 1964 at Dickson City High School, Goodrich continued her education at Lackawanna Junior College. In 1965, she graduated with honors and a diploma in the Executive Secretarial Course. An avid learner, Goodrich completed the United States Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organization Management certificate program for Chamber of Commerce Management in 1995 and the 12-week Dale Carnegie program in 2000. “Little did I know when Hoyle Seeley, President of Lackawanna Junior College, sent me to interview at the Chamber of Commerce that it would become my “home” for over 58 years,” Goodrich said. “I will certainly miss it, but new experiences await.” A lifelong supporter of the Girl Scouts, Goodrich served as a troop leader for 30 years. She has also held committee and board positions with Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania and its predecessor, Girl Scouts Scranton Pocono Council. Goodrich served on the Board of the Anthracite Heritage Museum Associates for several years. She also volunteered for the Holiday Express at the Steamtown National Historic Site from 2001–2014. Named “Volunteer of the Year” in 2013 for her work at the Anthracite Heritage Museum and Scranton Iron Furnaces, Goodrich received numerous awards from the Girl Scouts, including “Woman of Distinction” in 2001. She was featured in the Scranton Times-Tribune for “Northeast Woman” in 1992 and again in 2021, and she received a Certificate of Recognition—the Roseann Smith Alperin Award in 2008. Goodrich is a member of the Dickson City Primitive Methodist Church and has volunteered her time for its adult Sunday school classes since 2002. She was also a member of the church’s Ladies Aid Society and has served as a member of the church’s board of trustees and the assistant Sunday school superintendent. In honor of her contributions to the Girl Scouts and Camp Archbald, a tribute gift will be made in Goodrich’s honor to support revitalization efforts at Camp Archbald.
Scranton Urban Co-Works to Host Ribbon Cutting for Newly Opened Business Urban Co-Works is officially open for business! Jeff Goronkin, the owner, invites you to come and celebrate with a Ribbon Cutting and Open House this Friday, Dec 1st from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. See for yourself the state-of-the-art facilities designed to inspire creativity, foster collaboration, and boost productivity. This event is not just a celebration but an invitation to experience the vibrant and dynamic atmosphere of Urban Co-Works. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a freelancer, a remote worker, or simply curious about our community, this is the perfect chance to network, connect, and discover the potential of a shared workspace environment. Kindly register for this free event at :Urban Co-Works Scranton Ribbon Cutting and Open House Tickets, Fri, Dec 1, 2023 at 4:00 PM | Eventbrite We are located at 116 North Washington Avenue 3rd Floor Scranton, PA 18503. I hope you can join us to celebrate!
FNCB Bank Announces Scholarship Funding to Luzerne County Community College FNCB Bank, locally based since 1910, is pleased to announce a Pennsylvania Education Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) donation of $25,157.87 to Luzerne County Community College (LCCC) to fund scholarships for 19 students enrolled at LCCC. Luzerne County Community College is a student-centered institution prioritizing support and access to an inclusive, equitable learning environment that fosters academic and personal success and strengthens communities in the Northeast Pennsylvania region. “We congratulate the 19 recipients of this year’s scholarship funding,” said Gerard Champi, FNCB Bank President & CEO. “We look forward to witnessing their continued success at Luzerne County Community College and beyond.” Since 2010, FNCB has contributed more than $3,000,000 to local educational and scholarship organizations through the EITC initiative. The support of LCCC is part of FNCB’s Community Caring initiative. As a true local community bank, FNCB is making a difference through volunteerism, donations, and outreach programs.
The University of Scranton to Present Noel Night Concert Continuing a beloved holiday season tradition, Performance Music at The University of Scranton will present its 56th annual Noel Night concert on Saturday, Dec. 2. The concert, which is open to the public, will begin at 8 p.m. in the University’s Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue, with doors opening at 7 p.m. and prelude beginning at 7:05 p.m. Admission is free, with seating on a first-come, first-seated basis. Considered the University’s Christmas gift to the community, Noel Night has been a must-attend event for many Scranton-area residents since its founding more than a half-century ago by the Rev. Edward Gannon, S.J. This year’s Noel Night will feature performances by The University of Scranton Singers, String Orchestra and Flute Ensemble. Outdoor instrumental caroling by members of the University Bands will greet audience members as they arrive. According to Performance Music Conductor and Director Cheryl Y. Boga, the program will include a variety of sacred selections – including music by Ivo Antognini, Randol Alan Bass, Franz Biebl, Robert Ray, Igor Stravinsky, John Rutter and others – interspersed with readings of Nativity texts. Included in the program are works sung in English, Chinese, Latin, Russian and Zulu. Pianist for the evening is Ron Stabinsky, and Christopher Johnson is organist. The primary focus of Performance Music at The University of Scranton is its student choral and instrumental performing ensembles. There is no music major at the University, and all enrolled University of Scranton students are eligible for membership in the bands, choirs, and string ensembles, with neither an audition nor enrollment fee required for membership. Hundreds of students participate in the ensembles each year.
Misericordia University to Host Virtual Open House for Expressway Program Misericordia University is hosting a virtual open house on December 12 at 6:00 P.M. The program is designed for working adults who want to earn their degree in a timely manner, have prior college credits (not required), and have work or relevant life experience. Students can enroll and start taking classes 6 times during the year, not just in the fall and spring. Date: Tuesday, December 12, 2023 Time: 6:00 P.M. Location: Virtual To register, or get more information on the Expressway Open House, Click Here.
