The Greater Scranton YMCA Joins Five Days of Action to Protect Children

The Greater Scranton YMCA is participating in the Five Days of Action, April 24-28, 2022. The Five Days of Action is a week long campaign to raise awareness and inspire adults to take action to protect children from sexual abuse.

The Greater Scranton YMCA encourages adults and organizations to join in marking this special week as the Greater Scranton region comes together to make the community a safer place for children to live, learn, and play. With summer right around the corner—when children gather for activities and camps, it is a wonderful time to bring attention to the simple ways we can all make the children in our community safer. The Know. See. Respond. campaign is back this year, tying in three impact areas –preventing child sexual abuse at both summer camp and in youth sports, and internet safety. “The children of our communities have the right to a happy and safe childhood, and it’s our responsibility as adults and organizations to stand up to protect that right,” said Trish Fisher, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “By joining in the Five Days of Action campaign, we hope to inspire other organizations and members of our community to create safe spaces that protect children from sexual abuse.”

For more information about the Five Days of Action, check out the Greater Scranton YMCA’s blog post. For more information and resources about the prevention of child sexual abuse, visit From Darkness to Light. For more information about the Greater Scranton YMCA, visit www.greaterscrantonymca.org.

Mohegan Pennsylvania FUNTASTIC 2023 Tour

Rock and Roll legends Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo are set to turn up the heat with the FUNTASTIC 2023 Tour at Mohegan Pennsylvania’s Outdoor Concert Venue on Friday, July 28th. Doors open at 6:30pm and the show kicks off at 8:00pm, rain or shine.

Tickets are $55.00 and on sale Friday, April 21st at 10:00am via ticketmaster.com and the Mohegan Pennsylvania Box Office, located at the Hotel Front Desk. There will be a limited number of VIP packages available for purchase. Entry is general admission, and seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. This event is 21+ and valid identification is required upon entry. 

In a Pop culture world defined by its perpetual changes, the partnership of singer songwriter Pat Benatar and producer-musician Neil Giraldo has been a potent, steadfast union that has soared to the top of the charts and into fans’ hearts on their own terms. Her staggering vocals and take-no-prisoners attitude, along with his trailblazing artistry as a guitarist, producer and songwriter, forged the undeniable chemistry and unique sound that created eternal rock hits including “We Belong,” “Invincible,” “Love Is A Battlefield,” “Promises In The Dark,” “We Live For Love,” “Heartbreaker” and “Hell Is For Children.” Their stunning achievements are a testament to their vision. Together, Benatar and Giraldo have created two multi-platinum, five platinum and three gold albums, as well as 19 Top 40 hits. They have sold over 36 million records worldwide and have won an unprecedented four consecutive GRAMMY® awards. They have also been feted with three American Music Awards, a People’s Choice Award, a 2008 induction into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame, and most recently have become Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees.

Northeast Regional Cancer Institute Receives $1,775

Riverside School District hosted their own colon cancer awareness t-shirt fundraiser in March to sell to students, teachers, and families in the school district as a way to support the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute’s colon cancer education and awareness campaign, CASUAL (Colon Cancer Awareness Saves Unlimited Adult Lives) Day.  

The fundraiser was led by a Riverside School District Mother, Kim Owens. Mad Tees has been instrumental in the design creation and distribution of the products. Kim has been a longtime supporter of CASUAL Day as her husband Dennis passed away from colon cancer at a young age. She started her own CASUAL Day team to honor him. The school designed and sold their own colon cancer awareness t-shirt and donated the proceeds to support the work of the Cancer Institute. Several families in the Riverside school district have been affected by colon cancer.  

Proceeds from CASUAL Day benefit the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute efforts to raise colorectal cancer awareness and support colorectal cancer screenings for low income, un/underinsured individuals. 

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.

Man holding a launch tube window in his hand with girl next to him
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