Keystone Mission Receives Community Grant MileOne Cares, the philanthropic arm of MileOne Autogroup, presented Keystone Mission with a community grant to expand its transportation program throughout the organization. Funds support transportation for clients through public transit or organizational vehicle use. Transportation is a daily part of programming that allows Keystone Mission to safely connect our clients and residents to the proper resources such as medical, dental, and mental health, prescription pick up, job interviews, DMV, or welfare services. “We need to remember that the lack of transportation can result in missed employment opportunities and medical appointments,” says Kathy Regan, Scranton Program Director of Keystone Mission.
Crystal Windows Appoints VP of Sales and Marketing National manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems recently promoted Regional Sales Manager Steven Yu to Vice President, Sales and Marketing. Yu, who has been involved in Crystal sales and marketing efforts for nearly 20 years, will direct sales operations across the country as well as corporate marketing initiatives. “Steven brought innovative sales strategies first to Crystal’s Mid-Atlantic Sales Region and more recently to our Metro New York City Sales Region, both with significant results,” said Steve Chen, President. “He has demonstrated tremendous ability to bring complex projects to fruition, grow sales for the company, and market our products to an ever expanding audience.” Yu is now responsible for overseeing sales to commercial and residential trade customers through a team of 36 regional sales managers and sales professionals. He also directs Crystal’s Marketing Department activities, including new product launches, print and online communications, trade show and event participation, and customer engagement. In his new role as Vice President, Yu will focus on increasing market share for Crystal in the Southeast and Midwest, extensively promoting new Crystal commercial and residential product offerings, and enhancing Crystal’s market positioning as a high performance manufacturer. Yu joined Crystal in 2004 as a graphic designer in the Marketing Department. After holding several positions of progressive responsibility, he was promoted to Marketing Manager, where he expanded sales support activities to serve the company’s growing sales team. In 2011 and in addition to Marketing Manager, Yu became Regional Sales Manager for Crystal’s Mid-Atlantic Region, which covers Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland through Virginia. Under his leadership, regional sales increased five-fold. In 2019, he added responsibility for Crystal’s large New York Metro Region, which covers all of New York City and surrounding counties in New York State. Prior to joining Crystal, Yu worked as a website and database application systems developer at Polytechnic University in New York, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in computer science.
Peoples Security Bank Announces Two Recent Promotions Peoples Security Bank & Trust Company (PSBT) recently announced the promotions of Amanda Friday (Scranton) to Assistant Vice President, Branch Manager of the Minooka Office and Elvira Davies (Jessup) to Assistant Vice President, Branch Manager of the Abington Office. Friday and Davies will be responsible for ensuring area customers receive the best in banking services, mentoring their branch staff, and developing relationships with area businesses. Amanda Friday has nine years of banking experience with Peoples Security Bank. “Some of my job responsibilities include coaching the branch and ensuring that all customer services are being met, customer problems are resolved, sales objectives are met, and standard operating procedures are followed,” said Friday. Friday is currently attending Keystone College and majoring in Business Administration. She is on track to graduate at the end of 2023. Elvira Davies has been with Peoples Security Bank for over 16 years and has a Master’s Degree in Financial Law. Starting as a part time teller at the Green Ridge Office, Davies has become a staple in the community. She has volunteered for NeighborWorks and is planning to become a member of the Rotary Club of the Abingtons. “With encouragement and support of my supervisors, I worked myself up to AVP, Branch Manager. I love what I do, and I’m proud to be a part of the PSBT team!” said Davies.
PennDOT Confirms Michael B.Carroll as Secretary The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced today that the Pennsylvania State Senate has confirmed Michael B. Carroll as the next Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Secretary. Under the direction of Governor Shapiro, Carroll has prioritized efficiency and customer service at PennDOT and is focused on directly improving the lives of Pennsylvanians through streamlined, helpful services. Carroll has advocated in support of Governor Shapiro’s budget, which will provide increased funding for Pennsylvania’s roads and bridges while ensuring the critical work of the State Police remains fully funded. Among other accomplishments since Carroll has taken office, PennDOT has put 229 construction projects out to bid totaling $869.5 million in value. Additionally, PennDOT has made more than 20 commonly-used driver licensing and motor vehicle forms available for online submission, just one week after Governor Shapiro signed an Executive Order establishing the Commonwealth Office of Digital Experience (CODE PA) to improve online services provided by the Commonwealth. Carroll was first elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 2006 and served as Democratic chairman of the House Transportation Committee from 2018 through 2022. “I am honored to have this opportunity, and I’m proud of the team we have assembled to carry PennDOT’s important mission forward,” said Carroll. “Transportation is central to every aspect of our daily lives, and the PennDOT team is hard at work keeping people across the Commonwealth connected to opportunity and each other. I am honored to carry out Governor Shapiro’s vision to ensure PennDOT builds a better future for all Pennsylvanians.” For more information on PennDOT’s mission and leadership, visit the PennDOT website. Subscribe to statewide PennDOT news and traffic alerts at www.penndot.pa.gov/news or choose a region under “Regional Offices.” Information about the state’s infrastructure and results the department is delivering for Pennsylvanians can be found at www.penndot.pa.gov/results. Find PennDOT’s planned and active construction projects at www.projects.penndot.gov. Follow PennDOT on Twitter and like the department on Facebook and Instagram.
The Wright Center Announces Keynote Speaker for 2023 Commencement Innovative keynote speaker, classical violinist, and composer Kai Kight will deliver the inspiring commencement address, “Compose Your World,” during The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s 44th annual commencement ceremony on Saturday, June 24 at the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple, 420 N. Washington Ave., Scranton, beginning at 4 p.m. As a classical violinist turned innovative composer, Kight uses music as a metaphor to inspire individuals and organizations around the world to compose paths of imagination and fulfillment. He is on a mission to spark a global mindset shift in which ingenuity is the norm and not the exception. “Whether in education, business, health care, or government, the systems and routines we depended on for so long have disappeared,” said Kight. “While this void has been devastating, it also leaves us with an incredible opportunity – a blank page on which we can compose our future. We will look back at this time as the moment we made leaps forward by creating more innovative technologies, more human-centric businesses, and more inclusive workplaces.” His unique background is a blend of both art and science. As a musician, Kight has performed his original music for thousands of people in venues around the world, from the White House to the Great Wall of China. A graduate of Stanford University’s design and engineering program, the Stanford d.school, and the Behavior Design Lab, Kight studied how to help people create healthy and transformative habits in life. “A musical masterpiece is a unique, alive, just right, timeless blessing that captures and connects the fundamental and essential stories of the musical composer, the music, and the audience,” said Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak, FACP, FAAP, president and CEO of The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education. “It remains relevant across time, contemporary circumstances, cultures, and generations. It speaks to humanity about our interdependence and our connectedness to each other and the university. “Kai Kight’s inspiring message to dare to play the music that makes you stronger and his passionate, talented delivery are powerful, therapeutic, and both mission and vision aligned with The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education,” she added. “Through the music he composes and performs and the life stories and lessons he shares, Mr. Kight will certainly relax and entertain us, while paradoxically challenging us to think introspectively and collectively about our own lives, our shared future, and the progressive human journey.” The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s Class of 2023 has 80 graduates from seven disciplines: Internal Medicine (35); Regional Family Medicine (11); National Family Medicine (17); Psychiatry (10); Cardiovascular Disease (4); Geriatrics (2) and Gastroenterology (1). “The physicians in our Class of 2023 know the importance of providing inclusive, responsive, compassionate, high-quality health services to the patients, families, and communities we serve,” said Thomas-Hemak. “They know the playbook of ‘Wright’ health care and medical education, and they know the difference between what Mr. Kight calls air violining and real engagement playing their part in the master orchestra of medicine. “We celebrate our graduates and our confidence that they will go forth into thrilling and fulfilling futures, energized by their competence and meaningful contributions to service society and to advance public health, the noble profession of medicine, and medical education.” In July, The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education will welcome 88 residents and fourfellows to its regional and national residency and fellowship programs. The resident physicians will train in the following programs: Internal Medicine Residency (40); Regional Family Medicine Residency (12); Psychiatry Residency (12), and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (5). The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s National Family Medicine Residency includes resident physicians at the Tucson, Arizona (4); Auburn, Washington (6); Washington, D.C. (6), and Hillsboro, Ohio (3) training sites. Fellows will also begin training in the Cardiovascular Disease (3) and Gastroenterology (1) fellowships in July. Similar to Kight, The Wright Center sparks innovation in the delivery of primary and preventive care and the cost-effective education and training of an inspired, competent physician workforce. The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education is affiliated with The Wright Center for Community Health, which serves as the cornerstone ambulatory care delivery service organization of The Wright Center’s Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education Safety-Net Consortium, the largest in the nation funded by the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration. Together with consortium stakeholders, The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education train primary care residents and fellows in a community-based, community-needs-responsive workforce development model to improve the health and welfare of our communities through inclusive and responsive health services and the sustainable renewal of an inspired, competent workforce that is privileged to serve. For more information about The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education, go to TheWrightCenter.org, call 570.866.3017, or email gmerecruitment@TheWrightCenter.org
Penn State Scranton Alumni Association Annual Dinner This year’s Greater Scranton Penn State Chapter annual dinner will feature some well-known Penn Staters, while honoring the memory of Stephen “Doc” Weissberger, a man who was synonymous with the Chapter and the ultimate Penn State fan.Weissberger of the founders of the Chapter was one, serving as its president for five years and as treasurer for over 20 years. He also was actively involved in running its annual dinners for 39 years, bringing prominent Penn State coaches, players and staff members to Scranton, while raising money for scholarships and programs at the Penn State Scranton campus. This year will be the group’s first dinner without him, as he passed away last year at the age of 84. In addition to being Chapter members and football fans, Weissberger and his wife Essie were also generous donors to the Penn State Scranton campus, establishing a scholarship in memory of their parents, and supporting other campus programs and initiatives. The two were members of the campus’ prestigious donor group, The Ridge View Society and Steven also served on the campus’ Advisory Board. He was voted Penn State Alumnus of the Year in 1985 and is a lifetime member of the Penn State Alumni Association. Featured guests are “The Voice of Penn State” Steve Jones and Penn State Men’s Head Basketball Coach Mike Rhoades. Former Penn State Nittany Lion quarterback and Scranton native Matt McGloin will serve as toastmaster. Jones has done the play-by-play voice for Penn State football and men’s basketball for over 30 years, getting his start announcing for Penn State Wilkes-Barre’s then campus radio station. He also covers a variety of Penn State and local sports and is a part-time faculty member for Penn State’s Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications. Penn State recruited Jones as the third announcer for Penn State football in 1983, which he did until he became the play-by-play announcer in 2000. Rhoades was named the Peter and Ann Tombros Endowed Men’s Basketball Head Coach on March 29 of this year. A native of Mahanoy City, he has spent 19 seasons as a collegiate head coach, most recently at VCU. Over his career, he has produced a 373-189 record, a winning percentage of .664, seven NCAA Tournament appearances and nine national postseason appearances. He is a member of the Mahanoy Area High School Hall of Fame, Lebanon Valley College Hall of Fame (team and individual), Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) Hall of Fame, Central Chapter Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, Eastern Chapter Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame and Jerry Wolman, Northern Anthracite Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame. McGloin grew up in West Scranton and attended West Scranton High School where he played baseball and football and was a Pennsylvania all-state quarterback. He was the first walk-on quarterback to start at Penn State, doing so from 2010 to 2012; was the 2012 winner of the Burlsworth Trophy, which is presented to the nation’s outstanding college football player who began his career as a walk-on; spent six seasons in the NFL, primarily with the Oakland Raiders; and has worked as a football analyst for the Big Ten Network. Locally, he has established the Matt McGloin Fund of the Scranton Area Community Foundation, works as a realtor in the Greater Scranton Area and is a candidate for Lackawanna County commissioner. He is also the namesake for Penn State Scranton’s baseball field. The dinner will be held Thursday, June 8 at Fiorelli’s in Peckville. Tickets are $50, with a cash bar beginning at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. Anyone interested in attending can contact Mike Rescigno at MIKE.RESCIGNO@COMCAST.NET or 570-466-7872.
Keller Williams Real Estate to Host Food Drive Calling all members of the NEPA Community! Keller Williams Real Estate is hosting a food drive for a few local food banks in our area that desperately need contributions. Every year they close their offices to help support these organizations & feed more families, but they need your help to make it happen! They will pick up donations from your door on or before the event! Please reach out to Keller Williams Real Estate at 570-357-3843 if you are able to donate.
Northeast Regional Cancer Institute to Benefit from Basketball Tournament Judi H Rock On committee member and son of Judi A. Perry Hartridge, Johnny Hartridge, is hosting a 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament for grades 6-8 on Saturday, May 27 and Sunday, May 28 at 1:00 p.m. at Holy Rosary Gym. The gym is located at 316 Williams St., Scranton. Team registration is $40 which includes a t-shirt for each player. There will be food available for purchase and raffle baskets. The proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute. For more team registration forms and event information, contact Johnny Hartridge at (570) 904-7604 or email him at e22star@verizon.net. Team registration is due by Friday, May 19. This event is in Memory of Judi A. Perry Hartridge. Judi Perry Hartridge, passed away from cancer in 2007. To honor her memory and love of music, her family and friends formed a committee – Judi H Rock On, to raise funds to fight the disease that claimed her life. Judi’s family held seven Judi H Rock On musical fundraisers. This event is the first sports related fundraiser in her memory.
Jewish Family Services to Honor Natalie Gelb at Annual Community Matters Event This year JFS is celebrating our 5th Annual Community Matters event which honors outstanding leaders who have made a difference in our community. Past honorees include James and Susan Connors, Morey and Sondra Myers, Jane Oppenheim, and Louis and Barbara Nivert. We are proud to announce that we are honoring Natalie Gelb at this year’s event. This year’s event will be held on June 1st from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. at the Scranton Cultural Center. Born and raised in Scranton, Natalie is a graduate of Scranton Central High School and the University of Maryland. She served as the Executive Director of the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority (LHVA) from 2004 until her retirement in 2017 where she was instrumental in the development of the seventy-mile Lackawanna River Heritage Trail system. Natalie is also a founding member of Defenders of Democracy and currently serves on the Boards of Keystone College, Jewish Family Service, and the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania. For over 100 years Jewish Family Service of Northeastern Pennsylvania has been helping individuals and families in our region achieve well-being, health, and stability. The Annual Community Matters community recognition event is our major event fundraiser each year. The event helps support JFS programs and services including Mental Health Services, Financial Assistance, Case Management, Guardianship of Person Service, and the Mae S. Gelb Kosher Food Pantry.Tickets for the event are $100 and include full kosher dinner stations catered by Pocono Kosher as well as a cash bar. We will have entertainment by Doug Smith and will once again host our silent auction. A presentation will be held honoring Ms. Gelb with coffee and dessert afterward. Tickets are available for purchase online. Sponsorship and ad book opportunities can be reviewed online and purchased by calling JFS at 570-344-1186.
Tobyhanna Army Depot Celebrates Arrival of Navy Transporter Personnel at Tobyhanna Army Depot marked the expansion of the AN/APX-123 common transponder workload with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 2. An airborne identification friend or foe (IFF) system, the APX-123 is used in several branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. IFF systems are commonly used for command and control operations, utilizing a transponder to positively identify friendly aircraft. Thousands of aircraft fly with the APX-123. While Tobyhanna has had a robust APX-123 program for the U.S. Army, the ribbon-cutting denotes the beginning of depot support for the U.S. Navy’s version of the asset. Depot Commander Col. Daniel L. Horn presided over the ceremony, which was also attended by depot senior leadership, personnel from Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Naval Supply Systems Weapons Systems Support – Philadelphia, representatives from BAE Systems, and members of the depot workforce who support the project. In his remarks at the event, Horn praised Tobyhanna’s cooperative efforts across the joint services. “Today is a great opportunity to celebrate another collaboration with the U.S. Navy. Team Tobyhanna is proud of its enduring support to America’s warfighters,” he said. Electronics Mechanic Supervisor Frederick Granoski leads the C4ISR Directorate’s Transponders Branch; his team will execute both a repair and test/inspect programs for the APX-123. Granoski said he is excited about the possibilities ahead. “The APX-123 represents a significant growth for our mission, allowing us to support more of this critical asset.” Jason Kilmer agreed. “Not only is our workload increasing, we are also increasing our capabilities by conducting more comprehensive testing on this important equipment,” he noted. Kilmer is an electronics mechanic leader in the Transponders Branch. Representatives from the Navy are also very excited about the new collaboration, said Capt. David Neall. “My team and I are thrilled; we’ve been working on this project for several years and it is great to reach the finish line.” Neall serves as the Deputy Program Manager for Combat Identification Systems. Tobyhanna is slated to repair several hundred assets for the U.S. Navy APX-123 program through at least 2030. The acquisition of new workload such as the APX-123 is directly aligned with Tobyhanna’s long-range strategic plan, TOBY2035. The plan, which focuses on posturing the depot to be competitive in the future, has lines of effort dedicated to expanding Tobyhanna’s portfolio through securing new workload and connecting with the community. The APX-123 represents growth for the depot’s expansive support of Naval weapons systems. 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.
