Golden Awarded Five Scooter Categories in Fourth Consecutive Contract Golden Technologies is excited to announce they have been awarded their fourth consecutive, five-year contract since 2003 by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to supply mobility products. Golden proudly provides power scooters across the VA nationwide to enhance the quality of life for Veterans and allow them the freedom of movement and independence they so deserve. This significant partnership ensures continued quality products for America’s Veterans with Golden’s commitment as they celebrate 40 years in business next year. Golden submitted scooters in five categories and was awarded the contract for all five. The VA will continue to provide veterans with Golden’s popular Companion GC240 Mid-Size 3-wheel and GC340 Full-Size 3-wheel scooters. Additional products new to the VA contract include the Companion GC440 Full-Size 4-wheel and the newly launched GC540 Heavy-Duty 3-wheel scooters – now fully representing the entire Companion Series product offering. The compact portable BuzzAround HD 4-wheel scooter rounds out the fifth category. “We are ecstatic and incredibly honored to have been awarded the contract to continue providing top-of-the-line power mobility scooters to our Veterans and introduce even more exceptional models in additional categories with this new commitment from the VA,” said Rich Golden, CEO of Golden Technologies. “The Golden brand is associated with quality, innovation, and compassion, focused on supplying home medical equipment that changes lives. It is profoundly humbling to provide our amazing Veterans with power scooters to access critical medical care and accomplish necessary tasks in home and community environments that are so important as they gain more independence in their daily life,” he added. “I am extremely proud and grateful that Golden Technologies was awarded the Nationwide Scooter Contracts by the VA. For the past 21 years, the continuous effort and determination of the entire Golden team – from our VA Customer Service, VA Technical Service, Production, Research & Development, and Shipping departments have demonstrated our dedication and commitment to the Department of Veterans Affairs and our nation’s Veterans,” said Donna Payer, VA National Account Director. She added, “We are all very proud of our awards and are excited to continue our strong working relationship with our VA Medical Centers.” Golden was awarded their first nationwide scooter contract by the VA in 2003 for Mid-Size 3-wheel and Full-Size 3-wheel scooters. Scooters awarded to the new contract will begin shipping on May 20th. The period of performance for the contract will end in May 2029. Visit www.goldentech.com for more information.
Marywood University Celebrates 106th Annual Commencement Ceremony More than 800 students were part of Marywood University’s 106th annual commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at 1 p.m., at the Mohegan Sun Arena, Casey Plaza, in Wilkes-Barre Twp. Marywood University’s two colleges, including the College of Health Sciences and the Reap College of Creative and Professional Studies, conferred degrees on undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students who hail from 24 states and 7 countries. Business, social work, and physician assistant studies were the top graduate level degree granting programs. Architecture, business, and nursing were the top undergraduate level degree granting programs. Sister Mary Persico, IHM, Ed.D., Marywood University’s 12th President, who will retire on June 30, served as keynote speaker, bidding a fond farewell to the Class of 2024, the final graduating class of her eight-year presidential tenure. Prior to her address, Sister Mary received a citation recognizing the many accomplishments of her presidency. Sister Kathleen Lunsmann, IHM, Chair of the Marywood University Board of Trustees, shared that the Board recently granted Sister Mary the lifetime title of President Emerita, effective upon her retirement. Sister Kathleen praised Sister Mary’s leadership and vision, and expressed, “During the course of her presidency, Sister Mary has called upon her innate gifts of authenticity, compassion, courage, collaborative leadership, and bold vision, navigating both unprecedented challenges and outstanding accomplishments, always leading with hope, tenacity, and joy.” In her opening comments, Sister Mary teased that the Class of 2024 was not treated to a famous speaker who could have imparted the generic words of wisdom typically offered by those chosen to give such addresses, noting that she instead represented many people who know the graduates personally, the same people who prepared them for this moment. She chose the musical production, Merrily We Roll Along, to reflect upon the choices that are presented at milestone moments of our lives, and her keynote address culminated with the song “Our Time” from the musical. Sister Mary observed, “Commencement is a time to draw upon the skills you have learned to be leaders in the workforce, to value the friendships you have formed during your university years, and to rely on the values you were taught to guide you in your life choices.”
The Wright’s Center Ryan White Clinic Presenting the Annual Pridefest Parade The Wright Center for Community Health’s Ryan White HIV Clinic will be the presenting sponsor for the Northeast Pennsylvania Rainbow Alliance’s annual Pridefest Parade and Celebration in downtown Wilkes-Barre on Sunday, June 23. The parade begins at noon, with the celebration to follow on Public Square until 4 p.m. The Northeast Pennsylvania Rainbow Alliance provides education, support, and advocacy for individuals and families who are LGBTQ+ while working to advance fairness and equality. The Rainbow Alliance envisions a future where all people in the region can live openly and free from fear, and where individuals, organizations, and businesses work collaboratively to build an equal, inclusive community. The formation for the parade begins at 11 a.m., near East South and South Main streets, two blocks off Public Square. The program includes more than 75 vendors, drag performances, and more. For more information, go to RainbowAlliance.org/Pridefest. For almost 25 years, The Wright Center for Community Health’s Ryan White HIV Clinic has been providing comprehensive whole-person primary health and support services to individuals living with HIV/AIDS, including integrated primary care, medication assistance, case management, mental health, and other support services. The Ryan White Clinic offers services at The Wright Center for Community Health locations in Scranton, 501 S. Washington Ave., and Wilkes-Barre, 169 N. Pennsylvania Ave., and serves Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wyoming, Wayne, Pike, Susquehanna, and Monroe counties.
UNC receives NPP Support from FNCB for Revitalization United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC) received $50,000 from FNCB Bank through the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development Neighborhood Partnership Program (NPP). This six-year annual contribution will help rebuild, restore, and revitalize the Pine Brook community, a designated Elm Street Community, through the Pennsylvania Keystone Communities program.
Settlers Hospitality 8th Annual Wally Wine Fest Visitors to the Settlers Hospitality 8th Annual Wally Wine Fest, May 31-June 2, at the Waterfront at Silver Birches can soak in all the festivities lakeside. For the first time, the event will feature indoor and outdoor activities including two stages with live music. Wally Wine Fest draws thousands of attendees over three days to sample vintages from more than 100 domestic and international labels. Wineries from as far away as New Zealand, Italy, France, Napa Valley and the Pacific Northwest are represented as well as varietals grown and produced in Northeastern Pennsylvania. “Holding Wally Wine Fest this time of year allows us to take advantage of the beautiful outdoor spaces at Silver Birches,” explains Justin Genzlinger, CEO/Owner, Settlers Hospitality. “We’ll have a tent on the lakeside lawn with wine samplings and vendors to shop.” Claude Briere, sommelier for Settlers Hospitality, personally selects each wine. Briere is a renowned wine expert who travels the globe as a consultant and lecturer advising on wine selections, pairings and service. Novice wine enthusiasts will have the opportunity to sample a variety of pours and discover which wine suits their palate. Wine connoisseurs will relish the opportunity to interact one-on-one with wine makers, restauranteurs and sommeliers who are knowledgeable in flavor profiles, can discuss the differences among wine, grapes and varietals, plus point out the notes to be enjoyed for each. Bottles of every wine featured are available for sale. With prices ranging from $10-$100, there’s something to match every taste and budget. An indoor and outdoor marketplace will overflow with fine food, gift items and decor fit for wine lovers– all available for purchase. Visitors may shop offerings from places such as Art on the Edge, which features home/wine décor. Grain to Glory will showcase its handcrafted wooden American flags. A Silent Auction benefits Lake Wallenpaupack’s Fourth of July Fireworks and features overnight stays at some of the area’s finest accommodations plus gift cards to local restaurants and businesses. Golf and spa packages, as well as boat and paddle board rentals, are also up for grabs. Satellite events at other Hawley area venues extend the Wally Wine Fest celebration. On Friday, May 31, The Settlers Inn hosts a Spring Has Sprung Wine Dinner featuring pairings with the finest flavors of the season in a five-course meal. The Settlers Inn will also offer a Bubbly Brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 am. to 2:30 p.m. Visitors may savor a prix fixe brunch menu, live music and a tasting flight of sparkling wine. Glass-wine.bar.kitchen at Ledges Hotel will present a special Cali Wine Tasting Dinner menu all weekend long featuring dishes such as grilled octopus and poached pheasant paired with fine Napa Valley wines. Wally Wine Fest at Silver Birches runs from 1-5 p.m. on Saturday and 1-4 p.m. on Sunday. Everyone who attends receives a commemorative wine glass. Admission is $40 in advance or $50 at the door and includes 15 sampling tickets. The sampling tickets may be exchanged for wine tastings. A $50 VIP admission allows entry to the festival one hour early and 25 sampling tickets. The $200 Platinum admission price offers early entry, increases the sampling tickets to 25 and includes a seat at the Spring Has Sprung Wine Dinner at The Settlers Inn on May 31. Admission for designated drivers is $20. Tickets are available at wallywinefest.com
Scranton Cultural Center Announces Comedian Nick Swardson This November at the Scranton Cultural Center, brace yourselves for a comedy show like no other as comedian Nick Swardson embarks on his new stand-up tour, Toilet Head. Renowned for his unfiltered humor and razor-sharp wit, Swardson promises to tackle the hard-hitting issues of our time, from the discomforts of diarrhea to the highs and lows of edibles, all the way to the enigmatic charm of Norm MacDonald. Produced by Live Nation, the 37-city tour kicks off in September making stops across the U.S., with a performance at the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple on November 23 at 7:00 PM. The show will take place in the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Theatre. With a career spanning over 26 years, Nick Swardson has cemented his status as a comedy legend. From his memorable collaborations with Adam Sandler to his scene-stealing role as Terry in “Reno 911,” and his unforgettable performances in cult classics like “Grandma’s Boy” and “Bucky Larson,” Swardson’s comedic prowess knows no bounds. Not to mention his own comedic creations, including Comedy Central’s “Pretend Time” and “Typical Rick.” As he gears up for his sixth stand-up special, audiences can expect nothing short of an unforgettable journey filled with laughter, surprises, and perhaps a few unexpected smells along the way. Nick Swardson’s unique brand of comedy transcends the ordinary, offering audiences an escape into a world where hilarity reigns supreme. For a full tour schedule, visit nickswardson.net Tickets start at $48.20. Doors will open at 6:30 PM and a cash bar and concessions will be available. Tickets will be available for purchase beginning May 17 at 10:00 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.
Keystone College Provides Update on its Future On Friday, May 17, 2024, Keystone College announced that it is in the final stages of executing a letter of intent and funding agreement with a strategic partner to create a new partnership that will provide Keystone with a roadmap for a long-term path forward. While details of the agreement are not yet public, the day-to-day operations of the College and its academic mission will remain essentially unchanged. Both parties felt that discussions had crossed a critical point which would allow the College to announce that an agreement is imminent. Any agreement will be subject to the final approval of the College’s accreditor, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), which will be notified of the parties’ intentions as soon as the signed agreement is finalized. Approvals from the Pennsylvania Department of Higher Education and the United States Department of Education will also be necessary. During the review period, which may take up to a year, Keystone intends to continue uninterrupted operation of classes, as well as all other college activities and intercollegiate sports, and continues to accept and enroll freshman and transfer students for the Fall 2024 semester. Keystone will conclude its current academic year with its 153rd commencement on Saturday, May 18, on campus. “Keystone College is absolutely thrilled to reach this point in our discussions with our strategic partner,” said Keystone President John F. Pullo, Sr. “For the past several months, we continued to say we were hopeful that an agreement with an innovative partner could be reached while fulfilling every obligation to our accreditor to prepare for closure, should that be necessary. We are so thankful to our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends who continued to believe in us as well as to the educational partners that are included in our teach-out plan. Since its founding in 1868, Keystone’s motto has been “Progress Through Effort” and we continue to work long and hard to secure a positive outcome so we can look to the future with promise and optimism. The agreement is just the beginning as there will be much work to do on our path forward in the days ahead. But we do have a path forward and we intend to work very closely with Middle States to ensure successful continuation of operations.” On May 15, the College submitted all of the necessary components of an “implementable teach-out plan” and institutional status report as requested by MSCHE. That plan is under review by MSCHE. “This partnership agreement demonstrates the need for innovation and forward-thinking in today’s highly competitive educational market,” said Tim Pryle, Vice President of Enrollment, Institutional Advancement and Marketing. “With a continued decline in college-age population, and other challenges, many colleges and universities across the nation, including Keystone, will continue to find themselves in financially difficult situations. The need to find and develop strong partnerships with organizations willing to share responsibilities, goals, and missions is becoming increasingly more important, even critical. We believe we have found just such an innovative and dedicated partner and are grateful to join with them on our journey.”
HNB Announces Application to Open New Office The Honesdale National Bank (HNB), in demonstration of its continued commitment to provide the power of community banking services to Northeastern Pennsylvania, announced its intentions to open a new location in Moscow, Pennsylvania. HNB has filed its official application to the Office of the Comptroller of Currency (OCC) to open a banking office at 330 N Main Street, Moscow PA 18444. “HNB is happy to announce our plans in Moscow to provide community banking services,” stated Thomas E. Sheridan Jr., President, and CEO at HNB. He continued, “Moscow is a natural extension of our current footprint. The opening of a local office will allow us to best invest in and support the needs of local residents and businesses so we may continue to grow together.”
Lackawanna College Announces Police Academy Cadet Graduation The Lackawanna College Police Academy will graduate the full-time Class 261 of Hazleton during the ceremony. The graduating classes includes 29 total cadets, who will begin their careers in law enforcement. Director of Police Academy Operations Kevin Mahoney will welcome those attending and present certifications to the cadets during the ceremony. Guest speaker Jenny Roberts, Esq. Assistant U.S. Attorney, will attend the ceremony to speak to the cadets. Tuesday, May 14 at 6:00 p.m. Doors open 5:30 p.m. Lackawanna College Peoples Security Bank Theater, Angeli Hall, 501 Vine St., Scranton, Pa. Media are requested to RSVP prior to attending the event. Contact Eric Eiden, media relations coordinator eidene@lackawanna.edu or 570-961-7807.
