Noble Biomaterials Won Two Awards in Excellence Noble Biomaterials has won two awards in the 2024 Just Style Excellence Awards, in the Innovation and Product Launches categories, for its unwavering commitment to advancing the apparel and textile industry with groundbreaking products such as Ionic+® Botanical and Ionic+® Pro. The Ionic+® Botanical technology won the Innovation award for creating a new category of plant-based performance materials that are both sustainable and compliant with rigorous safety standards, while the Ionic+® Pro garnered the Product Launches award for its advanced silver-infused textile technology, offering unmatched durability and antimicrobial properties, backed by a strong commitment to environmental and consumer safety. The Just Style Excellence Awards celebrate the greatest achievements and innovations in the apparel and textile industry. Powered by GlobalData’s business intelligence, the Awards recognize the people and companies that are driving change in the industry. Ionic+® Botanical: Innovative performance materials with plant-based technology Ionic+® Botanical is a new category of textiles that harnesses the power of citric acid, a key ingredient in food preservatives, for antimicrobial and anti-odor functions. The innovative approach replaces conventional metal-based antimicrobial topical solutions, which often wash out over time, with a durable, plant-based alternative. The use of citric acid ensures that the antimicrobial properties are safe and effective. Adding Ionic+® technology during the fabric finishing stage reduces the buildup of odor-causing bacteria on garments during use. Articles treated with Ionic+® require less care and maintenance during their lifecycle, so fabrics last longer while using less water and energy in laundering. This allows end user benefits of wearing more and washing less. Furthermore, the technology’s durability, which lasts up to 50 washes, ensures that the antimicrobial properties remain effective throughout the life of the textile, providing long-term value and performance. A core tenant to Ionic+ technology is compliance for registration and certifications globally. Ionic+ solutions are registered with the EPA. This allows customers to claim odor resistance and antimicrobial benefits in the US and around the world. The Ionic+ product line continues certifications with Oeko-Tex, ZDHC, and bluesign. Ionic+® Pro: Advancing yarn performance to beyond market standards Ionic+® Pro is a testament to Noble Biomaterials’ commitment to innovation in professional-grade performance materials. By advancing the use of silver in textiles, Ionic+® Pro offers a solution that caters to the most demanding applications, including those required by professional athletes and industrial settings. The technology’s ability to withstand up to 100 washes and industrial launderings without losing its antimicrobial and odor control properties is a remarkable achievement that sets a new benchmark for durability in the textile industry. The primary mechanism of action behind Ionic+ Pro technology is the release of silver ions from the yarn. The release of positively charged ions in the presence of moisture (such as moisture vapor naturally emitted by the skin) combats negatively charged ions. This action helps inhibit and eliminate microbes on the surface of the fabric. Ionic+® Pro’s rapid microbial removal rate is particularly impressive, with tests showing 99.9% effectiveness in over 100 washes. This quick action is crucial in environments where odor control is paramount, such as healthcare settings and athletic facilities. The integration of technology directly into the yarn also allows for versatile design possibilities, enabling the creation of textiles that are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. The technology’s inherent versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, from sportswear to healthcare textiles, offering a permanent solution to microbial and odor control. This versatility is a significant advantage for manufacturers looking to incorporate antimicrobial properties into their products without compromising on design or functionality. “We couldn’t be more excited about the recognition from Just Style regarding our Ionic+® product. Our team worked incredibly hard over the past two years building breakthrough products. Not only did our team develop Ionic+® to be a stand-out performer, but they did it with intent considering market pricing, regulation, and a planet-positive mindset. We’ve had a tremendous response from the marketplace for Ionic+®, and this is great recognition for our entire team that works to build better products.” – Allon Cohne, Senior Vice President Ionic+® and Chief Marketing Officer at Noble Biomaterials.
Space Time® Mead & Cider Works Takes Platinum at the Cidercraft Awards Space Time® Mead & Cidery Work’s “Leap Year” Cider was awarded Platinum by CiderCraft Magazine in the Natural Cider Category. Space Time® Mead & Cider Works has received several national and international awards for their meads (honey wines) but this is the first major award for their ciders. “I am just overjoyed for the recognition of this wonderful cider made using apples sourced from our local orchard, Miller’s Orchards Farm Market, and made in our ‘shoe box size’ of an urban winery in Dunmore”, said cider maker Dan Schreffler. In 2022 Dan traveled to France to learn from world-class cider makers in Normandy and Brittany. “We took their cider-making skills and philosophy home,” said Dan. “We were very hopeful that we could create worldclass cider from locally sourced fruit given the care and passion of our local growers and the cider-making skills we cultivated.” Leap Year is available for pick up or shipping from the winery at 419 S. Blakely St. in Dunmore (spacetimemeadworks.com) and a future special release at Sabatini’s Bottle Shop and Bar in Exeter.
Treasurer Stacy Garrity Celebrates 529 Day with Awards for Families Treasurer Stacy Garrity celebrated 529 Day – May 29, or 5/29 – by encouraging families across Pennsylvania to save with the PA 529 College and Career Savings Program for a chance to win awards, including three top awards of $5,529 – enough to pay for a year’s tuition at a Pennsylvania community college. May 29, 2024, has also been designated as College and Career Savings Day in Pennsylvania by the General Assembly, with resolutions sponsored by Senator Scott Martin (R-13) and Representative John Schlegel (R-101). “I’m excited to celebrate 529 Day and very pleased that the General Assembly is supporting our efforts by proclaiming this as College and Career Savings Day,” Treasurer Garrity said. “Saving for education is an important step families can take to help make their child’s dreams come true, no matter what career path they take. Treasury is offering some fantastic promotional awards to encourage more families to take advantage of our PA 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan, which is a great savings tool. Saving now, means less to borrow when a child embarks on their technical career training, apprenticeship or college degree.” “We all share a common interest in supporting strong postsecondary educational opportunities and career preparation programs to help young people chart a course toward a brighter future here in Pennsylvania,” said Senator Martin. “I am proud to partner with Treasurer Garrity to make more Pennsylvanians aware of the benefits of PA 529 accounts and the key role they play in helping students achieve their dreams.” “The PA 529 College and Career Savings Program has helped many Pennsylvanian families save money for their child’s postsecondary education for more than three decades,” said Rep. Schlegel. “I encourage all families to consider this savings option.” Treasury’s 529 Day promotion has been running since May 1, and families have until May 31 to save to be eligible for awards with the PA 529 GSP. The PA 529 GSP allows families to save at today’s tuition rates to meet tomorrow’s tuition costs. Families can choose the tuition level they wish to save at – from community colleges up to Ivy League universities. Families who open a new PA 529 GSP and contribute at least $10 until May 31, will be eligible to win one of two statewide awards of $5,529, or one of six regional awards of $2,529. Last year, more than 1,000 families started saving during our 529 Day promotion. New for this year, families who had a PA 529 GSP account prior to May are eligible to win one statewide award of $5,529 if they make an additional contribution of at least $10 to their child’s account before the end of the month. The PA 529 program has been helping families save and pay for education for more than 30 years. Saving with PA 529 accounts comes with significant state and federal tax advantages. PA 529 accounts can be used for a wide variety of qualifying technical, collegiate, and apprenticeship expenses like tuition, fees, books, equipment, room and board, and more. Saving with PA 529 does not impact a student’s eligibility for Pennsylvania state financial aid. Families with young children, born January 1, 2019, or later, already have a $100 Keystone Scholars account to jumpstart their education savings. This automatic deposit is available to every baby born in Pennsylvania, and the program uses no taxpayer dollars. Families are encouraged to claim their Keystone Scholars accounts online at pa529.com/keystone and open their own companion PA 529 account to continue saving for their child’s future.
Outreach Center Receives Robert H. Spitz Foundation Grant Outreach’s programs and services awarded $15,000 for The Robert H. Spitz Foundation grant to support Outreach’s programs and services to the regional community. Outreach Center for Community Resources delivers a variety of programs to promote family stability and economic self-sufficiency. Outreach improves the lives of over 4,900 adults and children each year, and evidence-based family development programs support individuals as they navigate life’s challenges.For over 35 years, Outreach has made helping families thrive our highest priority. Outreach builds strong families and communities by offering resources for employment training, parenting, early childhood education, youth mentoring, community reentry, adult GED services, wrap-around case management, and more. Outreach is very grateful to the Robert H. Spitz Foundation for its continued support. This funding has helped Outreach advance its mission of assisting families in our region.The Robert H. Spitz Foundation awards grants to nonprofit organizations, providing support for programs that aim to break the cycle of poverty, remove economic barriers, and encourage independence in adults and children through access to safe, affordable housing, transportation, and education to Northeastern Pennsylvania. Robert H. Spitz was born in Scranton and was a 1955 graduate of Scranton Central High School and the University of Miami, Florida. Before retirement, Mr. Spitz had been employed by the U.S. Department of Labor and owned several local Arby’s restaurants. Since 2015, the Robert H. Spitz Foundation has provided over $4.6 million in funding to the community. The Scranton Area Community Foundation serves as the administrator of the Robert H. Spitz Foundation.
The Wright Center’s Internal Medicine Resident Wins Award for Case Study A Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education resident physician’s chance meeting with a patient at a local hospital led to the opportunity to present a winning scholarly abstract about a medical rarity at the American College of Physicians (ACP) Internal Medicine Meeting in Boston, Massachusetts. Dr. Maimona Chaudhary, an Internal Medicine resident physician, first encountered the subject of the abstract, a 25-year-old woman, while on rotation at Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton, Pennsylvania. The patient arrived at the emergency department with lesions on her legs. What medical personnel initially diagnosed as second-degree burns ended up being a rare symptom of biclonal multiple myeloma – a cancer that only affects people under the age of 40 in about 2% of cases. “Upon follow-up, the lesions were diagnosed as paraneoplastic pemphigus, which is rare in itself,” said Dr. Chaudhary. “But then they found she had multiple myeloma, without any of the usual symptoms, without any family history. There were a lot of oddities in this case.” Dr. Chaudhary, a first-year resident physician from Hamilton, Ontario, followed the patient’s case over the next several months and produced a case report with colleagues from The Wright Center, including Drs. Ali Shah and Lehka Yadukumar, Internal Medicine residency physicians; Dr. Milos Babic, associate program director of the Internal Medicine Residency; and medical student Omaima Chaudhary, who received her medical degree from the University of Limerick School of Medicine and will join The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s Internal Medicine Residency in July. The researchers submitted the case report, “Paraneoplastic Pemphigus as the Presenting Sign of Biclonal Multiple Myeloma in a 25-Year Old Female: A Case Report,” to the ACP’s resident/fellow national abstract competition, which receives several hundred entries annually. The abstract was one of 20 awarded a certificate of merit by the ACP. Dr. Chaudhary delivered the five-minute presentation on the case. “It was difficult to cover everything in five minutes,” she said. “I think this case really stood out to the ACP judges because it was so unusual.” Dr. Chaudhary monitored the patient’s case, although she is not involved in her ongoing treatment. The woman’s cancer treatment was delayed for months as doctors worked to heal the skin lesions caused by paraneoplastic pemphigus, along with other complications. She recently began chemotherapy, and all signs point to a positive outcome. As for Dr. Chaudhary’s future, she’s still deciding what type of medicine to pursue. “I’m still exploring,” she said. “I want to do something I really enjoy. We get to pick electives in our second year, so I can start to see where I want to go from here.”
Fidelity Bank Awards $833,000 to Non-Profits and Educational Institutions Fidelity Bank recently presented several area non-profit organizations and educational institutions with Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) funds totaling $833,000. Here are some of the recipients of some of Fidelity Bank’s latest donations. F.M. Kirby Center Greater Hazelton Partners in Education Wyoming Valley Montessori School Misericordia University WVIA Wilkes-Barre Academy Wyoming Free Library “We are proud to support various community programs that are committed to educational excellence with an eye toward students’ futures,” said Daniel J. Santaniello, President & CEO of Fidelity Bank. “Fidelity Bank is grateful for the opportunity to invest in generations to come through allocating funds through the EITC program.” The Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program provides tax credits to eligible businesses contributing to scholarship and educational improvement organizations. In keeping with Fidelity Bank’s commitment to support the communities it serves, the program benefits students in Northeastern Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley. Through partnerships between local businesses, parents, and scholarship organizations, EITC funding gives local students opportunities for better educational outcomes.
UNC’s Child Care Centers Receive Award from Shapiro Administration On Wednesday April 24, United Neighborhoods Centers of Northeastern Pennysylvania’s (UNC) Child Care Department received the 2024 Equity in Early Childhood Education (ECE) Champion Award from the Shapiro Administration. UNC staff visited the State Capitol Rotunda to receive the award from Pennsylvania Department of Education Secretary Dr. Khalid N. Mumin and Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Dr. Val Arkoosh, along with fellow recipients from across the state. The Pennsylvania Equity in Early Childhood Education Champion Award brings awareness to and highlights the equity work being done within Pennsylvania’s early childhood education and afterschool settings, including child care, evidence-based home visiting, and early intervention. UNC operates three child care centers that provide affordable before- and after-school care, and preschool services. We understand that reliable, safe, and accessible childcare is crucial to the stability of working families. Likewise, the quality of that care is key to the early development of the child. Our centers are licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services and operate weekdays from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. All three of UNC’s child care centers have 4-STAR ratings, the highest designation from the Keystone STARS childcare quality rating program. UNC child care centers accept Lackawanna County Early Learning Resource Center subsidy and other funding, as well as paying families. For more information about UNC’s childcare centers, see below, or call UNC’s Director of Children and Teens, Kelly Langan, at 272-228-1352. Pictured: From Left (front row): Dr. Khalid N. Mumin, Secretary for the Department of Education; Mary Ellen Richards, UNC Child Care staff; Nita Barrett, UNC Child Care staff; Shante’ Brown, Deputy Secretary of the Office of Child Development and Early Learning; Dr. Val Arkoosh, Secretary for the Department of Human Services From left (2nd row): Vuanasha Gatewood, UNC Child Care staff; Kelly Langan, UNC Director of Director of Children & Teens.
Coal Creative CEO Holly K. Pilcavage Awarded Mentor of the Year Coal Creative, the full-service digital marketing agency known for its results-driven strategies and collaborative creativity, is proud to announce that CEO Holly K. Pilcavage has been awarded the distinguished Bill McNally Mentor of the Year award. The accolade will be presented during the tecBRIDGE Business Plan Competition for students and early-stage entrepreneurs, set to take place on May 2, 2024, at 5 PM at the F.M. Kirby Center. “I am deeply honored to receive the McNally Mentor of the Year award, which recognizes the importance of nurturing and sustaining mentorship in our business and entrepreneurial community,” says Holly. The tecBRIDGE Business Plan Competition is an annual event that spotlights the innovative potential of local startups and entrepreneurs, bringing them together with subject matter experts to benefit the next generation of business leaders. While the award is a significant honor, Coal Creative and Holly wish to underscore the importance of the competition itself and the learning opportunities it presents. “My own mentors have played a crucial role in shaping my journey, highlighting the profound impact mentorship can have on both personal and professional growth,” Holly continues. “This award reflects not just my efforts, but also the dedication of all mentors who strive to empower and guide the next generation of leaders in Northeastern Pennsylvania.” Don Webster, tecBRIDGE Executive Director, weighed in, saying “When I reflect on the common characteristics of past McNally Award winners, caring, community, and commitment immediately come to mind. Holly K. Pilcavage is the ideal award recipient to continue with that tradition. For those of you who know Holly K. Pilcavage, you know that she simply makes a difference in the lives of those she connects with. Whether it is work or play, advocacy or action, caring or sharing, she has a unique gift for accomplishing with (and for) those around her.” Aside from growing Coal Creative into a leading creative agency, Holly’s put the work in as a dedicated and engaged member of the NEPA community—from her efforts championing women’s opportunities and LGBTQ+ rights to her recent initiative to co-found Evergreen, a business specializing in plants, local artist gifts, and workshops. Her leadership style is one of openness, inclusivity, and thoughtful dialogue—promoting an atmosphere that never fails to bring a diverse set of voices to the table.
The Wright Center Achieves Gold Status for Advocacy Center The National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) recently recognized The Wright Centers for Community Health as a Gold Advocacy Center of Excellence (ACE) for the second time. The Wright Center was first awarded Gold ACE status in January 2022 – the first community health center in Pennsylvania to achieve the recognition. Being awarded a second Gold ACE status, effective Dec. 19, 2023, shows The Wright Center’s continued dedication to advocating for and supporting community health centers that provide comprehensive primary and preventive health services to medically underserved populations in rural and urban areas. “The Wright Center is honored to be recognized by NACHC for the second time with designation as a Community Health Center Gold Advocacy Center of Excellence,” said Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak, president and CEO of The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education. “We are very grateful and proud to be expanding our mission-driven advocacy efforts to ensure our elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels understand and commit to investing in the comprehensive, affordable, equitable, and innovative primary health services that The Wright Center and our community health center colleagues across our country provide to people of all ages, income levels, and insurance statuses.” ACE levels recognize consistent engagement, success, and ongoing commitment to prioritizing advocacy. Community health centers that receive the designation are actively engaged with NACHC and forums addressing federal policy issues, as well as their state primary care association and platforms to address key state and local policy issues that impact the entities and their patients. NACHC awards three levels of ACES: bronze, silver, and gold. The status is valid for two years. In order to earn ACE status, a community health center must complete a checklist of activities and accomplishments as outlined by NACHC. The Wright Center’s employees, for example, developed and wrote guest editorials that addressed important public health issues that affect community health centers and patients and hosted round table discussions with elected officials. Additionally, an in-house advocacy committee offers training, and the organization also hosts elected officials at its primary care practices. “Earning Gold ACE status requires serious dedication and prioritization of advocacy,” Ky Rhee, M.D., MPP, president and CEO of NACHC, wrote in his letter congratulating officials at The Wright Center about the achievement. “Your organization is now part of an elite group that serves as an example to other community health centers striving to achieve advocacy excellence.” Headquartered in Scranton, The Wright Center operates 10 primary and preventive care practices, including a mobile medical and dental vehicle called Driving Better Health, in Northeast Pennsylvania. Its practices offer integrated whole-person care, meaning patients typically have the convenience of going to a single location to access medical, dental, and behavioral health, as well as community-based addiction treatment and recovery services. The Wright Center accepts most major health insurance plans, including Medical Assistance (Medicaid), Medicare, and CHIP. No patient is turned away due to an inability to pay. To make an appointment, go to TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-230-0019.
Greater Scranton YMCA Education Director Named 30 Under 30 The Greater Scranton YMCA would like to congratulate Tressa Parker, Education Director, for recently being named as a 30 Under 30 YMCA award winner. The 30 Under 30 award was debuted in 2018 and recognizes staff who embody the YMCA mission, and formally acknowledges 30 full-time YMCA leaders under the age of 30 for their accomplishments and potential to lead YMCA Associations in the coming years. “We are very happy to see Tressa recognized for her hard work and dedication to our children,” said Trish Fisher, President & CEO of Greater Scranton YMCA. “Her leadership and passion in her role have helped distinguish our early childhood education programs as some of the best in our region.” Tressa began her YMCA career in November 2021. She oversees a staff team of more than 30 full-time employees. Under her leadership, enrollment in early childhood education programs has grown significantly, going from approximately 50 children to more than 210 in under 18 months. The Greater Scranton YMCA is so grateful for Tressa’s leadership and commitment. “I am humbled and tremendously grateful to be selected as one of the 2023 Emerging Leaders Resource Networks’ 30 Under 30 Award recipients,” said Tressa. “I look forward to continuing to impact the lives of young children in our community and grow within the Greater Scranton YMCA organization.”
