Broadway in Scranton Presents Legally Blonde America’s favorite blonde, Elle Woods, is ready to prove who’s in charge (again) as Legally Blonde – The Musical comes to the Scranton Cultural Center for 4 performances December 2 – 4 (Friday at 8PM, Saturday at 2PM & 8PM, Sunday at 1PM). The ultimate Broadway tribute to girl power, Legally Blonde will take you from the UCLA sorority house to the Harvard halls of justice with its coming-of-age story. Beginning Monday, October 17 at 10AM, tickets will be available in person at the Scranton Cultural Center box office and online at BroadwayInScranton.com. For group (10+) rates and more information, call 570.342.7784. Based on the iconic movie, Legally Blonde follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes, sexism, snobbery and scandal in pursuit of her dreams, and proves, contrary to dated bias, that you can be both legally blonde AND the smartest person in the room. Things are groovy for Elle Woods but suddenly her life is turned upside down when her boyfriend dumps her so he can start getting more “serious” about his life and attend Harvard Law. Determined to get him back, Elle uses her brain and ingenuity to also get admitted to Harvard. School begins with endless struggles, but with the help of her new friends, Elle quickly realizes her potential and her strengths, as she sets out to change the narrative. This contemporary, topical story touches on many current hot button issues while delighting audiences with memorable songs and explosive dances. Legally Blonde warms the heart by proving that self-discovery never goes out of style! The 2022-2023 National Tour of Legally Blonde is produced by Daniel Sher of Big League Productions, Inc. The musical is directed by Jeffrey B. Moss, with choreography by Bob Richard. Set design is by Randel Wright, with lighting by Charlie Morrison and stunning new elaborate video design by Jon Infante. Casting is by Alison Franck.
Clarks Summit University Celebrates Hall of Honor Ceremony Clarks Summit University inducted new members into the university’s Athletic Hall of Honor on September 30, on CSU’s campus during Homecoming: Alumni and Family Weekend. The 2022 Hall of Honor inductees are Dr. Bill Higley, Ronnie Chastain and the 1991–92 Defender men’s basketball team. Joining 20 other distinguished members and three teams, the 2022 inductees have achieved significant athletic achievement and demonstrated exemplary character. Higley, a 1984 alumnus of CSU, became Defender softball coach in 2002. He retired in 2019 with 240 wins. He was named conference Coach of the Year twice. The first time was in 2005 as he led the Lady Defenders to their first 20-win season and a spot in the North Eastern Atlantic Conference Championship. Higley’s impact goes beyond the field as he modeled godly character and positively impacted his players. Higley currently serves as CSU’s vice president for academics and has returned to the diamond as head softball coach for the 2022–23 season. Ronnie Chastain, a Clarks Summit resident, has served as CSU’s head athletic trainer since 2004. He has played a major role in the success of Defender athletics. With a reputation for excellence in his field, Chastain often has students from other universities shadow him during their athletic training practicum. “Athletic trainers are allied health care professionals who give care from prevention to workouts to on-the-field/court emergency and daily care as injuries and incidents happen. We follow through with post-injury treatments, rehabilitation, and we team closely with coaches, doctors and PTs to modify activities and return players to full activity.” Chastain said of the honor, “It was a very pleasant surprise and encouraging to be recognized. I consider it a calling, and I love helping athletes, mentoring young professionals and working with the Athletics Department team.” The 1991–92 men’s basketball team was also inducted into CSU’s Hall of Honor. The team won the Division II National Christian College Athletic Association National Championship in 1992. With CSU Athletic Hall of Honor member Russ Howard at the helm, the Defenders finished the season with a 20–7 record and three All-Conference Awards. Howard was named Coach of the Year. Derek Mosher led the team in scoring, averaging 22.6 points per game. Mosher finished the season with 610 total points and earned the NCCAA II Maravich Award. Sharing the First-Team All-Conference title with Mosher, Robbie Stearns had 182 assists and 549 total points. Point guard and coaching legend Mike Show led in three-point field goal percentage with 41.7 percent; he amassed 327 points his final year as a player. Show, a Clarks Summit resident, has been active in the community, leading basketball camps and clinics. He was inducted into CSU’s Hall of Honor in 2006. This year, Show was promoted to CSU’s director of athletics. “It was truly a great team,” said Show of the 1992 squad. “Looking at each of us individually, I don’t know that anyone thought we were championship material. But together, we made an incredible team. Coach Howard did a great job putting us together. He played to our strengths. The thing about that team is that we didn’t care who scored or who got the credit as long as we got the win. We supported and cared for each other, and the team was really cohesive. We had great unity. It was a great group of guys.” The 1992 team included Steve Barton, Dan Brown, Dean Bult, Mark Erikson, Scott Flatt, Paul Gruet, Mark Moody, Derek Mosher, Keith Overholt, Dave Pirrie, Mike Show, Ken Shupp, Rob Stearns, Chris Storr and Oliver Yasay. Russ Howard was head coach with assistants Randy Carman and Doug Loescher. The Clarks Summit University Athletic Hall of Honor was established in 2006 to recognize athletes, coaches, staff and athletic supporters who have made a lasting impression on the Defender Athletics program. Twelve Clarks Summit University teams compete in NCAA Division III’s Colonial States Athletic Conference.
Johnson College Enrolling Students in Emissions Training Class Johnson College’s Continuing Education Program is currently enrolling students in its OBDII Emissions Training class. The class will be held in the Moffat Student Center on the Johnson College campus on Monday, Nov. 14, and Tuesday, Nov. 15 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., and conclude with testing on Thursday, Nov. 17 at 6 p.m. Space is limited. To learn more or enroll call 570-702-8979 or email continuinged@johnson.edu. The OBDII computer monitors a vehicle’s emission control systems in real time and is capable of informing a motorist or technician of a systemic issue the moment it occurs. The system operates through a series of indicator lights, drive cycles, trouble codes, and readiness monitors. During an inspection, an emission analyzer scan tool plugs into the diagnostic connector that is attached to the OBDII computer and communicates with the vehicle. The OBDII computer relays to the scan tool whether it has discovered errors in the emission control systems. The emission analyzer then determines whether the vehicle is being operated in compliance with emission standards. For more information visit johnson.edu/continuingeducation The class fee of $180 is paid to Johnson College and a study material and testing fee of $39.99 is paid directly to the PA Training Portal.
Johnson College To Host an Open House Johnson College will hold an on-campus Open House on Saturday, November 5, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. To register to attend the Open House, visit Johnson.edu/openhouse or contact Johnson College’s Enrollment Department at 570-702-8856 or enroll@johnson.edu. Open House will include discussions about the admissions process, information about financial aid for those who qualify, and student services such as student life, student support, and career services. Plus, same-day acceptance will be available for many programs if students bring their high school or college transcripts. Tours of each technical area will be conducted and program directors and instructors will be available to review the specifics of their programs.
Hospice To Deliver Thanksgiving Meals To Homebound Patients On Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, November 24th, Hospice of the Sacred Heart will deliver meals to patients and their families. This is the 17th year the hospice will provide this service project. Over 700 meals complete with turkey, all traditional Thanksgiving sides and dessert will be prepared by Mansour’s Market Café in Scranton, packaged, and delivered by hospice staff members and volunteers. “We so look forward to this day. The process is closer to normal this year as COVID-19 restrictions are somewhat relaxed, but the result is that we will safely deliver over 700 Thanksgiving meals to our patients and their families. This project once again demonstrates our gratitude for the blessings in our lives,” said Diane Baldi, CEO, Hospice of the Sacred Heart. Media outlets are invited to photograph the distribution process beginning at 7:50 am at Mansour’s Market Café, 969 Prescott Avenue, Scranton. Deacon Patrick J. Massino will bless the meals at 8 am and deliveries will begin immediately afterwards. Diane Baldi, CEO, will be available for interviews between 8 and 10 am. About Hospice of the Sacred Heart: Not-for-profit, free standing hospice program serving Northeastern Pennsylvania since 2003Main office is located in Moosic, with an Inpatient Unit located in DunmoreCare provided for over 1,000 patients in 2021 and over 18,000 to dateEmploys approximately 120 employees throughout Northeastern PennsylvaniaVolunteers provided over 2,000 hours of support to patients and families in 2021
Tobyhanna’s Latest Employees of the Quarter Although many different things go into running a world class business, at the end of the day, it is the people that matter the most. That is why every three months, Tobyhanna Army Depot (TYAD) chooses two employees to be named their Employees of the Quarter (EoQ). On a depot of about 3,500 people, there are many great candidates to choose from. This quarter, Shana Fields of the Production Management Directorate and Raymond Loewenthal of the C4ISR Directorate have been selected as the junior and senior honorees respectively. Fields currently serves as a secretary and has been a member of Team Tobyhanna for about six and a half years. During her time at TYAD, she has provided high levels of service and support at both branch and division levels. She is responsible for maintaining communication with all 70 divisional personnel members across both the C4ISR Integration & Fabrication Division and Avionics & Sensors Division. She has been credited for her exceptional accuracy when tracking personnel pay and leave, managing government travel and purchase requirements, and ensuring requests are processed through the approval chain to meet required time and documentation suspense. Chief of the C4ISR Integration and Fabrication Program Management Division, Mike Monroe, lauded Fields for her drive and professionalism. “Shana’s service has consistently epitomized initiative, professionalism, endurance, competence, efficiency and accuracy,” said Monroe. “Those attributes, combined with her infectious, positive attitude have made her a leader within the division that all personnel come to for advice, clarity and support.” Fields is also known for trying to find new, efficient ways to achieve her work. Despite having to manage many different tasks, she has maintained a “Six Sigma” reputation for her remarkable accuracy, meaning she has the skills to find, fix and finalize efficiencies to save time and money and improve our nation’s ready forces at the best value. This laser focus is directly credited for the division’s seamless record in meeting suspense dates on all tasks and correspondence. Monroe said that Fields’ selflessness is one of her most admirable qualities. “Shana is known for her willingness to take on further work and responsibility,” said Monroe. “Her attitude and work ethic consistently bring great credit upon herself and are recognized across the organization as someone who always puts her fellow employees, and the mission to support the Warfighter, ahead of herself.” Fields said that receiving this honor only solidifies the appreciation she has felt ever since she started at TYAD. “One great thing about my job is that I have never felt unappreciated,” said Fields. “It feels great to receive this honor. I feel as though it reinforces the acknowledgement I have received here for a while.” Known for his ability to take initiative and work diligently, Loewenthal is an Electronics Mechanic and has been a member of Team Tobyhanna for 18 years. When his team recently experienced a failure to the MSS AN/TRC-194 terminal that prevented them from performing final testing and inspection of assets, Loewenthal sprang into action and was able to determine the failed component, work with engineers to find a replacement, and work proactively with his teammates to install it. His hard work and ingenuity restored the terminal to full mission capable status. Chief of the MILSATCOM Branch, Christian Cognigni, commended Loewenthal for not only setting a great example for his teammates, but also living the Army Values. “Mr. Loewenthal set a great example for new employees and seasoned co-workers alike. His actions demonstrate taking ownership of his workload, identifying priorities, good problem solving skills and excellent communications skills. He also displayed initiative, focus, diligence and attention to his assigned duties,” said Cognigni. “His example in this effort reinforces the Army Values and has been recognized by other departments within the TYAD organization.” Loewenthal’s efforts benefitted TYAD in both the near and long term. Not only was the MSS AN/TRC-194 Satellite Terminal restored to full operational status in a timely manner, but the attention brought to this failing part has ensured no down time will be incurred if it is a problem again in the future. Cognigni said that he appreciates Loewenthal’s willingness to do something that is outside of his usual responsibilities. “This entire effort was outside his ‘comfort zone,’” said Cognigni. “Ray needed a degree of courage to take on this responsibility for us and we appreciate him stepping up.” Loewenthal has also been selected as the CECOM Employee of the Quarter. He said that he appreciates being recognized for his hard work. “It feels great to have received this honor,” said Loewenthal. “Although I have had a long career, it takes time to earn great things so I couldn’t be happier that the work has paid off.”
FNCB Bank Expands Advisory Board FNCB Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: FNCB; www.fncb.com), the parent company of Dunmore-based FNCB Bank (Bank), today announced that Elizabeth Graham, Raymond Joseph, MD, FASN, and Pat Rogan have been appointed to the Bank’s advisory board. The Bank advisory board consists of individuals from across Northeastern Pennsylvania. The network of diverse and experienced business leaders provides strategic and expert advice on the markets the Bank serves. Elizabeth Graham Elizabeth “Liz” Graham is Chief Operating Officer and Co-Owner of Riggs Asset Management Company, Inc. and co-founder of Circle 200 a by-invitation-only forum for senior executive women in Northeastern Pennsylvania. She is the immediate past chair of the board of the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Business and Industry — the first woman to chair that board. She has also served as chair of the boards of the Diamond City Partnership; Circle 200; and the Nuangola Lake Association as well as being a former founding board member and treasurer of Fork Over Love. She is the current chair of the board for CASA of Luzerne County and the Bear Creek Association. She is a past recipient of the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce ATHENA Award, Northeastern Pennsylvania Business Journal “Top 25 Women in Business” and “Top 20 Executives Under 40” lists. Dr. Raymond Joseph, MD, FASN Dr. Raymond Joseph, MD, FASN is a nephrologist and President of Renal Consultants of Wyoming Valley, the oldest private nephrology practice in Northeastern Pennsylvania. He is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine with a Doctor of Medicine, completed his residency in internal medicine and Renal Fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. He is Board Certified by American Board of Internal Medicine in Internal Medicine and Nephrology. Pat Rogan Pat Rogan is currently involved in numerous businesses in the real estate and employee benefits sectors in our region, including ownership in a start-up real estate brokerage and numerous development projects in Lackawanna County. Mr. Rogan is a past member of Scranton City Council having served from 2009-2020. He is a lifelong resident of Lackawanna County and currently resides in South Abington Township with his wife Amanda and two children Reagan and Patrick Jr. He is a graduate of West Scranton High School and The University of Scranton. The addition of Graham, Joseph and Rogan brings the advisory board to 21 members. Other include: Peter “PJ” Adonizio; Joseph D. Burke, Esquire; Nina M. DeCosmo, Esquire; Samuel A. Falcone, Jr., Esquire; Paul S. Falzone; Patrick J. Fricchione, MD; Francis J. Hoegen, Esquire; Donald G. Karpowich, Esquire; John A. Kutz, MD, FACS; Linda L. Malinowski; Earl Marshall; Sean C. McGrath; Peter J. Moses, Esquire; Vincent J. Nardone; Kate Daye Ruane; Robert S. Tamburro; Kenneth J. Temborski; and Jeffrey Woytowich.
Melissa Gilbert – EMPOWER Conference Keynote Speaker The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce Melissa Gilbert, Emmy winning, Golden Globe nominated actor, director, producer, and NY Times Best Selling author, as the keynote speaker for the 2023 EMPOWER NEPA Women’s Leadership Conference. The 2023 EMPOWER NEPA Women’s Leadership Conference will be held on Thursday, April 13 from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.at Kalahari Resorts and Conventions. Melissa Gilbert is an Emmy winning, Golden Globe nominated actor, director, producer, and NY Times Best Selling author. As a producer her recent film Guest Artist, written by and starring Jeff Daniels premiered in 2019 at The Santa Barbara International Film Festival. As an actress Melissa’s career began at the age of 2 appearing in commercials and guest spots. Melissa achieved iconic status by the age of 19 after a 10 year run on the television classic Little House On The Prairie (Golden Globe Nomination). She has starred in over fifty television movies and feature films including The Miracle Worker (Emmy Nomination), The Diary of Anne Frank and Splendor in the Grass. Her television series credits include Little House on the Prairie (Golden Globe Nomination, 2 Young Artist Awards), Sweet Justice, Stand By Your Man and Secrets and Lies for ABC. Her company, Halfpint Productions, produced several films including The Miracle Worker (Emmy Award). Melissa made her stage debut in 1979 as Helen Keller in “The Miracle Worker”. A member of the legendary Actor’s Studio, Melissa’s other professional theater credits include Laura in Glass Menagerie, Elma Duckworth in Bus Stop, Melissa Gardner in Love Letters, and Rose White, a role she created, in “A Shayna Maidel,” (Outer Critic’s Circle Award and Theater World Award). In 2008 Melissa also created the role of Ma in the Guthrie Theater’s presentation of Little House on the Prairie:The Musical, and toured north America the following year. In 2014 Melissa played M’Lynn in a production of Steel Magnolias at the Totem Pole Playhouse. Melissa’s off Broadway credits include If Only:A Love Story at the Cherry Lane, The Dead 1904 with the Irish Repertory Company and My Brilliant Divorce at the New Ohio Theater. Most recently Melissa starred in the premiere of the critically acclaimed play When Harry Met Rehab at the Greenhouse theater center in Chicago. As an author Melissa has penned three best-selling books; Prairie Tale: A Memoir (New York Times Best Seller) Daisy and Josephine, a children’s book and My Prairie Cookbook. Her fourth book, Back To the Prairie: A Home Remade, A Life Rediscovered, written for Simon and Schuster’s Gallery Books, was released in May of 2022. In 1996, Melissa made her television directing debut with the ABC after school special “Me and My Hormones.” Melissa was president of Screen Actors Guild for two terms 2001-2004. She served on the executive council of the AFL-CIO, The California Film Commission and in 2016 was the democratic nominee for Michigan’s 8th congressional district. In 2015 Melissa and her husband Timothy Busfield co-starred, co-wrote and co-produced the multi-award winning short film “One Smart Fellow.” Gilbert was honored with the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce’s Lifetime Achievement Award and when she was twenty-one, received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Melissa is very proud to tell people that her star is just a short walk from her father’s. She is the proud mother/stepmother of six sons and one stepdaughter. She is also grandmother/step-grandmother to her absolutely perfect, brilliant grandchildren, Lulabelle, Ruby, Eli, Vito, Aury, Bowen and Ripley .
Marywood’s Aviation Program – Top Ten Flight Schools in PA Marywood University’s Aviation Management program is ranked #5 among the “2023 Top Ten Flight Schools and Universities in Pennsylvania” by Academic Ground, an online international scholarship finder service aimed at helping students find scholarships and grants. The global portal includes school reviews, study-abroad programs, and other information aimed at helping students grow professionally. Marywood University is the only university in the region that offers a bachelor’s degree in aviation management with two tracks, including one for pilot/flight operations, for those who wish to become pilots, and one for airline management, for those whose interests are on the business side of airport operations and management. Having a combination degree in both aviation management and business is a distinctive asset to students’ professional career advancement opportunities. Pilot ground instruction is provided on-campus, while flight operations are arranged through an exclusive contract with Wyoming Valley Airport (KWBW), approximately a half hour from Marywood’s campus.
