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 2003
  • Main office is located in Moosic, with an Inpatient Unit located in Dunmore
  • Care provided for over 1,000 patients in 2021 and over 18,000 to date
  • Employs approximately 120 employees throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania
  • Volunteers 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.

Scranton Tomorrow Honey & Harvest Restaurant Week

      SHOW ME THE HONEY!
Dinner in Downtown will be a little sweeter October 12th-15th as we sink our teeth into Honey & Harvest Restaurant Week! Our downtown master chefs will be cooking up specials, mixing cocktails, and serving YOU the most delicious honey themed menus all week long! Make a plan to hit them all! Be sure to follow us on Facebook & Instagram this week as we preview what’s cooking!
16th Ward
AV Restaurant & Lounge
Bar Pazzo
Catch21 Seafood and Steak
Chef Von & Mom
The Garden Restaurant
Peculiar Kitchen Sambuca
Italian Grille & Bar
Tequila Mexican Bar & Grille  
Visit our website

Treasurer Stacy Garrity Announces Winners of PA 529 Day Promotion

Treasurer Stacy Garrity today announced the top award winner of Treasury’s 529 Day promotion, which was available for new PA 529 GSP accounts opened in May 2022. The winning account owners, Zach and Brittany Hebert of Allegheny County, received a deposit of $5,290 in the new PA 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan (GSP) account they opened for their son.

PA 529 College and Career Savings Program accounts are designed to help PA families steadily and strategically save for future educational expenses – including universities, community colleges and trade schools – with significant state and federal tax advantages.

“It’s tremendous to be able to help families save for their child’s future in this impactful way,” Garrity said. “This one-time infusion will certainly boost the Hebert family’s savings for their child, and I hope their story will motivate more families to start saving with PA 529. I look forward to providing more incentives for PA 529 account owners, and to those who may be thinking about opening a PA 529.”

“As new parents, countless everyday expenses constantly pop up and make saving for the future challenging,” said promotion winner Zach Hebert. “Through the PA 529 program, we have been able to set-up recurring, consistent contributions to an account for our son’s education. We’ve been able to enjoy peace of mind that comes with knowing we’re setting our son up for success. Although college is certainly not the only path for success, the PA 529 program, and this extremely generous award, help to ensure our son will have a full range of educational opportunities. And for that, we are incredibly grateful.”

The 529 Day Promotion also included 59 county-specific winners of $529 deposits for their new PA 529 GSP accounts. Awards were available for all 67 counties as part of the promotion, and 59 counties had at least one new account opened. All award deposits were paid for with surplus earnings from the GSP fund.

“Continuing education is extremely important to both my husband and I,” said Franklin County winner Melinda Rush. “We each obtained bachelor’s degrees immediately after graduating high school and went into the workforce afterwards. We want to set ourselves up financially to provide our children with the same opportunity.”

“I was so excited to win,” said Wayne County winner Susan Grosso. “I just moved to PA and decided to start my kid’s college savings in my new home state. I rarely win contests, but my kids are the real winners here.”

“Opening a PA 529 College Savings Plan is a win-win proposition,” said McKean County winner Mary Pierotti. “Anyone can open an account with whatever amount they choose and receive professional money management to save for postsecondary education for a loved one. You can choose a plan that fits your investment style. I’m glad I opened a 529 account when my son attended college years ago. Now, I’m taking care of my grandson’s future, too.”

“This promotion reached all corners of the Commonwealth,” Garrity said. “The extra deposits will help new account owners as they save for their children’s future. We’re excited to help families save and to see their children succeed.”