Greater Scranton YMCA to Present Healthy Kids Day

The Greater Scranton YMCA is hosting the Y’s annual Healthy Kids Day® on May 6 from 10:00 a.m. through 2:00 p.m. This free, annual event features a variety of family-friendly activities to encourage healthy kids, healthy families and a healthy start to the summer season. Some featured activities include a Kids Fun Run that kicks-off at 10:30 a.m., vendor fair, petting zoo, rides, bounce houses, entertainment and more.
Additionally, as part of the Y’s Wellbeing Initiative, the Greater Scranton YMCA will welcome two guest speakers to the event:
• Taes Leavitt, a two-time Juno award winner and creator or television and stage content for kids as one half of the musical duo, Splash’N Boots;
• Kelley Perotti, a two-time black belt, two-time Masters World Champion and an elementary motivational speaker who focuses on the life-changing power of kindness.
Locally, Healthy Kids Day is sponsored by Community Bank, Matrix Fitness, TOPP Business Solutions, Cal Mal Vending Services, Northeastern Rehabilitation Associates, NET Credit Union and Rainey & Rainey CPAs.

To learn more about Healthy Kids Day®, visit https://www.greaterscrantonymca.org/special-events/ or email Brandon Whipple, Senior Program Director, at bwhipple@gsymca.org.

Keystone College to Host Giants Hilltop 5K/10K Race

The Keystone College football program will host its inaugural Giants Hilltop 5K/10K race on Saturday, May 7 beginning at the Turf Field on campus. The  course will continue through community Trolley Trail, the borough of Factoryville, and the Keystone campus before ending at the Turf Field.

 Race day registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. with the race starting at 9 a.m. There will be awards for the first-place finisher in each age group and the best overall male and female finisher in each race. There will be food, refreshments, and post-race activities. For more information, or to register early, visit www.runsignup.com and search for Giants Hilltop. Proceeds will benefit the Keystone College football program.

NET Credit Union Announces 2023 Charity Recipient

Camp Freedom is NET Credit Union’s 2023 charity recipient. Laura and Bill Bachenberg founded Camp Freedom in January 2018 due to a passion to serve others and provide healing outdoor adventures for disabled Veterans, First Responders, and Gold Star families. The Executive Director, Matthew Guedes, shares the same passion for Veterans, First Responders, and Gold Star families and has an extensive background in the outdoors.

The mission of Camp Freedom is simple – to heal heroes through outdoor adventures. Camp Freedom is an adventure camp for disabled Veterans and First Responders, their family members, and Gold Star families providing quality hunting, shooting sports, fishing, hiking, biking, and other year-round outdoor activities. These activities remove individuals from clinical settings into the healing environment of the outdoors and nature. Camp Freedom also promotes the social well-being of the participants through peer-to-peer interaction, camaraderie, and outdoor adventures. Camp Freedom’s staff and experienced volunteers lead all activities. Camp Freedom provides services to other nonprofits who have a similar mission for a collective impact.

During the first year, Camp Freedom was able to serve forty-nine guests. In the five years since Camp Freedom opened its doors, they have served over 6,300 of America’s Heroes from over forty states and have saved lives of many of those men and women.

Camp Freedom is continually expanding services to reach a greater number of the Veteran and First Responder community. These expansions include building an event and education center where Veterans will be able to use their Post-911 GI Bill funding to take classes that will make them more employable. They are also adding a long-distance shooting range, a 3D archery course, and clay shooting stations that are accessible despite any physical limitations.

This year, all funds raised by NET Credit Union’s fundraising efforts will benefit Camp Freedom. NET Credit Union will be hosting our 10th Annual NEToberfest Golf Tournament on Friday, October 6th at Blue Ridge Trail Golf Course. Learn more about our fundraising efforts and event details here.

Since 2015, NET Credit Union has and will continue to fundraise for local charities. In 2022 alone, NET Credit Union donated over $50K to our local community. “People helping people” is not only our motto, but also our community’s motto. Together, partnered with Camp Freedom, we are determined and committed to helping them achieve their goals.

Lackawanna College’s Cybersecurity Lab Sponsored by Mcdonald’s

The Lackawanna College Cybersecurity program received a sponsorship from McDonald’s for its lab in the upcoming Center for Technology Innovation (CTI).

“It’s super empowering and exciting for the future home of our CTI building and this sponsorship is going to make a difference for us to give back to the students who will then give back to the community as whole,” Director of College Advancement Amber Riedinger said. “Everyone knows McDonald’s and having them come on as a sponsor to back our new facility is huge.”

The payment made is $50,000 from the Mueller family, operators of McDonald’s restaurants in the local area. The sponsorship goes to the CTI’s capital campaign fund and will be paid over the course of five years. The lab will be located on the first floor of the CTI building.

“We are investing in educating the future of our local community and helping people better themselves by following whatever dreams they have,” Christina Mueller said. “Cybersecurity is a growing industry and becoming more critical every day. We are extremely happy to partner with Lackawanna and make an impact.”

The Mueller family franchise is locally owned and operated with 19 McDonald’s restaurants across northeastern Pennsylvania, including two in Allentown. Currently, Lackawanna College and the Mueller family have a partnership where employees who work in Mueller family McDonald’s can receive free tuition. Employees who work at least 16 hours a week and complete 90 days of employment, can earn a degree.

Lackawanna College’s Cybersecurity Associate Degree will cover various computer science topics, allowing students to learn how to prevent major cyber security threats and attacks. Cybersecurity is a fast-paced field, and students receive an education preparing them to tackle the problems our online world faces every day. The program is currently accepting enrollment.

*In Photo – Pictured left to right – Lackawanna College President and Chief Innovation Officer Jill Murray, Ph.D., Carol Mueller, Christina Mueller and Director of College Advancement Amber Riedinger.

Johnson College to Host 30th Annual Golf Tournament

Johnson College will host its 30th Annual golf tournament on Friday, May 19, 2023, at the Pine Hills Country Club in Taylor, PA. In observance of the 30th anniversary, this year’s tournament will feature added anniversary course competitions, raffle prize drawing, and a BBQ dinner for all to enjoy. 

All proceeds from the annual golf tournament support the Johnson College Presidential Scholarship Fund. Last year’s tournament raised more than $47,000 to support the Presidential Scholarship Fund. The scholarships are presented each fall to full-time students demonstrating financial need to finish their educational journey.

To learn more about this event or to register to golf, visit johnson.edu/golf.

Sponsors of this event to date include:

Presenting Sponsor: Gerrity’s Supermarkets

Gold Sponsors: Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, Fastenal Company, L.R. Costanzo Company, Inc., Peoples Security Bank & Trust, Pepsi, PNC Bank, Simplex Homes, Vacendak Construction.

Silver Sponsor: Cable Associates, Toyota of Scranton

Cart Sponsor: ShopRite

Golfer Gift Sponsor: Troy Mechanical, Inc.

Breakfast Sponsor: Action Lift

Lunch Sponsor: Sordoni Construction Services, Inc.

Cocktail Hour Sponsor: Topp Business Solutions

Dinner Sponsor: Stevens & Lee

Hole-In-One Sponsor: Tasca Ford

Mulligan Sponsor: American Eagle Outfitters

Exclusive Tee Sponsors: Ability Recovery Service, LLC, CP3 Energy Systems, I.B.E.W Local #81, Knowles Associates, LLC, Milnes Engineering, NRG Controls North, Inc., Waste Management.

Presidential Scholarship Sponsors: Candy Frye, Citizens Savings Bank, Fiorelli Catering, Highland Associates

Pot O’Gold Sponsor: Nunzi’s Advertising

Platinum Marketing Sponsor: Condron Sweda Advertising

Advertising Sponsor: Lamar Advertising

Gold Print Sponsor: Sprint Print, Inc.

Johnson College Enrolling Students in CNC Machining Training

In conjunction with Don’s Machine Shop in West Pittston, Johnson College continues to bring CNC Machining training to Luzerne County. Starting July 24, 2023, students will train to utilize, maintain and program Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines inside Don’s Machine Shop’s classroom and lab at 100 Elm Street, West Pittston. Open enrollment for this 510-Hour CNC class is going on now. Space is limited. To learn more or enroll, visit johnson.edu/510CNC or contact the Johnson College Continuing Education Department at 570-702-8979 or continuinged@johnson.edu.

CNC machinists manufacture precision products and components used in various applications such as automotive, medical, electronics, aerospace, transportation, military, and more. Industries throughout northeastern Pennsylvania are currently in need of well-trained CNC machinists. This 510-hour class for beginner-level students includes theory and hands-on learning experiences. The hands-on training, delivered at Don’s Machine Shop, is on some of the most state-of-the-art equipment in the region. This unique, one-of-a-kind training will help open new career opportunities right away. This relationship truly demonstrates how industry is a Johnson College student’s campus. The cost of the class is $7,500. Financial assistance may be available for those who qualify.

NET Credit Union Sponsors Interactive Wall of Fame for Mid Valley School District

NET Credit Union is the sponsor for the new Interactive Wall of Fame for Mid Valley School District. There will be three screens installed throughout their high school, elementary school and an outdoor display at their future pavilion within the Athletic Complex.

The Wall of Fame is an interactive and digital touch screen that displays athletic awards, general school history and information to share with past students, present students, future students and the community. The information displayed on the screen is also shareable anywhere the internet is available.

Mid Valley School District is a Preferred Partner Group of NET Credit Union. This means all faculty, staff and their families are eligible to join NET Credit Union.

Pictured Left to Right: Principal Jeffrey Kovaleski of the Mid Valley Secondary Center; Christina Dehaba, NET Taylor Branch Manager; Jessica Tonkin, NET Olyphant Branch Manager; Lauren Pabst, NET Marketing Manager and Tom Nowaowski, Mid Valley Director of Transportation/Athletics

Northeast Regional Cancer Institute Benefits from Healthcare Symposium

The University of Scranton’s American College Healthcare Executives (ACHE) chapter hosted the 26th Healthcare Symposium on Thursday, March 30, 2023, entitled, Bedside & Administration: A Strategic Alliance. The event featured a panel discussion with several local healthcare professionals. Basket raffles were also part of the event. The proceeds from raffle and ACHE funds raised $1,000 to support the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute.   

The University of Scranton ACHE chapter chose NRCI as their benefiting organization for the 2022-2023 school year. In addition to the symposium, they hosted a donut sale in December 2022 and raised $300 for NRCI.  Overall, they raised $1,300 to support the organization.   For more information about the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, please call (570) 904-8808 or visit www.cancernepa.org.   

Scranton Cultural Center Free Concert June 26

Enjoy a concert given by the United States Air Force Band’s Airmen of Note at the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple on June 26 at 7:00 p.m.  The concert is free and open to the public.

The Airmen of Note is the premier jazz ensemble of the United States Air Force. Stationed at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington, D.C., it is one of six musical ensembles that form The U.S. Air Force Band. Created in 1950 to continue the tradition of Major Glenn Miller’s Army Air Forces dance band, the current band consists of 18 active-duty musicians, including one vocalist. Through the years, the Airmen of Note has presented its own brand of big band jazz as well as more contemporary forms of jazz to audiences via annual tours across the United States, deployments around the world, and local performances throughout metropolitan Washington D.C.

The United States Air Force Heritage of America Concert Band concert is sponsored by LT Verrastro and supported by Lackawanna County and the PA Council on the Arts.

The concert will take place in the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Theatre at 7:00 p.m. with the doors opening at 6:30 p.m.  Concessions will be available for purchase.  Tickets are free to the public and are required for admission.  They can be acquired at the Fidelity Bank Box Office at the SCC in person or by calling (570) 344-1111, or via Ticketmaster. Convenience charges may apply.  For additional information and a full schedule of events, visit SCCMT.org.

The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple’s 2022-2023 Season is sponsored by Fidelity Bank and LT Verrastro and supported by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, and the Lackawanna County Office of Arts and Culture, and Commissioners Jerry Notarianni, Debi Dominick, Esq. and Chris Chermak. A special thank you to its media partners: Access NEPA, Allied Services, Audacy, Citizens’ Voice, Lamar Advertising, MAC Signs, The Times-Tribune and Times Shamrock Communications.

ABOUT THE USAF BAND’S AIRMEN OF NOTE:

The Airmen of Note is the premier jazz ensemble of the United States Air Force. Stationed at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington, D.C., it is one of six musical ensembles that form The U.S. Air Force Band. Created in 1950 to continue the tradition of Major Glenn Miller’s Army Air Forces dance band, the current band consists of 18 active-duty musicians, including one vocalist. Through the years, the Airmen of Note has presented its own brand of big band jazz as well as more contemporary forms of jazz to audiences via annual tours across the United States, deployments around the world, and local performances throughout metropolitan Washington D.C.

Their commitment to musical excellence has earned the foremost jazz artists’ respect worldwide, leading to many collaborative performances and recordings with such luminaries as Dizzy Gillespie, Joe Williams, Sarah Vaughan, and Doc Severinsen. In 1990, the Airmen of Note established the Jazz Heritage Series, featuring the “Note” in concert with legendary icons of jazz. The series broadcasts to millions over National Public Radio, independent jazz radio stations, satellite radio services, and the internet. Additionally, the “Note” produces and delivers recorded music to millions of fans worldwide through hundreds of media outlets. One of the group’s holiday recordings, “Cool Yule,” reached #2 on the JazzWeek jazz chart.

As part of The U.S. Air Force Band, the Airmen of Note’s mission is to HONOR those who have served, INSPIRE American citizens to heightened patriotism and service, and CONNECT with the global community on behalf of the U.S. Air Force and the United States. The excellence demonstrated by the Airmen of Note reflects the excellence displayed by all Airmen stationed worldwide, whose selfless service and sacrifices ensure the freedoms enjoyed by citizens of the United States of America..

www.music.af.mil/USAFBand/Ensembles/Airmen-of-Note/

FNCB Bank Donates Scoreboard to Greater Pittston Area Little League

FNCB Bank, locally based since 1910, is pleased to announce our latest project supporting the community with a $6,000 grant awarded to the Greater Pittston Area Little League for the purchase and installation of a scoreboard at their Duryea Little League field.

“We are proud to partner with a great community organization like the Greater Pittston Area Little League,” said Michael Cummings, FNCB Bank Senior Vice President, Marketing Manager. “The new scoreboard will help enhance the fan and player experience and is a perfect example of FNCB’s commitment to youth sports in NEPA.”

The scoreboard donation represents part of FNCB’s larger Community Caring initiative. Through outreach programs, donations, and an employee volunteer network, FNCB is committed to helping the communities they serve.