Allied Services Welcomes New Employees ROBERT FENNER, LPN: Allied Services Integrated Health System welcomed Robert Fenner, LPN, as Wellness Director for the health systems personal care facility, The Terrace, in Scranton. Fenner received his practical nursing degree from the Wilkes-Barre Area Career & Technical Center. As Wellness Director, Fenner looks forward to helping residents set and reach personal goals to help improve their quality of life. Prior to joining Allied Services, Fenner served as Wellness Director for other area facilities. BRENDA BOUCH: Allied Services Integrated Health System announced Brenda Bouch as Activities Coordinator for The Terrace personal care facility in Scranton. A veteran employee of Allied Services, Bouch has 13 years of experience in caring for residents at the Terrace. With her wealth of personal care knowledge, Bouch looks forward to enriching the lives of residents through activities and excursions.
The Anthracite Heritage Museum opens Digital Exhibit. Memories and identities of generations of industrial communities drive heritage in remembrances of families, loved ones, and regional pride. This is especially true of more recent industries that existed through the mid-20th century and concentrated in areas with long histories and deep family roots. To fully understand our deep and rich history, it is sometimes necessary to examine the stories we haven’t collected and developed exhibits around. To get a full picture of our history, we must ask how other people, not well represented in our museums fit into our history and to understand how our anthracite culture continues to evolve and grow. Our region has undergone significant change over the last 250 years as mining increased, fueled American industry and heated homes, then declined as other fuels dominated the market. In the last forty years we have seen even more radical change as global movements of people, technology, energy, and economic focus have altered the landscape of Northeast Pennsylvania. For the Anthracite Museum, it is important to understand these changes in the context of the coal culture that once dominated and still influences our area. The Anthracite Heritage Museum in partnership with the University of Maryland recently completed phase one of a new digital exhibit titled “We are Anthracite” to collect and share the stories of people not represented in the museum. To share the stories of new immigrants in real time and to understand these cyclical patterns of behavior. To share the stories of people who have been in our region for centuries but whose stories weren’t presented. Site Administrator Dr. Bode Morin says, “the anthracite region hosts a unique and complex mining culture. It is one of the oldest industrial communities in the country composed and enriched by cultures from all over the world. However, it is important that we realize that global shifts continue to affect our area and as a museum that we explore those shifts to understand how our region is changing. We also need to examine some of the people whose impact on our culture is not formally recognized but who played an important role in who and what we are today.” With the support of the University of Maryland Anthropology Department the first community has been completed. Exhibit co-director, Anthropology Professor Paul Shackel says, “What our team developed is a collection of stories of a new, underserved community. This work is our commitment to socially conscious storytelling, which connects many of the historic narratives with the experiences of new immigrants. This virtual exhibition examines important social beliefs on class and race, and how that affects heritage building in the region.” Co-curator Aryn G.N. Schriner says, “This exhibit, available in both English and Spanish, links the region’s past and present, connecting the experiences of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s historic residents to those of today, as their experiences are not so dissimilar.” Co-curator Aubrey Edwards states, “The Anthracite region has a layered history of immigration and cultural contribution. This exhibit celebrates and centers newer residents who have created communities, invested in this area, and lovingly call Anthracite home.”Over the next few years, we will partner with other community groups, not formally represented in the museum’s current exhibitions, to share their stories and understand the historic patterns of immigration, assimilation, and peripheral existence in the context of a 250-year-old American coal mining community. Let us know if you belong to a group who would like to participate in our exhibit. Visit http://www.anthracitemuseum.org/we-are-anthracite/
The Greater Scranton YMCA Joins Five Days of Action to Protect Children The Greater Scranton YMCA is participating in the Five Days of Action, April 24-28, 2022. The Five Days of Action is a week long campaign to raise awareness and inspire adults to take action to protect children from sexual abuse. The Greater Scranton YMCA encourages adults and organizations to join in marking this special week as the Greater Scranton region comes together to make the community a safer place for children to live, learn, and play. With summer right around the corner—when children gather for activities and camps, it is a wonderful time to bring attention to the simple ways we can all make the children in our community safer. The Know. See. Respond. campaign is back this year, tying in three impact areas –preventing child sexual abuse at both summer camp and in youth sports, and internet safety. “The children of our communities have the right to a happy and safe childhood, and it’s our responsibility as adults and organizations to stand up to protect that right,” said Trish Fisher, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “By joining in the Five Days of Action campaign, we hope to inspire other organizations and members of our community to create safe spaces that protect children from sexual abuse.” For more information about the Five Days of Action, check out the Greater Scranton YMCA’s blog post. For more information and resources about the prevention of child sexual abuse, visit From Darkness to Light. For more information about the Greater Scranton YMCA, visit www.greaterscrantonymca.org.
Northeast Regional Cancer Institute Receives $1,775 Riverside School District hosted their own colon cancer awareness t-shirt fundraiser in March to sell to students, teachers, and families in the school district as a way to support the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute’s colon cancer education and awareness campaign, CASUAL (Colon Cancer Awareness Saves Unlimited Adult Lives) Day. The fundraiser was led by a Riverside School District Mother, Kim Owens. Mad Tees has been instrumental in the design creation and distribution of the products. Kim has been a longtime supporter of CASUAL Day as her husband Dennis passed away from colon cancer at a young age. She started her own CASUAL Day team to honor him. The school designed and sold their own colon cancer awareness t-shirt and donated the proceeds to support the work of the Cancer Institute. Several families in the Riverside school district have been affected by colon cancer. Proceeds from CASUAL Day benefit the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute efforts to raise colorectal cancer awareness and support colorectal cancer screenings for low income, un/underinsured individuals.
SCHOTT North America Awarded Multimillion-Dollar Contract SCHOTT, the international technology group and inventor of specialty glass, has been awarded a multimillion-dollar contract from a leading defense contractor for infrared glass. The order supplies glass for launch tube windows, a critical component of air defense systems provided to the U.S. Army. The contract was secured through the advocacy of Rep. Matt Cartwright, from Pennsylvania’s 8th congressional district, who has long supported a robust defense budget. SCHOTT’s Duryea, Pennsylvania facility will manufacture the specialty glass, as it does for other products that support the U.S. Department of Defense. U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright (PA-08) inspecting a launch tube window for the U.S. Army Air Defense System with SCHOTT Project Engineer Elizabeth Chase (Credit: SCHOTT). SCHOTT’s infrared glass, manufactured in its Duryea, PA facility, is used in launch tube windows for air defense systems provided to the U.S. Army. SCHOTT’s recent order was the result of congressional funding for the U.S. Army Matt Cartwright (D-PA), who was instrumental in securing the contract, attended a press conference and production tour at SCHOTT’s Duryea facility. SCHOTT is already producing launch tube window parts for an existing order and will now be able to extend production and further support employment at its site in Duryea. The company has been working with U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) programs since 1969 as a leading developer of high-tech materials and components and is eager to continue its support of the department. The security and defense industry requires high-performance base materials and optical components to enable reliable and precise defense systems. “Our expertise in creating specialty glass suitable for defense applications has earned the trust of the U.S. Army and the DoD, and we’re appreciative of the chance to show why they keep turning to us,” said Christopher Cassidy, President of SCHOTT North America. “This contract not only supports our production site of over 150 employees in Duryea, but also strengthens our commitment to supply the U.S. defense and security market. We especially want to thank Congressman Cartwright for his continued support of SCHOTT and the entire Northeastern Pennsylvania community.”“America’s security and defense require the best materials available, and we’re able to build them right here in Pennsylvania’s 8th Congressional District,” said Rep. Matt Cartwright (PA-08), a senior member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee and Ranking Member of the Commerce, Justice and Science Subcommittee. “SCHOTT has proven its mettle with a history of innovation, and its expertise allowed us to bring federal funding back to this district.”Rep. Cartwright visited SCHOTT’s Duryea facility Wed. April 12 and highlighted the importance of this contract and its impact on the local community.SCHOTT’s U.S. Innovation and Technology Hub, also located in Duryea, continues to be a leader in the research and development of high-tech materials. Its participation in basic materials research has helped create the supply of dual-use products for both civilian and military applications. The company’s glass-ceramic ZERODUR® has been used in space telescopes since 1968, and SCHOTT has supported NASA’s lunar missions with optical lenses for cameras since the early 1960s.Learn more about SCHOTT’s infrared glass and the capabilities that make it applicable to a variety of uses.
Tobyhanna Army Depot Orientation Event Tobyhanna Army Depot (TYAD) hosted local and Pennsylvania state elected officials for an Elected Officials Day orientation event. Attendees had the opportunity to tour the 1,336 acres of mission area that make up TYAD’s world class facilities – employing about 3,100 of their constituents. The purpose of the visit was to allow local leaders the opportunity to see everything TYAD does in support of our Nation’s warfighters so that they may advocate in favor of the depot – and national defense funding – in the future. While brief, the event provided elected officials with a comprehensive overview of the depot as well as a tour of the organization’s modernized facilities. Tour highlights included the depot’s Engineering Analysis and Solutions lab – home to the burgeoning microelectronics mission – and the 25,000 square foot Wideband Integration Center – a critical satellite support mission that brought nearly 50 new technology jobs to the region. Officials also learned about the depot’s growing cybersecurity mission and the opportunities it provides for job seekers. Depot Commander Colonel Daniel L. Horn noted that events like Elected Officials Day are essential to both building and maintaining strong relationships with the community surrounding TYAD. “I want to thank every individual who was able to attend and make today’s event such a success,” said Horn. “Ensuring strong relations with our local and state elected officials allows TYAD to remain top-of-mind when it comes to gaining work in areas where we can be of support.” Depot Chief of Staff Kristyn Smith echoed Colonel. Horn’s sentiment, say she believes hosting events such as Elected Officials Day directly aligns with the Connecting with the Community sub-effort of Tobyhanna’s long-range strategic plan, TOBY2035. “We believe it is important for Pennsylvania local and state elected officials to come to TYAD so that they have the opportunity to see not only the multi-billion dollar annual economic impact the depot has on the region, but also how we are striving to provide meaningful employment to members of their community,” said Smith. “We are grateful for their continued support of Tobyhanna Army Depot.” Among the attendees were representatives from the Northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA) Alliance, who have a longstanding relationship with TYAD. Their President and CEO Jeffrey Box emphasized the organization’s commitment to working with TYAD for years to come. “We want to make sure this fine installation remains effective with the economic impact and number of jobs it brings to northeastern Pennsylvania,” said Box. “We are proud to continue having an enduring relationship with TYAD.” Monroe County Commissioner Sharon Laverdure said she was impressed by TYAD’s worldclass facilities and was grateful for the opportunity to see the work the depot does to support the warfighter on a daily basis. “The tour around the depot was amazing,” said Laverdure. “To see the work [Tobyhanna Army Depot] does for security and safety across the United States was incredible and it is right here in Monroe County. It is important that people understand the value of what is done here.” Elected Officials Day and other community visits align with Tobyhanna’s long-range strategic plan, TOBY2035 – specifically the Strategic Communications line of effort which features a Connecting with the Community sub-effort. The plan aims to posture the depot for success in the coming years as the Department of Defense’s premier worldwide C5ISR readiness provider. Tobyhanna Army Depot is a recognized leader in providing world-class logistics support for command, control, communications, computers, cyber, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C5ISR) systems across the Department of Defense. Tobyhanna’s Corporate Philosophy, dedicated work force and electronics expertise ensure the depot is the Joint C5ISR provider of choice for all branches of the Armed Forces and industry partners. Tobyhanna’s unparalleled capabilities include full-spectrum logistics support for sustainment, overhaul and repair, fabrication and manufacturing, engineering design and development, systems integration, post production software support, technology insertion, modification, foreign military sales and global field support to our joint warfighters. About 3,100 personnel are employed at Tobyhanna, which is located in the Pocono Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania. Tobyhanna Army Depot is part of the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command. Headquartered at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, the command’s mission is to empower the Soldier with winning C5ISR capabilities.
Condron Media Partners with Sweda Advertising to merge into Condron Sweda Advertising Sweda Advertising, established in 2004, and Condron Media, a 29-year-old firm, have combined forces to form Condron Sweda Advertising. The two firms have generated over $100 Million in collective client billings to date. The combined entity, Condron Sweda Advertising, boasts a deep in-house roster of 12 skilled, experienced team members comprised of Account Executives/Brand Managers, Media Planners, Content Writers, Graphic Designers, Audio/Video Producers/Directors, Public Relations Strategists, Print Managers, and Digital/Web Specialists offering 60 impactful advertising, marketing, and public relations services to clients.
Action Lift, Inc. Awarded Prestigious Crown Pioneer Award Crown Equipment Corporation, one of the world’s largest material handling companies, recently announced the James F. Dicke Pioneer Award for 2022, along with the Summit and Ascent Award winners. Action Lift, Inc. in Pittston, PA, earned the prestigious Pioneer Award as Crown’s top-performing independent dealer in North America. This is the second year in a row that Action Lift has received this honor. In addition to the Pioneer Award, the company was awarded the Summit Award, which signifies the best overall Crown dealer within the same market size. “We are thrilled to be named the Pioneer Award winner in addition to the Summit Award. I am very proud of the entire team at Action Lift. If it weren’t for their hard work and dedication, we wouldn’t have seen this level of success.” said Joe Mikiewicz, General Manager of Action Lift, Inc. William F. Medico, President of Action Lift, added, “We are proud to represent Crown Equipment in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Our outstanding team went above and beyond to reach our sales goals while delivering exceptional customer service in the process.” This recognition marks Action Lift’s fourth Pioneer Award and its’ twenty-third Summit Award for outstanding sales and customer satisfaction as a Crown Equipment dealer.
Scranton Area Community Foundation Receives National Recognition The Scranton Area Community Foundation recently received reaccreditation with the nation’s highest standard for philanthropic excellence. National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations® establish legal, ethical, and effective practices for community foundations everywhere. “Meeting the National Standards benchmarks is a rigorous, comprehensive process,” said Randy Royster, board member of the Council on Foundations. “This accreditation is a significant accomplishment that indicates the Scranton Area Community Foundation demonstrates a commitment to transparency, quality, integrity, and accountability as it carries out its mission.”The National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations® program requires community foundations to document their policies for donor services, investments, grantmaking, and administration. With over 500 community foundations accredited nationwide, the program is designed to provide quality assurance to donors, as well as to their legal and financial advisors.“This is critically important to our donors,” said Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “When people make a charitable bequest or establish a fund, they are putting their trust in us to help carry out their legacy. They are counting on us to steward the investment wisely, honor their charitable wishes and, in some cases, provide lifetime income to a loved one. The National Standards accreditation says all of our practices are of top quality and ethical standards, and worthy of our donor’s trust.” The Scranton Area Community Foundation works to meet critical community needs and support local causes, programs, and organizations. From improving access to equitable transportation; transforming the lives of women, girls, and their families; building the capacity of nonprofit organizations; advancing various causes in animal welfare; and ensuring all residents have access to safe and healthy housing, the Scranton Area Community Foundation is dedicated to helping to improve the quality of life in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The Scranton Area Community Foundation offers a range of charitable funds, allowing donors to advance a cause, support an individual organization, provide flexible support for community needs, or recommend individual grants. In addition to affirming the organization’s philanthropic services, the reaccreditation validates the Scranton Area Community Foundation’s grantmaking practices for the nonprofit community.“Our National Standards reaccreditation is a significant accomplishment,” said Barbara O’Hara, Scranton Area Community Foundation’s board chair. “When people trust the Scranton Area Community Foundation with a charitable bequest, to establish a fund, or set up a charitable gift annuity, they do it knowing that we have met rigorous standards for donor services, investment management, grantmaking, and administration.” National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations® is the first program of its kind for charitable foundations in the United States.The Scranton Area Community Foundation is on a mission to enhance the quality of life for all people in Northeastern Pennsylvania through the development of organized philanthropy. With nearly $90 million in assets under management and more than 300 charitable funds, the Scranton Area Community Foundation distributed over $6 million in grants and scholarships in 2022. The Foundation has served as a steward, grantmaker, charitable resource, and catalyst for change since 1954. The Foundation leads various initiatives including Women in Philanthropy, the Center for Community Leadership and Nonprofit Excellence, NEPA Moves, and the NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative. Additionally, the Foundation hosts and facilitates NEPA Gives and the NEPA Learning Conference. More information about the Scranton Area Community Foundation can be found at www.safdn.org.The Community Foundations National Standards Board is a supporting organization of the Council on Foundations and is responsible for the quality, value, and integrity of compliance with National Standards. For more information on the National Standards Board, visit its website at www.cfstandards.org.
Quandel Enterprises Names New Chief Risk Officer Effective March 13, 2023, Quandel Enterprises has named Jerome Urban chief risk officer for the entire Quandel Enterprises family of companies. As chief risk officer, he will work closely with Quandel Enterprise’s executive team and board of directors to innovate, implement, and strengthen our risk management initiatives in response to the ever-changing landscape of the construction industry. Urban previously served as the president and chief executive officer for Performance Construction Company, a Quandel Enterprises company. He began with the team in 2006 when he started his career in construction as an estimator. Since that time, he has served as an assistant project manager, project manager, project executive, and vice president of operations. “We are confident that Jerome will bring value and insight into this new role that enables our continued success,” says Greg Quandel, president and chief executive of Quandel Enterprises. Urban is known among his peers to be a team-builder with a keen understanding of the construction business. His focus on enhancing the firm’s clients’ experience through innovation, continuous improvement, and commitment to excellence and exceptional service has made him an integral member of Quandel’s leadership team.
