The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce issued 16 “Pride and Progress” Awards at its annual membership luncheon held recently at the Hilton Scranton and Conference Center. 

The awards are sponsored annually by Pennoni Associates Inc. Since 1975, the Chamber has recognized Lackawanna County’s public and private sector operations for upgrading their establishments, improving the appearance of their respective neighborhoods, and beautifying the region. 

Presentations are made in the categories of interior renovations, new building construction, landscape and site design, exterior renovations and community pride.

Events at the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple include:

-Saturday (Nov. 8): Scranton Cultural Center Children’s Series presentation of "Aesop’s Fables" at 11 a.m. in Shopland Hall

-Saturday (Nov. 8): Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic presentation of "Peachtree Street" at 8 p.m.

-Thursday, Nov. 13: Lackawanna County Library System presentation of Presidential historian Michael Beschloss at 7 p.m.

-Saturday, Nov. 15: Classical Guitar Society presentation at 7 p.m.

By Barb Hughes

The walls at Riverfront Sports Complex literally vibrated with cheers and applause when the woman who may go down in history as the most famous hockey mom - and perhaps the first female U.S. vice president - stepped up to the podium at Tuesday’s rally for the McCain/Palin ticket.

Gov. Sarah Palin, Republican vice presidential candidate, was enthusiastically accepted by a crowd of some 4,500 attending the event, and in reference to her being known as a proud hockey mom, she remarked, “Thank you to all the hockey, basketball, soccer and baseball moms for being here.”

The Keystone College National Alumni Association will honor two individuals for outstanding achievements during the upcoming Homecoming Weekend, Oct. 17-19, on campus. Thomas Speicher and Robert Swartley will be recognized during a luncheon on Saturday (Oct. 18).