Knowles Insurance Supports UNC and WNEP Feed a Friend Program United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC) received a $500.00 donation from Knowles Insurance in Scranton on Monday, November 13, 2023. All monetary donations to Feed a Friend will help feed families with children in Lackawanna County to receive a gift card to a local grocery store to buy your favorite traditional foods to celebrate Thanksgiving. UNC is grateful to be the designated Lackawanna County WNEP Feed a Friend agency for 39 years. To make a monetary donation, go to: uncnepa.org/one-time-donation/ or mail checks payable to United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania, 425 Alder Street, Scranton, PA 18505. You can make a non-perishable food donation at more than 70 locations throughout Lackawanna County.
Tobyhanna Army Depot Recognized at SAGE Awards Sustained excellence in community involvement earned Tobyhanna Army Depot recognition from the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce at their Scranton Awards for Growth and Excellence (SAGE) ceremony on November 3. The annual SAGE Awards honor the outstanding efforts, talent, creativity, and innovation of businesses in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Eligible applications are judged by a diverse group of community leaders in ten categories, ranging from “Business of the Year” to “Customer Service Excellence” and beyond. The “People’s Choice Award” is determined through online voting by the general public during a set window. For the second year in a row, Tobyhanna’s initiatives in connecting with the community were recognized, this time with the “Community Involvement Excellence” award, which celebrates a business that has made outstanding contributions to their community through philanthropy or the investment of financial or other resources such as time, talent, materials/facility/equipment, or involvement of staff or others in the organization. In 2022, the organization was honored with the “Best Practices in Community Involvement” award. The depot was recognized for its expansive community engagement program, which supports events on the installation, such as school career exploration visits, and off-post, such as Touch-A-Trucks and military observance events – and more. Tobyhanna’s enduring Warfighter of the Quarter Award program also contributed to the honor, with more than 40 local heroes recognized through the lifetime of the program. In addition, the award celebrates Tobyhanna’s collaborative efforts with the Scranton Armed Forces Reserve Center to bring back Armed Forces Week activities, including the Armed Forces Day luncheon and parade – planned for May 2024. A SAGE Milestone award was also bestowed upon Tobyhanna Army Depot, marking 70 years of providing military readiness and field support to the nation’s warfighters. Community Relations Specialist Katie Nolan says the back-to-back accolades affirm the hard work Team Tobyhanna does to connect with the community. “Our entire team takes great pride in our community engagements, and we love getting to meet the good folks of Northeastern Pennsylvania that support our mission. These awards validate that the hard work we do is seen and makes a difference. I’m excited to see what we can accomplish together next year,” she said. Connecting with the community is a line of effort under Tobyhanna’s long-range strategic plan, TOBY2035. The plan focuses on posturing the depot to support future force requirements and has additional lines of effort dedicated to ensuring C5ISR readiness across the joint services and shaping the future.
Wayne Bank Joins ABA for Anti-Phishing Campaign Wayne Bank has joined the American Bankers Association and banks across the nation to promote an industry-wide campaign educating consumers about the persistent threat of phishing scams. The FDIC estimates that consumers lost $8.8 billion to phishing and other fraud in 2022, an increase of 44% compared to 2021. To combat phishing, the award winning #BanksNeverAskThat campaign uses attention-grabbing humor and other engaging content to empower consumers to identify fake bank communications asking for sensitive information like their passwords and social security numbers. “We are happy to be partnering with the American Bankers Association for this campaign. With fraud and scams unfortunately on the rise, we want to be vigilant in protecting our customers and educate them on the importance of keeping their personal information secure”, stated Jillian Guenther, Wayne Bank Vice President, and Fraud Officer. “This campaign encourages our customers to be mindful of the lengths to which scammers and fraudsters will go to capture their personal information. Being able to identify red flags and warning signs are key in preventing fraud.” Wayne Bank has been sharing eye catching and engaging short videos and consumer tips on social media and in their Community Offices designed to highlight common phishing schemes. Because cybersecurity education and fraud awareness can often be dull and forgettable to many consumers, the #BanksNeverAskThat campaign is designed to be bright and bold with a bit of comedy. Consumers are directed to BanksNeverAskThat.com where they will find a new interactive quiz, the “Scam City” video game, engaging videos, and tips on how to spot phishing scams. Additionally, the campaign is offering a Spanish language version of the website, BancosNuncaPidenEso.com, and providing of other #BanksNeverAskThat consumer resources in Spanish. For more information about phishing scams and how to stop fraudsters in their tracks, visit www.BanksNeverAskThat.com.
Johnson College Offers CDL Driver Training Course Johnson College in partnership with Ancora Education is now enrolling students in its Class A CDL Driver Training course that begins on November 27, 2023, at the College’s satellite campus, Johnson College at the CAN DO Training Center, in Hazle Township. Students will learn to inspect and operate tractor-trailers and to assume driver responsibilities on the road and at pickup/delivery points. Emphasis is placed on vehicle inspections, defensive driving, range maneuvers, motor carrier safety regulations (DOT 380 -397 and a certificate for entry-level drivers), trip planning, cargo handling, size/weight laws, general maintenance procedures, hours of service, and accident prevention. Participants in this 160-hour program can obtain their CDL in as little as four weeks. The course complies with the new Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) rules established by the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration (FMCSA), which went into effect in February 2022. To learn more or to enroll in the Class A CDL Driver Training course, visit https://johnson.edu/hazleton/hazleton-cdl/ or contact the College’s Continuing Education department at continuinged@johnson.edu.
Geisinger and Local Food Chain Address Food Insecurity Geisinger is partnering with The GIANT Company and Central Susquehanna Opportunities (CSO) to pilot a mobile food pantry that will serve food-insecure people living in the Central Susquehanna Valley. The GIANT Company is committing a total of $597,000 to fund the mobile pantry, including a donation of $325,000 in 2023 in honor of its 100th anniversary to cover startup costs for the initiative. Expected to launch in early 2024, the mobile food pantry will aim to provide fresh, healthy food to 75 households in its first year. “We’re grateful to The GIANT Company and CSO for their collaboration in bringing healthy food to underserved communities,” said Nancy Lawton-Kluck, Geisinger’s chief philanthropy officer. “It’s a privilege to work with community leaders who share our values as we contribute to healthier, more vibrant neighborhoods.” According to the state Department of Human Services, more than a million Pennsylvanians were food insecure in 2022. Geisinger screens patients to understand their social needs, including food insecurity, and gets them connected to local community resources. Among Geisinger patients who have taken an adult social needs screening, nearly 10,500 have worried they would run out of food before having resources to buy more, and more than 3,800 have reported the same concern across Columbia, Montour, Northumberland and Snyder counties. As an extension of Geisinger’s food-is-health strategy designed to help people with challenges accessing healthy food live well and manage diet-responsive conditions, the client-choice mobile food pantry will launch in targeted underserved areas. The mobile unit will be available for anyone in the community in need of food assistance. The mobile food pantry is the latest in a long list of projects for which The GIANT Company has partnered with Geisinger to improve health and quality of life for local communities. This includes previous commitments to the Fresh Food Farmacy program, Children’s Miracle Network and Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital. In total, The GIANT Company has given more than $8.5 million to Geisinger programs, facilities and initiatives. “Reducing food insecurity, increasing access to healthy foods and promoting nutrition is a priority for The GIANT Company,” said Nick Koch, Head of Wellbeing for The GIANT Company. “When Geisinger approached us with their idea for a mobile food pantry to help address these issues in their community, we knew we wanted to be a part of it. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this life-changing program will have on families across the central Susquehanna Valley.” CSO, a community action agency for Columbia, Montour and Northumberland counties, will staff the unit with a community health worker, driver and volunteers, and the pantry will also provide nutrition education and referrals to Geisinger for any clinical care needs. CSO is a partner agency of the Central PA Food Bank. Because 37% of Geisinger patients who reported food insecurity also identified more than one social need, Neighborly, an easy-to-use online search tool for free and reduced-cost community resources will be available on kiosks or mobile devices at distribution sites. To learn more about Neighborly, visit neighborlypa.com. The GIANT Company’s 100th anniversary celebration efforts honor team members, customers and the communities it serves. Building on its century-long commitment to grow strong, healthy communities, philanthropy is a cornerstone of the company’s anniversary celebration. It is building its legacy by making donations and participating in volunteer activities aligned with its purpose of connecting families for a better future through efforts to eliminate hunger, change children’s lives, heal the planet, promote wellbeing and foster a culture of inclusion and belonging. To learn more about how The GIANT Company is supporting the communities it serves, visit giantfoodstores.com/pages/our-purpose.
Kalahari Resorts and Convention Center Announces Upcoming Events Thanksgiving Buffet Join Kalahari for its annual Thanksgiving Celebration Buffet and feast on all of the traditional favorites like roasted turkey, herb-crusted prime rib, garlic mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, candied yams, and so much more! Plus, don’t miss the dessert station! Thursday, November 23, 2023 4-8 p.m. Adults (ages 13+): $69.99 | Kids (ages 4-12): $29.99 | 3 & Under: FREE Located in the Kalahari Resorts Convention Center – 250 Kalahari Blvd., Pocono Manor, PA 18349 More Info Breakfast with Santa Santa Claus is coming to town, and his first stop is Kalahari Resorts! Locals and resort guests are invited to join Kalahari for a holiday breakfast with Santa! Enjoy all your holiday breakfast favorites, including an omelet station, pancakes, waffles, fresh-cut fruit, and scrambled eggs. Plus, Kalahari is featuring a Build-Your-Own Mimosa or Bloody Mary add-on drink package for adults. After you eat, enjoy a special visit with Santa, stop by the Hot Cocoa Station, or take a train ride! December 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17 8:30-11 a.m. Adults (ages 13+): $34.99 | Kids (ages 4-12): $19.99 | 3 & Under: FREE Located in the Kalahari Resorts Convention Center – 250 Kalahari Blvd., Pocono Manor, PA 18349 More Info Small Business Holiday Party Have a small company but want to celebrate in a big way? Enjoy the holidays together in style at the Kalahari Resorts & Conventions Small Business Holiday Party! Delicious hors d’oeuvres, festive cocktails, a full buffet dinner, and dancing awaits! Purchase your tickets today. Friday, December 15 7-10 p.m. $85 per person (inclusive of tax and service charge) | $62.50 Full Open Bar Add-On (inclusive of tax and service charge) Located in the Kalahari Resorts Convention Center – 250 Kalahari Blvd., Pocono Manor, PA 18349 More Info Holiday Buffet Celebrate your holiday at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions. Experience Kalahari’s incredible holiday feast, where you’ll enjoy all of your holiday favorites like Hand Carved Duck, Ham and Prime Rib, Lobster Mac and Cheese, Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes, Green Bean Casserole, Candied Yams, and so much more! Plus, don’t miss the dessert station featuring a wide array of sweet treats, sure to satisfy any sweet tooth! Monday, December 25, 2023 4-8 p.m. Adults (ages 13+): $69.99 | Kids (ages 4-12): $29.99 | 3 & Under: FREE Located in the Kalahari Resorts Convention Center – 250 Kalahari Blvd., Pocono Manor, PA 18349 More Info NYE Buffet & Glow Party Ring in the New Year at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions! Join Kalahari for its New Year’s Eve Buffet, where you will enjoy all of your favorite holiday dishes. Plus, don’t miss the dessert station featuring a wide array of sweet treats, sure to satisfy any sweet tooth! After dinner, join Kalahari from 9pm – 12am for a Glow Party in Kilimanjaro Ballroom, along with a special ball drop at midnight! Sunday, December 31 5-9 p.m. Adults (ages 13+): $79.99 | Kids (ages 4-12): $29.99 | 3 & Under: FREE Located in the Kalahari Resorts Convention Center – 250 Kalahari Blvd., Pocono Manor, PA 18349 More Info
Hospice of the Sacred Heart Celebrates 18th Year of Delivering Thanksgiving Meals On Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, November 23rd, Hospice of the Sacred Heart will deliver meals to patients and their families. This is the 18th year the hospice will provide this service project. Over 700 meals complete with roasted turkey, all traditional Thanksgiving sides and pumpkin pie 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. We plan to once again gather as a hospice family of employees and volunteers to safely deliver over 700 Thanksgiving meals to our patients and their families. This project 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.
Fidelity Bank Rebrands its Wealth Management Division Fidelity Bank, a leading financial institution known for its commitment to providing top-tier financial services, is thrilled to announce the launch of its newly enhanced Wealth Management division. Alongside extending its wealth management services to the Lehigh Valley region, Fidelity Bank has also rebranded this service offering to better align its image with the comprehensive advice and solutions available. The Fidelity Bank Wealth Management team, comprised of seasoned financial experts and strategists, works closely together to create personalized wealth plans for their clients. Through their combined expertise, the team delivers a wide range of financial services, including investment management, trust and estate planning, private banking, endowment and foundation planning, as well as brokerage services. Fidelity Bank’s Director of Wealth Management, Nick Parise, expressed enthusiasm about this new venture. “The launch of our enhanced Wealth Management division underscores Fidelity Bank’s commitment to delivering exceptional financial services to our clients. “We recognize that financial success means different things to different people, and our dedicated team is poised to help our clients turn their financial goals into reality,” shared Parise. Central to Fidelity Bank Wealth Management’s services is the idea of “wealth care,” a philosophy that ensures clients have the right savings, investments, and financial strategies for a comfortable present and secure future. This is achieved by reviewing a client’s overall financial landscape, pinpointing specific needs and objectives, and implementing strategies to optimize and safeguard their wealth for the long term.
Tobyhanna Soldier Recognized as Latest Warfighter of the Quarter One highly dedicated soldier from Northeastern Pennsylvania was honored on Saturday, November 11, as they were formally recognized as Tobyhanna Army Depot’s (TYAD) latest Warfighter of the Quarter. Staff Sgt. Christopher E. Dougal, who was awarded the honor for the 3rd Quarter of 2023, received the distinction during the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins Veterans Day game. This award recognizes the relationship between employees at TYAD and the warfighters who selflessly dedicate themselves to serving our nation, live a life consistent with the Army core values, and are good stewards of their communities. Staff Sgt. Dougal’s career of service spans 10 years and includes a deployment to Poland in 2019. He is the recipient of four Army Achievement Awards. Staff Sgt. Dougal said it was a great honor to receive the recognition and will continue to strive in support of the people he works with. “It is a tremendous honor to be recognized as Warfighter of the Quarter,” said Staff Sgt. Dougal. “I appreciate the accolade from my colleagues and will continue to stive to uphold the Core Values of the Army. Be All You Can Be.” Staff Sgt. Dougal has been an instrumental asset to the TYAD and the success of the Personnel Force Innovation (PFI) Program. He works collaboratively with the organization’s Resource Management directorate to develop inventive ways to improve the program while simultaneously supporting members of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard and Army Reserve by seeking PFI hiring opportunities. Staff Sgt. Dougal also works closely with TYAD’s Information Technology department, ensuring proper compliance of the Emergency Operations Center computers. Through their teamwork, a new process was established that allowed for greater flexibly in maintaining their machines. Staff Sgt. Steven Carlew works closely with Staff Sgt. Dougal. He said that his work ethic and dedication to TYAD’s mission is tremendously admirable. “Staff Sgt. Christopher Dougal has been a tremendous asset to Tobyhanna Army Depot by going above and beyond his normal duties to work with civilian employees, teaching and coaching them through military processes that were unknown to the civilian workforce. He was able to be reached around the clock if needed for questions or help with assignment that was pushed their way,” said Staff Sgt. Carlew. “His selfless dedication and knowledge of the military was key to assisting with improving the PFI program by seeing discrepancies and formulating a plan to fix the issues at a moment’s notice.” In addition to his work on the mission side of TYAD, Staff Sgt. Dougal ensures he is no stranger to employees at TYAD and the surrounding community. He volunteers at “Touch a Truck” events allowing local elementary school students the ability to ask questions about the military and climb through military vehicles and also coordinates Color Guard details for various ceremonies and events within the organization and throughout the community. Staff Sgt. Dougal is preparing to make his exit from TYAD as he pursues the next chapter of his Army career. Lead Management Analyst Lisa Wesneski said he was a tremendous addition to Team Tobyhanna and will be missed. “It was truly my pleasure to work and learn from Staff Sgt. Dougal. He always took the time to help civilians understand the requirements of our Soldiers at Tobyhanna Army Depot,” said Wesneski. “Staff Sgt. Dougal is a behind the scenes Soldier as he does not look for recognition for all that he does; he just wants to ensure things are done correctly. He will be missed!” The Warfighter of the Quarter award and other employee recognition programs align with Tobyhanna’s long-range strategic plan, TOBY2035 – specifically the Connecting with the Community line of effort. The goal of Tobyhanna Army Depot’s plan is to strive to position Tobyhanna for success in the coming years as the Department of Defense’s premier worldwide C5ISR readiness provider.
