Mayor Cognetti and NeighborWorks Dedicate Parking Lot in West Scranton The project was managed by NeighborWorks as part of its West Scranton Neighborhood Plan Scranton Mayor Paige G. Cognetti joined Todd Pousley, Community Development Manager at NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania, to dedicate a new City-owned parking lot in West Scranton at the corner of N. Main Avenue and Price Street. As a part of NeighborWorks’ West Scranton Neighborhood Plan, the project was managed by the non-profit organization and will serve nearby small businesses while improving the safety and aesthetic of West Scranton’s business district. “We know how important parking availability is to small businesses, and our team is focused on increasing West Scranton’s economic vitality,” Mayor Cognetti said. “The improvements to this parking lot work toward this vision and set an example for other lots in the City.” The parking lot has been transformed with pavement resurfacing and striping, additions of concrete curbs and islands, decorative fencing, landscaping, upgraded lighting, and the installation of a “West Scranton Business District” monument sign. The West Scranton Neighborhood Plan is NeighborWorks’ comprehensive, 10-year development strategy for improving the West Scranton neighborhood. In partnership with the City and other community partners, the plan focuses on park improvements, walkability, business support, and building community identity. “This dedication celebration highlights our efforts over the past year and a half to bring this lot to residents and revitalize the neighborhood,” Pousley said. “We are grateful for our continued partnership with the City to revitalize West Scranton.” This project was funded through a combination of dollars from the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG), administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and a Keystone Communities Implementation Grant, administered by Pennsylvania’s Department of Community & Economic Development. The parking lot received $125,000 in CDBG funds and $50,000 from the Keystone Communities Program.
Big Bass Lake Community Association, Inc. Wins Three Silver acknowledgments in 13th annual Best in Biz Awards Big Bass Lake Community Association, Inc. has been named a Silver winner in Crisis Response of the Year, Crisis Management Department of the Year, and Crisis Management Executive of the Year in Best in Biz Awards, the only independent business awards program judged each year by prominent editors and reporters from top-tier publications in North America. Big Bass Lake Community Association, Inc. (BBLCA) is a not-for- profit Association in the State of Pennsylvania, nestled in the Pocono Mountains. For 52 years it has been a destination for multi- generational families, city dwellers needing respite, and international visitors looking to experience some of the most incredible fall foliage one could ever see. The 13th annual program saw intense competition among more than 600 entries from public and private companies, representing all industries and regions in the U.S. and Canada and ranging from some of the most iconic global brands to the most innovative start-ups and beloved local companies. This year’s judges highlighted the winning companies’ breadth and depth of innovation, their novel approaches to employing new technologies, impressive workplace benefits and employee diversity and inclusion programs, as well as continued community involvement and critical investments in environment and corporate social responsibility programs. “The recognition from the esteemed independent Judging Panel of 2023 humbles us beyond words. Our Board of Directors, Committee & Community Volunteers, Members, Staff, and Business Partners have worked tirelessly the past 18 months to bring the most genuine and memorable experiences to our stakeholders who live and play in the Poconos – #bigbasslake” said Neil Bresnahan, General Manager & Chief Operating Officer. Since the program’s inception in 2011, winners in Best in Biz Awards have been determined by independent judging panels assembled each year from some of the most respected national and local newspapers, TV and radio outlets, and business, consumer, technology, and trade publications in North America. Thanks to the unparalleled expertise and experience of the editors and reporters serving as judges and the impressive diversity of outlets they represent, Best in Biz Awards judging panels are uniquely suited to objectively determine the best of the best from among the hundreds of competitive entries. The 2023 judging panel included, among others, writers and contributors to Ad Age, Computerworld, Fast Company, Forbes, Inc., Portland Tribune, and Washington Post. “As in years past, determining winners in some categories was a matter of selecting the very best from among the very good and came down to the smallest details,” said Best in Biz Awards staff. “Each year, the judges are impressed by the innovations, growth, and change emanating from the winning companies and permeating across layers of society, from their employees through clients to local and global communities.” Best in Biz Awards 2022 honors were conferred in 100 different categories, including Company of the Year, Fastest-Growing Company, Most Innovative Company, Best Place to Work, Customer Service Department, Executive of the Year, Marketing Executive, Most Innovative Service, Enterprise Product, Best New Product, App, CSR Program, Environmental Program, Website and Film/Video of the Year. For a full list of gold, silver and bronze winners in Best in Biz Awards 2022, visit: http://www.bestinbizawards.com/2022-winners.
Needle Law P.C. Lawyer Recognized as a Best Lawyer in America P. Timothy Kelly, a member of the Scranton Law firm of Needle Law P.C., has been notified of his inclusion in the National Directory known as the Best Lawyers in America in the category of Personal Injury Litigation-Plaintiffs, for the 2nd year and a row. Attorneys recognized by Best Lawyers may be nominated by anyone but themselves and also receive peer-reviews. Best Lawyers confirms nominated attorneys have good standing with their local Bar Associations and State Bar Associations before granting recognition. Only the top 5% of all practicing lawyers in the United States, as selected by their peers, are included in the publication. Tim was also recognized in the annual Super Lawyers directory for Civil Litigation-Plaintiffs. Tim has been recognized in Super Lawyers each year since 2008.
Northeast Title and Tag Raise $1,400 to Benefit Northeast Regional Cancer Institute Northeast Title and Tag hosted an October fundraiser to support the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute (NRCI). Staff members created a breast cancer t-shirt and employees from their nine locations in our region were able to purchase them. Through their efforts, they raised $1,400 to help ease the burden of cancer in northeast Pennsylvania. All funds will stay local and support NRCI’s community programming and services. Their donation was made In Memory of Molly Gurick, a friend of one of their staff members who recently passed away from breast cancer. From left to right: Mickalya Wells, Assistant General Manager, Mary Ramsey, Human Resources, Aurleigh Smith, General Manager, Dawn Walsh (Molly Gurick’s Best Friend) Customer Service Representative, Maria Thompson, Owner, and Amanda E. Marchegiani, Community Relations Coordinator, Northeast Regional Cancer Institute. Photo credit: Maggie Amico
Tobyhanna Army Depot to Construct New Army Family Housing As part of Tobyhanna Army Depot’s (TYAD) ongoing modernization efforts, 26 of the 28 homes that make up military housing in the development quaintly known as Tobyhanna Pines are to be demolished and replaced with 35 new homes to better accommodate the military population in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The homes that comprise Tobyhanna Pines were constructed in 1978. As times changed, so have the needs of the average family and soldier. The homes, while functional, became unable to accommodate some modern amenities due to their age. After the U.S. Army conducted a housing market analysis at TYAD, they concluded that an increase to 37 homes was necessary to accommodate the regional military population. These factors led to the decision to level all but two of the existing homes and build new ones, bringing the grand total of military homes on post to 37. The two homes that will remain standing were built in 2011, so it was deemed unnecessary to remove them. The name of the military housing development will change from Tobyhanna Pines to Cadence Communities at Tobyhanna. The project is part of the U.S. Army’s Small Installation Privatization Initiative to revitalize military housing across the country which includes the Natick Soldier Systems Center, U.S. Army Garrison-Miami, Rock Island Arsenal, Fort McCoy and Fort Hunter Liggett in addition to TYAD. The Army has reserved $37.6 million for the purposes of reconstructing the housing footprint at the depot. Colleen Gavin serves as Family Housing and Barracks Manager at TYAD. She said the construction of Cadence Communities at Tobyhanna will be a tremendous help for military families having a permanent change of station to Northeastern Pennsylvania. “This is a huge milestone for Tobyhanna. This project is part of the commitment made by the Army, the leaders of Tobyhanna and the housing partners to improve the quality of life for our military families here in Northeastern Pennsylvania,” said Gavin. “We are excited to announce these projects and we will continue to take an active role knowing how our soldiers live while retaining quality oversight and providing support to soldiers, families and units.” TYAD’s Director of Installation Services William Ramey agreed, adding that the project will serve as a great way to embrace military families and welcome them back into the community. “Our Army family housing project will be of great benefit for soldiers and their families stationed at Tobyhanna who work in and around our region. New homes on our installation will provide access to fitness facilities, a child development center, multiple military family programs, and a commissary all while living in the attractive Pocono Mountain region,” said Ramey. “We are happy to see this project moving forward in this fiscal year and are excited to welcome our military families back to TYAD.” The Army has named multinational construction and real estate company Lendlease as the partner for Cadence Communities. The company, who has worked with the privatization of military housing in the country since 2009 and is one of the highest rated partners in the military structure, signed a 50-year lease with the Army to maintain these properties. 90 percent of the revenue generated from the new homes will go into a reinvestment account to be utilized when an event such as home repairs or the addition of more homes occur. The decision to privatize falls in line with that of most military housing in the continental U.S. Gavin added that the new homes will not only benefit military families, but programs at TYAD as well. “Housing on the garrison should be a soldier’s first option. Not just for housing purposes, but for other on-post programs like daycare, Morale, Welfare and Recreation, the Post Exchange, the Commissary and more. The on-post population helps build and sustain those programs,” said Gavin, noting that the growth of these programs benefits all who use them. “The programs and amenities on this garrison are important to a soldier’s quality of life and it really is what defines what Army or military life looks like for them. It also benefits readiness and retention. Soldiers may choose to stay because they have all the resources here. That is so important to the lifecycle of a soldier and family.” Having served in the military, Ramey agreed with Gavin’s sentiment that peace of mind for a soldier is extremely valuable. “As a former soldier myself, I understand first-hand the importance of knowing your family is safe, secure, and has access to the best services possible,” said Ramey. “Living on military installations was a positive experience for my family due to the convenience and community building it afforded us.” The plan is to build 16 four-bedroom and 18 three-bedroom homes along with a single four-bedroom home that is complaint with the Americans with Disabilities Act. As homes are constructed, military families will be able to move in. Department of Defense civilians and retirees will be eligible to move into the homes as long as 95% of the occupancy is made up of active-duty military. TYAD’s Chief of Public Works James Wisnewski said that not only is this a great opportunity to modernize, but to continue building a military community in Northeastern Pennsylvania. “With the boom in the housing market, particularly in this area of the Pocono Mountains, this project will provide modern, affordable housing to our service members,” said Wisnewski. “Working in coordination with our private housing partner, this project will provide not only homes, but a military community on Tobyhanna.” Tobyhanna Pines is tentatively scheduled to be demolished in February 2024 and the Cadence Communities project in its entirety is slated to be complete in July of 2025. In addition to the family housing effort, Gavin added that a future plan is in place to completely renovate TYAD’s existing barracks. Built in 1953, the barracks are used to house units training on-post. Fostering quality and accessible housing for our military community is a TOBY2035 Invest in Our People and C5ISR Readiness initiative. Tobyhanna Army Depot’s long-range strategic plan, TOBY2035 strives to position Tobyhanna for success in the coming years as the Department of Defense’s premier worldwide C5ISR readiness provider. TYAD 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, postproduction software support, technology insertion, modification, foreign military sales and global field support to our joint warfighters. About 3,200 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.
Northeast Regional Cancer Institue Receives $3,498 from Restaurant Chain Texas Roadhouse in Dickson City hosted an October fundraiser to support the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute (NRCI). Restaurant guests were able to round up their checks or receive a free appetizer with a minimum of a $5 donation. Through their efforts, they raised $3,498.22 to help ease the burden of cancer in northeast Pennsylvania. All funds will stay local and support NRCI’s community programming and services.
Rich Banick Partners with Local Business to Provide Santa Photos Rich Banick Photography is proud to partner with Jerry’s For All Seasons to provide Santa photos on location at their store in Dunmore. In addition to Santa, we have two deer to have your children’s photos taken with. We print on location and have a selection of different packages to fit any budget. We also offer digital files and have Christmas photo frames, snow globes, and ornaments available to help complete your Christmas gift shopping. Fri 12/15 – 3:30 PM to 8 PM Sat 12/16 – 10 AM to 6 PM Sun 12/17 – 10 AM to 6 PM Mon 12/18 – 3:30 PM to 8 PM Tues 12/19 – 3:30 PM to 8 PM BOOK Wed 12/20 – 3:30 PM to 8 PM Thur 12/21 – 3:30 PM to 8 PM Fri 12/22 – 3:30 PM to 8 PM Sat 12/23 – 10 AM to 6 PM
Marion Munley Presents on “Key to Persuasion” at Iowa Association of Justice Annual Convention Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys is pleased to announce that Marion Munley recently presented on “Keys to Persuasion” at the Iowa Association of Justice Annual Convention. Widely recognized as one of Pennsylvania’s most prominent and widely respected truck accident lawyers, Marion is Triple Board Certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy in Civil Trial, Civil Practice, and Truck Law. Marion has earned an AV-Preeminent designation from Martindale-Hubbell, the industry’s highest ethical and client satisfaction rating. A leader in the legal community, Marion is an active member of the American Association for Justice (AAJ) and currently serves as its Treasurer. Marion was the first woman to become Chair of the AAJ Trucking Litigation Group in 2018 and is a past chair of the AAJ Women Trial Lawyers Caucus. Marion is the second woman in Pennsylvania to become Board Certified as a Civil Trial Advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Among her other professional affiliations are the American Board of Trial Advocates, the International Society of Barristers, and the Summit Council, an exclusive group of today’s top civil justice attorneys committed to the highest levels of trial advocacy, to obtaining justice for individuals and families who have been hurt by corporate wrongdoing, and to the protection of the civil justice system. She is also the immediate past President of the Melvin M. Belli Society, a group of the country’s top trial lawyers dedicated to promoting courtroom excellence. During her career, Marion has received some of the highest honors a lawyer can receive. Listed in The Best Lawyers in America® since 2012, Marion has been named the 2023 “Lawyer of the Year” for Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs in Northeastern Pennsylvania. She has also been recognized as Best Lawyers® 2022 “Lawyer of the Year” for Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs in Northeastern Pennsylvania and 2021 “Lawyer of the Year” for Personal Injury-Plaintiffs for the Allentown metro area. Marion has also been selected to the list of Pennsylvania Super Lawyers for the last 18 years and was recently named to the 2023 “Top 10” Pennsylvania Super Lawyers List. A graduate of Temple University School of Law (J.D., 1986), Marion received her undergraduate degree from Scranton University in 1983.
FNCB Bank Employees Spread Holiday Cheer with Generous Donations Employees help local families this season FNCB Bank, deeply rooted in the local community since 1910, once again demonstrated its commitment to making a positive impact this holiday season. Employees rallied together to donate $1,100 in grocery gift cards and 200 gifts to benefit 11 local families as part of the Bank’s annual “Adopt-A-Family” initiative. This year marked a significant milestone for FNCB Bank as 100 staff members actively participated in the Adopt-A-Family program, the bank’s hallmark holiday gift-giving event. The program, now in its ninth year, successfully matches families in need from the Catherine McAuley Centers of Lackawanna and Luzerne County, and Children and Youth Services of Wayne County, with employees eager to spread holiday joy. Michael Cummings, Senior Vice President, Marketing Manager, said, “Since launching the Adopt-A-Family program, we have successfully matched 102 families, while also fulfilling wish lists for these two incredible organizations. Our team is truly dedicated to making a meaningful difference in our community.” The Adopt-A-Family project is an integral part of FNCB’s broader Community Caring initiative, showing the bank’s role as a local community partner. Beyond the holiday season, FNCB continues to contribute to the community’s well-being through volunteerism, donations, and outreach programs. For more information on FNCB Bank and its community initiatives, please visit fncb.com.
Lackawanna College Occupational Therapy Program Hosts Assistive Technology Event On Thursday, Nov. 30, the Lackawanna College Occupational Therapy Assistant program hosted an Assistive Technology Fair in the OTA lab on campus, open to the public. In addition to Occupational Therapy Assistant program staff and students, the event was attended by area occupational therapy students, practitioners, and other Lackawanna College employees. The spacious area housing the OTA program was an excellent fit for area vendors to display their unique and specialized equipment and services. The fair included familiar and cutting-edge assistive technology and services that enable individuals to live more independently, safely, and vibrantly. These devices and services create a context that better engages and supports the individual’s level of function. Vendors at the fair provide services across an age span from early childhood through adult rehabilitation to aging. Students and the public participated in live demonstrations and learned how to assess the need for, document reimbursement for, and access alternative funding solutions for assistive devices and services. PM Medical, Hanover Township, provided familiar low-tech assistive technology, durable medical equipment, with a unique opportunity for students to learn from the provider about the specific and critical documentation needed for reimbursement requirements. PaTTAN, PA Training and Assistive Technology Network, presented their full-service provisions of education, consultation, and technology to support the needs of students in the classroom, including a discussion of the inter-professional teams and roles they support. United Cerebral Palsy’s Assistive Technology Resources Center presented their services and lending library of low- and high-tech devices, creating an excellent alternative access option for individuals unable to afford purchases of this nature. Additionally, Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation taught fair-goers about their unique programs for not only assessing needs for assistive technology but also providing a variety of funding options for access to high-end technology. Penumbra was present, providing opportunities for attendees to experience virtual reality devices, the REAL system, for therapeutic recovery and skill development, as well as pain management and wellness. As these cutting-edge, research-based therapeutic interventions begin to become standard within the profession, it is critical that occupational therapy assistant students have access and experience to enter the profession in a knowledgeable and prepared manner. Those looking for a safer option for aging in place in NEPA were represented by NeighborWorks NEPA. One of the many vibrant services that this critical program offers is to provide education for and install assistive technology, as well as home repairs, enabling a person to age in their home environment and community for longer. Together, this group of vendors represents a segment of human services that partners with occupational therapy to support an individual’s ability to engage in the things that matter—the things they want to “occupy” their time. The Lackawanna College Occupational Therapy Assistant program desires this annual Assistive Technology Fair to be a resource not only for area occupational therapy students and practitioners but also for members of the public seeking information and the ability to experience the technology.
