The University of Scranton Hosts “Scranton’s Story” Spring Exhibition Over the past two years, The University of Scranton and Scranton community has explored themes of history, belonging, and identity through Scranton’s Story: Our Nation’s Story, a series of humanities-based programs that culminated in an oral history initiative called “Scranton Stories.” First launched in fall 2023, this exhibition showcases portraits taken by photographer Byron Maldonado and personal statements and interview links from 33 community members to give voice to a broad array of Scranton experiences and connect them to our national story. At the public reception, attendees will have the opportunity to meet members of the Scranton Stories team and oral history interviewees and discuss the project. For more information and to view all 25 Scranton Stories video interviews, visit www.scranton.edu/stories and via YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbsV7qLR2tZL78bScN3YbLnMRazF083yw. The exhibition is free during library hours. For more information contact Michael Knies at 570-941-6341 or Michael.knies@scranton.edu. For April 4th event information, visit this page or RSVP here.
Jeannine Luby to Help Celebrate National Humor Month by Raising Fun and Funds Laugh your stress away at Jeannine Luby’s, aka Funny Wine Girl’s stand-up comedy show on Friday, April 26 at Groove Brewing in Scranton. The show will feature Luby, one of NEPAs funniest Mary Rapach, and NEPA native Tim Conniff. You can feel good not only from the laughter but from knowing that a portion of proceeds will benefit the Northeastern Pennsylvania’s Crisis Intervention Team that offers training and programs for area first responders with the following goals: improving interaction between law enforcement and persons with mental illness; preventing the inappropriate restraint, incarceration, and stigmatization of persons with mental illness; reducing injury to officers, family members, and individuals in crisis; and linking individuals with mental illness to appropriate treatment and resources in the community. Ticket price of $30 includes comedy show and contribution to fundraiser. Beverages at Groove Brewing are sold separately. Purchase your tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/850113691937?aff=oddtdtcreator
The Dime Bank Announces Cash Dividend On March 21, 2024, The Board of Directors of Dimeco, Inc. (OTCQX: DIMC) and its subsidiary The Dime Bank declared a dividend of $.40 per share for the first quarter of 2024, which represents a dividend yield of 4.64% based on the closing stock price of $34.50. The dividend is payable on April 25, 2024, to shareholders of record on April 1, 2024. This dividend is an increase of $0.02 per share, or 5.26% over the dividend declared for the same period 2023. President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Bochnovich, stated, “Our shareholders play a crucial role in the success of Dimeco, Inc. Their investment empowers us to be innovative within our industry and bring the best financial services to our communities. This dividend shows our gratitude for their unwavering commitment and trust in our company.”
Wayne Bank Announces Cash Dividend James O. Donnelly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Norwood Financial Corp (NASDAQ Global Market – NWFL) and its subsidiary Wayne Bank, announced that the Board of Directors has declared a $0.30 per share quarterly cash dividend payable May 1, 2024, to shareholders of record as of April 15, 2024. The $0.30 per share represents an increase of 3.5% over the cash dividend declared in the first quarter of 2023. Mr. Donnelly commented, “The Board is extremely pleased to provide our shareholders with this quarterly cash dividend. It reflects the Company’s financial strength and strong capital position which has contributed to our solid performance.”
NEPA Philharmonic to Celebrate 100th Anniversary of Rhapsody in Blue with All Gershwin Concert The Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic, under the baton of Maestra Mélisse Brunet, will present an ALL GERSHWIN Concert on Friday, April 12, at 7:30 PM at the Scranton Cultural Center, 420 North Washington Avenue. The program will feature three Gershwin masterpieces: Rhapsody in Blue, An American in Paris, and selections from Porgy and Bess. Soloist for Rhapsody will be international pianist, Ron Stabinsky, who was born and raised in NEPA. Ron studied classical repertoire with concert pianists Ilya Itin and Thomas Hrynkiw. Introducing the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic from the stage will be President of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, Robert Durkin. This will be an incredible evening of music by the innovative genius, George Gershwin. Pianist Lara Downes said, that when we hear Rhapsody in Blue, we are somehow connecting with Gershwin, his enthusiasm, his open heart, and his wanting to show us the best of what our country can be-whether we know it or not. Vocalists Michael Preacely and Marquita Richardson will be soloists for songs from Porgy and Bess. Baritone, Michael Preacely, and soprano Marquita Richardson, have worked with numerous major and regional opera houses and orchestras in the United States and have consistently garnered critical acclaim. George Gershwin, 1898-1937, was an American composer and pianist whose eclectic compositions spanned popular jazz and classical genres. Among his other compositions were Swanee, Concerto in F, Overture to Strike up the Band, I’ve Got Rhythm, the scores to Shall We Dance, Girl Crazy, and many more. Unfortunately, his career was cut short at the age of 38 when he died from a brain tumor. Tickets may be purchased at nepaphil.org, through the Philharmonic box office, 570.270.4444, at the Scranton Cultural Center Box office, or at the door on concert night. Reserved seats begin at $38. Student tickets are $16 Sponsoring this ALL GERSHWIN evening are PNC Foundation, Dr. Seth and Caroline Fisher, Munley Law, Louis and Barbara Nivert, Toyota of Scranton, and The Atkins Family. Our media sponsors are WNEP TV, WVIA, Happenings Magazine, Halibut Blue, Lamar Advertising, and Discover NEPA Our Philharmonic concerts would not be possible without sponsorship by our friends in the corporate community and individuals who are committed to keeping the music playing. The Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic is a fully professional symphony orchestra, performing in Lackawanna and Luzerne counties. In addition to main stage concerts, the Philharmonic performs chamber concerts, “Music in Or Schools”, “Once Upon an Orchestra for tots in public libraries, and programs in local senior centers. At the center of the Philharmonic’s music programs is a juried mentoring program that offers talented high school students the opportunity to study with Philharmonic musicians throughout the year and perform side by side with their mentors in the annual Young People’s Concerts. For additional information about tickets, programs, sponsorships, or special events, please call 570.270.4444
Episode Ten: All Things Chamber Don’t Miss the Update The Spring Business Card Exchange is on Wednesday, April 4, at Kost Tire on Route 6 in Eynon. Register to attend and come network with Chamber members. Did You Know? Chamber members can benefit from having their business or organization promoted through Chamber marketing channels for FREE. Submit your news to editor@ScrantonChamber.com to be included in the Member eBlast and Momentum Magazine. Momentum Magazine Check out April’s Momentum Magazine. Now available online. Upcoming Chamber Events EVENT PAGE MEMBER BENEFITS
The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement to Hold Charity Golf Tournament The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement (PCE) will hold its second annual charity golf tournament on Monday, May 13 at the Glenmaura National Golf Club in Moosic to support patients throughout Northeast Pennsylvania. The captain-and-crew Dr. William Waters Golf Tournament will feature a shotgun start at 10 a.m., following registration from 8:30 to 9:45 a.m. The driving range opens at 8:30 a.m. For more information visit TheWrightCenter.org/golf-tournament-2024. The tournament is in honor of the late John P. Moses, Esq. a Wilkes-Barre native, influential attorney, and longtime philanthropist whose leadership was key in helping facilitate the establishment of The Wright Center for Community Health Wilkes-Barre Practice, the largest primary health center in the nonprofit’s network of 10 locations in Northeast Pennsylvania. The new Luzerne County location opened on Jan. 9, 2023, after the urgent relocation of its clinic from First Hospital in Kingston, amidst the hospital’s closure. The Wright Center plans to name the Wilkes-Barre Practice building, at 169 N. Pennsylvania Ave., after Moses, who passed away on Oct. 31, 2022. Moses’s son, Wilkes-Barre attorney Peter J. Moses, is honorary chair of the golf fundraiser. Co-chairs are: Linda Thomas-Hemak, M.D., FACP, FAAP, president and CEO of The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education; and Mary Marrara, co-chair of PCE and secretary of The Wright Center for Community Health Boards of Directors. “Renowned for his dedicated and generous service to multiple nonprofits in Northeast Pennsylvania, and also on the national stage as CEO of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, Attorney John Moses exemplified a remarkable life of integrity, generosity, and boundless dedication to making a difference,” said Dr. Thomas-Hemak. “We are excited that our charity golf tournament will spotlight his tremendous legacy in business, educational, legal, and community enrichment efforts. His many meaningful contributions to the nonprofit sector can never be overstated. It is a privilege to raise resources in his honor to ensure everyone has equitable access to high-quality, whole-person primary health services, regardless of their insurance status, ZIP code, or ability to pay.” PCE aims to improve the health of our communities through education, advocacy, and patient-centered services that help individuals overcome food insecurity, homelessness, and other factors known as the social and economic determinants of health (SDOH). Factors also include limited access to educational opportunities and a lack of financial resources. To address SDOH in regional communities, PCE’s team and volunteers hold community outreach activities, including nutritious food distributions of nonperishable items and fresh produce, coat and winterwear giveaways, back-to-school distributions of backpacks and classroom supplies, health fairs, blood drives, and other special mission-driven projects. Last year’s inaugural charity golf tournament raised more than $40,000. The tournament is named after the late William M. Waters, Ph.D., who served as vice chair of The Wright Center for Community Health’s Board of Directors and co-chair of PCE. He passed away on July 21, 2022. The entry fee for golfers is $275 or $1,100 for a foursome, which includes a golf cart, green fee, lunch, and beverage service on the course, followed by a 3 p.m. cocktail hour and 4 p.m. dinner. Tickets for the dinner only are $100. Prizes will be awarded for closest to the pin, longest drive, and hole-in-one, including a special prize for a hole-in-one on a designated hole: a 2024 Honda Accord LX, courtesy of Matt Burne Honda, an event sponsor. Other event sponsors are: Audacy; Community Bank, N.A.; and PNC. Various sponsorship levels, starting at just $300, are available for the tournament. For sponsorship details and inquiries, please contact Holly Przasnyski, PCE board coordinator, at przasnyskih@TheWrightCenter.org or 570-209-3275.
The Lodge at Woodloch Set to Host Inaugural Women’s Wellness Week The Lodge at Woodloch is excited to announce its first-ever Women’s Wellness Week, scheduled from May 17th to May 25th. This exclusive event aims to celebrate women’s health and well-being through a series of enriching activities, workshops, and experiences designed to empower, educate, and inspire. Throughout the week, guests will have the opportunity to engage with leading experts in nutrition, fitness, mindfulness, and self-care.Anne Fulenwider, Co-Founder and CO-CEO of Alloy Women’s Health, takes center stage as the featured presenter of the week. With a distinguished background as a former magazine editor at The Paris Review, Vanity Fair, and as editor-in-chief of Marie Claire, Anne’s journey into women’s health was driven by personal loss and a commitment to reshape discussions around women’s post-reproductive health. Drawing from research by Dr. Sharon Malone, Chief Medical Director at Alloy Women’s Health, and Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, clinical professor at Yale University of Medicine, Anne will delve into the complexities of menopause, exploring topics such as hormone replacement therapy and non-hormonal alternatives. She and health journalist and integrative wellness coach Sheryl Kraft will also address common queries surrounding menopause, offering valuable insights and guidance. Whether traveling solo or with friends, Women’s Wellness Week at The Lodge at Woodloch is ideal for women of all ages and backgrounds who are seeking to prioritize their health and well-being in a supportive and nurturing environment. The program will feature a diverse range of workshops and activities: Nutrition and Health: Licensed clinical nutritionist Lori Fish Bard will share insights on smart nutrition for busy women and strategies for boosting energy levels through diet and lifestyle changes. Certified leadership mindset coach Deb Cummins Stellato will address the challenge of daily self-care, offering strategies to break free from overwhelm and live a high-impact life. Educational Experiences: Certified Herbalist Heather Houskeeper will discuss herbal teas for relaxation and improved sleep, guiding participants through the art of blending fragrant herbs to awaken the senses and soothe the nervous system. Professional Organizer Liora Seltzer will lead a session on the transformative KonMari Method™, empowering attendees to declutter spaces and cultivate joy and calm. Certified Sommelier Sara Jimenez will conduct “Sip Smart” classes in which guests will learn to master the alchemy of beverages and create concoctions that dazzle without the side effects associated with sugary drinks and alcohol. Aroma Wellness for Women classes will highlight the ways that essential oils can be utilized safely and effectively. Guests will have the opportunity to craft their very own aroma wellness blend. Fitness Classes: From barre and strength training workouts to aquatic pole dancing, guests can choose from a variety of fitness activities designed to tone muscles, improve flexibility, and boost energy levels. Art Workshops: Creative sessions featuring floral arranging and Zendoodle offer opportunities for self-expression and relaxation, allowing participants to tap into their artistic side. Evening Activities: Bingo Singo, trivia games, and karaoke nights provide opportunities for socializing with other guests as the day winds down. “We are thrilled to host Women’s Wellness Week at The Lodge at Woodloch,” said Nancy Deaton, Spa Director. “Our goal is to provide a supportive and nurturing environment where women can prioritize their health and wellness while connecting with like-minded individuals and experts in the field.” In addition to the scheduled programming, guests will have ample opportunities to unwind and recharge amidst the tranquil surroundings of The Lodge at Woodloch. Whether relaxing at the spa, exploring the expansive grounds, or simply enjoying moments of quiet reflection, each day offers a chance for renewal and self-discovery. Availability for Women’s Wellness Week is limited, and advance reservations are required. For more information, please visit The Lodge at Woodloch website here, or call 570-685-8000 and select option 2.
Commonwealth Health Fights Hunger with Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive To help address hunger in our community, and in celebration of National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day on April 2, the employees, volunteers and medical staff of Commonwealth Health Regional Hospital of Scranton and Wilkes-Barre General Hospital donated jars of peanut butter during their second annual Jars of Love drive to Weinberg Northeast Regional Food Bank, Bread Basket of NEPA, and St. Vincent de Paul Kitchen. In addition to hospital-based donations, community partners, including individuals and businesses, pitched in this year with their contributions to the peanut butter drive bringing the total contributed Jars of Love to 2,220. Peanut butter is one of the most requested items for food banks because it is highly nutritious and has a long shelf life. Unfortunately, many food banks in America report it is also one of the least donated food items. Other foods needed by food banks include pasta, canned goods, butter, grits, beef broth, diapers, toothpaste, and deodorant.
Johnson College Hazleton to Host Spring Open House Johnson College Hazleton will hold a Spring Open House on Saturday, April 13, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the CAN DO Training Center located inside the Humboldt Industrial Park at 370 Maplewood Drive in Hazle Township. To register to attend the Open House, visit Johnson.edu/openhousehazleton or contact Johnson College’s Enrollment Department at 570-702-8856 or enroll@johnson.edu. The Open House will include discussions about the admissions process, information about financial aid for those who qualify, and student services such as student life, student support, and career services. Plus, same-day acceptance will be available for many programs if students bring their high school or college transcripts. Tours of each technical area will be conducted and program directors and instructors will be available to review the specifics of their programs.
