Commonwealth Health Regional Hospital of Scranton Celebrates Doctor’s Day with Donations This Doctors’ Day, Commonwealth Health Regional Hospital of Scranton is honoring their physicians by donating $6,000 to local charities selected by the medical staff. The physicians voted earlier this month and selected St. Joseph’s Center and St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen. “On Doctors’ Day, and every day, we are thankful to work with skilled and compassionate providers.” said Michael Curran, CEO of Regional Hospital of Scranton. “We are grateful for their contributions, sacrifices, and unwavering care provided to the patients our hospitals and clinics treat each year throughout the community.” St. Joseph’s Center received a donation of $3,000. Rooted in the core values of care, concern, compassion and commitment, the Saint Joseph’s Center humbly serves people who are diagnosed with intellectual disability and those who seek pregnancy support, adoption assistance, outpatient therapy or medical day care services. St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen received a donation of $3,000. Their mission is rooted in the Catholic tradition and the spirit of its patron, St. Francis of Assisi, the hungry are fed in collaboration with volunteers and donors from all faith communities. The Kitchen provides a free, hot, nutritious meal every day of the year. On Wednesday, March 27, hospital leadership and medical staff members from Regional Hospital of Scranton presented checks to St. Joseph’s Center and St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen in honor of Doctors’ Day on March 30.
Penn State Scranton Hosts Annual Spring Concert Penn State’s Scranton Musical ensembles will present their Annual Spring Concert as a gift to the Greater Scranton community on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at 4 p.m. at The Theater at North. What: Spring ConcertWhere: The Theater at North 1539 N Main Ave, Scranton, PA 18508When: Saturday, April 20, 2024, at 4 p.m. This event is free and open to the public, with doors opening at 3:30 p.m. The concert will feature performances from the Penn State Scranton Chorale, The Roc[k]tet, and Campus Jazz Band. Performances will include “a variety of music ranging from spiritual, patriotic, big band, pop music, etc.”, said Director of Music Sharon Ann Toman. The concert will also feature a guest chorus, the Blue Ridge Middle School Chorus, under the direction of Amy Zaukaurauskas, who will perform a joint patriotic choral work with the Penn State Scranton Chorale. Toman, an award-winning associate teaching professor of music and program coordinator for the Arts and Humanities at Penn State Scranton will be directing the Spring Concert and the campus’ three musical groups. She received Bachelor of Music degree (B.M.) in Piano Performance from Marywood University, Master of Music degree (M.M.) in Piano Pedagogy and Music History from The Catholic University of America, and doctoral studies at Temple University and further studies at Manhattan School of Music.” “Students in the Penn State Scranton music program, as well as myself, are so looking forward to performing our Annual Spring Concert,” Toman said. “The students have been working hard with rehearsals and preparing for our Spring Concert, and once again, I’m proud to say that these live performances are a gift from Penn State Scranton to the Community. So please do come out to this performance as there will be music for all age groups to enjoy!” Amy Zakarauskas is a choral director, pianist, accompanist, and vocal and piano pedagogue with over 12 years of experience. She holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from Mansfield University. She serves as director of the Blue Ridge School District’s Middle School and High School choruses. In addition, she serves as a pianist at the First Presbyterian Church in Hallstead, PA and also teaches piano lessons at her piano studio.” Many Penn State Scranton students, faculty, and staff will be involved to make this concert a wonderful experience for those who attend. Their names are as follows: The Roc[k]tet: Chelsey Cruz, Jason Daloul, Justin Griffiths, Rowan Mulligan, Halle O’Neil, Luke Rusin, Megan Schmidt, and Jacob Webb. Penn State Scranton Chorale Sopranos: Cassandra Harmon-Stochla, Rhiannon Garofalo**, Eileen Giovagnoli*, Vanessa Hodges, Janet Melnick*, Carly Mignano**, Rowan Mulligan, Vivian Ni and Halle O’Neil. Altos: Adriana Bonafede, Chelsey Cruz, Alexis Fisher, Kristin Green*, Meg Hatch*, Rebekah Howells, Chloe Kramer, Rose Morel, Danitza Acosta, Megan Schmidt and Isabella Touseull. Tenor/Bass: James Bernosky, Matthew Coggins, Jason Daloul, Olivia DeVore, Paul Frisch*, Justin Griffiths, Alexander Karp, Luke Rusin, Jacob Webb, and Jayson Zimmerman**. *Indicates faculty/staff. **Indicates friends of PSU. Penn State Scranton Campus Jazz Band Flute: Sharon Ebert*, Ceiwynn Longworth. Violin: Nina Burke, Randall Kasorek**, Solei Lasanta. Alto Sax: Robert Bishop**, Mayer Crean. Tenor Sax: Jack Mead**, Vivian Ni. Trumpet: Molly Abdalla*, Jacquelyn Bitter, Gabriella Bruford, Melina Petrini, Steve Semonich**. Trombone: Stan Kalafut**. Guitar: Gary Caolo**, Katrina Concepcion, Riley Martin. Bass: Ray Petren*. Drums: Griff Lewis*, Dave McKenney, Carl Mignano**. Aux. Percussion: Nicholas Pallman, Debra Smarkusky*. Keyboard: Sharon Toman*. *Indicates faculty/staff **Indicates friends of PSU.
The Dime Bank Supports Lacawac Sanctuary The Dime Bank donated $13,500.00 to Lacawac Sanctuary to support their hands-on academic enrichment and innovative educational programs. The Lacawac Sanctuary is a non-profit conservation, research, and education center providing the community with a host of quality environmental, historical, and cultural programs. $7,500.00 was donated through the PA Department of Community and Economic Development’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit program to support Lacawac Sanctuary’s mission to educate students with important ecological and environmental science lessons, strengthening academic achievement in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. On-site visits to Lacawac, off-site teachings at schools, educational workshops, and curriculum for afterschool sessions are just some of Lacawac’s innovative and educational offerings. “The Dime Bank believes in supporting many different programs to elevate the quality of life in our region. Lacawac’s programs are multidisciplinary and geared towards a wide audience. We are happy to support efforts to preserve and protect this sanctuary for future generations and to foster a deep appreciation for the environment and all its inhabitants,” stated The Dime Bank President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Bochnovich. Additionally, The Dime Bank has pledged $20,000.00 to Lacawac’s Environmental Education Center over the course of four years, with $5,000.00 being paid this year. The Dime Bank also donated $1,000.00 as a corporate sponsor to help with the Sanctuary’s mission to help promote environmental understanding through education and conservation. Lacawac Sanctuary President Craig Lukatch stated, “Lacawac Sanctuary is very grateful to The Dime Bank for their support of our mission of Research, Education and Preservation. Their commitment to our work in the community allows us to serve and educate thousands of individuals each year and help us maintain and preserve the natural world for all to enjoy.”
Wayne Bank’s Holly DiLeo Elected to Pennsylvania Builders Association Board of Directors Holly DiLeo, Wayne Bank Mortgage Loan Officer, was elected to the PA Builders Association Board of Directors, at their recent “Winter Meeting and Installation Gala” in Pittsburgh, PA, on March 14-16 at the Pittsburgh Marriot North. The Pennsylvania Builders Association (PBA) is a non-profit statewide trade association chartered in 1945. Affiliated with the National Association of Home Builders and a network of 30 local associations across the state of Pennsylvania, the PBA is a unified voice for both the home building industry and the housing consumer. Their core purpose is to promote and protect the home building industry through teamwork, education, advocacy, and membership. DiLeo joined Wayne Bank in early 2023 and has over six years of experience in the mortgage lending industry. According to Wayne Bank Vice President & Residential Mortgage Sales Manager, Derek Bellinger, “For over 150 years, Wayne Bank has been helping the community grow, and we’re excited that Holly can bring her experience and knowledge to represent our local builders in Northeast Pennsylvania, particularly in Luzerne and Monroe Counties. We’re also eager for her to learn more about the policies and key concerns that are important to builders across the state of Pennsylvania.” DiLeo is a member of the Scranton Chamber of Influencers and NeighborWorks of NEPA (Northeastern PA). She is also a Dress for Success Lackawanna Board Member, and a Pocono Leaders of Tomorrow Committee Member. DiLeo resides in Greentown, PA, with her husband, Kyle. They have one daughter.
Tobyhanna Army Depot Recognizes Servicemember as Warfighter of the Quarter Tobyhanna Army Depot (TYAD) recently had the privilege of honoring another distinguished servicemember with the Warfighter of the Quarter award. The Warfighter of the Quarter award acknowledges the relationship between employees at TYAD and the servicemembers who selflessly dedicate themselves to serving our nation, living lives consistent with the Army core values, and being good stewards of their communities. The honoree for the 4th quarter of 2023 is Sgt. 1st Class Albert J. Avila, who received the distinction during a midgame ceremony at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins Military Appreciation Night hockey game. As part of the Penguins’ salute to our nation’s heroes, members of Team Tobyhanna displayed a military vehicle and shared information about TYAD’s mission with game attendees. Additionally, Sgt. 1st Class Avila performed a ceremonial puck drop to start the game and Janet Warnick of TYAD’s Installation Services directorate provided a rendition of “God Bless America.” Currently, Sgt. 1st Class Avila is assigned to the Scranton Army Recruiting Station in Scranton, Pennsylvania. He is the recipient of seven Army Achievement Medals, two Army Commendations, and a Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal. TYAD Sgt. Maj. Michael S. Riggs joined Depot Commander Col. James L. Crocker in presenting the latest Warfighter of the Quarter award. Sgt. Maj. Riggs highlighted the significance of the honor and emphasized the respect he has for Sgt. 1st Class Avila and his work. “The Warfighter of the Quarter award provides TYAD an opportunity to recognize servicemembers who are doing good work. It allows for engagement with the local community and the military community in Northeastern Pennsylvania,” said Sgt. Maj. Riggs. “This gives us an opportunity to reward Sgt. 1st Class Avila’s example of dedication to duty and work for the community that might otherwise go unnoticed.” Sgt. 1st Class Avila said receiving the award was a tremendous privilege that made him proud of his commitment to the Armed Forces. “Receiving the TYAD Warfighter of the Quarter Award is an immense honor, deeply affirming my commitment to the United States Army Reserve and my role as an Army Recruiter,” said Sgt. 1st Class Avila. “It’s incredibly gratifying to be recognized for successfully assisting others in achieving their goals, as my work brings me great satisfaction in knowing I’m making a difference in their lives.” While assigned to the Scranton Army Recruiting Station as an Army Ambassador, Sgt. 1st Class Avila distinguished himself by displaying professionalism and dedication to duty, keeping with the finest traditions of military service. Some specific achievements include his orchestration of seven Future Soldier promotions for members of the Delayed Entry Program (a program designed to accommodate new enlistees into the United States Armed Forces before shipping out to basic training), his development and implementation of a transformative weight loss program that assisted civilians in meeting Army physical requirements, and providing education for seven high school guidance counselor offices on the March2Success program, an online program that helps individuals reach their civilian or Army educational goals. 1st Lt. Thomas Gascoigne works alongside Sgt. 1st Class Avila at the Scranton Army Recruiting Station. He said his impact has gone further than just the organization. “Sgt. 1st Class Avila goes above and beyond the normal scope of duties that recruiters perform,” said 1st Lt. Gascoigne. “Sgt. 1st Class Avila is not only an asset to our organization, but he is an asset to his community as well.” 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.
Lackawanna College Receives Donation from Fidelity Bank for Dual Enrollment Program Lackawanna College received a donation of $25,000 from Fidelity Bank. This contribution will support the Dual Enrollment Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program, allowing high school students to enroll in college-level courses and earn credits while attending high school. “We know Lackawanna College will take these dollars and put it to work in the programs that benefit our community the most,” President and CEO of Fidelity Bank, Dan Santaniello said. “This is an investment to the future and the future leaders of northeastern Pennsylvania, to get these young students college credits and experience in college level courses.” By making this donation, Fidelity Bank reaffirms its dedication to education, resonating with Lackawanna College’s mission to foster accessible and affordable education to the communities it serves. About the Lackawanna College Dual Enrollment Program Lackawanna College allows local high school students the opportunity to gain a head start on their college careers through Dual Enrollment courses offered within the hours and confines of their high school. Courses are also available through Lackawanna College’s online program, at our main campus in Scranton, or at our satellite centers in Hawley, Hazleton, Sunbury, Towanda, and Tunkhannock. This program is offered to high schools throughout northeastern Pennsylvania on a contractual basis and a reduced cost. About the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program The EITC program is a Pennsylvania tax credit for businesses who donate to an approved nonprofit organization. Lackawanna College is an approved Educational Improvement Organization. Companies contributing to Lackawanna College through EITC can receive significant tax benefits. Approved corporations can receive tax credits equal to 75% of its contribution up to a maximum of $750,000 per taxable year. In photo from left to right: Vice President & Investment Officer William Fennie III, Lackawanna College President and Chief Innovation Officer Jill Murray, President & CEO of Fidelity Bank Dan Santaniello and Director of College Advancement Amber Riedinger.
Wayne Bank Welcomes Joseph W. Adams as Senior Vice President Jim Donnelly, President and CEO of Wayne Bank, announced the appointment of Joseph W. Adams as Senior Vice President and Director of Wealth Management and Investment Services for Wayne Bank. Adams most recently served as Director for Norwood Financial Corp and Wayne Bank, having resigned that position during the March 19, 2024 board meeting. In his new role, Adams will provide leadership to the Bank’s Wealth Management and Trust Services department and Norwood Investment Corp. Mr. Donnelly stated, “Norwood Financial Corp and Wayne Bank have been fortunate to enjoy Joe’s extensive experience and guidance for over nine years during his tenure as Director. I am delighted that we will continue to benefit from those qualities, as well as his leadership and expertise in the field of wealth management and investment services. This is an exciting evolution for Wayne Bank and its employees, customers, and shareholders.” Adams has 39 years of financial management experience and has held titles including Business Manager, Financial Advisor, School Superintendent, and Senior Executive Vice President of Wealth Management. He was a Wayne County Commissioner and served as a member of the PA House of Representative for the 139th District of Pike and Wayne Counties. Adams earned a B. S. in Economics and Finance and an MBA in Accounting and Finance from the University of Scranton. He is also a Certified Financial Planning Curriculum Graduate from Pace University. Adams is an organizer of the Emergency Food Relief Program, which has raised over $400,000 in donations to feed 1600 local families. He was a former Chairman and a 30-year member of the Human Resource Center Board and a founding member of the Fall Music Festival and the Kelly Lalley Fund. He’s a member of the Honesdale Lions Club, the COAL Foundation, and the Committee to Renovate Hawley’s Bingham Park, as well as a former board member of NEPA Alliance, the Lake Region Chamber of Commerce, the Wayne County Family Center, the Wayne County Library Advisory Committee, the Wayne County YMCA, the Wayne County Children and Youth Advisory Board, and the Committee to relocate the historic White Mills Fire Hall. A former Chairman and member of the Palmyra Township Planning Committee, Adams has helped organize the effort to save the historic Hankins Dam, build the outdoor dog play park at Dessin Animal Shelter, and build Western Wayne’s softball Field. He’s volunteered his time as a Wallenpaupack and Honesdale Biddy Basketball Referee, Wallenpaupack Biddy Basketball Coach, Wallenpaupack Teener League Umpire, and Wallenpaupack American Legion Baseball Coach. Adams is a 40-year member of the Honesdale Golf Club, a 40-year member of Cold Hill Hunting Club, and a lifelong member of Murphy Hunting Club. He resides in Hamlin with his wife, Kathy.
