Lackawanna Historical Society Hosts Pysanky Workshop In time for Easter, the Lackawanna Historical Society will host its popular Pysanky-making workshop on Sunday, March 15 at 11 a.m. Hosted by Tammy Budnovitch, the workshops will be held at the Society’s headquarters, the Catlin House, 232 Monroe Avenue, Scranton. The cost for the workshop is $30 and includes all supplies. Pysanky is a traditional Ukrainian craft in which patterns are drawn on the eggs with wax, which protects the egg when dye is applied. Dating back to prehistoric Ukraine, folklore claims that these elaborate wax-decorated eggs can help ward off evil from overtaking the world. Each workshop is a two-hour beginner class teaching the basic steps of making pysanky, and will include all needed supplies including kistka, beeswax, egg, egg design, and additional designs to take home. Tammy Budnovitch is a member of S.S. Cyril & Methodius Ukrainian Church who has been teaching pysanky for several years. There will also be some of Tammy’s finished pysanky for sale as well as additional supplies for anyone who wants to continue the craft.
Geisinger Expands with Longtime Local Physician Joining Primary Care Network Nicholas Dodge, M.D., will be affiliated with the Geisinger primary care network beginning on Monday, March 3, and his practice at 414 E. Drinker St. will become Geisinger Primary Care Dunmore. Board certified in internal medicine, Dr. Dodge has cared for patients in the greater Scranton area for more than 30 years. He attended The University of Scranton for his undergraduate work and earned his medical degree from Temple University School of Medicine. He completed a residency in internal medicine through the Scranton-Temple Residency Program. “The opportunity to partner with Geisinger will help us continue to provide the friendly, high-quality personalized care that we’re known for while aligning with a nationally known system with a similar reputation for caring, excellence and quality,” Dr. Dodge said.
The Chamber and The Steel Supply Company Broker a Deal in Valley View Business Park The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and its business development division, the Scranton Lackawanna Industrial Building Company (SLIBCO), announces the sale of 2.67 acres in the Valley View Business Park to The Steel Supply Company, Inc. The Steel Supply Company produces components, supplies, and services that are critical to the structural steel fabrication industry. The company will manufacture and distribute industrial steel fabrication products from its new location in Jessup, Pennsylvania. Back Row (L-R): Amy Luyster, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce; AJ Cimahosky, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce; Javier Pazmino, The Steel Supply Company, Inc.; Willie Obeid, The Steel Supply Company, Inc.; Front Row (L-R): Bob Durkin, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce; Matt Obeid, The Steel Supply Company; and Heather Kubic Skapyak, GPI “We are excited about this new facility and the opportunities it affords the company for manufacturing, fabricating, and new product line development, shared Barbara Obeid, president of The Steel Supply Company. The area offers an impressive combination of facilities, access to shipping lanes, and a capable labor force. The assistance provided in locating the property and guiding the process by the energetic people at The Chamber has been invaluable. We look forward to working with the Chamber in bringing this project to fruition.” “SLIBCO and The Chamber leadership are thrilled to see this project come to fruition. The Steel Supply Company is committed to driving the workforce in Lackawanna County and falls right in line with the targeted industry sectors we desire to see grow in the area. Manufacturing has always been a part of our story here, and projects like these will allow that to continue,” shared AJ Cimahosky, business development specialist at The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber through its business development division, SLIBCO, and its business development marketing program, The Scranton Plan, are committed to attracting, sustaining, and growing business and the workforce in targeted industries. These industries include advanced manufacturing, food and beverage production, technology, energy, and life sciences. “In choosing a new site in Jessup to manufacture and distribute components, The Steel Supply Co. clearly recognizes some of Lackawanna County’s business-development advantages,” said Commissioner Bill Gaughan. He adds, “Our location and transportation infrastructure put major markets within easy reach, and our workforce ensures high-quality products. We welcome the Steel Supply Co. not only as a great addition to the county’s industrial base, but as further proof that Lackawanna County is open for business.” For information regarding this property or additional real estate opportunities in Lackawanna County, visit www.thescrantonplan.com.
Comcast Expands State-of-the-Art Network in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Network Expansion Brings Xfinity and Comcast Business Services to Lackawanna, Luzerne and Columbia Counties – Comcast has connected more than 18,500 new homes and businesses across Lackawanna, Luzerne and Columbia Counties in Northeastern Pennsylvania to reliable, high-speed Internet by expanding its network. This expansion enhances digital infrastructure, promotes economic growth, and positions residents and local businesses for success in an increasingly digital world. The network expansion brings Internet, mobile, entertainment, and security services from Xfinity and Comcast Business to residents and businesses in the following areas for the first time: Lackawanna County: Carbondale Township, Fell Townships, City of Carbondale Luzerne County: Newport Township, Conyngham Township, Hunlock Township, Plymouth Township, Shickshinny Borough, Union Township, Salem Township Columbia County: Berwick Borough, Briar Creek Borough, Briar Creek Township “Our community deserves the best when it comes to choosing their provider for Internet, mobile, and entertainment services,” said Tim Burke, Mayor, Berwick Borough. “Comcast’s entry into our market offers a variety of options for any type of customer, and we are thrilled that the Borough of Berwick and its surrounding areas now have access Comcast’s state-of-the-art network.” “I had been searching for a new Internet provider, so I was very happy to discover that Comcast recently made Xfinity services available in my area,” said Carbondale resident Laura Perry. “Switching my Internet and home phone to Xfinity gave me better speeds and pricing than my previous provider. My family and I have enjoyed seamless connectivity ever since.” Residents can visit Xfinity.com and businesses can visit ComcastBusiness.com to see if their address is eligible for service. In addition, residents and businesses can visit our newly renovated Xfinity Store in Dickson City, or stores in Wilkes-Barre and Hazleton, PA. This expansion is part of the company’s latest investment in Northeastern Pennsylvania, following recently completed network expansions to more than 28,000 homes and businesses in Jermyn and Mayfield Boroughs and the City of Wilkes-Barre. More than 6,600 residents and businesses in Carbon, Schuylkill and additional parts of Luzerne County will also soon be able to connect to our network, with an expansion project currently underway. “We’re excited for more Northeastern Pennsylvania communities to experience the power of our Xfinity and Comcast Business products and services that deliver over 99.9 percent reliability,” said Ricky Frazier Jr., Senior Vice President of Comcast’s Keystone Region. “In addition to connecting communities to the moments that matter most, Comcast is committed to advancing digital opportunity through Internet Essentials, our low-cost Internet service for low-income families, and Project UP, our $1 billion commitment to unlimited possibilities.” A Network You Can Trust to be Reliable, Fast and Secure Comcast’s state-of-the-art network is built to enable residents and businesses to thrive in today’s constantly connected world. Lackawanna, Luzerne and Columbia counties join the 64 million homes and businesses across the country to have access to a network that is trusted by essential community organizations like hospitals, schools, transportation systems and first responders, and federal agencies like the Department of Defense and FEMA. It delivers gigabit Internet speeds, 99.9 percent reliability and built-in security to help keep customers safe from cyber threats. Introducing Xfinity for Consumers Comcast’s residential services are marketed under the Xfinity and NOW brands, and consumers in Northeastern PAcan take advantage of Xfinity’s full suite of products, including Internet, video, mobile, voice and home security, with additional Internet, video and mobile options with NOW for those on a budget. With gigabit Internet speeds, powerful WiFi that reaches every corner of the home, and super-responsive connections with low lag available with its plan, customers have a great experience using their connected devices to stream their favorite sports and entertainment content, video chat with coworkers and friends, learn from home or simply surf the web. Comcast Business to Power Northeastern PA For local businesses, Comcast Business offers a suite of connectivity, communications, networking, cybersecurity, wireless, and managed solutions to help organizations of all sizes achieve their business goals. Industry analysts and associations have consistently recognized Comcast Business as a leader and innovator in flexible, scalable options as well as one of the fastest-growing providers of Ethernet services. What It Means for the Northeastern PA Community Comcast’s commitment to communities goes beyond building the network and aims to increase economic mobility for the local community and its residents. That’s why Comcast created Internet Essentials, a broadband adoption program that offers eligible households low-cost, high-speed Internet and affordable computers. Since its inception in 2011, Internet Essentials has connected more than 2 million low-income Pennsylvania residents to broadband service at home. Additionally, Comcast has launched 176 Lift Zones across Pennsylvania to provide students and families with free, high-speed WiFi and digital skills training. Lift Zones are part of Project UP, Comcast’s comprehensive $1 billion commitment to help build a future of unlimited possibilities and the continuation of the company’s long history of giving back to communities where it provides service and where its employees live and work.
WVIA Wins Best of Show at AAF NEPA’s American Advertising Awards – “Girls Wrestling Documentary,” which follows the inspiring journey of the barrier breaking athletes of the Western Wayne Girls Wrestling Team, tells the story of young athletes reshaping the landscape of high school wrestling. On Friday, February 28, the American Advertising Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania (AAF NEPA) hosted the 2024 American Advertising Awards, where they presented the 2024 Silver Medal Award, the Game Changer Award, winners of Cropped and the Rising Star Award. This year’s event was held at the Mohegan Pennsylvania Convention Center. The American Advertising Awards are widely acknowledged to be the largest and most representative competition of its kind, with more than 25,000 entries received as part of the three-tier competition. Campaigns need to advance through both local and regional levels in order to be eligible for the national award. In addition, the awards are often viewed as a lens offering insights into work that may also perform well at other upcoming international creative competitions. Local Gold winners will automatically advance to the regional level and silver winners have the option to send their work on. In all, 8 Professional ADDYs and 13 Student ADDYs were awarded at the Northeastern PA American Advertising Awards, along with 8 Special Judges Choice Awards. Winners were announced during the award show on February 28th, which was attended by 80+ creative professionals, educators and students from across the advertising, marketing, media and tech communities. Said Dan Kimbrough, President of AAF NEPA, “It’s a heavy lift pulling off the show each year, but we have an amazing board and being able to come together and celebrate our creative community makes it worth it.” Other highlights from this year’s American Advertising Awards include: ● WVIA’s Webseries “NEPA @ Work”, which took a gold medal, along with “Girls Wrestling Documentary”. ● Halibut Blue won two Silver Awards for their work with local non-profits Big Brothers Big Sisters of NEPA, and The United Way of the Wyoming Valley. ● Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Student Hunter Rossmann took home 5 trophies. ● Stephanie Klemick of Marywood University took home the student Best of Show with an innovative package design called “Fruit Cups”. Awards were chosen by a distinguished panel of judges representing 4 different markets and agencies not local to NEPA. Outside of our AAA Competition awards, Danielle Antonello-Smolley of Triggerfinger Photography, was awarded the Silver Medal Award, which recognizes an individual who has made outstanding contributions to advertising and has been active in furthering the industry’s standards, creative excellence and responsibility in areas of social concern. Kevin Jones, owner of VizVibe, took home the Game Changer Award, which recognizes local visionaries who are pioneering new and exciting ideas within the advertising industry. And Stephanie Klemick of Marywood University won The Rising Star Award, which celebrates emerging talents in the advertising industry who exhibit outstanding potential and a commitment to excellence in both their professional endeavors and community engagement. All professional and student entries and the winners can be viewed online at adflix.aafnepa.org.
The Dime Bank Promotes Maurice Dennis to Director of Lending Maurice (Mick) Dennis to now serve as Director of Lending at The Dime Bank, announced President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Bochnovich. He will supervise the bank’s commercial, mortgage, and consumer lenders as well as special assets. Additionally, Dennis will continue to assist area businesses attain the financing they need to grow. Dennis brings to this role over 16 years of distinguished experience in the financial sector, a career marked by consistent growth and exceptional performance. Dennis has been helping The Dime Bank business customers since 2019 as vice president commercial loan officer, where he played a crucial role in actively seeking and developing new commercial loan relationships while maintaining strong relationships with existing customers. Prior to The Dime Bank, Dennis honed his expertise through a series of progressive roles. He began his career developing a rigorous foundation in commercial loan underwriting and evaluation. He then excelled as a commercial documentation officer, ensuring the accuracy and efficiency of critical loan processes. His proven track record of success led to further advancement, where he effectively expanded business relationships in northeastern PA and the Poconos. Dennis’ banking career began with a strong academic background, including degrees from two well-respected universities. He graduated with a Master of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Scranton and a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania. Over the course of his career, he has supplemented his education with professional course certificates attained through the PA Bankers Association. He is also a graduate of Leadership Wayne. President and Chief Executive Officer Pete Bochnovich stated, “Please join me in congratulating Mick on his promotion to Director of Lending. For the past five years, Mick has demonstrated exceptional dedication, expertise, and leadership within our lending department. His deep understanding of the financial landscape, coupled with his commitment to fostering strong customer relationships and community involvement, has been instrumental in his success. Mick’s ability to navigate complex lending scenarios, his innovative approach to problem-solving, and his unwavering focus on responsible lending practices have exceeded expectations. He has proven himself to be an asset, and I am confident that in this new role he will continue to drive growth and excellence in our lending operations.” Dennis is the proud founder of Wayne Highlands Little League and continues to serve on the board of directors as treasurer. He is also a board member of Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance Business Financial Corporation.
Greater Scranton YMCA Receives Grant from AllOne Charities In November 2024, the Greater Scranton YMCA was awarded a $20,000 grant from AllOne Charities. Grant funding will support the Y’s Year-Round Food Program, specifically the purchase of new equipment and staffing. Since the Greater Scranton YMCA implemented its Year-Round Food Program, enrollment in early childhood education programs has significantly grown. During the Y’s most recently completed fiscal year (07/01/2023 – 06/30/2024), 69,490 meals and snacks were provided to children enrolled in Early Childhood Education programs, Summer Day Camp, and Before and After School care. This growth has proved challenging, as the need for additional staff and more efficient equipment has also increased. Thanks to the generosity of AllOne Charities, the Greater Scranton YMCA has been able to purchase a new steamer and deep freezer, as well as support staffing expenses. “We are so grateful to AllOne Charities for this generous grant award,” said Rich Surridge, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “Thanks to our Year-Round Food Program and to the dedication of our Food Program staff, we are so proud to provide the children in our care with healthy meals and snacks daily. This grant award will support these efforts, allowing us to continue to grow. For more information about the Greater Scranton YMCA’s Year-Round Food Program, contact Kelena Gonzalez, Food Program Coordinator, at kgonzalez@gsymca.org.
The Chamber AcceleratesAction by Celebrating International Women’s Day and Presents the ATHENA Award The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce hosted more than 200 attendees at its annual International Women’s Day Celebration, sponsored by The Honesdale National Bank, and presented the 2025 ATHENA Leadership Award to Linda Thomas-Hemak, MD, FACP, FAAP, the president and chief executive officer of The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education. Marianne Gilmartin, vice chair/chair-elect, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce; Robert Durkin, president, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce; Donna Barbetti, Michael A. Barbetti LLC CPA; Linda Thomas-Hemak, MD, FACP, FAAP, president and chief executive officer, The Wright Center for Community Health and Graduate Education; Mari Potis, director of membership and events, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce; Deb Kolsovsky, executive vice president and regional director, PNC Bank. The ATHENA Award, sponsored locally by Michael A. Barbetti LLC Certified Public Accountants, honors an exceptional individual who has achieved excellence in their business or profession, has served the community in a meaningful way, and has assisted women in their attainment of professional goals and leadership skills. Dr. Thomas-Hemak embodies these characteristics wholeheartedly. Dr. Thomas-Hemak joined The Wright Center in 2001, became president in 2007, and CEO in 2012. Concurrent with her responsibilities as an executive, Dr. Thomas-Hemak is also quintuple board-certified in internal medicine, pediatrics, addiction medicine, obesity medicine, and nutrition, and she remains a healer at heart. Kate Bryant, president and chief executive officer, The Honesdale National Bank; Elizabeth Nagy, vice president, director of marketing, sales, and online banking, The Honesdale National Bank; Katie Desiderio, Ph.D., MBA, principal partner in learning, Proximal Development, LLC; Marianne Gilmartin, vice chir/chair-elect, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce; Mari Potis, director of membership and events, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce Dr. Katie Desiderio provided the keynote address. Dr. Desiderio is a tenured professor of management at Moravian University and the principal partner of Proximal Development, LLC. In Dr. Desiderio’s keynote, she inspired the audience to define their stories in six words by going on a journey of exploring who they are and who around them helps them achieve that dream version of themselves. “Today, as we gather to celebrate International Women’s Day, we honor the strength, resilience, and contributions of women who shape our community,” said Bob Durkin, president of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. “The presentation of the Athena Award is a testament to the exceptional leaders who inspire us all to dream bigger, reach higher, and break barriers. It is an honor to recognize these remarkable women, whose achievements remind us that the power of leadership knows no bounds.”
Broadway Theatre League, Special Offer for Sunday Night Showing of The Addams Family Broadway Theatre League Special Offer for Chamber members THE ADDAMS FAMILY is coming this weekend, March 7-9! Get 2 tickets for $99 (plus facility fees) for the Sunday, March 9,m 2025 at 6:30 p.m. performance Use code: THING to unlock this offer. (When purchasing online, click “unlock” to enter the code.) . Offer available now through March 9 at 6:30PM on select seats. Valid for the Sunday 6:30PM performance only. Must use/show code THING to unlock. Not valid on previously purchased tickets. Offer available online and in person at the Scranton Cultural Center Box Office. Additional fees apply online.
