Imagine Performing Arts Center Presents Christmas Wonderland

Mark your calendars for our enchanting Christmas Wonderland Event happening in just 2 weeks! 

Join us for a wonderful, family-friendly experience filled with free crafts, tasty snacks, and the chance to take photos with Santa. Enjoy a delightful short play performed by our talented Imagine Alumni, who are now studying at some of the top performing arts schools across the nation. This is an event you won’t want to miss! Plus, your participation helps support our spring season. We can’t wait to celebrate the holiday spirit with you!

All inclusive Tickets Available NOW!

Culinary Creations by Metz Ring In the ‘New Year’ with a Timeless Tradition

Join us for #Genetti‘s New Year’s Open House on Tuesday, December 31st, from 7 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. at their Grand Ballroom in Wilkes-Barre. Enjoy an open bar, passed hors d’oeuvres, charcuterie display, delicious dinner buffet, midnight breakfast, and music by Popstar Drive. $125 per person. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable night!

Make reservations at the link: https://fs4.formsite.com/metzculinary/zdurjpshun/index

Wayne Bank Grants $10,000 to NEPA Nonprofit

The Board of The John and Helen Villaume Foundation announced that the Family Services of NEPA was selected to receive one of the Foundation’s 2024 community grant awards. David Kale, Sr. Grant Writer and Communications Manager, received a check in the amount of $10,000 from The John and Helen Villaume Foundation.

The John and Helen Villaume Foundation, established by Honesdale natives John and Helen Villaume, was created to benefit charitable, religious, scientific, literary and educational programs within Wayne County. Since its inception, the Foundation has made awards totaling over $2,500,000.00 with Wayne Bank managing the account in the Wealth Management and Trust Services Division of Wayne Bank.

Family Services of NEPA is a not-for-profit, non-sectarian organization which provides diverse services to children, seniors, individuals, and families empowering them to reach their full potential and resulting in healthier relationships and stronger communities. Established in 1895 by a group of concerned community members, FSA NEPA has been built by a governing board, a professional staff, and an involved consumer community. PA 211 NE/HelpLine provides a free 24/7/265 information and

referral service which connects callers/contacts with resources to meet daily vital needs, both in Wayne County and 16 others in the region.

Additional information about the Foundation and grant applications may be obtained from: The John and Helen Villaume Foundation, c/o Wayne Bank Wealth Management and Trust, 717 Main Street, Honesdale, PA 18431, or by phone: 570-253- 8507 or email: Trust@WayneBank.com

Governor Shapiro Reduces or Eliminates Registration Fees for Some Veterans, Retired Customers

Through bipartisan efforts between the Shapiro Administration and the Pennsylvania General Assembly, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is pleased to announce that due to changes established in Act 60 of 2024, signed by Governor Shapiro in July, the annual income threshold for a retired Pennsylvanian to qualify for a reduced vehicle registration fee was increased, allowing more people to be eligible for this benefit. Additionally, some veterans may now be eligible for free vehicle registration and titling fees.

“We’re glad that these changes in the law help make things a little easier for older Pennsylvanians and our veterans,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “PennDOT and the Shapiro Administration are committed to working with the General Assembly on commonsense changes like these that have a direct, positive impact on people’s lives.”

Previously, the annual income threshold for a retired customer to qualify for a reduced registration fee of $11 annually was $19,200. Beginning December 16, 2024, the annual income threshold increases to $29,906 and will be subject to annual Consumer Price Index adjustments.

“As we age, many of us find ourselves hitting the road less, yet paying the same registration fee as those who drive more frequently. With the changes to the annual income limits, these reduced fees will enable more older adults to save some money to spend on other necessities while still having peace of mind on their vehicle’s registration,” said Pennsylvania Department of Aging Secretary Jason Kavulich. “Thanks to Governor Shapiro, the General Assembly, and PennDOT for keeping older adults a priority.”

For qualifying customers to receive the reduced vehicle registration fee of $11, they must complete and submit Form MV-371, “Application for a Retired Person’s Processing Fee of a Vehicle Registration.” Customers should attach the completed form to their invitation to renew and return it to PennDOT to be processed. The $11 annual fee will be applied after the application is processed. More information on eligibility requirements can be found on PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website.

Act 60 also provides for the elimination of registration and title fees for one passenger vehicle or truck weighing 9,000 pounds or less owned by military veterans who meet the following requirements (license plate fees still apply):

Vehicles registered to a veteran who lost a limb or eye or who became partially paralyzed while serving in the Armed Forces of the United States.Vehicles registered to a person who, as a member or the Armed Forces of the United States, was captured by the enemy in any armed conflict for which the Department of Defense authorizes a campaign medal.

Vehicles registered to a person who has been awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.

Vehicles registered to a person who has been awarded the Purple Heart.

“As the Commonwealth’s leading advocate for our servicemembers, past and present, the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is grateful to the Shapiro Administration for its continued support of veterans and their families,” said Brig. Gen. John Pippy, Pennsylvania’s acting adjutant general and head of the DMVA. “Many veterans who have served our nation have sacrificed to a level most will never experience. Efforts like eliminating registration and title fees for eligible veterans sends an important message that Pennsylvania has not forgotten all you have done while in uniform.”

For more information about driver licensing and vehicle services for veterans, visit PennDOT’s driver and vehicle services website.

Traveling by domestic aircraft on or after May 7, 2025? You will need a REAL ID-compliant product or other federally-accepted form of identification if you do. Visit www.dmv.pa.gov/REALID for information on how you can get a REAL-ID compliant driver’s license or identification card today. There are less than six months left to prepare.

Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras. 511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional X alerts.

Johnson College Set to Host Power Tools & Purse Bingo in February

Johnson College will hold a Power Tools & Purse Bingo fundraiser on Sunday, February 16, 2025, at the Moffat Student Center, on its Scranton campus located at 3427 Main Avenue, Scranton. This one-of-a-kind event will offer attendees the chance to win premium power tools and designer purses, all while supporting Johnson College students.

Doors will open at 1:00 p.m., with the first bingo game beginning promptly at 2:00 p.m. This limited-capacity event is restricted to just 200 guests, so early reservations are encouraged.

Event Highlights Include:

  • Over $10,000 in valuable prizes, including professional-grade power tools from industry leaders such as Milwaukee, DeWalt, Makita, and more.
  • Designer purses from top brands like Louis Vuitton, Tory Burch, and Kate Spade.
  • Ten regular bingo rounds, including two grand prize rounds (one for a power tool and one for a designer purse, with a total prize value of up to $4,000).
  • “4 Specials Games” available for purchase.
  • A 50/50 raffle for additional prizes.
  • Food and beverages available for purchase (outside food & alcohol not permitted).

Individual tickets are available for $45, or $50 at the door. For an exclusive experience, VIP tables for 10 guests are also available for $450 (valued at $550), which include 10 game packs, 10 “Swag Bags,” and 10 vouchers for special game bingos.

Additional Opportunities Available:
Interested in supporting the event? Contact Patty DeScipio at 570-702-8860 or via email at collegeadvancement@johnson.edu to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.

Reserve Your Tickets Today!
For more details and to secure your tickets, visit Johnson.edu/bingo.

Proceeds from this event will directly benefit Johnson College students. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this exciting event and support a great cause!

Mohegan Pennsylvania Set Performance of The Lalas in February

The Lalas, one of the best in burlesque, are set to perform an equally hilarious and sexy show in the Keystone Grand Ballroom at Mohegan Pennsylvania on Friday, February 14th. Doors for this special Valentine’s Day performance open at 7:30pm and the show kicks off at 9:00pm. Tickets go on sale Friday, December 20th at 10:00am via ticketmaster.com. Tickets can also be purchased with Momentum Dollars and all other forms of payment at the Mohegan Pennsylvania Box Office located at the Hotel Front Desk, subject to availability. Special cocktail seating is also available for guests, which provides an upgraded front row experience and tableside beverage service. Guests must be 21+ to attend this show.

 The Lalas will have guests at the edge of their seat, jaw dropped, and hootin’ and hollerin’ like they’ve never thought possible on the evening of February 14th. Perfect for Valentine’s date night, singles night out, or just looking to see some empowered women rock the stage, The Lalas is the show is sure to deliver. It’s 75 minutes of Classic Rock & Blues music, perfectly choreographed dance moves, and so much fringe guests will wonder how they got it all on the plane. The Los Angeles based women that are seen on stage are all full-time working pros in the biz. The Lalas have been seen on so many tv shows, commercials, films, and touring with Pop artists, their fans and them are practically best friends. Guests will be wanting to see them again, and as no two shows are ever alike, they’re always in for a treat! 

 Additionally, guests who are looking for the full Valentine’s Day experience at Mohegan Pennsylvania can book a special hotel package which includes an overnight stay, dinner for two, tickets to The Lalas, and chocolate covered strawberries delivered to the room. For more details and to book this hotel package, guests can visit moheganpa.com.

 The Hive Taphouse will also feature a Valentine’s Day special for $75 that features  an appetizer to share, choice of soup or salad, two entrées, and a decadent desert to share. The app choices are Spinach and Artichoke Dip, Classic Shrimp Cocktail, or Margarita Flatbread followed by either a House salad, Classic Ceaser Salad, or Lobster Bisque. The main entrée offers guests either a Neptune’s Kiss: Twin jumbo lump crab cakes with cognac stone ground mustard aioli, Cupid’s Steakhouse; 12-oz. carved prime rib of beef served with classis au jus and horseradish cream sauce, or The Love Shack: Twin pan-seared European chicken breasts with a porcini mushroom and caramelized onion demi-glace. To finish the meal, guests can choose either a Fresh Wild Berry Shortcake or Triple Chocolate Cake to share.

Outreach Hosts Allied Services Career Event

Allied Services Integrated Health System and Outreach – Center for Community Resources will host a career event on January 8, 2025, from 11 AM – 1 PM at the Outreach LEAD (Lead, Educate and Develop) Center in Scranton. The address is 431 North 7th Avenue, Scranton, PA.

This event will feature on-site management who will be able to discuss current career opportunities available at Allied Services. Career opportunities available include nursing, mental health services, and support services. Allied Services does provide paid training opportunities for those who qualify.

Tobyhanna Presents Awards to this Quarter’s Top Talent

On Dec. 16, Tobyhanna Army Depot (TYAD) named its fourth quarter Employees of the Quarter, recognizing two team members who exemplify the exceptional standards set by the depot’s workforce.

This quarter, Greg Sabol was recognized in the senior category, and Cree Wolf earned junior category recognition.

Sabol serves as a Machinist in the Fabrication and Assembly/Machining Branch. His story is one of perseverance, ambition, and dedication.

A member of the deaf and hard of hearing community, he first joined Tobyhanna Army Depot as a summer intern from the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID). Despite the obstacles Sabol faces, he is resolute in pursuit of his goals. Since completing his internship, he has been promoted three times, serving as an inspiration to his team.

His broad experience spans several programs such as Stryker, Bridge Supplemental Set, Sea Sparrow, Ground/Air Task-Oriented Radar, Armament Repair Shop Set, and PM Tactical Radios.

“My grandfather was in the Navy,” Sabol explained. “So, I am proud of the work I do, especially systems like Sea Sparrow that directly support the Navy.”

Machining Branch Supervisor Keith Knecht describes Sabol as a modest man.

“Without hesitation, Greg will take the most challenging jobs in the shop and then will recognize others in the branch for the work instead of himself.” said Knecht. “As soon as a new piece of equipment comes in, he is one of the first to ask to be trained.”

Most recently, he has been lauded by Fabrication & Component Refinishing Division Chief Thomas Petroski for developing an innovative solution to prevent nozzle heads from breaking on water cutting machines. Implementing his idea is projected to save a significant amount of money spent on replacements, not to mention the labor hours required to repair them.

“Greg is the subject matter expert on water jet cutting machines,” Petroski noted. “He is always looking for better ways to improve productivity by staying informed of the latest technology advancement in metal cutting machinery and techniques.”

Sabol was humbled by the recognition and plans to continue putting his best foot forward and mentoring newer employees on his team.

“Working hard every day is just part of my commitment to supporting the warfighter,” he added.

When Sabol is not working, he is planning his next trip to Maine to visit his family’s log cabin and practice wakeboarding.

Wolf serves in the civilian ranks of Team Tobyhanna as a Telecommunications Specialist in Tobyhanna Army Depot’s (TYAD) Wideband Control Test Division. Wolf’s work directly supports TYAD’s rapidly expanding cyber mission.

As the battlefield continues to evolve, Team Tobyhanna is adapting with it to meet the needs of the joint warfighter. The fifth “c” in C5ISR, the depot’s focus on expanding its cyber capabilities secures TYAD’s continued legacy as a leading readiness provider to our nation’s warfighters.

Wideband Control Test Division Chief Tania Perciaccante said cyber subject matter experts like Wolf are leading the charge to remain on the cutting edge.

“Mr. Wolf’s willingness to learn new things and work with other team members has proven critical to the success of the division’s test automation efforts,” said Perciaccante.

In nominating Wolf for the award, Perciaccante specifically lauded his leading of a re-engineer of automated scripts used in software testing. Through database comparison and participation in vendor-led test events, Wolf’s efforts have increased test fidelity and reduced test time from 40 minutes to four minutes as well as manpower required to execute the tests.

Perciaccante added that Wolf “consistently trained other team members on the use of the test automation scripts as well as common troubleshooting techniques,” earning respect from his colleagues and setting the entire team up for success in the process. “Mr. Wolf has also been recognized by his peers and other team leaders as being a driving force behind the division’s automation effort,” said Perciaccante.

Wolf was honored to receive the award and said it was satisfying to have his hard work recognized.

“I was very happy and surprised to be named an Employee of the Quarter,” said Wolf. “I’d like to think any success I’ve achieved is a direct reflection of giving it my all every day, being confident in my work, and doing good work.”

Wolf said he finds pleasure in the precision his work requires.

“I like to go deep into my work and find pleasure in delving deep to deliver the best product possible.”

Thanks to Wolf’s efforts, and through TYAD’s ideals of continuous improvement and process-based leadership, Team Tobyhanna remains well positioned to deliver the current and next generation of America’s warfighters the highest quality product available.

The Employee of the Quarter awards and other employee recognition programs align with Tobyhanna’s long-range strategic plan, TOBY2035 – specifically the Investing In Our People line of effort. TOBY2035, the depot’s long-range strategic plan, has four focus areas: Investing in Our People, C5ISR Readiness, Shape the Future and Strategic Communications. TOBY2035 aims to posture the depot for success in the coming years as the Department of Defense’s premier worldwide C5ISR readiness provider.

Tobyhanna has proudly partnered with NTID since 2012, providing meaningful career and internship opportunities to their students. Depot personnel work directly alongside NTID instructors to ensure the school’s curriculum aligns with operational needs.

Tobyhanna Army Depot 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, post production software support, technology insertion, modification, foreign military sales and global field support to our joint warfighters.

About 3,200 personnel are employed at Tobyhanna, 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 deliver integrated C5ISR weapon systems, business systems, and medical sustainment to enable full spectrum combat operations at the point of need.

Johnson College Receives Grant from Robert H. Spitz Foundation to Support Student Safety Net Program

Johnson College has been awarded a $3,000 grant from the Robert H. Spitz Foundation to support its safety net program for students needing assistance meeting basic needs.

This program provides emergency relief for basic needs such as transportation and necessary educational expenses, including personal protective equipment, program-specific tools, and industry certification fees. The safety net program will help students remain in school to complete their education and move on to earn family-supporting wages through employment in the region.

The safety net program is available to help all Johnson College students at both the Scranton and Hazleton campuses. Students facing short-term financial emergencies may request assistance in the College’s Community Hub where staff will confidentially help identify solutions, community agency supports, and eligible state/federal programs to meet students’ basic needs.