Helen Lavelle’s “Humanity & Divinity” Exhibit

Helen Lavelle’s “Humanity & Divinity” art exhibition is back by popular demand and now showing at The Gallery of Scranton following its successful debut at La MaMa Galleria in New York City. See the exhibit for the first time in Scranton during a First Friday opening reception on Friday, June 2, from 5-9 p.m.

The Scranton exhibition gives those who were unable to attend the show in New York in January and February the chance to experience this powerful display.

A nationally recognized leader in the advertising industry, Ms. Lavelle’s drawings and paintings explore the artist’s personal journey through pain and vulnerability to resilience and grace.

Acknowledging that loss of life, the pandemic, political climate, racial hatred, war and economic uncertainty have given rise to unprecedented and unbearable pain, Ms. Lavelle’s work puts it center stage. But she does not stop there.

The exhibit, which includes both figurative and landscape pieces, is designed to remind viewers that the path from humanity to divinity lies in a personal connection to nature. “Nature is our greatest teacher,” Lavelle states. “Life and death, love and loss, pain and promise…the opportunity to transform in the face of tragedy, to recover (as does nature) is cellular.”

For Lavelle, painting is a spiritual process. Landscapes created in Ireland while experiencing extreme grief and sorrow express both heaviness and connection to universal energy.

As to her figurative work, Lavelle explains, “Connecting on a deeper level with nature and God
allowed me to portray moments of human vulnerability that are real, raw and honest. I can barely look at them myself.”

Lavelle has had more than her fair share of grief, having lost multiple friends and members of her own
family to addiction, to AIDs, and to the inability for many to move forward in life. She knows that art
heals, brings forth light, even in the deepest darkness.

An advocate for the arts in every genre, she understands that the arts help move people through life’s
circumstances. Her hope is that through this exhibition, people will see something in themselves that is about transformation.

Greater Scranton YMCA Receives ARPA Grant

In May 2023 the Greater Scranton YMCA was awarded a $62,500 grant from the City of Scranton’s American Rescue Plan Act Funds. Funding will support the expansion of the Y’s Early Learning Center.

Since the onset of the COVID 19 public health emergency, the need for child care services in our community has grown substantially. Enrollment in the Greater Scranton YMCA’s early childhood education programs has grown by more than 50 percent from 2022 to 2023 with 60 children currently on a waitlist.

The Greater Scranton YMCA is limited in space and at maximum capacity. In order to open an additional 30 child care spots each year, the Greater Scranton YMCA will renovate its second floor, which is currently being used for storage and the location of H VAC. Through renovating the space, the Greater Scranton YMCA will create three new classrooms, each licensed to serve up to 10 children. The classrooms will specifically serve children ages zero to two, as the need for infant care is great.

“We are so grateful to the City of Scranton for their support of our Greater Scranton YMCA and this project,” said Trish Fisher, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “We are excited to get this project underway and cannot wait to welcome more children and families through our doors.”

Annually, the Greater Scranton YMCA is proud to provide hundreds of thousands of dollars in financial assistance to children, adults and families from across our region, allowing them to benefit from all the YMCA has to offer. During our most recently completed fiscal year, the Greater Scranton YMCA awarded $4 91,646 to community members in need.

For more information about the Greater Scranton YMCA, call (570) 342 8115 or visit the Y online at www.greaterscrantonymca.org

NEPIRC Dream Team Inspires Students

The Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center’s (NEPIRC) Manufacturing Ambassador Dream Team Program is making an impact on high school students throughout northeastern, northern and north central Pennsylvania, just weeks after the program was officially introduced.

Since the program’s launch earlier this spring, the Dream Team Ambassadors have spoken to 4,935 students at 18 different school career events and classroom presentations throughout many of the counties NEPIRC serves, including Bradford, Columbia, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Susquehanna, Tioga, Wayne and Wyoming.

Kate Logan, quality systems manager for Noble Biomaterials in Scranton, has been an active ambassador, speaking at several high schools this year. Logan has been impressed with her interaction with many of the students she encounters.

“Some students know exactly what they want to be in the future while others did not have a set goal or career in mind just yet. For the students that had some idea, they were pleasantly surprised that their career interests could easily serve the needs of the manufacturing world. The students were surprised to learn about the diverse manufacturing companies locally,” said Logan.

The Manufacturing Ambassador Dream Team Program’s 31 ambassadors represent 25 companies. The program introduces high school students, faculty, administrators and parents to younger manufacturing professionals to gain a unique understanding of the vibrant manufacturing sector and the variety of jobs available in our region.

Logan, just like many of her fellow ambassadors, is benefitting as much from talking with the students as she hopes the students benefit from talking with her.

“As a Dream Team Ambassador, I was delighted to be in a classroom setting again. I felt like a student myself learning more about what students hope their futures will be. It was truly a privilege to be given the chance to inspire students on manufacturing industry opportunities and reinforced my own career passions. I am also grateful to have met some new friends among my fellow Dream Team Ambassadors! This was an exceptional experience and impactful to future potential colleagues,” she said.

Max McCabe, project manager for Cheetah Chassis in Berwick, knows that the future of manufacturing in the region rests on the interest of today’s high school students pursuing careers with manufacturing companies.

“I think it’s important to recognize that if I am going to have a future in manufacturing that I will need the generations following me to be interested as well. That means getting out there and showing people what really goes on in the factories and what type of great opportunities are available to them. I take pride in being at least a small voice in advocating for manufacturing careers and this is a great way to do it,” said McCabe.

Dream Team Ambassadors and representatives from NEPIRC participated in the following classroom presentations and high school career fair events this year:

  • Scranton High School, multiple classroom presentations – Jeff Tague and Kim Smalley, CANPACK and Matt Wheeler, business advisor, NEPIRC
  • Towanda High School Career Day — Jim Winterringer and Nate Halverson, Towanda Metadyne
  • JA Inspire Career Fair — Tiffany Weeks, Hydro; Julia Miller, Mitsubishi Chemical Group; Calvin O’Boyle, SIMONA; Jeff Tague, CANPACK; Max McCabe, Cheetah Chassis; Sam Anderline, Greiner; Kate Logan, Noble Biomaterials
  • 2023 Career Pathways Fair, Tunkhannock High School — Alec Ciaglia, JAM Works; Sam Anderline, Greiner Packaging and Jeff Tague, CANPACK
  • Tioga First Annual High School Job Fair — Matt Wheeler, business advisor, NEPIRC and Mitch Amoriello, production manager, Truck-Lite
  • Forest City Regional High School classroom presentation — Jeff Tague, CANPACK and Matt Wheeler, NEPIRC
  • Career Technology Center of Lackawanna Countyclassroom presentation – Zach Mulhern, Ashley Machine & Tool
  • How It’s Made Career Day at Blossburg Elementary School– Mitch Amoriello and Luke Mann, Truck-Lite
  • Valley View High School,multiple classroom presentations — Julia Miller, Mitsubishi Chemical Group and Kate Logan, Noble Biomaterials
  • Career Exploration Day at Pittston Area High School— Kim Smalley, CANPACK; Jarad Sarna, EAM Mosca; Kate Logan, Noble Biomaterials and Ian Vestrand, Cornell Cookson
  • West Scranton High School classroom presentation — Matt Wheeler, NEPIRC
  • Girl Power in STEM Event at Penn State Hazleton — Chelsey Coslett and Courtney Deignan, NEPIRC
  • Carbondale Area High School classroom presentation — Kim Smalley, CANPACK

The Manufacturing Ambassador Dream Team Program has seen a steady increase in the requests for ambassadors to participate in high school career fairs as well as speaking to classrooms of high school students.

“We are very pleased that we exceeded our expectations in terms of the number of manufacturing ambassadors, the number of companies embracing the program and the geography of where they are located. The diversity of the participants in this program with respect to their backgrounds, employers and hometowns is what’s enabling us to participate in career programs at so many different schools,” said Eric Joseph Esoda, president and CEO, NEPIRC.

“As our manufacturing community continues to see the value in this program, we hope they will volunteer some of their team members if they are not already engaged in the effort, and as the schools see the program taking off we are hopeful that more and more schools will invite us in for presentations.” he said.

NEPIRC’s school outreach efforts are made possible by the Pennsylvania Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career Grant approved by the Department of Community & Economic Development in 2022.

Information about NEPIRC Manufacturing Ambassador Dream Team Program can be found on the program’s new website, nepirc.com/dreamteam.

School faculty and administrators interested in having a Dream Team Ambassador speak at a career fair, to a specific classroom, or other school event should contact Jenelle Osborne, Dream Team project coordinator via email, jenelle@nepirc.com.

Steamtown NHS and Anthracite Heritage Museum to Celebrate Local Industrial Heritage

Celebrate the area’s industrial heritage with the return of Steamtown National Historic Site’s Railfest and Pennsylvania Anthracite Heritage Museum’s Arts on Fire on Saturday, June 17, 2023.  Both sites are excited to be collaborating to provide an interactive experience showcasing our community’s history. In addition to free admission, there will be no cost for Steamtown’s short train rides. A complimentary shuttle service will be available throughout the day to transport visitors between Steamtown NHS and the Scranton Iron Furnaces.

Steamtown’s Railfest event will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Programming will be offered throughout the day, including our short train rides, the Scranton Limited yard shuttle and the Caboose Hop experience, cab tours of the Union Pacific 4012 and Canadian Pacific 2317, tours of Mattes St. Tower, demonstrations within the locomotive shop, “Ring of Fire” demonstrations, and a Junior Ranger scavenger hunt activity. Several community partners will be in attendance as well.

Anthracite Heritage Museum’s Arts on Fire will take place at the Scranton Iron Furnaces from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event kicks off at 11 a.m. with a ceremonial lighting of the furnace and will feature arts demonstrations, food trucks, live music, and the return of Hot Metal to the furnaces.  Artist and sculpture professor Brian Glaze will fire up his cupola furnace and melt iron.  Scratch blocks will be available for your artistic expressions in cast iron.

Stay informed by visiting www.nps.gov/stea or @SteamtownNHS on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Learn about the Pennsylvania Anthracite Heritage Museum by visiting www.anthracitemuseum.org or @AnthraciteHeritageMuseum on Facebook and @AnthraciteMuse on Twitter.

Located in downtown Scranton, Pennsylvania, Steamtown NHS is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. From Interstate-81 follow exit 185 (Central Scranton Expressway); then follow the brown and white signs to the park entrance at Lackawanna Avenue and Cliff Street (GPS: N 41.41, W 75.67). General park information is available by phoning (570) 340-5200 or by visiting the park website anytime.

Lackawanna College Environmental Summer Day Camps

This summer, local youths ranging from ages five through 13 will have the opportunity to participate in summer day camps, which are focused on connecting children to nature. They will take place at the Lackawanna College Environmental Education Center, 93 MacKenzie Rd., Covington Township, PA.

Each weeklong camp takes place at LCEEC’s beautiful 211-acre property and LEED Gold Certified facility. The property is home to native plants and wild animals, forested areas, a stream, a marsh, meadows, instructional gardens and both indoor and outdoor classroom space. Campers will spend time exploring natural habitats and playing summer games while the experienced staff guides campers through innovative experiential activities including hiking, stream and forest ecology, environmental activities, nature-based art projects and much more.

Focusing on discovery and teamwork, children gain a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of all life while daily interactions with one another helps develop cooperation skills and encourage friendships. A low camper-to-counselor ratio ensures children are safe, supervised and engaged in activities that keep their minds and bodies healthy. 

Camp themes change weekly and include Honey Bee Conservation, Wilderness Survival, Backyard Habitats, Closer Look, Eco Explorers and Eco Quest. For more information or to register contact the Lackawanna College Environmental Education Center at (570) 842-1506 or email yaniks@lackawanna.edu.

New Hires and Promotions at Scranton Counseling Center

Promotions

Melanie is the coordinator of intake and emergency services. She has been employed at Scranton Counseling Center since 2014. Prior to her position, Melanie worked as a case manager, and was part of Lackawanna County’s Mental Health Court Program. Additionally, she served as a crisis worker with the focus of helping those in urgent need throughout the area. Melanie believes in the leadership and the mission of Scranton Counseling Center to continue providing the utmost quality and compassionate care.

Katlyn graduated with her bachelor’s degree in social work from Bloomsburg University in 2020. She has been employed at the center since 2020 in the crisis and intake department. Currently, Katlyn is the coordinator of crisis services. She is passionate about helping individuals maintain their independence and get connected to needed services.

New Hires

Connie comes to Scranton Counseling Center as Controller of Finance. She received her Bachelors of Science Degree in Accounting from King’s College and brings with her over 14 years of experience which includes a combination of public and private industry accounting.

Doug has over 20 years of municipal and non-profit accounting and grant writing experience. He is responsible for grant writing, fund raising and community outreach for Scranton Counseling Center. Doug believes in building strong community partnerships and will work to promote the Center in Lackawanna and Susquehanna Counties as well as the surrounding areas. He holds a BS in Accounting and a MBA in Business Management, both from Bloomsburg University.

Tammy serves as the Program Coordinator of Katie’s Place Clubhouse through Scranton Counseling Center. She has a strong background working within the mental health field, community support, and other social service organizations throughout the community. She is passionate about serving youth and adults in their pursuit of wellness and independence. 

Ashley has worked in the mental health field for 20 years with adults, adolescents and children across inpatient, outpatient and residential settings. She has training in trauma-informed care and utilizes a collaborative and compassionate approach to counseling in an effort to foster hope, healing and resilience. Ashley is passionate and committed to providing a safe, supportive and nurturing environment; one that fosters growth, healing and connection in the lives of the individuals we serve.

Army veteran and acclaimed poet visits Tobyhanna

Acclaimed spoken word poet Edward “Obbie West” Wilson visited Tobyhanna Army Depot (TYAD) on Wednesday, May 3, to speak about the importance of sexual assault awareness and prevention at TYAD’s “Not Just April” event.

Army veteran and former warrant officer Wilson, or Obbie West as he is known on stage, served as the keynote speaker at the event. West was born and raised in South Central Los Angeles. He was a witness to regular violence on the LA streets and grew up in an abusive household. Wilson enlisted in the U.S. Army at 17 and his military career spanned 21 years, including a deployment to Iraq. Before retiring in 2019, Wilson called four states and three countries home. Serving our Nation afforded Wilson the opportunity for, in his words, “vast growth.” He attributed this growth to the different people, beliefs, cultures, countries and more he was exposed to during his time in the military.

One particular instance of growth came when West was introduced to a craft that would afford him the opportunity to share his story with the world. In 2011, Wilson was introduced to poetry in Killeen, TX, through the Killeen Poetry Slam. Wilson found “his lung” in poetry – a passion that has seen him speak all over the world. Poetry gave Wilson a newfound outlet through which he could share his message. In 2017, Wilson decided to focus his poetry on a cause for which he is a major advocate – sexual assault awareness and prevention. Members of Team Tobyhanna may have seen Wilson’s work in this U.S. Army Sexual Harassment /Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) video.

Employee Services Center (ESC) Chief Ricardo Horn said following a successful training centered around West’s SHARP video, members of ESC were keen to bring West to TYAD.

“Feedback from the training was so positive, this was something we were really excited to make happen.”

Each April, TYAD observes Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM) to reaffirm the commitment toward maintaining a safe and healthy working environment, in which all members of Team Tobyhanna can thrive.

The centerpiece of this year’s SAAPM observance was “Not Just April.” The event occurring outside of April was an intentional choice meant to serve as a reminder that sexual assault awareness and prevention is a cause that is to be championed all 12 months of the year.

In introducing West at the event, TYAD Chief of Staff Kristyn Smith reiterated Tobyhanna’s commitment to making this topic a yearlong discussion.

“Today’s presentation drives home the point that even though April has passed, SHARP is a topic that needs to be discussed all year long – not just April,” said Smith.

During the almost hour and a half presentation, West covered several topics including his own backstory and experiences with abuse, self-awareness, emotional intelligence, bystander intervention and leadership.

West detailed how we cannot control our emotions, but we can control the way we react to them, adding we must first recognize our internal emotions before we can recognize our external emotions. He noted that assault can happen to both genders and that the reaction should be the same.

West emphasized empathetic styles of leadership that seek to understand and empower survivors of sexual harassment or assault, saying “the absence of understanding breeds callousness.” He also spoke at length about bystander intervention. According to West, intervention is a process that cannot simply be boiled down to an order, but instead requires education and empowerment to prevent the “armed robbery of someone’s rights.”

For the many people in attendance, different aspects of the dynamic presentation resonated with them.

Representatives from the United States Army Communications-Electronics Command (CECOM) SHARP Fusion Directorate visited TYAD for the presentation and were thrilled with it.

“The presentation was awesome. It was great to hear how he incorporated personal experiences into bystander intervention and continuum of harm. It tied back into the 2023 SAAPM theme of ‘Intervene, we are a team: There is an US in trust. Can they trust in you?’,” said members of the directorate.

The presentation was received very well by several members of the audience, including Mike Sherin, Chief, Air Defense and Counter Fire Engineering Branch, Production Engineering Directorate and Paul Borosky, Director, Systems Integration and Support.

Sherin said, “I loved the presentation; it was very informative and will stick with me.”

Borosky said, “It was extremely moving to hear Obbie share his personal experiences. His poetic performance helped deliver the message in a more impactful way.”

Ricardo Horn, who was instrumental in getting West to TYAD, lauded West’s presentation and said it was the perfect way to put a bow on TYAD’s 2023 SAAPM events.

“Mr. West’s art compels us to reflect on our commitment to preventing sexual harassment and assault. His message is inspiring and challenges the audience to acknowledge personal biases that may interfere with bystander intervention. It is a privilege to have him wrap up Tobyhanna’s Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month with such a poignant experience, knowing his words will have a lasting influence in our community’s prevention efforts.”

After the presentation, Depot Commander Colonel Daniel L. Horn and Deputy Commander Rob Lantka presented West with a plaque as a token of gratitude for his presentation.

In presenting the award, Lantka read a portion of the inscription on the plaque, thanking West “for his unfiltered, thought-provoking presentation and commitment to the SHARP program.”

Col. Horn echoed the positive sentiments of many members of Team Tobyhanna and called on everyone to combat sexual violence.

“The presentation was astounding. We all must do more to combat sexual harassment and assault in the workplace and in the world.”

The Obbie West presentation and the SHARP program are TOBY2035 initiatives aligned with the Invest in Our People and Shape the Future lines of effort. The plan, which has two additional focus areas, strives to position Tobyhanna for success in the coming years as the Department of Defense’s premier worldwide C5ISR readiness provider.

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 3,100 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 empower the Soldier with winning C5ISR capabilities.

Nearly 200 High School Students Test Physics Skills

Abington Heights High School participated in The University of Scranton’s annual Hayes Family Science Competition for High School Physics and Engineering Students. Seated from left: Rachel Frissell, faculty specialist for the University’s Physics and Engineering Department, team coach Daniel Vannan and Bradley Ames. Standing from left: Brady Kareha, Chris Adonizio, Santo Schiavone, Hannah Puttcamp, Gineva Reese, Michal Zdanowicz and Julian Grives.

Nearly 200 area students participated in The University of Scranton’s annual Hayes Family Science Competition for High School Physics and Engineering Students. The academic competition tested the high school students’ knowledge of physics and engineering through a series of quizzes and hands-on challenges. Students competed individually and in teams.

John Lockwood from Delaware Valley High School came in first place in the individual competition, based on a quiz given to all participants and placement in a Jeopardy game of those with highest quiz scores. Noah Beckish from North Pocono High School came in second place. John Ebert from Berwick High School came in third place.

In the team competition, the Delaware Valley High School team placed first. Members of that team were: John Lockwood, Olivia Bogert, Nixon Kameen, Clint Murray, Jess Rhule, John Rivera and Wil Salus. Steve Rhule was their coach. Wyoming Area High School team two came in second place. Members of the Wyoming Area team were: Nathan Ambrosino, Ben Hollister, Andrew Lucas, Joseph Marranca and Jadan Pepe. David Pizano was their coach. Berwick High School team one placed third. Members of the third-place finishing team were: Gabe Hook, John Ebert, Alysa Lewis, Karly Kile and Luke Peters. Matthew Shrader was their coach.

Throughout the daylong competition, the students participated in teams in a series of hands-on challenges that tested their skills in several areas of physics and engineering, including a Data Analysis Event, Static Equilibrium Event, an All Power Out Event and a Trebuchet Event, for which the students had to predict the landing point of a basketball launched across the gym by medieval catapult.

In the Data Analysis Event, the Delaware Valley High School team won first place. In the event titled, “All Power Out,” Berwick High School team one and Wyoming Area High School team one won first place. The first-place winner in the Static Equilibrium Event was North Pocono High School team two. The first-place winner of the Trebuchet Event was Mid Valley High School team one.

The competition was organized by the University’s Department of Physics and Electrical Engineering to encourage more students to pursue careers in physics and engineering.

University of Scranton Names New Vice President

Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton, announced that Lauren S. Rivera, J.D., M.Ed., has been named Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students at Scranton, effective May 1, 2023. Dean Rivera had been serving as interim vice president for student life and dean of students at Scranton. She will continue to serve as a member of the President’s Cabinet.

“Since joining the University community in 2009, Lauren has made an impact across all areas of student life. Personally, I marvel at the depth of her commitment to cura personalis, always working to ensure the best possible experience for our students,” said Father Marina in the campus announcement about Dean Rivera’s new position. “Lauren has been instrumental in many successful Student Life programs and projects, including Resilient Royals, which supports first-year students in their transition to college, and the Fail Forward Panel, a program started in 2019, in which speakers share stories of resilience and navigating struggle. She has displayed a deep commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and justice and strives to foster a campus community where students of all identities can thrive.”

The Division of Student Life includes the Center for Career Development, the Center for Student Engagement, the Cultural Centers (Multicultural Center and Jane Kopas Women’s Center), the Center for Health Education and Wellness, the Counseling Center, Student Conduct and Assessment, Student Health Services, Student Government, Residence Life and University Police.

Dean Rivera joined The University of Scranton community in 2009 as director of student conduct and assessment. In 2015, she was named assistant vice president for student formation and campus life (later student life) and dean of students. Under her leadership, the University expanded student support for issues such as wellness, grief, transition and social challenges. The University launched THR1VE, an initiative that supports first-generation students. In 2022, Scranton was named a First-Gen Forward institution. Colleges selected to the First-gen Forward program receive professional development, community-building experiences and have access to research and other resources.

Dean Rivera also supported the development of ROCK (Royals of Color Kickoff) and shepherded the completion of the expanded Multicultural Center. Recently, she announced a reorganization in Student Life, to integrate better the various functions that support student health and wellness and to advance the University’s campus-wide plan for diversity, equity and inclusion.

Dean Rivera is active in student life professional associations. She has presented at national conferences and authored a chapter in the 2019 book “Keep Calm and Call the Students: A Guide to Understanding the Many Faces of the Dean of Students’ Role.”

Dean Rivera earned her bachelor’s degree from Bucknell University and helped to develop a joint-degree program in law and education at Pennsylvania State University, where she earned her master’s of education and juris doctorate degrees.

The Honesdale National Bank Makes Contribution to Susquehanna Community School District

Pictured (L to R): Mr. Robert Goodrich, Michelle Kowalewski, Commercial Loan Officer, HNB; Skylar Groover, Hallstead Branch Supervisor, HNB along with students of the Susquehanna Community School District.

The Honesdale National Bank has recently made a $5,000 contribution to the Susquehanna Community School District via Commonwealth Charitable Management, Inc. through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program. The funds will go towards financial education programs in the school district.

HNB President & CEO, Thomas E. Sheridan Jr., stated, “We are happy to support this school as they enhance their educational curriculum.” He continued, “The best way to get children and young adults prepared for the next step in life, is providing access to critical financial lessons and resources.”

The mission of the Susquehanna Community School District is to nurture an educational environment that will develop life-long learners who will be successful participants in an ever-changing world. Commonwealth Charitable Management, Inc. has been administering EITC since 2003. They have over a decade of experience and have provided millions of dollars in funding to support thousands of students.

The Honesdale National Bank, established in 1836, holds the distinction of being the area’s oldest independent community bank headquartered in Northeastern PA, with offices in Wayne, Pike, Susquehanna, Lackawanna, and Luzerne Counties.  The Honesdale National Bank offers personal banking, business banking and wealth solutions. HNB is a Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender with NMLS ID # 446237.