Marywood University Art Galleries Announce Exhibits Three Marywood art galleries will feature new exhibits, beginning Sat., Nov. 11. The exhibits, opening receptions, and gallery talks are free and open to the public. All galleries are located in the Shields Center for Visual Arts on Marywood’s campus. Mahady Gallery: Senior Exhibit – December Graduates 2023, Sat., Nov.11 – Fri., Dec. 15Senior Exhibit December Graduates, an exhibition by Marywood Art Department graduates, showcases a diverse range of styles, mediums, and techniques. The opening reception is set for Sat., Nov. 11, from 2-5 p.m. A gallery talk will take place on Sat., Nov. 11, at 2 p.m. Graduating students include: Caitlyn M. Brown ( BA Art Therapy), Bernadette Fertal ( BA Art Therapy), Maeve K. Flick ( BA Art Therapy), Richele Gallagher,( BA Art Therapy), Ava Jones ( BA Art Therapy), Julianne Marchione (BA Art Therapy), Maxwell Christian (BFA 2D), and Shannon Sohl (BFA Graphic Design). Maslow Study Gallery for Contemporary Art: Land Use[d] in the Maslow Study Gallery for Contemporary Art, Sat., Nov. 11 – Fri., Dec. 15Land Use[d] is an exhibition featuring a selection of Maslow Collection artists, who employ photography, serigraphy, painting, sculpture, text, architecture, and the body to generate commentary and reflection on the use of land and human relationships to the planet. The opening reception is set for Sat. Nov. 11, from 2-5 p.m. A gallery talk will take place on Sat., Nov. 11, at 2 p.m. Much of the work displays an overarching concern for the longevity and preservation of natural ecosystems and resources. Artists include Robert Barry, Bernd and Hilla Becher, Ant Farm, Hamish Fulton, Patricia Johnson, Scott Kelley, Steve Poleskie, Robert Smithson, and Andy Warhol. Suraci Gallery: Matt Catanzaro: Face Reality, Sat., Nov 11- Fri., Dec. 15 Matt Catanzaro: Face Reality features gestural and vivid portraiture paintings reflecting Matt Catanzaro’s mixed use of Expressionism, Cubism and Surrealism.The opening reception is set for Sat., Nov. 11, from 2-5 p.m. A gallery talk will take place Sat., Nov. 11, at 2 p.m. Also featured are Catanzaro’s complete Grotesque Holiday Portrait Series, consisting of 18 large-scale holiday-themed acrylic and marker paintings. Matt Catanzaro earned his BFA in Design, along with minors in art history, illustration, and philosophy, from Marywood University.
Northeast Rehab Supports Team Allied Services for 14th Year Northeast Rehab recently presented Allied Services Integrated Health System with a check for $15,000, their contribution to the Team Allied Services and You campaign. In the 14 years Northeast Rehab has joined the campaign as a major sponsor, it has donated more than $210,000 to improve the lives of patients and residents at Allied Services. “Our practice’s long-standing support of Allied Services has achieved great results for everyone involved and most importantly for patients who have utilized technology and services developed through the program,” noted Lisa Monahan-Gatto, CEO. “The partnership has been wonderful for all involved.” Team Allied Services and You features fundraising and awareness-raising activities that culminate with a team of more than 60 community volunteers participating in the TCS New York City Marathon. Justine Metcho, DPM, of North Abington Township, was selected to represent Northeast Rehab in the 2023 TCS New York City Marathon. Since early summer, Justine has raised more than $7,000 with the support of friends, family, patients, and Northeast Rehab. The monies raised from businesses, individual donors, and sponsors like Northeast Rehab, allow Allied Services to invest in rehab technology and programs that benefit children and adults with disabilities, life-changing injuries, and illnesses in Northeast and Central Pennsylvania. To learn more, call 570-348-1407 or visit alliedservices.org/teamallied.
Marywood University Announces New Faculty Members Marywood University deans, Shelby W. Yeager, M.Ed., LAT, ATC, CSCS and James J. Sullivan, M.Arch, RA, AIA, recently announced new faculty members for the 2023-2024 academic year. By program, new faculty include: Art Christina Taylor, assistant professor of practice and director of the art therapy program. She earned her bachelor of science degree in elementary and art education from Sam Houston University, Huntsville, Texas. She holds a master’s degree in art therapy from The College of New Rochelle, New Rochelle, N.Y. Ms. Taylor has also completed a post-master’s certification through Sandplay Therapists of America and is currently in the process of becoming a Registered Sandplay Therapist. Communication Sciences and Disorders Jenny A. Havlovick, Ph.D., tenure-track assistant professor. Dr. Havlovick earned a Ph.D. in communication sciences and disorders from the University of Cincinnati in Cincinnati, Ohio; a master’s degree in speech-language pathology and a bachelor of science degree in communicative disorders from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in Stevens Point, Wisc. Matthew Devivo, instructor of practice. Mr. Devivo earned a master’s degree in speech-language pathology and a bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders from Marywood University in Scranton, Pa. Nursing, Respiratory Therapy, and Healthcare Administration Nadine Burton, instructor of practice. Ms. Burton earned her master of science degree in nursing education from the State University of New York at Delhi in Delhi, N.Y., and her bachelor of science in nursing degree from Marywood University in Scranton, Pa. Nutrition and Dietetics Stephanie Bender, instructor of practice. Ms. Bender is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in leadership and administrative studies at Marywood University in Scranton, Pa. She also earned her graduate and undergraduate degrees in nutrition and dietetics from Marywood. Physician Assistant Lindsey Cohen-Whitaker, assistant professor of practice. Ms. Cohen-Whitaker earned her master of science in physician assistant studies from Marywood University in Scranton, Pa. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Early and Primary Teacher Education, summa cum laude, from the University of Scranton in Scranton, Pa. Psychology and Counseling Cheryl Banull, Ph.D., per annum instructor (half-time). Dr. Banull earned her Ph.D. in school psychology and her master’s degree in educational psychology from Loyola University-Chicago in Chicago, Ill. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology at the Pennsylvania State University and is a certified school psychologist in Pennsylvania. Gail Clark, M.A., per annum instructor. Ms. Clark earned her master of arts degree in psychology and bachelor of science degree in psychology, summa cum laude, at Marywood University in Scranton, Pa. Leah Popple, Psy.D., assistant professor of practice. Dr. Popple earned her Psy.D. and master’s degree in clinical psychology from Marywood University in Scranton, Pa., and her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the Pennsylvania State University in State College, Pa. Jeff Rutter, Psy.D., professor and director of clinical training. Dr. Rutter earned his Psy.D. in clinical psychology from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, his M.T.S. in Theology from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn., and his B.A. in psychology/religious studies from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tenn. Jenny Wildrick, Ph.D., assistant professor of practice. Dr. Wildrick earned a Ph.D. in counselor education and supervision from Capella University, in Minneapolis, Minn.; a master of science degree in rehabilitation counseling from the University of Scranton in Scranton, Pa.; and a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from Keystone College in La Plume, Pa. School of Architecture Arturo Pavani, Ph.D., assistant professor. Dr. Pavani earned his Ph.D. Stipendiary Fellowship, M.Arch scholarship, and B.ArchSc at Politecnico di Torino (Polytechnic University of Turin). Ryan Scavnicky, M.S., assistant professor. Mr. Scavnicky earned a master of science degree in design theory and pedagogy from the Southern California Institute of Architecture in Los Angeles, Calif., as well as master of architecture and bachelor of science in architecture degrees from the University of Cincinnati in Cincinnati, Ohio. School of Business and Global Innovation Loreen Powell, Ph.D., professor. Dr. Powell earned a Ph.D. in information systems and a master of science degree in management information systems (MIS) from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., as well as a bachelor of science in management with a concentration in accounting from East Stroudsburg University in East Stroudsburg, Pa. School of Education Suzanne Galella, Ed.D., associate professor and director of the School of Education. Dr. Galella earned her doctorate in educational leadership in higher education from Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. She earned a master’s degree from Marywood University in Scranton, Pa., and a bachelor’s degree in English/criminal justice from the University of Scranton in Scranton, Pa. School of Social Work Kaitlin Anderle, M.S.W., assistant professor of practice and director of the BSW Program. Ms. Anderle earned her master of social work and bachelor of social work degrees from Marywood University in Scranton, Pa. Michelle Ostroski, M.S.W., assistant professor of practice. Dr. Ostroski earned a doctor of education in education and leadership in healthcare from Nebraska Methodist College in Omaha, Neb.; a master of social work degree with a specialization in behavioral health from Marywood University in Scranton Pa.; and a bachelor of science degree in education, secondary education, and English from Temple University in Philadelphia Pa. Susan Lettera, M.S.W., instructor of practice and MSW Lehigh Valley Program Coordinator. Ms. Lettera earned a master of social work degree from Widener University in Chester, Pa., and a bachelor’s degree in social work from Marywood University in Scranton, Pa. Science, Math, and Computer Science Kimberly Stanek, Ph.D., per annum instructor. Dr. Stanek earned a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Va., and her bachelor of science degree in biochemistry and bachelor of arts degree in chemistry from the University at Buffalo in Buffalo, N.Y.
Wayne Bank Announces Third Quarter Earnings James O. Donnelly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Norwood Financial Corp. (Nasdaq Global Market-NWFL) and its subsidiary, Wayne Bank, announced earnings for the three months ended September 30, 2023 of $4,119,000, which represents a decrease of $3,990,000, from the $8,109,000 earned in the same three-month period of 2022. The decrease in earnings was due to a $3.1 million decrease in net interest income, an $882,000 increase in the provision for credit losses, and a $1.1 million increase in total other expenses during the three-months ended September 30, 2023. For the three months ended September 30, 2023, earnings per share (fully diluted) were $0.51, which represents a decrease from the $1.00 earned in the three months ended September 30, 2022. The annualized returns on average assets and average tangible equity for the three-month period ended September 30, 2023, were 0.76% and 11.22%, respectively, compared to 1.57% and 21.48% for the three-month period ended September 30, 2022. Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, totaled $16,405,000, which is $5,688,000 lower than the same period of 2022. The decrease in net income includes a $4,390,000 decrease in net interest income, a $2.0 million decrease in total other income, and a $1.9 million increase in total other expenses during the nine months ended September 30, 2023. Earnings per share (fully diluted) for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, totaled $2.03 per share compared to $2.71 per share for the ninemonths ended September 30, 2022. As of September 30, 2023, total assets were $2.179 billion, loans receivable were $1.611 billion, total deposits were $1.747 billion and stockholders’ equity was $164.7 million. For the three months ended September 30, 2023, net interest income, on a fully taxable equivalent basis (fte), totaled $15,224,000, which represents a decrease of $3,145,000, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2022. Net interest margin (fte) for the three months ended September 30, 2023 was 2.94%, compared to 3.74% for the three months ended September 30, 2022. Net interest income (fte) for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 totaled $47,328,000, a decrease of $4,406,000, compared to the nine months ended September 30,2022, due primarily to the increased cost of interest-bearing liabilities in excess of the increase in the yield earned on interestearning assets. The net interest margin (fte) for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was 3.09%, compared to 3.52% for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. For the three months ended September 30, 2023, the Company recorded a provision for credit losses in the amount of $882,000 compared to $0 in the three-month period ended September 30, 2022. The increase in the provision for credit losses was required to replenish the allowance for credit losses to a level deemed appropriate after recognizing $2.3 million of credit losses during the current period. The current period losses include a $2.0 million charge-off resulting from deterioration in one large commercial relationship. The remaining balance of the relationship was transferred to nonperforming status, resulting in an increase in nonperforming loans and nonperforming assets. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2023, the Company recorded a release of provision for credit losses in the amount of $568,000, compared to a provision of $600,000 in the nine-month period ended September 30, 2022. Total other income for the three months ended September 30, 2023 was $2,306,000, compared to $2,178,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2022. For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, total other income was $6,001,000, compared to $8,006,000 in the same period of 2022. The decrease was due primarily to income recognized in 2022 on previously acquired purchased impaired loans that were carried at a discount. Total other expenses were $11,276,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to $10,139,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2022. For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, total other expenses were $32,649,000, compared to $30,768,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. The increase was due primarily to a $1,069,000 increase in salaries and employee benefit costs duringthe nine months ended September 30, 2023. Mr. Donnelly commented, “Our results for the first nine months of 2023 reflect decreasing net interest spreads due to rising interest rates, which have impacted our cost of interest-bearing liabilities more than the increase in yield earned on interest-earning assets. We continue to compare favorably to peer banks who have also reported a reduction in their financial performance. We will continue to search out opportunities to maintain our position as a premier community bank, and to serve our local communities with their financial needs. We appreciate the opportunity to serve our expanded base of stockholders and customers.” Norwood Financial Corp is the parent company of Wayne Bank, which operates from fourteen offices throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania and fifteen offices in Delaware, Sullivan, Ontario, Otsego and Yates Counties, New York. The Company’s stock trades on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “NWFL”. Forward-Looking Statements: The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 contains safe harbor provisions regarding forward-looking statements. When used in this discussion, the words “believes”, “anticipates”, “contemplates”, “expects”, “bode”, “future performance” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Those risks and uncertainties include changes in federal and state laws, changes in interest rates, the risks and uncertainty posed by, and the continued effect, and impact of, the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy and the Company’s results of operation and financial condition, our ability to maintain strong credit quality metrics, our ability to have future performance, our ability to control core operating expenses and costs, demand for real estate, government fiscal and trade policies, cybersecurity and general economic conditions. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly release the results of any revisions to those forward-looking statements which may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Non-GAAP Financial Measures: This release references net interest income on a fully taxable-equivalent basis (fte), which is a non-GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) financial measure. Fully taxable-equivalent net interest income was derived from GAAP interest income and net interest income using an assumed tax rate of 21%. We believe the presentation of net interest income on a fully taxable equivalent basis ensures comparability of net interest income arising from both taxable and tax-exempt sources, and is consistent with industrypractice.
United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA Received Proclamation Honoring Centennial United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC) invites guests to join them as they receive a proclamation honoring the Centennial Celebration from the Mayor Paige G. Cognetti, City of Scranton. The reading of the proclamation will take place on the steps of City Hall, located at 340 North Washington Avenue in downtown Scranton, on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at 11:00 am. All media outlets are invited to capture is momentous milestone. UNC President and CEO, Lisa Durkin, will be available for interviews immediately following.
Lackawanna College to Bring Back Blitzen for the Holiday Season Lackawanna College is thrilled to announce a partnership with Dallas Shaw to bring back the unique and creative space known as Blitzen this holiday season! Best of all? This is happening right in downtown Scranton at 409 on Adams, the student-run restaurant at Lackawanna College! Last season over 5,000 guests were welconed, but more help is still needed to expand the space so even more guests can be welcomed! What is Blitzen you may ask? It is where the famed and mysterious reindeer spends his off-season. Guests are invited into his dimly lit home for a cocktail surrounded by his collection of antiques and clues about his life tucked into every corner of his den. Everything tells a story, from his paintings to his book collection and all allude to the feelings he carries about the other reindeer. How does Blitzen really feel about leading the pack from the back this whole time? Look around and learn a little more upon every visit. Our student bartenders and chefs create magic and guests tend to break out in song around a charmingly untuned piano. Let the reindeer games begin! When you show support for Blitzen, you are not just supporting Lackawanna College, you are giving back to our students. The College uses proceeds from Blitzen and other projects to do things like: Increase mental health support for students including the addition of a therapy dog on campus in Fall of 2023. Address food insecurity among the student body through on campus food banks with a program called The Common Kitchen which utilizes culinary kitchens outside of classroom hours and gives resident and commuter students basic staples and lessons to prepare meals for themselves to eat at home or bring back to their dorms. Increase fellowship opportunities: the appointment of third and fourth-year students to roles in key College offices whereby they receive a $3,000/semester scholarship and receive real-world workforce training and professional and leadership development.
Pennsylvania American Water Announces Disaster Relief Support The American Water Charitable Foundation (AWCF), a 501(c)(3) organization established by American Water, the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company, and Pennsylvania American Water, today announced a $10,000 donation to the Scranton Area Community Foundation to support disaster relief to flood victims in Lackawanna County. Areas of the county were impacted by heavy rains and flooding in early September. “Pennsylvania American Water, in collaboration with the American Water Charitable Foundation, is pleased to support the families and communities impacted by the devastating flooding that occurred,” said Justin Ladner, president of Pennsylvania American Water and a board member of the American Water Charitable Foundation. “We understand how critical clean, safe drinking water is in our daily lives and in times of emergencies. We hope this contribution can provide some assistance and relief to the residents of these affected communities who are still recovering from flood damage.” “We are grateful for the support from Pennsylvania American Water,” stated Laura Ducceschi, Scranton Area Community Foundation President and CEO. “The Lackawanna County Flood Relief Fund will aim to meet the greatest array of needs of the organizations and communities disproportionately impacted by flood events in Lackawanna County.” The Foundation’s Disaster Relief Grant Program is designed to increase the impact of American Water employee donations made in response to natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes, fires and other extraordinary disaster events.
Johnson College to Hold Instant Decision Day for Veterans and Current U.S Military Service Members Johnson College’s Instant Decision Day for Veterans and those currently serving in the U.S. Military will be held on Friday, November 17, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. virtually and inside Woolworth Hall on the Johnson College Scranton campus. To register to attend in person or virtually, visit johnson.edu/instant. During the Instant Decision Event, Johnson College will provide prospective veteran students and those currently serving in the U.S. military with an immediate enrollment decision. They must supply their high school transcripts and can bring their college and military transcripts if applicable. It is highly recommended that the prospective student completes an application before attending. Applications for Johnson College’s Physical Therapist Assistant, Radiologic Technology, and Veterinary Nursing programs are excluded from instant decisions.
The Wayne Bank to Host Food Drive for Wayne County Food Pantry From November 13th through the 17th, Wayne Bank’s Honesdale Main Street Community Office will host a food drive to support the Wayne County Food Pantry. The Office will collect non-perishable food items including food, paper products, and personal care items during regular lobby hours. “There are many local families in need this time of year,” explained Jill Hessling, Vice President and Regional Manager for Wayne Bank. “Wayne Bank is committed to not only supporting our local neighbors with their financial goals, but we also care about their well-being and understand the importance of giving back. All items collected will be donated to the Wayne County Food Pantry. Just in time for Thanksgiving and the holiday season. Please consider taking a moment of your day to stop by with a donation that can help make a difference in our community.” The Wayne County Pantry Program is sponsored through County Government. It is operated under the leadership of the Wayne County Pantry Board which is comprised of private citizens. Board members are also coordinators at each of the pantry sites. The Wayne County Pantry Program has five sites located in strategic areas of the County to serve eligible County residents. The five food pantry sites can be found in Honesdale, Lakeville, Newfoundland, Lakewood, and Damascus. If you are interested in becoming involved with the food pantry or would like further information, please contact 570-253-4262 or visit https://www.waynecountypa.gov/169/Pantry.
PennDOT and The Shapiro Administration Announce Results of Operation Safe Stop 2023 Today, the Shapiro Administration released the results of Operation Safe Stop, an annual school bus enforcement and education initiative aimed at enhancing school bus safety for students across the Commonwealth. Held on October 18 this year, Operation Safe Stop is a one-day targeted enforcement and education event during which law enforcement agencies and participating school districts document occurrences of drivers violating Pennsylvania’s School Bus Stopping Law and emphasize the importance of school transportation safety. The press conference was hosted by Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), the Pennsylvania State Police, the Pennsylvania Department of Education, West Shore Regional Police, and West Shore School District. This year’s Operation Safe Stop data revealed that participating school districts and law enforcement agencies reported witnessing 176 violations of the law, (down/up) from the 252 reported last year. “While we’re certainly glad that violations decreased this year, one incident of passing a school bus is one too many,” said PennDOT Deputy Secretary for Driver and Vehicle Services Kara Templeton. “If we saw this many violations in just one day, it’s clear that safety for our students traveling to and from school needs to be a continued focus for our communities and that motorists remain vigilant while sharing the road with school buses and students.” The School Bus Stopping Law requires motorists approaching a school bus with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended, to stop at least 10 feet from the bus. Motorists approaching from all directions are required to stop. However, motorists who encounter a school bus stopping on the opposite side of a divided highway are not required to stop when lanes of the highway are clearly separated by a divider, such as a concrete barrier or grassy median. “Drivers might consider the steep penalties if convicted of disobeying Pennsylvania’s School Bus Stopping Law – a $250 fine, five points on your driving record and a 60-day license suspension. The fine increases to $300 if someone is caught by a stop arm camera,” said Corporal Zeina Black, Permits and Bus Safety Unit Supervisor with the Pennsylvania State Police. “But even worse than these penalties, a tragedy could occur if either a driver or a student is not paying attention to their surroundings.” Some safety tips for students to remember while waiting for or loading and unloading the bus include: Get to the school bus stop at least five minutes early, so you won´t have to run across the road to catch the bus. When waiting for the bus, stay away from traffic. Line up at least five giant steps away from the curb or the roadway to wait for the bus. Never run after the school bus if it has already left the bus stop. Never push when getting on or off the school bus. “Student safety at school bus stops and in school zones is of the utmost importance and requires the undivided attention of all motorists,” said Department of Education Secretary Khalid N. Mumin. “Local school districts work hard to identify the safest locations possible for school bus stops and to train their staff. But to ensure that students remain safe, we urge all drivers to watch for the flashing lights of school buses and always stop when students are getting on and off.”
