The Honesdale National Bank Promotes Landon Firmstone Thomas E. Sheridan Jr., President, and CEO of The Honesdale National Bank, announced Landon Firmstone has been promoted to Cash Management Specialist. In making the announcement Sheridan stated, “Landon’s dedication to continuous learning and his ability to foster strong client relationships have been reflective of our mission and HNB culture.” He continued, “We are confident that he will bring the same level of excellence and commitment to his new role, contributing significantly to our team’s success.” As Cash Management Specialist, Firmstone will be responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the Cash Management sector. This includes managing customer interactions, servicing and installing equipment, and ensuring customers are matched with the most suitable products for their needs. He is a graduate of Western Wayne High School and has received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management degree from Marywood University. Firmstone currently resides in Waymart, PA, and began his career in the financial industry with The Honesdale National Bank in October 2023. He was previously the Management Trainee, an experience that allowed him to learn extensively and form relationships with fellow employees and customers. In commenting on his new role at the bank, Firmstone noted, “I have learned so much about all the banking industry and have formed great relationships with my colleagues. HNB has a fantastic atmosphere, and it is evident that everyone is on the same team. All employees are always willing to help each other and make you feel invited no matter which office you are in. I feel as if I have the groundwork to have a long career here at HNB.” Outside of the Bank, he is a member of the Honesdale Area Jaycees and is also the current Tournament Director for Honest Anglers. Additionally, he enjoys hunting, fishing and golfing in his free time.
Sordoni Construction Announces New President Todd Ward joins Sordoni Construction Services, Inc. as President on October 21, 2024. Todd worked for 2 years at Hitt Contracting and spent the last 24+ years with Hess Construction, a family-owned commercial contractor located in the Baltimore Washington Metropolitan Region. He began his career at Hess as a project engineer where he quickly demonstrated his technical expertise and leadership skills. Over the years, he took on increasing levels of responsibility, ultimately earning the position of Senior Vice President of Operations. His journey reflects his dedication, strong work ethic, and deep understanding of the construction industry. When asked why he chose to join the Sordoni team, he responded that “It was Sordoni’s rich history of innovation and commitment to excellence. It is very inspiring to be part of a legacy that has made a significant impact in the industry for over a century.” “On behalf of the Board of Directors we’re thrilled to have Todd Ward join the Sordoni team.” said Bill Sordoni, Chairman of the Board. “His background, experience and leadership style are the perfect fit for our business both now and as we move into the future. We look forward to supporting Todd and our incredible team in this next chapter of the Sordoni story.”
Marywood University to Feature “Highlights from The Maslow Collection” Exhibit Runs from November 8, 2024 – January 24, 2025 As Marywood University prepares to inaugurate its 13th President, Lisa A. Lori, J.D., on November 8, the Mahady Gallery and the Maslow Study Gallery for Contemporary Art are planning to kick off a special art exhibit, “Highlights from the Maslow Collection,” which will begin on Friday, November 8 and continue through Friday, January 24, 2025. Jim Dine, “L.A. Eyeworks”, 1982, Etching with Carborundum on 4 Sheets of Paper, 50.5×44″, Edition 17/40 Visitors to campus on President Lori’s Inauguration Day are encouraged to visit the galleries in between events to view the largest and most comprehensive collection of Contemporary art in Northeastern Pennsylvania, with over 700 works by more than 150 artists. Collected by Marilyn and Richard Maslow and originally housed at InterMetro Industries, it is now on long-term loan to Marywood University. The largest part of the Maslow Collection is devoted to paintings by newly established or emerging artists working or exhibiting in New York during the late 1970s through the early 1990s. The Collection also includes major prints and important photographs spanning the 1930s to the 1990s. Featured artists include Berenice Abbott, Bernd and Hilla Becher, Francesco Clemente, Chuck Close, Jim Dine, Jack Goldstein, Valerie Jaudon, Jasper Johns, Ellsworth Kelly, Roy Lichtenstein, Robert Motherwell, Robert Rauschenberg, Susan Rothenberg, Ed Ruscha, Julian Schnabel, Frank Stella, Wayne Thiebaud, Andy Warhol, Thornton Willis, and others. The Maslow Collection has loaned works to major exhibitions at the Whitney Museum of American Art in NYC; The Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington, DC; the Museum of Contemporary Art, San Diego, CA; P.S.1 Contemporary Art Center, Queens, NY; and the University of the Arts, Philadelphia, PA; among others.
The Honesdale National Bank Welcomes New Mortgage Advisor Thomas E. Sheridan Jr., President, and CEO of The Honesdale National Bank, announced MariBeth Valada has joined HNB as a Mortgage Advisor. In making the statement, Sheridan noted, “We are excited to welcome MariBeth, who brings a diverse background and a strong commitment to building relationships with clients in Luzerne County.” He continued, “Her passion for customer satisfaction and community engagement aligns perfectly with HNB’s mission, and we look forward to the positive impact she will have on our team and our clients.” Currently residing in Laflin, PA, she brings a diverse background to HNB, including roles as a Property Manager and Administrative Assistant. She also held a New York State Real Estate Agent license and was a New York State Notary Public and currently obtaining her PA license. In this role, she is responsible for working with borrowers and helping them through the loan process from pre-qualification to closing. She will actively network with local real estate companies, realtors, attorneys, and others to establish positive working relationships. Additionally, she will participate in local events to market and expand the HNB brand in Luzerne County. In describing her recent move to HNB, Valada said, “I am excited to be working for an established organization that is deeply committed to both customer and employee satisfaction. It’s inspiring to be part of a team that prioritizes building strong relationships with clients while also fostering a supportive and empowering workplace culture. I look forward to contributing to this positive environment and helping to further the organization’s mission in the community.”Top of Form In her free time, she enjoys traveling; practicing yoga and Pilates; walking Carmine, her beagle mix; and spending as much time as possible with her grandchildren. She also loves going out and supporting all the great local restaurants, savoring the diverse culinary experiences in her area.
NRCI Names Tribute to Courage Honoree The Board of Ambassadors will honor Peter J Danchak as the 2024 Tribute to Courage Honoree at their upcoming Spirit of Hope Celebration set for Friday, November 15, 2024, at Mohegan Pennsylvania. Peter J. Danchak is the Regional President of the Northeast PA region of PNC Bank. Danchak joined PNC Bank in 1984 and has held various positions of responsibility in Corporate Banking. He was named Regional President of the Northeast PA Market of PNC Bank in January 2001. Active in the community, Danchak currently serves as Chairman of AllOne Charities Foundation and Co-Chair of the Scranton Plan. He serves on the Board of Directors of AllOne Foundation, the Highmark Regional Advisory Board and the Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce. In October of 2020, he was appointed to the Early Learning Investment Commission Emeritus Advisory Council. He also previously served as a member of the Board of Directors of the ARC of Northeastern Pennsylvania Foundation, Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania, the Luzerne Foundation, the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, King’s College, Keystone College, Johnson College, Junior Achievement of Northeastern Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Bankers Association, the Greater Pittston Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Scranton Chamber Board of Commerce and Scranton Lackawanna Industrial Building Company and the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber. He served on the Board of Trustees of Marywood University, Scranton Preparatory School and the University of Scranton Kania School of Management. Danchak also was the co-chair of the Pennsylvania Early Learning Investment Commission for 10 years. Danchak received a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from the University of Scranton and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate degree from them in 2018. Seated: Dino Campitelli, Amanda Marchegiani, Karen Saunders, Leo Vergnetti, Spirit of Hope Board of Ambassadors Chair, Laura Toole, and Vanessa Vergnetti Thomas, Standing: Joe Ferguson, Jim Gorman, Vince Scarpetta, Pat Sicilio, Nick Colangelo. Ph.D, Nevin Gerber, Matt Beynon, Tammy Saunders, Mark Mesko, Maria Donahue, Angela Rempe Jones and Marta Gomes, Absent from photo: Clarence Baltrusaitis, Tom Blaskiewicz, Jim & Susan Brady, Brigitte Baum, Richard P. Conaboy, Edward Cosgrove, Bill Davis, Tom DePietro, Mary Erwine, Julie Eisenman, Traci Fosnot, Greg Gagorik, Meghan Gagorik, JoAnn Romano Hallesky, John Heil, Jennifer Heil, Kristie Hynoski, Charles C. Jefferson, Robin Long, John Mack, Linda Marino-Brooks, Joe Mattioli, IV, Brian McQuestion, Philip Medico, Dan Meuser, Dana D’Angelo Morris, David Nape, Christopher Peters, MD, Vito Pizzo, Casey Quinn, William F. Rinaldi, John P. Rodgers, Esq., Vince Scarpetta, P. Richard Scheller, Frank Sepko, Dr. Steven J. Syzdlowski, Joe Van Wie, Tony Vergnetti, Patty Vergnetti, Sonya Eddings, and Atty. Charles J. Volpe. The Board of Ambassadors is a group of individuals and business leaders in northeast Pennsylvania who have come together to raise funds & awareness to fight cancer in the local community through their support and promotion of a gala event. The Spirit of Hope Celebration benefits the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute’s Community-Based Cancer Screening Navigation Program. This program helps individuals in northeast Pennsylvania get their recommended colorectal, breast, cervical, and lung cancer screenings. For more information about the upcoming Spirit of Hope Celebration, please call the Cancer Institute at (570) 904-8808 or visit www.spiritofhopecelebration.org.
Wayne Bank Supports Honesdale Communities That Care Jim Donnelly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wayne Bank, is pleased to announce that Wayne Bank has supported the Honesdale Communities That Care with a donation through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program. This contribution is part of an ongoing commitment to support their continued efforts to foster positive development and well-being for youth and families in the Honesdale area. Dean LoPalo, Executive Director, Honesdale Communities That Care, accepted a check in the amount of $10,000 from Wayne Bank President and CEO, Jim Donnelly. “We believe that investing in our communities is a critical part of our mission as a community bank,” stated Mr. Donnelly. “Honesdale Communities That Care has been making a positive impact in our community for many years and we’re thrilled to support their initiatives that help guide young people towards brighter futures.” Honesdale Communities That Care is an after-school program that develops and implements strategies which encourage healthy behavior and productive interaction among children and all members of the community. They provide a safe environment where students develop positive social skills while playing and interacting with their peers. Exercise, fresh air, crafts, and games are all part of the after-school fun. Professional staff provide academic assistance after school to help with homework completion, and community partners including Highlights for Children, Wayne County YMCA, Greater Carbondale YMCA, The Wayne Memorial Health System, and Lacawac Sanctuary, help to provide enriching activities for the children to participate in. The gift was made possible as a result of the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program offered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, acting through the Department of Community and Economic Development.
NAMI Collaborates with Walking Club for Mental Health Awareness NAMI Northeast Region PA ended the observance of Mental Illness Awareness Week by collaborating with the Connell Park Walking Club in Scranton last week. Owen Dougherty, NAMI volunteer and former board member, pictured on the left, spoke to walk participants about his mental health and the resources NAMI offers to help and provide hope in the form of support groups, educational programs and advocacy. He was joined by NAMI board member Mike Joyce who also participated in the walk around the park that day. NAMI held a series of “walk-and-talk” events throughout the summer to educate and raise awareness about mental illness and to connect members of the community in green spaces that are shown to be good for the health of our minds and bodies. It was the perfect collaboration to partner with Scranton’s Connell Park Walking Club to do a walk-and-talk in October at the end of Mental Illness Awareness Week. Visit NAMINEPA.org for information on support group meetings for individuals with mental illness, family members of loved ones with mental illness and for women experiencing struggles with their maternal mental health; if you would like to host a mental health first aid training or other education program at your workplace or organization, email info@naminepa.org or call 570-342-1047.
PIDA Announces Updated Interest Rates The Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) has announced updated interest rate options for loan applications submitted through December 31, 2024. Who can participate in this loan program? A variety of different industry sectors are eligible for PIDA financing including manufacturing, industrial, agricultural, research and development, hospitality, defense conversion, recycling, construction, child day-care, retail and service, export, and computer-related service enterprises. These rates apply to various financing options, including real estate, equipment, and energy efficiency projects. For traditional real estate loans, borrowers can choose between a fixed rate of 4.75% for up to 15 years or a lower initial rate of 3.75% for seven years, which resets afterward. Additionally, loans with a 10-year term and 20-year amortization offer similar rate structures, including a fixed rate of 4.75% or an initial 3.75% for five years with a reset option. PIDA also offers competitive rates for other loan categories. Equipment loans under the PIDA-MELF program carry a 4.75% fixed rate for the full term, while working capital and accounts receivable lines of credit have the same fixed rate for a 12-month period. Businesses pursuing pollution prevention and energy efficiency projects benefit from a significantly lower fixed rate of 2.00% for the loan’s duration, encouraging sustainable business practices. These rate options provide valuable financing solutions for businesses across Pennsylvania looking to expand or improve operations. For more information on PIDA loans or to apply, contact AJ Cimahosky or Lexie Langan in the business development office. AJ Cimahosky: ajcimahosky@scrantonchamber.com | (570) 342–7711 ext. 137 Lexie Langan: llangan@scrantonchamber.com | (570) 342–7711 ext. 136
Indraloka’s ThanksLiving: Celebrate Compassion and Community! One of NEPA’s most popular autumn events — ThanksLiving — will be held at Indraloka in Dalton, PA, on Saturday, November 2nd. Kicking off at 11 am, the festivities include live music by The Hot Club of Scranton, fine dining catered by Parlor City Vegan, sanctuary tour, auctions, raffles and more. The highlight of the day is the Feast for the Birds, when the sanctuary’s flocks of turkeys, chickens and ducks — surrounded by hay bales where children and adults of all ages perch — enjoy a banquet of their favorite foods. Indraloka’s biggest fundraising event, ThanksLiving is made possible by longtime sponsor Toyota of Scranton and host WBRE/WYOU TV’s Paola Giangiacomo and Lucy Noland, award winning broadcast journalist, co-founder and author at Archimedes’ Printing Shoppe & Sundry Goodes ThanksLiving will also feature the first public appearance of Loni the Lamb, who will be the guest star on a spring episode The Wizard of Paws, streaming on Disney+. The show follows prosthetics pioneer and founder of Bionic Pets, Derrick Campana, as he customizes adaptive devices for mobility-challenged animals. Guests at ThanksLiving, which is in its 12th year, can wander the sanctuary, where staff and volunteers will be on hand to introduce visitors to many of the beloved animals. Children and adults will meet and hear the stories of animals who have overcome incredible odds to live thriving, happy, love-filled lives. This uplifting day is meant to bring joy and inspiration to everyone, especially those who might be struggling during these difficult times. “Times are challenging for many of us right now. We need reasons to celebrate. And, we need to see that it’s possible to feel joy in our circumstances.” Indraloka founder Indra Lahiri says. “Sometimes it’s easier to get that message from animals. Seeing Loni running around in his wheelchair, grazing with his sheep friends, Mongo, the turkey who is sight-impaired, elderly Eddie Traffic, the pig who rescued himself from a truck bound for the slaughter facility, can help us accept our own vulnerabilities and differences.” ThanksLiving is also an opportunity for people to come together and enjoy the natural beauty of Northeastern Pennsylvania amid the spectacular autumn colors. Surrounded by the Endless Mountains, Indraloka’s 100 acres of pastures offer a bucolic setting a mere 20 minutes from downtown Scranton. Home to nearly 200 farm animals of all species, Indraloka rescues, rehabilitates and provides lifelong love and care for animals saved from the most desperate circumstances. Year-round events offer visitors the opportunity to enjoy peace and kindness with beloved, gentle animals. Newly launched programs include “Indraloka Heals,” a transformative therapeutic model to transcend trauma, including the Resilience Series, which is a suite of services that support educators, families, and those healing from traumatic events to develop resilience and tools for dealing with difficult circumstances. ThanksLiving has limited seating and sponsorship opportunities. For more information, please call Robin Olson at 858-335-8571 or email her at robin@indraloka.org. Dr. Lahiri is available for interviews. Members of the press are invited to ThanksLiving. Call for more information.
