Keystone Mission Launches New Program

Keystone Mission’s Scranton Innovation Center launches a new vocational program called Pathfinders. The Pathfinders Program was created to produce job-ready and purpose-filled individuals who can get off the streets by securing sustainable pay. Guests are given job-like responsibilities and gain new skills like how to interview, résumé-building, and communication skills.

When guests enter Keystone Mission’s Innovation Center for Homeless & Poverty, they find more than basic relief. The Innovation Center is designed to connect men and women experiencing homelessness with mental/physical health resources, housing assistance, and vocational training.

Individuals suffering from chronic homelessness often lack the vocational skills necessary to secure gainful employment. The Pathfinders Program was created to produce job-ready and purpose-filled individuals who can get off the streets by securing sustainable pay.

“Pathfinders is a groundbreaking volunteer program. Enthusiasm is spreading quickly. [Guests] are taking pride in their work, and that is success any way you look at it,” says Kathy Regan, Scranton Program Manager.

The Pathfinders Program was launched in November 2022, and in the first three months, there has been a positive response among guests with significant growth in accountability, restructuring of routines, and strength in fellowship. Guests are given job-like responsibilities around the Mission and also gain skills such as how to interview, build a résumé, and interact in a professional sense.

“This program allows our guests to make mistakes, to have do-overs that they wouldn’t typically have during the hiring and employment process of traditional employment,” says Lasha Wyman-Klein, Vocational Specialist. “[Pathfinders] focuses on helping guests learn new skills, sharpen existing skills, and give back… it’s something that they can feel proud of and something that feels like it is theirs.”

The Pathfinders Program is one more way Keystone Mission can provide life-transforming opportunities to the homeless, hungry, and hurting in Northeast PA.

Scranton Primary Health Care Center Launches New Website

It is now easier for area consumers seeking medical services to find professionals and available
services through a new website for The Clinics at Scranton Primary Health Care Center, where
no one is denied services due to an inability to pay.


The new website, launched at the beginning of the year, provides consumers with key
information about the services, hours, health insurance, directions, and lists registration forms
in addition to the Clinics’ policies. The site provides short biographies for the Clinics’ providers
in internal medicine, pediatrics, OB/GYN, perinatal, family medicine, general dentistry,
behavioral health, and infectious diseases.


The new site also lists employment opportunities and the current availabilities at the Clinics.
Applicants can apply for open positions directly on the site through an interactive application
form. The job openings are updated regularly so potential applicants can determine if new
opportunities match their skills and experiences.


“The launch of the new employment section of the website coincides with the kickoff of a
multimedia marketing campaign to attract additional Clinics staff members that features a
‘Follow Your Heart. Find Your Career.’ campaign theme,” relayed Joseph Hollander, Chief
Executive Officer of SPHCC. The new recruitment theme will also be featured in future job fair
events to be held by the health care center.


Scranton Primary Health Care Center is a Federally Qualified Health Care Center, located at 959
Wyoming Avenue, Scranton. The new website can be accessed at ScrantonPrimary.org

FNCB Bank Donates to Hazleton YMCA Project

FNCB Bank, locally based since 1910, today announced a $10,000 Neighborhood Assistance Program/Special Program Priorities (NAP-SPP) donation to the Greater Wyoming Valley Area YMCA for their Hazleton YMCA Childcare Center Revitalization Project.

The project, when completed, is expected to provide daycare and early childhood education services to the underserved population in Hazleton.

“The need for early childhood services is great,” said Jerry Champi, FNCB Bank President and CEO. “We are pleased to play a small part in this extremely important project to benefit the Hazleton community.”

Including the Greater Wyoming Valley Area YMCA donation, FNCB Bank has made NAP-SPP commitments to seven different community projects in Northeastern Pennsylvania.  As a true, local community bank, FNCB is making a difference through volunteerism, donations, and outreach programs.

The Wright Center names CRNP for Mid Valley Practice

Maggie Dempsey, R.N., BSN, MSN, of Dunmore, has joined The Wright Center for Community Health as a certified registered nurse practitioner at the Mid Valley Practice, 5 S. Washington Ave., Jermyn. She will see patients of all ages.

Dempsey received a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree from Drexel University and Master of Science in nursing degree from Clarion University of Pennsylvania. Prior to joining The Wright Center for Community Health, she worked as a registered nurse at medical centers in Philadelphia and Scranton.

She holds a certification as a family nurse practitioner from the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, as well as certifications in basic, coronary, and advanced life support from the American Heart Association. As a certified registered nurse practitioner, Dempsey will provide primary health care services, including the assessment and management of patient care through The Wright Center’s patient-centered medical home model that places patients at the forefront of their care and delivers high-quality, affordable health care with a coordinated team-based approach.

The Wright Center for Community Health provides integrated care at convenient locations in Lackawanna, Luzerne and Wayne counties. The nonprofit’s network of nine primary care clinics provides patients with the convenience of going to a single location to access medical, dental, behavioral health, and addiction and recovery services, as well as other supportive service lines. With a sliding-fee discount program available, The Wright Center reduces barriers to care by ensuring health care is affordable for everyone in need, regardless of their ability pay.

Patients can schedule appointments at the most convenient location by using the express online scheduling service at TheWrightCenter.org. To learn more about The Wright Center’s mission and integrated health care services, call 570-230-0019 or visit TheWrightCenter.org.

Spring Events Planned at The University of Scranton

The University of Scranton will be hosting a wide variety of events starting January 28 until May 21.

Jan. 28     8:30 a.m. Campaign School 2023. League of Women Voters of Lackawanna County’s campaign training program, co-sponsored by the University’s Center for Ethics and Excellence in Public Service. The program also includes a panel of elected local government officials offering helpful tips. Brennan Hall, Rose Room. Fees vary. Register at www.lwvlackawanna.org or email ceeps@scranton.edu.  

Feb. 3 through Mar. 10          Art Exhibit: “ANew Understanding: Paintings by Travis Prince.” Hope Horn Gallery, Hyland Hall. Free during gallery hours. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu.  

Feb. 3      5 p.m. Art Gallery Lecture: “ANew Understanding: Paintings by Travis Prince” presented by Travis Prince, exhibiting artist. Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Free. Reception to follow at the Hope Horn Gallery. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu.  

Feb. 4     7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert” featuring Tony Lustig Trio. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.  

Feb. 5     3 p.m. Black History PBS Film Series “Harriet Tubman: Visions of Freedom.” This event is part of the “Scranton’s Story, Our Nation’s Story” project. Black Scranton Project Center for Arts & Culture. Registration required. Free. Call 570-941-4419 or email info@blackscranton.org.  

Feb. 9     6 p.m. Asian New Year Celebration and Workshop. Brennan Hall, Rose Room. Free. Registration required at https://tinyurl.com/AsianNewYearUofS or email asianstudies@scranton.edu. 

Feb. 9      6 p.m. Community-Based Learning Talk “Black History and Housing in Scranton” featuring Glynis Johns, CEO and founder of the Black Scranton Project. This event is part of the “Scranton’s Story, Our Nation’s Story” project. Moskovitz Theater, DeNaples Center. Registration required at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CBL23BlackHistoryHousing 

Free. Call 570-941-4419 or email community@scranton.edu.  

Feb. 11    1 p.m. 21th Annual Northeast PA Brain Bee sponsored by the Neuroscience Program at The University of Scranton. Snow date Feb. 18. PNC Auditorium, Loyola Science Center. Free. Pre-registration required. Call 570-941-4324 or email robert.waldeck@scranton.edu. 

Feb. 19              3 p.m. Black History PBS Film Series “Becoming Frederick Douglass.” This event is part of the “Scranton’s Story, Our Nation’s Story” project. Black Scranton Project Center for Arts & Culture. Free. Registration required by emailing info@blackscranton.org or call 570-941-4419. 

Feb 19     7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert” featuring The University of Scranton Jazz Band with guest soloist Matt Munisteri, guitar and voice. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.  

Feb. 24-26 and Mar. 3-5        8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. Performance: “Little Women; the Broadway Musical” music by Jason Howland, lyrics by Mindi Dickstein, book by Allan Knee presented by The University of Scranton Players. McDade Center for Literary and Performing Arts. Ticket prices vary. Call 570-941-4318 or email players@scranton.edu.  

Feb. 26               3 p.m. Black History PBS Film Series “Jim Crow of the North.” This event is part of the “Scranton’s Story, Our Nation’s Story” project. Moskovitz Theater, DeNaples Center. Free. Registration required by emailing info@blackscranton.org or call 570-941-4419. 

Mar. 4    Following 8 p.m. performance: Talk Back immediately after the performance of “Little Women; the Broadway Musical” by The University of Scranton Players as part of the University’s year-long “Celebrating Women: 50th Anniversary of Coeducation” series of events. McDade Center for Literary and Performing Arts. Ticket prices vary. Call 570-941-4318 or email players@scranton.edu.  

Mar. 5      7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert” featuring The University of Scranton Concert Choir and The Scranton Brass Orchestra. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.  

Mar. 7      6 p.m. Salary Negotiations Workshop offered by The University of Scranton’s Career Development Office and the Jane Kopas Women’s Center as part of the University’s year-long “Celebrating Women: 50th Anniversary of Coeducation” series of events. Room 405, The DeNaples Center. Free. Call 570-941-6194 or email jkwc@scranton.edu.  

Mar. 8      3 p.m. Women of Vision and Courage Award Presentation offered by The University of Scranton’s Jane Kopas Women’s Center as part of the University’s year-long “Celebrating Women: 50th Anniversary of Coeducation” series of events. McIlhenny Ballroom, DeNaples Center. Free. Call 570-941-6194 or email jkwc@scranton.edu.  

Mar. 13     noon. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Seminar: “The Courage to Care” presented by Carol Rittner, RSM, D.Ed., distinguished professor emerita of Holocaust and Genocide Studies and the Dr. Marsha Raticoff Grossman Professor Emerita of Holocaust Studies at Stockton University, New Jersey. The luncheon is part of the University’s year-long “Celebrating Women: 50th Anniversary of Coeducation” series of events. Rose Room, Brennan Hall. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email brooke.leonard@scranton.edu.  

Mar. 20 through Apr. 14        Art Exhibit: “Post COVID: Art by Students for the Scranton School District.” Hope Horn Gallery, Hyland Hall. Free during gallery hours. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu.  

Mar. 23           11:45 a.m. Community-Based Learning Talk “Environmental Health” presented by Tonyehn Verkitus. McIlhenny Ballroom, DeNaples Center. Free. Call 570-941-4419 or email community@scranton.edu.  

Mar. 24           5 p.m. Art Gallery Lecture: “Post COVID: Art by Students for the Scranton School District” presented by Darlene Miller-Lanning. Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Free. Reception to follow at the Hope Horn Gallery. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu.  

Mar. 25           9 a.m. Preview Day for accepted students to The University of Scranton’s class of 2027. Various locations on campus. Call 570-941-7540 or email admissions@scranton.edu.  

Mar. 28           noon. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Seminar: “A Foreigner Called Picasso” presented by Annie Cohen-Solal, writer and social historian, distinguished professor at Bocconi University, Milan, Italy. Rose Room, Brennan Hall. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email brooke.leonard@scranton.edu.  

Mar. 29           5:30 p.m. Schemel Forum with Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Collaborative Program: “Mozart: The Mind and Music of a Genius” presented by Richard Kogan, M.D., professor of psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medical College and artistic director, Weill Cornell Music and Medicine Program. Sordoni Theater, WVIA Public Media Studies. Reception to follow. Registration required. $35 per person. Call 570-941-4740 or email brooke.leonard@scranton.edu.  

Mar. 29           7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “General Recital” featuring flute choir, percussion ensemble, steel drums and more. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.  

Mar. 29           7:30 p.m. Office of Sustainability film and panel discussion “The Seeds of Vandana Shiva.” Moskovitz Theater, DeNaples Center. Free. Call 570-941-7520 or email mark.murphy@scranton.edu.  

Mar. 30           5 p.m. 26th Annual ACHE Healthcare Symposium: “Bedside and Administration: A Strategic Alliance.” McIlhenny Ballroom, DeNaples Center. Registration required. Includes dinner, presentation and panel discussion. Fees vary. Call 570-709-9892 or email scarlet.alexander@scranton.edu.   

Apr. 1      9 a.m. Regional National History Day Competition for junior and senior high school students. The DeNaples Center. Pre-registration required. Call 570-941-4549 or email nhdparegion2@gmail.com. 

Apr. 2      7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Recital” featuring Mikaela Bennett, voice. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.  

Apr. 14     4:30 p.m. Office of Sustainability Art Show Address featuring artist Stephanie Williams. Heritage Room, Weinberg Memorial Library. Free. Call 570-941-7520 or email mark.murphy@scranton.edu.  

Apr. 15     7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert” featuring The University of Scranton Jazz Band and Saxophone Ensemble with guest baritone/bass saxophonist Leigh Pilzer. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.  

Apr. 16-25       Environmental Art Show. Heritage Room, Weinberg Memorial Library. Free. Call 570-941-7520 or email mark.murphy@scranton.edu.  

Apr. 18     11 a.m. Earth Day Fair with interactive games, presentation and information related to the environment and sustainable practices. Atrium, Loyola Science Center. Free. Call 570-941-7520 or email mark.murphy@scranton.edu.  

Apr. 20            8:30 a.m. Hayes Family Competition in physics and engineering for high school students. Byron Complex. Registration required. Call 570-941-7509 or email salisa.brown@scranton.edu.  

Apr. 20            4 p.m. Henry George Lecture: “Where Does Wealth Come From?” presented by Sandra Black, Ph.D., Columbia University. Moskovitz Theater, DeNaples Center. Free. Call 570-941-4048 or email john.ruddy@scranton.edu. 

Apr. 20            5:30 p.m. Earth Day “Evening of Environmental Science” with University student-run interactive science experiments and exhibit of University of Scranton Earth Day Essay Contest submissions. Essay contest awards will be announced at the event. Loyola Science Center. Free. Call 570-941-6267 or email susan.falbo@scranton.edu.  

Apr. 21     noon. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Seminar: “How Stories Heal the World” presented by Colum McCann, author of seven novels and three collections of stories, recipient of many international honors including the National Book Award and the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award. Collegiate Hall, Redington Hall. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email brooke.leonard@scranton.edu.  

Apr. 23            7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert” featuring The University of Scranton Singers and Symphonic Band. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.  

Apr. 24 through May 5          Art Exhibit: “The University of Scranton Student Exhibition Online.” Hope Horn Gallery, Hyland Hall. Free during gallery hours. Call. 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu 

Apr. 27            5 p.m. Campus Take Back the Night. Dionne Green. Free. Call 570-941-6194 or email  brandice.ricciardi@scranton.edu. 

Apr. 27-30       8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. Theatrical performance of “Emilie: La Marquise du Châtelet Defends Her Life Tonight” by The University of Scranton’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program and the English and Theatre Department as part of the University’s year-long “Celebrating Women: 50th Anniversary of Coeducation” series of events. Studio Theatre of the McDade Center for Literary and Performing Arts. Ticket prices vary. Call 570-941-6194 or email jkwc@scranton.edu.  

Apr. 27            7 p.m. Schemel Forum with Weinberg Judaic Studies Institute at The University of Scranton Collaborative Program: “Only in America? Religion, State, and a Hasidic Town in Rural New York” presented by David N. Myers, Ph.D., distinguished professor of history, Sady and Ludwig Kahn Chair in Jewish History and director of the Luskin Center for History and Policy, UCLA. Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Registration required. $15 per person. Call 570-941-4740 or email brooke.leonard@scranton.edu.  

Apr. 28            noon. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Seminar: “The World after the Ukraine War” presented by Jill Dougherty, Russian expert, former CNN Moscow Bureau Chief, current CNN on-air contributor and professor, Georgetown University. Rose Room, Brennan Hall. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email brooke.leonard@scranton.edu.  

Apr. 29-30       9 a.m. Saturday; Noon Sunday. Friends of the Library Book and Plant Sale. Heritage Room, Weinberg Memorial Library. Call 570-941-7816 or email kym.fetsko@scranton.edu.  

May 2  noon. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Seminar: “The Promise of American Democracy” presented by Fredrik Logevall, Ph.D., Laurence D. Belfer Professor of International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School and professor of history, Harvard University. Rose Room, Brennan Hall. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email brooke.leonard@scranton.edu.  

May 6     7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “40th Annual World Premiere Composition Series Concert” The University of Scranton Concert Band and Concert Choir featuring two new works by composer/conductor Philip J. Kuehn. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.  

May 9       noon. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Seminar: “Vocalising and Music in the Development of Speech Language and Consciousness” presented by Harmar Brereton, M.D., medical and radiation oncologist, Weill Cornell Medical School faculty and clinical professor of medicine at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. Rose Room, Brennan Hall. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email brooke.leonard@scranton.edu.  

May 12      7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert” featuring The University of Scranton String Orchestra. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.  

May 20            TBA Commencement Baccalaureate Mass. Byron Recreation Complex. Call 570-941-7401 or email info@scranton.edu.  

May 21      TBA Graduate and Undergraduate Commencement. Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza. Wilkes-Barre. Call 570-941-7401 or email info@scranton.edu.  

Schemel Forum Courses 

Mondays: Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27 & Mar. 6, 13     6 p.m. Schemel Forum Evening Course: “Down These Mean Streets: An Ethics of Hardboiled, Noir Fiction” presented by Joseph Kraus, Ph.D., professor, Department of English and Theatre, The University of Scranton. Weinberg Memorial Library. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email brooke.leonard@scranton.edu.  

Wednesdays: Mar. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 & Apr. 5  6 p.m. Schemel Forum Evening Course: “Philosophy East and West” presented by Ann A. Pang-White, Ph.D., professor, Department of Philosophy and director, Asian Studies Program, The University of Scranton. Weinberg Memorial Library. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email brooke.leonard@scranton.edu.  

Thursdays: Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23 & Mar. 2, 9       6 p.m. Schemel Forum Evening Course: “The Anatomy of Contemporary Conservatism in the US” presented by Matthew Meyer, Ph.D., professor, Department of Philosophy, The University of Scranton. Weinberg Memorial Library. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email brooke.leonard@scranton.edu.  

Treasurer Announces $50 Million Savings for Keystone Scholars

$100 jumpstart for newborns encourages education savings for youngest Pennsylvanians

Treasurer Stacy Garrity today announced that families who have registered their child’s Keystone Scholars accounts have saved more than $50 million for their children’s future education in linked PA 529 College and Career Savings Program accounts.

“Keystone Scholars is a catalyst to help families start saving as early as possible for their child’s postsecondary education – and this $50 million contribution milestone shows the program is working wonders for our youngest Pennsylvanians,” Garrity said. “The initial $100 Keystone Scholars deposit grows alongside a child until they’re ready to follow their career or education journey, and I’m so excited to see families making a commitment to save early for their child’s future education by opening their own PA 529 accounts.”

Keystone Scholars provides a $100 investment for every child born to a Pennsylvania family on or after January 1, 2019, including those adopted. The program uses no taxpayer money, and the funds are invested by Treasury. Accounts can be used after a child’s 18th birthday to help pay for a wide variety of technical, collegiate and apprenticeship expenses. There are currently more than 480,000 funded Keystone Scholars accounts.

Keystone Scholars is the first legislated, universal, automatic, at-birth program of its kind, and is a national model for Child Development Accounts (CDAs). CDAs have been shown to have multiple positive outcomes, including increased parental expectations for children’s educational future and improved social and emotional development for children. Research shows that children with even a modest amount of savings for education are three times more likely to attend a two- or four-year postsecondary institution, and four times more likely to graduate.

The implementation of Keystone Scholars has helped increase PA 529 account ownership statewide, including growth among low-income families and families in rural communities.

“I encourage any new or expectant parent to visit pa529.com/keystone to register or pre-register their Keystone Scholars accounts and learn more about the power of saving with our PA 529 program,” Garrity said. “It’s never too early, or too late to start saving for your child’s future, and once Keystone Scholars and PA 529 accounts are linked, families will see both balances grow side-by-side.”

The PA 529 College and Career Savings Program is designed to help PA families steadily and strategically save for future educational expenses. Treasury offers two plans; the PA 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan (GSP), which allows you to save at today’s tuition rates to meet tomorrow’s tuition costs, and the PA 529 Investment Plan (IP), which offers a number of investment options. PA 529 plans have significant state and federal tax advantages and can be used for a wide variety of qualifying technical, collegiate, apprenticeship and K-12 educational expenses.

To learn more, or to register your child’s Keystone Scholars account, visit pa529.com/keystone.

Media Contact:
Samantha Heckel, Press Secretary, 717-418-0206 or sheckel@patreasury.gov

Settler’s Hospitality to Build in Lake Wallenpaupack

A key gateway to Lake Wallenpaupack will soon have a fresh look. Settlers Hospitality is ready to break ground on a new building at the intersection of Routes 6 and 507 in Hawley. The structure will be home to three businesses including Pocono Region Vacation Rental (PRVR), a division of Settlers Hospitality, and Realty Executives.


Measuring just over 3,000 square feet, the building will feature one and a half stories with the top-level offering lake views from a large observation deck. Settlers Hospitality enlisted JHA Companies to design a structure befitting the highly visible location. “Sense of place was paramount in developing the aesthetic of the building,” says Settlers Hospitality CEO/Owner Justin Genzlinger. “We’re not designing an office building as much as the first major landmark visitors will see as they approach the lake.”


New Jersey based Realty Executives will also be headquartered in the space. Regional Branch Manager Nicole Monahan says the new location will be a game changer for the firm’s clients and agents. “We’re very excited to take up residence in this state-of-the art building, which will allow us to better serve everyone in the Lake Region,” states Monahan. The last remaining space, which is a prime office or retail location, will be available for lease in January.


As the headquarters for PRVR, the new building will be the first stop for visitors who book a vacation getaway in the Lake Region. Settlers Hospitality offers a varied collection of long- and short-term vacation rentals through PRVR as well as management of vacation rentals for other property owners. The PRVR office will provide an easily accessible, highly visible, centralized location for guest check in and check out.


Although the parcel of land has been dormant for some time, locals will remember its various incarnations as Chic’s Cozy Corner and later as a beer distributor. “We’re proud to breathe new life into this prime location at the gateway to Lake Wallenpaupack,” explains Genzlinger. “The thoughtful design of the building will give visitors an outstanding first impression and set the tone for the rest of their stay in the Lake Region.” The building will open for business by the end of 2023.

NBT Bank Welcomes Jerry McMyne

NBT Bank announced that Gerald “Jerry” McMyne has joined the team as an Affordable Housing Originator. McMyne is based in NBT Bank’s Scranton Financial Center on Keyser Avenue and will serve customers in Northeastern Pennsylvania and the Southern Tier in New York.

In his role, McMyne will guide customers through every step of the financing process, from submitting an application to closing. He will specialize in supporting programs to help individuals and families on their path to affordable homeownership.

Prior to NBT Bank, McMyne served as a mortgage broker in Florida. McMyne earned a bachelor’s degree from West Chester University in West Chester, PA. An active member of his community, McMyne volunteers for Habitat for Humanity.

NEPIRC Manufacturing Ambassador Program

The Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center (NEPIRC) recently ramped-up its newly-announced Dream Team Manufacturing Ambassador Program by adding a Project Coordinator to its team. Ms. Jenelle Osborne, working in collaboration with Chelsey Coslett, NEPIRC’s Manager of Marketing & Stakeholder Engagement and in concert with other economic and workforce development representatives, will spearhead NEPIRC’s efforts aimed at placing younger manufacturing professionals within high schools for career opportunity presentations. 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 late 2022.

In her capacity as Program Coordinator, Ms. Osborne will be responsible for recruiting Dream Team Ambassadors from the local manufacturing community, overseeing their orientation and training, meeting with NEPIRC’s economic development and workforce partners to spread awareness of the program, performing outreach to schools within NEPIRC’s service area, coordinating Dream Team speaking engagements and coordinating social media and marketing efforts. The first-year goal of the program is for Dream Team members to provide a total of at least 20 in-school presentations about exciting careers available within the manufacturing sector. NEPIRC’s efforts will target schools within an 11-county area including Bradford, Columbia, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, Wayne and Wyoming counties.

“The Dream Team initiative is an innovative and engaging way to introduce students, faculty, school administrators and parents to younger manufacturing professionals and create a more updated and accurate understanding of our manufacturing sector, along with the purposeful, rewarding and high-tech jobs our regional manufacturers offer,” said Eric Joseph Esoda, President, NEPIRC. “We’re delighted to have Jenelle on board to contribute to this important initiative, which will have significant, long-term impacts on our local students and manufacturing community.”

Jenelle possesses several years of sales and marketing experience and was recognized in 2022 as a national sales leader for a well-known jewelry company. Prior to starting her own business, Jenelle was a human resources specialist leading the staff onboarding and leadership development process at Mohegan Pennsylvania. In her role as Mohegan Pennsylvania’s Training and Communications Manager, she facilitated property-wide trainings, developed communication pieces, oversaw recruitment and staffing efforts and planned team member events and activities. In addition, Jenelle has a passion for fundraising and assisting non-profit organizations. She served as Fundraiser Coordinator for several successful fundraisers benefiting her local community, including playing a vital role in managing the social media event pages.

Jenelle obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration with a minor in marketing from Misericordia University in Dallas, Pennsylvania.

United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties VITA Appointments

The United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties is currently scheduling VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) Appointments to residents in Lackawanna, Wayne and Pike Counties. This will be the first time VITA appointments are available in Pike County.

The United Way has heard of communication issues with Verizon Landlines dialing the phone number 2-1-1 to book an appointment (Feb. 3rd to April 7th).  Some Verizon customers aren’t able to complete the call in some areas of NEPA.  The other phone number qualifying residents can call is, 1.855.567.5341, or they can go online at uwlc.net.

VITA is a completely free tax return service backed by the IRS, with trained IRS Volunteers completing local, state and federal taxes.  This program is for households and older adults from NEPA that have income of $60,000 or less.

The majority of the tax return appointments will be held at the Keyser Valley Community Center, Scranton, PA.  The VITA Tax Team will also be “hitting the road”:

Monday, March 6th – Abington Fire Hall
Tuesday, March 7th – Wallenpaupack Brewing Co.
Wednesday, March 8th – North Pocono Library
Thursday/Friday, March 9th-10th – Carbondale – Trinity Episcopal Church

For further questions and/or interviews, a time can be setup through Barry Snyder, VP of Community Outreach with any/all the following Staff members:

Dr. Angela Bassani, CPA – VITA Program Coordinator
Gary Drapek – President & CEO
Peg Kopko, MSW – Vice President, Community Impact