NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania Holds SafetyWorks Week for Seniors NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania (NWNEPA) will serve 30 older adult homeowners in West Scranton with much needed interior and exterior painting and small repairs throughout Lackawanna County as part of SafetyWorks Week for Seniors, July 3th – 7th, 2023. More than 200 volunteers will be coming from all over the northern portion of the United States through a partnership between NeighborWorks and Group Mission Trips, Inc. to make the weeklong event possible. As NeighborWorks has recently kicked off West Side Scranton’s ten-year plan to increase livability in the area, the focus of the volunteer work for the week will be the West Scranton community. Throughout the week volunteers will provide exterior painting to whole homes, window frames and porches and steps. Interior painting of kitchens, dining rooms, bedrooms and bathrooms will spruce up older homes adding value and increasing the quality of life for older adults who can no longer tend to their homes safely. NeighborWorks has hosted Group Mission Trips, Inc. volunteers for seven previous workcamps, mobilizing 2,158 volunteers, equating to approximately 50,000 hours of volunteer labor (worth over $1.4 million) to make needed repairs to over 320 separate properties in Lackawanna County. This year Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, along with Lackawanna County Area Agency on Aging, donated funds to provide the materials for the volunteers to use while serving the older adults in Scranton.
Providence Promotes Staff Member to Vice President Providence Engineering is pleased to announce Dr. Jonathan U. Dougherty has been promoted to Vice President, Strategic Initiatives. Dr. J., as he is known around the firm, will be responsible for setting the direction and executing strategic initiatives including recruiting, professional development, and our employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), among others. “With Dr. J.’s extensive experience in many aspects of the AEC industry, he hit the ground running as soon as he started with Providence. Our mission has always been to be the Engineer of Choice, and with Jonathan’s knowledge and initiative, Providence Engineering is also an Employer of Choice. We are excited for the future and Dr. J.’s collaborative leadership, as we continue to make Providence a successful firm and a great place to work,” said David Bernhardt, President and CEO of Providence Engineering. Dr. J. joined Providence Engineering in 2022 after a seventeen-year career with a large regional building contractor. Additionally, Dougherty is a former adjunct professor at Virginia Tech and taught for several years in the department of architectural engineering at The Pennsylvania State University, University Park. Dr. J. brings nearly 25 years of academic and industry experience to his role. He earned his Bachelor of Architectural Engineering from The Pennsylvania State University and continued his academic career at Penn State, earning his Doctor of Philosophy in Architectural Engineering. He is a champion of students and lifelong learning, as evidenced by his service to various universities and the architecture, engineering, and construction industry. As an alumni leader, Dougherty is an emeritus member of the Penn State Wilkes-Barre Campus Advisory Board, current President for the Penn State Engineering Alumni Society (PSEAS) and founding Board Member and former President of the Penn State Alumni Society of Architectural Engineers (ASAE). His industry service includes being a former Trustee for the Baltimore-Washington Laborer’s Joint Training Fund, serving on the Montgomery College (MD) Construction Industry Advisory Committee, and serving as former Chairperson of the Architectural Engineering Institute’s International Student Design Competition. Established in 1992, Providence Engineering provides structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing design and analysis services to the building industry. Providence creates dependable, innovative solutions that have earned the trust of architects, owners, contractors and those they are privileged to call clients.
United Way Announces Scholarship Recipient The United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike awarded the Mike Munchak Community Service Scholarship to Vanessa Hodges, a 2023 graduate of Forest City Regional High School. The scholarship award was officially presented as part of the 27th Annual Mike Munchak Charity Golf Classic to benefit the United Way held at the Country Club of Scranton. The sold-out golf tournament raised over $100,000 for United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike. Over $1,500,000 have been raised during the 27 years of this golf outing. “For the past 27 years it has been our honor to welcome Mike back home to Scranton, and we remain grateful to him for his unwavering commitment to the people of our community,” said Gary Drapek, President and CEO of the United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike. The United Way established the Mike Munchak Community Service Scholarship to assist high school students from Lackawanna, Wayne and Pike Counties, who plan to continue their education in an accredited university, college, or trade school in a two or four-year degree program. The amount of the one-time scholarship is $6,300 in honor of Mike’s #63, retired by the Houston Oilers in 1994. Completing the scholarships 12th year of existence, a total amount of $75,600 in scholarship funds have been distributed to local graduates. To be eligible, candidates must be volunteers in programs funded by the United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike, have a demonstrated commitment through community service activities and be full-time residents and/or students of a school district within Lackawanna, Wayne or Pike Counties. Additional requirements include a demonstrated financial need, academic achievement, agency recommendation and a track record of community service. “Education is one of our pillars here at the United Way. This scholarship is a prime example of how important a good education along with strong community involvement is in helping ensure Lackawanna, Wayne and Pike Counties continue to Live United. Every year we are amazed at the amount of Hall-of-Fame caliber seniors who apply for this scholarship. The future certainly remains bright here in NEPA,” added Drapek. The 2023 scholarship recipient is Vanessa Hodges, a Forest City Regional High School graduate who will be attending Penn State Scranton to pursue a degree in Business. Vanessa’s community service accomplishments include the American Red Cross Blood Drive, Feed a Friend Program, Toys for Tots, Steamtown Marathon, Teresa’s Angels and her senior project supporting the Annual Forest City Softball Parents Club. Additionally, Vanessa is a member of the National Honor Society, Future Business Leaders of America, Student Council, the Yearbook Committee as well as an array of clubs and activities in which she is engaged. The Scholarship Committee noted Vanessa’s superior GPA as well as the leadership qualities she exhibited throughout her time at Forest City Regional. “Funding essential programs throughout Lackawanna, Wayne and Pike Counties as well as running our own community outreach programs has led us into our 2nd Century of Service in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Continuously evolving each and every year has been the key to our success. Like the mindset of a Hall-of-Fame Athlete, we set a goal every year and do everything in our power to achieve that goal, just like our homegrown football legend himself, Mike Munchak,” Drapek concluded.
Tobyhanna Army Depot Welcomes New Leadership Tobyhanna Army Depot welcomed new leadership recently. See photos below for details. James L. Crocker (left) receives the Tobyhanna Army Depot flag from Maj. Gen. Robert L. Edmonson II (right), signifying his assumption of command of Tobyhanna Army Depot. Sgt. Maj. Michael S. Riggs (left) receives the Tobyhanna Army Depot (TYAD) flag from Col. James L. Crocker (right), signifying his assumption of responsibility as Tobyhanna Army Depot Sgt. Maj. In the background, outgoing Depot Commander Col. Daniel L. Horn observes the military ceremony. A Civilian Honor Guard, Color Guard, Troop Formation, invited guests and the depot workforce look on during the Change of Command ceremony
Scrantastic Spectacular On Monday, July 3, Lackawanna County will hold the 2023 Scrantastic Spectacular Courthouse Square in Scranton comes alive as Lehigh Valley Hospital Dickson City Presents the Lackawanna County Scrantastic Spectacular! Bring the family and enjoy great foods, games and bounce houses for the kids, local bands on The Scranton Recycling Side Stage, and a LIVE performance from Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic Brass and Percussion Members beginning at 8 PM. Then sit back and enjoy the best fireworks display in NEPA sponsored in part by Alleima! NOTE: Fireworks launch location is now at the Linden St. Garage above Catch 21. See the map for the best viewing locations. Information provided by https://www.scrantasticspectacular.com/ This event is sponsored in part by Scranton Tomorrow, the Lackawanna County Commissioners, The City of Scranton, and Audacy Pennsylvania.
Marywood University Announces Scholarships Marywood University recently announced four new endowed scholarships, six new annual scholarships, and a new endowed special gift at the 2023 Scholarship Luncheon. The annual luncheon brought together students, donors, and esteemed guests to acknowledge the impact of scholarships and express heartfelt appreciation for their support. Renée Gregori Zehel ’91, Ph.D. ’16, vice president for university advancement, opened the program by welcoming guests and recognizing this year’s scholarship honorees. Following lunch, Sister Mary Persico, IHM, Marywood University President, recognized the new scholarship benefactors and presented each of them with a citation. Student scholarship recipients also played a prominent role in the program, including Emily Gunsel ’23, who presented the invocation; Stephanie Golden ’22 (M.I.A. ’24), a graduate architecture student, who gave the keynote address, sharing her personal Marywood journey and expressing profound gratitude on behalf of all student scholarship recipients; and Eleanor Kloss ’26, who offered the benediction. Marywood University remains dedicated to fostering a vibrant community of learners, where scholarships play an instrumental role in breaking barriers and creating opportunities. The Scholarship Luncheon serves as a testament to the university’s commitment to ensuring access to quality education for deserving students, regardless of their financial circumstances. Marywood awarded 389 named scholarships, exceeding one million dollars, in the 2022-2023 academic year. New endowed named scholarships can be established with a gift of $50,000 or more. New annual named scholarships can be established with a gift of $10,000 or more. For information on establishing a named scholarship, please contact the Office of University Advancement at 570-348-6238 or development@marywood.edu.
Settlers Hospitality Debuts New Private Social Club Settlers Hospitality is making another investment in the Hawley community. The boutique multi-concept hospitality corporation purchased the former PNC Bank at the corner of Keystone Street and Main Avenue in 2022 with plans to launch the area’s first private social club, called Vault 240. Hawley Bank opened in the location in 1929. The building features many original Art Deco touches, which will preserve and enhance the speakeasy aesthetic of Vault 240 Social Club. Members are invited to revel in the roaring 2020s lifestyle and refined services available. The club is billed as, “exclusively inclusive,” indifferent to politics, age, orientation or ethnicity. There are three membership tiers available. Members will have access to a wide range of amenities including dedicated concierge service, catered private dining, an on-site bar and restaurant plus personal services such as a cobbler, tailor and haberdasher. Additional club amenities include a mezzanine piano lounge offering periodic live entertainment, a boardroom for meetings and conferences, humidor services, card room and day spa. Members also enjoy reciprocal use opportunities at affiliate clubs, local businesses and Settlers Hospitality properties. “You normally find private social clubs in big or larger cities. We think there’s a real niche here in the Lake Region for the type of social experiment offered at Vault 240,” explains Settlers Hospitality CEO/Owner Justin Genzlinger. “This is a natural extension of our hospitality brand. We are providing the high-level services and amenities guests have come to expect from Settlers Hospitality in a private setting that’s exclusive to members.” A select number of inaugural memberships are available now. The grand opening is expected to be held in July. For more information about membership, call 570-576-0484 or email concierge@vault240.com.
The Dime Bank Supports Lacawac Sanctuary The Dime Bank donated $9,750.00 to Lacawac Sanctuary to support their hands-on academic enrichment and innovative educational programs. The Lacawac Sanctuary is a non-profit conservation, research, and education center providing the community with a host of quality environmental, historical, and cultural programs. $7,500.00 was donated through the PA Department of Community and Economic Development’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit program to support Lacawac Sanctuary’s mission to educate students with important ecological and environmental science lessons, strengthening academic achievement in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. On-site visits to Lacawac, off-site teachings at schools, educational workshops, and curriculum for afterschool sessions are just some of Lacawac’s innovative and educational offerings. $1,000.00 was donated as a corporate sponsorship, $1,000.00 was donated as an epicurean sponsorship of the 8th Annual Farm to Plate Dinner event, and $250.00 was donated to the Cocktails for Conservation fundraiser. All three help with the Sanctuary’s mission to help promote environmental understanding through education and conservation. “Many schools have insufficient funding to create their own programs that allow students to explore our diverse lake and forest habitats. Lacawac’s programs are multidisciplinary and geared towards a wide audience. We are happy to support this vital sanctuary that is available not only to our students but to people of all ages,” stated The Dime Bank Vice President Marketing Deb Unflat.
Johnson College Enrolling Students in Welding Courses Johnson College’s Continuing Education Program is currently is enrolling students for their next Fundamentals of Welding course starting on July 13, 2023, and an Intermediate Shielded Metal Arc Welding course starting July 27, 2023. Both classes will be held on the Johnson College Scranton campus. To learn more or enroll, visit johnson.edu/continuing-education/ or contact the Johnson College Continuing Education department at 570-702-8979 or email continuinged@johnson.edu. During the Fundamentals of Welding, students will learn the basics of the major welding processes. The Intermediate Shielded Metal Arc Welding (Stick) Welding course will teach students equipment set-up, basic techniques and safety for oxy-fuel welding and cutting. In addition, basic metallurgy, welding codes, welding inspection and welding symbols will be discussed.
FNCB Bank Names New Nanticoke Community Office Manager FNCB Bank, locally-based since 1910, today announced the promotion of Nicole Nevel to Nanticoke Community Office Manager, where she will be responsible for the daily operations of the branch, as well as generating new business and providing excellent customer service. “We are delighted to have Nicole lead our Nanticoke Community Office,” said Deborah Kennedy, FNCB Bank Vice-President, Retail Market Manager. “She is very familiar with the Nanticoke community and possesses all the qualities and characteristics to serve our customers and staff well.” Prior to her promotion, Mrs. Nevel served as a Personal Banker in the Nanticoke Office. Before joining FNCB Bank, she was a teller, head teller, PBR, and acting assistant manager at First National Bank, along with serving as a Veterinary Technician at Sweet Valley Veterinary Clinic. She is a graduate of Northwest Area Junior Senior High School and Allied Medical and Technical Careers where she received an Animal Care Technician diploma. As an active member of the community, she has volunteered for numerous causes including as a girl scout leader for eight years. She resides in Ross Township, Shickshinny with her husband Phillip “Rick” Nevel and children Corey Lynn, Kylie Ann, and Benjamin.
