NET Credit Union Accepting Scholarship Applications

NET Credit Union is now accepting 2023 Annual Scholarship Applications. NET will award $10,000 in scholarships at our Annual Meeting this spring to two deserving members.

NET Credit Union will award one high school senior and one current college/trade school student a $5,000 scholarship each. Please see requirements below:

  • Applicants must be NET Credit Union members.
  • Must have proof of a B average or better and proof of attendance.
  • Must submit a 1,000 word essay with a cover page answering the question below:

Banking shouldn’t be difficult at any age. What do you think banking is? How do you manage your money? Is there a different account or benefit you’d wish NET offered that could help improve your banking?

Please see full details here: https://www.netcreditunion.com/scholarship/. Please send any questions with subject line “Scholarship Question” to marketing@netcreditunion.com. Deadline to enter is Friday, March 31st, 2023.

Treasurer Stacy Garrity Announces Benefits for PA 529 & PA ABLE Savings Programs

The tax benefits for contributing to PA 529 and PA ABLE accounts are getting better in 2023, Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced today. Higher Pennsylvania state personal income tax deductions are now in place for both programs.

PA 529 account owners may deduct up to $17,000 (previously $16,000) of contributions to their accounts, or $34,000 (previously $32,000) for couples filing jointly, provided both spouses have at least $17,000 of income. The PA state income tax deduction for 529 contributions is available to any PA taxpayer, making gift contributions an attractive benefit for family members or friends.

PA ABLE account owners will also be able to deduct up to $17,000 (previously $16,000) for contributions to their accounts.

“Both PA 529 and PA ABLE accounts have excellent tax advantages, and the higher deduction limits will help bolster savings for account owners,” Garrity said. “Treasury’s savings programs are valuable tools that help Pennsylvania families meet their financial goals. If anyone is thinking about starting to save with PA 529 or PA ABLE accounts, I encourage them to visit Treasury’s website to learn how these accounts can have a big impact on improving financial security and wellness.”

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), that 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.

The PA ABLE Savings Program is a tax-free way for Pennsylvanians to save for a wide range of disability-related expenses while maintaining government disability benefits. PA ABLE provides various savings options including an interest-bearing checking account and investment portfolios. The contribution limit for PA ABLE accounts in 2023 is $17,000.

PA ABLE is the largest program in the 18-member National ABLE Alliance, accounting for nearly 25% of total assets, and one of the largest ABLE programs in the country. Treasurer Garrity was elected the inaugural chair of the new ABLE Savings Plan Network in November 2022.

To learn more about PA 529, visit pa529.com or call 800-440-4000. To learn more about PA ABLE, visit paable.gov or call 855-529-2253.

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

Settlers Hospitality to Host Annual Chili & Wing Cookoff

After a two-year hiatus, the hotly-anticipated Chili and Wing Cookoff returns to Silver Birches in Hawley on Sunday March 5, 2023. The event, hosted by Settlers Hospitality, brings together over 20 of the best chefs from local restaurants, schools, and organizations as well as talented home cooks. Contestants vie for the title of Best Chili and Best Wings during a flavorful showdown that plays out at the Waterfront at Silver Birches.

The competition begins at noon with the awards presentation slated for between 3:30 and 4 p.m. A panel of guest judges will select the winners. In addition to bragging rights, first place winners receive a $100 cash prize and a trophy. Second and third place winners also take home a trophy. Everyone who attends gets a ballot for the People’s Choice Award and a chance to vote for their favorite dishes. The coveted title also brings a $100 cash prize for the winners plus trophies for first, second and third place.

A ticket entitles guests to sample each of the wing and chili offerings. Tickets are $30 per person and $15 for children ages 5-10. Silver Birches not only hosts the tasty competition, but also supplies each participant with 80 pounds of wings and all the cups, plates, spoons, napkins, and wet naps necessary for service, at no charge. All proceeds from the Cookoff benefit local hospitality employees experiencing a crisis. “People were really craving the return of this event, and we’re delighted to bring it back, especially to support a cause that’s so personal,” states Settlers Hospitality Owner/CEO Justin Genzlinger. Attendees may buy a chance for a 50/50 raffle, which will also aid the hospitality employee crisis fund.

The Cookoff is open to local businesses and individuals. Participants interested in competing in the cookoff may call 570-226-4388 or email TJSlain@Settlershospitality.com before February 11. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Contact TJ Slain, director of food and beverage, at 570-226-2124 for more information.

Outreach – Center for Community Resources Receives Grant from the Scranton Area Community Foundation

Outreach – Center for Community Resources received an $18,500 grant from the Scranton Area Community Foundation in June of this year for Outreach Early Childhood and Parenting Programs for Moms and their Children.

The grant will provide necessary funding for programs administered by Outreach, a state-designated Family Center, during the fiscal year of July 2022 to June 2023, which support family needs in early childhood education, parenting, workforce development, financial literacy, and others. Additionally, Outreach case managers connect families to supplemental services that are available from the numerous nonprofit partners in the Scranton region, providing a safety net of unique services. Outreach connects families with services and programs they need to gain family stability and economic self-sufficiency throughout Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties.

Outreach child-serving programs aim to improve school readiness through high-quality activities that enhance cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. Outreach parenting programs allow parents to gain the skills to implement positive parenting techniques that result in improved behavioral outcomes for their children and connect them to a social network of other parents.

The Scranton Area Community Foundation has been serving the Northeastern Pennsylvania region for over 65 years as a steward, a grantmaker, a charitable resource, and a catalyst for change and growth. The Scranton Area Community Foundation was established as a community trust in 1954 by the Scranton Family, whose initial gift was the seed that has grown into a permanent vehicle for donors to accomplish their philanthropic goals while helping to support positive change within our community. Today the Scranton Area Community Foundation holds and manages a variety of funds from individuals, organizations, and corporations. Through these gifts, the Foundation responds to community needs and has provided grants to support regional nonprofits.

Outreach Center for Community Resources delivers parent/child and workforce development services and programs to the regional community to promote family stability and economic self-sufficiency. Outreach provides evidence-based early childhood programs that help families and children gain the skills needed to be healthy and productive members of the community. Outreach improves the lives of over 4,500 individuals each year with award-winning workforce and family development programs that support people as they navigate life’s challenges.

Pictured (left to right) Outreach Family Development Specialists Alyssa Savitski and Kathy Kutsop with Scranton Area Community Foundation Board of Governors Chair Barbara O’Hara, Esq. and David Price, Foundation Board Treasurer.

PennDOT Driver License, Photo Centers Closed for Holiday

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) today announced that all driver license and photo centers, including its full-service center in Harrisburg, will be closed Saturday, January 14, 2023, through Monday, January 16, 2023, in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. 

Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services, including all forms, publications and driver training manuals, online through PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website, www.dmv.pa.gov.   

Driver and vehicle online services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and include driver’s license, photo ID and vehicle registration renewals; driver-history services; changes of address; driver license and vehicle registration restoration letters; ability to pay driver license or vehicle insurance restoration fee; driver license and photo ID duplicates; and driver exam scheduling. There are no additional fees for using online services.

A complete listing of PennDOT driver and photo license center closings in 2023 is available online. If you are planning to visit one of PennDOT’s On-Line Messenger Service Centers, please call ahead for hours of operation during holidays.

Motorists can check conditions on major roadway miles by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information, and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.

511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following twitter regional alerts.

Follow PennDOT on Twitter and like the department on Facebook and Instagram. 

MEDIA CONTACT: Diego Sandino, dsandino@pa.gov

 

Score Big Prizes with RailRiders Football Squares Promotion

With Super Bowl LVII only weeks away, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders are bringing back a fan-favorite promotion with the chance to win great prizes. Fans can purchase flex plans, partial, half or full season memberships to get involved in the RailRiders Football Squares promotion with the opportunity to win big on February 12.
Chances to win occur with the score at the end of each quarter and at the end of the game. The scores will reward you with fun prizes and experiences in 2023. Squares correspond with the nuber of packages purchased, so buy multiple plans or memberships for more chances to win!
With the purchase of one flex plan, you will receive one square. If you purchase a partial season plan, you will receive two squares. A half-season plan will receive three squares and any full-season membership purchased will net four squares. All squares are placed at random. Winners are determined by looking at the last number in each team’s score at the end of each quarter and then matching those numbers on the grid and seeing which square intersects those two numbers.
Winning Outcomes:

Match the score at the end of the first quarter and win a RailRiders Beach Package including two beach chairs, two beach towels, two coolers, two Hawaiian Shirts and a $25 gift card to the SWB Team Store

Match the score at the end of the second quarter and you’ll receive a RailRiders Bobblehead Package featuring SIX bobbleheads- Nestor Cortes, Nick Swisher, Derek Jeter, Aaron Judge, Thor, and a Joe DiMaggio and Billy Martin dual bobblehead- PLUS a $25 gift card to the SWB Team Store.

Match the score at the end of the third quarter and win a RailRiders Legends Package that includes four tickets to a New York Yankees game, four Geisinger Champions Club tickets for April or May, a game-worn jersey, an autographed Legends Series bat and a $25 gift card to the SWB Team Store. • Match the score at the end of the fourth quarter and win the RailRiders Champions Package which includes four tickets to a New York Yankees game, four Geisinger Champions Club tickets for April or May, a game- worn jersey, a Ron Guidry autographed baseball and a $100 gift card to the SWB Team Store.

Should the game go to overtime and your square matches the final score after OT, you will win all four of the packages listed above.
*Add

With Super Bowl LVII only weeks away, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders are bringing back a fan-favorite promotion with the chance to win great prizes.  Fans can purchase flex plans, partial, half or full season memberships to get involved in the RailRiders Football Squares promotion with the opportunity to win big on February 12.

Chances to win occur with the score at the end of each quarter and at the end of the game.  The scores will reward you with fun prizes and experiences in 2023.  Squares correspond with the number of packages purchased, so buy multiple plans or memberships for more chances to win!

With the purchase of one flex plan, you will receive one square.  If you purchase a partial season plan, you will receive two squares. A half-season plan will receive three squares and any full-season membership purchased will net four squares. All squares are placed at random. Winners are determined by looking at the last number in each team’s score at the end of each quarter and then matching those numbers on the grid and seeing which square intersects those two numbers. 

Winning Outcomes:

  • Match the score at the end of the first quarter and win a RailRiders Beach Package including two beach chairs, two beach towels, two coolers, two Hawaiian Shirts and a $25 gift card to the SWB Team Store
  • Match the score at the end of the second quarter and you’ll receive a RailRiders Bobblehead Package featuring SIX bobbleheads- Nestor Cortes, Nick Swisher, Derek Jeter, Aaron Judge, Thor, and a Joe DiMaggio and Billy Martin dual bobblehead- PLUS a $25 gift card to the SWB Team Store.
  • Match the score at the end of the third quarter and win a RailRiders Legends Package that includes four tickets to a New York Yankees game, four Geisinger Champions Club tickets for April or May*, a game-worn jersey, an autographed Legends Series bat and a $25 gift card to the SWB Team Store.
  • Match the score at the end of the fourth quarter and win the RailRiders Champions Package which includes four tickets to a New York Yankees game, four Geisinger Champions Club tickets for April or May*, a game-worn jersey, a Ron Guidry autographed baseball and a $100 gift card to the SWB Team Store.

Should the game go to overtime and your square matches the final score after OT, you will win all four of the packages listed above.

*Additional terms, restrictions and conditions may apply. Please ask your sales representative to clarify any concerns.

Tickets packages for the 2023 season, both season ticket and flex plans, are available now and Football Squares are on a limited, first-come, first-served basis until Friday, February 10. For more information, please visit

swbrailriders.com or contact a ticket sales representative at (570) 969-BALL.

Scranton Area Community Foundation Grant supports The Wright Center

The Wright Center for Community Health was recently awarded a $3,000 grant by the Scranton Area Community Foundation in support of the collaborative Healthy Maternal Opiate Medical Support program (Healthy MOMS) that focuses on helping pregnant women and new mothers overcome addiction and embrace a life in recovery.

Through the CHILDCARE Helps MOMS work program, the grant will support working mothers in the Healthy MOMS program who need assistance paying for emergency child care costs. The program provides financial assistance so mothers can return to work, closing the gap until the mother receives subsidized child care assistance. The grant will be able to fund 67 weeks of child care.

The project fulfills an unmet need by providing financial assistance for mothers in the Healthy MOMS program who are seeking to return and remain in the workforce. In addition, Healthy MOMS participants are offered blanket services that include medication-assisted treatment and addiction services, counseling, primary health care, OB-GYN care, parenting tips, legal advice and a range of other supports. The program promotes the well-being of both mom and newborn, ideally engaging them in wrap-around services until the child turns 2 years old.

Launched in 2018, the program serves Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Schuylkill, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming counties. To date, Healthy MOMS has supported more than 300 mothers and 189 babies.

“We are grateful for the Scranton Area Community Foundation’s financial support and the community partnerships that enable this program to touch two generations in our regional communities,” said Maria Kolcharno, the director of addiction services and a leader of the Healthy MOMS program at The Wright Center. “The lack of affordable child care continues to be a challenge for women enrolled in Healthy MOMS.”

In addition to primary care, oral health and women’s health services, The Healthy MOMS program realizes that mothers with substance use disorder would be identified via Social Services, such as the local Child Welfare Office, via the legal system, and by additional MAT providers in the area. Mothers who enter the Healthy MOMS program always have a choice as to who their medical providers will be.    

For more information about the Healthy MOMS program, call 570-955-7821 or visit HealthyMOMS.org. 

NEPIRC Professional Achieves Lead Auditor Designation

The Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center (NEPIRC) is pleased to announce that the organization’s Lean Enterprise Consultant, Brian Matyjevich, recently completed the British Standards Institution’s (BSI’s) ISO 14001:2015 Lead Auditor Training course and successfully obtained designation as an ISO 14001:2015 Lead Auditor with competencies in Environmental Management Systems, Management Systems Auditing and Leading Management Systems Audit Teams. Mr. Matyjevich’s designation as an ISO 14001:2015 Lead Auditor complements his existing professional portfolio, which includes ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100:2016 Rev D Internal Auditor credentials, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Professional and Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt certificates, along with numerous environmental and project management credentials. 

BSI is an Exemplar Global certified training provider and examiner certification provider. Mr. Matyjevich’s completion of BSI’s review course and related examinations document his abilities in designing and carrying out environment audits in compliance with the guidelines for ISO 14001 on behalf of clients; assisting clients in evaluating their ISO 14001 strategy and accomplishing ISO 14001 certification in an expedient and cost-effective way; leading client ISO 14001 audit teams; and helping companies better understand the applicability and benefits of environmental management and the ISO 14001 standard.

“Companies that have implemented an environmental management strategy and achieved ISO 14001 certification have recognized improved overall efficiencies, reduced operating costs, enhanced stakeholder and customer relationships and better success in winning new business as environmental impacts enter more and more procurement specifications and customer requirements,” said Mr. Matyjevich. Since joining NEPIRC in 2020, Mr. Matyjevich has assisted a multitude of manufacturers in developing environmental, workplace safety and continuous improvement systems.

Manufacturers across NEPIRC’s 11-county service region are encouraged to contact Mr. Matyjevich at Brian@NEPIRC.com to schedule a one-on-one no-cost environmental strategy consultation with him and a NEPIRC Business Advisor. Brian also offers no-cost Employee Health & Safety Gemba Walks and assessments to manufacturers across northeastern, northern and parts of central Pennsylvania.

Peoples Security Bank & Trust Company Promotes Jeffrey Drobins

Peoples Security Bank & Trust Company today announced the promotion of Jeffrey Drobins to Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer of the Bank. 

Drobins previously was Senior Vice President and Market President for Peoples Security Bank & Trust Company’s Lehigh Valley and New Jersey markets, which consist of three locations in Lehigh and Northampton Counties and one location in Middlesex County. He joined the Bank in 2014.

“Jeff has consistently achieved strong results for Peoples Security Bank & Trust Company, most recently in his position as Market President for the Bank’s Lehigh Valley and New Jersey market,” said Neal Koplin, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Banking Officer. “Additionally, Jeff has helped lead the expansion of the Bank into the New Jersey market and has played an instrumental role helping guide the Bank through the COVID-19 pandemic. We are excited to welcome Jeff into his new role and we look forward to his continued leadership.” 

As Chief Lending Officer, Drobins is responsible for profitable growth in commercial, consumer and mortgage lending and for ensuring that borrowers receive an exceptional banking experience. He will also be responsible for leading the origination, portfolio management and credit quality across all lending products. 

A resident of Schnecksville, PA, Drobins serves on the board of directors of the Greater Easton Development Partnership and the board of directors of the Lehigh Valley Zoo. He is past treasurer and board of directors for the Lehigh Valley Academy and past board of directors for the Lehigh Valley Chamber’s Young Professionals Council. 

Drobins is a member of Leadership Lehigh Valley Class of 2012, is a recipient of the Lehigh Valley Business Journal’s Forty Under 40 award, and a recipient of the Mid Atlantic Real Estate Journal’s Forty Under 40 Spotlight. He earned his bachelor’s degree in economics from Pennsylvania State University.