Federal REAL ID Enforcement Begins May 3, 2023 With the one-year countdown beginning today for the federal enforcement of REAL ID for commercial domestic air travel and other federal purposes, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) joined the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) and Philadelphia International Airport officials to remind Pennsylvania residents who want REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and photo ID cards and have not yet gotten one to gather the needed documents now to ensure they leave plenty of time to get their REAL ID before the federal enforcement date. To date, PennDOT has issued approximately 1.6 million REAL ID products. REAL ID is a federal law that affects how states issue driver’s licenses and ID cards if they are going to be acceptable for federal purposes, such as boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building that requires federally acceptable ID upon entry. A federally acceptable form of identification (whether it’s a Pennsylvania REAL ID driver’s license or ID card, a valid U.S. Passport/Passport Card, a military ID, etc.) must be used for these purposes on and after May 3, 2023. There is no requirement that any resident obtain a REAL ID; PennDOT continues to offer standard-issue driver’s licenses and photo IDs. “Although a year seems like a long time to get ready, the deadline will be upon us before you know it. We encourage our customers who want a REAL ID to get one as soon as possible,” said PennDOT Acting Executive Deputy Secretary Melissa Batula. “We continue to focus on providing the best possible customer service to all of our customers as the federal deadline approaches.” Since March 1, 2019, PennDOT has processed about 8.3 million customers, with more than 1.6 million individuals choosing to opt into the REAL ID program. The remaining 6.7 million have chosen not to participate or use an alternative federally acceptable form of ID come the May 2023 deadline. “We see plenty of travelers who reside in neighboring Delaware and New Jersey who fly out of Philadelphia International Airport regularly, and like all travelers from out-of-state who want to fly after May 3, 2023, they also will need to have a REAL ID compliant driver’s license or other acceptable form of ID when they approach our TSA travel document podium,” said TSA Federal Security Director Gerardo Spero. “The REAL ID law is for all Americans who want to fly out of any domestic airport across the country starting one year from now. My advice is to go to your local state’s department of motor vehicles or department of transportation to get your upgraded REAL ID driver’s license now. Don’t wait.” Customers can obtain a REAL ID by presenting documents for verification and processing at any driver license center. Federal regulations require that to be issued a REAL ID-compliant product, PennDOT must verify the below documents: Proof of Identity: Examples include original or certified copy of a birth certificate filed with the State Office of Vital Records/Statistics with a raised seal/embossed or valid, unexpired, U.S. Passport;Proof of Social Security Number: Social security card, in current legal name;Two Proofs of Current, Physical PA Address: Examples include a current, unexpired PA driver’s license or identification card, vehicle registration or a utility bill with the same name and address; and Proof of all Legal Name Changes (if current legal name is different than what is reflected on proof of identity document): Examples include a certified marriage certificate(s) issued by the County Court for each marriage, court order(s) approving a change in legal name or amended birth certificate issued by the State Office of Vital Records/Statistics. If current name is the same as what is reflected on proof of identity document (usually birth certificate or passport), a customer does not need to show proof of legal name changes. Customers have three options for obtaining a REAL ID product: Customers may order their REAL ID online if they have been pre-verified and their REAL ID product will be mailed to them within 15 business days; they can visit any PennDOT driver license center that is open for driver license services, have their documents verified and imaged, and their REAL ID product will be mailed to them within 15 business days; or they can visit one of 13 REAL ID Centers and receive their REAL ID product over the counter at the time of service. For a full list of driver license centers and their services, please visit the PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services website, www.dmv.pa.gov. When a customer gets their first REAL ID product, they pay a one-time fee of $30, plus the applicable renewal fee (current renewal fee is $30.50 for a four-year non-commercial driver’s license, and $31.50 for a photo ID). The expiration date of their initial REAL ID product will include any time remaining on their existing non-REAL ID product, plus an additional four years, unless the customer is over 65 and has a two-year license. This expiration date structure means that customers won’t “lose” time that they’ve already paid for. After the initial REAL ID product expires, customers pay no additional fee, beyond regular renewal fees, to renew a REAL ID product. REAL ID-compliant products are marked with a gold star in the upper right corner, standard-issue (non-compliant) products include the phrase “NOT FOR REAL ID PURPOSES,” per federal regulations. Sample images can be viewed on PennDOT’s website. More information about REAL ID in Pennsylvania, including frequently asked questions and information on documents required for REAL ID, can be found at www.penndot.gov/REALID.
Marion Munley, Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyer Munley Law is pleased to announce that Partner Marion Munley was named a 2022 Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyer. The Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers list is an elite group of plaintiffs’ attorneys chosen from all over the United States. Marion Munley, along with Munley Law Partner Daniel Munley, were the only two attorneys in Northeastern Pennsylvania to be named to this year’s list. Marion has been named to the Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers list every year since 2019. In 2007 and 2019, she was also named to the Lawdragon 500 Leading Lawyers in America guide. Marion is widely recognized as one of the most prominent and widely respected lawyers in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. She has won many multimillion-dollar settlements and verdicts for injury clients throughout the United States, including one of the largest truck accident settlements in history. She is triple board certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy in Civil Trial Law, Civil Practice Advocacy, and Truck Accident Law. She is the second woman in Pennsylvania to become board certified as a Civil Trial Advocate. Marion regularly presents cutting-edge truck accident trial techniques at legal conferencesthroughout the country. She currently serves on the American Association for Justice’s Board of Governors and on its Executive Committee. She was the first woman to become the Chair of the AAJ Trucking Litigations Group in 2018 and received the Robert W. Munley Champion of Justice Award in 2020. She regularly presents cutting-edge truck accident trial techniques at legal conferences throughout the country. She has been listed in the Best Lawyers in America since 2013 and was named the 2022 “Lawyer of the Year” for Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs in Northeastern Pennsylvania. She has been on the Pennsylvania Super Lawyers list for the past 18 years and is consistently recognized as one of the “Top 50 Women Lawyers in Pennsylvania” by Super Lawyers Magazine.
HNB Supports The Cooperage Project The Honesdale National Bank was once again authorized to make approved contributions under the Commonwealth’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program. HNB designated $5,000 of their approved allotment to The Cooperage Project, located in Honesdale, PA. The funds, donated by HNB, will support the ‘innovative educational program,’ Romping Radishes: A Healthy Living Class for Kids, and Pop-Up Club, a STEAM program for middle school students. HNB President & CEO, Thomas E. Sheridan Jr., stated, “The Cooperage Project is an organization that is extremely important for the growth and education for our local youth.” He continued, “HNB is pleased to support this program to engage students in learning more about innovation and creativity.” Arrah Fisher, Executive Director of The Cooperage Project, stated, “The Honesdale National Bank’s continued support of nonprofit organizations like ours is truly exemplary. In these particularly difficult times, your generosity is a testament to HNB’s dedication to strengthening our community.” She stated, “We are honored to accept this contribution.” The mission of The Cooperage Project is to offer a range of instructive and entertaining activities that will engage, challenge and enlighten. Through a variety of programs, we will inspire people of all ages to both embrace diversity and celebrate shared experience in order to create a deeper sense of community.
SACF Women in Philanthropy Initiative Awards Grants Women in Philanthropy (WIP), the initiative of the Scranton Area Community Foundation that focuses on empowering and transforming the lives of women and girls in the Lackawanna County region, proudly announces the recipients from its 2022 grants cycle, awarded after a highly competitive grant process. A total of $40,000 in grant funding was awarded to seven local nonprofit organizations during the Women in Philanthropy Quarterly Meeting held at the Colonnade in Scranton on Wednesday evening, April 27. The recipients included nonprofits Along the Way ($10,000), the Catherine McAuley Center ($7,500), Dress for Success Lackawanna ($4,000), Johnson College ($5,000), Lackawanna College ($2,700), The Wright Center ($3,500), and the Women’s Resource Center ($7,300), all to support innovative projects and/or programs that work to transform the lives of women or girls across the Northeastern Pennsylvania region. The grant award recipients and grant amounts were selected by Women in Philanthropy supporters, who had the opportunity to vote after hearing presentations from each of the nonprofit organizations.
Tobyhanna Employees Recognized for Earning Certification Tobyhanna Army Depot (TYAD) employees who achieve the Certified Electronics Technician (CET) accreditation are now being publicly recognized for their accomplishment. CET status can be achieved at a few levels, the first being the Associate Level, then the Journeyman Level, Senior Level and finally, the Master Level. Once certification at any level has been obtained, yearly renewal is required in order to ensure technicians are keeping up with advances in technology. The CET initiative is directly aligned with Tobyhanna’s long-range strategic plan, TOBY2028, particularly the Invest in Our People, Shaping the Future and C5ISR Readiness lines of effort. Employees who achieve any level of certification will be honored with their name and photo on a plaque displayed near the C4ISR Directorate Office. The effort is designed to ensure employees are receiving the recognition they deserve for putting in the hard work required to pursue the certification. Electronics worker Adam Zuroski is among recent recipients of the certification. He said he thinks it is great that TYAD is recognizing those who have been obtaining the CET certification which will benefit the depot’s customers. “I think it is fantastic. I really appreciate the support from my supervisors and all of my peers,” said Zuroski. “Being able to say we have certified technicians working on customer assets will be great for Tobyhanna.” Electronics Mechanic Leader Brian Kohn is another recent recipient of the CET certification. He said he believes becoming certified has made him more prepared for his professional future. “I believe earning this certification has prepared me for the work that is to come,” said Kohn. Obtaining a CET certification has proven to be a great benefit to TYAD. As more employees earn it, work becomes more efficient, customer satisfaction increases and it gives the depot a competitive edge against competitors. Depot officials state that employees receive a significant benefit from earning the certification as well as it keeps them up-to-date on current best practices in the industry and proves their commitment to the warfighter, who is the most important beneficiary. As employee confidence and commitment increases, warfighter satisfaction increases. Chief of the Avionics Division John Stochla said he believes those who choose to pursue a CET Certification will be set up for success today and into the future. “I believe education improves development on a personal level. [The CET program] is very good for refreshing people’s expertise and this is one step in our progression that will keep our development high,’ said Stochla. “I feel we are putting people in a position to be successful.” Stochla explained that employees pursuing the CET certification will receive extensive preparation to ensure they are confident in the subject matter. Some preparation methods include supervisory coaching, a study guide, a week-long refresher course and the ability to take the exam whenever the employee is ready within a two year span. Division Operations Manager Jeffery O’Neill said he believes earning the CET certification adds even more capabilities to TYAD’s already talented workforce. “Certified Electronics Technician certifications provide proof of your knowledge in the electronics field,” said O’Neill. “We all need to challenge ourselves periodically, I would encourage anyone who is interested in additional information on the CET to reach out to your directorate POCs.” Zuroski said although passing the exam was tough and required a lot of studying, it is very attainable to those who put in the effort. “I enjoy challenges, so obtaining the CET certification really gave me something to work for,” said Zuroski. “Passing it definitely gave me a lot of personal gratification.” Kohn echoed Zuroski’s sentiments, emphasizing that earning the certification is worth it and that people shouldn’t be deterred by the work. “You’re never going to become a jedi if you don’t pick up your lightsaber,” said Kohn. “You have to know the book to pass the test, but earning the certification is very attainable.” Employees interested in obtaining the CET self-paced study guide can reach out to the Employee Development Division at X56492. The guide is published by Electronics Technicians Association, International (ETA-I) and falls in- line with the computerized exam. For further information regarding the certification, employees can visit the ETA-I website at https://www.eta-i.org/.
Wayne Bank Appoints Chairman of the Board The Board of Directors of Norwood Financial Corp (NASDAQ Global Market – NWFL) and its subsidiary, Wayne Bank, announced the appointment of Lewis J. Critelli as Chairman of the Board of Norwood and Wayne Bank. Mr. Critelli will retire as President and Chief Executive Officer of Norwood Financial Corp and Wayne Bank on May 9 of this year and has enjoyed a long and distinguished banking career of over forty years. He joined the Bank in 1995 as Chief Financial Officer and has served as President and CEO for both the Company and the Bank since 2010. Under his leadership, the Company had three successful acquisitions and expanded into new markets in Pennsylvania and Upstate New York. The Company’s total assets increased from $529 million to over $2.1 billion as of March 31, 2022. Prior to joining Wayne Bank, Mr. Critelli held various leadership roles for ten years in the Lehigh Valley banking industry. He earned a B.S. in Finance from Penn State in 1981 and an M.B. A. from Lehigh University in 1988. He also holds a Bank Administration Institute Degree in Community Banking Financial Management from the University of Wisconsin. With a strong dedication to the local community, Mr. Critelli is actively involved with many organizations. He is a past President of the Wayne Economic Development Corp (WEDCO). He is also on the Board of Trustees, Director of Resource Development, and Co-Chair of the Wayne County Division, for the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties, as well as past Chair of the 2019 United Way Campaign. Mr. Critelli is a past President and Treasurer for the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce and a past Treasurer and Director for the Chamber of the Northern Poconos. He has served on the Board of Directors for both the Greater Honesdale Partnership and the Center for Developmental Disabilities. A Honesdale Lions Club Member, Mr. Critelli was also Treasurer and on the Board of Trustees for the Dorflinger-Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary. He is past President for the Wayne County YMCA and past Treasurer for the Honesdale Rotary Club. Mr. Critelli serves on the Board of Trustees of the Villaume Foundation and has served on various committees of the Pennsylvania Bankers Association at the state and local level, including Government Regulations, Legislative, Education, and Taxation. Mr. Critelli stated, “It is my honor and privilege to serve Norwood Financial Corp and Wayne Bank as we continue to grow, serve our customers and communities, and build shareholder value.” Mr. Critelli resides in Honesdale with his wife, Lisa.
The Wright Center Mental Health First Aid Training Sessions Training in mental health first aid – a method for recognizing and helping a person with a mental health issue before it results in injury or death – will be offered to the public and employees of The Wright Center for Community Health as part of a national grant-funded initiative. The Wright Center was recently selected to receive one of eight “training scholarships” to participate in the project, which is supported by Americares and the National Association of Community Health Centers. The scholarship allows one staff member from each of the eight chosen organizations to become a certified trainer through the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. Owen Dougherty, The Wright Center’s recovery supports manager and behavioral health community liaison, completed his certification with the council in mid-March. He will conduct multiple public training sessions later this year for participants in Northeast Pennsylvania, helping them to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders, and empowering them to intervene when someone needs support. The free sessions will be open to The Wright Center’s employees and other interested residents, including people with no medical background. Participants will learn to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health issue, not unlike stepping in to call 9-1-1 or provide CPR to someone experiencing a heart attack. The Wright Center, which operates nine primary care practices in the region, provides a range of mental and behavioral services for patients of all ages, and this training program will serve as a further extension of behavioral health education in the community, says Laura Spadaro, vice president of primary care and public health policy. “Equipping our community with the skills they need to recognize and respond to signs of mental health and substance use disorders,” she says, “will decrease stigma, empower individuals to seek help and increase each participant’s ability to help others who may be experiencing a behavioral health issue.” Mental health first aid was first introduced in Australia in 2001, and the program was later adapted for use in the United States. Since then, more than 2.5 million people in the United States have been trained by a base of more than 15,000 instructors, according to promoters. Trainees learn, for example, how to appropriately and safely respond if they see someone having a panic attack or if they become concerned that a friend or co-worker might be showing signs of alcoholism. Mental health first aid takes the fear and hesitation out of starting conversations about mental health and substance use problems by improving understanding and providing an action plan. Americares, based in Stamford, Connecticut, is a health-focused relief and development organization that saves lives and improves health for people affected by disaster or poverty. The National Association of Community Health Centers, headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, promotes efficient, high-quality, comprehensive health care that is accessible, culturally and linguistically competent, community-directed and patient-centered for all. The National Council for Mental Wellbeing, the organization that brought mental health first aid to the United States and certifies trainers, is the unifying voice of organizations that deliver mental health and substance use services in America. The Washington, D.C.-based council is guided by the vision that mental well-being – including recovery from substance use – is a reality for everyone, everywhere. The Wright Center, which joins with other organizations in promoting May as Mental Health Awareness Month, will announce the dates of its mental health first aid training sessions as they are scheduled. For the latest information on those and the organization’s other upcoming events, visit TheWrightCenter.org.
NBT Bank Listed in Forbes 2022 World’s Best Banks NBT Bank has earned a spot on the Forbes World’s Best Banks list released on April 13, 2022, and is the highest ranked bank based in New York and the highest ranked bank in Connecticut and Vermont. NBT is one of only 75 banks in the United States to be included on this list, out of the tens of thousands of financial institutions globally that are able to be considered for the recognition. “We’re incredibly honored to have earned this powerful affirmation that NBT truly has the best team in community banking,” said NBT Bank President and CEO John H. Watt, Jr. “As a community bank, our customers are at the core of all we do and their satisfaction is the driver of our success.” The rating is based on customer satisfaction. Forbes surveyed more than 45,000 customers around the globe for their opinions on their current and former banking relationships. The banks were rated on overall recommendation and satisfaction, as well as five subdimensions: trust, terms and conditions, digital services, customer services and financial advice.
