The Honesdale National Bank Donates to Wayne County Food Pantry

Thomas E. Sheridan Jr., President and CEO of The Honesdale National Bank, took a pie to the face after employees contributed funds to the Wayne County Food Pantry.

During an employee appreciation event on national Pi Day, employees at HNB rallied to collect funds to donate to the local food pantry. A threshold of $1,000 was placed that stated Sheridan will take a pie to the face to show his appreciation. Members from the food pantry met at the HNB Corporate Center in Honesdale to receive the donation.

Employees went above and beyond, pulling together a total of $2,223, which was then matched by HNB for a grand total of $4,446. This is demonstrative of the HNB Family’s commitment to helping other families in need in our community as inflation impacts local community members.

The Honesdale National Bank, established in 1836, holds the distinction of being the area’s oldest independent community bank headquartered in Northeastern PA, with offices in Wayne, Pike, Susquehanna, Lackawanna, and Luzerne Counties. The Honesdale National Bank offers personal banking, business banking and wealth solutions. For more information on HNB’s products and services, visit www.hnbbank.bank.

Pictured (L to R): Thomas E. Sheridan, HNB President & CEO, Marcy Swingle, EVP, Director of Human Resources at HNB, Clarissa Wimmers, Wayne County Food Pantry Coordinator, & David Hartung, System of Care Coordinator at the Wayne County Food Pantry.

Day of Caring Returns after Two-Year Hiatus

The United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties is pleased to announce the return of the Nancy Jackson Memorial Day of Caring, Thursday, September 1st, 2022. “Day of Caring was always a day we circled on our calendar,” said Gary Drapek, President and CEO of the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties. “Canvassing Lackawanna and Wayne County with a band of volunteers eager to participate in community service projects exemplifies the United Way. A community resource for community resources.”

As years past, the 28th Annual Nancy Jackson Memorial Day of Caring, kicks off The United Way’s Campaign for Lackawanna and Wayne Counties. “It’s always been an energizing opening to an essential campaign season that helps so many vital programs in our community throughout the upcoming year,” added Drapek.

United Way’s Day of Caring is named after long-time philanthropist and friend of the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties, Nancy Jackson Matthews. Since

Nancy began Day of Caring 28 years ago, the program flourished under her guidance and leadership, receiving state-wide and national recognition. More than 15,000 volunteers have contributed in excess of 75,000 hours to complete more than 1,000 projects in Lackawanna and Wayne Counties. Nancy helped coordinate more than $2 million worth of in-kind projects. However, it is the tens of thousands of individuals in need whose lives have been touched by Nancy’s passion and dedication that are her true legacy to our community. “We are humbled to continue honoring Nancy’s imprint on this community, so many years after her passing,” said Barry Snyder, Vice President of Community Outreach of the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties.

Companies, volunteers and agencies are encouraged to contact Barry Snyder, Vice President of Community Outreach, bsnyder@uwlc.net, to see how they can get involved. Whether it’s a company encouraging their employees to perform a day of community service, members of the community that’d like to volunteer their time or an agency requesting help with a project that enables them to continue their mission to move forward. All inquiries are welcomed.

“We’ve been gearing up for this day for over two years now. We are excited to safely welcome back everyone to a fulfilling day of service and community,” Drapek said.

Johnson College will Host 5th Annual Auction for Children’s Advocacy Center

Johnson College’s Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology program will host an auction to benefit the Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA on Wednesday, April 20, 2022, on the Johnson College campus. Doors open at 5:00 p.m., and the auction starts at 6:00 p.m.

More than 60 items will be available to bid on, including cutting boards, tables, cabinets, a bookcase, and more. All items were created by students in the Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology program. Most of the items were made from re-purposed wood. To register to attend, visit Johsnon.edu.

Johnson College provides real-world, hands-on learning in a caring environment and prepares graduates to enter into or advance their careers. Johnson College degrees become essential careers. Johnson College was founded in 1912 and is the region’s premier technical college, offering 17 associate degree and 4 academic certificate programs. A low student-to-teacher ratio supports an emphasis on hands-on instruction. Located in Scranton on a 44-acre campus, the College is an accredited, private, non-profit, co-educational institution with a strong tradition of working with regional businesses and industries to ensure a skilled and qualified workforce. For additional information on Johnson College, please call 1-800-2-WE-WORK, email enroll@johnson.edu, or visit Johnson.edu.

University of Scranton Graduate Programs Top National Rankings

Several of The University of Scranton’s graduate programs ranked among the best in the nation according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2023 edition of “Best Graduate Schools.”

Scranton’s MBA Specialty in accounting ranked No. 14 in the nation, tying with Harvard University, Arizona State University and Ohio State University in the U.S. News full-time MBA program ranking. Scranton’s MBA specialty programs in business analytics ranked No. 29 and finance ranked No. 34 in America in the ranking published by U.S. News online March 29.

In addition to the program specialty rankings, Scranton’s graduate program in nursing ranked No. 95 and its part-time MBA program ranked No. 100 out of all such programs nationally.

For the graduate school rankings, U.S. News uses data gathered by surveys of college faculty and administrators, and for nursing programs, from professionals working in health care, to assess the quality of programs. U.S. News also uses statistical data such as faculty student ratios and student test scores. The U.S. News ranking of the Best Graduate Schools Ranking by MBA Specialties is based solely on ratings by business school deans and directors of AACSB-accredited MBA programs.

The University’s graduate-level business programs include a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), Master of Accountancy (MAcc), Master of Science in Finance (MSF). Master of Science in Business Analytics and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in general management or with a specialization in accounting, business analytics, finance, healthcare management, international business, management information systems, marketing and operations management. The University also offers combined/accelerated bachelor’s and master’s level programs including accounting BS/MBA, operations management BS/MBA, finance BS/MBA, management BS/MBA, and College of Arts and Sciences Bachelor’s/MBA, and other programs.

Graduate nursing degrees offered by Scranton include Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): Family Nurse Practitioner, MSN, and post-master’s certificate; Executive Nursing Leadership, M.S.N; and Nurse Anesthesia, DNP, and an accelerated MSN degree program.

All of the University’s graduate programs hold the highest national accreditation within each discipline, including accreditation by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International) for business and accreditation by The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) for nursing and Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) for nurse anesthesia.

Earlier this year, U.S. News’ “Best Online Programs” publication ranked the University’s online master’s degree programs in business (excluding MBA) at No. 55 and its online MBA program at No. 98 in the nation. U.S. News also ranked Scranton at No. 65 in the country for “Best Online MBA Programs for Veterans.”

In other rankings published by U.S. News, Scranton has been ranked among the top 10 “Best Regional Universities in the North” for 28 consecutive years. Scranton is ranked No. 5 in the 2022 edition of the guidebook. U.S. News also ranked Scranton No. 14 in its category for “Best Undergraduate Teaching.”

RailRiders Announce Details for Opening Night 2022

After a six-game trip to Syracuse to start the 2022 season, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders return to Moosic on April 12 for Opening Night against the Norfolk Tides. The RailRiders front office will welcome baseball back to NEPA with a massive Opening Night bash and fans will have the chance to walk away $10,000 richer!

Festivities begin at 3:00 P.M. as WBRE-TV broadcasts PA Live from PNC Field. Hosts Chris Bohanski and Rachel Malek will give the scoop on everything to expect at the ballpark this season!

The RailRiders FanFest starts at 4:30 P.M. with fun and games for all ages courtesy of PA Party Rental, including a dunk tank, giant Connect 4 and Giant Jenga, cornhole, an inflatable rock climbing wall, inflatable axe throwing and inflatable darts. DJ Gordo will spin the tunes, food and beverages will be available plus much more.

Gates open at 5:30 P.M. and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre will have several guests on hand for commemorative first pitches to help start the 2022 home slate. Longtime WNEP-TV sports anchor Jim Coles, Regional President of PNC Bank Pete Danchak and West Scranton High and Penn State alum Matt McGloin will be in attendance to get things going

That’s when the fun really starts! Fans in attendance will have 10 chances at $10k.

During the game, the RailRiders faithful will have the opportunity to win along with a specific event designated for each inning. Register as you enter the ballpark during the FanFest and the RailRiders will select one fan at random from the entries for each inning. Selected individuals can win $10k if the in-game event listed below happens during their designated half inning.

Top of the 1st              RailRiders turn a Triple Play

Bottom of the 2nd        SWB hits Back-to-Back Home Runs

Top of the 3rd              Three Assists by the Second Baseman

Bottom of the 4th         RailRiders hit for a Team Cycle

Bottom of the 5th         A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Player hits a Grand Slam

Bottom of the 6th         SWB hits a Home Run off the Foul Pole

Bottom of the 7th         RailRiders score Exactly Seven Runs

Top of the 8th              SWB Pitchers Strike Out the Side on Nine Pitches

Top of the 9th              Three Assists by the Third Baseman

One additional fan will be selected before the game for the chance to win $10,000 if SWB’s starter throws a perfect game!

Terms and conditions apply. Visit swbrailriders.com for the complete contest rules and stipulations.

Opening Night 2022 is shaping up to be Off the Rails and the RailRiders can’t wait to see everyone back at PNC Field! For tickets or more information, please visit www.swbrailriders.com

Peoples Security Bank Announces Its First New Jersey Business Center

Peoples Security Bank & Trust Company (“PSBT”), is pleased to announce the official opening of its first business center in New Jersey, located at 444 Hoes Lane/Suite 301/Piscataway, NJ 08854. PSBT is one of the lone Pennsylvania-headquartered community banks to make a large-scale commitment in servicing the state’s small business owners.

Located in the heart of Middlesex County, PSBT will offer an array of commercial and retail loan options for new and existing customers. In comparison to its competitors, the Bank’s services will not be limited to customers in the immediate area, but rather extend throughout the entire state. Its establishment also represents a pivotal move for PSBT regarding its strategic organic growth plans to network outside of its Pennsylvania and New York-based geographic roots.

“Peoples Security Bank & Trust is excited to expand our full-service operations to New Jersey. Customers deserve to have a reputable and reliable financial institution like Peoples Security Bank & Trust that harmoniously unifies banking and business, and experienced banking professionals who are capable of enhancing our evolving services,” shared Neal Koplin, Senior Executive Vice President – Chief Banking Officer. “From complex commercial loans to home mortgages, the Bank is equipped to manage the unique needs of our expanding customer base.”

In addition to the previous executive appointments of John J. Pagano, Senior Vice President, New Jersey Market Manager and Thomas G. Guinan, Senior Vice President, Senior Commercial Lender this past fall, PSBT is also excited to announce additional highly experienced hires to support the Bank’s ongoing operations. Those individuals include Steve DeLuise, Senior Vice President, Senior Commercial Lender; Rhea Alimchandani, Assistant Vice President, Branch Manager; Brenda Rios, Commercial Loan Services Manager; Janina Repetto, Portfolio Manager; and Patti Henne, Portfolio Manager. As the Business Center continues to grow, the Bank is planning to hire more personnel throughout the year.

As the latest business center to open in the Bank’s history, its hours of operation are from Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. For customers wishing to schedule a virtual or in-person meeting with a team member, visit the this page for their specific contact information.

‘Misericordia in Bloom’ Gala

Misericordia University will host ‘Misericordia in Bloom,’ the 2022 Trustee Associates Gala and Inaugural Celebration, on Saturday, April 23 on campus.  

The festive evening with an exceptional flower show theme, will celebrate the inauguration of Misericordia’s 15thPresident Daniel J. Myers, Ph.D., and will offer appreciation to Trustee Associate benefactors who generously donate to the university. In addition, the event will recognize the successful completion of Misericordia’s largest campaign to date, Now for Tomorrow: The Campaign for Misericordia University, and honor two of Misericordia’s most special alumnae, Mercy Mission Medal recipient Joan Krause, Class of 1958, of Nanticoke; and Trustee Associates Award recipient Nancy Smith Lynch, Class of 1968, of Glen Head, New York. The event will feature fabulous food and signature drinks with dancing to the music of Vinyl Groov.

Proceeds from the gala will support President Myers’ initiative to increase scholarship funding for deserving students.

Geisinger is the presenting sponsor for the event. Misericordia University Trustees Barbara Maculloch, PA president, Community Bank, N.A., and Roger G. Howell, president and CEO, Howell Benefit Services, are serving as Gala co-chairs.

Tickets are available for purchase at $250 per person by calling Wendy Ferrara at (570) 674-3341. Anyone wishing to honor President Myers, Joan Krause, and/or Nancy Lynch with a Sponsored Table of 10 for $2,500, purchase an ad, or become a sponsor of the event, should contact Meredith Vincelli, mvincelli@misericordia.edu, or (570) 674-6472. In addition, raffle tickets, available at $20 a piece or 6 for $100, with cash prize winnings of $3,500, $1,000 and $500, are available at Misericordia.edu/raffle.

For additional information about the ‘Misericordia in Bloom’ Gala, please call 570-674-8201.

The Dime Bank Donated $31,000 for Scholarship Opportunities

The Dime Bank donated $31,000 through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program to various educational institutions for scholarship opportunities: $18,000 was donated to Penngift Foundation of which $9,500 was allocated for St. Dominic’s Academy for their pre-k through 8th grade programs, $6,000 was allocated to Canaan Christian Academy for their elementary and secondary Christian education program scholarships, and $2,500 was allocated to Grace Ridge School to be used for their programs’ tuition assistance; $7,500 was donated to the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties to be used for pre-kindergarten program scholarships; $2,000 was donated to Yeshiva Beth Moshe for Scranton Hebrew Day school scholarships for Jewish and secular education; $2,000 was donated to Diocese of Scranton for their Catholic schools tuition assistance program; $1,500 was donated to the Greater Pike Community Foundation to be used for pre-k scholarship opportunities at Center for Developmental Disabilities (CDD) or Green Trees Early Learning Center in Milford, PA.

St. Dominic’s Academy Board Member Jen Suhosky said, “St. Dominic’s Academy in Honesdale, PA is celebrating our 10-year anniversary. We are so grateful to The Dime Bank for helping us achieve this goal by generously donating to the EITC program every year. Many of our students and their families benefit greatly from this program.”

FNCB Bank Donates $9,500 in Support of STEAM Programs

FNCB Bank, locally-based since 1910, has announced a $9,500 Pennsylvania Education Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) donation to the Howard Gardner MI Charter School in Scranton.

FNCB’s grant was used to support the Arts Alliance and STEAM Camp programs. Middle school students ventured into coding drones and designed a special coding course for kindergarten through second grade students. Students in K-2 participated in both in-school and after school programs entitled “Coding Around the World.”

Since 2010, FNCB has contributed just under $2,500,000 to local educational and scholarship organizations through the EITC initiative.


The support of the Howard Gardner School is part of FNCB’s larger Community Caring initiative. As a true, local community bank, FNCB Bank is making a difference through volunteerism, donations and outreach programs.