Wolf Administration Highlights Transportation Benefits of Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for Pennsylvania Bridges

At Columbia River Park along the Susquehanna River today, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Acting Deputy Secretary Mike Keiser, Acting District 8 Executive Chris Kufro, Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Recreation and Conservation Manager Lori Yeich, and local and regional officials highlighted benefits to Pennsylvania from the passage of the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), specifically for Pennsylvania’s bridges.

“The passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is the largest federal infrastructure investment in decades, and the largest ever investment for bridges specifically,” said Acting Deputy Secretary for Highway Administration Mike Keiser. “PennDOT – along with our partners – are ready to put these dollars to good use in meaningful projects all over the state.”

Pennsylvania is poised to receive an estimated $4 billion in new federal highway and bridge dollars over five years, including an estimated $1.6 billion from a new bridge program established by the BIL.

Pennsylvania has one of the largest state-maintained highway and bridge networks in the nation, with nearly 40,000 miles of roadway and over 25,400 bridges maintained by PennDOT. That number grows to approximately 120,000 miles of roadway and 32,000 bridges when considering the state and local networks.

Today’s event was held in the shadow of the historic Veterans Memorial Bridge, which carries Route 462 and BicyclePA Route S over the Susquehanna River between Columbia, Lancaster County, and Wrightsville, York County. The bridge was originally built in 1930, and is slated for significant rehabilitation in 2023. Additionally, there are parks on both the Columbia and Wrightsville sides of the bridge, and multimodal connections and improvements are also planned in coordination with DCNR and local partners.

“One of the many benefits of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is the impact it will have on multimodal projects that connect people to parks and trails, as this rehabilitation project demonstrates,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “We have seen millions of people turn to the outdoors during the pandemic, which is why we are pleased to see federal investments in projects that will help retain those new users.”

In addition to the new highway and bridge funds, Pennsylvanians will benefit from new federal funds to support public transportation, airports, and freight and passenger rail. PennDOT and local governments can look forward to new and expanded competitive grant opportunities across all transportation modes. Additionally, new federal funds will be available to Pennsylvania to support the expansion of an electric vehicle (EV) charging network.

For additional information about PennDOT’s work to keep Pennsylvanians connected to opportunity and each other, visit PennDOT’s website. Follow PennDOT on Twitter and like the department on Facebook and Instagram.

Lackawanna College Environmental Center Receives $5,000 Donation from FNCB Bank

FNCB Bank presents a $5,000 Education Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) donation to Lackawanna College. The donation will help support the K-12 program at the Lackawanna College Environmental Education Center. The center provides student programs that offer unique, educational opportunities for children and teenagers on a variety of environmental and conservation topics. Since 2010, FNCB has contributed just under $2,500,000 to local educational and scholarship organizations through the EITC initiative. From left: Mariellen Walsh, Lackawanna College Associate Vice President for College; Laurel Radzieski, Lackawanna College Manager of Grant Strategies; and Deb Kennedy, FNCB Bank Vice President, Retail Market Manager.

FNCB Bank, locally based since 1910, has announced a $5,000 Pennsylvania Education Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) donation to Lackawanna College. The donation will help support the K-12 program at the Lackawanna College Environmental Education Center. The center provides student programs that offer unique, educational opportunities for children and teenagers on a variety of environmental and conservation topics.

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

The support of Lackawanna College 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.

NeighborWorks Welcomes Shane Powers as New Chief Operating Officer

NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania (NeighborWorks) is pleased to announce it has welcomed Shane Powers to its staff for the recently-established Chief Operating Officer position.

NeighborWorks created this new role to enhance its operating capacity and strategy execution as the organization expands its geographic and programmatic reach throughout northeastern Pennsylvania. In addition to serving as a strategic and management partner to the Board, President & CEO and Program Managers, Ms. Powers will lead the day-to-day operations of NeighborWorks.

Prior to joining the NeighborWorks team, Ms. Powers served as the Chief Operating Officer of the Tunkhannock Area School District, where she was responsible for all non-instructional systems in the district, including the Business Office, Facilities, Transportation, Food Service, and Human Resources. Additionally, Ms. Powers previously served as the Site General Manager at DHL Supply Chain, as well as accruing over 15 years of logistical and operational management experience at Procter and Gamble in the Mehoopany, PA plant.

“I’m really excited to get started. The people that I’ve had the opportunity to meet and that I’m starting to work with are truly experts in what they do,” said Shane. “They’re so committed to the work that they’re doing and believe strongly and passionately that the work is really going to benefit the communities in which we serve.”

Ms. Powers currently resides in Tunkhannock with her husband, Christopher and her 3 children.

University of Scranton Announces January Events

Note: Access to the campus is currently limited to members of the University community, invited guests and others as listed in the Royals Back Together plan. Campus access and other health and safety information will be updated throughout the semester and can be seen on the Royals Back Together webpage. 

Jan. 16    2:30 p.m.The Greater Scranton Martin Luther King Community Celebration: “Covid 19: Recognizing the trauma. Healing the soul.” Interactive Zoom webinar with audience question and answer. Free. Registration required. Call 570-941-6645 or email jennifer.pennington@scranton.edu.  

Jan. 29    8 a.m. Virtual Campaign School 2022. Learn how to run a successful campaign for public office.  Sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Lackawanna County, the Center for Ethics and Excellence in Public Service at The University of Scranton, WNEP-TV and Toyota of Scranton. Registration required. Fees vary. Email lwvlackawanna@gmail.com or visit www.lwvlackawanna.org.  

Geisinger Brings Specialty Care to Hazleton Area

Geisinger is poised to open a new multi-specialty clinic that makes better health easier for patients and members by bringing needed outreach services into their community.

Geisinger Multi-Specialty Clinic Hazleton will open Jan. 17 and offer care in a variety of disciplines at 1525 N. Church St. in Hazle Township. Appointments will be offered in person and via telemedicine, and the clinic may increase availability based on the needs of the community. 

When it opens, the clinic will provide pediatric and adult cardiology, nephrology, laboratory services and outpatient appointments for general surgery, colorectal surgery, vascular surgery and neurosurgery. Urology and pediatric dermatology services will begin in February.

  • Laboratory services: Daily Monday through Friday
  • Pediatric cardiology: Once a week
  • Urology: Once a week beginning in February
  • General surgery: Once every other week
  • Colorectal surgery: Once every other week
  • Adult cardiology: Twice a month
  • Nephrology: Twice a month
  • Vascular surgery: Twice a month
  • Neurosurgery: Once a month
  • Pediatric dermatology: Once a month beginning in February

Rheumatology, endocrinology and adult dermatology will be added in coming months.

“By expanding the services we offer in Hazleton and the surrounding communities, we are keeping care closer to home for our patients and members,” said Kenric Maynor, M.D., chair of the Geisinger Medicine Institute. “Our data tells us 82% of our patients from this area have traveled in the past to seek specialty care. Geisinger Multi-Specialty Clinic Hazleton will now provide much of that care without the need for travel to Wilkes-Barre or another city.”

The newly renovated space houses 9 exam rooms and has ample parking. It is approximately 1.5 miles from CommunityCare Federally Qualified Health Center and about 3 miles from Geisinger 65 Forward Hazleton and ConvenientCare West Hazleton. Telemedicine capability will allow the clinic’s providers to see patients at home or to connect them with other specialists while they are at the clinic.

George Ruiz, M.D., chair of Cardiology for the Geisinger Heart & Vascular Institute, is among the cardiologists who will practice at the multi-specialty clinic.

“I’m excited to better understand and serve our patients in Hazleton,” said Dr. Ruiz, a bilingual physician with experience caring for English- and Spanish-speaking patients. “This clinic allows us to better connect with our friends and neighbors in the Hazleton area and build important relationships focused on the community’s health.”

Patients can reach Geisinger Multi-Specialty Clinic Hazleton Monday through Friday at 570-751-5900.

Stephanie Mihal, CPA, Named Partner at McGrail Merkel Quinn & Associates

McGrail Merkel Quinn & Associates, P.C., Certified Public Accountants and Consultants is pleased to announce the promotion of Stephanie M. Mihal, CPA to Partner.

Joining MMQ in 2005 as an intern, Stephanie has more than 16 years of experience with our firm in a vast number of areas including audit, tax, consulting, and compliance. She specializes in audits of not-for-profit organizations, employee benefit plans and foundations and also focuses on the health care, retail and manufacturing industries. She manages firm recruiting for internships and new hires and oversees career development for the firm. As a Partner, Stephanie uses her communication and relationship building skills to provide exceptional client service, increase firm visibility and provide growth opportunities.

Stephanie received her Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting, Summa Cum Laude, from the University of Scranton in 2006. She is a member of the AICPA and PICPA. Stephanie is currently on the Board of Directors of Outreach – Center for Community Resources and has been a member of the board for 11 years. She served as Board President from 2017-2019. Stephanie is a member of the University of Scranton ADPAC (Accounting Department Professional Alumni Council) since inception in 2015. She also volunteers her time with the University of Scranton Career Coaches Program and other student mentor programs. Stephanie volunteers with the Scranton Area Community Foundation to provide informational sessions with participant programs, learning conferences, and donor education seminars.

“We are very excited for Stephanie and her family as she elevates to partner within our Firm” said Dan Gerrity, MMQ’s Managing Partner. “Stephanie’s skills and expertise have become very valuable over the years. We look forward to her continued contributions to the growth of our firm.”

Vicky Bryant Promoted at Honesdale National Bank

Thomas Sheridan, Jr., President and CEO of The Honesdale National Bank, announced Vicky Bryant has been promoted to VP, Data Processing Manager.

In making the statement, Sheridan noted, “Vicky has shown her dedication and reliance throughout her career at the bank. We are very happy to have her as a long term HNB Family member. She goes above and beyond for our customers, in support of our goals and in her commitment to our community.”

In her current role, Bryant serves as Data Processing Manager, overseeing the Data Processing department at HNB.

Looking back on her 29 year career in the financial industry, Bryant began her career with HNB in the bookkeeping department, and shortly after had the opportunity to become a clerk in the Data Processing department. Since then she has been appointed to Data Processing Manager, AVP, Data Processing Manager, and will continue on as VP, Data Processing Manager.

In mentioning her role at HNB, Bryant noted, “Working at HNB has given me the opportunity to raise two amazing young men, Michael Bryant is married and working in the natural gas industry & AC1 Daniel Bryant is currently stationed in Virginia for the US Air Force.” She continued, “As a member of the HNB family I have had the opportunity to work at a career that puts family first for its employees while still providing the community the best services available.”

Bryant was born and raised in Honesdale and received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from East Stroudsburg University. She has also received Jack Henry University administrator certifications throughout her career.

Outside of the bank, she is a member of the Enterprise Grange Torrey, Pa, Cold Spring Chapel Community Kitchen & Laurella 4-H Cloverbud leader. She enjoys helping in the local community and when time and weather conditions allow, you will find her riding a snowmobile.

Geoffrey Mesko, CPA, MT, Named Board Chair at Drucker & Scaccetti

Drucker & Scaccetti, a CPA and advisory firm based in Philadelphia, PA, and dedicated to providing specialized tax, business, and financial consulting to families and their closely held and entrepreneurially driven businesses, has appointed its next generation of leadership to take the firm beyond its founders, effective January 1, 2022. For the first time in its 31-year history, the firm’s leadership will consist of all non-founding shareholders and, uniquely, an all-women C-suite.

“From our inception in 1990, the goal of the founders has been to offer to our up-and-coming team the same opportunities that we were provided,” states CEO & Co-founder Jane Scaccetti, “which is a purpose of building a legacy and continuing Drucker & Scaccetti into the future. I’m incredibly excited and positive about this next chapter in our firm’s future.”

The newly appointed Board Chair, Geoff Mesko, will serve as the liaison between the board and the chief business officers. He will be responsible for overseeing firm vision, strategic planning, external communication, and community interface, while continuing client responsibilities. Mesko joined Drucker & Scaccetti as an intern in 2004 and he became a shareholder in January 2012. Mesko has extensive tax experience in serving private clients and their family enterprises while bringing a strategic business acumen to complement Drucker & Scaccetti’s tax focus.   Mesko serves on several educational and civic boards in Philadelphia and Scranton and hails from a multi-generational family business.  

“The new leadership team will build upon the legacies of Drucker & Scaccetti caring about the professional integrity of our services, our team members, and the clients we serve in an advisory role. We are very excited about this next chapter of Drucker & Scaccetti’s future and the impactful work we will do together,” said Mesko.