Boback Announces Patriot Day Ceremony Rep. Karen Boback (R-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Wyoming), in conjunction with the Tunkhannock Area School District is hosting a Patriot Day ceremony to mark the 20th anniversary of September 11, 2001. The ceremony will begin at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 11, at the Tunkhannock Area High School Football field.“As we have reached the 20th anniversary of those horrific attacks, it is imperative that we continue to honor and remember every single life we lost in the name of freedom,” said Boback. “I am honored that I am able to hold this event in conjunction with the Tunkhannock Area School District to offer the community the opportunity to spend time with one another on this Patriot Day. Twenty years ago, we vowed to never forget the 2,977 lives that we lost on that Tuesday morning, and I am grateful that our town is ensuring that we never forget.” The ceremony will include the Post 457 Dennis Strong American Legion Colors, rifle salute and TAPS, Tunkhannock Area High School brass quintet and a ceremonial bell ringing with the Triton Fire Company.
Photography and Social Media: A Two-Part Series Designed to Improve Your Social Media Presence Visual content is key in social media. The better your visuals, the more likely you will attract positive attention on social media. And photographs are one of the easiest ways to create solid visual content – if it is done correctly. The University of Scranton and Wilkes University SBDC’s have teamed up with DiscoverNEPA to show you how to get your message across, your visual content to stand out, and more effectively reach your audience.Tuesday, September 1412:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.Session 1, “5 Ways to Improve Your Social media Photography” will focus on: Deciding what photos to postSmartphone photographySetting up your photosEditing your photosAdditional photo resources Registration & Additional Details for September 14Tuesday, September 2112:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.Session 2, “5 Ways to Improve Your Social Media Presence” will focus on: Optimizing account settingsFacebook Creator StudioCreating a social media calendarPromoting contentAnalytics Registration & Additional Details for September 21
SWB RailRiders to Host First Responders & Military Appreciation Night Scranton/Wilkes-Barre will host First Responders & Military Appreciation Night on September 11 when the RailRiders take on the Rochester Red Wings at PNC Field. In appreciation of those men and women who support and sacrifice daily for our nation, the RailRiders are offering two free tickets to all first responders as well as active duty and veterans of our Armed Forces. Gates open at 5:00 P.M. on September 11 and the first pitch against the Washington Nationals Triple-A affiliate is set for 6:05. First responders and active duty/veteran Armed Forces members can claim their two free field reserved tickets by presenting a valid ID at the PNC Field Box Office this week. The box office will be open at 4:00 P.M. Tuesday through Friday prior to the RailRiders games against the Red Wings. On Saturday, September 11, the box office will open at 3:00 P.M.
Hospice of the Sacred Heart Receives Golf Tournament Proceeds Hospice of the Sacred Heart recently received proceeds in the amount of $1,500 from the 4th Annual Sean Powell Memorial Golf Tournament to benefit the Kids Kloset, a pediatric patient initiative of Hospice of the Sacred Heart. The tournament, in memory of Sean Powell, was held July 17th at Pine Hills Country Club in Taylor. The Kids Kloset is a storage locker containing free items offered to pediatric patients and young children dealing with the loss of a loved one. Items include toys, games, electronic devices, books and learning tools. The Hospice of the Sacred Heart Kids Kloset is supported in part by a generous grant from AllOne Foundation and Charities and the Sean Powell Memorial Golf Tournament. The mission of Hospice of the Sacred Heart is to provide comfort, care, hope and choice to patients and their families, while guiding them through the end of life journey.
Sarah O’Hora Promoted to Commercial Loan Officer I at HNB David Raven, President and CEO of The Honesdale National Bank, announced Sarah O’Hora has been promoted to Commercial Loan Officer I. In making the statement, Raven noted, “Sarah is a long standing member of the HNB Family. Her local knowledge and sincere interest in her customers success have been consistent themes for her. He continued, “We are fortunate to have people like Sarah who are committed to making sure local businesses receive the value we have come to be known for in our community.” O’Hora is a graduate of Greencastle-Antrim High School and received a Bachelor of Science Degree (Cum Laude) from Millersville University in 2011. She also attended the PA Bankers School of Banking in 2015, and Leadership Northern Poconos Class of 2016. Currently residing in Lake Arial, PA, she started her ten year career in the financial industry with HNB. Previous positions included Teller, Customer Service Representative, Marketing Assistant, Marketing and Communications Specialist, and Commercial Loan Portfolio Manager. She will continue as Commercial Loan Officer I. In this role, she is responsible for developing and managing commercial loan relationships, collecting and analyzing financial information, and negotiating terms for small business and other commercial loan applicants. In mentioning her time with HNB, O’Hora said, “My work at HNB has always allowed me to support those in my local community. In this new position, I will be able to continue to support the financial needs of our local business people whom, I believe, are the foundation on which our communities are built.” In her spare time, she is a Worship Leader at Wallenpaupack Church and a Publicity Volunteer for Habitat for Humanity of Wayne County, PA. She enjoys spending time with her family, golfing, pheasant hunting, clay bird shooting, and walks in the woods. 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.
Meals on Wheels Community Services of NEPA to Host Annual Mix and Mingle Meals on Wheels Community Services of NEPA is hosting its largest fundraiser of the year at Glen Oak Country Club, 250 Oakford Road Clarks Summit, PA on September 23, 2021 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Meals on Wheels Community Services of NEPA will present two awards this year. The Fifth Annual Founder’s Award for Philanthropy will be awarded to Clarence Baltrusaitis on behalf of NET Credit Union. “We are so excited to honor Clarence and NET Credit Union,” said Kristen L. Kosin, Executive Director. “NET Credit Union is a true champion of our area. It’s amazing how their employees donate their time, expertise and generosity to help agencies and organizations throughout our area.” The second award presented will be the Elaine F. Shepard Award for Exceptional Volunteerism. “Elaine F. Shepard is an extraordinary example of service to the community. This award will honor Katie Gilmartin. She works tirelessly to promote and serve our community,” explains Ms. Kosin. Tickets for this event are $75 per person or $125 per pair. Tickets include entrance to event, lite dinner fare, and open bar. Live music will be provided by the Mark Monella Trio. Activities at this year’s event include raffle baskets, a gift pull, and a silent art auction which will feature work from local artists like Sharon Cosgrove, Christine Medley, and Tom Noone. For more information and to purchase tickets online, visit www.mealsonwheelsnepa.org or call 570-346-2421.
NEPA Health Care Foundation, Administered by SACF, Announces Careers in Care Nursing Scholarships In response to the acute shortage of nurses across the region and its effect on the health and wellness of Northeastern Pennsylvania, the Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation, administered by the Scranton Area Community Foundation, announces it has awarded $189,622 in its first year towards nursing scholarships for local students as part of its Careers in Care initiative. The Careers in Care Nursing Scholarship Program has awarded 21 scholarships to students in Lackawanna, Luzerne, and Wyoming Counties who plan to pursue or who are pursuing nursing and who will practice in Northeastern Pennsylvania. These scholarship opportunities come during a time where the strains on the healthcare workforce in Northeastern Pennsylvania have been significant. In response to the significant interest and need in the region, the Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation has decided to double the amount available for scholarships in 2022 to $400,000.The Careers in Care Nursing Scholarship Program accepted applications earlier this year and, through a rigorous and competitive application process, identified a variety of qualified nursing students. Recipients include Brooke Bird, Luzerne County Community College; Sarah Bonser, Walden University; Jacqueline Cicardo, Luzerne County Community College; Michael Clark, Penn State Scranton; Caity Colan, Luzerne County Community College; Jason Conrad, Luzerne County Community College; Jacqueline Earley, Lackawanna College; Austin Emenyonu, Misericordia University; Elizabeth Hernandez, Luzerne County Community College; Casey Hughes, Luzerne County Community College; Holly Hughes, Marywood University; Nicole Lubash, Marywood University; Brittany Marcinkevich, Lackawanna College; Mary McFadden, Penn State Scranton; Tiffany Megotz, Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County; Anne Murdoch, Penn State Scranton; Samantha Rosselli, Lackawanna College; Laura Slivinski, Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County; Rosa Vazquez Nunez, Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County; Ariana Velez, Wilkes University; and Sabrina Weidlich, Luzerne County Community College. “Over the past year, we have seen just how timely the Careers in Care initiative really is,” said James Clemente, NEPA Health Care Foundation Board Chair. “The Foundation’s Board understands the strains that the regional healthcare workforce is facing and strives to make an impact to address these critical issues through these important scholarships.” “I think the fact that the Board of the Northeastern PA Health Care Foundation has decided to double the amount of scholarship support available for nurses in year two speaks to the great need and interest in the program,” said Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. She adds, “I think the Foundation board was very innovative in their planning of these scholarships which are made available to nursing students from CNAs through nurse educators at the graduate level.” The Scranton Area Community Foundation administers the NEPA Health Care Foundation. To qualify for a Careers in Care Nursing Scholarship, individuals were required to show they have had a permanent address in Lackawanna, Luzerne, or Wyoming County for the last three years. Scholarships were available to those interested in obtaining a CNA and entering the healthcare workforce. Scholarships are also for anyone employed in the healthcare field in either Lackawanna, Luzerne, or Wyoming County and looking to advance as an LPN or RN/BSN. Additionally, students were invited to apply if they were in their third or fourth year of a four-year nursing degree and looking for financial assistance. Scholarship recipients were also asked to demonstrate a commitment to stay in the Northeastern Pennsylvania region. The Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation also invited ‘nontraditional’ students or those looking to go back to school to obtain a nursing degree to apply for a Careers in Care Nursing Scholarship. Additionally, through Careers in Care, the NEPA Health Care Foundation will provide grant support totaling $830,000, to a variety of organizations including Lackawanna College, for its three-year plan to enhance the pipeline of local healthcare professionals and increase the number trained and retained in the region; United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA for its Upward Economic Mobility Program; and Saint Joseph’s Center for direct support professional wage increases. The Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation’s Careers in Care initiative is a $1.7 million commitment over a three-year period (2020-2023). In addition to the Careers in Care initiative, the NEPA Health Care Foundation is also in the seventh year of a $3.2 million commitment to the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine (GCSOM) for scholarship support for incoming first-year medical students from Lackawanna, Luzerne and Wyoming counties. The NEPA Health Care Foundation Scholars program covers full tuition for these scholars, who indicate a commitment to practice medicine in Northeastern PA.
Northeastern PA Native Returns as New CEO of Scranton Counseling Center After a national search, Scranton Counseling Center has selected Sarah Wodder, Psy.D. as the organization’s new President and CEO. Dr. Wodder, a northeastern Pennsylvania native, will be returning to the area to lead the community based, non-profit behavioral health organization. Dr. Wodder most recently served as an Executive Director of Edison Court, Inc., a Doylestown, PA child and adolescent residential and outpatient treatment facility for those with behavioral health issues. She received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Saint Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, and her Master of Science in Community Counseling from the University of Scranton. She was awarded her Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia. She will assume her new responsibilities on September first, relieving Sal Santoli, the interim CEO, who will remain in a senior management position with the Center. “We are delighted to bring in Dr. Wodder to lead Scranton Counseling Center,” said Karen Clifford, chair of the CEO search committee. “Sarah’s commitment to quality, collaboration and team building, and her inclusive approach to partnership development will serve the Center and the community we serve well as we continue to grow and evolve in our new campus,” Karen concluded. “Having grown up in the Scranton area with deep roots in this community, I am thrilled to be chosen to lead Scranton Counseling Center and its professional staff of behavioral health specialists,” related Sarah Wodder. “My previous outpatient and residential experiences will be valuable in leading the devoted team at the Center in providing exceptional service to those in need,” she added. Dr. Wodder was selected after a four-month selection process that provided the search committee a significant number of regional and national applications for consideration. Philip Condron, the board chair of Scranton Counseling Center, relayed, “Dr. Wodder’s focus on our client services, staff training, and quality improvement enabled her to stand out among an outstanding list of applicants for the CEO position. Her background, experience and previous successes positioned her as our strong selection. We’re thrilled she accepted our offer.” Scranton Counseling Center is a community based, private nonprofit behavioral health provider serving children, adolescents, adults and families with mental health and substance abuse issues in Lackawanna Susquehanna and surrounding counties. The center recently moved into a new $15 million campus of facilities on the corner of Cedar Avenue and Cherry Street in South Scranton.
Northpoint Development Breaks Ground on New Warehouse NorthPoint Development, a commercial real estate developer specializing in industrial development, joined political and business leaders, the design and construction team, and the local community on July 28 to break ground for a new 432,640-square-foot warehouse. The $19.5 million, single-load industrial building, located in Forks Township, Pennsylvania, will promote and encourage development opportunities within the township for office, service, and manufacturing uses. This area will support residential growth in the community according to the zoning code and create 430 direct and indirect jobs and tax revenue to the township. Eric Watts, Director of Development for NorthPoint Development opened the groundbreaking ceremony stating, “This development will provide a lasting value for the community through job creation, tax revenue, and a capital investment of $38.6 million dollars. We are at the starting line of construction with anticipated excitement to announce we pre-leased the project to a confidential Fortune 50 company. Forks Township provides a competitive landscape with a strong supporting labor force, energetic community members, and the ambition to collaborate with private entities like NorthPoint.” Projects like Commerce 33 require execution and hard work from many partners who attended the groundbreaking; Forks Township, Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation, Quandel Construction, and Schlouch Incorporated.
