The Wright Center Announces Monthly ‘Walk with a Doc’ Events

The Wright Center for Community Health invites residents of Luzerne, Lackawanna, and Wayne counties to put on their walking shoes and take a step towards improved health by joining one of the three regional, monthly Walk with a Doc events.

This doctor-led initiative brings health care providers and community members together for an invigorating walk with doctors and other health care professionals. Participants will have the opportunity to exercise, engage with health care professionals, and connect with new people.

The Walk with a Doc event in Lackawanna County is held on the first Saturday of each month at 9 a.m., now at its new location at Nay Aug Park, 500 Arthur Ave., Scranton. Walkers should gather at the park’s main entrance. The upcoming event is on Aug. 3.

In Wayne County, the Walk with a Doc event takes place on the second Saturday of each month at 9 a.m. at the Lacawac Sanctuary, 94 Sanctuary Road, Lake Ariel. All walks are a collaboration with Lacawac Sanctuary and AllOne Foundation & Charities. The next event is on Aug. 10. 

The Luzerne County Walk with a Doc event is scheduled for the third Saturday of each month at 9 a.m. at Kirby Park, 280 Market St., Kingston. The next event is on Aug. 17, with walkers meeting at the park’s main entrance.

These doctor-led group walks are open to the community, accommodating people of all ages and fitness levels. Participation is free, and no pre-registration is necessary.

Walk with a Doc is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring communities through movement and conversation. According to the American Heart Association, walking for just 30 minutes a day can improve blood pressure and blood sugar levels, help maintain a healthy body weight, and reduce the risk of obesity, enhance mental well-being, and lower the risk of osteoporosis.

The Wright Center for Community Health, based in Scranton, operates 10 primary and preventive care practices in Northeast Pennsylvania, including a mobile medical and dental vehicle called Driving Better Health. Their practices provide integrated, whole-person primary health services, offering medical, dental, and behavioral health care, along with community-based addiction treatment and recovery services, all in one location for patient convenience.

For more information about The Wright Center for Community Health’s Walk with a Doc program, contact Nicole Lipinski at lipinskin@TheWrightCenter.org or Christine Wysocky at wysockyc@TheWrightCenter.org.

NeighborWorks Announces Carbondale Community Clean and Green Week Volunteer Event

NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania (NeighborWorks) is announcing the Carbondale Community Clean and Green Week volunteer event, taking place from August 19-23, 2024. NeighborWorks acknowledges and thanks the City of Carbondale for their support and partnership in this initiative.

Clean and Green efforts will kick off in Scranton on August 19-20. These initial days are managed through the University of Scranton. From August 21-23, Clean and Green efforts will take place in the City of Carbondale. NeighborWorks is actively recruiting community volunteers from Carbondale to join efforts in their city.

Volunteer work will include power washing, window washing, debris removal, lawn maintenance, and other identified outdoor cleaning work. Only existing NeighborWorks Aging in Place clients will be receiving these services.
For more information about where volunteers will be working, quotes or additional information please contact Alyssa Espinoza, Aging in Place Project Specialist at 570-877-3240, or Mary Endrusick, Director of Aging in Place at 570-954-0637.

Wayne Bank Announces New Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Wayne Bank announces new executive vice president and chief financial officer. James O. Donnelly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Norwood Financial Corp (the “Company”) (NASDAQ Global Market: NWFL) and its wholly owned subsidiary Wayne Bank (the “Bank”), announced that the Board of Directors had appointed John M. McCaffery as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company and the Bank, effective as of June 24, 2024, the day he commences employment with the Company.

McCaffery joins the Company with over 30 years of leadership and finance experience in various financial institutions, including two stints as CFO.  His most recent position was Senior Vice President and Treasurer for Metropolitan Commercial Bank.  Prior to that position, McCaffery served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Newtek Bank, N.A. and Bridge Bancorp.  Upon the merger between Bridge Bancorp and Dime Community Bancorp, McCaffery was appointed Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Risk Officer.

McCaffery brings a wealth of experience and expertise in capital raising, M&A transactions and integrations, growth and restructuring, regulatory and financial compliance, and development of high performing teams.  He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Banking & Finance from Hofstra University.

“We are very excited to have John join the Company,” stated Donnelly.  “He is a seasoned executive with a proven track record of success providing finance leadership at multi-billion-dollar asset size financial institutions.  He has previously served as CFO for two banks, one smaller and one larger than Wayne Bank, which gives him great insight into where we’ve come from and where we’re striving to go.  We look forward to the contributions he will bring to our company as we continue to grow and expand.”

William S. Lance, currently Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for the Company and the Bank, announced his plans to retire earlier this year.  On June 24, 2024, he will transition into the role of Executive Vice President and Chief Strategic Officer in order to assist with the transition and work on other strategic projects until his retirement on August 2, 2024.

Norwood Financial Corp is the parent company of Wayne Bank, which operates from fourteen offices throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania and sixteen offices in Delaware, Sullivan, Ontario, Otsego and Yates Counties, New York. The Company’s stock trades on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “NWFL”.

Governor Shapiro Signs Insurance and Corporate Bills

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, in the midst of state budget negotiations, signed into law two bills introduced by state Rep. Perry Warren.

House Bill 2096, now known as Act 45 of 2024, codifies the surplus insurance lines fee structure for personal surplus lines transactions. House Bill 1716, signed into law as Act 59 of 2024, clarifies shareholder rights set forth in Pennsylvania’s Title 15 Corporations and Unincorporated Associations statute.

Both bills passed unanimously in both the House and the Senate.

“Neither of these new laws is controversial or flashy,” Warren said. “Rather, they both clarify and streamline the conducting of insurance and corporate business in Pennsylvania.”

The surplus lines insurance market serves customers who need rare, specialty or high-risk insurance coverage unavailable on the regular market in Pennsylvania. High-risk flood insurance is one common example. To ensure that Pennsylvania insurance agents serve this specialty market, Act 45 permits and caps the fee that may be charged for placing a surplus lines policy. Act 59 clarifies language of Title 15 with regard to shareholder derivative rights and responsibilities.

Warren serves as vice-chair of the House Insurance Committee and as secretary of the House Commerce Committee, the two committees to which the respective bills were assigned.

“In those roles I have the opportunity to work with experts in insurance and corporate law, both in government and in the private sector, and we worked cooperatively to draft and forward this bipartisan, unanimously passed legislation,” Warren said.

Warren thanked Shapiro for signing the bills after their passage in both chambers of the General Assembly. He also thanked House Insurance Committee Chair Rep. Patty Kim, and Republican Chair Rep. Tina Pickett, who co-sponsored HB 1716; House Commerce Committee Chair Rep. Scott Conklin; Senate Banking and Insurance Committee majority and minority chairs Sen. John DiSanto and Sen. Sharif Street; and Senate Judiciary Committee majority and minority chairs Sen. Tina Baker and Sen. Steve Santarsiero, for their work on and support for the bills.

“The passage of these two laws was a true bipartisan and bicameral effort,” Warren added, “and a strong example of Pennsylvania government working together.”

Warren represents the 31st Legislative District in Bucks County, comprised of Lower Makefield, Newtown Borough, Newtown Township, Upper Makefield and Yardley.

Misericordia University Opening Doors to Endless Possibilities

At Misericordia University, we believe in opening doors to endless possibilities. Whether it’s through our diverse academic programs, engaging campus life, or community partnerships, we are committed to providing opportunities that empower our students to achieve their fullest potential. Join us and discover how Misericordia can help you turn your aspirations into achievements. Learn more at https://www.misericordia.edu

LCBC Church 2024 Global Leadership Summit

Get LCBC Church Global Leadership Summit tickets for you and your team to join us, Thursday & Friday, August 8-9, 2024, for a life-changing leadership development experience! During the largest leadership experience in the world, you will be fueled with inspiration, triggered into intentional action, and empowered to lead from where you are.

Whether you attend online or in-person at one of our locations, register for the 2024 Global Leadership Summit and be a part of the following:

  • Experience two days of rich, high-impact, inspiring sessions
  • Learn from the diverse faculty of leadership experts who will share their wisdom and practical perspective
  • Gain support in your leadership growth and leverage the Summit as a resource to transform yourself and your community

FNCB Bank and Fidelity Bank Balloon Battle Fundraiser Makes Waves

FNCB Bank, one of the cities of Dunmore and two local community banks, Fidelity Bank, hosted a “Bankers’ Balloon Battle” to raise funds for charity. The event took place at Dunmore Corners on Friday, June 28th.

Bankers from FNCB Bank and Fidelity Bank contributed funds for the chance to join the battle. In a lighthearted spirit, the two organizations drenched their “rival” by launching close to 3,000 water balloons into the air.

Dunmore’s Mayor, Max Conway, presided over the event as emcee and judge, ultimately declaring the contest a friendly draw as both banks ended up equally soaked.

The recent event successfully raised $1,854, all of which has been generously donated to Breadbasket of NEPA, a charitable organization that supports seven local food pantries. Breadbasket of NEPA is dedicated to serving individuals, families, and Veterans throughout Lackawanna County, striving to combat hunger within our community.

The check presentation ceremony featured representatives from Fidelity Bank, FNCB Bank, the city of Dunmore, and volunteers from Breadbasket of NEPA.

“Through this contest, we view it as a stellar demonstration of our collective achievements,” remarked Daniel J. Santaniello, President and CEO of Fidelity Bank. “While FNCB Bank is our friendly competition, ultimately, we are united by our commitment to community service. This event provided an enjoyable and inventive opportunity for us to collaborate and support an organization that delivers essential services to our region.”

“We are thrilled to have participated in such a fun and meaningful event,” said Jerry Champi, President & CEO of FNCB Bank. “This friendly competition with Fidelity Bank not only brought our community together but also supported a cause that is close to our hearts. The funds raised for Breadbasket of NEPA will make a significant impact on the lives of those in need throughout Lackawanna County. We are proud to stand alongside our fellow bankers and community members in this effort to combat hunger and support our local food pantries.”

Outreach – Center for Community Resources Children’s Career Fair and Professions for Parents

Outreach – Center for Community Resources will host its fourth annual Children’s Career Fair at Outreach, 431 North 7th Avenue, Scranton, on Saturday, August 17, 2024, from 10 AM to 1 PM.

This exciting Children’s Career Fair will ignite young minds and offer opportunities for kids of all ages to explore various career options and discover their passions in a fun and interactive environment.

Children and parents will have the opportunity to explore over 30 careers through fun and interactive activities. Several local companies will also be offering information on current employment opportunities within their companies. The Outreach Children’s Career Fair is free and open to all families with children interested in interacting with businesses and exploring future career possibilities!

It’s never too early for children to think about their future careers! Last year’s event featured hands-on activities like fishing for recyclables, creating their own house floorplan, bubble blowing, creating a mural with the Outreach staff, seeing emergency vehicles up close, and so much more! 

We aim to spark curiosity, stimulate creativity, and broaden horizons as children engage with professionals from various industries.

Event Highlights:

Diverse Career Booths: Children will have the opportunity to visit exciting career booths representing professions like science, technology, arts, healthcare, engineering, and more. Volunteers from each industry will be on hand to share their experiences, answer questions, and demonstrate exciting aspects of their professions.

Hands-on Activities: The event will feature numerous interactive activities that allow children to explore different careers. Each activity will be educational and entertaining, from creating art masterpieces to conducting simple science experiments.

Back-to-School Supplies and Haircuts: To add to the excitement, back-to-school haircuts and back-to-school supplies will be available. Career materials will also be available to promote learning and creativity.

“We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to dream big and aspire to greatness,” said Lori Chaffers, Executive Director, Outreach. “The Children’s Career Fair is a perfect platform for children to explore various professions, ignite their imaginations, and gain valuable insights into different career options. By exposing them to diverse possibilities, we hope to motivate and prepare them for a bright future.”

We are grateful to all the volunteers, partners, and sponsors whose support has made this event possible.

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to inspire the future leaders of tomorrow! Parents and caregivers are encouraged to attend with their children and participate in the activities together.

For more information, please call Liz Ratchford at the office: (570)558-7562 or cell: (570)954-6755

Johnson College Enrolling Students in Forklift Operator Training Course

Johnson College now enrolling for its Forklift Operator Training Course on Saturday, August 17, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Diesel Truck Technology Center at its Scranton campus. The cost of the course is $200, but if you are a current Johnson College student or alum the cost is only $100. Space is limited!

The forklift operator training is designed to familiarize students with OSHA Powered Industrial Truck Operator Training Requirements (29CFR Standard 1910.178 and ASME B56.1), provide current training requirements under the newly adopted standards, and assist participants in becoming an authorized operator of forklifts through theory and tactile testing. Nine hours of instruction including pre-operational inspection, picking up, traveling, and placing loads, parking procedures, refueling, and practical operation.

To learn more or to enroll, visit https://johnson.edu/continuing-ed/forklift/ or contact the Continuing Education Department at 570-702-8979 or continuinged@johnson.edu.

FNCB Bank Announces 2024 Scholarship Winners

FNCB Bank, a division of Peoples Security Bank and Trust Co., is pleased to announce the winners of the FNCB Bank Foundation merit scholarship awards for the 2024-2025 academic year. Overall, the foundation awarded $1,000 scholarships to five area high school seniors based on their academic excellence, community and school involvement, and citizenship.

This year’s winners are Katherine Potter from Wyoming Area H.S., Ty Mazzga from Wallenpaupack Area H.S., Emma Gernhardt from Scranton Preparatory School, Kaylee Whiteford from North Pocono H.S. and Symeon Clark from Gregory the Great Academy. Ms. Potter will be attending Penn State University, Mr. Mazzga will be attending Webb Institute, Ms. Gernhardt will be attending Villanova University, Ms. Kaylee will be attending Elizabethtown College and Mr. Clark will be attending Hillsdale College.

“Congratulations to these five exceptional students on being selected for this year’s FNCB Bank Scholarship award. This scholarship recognizes their hard work, dedication, and commitment to their education.” said Michael Cummings, FNCB Bank Senior Vice President, Marketing Manager and Foundation Chairman. “We want to wish them continued success into the future.”

For more information on the foundation scholarship program, please visit www.fncb.com/scholarship.