Geisinger Welcomes Cardiac Surgeon Into Leadership Roles An accomplished surgeon and experienced leader in his field, John Conte, M.D., has joined Geisinger as chair of Cardiothoracic Surgery and vice chair of the Geisinger Heart Institute. Dr. Conte brings more than 25 years of clinical practice to the heart care team at Geisinger, and he provides surgical care in addition to serving in his leadership capacity. He currently cares for adult patients at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre and Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton. Dr. Conte specializes in minimally invasive aortic and mitral-valve surgery. He is an expert in valve repair and replacement, and – in patients with abnormalities of the aorta, such as aortic aneurysms – valve-sparing aortic root surgery. He also has a special interest in complex and re-operative cardiac surgery. Dr. Conte earned his medical degree at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., where he also completed a residency in surgery and served as a fellow in cardiovascular research. He accomplished fellowship training in cardiothoracic surgery at Stanford University Medical Center in Palo Alto, California. Before coming to Geisinger, Dr. Conte was Professor of Surgery and held leadership roles at the University of Maryland Medical Center, The Johns Hopkins University Hospital and Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. He is certified by the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Thoracic Surgery and has served as a member and officer in many professional organizations. Throughout his career, Dr. Conte has been an academic surgeon known for clinical research and his ability to mentor and train young cardiac surgeons. He is committed to remaining an active, practicing surgeon while driving innovative therapies in the Geisinger Heart Institute.
FNCB Bank Provides $30,000 Grant to Crestwood School District FNCB Bank, locally based since 1910, is pleased to announce our latest project supporting the community with a $30,000 grant used to purchase a new digital message center for the Crestwood School District. The new state-of-the art LED message center replaces one that stood for many years in front of the secondary campus along South Mountain Boulevard. “We expect the new message center will be a great addition to the campus and community, allowing the district to salute students for their many accomplishments and inform the community of upcoming events,” said Jerry Champi, FNCB Bank President and CEO. The message center donation represents part of FNCB’s larger Community Caring initiative. Through outreach programs, donations and an employee volunteer network, FNCB is committed to helping the communities they serve.
Shop Library Express Bookstore Online Library Express Bookstore customers can now shop the local Scranton store online through Bookshop.org. Visit Bookshop.org and type Library Express Bookstore in the search box or go directly to the bookstore’s page by entering this url: https://bookshop.org/shop/libraryexpress. Bookshop.org is designed to help support local bookstores and provide a way for customers to shop online while still supporting their community. It’s easy to sign up, shop, and support. Every time a customer shops the bookstore through Bookshop.org, Library Express Bookstore, as an affiliate, will receive a portion of the sales as a commission. This in turn supports the library-side of the bookstore and library, providing free programs for children, teens, and adults. Besides finding a variety of bestsellers and books for all ages, customers can also shop Library Express online for gifts including jigsaw puzzles, Dunder Mifflin books, and The Office merchandise. Customers can call the Bookstore at (570) 558-1670 for more information or visit their website at https://lclshome.org/b/library-express/.
City of Scranton Donates Fire Engine to Johnson College The city of Scranton recently donated a Sutphen Fire Engine to Johnson College. This donation will assist the College in providing its students the hands-on training they need to enter the region’s essential workforce. Johnson College’s Diesel Truck Technology, Automotive Technology, and Heavy Equipment Technology students will be trained on every system of the truck, from the front bumper to the rear bumper. Student training will include engine and driveline, electrical and lighting, and basic preventative maintenance. They will also be trained on systems that are unique to firefighting vehicles including the water pumping system, water storage system, and emergency vehicle lighting and warning systems. Johnson College provides real-world, hands-on learning in a caring environment and prepares graduates to enter into or advance in their careers. Johnson College degrees become essential careers. Johnson College was founded in 1912, and is the region’s premier technical college, offering associate degrees in 15 programs and 3 academic certificates. An emphasis on hands-on instruction is supported by a low student-to-teacher ratio. 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 business and industry 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.
Pennsylvania Paper and Supply Company Enters Agreement with Local Established Business Pennsylvania Paper and Supply Company, 211 N. State St., Clarks Summit, is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement to acquire certain assets of American Janitor and Paper Supply Company located on Sanderson Avenue in Scranton. Both companies will be functionally merged together and begin operating as one effective immediately.
One Point Celebrates Fortieth Anniversary One Point, a printing and office supply company located in Scranton, Pennsylvania, is celebrating its fortieth year in business. Since the business was founded in 1980, it has experienced significant change and has supported its community through philanthropy and volunteerism. In 1980, Chief Executive Officer Patrick McMahon cofounded Forms Plus, Inc. with his partner Alan Cunningham. At the time it was a forms and printing company. Since then, Forms Plus grew both organically and through the acquisition of companies whose services and products would advance strategic growth. After the acquisition of the Luzerne County office supply company, Deemers, in 2005, Forms Plus re-branded as One Point, Inc. Under Mr. McMahon’s leadership, One Point has added promotional products, online company stores, print on demand, direct mail programs, commercial furniture and Jansan products. Most recently, in response to COVID-19 concerns, the company expanded its product offerings to include health and safety products. In 1997, the One Point of Light charitable committee was formed. Since then, One Point has contributed to its community through volunteer hours and philanthropic giving. Patrick McMahon, the company’s chief executive officer, commended his employees on reaching the 40-year milestone. “Our employees are dedicated to customer service and high standards of excellence in everything they do,” he said. “It’s their hard work that has made our company’s strategic vision a reality. I speak for myself and for all of them when I say that we look forward to serving our clients for the next 40 years.” In 2019, Patrick’s son, Adam, joined the organization after spending seven years as a commercial lender in the Arlington, Va. market. Adam’s current position is general manager of the commercial furniture division, Corporate Environments, headquartered in Bethlehem, Pa. Adam becomes the third generation working in this industry as his grandfather, Henry McMahon, started Anthracite Business forms in 1955.
The Dime Bank Donated $9,000 for Scholarship Opportunities The Dime Bank donated $9,000.00 through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program to various educational institutions for scholarship opportunities: $3,500 was donated to the Vineyard Christian Child Center (VCCC) to be used for preschool tuition scholarships; $2,000.00 was donated to the Diocese of Scranton under the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program with funds being allocated for Catholic schools in Wayne, Pike, and Lackawanna counties for education in an instructional environment that challenges the mind while inspiring and strengthening the spirit; $2,000 was donated to the Scranton Hebrew Day School to be used for scholarship opportunities for Torah and secular education with an emphasis on spiritual, moral, and social growth; and $1,500 was donated to the Greater Pike Community Foundation to be used for pre-K scholarship opportunities. Diocesan Secretary of Catholic Education and Chief Executive Officer Jason Morrison said, “We are grateful for the very generous donation from The Dime Bank to the Diocese of Scranton Scholarship Foundation. This gift ensures families have access to an excellent and affordable Catholic education where students are empowered to achieve their God-given potential.” Executive Director of the Greater Pike Community Foundation Jennifer Hamill said, “Thank you for supporting Greater Pike and early childhood education. In 2020, we were able to award scholarships to 5 struggling young families for their children to attend pre-K programs at either CDD or Green Trees Early Learning Center in Milford. At a time when many of these parents were uncertain of their financial future, these gifts were extraordinarily important and appreciated.”
M.J. Spott Crane Rentals Raise Flood Gates M J Spott Crane Rentals supported the Luzerne County Flood Protection Authority by raising the flood gates on the Market Street Bridge in Wilkes Barre, PA. The crane rental service had three cranes and five iron workers to assist with the job.
Two Young Men Making Moves at the Human Resources Center Our consumers are always giving us a reason to brag about them here at the Human Resources Center, Inc. Today, we’d like to spotlight two young men who have been making big moves in their communities. Zachary Potter, a Honesdale High School graduate, recently celebrated his one year work anniversary at the Wayne County Courthouse. Prior to serving the county, Zach participated in the Project SEARCH program at the Wayne Memorial Hospital. Project SEARCH is an innovative business-led employment preparation program that serves to transition individuals to community-based employment. Having successfully completed the program, Zach obtained his first job at the courthouse where he remains over a year later. This huge accomplishment is a result of Zach’s incredible work ethic and ability to adjust to changing expectations, specifically after returning to his role in the maintenance department following the COVID-19 layoff. His steadfast support system of family, co-workers, and job coaches played a key role in helping Zach achieve this milestone. His former job coach and HRC employee, Ariel Hoherchak, explains, “pandemic-related routine changes helped to make his role easier on him, improving his work amazingly!” Another job coach and HRC employee, Megan Sherman, remarks, “Zach isn’t one for the spotlight. He does his job with focus and doesn’t expect accolades.” She adds, “he is reliable and rarely misses a day of work. I’m happy to be part of his team!” HRC Director of Career Options and Development, Sean Donohoe, couldn’t be more thrilled for Zach’s latest achievement and hopes there are many more years to come. “We are so proud of him,” Sean says. Congratulations, Zach! But the accolades don’t end there. Matthew Giansanti, a participant of HRC’s Small Group Employment program, has recently headed up an initiative to bring better lighting to Milford Borough crosswalks. Matt’s employment hours frequently require him to walk home after dark, especially during the bleak winter months. He quickly noticed that lack of adequate lighting at crosswalks resulted in cars not stopping for pedestrians at marked crosswalks. Identifying the danger this situation posed, Matt decided to create a petition and garner support for the introduction of more sufficient lighting at Milford Borough crosswalks, the signatures of which accounted for a staggering 130 names in support. Matt is slated to present his case at the Milford Borough Council meeting via Zoom. In the meantime, Matt has focused his efforts on promoting the wearing of orange wristbands by individuals with disabilities. This endeavor comes on the heels of a viral CNN video depicting a 16-year old diagnosed with epilepsy and autism being hit and handcuffed by Fresno police while having a seizure. The purpose of the orange wristbands worn by individuals with disabilities is to more clearly identify such individuals to law enforcement and rescue teams in the community. Matt also advocates for better training for law and rescue personnel, remarking that this horrifying instance of misconduct “shouldn’t happen” and can be prevented. Both of Matt’s initiatives were brought to life by Matt’s support team who were inspired and moved by his concern for others. His mother, Karen Guest, and co-workers, Ashley Collman and Sean Cavalone, helped Matt bring his aspiration to fruition. Commissioner Matt Osterberg was also an avid supporter of Matt’s efforts, along with Milford’s residents, who offered their signatures in his support. HRC employee, Cindy Hansen, sums up Matt’s intentions, stating, “he wants to make a difference.” We are incredibly proud of both Zach and Matt’s commitment to their communities and the betterment of them in their own unique ways. The Human Resources Center, Inc. would like to thank these young men for their dedication and service!
