Lackawanna College Hosts Annual Golf Tournament for 2024 The Lackawanna College Athletics Department announces the return of the Lackawanna College Annual Golf Tournament. The 2024 tournament will be on Monday, June 3, at Elmhurst Country Club in Moscow, PA. Attendees are invited to a day of camaraderie and competition featuring activities like hole sponsors, closest-to-the-pin contests, longest drive competitions door prizes and raffles. The tournament starts with registration and lunch at 11:30 a.m. in the club house, followed by a 1:00 p.m. shotgun start. At 5:30 p.m., dinner will be in the club house, with prizes awarded and raffle items drawn. “Lackawanna College distinguishes itself by offering higher education opportunities to students who seek to excel, both in the classroom and on the field,” Erik Larson, Director of Athletics at the College said. “The goal of this event is to gather Lackawanna College Athletics supporters, friends, coaches, and community members to raise funds for the Lackawanna College Athletics Department.” The tournament is open to teams of four and individual golfers, starting at $200 for single golfer registration, and $800 for a team. Proceeds from this event will support the needs of our student-athletes through various athletic department programming. Golfers and their teams interested in participating are encouraged to go to register early online. Parties interested in sponsoring the event can also find additional information on sponsorship packages and ways to get involved.
LIFE Geisinger Hosting Open Houses Across Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania LIFE Geisinger locations are hosting open houses for employees and the community this spring. The open houses will feature tours of the facility, giveaways, refreshments and informal ways to learn about the LIFE Geisinger program. “We’re looking forward to opening our doors to our community members,” said Teena Kubasti, director of LIFE Geisinger. “Here at LIFE, we build stronger seniors — and these events let us showcase how our participants benefit. Guests will be able to meet our compassionate, experienced team members who coordinate care for those we serve, offering caregivers relief and support.” Join us at a LIFE Geisinger open house near you: Wednesday, April 10, 4 – 6 p.m. at LIFE Geisinger Schuylkill, 2 Lewis St., Minersville Wednesday, April 17, 4 – 6 p.m. at LIFE Geisinger Lewistown, 106 Derry Heights Blvd., Yeagertown Wednesday, April 24, 4 – 6 p.m. at LIFE Geisinger Wilkes-Barre, 592 S. Main St., Wilkes-Barre Thursday, May 16, 4 – 6 p.m. at LIFE Geisinger Scranton, 2300 Adams Ave., Scranton Geisinger Kulpmont will host an open house at a later time. A program for adults age 55 and older, LIFE Geisinger is designed to give seniors the support they need to live at home. You or your loved one can keep living independently while using our comprehensive daily living and health services. To RSVP for the event or to ask questions, call 800-395-8759.
Tobyhanna Army Depot Equipment Repair and Development a Constant, Evolving Mission For more than six decades, artisans at Tobyhanna Army Depot (TYAD) have been at the forefront of repairing and employing automatic test equipment (ATE)to diagnose and test military equipment. That mission continues today, underscoring Tobyhanna’s commitment to supporting the joint warfighters of the past, present and future. ATE refers to test hardware with its own operating system software that enables users to assess the functionality of a weapons system, detect quality issues, and ensure applied corrective actions have been successful. The use of ATE benefits the depot in a variety of ways, from increasing the quality of repairs to reducing internal turnaround times and beyond. Historical records show a huge surge in ATE at Tobyhanna in the early 2000s. The increased need for ATE came after a significant amount of new workload arrived at the depot; the workload transitioned to TYAD after a Base Realignment and Closure Commission, which was focused on divesting excess capacity and property within the Department of Defense. TYAD’s ATE repair workload has represented one of its most constant but always evolving initiatives. For example, the Electronic Quality Assurance Test Equipment (also called the EQUATE system) has been a TYAD mission for over three decades. Used by servicemembers worldwide, the EQUATE is a test station used for multiple types of testing for wire assemblies in support of counterfire radar missions. Investments into ATE programs like the EQUATE are particularly fruitful for the depot because the positive results are two-pronged. In repairing, maintaining, and sustaining ATE, TYAD enjoys consistent workload that directly impacts readiness and saves lives. The maintenance of these systems also allows the depot to apply the testing capabilities of the ATE to other products depot artisans are preparing for our nation’s warfighters. The benefits of ATE utilization are many. If one were to walk through the plethora of production floor areas at TYAD today, several instruments used to perform tests on workload both old and new can be seen. These instruments help to ensure every asset being provided to our nation’s warfighters is up to the lofty Tobyhanna standard through increased efficiency and accuracy. Efficiency is the name of the game when it comes to ATE. It will rack up multiple instruments and put it under PC control, eliminating the possibility of human error and centralizing several tests under one umbrella. It is capable of performing various tests at once even if the systems aren’t exactly the same, reducing the time it takes to ensure compliance across multiple workloads. In order to mitigate unforeseen issues, ATE can also be used to proactively ensure systems are functioning the way they are intended. This offers artisans at TYAD a huge boost in efficiency as they can be certain no time is being wasted by assembling something that has issues. Electronics Engineer David Zahorsky said the use of ATE helps alleviate the load on an employee’s shoulders. “In some shops, you may see individual instruments used to test specific things. For example, say you need to make a voltage measurement and you need to manually input a lot of information. The beauty of automatic test equipment is that you can automate all of those tests,” said Zahorsky. “For the purpose of completing an entire test document, it reduces the burden on technician personnel to have to make those individual tests. It also reduces mistakes that could potentially be made by missing a test or something like reading an instrument.” ATE utilization and the development of test program sets (TPS) can also be used as a means to see around corners when navigating systems and preparing to take on new workload. By frequently running self-test alignments the individuals working on the production floor can hit the ground running and start properly testing the technological components necessary for the equipment to function correctly. Just as assets change to meet the needs of the warfighter on an ever-evolving battlefield, so must the test procedures evolve. Combined hands-on and software repair and troubleshooting works in synergy with proactive TPS development and transition to ensure TYAD remains on the cutting edge into the future. TPS development is a key activity during the transition to sustainment for military assets, streamlining the repair process. Test Engineering Branch Chief Matthew Rhoades and his team build test programs to support new assets and workload. Four TPSs are being developed during the onboarding of the MQ-9 Reaper workload, according to Rhoades. “The TPSs developed in conjunction with public-private partnerships with L3Harris and General Atomics enable TYAD’s electronics personnel to screen LRUs at the beginning of the process to identify where the asset requires repair. Once repair is complete, assets are tested to validate the repair, ensuring the warfighter receives a quality product – every time.” While Rhoades and his team work to either build new TPSs or rehost them on new ATE, Production Equipment Branch Chief Wayne Swire and his team keep equipment up and running. Swire said the key to sustained ATE success for Tobyhanna lies in the present. “The key is having the capability in-house. By adding to our capabilities in the present, TYAD best positions itself to support warfighters on an evolving battlefield,” said Swire. In many ways, the future of ATE has already arrived at TYAD. The last couple of years have been marked by transition from legacy and sustainment systems like the EQUATE to new systems like the Air Force-standard Versatile Diagnostic Automatic Test Station (VDATS) and the Army-standard Next Generation Automated Test System (NGATS). While VDATSs have been at TYAD for a decade, the depot is scheduled to receive its first full rate production NGATSs this year. The VDATS has supported the aforementioned MQ-9 Reaper and depot personnel are ready to hit the ground running once the NGATS arrives to provide TPS capability for the AN/TPQ-53 Radar System. The utilization of ATE and the development of TPSs in conjunction with the precision and dedication of depot artisans ensures TYAD will continue to deliver on that mission now and into the future. The repair, sustainment, and development of ATE and TPSs directly aligns with Tobyhanna’s long-range strategic plan, TOBY2035, which has four focus areas: Invest in Our People, C5ISR Readiness, Shape the Future and Strategic Communications. TOBY2035 aims to posture the depot for success in the coming years as the Department of Defense’s premier worldwide C5ISR readiness provider.
Peoples Security Bank & Trust Announces Participation in EVERFI Financial Literacy Bee Peoples Security Bank & Trust Company (PSBT) today announced that it is sponsoring the EVERFI Financial Literacy Bee, taking place April 5-19, 2024. The EVERFI Financial Literacy Bee is a nationwide financial literacy challenge for students in grades 8-12. With 85 percent of Americans feeling stressed about the state of their finances according to a 2021 survey by the National Endowment for Financial Education, the EVERFI Financial Literacy Bee provides an opportunity for students to learn the critical importance of saving and budgeting for short-term and long-term financial goals. The virtual challenge, created by Impact-as-a-ServiceTM education innovator EVERFI, and supported by leading financial institutions nationwide, features four short digital lessons followed by a capstone essay contest in which students share a short-term or long-term savings goal and outline their plan to achieve that goal. Three winners of the EVERFI Financial Literacy Bee will receive a $500, $250, or $100 prize to jumpstart their savings goals. By competing in the challenge, participating students will gain new skills to create a personalized financial decision-making framework that they can apply to their lives now and in the future. Topics include how to save, set financial goals, budget, and invest. In addition to supporting the EVERFI Financial Literacy Bee, PSBT’s partnership with EverFi allows local school districts the opportunity to provide an important educational supplement and gives children the best possible chance to achieve financial wellness. To learn more about the EVERFI Financial Literacy Bee, visit https://peoples-security-bank.everfi-next.net/welcome/financial-bee-2024 and psbt.com.
Johnson College Hosts Debut Event for Ideal Saldi Hall Johnson College celebrated the opening of its new gateway building, Ideal Saldi Hall, during a debut event at its Scranton campus on April 3, 2024. Members of the Johnson College community and the Saldi family gathered for a glimpse at the newly constructed building that will serve as the official gateway to the College’s main campus. A program led by Johnson College’s President and CEO, Dr. Katie Leonard, marked the significance of the largest building project to date for Johnson College. She was proceeded during the program by Dave Boniello ’84, President of Simplex Industries; Matthew Michalek ’85, Vice President of Operations at L.R. Costanzo Co., Inc.; and Senator Marty Flynn, Pennsylvania 22nd Senatorial District. Ideal Saldi Hall is one of four components of the College’s comprehensive, five-year capital campaign, “Innovation at Work.” The building honors the legacy of Ideal T. Saldi, a Johnson College alum from the class of 1949. He and his wife, Frances, contributed $1 million to the College’s capital campaign, which is the largest gift from a Johnson College alum to date and will have a lasting impact on the school and its students. “At 19,000 sq. feet, this building provides a home to four labs, two general education classrooms, the most innovative and high-tech conference room in all of NEPA, and office space for staff that directly serve our students,” said Dr. Katie Leonard. Ideal Saldi Hall now houses student-facing departments including Enrollment, Financial Aid, and the Registrar, as well as programs including Architectural Drafting & Design Technology, Biomedical Equipment Technology, Electronic Engineering Technology, and Mechatronics Technology. Construction of Ideal Saldi Hall began in 2022, following the public announcement of the capital campaign and the official reveal of the building, designed by WKL Architecture. Under the construction management of L.R. Costanzo Co., Inc., the building took shape quickly and was forged with the help of many of Johnson College’s industry partners and alumni. The building now sits on the former site of Richmond Hall, a piece of the original Willian H Richmond estate given to the College’s founder, Orlando S. Johnson, to fulfil his dream of creating a trade school for women and men. Mr. Boniello, who serves as the chairperson of the “Innovation at Work” capital campaign said, “Ideal Saldi Hall will provide the gateway into future decades of Johnson College students and will help to shape the future industry leaders, innovators, and workers that will not only make a difference in the area we live in but also the world.” The event concluded with an official ribbon cutting for the building.
Commonwealth Health Welcomes Surgeon Specializing in Minimally Invasive Techniques and Robotic Technology Commonwealth Health Physician Network is always looking for ways to improve local access to advanced treatment options across a wide range of surgery specialties. So we are excited to introduce a new member of our surgical team that has over a decade of experience and has trained at several renowned academic institutions. John Pepen, M.D., FACS, graduated from Columbia University and completed fellowship-training in surgical critical care at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, a major teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School. Dr. Pepen is board-certified in general surgery and surgical critical care. He is experienced in minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgery for a range of health issues including appendicitis, hernia repair, gastrointestinal surgery, colorectal disease, and gallbladder disease. Dr. Pepen is a member of the medical staff at Regional Hospital of Scranton and is fluent in both English and Spanish. Dr. Pepen is accepting new patients at Commonwealth Physician Network’s office located at 743 Jefferson Ave. To schedule a consult or request a second opinion for surgery, call 570-207-0433. Most major insurance plans are accepted, including Geisinger Health Plan.
NEPA Alliance Announces Promotion of Government Procurement Program Manager Jeffrey Box, President & CEO of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance, is pleased to announce the promotion of Kara Smith to Government Procurement Program Manager. Kara will be responsible for providing technical assistance to clients and, and informational assistance to businesses regarding government contracting opportunities. In addition to helping these companies with their expansion and/or entry into contracting with federal, state, and local governments, she will be leading the administration of the APEX program. Kara will succeed Frank Migneco who will retire July 31, 2024. “Frank has done a superb job managing the APEX Program and we will miss him, but we wish him well in his retirement,” said Jeffrey Box, President & CEO. Kara has a Master of Business Administration, Carson-Newman University, Jefferson City, Tennessee and a Bachelor of Science, Criminal Justice, Minor in Psychology, Shippensburg University, Shippensburg, Pennsylvania. She resides in Dalton.
The Dime Bank’s Ferdinand Feola Appointed to ICBA Cyber and Data Security Committee Independent Community Bankers of America® (ICBA) announced that Senior Vice President Chief Technology Officer Ferdinand Feola of The Dime Bank, was elected to serve on ICBA’s Cyber and Data Security Committee. “What an honor to represent The Dime Bank and all community banks as part of the ICBA Cyber and Data Security Committee. I look forward to helping to create an environment where community banks, and the communities we serve, continue to flourish. Community banks, as relationship lenders, prioritize the needs of their customers and serve as trusted stewards of their financial future,” said Feola. “I’m proud to be a community banker and honored to be called upon to help ICBA safeguard our industry by underscoring the vital role community banks serve in our nation’s economy and working to ensure a strong, diversified financial sector that benefits every American.” In addition to helping shape and promote ICBA’s national policy positions and programs, Feola’s duties include engaging in grassroots activities in Pennsylvania to advocate pro-community bank policies and serving as a liaison between community banks and ICBA leadership in Washington, D.C. “Ferd is an esteemed civic leader and dedicated community banker, generously contributing his time to champion and advance the crucial role of community banks within our financial system,” said ICBA Chairman Lucas White, president of the Fountain Trust Co. in Covington, Ind. “We are honored to leverage Ferd’s talents and resources in support of ICBA’s efforts, and we extend our sincere gratitude for his unwavering commitment to securing a vibrant future for community banking.”
