Robert H. Spitz Foundation Announces 2021 Grants

The Robert H. Spitz Foundation, administered by the Scranton Area Community Foundation, announces its 2021 grants, awarding a total of $717,500 to 45 nonprofit organizations in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

The Foundation distributed a total of $717,500 in grants to the following nonprofit organizations: Adopt A Boxer Rescue, Allied Services Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeastern PA, Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Bread Basket of Northeast Pennsylvania, Catherine McAuley Center, Dress for Success Lackawanna, Fraternite Notre Dame, GAIT TRC, Griffin Pond Animal Shelter, Indraloka Animal Sanctuary, Jewish Community Center of Scranton, Jewish Family Service of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Johnson College, Junior Achievement of Northeastern PA, Lackawanna Historical Society, Luzerne County Animal Response Team, Marywood University, NativityMiguel School of Scranton, NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania, NEPA Pet Fund and Rescue, North Shore Animal League, Outreach – Center for Community Resources, PAWsitively for the Animals, Quigley’s Shelter Pet’s, Inc., Saint Joseph’s Center, Scranton Animal Shelter Association Incorporation, Scranton Area Community Foundation, Scranton Lackawanna Human Development Agency, Inc., SPCA of Luzerne County, St. Cats and Dogs of Scranton, Temple Israel of Scranton, The Arc of Northeastern PA, The Humane Society of Wyoming County, Inc., The Salvation Army, The University of Scranton, Treatment Court Advocacy Center of Lackawanna County, United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA, Valhalla Veterans Services, Valley Youth House, VNA Hospice and Home Health, Volunteers of America of Pennsylvania, Inc., Wilkes University, and Women’s Resource Center.

A complete listing of the 2021 grants awarded by the Robert H. Spitz Foundation can be found on the Scranton Area Community Foundation’s website, safdn.org.

“We are extremely grateful that the generosity of the Robert H. Spitz Foundation has allowed for the support of so many worthy charitable organizations in the region,” stated Laura Ducceschi, Scranton Area Community Foundation’s President and CEO. “The impact of Mr. Spitz’s legacy is transformative, and on behalf of the Foundation trustees, we are proud to help carry out the Foundation’s mission.”

In addition to these 2021 grants, the Robert H. Spitz Foundation also provided $100,000 to COVID-19 relief support earlier this year.

Governor Wolf Announces Over $15 Million in Green Light-Go Grant Funds to Improve Traffic Safety

Governor Tom Wolf announced today that 50 municipalities will receive over $15.6 million to support traffic signal upgrades, increasing mobility and efficiency across Pennsylvania’s communities through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s (PennDOT’s) “Green Light-Go” program.

“The safety improvements supported by the Green Light-Go program not only help municipalities relieve congestion and traffic flow, they help Pennsylvanians move safely and efficiently,” said Gov​. Wolf. “I’m proud to help our communities improve mobility for Pennsylvanians.”

Green Light-Go grants are provided as reimbursement to municipalities for updates to improve the efficiency and operation of existing traffic signals. Grant funding through the Green Light-Go program may be utilized for a range of operational improvements including, but not limited to light-emitting diode (LED) technology installation, traffic signal retiming, developing special event plans and monitoring traffic signals, as well as upgrading traffic signals to the latest technologies. This is the sixth round of funding disbursed through the Green Light-Go program for municipal traffic signals.

Following is a list of local approved projects:

Lackawanna County

  • City of Scranton – $488,000 for modernization of traffic signals along Cedar Avenue at E. Elm Street and Maple Street including new mast arms, controller cabinets, signal heads and pavement markings.

Luzerne County

  • City of Hazleton – $305,677 for modernization of the Diamond and Vine Street traffic signal.
  • City of Wilkes-Barre – $300,000 for development and implementation of new traffic signal timing plans at 13 intersections.

Michelle Kowalewski Promoted to Commercial Loan Officer II at HNB

David Raven, President and CEO of The Honesdale National Bank, announced Michelle Kowalewski has been promoted to Commercial Loan Officer II.

In making the statement, Raven noted, “Michelle understands our values as a company and contributes to the support of our community day in and day out.” He said, “The Northern Susquehanna County market is a fresh focus of HNB and we have no doubt she will continue to provide strong service to our customers in her new role.”

In her current role, Kowalewski is Mortgage Advisor at the Hallstead Office and assists customers and employees with daily functions as well as helping with mortgage recommendations. Originally from Montrose, Michelle received a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Agricultural Business Management from Penn State University. She has been in the financial industry for 6 years. Previously, she worked as an Agricultural Loan Officer for AgChoice Farm Credit in Northeastern, PA. She will continue to provide her expertise as Commercial Loan Officer II at HNB.

In mentioning her career with the bank, she said “I am excited to return back to commercial lending after working in residential mortgage lending for two years.” She mentioned, “I hope to continue HNB’s expansion in the Susquehanna County market area and strengthen existing relationships with our current customers.”

Outside of the bank, Michelle is an active member of local clubs and organizations, serving as Organizational Club Leader of the Born to Show 4-H Club, President of the Susquehanna County 4-H Livestock Committee, member of the Susquehanna County Youth Program Advisory Committee.  Member of the Harford Agricultural Society, Youth advisor for the Susquehanna County Jr. Holstein Club, and a member of St. Mary’s Church, in Kirkwood, NY.

In her spare time, Michelle enjoys serving as a 4-H Club leader, attending her kids’ sports events and 4-H activities, camping, and is eager to attend Penn State football games again this fall.

For more information on HNB’s products and services, visit www.hnbbank.bank.

The Dime Bank Promotes James Gardas

The Dime Bank Board of Directors along with President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Bochnovich, are pleased to announce that James Gardas was appointed to the position of Senior Vice President of the Wealth Management Division. Gardas is an investment adviser representative for The Dime Wealth Management, a full-service brokerage operation located within The Dime Bank. 

Gardas has almost thirty years of experience in the customer service arena including twelve years of experience in the Wealth Management Division. Gardas graduated Summa Cum Laude from Charleston Southern University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with a dual major in Business Administration and Mathematics. Gardas is a registered representative of Cetera Advisor Networks LLC and is life, accident and health insurance licensed and is an Accredited Investment Fiduciary. Gardas offers stocks, bonds, mutual funds, money management, annuities, insurance products, advisory services, retirement and educational savings plans, financial and estate planning services, and trusts to individuals and businesses through the Wealth Management Division.

Peter Bochnovich stated, “Jim is an invaluable asset to The Dime Bank team. As the head of our Wealth Management division, Jim’s expertise has broadened the Wealth Management client base since taking the lead. His counsel and knowledge are a great fit for his customers, his team, and as a leader to The Dime Wealth Management division in pursuing our growth objectives.”

He currently resides in Hawley, PA with his wife, Jade, and his two dogs, Moxie and Nugget.

NET Credit Union Announces 2021 Charity Recipient

NET Credit Union announces our 2021 charity recipient: Peggy’s Pathway for Women’s Cancer. Peggy’s Pathway for Women’s Cancer is a charity started by Peggy Petinato’s family and friends in her memory. Their mission is to raise funds for research into innovative treatments and early detection of uterine (endometrial) cancer.  

This year, more than 61,000 women will be diagnosed with uterine/endometrial cancers and nearly 12,000 women will die from this disease. These are not just “women”. They are our wives, mothers, sisters, daughters and friends. They are dying because screening for endometrial cancer is not presently standard protocol, so it can reach an advanced stage before signs and symptoms are diagnosed. NET Credit Union will be hosting two fundraisers:

Since 2015, NET Credit Union has and will continue to fundraise for local charities. In 2020 alone, NET Credit Union was able to donate over $75K to our local community. “People helping people” is not only our motto, but also our community’s motto. Together partnered with Peggy’s Pathway, we are determined and committed to helping them reach their goals. To learn more, please visit: https://www.netcreditunion.com/sponsorships/

WVIA Announces Kate Sickora as New Chief Development Officer

WVIA, the PBS and NPR affiliate for northeastern and central Pennsylvania has announced that Kate Sickora is the organization’s new Chief Development Officer. Sickora will start at WVIA in July.

“I am excited to have the opportunity to work with Kate and proud that we can attract such talent to join the WVIA team” said Carla McCabe, WVIA President and CEO. “Kate brings the perfect mix of fundraising experience and commitment to the public media mission.”

Kate Sickora is an award-winning Development Professional and Major Gifts Officer who has spent her career in public television and radio raising millions of dollars over her twenty years in the industry. Starting first at KLRN Public Television in San Antonio, Kate then moved to Oregon Public Broadcasting for her role as Director of Major Gifts. She then served as a major gifts and board development consultant to over a dozen stations creating new major gift programs and coaching station staff how to strengthen those already in place. After NPR received the transformational bequest by Joan Kroc, NPR hired Kate to work collaboratively with stations to build trusting relationships so further philanthropic opportunities could thrive.  She is delighted to work in the space where her personal passion for a stronger public media system and her great honor in connecting with inspiring philanthropists overlap. 

“I am thrilled to join Carla McCabe and her strong team at WVIA,” said Sickora. “The station has such a great history, a talented and committed board of directors, and a long history of loyal support from the community. To me this signals WVIA’s value as a very special regional treasure and I believe in Carla’s vision for making the station even stronger for the future. My children and I are looking forward to embracing the NEPA community as our new home.”

NBT Announces Promotions

NBT Bank announced the promotion of Regional Commercial Banking Manager Matt Colgan to Senior Vice President, and Retail Learning & Development Manager Erica Burger and Junior Credit Officer Gwen Grier to Assistant Vice President. All three employees are based at NBT’s Scranton Financial Center.

Colgan joined NBT in 2008 as part of the Commercial Management Development Program, then advanced to Commercial Relationship Manager. In 2018, he was promoted to Regional Commercial Banking Manger where he is responsible for oversight of Commercial Banking services in Pennsylvania. Colgan earned a bachelor’s degree in Finance from King’s College in Wilkes Barre. He also participated in the American Bankers Association School of Commercial Lending. Colgan is active in his community, serving as a board member for Metro Action, and loan committee member for Pursuit (formerly NYBDC) and NEPA Alliance.

Burger joined NBT in 2007 and works to create and implement content that elevates and enhances employee engagement through innovative training programs and resources. Burger earned a bachelor’s degree from Southern New Hampshire University and is a graduate of the Pennsylvania Bankers School of Banking. She is also active in the community, serving on the Board of Directors for Leadership Lackawanna and campaign co-chair for NBT’s United Way campaign.

Grier joined NBT in 1998 and has advanced through several roles within the company, including Mortgage Underwriter, Senior Credit Analyst and Credit Support Team Leader. With nearly 30 years of financial industry experience, she now underwrites larger complex commercial loan requests and provides internal customers with guidance on loan structures in accordance with loan policy guidelines. Grier also is an active member of the community, serving in several roles for the Boy Scouts of America, including council program and training committee member, district committee member, venturing associate advisor and assistant scoutmaster.

More information about NBT is available online at www.nbtbank.com.

FNCB Bank Announces Staff Additions

FNCB Bank, locally based since 1910, today announced the appointment of five new staff members to their Community Office and Commercial Lending teams. 

Danithza Farrell, Assistant Vice President/Community Office Manager
Danithza Farrell, Assistant Vice President, Community Office Manager, will be responsible for the administration and efficient daily operation of the Dickson City Community Office.

She has more than 20 years of experience in banking. Most recently she was an Assistant Vice President/Branch Manager for Landmark Community Bank. She obtained her American Bankers Association Branch Manager Certificate and participated in the ABA’s BSA/Compliance and Marketing & Communication training courses. She is a member of the Rotary Club of Scranton and resides in Clarks Summit with her husband Joseph and children Max and Ela.

Michael Darter, Community Office Manager
Michael Darter, Community Office Manager, will be responsible for the administration and efficient daily operation of the Hazleton Community Office.

He has more than 25 years of experience in banking and sales training. Most recently he was a branch manager for Santander Bank in the Boston area. He resides in Drums with his son Jacob.

Christopher Moshinskie, Assistant Community Office Manager
Christopher Moshinskie, Assistant Community Office Manager, will be responsible for coordinating the daily operation of the downtown Scranton Community Office.

He has been in banking since 2017 and most recently served as a Licensed Relationship Banker for Citizens Bank. He is a graduate of Bay Shore HS (NY) and the University of Phoenix, Philadelphia, with a B.S. in accounting.  He resides in Jessup with his wife Danielle and children Gianna, Alivia and Logan.

Heather Nunemacher, Assistant Vice President, Commercial Officer/Small Business Lender
Heather Nunemacher, Assistant Vice President, Commercial Officer/Small Business Lender, will be responsible for the growth and development of new business relationships.

She has 24 years of experience in the banking industry. Most recently she was a Business Banker with Truist Bank in Hazleton. She resides in Tamaqua with her husband Thomas and has two children: Kelsey and Sarah.

Daniel Boote, Assistant Vice President, Commercial Officer/Small Business Lender

Daniel Boote, Assistant Vice President, Commercial Officer/Small Business Lender, will be responsible for the growth and development of new business relationships. He has more than 10 years of experience in banking and most recently held the position of Assistant Vice President, Branch Manager with Community Bank N.A. Active in the community, he is a member of the board of directors for the Freeland YMCA, Northeast Counseling Services, White Haven Chamber of Commerce and Shots for Tots Foundation, He is also a member of the CANDO Economic Development Committee. He is a graduate of Meyers High School and Bloomsburg University with a B.A. in political science. He resides in Wilkes-Barre.