The Honesdale National Bank Supports School District The Honesdale National Bank has recently made a $5,000 contribution to the Susquehanna Community School District via Commonwealth Charitable Management, Inc. through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program. The funds will go towards financial education programs in the school district. HNB President & CEO, Thomas E. Sheridan Jr., stated, “We are happy to support The Susquehanna Community School District as they enhance their educational programs.” He continued, “The best way to get our future generations prepared for the next step in life, is providing access to critical financial lessons and resources.” The mission of the Susquehanna Community School District is to nurture an educational environment that will develop life-long learners who will be successful participants in an ever-changing world. Commonwealth Charitable Management, Inc. has been administering EITC since 2003. They have over a decade of experience and have provided millions of dollars in funding to support thousands of students. 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. HNB is a Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender with NMLS ID # 446237. Pictured (L to R):Tina Verrastro, Commercial Loan Portfolio Manager, Ted Radu, Assistant Trust Officer, along with students and staff of the Susquehanna Community School District.
Hospice of the Sacred Heart Receives $5,000 Donation Sherry Cross delivered a $5,000 check to the Hospice of the Sacred Heart Inpatient Unit in Dunmore this afternoon. The check represents proceeds from the 2nd annual “Night to Remember” fundraiser in memory of Sherry’s sister, Tracy Gototweski. The event was held at the Back Mountain Brewery in Dallas. There were basket raffles, a 50/50 drawing, great food and drinks. “Please accept this donation of $5,000 as a token of our gratitude for all you do. It is an honor to have the opportunity to give back to your wonderful organization. We hope that our efforts will support patients and their families and keep Tracy’s star shining bright,” said Sherry Cross. 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. Pictured l to r: Michael Catalano, Director of the Hospice of the Sacred Heart Inpatient Unit, Sherry Cross and Diane Baldi, CEO of Hospice of the Sacred Heart
The Dime Bank Donates to The Cooperage Project The Dime Bank is proud to support The Cooperage Project’s Pop-Up Club and Romping Radishes programs with a $10,000.00 donation. Both programs at The Cooperage are part of the Earned Income Tax Credit program as an Educational Improvement Organization. Romping Radishes is a hands-on learning experience for kindergarten through second grade focusing on health and community. Interactive activities introduce children to local food production, cultural diversity, social responsibility, and other healthy living and safety topics. The Pop-Up Club is a free after school program for middle school students teaching entrepreneurial skills, various work opportunities, and science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics subjects in a safe, interactive environment. “The Cooperage Project offers students a fun way to continue learning outside of the school environment. We are happy to support this creative community platform,” stated The Dime Bank President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Bochnovich. Executive Director Arrah Fisher stated, “On behalf of us all at The Cooperage Project, we thank The Dime Bank for your continued support through the EITC program to support Pop-Up Club and Romping Radishes! We are so very grateful for your generosity.” Project Manager Amanda Masters added, “Thank you once again for the support to run the programs that led to these cute smiles!”The Cooperage Project serves students from Wayne Highlands, Wallenpaupack Area, Western Wayne Area School Districts and Cyber and Homeschool Students in Wayne and Pike Counties PA. For more information, contact info@thecooperageproject.org.
The Wright Center for Community Health’s Healthy MOMS Program Benefitted by Local American Legion Fundraiser The Wright Center for Community Health’s Healthy Maternal Opiate Medical Support (Healthy MOMS) program received dozens of baby items and a monetary donation, thanks to a bingo fundraiser organized by the Michael Steiner American Legion Jessup Post 411 Ladies Auxiliary. Co-founded by The Wright Center five years ago, Healthy MOMS assists pregnant women and new mothers with substance use disorders and aims to lower the incidence of babies born with neonatal abstinence syndrome. Since October 2018, the program has helped more than 467 moms and 274 babies across nine counties in Northeast Pennsylvania: Lackawanna, Luzerne, Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike, Monroe, Carbon, Wyoming, and Schuylkill. Accepting the donations, from left, are Healthy MOMS Case Manager Michele Coyle and Maria Kolcharno, MSW, LSW, director of addiction services at The Wright Center for Community Health and a key leader of the Healthy MOMS program. Donations included more than 30 packs of diapers, 50 packs of wipes, 30 packages of baby formula, four homemade blankets, and plenty of other baby supplies. For more information about the Healthy MOMS program, visit www.healthymoms.org/.
The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement Receives 10,000 Pairs of Socks from Bombas The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement (PCE) received 10,000 pairs of warm, cozy socks from Bombas to distribute to people experiencing homelessness and hardship throughout the region. PCE, a subsidiary of The Wright Center for Community Health, focuses on improving access to health care while addressing the negative social and economic determinants of health that affect patients and community members, including food insecurity, homelessness, poverty, and access to education. Throughout the year, PCE hosts clothing giveaways at Wright Center for Community Health locations and community events. Additionally, it hosts regular food distributions, backpack and school supply giveaways, and provides transportation vouchers to patients who have difficulty getting to and from doctors’ appointments. The socks will be distributed to people experiencing homelessness, as well as residents who are experiencing financial hardship or emergency situations, according to Holly Przasnyski, director of The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement. “We’re thrilled to receive this generous donation from Bombas,” she said. “A pair of socks can be such a comfort.” Bombas is a comfort-focused, basic apparel brand with a mission to help those in need. The company was originally founded in 2013 because socks are the No. 1 most requested clothing item at homeless shelters. Underwear and T-shirts are No. 2 and No. 3, respectively. While the brand started with and is known for its extremely comfortable socks, Bombas used its expertise in comfort to launch into apparel with T-shirts in 2019 and, most recently, underwear in 2021. For every item purchased, a specially designed item is donated to someone at risk of or currently experiencing homelessness. To date, Bombas has donated over 100 million items. For more information about PCE, call 570.343.2383, ext. 1444, or visit TheWrightCenter.org/ patient-and-community-engagement.
Fidelity Bank Presents Check to United Way of Lackawanna Wayne & Pike The United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike is delighted to announce the receipt of a generous donation from Fidelity Deposit and Discount Bank, demonstrating a commitment to community betterment and collaborative action. The check presentation, marks a significant milestone in the partnership between Fidelity Bank and the United Way in advancing the vital Pre-Kindergarten Scholarship Program. Fidelity Bank’s contribution exemplifies its dedication to making a positive impact in the community and supporting organizations that address critical needs. The generous donation through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program will enable the United Way to continue its mission of supporting children within our community. “We are deeply grateful to Fidelity Bank for their continued support and partnership,” said Matt Ceruti, Vice President, Resource Development/Campaign, United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike. “This contribution will play a crucial role in our efforts to create lasting change and empower children and families in need. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.”
Commonwealth Health Regional Hospital of Scranton Celebrates Doctor’s Day with Donations This Doctors’ Day, Commonwealth Health Regional Hospital of Scranton is honoring their physicians by donating $6,000 to local charities selected by the medical staff. The physicians voted earlier this month and selected St. Joseph’s Center and St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen. “On Doctors’ Day, and every day, we are thankful to work with skilled and compassionate providers.” said Michael Curran, CEO of Regional Hospital of Scranton. “We are grateful for their contributions, sacrifices, and unwavering care provided to the patients our hospitals and clinics treat each year throughout the community.” St. Joseph’s Center received a donation of $3,000. Rooted in the core values of care, concern, compassion and commitment, the Saint Joseph’s Center humbly serves people who are diagnosed with intellectual disability and those who seek pregnancy support, adoption assistance, outpatient therapy or medical day care services. St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen received a donation of $3,000. Their mission is rooted in the Catholic tradition and the spirit of its patron, St. Francis of Assisi, the hungry are fed in collaboration with volunteers and donors from all faith communities. The Kitchen provides a free, hot, nutritious meal every day of the year. On Wednesday, March 27, hospital leadership and medical staff members from Regional Hospital of Scranton presented checks to St. Joseph’s Center and St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen in honor of Doctors’ Day on March 30.
The Dime Bank Supports Lacawac Sanctuary The Dime Bank donated $13,500.00 to Lacawac Sanctuary to support their hands-on academic enrichment and innovative educational programs. The Lacawac Sanctuary is a non-profit conservation, research, and education center providing the community with a host of quality environmental, historical, and cultural programs. $7,500.00 was donated through the PA Department of Community and Economic Development’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit program to support Lacawac Sanctuary’s mission to educate students with important ecological and environmental science lessons, strengthening academic achievement in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. On-site visits to Lacawac, off-site teachings at schools, educational workshops, and curriculum for afterschool sessions are just some of Lacawac’s innovative and educational offerings. “The Dime Bank believes in supporting many different programs to elevate the quality of life in our region. Lacawac’s programs are multidisciplinary and geared towards a wide audience. We are happy to support efforts to preserve and protect this sanctuary for future generations and to foster a deep appreciation for the environment and all its inhabitants,” stated The Dime Bank President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Bochnovich. Additionally, The Dime Bank has pledged $20,000.00 to Lacawac’s Environmental Education Center over the course of four years, with $5,000.00 being paid this year. The Dime Bank also donated $1,000.00 as a corporate sponsor to help with the Sanctuary’s mission to help promote environmental understanding through education and conservation. Lacawac Sanctuary President Craig Lukatch stated, “Lacawac Sanctuary is very grateful to The Dime Bank for their support of our mission of Research, Education and Preservation. Their commitment to our work in the community allows us to serve and educate thousands of individuals each year and help us maintain and preserve the natural world for all to enjoy.”
Lackawanna College Receives Donation from Fidelity Bank for Dual Enrollment Program Lackawanna College received a donation of $25,000 from Fidelity Bank. This contribution will support the Dual Enrollment Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program, allowing high school students to enroll in college-level courses and earn credits while attending high school. “We know Lackawanna College will take these dollars and put it to work in the programs that benefit our community the most,” President and CEO of Fidelity Bank, Dan Santaniello said. “This is an investment to the future and the future leaders of northeastern Pennsylvania, to get these young students college credits and experience in college level courses.” By making this donation, Fidelity Bank reaffirms its dedication to education, resonating with Lackawanna College’s mission to foster accessible and affordable education to the communities it serves. About the Lackawanna College Dual Enrollment Program Lackawanna College allows local high school students the opportunity to gain a head start on their college careers through Dual Enrollment courses offered within the hours and confines of their high school. Courses are also available through Lackawanna College’s online program, at our main campus in Scranton, or at our satellite centers in Hawley, Hazleton, Sunbury, Towanda, and Tunkhannock. This program is offered to high schools throughout northeastern Pennsylvania on a contractual basis and a reduced cost. About the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program The EITC program is a Pennsylvania tax credit for businesses who donate to an approved nonprofit organization. Lackawanna College is an approved Educational Improvement Organization. Companies contributing to Lackawanna College through EITC can receive significant tax benefits. Approved corporations can receive tax credits equal to 75% of its contribution up to a maximum of $750,000 per taxable year. In photo from left to right: Vice President & Investment Officer William Fennie III, Lackawanna College President and Chief Innovation Officer Jill Murray, President & CEO of Fidelity Bank Dan Santaniello and Director of College Advancement Amber Riedinger.
