FNCB Bank Donates Scholarship Funds to Saint Dominic’s Academy

FNCB Bank, locally based since 1910, has announced a $7,500 Pennsylvania Education Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) donation to Saint Dominic’s Academy in Honesdale.

The donation will help provide tuition assistance to families of currently enrolled children, and those enrolling at Saint Dominic’s Academy.

Since 2010, FNCB has contributed just under $2,500,000 to local educational and scholarship organizations through the EITC initiative.


The support of Saint Dominic’s Academy is part of FNCB’s larger Community Caring initiative. As a true, local community bank, FNCB Bank is making a difference through volunteerism, donations and outreach programs.

Meals on Wheels Community Services of NEPA Receives Blanket Donation

Meals on Wheels Community Services of NEPA received a donation of blankets and sanitizing products from Ocean State Job Lot.

“We are grateful for the tremendous support that we’ve seen from the community for this year’s Holiday Blanket Drive,” said Kristen L. Kosin, executive director of Meals on Wheels of NEPA. “This donation from Ocean State Job Lot helped to bring us to our goal. We appreciate their continued support the agency.”

“The Ocean State Job Charitable Foundation has a tradition of supporting organizations that are able to make a positive impact on the local communities,” said Edward Stephens, Store Manager of Ocean State Job Lot. “Meals and Wheels has a long tradition of doing just that in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Ocean State Job Lot of Dickson City is proud to support them in their annual blanket distribution for seniors in our community.”

The Holiday Blanket Drive has provided comfort to the elderly and homebound clients of Meals on Wheels of NEPA for more than six years. The program distributes donated throw blankets, socks, and toiletries to elderly and homebound clients living throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania during the holiday season.

The core programming of Meals on Wheels Community Services of NEPA is the Home Delivered Meals program, which serves elderly adults and adults with disabilities in our community. Individuals whose life circumstances make it difficult or impossible for them to prepare needed nourishment receive a hot meal delivered to them by volunteers and caring staff. In addition to keeping the senior well-nourished, Meals on Wheels often provides the only human contact many homebound individuals experience each day. Meals on Wheels of NEPA has been in existence since 1969, and to date, has served over 5 million meals.

Funds Raised for Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital

The KISS for Kids Holiday Radiothon held on Dec. 9 and 10 in support of Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital was a huge success, raising $75,690 for the health of local sick and injured children.

The two-day, 26-hour broadcast featured local children who have been treated at the hospital, as well as families’ stories of how the hospital and pediatric services have made a difference in their lives. Hosts Gary Chrisman, Bob Hauer, Andi Kurzweg and Gail Bair spent the two days telling miracle stories and encouraging listeners to become Miracle Makers by giving $20 per month.

All the funds raised during the radiothon event will stay local to provide high quality care for children in our region. KISS FM and the Children’s Miracle Network at Geisinger team would like to thank the listeners and sponsors who gave generously to help provide care for kids and their families.

Thank you to title sponsor, Moff and Associates, phone bank sponsor, Weis Markets; and Angel Hour sponsors: Sunbury Motors, Ford, Hyundai and Kia, PALCO Federal Credit Union, and Wyrope Williamsport Federal Credit Union; Wall of Miracles sponsor: Alexander Family Dealerships; and Giggle Break sponsor, Ciocca Dealerships. Additionally, a special thanks to Bloomsburg Walmart for donating a new blanket to patients in the children’s hospital on behalf of each miracle maker donor and to matching donors, Ray and Erin Hayes, Bloomsburg Walmart, Dr. and Mrs. Frank Maffei and Judy Graham and Nick Jones.

This year’s event was the 17th annual radiothon which has raised more than $445,000 for local children treated at Geisinger.

For more information or to make a donation, visit online at go.geisinger.org/kissradio or call 1.800.322.5437.

NeighborWorks Accepts Donation from Community Bank, N.A.

NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania (NeighborWorks) recently accepted a donation from Community Bank, N.A., in the amount of $10,000. The donation will benefit the organization through the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development’s Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP).

The Neighborhood Assistance Program focuses on homebuyer education and foreclosure prevention, helping to strengthen neighborhoods in our community through sustainable home ownership. The program gives businesses up to a 55 percent tax credit if they support programs that serve distressed areas and, in the case of NeighborWorks, advance the cause of affordable housing.

“Community Bank is proud to work with our friends at NeighborWorks to support this important program,” said Alison Zurawski, Community Relations Manager at Community Bank, N.A. “Contributing through the Neighborhood Assistance Program is a wonderful way for us to help improve the lives of our neighbors and to give back to this great community.”

NeighborWorks is always grateful for its faithful NAP partners and newcomers to the program because the funds are crucial to our continuing efforts to serve the underserved in the local community.

“We are thankful to our good friends at Community Bank, N.A., for this very generous donation in support of our Neighborhood Assistance Program,” Jesse Erogtt, NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania President & CEO, said of the donation. “Their support of our efforts is much appreciated and will be of great help in our work to empower new and existing homeowners. We look forward to an ongoing partnership.”

Northeast Regional Cancer Institute Receives Donation

The Plains Township Police Department collaborated with Futuristic Innovative Graphics in Kingston to specially design t-shirts as a breast cancer awareness fundraiser in October 2021. They raised $1,462.66 to support the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, a local organization focused on easing the burden of cancer in northeastern Pennsylvania. It was important to the organizers to keep the proceeds local. This is the second year of this fundraiser.

Community members were able to purchase t-shirts online through Futuristic Innovative Graphics website. The fundraiser was promoted on social media through the police department, graphics company and the Cancer Institute’s designated pages. The Plains Township Police Department plan to host this fundraiser again in fall 2022.  

Northeast Rehab Proud to Sponsor WNEP’s Ryan’s Run 12

Northeast Rehab recently presented Allied Services Integrated Health System with a check for $15,000, their contribution to the 2021 WNEP’s Ryan’s Run campaign. As 12-year sponsors of the fundraising and awareness raising campaign led by WNEP TV’s Ryan Leckey, NERA have donated more than $180,000 to Allied Services.

The proceeds from the annual charity campaign benefit children and adults with disabilities, life-changing injuries and illnesses served by Allied Services, enabling the non-profit health system to invest in cutting-edge technology, staff and services throughout Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania. “Our practice’s long-standing support of Ryan’s Run and Allied Services has achieved great results for everyone involved and most importantly for patients who have utilized technology and services developed though the program,” noted Lisa Monahan-Gatto, CEO.  “The partnership has been wonderful for all involved.”

The charity campaign culminates on November 7, 2021, when a team of volunteers from around Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania and beyond will participate in the TCS New York City Marathon.

About Northeast Rehab: Founded in 1990,Northeast Rehab is a multi-specialty physician group specializing in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Neurology, and Occupational Medicine. In addition to providing comprehensive non-surgical treatment for back and neck pain, board-certified physicians provide services for many other disabling conditions in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

The Dime Bank Contributes to the Wayne County Library

Pictured: Tracy L Schwarz, System Administrator of the WLA; Jessica Kjera, Outreach Coordinator; Deborah Unflat, The Dime Bank Vice President Marketing; Melanie Seagraves, The Dime Bank Vice President and Newfoundland Area Public Library Treasurer; Stacy Gager, Assistant Vice President Deposit Operations and WCPL Board Member.

The Dime Bank recently contributed $30,000.00 to the Wayne County Public Library (WCPL) toward approved innovative educational programs. The libraries of Wayne County strive to support students in the three local school districts, as well as homeschooled students, to ensure they get the help they need to improve their grades, increase their confidence, and encourage them to expand their educational explorations.

This donation, which was made through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program, will provide funds for several programs such as Learning@theLibrary and Teen Tech@theLibrary. Both include the purchase of Tutor.com, Teen Health and Wellness, Learning Express Library, Core Concepts (Biology, Chemistry, Periodic Table), PowerKnowledge (Earth/Space, Physical, & Life Science), and Prenda Coding.

In addition, some of the funding is allocated for after school Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematic, and Arts programs. Along with holding enriching programs within the walls of the library, Outreach Coordinator, Jessica Kjera, heads out into the schools and the community. She teaches STEAM programs and familiarizes students/families with the awesome selection of E-resources, fun, and learning they have access to with their library card. Jessica has recently transitioned into the roll with the assistance of retiring long time outreach coordinator, Mary Fritz. Another portion of the funding supports AWE computers for K-2nd grade students and hybridization of library programs which allow libraries to do virtual as well as in person programs.

WCPL Director Tracy L. Schwarz said, “The resources provided by The Dime Bank kept families connected during the Covid shutdown and beyond. The funding helped keep Tutor.com and other STEAM related online resources running for families who were forced to teach their school aged students at home. It also provided a set of laptops, microphones, lighting, speakers, and all the items required for each of the seven libraries to go virtual with programs as needed. The funding helped provide Make and Take STEM and Craft kits that families could pick up and use to learn from home. Thank you! There is no way our libraries could’ve kept county families connected, nor could we have supported the schools as much as we did during the shutdown without this funding from The Dime Bank. EITC funding is vital to keep up with online resources and provide lerning and teen tech at our libraries.”

Stop in at any of the seven Wayne County Libraries to sign up for a library card to access the wide variety of free e-resources available through their website www.waynelibraries.org.

The EITC program, which is administered by the PA Department of Community and Economic Development, provides a tax rebate program. The Dime Bank is dedicated to supporting education in our communities through the sponsorship of many different programs and venues. If you are passionate about your future, choose The Dime Bank as your financial partner. Community banking yields community benefits. For more information on The Dime Bank, visit www.thedimebank.com.

Marywood Alumna Makes Million Dollar Contribution to Support the Liberal Arts Center

Barbara Sowinski, a Northeastern Pennsylvania native and a Marywood graduate, has made a substantial leadership gift to Marywood University to support and enhance the Liberal Arts Center. The million dollar contribution, which will establish the Barbara Sowinski Welcome Center, located in the Admissions area of the Rotunda in the Liberal Arts Center, will support needed physical renovations and enhancements to the nearly 100-year old campus facility.

Sowinski is pictured at right with Sister Mary Persico, IHM, Marywood President, at the University’s recent Presidential Society Dinner.

Barbara Sowinski, a Northeastern Pennsylvania native, a longtime resident of the Towanda area, and a Marywood graduate, has made a substantial leadership gift to Marywood University to support and enhance the Liberal Arts Center. The million dollar contribution, which will establish the Barbara Sowinski Welcome Center, located in the Admissions area of the Rotunda in the Liberal Arts Center, will support needed physical renovations and enhancements to the nearly 100-year old campus facility.

Built from 1922-1923 and dedicated in 1924, the Liberal Arts Center is one of Marywood’s most iconic structures, featuring a Rotunda that is 72 feet in diameter, just eight feet smaller in size than its nearest domed competitor, the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. In the 1930s, the interior walls and dome of the Rotunda were formally decorated with murals painted by commissioned artist Gonippo Raggi. This magnificent space, with its aesthetic and historical significance, was a driving force behind Sowinski’s gift, appealing to her deep desire to leave a beautiful family legacy in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

As an honor student at Scott High School, Montdale, Sowinski wanted to be a concert pianist. Not having the funds to study at Marywood at that time in her life, she instead worked in a series of jobs in various cities before joining United Air Lines in Chicago and travelling the world. After studying drama at Northwestern University, she pursued an acting career in Manhattan, where she studied under some of the best professionals of the time. Following her recovery from a serious illness, she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Hunter College. Sowinski then worked as a sales representative to banks in a six-state Midwest territory, as a sales representative to hospitals in a New York State territory and also in a California/Nevada territory. During these years, she continued classes at colleges along the way and traveled abroad, always viewing learning as a lifelong experience.

Following her retirement from business, Sowinski was ready to capture the creative spirit that had lurked within her all those years, diving into the art scene with enthusiasm, in addition to buying a 65-acre farm in Bradford County to begin “phase two” of her life.

She attended art schools, exhibited regionally and nationally, painted on location globally, was a museum docent, workshop instructor, and juror. Sowinski’s passion for art accelerated at Marywood, where she earned a Master of Arts degree in Art in 2000. She noted, “Art has been such a satisfying part of my life, and it’s been a wonderful life.”

Sowinski’s love for beauty and art, combined with her desire to remember her roots and celebrate her lifelong journey is reflected in her substantial leadership gift to Marywood University. She has fond memories of her early Dickson City days with the Witko/Sowinski families, her student days at Marywood after retirement, and, most of all, her satisfaction of witnessing the progress Marywood has made during her lifetime. Sowinski’s gift will have a lasting impact, benefitting Marywood University now and for future generations.

Johnson College Donates Food and Supplies to NEPA Youth Shelter

The Johnson College Diversity & Inclusion Committee sponsored a food and supply drive for the NEPA Youth Shelter in honor of National Coming Out Day. A local organization that provides emergency shelter and related services to unaccompanied youth, the NEPA Youth Shelter is especially affirming to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) youth, as this population constitutes a high percentage of unhoused youth in our area. Food, drinks, and cleaning supplies were collected on the Johnson College campus from September 27 to October 8.

For additional information on Johnson College, please call 1-800-2-WE-WORK, email enroll@johnson.edu, or visit Johnson.edu. 

Telespond Senior Services Awarded $5,000 to Support Operations

Telespond Senior Services has accepted a $5,000 Critical Needs grant award from the Scranton Area Community Foundation to support operations of in-home and on-site senior services in Northeastern PA.

Telespond’s on-site day program provides a community-based environment for older adults who require supervised care outside the home during the day. Telespond’s in-home personal care services assist seniors with non-medical activities of daily living so they can continue to live independently.

Telespond is dedicated to enhancing the safety and well-being of the region’s elderly and has served the Lackawanna County community for over 40 years. To learn more, visit http://www.seniordayservices.org/