Scranton Area Community Foundation Awards Grant to The Garden of Cedar The Garden of Cedar in Scranton has been awarded a $15,000 grant by the Scranton Area Community Foundation. The grant proceeds will be used to assist in constructing several innovative features at the Garden including ADA accessible planting beds, a vertical planting wall to maximize crop yield, custom planting greenhouses for off-season gardening, and children’s discovery stations. The Garden of Cedar is located at 715 Cedar Avenue in South Scranton. The mission of The Garden of Cedar is to provide a unique functional urban community garden and discovery area that will provide healthy nourishment, education and enjoyment to a diverse culturally rich community comprised of recent immigrants and long-term neighborhood residents. The Garden’s signature feature will be a wandering maze pathway bounded by vegetable and fruit planting beds. Visitors will be able to wander along a serpentine path, with stops & starts, and return safely to the point of origin. Along the way they will be able to observe various planting techniques employed by residents of the local community. The project is being developed by Frank Dubas, president of the Garden, a non-profit organization. Frank resides in New Canaan, CT and Scranton, PA. Construction is expected to commence at the site in early 2022. “I am extremely grateful that the Scranton Area Community Foundation has recognized the mission of the Garden by making this award to assist with several innovative and transformational features. When complete, The Garden of Cedar will be a testament to the resilience of one of Scranton’s most diverse and deserving neighborhoods. The Garden will be like none other,” said Dubas.
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.
Lackawanna College to Offer Tuition-Free Classes to Local McDonald’s Employees Lackawanna College announced a new partnership that will allow employees in 16 local McDonald’s attend college tuition-free. Under the agreement, qualifying employees at the chain’s locations operated by the Mueller family can pursue a bachelor’s or an associate degree at Lackawanna College. To qualify, McDonald’s employees must work 90 days and have a minimum of 16 hours per week to register for classes and begin earning credits. “This is a huge win for our community at large,” said Dr. Jill Murray, Lackawanna College President. “This partnership is solving the two major social and economic issues— a growing national workforce shortage and the rising cost of college tuition. Opportunities like this make college affordable and accessible – a great equalizer for all families.” The public-private partnership is one of many at Lackawanna College but is the first of several partnerships that will cover a student’s full tuition. “Our organization is so excited to partner with Lackawanna College, “said Christina Mueller-Curran, owner/operator of Mueller family McDonald’s. “This partnership is so meaningful because it will be a way to provide accessible education for our employees and allow them to fulfill their personal goals and ambitions. We look forward to seeing the personal and professional growth and development of our employees as a direct result of their ability to continue their education if they so choose.” This opportunity is exclusively available at the Mueller family McDonald’s in Allentown, Bethlehem, Carbondale, Clarks Summit, Dickson City, Eynon, Honesdale, Mountain Top, Old Forge, Scranton, Shavertown, Tunkhannock, Wilkes-Barre, and Wyoming, To learn more about this partnership and others, visit www.lackawanna.edu/partners.
Gunn-Mowery Vice President Receives Forty Under 40 Award Central Penn Business Journal selected Jill Nye, CIC, CISR, AINS, API, CAPI, Vice President, Personal Lines Manager as a 2021 Forty Under 40 recipient. Forty Under 40 recognizes professionals 40 years of age and younger who have been successful in the Central Pennsylvania area. Honorees, chosen by the Central Penn Business Journal editors, were selected based on professional accomplishments, community service and commitment to inspiring change. A listing of winners is available at https://www.cpbj.com/40-under-40-awards/. “The 2021 Forty Under 40 honorees are Central Pennsylvania’s future leaders. Their professional accomplishments, community service and commitment to inspiring change are extraordinary,” said Suzanne Fischer-Huettner, senior group publisher of the Central Penn Business Journal. “These honorees help to make Central Pennsylvania a wonderful place to live and work. The Central Penn Business Journal is pleased to celebrate their accomplishments.” Jill joined Gunn-Mowery in 2008 with the acquisition of the Wiley Agency. After 15 years in Personal Insurance and 3 years in Commercial Insurance, Jill was promoted to Vice President, Personal Lines Service Manager in January of 2019. In this role, she supervises the Personal Lines department, trains staff and implements processes throughout all office locations. Jill has earned her CIC (Certified Insurance Counselor), CISR (Certified Insurance Service Representative), API (Associate in Personal Insurance) and AINS (Associate in General Insurance) designations. In December of 2018, Jill was awarded the Certified Advisor of Personal Insurance (CAPI) designation by the Wharton School of Business and Chubb Insurance. To date, there are only 174 professionals who hold this prestigious designation. The winners were honored on Oct. 14 at the Hilton Harrisburg’s outside terrace, One North Second Street in Harrisburg. Honorees were also profiled in a magazine inserted into the Oct. 15 issue of Central Penn Business Journal and will be available online at CPBJ.com.
Kim Drumgo Named Geisinger’s First Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer Furthering Geisinger’s commitment to promote an inclusive and welcoming organization and community to all, Kim Drumgo has been named the health system’s first chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer. In this new role, Drumgo will champion and guide the organization to better understand the importance and value of a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment, as well as serve as a catalyst for change at Geisinger. She will provide systemwide thought leadership, strategic direction and implementation of diversity, equity and inclusion-related programs and initiatives. “Our patients, members, employees and community deserve a safe environment that welcomes people of every race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, sexual identity, ability, veteran status and faith,” said Amy Brayford, Geisinger executive vice president and chief of staff. “With Kim in this new role, I’m confident that we’ll move to new heights, prioritizing and advancing diversity, equity and inclusion across all aspects of our organization — ultimately improving the health and well-being of our Geisinger family, patients, members and communities. We’re incredibly fortunate to have gained such an accomplished and committed leader to help us make better health easier for everyone.” Studies have shown that each community of people may have different health needs. These include the black community having a higher rate of diabetes; lower rates of cervical and breast cancer screenings in transgender men; and a higher rate of suicide among military veterans and active members than that of the general public. Creating an inclusive health care setting that connects with patients and their specific situation can help better address and serve the health needs of the community. “I’m thrilled to join Geisinger in this new role. The communities and patients we serve each have unique situations and needs. We know the best way to serve our diverse communities is to ensure we maintain a welcoming environment that seeks out and values different views and perspectives. We can all benefit and excel in environments where our voices are heard and our needs are met. The preservation of dignity and respect will be critical to our success.” said Drumgo. “I look forward to partnering with our Geisinger family and community leaders on these important topics. Geisinger and the communities we serve are infinitely stronger when we can harness the talents and backgrounds from each of us for the betterment of us all.” Drumgo brings over 15 years of experience in the diversity and inclusion field and has a strong track record setting DEI strategies, engaging stakeholders and driving results. She has held leadership roles in several organizations, including most recently serving as chief diversity officer for Anthem Inc., where she led more than 63,000 leaders and employees in having authentic, compassionate conversations about race, social justice and health equity. She has also held leadership roles at the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina. She was named to Network Business Journal’s Top 25 Women in Business and recognized for her leadership in Diversity by Profiles in Diversity Journal. Drumgo earned her Bachelor of Science in Public Health from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and her Master of Business Administration from the University of Maryland.
Pandemic Inspires WaterpRoof Roofing Diagnostics Business Model Joseph Petro launched WaterpRoof Roofing Diagnostics earlier this year to modernize the commercial roofing industry through innovative diagnostic repair solutions. With 10 employees servicing 250 miles around Scranton, WaterpRoof Roofing Diagnostics (WRD) offers commercial services that include roof diagnostics and emergency repairs, inspections, consulting, preventative maintenance, government contracting and more. Petro, who has two decades of commercial roofing industry experience, operates under the principle that WRD never recommends a new roof be installed when expert remediation work can provide the most cost-effective solution. “I founded WRD after noticing a need for preventative maintenance and repair services to commercial roofing clients following the pandemic,” said Petro, an NEPA native. “Other roofing contractors are focused on selling their customer a brand new roof. Our model at WRD is unique, as our focus is finding a solution that will eliminate issues and prevent problems altogether – without a new roof installation.” Additional services include Project Commissioning to offer expert administrative management to third party installers on behalf of the client with documentation, oversight and insight of project process, as well as evaluating that OSHA regulations, manufacturer specifications and industry standards are being enacted. WRD works with property technicians and vendors to tie-in, install, or remove components, accessories, penetrations and units in existing roofing systems including HVAC, electrical, gas, satellites, skylights, hatches, safety provisions and more following manufacturer and industry standards. WaterpRoof Roofing Diagnostics is a licensed and insured limited liability commercial roofing company based in Scranton, PA. To learn more or get a quote, please visit www.waterproofrd.com.
Wayne Bank Celebrates 150 Year Anniversary Lewis J. Critelli, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wayne Bank, is pleased to announce that the Bank will be celebrating its 150 year anniversary this November. Wayne Bank was founded in Honesdale, PA on November 4, 1871, with the modest capital of $25,000. It was known as the Wayne County Savings Bank, after Major General Anthony Wayne, who was a prominent solider, officer, and statesman in American history. During the later portion of the 19th Century, Honesdale was a burgeoning canal town at the terminus of the Delaware and Hudson Canal. Led by President, W.W. Weston, a Honesdale merchant and businessman, the Bank’s early financing included everything from boat building and harness manufacturing to tanneries and farming. As time went on, the Bank helped finance the progression of Wayne County into the glassworks, textile, and logging industries. The headquarters also moved to four different locations within Honesdale, until finally building and moving into the Bank’s present Corporate Office in 1924, located between Seventh and Eighth Streets on Main Street in Honesdale. The Bank continued to expand throughout the remainder of the 20th Century, acquiring and opening additional locations throughout Wayne, Pike, and Monroe Counties in Pennsylvania. The name was also officially changed to Wayne Bank in 1993. In 1996, the Bank’s holding company, Norwood Financial Corp, was created. Stock began trading on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol, NWFL. Additional acquisitions helped Wayne Bank to continue its tradition of expansion during the 21st Century with significant growth into Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties in Pennsylvania, and finally into Delaware, Sullivan, Otsego, Ontario, and Yates Counties in New York State. Today, Wayne Bank has 30 Community Offices in two states and ten counties, including those operating under the Bank of Cooperstown and Bank of the Finger Lakes brands, and employs close to 300 local people. Mr. Critelli commented, “Although so much has changed in 150 years, I am proud to say that Wayne Bank has remained committed to the same mission and core values that were instated upon our founding. We are a community bank that is dedicated to investing in the residents, businesses, and organizations who make our communities a better place to live. We are strong, secure, and excited to continue our legacy of ‘Helping the Community Grow’ for another 150 years.” As part of the 150th anniversary celebration, the Bank has some exciting initiatives planned which will kick off in November with special product promotions and Customer Appreciation events. For more information, visit waynebank.com or facebook.com/waynebank/.
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.
NBT Bank Makes Cybersecurity Resources Available to All To mark National Cybersecurity Awareness Month this October, NBT Bank has published a series of cybersecurity webinars addressing the trends and concerns businesses should be aware of. These on-demand webinars were exclusive to NBT Bank partners and customers until now. “With the dramatic shift to more people working remotely, this year’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month is more important to consumers and businesses than ever before,” said Terra Carnrike-Granata, Senior Vice President, Director of Information Security at NBT Bank. “While we provide our individual and business customers with robust fraud prevention tools and information, we felt there was an urgent need to get this information out to all members of our community to help them understand how to better protect themselves from cybercrime.” In 2020, the Federal Trade Commission received 4.8 million reports of identity theft and fraud, up 45 percent from 3.3 million in 2019. The rise is mostly due to the 113 percent increase in identity theft complaints. Carnrike-Granata says the best defense against cyber criminals is knowledge and awareness. Any individual who uses an internet-connected device, whether for personal or business use, should make it a priority to understand how cybercrimes can occur and how to best protect our personal and financial information from a potential security breach. NBT Bank’s webinar series comes in four 30-minute videos on the following topics: The Current State of Cybersecurity: Protecting the IntangibleAre You Covered? Proactive Controls You Need NowAfter A Breach: Effective Incident ResponseCybercrime Survivors: Stories & Lessons Learned To view each webinar, visit: www.nbtbank.com/cyber.
Wayne Bank’s Lancia Earns National Certification Kristen E. Lancia, Assistant Vice President and Marketing Officer for Wayne Bank, was recently awarded the Certified Financial Marketing Professional (“CFMP”) certification from the American Bankers Association (“ABA”). President and Chief Executive Officer of Wayne Bank, Lewis J. Critelli, noted, “Earning the CFMP certification validates Kristen’s experience and depth of education in the bank marketing arena. We are so pleased to congratulate her on this admirable achievement.” The CFMP certification is awarded to individuals who demonstrate excellence in the field of financial services marketing. To qualify for the CFMP certification, individuals must have certain levels of experience and education in the financial services marketing profession, pass an exam, and agree to abide by a code of ethics. The CFMP exam covers many areas including financial principles, laws and regulations, market research, characteristics of marketing plans, and marketing components. Kristen began her career with Wayne Bank in 2012 and currently serves as the Bank’s Assistant Vice President and Marketing Officer. She earned a B.S. in Design & Merchandising with a Writing Concentration from Drexel University and specializes in digital marketing. Kristen resides in Scranton with her husband, Ralph, and enjoys cooking, gardening, and spending time outdoors.
