Northeast Regional Cancer Institute Recieves Donation from Northeast Title & Tag, Inc. Northeast Title and Tag hosted an October fundraiser to support the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute (NRCI). Staff members hosted a trunk-or-treat event and sold wristbands and t-shirts. Through their efforts, they raised $1,500 to help ease the burden of cancer in northeast Pennsylvania. All funds will stay local and support NRCI’s community programming and services. Additionally, they collected personal items for cancer patients for The Cancer Wellness Center of NEPA.
Marywood University Receives 2024 Campus Prevention Network Seal Marywood University has been honored to receive the 2024 Campus Prevention Network (CPN) Seal of Prevention™. Presented by Vector Solutions, the CPN Seal of Prevention™ recognizes institutions of higher education that demonstrate leadership in the areas of student safety, well-being, and inclusion to improve student well-being and success. Each recipient of this recognition has acted to create a safer, more inclusive campus through comprehensive, evidence-based digital prevention education on issues such as sexual assault, alcohol misuse, mental health, and discrimination. The CPN Seal of Prevention™ establishes guidelines for discerning quality online prevention education and implementation practices and positions prevention as central to key institutional outcomes. Marywood educates first-year students on issues of alcohol use/prevention education, sexual assault prevention, and inclusion issues using the Vector’s digital modules, reflecting the university’s comprehensive, mission-driven commitment to fostering a respectful, safe, and healthy community for all members. “The CPN Seal of Prevention™ recipients represent the top 12% of colleges and universities nationwide, underscoring their commitment to academic excellence and the well-being of their students,” said Jonathan Cherins, CEO at Vector Solutions. “Our team at Vector Solutions is proud to recognize the great value these leading institutions and organizations are providing students and the commitment we share to making higher education communities safer and more inclusive.” A full list of the 2024 CPN Seal of Prevention™ recipients and more information on the award can be found at: vectorsolutions.com/resources/blogs/2024-cpn-seal-of-prevention-honorees.
Lackawanna College Enters Agreement with Lower Dauphin School District Lower Dauphin School District Approves Pre-College Agreement with Lackawanna CollegeLower Dauphin School District, located near Harrisburg and Hershey, has approved a pre-college partnership with Lackawanna College, enabling Lower Dauphin School District students to earn college credits while still in high school. Finalized in December 2024, the agreement is new to the Lower Dauphin School District and will be offered online and concurrently through the high school. “Lower Dauphin is looking forward to our partnership with Lackawanna College. The agreement is another avenue for our students and families to evaluate and maximize to make the best possible decisions in assisting with transitioning after high school,” said Todd Neuhard, Assistant to the Superintendent: Secondary Education. The goal of this partnership aligns with Lackawanna College’s commitment to making college more accessible. Lackawanna College creates affordable career pathways, by helping high school students receive access to college level classes through dual enrollment. The college continues to strengthen community ties and prepare students for higher education, while also supporting both student achievement and workforce development. “We are excited to collaborate with the staff, students, and their families of the Lower Dauphin School District. This partnership opens doors for students to get a head start on their college journey, empowering them to earn valuable credits and build a strong foundation for future success, all while still in high school,” said Philip Campbell, Director of College Partnerships at Lackawanna College. Our program provides flexible learning options tailored to meet students’ needs: In-Person: Attend daytime or evening classes at any Lackawanna College location, offering a traditional classroom experience. Online: Utilize the convenience of our Learning Management System (Canvas) to complete courses online, allowing students to learn at their own pace. Concurrent Enrollment: Take college-level courses directly at your high school. We collaborate closely with schools to align our curriculum, including Advanced Placement (AP) and other qualifying courses, with their offerings. Through these options, Lackawanna College focuses on academic enrichment and college readiness, empowering students to take confident steps toward their educational goals. For more information or to discuss partnership opportunities, please contact our Director of College Partnerships, Philip Campbell, at campbellp@lackawanna.edu.
Indraloka Expands Summer Day Camps To Help Kids When kids enter Indraloka’s Art Barn, the first thing some notice is the wall of windows facing the fields where animals are grazing in the distance. Others immediately connect to the art — stylized photographs of Indraloka’s rescued farm animals — covering the lofted gallery walls. A pool table, piles of games, and reading nooks stacked with books catch some of the kids’ attention. They all sense they’ve arrived at a place that values them and their interests. And this year, they can spend their whole summer at Indraloka. Summer day camp at Indraloka, a farm animal sanctuary in Dalton, PA, offers affordable options for children and teens — ages 5 to 17 — to explore nature surrounded by the love of rescued farm animals. Indraloka runs up to nine weeks of camp for a continuous summer solution. Each day of camp includes active and passive games, sports, arts and crafts, music, and animal lessons and activities based on kindness, compassion, friendship, and storytelling. Indoor space provides respite from inclement weather and rest on hot days. The cost per week of camp ranges between $150-$220 and includes a kid-friendly, healthy lunch and two snacks daily. A limited number of need-based scholarships are available. “We are offering more weeks of summer camp based on feedback collected in previous summer camp surveys. Parents and guardians shared that campers love attending Indraloka camps and that having consistency throughout the summer would help with their childcare needs and camper social and emotional growth. We also want to offer continuous employment for our summer camp counselors. With these additional weeks, no matter your summer schedule, we have an opportunity for your kids,” Indraloka’s Director of Education, Sarah Thornton says. Set on 100 acres of beautiful farmland, rimmed by the Endless Mountains, Indraloka is a mere five miles from Clarks Summit. During camp, kids are supervised daily for six hours by a staff of educators and camp counselors led by a former public school teacher with trauma certification. In addition to lunch and snacks, all supplies for games, crafts, and other activities are provided. Camp dates and other important information are available on the Indraloka website. The camps sell out quickly, often to children and teens who have attended previous camps. Indraloka is getting the word out early so first-timers have a chance to enroll. Early registration discounts are currently open, but prices increase February 1. Summer camp counselor jobs and internships are available for anyone interested in working with children and teens. We are grateful for applicants with experience related to teaching, social work, psychology, and similar fields. On Monday, President’s Day, February 17, 2025, Indraloka is sponsoring “Play-cation Day.” The daylong event (9 am to 3 pm) is a great summer camp preview. Indraloka offers numerous year-round events. Public tours, Self-Care Saturdays, Nurture and Nourish Series, and Storytime with the Animals are great ways for parents to experience Indraloka and its offerings. All education events are led by Sarah Thornton, Indraloka’s Director of Education, who holds a master’s in music education and is a Certified Trauma Specialist in Education. Her career includes 20 years in the Sullivan County School District teaching music. “At Indraloka, we focus on joy, healing, compassion, and friendship. Kids jump in puddles, run through sprinklers, and hug pigs, sheep, and feathered companions. Most importantly, they make friends and happy memories. At a time when technology is so often the go-to entertainment for kids, we are honored to bring them outside in a supportive environment where they can experience the magic nature provides,” says Indraloka founder Indra Lahiri, PhD, who has a background in organizational psychology and is also a Certified Trauma Specialist. Dr. Lahiri runs trauma-informed programs and retreats for regional healthcare professionals, the Scranton School District, and others onsite at the sanctuary. Research into the relationship between kids and animals shows that interacting with animals can help build kids’ confidence, empathy, and compassion and that relating to farm animals brings benefits beyond those that companion animals offer. Spending time in a noncompetitive environment that emphasizes respect for all beings and the planet can help develop coping and relationship skills. Dr. Lahiri and Ms. Thornton are available for interviews and can speak about Indraloka’s exciting programs. Please visit Indraloka.org for more information on all events.
UNC Receives $60,000 Grant from the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund UNC is excited to announce the receiving a generous $60,000 grant from the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund to support our Leaders in Training (LIT) Program. UNC’s LIT Program is a distinctive leadership education and empowerment initiative aimed at helping disadvantaged youth, ages 13 through 18, build the skills and confidence necessary to succeed in life. Participants develop into productive citizens, critical thinkers, and leaders through mentorship, education, and a strong support network. Our program’s impact is clear, with 100% of LIT Seniors graduating high school in 2024. In addition to its core programming, our LIT Program now provides post-graduate support, including continued mentorship, case management, and scholarships for work- and school-related needs. This contribution from the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund will help ensure the continued success which has positively impacted on the lives of hundreds of young people in the community.
The Dime Bank 2024 Dividend Results Dimeco, Inc. (OTCQX: DIMC), the parent holding company of The Dime Bank, announces unaudited financial results for the quarter and fiscal year ending December 31, 2024. Total assets increased $90 million or 9.1% from the end of 2023 to $1.080 billion as of December 31, 2024. The loan portfolio ended the year at $775 million, an increase of $52.9 million or 7.3% from the year prior. Deposits also increased year-over-year to $911 million, a gain of $84.5 million or 10.2%. Dimeco’s 2024 net income of $12.9 million was $2.1 million or 19.5% greater than 2023, resulting in earnings per share of $5.12. Net income at this level produced a return on average assets of 1.25% and a return on average equity of 12.61%, an increase of 12.6% and 6.5%, respectively. Stockholders’ Equity also increased 8.5% to $107 million. The 2024 dividend payout ratio was 31.64% providing a yield of 4.08%, with year-to-date dividends totaling $1.62 per share. President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Bochnovich stated, “I am excited to share our financial achievements for 2024. It was a year of noteworthy progress for Dimeco, Inc., marked by numerous positive outcomes. We sustained our robust growth trajectory through sound and prudent banking practices. Looking ahead, we are optimistic about the future and confident that the momentum we built in 2024 will carry into 2025. Our commitment to our communities and shareholders is paramount. We value your ongoing support and unwavering dedication.”
Showcase Selected as an Alternate for 2025 SXSW Pitch Showcase has been honored as an alternate in the prestigious 2025 SXSW Pitch competition in the Entertainment, Media, Sports & Content division. The SXSW Pitch, presented by KPMG, is a globally renowned platform for innovative startups to present their cutting-edge technology to top investors, media, and a panel of expert judges. As one of over 70 finalists and alternates chosen across nine competitive categories, Showcase joins a distinguished group of early-stage companies making waves in their industries. Since its inception, SXSW Pitch alumni have collectively raised over $23.2 billion in funding, with success stories that include tech giants like Siri and Klout. The SXSW Pitch Finals will take place March 8–10, 2025, in Austin, TX, where finalists will compete for recognition and awards, announced during the SXSW Pitch Awards Ceremony on March 9. Alternates like Showcase demonstrate the incredible innovation happening across the globe, and their inclusion highlights the platform’s commitment to fostering creativity and progress in entertainment and media.
Scranton Cultural Center Embarks on Major Restoration Project The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple (SCC) embarked on a major restoration project in late 2024, which will continue over the next several years. Included in the lengthy list of improvements are theatre repairs, which are set to begin this summer. “We’re thrilled to finally begin this project, which has been years in the making,” noted Deborah Moran Peterson, SCC Executive Director. “Almost every area of our building will be impacted, but we’re doing our best to limit impact on our patrons and customers.” The theatre improvements, which include repairs to ceiling tiles and plasterwork, stenciling restoration and more, will begin this summer when the SCC has a quieter schedule. During this time, the seating area of the building’s historic theatre will be closed to the public. Weddings and events, including the Center’s vibrant Summer Camp program will remain operational. Extensive planning with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Department of General Services and the team of contractors has ensured all scheduled events will proceed as planned. “Our unique ability to access the stage from our Grand Ballroom, as designed by renowned architect Raymond Hood, will allow us to continue hosting events and programming while construction persists,” added William Schoen, SCC Board Vice President. In addition to improvements in the main theatre, the multi-million dollar restoration project includes a complete roof and gutter overhaul, repairs to mortar and masonry, and restoration to multiple areas impacted by water damage. The SCC anticipates sharing more information about this large-scale project in the coming months. Specific questions about the restoration project can be directed to SCC General Manager, John Cardoni at jcardoni@sccmt.org or (570) 346-7369 x107.
Pennsylvania Treasurer, Looks to the Future of the Commonwealth Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity today began her second term leading the Pennsylvania Treasury Department as she took the Oath of Office during a ceremony at The Forum Auditorium. “Pennsylvania’s potential is unlimited,” Treasurer Garrity said. “Our future will be even brighter than our past. And I can’t wait to lead Treasury in the bright days, months and years ahead.” Treasurer Garrity was sworn into office by the Honorable Maureen Beirne, President Judge of Bradford County, who was joined by the treasurer’s brother-in-law, the Honorable Christopher P. Baker, Justice of the Supreme Court of New York. Today’s inaugural ceremony included remarks from Governor Josh Shapiro; invocations representing Christianity, Judaism and Islam; the presentation and retiring of the colors by the First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry; “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “God Bless America” performed by talented students from CASA Charter School in Harrisburg; and a recessional by the Quaker City String Band. The ceremony was hosted by Rep. Tina Pickett, Treasurer Garrity’s representative in the state House, and also featured remarks from Treasurer Garrity’s husband Dan Gizzi; Treasurer Garrity’s niece Jackie Howard; Hugh Allen, who served as Treasurer Garrity’s first chief of staff; and Jeff Bartos, President of ESB Holdings. “It’s the start of a new year, the start of a new term for Pennsylvania’s three row officers, and the start of a new legislative session,” Treasurer Garrity said. “We must put aside past disagreements, embrace this moment of opportunity, and find common ground. We cannot grow by division. We can – and will – grow by working together to make Pennsylvania a leader among states, and to make Pennsylvania a place where our next generation can succeed and prosper.” Recognizing her staff at Treasury, she remarked on the job of the Department and its importance to every Pennsylvanian: “My team at Treasury is second to none. They work tirelessly on behalf of the taxpayers, and I want to thank them for their dedication to public service.” She added, “We help Pennsylvanians save for education and disability-related expenses. We reconnect people with money they forgot about or never knew they had. We return precious military medals to the brave Veterans who earned them, or to their families who sacrificed so much for our country. When it comes down to it, Treasury is about people. It’s about service. It’s about public trust.” Under Treasurer Garrity’s leadership, Treasury has returned record amounts of unclaimed property including hundreds of military decorations to Veterans and their families, reduced fees multiple times for the PA 529 College and Career Savings Program and PA ABLE, and helped the PA 529 Investment Plan be recognized as a top 529 plan in the nation for two consecutive years. The state’s Rainy Day Fund saw unprecedented growth with her dedication to working with the General Assembly and two Governors to build the state’s reserves and her decision to implement a new investment strategy. Treasurer Garrity remains committed to increasing government transparency, cutting waste and fees, returning more than $4.5 billion in unclaimed property to its rightful owners, and making education affordable for Pennsylvanians. Treasurer Garrity is a former businesswoman and retired U.S. Army Reserve Colonel who has served the Commonwealth as Treasurer since January 19, 2021.
My Benefit Advisors: The Power of Upskilling and Professional Development in the Workplace In today’s fast paced and evolving workplace environment, employers face numerous challenges in their efforts to remain competitive and successful. One method of establishing an essential edge is through upskilling. Upskilling is a strategy that involves investing in the development of an employee’s skill and knowledge. And upskilling not only benefits employees by enhancing their professional growth but also proves to be an asset for employers by fostering a skilled, engaged, and more productive workforce. When a company is willing to invest in employee development, it shows genuine interest in growing people and helping them succeed…on the job and in life. By investing in upskilling programs, employers enable their workforce to stay current with industry trends and advancements in technology. As employees acquire new skills and knowledge, they become more adept at their roles and develop the necessary proficiency to handle new tools and cutting-edge systems. This adaptability translates into a more agile and future-proofed organization with increased productivity and efficiency among staff. Upskilling provides a way for employees to handle complex tasks with confidence and competence, leading to higher-quality outputs and better results for the organization. Upskilling can be a winning strategy, enriching the career prospects for employees while contributing to the long-term success and prosperity of the employer. Embracing upskilling as a fundamental aspect of talent management can position organizations for growth and excellence in today’s dynamic and competitive business environment. Investing in your employees helps attract and retain quality talent and further shows your employees you are interested in their professional and personal well-being. A competitive employee benefits portfolio is another way to invest in your employees. The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce offers its members access to My Benefit Advisor as a solution for employee benefits, including voluntary offerings. For more information about My Benefit Advisor, visit our website at gscc.mybenefitadvisor.com or contact Rob Higginbotham at (800) 377-3536. This e-mail is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient or have received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender by replying to the sender. After notifying the sender of the error, you should immediately delete this e-mail from your system. Please be aware that any unauthorized disclosure, dissemination, distribution, duplication or use of the e-mail contents or any attachments therein is strictly prohibited.
