Tobyhanna Army Depot Acknowledges Contributions of Veteran Workforce According to Tobyhanna Army Depot and the Department of Labor, an estimated 200,000 military members retire or separate from the U.S. Armed Forces every year. Their transition into civilian life can be daunting, especially regarding employment. In 2017, Marine Corps veteran Dan Caporale established National Hire a Veteran Day. Observed annually on July 25, this day serves as a call to action for employers to recruit and hire veterans. Tobyhanna Army Depot (TYAD) proudly employs hundreds of veterans from all branches of service. The depot’s veteran population comprises nearly a quarter of its workforce. National Hire a Vet Day is an opportunity to highlight the unique skillsets that veterans bring to the workplace. U.S. Army veteran Paul DePrimo currently serves as a Lead Training Administrator at TYAD. Inspired by his father, who served in the U.S. Army during World War II, DePrimo enlisted in the Army Reserves at age 17 for six years. After a brief break in service, he reenlisted into the Pennsylvania National Guard and later deployed to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom II. DePrimo retired from the guard in 2013 with 22 years of service. “The military influences discipline, dedication, and drive like no other. The training and experiences you endure while serving shape you into a dependable, hardworking, punctual, and enthusiastic leader,” he added. DePrimo recalls that the experiences he had overseas were some of the best and worst times of his life. “Our unit was task organized under the 1st Calvary Division for the first two months and then we were reassigned into the 89th Military Police Brigade for the remaining 12 months. Prior to Iraq, we transitioned from tankers into a military police company. Stationed at a base known as Camp Slayer, we worked out of what was known as Sector Control Point-Baghdad and worked directly for the Iraq Survey Group. As a senior NCO, I filled the role of a battle captain for the duration of the tour. Our mission was searching for weapons of mass destruction,” he said. After many years in the private sector, DePrimo decided to pursue a career at TYAD because he missed being a part of an Army team. He has continued to thrive at the depot. Within the first six months of his employment, he was promoted to a supervisory position. His leadership style is rooted in the core values of the Army: loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage. “I love the Army and working here as a civilian gives me a great sense of pride,” he added. “As a past warfighter, my main focus is to take care of our current warfighters and the Department of the Army Civilians who supports them.” U.S. Navy veteran Jennifer Caldero serves as a Logistics Management Specialist in TYAD’s Strategic Initiatives Office. Caldero enlisted after completing the Navy ROTC program in high school. She saw this as an opportunity to travel the world and focus on professional development. “I grew up in Oklahoma, so I wanted to see the ocean,” she joked. “I traveled via Navy ship to eight different countries. I’ve been all around the world and to multiple places in the United States.” Caldero served for a total of eight years – six active duty and two as a reservist. She then utilized the GI Bill to obtain her bachelor’s degree before continuing to complete her MBA in 2023, noting that TYAD’s flexible and consistent schedule helped her manage her educational pursuits. “Veterans often bring with them a sense of duty, integrity, and respect for others,” added Caldero. “These values can help shape a positive and ethical corporate culture, reinforcing the importance of integrity, teamwork, and respect within the organization.” A positive, healthy culture is a priority at TYAD. The depot’s Employee Wellness Center (EWC) offers programs intended to foster employees’ growth and well-being. The EWC recently implemented the Veterans Peer Support Group, which meets weekly to provide a space where veterans can discuss their challenges in a confidential environment. “When discussing how to improve our culture, we heard a common theme that our veteran population felt disconnected and disengaged. We want veterans to build connections and feel the same unity they felt while serving,” said EWC Chief Ricardo Horn. Patrick Hart, a painter in the Systems Integration and Support Directorate and veteran, says the weekly group is beneficial. “A Veterans Peer Support Group is a much-needed program. Having other veterans around and knowing who they are helps us transition from military life to civilian,” he said. Veterans interested in future career opportunities with Team Tobyhanna can apply through USAJobs at www.usajobs.gov.
Marywood University Designated Teach-Out Partner for University of the Arts Marywood University has been designated by the Middle State Commission on Higher Education as an official teach-out partner for the University of the Arts, Philadelphia, which announced its decision to close in early June. Program equivalencies in art, music, and multimedia communication have been arranged under the teach-out agreement. Marywood has a long history of strong creative programs in fine arts, music, and the humanities, in addition to renowned professional programs architecture and multimedia communication. University of the Arts students interested in attending Marywood University under this agreement will find: A Seamless Admissions Process: UArts students will not have any admission application fees or enrollment fees. Academic Opportunities—and More: In addition to programs listed in the UArts/Marywood teach-out agreement, Marywood also offers a wide array of new academic programs and career opportunities for students to consider. Even if Marywood does not explicitly have an exact UArts program, the university’s extensive degree offerings provide wonderful opportunities for prospective students to explore. Easy Credit Transfer: Marywood University will accept all earned credit of UArts students in good academic standing. Details of the transfer may differ on a student-by-student basis. Out-of-pocket Tuition Cost Match: Marywood University is offering a unique opportunity to match UArts students’ out-of-pocket tuition costs. To avail themselves of this offer, students will need to complete and submit a valid Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) with no substantial changes in their family’s financial circumstances. Any additional steps required to secure state and federal aid and maintain a similar full-time, part-time, or resident status, like they had at UArts, would also need to be fulfilled. Housing Options: Marywood has several housing options, subject to availability. Each individual will be provided with support and flexibility to accommodate their needs. Additionally, Marywood University will suspend its residency requirement for UArts students transferring under the teach-out agreement, if desired. Athletics Opportunities: UArts student-athletes are urged to reach out to Marywood coaches regarding their interest in playing the Marywood Athletic programs. Tryouts will be held for interested students, and, while there is no guarantee of placement on a team, Marywood can guarantee an opportunity for a seamless academic transition. “Marywood University offers excellent academic programs in music, art, the humanities, and other creative professional fields. In addition, our small class sizes, supportive campus environment, and student life opportunities are a strong match for what University of the Arts students are seeking,” said Lisa A. Lori, J.D., Marywood President. “We are fully committed to supporting their needs and goals by making their transition to Marywood as seamless as possible.” For more details FAQS, and important information, go to marywood.edu/uarts-students.
Wayne Bank Announces New Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Wayne Bank announces new executive vice president and chief financial officer. James O. Donnelly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Norwood Financial Corp (the “Company”) (NASDAQ Global Market: NWFL) and its wholly owned subsidiary Wayne Bank (the “Bank”), announced that the Board of Directors had appointed John M. McCaffery as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company and the Bank, effective as of June 24, 2024, the day he commences employment with the Company. McCaffery joins the Company with over 30 years of leadership and finance experience in various financial institutions, including two stints as CFO. His most recent position was Senior Vice President and Treasurer for Metropolitan Commercial Bank. Prior to that position, McCaffery served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Newtek Bank, N.A. and Bridge Bancorp. Upon the merger between Bridge Bancorp and Dime Community Bancorp, McCaffery was appointed Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Risk Officer. McCaffery brings a wealth of experience and expertise in capital raising, M&A transactions and integrations, growth and restructuring, regulatory and financial compliance, and development of high performing teams. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Banking & Finance from Hofstra University. “We are very excited to have John join the Company,” stated Donnelly. “He is a seasoned executive with a proven track record of success providing finance leadership at multi-billion-dollar asset size financial institutions. He has previously served as CFO for two banks, one smaller and one larger than Wayne Bank, which gives him great insight into where we’ve come from and where we’re striving to go. We look forward to the contributions he will bring to our company as we continue to grow and expand.” William S. Lance, currently Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for the Company and the Bank, announced his plans to retire earlier this year. On June 24, 2024, he will transition into the role of Executive Vice President and Chief Strategic Officer in order to assist with the transition and work on other strategic projects until his retirement on August 2, 2024. Norwood Financial Corp is the parent company of Wayne Bank, which operates from fourteen offices throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania and sixteen offices in Delaware, Sullivan, Ontario, Otsego and Yates Counties, New York. The Company’s stock trades on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “NWFL”.
Governor Shapiro Signs Insurance and Corporate Bills Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, in the midst of state budget negotiations, signed into law two bills introduced by state Rep. Perry Warren. House Bill 2096, now known as Act 45 of 2024, codifies the surplus insurance lines fee structure for personal surplus lines transactions. House Bill 1716, signed into law as Act 59 of 2024, clarifies shareholder rights set forth in Pennsylvania’s Title 15 Corporations and Unincorporated Associations statute. Both bills passed unanimously in both the House and the Senate. “Neither of these new laws is controversial or flashy,” Warren said. “Rather, they both clarify and streamline the conducting of insurance and corporate business in Pennsylvania.” The surplus lines insurance market serves customers who need rare, specialty or high-risk insurance coverage unavailable on the regular market in Pennsylvania. High-risk flood insurance is one common example. To ensure that Pennsylvania insurance agents serve this specialty market, Act 45 permits and caps the fee that may be charged for placing a surplus lines policy. Act 59 clarifies language of Title 15 with regard to shareholder derivative rights and responsibilities. Warren serves as vice-chair of the House Insurance Committee and as secretary of the House Commerce Committee, the two committees to which the respective bills were assigned. “In those roles I have the opportunity to work with experts in insurance and corporate law, both in government and in the private sector, and we worked cooperatively to draft and forward this bipartisan, unanimously passed legislation,” Warren said. Warren thanked Shapiro for signing the bills after their passage in both chambers of the General Assembly. He also thanked House Insurance Committee Chair Rep. Patty Kim, and Republican Chair Rep. Tina Pickett, who co-sponsored HB 1716; House Commerce Committee Chair Rep. Scott Conklin; Senate Banking and Insurance Committee majority and minority chairs Sen. John DiSanto and Sen. Sharif Street; and Senate Judiciary Committee majority and minority chairs Sen. Tina Baker and Sen. Steve Santarsiero, for their work on and support for the bills. “The passage of these two laws was a true bipartisan and bicameral effort,” Warren added, “and a strong example of Pennsylvania government working together.” Warren represents the 31st Legislative District in Bucks County, comprised of Lower Makefield, Newtown Borough, Newtown Township, Upper Makefield and Yardley.
Misericordia University Opening Doors to Endless Possibilities At Misericordia University, we believe in opening doors to endless possibilities. Whether it’s through our diverse academic programs, engaging campus life, or community partnerships, we are committed to providing opportunities that empower our students to achieve their fullest potential. Join us and discover how Misericordia can help you turn your aspirations into achievements. Learn more at https://www.misericordia.edu
FNCB Bank and Fidelity Bank Balloon Battle Fundraiser Makes Waves FNCB Bank, one of the cities of Dunmore and two local community banks, Fidelity Bank, hosted a “Bankers’ Balloon Battle” to raise funds for charity. The event took place at Dunmore Corners on Friday, June 28th. Bankers from FNCB Bank and Fidelity Bank contributed funds for the chance to join the battle. In a lighthearted spirit, the two organizations drenched their “rival” by launching close to 3,000 water balloons into the air. Dunmore’s Mayor, Max Conway, presided over the event as emcee and judge, ultimately declaring the contest a friendly draw as both banks ended up equally soaked. The recent event successfully raised $1,854, all of which has been generously donated to Breadbasket of NEPA, a charitable organization that supports seven local food pantries. Breadbasket of NEPA is dedicated to serving individuals, families, and Veterans throughout Lackawanna County, striving to combat hunger within our community. The check presentation ceremony featured representatives from Fidelity Bank, FNCB Bank, the city of Dunmore, and volunteers from Breadbasket of NEPA. “Through this contest, we view it as a stellar demonstration of our collective achievements,” remarked Daniel J. Santaniello, President and CEO of Fidelity Bank. “While FNCB Bank is our friendly competition, ultimately, we are united by our commitment to community service. This event provided an enjoyable and inventive opportunity for us to collaborate and support an organization that delivers essential services to our region.” “We are thrilled to have participated in such a fun and meaningful event,” said Jerry Champi, President & CEO of FNCB Bank. “This friendly competition with Fidelity Bank not only brought our community together but also supported a cause that is close to our hearts. The funds raised for Breadbasket of NEPA will make a significant impact on the lives of those in need throughout Lackawanna County. We are proud to stand alongside our fellow bankers and community members in this effort to combat hunger and support our local food pantries.”
FNCB Bank Announces 2024 Scholarship Winners FNCB Bank, a division of Peoples Security Bank and Trust Co., is pleased to announce the winners of the FNCB Bank Foundation merit scholarship awards for the 2024-2025 academic year. Overall, the foundation awarded $1,000 scholarships to five area high school seniors based on their academic excellence, community and school involvement, and citizenship. This year’s winners are Katherine Potter from Wyoming Area H.S., Ty Mazzga from Wallenpaupack Area H.S., Emma Gernhardt from Scranton Preparatory School, Kaylee Whiteford from North Pocono H.S. and Symeon Clark from Gregory the Great Academy. Ms. Potter will be attending Penn State University, Mr. Mazzga will be attending Webb Institute, Ms. Gernhardt will be attending Villanova University, Ms. Kaylee will be attending Elizabethtown College and Mr. Clark will be attending Hillsdale College. “Congratulations to these five exceptional students on being selected for this year’s FNCB Bank Scholarship award. This scholarship recognizes their hard work, dedication, and commitment to their education.” said Michael Cummings, FNCB Bank Senior Vice President, Marketing Manager and Foundation Chairman. “We want to wish them continued success into the future.” For more information on the foundation scholarship program, please visit www.fncb.com/scholarship.
The Wright Center to Open Clinic in Tunkhannock The Wright Center for Community Health is expanding access to comprehensive whole-person primary health services in Wyoming County with the opening of a new health center in the former Tyler Memorial Hospital on Monday, Sept. 9. The Wright Center for Community Health has been providing safety-net primary and preventive care services for underserved populations and communities for decades. Family doctors and advanced care practitioners will offer services for people of all ages, from pediatrics to geriatrics, at the full-service, family-friendly office at 5950 U.S. Route 6, Suite 401. Based in the Wyoming County Healthcare Center, The Wright Center’s community health center will be open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. To schedule an appointment, go to TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-591-5299. Primary health services include checkups, physicals, screenings, and treatment of common illnesses and injuries. Addiction and recovery services, including medication-assisted treatment, will also be available. Wyoming County businessman Bill Ruark bought the former Tyler Memorial Hospital through a limited family partnership in 2023 and began developing the building as a nonprofit medical facility called Wyoming County Healthcare Center Inc. “It is critical to have these medical services back in the area,” said Sara Ergott, outreach coordinator for Wyoming County Healthcare Center. “The goal is to make this space a hub for all types of health care services that are not easily accessible for those in our rural region. With the loss of the hospital in 2021 and the retirements of many local health care providers, there is a great need for this building to curb those deficits. The goal is to fill the space with the types of services that are in demand and, in turn, create a happier and healthier community.” The Ruark family approached leadership at The Wright Center in the fall to discuss adding more services at the Wyoming County Healthcare Center. “The Wright Center for Community Health responds to the needs of underserved communities in Northeast Pennsylvania by improving access to nondiscriminatory, comprehensive whole-person primary health services,” said Kathleen Barry, deputy chief operating officer of The Wright Center for Community Health. “The Wright Center is proud to be able to treat patients of all ages, income levels, and insurance statuses. No patient is turned away for lack of health insurance or an inability to pay. “Our mission to improve the health and welfare of our communities through inclusive and responsive health services aligns perfectly with the Ruark family’s goal for their hometown. We are privileged to work on this mission-driven project with the Ruark family and other community partners,” added Barry. The Wright Center for Community Health offers a sliding-fee discount program. Based on a family’s size and income level, the program reduces barriers to care and ensures everyone has access to affordable, whole-person primary health services. With the opening of the Tunkhannock location, The Wright Center for Community Health now has 12 locations in Northeast Pennsylvania, including a mobile medical and dental unit called Driving Better Health. The Wright Center is a Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike with a growing network of community health centers throughout Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayne, and Wyoming counties. More than 31.5 million people across the nation receive affordable, high-quality health care each year at community health centers like The Wright Center, according to the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC). The community health center initiative, founded by leaders of the U.S. Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s, was envisioned as a way to deliver care in underserved areas such as low-income urban neighborhoods and rural settings. Promoters saw it as a means to improve people’s health while also empowering communities and reducing poverty, as health centers offer access to low-cost or no-cost services as well as family-sustaining employment opportunities. Today, there are more than 1,400 community health centers and look-alike organizations in the U.S., according to NACHC. For more information about The Wright Center for Community Health’s integrated whole-person primary health services or for the nearest location, visit TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-591-5299.
NEPIRC Receives Community Needs Grant from Scranton Area Community Foundation The Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center (NEPIRC) is pleased to announce that it is a first-time recipient of a $10,000 Community Needs Grant from the Scranton Area Community Foundation (SAF) to support NEPIRC’s Manufacturing Ambassador Dream Team efforts in Scranton and throughout Lackawanna County. NEPIRC’s Dream Team program is focused on bridging the gap between education and careers in the manufacturing sector. The Dream Team initiative raises awareness of career options in advanced manufacturing amongst high school students by bringing young manufacturing professionals into the classroom to talk to students about their career journeys and how their careers have positively impacted their lives by highlighting real-life experiences. Dream Team Ambassadors are eager to share their stories with students throughout the city of Scranton and in the surrounding areas of Lackawanna County. “With this grant, NEPIRC is poised to further empower students and strengthen the manufacturing workforce, fostering economic growth and opportunity throughout Lackawanna County. I’m deeply grateful to Jenelle Osborne, NEPIRC’s talent stream coordinator, who oversees the Dream Team program; our Dream Team Ambassadors, and the manufacturers they represent, for the outstanding work they have done to promote careers in manufacturing and to help us secure important grants like this one from the Scranton Area Community Foundation,” President & CEO of NEPIRC Eric Joseph Esoda said.
My Benefit Advisor Offers Insight into GAP Plans My Benefit Advisor knows in the complex landscape that exists within healthcare; individuals often encounter unforeseen expenses that can put a substantial strain on their financial well-being. To help their workers better prepare for these situations, employers can install GAP health insurance options as a valuable component of their employee benefit package. As its name implies, GAP plans can help fill the gaps left by traditional health insurance plans. While traditional plans typically cover a portion of medical expenses, individuals are often responsible for deductibles, copayments, and other out-of-pocket costs. GAP insurance steps in to alleviate this financial burden by providing additional coverage for expenses not fully covered by primary health insurance. Typically purchased alongside high deductible health plans (HDHPs), GAP policies allow individuals to receive coverage on medical expenses before their deductible has been met. For many individuals with these high deductible plans, paying a small monthly premium for GAP insurance can potentially lead to significantly lower medical expenses. To understand how GAP health insurance operates, it may be helpful to consider a scenario where an individual has been hospitalized due to a medical emergency. Their primary insurance covers a majority of eligible expenses, but leaves roughly 20% of total costs, which includes deductibles and copayments, as out-of-pocket expenses. By having GAP insurance plans in place, some if not all of the out-of-pocket costs could be covered, reducing the individual’s financial liability. As healthcare costs continue to rise, an investment in GAP health insurance can provide invaluable security and peace of mind, ensuring that individuals are adequately protected against unforeseen medical expenses. However, although very beneficial to supplement an existing comprehensive medical program, it is important to realize that GAP plans do not meet the requirements of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and as such should not be used as the sole source of medical coverage for an individual. 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.
