Marywood Psy.D. Students to Offer Summer Anxiety Skills Group Two Marywood University doctor of psychology (Psy.D.) students, Eve Galloway and Nic Coccodrilli, are offering a Summer Anxiety Skills Group through the office of a local psychologist. Bree Riley, Psy.D., a Marywood University graduate, will be supervising the doctoral students running the group, which is open to individuals aged 16 and over and is free to the community for those who meet the age requirement. The in-person sessions will be held at Riley Counseling, LLC, 231 Northern Blvd., Clarks Summit, Pa. If enough people express an interest in virtual sessions, this option will be considered. Participants will learn about anxiety and evidence-based skills to cope effectively with anxiety, teaching skills from cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT). The summer group will include two rounds of five weekly meetings, each lasting for an hour and a half. The first round of sessions will be held from 4:30-6 p.m. on Tuesdays, starting on June 18 and running weekly through July 16.The second round of sessions will be held from 6:30-8 p.m. on Tuesdays, starting on July 30 and running weekly through August 27. To sign up or to ask questions, contact Eve Galloway at ecgalloway@m.marywood.edu.
Wayne Bank Promotes Collin Ennis to Assistant Vice President Jim Donnelly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wayne Bank, is pleased to announce the promotion of Collin Ennis to Assistant Vice President. According to Mr. Donnelly, “I’m so proud to announce this promotion of Collin. He has continuously demonstrated dedication, expertise, and leadership within our commercial loan department. This promotion is a testament to his hard work, innovative thinking, and commitment to providing outstanding service to his customers. I am confident that he will continue to contribute to our success and help us achieve our strategic goals.” Collin joined Wayne Bank in 2022 and currently serves as a Commercial Loan Officer where he is responsible for providing exceptional customer service, initiating new business, and deepening current business relationships in his service areas of Wayne and Pike counties. He is a graduate of the University of Scranton, where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance. He is in the process of continuing his education at the PA Banker’s Advanced School of Banking. Collin resides in Pleasant Mount where he is a member of the Honesdale Jaycees. Wayne Bank is a subsidiary of Norwood Financial Corp., Member FDIC, and is located in Honesdale, Pennsylvania. The Bank has 29 Community Offices serving Wayne, Pike, Monroe, Lackawanna, and Luzerne Counties in Pennsylvania, along with Delaware, Sullivan, Otsego, Ontario, and Yates Counties in New York, including those offices operating under the Bank of Cooperstown and Bank of the Finger Lakes brands. The stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol— NWFL.
PS Bank Announces Promotion of David B. Wintermute PS Bank is pleased to announce the promotion of David B. Wintermute to Senior Credit Administration Officer / Senior Vice President. Wintermute has been with PS Bank since 2021, previously serving as Senior Credit Officer. Under his leadership, the credit function has further developed and expanded. As Senior Credit Administration Officer / Senior Vice President, Wintermute will continue to oversee the credit area in addition to loan operations, consumer underwriting, and collections. “Over the last four years, Dave has been a critical factor in the success and growth of PS Bank. I’m excited for Dave’s new role as he will be a valuable asset to our senior leadership team,” said Anthony J. Gabello, President & CEO. Wintermute holds a bachelor’s degree from East Stroudsburg University. He resides in Waverly with his wife Alyssa and three daughters.
Johnson College Spring 2024 Semester President’s List Dr. Katie Leonard, President & CEO of Johnson College, has announced the President’s List of students who have completed the 2024 Spring Semester with a grade point average of 3.90 or higher. Zekial Alejandrez, Physical Therapist Assistant, Greentown, PA; Laura Alleva-Cox, Automotive Technology, Archbald, PA; Arnaldo Catamora-Hoylar, Electrical Construction Technology, Ransom Twp., PA; Alyssa Crawford, Electrical Construction Technology, Jermyn, PA; Emma Danowsky, Veterinary Nursing, Lewisburg, PA; Abagayle Glaush, Architectural Drafting & Design Technology, Wilkes-Barre, PA; Kade Hapeman, Computer Information Technology, Wilkes-Barre, PA; Ian Koehler, Electrical Construction Technology, Scranton, PA; Richard McCabe, Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning Technology, Scranton, PA; Chase Notz, Computer Information Technology, Scranton, PA; Danielle Reese, Automotive Technology, Scranton, PA; Malana Vega, Physical Therapist Assistant, Jermyn, PA; Troy Venesky, Diesel Truck Technology, Clarks Summit, PA; Devin Walsh, Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning Technology, Olyphant, PA; Kevin Williams, Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning Technology, Eynon, PA.
PNC Field to Benefit from Substantial Renovation Project Lackawanna County Commissioners Bill Gaughan and Matt McGloin, and the Lackawanna County Multi-Purpose Stadium Authority, together with the New York Yankees and Diamond Baseball Holdings (DBH), the owner of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, today announced a significant renovation project to take place at PNC Field, aimed at elevating the player and fan experience at the Triple-A Yankees facility and preserving the ongoing presence of affiliated professional baseball at its highest level in Northeast Pennsylvania. PNC Field, home of the RailRiders, is owned by the stadium authority and leased by the RailRiders. “The renovation of PNC Field and its facilities deepens the roots we have in Lackawanna County and reflects the standard of excellence that we strive for,” said Brian Cashman, New York Yankees Senior Vice President and General Manager. “The community has offered outstanding support to us over the years and knowing that we can further the development of our players in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre is a tremendous outcome for everyone involved. On behalf of the entire Yankees organization, we thank the Multi-Purpose Stadium Authority for its commitment in creating an environment that will facilitate long-term success for both the team and its fans.” “The renovation of PNC Field and its facilities deepens the roots we have in Lackawanna County and reflects the standard of excellence that we strive for,” said Brian Cashman, New York Yankees Senior Vice President and General Manager. “The community has offered outstanding support to us over the years and knowing that we can further the development of our players in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre is a tremendous outcome for everyone involved. On behalf of the entire Yankees organization, we thank the Multi-Purpose Stadium Authority for its commitment in creating an environment that will facilitate long-term success for both the team and its fans.” The $13.5 million project announced today will ensure that the stadium complies with standards mandated by Major League Baseball (MLB) for all Minor League clubs, as part of its Professional Development League (PDL) model. PDL compliance requires clubs to offer modernized facilities suited to professional athletes, and improved amenities and working conditions for players and staff, among others. These standards are designed to better serve fans, players and clubs, and position the sport for future growth. As it stands, PNC Field currently falls short of PDL compliance, and funding will go towards both essential improvements, such as security, female staff facilities, clubhouse commissaries, training and locker rooms, laundry facilities, batting tunnels, bullpens, high-speed internet, field drainage and lighting, as well as improvements to the fan experience, such as video boards, hospitality areas, seating and more. The baseball industry has changed dramatically since the stadium was constructed more than 30 years ago, and even since it was largely reconstructed more than a decade ago. One of the most positive changes has been the rise of women in important roles,including as umpires, trainers, executives, and staff. An important part of the renovation project is the addition of separate, modern facilities for female umpires, trainers, and staff, as required by the new PDL standards. To fund the project, the authority has secured an $8.5 million loan, in the form of a bond issue, through PNC Bank. The authority will hold $1.5 million of that money in a reserve fund. It has applied to the state Department of Community and Economic Development for a $6.5 million grant under the Redevelopment Capital Assistance Program. To help cover the annual $1.2 million debt payment, the commissioners will authorize the authority’s continued use of 60% of the proceeds from the county’s hotel occupancy tax. That will cover about $600,000. The remaining $600,000 will come from the RailRiders’ annual lease payment to the authority. The county’s commitment of hotel occupancy tax funds is not a loan guarantee, and no other county funds will be used for the project. “We commend the stadium authority board, its architects and financial consultants for devising a plan that is comprehensive in exceeding the new Major League Baseball requirements, yet affordable. Because of that good work, we look forward to many more years of exciting RailRiders baseball at soon-to-be state-of-the-art PNC Field,” the commissioners said. “We are unequivocally committed to safeguarding the RailRiders’ future as a cornerstone of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre community and are grateful to Lackawanna County for its partnership in ensuring PNC Field achieves PDL compliance,” said Pat Battle and Peter Freund, Executive Chairman and CEO of DBH, respectively. “As the highest level of Minor League baseball, we look to the RailRiders and PNC Field as the standard for which all other MiLB clubs should be measured against. We are confident that with the proposed renovations and upgrades, the Yankees Triple-A affiliate can look forward to continuing to play in one of the best ballparks in the country.” Attorney Frank Tunis, stadium authority solicitor, said the project is scheduled to begin Sept. 15, after the end of the International League season, and to be completed by Opening Day of the 2025 season.
Luzerne County Residents Refunded Registration Fees Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced today that the Pennsylvania Treasury Department has sent refunds to approximately 31,000 Luzerne County residents who were owed money after the county eliminated its $5 annual vehicle registration fee. Luzerne County residents owed the refund paid for two-year vehicle registration renewals prior to the elimination of the $5 fee. “Working with Luzerne County, we were able to make these refunds without requiring the affected residents to take any action at all,” Treasurer Garrity said. “This wasn’t a traditional form of unclaimed property, but it was the most efficient way to get this money back where it belongs.” “Luzerne County was happy to work with our State Treasurer’s office to get this refund out to citizens in the most economical way,” said John Lombardo, Luzerne County Council Chair. “Thank you very much to Stacy Garrity and her staff for assisting our administration in this effort.” Most residents received a $5 refund, although some – based on when they paid their vehicle registration – received more, up to $20. In February, Luzerne County sent $221,200 of excess registration fees to the Pennsylvania Treasury Department’s Bureau of Unclaimed Property. County officials worked quickly with Treasury to submit a claim on behalf of all 31,253 residents who were owed a refund. Any resident of Luzerne County who has questions about this process can email the Pennsylvania Treasury Department’s Bureau of Unclaimed Property at tupmail@patreasury.gov or call 800-222-2046. Treasury has more than $4.5 billion in unclaimed property owed to more than one in ten Pennsylvanians, with the average value of a claim being $1,600. Unclaimed property can include things such as dormant bank accounts, insurance policies, and old valuables like contents of safe deposit boxes. State law requires businesses to report unclaimed property to Treasury after three years of dormancy. Anyone can search for unclaimed property, and see if they are owed anything, at patreasury.gov/unclaimed-property.
Dime Bank Parent Company Dimeco, Inc. Names New Director The Board of Directors of Dimeco, Inc, (OTCQX: DIMC), the parent holding company of The Dime Bank, announced that Mike Peifer has joined the board of directors’ team. Mike Peifer is a senior advisor with Novak Strategic Advisors, where he provides wide-ranging, strategic solutions to everyday business needs. Additionally, Peifer has represented the 139th district, encompassing parts of Pike and Wayne counties, in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for eight terms. Mike Peifer stated, “It is exciting to continue to serve our community as a member of Dimeco’s board of directors. The Dime Bank has a long history and deep roots in our region, and it is an honor to be joining the team. Together, we will strive to uphold the values and traditions that have made The Dime Bank a cornerstone in our region, while also embracing innovation and new opportunities to better serve our customers and shareholders.” Known for his deep understanding of the state’s intricate fiscal matters, Peifer played a significant role in the Commonwealth budget process and tax code revisions as a member of the House Appropriations Committee and Chairman of the House Finance Committee. Peifer’s public service extends to local government, having previously held the position of Pike County Treasurer. Before entering politics, he practiced as a certified public accountant and served as a senior tax consultant at Price Waterhouse. President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Bochnovich stated, “Mike’s background in the private financial sector and as a small business owner, combined with his current advisory role and extensive understanding of state government, provide him with knowledge of various matters and a distinctive viewpoint to augment the breadth of board of directors. Mike’s leadership abilities and talent for consensus-building will fit in nicely with our existing members. We are pleased he has joined our team as we continue to grow while serving our customers and shareholders.”
Keystone Mission Announces the Opening of its Overnight Shelter On behalf of Keystone Mission, Wilkes-Barre City Mayor George C. Brown on Friday announced the upcoming opening of the organization’s overnight shelter, at its Wilkes-Barre Innovation Center for Homeless and Poverty. The center is located at 90 East Union St., and the opening ceremony is scheduled for Monday, June 17, at 4:30 p.m. Mayor Brown said funding for the shelter for the current year is made possible through a $109,500 grant from the city’s American Rescue Plan funds, spearheaded by the mayor and unanimously approved by Wilkes-Barre City Council in April. The overnight shelter’s hours of operation will be from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. each day. Mayor Brown said the overnight shelter will dissolve the Code Blue shelter that operated during the winter months, from October to March. He said the shelter will be able to provide overnight services for approximately 50 individuals at a time. In addition to providing a physical shelter for homeless individuals, Keystone Mission’s Innovation Center helps its guests in obtaining identifying documentation, housing application assistance, educational programs in addition to free haircuts, meals, laundry services, clothing, showers and more. Keystone Mission’s mission statement is: “To be a catalyst for the community, to provide help and hope to the homeless, hungry, and hurting people in Northeast PA.”
PS Bank Announces Promotion of Sean Ann Schoen PS Bank is proud to announce the promotion of Sean Ann Schoen to Marketing Director / Vice President. Sean Ann has been with PS Bank since 2020. As Marketing Director / Vice President, Sean Ann will continue to oversee the bank’s marketing and communications as well as assume additional corporate and community-based responsibilities. “Over the last four years, Sean Ann has been critical in the development of the PS Bank brand across our markets. In this new role, she will continue to serve as the primary ambassador of our brand in the community as well as further develop the marketing role at our bank,” said Anthony J. Gabello, President & CEO. In the community, Sean Ann is a board member for the Deutsch Institute and serves the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce as a trustee for Lackawanna Industrial Fund Enterprises (LIFE). She holds a bachelor’s degree from East Stroudsburg University in communications with a concentration in public relations and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Bloomsburg University. She resides in Dunmore with her husband Timothy and their daughter Casey.
PS Bank Announces Promotion of Paul Walsh PS Bank is pleased to announce the promotion of Paul Walsh to Senior Lender / Senior Vice President. Paul has been with PS Bank since 2015 serving as Commercial Loan Officer. Under Paul’s guidance, PS Bank’s lending presence in Lackawanna County increased exponentially and now represents the bank’s largest lending market. As Senior Lender, Paul will be responsible for overseeing the management and leadership of lending at PS Bank. “Paul has been an integral part of PS Bank’s growth over the last nine years. He was responsible for our designation as a Small Business Administration Preferred Lender in 2022. Paul’s dedication to his customers and his ability to recommend both simple and complex financing packages for projects of all kinds, have helped to propel PS Bank into a bright future. I am excited to see what he will accomplish as a member of our senior leadership team,” said Anthony J. Gabello, President & CEO. Paul holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration with a concentration in financial services from Pennsylvania State University and graduated from American Bankers Association Stonier Graduate School of Banking. He received a leadership certificate from the Wharton Executive Education Program in 2023. Walsh resides in Greenfield Township with his wife Gina and their two children, P.J. and Tessa.
