Treasurer Stacy Garrity Encourages Pennsylvanians to Apply for Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program

Treasurer Stacy Garrity today encouraged eligible Pennsylvanians to apply for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program for this year’s rebate as soon as possible, noting that the Pennsylvania Treasury Department will begin sending rebates to approved applicants on July 1.

“Many more Pennsylvanians are eligible for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program this year because the General Assembly and the Governor made the smart decision to expand the program,” Treasurer Garrity said. “I encourage everyone who’s eligible to apply as soon as possible. Treasury will start making payments on July 1, which is the earliest we’re able to under the law – and we’ll continue making payments on a rolling basis after that. This essential program makes a huge difference for so many, including older Pennsylvanians and those living with disabilities, and I’m committed to getting these payments out as quickly as possible once applicants are approved by the Department of Revenue.”

The new law increased household income limits for rebates to $45,000 for homeowners and renters (up from $35,000 and $15,000, respectively). Claimants may exclude half of their Social Security income. The maximum standard rebate is now $1,000 (up from $650).

Treasurer Garrity especially encouraged first-time applicants to apply as soon as possible because the Department of Revenue has indicated they will need more time to verify new applicant information as part of their efforts to combat program fraud.

The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program benefits Pennsylvanians age 65 and older, widows and widowers age 50 and older, and people with disabilities age 18 and older. Some homeowners may qualify for supplemental rebates. The deadline to apply for this year’s rebate is June 30, 2024.

As part of last year’s program expansion, beginning in 2025, the income limits will be adjusted annually based on the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI). That calculation will be done by the Secretary of Revenue.

Since the program’s inception in 1971, more than $8 billion in rebates have been paid.

Lackawanna County to Launch Another Round of Small Business Grants

Lackawanna County will launch another round of a popular program providing $5,000 grants to qualifying small businesses.

Commissioners approved Wednesday a second phase of the program originally offered last year to combat pandemic-prompted inflation. Funding for the program’s extension, $500,000 in total, comes from the county’s federal American Rescue Plan Act allocation.

It’s designed to help businesses still recovering from the financial impacts of the pandemic and subsequent economic challenges, including inflation that drove up costs and limited consumer purchasing power. While inflation has abated significantly since a pandemic-era peak in 2022, some businesses continue to face challenges stemming from the economic disruption.

The flexible grant funding can be used to purchase equipment, pay or add personnel and cover other business expenses, such as rent, mortgages and utilities.

“Our local businesses are what makes our home here in Lackawanna County so special, and we all understand that they’re still facing economic pressure because of inflation due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Commissioner Matt McGloin said. “That’s why it’s important for us to continue to try to find ways to help our local businesses, because we understand that financial assistance at this critical time can be the difference between businesses staying in business or closing permanently.”

Eligible businesses must be for-profit, employ between one and 100 people and spend all of the grant money in Lackawanna County. They also must have faced pandemic-related hardships and been operating in or before 2019, among other terms.

More than 200 businesses applied during the first round of the program, with the county awarding 100 grants, economic development Director Kristin Magnotta said. Those that received grants during the first phase are not eligible during the second.

“We want to be able to spread it far and wide to all those that need help,” Magnotta said of the funding.

The grant window will open May 31 and runs through July.

Application materials and instructions will be available on the planning and economic development page of the county’s website, lackawannacounty.org. Hard copies of the application will also be available in the vestibule of the county government center, 123 Wyoming Ave., Scranton.

Allied Services Celebrates Hospice Star Volunteer of 2023

Allied Services Hospice & Palliative Care has named Charlene Cardwell of Mill City, PA, the Hospice Star Volunteer of 2023 in a heartwarming celebration of dedication and service. This inaugural award, marking the first of what will become an annual tradition, was presented at the Volunteer Recognition Celebration held at Arcaro and Genell in Old Forge.

Charlene, whose journey with hospice care began in a deeply personal manner following the loss of her husband who was a patient of the health system’s hospice service, has been a beacon of support and compassion for nearly two years. Her firsthand experience with the care and support provided by the hospice inspired her to give back, leading her to become an administrative volunteer.

Her commitment to the organization goes beyond typical volunteer duties. Charlene has been instrumental in supporting our veterans through organizing recognition packages as a token of gratitude for their service. In a touching display of her dedication, she also personally crocheted red, white, and blue afghans for the veterans in our inpatient hospice units, providing comfort and warmth in their moments of need.

The celebration featured guest speaker Christopher Calvey Jr. from Jennings Calvey Funeral & Cremation Services, who highlighted the profound impact of volunteers like Charlene on the community and the individuals they serve.

Charlene’s exemplary service not only enhances the lives of those she directly touches but also uplifts the entire hospice community. Her ability to turn personal grief into a powerful force for good is a profound inspiration, embodying the true spirit of volunteerism and setting a high standard for future recipients of this honor. Allied Services Hospice & Palliative Care is proud to recognize Charlene Cardwell as the 2023 Hospice Star Volunteer, thanking her for her unwavering dedication, compassion, and commitment to making a difference.

FNCB Bank Donates $25,000 to NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania

FNCB Bank, locally based for over 114 years, recently donated $25,000 through the PA Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED) Special Program Priorities initiative, to NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania for their Beautiful Blocks Program.

The Beautiful Blocks program provides matching grants of up to $1,000 per property to groups of five or more residents in participating communities to help them make exterior improvements to their homes. Grants are awarded annually through a competitive application process.

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

The Dime Bank Supports United Neighborhood Centers

The Dime Bank donated $18,000.00 to United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC) through the PA Department of Community and Economic Development’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit program.

UNC uses the funding to help run Project Hope Day Camp, a safe, healthy place for low-income families who reside in the City of Scranton to learn and grow during the out-of-school months. Campers learn skills in emotional regulation, mindfulness meditation, physical activity, and connecting with others. It provides an opportunity for children ages 5 to 12 to gather with their peers during four weeks in July for social, educational, recreational, and artistic opportunities that they otherwise would not be able to access. Each child receives nutritional meals and transportation to and from Camp Kelly in Tunkhannock, a 60+ acre country setting. It is expected that 140 youth will participate in this outdoor summer day camp.

Jeffrey Roche stated, “At The Dime Bank, we believe that investing in early childhood education is investing in the future of our community. We’re proud to support UNC’s Project Hope and help nurture the bright minds of tomorrow.”

Crystal Pennsylvania Receives a Visit from US Congressman Cartwright

Crystal Window & Door Systems recently welcomed US Congressman Matthew Cartwright of Pennsylvania’s 8th Congressional District to tour its northeast Pennsylvania production facility, located north of Scranton in Benton Township.  As a business constituent in Congressman Cartwright’s district, Crystal was pleased to have the Representative meet its dedicated workforce in Pennsylvania and see its products and manufacturing equipment.

“Crystal was delighted that Congressman Cartwright could visit our facility in Benton Township and see firsthand the fabrication of our quality window and door products made by our skilled employees,” said Thomas Chen, Chairman.  “Our team was proud to describe the window manufacturing and insulated glass assembly processes and answer his questions.”

Crystal recently added several vinyl product lines to the roster of products fabricated at its northeast Pennsylvania factory, as well as expanded insulated glass unit assembly, including triple-pane units.  The company also invested in several pieces of new equipment to accommodate these additional products and future planned products.

During the visit with Congressman Cartwright, Crystal presented its general plans for further development on the property with additional production and warehouse space.  Crystal’s Pennsylvania facility is currently a 336,000-ft2 building on a 226-acre site adjacent to Highway 81.  Additional warehouse and production space will be needed as the company further integrates operations with Crystal’s New York factory and continues to add product lines to meet future demand.

“I am glad that Congressman Cartwright and his team learned more about Crystal and our plans to continue to grow in northeast Pennsylvania,” said Chen.  “We are proud to be part of the vibrant manufacturing community here in this district, and the understanding and support of elected officials is very important.”

Golden Awarded Five Scooter Categories in Fourth Consecutive Contract

Golden Technologies is excited to announce they have been awarded their fourth consecutive, five-year contract since 2003 by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to supply mobility products. Golden proudly provides power scooters across the VA nationwide to enhance the quality of life for Veterans and allow them the freedom of movement and independence they so deserve. This significant partnership ensures continued quality products for America’s Veterans with Golden’s commitment as they celebrate 40 years in business next year.

Golden submitted scooters in five categories and was awarded the contract for all five. The VA will continue to provide veterans with Golden’s popular Companion GC240 Mid-Size 3-wheel and GC340 Full-Size 3-wheel scooters. Additional products new to the VA contract include the Companion GC440 Full-Size 4-wheel and the newly launched GC540 Heavy-Duty 3-wheel scooters – now fully representing the entire Companion Series product offering. The compact portable BuzzAround HD 4-wheel scooter rounds out the fifth category.

“We are ecstatic and incredibly honored to have been awarded the contract to continue providing top-of-the-line power mobility scooters to our Veterans and introduce even more exceptional models in additional categories with this new commitment from the VA,” said Rich Golden, CEO of Golden Technologies. “The Golden brand is associated with quality, innovation, and compassion, focused on supplying home medical equipment that changes lives. It is profoundly humbling to provide our amazing Veterans with power scooters to access critical medical care and accomplish necessary tasks in home and community environments that are so important as they gain more independence in their daily life,” he added.

“I am extremely proud and grateful that Golden Technologies was awarded the Nationwide Scooter Contracts by the VA. For the past 21 years, the continuous effort and determination of the entire Golden team – from our VA Customer Service, VA Technical Service, Production, Research & Development, and Shipping departments have demonstrated our dedication and commitment to the Department of Veterans Affairs and our nation’s Veterans,” said Donna Payer, VA National Account Director. She added, “We are all very proud of our awards and are excited to continue our strong working relationship with our VA Medical Centers.”

Golden was awarded their first nationwide scooter contract by the VA in 2003 for Mid-Size 3-wheel and Full-Size 3-wheel scooters. Scooters awarded to the new contract will begin shipping on May 20th. The period of performance for the contract will end in May 2029. Visit www.goldentech.com for more information.

Settlers Hospitality 8th Annual Wally Wine Fest

Visitors to the Settlers Hospitality 8th Annual Wally Wine Fest, May 31-June 2, at the Waterfront at Silver Birches can soak in all the festivities lakeside. For the first time, the event will feature indoor and outdoor activities including two stages with live music. Wally Wine Fest draws thousands of attendees over three days to sample vintages from more than 100 domestic and international labels. Wineries from as far away as New Zealand, Italy, France, Napa Valley and the Pacific Northwest are represented as well as varietals grown and produced in Northeastern Pennsylvania. “Holding Wally Wine Fest this time of year allows us to take advantage of the beautiful outdoor spaces at Silver Birches,” explains Justin Genzlinger, CEO/Owner, Settlers Hospitality. “We’ll have a tent on the lakeside lawn with wine samplings and vendors to shop.”

Claude Briere, sommelier for Settlers Hospitality, personally selects each wine. Briere is a renowned wine expert who travels the globe as a consultant and lecturer advising on wine selections, pairings and service. Novice wine enthusiasts will have the opportunity to sample a variety of pours and discover which wine suits their palate. Wine connoisseurs will relish the opportunity to interact one-on-one with wine makers, restauranteurs and sommeliers who are knowledgeable in flavor profiles, can discuss the differences among wine, grapes and varietals, plus point out the notes to be enjoyed for each.

Bottles of every wine featured are available for sale. With prices ranging from $10-$100, there’s something to match every taste and budget. An indoor and outdoor marketplace will overflow with fine food, gift items and decor fit for wine lovers– all available for purchase. Visitors may shop offerings from places such as Art on the Edge, which features home/wine décor. Grain to Glory will showcase its handcrafted wooden American flags. A Silent Auction benefits Lake Wallenpaupack’s Fourth of July Fireworks and features overnight stays at some of the area’s finest accommodations plus gift cards to local restaurants and businesses. Golf and spa packages, as well as boat and paddle board rentals, are also up for grabs. Satellite events at other Hawley area venues extend the Wally Wine Fest celebration. On Friday, May 31, The Settlers Inn hosts a Spring Has Sprung Wine Dinner featuring pairings with the finest flavors of the season in a five-course meal. The Settlers Inn will also offer a Bubbly Brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 am. to 2:30 p.m. Visitors may savor a prix fixe brunch menu, live music and a tasting flight of sparkling wine. Glass-wine.bar.kitchen at Ledges Hotel will present a special Cali Wine Tasting Dinner menu all weekend long featuring dishes such as grilled octopus and poached pheasant paired with fine Napa Valley wines. Wally Wine Fest at Silver Birches runs from 1-5 p.m. on Saturday and 1-4 p.m. on Sunday. Everyone who attends receives a commemorative wine glass. Admission is $40 in advance or $50 at the door and includes 15 sampling tickets. The sampling tickets may be exchanged for wine tastings. A $50 VIP admission allows entry to the festival one hour early and 25 sampling tickets. The $200 Platinum admission price offers early entry, increases the sampling tickets to 25 and includes a seat at the Spring Has Sprung Wine Dinner at The Settlers Inn on May 31. Admission for designated drivers is $20. Tickets are available at wallywinefest.com

Keystone College Provides Update on its Future

On Friday, May 17, 2024, Keystone College announced that it is in the final stages of executing a letter of intent and funding agreement with a strategic partner to create a new partnership that will provide Keystone with a roadmap for a long-term path forward. While details of the agreement are not yet public, the day-to-day operations of the College and its academic mission will remain essentially unchanged. Both parties felt that discussions had crossed a critical point which would allow the College to announce that an agreement is imminent.

Any agreement will be subject to the final approval of the College’s accreditor, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), which will be notified of the parties’ intentions as soon as the signed agreement is finalized. Approvals from the Pennsylvania Department of Higher Education and the United States Department of Education will also be necessary. During the review period, which may take up to a year, Keystone intends to continue uninterrupted operation of classes, as well as all other college activities and intercollegiate sports, and continues to accept and enroll freshman and transfer students for the Fall 2024 semester. Keystone will conclude its current academic year with its 153rd commencement on Saturday, May 18, on campus.

“Keystone College is absolutely thrilled to reach this point in our discussions with our strategic partner,” said Keystone President John F. Pullo, Sr. “For the past several months, we continued to say we were hopeful that an agreement with an innovative partner could be reached while fulfilling every obligation to our accreditor to prepare for closure, should that be necessary. We are so thankful to our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends who continued to believe in us as well as to the educational partners that are included in our teach-out plan. Since its founding in 1868, Keystone’s motto has been “Progress Through Effort” and we continue to work long and hard to secure a positive outcome so we can look to the future with promise and optimism. The agreement is just the beginning as there will be much work to do on our path forward in the days ahead. But we do have a path forward and we intend to work very closely with Middle States to ensure successful continuation of operations.”

On May 15, the College submitted all of the necessary components of an “implementable teach-out plan” and institutional status report as requested by MSCHE. That plan is under review by MSCHE. “This partnership agreement demonstrates the need for innovation and forward-thinking in today’s highly competitive educational market,” said Tim Pryle, Vice President of Enrollment, Institutional Advancement and Marketing. “With a continued decline in college-age population, and other challenges, many colleges and universities across the nation, including Keystone, will continue to find themselves in financially difficult situations. The need to find and develop strong partnerships with organizations willing to share responsibilities, goals, and missions is becoming increasingly more important, even critical. We believe we have found just such an innovative and dedicated partner and are grateful to join with them on our journey.”