Commonwealth Health Scranton Donates Peanut Butter To help address hunger in our community and in celebration of National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day on April 2, Commonwealth Health Moses Taylor Hospital and Regional Hospital of Scranton have donated more than 900 jars of peanut butter (and other nut butters) to CEO Weinberg Food Bank and Bread Basket of NEPA. All of that peanut butter was donated by Moses Taylor Hospital and Regional Hospital employees, medical staff members, volunteers and The Wright Center during the recent Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive. According to Feeding America, 12.7 percent of residents in the Lackawanna County struggle to put food on the table. The Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive was launched to help support individuals who are facing food insecurity, which is a social determinant of health. “With the rising cost of basic life necessities such as food, more and more individuals and families are reaching out for help just to get by. Local food banks are struggling to keep up with this increasing demand.” Said Greg Drapek, Commonwealth Health Moses Taylor Hospital and Regional Hospital of Scranton board member. “ The success of the Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive will not only provide a helping hand to so many in need, but is also indicative of the kindness and long standing support of our community that has been the hallmark of our employees.”Peanut butter is one of the most requested items for food banks because it is highly nutritious and has a long shelf life. Unfortunately, many food banks in America report it is also one of the least donated food items. Other foods needed by food banks include non-perishable items such as cereals, pasta, and canned foods such as soups, vegetables, beans or fruit.People can support CEO Weinberg Food Bank and Bread Basket of NEPA by volunteering their time, hosting a food drive, donating food and/or money.
Tobyhanna Army Depot Collaborating with U.S. Army Information Systems Employees at Tobyhanna Army Depot are leading the charge to connect warfighters in the field with their leadership back at home. The depot is now collaborating with the U.S. Army Information Systems Engineering Command to lead the Mission Command Facility (MCF) workload across the Department of Defense. The MCF effort is an offshoot of the Home Station Mission Command Center effort, which established and modernized joint operations mission centers around the world. Similar to a situation room, the facilities are outfitted with high-end teleconferencing equipment such as projectors, video monitors, microphones, and speakers for real-time communication, visibility and decision-making. Taking over the mission represents a classic opportunity to meet a customer need and own a niche market, according to Robert Hagenbaugh. “Although the formal HSMCC program concluded, units across the world were eager to get their own command centers to increase communication,” he said. “Tobyhanna quickly stood up our own program to fill a gap in the market, and we have a heavy demand for these state-of-the-art installations.” Hagenbaugh is an engineering technician in the Production Engineering Directorate. Tobyhanna’s initial support for HSMCCs provided electricians and equipment installers. The quality product provided by those teams led to an expanded scope of work, which included custom cabinetry, wood fabrication, networking support, wireless installation, and full-spectrum engineering support – all of which has endured through the new MCF program. Hagenbaugh noted positive word of mouth was a big driver in the workload’s expansion. “Our customers love us. I’m proud to say we have never left a job with an unhappy customer. That level of work speaks for itself – and every happy customer leads to another opportunity for this workload.” A MCF mission begins with a site survey, where engineering personnel develop exact customer needs. Personnel then develop the installation proposal, acquire equipment once the proposal is approved and assemble the installation team. To accomplish this broad scope of work, the MCF program requires support from a cross-functional group of employees across the depot. Mission teams include employees from a variety of Tobyhanna organizations, to include C4ISR, Production Engineering and Systems Integration and Support. The teams also have support back on-post at Tobyhanna from Production Management and other mission support organizations. MCF installations are part of a bigger push across the services to modernize facilities and increase communication stability. “The Army now operates in a multi-domain battlefield. The MCF updates/ installations gives joint Commanders the latest technologies to monitor and execute missions real-time, every single day,” said Hagenbaugh. Because of the high demand for the MCFs and the complex nature of the mission, volunteers are always needed, said Engineering Technician Patrick Mullen. “We are always looking for members of Team Tobyhanna willing to travel the world in support of this dynamic workload – specifically those with audio-visual, telecommunications, or information technology backgrounds. Desirable certifications and/or trainings include those from Avixa, BICSI, and Crestron. We welcome all qualified members of Team Tobyhanna who want to be a part of the MCF mission team!” Ronald Kolment, Chief of the SATCOM Integration and Testing Engineering Branch, lauded the entire team that supported the MCF workload. “This is a great team, and I’m very proud of the work that they do.” Upcoming MCF missions will take place in Alaska, Florida, Hawaii, Japan, Korea, and Texas. Current depot employees interested in volunteering for an MCF mission should contact the MCF Coordinator at (570) 615-8087. MCFs are a critical part of warfighter readiness, and the mission directly aligns with Tobyhanna’s long-range strategic plan, TOBY2035, which has four focus areas: Investing in Our People, C5ISR Readiness, Shape the Future and Strategic Communications. TOBY2035 aims to posture the depot for success in the coming years as the Department of Defense’s premier worldwide C5ISR readiness provider. Tobyhanna Army Depot is a recognized leader in providing world-class logistics support for command, control, communications, computers, cyber, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C5ISR) systems across the Department of Defense. Tobyhanna’s Corporate Philosophy, dedicated work force and electronics expertise ensure the depot is the Joint C5ISR provider of choice for all branches of the Armed Forces and industry partners. Tobyhanna’s unparalleled capabilities include full-spectrum logistics support for sustainment, overhaul and repair, fabrication and manufacturing, engineering design and development, systems integration, post production software support, technology insertion, modification, foreign military sales and global field support to our joint warfighters. About 3,100 personnel are employed at Tobyhanna, which is located in the Pocono Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania. Tobyhanna Army Depot is part of the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command. Headquartered at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, the command’s mission is to empower the Soldier with winning C5ISR capabilities.
Johnson College Receives Grants Johnson College has been awarded two Area Development Grants from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC). These grants will support regional workforce training capabilities with campus-wide equipment upgrades and the development of two mobile training laboratories for STEM technology and building trades technology. The grants total $430,000 and include College matching funds of $215,000. The mobile laboratories include 35’ trailers outfitted with student workstations and equipment for training in STEM and the building trades. Equipment is interchangeable and the laboratories will be configured as needed for hands-on education. While identical in the scope of flexible training capabilities, both the first and second mobile laboratories will be deployed in two unique equipment configurations depending on the location and need for each. They will serve different training needs at the same time. The mobile training laboratories will be used to help develop a pipeline for students entering the trades by providing remote, hands-on learning to high school students that are enrolled in the College’s Dual Enrollment and Industry Fast Track programs. Using the latest tools and technology, younger students from rural school districts will experience first-hand, the wider range of STEM-related and building trades education and career opportunities available to them. Additionally, the College plans to deliver short-term, customized training programs at industry partner locations to enhance the skills of essential workers. “These mobile labs will allow us to bring opportunities to those in rural areas who don’t currently have access to hands-on education due to barriers including distance and transportation,” said Dr. Katie Leonard, Johnson College’s President and CEO. “I am excited that with support from the Appalachian Regional Commission, more people will have access to STEM and building trades training.” The two cutting-edge mobile laboratories will serve Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Susquehanna, and Wayne counties. Both will help Johnson College reach more students and industry partners in rural locations and provide access to education and jobs that may not have existed, or been more difficult for them to previously obtain. The new equipment funded under the grant will enable Johnson College to upgrade campus technology and deliver the most up-to-date training to students to prepare them to enter Appalachia’s growing essential workforce. Programs receiving technology upgrades include automotive technology, civil design, electrical engineering technology, heavy equipment technology, welding technology, electrical construction technology, biomedical equipment technology, and computer information technology. This project will build the College’s capacity to help regional employers meet the growing demand to fill essential positions in the workforce and promote economic development, thus improving the economic prosperity of this region’s students, workers, industry, and communities
Wayne Bank Finance Team Inducted into PA Bankers Association Wayne Bank’s William S. Lance, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer; and Nancy Hart, Senior Vice President and Controller, were recently recognized by the Pennsylvania Bankers Association (“PBA”) for their 40 years of service to the banking industry. New inductees to the 40-Year Club, Mr. Lance and Mrs. Hart were honored at the PBA Group 3 meeting that was held in March. Jim Donnelly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wayne Bank said, “We are so proud to congratulate Bill and Nancy on achieving this milestone of service to the community banking industry. It is a privilege for Wayne Bank’s customers, shareholders, and employees to enjoy the benefit of their extensive experience, leadership, and dedication after 40 impressive years in banking.” A graduate of the University of Scranton, Mr. Lance has served the banking industry for over forty years, including the last 13 years at Wayne Bank. In his current position as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, he is responsible for managing the finance division of the Bank. His duties include finance and accounting activities, interest rate risk management, and compliance with regulatory requirements. Mr. Lance has a history of involvement with the Pennsylvania Bankers Association and has served the organization in various capacities, including Secretary of Group 3 since 2011. Mrs. Hart joined the Bank in 1979 as a member of the Bookkeeping Department. Over the course of her career with Wayne Bank, she has held positions in the Loan Department, as a Branch Manager, and as a Finance Manager in the Accounting Department. In 1997, Mrs. Hart was promoted to Controller and Assistant Secretary. In 2015, she was promoted to her current title of Senior Vice President. Nancy holds an associate degree with honors in Banking and Finance through the American Institute of Banking. She has also completed a two-year Graduate School of Banking and Financial Management program and is a graduate of the PBA’s School of Banking. The Pennsylvania Bankers Association, located in Harrisburg, is the state’s leading banking trade association representing an expansive and diverse membership. The Association offers extensive continuing education programs, government relations representation on behalf of the industry, and provides numerous products and services for banks and their employees. 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 State, 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.
NEPIRC Launches Dream Team Ambassador Program The Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center (NEPIRC) recently launched an innovative new program to connect high school students with rising young professionals working for manufacturers and industrial companies throughout NEPIRC’s 11-county coverage area. The Dream Team Manufacturing Ambassador Program’s 31 ambassadors represent 25 companies. The programintroduces high school students, faculty, administrators and parents to younger manufacturing professionals to gain a unique understanding of the vibrant manufacturing sector and the variety of jobs available in our region. “We are excited to have this talented group of young professionals be the inaugural ambassadors for our program. We created the Manufacturing Dream Team to provide high school students with a better understanding of the advancements of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s manufacturing sector and to share with them the purposeful, rewarding and high-tech careers that our manufacturers offer,” said Eric Joseph Esoda, President & CEO, NEPIRC. “Manufacturing in our region has evolved over the last decade and these individuals are the perfect people to represent and communicate that evolution.” As ambassadors, these manufacturing professionals will share their educational and professional experiences during career fairs and other school events. NEPIRC’s school outreach efforts are made possible by the Pennsylvania Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career Grant approved by the Department of Community & Economic Development in 2022. During today’s orientation session, Dream Team Project Coordinator Jenelle Osborne introduced the participants and discussed the goals and objectives for the program, how to develop their one-minute elevator pitch and what to expect during the in-school career fair experience. “We have an amazing group of ambassadors. I have no doubt they will do very well representing their companies, NEPIRC and the multitude of career opportunities available with the manufacturers in the region. Their stories will resonate with students and hopefully inspire them to look to a future career in the manufacturing industry,” said Osborne. Several of the ambassadors are Wyoming Valley natives who have chosen to stay in the Valley and work in manufacturing. Each had a different path to their current careers and looks forward to sharing their story with area students. Kate Logan, a native of Kingston, works for Noble Biomaterials in Scranton as the quality systems manager. A graduate of Kutztown University with a degree in psychology, Logan is a prime example of someone whose career path took an unexpected, but welcome turn following graduation. “In high school I wanted to be a guidance counselor like my mother or school psychologist, but as I got closer to graduation, I wasn’t sure I wanted to go down that path. I happened to get a job with a local manufacturing company working in production and quality and I have not left manufacturing since. I’m very proud to work in a previously male-dominated industry,” said Logan, who explained how her psychology degree offers many professional opportunities. “The degree comes in handy, working with people and the variety of personalities you come across in the workplace.” Zach Mulhern of Exeter explored several career opportunities while attending LCCC, Temple University and Misericordia University, where his plans for a career in nursing changed. His experiences in the school’s business program gave him a strong background to begin working for his father’s company, Ashley Machine and Tool located in West Wyoming. Mulhern is thriving in his current role as materials manager, where no two days are the same. “I ended up transitioning quickly into a different career path from nursing, and I couldn’t be happier. The biggest thing for high school students is to get out of the societal norms and this notion that everyone needs to have advanced degrees. I ultimately did what made me happy. I like to be on my feet, learn and do something different every day,” he said. “This job intrigues me physically and mentally. There is great money to be made in manufacturing. I realized after six years of college, that if I’m not happy, what am I working for?” Bear Creek native Julia Miller is a process engineer for Mitsubishi Chemical Group in Scranton. Miller had a strong interest in mechanics at a young age, but encouragement from her father showed her the benefits of pursuing engineering as a career. She graduated from Penn State Harrisburg with a mechanical engineering degree in 2020. Miller looks forward to sharing her story with high school students. “The more I think about talking with students, I just want to speak authentically. I want to showcase what I’ve done because it came so naturally for me. I didn’t look at myself as an underdog because I’m a woman in engineering. I just looked at it as what would anyone in this position do and how can I do my best,” she said. Miller wants to encourage students to look at non-traditional ways to get the education they need for their desired career paths. Miller started taking college level courses while in high school, something she encourages students to consider. “Get into those programs early if you can. You’re in high school and you may not want to do more schooling, but looking back it was the best thing I did,” said Miller. “A lot of companies will help pay for your education. It comes down to your personal drive. The company will see you want to do more, and you want to grow, and they will invest in that as well.” Sixteen of the ambassadors participated in the orientation program in Luzerne County on March 31. Ambassadors representing companies in the Northern Tier will participate in an orientation program on April 4 in Towanda. School guidance counselors interested in having a Dream Team Ambassador speak at a career fair or other school event should contact Osborne via email, jenelle@nepirc.com. For more information, visit their website, www.NEPIRC.com.
The Wright Center Resident Physician Aids Turkey Dr. Chaitanya Rojulpote, a PGY-3 internal medicine resident and chief resident of research and scholarly activity, has been a witness to the toll a humanitarian crisis can have on people of all ages and knows the important role volunteers play in recovery efforts. When refugees from Ukraine poured into the border town of Medyka, Poland, in April 2022 seeking safe haven from Russia’s invasion of their country, he flew overseas and teamed with a nongovernmental medical relief organization to render aid in makeshift medical tents. From there, he addressed the medical concerns of young and old, alike, oftentimes offering caring reassurances while tending to their medical needs. In February 2023, a natural disaster killed tens of thousands of people in Turkey and left untold damages to their infrastructure as entire cities were reduced to rubble due to 7.8 and 7.3 earthquakes and its more than 10,000 aftershocks. Within two weeks of the earthquake, Dr. Rojulpote purchased airfare to Istanbul, Turkey, where he caught a connecting flight to Adana, Turkey. From there, he drove 4 ½ hours to the earthquake site so he could volunteer his medical services with International Medical Relief, an international nongovernmental organization that provides health care to vulnerable and underserved populations by recruiting health care professionals and doctors. Dr. Rojulpote and other volunteers provided care to the citizens of Turkey on the ground floor of a local hospital, before a 6.4 magnitude earthquake hit the region and compromised its structural integrity, requiring the team to move their care to a medical camp. He was 12 minutes from the epicenter of this earthquake, which caused buildings in the area to collapse. He treated trauma acute and chronic medical conditions and trauma cases. The Hatay Province, where he was based, also straddled the border with war-torn Syria. Volunteers and residents in Turkey could hear the far-off military activity from the neighboring country. Dr. Rojulpote will make a presentation about his humanitarian mission on Tuesday, April 11 at 5 p.m. in the auditorium of The Wright Center for Community Health Scranton Practice. The PowerPoint presentation features videos and photographs of the devastation and heart-felt messages from Turkish residents, that when translated, state: “We will build here again.” To donate, please go to TheWrightCenter.org/donations-for-turkey. Donations will also be accepted at the door before and after the presentation
Commonwealth Health Donation to Local Organizations In recognition of National Doctors’ Day on March 30th, Commonwealth Health hospitals Moses Taylor Hospital and Regional Hospital of Scranton are honoring their physicians by donating twenty-five hundred dollars to the St. Joseph’s Center and United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA in Scranton.This day is designated to thank doctors for their heroic compassion in our time of need. This is an opportunity to pause and recognize their tireless efforts and commitment to your health and the health of your loved ones.This year, Moses Taylor Hospital and Regional Hospital physicians elected to support the community by donating to nonprofit organizations in lieu of gifts that the hospitals would provide to them in honor of Doctors’ Day.“On Doctors’ Day, and every day, we are thankful to work with skilled and compassionate providers.” said Michael Curran, CEO of Commonwealth Health Moses Taylor Hospital and Regional Hospital of Scranton. “We are grateful for their contributions, sacrifices, and unwavering care provided to the patients our hospitals and clinics treat each year throughout the community.”Earlier this month, the physicians voted to determine what organizations would receive the donations and they elected to help the St. Joseph’s Center and United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA in Scranton. United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA’s purpose is to meet the needs of local low-income families, seniors, youth, and new immigrants, while also empowering them to attain self-sufficiency. Rooted in the core values of care, concern, compassion and commitment, the Saint Joseph’s Center humbly serves people who are diagnosed with intellectual disability and those who seek pregnancy support, adoption assistance, outpatient therapy or medical day care services.
Settlers Hospitality Raises over $5,000 for Foundation Settlers Hospitality hosted their annual Chili and Wing Cookoff at Silver Birches in March. The event drew over 300 people and raised more than $5,000 for the Settlers Cares Foundation. Over 20 of the best chefs from local restaurants, schools, and organizations, as well as talented home cooks, dished out their best wing and chili recipes to be named tops in each category. Event goers sampled all the entries and voted for the People’s Choice Award. Ticket sales, along with a 50/50 raffle, netted $5,118 for the Settlers Cares Foundation. The newly formed non-profit provides short-term, emergency support to Settlers Hospitality employees and affiliates experiencing hardship. “This was our first fundraising endeavor and it’s incredibly gratifying that the community came out and showed such amazing support,” states Janna Genzlinger, Settlers Cares Foundation Executive Director. “We’re honored and humbled by the success of the event, which will enable us to assist our co-workers and affiliate employees in their darkest hour.” The Foundation provides tax-free grants to eligible workers in need due to an unexpected life event such as natural disaster, illness or death. Upcoming fundraisers benefitting Settlers Cares Foundation include a Tent Sale on May 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Settlers Inn featuring upcycled goods. A gala is also slated for November and a concert in December. For more information, visit SettlersCares.org
Crystal Windows Unveils New Recruiting Videos National manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems recently created a series of recruiting videos featuring employees discussing their experiences working at the company. These interviews include longtime and newly hired employees working in production, sales, administration, and logistics at Crystal locations across the country and at subsidiary Gateway Extrusions in Union, MO. At a time when manufacturers face hiring challenges, Crystal has revamped and improved many of its recruiting strategies, employment benefits offered, and employee communications. The new recruiting videos are part of this effort, which is showing positive results. “In addition to competitive salaries and benefits, Crystal offers employees opportunities for career development at every stage, from their first day,” said Isabella Leung, HR Manager. “Most of our supervisors and managers have been promoted from within the company because of the experience and knowledge gained on the job, and they are recognized throughout the industry as experts and leaders.” The employee experience themed recruiting videos, 23 in all, are posted on a rotating schedule on Crystal’s social media platforms, corporate website, and company YouTube channel. They are also a featured highlight at business expos, career fairs, and on campus recruiting events Crystal attends in the metro New York, northeast Pennsylvania, St. Louis, MO, and Riverside, CA regions where Crystal and subsidiary factories are located. “Besides being great for outside career fairs, Crystal’s recruiting videos are an effective tool for our current employees to share with family and friends who may be interested in joining the Crystal family,” said Leung. “Our employees speak from the heart about the satisfaction they find working at Crystal. These are powerful testimonials.” A sample of Crystal recruiting videos can be seen at the company website, under the About Crystal/Careers tab at https://crystalwindows.com/careers. These and other employee interview videos were made in conjunction with updates to Crystal’s award-winning corporate video The Story of Us, seen on the website home page.
NeighborWorks Receives Contribution NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania (NeighborWorks) recently accepted a contribution from The Dime Bank (Dime), in the amount of $10,000 through the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development’s Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP).The contribution will support the Scranton Beautiful Blocks Program for 2023. Beautiful Blocks, which is jointly sponsored by NeighborWorks and the City of Scranton, provides matching grants of up to $1,000 to each member of a group of at least five Scranton residents to help them make exterior improvements to their homes. Grants are awarded annually through a competitive application process.“As a community bank, The Dime Bank is proud to partner with NeighborWorks and contribute to their efforts of revitalizing neighborhoods and building community connections. We are excited to be part of their Beautiful Blocks program that encourages team work among neighbors and invests in property improvement,” stated William Boyle, The Dime Bank Senior Vice President, Chief Lending Officer.“We want to sincerely thank The Dime Bank for their generous contribution towards this year’s Beautiful Blocks program in Scranton,” said Jesse Ergott, NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania President & CEO. “We are grateful for their commitment to making a positive impact in our community and beyond.”
