The Dime Bank Supports Delaware Valley School District Students

Pictured left to right: Arielle Wilkes (teacher), Nat Carso (student), Josephine LordI (student), Donna Dale (actor), Jeffrey Stocker (director), Charles Terrat (actor) and Jackie Weston (teacher).

The Dime Bank is in the business to enrich DV students’ lives. The Dime Bank donated $15,000.00 cumulatively to the two organizations through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program.

The ART program brought the historical understanding of the Holocaust through “The Diary of Anne Frank” to DVSD middle school students with an interactive format including professional actors performing a dramatic reading, music exploration, and journal writing.

Jackie Weston, DVSD English Department Chairperson enthused “Thank you so much for supporting this project and our DVSD children. We are so appreciative of this great opportunity.”

The GPCF program focused on STEM literacy for DVSD middle school students to prepare for high school. The MakerSpace lab and Lego Coding Club were expanded, and two new programs were introduced: Drone Certification and an Aquaponics Lab for elementary school students.

About The Dime Bank

Since 1905, The Dime Bank, Member FDIC, has been making a difference in the lives of those they touch by helping generations of customers realize their goals and dreams. With nine branches in Wayne, Pike, and Lackawanna Counties, The Dime Bank offers you better banking, in person and online. Community banking yields community benefits. For more information on The Dime Bank, visit www.thedimebank.com, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn.

Stars of the Screen highlight Scranton/Wilkes-Barre summer appearances

RailRiders add three appearances to 2023 promotional schedule that are sure to delight.

The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders are thrilled to add three special guest appearances to the 2023 promotional schedule. Stars of the screen will help capture the fun of three select promotional nights during the summer months at PNC Field.

Spider-Man will swing by Marvel’s Defenders of the Diamond Night on June 9 as the RailRiders take on the Norfolk Tides. The festivities already include custom jerseys that will be auctioned off to benefit Ronald McDonald House, and now everyone’s favorite, friendly neighborhood Spider-Man will be on the scene for photos and fun.

June 24 is the RailRiders Open featuring a golf towel giveaway, presented by Fox 56, and what better way to navigate PNC Field but with the help of Bushwood Country Club’s best caddy, Michael O’Keefe, on hand for autographs and photos. O’Keefe starred in the 1980 classic Caddyshack as Danny Noonan. Surely he will help the RailRiders “Be the Ball” and na na na na na na na their way to a win over the Buffalo Bisons.

Our Office Olympics on August 12 needs an expert, so Kate Flannery is coming back to NEPA to get back to work! Flannery starred as Meredith Palmer in the hit NBC show The Office and she returns to her old Dunder Mifflin roots right by the Electric City. The first 2,500 fans that night will get the Oswald Peraza and Oswaldo Cabrera dual bobblehead giveaway, courtesy of Geisinger, and more antics are sure to ensue as the RailRiders host the Syracuse Mets, including sending the night out with a bang. Yep… post game fireworks! That’s what we said.


One of the best ways to see some of these great appearances is with the Sunsational Summer Six Pack ticket plan. Fans can get Field Reserved, Lawn or Bleacher seats for our best promotional nights of the season. The Sunsational Summer Six Pack includes June 24, our double fireworks show on July 4, Retro Video Game Night with the Anthony Volpe Bobblehead Giveaway on July 22, Margaritaville Night featuring a custom SWB Hawaiian Shirt Giveaway on August 5, August 12 and 90s Night with a custom SWB Bucket Hat Giveaway on August 26!

Pricing for the Sunsational Summer Six Pack tickets is based on seat location. To purchase a plan or for additional promotional information, visit www.swbrailriders.com.

Johnson College Spring 2023 Semester President’s List

Dr. Katie Leonard, President & CEO of Johnson College, has announced the President’s List of students who have completed the 2023 Spring Semester with a grade point average of 3.90 or higher.

Laura Alleva-Cox, Automotive Technology, Archbald, PA

Jacob Banta, Automotive Technology, Trucksville, PA

Richard Christianson, Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology, Susquehanna, PA

Alyssa Crawford, Electrical Construction Technology, Jermyn, PA

Briana Curtis, Electrical Engineering Technology, Blakely, PA

Hezekiah Deitz, Electrical Construction Technology, Hamlin, PA

Brandon Grandinetti, Computer Information Technology, Olyphant, PA

Jared Hodorawis, Architectural Drafting & Design Technology, Honesdale, PA

Thomas Huffsmith, Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology, Factoryville, PA

Sean Hughes, Architectural Drafting & Design Technology, Moscow, PA

Anthony Kutchmanich, Physical Therapist Assistant, Greenfield Twp., PA

Samantha Leeuwen, Radiologic Technology, Springbrook Twp., PA

Jeremy Lewis, Radiologic Technology, Bear Creek, PA

Dustin McAllister, Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology, Scranton, PA

Jessica McKee, Radiologic Technology, Thornhurst, PA

Chase Notz, Computer Information Technology, Scranton, PA

Alexandra Nowicky, Radiologic Technology, Drums, PA

Christian Overholtz, Automotive Technology, Scranton, PA

John Ozark Jr., Diesel Truck Technology, Pittston Twp., PA

Evan Smith, Architectural Drafting & Design Technology, Tunkhannock, PA

Matthew Spiccioli, Electrical Construction Technology, Kingston, PA

Kamron VanWert, Architectural Drafting & Design Technology, Peckville, PA

Devin Walsh, Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology, Olyphant, PA

Kevin Williams, Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology, Eynon, PA

About Johnson College

Johnson College provides real-world, hands-on learning in a supportive environment and prepares graduates to enter into or advance in their in-demand careers. Johnson College was founded in 1912 and is the region’s only technical college, offering 18 associate degrees, four academic certificates, and over 30 continuing education programs. A low student-to-instructor ratio supports an emphasis on hands-on learning. Located in Scranton on a 44-acre campus with a satellite campus serving the greater Hazleton area, the College is an accredited, private, non-profit, co-educational institution with a strong tradition of working with regional businesses and industries to ensure a skilled and qualified workforce. For additional information on Johnson College, please call 1-800-2-WE-WORK, email enroll@johnson.edu, or visit Johnson.edu.

PennDOT Invites Students to Participate in Paint the Plow Program

Deadline for submissions is June 15, 2023

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is inviting high school students in the northeast region to participate in the annual Paint the Plow program. The program challenges youth to incorporate a statewide theme and incorporate it into an original mural that they paint on one of PennDOT’s snowplow blades to promote winter driving safety and foster appreciation for school art programs and student creativity.

The 2023 theme, “Seat belts are always in season,” was chosen to remind motorists that seat belts save lives and should be worn year-round.

Paint the Plow was piloted in Cambria County in 2015 and later expanded to several surrounding counties and across the state. In the northeast region last year, students in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Wyoming counties participated.

Students in public and private schools are eligible to participate, though school officials must make the arrangements. Plow delivery and pick-up dates vary by county. PennDOT may modify program categories based on participation numbers.

Additional information on the program, including the guidelines for participation, can be found online at www.penndot.pa.gov or obtained from Elizabeth Fabri at efabri@pa.gov or 570-963-3502 or Jessica Ruddy at jeruddy@Pa.gov or 570.963.4044.

PennDOT cannot provide financial support for supplies or travel expenses connected with this program but does make every effort to publicize the contributions of the schools and the students. This will include, but is not limited to, social media postings, postings on the PennDOT website, media press releases, and public displays at a local PennDOT facility. 

Subscribe to PennDOT news and traffic alerts in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Wyoming counties at www.penndot.pa.gov/District4.

Information about infrastructure in District 4, including completed work and significant projects, is available at www.penndot.pa.gov/D4Results.

Follow local PennDOT news on Twitter and like the department on Facebook and Instagram.

Educator in the Workplace Finishes 2023 Cohort

Scranton, PA—Skills in Scranton, the workforce development affiliate of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, concluded the 2023 Educator in the Workplace (EIW) program on Thursday, May 4. The program was partially funded by the City of Scranton American Rescue Plan (ARPA) Non-Profit COVID Relief Grant and sponsored by Pennsylvania American Water and the Scranton Area Community Foundation.

Twenty-six participants, including teachers, school counselors, principals, administrators, and school board directors, participated in the cohort, learning about Northeastern PA’s in-demand careers and industries. Various sessions included a State of the Workforce presentation, tour of the Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County, an in-depth look into manufacturing regionally, on-site business tours, presentations by CareerLink Lackawanna and a facilitated curriculum writing session.

“The EIW program provides an opportunity for educators to learn from and network with community business leaders and peers from adjacent school districts,” said Emily Pettinato, workforce development specialist, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. “Participants share best practices, career pathways resources and essential career skills that can be brought back to their districts and integrated into classroom instruction. The resources provided by the EIW program is supporting the development of a robust regional talent pipeline.”

Throughout the 2023 EIW program, the participants have applied what was learned during the program integrating basic workforce skills into classroom instruction. Takeaway lessons included interviewing, resume writing, clocking into class to earn credit, and simulating real-time workplace practices.

The Chamber and Skills in Scranton have begun preparations for next year’s EIW cohorts.  For more information or to register for future EIW programs, contact Emily Pettinato at epettinato@scrantonchamber.com or visit www.SkillsinScranton.com.

The 2023 Educator in the Workplace participants Include:

  1. Johanna Chorba, Scranton School District
  2. Thomas Murray, Scranton School District
  3. Hayley Miller, Scranton School District
  4. Laurie Marino, Valley View School District
  5. John Fox, Riverside School District
  6. Richard Hensel, Scranton School District
  7. Karlene Cicco, Scranton School District
  8. Bonnie Baker, Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County
  9. Samantha Masco, Carbondale Area School District
  10. Licia Olivetti, Carbondale Area School District
  11. Dalyana Gillette, Scranton School District
  12. John Ray, Scranton School District
  13. Nanine Gramigna, Scranton School District
  14. Jessica Norris, Scranton School District
  15. Gabrielle Pidgeon, Carbondale Area School District
  16. Amanda O’Brien, Scranton School District
  17. Carrie Wittenbrader, Western Wayne School District
  18. Jessica Capwell, NEIU19
  19. Melinda Arcuri, Marywood University Adult Basic Literacy Education Program
  20. Sandy Morahan, Forest City School District
  21. Teri Erdmann, Forest City School District
  22. Katelyn Phillips, Lakeland School District
  23. Larry Pegula, Valley View School District
  24. Lori Kelley, Valley View School District
  25. Christina Burak, Valley View School District
  26. Mary Swift, Scranton School District

About Skills in Scranton

Skills in Scranton, an affiliate organization of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, integrate workforce and economic development through collaborative partnerships, connecting industry and education to drive local economic prosperity.

About The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit organization that works to improve the area’s economic environment and quality of life by offering programs and services which stimulate economic growth, promote business prosperity and nurture educational opportunities. For more information about the Chamber, visit www.scrantonchamber.com.

Former Congressman Keynote at 154th Annual Chamber Dinner

Scranton, PA—The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce announced that the 154th Annual Dinner, presented by PNC Bank, will be held on Wednesday, May 24, at the Hilton Scranton & Conference Center.

The Annual Dinner celebrates the accomplishments of The Chamber’s past fiscal year and will feature a keynote presentation by Harold Ford, Jr, a former United States Congressman and executive vice president and regional president in New York with PNC Bank.

Ford is the executive vice president and regional president of PNC Bank, New York. In this role, he is responsible for new business development and deepening relationships with clients and community organizations. Prior to being named to his current role in February 2023, Ford served as vice chairman of Corporate & Institutional Banking (C&IB) for PNC Bank. Serving as a Congressman for 10 years (1997–2007), he represented the people of Tennessee’s 9th congressional district. He was on the House Financial Services, Budget, and Education Committee and a member of the Congressional Black Caucus.

Tickets for the annual dinner are available online at www.ScrantonChamber.com. The Chamber board of directors, staff, and membership looks forward to celebrating all that has been accomplished in the greater Scranton community.

About The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit organization that works to improve the area’s economic environment and quality of life by offering programs and services which stimulate economic growth, promote business prosperity and nurture educational opportunities. For more information about the Chamber, visit www.scrantonchamber.com.

Ritz Theater & Performing Arts Center Golf Tournament

1st Annual Ritz Theater and Performing Arts Center Golf Tournament Fundraiser to benefit the Creative and Performing Arts Academy’s children in theater. Join us for a great day for the game of golf…and all for a great cause: the arts and education! Proceeds benefit artistic and educational endeavors of the Ritz Theater & Performing Arts Center, home of the Creative & Performing Arts Center. DATE AND TIME: Shotgun Start May 20, 2023 @9AM-3PM LOCATION: Rock Creek Golf Course, 2783 PA-374, Nicholson, PA 18446 Questions? Contact us smelcher@ritzpac.com / 570.252.4156 TICKETS: 4-man Captain and Crew format. Sign up your team of 4 for $260 ($65 per person). Person registering will be considered team captain and will be contacted with any changes or questions. All sales are final. No refunds or exchanges. INFORMATION: Gather around donuts and coffee in the clubhouse to go over rules. Snacks and beverages will be available throughout the game. There will be a dinner to follow. Event will include prizes, raffles, games, and more.

The Greater Scranton YMCA Offering Tips to Keep Kids Safe

The Greater Scranton YMCA wants to ensure that water safety doesn’t get lost in our community’s eagerness to jump into summer. As temperatures rise, kids want to cool off, whether that is in home pools, ponds, lakes, rivers, streams, or oceans. And that means the risk of drowning is as prevalent as ever. For National Water Safety Month this May, the Greater Scranton YMCA is encouraging parents and caregivers to reinforce the importance of water safety skills with the whole family.
“As ‘America’s Swim Instructor,’ the Greater Scranton YMCA annually teaches more than 1,250 children valuable water safety and swimming skills,” said Trish Fisher, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “Now more than ever, it’s important to remind parents and caregivers that water safety needs to be top-of-mind as families start to return to their favorite summertime activities.”
As part of National Water Safety Month, the Greater Scranton YMCA is encouraging parents to play an active role in promoting water safety and providing five tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable swimming experience for all.


Make sure children know to always ask permission before going in or near the water. Teaching your children to be water smart is the first step in water safety – be sure they understand the importance of asking permission before going in or near the water.
Never swim alone or without a water watcher. When children are swimming, make sure they are actively supervised at all times. Teach your children that they should only swim in locations where a lifeguard is on duty, or where a responsible adult agrees to watch the children in the water without distractions.


Supervise your children whenever they’re in or near water. Whether it’s bath time or taking a dip in a pool or waterfront, make sure your children are within arm’s reach at all times.
Don’t engage in breath holding activities. Children should not hold their breath for a prolonged amount of time while swimming, as this can be dangerous.
Wear a life jacket. Inexperienced or non-swimmers should wear a Coast Guard-approved life
jacket.


Don’t jump in the water to save a friend who is struggling in deep water. If a child finds
their friend in deep water unexpectedly, their natural reaction may be to jump in the water
to try to save them. Even if a child is a great swimmer, a panicked person will overpower
them, pulling the rescuer underwater. The Y’s Safety Around Water program teaches the
“reach, throw, don’t go” concept of using a long object to reach for them and pull them to
safety. By using this technique children can help their friend without compromising their
own safety.
To learn more about the Greater Scranton YMCA’s swim programs, please contact Leslie
Kopa, Aquatics Director, at (570) 828-3112 or lkopa@gsymca.org.

The Dime Bank Celebrates Their Indian Orchard Branch

The Dime Bank celebrated their Indian Orchard branch at 1055 Texas Palmyra Highway, Honesdale, PA, its newest addition to the community bank’s branch network, with a ribbon cutting ceremony on April 27, 2023. This new branch brings personal banking with universal bankers and high-tech solutions to the community. The Dime Bank universal bankers are cross-trained to take care of all customer needs in one place. They act as a dedicated personal financial assistant, helping to simplify the financial complexities of life. The branch offers an iPad kiosk for customers to log into their online accounts as well as a drive-up ATM, which brings 24/7 high-tech convenient access to funds.

Additionally, The Dime Bank is committed to enhancing our communities by supporting our aspiring entrepreneurs and business customers with an Entrepreneurial Center located at this new facility. The Dime Bank Entrepreneurial Center offers customers a comfortable and secure environment with a variety of technological resources. Space can be reserved at www.thedimebank.com/entrepreneurial-center.

Moreover, The Dime Bank’s Customer Care Center (CCC) is in this building. The CCC offers customers telephone assistance with a live, knowledgeable, local care team. Telephone assistance is available after branches are closed and on weekends, for the hours and phone number, visit: www.thedimebank.com/ways-to-bank. This location also hosts The Dime Bank’s Support Center with back-office departments including information technology, digital banking, retail support, fraud, bank security, deposit operations, loans, human resources, marketing, compliance, training, and facilities management.

The Dime Bank staff were available at the celebration to give tours of this state-of-the-art banking facility and answer questions. County officials and many customers of The Dime Bank were present to show their support. The community is invited to visit The Dime Bank Indian Orchard branch to meet the staff and discuss how The Dime Bank can help you meet your financial goals. The Indian Orchard branch offers customers access to trusted, dependable professionals who bring financial solutions to the community during these hours:

Lobby Hours:

Monday – Thursday: 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Saturday: 8:30 a.m. – Noon

Drive Up Hours:

Monday – Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Saturday: 8:30 a.m. – Noon

President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Bochnovich expressed, “Branches are core to The Dime Bank’s business. In addition to catering to individuals with bank accounts and home loans, our branches also support businesses and non-profit organizations in the community. We’re excited that this new facility is not only a branch, but it offers an Entrepreneurial Center to expand the scope of solutions we offer to our customers. Our expert staff are available to provide the ultimate customer experience. Our mission to serve the financial needs of all continues to hold true as we strive to build strong partnerships for years to come. We thank you for your continued support and hope everyone will be able to take full advantage of this new advanced banking facility and all that we offer as a community bank. The Dime Bank’s commitment to provide quality financial solutions for our customers and our communities remains unchanged since 1905.”