Treasurer Garrity Leads National Effort to Overturn Mortgage Fees Treasurer Stacy Garrity today announced that she is leading a national effort to eliminate new mortgage fees being imposed on home buyers with good credit and high down payments. The new fees, implemented via policy by the Federal Housing Finance Agency, go into effect today. “This new policy makes it more expensive for people with good credit to buy houses – and that’s absurd,” Treasurer Garrity said. “Americans who have built a good credit score and saved enough to make a strong down payment should not be penalized and forced to pay more on their mortgage every single month. I’m proud that so many of my colleagues from across the country – representing a majority of states – have united to urge the immediate elimination of this policy.” A total of 33 fiscal officers from 26 other states joined Treasurer Garrity in a letter to President Joe Biden and Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Sandra L. Thompson. “For decades, Americans have been told that they will be rewarded for saving their money and building a good credit score,” the letter states. “This policy turns that time-tested principle upside down.” In the letter, Treasurer Garrity and her fellow fiscal officers point out that although FHFA claims the fees will be used to make mortgages more affordable for people with lower credit scores, there are far better ways to achieve that goal: “We all want to increase home ownership across our great country – that’s a central component of the American Dream. … But the right way to solve that problem is not to use the power of the federal government to penalize hardworking, middle-class American families by confiscating their money and using it as a handout. The right way is to implement policies which will reduce inflation, cut energy costs and bring lower interest rates.” The letter concludes with a simple, direct request to President Biden and Director Thompson: “We urge you to take immediate action to end this unconscionable policy.”
The Honesdale National Bank Makes Donation to The Susquehanna County Interfaith The Honesdale National Bank has recently made a $3,000 contribution to The Susquehanna County Interfaith through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program. The funds will go specifically to the organization’s Parent Pathways Program. HNB President & CEO, Thomas E. Sheridan Jr., stated, “Life can change in the most unexpected ways and having organizations like this is something that binds the community together.” He continued, “We are excited to make this contribution in efforts to assist the communities we serve.” Susquehanna County Interfaith provides access to emergency assistance, advocacy programs, and resources for personal development/life change. They offer educational pathways for personal development and long-term independence. The Honesdale National Bank, established in 1836, holds the distinction of being the area’s oldest independent community bank headquartered in Northeastern PA, with offices in Wayne, Pike, Susquehanna, Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties. The Honesdale National Bank offers personal banking, business banking and wealth solutions. HNB is a Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender with NMLS ID # 446237. Pictured (L to R): Karlee Shibley, Lead Case Manager, Susquehanna County Interfaith; Cindy Beeman, Executive Director, Susquehanna County Interfaith; Michelle Kowalewski, Commercial Loan Officer, HNB; Skylar Groover, Hallstead Branch Supervisor, HNB.
The University of Scranton’s Online Master Degree Ranked No. 9 in the Nation The University of Scranton was ranked No. 9 in the nation in Fortune’s “Best Online Master’s Degree Programs in Accounting” listing published online Apr. 28. In addition, an accompanying article titled “What can you do with a master’s degree in accounting,” also published by Fortune on Apr. 28, quoted Douglas M. Boyle, D.B.A., professor and chair of the Accounting Department and director of the Ph.D. program at The University of Scranton. “To eventually land a role in senior management, you need to be well-versed in technology, and master’s degree programs in accounting are incorporating more analytical components to help prepare future business leaders,” said Dr. Boyle in the Fortune article. “That’s what a master’s of accountancy (MAcc) provides because accounting is really transitioning, and is one of the leading professions on implementing analytics.” The article noted that Scranton’s online master’s in accountancy program offers specializations in forensic accounting and accounting analytics. Fortune also noted that the field is growing, with “more than 136,400 job openings for accountants and auditors are projected each year, on average, through 2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.” For the “Best Online Master’s Degree Programs in Accounting” ranking, Fortune assessed the selectivity of the online Master of Accounting programs at the colleges as measured by their students’ average undergraduate GPA and the average number of years of work experience of those students, in addition to also considering the colleges’ first-year retention rate and its graduation rate, which accounted for 75 percent of the overall ranking score. In addition, Fortune looked at the one-year enrollment growth of each program (15 percent) and partnered with Ipsos to survey 2,500 business professionals and hiring managers to produce a measurement of the “brand appeal” of the college, or “how much a group of people want to recruit from the university” (10 percent). For two consecutive years, Fortune included Scranton among America’s “Best Online MBA Programs,” including in its 2022-2023 listing. Scranton was also ranked at No. 57 in the nation in Fortune’s 2022-2023 listing of the “Best Part-time MBA Programs.” Earlier this year, U.S. News & World Report ranked Scranton’s online master’s degree programs in business (excluding MBA) at No. 54; and its online MBA program at No. 102 in the nation in its “Best Online Programs” guide. U.S. News also ranked Scranton at No. 72 in the country for “Best Online MBA Programs for Veterans.”
Greater Scranton YMCA to Present Healthy Kids Day The Greater Scranton YMCA is hosting the Y’s annual Healthy Kids Day® on May 6 from 10:00 a.m. through 2:00 p.m. This free, annual event features a variety of family-friendly activities to encourage healthy kids, healthy families and a healthy start to the summer season. Some featured activities include a Kids Fun Run that kicks-off at 10:30 a.m., vendor fair, petting zoo, rides, bounce houses, entertainment and more.Additionally, as part of the Y’s Wellbeing Initiative, the Greater Scranton YMCA will welcome two guest speakers to the event:• Taes Leavitt, a two-time Juno award winner and creator or television and stage content for kids as one half of the musical duo, Splash’N Boots;• Kelley Perotti, a two-time black belt, two-time Masters World Champion and an elementary motivational speaker who focuses on the life-changing power of kindness.Locally, Healthy Kids Day is sponsored by Community Bank, Matrix Fitness, TOPP Business Solutions, Cal Mal Vending Services, Northeastern Rehabilitation Associates, NET Credit Union and Rainey & Rainey CPAs. To learn more about Healthy Kids Day®, visit https://www.greaterscrantonymca.org/special-events/ or email Brandon Whipple, Senior Program Director, at bwhipple@gsymca.org.
Keystone College to Host Giants Hilltop 5K/10K Race The Keystone College football program will host its inaugural Giants Hilltop 5K/10K race on Saturday, May 7 beginning at the Turf Field on campus. The course will continue through community Trolley Trail, the borough of Factoryville, and the Keystone campus before ending at the Turf Field. Race day registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. with the race starting at 9 a.m. There will be awards for the first-place finisher in each age group and the best overall male and female finisher in each race. There will be food, refreshments, and post-race activities. For more information, or to register early, visit www.runsignup.com and search for Giants Hilltop. Proceeds will benefit the Keystone College football program.
Lackawanna College’s Cybersecurity Lab Sponsored by Mcdonald’s The Lackawanna College Cybersecurity program received a sponsorship from McDonald’s for its lab in the upcoming Center for Technology Innovation (CTI). “It’s super empowering and exciting for the future home of our CTI building and this sponsorship is going to make a difference for us to give back to the students who will then give back to the community as whole,” Director of College Advancement Amber Riedinger said. “Everyone knows McDonald’s and having them come on as a sponsor to back our new facility is huge.” The payment made is $50,000 from the Mueller family, operators of McDonald’s restaurants in the local area. The sponsorship goes to the CTI’s capital campaign fund and will be paid over the course of five years. The lab will be located on the first floor of the CTI building. “We are investing in educating the future of our local community and helping people better themselves by following whatever dreams they have,” Christina Mueller said. “Cybersecurity is a growing industry and becoming more critical every day. We are extremely happy to partner with Lackawanna and make an impact.” The Mueller family franchise is locally owned and operated with 19 McDonald’s restaurants across northeastern Pennsylvania, including two in Allentown. Currently, Lackawanna College and the Mueller family have a partnership where employees who work in Mueller family McDonald’s can receive free tuition. Employees who work at least 16 hours a week and complete 90 days of employment, can earn a degree. Lackawanna College’s Cybersecurity Associate Degree will cover various computer science topics, allowing students to learn how to prevent major cyber security threats and attacks. Cybersecurity is a fast-paced field, and students receive an education preparing them to tackle the problems our online world faces every day. The program is currently accepting enrollment. *In Photo – Pictured left to right – Lackawanna College President and Chief Innovation Officer Jill Murray, Ph.D., Carol Mueller, Christina Mueller and Director of College Advancement Amber Riedinger.
Johnson College to Host 30th Annual Golf Tournament Johnson College will host its 30th Annual golf tournament on Friday, May 19, 2023, at the Pine Hills Country Club in Taylor, PA. In observance of the 30th anniversary, this year’s tournament will feature added anniversary course competitions, raffle prize drawing, and a BBQ dinner for all to enjoy. All proceeds from the annual golf tournament support the Johnson College Presidential Scholarship Fund. Last year’s tournament raised more than $47,000 to support the Presidential Scholarship Fund. The scholarships are presented each fall to full-time students demonstrating financial need to finish their educational journey. To learn more about this event or to register to golf, visit johnson.edu/golf. Sponsors of this event to date include: Presenting Sponsor: Gerrity’s Supermarkets Gold Sponsors: Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, Fastenal Company, L.R. Costanzo Company, Inc., Peoples Security Bank & Trust, Pepsi, PNC Bank, Simplex Homes, Vacendak Construction. Silver Sponsor: Cable Associates, Toyota of Scranton Cart Sponsor: ShopRite Golfer Gift Sponsor: Troy Mechanical, Inc. Breakfast Sponsor: Action Lift Lunch Sponsor: Sordoni Construction Services, Inc. Cocktail Hour Sponsor: Topp Business Solutions Dinner Sponsor: Stevens & Lee Hole-In-One Sponsor: Tasca Ford Mulligan Sponsor: American Eagle Outfitters Exclusive Tee Sponsors: Ability Recovery Service, LLC, CP3 Energy Systems, I.B.E.W Local #81, Knowles Associates, LLC, Milnes Engineering, NRG Controls North, Inc., Waste Management. Presidential Scholarship Sponsors: Candy Frye, Citizens Savings Bank, Fiorelli Catering, Highland Associates Pot O’Gold Sponsor: Nunzi’s Advertising Platinum Marketing Sponsor: Condron Sweda Advertising Advertising Sponsor: Lamar Advertising Gold Print Sponsor: Sprint Print, Inc.
Johnson College Enrolling Students in CNC Machining Training In conjunction with Don’s Machine Shop in West Pittston, Johnson College continues to bring CNC Machining training to Luzerne County. Starting July 24, 2023, students will train to utilize, maintain and program Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines inside Don’s Machine Shop’s classroom and lab at 100 Elm Street, West Pittston. Open enrollment for this 510-Hour CNC class is going on now. Space is limited. To learn more or enroll, visit johnson.edu/510CNC or contact the Johnson College Continuing Education Department at 570-702-8979 or continuinged@johnson.edu. CNC machinists manufacture precision products and components used in various applications such as automotive, medical, electronics, aerospace, transportation, military, and more. Industries throughout northeastern Pennsylvania are currently in need of well-trained CNC machinists. This 510-hour class for beginner-level students includes theory and hands-on learning experiences. The hands-on training, delivered at Don’s Machine Shop, is on some of the most state-of-the-art equipment in the region. This unique, one-of-a-kind training will help open new career opportunities right away. This relationship truly demonstrates how industry is a Johnson College student’s campus. The cost of the class is $7,500. Financial assistance may be available for those who qualify.
NET Credit Union Sponsors Interactive Wall of Fame for Mid Valley School District NET Credit Union is the sponsor for the new Interactive Wall of Fame for Mid Valley School District. There will be three screens installed throughout their high school, elementary school and an outdoor display at their future pavilion within the Athletic Complex. The Wall of Fame is an interactive and digital touch screen that displays athletic awards, general school history and information to share with past students, present students, future students and the community. The information displayed on the screen is also shareable anywhere the internet is available. Mid Valley School District is a Preferred Partner Group of NET Credit Union. This means all faculty, staff and their families are eligible to join NET Credit Union. Pictured Left to Right: Principal Jeffrey Kovaleski of the Mid Valley Secondary Center; Christina Dehaba, NET Taylor Branch Manager; Jessica Tonkin, NET Olyphant Branch Manager; Lauren Pabst, NET Marketing Manager and Tom Nowaowski, Mid Valley Director of Transportation/Athletics
Northeast Regional Cancer Institute Benefits from Healthcare Symposium The University of Scranton’s American College Healthcare Executives (ACHE) chapter hosted the 26th Healthcare Symposium on Thursday, March 30, 2023, entitled, Bedside & Administration: A Strategic Alliance. The event featured a panel discussion with several local healthcare professionals. Basket raffles were also part of the event. The proceeds from raffle and ACHE funds raised $1,000 to support the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute. The University of Scranton ACHE chapter chose NRCI as their benefiting organization for the 2022-2023 school year. In addition to the symposium, they hosted a donut sale in December 2022 and raised $300 for NRCI. Overall, they raised $1,300 to support the organization. For more information about the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, please call (570) 904-8808 or visit www.cancernepa.org.
