NET Credit Union Awards Scholarships NET Credit Union awarded $10,000 in scholarships to two local recipients at our Annual Meeting. Each recipient won a $5,000 scholarship. Each applicant must be a NET Credit Union member, have proof of a B average or better, proof of attendance, and must submit a 1,000 word essay with a cover page answering the scholarship question. This year’s scholarship question included: What does “next generation banking” mean to you? How does NET Credit Union’s digital banking relate to it?
NAMI Northeast PA Earns Leadership Certificate NAMI Services Leader Katie Spencer recently completed a certificate in the Leadership Fellows Academy, which is an eight-month course offered through The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) in collaboration with the University of North Carolina Wilmington Department of Public and International Affairs and the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Engagement at the University of North Carolina Greensboro. This was offered to leaders of nonprofit organizations that provide peer support services and/or mental health crisis services, and it is the first time this program was offered in the state of Pennsylvania. Leadership Fellows Academy (LFA) is a transformational cohort learning experience that seeks to enhance the capacities of the mental health ecosystem across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Today, leaders, organizations, and communities are especially challenged by a need to be adaptive and innovative to solve the grand challenges of our time. LFA creates a community of such adaptive leaders to face these challenges and feel empowered to work together to expand access to mental health treatment in Pennsylvania. In addition to a few in-person sessions, over the course of eight months, Katie attended weekly webinars and had the opportunity to work with an executive coach via Zoom every three weeks. Katie learned about a variety of topics to help her become more effective and resourceful in her position with NAMI in the Northeast Region of PA. Some of the topics included: understanding the non-profit sector, building an effective board of directors, program growth and development, conflict resolution, negotiation and marketing strategies, networking and relationship building, influencing public policy and internal policies and much more. Katie says, “The Leadership Fellows Academy has reignited my passion to help others. Throughout the eight-month program I had the opportunity to build upon my leadership skills and was reminded how unique and important a peer perspective can be. I’m eager to continue to help others battling mental health conditions here in Northeast PA and beyond.”
Keystone Mission Recipient of Leadership Lackawanna’s Tomorrow’s Leaders Today Grant Keystone Mission has been selected as a grant recipient for Tomorrow’s Leaders Today, a leadership program comprised of high school juniors in Northeastern PA, for their 2024 grant cycle. In conjunction with Scranton Area Community Foundation, administrator of the Tomorrow’s Leaders Today Fund since 2007, a check was presented to Keystone Mission’s Scranton Pathfinders Program. Pathfinders is a workforce development program used to teach and train “guests” on the needed on-the-job skills while connecting them with sustainable employment. Since its inception, we have seen over 320 individuals come through the program, gaining skills and sustainable employment. As the program continues to grow in popularity among those whom Keystone Mission serves, the program will begin offering certifications in areas like ServSafe, Peer to Peer, Flaggers, Certified Nursing Assistant, and more. “Keystone Mission is honored to have been selected as a recipient of this year’s SACF and Leadership Lackawanna Tomorrow’s Leaders Today grant. We believe in the work that is done to help prepare our young people and will have an indelible impact on their lives for many years. We wish the class of 2024 the very best in their current and future endeavors,” says Danielle O. Keith-Alexandre, CEO & Executive Director.
The Wright Center Announces Fellowship Dr. Ivan Cvorovic, a board-certified internal medicine hospitalist at The Wright Center for Community Health, has been elected a fellow of the American College of Physicians (ACP), the society of internists. The distinction recognizes achievements in internal medicine, the specialty of adult medical care. Dr. Cvorovic was elected upon the recommendation of peers and the review of ACP’s Credentials Subcommittee. He may now use the letters “FACP” after his name in recognition of this honor. Dr. Cvorovic sees adult patients at The Wright Center for Community Health – Scranton Counseling Center, 329 Cherry St., where he is accepting new patients. Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, Dr. Cvorovic is also a core faculty member of The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s Internal Medicine Residency, which is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. A graduate of the University of Belgrade School of Medicine, Dr. Cvorovic completed his internal medicine residency training at Icahn School of Medicine in New York, where he served as the chief resident. Dr. Cvorovic and his wife, Dr Kristina Tanovic, live in Scranton, with their daughter Iskra Cvorovic. The Wright Center, headquartered in Scranton, operates 10 community health centers in Northeast Pennsylvania, including a mobile medical and dental unit called Driving Better Health. Its locations offer affordable, high-quality, indiscriminate whole-person primary health services, meaning patients typically have the convenience of going to a single location to access integrated medical, dental, and behavioral health care, as well as community-based addiction treatment and recovery services. For more information, go to TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-230-0019. ACP is the largest medical specialty organization and the second physician group in the United States. ACP members include 143,000 internal medicine physicians, related subspecialists, and medical students. Internal medicine physicians are specialists who apply scientific knowledge and clinical expertise to the diagnosis, treatment, and compassionate care of adults across the spectrum from health to complex illness. For more information about ACP, go to acponline.org.
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.
