The Honesdale National Bank Foundation Supports Susquehanna Fire Department The Honesdale National Bank Foundation supports the community with a $4,250 contribution to the Susquehanna Fire Department. The funds will specifically go towards the purchase of 27 Class II Fire Service Safety Harnesses. HNB President & CEO David Raven stated, “Supporting first responders in our community is extremely important, especially at times when we need them most.” He continued, “We are glad to support the Susquehanna Fire Department to support their purchase of new equipment to enhance their safety capabilities.” This purchase is in conjunction with the department’s recent purchase of a 2009 Sutphen SL 75 Aerial Ladder Truck. The newly purchased aerial is the first aerial in the department’s history, providing greater resources to meet its objectives: primarily fire suppression and rescue services. The new truck’s aerial ladder is 75′ allowing access to the upper floors of the many Main St. buildings, schools, hospital, and multi-family senior citizen and family apartment complexes. Susquehanna Fire Dept. Inc. is the primary organization responsible for Fire Protection, Rescue, and Emergency Medical Services for the residents and businesses of Susquehanna Borough, Oakland Borough, Lanesboro Borough, Oakland Township and Harmony Township. The Honesdale National Bank Foundation is a 501(c)3 entity established by The Honesdale National Bank to engage in community giving initiatives that foster the area’s growth and resources as it has remained committed to since its founding in 1836. The Foundation’s aims to fulfill that mission through initiatives that support the sustainability and strengthening of resources and programming that make local communities thrive and remain desirable places to live, work, and play. The mission will be upheld through the provision of funding for public charities, institutions, schools and other not-for-profit organizations throughout our local area.
Sarah O’Hora Promoted to Commercial Loan Officer I at HNB David Raven, President and CEO of The Honesdale National Bank, announced Sarah O’Hora has been promoted to Commercial Loan Officer I. In making the statement, Raven noted, “Sarah is a long standing member of the HNB Family. Her local knowledge and sincere interest in her customers success have been consistent themes for her. He continued, “We are fortunate to have people like Sarah who are committed to making sure local businesses receive the value we have come to be known for in our community.” O’Hora is a graduate of Greencastle-Antrim High School and received a Bachelor of Science Degree (Cum Laude) from Millersville University in 2011. She also attended the PA Bankers School of Banking in 2015, and Leadership Northern Poconos Class of 2016. Currently residing in Lake Arial, PA, she started her ten year career in the financial industry with HNB. Previous positions included Teller, Customer Service Representative, Marketing Assistant, Marketing and Communications Specialist, and Commercial Loan Portfolio Manager. She will continue as Commercial Loan Officer I. In this role, she is responsible for developing and managing commercial loan relationships, collecting and analyzing financial information, and negotiating terms for small business and other commercial loan applicants. In mentioning her time with HNB, O’Hora said, “My work at HNB has always allowed me to support those in my local community. In this new position, I will be able to continue to support the financial needs of our local business people whom, I believe, are the foundation on which our communities are built.” In her spare time, she is a Worship Leader at Wallenpaupack Church and a Publicity Volunteer for Habitat for Humanity of Wayne County, PA. She enjoys spending time with her family, golfing, pheasant hunting, clay bird shooting, and walks in the woods. 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. For more information on HNB’s products and services, visit www.hnbbank.bank.
HNB Supports Women’s Resource Center With EITC Donation The Honesdale National Bank was once again authorized to make approved contributions under the Commonwealth’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program. HNB designated $2,500 of their approved allotment to the missions of the Women’s Resource Center. The funds, donated by HNB, will support their Safe Dates Program. HNB President & CEO David Raven stated, “We are grateful to have the opportunity to support this organization with funds through the EITC program. The Women’s Resource Center plays a vital role in our society, especially for the health and safety of individuals in our community.”
HNB Supports Lacawac Sanctuary with EITC Donation The Honesdale National Bank was once again authorized to make approved contributions under the Commonwealth’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program. HNB designated $2,000 of their approved allotment to the Lacawac Sanctuary Field Station and Environmental Education Center, nestled on 550 acres near the shores of Lake Wallenpaupack. The funds, donated by HNB, will support the Center’s K-12 innovative educational programs HNB President & CEO David Raven stated, “Lacawac Sanctuary presents benefits to our environment, local students, and community members.” He said, “We are glad that we can continue to support the funding of this organization to care for our youth’s education and environmental preservation.” Craig Lukatch, Lacawac Sanctuary President, said, “Lacawac Sanctuary is very grateful for the generous support of The Honesdale National Bank. Lacawac’s YES (Youth Engaging Science) Programs provide opportunities for students to participate in hands-on environmental STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) education programs both in and out of school.” The Lacawac Sanctuary offers direct experiences with nature, providing relevant learning that equips students with critical thinking, creative approaches, and problem-solving skills. Their mission is to preserve the natural beauty of Lake Lacawac, its watershed, and surrounding lands; to conduct long-term research on natural systems as part of a global effort to understand and protect the Earth’s biodiversity; and to increase appreciation of this effort through innovative, field-based educational programs for students, teachers, and the community. Lukatch continued, “Lacawac strives each year to take our inquiry-based science programs to the next level, transforming the way teachers teach and students learn environmental education.”
HNB Supports Wayne County Public Library with EITC Donation The Honesdale National Bank was once again authorized to make approved contributions under the Commonwealth’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program. HNB designated $20,000 of their approved allotment to the missions of the Wayne County Public Library. The funds, donated by HNB, will support students with e-resources and virtual programming within the seven-library system including the following local libraries: Bethany, Hamlin, Hawley, Newfoundland, Northern Wayne, Pleasant Mount, and the WCPL (Honesdale). Along with the e-resources, equipment will be purchased to provide virtual programming for those who cannot get to the library. Some resources include free online tutoring, online SAT/ACT classes, free access to the Get a Five program for those in Advanced Placement classes, hundreds of tutorials and videos, Learning Express Library, Teen Health & Wellness, Prenda Coding, and STEM Online Resources. HNB President & CEO David Raven stated, “We are privileged to have the opportunity to provide local support to organizations like the Wayne County Public Library with funds through the EITC program.” He continued, “We are glad to see this contribution go towards program upgrades along with advancement of technology and resources.” Tracy Schwarz, Wayne County Public Library Director, mentioned, “The Libraries are working hard to provide programming, equipment, and education to support student learning in creative new ways.” She said, “In Addition, we continue to purchase STEM materials, computers, equipment, and other collection materials to further the excitement and education of Wayne County’s students.”
HNB Supports Abington Community Library with EITC Donation The Honesdale National Bank was once again authorized to make approved contributions under the Commonwealth’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program. HNB designated $3,000 of their approved allotment to the Abington Community Library. The funds, donated by HNB, will support K-12 educational opportunities. HNB President & CEO, David Raven, stated, “Access to public libraries is important throughout the education of children and young adults.” He said, “We are excited to continue to serve our area by supporting this organization and contributing to their funding.” Sandy Longo, Abington Community Library Executive Director, said, “This year has challenged everyone to find a new normal as we all continue to cope with the ongoing healthcare crisis. The Library is no exception. I am proud to share programming staff devised ways to continue engaging our K – 12 service population during this time through virtual learning platforms and kits!” The Abington Community Library is part of the Lackawanna County Library System. The Library is located at 1200 West Grove Street in Clarks Summit, PA.
Michelle Kowalewski Promoted to Commercial Loan Officer II at HNB David Raven, President and CEO of The Honesdale National Bank, announced Michelle Kowalewski has been promoted to Commercial Loan Officer II. In making the statement, Raven noted, “Michelle understands our values as a company and contributes to the support of our community day in and day out.” He said, “The Northern Susquehanna County market is a fresh focus of HNB and we have no doubt she will continue to provide strong service to our customers in her new role.” In her current role, Kowalewski is Mortgage Advisor at the Hallstead Office and assists customers and employees with daily functions as well as helping with mortgage recommendations. Originally from Montrose, Michelle received a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Agricultural Business Management from Penn State University. She has been in the financial industry for 6 years. Previously, she worked as an Agricultural Loan Officer for AgChoice Farm Credit in Northeastern, PA. She will continue to provide her expertise as Commercial Loan Officer II at HNB. In mentioning her career with the bank, she said “I am excited to return back to commercial lending after working in residential mortgage lending for two years.” She mentioned, “I hope to continue HNB’s expansion in the Susquehanna County market area and strengthen existing relationships with our current customers.” Outside of the bank, Michelle is an active member of local clubs and organizations, serving as Organizational Club Leader of the Born to Show 4-H Club, President of the Susquehanna County 4-H Livestock Committee, member of the Susquehanna County Youth Program Advisory Committee. Member of the Harford Agricultural Society, Youth advisor for the Susquehanna County Jr. Holstein Club, and a member of St. Mary’s Church, in Kirkwood, NY. In her spare time, Michelle enjoys serving as a 4-H Club leader, attending her kids’ sports events and 4-H activities, camping, and is eager to attend Penn State football games again this fall. For more information on HNB’s products and services, visit www.hnbbank.bank.
Robert Ferraro and Eric Jensen Promoted to Area Managers at HNB David Raven, President and CEO of The Honesdale National Bank, announced Robert Ferraro and Eric Jensen have been promoted to Area Managers. In making the statement, Raven noted, “Both of these individuals have shown their strengths as Branch Managers, and demonstrate the capability to contribute to our organization at a higher level.” He said, “HNB is always looking to reach new heights, and I am certain having Bob & Eric as Area Managers will allow us to focus on better serving our community through improvements to our customer-focused traditions and improved operational processes.” In his current role, Ferraro is AVP, Branch Manager II / Loan Officer at the Hamlin Office and assists customers and employees with day to day operations as well as supporting lending opportunities. Originally from Clarks Summit, Ferraro received a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Business Management and Finance from the University of Scranton. He has been in the financial industry for 21 years and will continue as Area Manager of the eastern region offices at HNB. In mentioning his career with HNB, he said “I am grateful to HNB for the opportunities that I have been given to excel in my career over the past thirteen years. This organization cares about the employees and the customers they serve. I am proud to be a part of that.” Outside of the bank, Bob is married to HNB Commercial Lender, Catherine Ferraro for over 21 years with two children and two dogs. When he is not at work, he is spending time with his family. In his current role, Jensen is Branch Manager at the Clarks Summit Office serving customers and employees with daily operations. Originally from Long Island, NY, he received a Certificate of Commercial Credit Analysis from NYU and has been in the financial industry for 22 years. Of that, 14 years have been in banking with prior positions including Branch Manager, Business Banker, and Vice President of Sales. He will continue as Area Manager of the western region offices at HNB In mentioning his new role, he stated, “Too many banks have turned to charts and formulas to make decisions, I am excited to work for a bank that is truly out in the community making a difference in people’s lives.” He continued, “The Area Manager role is an excellent way for HNB to deliver our core values, products and services to the offices in the communities we live and work in every day.” Outside of the bank, Eric is a Board Member of Leadership Lackawanna, and a Community Impact Volunteer for United Way Lackawanna and Wayne Counties.
HNB Supports Leadership Lackawanna with EITC Donation The Honesdale National Bank was once again authorized to make approved contributions under the Commonwealth’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program. HNB designated $2,000 of their approved allotment to Leadership Lackawanna. The funds, donated by HNB, will support curriculum enhancement for the betterment of local young professionals. HNB President & CEO David Raven stated, “Leadership Lackawanna provides development for the skillsets of our area’s business owners and professionals, underwriting the growth and expansion of our local commerce and region’s economy.” He continued, “We are glad that we can provide funding for this program to continue the benefit to our community.” Nikki Morristell, Executive Director, Leadership Lackawanna, said “We are most appreciative to HNB for their continued support. These funds directly impact the 41 aspiring high school juniors in our Tomorrow’s Leaders Today program, hence allowing their leadership skills and abilities to grow and shine. Indirectly this generous gift provides an unparalleled combination of people, resources and opportunities to the community, impacting NEPA for years to come!” Leadership Lackawanna is a 501(c)(3) charitable, nonprofit organization in northeastern Pennsylvania dedicated to community leadership and professional development. Its five programs – Tomorrow’s Leaders Today, Leadership U, Core, Executive, and Welcome Scranton! – enhance the skills, connections, and knowledge of emerging and established leaders, enabling them to better serve in our communities, workplaces, and organizations. Since inception, Leadership Lackawanna has graduated more than 2,300 community leaders.
HNB Supports the Devereux Foundation with EITC Donation The Honesdale National Bank was once again authorized to make approved contributions under the Commonwealth’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program. HNB designated $2,500 of their approved allotment to the Devereux Foundation. The funds, donated by HNB, will support individuals in all areas of life – from activities like Special Olympics to sensory-friendly spaces and advanced therapy. HNB President & CEO David Raven stated, “The Devereux Foundation is an important organization in our community that continues to provide support to those in need.” He said, “We are glad that we can fund this program to continue to serve our area.” Tina Skod, Executive Director, Devereux Foundation, said, “Despite a number of diagnoses and challenges among those we serve. Devereux remains committed to whole-person health.” She continued “This collaborative effort to promote both behavioral and physical wellness puts us at the fore front of the industry, bringing healthcare into the 21st century.”
