Johnson College Receives Grant to Support Military Veterans’ Johnson College Receives $5,000 Grant from Robert H. Spitz Foundation to Support Military and Veterans’ Resource Center Johnson College has been awarded a $5,000 grant from the Robert H. Spitz Foundation’s Spring 2024 grant cycle, managed by the Scranton Area Foundation, to support its Military and Veterans’ Resource Center for students and alumni who are affiliated with the military. The project is being directed by Dr. Natalia Melgarejo, Johnson College Student Success Coordinator. The Johnson College Military and Veterans’ Resource Center, located on the College’s Scranton campus, will serve as a private space for military service members and veterans to study and develop a sense of community as students at the College. Both students and alumni will use the space to find peer support, discuss common concerns, celebrate connections, and share with others who have lived through similar experiences. In addition to the new Resource Center, Johnson College provides services such as priority scheduling and registration to servicemembers, as well as assistance with military and veteran benefits. Johnson College’s goal in serving military-affiliated families and veterans is to help ease the transition in starting, continuing, or resuming educational pursuits and to offer assistance with Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) educational benefits. Through its continued efforts to empower servicemembers to further their education, Johnson College was awarded the 2024-25 Gold Military Friendly® School designation from VIQTORY, a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) that connects the military community to civilian employment, educational, and entrepreneurial opportunities. Institutions earning the Military Friendly® School designation were evaluated using public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. More than 1,800 schools participated in the 2024-2025 survey, with 537 earning special awards for going above the standard. About the Robert H. Spitz Foundation The Robert H. Spitz Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports initiatives and programs serving the residents of Lackawanna County and Northeastern Pennsylvania. Robert H. Spitz was born in Scranton in 1955. He was a graduate of Scranton Central High School and the University of Miami, Florida. The Robert H. Spitz Foundation was established from his estate in 2015 and supports an array of projects and programs that are aimed at improving the community. To date, the Robert H. Spitz Foundation, administered by the Scranton Area Community Foundation, has provided nearly $6 million in funding to the community.
FNCB Bank Supports Veterans Treatment Court FNCB Bank, locally based for over 100 years, recently donated $15,000 through the Pennsylvania Neighborhood Assistance Project Tax Credit Program, to the Treatment Court Advocacy Center of Lackawanna County to help local veterans in the rehabilitative program. The 18-month rehabilitative program addresses root behavioral problems that often afflict veterans, such as mental health and addiction concerns. The Lackawanna Veterans Treatment Court was the first of its kind in Pennsylvania when started in 2009 by Judge Michael Barrasse, who continues to oversee it. FNCB Bank’s donation will be used for essentials like clothing, rent, transportation, medical care, job counseling, therapy, and support for participating veterans and family members. Since 2014, FNCB Bank has donated $100,000 to the treatment court. The support of the Lackawanna County Veterans Treatment Court is part of FNCB’s larger Community Caring initiative. As a true, local community bank, FNCB is making a difference through volunteerism, donations, and outreach programs.
Treasurer Reminds Veterans to File Discharge Documents Locally Treasurer Stacy Garrity and James M. Zugay, Recorder of Deeds in Dauphin County and President of the Pennsylvania Recorders of Deeds Association (PRODA), today reminded Pennsylvania veterans to register their military discharge paperwork with their local recorder of deeds office. “Military discharge papers are crucial documents for veterans to keep, and Recorder of Deed offices can provide easy access to official copies if the originals get misplaced or lost,” said Treasurer Garrity, a retired U.S. Army Reserve Colonel. “It’s important that my fellow veterans know about and understand the importance of this great resource, and I urge them all to make sure they have their paperwork on file with their county’s recorder of deeds.” “Recorders are proud to serve as a custodian of DD214s for our veterans who have honorably served our country,” said Zugay. “We have recorded thousands of these documents, but our hope is spread the word that recording these documents in our office is a way to preserve them in a safe and confidential way if they are needed for any reason in the future.” Recorders are required by Pennsylvania law to accept and maintain military discharge papers from veterans. This is the only document protected as private – DD214s are not public record. If a veteran or their family loses the original paperwork, or it is lost due to a flood, fire or other natural disaster, certified copies can be obtained from the Recorder of Deeds office where the documents were stored. Without this county-level process, veterans would be forced to go through the federal government to receive replacement documents, which can be a cumbersome process. To have military discharge papers recorded, veterans will need to provide their DD214 or NGB22 and, in some cases, a valid photo I.D. Veterans should contact their county Recorder of Deeds to ensure proper documentation. There is no fee associated with recording military discharge papers. “I hope all veterans will take some time to register their discharge papers with their local county Recorder of Deeds,” Garrity said. “It’s a great service that can make things much easier in the future if their original documents get misplaced or destroyed.” Recorders of Deeds have had the authority in Pennsylvania to collect military discharge papers since 1868. To find your county recorder of deeds, visit PRODA’s website at padeeds.com/county-officials.
Johnson College to Hold Instant Decision Day Johnson College’s Instant Decision Day for Veterans and those currently serving in the U.S. Military will be held on Friday, April 28, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. virtually and inside Woolworth Hall on the Johnson College Scranton campus. To register to attend in person or virtually, visit johnson.edu. During the Instant Decision Event, Johnson College will provide prospective veteran students and those currently serving in the U.S. military with an immediate enrollment decision. They must supply their high school transcripts and can bring their college and military transcripts if applicable. It is highly recommended that the prospective student completes an application before attending. Applications for Johnson College’s Physical Therapist Assistant, Radiologic Technology, and Veterinary Nursing programs are excluded from instant decisions.
WVIA Invites Veterans to Mind Over Matter Taping Veterans are invited to be part of a studio audience and community conversation for the next Mind Over Matter television special, Veterans: Wounded Within on Thursday, February 2nd, 2023 at 6 pm at WVIA studios in Pittston. Part of WVIA’s Mind Over Matter mental health initiative, Veterans: Wounded Within will feature moderator Tracey Matisak and a panel of regional mental health experts discussing the mental health challenges of veterans. Hear stories from people who are coping with mental health challenges and find out where to get help. Audience members will have an opportunity to ask panelists questions during the program taping. Panelists include: Brian Keller, a clinical psychologist who is a veteran of both the Navy & the Army.Brigadier General (PA) Maureen Weigl, Deputy Adjutant General for Veterans AffairsDavid Eisele, Director of Lackawanna County Veterans Affairs Reservations are free but limited and can be made at: wvia.org/mindovermatter About Mind Over Matter Those suffering from mental health issues often become victims of discrimination and social isolation due to the stigma attached to these disorders. This stigma is a significant public health issue and can inhibit those with mental illness to seek proper treatment and recovery. In order to combat the stigma and increase awareness, prevention, treatment, and management of a range of mental illnesses, WVIA and Geisinger present Mind Over Matter: A Mental Health Initiative. Like WVIA’s successful Battling Opioids series, this public health initiative aims to improve the mental and physical health of our community through a multi-platform approach that includes television, radio, and digital content. Mind Over Matter is presented by Geisinger. WVIA Mission WVIA educates, inspires, entertains and fosters citizenship, diverse cultures, and perspectives to nurture community.
The Dime Bank News Enter Our Drawings for Your Chance to Win! Supporting local businesses is important to The Dime Bank. A strong community builds a better place to live and work for all. That is why we are running two New Digs Drawings for a chance to win one of 20 gift cards to a local business at each of our newest branches: Steamtown at 300 Lackawanna Avenue, Scranton, in the Marketplace at Steamtown and Indian Orchard at 1055 Palmyra Highway, Honesdale. Stop by both locations and enter our drawings!! We expanded to bring greater banking convenience to your neighborhood. Our seven other branch locations throughout Wayne, Pike, and Lackawanna counties remain open and are here to serve you. Additionally, you can bank online for both your personal and business accounts. You can also open accounts online at your convenience. The Dime Bank is here to bring you better banking, in person and online! Official Rules Do you have friends or family in or around Scranton, PA? Make sure you share the news with them and encourage them to visit our new branch at The Marketplace at Steamtown at 300 Lackawanna Avenue, right next to Starbucks. The Dime Bank is committed to providing you with the ultimate customer experience and we will be equally committed to your friends and family. We will be proud to be their bank of choice too. Checking Accounts Should be Easy! And it is! The Dime Bank EZ Checking account is easy to maintain with: No account balance or usage requirements to trackUnlimited check writing and depositsEasy record keeping with free electronic statements Just a simple checking account with lots of perks like a free debit card and many online and mobile banking services. Need a financial consultation? It’s free with this account. And the best part is you can open your EZ Checking account online. Open your new EZ Checking account today, we love making it easy for you. APPLY NOW Online Banking Tips & Tricks – Transactions Did you ever have to scroll through your transactions in search for a specific item? Well, our online banking tools make it easy to search for specific check numbers, amounts, merchants, and more, without the endless scrolling! Explore & Learn Access your accounts on your time. Enjoy the ultimate online banking experience with digital banking at your fingertips! Sweepstakes Winners Congratulations to the winners of the Mastercard® and Jack Henry & Associates, Inc. Summer 2022 Priceless Surprises Sweepstakes! Cassidy Rae Eckes Nicole D Syfor Sandra M Quick Dimeco, Inc. News Dimeco, Inc. (OTCQX: DIMC), the parent holding company of The Dime Bank, announced earnings for the period ending September 30, 2022. President & Chief Executive Officer Pete Bochnovich stated, “I am happy to present the financial results of Dimeco, Inc as of September 30, 2022. The results are solid, and performance is in line with management’s expectations. I am excited to report that The Dime Bank opened two new branches in the third quarter, one in Scranton and one in Honesdale. Both locations have been well received and are designed to provide better service to our customers through our universal banker model with enhanced technology. We are eager to assist new and existing customers and thank all for their continued support.” The Dime Bank News Earlier this year, The Dime Bank donated $10,000.00 to NeighborWorks Northeastern PA via the Neighborhood Assistance Program. NeighborWorks rejuvenates neighborhoods and creates opportunities for individuals and families to improve their lives through quality housing and financial guidance. This donation supports the 2022 Carbondale Beautiful Blocks Program. “We are excited to partner with NeighborWorks to not only improve the appearance of neighborhoods but to build community connections between neighbors as they work together through this program” stated The Dime Bank Vice President of Marketing Deborah Unflat. Continue Reading Employees’ Fundraising Efforts The Dime Bank employees wore jeans on October 14th to raise money for the Wayne County Children’s Christmas Bureau (WCCCB). WCCCB operates solely on donations and the funds collected will be used to purchase Christmas gifts for families in need and every child helped is from Wayne County. Visit them at wcccb.org* for more information. The Dime Bank employees wore jeans on September 16th to support Zipper Junction Toy Drive* & Toys for Tots*. Our branches collected new, unwrapped toys for children ages infant to 18. We are proud to take part in this effort of helping families in need during the upcoming holiday season. November 2022 Sponsorships Project Morry, Wayne Area Sports Hall of Fame, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Wayne County Historical Society, Dunmore Biddy Basketball, Greater Carbondale Miss C Softball League, Grover M Herman Hospital Auxiliary, Hawley Fire Department, Texas No 4 Fire Company. More information on the above events/organizations.Brightening the Outlook for Retired Veterans The Dime Bank is proud to provide support for local retired Veterans through programs provided by Senior Crime Prevention Foundation®. We are excited to be a part of the nationwide banking initiative to operate programs in Veterans Homes across America that help protect veterans from financial and physical abuse. This is one of the many ways we give back to the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much. Join us this Veterans Day, and every day, as we honor them for their service.
Keystone College News Keystone College Selected as One of the Top Schools for Veterans Keystone College has been included among a group of colleges and universities that are doing the most to educate and serve our nation’s veterans. Keystone has been listed as a school which is “Best for Vets” by Military Times Magazine, a national publication which serves veterans and active military members. Keystone’s selection was compiled through the magazine’s extensive research to determine those schools which best serve veterans, their family members, and dependents through educational opportunities, financial assistance, and services. “Throughout our history, Keystone has been especially attentive to providing a quality education to the men and women who have served our nation,” said Keystone College Interim President John F. Pullo, Sr. “For that reason, we are once again honored to be included as a top school for veterans by Military Times Magazine.” In previous years, Keystone has also been listed as a top school for veterans by other national military and veterans publications. Founded in 1868, with a commitment to providing an education to Civil War veterans and their families, Keystone is home to the Elmer Hawk ’48 Veterans Center. The Center is now the East Coast home for Veterans Stand Together, a national non-profit organization dedicated to veterans’ advocacy and support and is also the home of the Keystone Armed Services Club. The Veterans Center offers a comfortable and convenient meeting place for this special group of Keystone students who have given so much to their country. Students can meet with each other, complete their school assignments, or simply relax, read, visit with friends and family members, or watch television while waiting for their next class. Recognized as one of the best educational values in Northeastern Pennsylvania, Keystone offers more than 50 undergraduate and graduate degree options in liberal arts and science-based programs in business, communications, education, natural science, environmental science, and social sciences. Located 15 minutes from Scranton, Pa. and two hours from New York City and Philadelphia, Keystone is known for small class sizes and individual attention focused on student success through internships, research, and community involvement.
Geisinger To Host Dinners for Local Veterans To thank local military veterans for their service, Geisinger will host drive-through Veterans Appreciation dinners at 11 locations across the health system’s service area from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 10. Geisinger Healthplex State College will serve meals from 4 to 5:30 p.m. The dinners for U.S. military veterans and a guest are being provided at no cost to participants. Anyone interested should make a reservation by Tuesday, Nov. 1.Geisinger will again serve this dinner as a drive-through event for the safety of the community, staff and volunteers. Last year’s event served more than 2,300 meals. This year marks the 20th anniversary for the event at Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital, where it originated before expanding to other Geisinger facilities. This year’s event will grow from nine locations to 11.Veterans may contact their preferred location to register themselves and one guest for the meal. Servings are limited, and those interested are encouraged to sign up now.Locations are: Pittston Township Geisinger Healthplex CenterPoint, 1201 Oak St.To make a reservation, visit go.geisinger.org/vetsdinner/pittston or call 570-808-5380. Scranton Nay Aug Park, 500 Arthur Ave.To make a reservation, visit go.geisinger.org/vetsdinner/gcmc or call 570-703-6322. Wilkes-Barre 50 Roosevelt TerraceTo make a reservation, visit go.geisinger.org/vetsdinner/gswb or call 570-808-3651. Bloomsburg Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital, 549 Fair St. (main entrance)To make a reservation, visit go.geisinger.org/vetsdinner/gbh or call 570-387-2145. Danville Geisinger Justin Drive Office Building, 35 Justin Drive, Building 2To make a reservation, visit go.geisinger.org/vetsdinner/gmc or call 866-578-3427. Jersey Shore Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital, 1020 Thompson St.To make a reservation, visit go.geisinger.org/vetsdinner/gjsh or call 570-398-3101. Lewistown Geisinger Lewistown Hospital, 400 Highland Ave. (third-floor entrance)To make a reservation, visit, go.geisinger.org/vetsdinner/glh or call 717-242-7102. Mifflintown Geisinger Family Health Associates Mifflintown, 27 Cjems LaneTo make a reservation, visit go.geisinger.org/vetsdinner/mifflintown or call 717-242-4219. Muncy Geisinger Medical Center Muncy, 255 Route 220To make a reservation, visit go.geisinger.org/vetsdinner/gmcm or call 570-308-2475. Shamokin Geisinger Shamokin Area Community Hospital, 4200 Hospital Road, Coal TownshipTo make a reservation, visit go.geisinger.org/vetsdinner/gsach or call 866-278-9806. State College Geisinger Healthplex State College, 132 Abigail Lane, Port MatildaTo make a reservation, visit go.geisinger.org/vetsdinner/statecollege or call 814-272-5032.Meals will be served at this location from 4 to 5:30 p.m.
