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 Affairs
  • David 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 track
  • Unlimited check writing and deposits
  • Easy 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
balloons_congrats.jpg
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

Scranton

Wilkes-Barre

Bloomsburg

Danville

Jersey Shore

Lewistown

Mifflintown

Muncy

Shamokin

State College

  • Geisinger Healthplex State College, 132 Abigail Lane, Port Matilda
  • To 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.

House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee Advances Proposals to Benefit Female Veterans and Children of Military Families

Rep. Karen Boback (R-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Wyoming), chairman of the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, on Monday led a voting meeting at which six pieces of legislation to benefit Pennsylvania’s military members, veterans and emergency responders were unanimously approved.

The proposals included House Resolution 129, sponsored by Rep. Tracy Pennycuick (R-Montgomery), which would require the Joint State Government Commission to study and report findings and recommendations on prominent issues facing female veterans, including post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, military sexual trauma, and alcohol and substance abuse.

“Pennsylvania’s more than 71,000 women veterans often have different needs and issues when it comes to their health care. Whether it be how they process and deal with trauma and other mental health issues, they are not being adequately served under the current male-focused health care model in place,” Pennycuick told the committee.

“This legislation is long overdue. Our female veterans deserve the same kind of quality health care benefits as their male counterparts,” said Boback. “I am pleased we were able to move this important bill through the committee and look forward to its consideration in the House.”

Boback is the prime sponsor of House Bill 1867, legislation that would establish the Purple Star School Program. Under the proposal, Pennsylvania schools would be designated as Purple Star campuses if they demonstrate military-friendly practices and meet certain requirements such as: having a military liaison staff member; a webpage that includes resources for military students and families; and professional development training opportunities for staff members on issues relating to military students. The program is voluntary.

“This program would recognize schools that provide strong services for any educational transition issues encountered by military families and their children, who may experience multiple moves during their school-aged years,” Boback explained. “The Purple Star designation would signal that a school supports the social and emotional well-being of military children who are adjusting to new schools.”

Other measures advanced by the committee include:   

  • House Bill 1962, sponsored by Rep. Lou Schmitt (R-Blair), which would place a Pennsylvania Career Fire Chiefs Association member on the state 911 Advisory Board.
  • House Bill 2096, sponsored by Rep. Todd Polinchock (R-Bucks) which would authorize certain medals and awards to be presented to civilians and military members of a friendly foreign nation.
  • House Resolution 166, sponsored by Boback, which would urge the State Council on Interstate Education Opportunity for Military Children and the National Compact Commission to make National Guard/reserve members eligible for the Military Interstate Children’s Compact.
  • Senate Bill 739, sponsored by Sen. Pat Stefano (R-32), which would authorize the Pennsylvania Professional Firefighters Association, Pennsylvania Career Fire Chiefs Association, Department of Community and Economic Development secretary or designee, and Department of Conservation and Natural Resources secretary or designee, as voting members of the application review committee for the state Fire and Emergency Medical Services Loan Program. 

All six measures will next be considered by the full House of Representatives.