NET Credit Union Donates to Saint Joseph’s Center

NET Credit Union recently donated $30,000 to their 2022 charity recipient, Saint Joseph’s Center Trinity Child Care Center. All funds raised from the 9th Annual NEToberfest Golf Tournament at Blue Ridge Trail Golf Club, as well as donations through our branches, benefited the children at Saint Joseph’s Center Trinity Child Care Center.

In 2014, Saint Joseph’s Center opened its latest program, Trinity Child Care Center. Their mission is to help children who require medical care throughout the day flourish developmentally, cognitively, and emotionally. Individual programs focus on a child’s abilities and small group activities develop play skills and peer interaction.

The need in our area for a facility like Trinity Child Care Center is higher than most think. The center is for children whose parents are working or attending school that struggle finding appropriate childcare. Trinity Child Care Center is a relief for parents due to the professional trained staff and hands on care.

Pictured from left to right: Karen Clifford, NET Credit Union Board Member; Michele Johnston, RN, Director of Trinity Child Care Center; Sister Maryalice Jacquinot, IHM, President & CEO of Saint Joseph’s Center; Clarence Baltrusaitis, NET Credit Union CEO; and Lauren Pabst, NET Credit Union Marketing Manager. 

FNCB Bank Invests in Scranton Project

FNCB Bank, locally based since 1910, today announced an $11,013,953 Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Investment for the Scranton Square Apartments project through the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA).

The project, located on Dickson Ave. in the Green Ridge section of Scranton, will consist of 36 newly constructed senior housing units. Of the 36 units, 32 are slated to be one bedroom and four are two bedrooms. The units will be affordable to low-income households falling below various levels of the area median income (AMI).

“The need for affordable, safe and accessible housing is great in our community,” said Jerry Champi, FNCB Bank President and CEO. “This project will not only provide much needed housing for low-income senior citizens, but it is also redeveloping a large vacant lot in the city. FNCB Bank is pleased to be a partner on this project by providing a significant portion of the total cost.”

Additional partners include Quandel Construction Group as the general contractor, and the project’s developer, QSP Development, which is a Quandel Enterprises affiliate.

Scranton Square Project 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.

HNB Contributes to Construction Project

The Honesdale National Bank has made a $124,250 contribution to the Wayne County YMCA. The funds will go towards phase one on their construction project which includes, development and completion of engineering design, site development plans, development approvals, sewage, and PennDOT approvals of highway access.

HNB President & CEO, Thomas E. Sheridan Jr., stated, “We are pleased to support our local YMCA as a financial partner forth is impactful project.” He continued, “It is an organization that puts forth a facility and programs for our community, which can be influential for development for generations to come.”

Located at 105 Park Street in Honesdale, and in communities across the nation, the Y is a leading voice on health and well-being. With a mission centered on balance, the Y brings families closer together, encourages good health, and fosters connections through fitness, sports, fun, and shared interests.  As a result, millions of youth, adults, and families are receiving the support, guidance, and resources needed to achieve greater health and well-being for the spirit, mind, and body.

Paul Edwards, board member of the Wayne County YMCA, mentioned, “Every journey begins with a first step. This exciting new building project for the YMCA is a first step in enhancing our services to the local community. It wouldn’t be possible without the support of The Honesdale National Bank. We so appreciate HNB’s community spirit and the great support as we initiate this project.”

The funding has been contributed through the Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) managed through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED).

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.

Photo Caption (from left to right): YMCA Board of Directors, Sherman Bronson, Tim Minella & Elise Burlein, YMCA Board of Trustees Eric Linde, Paul Meagher, Honat Bancorp, Inc. Board of Directors, Bill Schweighofer, Chairman of Honat Bancorp, Inc. & Thomas E. Sheridan, President and CEO, The Honesdale National Bank.

Johnson College Receives $2,000 Contribution for the Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association Scholarship

Members of the Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association recently presented a $2,000 contribution to Johnson College to support the annual Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association Scholarship. The scholarship will be awarded to two students in the Automotive Technology Program for the 2023-2024 academic year. 

The Pocono Mountain Street Rod Association was established in 1975 and has been funding the scholarship at Johnson College since 2009. The club raises funds through Cruise Nights held at the Viewmont Mall parking lot throughout the year.

Wolf Administration Reminds Pennsylvanians to Heed Winter Weather Threats This Holiday Weekend

The Wolf Administration is urging Pennsylvanians to pay attention to weather forecasts and remain alert for rapidly changing conditions and brutal cold this holiday weekend.

“Many people are traveling to spend time with friends and family this weekend, so it’s important to know the forecast for your home, your destination and points along your intended travel route,” said PEMA Director Randy Padfield. “We can’t control the weather, but we each can control how informed and prepared we are, so that we can make decisions that keep our loved ones safe.”

According to the National Weather Service, a dangerous winter storm arriving Thursday will bring numerous hazards from west to east across the state, including icing, snowfall, a flash freeze, and dangerous winds and cold that will last through the weekend.

Thursday morning, we can expect ice and snow, particularly in the central and northern mountains. Throughout the day temperatures will rise, bringing rain statewide and the threat of isolated flash flooding for central and eastern Pennsylvania overnight into Friday.

A dramatic drop in temperatures Friday morning and early afternoon could cause of a flash freeze, meaning any water left on the roadways or sidewalks will quickly freeze and make travel difficult. Strong winds gusting up to 50-60 miles per hour could also bring down power lines and tree limbs. Wind chills will reach negative teens and 20s Friday night, creating hypothermia and frostbite hazards. Homeowners should also be aware of the threat of frozen water pipes.

The dangerous cold and windy weather will continue into Sunday, for the Christmas holiday. For northwestern Pennsylvanians, lake effect snow will kick in on Friday with blowing and accumulating snow lasting into Sunday.

“We know that many Pennsylvanians are looking forward to their holiday plans,” said PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian. “If you’re planning to travel, don’t forget to check 511PA.com or the 511PA smartphone app for the latest weather and travel information. The PennDOT team is ready and will work before and throughout the storm to help keep motorists safe during this busy travel season.”

Because temperatures will be very low, the potential for icy roads is high, and PennDOT urges motorists to avoid travel if possible. But if travel is necessary, use caution, reduce speeds and be aware of changing weather conditions. PennDOT has been pre-treating roadways to help prevent ice from forming a bond with the pavement during the early stages of a storm. However, salt is not a silver bullet, and drivers may encounter icy spots on the roadway. With freezing temperatures, roads that look wet may actually be icy, and extra caution is needed when approaching bridges and highway ramps where ice can form without warning.

If motorists encounter snow or ice-covered roads, they should slow down, increase their following distance and avoid distractions. Last winter in Pennsylvania, preliminary data shows that there were 151 crashes resulting in three fatalities and 81 injuries on snowy, slushy or ice-covered roadways where aggressive driving behaviors such as speeding or making careless lane changes were factors.

To help make decisions regarding winter travel, motorists are encouraged to “Know Before You Go” by checking conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles, including color-coded winter conditions on 2,900 miles, by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras. Users can also see plow truck statuses and travel alerts along a specific route using the “Check My Route” tool. 511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional Twitter alerts.

For more information on safe winter travel, an emergency kit checklist and information on PennDOT’s winter operations, visit www.PennDOT.pa.gov/winter. Additional winter driving and other highway safety information is available at www.PennDOT.pa.gov/safety.

“This upcoming frigid weather will create safety hazards, so it is important to bundle up to stay safe if you must go outside,” Acting Secretary of Health and Pennsylvania Physician General Dr. Denise Johnson said. “To avoid frostbite and hypothermia, I advise you to cover all exposed skin, dress in layers, wear water resistant clothing to stay dry, drink warm beverages and take frequent breaks from the cold. Please keep an eye on yourself and your neighbors for effects of freezing temperatures. If anyone starts to continuously shiver, they should go inside, as that is their body’s way of saying it is getting too cold.”

The PSP reminds motorists that Pennsylvania has a new law requiring snow and ice removal from motor vehicles and motor carrier vehicles. The law says drivers must reasonably attempt to remove accumulated snow and ice from hoods, trunks and roofs within the 24 hours following a winter storm. Drivers face a $50 fine if the buildup endangers people or property, regardless of whether any anow or ice was dislodged.

State law also makes it unlawful to drive a motor vehicle if ice or snow on the windshield, rear window, or side windows obstructs, obscures or impairs the driver’s clear view of the highway or any intersecting highway.

Pennsylvania’s Move Over Law requires drivers who are approaching an emergency response area and are unable to safely merge into a lane further away to slow at least 20 mph under the speed limit. Emergency response areas include tow trucks that are assisting disabled motorists.

Finally, headlights must be turned on any time the windshield wipers are being used continuously or intermittently for precipitation such as rain, snow or sleet.

The State Police urges drivers to postpone any travel that isn’t absolutely necessary. If you must travel, make sure someone knows where you are going and when you expect to arrive. Be sure to have your cell phone and a charger. Check weather forecasts and travel advisories before you walk out the door.

“Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures could make this a dangerous and costly winter storm for Pennsylvanians who aren’t prepared for closed roads and high winds,” said Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. “We urge those in the agriculture industry, as well as pet owners, to plan ahead to minimize risks for your animals and your facilities. Provide shelter for livestock and pets, stockpile feed, monitor your buildings for wind damage or ice and snow accumulation.”

Redding provided the following pet and livestock safety tips:

  • Protect animals from the wind.
  • Provide adequate clean, dry bedding.
  • Keep animals clean and dry to maximize the insulating properties of their coats.
  • Change water often to prevent it from freezing. Pets need water to prevent dehydration, which can contribute to hypothermia.
  • Provide additional feed, including hay and grain, to livestock. Ensure that it remains unfrozen.
  • Never leave pets in parked cars. Parked cars amplify the effects of cold weather.
  • Contact your veterinarian if your animals show signs of hypothermia including shivering, lethargy, low heartrate and unresponsiveness.
  • Monitor buildings – especially those with gently-pitched roofs – and remove accumulated snow, ice, and overhanging limbs to prevent collapse.

Travelers should be sure to pack an emergency travel kit. The kit should include a flashlight with fresh batteries, jumper cables, first aid supplies, blankets, cell phone charger, bottled water, and non-perishable foods. Families who must travel with infants or pets should consider extra formula or pet food.

More information about how to prepare for any type of emergency, including free downloadable checklists of items to keep in your home, car, and at work, and specific information for people with access and functional needs or pets, is available on the Ready PA webpage.

MEDIA CONTACTS: Ruth A. Miller (PEMA) – ruthmiller@pa.gov

                                    Alexis Campbell (DOT) – alecampbel@pa.gov

                                    Shannon Powers (Ag) – 717.603.2056, shpowers@pa.gov

                                    PSP Communications – ra-pspcomm@pa.gov

                                    Mark O’Neill (DOH) –  ra-dhpressoffice@pa.gov

WVIA, The Institute for Public Policy & Economic Development, and the Scranton Area Community Foundation release Video Series

This past fall, WVIA in partnership with The Institute received a grant from the Robert H. Spitz Foundation through the Scranton Area Foundation to produce a series of videos to help explain critical issues in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Titled The Data Visualization Video Series, the videos focus on three key areas: Workforce Development, Housing Inequality, and Child Abuse. The project creates compelling informational videos based on The Institute’s Data Indicators, condensing the reports into short 2–3-minute videos.

Links to the Data Visualization Video Series can be posted on organizations’ websites or shared on social media platforms:

Data Visualization: Workforce

Data Visualization: Housing Inequality

Data Visualization: Child Abuse

To request still images or video excerpts from the Data Visualization Video Series please contact info@wvia.org

December Days of Giving

December Days of Giving is a dine & shop local fundraiser. Local businesses have pledged to give back a percentage of their sales for one day in December to the Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA.

By patronizing our fundraising partners’ businesses, you support the dreams of local entrepreneurs and the healing of child victims of abuse and neglect in NEPA

Register your business or make a donation today!

YMCA News

YMCA to Hold Cooking Classes

The YMCA will be gathering in the kitchen and café every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in January for cooking lessons and healthy habits discussions. 🍽

The Tuesday and Wednesday classes go together, with the Tuesday class a discussion on what will be prepared on Wednesday. Our Thursday class will be a standalone class focusing on preparing meals on a budget.

Registration is required for each individual class. For members, each class costs $5.00 and for non-members, $10.00.

View the schedule and reserve your spot by visiting us online! https://www.greaterscrantonymca.org/…/kitchen-club/.

YMCA to Hold Outreach Program

We Are Y is an inclusive community outreach program that provides individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities access to recreational activities that encourage staying active, building interpersonal relationships among peers, self-sufficiency, and aid in developing cognitive abilities.

Recreational activities will rotate weekly and will be followed by light refreshments before departing.

JANUARY PROGRAM SCHEDULE:
1/5: Post Holiday Craft – Draw what made us most happy during this holiday season!
1/12: Imagination Playground – Obstacle Course and base building
1/19: Habitat Drawing – We will pick a habitat type and then draw out the species that belong to that specific habitat (animals, plants, etc.)
1/26: Create your own Super Hero – We will craft our own unique original super heroes and write short descriptions of them (powers, secret identity, backstory, etc.)

YMCA Receives Grant from North Pocono Student

North Pocono High Schooler Gwendolyn Powell presented the Greater Scranton YMCA with a grant award totaling $5,713.50.

Gwen is a youth competitive golfer, participating in national and local PGA Junior Golf Tournaments. Through her participation in the American Junior Golf Association, Gwen signed up for their Leadership Links Program, which helps youth impact their community and help others by golfing for a cause.

Johnson College’s 3D Printing Competition Registration is Now Open

Johnson College will host its third 3D Printing Competition for local high school students on Friday, March 24, 2023. The competition is an opportunity for students to showcase their abilities and creativity using science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) techniques.

This year’s competition requires high school students to compete individually to design and make a gravity hook. The hook will try and pick up 10 objects that are various weights and sizes. All pieces must be 3D printed, with no adhesives, mechanical fasteners, or non-3D printed parts. Each competitor must submit a complete technical drawing of all parts and assembly.

All students and groups must be registered by a school staff member who will also serve as an advisor while their students are on the Johnson College campus on the day of the event. For more information and to register, please e-mail Tim Frank at Tfrank@johnson.edu. Upon registration, a document will be emailed detailing additional information. Registration ends February 13, 2023. Prizes are to be announced.