New Hires and Promotions at Scranton Counseling Center Promotions Melanie is the coordinator of intake and emergency services. She has been employed at Scranton Counseling Center since 2014. Prior to her position, Melanie worked as a case manager, and was part of Lackawanna County’s Mental Health Court Program. Additionally, she served as a crisis worker with the focus of helping those in urgent need throughout the area. Melanie believes in the leadership and the mission of Scranton Counseling Center to continue providing the utmost quality and compassionate care. Katlyn graduated with her bachelor’s degree in social work from Bloomsburg University in 2020. She has been employed at the center since 2020 in the crisis and intake department. Currently, Katlyn is the coordinator of crisis services. She is passionate about helping individuals maintain their independence and get connected to needed services. New Hires Connie comes to Scranton Counseling Center as Controller of Finance. She received her Bachelors of Science Degree in Accounting from King’s College and brings with her over 14 years of experience which includes a combination of public and private industry accounting. Doug has over 20 years of municipal and non-profit accounting and grant writing experience. He is responsible for grant writing, fund raising and community outreach for Scranton Counseling Center. Doug believes in building strong community partnerships and will work to promote the Center in Lackawanna and Susquehanna Counties as well as the surrounding areas. He holds a BS in Accounting and a MBA in Business Management, both from Bloomsburg University. Tammy serves as the Program Coordinator of Katie’s Place Clubhouse through Scranton Counseling Center. She has a strong background working within the mental health field, community support, and other social service organizations throughout the community. She is passionate about serving youth and adults in their pursuit of wellness and independence. Ashley has worked in the mental health field for 20 years with adults, adolescents and children across inpatient, outpatient and residential settings. She has training in trauma-informed care and utilizes a collaborative and compassionate approach to counseling in an effort to foster hope, healing and resilience. Ashley is passionate and committed to providing a safe, supportive and nurturing environment; one that fosters growth, healing and connection in the lives of the individuals we serve.
Army veteran and acclaimed poet visits Tobyhanna Acclaimed spoken word poet Edward “Obbie West” Wilson visited Tobyhanna Army Depot (TYAD) on Wednesday, May 3, to speak about the importance of sexual assault awareness and prevention at TYAD’s “Not Just April” event. Army veteran and former warrant officer Wilson, or Obbie West as he is known on stage, served as the keynote speaker at the event. West was born and raised in South Central Los Angeles. He was a witness to regular violence on the LA streets and grew up in an abusive household. Wilson enlisted in the U.S. Army at 17 and his military career spanned 21 years, including a deployment to Iraq. Before retiring in 2019, Wilson called four states and three countries home. Serving our Nation afforded Wilson the opportunity for, in his words, “vast growth.” He attributed this growth to the different people, beliefs, cultures, countries and more he was exposed to during his time in the military. One particular instance of growth came when West was introduced to a craft that would afford him the opportunity to share his story with the world. In 2011, Wilson was introduced to poetry in Killeen, TX, through the Killeen Poetry Slam. Wilson found “his lung” in poetry – a passion that has seen him speak all over the world. Poetry gave Wilson a newfound outlet through which he could share his message. In 2017, Wilson decided to focus his poetry on a cause for which he is a major advocate – sexual assault awareness and prevention. Members of Team Tobyhanna may have seen Wilson’s work in this U.S. Army Sexual Harassment /Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) video. Employee Services Center (ESC) Chief Ricardo Horn said following a successful training centered around West’s SHARP video, members of ESC were keen to bring West to TYAD. “Feedback from the training was so positive, this was something we were really excited to make happen.” Each April, TYAD observes Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM) to reaffirm the commitment toward maintaining a safe and healthy working environment, in which all members of Team Tobyhanna can thrive. The centerpiece of this year’s SAAPM observance was “Not Just April.” The event occurring outside of April was an intentional choice meant to serve as a reminder that sexual assault awareness and prevention is a cause that is to be championed all 12 months of the year. In introducing West at the event, TYAD Chief of Staff Kristyn Smith reiterated Tobyhanna’s commitment to making this topic a yearlong discussion. “Today’s presentation drives home the point that even though April has passed, SHARP is a topic that needs to be discussed all year long – not just April,” said Smith. During the almost hour and a half presentation, West covered several topics including his own backstory and experiences with abuse, self-awareness, emotional intelligence, bystander intervention and leadership. West detailed how we cannot control our emotions, but we can control the way we react to them, adding we must first recognize our internal emotions before we can recognize our external emotions. He noted that assault can happen to both genders and that the reaction should be the same. West emphasized empathetic styles of leadership that seek to understand and empower survivors of sexual harassment or assault, saying “the absence of understanding breeds callousness.” He also spoke at length about bystander intervention. According to West, intervention is a process that cannot simply be boiled down to an order, but instead requires education and empowerment to prevent the “armed robbery of someone’s rights.” For the many people in attendance, different aspects of the dynamic presentation resonated with them. Representatives from the United States Army Communications-Electronics Command (CECOM) SHARP Fusion Directorate visited TYAD for the presentation and were thrilled with it. “The presentation was awesome. It was great to hear how he incorporated personal experiences into bystander intervention and continuum of harm. It tied back into the 2023 SAAPM theme of ‘Intervene, we are a team: There is an US in trust. Can they trust in you?’,” said members of the directorate. The presentation was received very well by several members of the audience, including Mike Sherin, Chief, Air Defense and Counter Fire Engineering Branch, Production Engineering Directorate and Paul Borosky, Director, Systems Integration and Support. Sherin said, “I loved the presentation; it was very informative and will stick with me.” Borosky said, “It was extremely moving to hear Obbie share his personal experiences. His poetic performance helped deliver the message in a more impactful way.” Ricardo Horn, who was instrumental in getting West to TYAD, lauded West’s presentation and said it was the perfect way to put a bow on TYAD’s 2023 SAAPM events. “Mr. West’s art compels us to reflect on our commitment to preventing sexual harassment and assault. His message is inspiring and challenges the audience to acknowledge personal biases that may interfere with bystander intervention. It is a privilege to have him wrap up Tobyhanna’s Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month with such a poignant experience, knowing his words will have a lasting influence in our community’s prevention efforts.” After the presentation, Depot Commander Colonel Daniel L. Horn and Deputy Commander Rob Lantka presented West with a plaque as a token of gratitude for his presentation. In presenting the award, Lantka read a portion of the inscription on the plaque, thanking West “for his unfiltered, thought-provoking presentation and commitment to the SHARP program.” Col. Horn echoed the positive sentiments of many members of Team Tobyhanna and called on everyone to combat sexual violence. “The presentation was astounding. We all must do more to combat sexual harassment and assault in the workplace and in the world.” The Obbie West presentation and the SHARP program are TOBY2035 initiatives aligned with the Invest in Our People and Shape the Future lines of effort. The plan, which has two additional focus areas, strives to position Tobyhanna for success in the coming years as the Department of Defense’s premier worldwide C5ISR readiness provider. Tobyhanna Army Depot is a recognized leader in providing world-class logistics support for command, control, communications, computers, cyber, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C5ISR) systems across the Department of Defense. Tobyhanna’s Corporate Philosophy, dedicated work force and electronics expertise ensure the depot is the Joint C5ISR provider of choice for all branches of the Armed Forces and industry partners. Tobyhanna’s unparalleled capabilities include full-spectrum logistics support for sustainment, overhaul and repair, fabrication and manufacturing, engineering design and development, systems integration, post production software support, technology insertion, modification, foreign military sales and global field support to our joint warfighters. About 3,100 personnel are employed at Tobyhanna, located in the Pocono Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania. Tobyhanna Army Depot is part of the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command. Headquartered at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, the command’s mission is to empower the Soldier with winning C5ISR capabilities.
Nearly 200 High School Students Test Physics Skills Abington Heights High School participated in The University of Scranton’s annual Hayes Family Science Competition for High School Physics and Engineering Students. Seated from left: Rachel Frissell, faculty specialist for the University’s Physics and Engineering Department, team coach Daniel Vannan and Bradley Ames. Standing from left: Brady Kareha, Chris Adonizio, Santo Schiavone, Hannah Puttcamp, Gineva Reese, Michal Zdanowicz and Julian Grives. Nearly 200 area students participated in The University of Scranton’s annual Hayes Family Science Competition for High School Physics and Engineering Students. The academic competition tested the high school students’ knowledge of physics and engineering through a series of quizzes and hands-on challenges. Students competed individually and in teams. John Lockwood from Delaware Valley High School came in first place in the individual competition, based on a quiz given to all participants and placement in a Jeopardy game of those with highest quiz scores. Noah Beckish from North Pocono High School came in second place. John Ebert from Berwick High School came in third place. In the team competition, the Delaware Valley High School team placed first. Members of that team were: John Lockwood, Olivia Bogert, Nixon Kameen, Clint Murray, Jess Rhule, John Rivera and Wil Salus. Steve Rhule was their coach. Wyoming Area High School team two came in second place. Members of the Wyoming Area team were: Nathan Ambrosino, Ben Hollister, Andrew Lucas, Joseph Marranca and Jadan Pepe. David Pizano was their coach. Berwick High School team one placed third. Members of the third-place finishing team were: Gabe Hook, John Ebert, Alysa Lewis, Karly Kile and Luke Peters. Matthew Shrader was their coach. Throughout the daylong competition, the students participated in teams in a series of hands-on challenges that tested their skills in several areas of physics and engineering, including a Data Analysis Event, Static Equilibrium Event, an All Power Out Event and a Trebuchet Event, for which the students had to predict the landing point of a basketball launched across the gym by medieval catapult. In the Data Analysis Event, the Delaware Valley High School team won first place. In the event titled, “All Power Out,” Berwick High School team one and Wyoming Area High School team one won first place. The first-place winner in the Static Equilibrium Event was North Pocono High School team two. The first-place winner of the Trebuchet Event was Mid Valley High School team one. The competition was organized by the University’s Department of Physics and Electrical Engineering to encourage more students to pursue careers in physics and engineering.
University of Scranton Names New Vice President Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton, announced that Lauren S. Rivera, J.D., M.Ed., has been named Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students at Scranton, effective May 1, 2023. Dean Rivera had been serving as interim vice president for student life and dean of students at Scranton. She will continue to serve as a member of the President’s Cabinet. “Since joining the University community in 2009, Lauren has made an impact across all areas of student life. Personally, I marvel at the depth of her commitment to cura personalis, always working to ensure the best possible experience for our students,” said Father Marina in the campus announcement about Dean Rivera’s new position. “Lauren has been instrumental in many successful Student Life programs and projects, including Resilient Royals, which supports first-year students in their transition to college, and the Fail Forward Panel, a program started in 2019, in which speakers share stories of resilience and navigating struggle. She has displayed a deep commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and justice and strives to foster a campus community where students of all identities can thrive.” The Division of Student Life includes the Center for Career Development, the Center for Student Engagement, the Cultural Centers (Multicultural Center and Jane Kopas Women’s Center), the Center for Health Education and Wellness, the Counseling Center, Student Conduct and Assessment, Student Health Services, Student Government, Residence Life and University Police. Dean Rivera joined The University of Scranton community in 2009 as director of student conduct and assessment. In 2015, she was named assistant vice president for student formation and campus life (later student life) and dean of students. Under her leadership, the University expanded student support for issues such as wellness, grief, transition and social challenges. The University launched THR1VE, an initiative that supports first-generation students. In 2022, Scranton was named a First-Gen Forward institution. Colleges selected to the First-gen Forward program receive professional development, community-building experiences and have access to research and other resources.Dean Rivera also supported the development of ROCK (Royals of Color Kickoff) and shepherded the completion of the expanded Multicultural Center. Recently, she announced a reorganization in Student Life, to integrate better the various functions that support student health and wellness and to advance the University’s campus-wide plan for diversity, equity and inclusion. Dean Rivera is active in student life professional associations. She has presented at national conferences and authored a chapter in the 2019 book “Keep Calm and Call the Students: A Guide to Understanding the Many Faces of the Dean of Students’ Role.” Dean Rivera earned her bachelor’s degree from Bucknell University and helped to develop a joint-degree program in law and education at Pennsylvania State University, where she earned her master’s of education and juris doctorate degrees.
The Honesdale National Bank Makes Contribution to Susquehanna Community School District Pictured (L to R): Mr. Robert Goodrich, Michelle Kowalewski, Commercial Loan Officer, HNB; Skylar Groover, Hallstead Branch Supervisor, HNB along with students of the Susquehanna Community School District. The Honesdale National Bank has recently made a $5,000 contribution to the Susquehanna Community School District via Commonwealth Charitable Management, Inc. through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program. The funds will go towards financial education programs in the school district. HNB President & CEO, Thomas E. Sheridan Jr., stated, “We are happy to support this school as they enhance their educational curriculum.” He continued, “The best way to get children and young adults prepared for the next step in life, is providing access to critical financial lessons and resources.” The mission of the Susquehanna Community School District is to nurture an educational environment that will develop life-long learners who will be successful participants in an ever-changing world. Commonwealth Charitable Management, Inc. has been administering EITC since 2003. They have over a decade of experience and have provided millions of dollars in funding to support thousands of students. 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.
Scranton Cultural Center to Host Wheel of Fortune LIVE! “Wheel of Fortune LIVE!,” a theatrical experience, will be coming to the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple on November 14 at 7:30 PM. The live stage show, produced by Right Angle Entertainment in collaboration with Sony Pictures Television and UTA, is the one-and-only way fans can experience America’s Game® in person outside of Sony Pictures Studios. Tickets run from $46.75 – $90.00 with VIP Experience packages available for an additional fee. A venue presale will take place for Scranton Cultural Center email subscribers from May 17 at 10:00 AM through May 18 at 11:59 PM. Tickets are available for purchase via Ticketmaster or in-person and by phone through the SCC’s Fidelity Bank Box Office. One of the greatest game shows of all time has been adapted into a stage show to give more fans access and more chances to win at “Wheel of Fortune LIVE!” Guests are randomly selected to go on stage and feel like they stepped into the game show itself. The live stage show is the only way you can have the chance to spin a full-sized replica of the iconic Wheel. At Wheel of Fortune LIVE!, contestants are selected from the audience to go on stage for the chance to call consonants, buy vowels, and maybe even solve puzzles to win fantastic prizes, including trips to destinations like Paris and Hawaii or up to $10,000 in cash. Everyone gets in on the fun and a chance to win at Wheel of Fortune LIVE! because there are audience games too! VIP Packages will also available, and they give fans early access, premiere seats, pre-show lounge access and photo opportunities to spin the wheel. For tickets and more information, visit www.WheelofFortuneLive.com. Pat and Vanna will not be on tour, and the hosts for this engagement will be announced later date. “Wheel of Fortune Live!” is a live touring production and is not for broadcast.
Greater Scranton YMCA To Hold Safe Around Water Campaign The Greater Scranton YMCA is offering two, one-week swim lesson sessions at a reduced rate this June The Greater Scranton YMCA will once again host its Annual Safe Around Water Campaign this June. This year’s campaign will be held Monday through Thursday from June 19-June 22 and June 26-June 29. The Safe Around Water Campaign is open to Y members and non-members and costs $10 per week. Children can register for one week or two. The Annual Safe Around Water Campaign gives children the opportunity to learn new swimming skills designed to help keep them safe in and around the water. These concentrated lessons will incorporate safety around water skills so needed by all of the children in our community. “Here at the Y, we believe all children should learn how to swim,” said Trish Fisher, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “For so many, though, the financial resources are not available to afford swim lessons. Through our Annual Safe Around Water Campaign, it is our goal to offer swim lessons to children from our community who may otherwise not have access.” The Safe Around Water Campaign is generously supported by the Kiwanis Club of Scranton. Lessons are first come, first served. To view the schedule and register, visit the Greater Scranton YMCA online. For questions, contact Leslie Kopa, Aquatics Director, at lkopa@gsymca.org. About the YDriven by its founding mission, the Y has served as a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community for more than 175 years. The Y empowers everyone, no matter who they are or where they’re from, by ensuring access to resources, relationships and opportunities for all to learn, grow and thrive. By bringing together people from different backgrounds, perspectives and generations, the Y’s goal is to improve overall health and well-being, ignite youth empowerment and demonstrate the importance of connections in and across 10,000 communities nationwide.www.greaterscrantonymca.org
Lackawanna College Class of 2023 Graduates *In photo – Lackawanna College graduates Channel Evans Kearse, Scranton, Ashley Bruno, Wilkes Barre, Jessica Hinton, Blakely, Abigail Eileen Foley, Dunmore, Gustavo Weislher Andrade, Clarks Summit, Chelsea L Bush, Susquehanna, Tiffany Michelle Anello, Spring Brook Township and Makkah Madinah Watkins, Scranton celebrate outside Angeli Hall. Lackawanna College awarded 117 bachelor’s degrees along with more than 375 associate degrees and 19 certificates at the college’s 129th commencement. The ceremony honored the class of 2023 and Brianna McCarthy of Scranton presented the valedictory address. “Leave today with the knowledge to take on the world and meaningfully contribute to it,” McCarthy said. “Whether we land our dream career, go on to achieve our masters or more; we remember Lackawanna College as the place to fuel true ambition.” Jill Murray, Ph.D., and Erica Barone Pricci, Ph.D. addressed graduates at the ceremony, conferred degrees to candidates and presented degrees with Adrienne Asbury, dean of curriculum and faculty affairs, and Kelly Musti, associate vice president for academic affairs and dean of health sciences. “I am proud of what you all have accomplished and what you will accomplish as cherished alumni,” Dr. Murray said. “Your time at Lackawanna College has made you intellectually curious and prepared you to be responsible citizens of this planet. The work you do once you leave us, will help to evolve a better world.” Members from the Class of 2023 represented 15 states including Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, Maine, Colorado, Florida, Delaware, Maryland, Ohio, Georgia, Oklahoma, Connecticut and Virginia. Undergraduate degrees with the most graduates were bachelor’s Human Services, associate in Professional Studies, associate in Business Administration, associate in Business Studies and associate in Criminal Justice.
The Dime Bank Supports Delaware Valley School District Students Pictured left to right: Arielle Wilkes (teacher), Nat Carso (student), Josephine LordI (student), Donna Dale (actor), Jeffrey Stocker (director), Charles Terrat (actor) and Jackie Weston (teacher). The Dime Bank is in the business to enrich DV students’ lives. The Dime Bank donated $15,000.00 cumulatively to the two organizations through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program. The ART program brought the historical understanding of the Holocaust through “The Diary of Anne Frank” to DVSD middle school students with an interactive format including professional actors performing a dramatic reading, music exploration, and journal writing. Jackie Weston, DVSD English Department Chairperson enthused “Thank you so much for supporting this project and our DVSD children. We are so appreciative of this great opportunity.” The GPCF program focused on STEM literacy for DVSD middle school students to prepare for high school. The MakerSpace lab and Lego Coding Club were expanded, and two new programs were introduced: Drone Certification and an Aquaponics Lab for elementary school students. About The Dime Bank Since 1905, The Dime Bank, Member FDIC, has been making a difference in the lives of those they touch by helping generations of customers realize their goals and dreams. With nine branches in Wayne, Pike, and Lackawanna Counties, The Dime Bank offers you better banking, in person and online. Community banking yields community benefits. For more information on The Dime Bank, visit www.thedimebank.com, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn.
Stars of the Screen highlight Scranton/Wilkes-Barre summer appearances RailRiders add three appearances to 2023 promotional schedule that are sure to delight. The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders are thrilled to add three special guest appearances to the 2023 promotional schedule. Stars of the screen will help capture the fun of three select promotional nights during the summer months at PNC Field.Spider-Man will swing by Marvel’s Defenders of the Diamond Night on June 9 as the RailRiders take on the Norfolk Tides. The festivities already include custom jerseys that will be auctioned off to benefit Ronald McDonald House, and now everyone’s favorite, friendly neighborhood Spider-Man will be on the scene for photos and fun.June 24 is the RailRiders Open featuring a golf towel giveaway, presented by Fox 56, and what better way to navigate PNC Field but with the help of Bushwood Country Club’s best caddy, Michael O’Keefe, on hand for autographs and photos. O’Keefe starred in the 1980 classic Caddyshack as Danny Noonan. Surely he will help the RailRiders “Be the Ball” and na na na na na na na their way to a win over the Buffalo Bisons.Our Office Olympics on August 12 needs an expert, so Kate Flannery is coming back to NEPA to get back to work! Flannery starred as Meredith Palmer in the hit NBC show The Office and she returns to her old Dunder Mifflin roots right by the Electric City. The first 2,500 fans that night will get the Oswald Peraza and Oswaldo Cabrera dual bobblehead giveaway, courtesy of Geisinger, and more antics are sure to ensue as the RailRiders host the Syracuse Mets, including sending the night out with a bang. Yep… post game fireworks! That’s what we said. One of the best ways to see some of these great appearances is with the Sunsational Summer Six Pack ticket plan. Fans can get Field Reserved, Lawn or Bleacher seats for our best promotional nights of the season. The Sunsational Summer Six Pack includes June 24, our double fireworks show on July 4, Retro Video Game Night with the Anthony Volpe Bobblehead Giveaway on July 22, Margaritaville Night featuring a custom SWB Hawaiian Shirt Giveaway on August 5, August 12 and 90s Night with a custom SWB Bucket Hat Giveaway on August 26!Pricing for the Sunsational Summer Six Pack tickets is based on seat location. To purchase a plan or for additional promotional information, visit www.swbrailriders.com.