SBA Declares Disaster Recovery Assistance for Severe Storms and Flooding in Pennsylvania Pennsylvania businesses and residents affected by severe storms and flooding on Sept. 9, 2023 are eligible to apply for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration, SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman announced today. Administrator Guzman made the loans available in response to a letter from Governor Josh Shapiro on Jan. 23, 2024, requesting a disaster declaration by the SBA. Businesses and residents in the declared area can now apply for low-interest disaster loans from the SBA. The declaration covers Lackawanna County and the adjacent counties of Luzerne, Monroe, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Wyoming in Pennsylvania. “The SBA is strongly committed to providing the people of Pennsylvania with the most effective and customer-focused response possible to assist businesses of all sizes, homeowners and renters with federal disaster loans,” said Guzman. “Getting businesses and communities up and running after a disaster is our highest priority at SBA.” To assist businesses and residents affected by the disaster, the SBA will open a Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC), in Lackawanna County, at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 30. Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) Lackawanna CountyLackawanna County Center for Public Safety30 Valley View DriveJessup, PA 18434 Opening: Tuesday, Jan. 30, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.Closed: SundaysPermanently Closes: Thursday, Feb. 15 at 4 p.m. Customer Service Representatives will be available at the Center to answer questions about the disaster loan program and help individuals complete their applications. “Businesses and private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets,” said SBA’s Philadelphia District Director Stephen R. Dixel. For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations, the SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any physical property damage. Loans up to $500,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for loans up to $100,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property. Applicants may be eligible for a loan amount increase of up to 20 percent of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements may include a safe room or storm shelter, sump pump, French drain or retaining wall to help protect property and occupants from future damage. Interest rates are as low as 4% for businesses, 2.375% for nonprofit organizations, and 2.5% for homeowners and renters, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and monthly payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the initial disbursement. Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition. Applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services. The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is March 25, 2024. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Oct. 25, 2024. For a fact sheet about the program click here.
WBRE/WYOU Produce Super Bowl Commercial WBRE and WYOU produced a 30-second commercial promoting the 28/22 News Team and their Home Field Advantage. The commercial aired last night in Super Bowl LVIII on WYOU 22. LINK TO COMMERCIAL: https://www.pahomepage.com/news/28-22-news-homefield-advantage-makes-big-game-debut/ The WBRE 28 and WYOU 22 news team has the most locally born and raised journalists. This gives our team and therefore our viewers the Home Field Advantage in Northeast Pennsylvania. The commercial takes its inspiration from the Notre Dame football classic film, Rudy. “I love the commercial and I especially love how the team came together to brainstorm and produce this spot. The excitement can be felt throughout the whole building.” Said Andrew Wyatt WBRE’s Vice President and General Manager. This commercial is the 7th in the award-winning series. It was announced on Friday, February 9, 2024 that the series has been recognized by the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters for Outstanding Television Station Marketing. The Home Field Advantage commercial aired Sunday night during Super Bowl LVIII on WYOU 22.
Geisinger Comprehensive Stroke Centers Recertified Geisinger Medical Center in Danville and Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre recently received recertification from The Joint Commission as Comprehensive Stroke Centers, the highest level of stroke center certification. The designation recognizes the high level of care that both hospitals provide 24/7 to patients with the severest and most complicated types of strokes. The hospitals have specialized cerebrovascular neurosurgeons, neuroscience intensive care units and the latest advanced imaging capabilities. Patients also have access to extensive rehabilitation programs and support during recovery. “The recertification of our hospitals is a testament to the ongoing work by our physicians and staff,” said Clemens Schirmer, M.D., director of the comprehensive stroke center. “Strokes require urgent care to restore blood flow to the brain and begin the recovery process. Being recertified as Comprehensive Stroke Centers means we’re being recognized for our continued commitment to providing high-quality, lifesaving care for patients experiencing all types of strokes, giving them the best shot at a full recovery.” The Comprehensive Stroke Center is supported Geisinger’s systemwide stroke program, led by Anthony Noto, M.D., vice chair of acute care neurology; David Ermak, D.O., system director of acute stroke; Clemens Schirmer, M.D., director of the Comprehensive Stroke Center; and Lisa Wasko, manager of clinical quality. For more information on the full spectrum of stroke care at Geisinger, visit geisinger.org/stroke.
WVIA News Continues Expansion by Welcoming Another Journalist WVIA News is thrilled to announce the addition of Borys Krawczeniuk as its newest reporter, specializing in local and state politics. Borys brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the Pennsylvania political landscape to the role, making him a valuable asset to WVIA’s ongoing commitment to delivering in-depth and informative coverage of local and state politics. “WVIA News can’t wait to welcome Borys to the team. He has decades of storytelling experience, especially when it comes to politics and government,” said WVIA’s Director of Journalism, Julie Sidoni. “2024 is an important year politically, and we’re grateful to have Borys leading our coverage.” Borys joins WVIA News from The Scranton Times-Tribune, where he served as an investigative reporter and covered a wide range of political stories. His work has been recognized with numerous national and state journalism awards from the Inland Press Association, Pennsylvania Associated Press Managing Editors, Society of Professional Journalists and Pennsylvania Newsmedia Association. He spent his college years training to work in the field of broadcasting, despite having worked in newspapers for most of his professional career. “I’ve had a great career in newspapers, but more than 40 years later, by joining WVIA, I’m finally back on the right track,” said Borys. “I am extremely excited about the opportunity to help WVIA build a new model of American journalism that will benefit listeners, viewers and online readers in Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania. I am a devoted listener of NPR and viewer of PBS, and a WVIA member for many years.” In his new role at WVIA News, Borys will be responsible for covering local, state, and national political news stories, conducting in-depth interviews with political figures and experts,and producing engaging and informative content for WVIA’s television, radio, and digital platforms. “In 2022, WVIA made a commitment to our region with the founding of WVIA News. Local non-profit journalism, while under constant threat, will continue to grow here and we will provide the news and information that our communities deserve,” stated Carla McCabe, WVIA President & CEO. “With Borys on our team we’re confident in our ability to honor that commitment.” Borys is a graduate of King’s College and Syracuse University, with degrees in physics and telecommunications, with an emphasis on broadcast journalism. He is a resident of Scranton and is actively involved in the local community. Read more about the impact WVIA News is making here.
Marywood University to Present the Musical “Bright Star” Marywood University will present Bright Star as its major spring production, February 22-25. Bright Star is a bluegrass musical set in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina in the 1920s and 40s. It is a story of love and redemption and is full of humor and joy! Written by comedy legend Steve Martin and pop star Edie Brickell (of Edie Brickell and the New Bohemians), Bright Star is full of heart and hope – not to mention fiddle and banjo! Show Dates/Times include: Thursday, Feb. 22, at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23, at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25, at 2 p.m. The event will be held at the Munley Theatre in the Sette LaVerghetta Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are $10 each for the general public. Admission is free for Marywood students, faculty, staff, and IHM Sisters with a Marywood ID. Tickets can be purchased at the door (cash only) or in advance by credit card at: https://marywood.universitytickets.com. For more information about Marywood University’s Music, Theatre, and Dance program, visit marywood.edu/mtd.
Outreach Will Host a CDL Information Fair Outreach – Center for Community Resources will host a CDL Information Fair on February 27, 2024, at 10 am at the Seventh Avenue Center in Scranton. This event will be hosted in partnership with Estes Express Lines and Smith & Solomon Commercial Truck Driver Training. Outreach invites interested individuals to discover the many benefits and opportunities available to those who pursue and achieve their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). The CDL Information Fair will feature presentations and resources to guide interested individuals through licensing. Estes and Smith Solomon will be on-site to provide insight into career opportunities and openings. The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that Heavy and Tractor-trailer Truck Drivers will see a job growth of 4% in the next decade. The median pay is $49,920 with an average hourly rate This is the perfect time to start considering a CDL!
Johnson College Receives Contribution from Fidelity Bank Johnson College received a $5,000 EITC contribution from Fidelity Bank to support students in the College’s Industry Fast Track Program. The Industry Fast Track Program (IFT) is a joint partnership with area school districts and the College. The program offers high school juniors and seniors an opportunity to simultaneously enroll in secondary and post-secondary coursework on the Johnson College campus. Students remain enrolled full-time at their high school while attending classes at Johnson College. Fidelity Bank’s contribution to Johnson College is part of Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.
United Way’s Gift of Warmth Program Reaches Pike County The United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike is pleased to announce a fund distribution of $10,000 to Pike County in support of The Gift of Warmth Program. The $10,000 check, presented to Pike County officials on Thursday, February 1st, represents a targeted fund in the local community that focuses on heating assistance for households experiencing tough times. “We are thrilled to provide this $10,000 contribution to Pike County, furthering our commitment to building stronger, more resilient communities,” said Gary Drapek, Preside & CEO of the United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike. “This reflects our dedication to collaborating with local partners and addressing the unique challenges faced by Pike County residents. We believe in the power of collective action to create positive and lasting change and are excited to extended our resources to Pike County.” For more information about the United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike and its Gift of Warmth Program, please visit uwlc.net or contact Barry Snyder, Vice President of Community OutReach at 570.343.1267 x237 or bsnyder@uwlc.net. (Left to Right) Christa Caceres, Pike County Commissioner, Ronald Schmalzle, Pike County Commissioner, Matthew Osterberg, Pike County Commissioner, Gary Drapek, President & CEO of United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike, Robert Ruiz, Pike County Executive Director of Human Services, Amy Burke, Assistant Vice President, The Dime Bank (Dingman’s Ferry)/United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike Board Member, Matt Ceruti, Vice President of Resource Development/Campaign, United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike, Stephanie Everson, Pike County Housing Coordinator, Samantha Robayo, Pike County Projects Coordinator, Kayla Orben, Pike County Assistant Director of Human Services.
Wayne Bank Announces Promotion in Loan Operations Department Jim Donnelly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wayne Bank, is pleased to announce the promotion of Tonya Ryan to Assistant Vice President and Commercial Loans Documentation Officer. Ryan joined the bank in 2016 and has held several titles during her tenure. She holds a business degree from Lackawanna Community College. Mr. Donnelly stated, “I’m so pleased to announce this promotion. As a Commercial Loan Documentation Officer, Tonya is responsible for reviewing and overseeing all loan documents for community lending and community development purposes. She is a valued employee whose knowledge, expertise, and precision reflects in all aspects of her work.” Ryan resides in Beach Lake with her Husband, Scott. She has two children, Veara and Keith, and a one and half year-old grandson, whom she adores.
Marywood University Hosts Dietitian Competition for Prospective Nutrition Students Prospective students will be able to partner with a current Marywood University Nutrition and Dietetics major in a Dietitian Competition set for Friday, March 1, from 9:30 – 1:15 p.m., at the O’Neill Center for Healthy Families. Together, the students will create a dessert using a mystery healthy ingredient, and final dishes will be scored by a panel of judges. This free event is a fun way to introduce a career in dietetics to interested students. To reserve a place in the cooking competition, registration is required by February 21. Prospective students and their families also will be able to have conversations with admissions staff, and Q & A sessions will be held, as well as a complimentary lunch with faculty. Optional campus tours will be conducted following lunch. To reserve a place in the cooking competition, register by February 21 at: admissions.marywood.edu/register/DietitianCompetition24. Learn about Marywood’s bachelor’s degree program in nutrition and dietetics at: marywood.edu/nutrition-dietetics-bachelors-degree. Contact Marywood’s Nutrition and Dietetics department at 570-348-6277 or cfalzone@marywood.edu with any questions.
