PennDOT Driver License, Photo Centers Closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) today announced that all driver license and photo centers, including the Riverfront Office Center in Harrisburg, will be closed Saturday, January 15, through Monday, January 17, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services, including all forms, publications and driver training manuals, online through PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website, www.dmv.pa.gov. Driver and vehicle online services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and include driver’s license, photo ID and vehicle registration renewals; driver-history services; changes of address; driver license and vehicle registration restoration letters; ability to pay driver license or vehicle insurance restoration fee; driver license and photo ID duplicates; and driver exam scheduling. There are no additional fees for using online services. A complete listing of PennDOT driver and photo license center closings in 2022 is available online.
United Way Announces 2022 Mike Munchak Community Service Scholarship is Now Open The United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties is pleased to announce the availability of the 2022 Mike Munchak Community Services Scholarship to assist high school seniors from Lackawanna, Wayne or Pike Counties, PA who plan to continue their education at an accredited university, college, or trade school in a two or four-year degree program. If selected, the 2022 recipient will receive a one-year award of $6,300 to commemorate Munchak’s #63, retired by the Houston Oilers. Funding for the award comes from proceeds of the Mike Munchak Charity Golf Classic and will be presented at this year’s 26th annual tournament, slated for this upcoming June at the Country Club of Scranton. A 2001 enshrinee in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Mr. Munchak’s career has earned him accolades as both a player and a coach, currently serving as the offensive line coach for the Denver Broncos. Yet, it is his work off the field that led to a scholarship program being established by the United Way to honor his long-standing commitment to his hometown of Scranton and the people of the area. “For the past 25 years, we’ve been honored to work with Mike and we remain grateful to him for his unwavering commitment to the people of our community,” said Gary Drapek, president of the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties. To be eligible for the scholarship, candidates must be actively involved in community service activities within programs/agencies receiving funds from the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties, be full-time residents and/or students of a school district within Lackawanna, Wayne or Pike Counties, and be accepted by an accredited university, college or trade school, in a two or four-year degree program track, for the 2022/2023 school year. Additional requirements include a demonstrated financial need, academic achievement, agency recommendation and a track record of community service. Last year’s scholarship recipient was Molly Dougherty, a West Scranton High School graduate who served as President of the West Scranton High School Red Cross Club where she directed the club activities and various drives throughout her years of involvement. Additionally, Ms. Dougherty was an active member with numerous organizations in her community including St. Joseph’s Center, Friends of the Poor, Mathew’s Mission, Knights of Columbus, Cinderella’s Closet, and many others. She was a member of the National Honor Society, student liaison of the senior class, Miss Invader, Varsity Cross Country Captain, President of the Drama, Spanish and Chorus Clubs, Editor of the West Side Story, graduate of the Leadership Lackawanna’s Tomorrow’s Leaders Today program as well as an array of clubs and activities in which she was engaged. The Scholarship Committee noted Molly’s superior GPA as well as the leadership qualities she exhibited throughout her time at West Scranton To be considered, completed applications must be postmarked no later than March 31, 2022. A complete listing of eligibility requirements and the application are available for download at www.uwlc.net or by calling Frank Kincel at the United Way 570.343-1267 x233.
Sordoni Construction Services Announces Promotions Sordoni Construction Services was founded by Andrew J. Sordoni in 1910 and has since built a strong presence in Pennsylvania and the mid-Atlantic region as a construction manager, design-builder, and general contractor. The firm has successfully completed significant construction projects with primary emphasis on industrial, commercial and institutional clients. Robert Obuhosky has been promoted to Director of Preconstruction. Mr. Obuhosky joined Sordoni in April of 2018 as an Estimator and has over twenty years of commercial construction experience with a strong background in estimating and project management. In his new role, Robert will manage the workload and development of the preconstruction/estimating staff, collaborate with owners, architects, and Sordoni personnel on projects throughout the many phases of project development and execution, and provide clients with high quality solutions at competitive costs. Robert holds an Associate Degree in Architectural Engineering. Carmen Brutico has been promoted to Senior Project Manager. Mr. Brutico joined Sordoni in September of 2016 as a Project Manager and has over eleven years of experience in the construction industry. Carmen has a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of construction management along with diverse project experience in numerous industries. As Senior Project Manager, Carmen will play a significant role not only in the successful delivery of company initiatives but also provide leadership by building and motivating project teams to meet their project goals. Carmen holds a Master of Architectural Engineering Construction Management Option from Pennsylvania State University.
NET Credit Union Promotes Multiple Employees Marc Michalowski has been promoted to CIO, Chief Information Officer. Marc’s diverse experience in both IT and the credit union industry continues to help NET Credit Union grow and develop. Cheryl DeHaut has been promoted to Vice President of Risk Management. Cheryl is responsible for managing the Compliance and Human Resources Departments, which both ensure that NET’s policies and procedures comply with regulatory and ethical standards. Mary Rapach has been promoted to Member Service Center Manager. Mary has multiple years of call center experience, which has helped evolve NET Credit Union’s Member Service Department to serve our members better. Andrea Krivak has been promoted to Accounting Manager. Andrea has both public accounting and credit union accounting experience. She is currently pursuing her MBA. Steve Cowgill has been promoted to IT Manager. Steve has various years of IT experience, which has assisted both the IT Department and credit union expand our products and services. Lauren Pabst has been promoted to Marketing Manager. Lauren has over five years experience within both the company and department. She is responsible for educating our members, staff and community about NET Credit Union’s products and services.
Registration Now Open for Johnson College’s 3D Printing Competition for High School Students Johnson College will host its second 3D Printing Competition for local high school students on Friday, March 11, 2022 (Snow date March 18, 2022). The competition is an opportunity for students to showcase their abilities and creativity using science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) techniques. 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 the day of the event. For more information and to register, please visit, johnson.edu/3DCompetition. Upon registration, a document will be emailed detailing additional information. Registration ends February 11, 2022. Prizes are to be announced. This year’s competition requires high school students to compete individually to design and make an assembly to span 500mm (19.685”). The assemblies can only be made using 3D printed parts and must weigh no more than 2000 grams. Each assembly will be tested to the point of breaking. The student with the assembly that bears the most weight at the time of breaking will be declared the winner. Each competitor(s) must submit a complete technical drawing of all parts and assembly.
Stronghold Group Supports The Wright Center with Monetary, PPE Donations Participating in the ceremonial check presentation, from left, are Sean Niquette, co-founder and chief financial officer, Stronghold Group; Dave Henderson, co-founder and CEO, Stronghold Group; William Waters, co-chairperson, The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement; Laurie LaMaster; and Kara Seitzinger, director of public affairs/advisor liaison to the president and CEO, The Wright Center. The Stronghold Group continued its support of regional health care workers who are on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic by donating 5,000 pieces of personal protection equipment (PPE) and a $5,000 check to The Wright Centers for Community Health and Patient & Community Engagement. A veteran-owned business that specializes in medical equipment, the Stronghold Group donated 20 cases of disposable 3-ply surgical masks and 80 cases of medical gowns to protect clinicians at The Wright Center for Community Health’s eight primary care practices in Lackawanna, Luzerne and Wayne counties. Stronghold’s financial support will be used to purchase fresh produce and canned goods for the most marginalized in our community who need it most. “Worrying about having enough to eat should be the last thing on someone’s mind when they’re already worried about their health and finances,” said Laurie LaMaster, associate vice president of development and Patient & Community Engagement at The Wright Center. “We know the winter months bring higher heating bills, which further strain household budgets. Too often people are forced to choose between heating their homes and feeding their families. That’s why we are incredibly grateful for the support of the Stronghold Group. Not only are they keeping our health care heroes safe on the frontlines, they’re putting food on the table of the most vulnerable in our community.” For more information about The Wright Center for Community Health, please go to TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-343-2383.
Wayne Bank Promotes Linda Meskey to Assistant Vice President and Senior Credit Analyst Lewis J. Critelli, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wayne Bank, is pleased to announce the promotion of Linda Meskey to Assistant Vice President and Senior Credit Analyst. Mr. Critelli remarked, “Linda is well-deserving of this promotion. Her extensive experience, knowledge, and dedication have helped to maintain the Bank’s strong credit culture.” Ms. Meskey has over 23 years of banking experience and joined Wayne Bank in 2011. She earned an Associate’s Degree in Science from Lackawanna College. She resides in Scranton with her husband, Gary, and enjoys walking, bicycling, and swimming.
Gerald Zaboski Named Senior Vice President for the University of Scranton Gerald Zaboski ’87, G’95, was named senior vice president for the Office of the President at The University of Scranton, effective July 1, 2022. Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton, has named Gerald Zaboski ’87, G’95, as senior vice president for the Office of the President, effective July 1, 2022. Zaboski currently serves as vice president for enrollment management and external affairs. In his new position, he will continue to oversee the areas of marketing, communications and external affairs for Scranton, in addition to assuming new responsibilities for assisting the president with the advancement of the University’s strategic plan, and the creation and sustaining of new and existing partnerships with other institutions of higher learning, both international and domestic. “Beginning his service in 1988, Gerry’s vast experience at Scranton and unquestionable devotion to our mission will prove quite beneficial to our success in the years ahead,” said Father Marina in an announcement to the University community regarding the promotion. Zaboski will also continue to serve as a member of the University’s cabinet and as the leader for the University’s Incident Management Team. Zaboski joined the staff at the University in 1988. During his career at Scranton he served as executive assistant to the president, vice president for external affairs and vice president for alumni and public relations. He has also served on and chaired several committees including the University’s 125th Anniversary Committee. Prior to joining the University, he worked as public information manager for the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. Zaboski serves on the board and executive committee of the Agency for Community Empowerment, and on the boards of Lackawanna Industrial Fund Enterprises and the Institute for Public Policy and Research. He also serves as treasurer of the West Wyoming Hose Company #1. He is a past president of the Scranton Lions Club. A resident of West Wyoming, Zaboski earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from The University of Scranton and is a member of Alpha Epsilon Alpha and Alpha Sigma Nu honor societies.
