Comcast Expands State-of-the-Art Network in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Network Expansion Brings Xfinity and Comcast Business Services to Lackawanna, Luzerne and Columbia Counties – Comcast has connected more than 18,500 new homes and businesses across Lackawanna, Luzerne and Columbia Counties in Northeastern Pennsylvania to reliable, high-speed Internet by expanding its network. This expansion enhances digital infrastructure, promotes economic growth, and positions residents and local businesses for success in an increasingly digital world. The network expansion brings Internet, mobile, entertainment, and security services from Xfinity and Comcast Business to residents and businesses in the following areas for the first time: Lackawanna County: Carbondale Township, Fell Townships, City of Carbondale Luzerne County: Newport Township, Conyngham Township, Hunlock Township, Plymouth Township, Shickshinny Borough, Union Township, Salem Township Columbia County: Berwick Borough, Briar Creek Borough, Briar Creek Township “Our community deserves the best when it comes to choosing their provider for Internet, mobile, and entertainment services,” said Tim Burke, Mayor, Berwick Borough. “Comcast’s entry into our market offers a variety of options for any type of customer, and we are thrilled that the Borough of Berwick and its surrounding areas now have access Comcast’s state-of-the-art network.” “I had been searching for a new Internet provider, so I was very happy to discover that Comcast recently made Xfinity services available in my area,” said Carbondale resident Laura Perry. “Switching my Internet and home phone to Xfinity gave me better speeds and pricing than my previous provider. My family and I have enjoyed seamless connectivity ever since.” Residents can visit Xfinity.com and businesses can visit ComcastBusiness.com to see if their address is eligible for service. In addition, residents and businesses can visit our newly renovated Xfinity Store in Dickson City, or stores in Wilkes-Barre and Hazleton, PA. This expansion is part of the company’s latest investment in Northeastern Pennsylvania, following recently completed network expansions to more than 28,000 homes and businesses in Jermyn and Mayfield Boroughs and the City of Wilkes-Barre. More than 6,600 residents and businesses in Carbon, Schuylkill and additional parts of Luzerne County will also soon be able to connect to our network, with an expansion project currently underway. “We’re excited for more Northeastern Pennsylvania communities to experience the power of our Xfinity and Comcast Business products and services that deliver over 99.9 percent reliability,” said Ricky Frazier Jr., Senior Vice President of Comcast’s Keystone Region. “In addition to connecting communities to the moments that matter most, Comcast is committed to advancing digital opportunity through Internet Essentials, our low-cost Internet service for low-income families, and Project UP, our $1 billion commitment to unlimited possibilities.” A Network You Can Trust to be Reliable, Fast and Secure Comcast’s state-of-the-art network is built to enable residents and businesses to thrive in today’s constantly connected world. Lackawanna, Luzerne and Columbia counties join the 64 million homes and businesses across the country to have access to a network that is trusted by essential community organizations like hospitals, schools, transportation systems and first responders, and federal agencies like the Department of Defense and FEMA. It delivers gigabit Internet speeds, 99.9 percent reliability and built-in security to help keep customers safe from cyber threats. Introducing Xfinity for Consumers Comcast’s residential services are marketed under the Xfinity and NOW brands, and consumers in Northeastern PAcan take advantage of Xfinity’s full suite of products, including Internet, video, mobile, voice and home security, with additional Internet, video and mobile options with NOW for those on a budget. With gigabit Internet speeds, powerful WiFi that reaches every corner of the home, and super-responsive connections with low lag available with its plan, customers have a great experience using their connected devices to stream their favorite sports and entertainment content, video chat with coworkers and friends, learn from home or simply surf the web. Comcast Business to Power Northeastern PA For local businesses, Comcast Business offers a suite of connectivity, communications, networking, cybersecurity, wireless, and managed solutions to help organizations of all sizes achieve their business goals. Industry analysts and associations have consistently recognized Comcast Business as a leader and innovator in flexible, scalable options as well as one of the fastest-growing providers of Ethernet services. What It Means for the Northeastern PA Community Comcast’s commitment to communities goes beyond building the network and aims to increase economic mobility for the local community and its residents. That’s why Comcast created Internet Essentials, a broadband adoption program that offers eligible households low-cost, high-speed Internet and affordable computers. Since its inception in 2011, Internet Essentials has connected more than 2 million low-income Pennsylvania residents to broadband service at home. Additionally, Comcast has launched 176 Lift Zones across Pennsylvania to provide students and families with free, high-speed WiFi and digital skills training. Lift Zones are part of Project UP, Comcast’s comprehensive $1 billion commitment to help build a future of unlimited possibilities and the continuation of the company’s long history of giving back to communities where it provides service and where its employees live and work.
WVIA Wins Best of Show at AAF NEPA’s American Advertising Awards – “Girls Wrestling Documentary,” which follows the inspiring journey of the barrier breaking athletes of the Western Wayne Girls Wrestling Team, tells the story of young athletes reshaping the landscape of high school wrestling. On Friday, February 28, the American Advertising Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania (AAF NEPA) hosted the 2024 American Advertising Awards, where they presented the 2024 Silver Medal Award, the Game Changer Award, winners of Cropped and the Rising Star Award. This year’s event was held at the Mohegan Pennsylvania Convention Center. The American Advertising Awards are widely acknowledged to be the largest and most representative competition of its kind, with more than 25,000 entries received as part of the three-tier competition. Campaigns need to advance through both local and regional levels in order to be eligible for the national award. In addition, the awards are often viewed as a lens offering insights into work that may also perform well at other upcoming international creative competitions. Local Gold winners will automatically advance to the regional level and silver winners have the option to send their work on. In all, 8 Professional ADDYs and 13 Student ADDYs were awarded at the Northeastern PA American Advertising Awards, along with 8 Special Judges Choice Awards. Winners were announced during the award show on February 28th, which was attended by 80+ creative professionals, educators and students from across the advertising, marketing, media and tech communities. Said Dan Kimbrough, President of AAF NEPA, “It’s a heavy lift pulling off the show each year, but we have an amazing board and being able to come together and celebrate our creative community makes it worth it.” Other highlights from this year’s American Advertising Awards include: ● WVIA’s Webseries “NEPA @ Work”, which took a gold medal, along with “Girls Wrestling Documentary”. ● Halibut Blue won two Silver Awards for their work with local non-profits Big Brothers Big Sisters of NEPA, and The United Way of the Wyoming Valley. ● Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Student Hunter Rossmann took home 5 trophies. ● Stephanie Klemick of Marywood University took home the student Best of Show with an innovative package design called “Fruit Cups”. Awards were chosen by a distinguished panel of judges representing 4 different markets and agencies not local to NEPA. Outside of our AAA Competition awards, Danielle Antonello-Smolley of Triggerfinger Photography, was awarded the Silver Medal Award, which recognizes an individual who has made outstanding contributions to advertising and has been active in furthering the industry’s standards, creative excellence and responsibility in areas of social concern. Kevin Jones, owner of VizVibe, took home the Game Changer Award, which recognizes local visionaries who are pioneering new and exciting ideas within the advertising industry. And Stephanie Klemick of Marywood University won The Rising Star Award, which celebrates emerging talents in the advertising industry who exhibit outstanding potential and a commitment to excellence in both their professional endeavors and community engagement. All professional and student entries and the winners can be viewed online at adflix.aafnepa.org.
The Dime Bank Promotes Maurice Dennis to Director of Lending Maurice (Mick) Dennis to now serve as Director of Lending at The Dime Bank, announced President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Bochnovich. He will supervise the bank’s commercial, mortgage, and consumer lenders as well as special assets. Additionally, Dennis will continue to assist area businesses attain the financing they need to grow. Dennis brings to this role over 16 years of distinguished experience in the financial sector, a career marked by consistent growth and exceptional performance. Dennis has been helping The Dime Bank business customers since 2019 as vice president commercial loan officer, where he played a crucial role in actively seeking and developing new commercial loan relationships while maintaining strong relationships with existing customers. Prior to The Dime Bank, Dennis honed his expertise through a series of progressive roles. He began his career developing a rigorous foundation in commercial loan underwriting and evaluation. He then excelled as a commercial documentation officer, ensuring the accuracy and efficiency of critical loan processes. His proven track record of success led to further advancement, where he effectively expanded business relationships in northeastern PA and the Poconos. Dennis’ banking career began with a strong academic background, including degrees from two well-respected universities. He graduated with a Master of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Scranton and a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania. Over the course of his career, he has supplemented his education with professional course certificates attained through the PA Bankers Association. He is also a graduate of Leadership Wayne. President and Chief Executive Officer Pete Bochnovich stated, “Please join me in congratulating Mick on his promotion to Director of Lending. For the past five years, Mick has demonstrated exceptional dedication, expertise, and leadership within our lending department. His deep understanding of the financial landscape, coupled with his commitment to fostering strong customer relationships and community involvement, has been instrumental in his success. Mick’s ability to navigate complex lending scenarios, his innovative approach to problem-solving, and his unwavering focus on responsible lending practices have exceeded expectations. He has proven himself to be an asset, and I am confident that in this new role he will continue to drive growth and excellence in our lending operations.” Dennis is the proud founder of Wayne Highlands Little League and continues to serve on the board of directors as treasurer. He is also a board member of Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance Business Financial Corporation.
Greater Scranton YMCA Receives Grant from AllOne Charities In November 2024, the Greater Scranton YMCA was awarded a $20,000 grant from AllOne Charities. Grant funding will support the Y’s Year-Round Food Program, specifically the purchase of new equipment and staffing. Since the Greater Scranton YMCA implemented its Year-Round Food Program, enrollment in early childhood education programs has significantly grown. During the Y’s most recently completed fiscal year (07/01/2023 – 06/30/2024), 69,490 meals and snacks were provided to children enrolled in Early Childhood Education programs, Summer Day Camp, and Before and After School care. This growth has proved challenging, as the need for additional staff and more efficient equipment has also increased. Thanks to the generosity of AllOne Charities, the Greater Scranton YMCA has been able to purchase a new steamer and deep freezer, as well as support staffing expenses. “We are so grateful to AllOne Charities for this generous grant award,” said Rich Surridge, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “Thanks to our Year-Round Food Program and to the dedication of our Food Program staff, we are so proud to provide the children in our care with healthy meals and snacks daily. This grant award will support these efforts, allowing us to continue to grow. For more information about the Greater Scranton YMCA’s Year-Round Food Program, contact Kelena Gonzalez, Food Program Coordinator, at kgonzalez@gsymca.org.
Lackawanna College Partners with MMI for Pre-College Program MMI Preparatory School, located in Freeland near Hazleton, has approved a pre-college agreement with Lackawanna College, enabling MMI students to earn college credits while still in high school. This agreement, finalized in October 2024, follows an extensive evaluation process in which MMI reviewed area colleges and selected Lackawanna College to partner with for Pre-College programs. “Jennifer Novotney (Director of Curriculum and Instruction at MMI) and I met with approximately a dozen colleges and universities this summer, and very quickly Lackawanna College rose to the top, not only for the college’s experience with Pre-College programs but the ability to work together and move quickly,” said Dr. Tammy M. Chrin, Ed.D., Director of College Counseling at MMI Preparatory School. Currently, 40 eligible MMI students are set to benefit from the initiative, with the program already in place and being collaboratively administered by MMI and Lackawanna College staff. “I am excited to be working with MMI, their staff, faculty, and students. This partnership will help students earn college credits before graduating from high school and save their families thousands of dollars in the process. We are proud to be a part of this process for the families of MMI,” said Phillip Campbell, Director of College Partnerships at Lackawanna College. MMI students have the flexibility to take classes online, attend courses at the Lackawanna College Hazleton Center, or participate in concurrent classes held at MMI Preparatory School. “Our students are really excited about the concurrent enrollment opportunities that are available. We currently have 29 credits available over junior and senior year that students can earn college credit for,” said Dr. Chrin. “I’ve introduced associate degree options to our students through the Level Up program and we have a number of students, especially our sophomore class, who are considering earning an associate degree before they would earn their high school diploma.” Lackawanna College promotes the following goals through its partnership with MMI Preparatory School: Enable high school students to earn college credits, saving time and money toward their higher education goals. Provide exposure to college-level coursework, easing the transition from high school to higher education. Offer pathways to career-focused programs. Help students explore fields of study before committing to a major. “This is something we’ve been looking at for quite some time here at MMI, a partnership that give us the opportunity to offer our students both concurrent and dual enrollment classes,” said Marci Hosier Assistant Head of School at MMI. “We know this is something that is extremely timely and relevant for our students and their families, and our staff has done a fantastic job working with Lackawanna College in getting this up and off the ground.” About MMI Preparatory School For 145 years, MMI Preparatory School has been providing dedicated area students with a comprehensive and inspiring 6th through 12th grade college preparatory program that maximizes each individual’s academic, social, and character potential in preparation for success in college and beyond. The school is jointly accredited by the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools (PAIS) and the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS). MMI is a school where every student can reach their full potential: academically, ethically, and socially. For more information about MMI Preparatory School, visit www.mmiprep.org or call 570-636-1108. About Lackawanna College’s Pre-College Program Lackawanna College’s Pre-College Programs provide high school students with the opportunity to jump-start their college journey by earning credits while still in high school. These programs offer flexibility, allowing students to take college-level courses online, on-campus, or directly within their high schools. By participating, students can save on tuition costs, explore various academic disciplines, and gain valuable experience that prepares them for the transition to higher education. With a focus on academic enrichment and college readiness, Lackawanna College empowers students to take the first step toward achieving their educational goals.
Geisinger Gold Medicare Advantage Enrollment Deadline Approaching Dec. 7 deadline to sign up for a plan that helps seniors fill coverage gaps With the Dec. 7 Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) deadline quickly approaching, there’s still time for eligible seniors to evaluate and enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan for 2025. Medicare Advantage plans help older adults fill healthcare gaps that traditional Medicare does not cover, such as vision, dental and prescription benefits.Geisinger Gold Medicare Advantage plans offer supplemental benefits and comprehensive health coverage with access to 64,000+ in-network physicians and more than 225 hospitals. As an added perk, all Geisinger Gold plan members can join Geisinger 65 Forward, a program that delivers concierge care focused on older adults. At a 65 Forward Health Center, members enjoy: Same-day appointments to see the doctor faster Longer 1:1 time with the doctor Social and educational activities A personal wellness plan, including state-of-the-art fitness equipment, exercise classes and wellness coordinators Geisinger’s program data indicates participation in programs like 65 Forward lowers emergency room visits by 40% and inpatient admissions by 15%. Learn more about Geisinger’s Medicare Advantage health plans at go.geisinger.org/ourplans. Information sessions are also taking place at various locations. To sign up for a session, visit: go.geisinger.org/seminar.
ThermoLite Celebrates 50-year Anniversary ThermoLite, a highly respected industry leader of high-quality insulated glass manufacturing, was founded in 1974 by Joe Mesko Sr., and three of his sons, Joe, Gary, and George, as a vertically integrated supplier of insulated glass. The launch of ThermoLite fifty years ago enabled Mesko Glass to better control the quality and timely delivery of insulated glass to better serve their growing customer base. Today through their corporate headquarters and expansive manufacturing facility, both located in northeast Pennsylvania, ThermoLite produces vinyl windows in various sizes and shapes, and also distributes sliding patio doors. ThermoLite provides vinyl windows and insulating glass for homes and businesses and coordinates with contractors and architects throughout a 150-mile multi-state radius of Scranton, PA. President John Mesko states with great pride that “in our 50th year we are stronger than ever and have adapted exceptionally well to the ever-evolving window and glass manufacturing landscape. I am very proud of the state-of-the-art vinyl window and glass products we provide our customers. I am equally proud of ThermoLite’s loyal employees that we interact with daily.” ThermoLite has numerous certifications for window and glass products by independent third-party organizations dedicated to advancing the industry by promoting growth, quality, and innovation. John Mesko added, “ThermoLite has built a legacy of quality and service!”
The University of Scranton Hosts Data Science Competition High School Students Participate in Data Science Competition High School students from Carbondale Area, Mid Valley, Scranton Prep and Valley View participated in The University of Scranton’s inaugural Data Science Day Competition. Supported by a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant awarded to University mathematics professor Joseph Klobusicky, Ph.D., the interactive competition included a tutorial introduction to data science and the computer software that would be used during the competition. The day also included a luncheon keynote address by Melinda Kleczynski, Ph.D., a post-doctoral scholar at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and remarks from Carolyn Barry, Ph.D., dean of Scranton’s College of Arts and Sciences. University students majoring in mathematics and other fields assisted with the competition. The high school students competed in an individual and a doubles division. In the individual division, Scranton Prep seniors Ethan Fenner (1st place), Vincent You (2nd place), and Ryan Flaim (3rd place) were recognized. Pictured from left are Ryan Flaim, Vincent You, Ethan Fenner, and Dr. Klobusicky. In the doubles division, sophomores from Mid Valley Secondary Center Giada Vagni, Olyphant, and Zackary Buza, Throop, came in first place. Seniors from Scranton Prep Logan Dixon, Factoryville, and Sam DeNaples, Moscow, placed second. Data Science is a growing, much-in-demand field. A knowledge of probability and statistics is crucial, as they are considered the “mathematical back bone” of data analysis, according to Dr. Klobusicky. For graduates of Scranton’s class of 2023, those majoring in data analysis had one of the highest salaries reported ($70,800) in its post-graduate survey. Additional information about undergraduate programs in mathematics at The University of Scranton can be found on the department’s webpage.
Greater Scranton YMCA Receives Grant from PPL Foundation The Greater Scranton YMCA is pleased to announce it has received a $5,000 grant from the PPL Foundation. These funds will support the Y’s Summer Scholars Program, a free six-week summer learning program. The goal of Summer Scholars is to prevent summer learning loss for children from low- income families through a combination of literacy instruction (using the Four Blocks Model), enrichment activities aligned to literacy instruction and positive youth development opportunities. The program targets struggling readers and serves rising first, second and third grade students attending the Dunmore and Mid Valley School Districts. “The Greater Scranton YMCA is so grateful to the PPL Foundation for their generosity,” said Rich Surridge, President & CEO. “Thanks in part to this grant award, and additional support from local foundations, businesses, and proceeds from the Annual Harry P. McGrath Memorial Golf Tournament, our YMCA will continue providing the Summer Scholars Program for struggling readers in our community at no cost to families. It’s because of the commitment of community partners like the PPL Foundation that we are able to serve those in need.” For more information about the Summer Scholars Program, contact Helen Cruser, Education Director, at hcruser@gsymca.org.
