FNCB Bank and Fidelity Bank Balloon Battle Fundraiser Makes Waves FNCB Bank, one of the cities of Dunmore and two local community banks, Fidelity Bank, hosted a “Bankers’ Balloon Battle” to raise funds for charity. The event took place at Dunmore Corners on Friday, June 28th. Bankers from FNCB Bank and Fidelity Bank contributed funds for the chance to join the battle. In a lighthearted spirit, the two organizations drenched their “rival” by launching close to 3,000 water balloons into the air. Dunmore’s Mayor, Max Conway, presided over the event as emcee and judge, ultimately declaring the contest a friendly draw as both banks ended up equally soaked. The recent event successfully raised $1,854, all of which has been generously donated to Breadbasket of NEPA, a charitable organization that supports seven local food pantries. Breadbasket of NEPA is dedicated to serving individuals, families, and Veterans throughout Lackawanna County, striving to combat hunger within our community. The check presentation ceremony featured representatives from Fidelity Bank, FNCB Bank, the city of Dunmore, and volunteers from Breadbasket of NEPA. “Through this contest, we view it as a stellar demonstration of our collective achievements,” remarked Daniel J. Santaniello, President and CEO of Fidelity Bank. “While FNCB Bank is our friendly competition, ultimately, we are united by our commitment to community service. This event provided an enjoyable and inventive opportunity for us to collaborate and support an organization that delivers essential services to our region.” “We are thrilled to have participated in such a fun and meaningful event,” said Jerry Champi, President & CEO of FNCB Bank. “This friendly competition with Fidelity Bank not only brought our community together but also supported a cause that is close to our hearts. The funds raised for Breadbasket of NEPA will make a significant impact on the lives of those in need throughout Lackawanna County. We are proud to stand alongside our fellow bankers and community members in this effort to combat hunger and support our local food pantries.”
Outreach – Center for Community Resources Children’s Career Fair and Professions for Parents Outreach – Center for Community Resources will host its fourth annual Children’s Career Fair at Outreach, 431 North 7th Avenue, Scranton, on Saturday, August 17, 2024, from 10 AM to 1 PM. This exciting Children’s Career Fair will ignite young minds and offer opportunities for kids of all ages to explore various career options and discover their passions in a fun and interactive environment. Children and parents will have the opportunity to explore over 30 careers through fun and interactive activities. Several local companies will also be offering information on current employment opportunities within their companies. The Outreach Children’s Career Fair is free and open to all families with children interested in interacting with businesses and exploring future career possibilities! It’s never too early for children to think about their future careers! Last year’s event featured hands-on activities like fishing for recyclables, creating their own house floorplan, bubble blowing, creating a mural with the Outreach staff, seeing emergency vehicles up close, and so much more! We aim to spark curiosity, stimulate creativity, and broaden horizons as children engage with professionals from various industries. Event Highlights: Diverse Career Booths: Children will have the opportunity to visit exciting career booths representing professions like science, technology, arts, healthcare, engineering, and more. Volunteers from each industry will be on hand to share their experiences, answer questions, and demonstrate exciting aspects of their professions. Hands-on Activities: The event will feature numerous interactive activities that allow children to explore different careers. Each activity will be educational and entertaining, from creating art masterpieces to conducting simple science experiments. Back-to-School Supplies and Haircuts: To add to the excitement, back-to-school haircuts and back-to-school supplies will be available. Career materials will also be available to promote learning and creativity. “We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to dream big and aspire to greatness,” said Lori Chaffers, Executive Director, Outreach. “The Children’s Career Fair is a perfect platform for children to explore various professions, ignite their imaginations, and gain valuable insights into different career options. By exposing them to diverse possibilities, we hope to motivate and prepare them for a bright future.” We are grateful to all the volunteers, partners, and sponsors whose support has made this event possible. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to inspire the future leaders of tomorrow! Parents and caregivers are encouraged to attend with their children and participate in the activities together. For more information, please call Liz Ratchford at the office: (570)558-7562 or cell: (570)954-6755
Johnson College Enrolling Students in Forklift Operator Training Course Johnson College now enrolling for its Forklift Operator Training Course on Saturday, August 17, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Diesel Truck Technology Center at its Scranton campus. The cost of the course is $200, but if you are a current Johnson College student or alum the cost is only $100. Space is limited! The forklift operator training is designed to familiarize students with OSHA Powered Industrial Truck Operator Training Requirements (29CFR Standard 1910.178 and ASME B56.1), provide current training requirements under the newly adopted standards, and assist participants in becoming an authorized operator of forklifts through theory and tactile testing. Nine hours of instruction including pre-operational inspection, picking up, traveling, and placing loads, parking procedures, refueling, and practical operation. To learn more or to enroll, visit https://johnson.edu/continuing-ed/forklift/ or contact the Continuing Education Department at 570-702-8979 or continuinged@johnson.edu.
FNCB Bank Announces 2024 Scholarship Winners FNCB Bank, a division of Peoples Security Bank and Trust Co., is pleased to announce the winners of the FNCB Bank Foundation merit scholarship awards for the 2024-2025 academic year. Overall, the foundation awarded $1,000 scholarships to five area high school seniors based on their academic excellence, community and school involvement, and citizenship. This year’s winners are Katherine Potter from Wyoming Area H.S., Ty Mazzga from Wallenpaupack Area H.S., Emma Gernhardt from Scranton Preparatory School, Kaylee Whiteford from North Pocono H.S. and Symeon Clark from Gregory the Great Academy. Ms. Potter will be attending Penn State University, Mr. Mazzga will be attending Webb Institute, Ms. Gernhardt will be attending Villanova University, Ms. Kaylee will be attending Elizabethtown College and Mr. Clark will be attending Hillsdale College. “Congratulations to these five exceptional students on being selected for this year’s FNCB Bank Scholarship award. This scholarship recognizes their hard work, dedication, and commitment to their education.” said Michael Cummings, FNCB Bank Senior Vice President, Marketing Manager and Foundation Chairman. “We want to wish them continued success into the future.” For more information on the foundation scholarship program, please visit www.fncb.com/scholarship.
The Wright Center to Open Clinic in Tunkhannock The Wright Center for Community Health is expanding access to comprehensive whole-person primary health services in Wyoming County with the opening of a new health center in the former Tyler Memorial Hospital on Monday, Sept. 9. The Wright Center for Community Health has been providing safety-net primary and preventive care services for underserved populations and communities for decades. Family doctors and advanced care practitioners will offer services for people of all ages, from pediatrics to geriatrics, at the full-service, family-friendly office at 5950 U.S. Route 6, Suite 401. Based in the Wyoming County Healthcare Center, The Wright Center’s community health center will be open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. To schedule an appointment, go to TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-591-5299. Primary health services include checkups, physicals, screenings, and treatment of common illnesses and injuries. Addiction and recovery services, including medication-assisted treatment, will also be available. Wyoming County businessman Bill Ruark bought the former Tyler Memorial Hospital through a limited family partnership in 2023 and began developing the building as a nonprofit medical facility called Wyoming County Healthcare Center Inc. “It is critical to have these medical services back in the area,” said Sara Ergott, outreach coordinator for Wyoming County Healthcare Center. “The goal is to make this space a hub for all types of health care services that are not easily accessible for those in our rural region. With the loss of the hospital in 2021 and the retirements of many local health care providers, there is a great need for this building to curb those deficits. The goal is to fill the space with the types of services that are in demand and, in turn, create a happier and healthier community.” The Ruark family approached leadership at The Wright Center in the fall to discuss adding more services at the Wyoming County Healthcare Center. “The Wright Center for Community Health responds to the needs of underserved communities in Northeast Pennsylvania by improving access to nondiscriminatory, comprehensive whole-person primary health services,” said Kathleen Barry, deputy chief operating officer of The Wright Center for Community Health. “The Wright Center is proud to be able to treat patients of all ages, income levels, and insurance statuses. No patient is turned away for lack of health insurance or an inability to pay. “Our mission to improve the health and welfare of our communities through inclusive and responsive health services aligns perfectly with the Ruark family’s goal for their hometown. We are privileged to work on this mission-driven project with the Ruark family and other community partners,” added Barry. The Wright Center for Community Health offers a sliding-fee discount program. Based on a family’s size and income level, the program reduces barriers to care and ensures everyone has access to affordable, whole-person primary health services. With the opening of the Tunkhannock location, The Wright Center for Community Health now has 12 locations in Northeast Pennsylvania, including a mobile medical and dental unit called Driving Better Health. The Wright Center is a Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike with a growing network of community health centers throughout Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayne, and Wyoming counties. More than 31.5 million people across the nation receive affordable, high-quality health care each year at community health centers like The Wright Center, according to the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC). The community health center initiative, founded by leaders of the U.S. Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s, was envisioned as a way to deliver care in underserved areas such as low-income urban neighborhoods and rural settings. Promoters saw it as a means to improve people’s health while also empowering communities and reducing poverty, as health centers offer access to low-cost or no-cost services as well as family-sustaining employment opportunities. Today, there are more than 1,400 community health centers and look-alike organizations in the U.S., according to NACHC. For more information about The Wright Center for Community Health’s integrated whole-person primary health services or for the nearest location, visit TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-591-5299.
NEPIRC Receives Community Needs Grant from Scranton Area Community Foundation The Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center (NEPIRC) is pleased to announce that it is a first-time recipient of a $10,000 Community Needs Grant from the Scranton Area Community Foundation (SAF) to support NEPIRC’s Manufacturing Ambassador Dream Team efforts in Scranton and throughout Lackawanna County. NEPIRC’s Dream Team program is focused on bridging the gap between education and careers in the manufacturing sector. The Dream Team initiative raises awareness of career options in advanced manufacturing amongst high school students by bringing young manufacturing professionals into the classroom to talk to students about their career journeys and how their careers have positively impacted their lives by highlighting real-life experiences. Dream Team Ambassadors are eager to share their stories with students throughout the city of Scranton and in the surrounding areas of Lackawanna County. “With this grant, NEPIRC is poised to further empower students and strengthen the manufacturing workforce, fostering economic growth and opportunity throughout Lackawanna County. I’m deeply grateful to Jenelle Osborne, NEPIRC’s talent stream coordinator, who oversees the Dream Team program; our Dream Team Ambassadors, and the manufacturers they represent, for the outstanding work they have done to promote careers in manufacturing and to help us secure important grants like this one from the Scranton Area Community Foundation,” President & CEO of NEPIRC Eric Joseph Esoda said.
My Benefit Advisor Offers Insight into GAP Plans My Benefit Advisor knows in the complex landscape that exists within healthcare; individuals often encounter unforeseen expenses that can put a substantial strain on their financial well-being. To help their workers better prepare for these situations, employers can install GAP health insurance options as a valuable component of their employee benefit package. As its name implies, GAP plans can help fill the gaps left by traditional health insurance plans. While traditional plans typically cover a portion of medical expenses, individuals are often responsible for deductibles, copayments, and other out-of-pocket costs. GAP insurance steps in to alleviate this financial burden by providing additional coverage for expenses not fully covered by primary health insurance. Typically purchased alongside high deductible health plans (HDHPs), GAP policies allow individuals to receive coverage on medical expenses before their deductible has been met. For many individuals with these high deductible plans, paying a small monthly premium for GAP insurance can potentially lead to significantly lower medical expenses. To understand how GAP health insurance operates, it may be helpful to consider a scenario where an individual has been hospitalized due to a medical emergency. Their primary insurance covers a majority of eligible expenses, but leaves roughly 20% of total costs, which includes deductibles and copayments, as out-of-pocket expenses. By having GAP insurance plans in place, some if not all of the out-of-pocket costs could be covered, reducing the individual’s financial liability. As healthcare costs continue to rise, an investment in GAP health insurance can provide invaluable security and peace of mind, ensuring that individuals are adequately protected against unforeseen medical expenses. However, although very beneficial to supplement an existing comprehensive medical program, it is important to realize that GAP plans do not meet the requirements of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and as such should not be used as the sole source of medical coverage for an individual. The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce offers its members access to My Benefit Advisor as a solution for employee benefits, including voluntary offerings. For more information about My Benefit Advisor, visit our website at gscc.mybenefitadvisor.com or contact Rob Higginbotham at (800) 377-3536.
Geisinger Marworth to Host Fun Run Geisinger Marworth Treatment Center will host a Recovery Fun Run at 10 a.m. Sept. 8 on the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail. Runners or walkers can register for a 5k run or a 1-mile walk to benefit the Geisinger Marworth Therapeutic Activities Fund. The fund supports healthy, sober activities for patients after discharge, to help them stay in recovery. Medals will be awarded to male and female winners in each age group and participants will be eligible for prizes in a raffle drawing. Preregistration is $25 before Sept. 5 and will guarantee a race t-shirt. Day-of registration is $30 and will include a race t-shirt while supplies last. Check-in time is from 8:30 to 9:45 a.m. and runners will meet at the Olive Street trailhead at the Scranton Half Marathon pavilion. Registeration is open here. For more information on Geisinger Marworth and its Therapeutic Recreation Program visit marworth.org.
United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike Announces New Chair The United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike expresses its deepest gratitude to George Lynett, Jr. for his outstanding service and dedication as Chairman of the Board. Under George’s leadership the last four years, the organization has made significant strides in addressing the critical needs of the community, fostering collaboration, and driving impactful change through a unique social landscape that was infamously highlighted by a pandemic in the middle of his tenure. “George Lynett has been a guiding force for the United Way, and his contributions have been invaluable,” said Gary Drapek, President & CEO of the United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike. “His commitment to our mission and vision has helped us achieve numerous milestones, and his legacy will continue to inspire our work for years to come. We are immensely grateful for his years of service and leadership.” As we bid farewell to George, we are thrilled to welcome Deb Kolzovsky, PNC Bank, as the new Chair of the Board. Deb brings a wealth of experience, passion, and dedication to the role, and we are confident that her leadership will usher in a new era of growth and innovation for the United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike. “Deb Kolzovsky has been an integral part of our organization for years, and her deep understanding of our mission, coupled with her strategic vision, makes her the perfect leader for this role,” Drapek continued. “We are excited to work with Deb as we continue to build on our successes and explore new opportunities to serve our community.” The United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike remains committed to improving lives and strengthening communities through education, health, and financial mobility. With Deb Kolzovsky at the helm, the organization is poised to continue its legacy of positive change and community empowerment. For more information about the United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike please visit uwlc.net or contact Barry Snyder, Vice President of Community Outreach, 570.343.1267 x237 or bsnyder@uwlc.net
Scranton Area Community Foundation Celebrates 70 Years of Impact The Scranton Area Community Foundation is proud to announce the launch of its 70th Anniversary Campaign, commemorating seven decades of dedicated service and impactful philanthropy in the Northeastern Pennsylvania region. Since its establishment in 1954, the Foundation has been at the forefront of fostering community development, supporting nonprofit organizations, and enhancing the quality of life for residents in Northeastern Pennsylvania. During this special time, the Foundation aims to celebrate the Foundation’s rich history while looking forward to a future of continued growth and community support.To coincide with this milestone year and continue improving on the Foundation’s critical work, the Scranton Area Community Foundation is establishing a permanent home in Lackawanna County in 2024. The Foundation was generously gifted the building that houses the Century Club of Scranton on Jefferson Avenue, directly across the street from its current rented office location in Scranton. This gift will allow the Scranton Area Community Foundation to have a permanent home in Lackawanna County later this year and better serve the community through various on-site services for nonprofits, as well as the ability to convene the community to work on important solutions.The Scranton Area Community Foundation will spend the next few months renovating, improving, and preserving the historic building. During this time, the Foundation seeks support from the community to help finalize this move and continue providing charitable support to the community. “Supporting our anniversary campaign will help us to uplift the communities we serve in Northeastern Pennsylvania and enable us to enact meaningful change across our region,” stated Laura Ducceschi, Scranton Area Community Foundation President and CEO. “By joining our 70th-anniversary campaign, you help us reach our goal as we prepare to move into our new home, honor the Foundation’s legacy, and inspire continued philanthropic efforts in our region,” stated Ellen Burkey, Scranton Area Community Foundation Board Chair. “Every contribution makes a difference, and 100% of your donation stays local, supporting the needs of our renovations and our region’s greatest needs,” she added. A ribbon-cutting ceremony and ‘Platinum Jubilee’ anniversary celebration event is planned for December 2024. This event will bring together donors, community partners, nonprofit leaders, and the community to reflect on the Foundation’s accomplishments and celebrate its future. Look for more information on the Platinum Jubilee and ribbon-cutting ceremony to come soon. To support the Foundation’s transformative journey, visit 70.safdn.org to learn more. The Scranton Area Community Foundation works to meet critical community needs and support local causes, programs, and organizations. From improving access to equitable transportation to transforming the lives of women, girls, and their families, building the capacity of nonprofit organizations, advancing various causes in animal welfare, and ensuring all residents have access to safe and healthy housing, the Scranton Area Community Foundation is dedicated to helping to improve the quality of life in Northeastern Pennsylvania. “The Scranton Area Community Foundation was established as a community trust in 1954 by the Scranton Family. Their initial $1 million gift was the seed that has grown into a permanent vehicle for donors to accomplish their philanthropic goals while helping to support positive change in our community,” Ducceschi stated. “Today, ninety cents of every dollar spent at the Foundation goes directly to grants, scholarships, and programs in the communities we serve,” she added. The Scranton Area Community Foundation offers a range of charitable funds, allowing donors to advance a cause, support an individual organization, provide flexible support for community needs, or recommend individual grants. “Reaching this 70th-anniversary milestone is a testament to the unwavering support of our donors, our nonprofit partners’ dedication, and our community’s resilience,” said Ducceschi. “As we celebrate our 70th anniversary, we remain even more committed to driving positive change and creating a vibrant, inclusive community for all across Northeastern Pennsylvania,” she added. “And we do this all through the support of our generous community.” The Scranton Area Community Foundation invites everyone to participate in the celebration and the 70th Anniversary Campaign activities. Visit safdn.org for more information about upcoming events, grant opportunities, and how to get involved. Naming opportunities and special recognition opportunities exist. Multi-year pledges can also be accepted and are appreciated. The Scranton Area Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Northeastern Pennsylvania through philanthropy, collaboration, and community leadership. Since 1954, the Foundation has provided over $50 million in grants and scholarships, supporting a wide range of programs and initiatives that address the community’s most pressing needs.
