Lackawanna College’s President Recognized

Lackawanna College’s President and Chief Innovation Officer, Jill Murray, Ph.D., ranked 37 in City & State Pennsylvania’s 2023 Higher Education Power 100. Dr. Murray became Lackawanna College’s first female president, previously serving as its executive vice president from 2012 to 2020. Under her leadership, Lackawanna College was named one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies by Fast Company Magazine for its Level Up program, which compresses the bachelor’s degree timeline.

Dr. Murray’s professional training initiatives include the Center for Technology Innovation, offering STEM degree programs such as Robotics & Integrated Technologies, Cybersecurity, Electric Vehicle & Advanced Automotive Technologies and corporate training coming fall 2023. She also collaborated with Dallas Shaw to bring Blitzen to the Scranton area, a holiday pop-up bar in the on-campus student-run restaurant that provided culinary students with real-world experience. “We are so proud to have Jill be recognized as one of Pennsylvania’s educational leaders,” Chairperson of the Lackawanna College Board of Trustees, Joyce Van Schooneveld said. “Jill has helped grow Lackawanna College into a great place to receive an education and having her be recognized for her hard work is inspiring.”

The City & State’s Higher Education Power 100 recognizes Pennsylvania’s most influential academic leaders focusing on making a difference on and off campus. Through their experience and innovative programs, the leaders recognized in this list demonstrate why Pennsylvania continues to be a national focal point in higher education.   Dr. Murray ranked with other local leaders in our area including Reverend Joseph Marina of the University of Scranton, Reverend Thomas Looney of Kings College, Dr. Jonathan Green of Susquehanna University and Sister Mary Persico of Marywood University.

The Scranton Area Community Foundation NEPA Rescue Veterinary Clinic Launches

On Thursday, March 2, The Scranton Area Community Foundation celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and reception that was held at Indraloka Animal Sanctuary in Dalton launching the opening of the NEPA Rescue Veterinary Clinic. The NEPA Rescue Veterinary Clinic is a project of the Indraloka Animal Sanctuary along with the NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative.  The mission is to increase access to quality, low-cost veterinary care for animals in the care of 35+ animal welfare organizations across the Northeastern Pennsylvania region.

The NEPA Rescue Veterinary Clinic was made possible by funding from the Robert H. Spitz Foundation, along with support from other funders.  Thanks to grant support from the Robert H. Spitz Foundation, Indraloka Animal Sanctuary was able to hire Dr. Leslie Interlandi as a full-time veterinarian for the NEPA Rescue Veterinary Clinic. The NEPA Rescue Veterinary Clinic offers services to 501(c)3 rescues, shelters, and sanctuaries located in Northeastern Pennsylvania that are part of the NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative. To become involved with the NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative, contact the Scranton Area Community Foundation at awc@safdn.org

AAA North Penn Recognizes Employees

AAA North Penn recently celebrated employee anniversary dates ranging from 5 to 40 years of service.  Select employees were honored at the Annual Employee Recognition Luncheon for reaching their milestone years. “According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median number of years workers had been with their current employer was 4.1 years in January 2022, unchanged from the median in January 2020. We are very proud of our employees for reaching such milestones based on these statistics.” stated Nina Waskevich, Vice President Brand & Membership.   

AAA North Penn serves AAA members in the following area(s): Lackawanna, Monroe, Lycoming, Wayne, Bradford, Susquehanna, Pike, Tioga, Wyoming, Potter and Sullivan Counties

First row: Ann Marie Esolen (25), Bonnie Gray (25), Linda Brown (25), Melissa Chilet (10).

Second row: Tara Glynn (5), Cheryl Mach (15), Melissa Patton (5), Karen Forsburg (25), Karen Emery (5), Sandra Humen (15), Carol Pugh (30), Kimberly Fleming (15).

Back row: Nina Waskevich (10), James Farrell (15), Patti Kane (5), Roxanne Garman (5), Randy Jones (10), Patricia King (10), Thomas King (5), Glenn Zumbach (40).

Absent from the photo: Bruce Pearlstein (5), Reba Destefano (5), Keith Bloom (5), Sara Richards (15), Cathy Zielinski (25), Theresa Shupp-Rosso (35).

NEPA SHRM Hosts Events

NEPA SHRM Presents “HR Legal Spotlight”

NEPA SHRM Presents Professional Development Seminar

Wayne Bank Announces Quarterly Cash Dividend

James O. Donnelly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Norwood Financial Corp (NASDAQ Global Market – NWFL) and its subsidiary Wayne Bank, announced that the Board of Directors has declared a $0.29 per share quarterly cash dividend payable May 1, 2023, to shareholders of record as of April 14, 2023.  The $0.29 per share represents an increase of 3.6% over the cash dividend declared in the first quarter of 2022.

Mr. Donnelly commented, “The Board is extremely pleased to provide our shareholders with this quarterly cash dividend.  It reflects the Company’s financial strength and strong capital position which has contributed to our solid performance.”

Norwood Financial Corp, through its subsidiary, Wayne Bank operates fourteen offices in Northeastern Pennsylvania and fifteen offices in Delaware, Sullivan, Ontario, Otsego and Yates Counties, New York.  As of December 31, 2022, the Company had total assets of $2.047 billion, loans outstanding of $1.474 billion, total deposits of $1.728 billion and total stockholders’ equity of $167.1 million.  The Company’s stock is traded on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “NWFL”.

Forward-Looking Statements.

The foregoing material may contain forward-looking statements.  We caution that such statements may be subject to a number of risks and uncertainties which may cause actual results to differ materially from those currently anticipated, and therefore readers should not place undue reliance on any forward looking statements.  Those risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, our ability to pay or increase cash dividends in the future, the continued financial strength, solid performance and strong capital position of the Company, changes in federal and state laws, changes in the absolute and relative levels of interest rates, the risks and uncertainty posed by, and the effect and impact of, the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy and the Company’s results of operation and financial condition,  the ability to control costs and expenses, demand for real estate, costs associated with cybercrime, general economic conditions and the effectiveness of governmental responses thereto.  Norwood Financial Corp does not undertake and specifically disclaims any obligation to publicly release the results of any revisions that may be made to any forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements.

The Honesdale National Bank and Local Banks Showcase Strength of Community Banking

The FDIC’s seizure of two larger financial institutions once again shapes the current and future landscape of the financial industry. Fortunately, local businesses and families remain ever supported by the strength and stability of three banks through which this corner of Northeastern Pennsylvania was built.  

The stability of a community can often be defined by the strength of the partnerships that comprise it. For Honesdale and the greater Wayne County area, the individual and collective business practices of The Honesdale National Bank, The Dime Bank, and Wayne Bank continue to fasten the region’s seams.

While the institutions are unique, since their foundings they have shared a common goal — supporting the residents and businesses across the widening breadth of the communities they serve. Diversifying their loan concentrations and oftentimes sharing the risk burden in the name of business development has paved a landscape that is symbolic of community banking.

No financial institution is completely immune to the impact of economic, political or industry-driven events. These Banks’ conservative business models have helped decrease exposure and effectively manage the market’s highs and lows. Their healthy capital and investment strategies have shepherded expansion in markets and resources to stabilize external pressures and foster growth opportunities.  

Healthy competition and collaboration are what set these community banks apart and continue to provide strong, dynamic financial resources for the local population.

The leadership of Wayne Bank, The Honesdale National Bank, and The Dime Bank continue to monitor the markets closely and are prepared to respond to changes as necessary. The local teams at each of their office locations are also available to support questions regarding FDIC insurance and individual financial needs.

WBRE and WYOU’s BIG News Revealed

After teasing northeastern Pennsylvania viewers about a “big” secret to be revealed on WBRE 28 & WYOU 22 Wednesday evening at 6 P.M., the stations announced tonight that well-known and long-respected morning news anchor, Tom Williams, is returning to television to co-anchor the stations’ morning news.

“Tom Williams, with his years of starting viewers’ days with the information they value, is joining our morning team at Eyewitness News,” said WBRE’s Vice president and General manager, Andrew Wyatt.  “Regional TV viewers who have followed Tom’s career for years will feel right at home with our morning news crew. We’re thrilled with this announcement that will continue the shift of the region’s TV news viewing to our stations.”

News Director, Eric Nazarenus added, “Our news team is proud to bring Tom back to local television as our morning co-anchor. His objective, fact-based approach to delivering the news and his  congenial rapport with our morning team will give our viewers exactly what they want when starting out their day.”

Tom Williams spent nearly 30 years at the local ABC affiliate, many as a reliable accurate morning news anchor, before leaving the station in March of 2022.

“I’m delighted to join the WBRE 28 and WYOU 22 Eyewitness News team,” said Williams. “Working with the professionals at these two stations, with their experienced news gathering team of journalists and videographers and well-respected meteorologists is what I’m most comfortable doing. I love the prospect of bonding with the stations’ morning viewers.”

Tom Williams joins co-anchor Kelly Byrne and meteorologist, Logan Westrope weekday mornings at 4:30 am on WBRE and 5:00 am on WYOU beginning Thursday, March 16th.

WBRE is owned by Nexstar Media Inc. provides services for WYOU-TV and Mission Broadcasting, Inc. through a shared services agreement.   

The Catherine McAuley Center to Host Mother’s Day Tea Party

The Catherine McAuley Center will be hosting a Mother’s Day Tea Party to celebrate mothers and other women in our lives; this event is open to the community. Refreshments, finger sandwiches and dessert will be served.

In addition to the tea party fare, there will be children’s activities, a family photo station, door prizes, raffles and so much more!

The Mother’s Day Tea Party will be located at The Space at Olive, 541 Wyoming Avenue in

Scranton on Saturday, May 6 th at 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM. Tickets are $25 per adult, up to four children up to the age of 18 are included on the ticket.

There are sponsorship, donation, and volunteer opportunities.

For more information on the event or to purchase tickets, please contact the Catherine McAuley Center by calling Mary-Pat Ward, Development Director at (570) 342-1342 or emailing at mpward@catherinemcauleycenter.org.

Treasurer Stacy Garrity and Senator John DiSanto Announce Legislation

Standing just outside the Finance Building’s historic vault, Treasurer Stacy Garrity and Sen. John DiSanto (R-15) announced that legislation automating the process of returning unclaimed property to rightful owners – known as Pennsylvania Money Match – was introduced this week.

“This will be a huge step forward in our efforts to return unclaimed property to Pennsylvanians as quickly as possible,” Treasurer Garrity said. “Pennsylvania Money Match will get more money back into the wallets of hard-working Pennsylvanians, where it belongs. Many people don’t know they have unclaimed property, and we should make it as easy as possible to get these funds back where they belong. In today’s economy, every extra dollar can go a long way to helping families make ends meet.”

“I am pleased to join Treasurer Garrity to announce this new legislation that will return people’s unclaimed property more quickly, and without the burden of having to search and submit a claim,” Sen. DiSanto said. “This initiative, which has strong bipartisan support, is truly commonsense and has tremendous potential to help residents get back unclaimed funds during this period of high-inflation and stretched family budgets.”

Pennsylvania Money Match will authorize Treasury to automatically return single-owner property for living individuals valued up to $5,000 to the rightful owner after a thorough identification and verification process. At least 14 other states have successfully implemented similar programs to automatically reunite their residents with many millions of dollars in unclaimed property.

For larger and more complex claims, owners would continue to fill out a claim form and submit additional information required to confirm their identity and rightful ownership.

Senator DiSanto introduced Senate Bill 24 to create Pennsylvania Money Match. SB 24 was referred to the Senate Finance Committee.

“I applaud Senator DiSanto for taking the lead on this important legislation,” Treasurer Garrity said. “I look forward to working with him and the entire General Assembly to make this much-needed change to our unclaimed property program. And, as always, I encourage all Pennsylvanians to search our database for money that may be theirs.”

Since taking office, Treasurer Garrity has implemented multiple improvements to the unclaimed property program, including:

Treasury returned more than $211 million worth of unclaimed property in 2022. More than $4 billion is currently waiting to be claimed. One in ten Pennsylvanians is owed unclaimed property, and the average claim is worth about $1,600.

Keystone College Announces Speaker for 2023 Commencement

The Honorable William R. Evanina, former director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center in Washington, D.C., will address members of the Keystone College Class of 2023 during the college’s 152nd commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 20 on campus.

A 1987 Keystone College graduate and a native of nearby Peckville, Pa., Mr. Evanina is now the founder and CEO of the Evanina Group, advising CEOs and boards of directors on strategic corporate risk. He also serves on multiple advisory boards. He was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on May 6, 2020 to be the first Senate-confirmed director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center (NCSC). He served as the NCSC Director since 2014 and was head of counterintelligence (CI) for the United States government.

In that role, Mr. Evanina was responsible for leading and supporting the CI and security activities of the nation’s intelligence community, the United States government, and private sector entities at risk from intelligence collection or attack by foreign adversaries. He oversaw national-level programs and activities such as the National Insider Threat Task Force; personnel security and background investigations; information technology protection standards and compliance; counterintelligence cyber operations; supply chain risk management; threat awareness to sectors of the nation’s critical infrastructure; national-level damage assessments from espionage or unauthorized disclosures; CI mission management; and national CI and security training programs.

Under Mr. Evanina’s leadership, NCSC produced the President’s National Counterintelligence Strategy of the United States of America 2020, which has been instrumental in raising foreign intelligence threat awareness to critical infrastructure sectors and private sector executives regarding supply chain, economic security, cyber, and malign foreign influence.

Mr. Evanina chaired the National Counterintelligence Policy Board and the Allied Security and Counterintelligence Forum comprised of senior CI and security leaders from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. He served as chair of the NATO Counterintelligence Panel.

Prior to his selection as the director of NCSC, Mr. Evanina was the chief of the Central Intelligence Agency’s Counterespionage Group. He served as assistant special agent in charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, where he led operations in both the Counterintelligence and Counterterrorism Divisions.

Mr. Evanina has more than 31 years of distinguished federal service, 24 of which as a special agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). At the start of his law enforcement career in 1996, he investigated organized crime and violent crimes through the FBI’s Newark Field Office. He then served on an FBI SWAT unit for 10 years, ultimately supervising this unit. He led some of the highest profile terrorism investigations in our nation’s history including the 9/11 attacks, the anthrax attacks, and the Daniel Pearl kidnapping. During his tenure with the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, Mr. Evanina was selected as a supervisory special agent and received the FBI Director’s Award for Excellence for his leadership in the investigation into convicted spy Leandro Argoncillo. His government career began in 1989 as a project manager with the General Services Administration in Philadelphia. He retired from federal service in 2021. 

Mr. Evanina attended Valley View High School, where he played baseball and football. As the first in his family to attend college, he holds an associate degree from what was then Keystone Junior College, where he played baseball and graduated summa cum laude. He continued his academics and athletics with a bachelor’s degree in public administration from Wilkes University (summa cum laude), and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Arcadia University in Philadelphia. He resides in Alexandria, Va. with his wife, Julie, and their two sons, Dominic and Will.