Honesdale National Bank Welcomes New Branch Supervisor David Raven, President and CEO of The Honesdale National Bank, announced Sharon Smith has joined HNB as Branch Supervisor of the Lackawaxen Office. In making the statement, Raven noted, “We are pleased to welcome Sharon to the HNB Family. Her strong retail and customer service experience will be of great benefit as we look to continue to support the needs of our customers in the Lackawaxen community.” Originally from Queens, NY, Smith is new to the financial industry. She moved to the area in her teenage years, graduating from Honesdale High School, and has since received her Bachelors of Science Degree in Management from East Stroudsburg University. She has then pursued over 20 years in retail management at the Dollar Tree in Honesdale. In mentioning her new role with HNB, Smith said, “I am excited to start a new career and reinvent myself in a new industry.” She continued, “I am looking forward to using my decades of experience in the customer service industry to serve my community in a new way.” In her spare time, she enjoys spending it with family, watching movies, or shopping.
The Wright Center Receives Two Awards for Scholarly Research Dr. Mark MadhokDr. Hemant Goyal Two faculty colleagues in The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education collaborated on two award-winning scholarly research posters at the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) 2021 Annual Scientific Meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada, in October. Mark Madhok, M.D., Ph.D., a board-certified internal medicine faculty physician and associate program director for the internal medicine residency program, presented, “National Trends in the Sporadic Malignant Colorectal Polyps in Young Patients: An 18-Year Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER) Database Analysis,” which was co-authored with Hemant Goyal, M.D. The scholarly presentation outlined their collaborative research based off national data about cancerous colorectal polyps in people 20-49 years of age. The research highlighted polyp growth that preceded full-blown cancer, a new and preventable problem in the age group. The poster received an ACG Presidential Award in the category of colorectal cancer screening. Dr. Goyal, the chief fellow of the Gastroenterology Fellowship Program, presented the research poster, “Peptic Ulcer with Adherent Clot – Treat It or Leave It: A Systematic Review and Metanalysis of Randomized Trials,” which was co-authored with Dr. Madhok. The scholarly work analyzed best practices to treat peptic ulcers with adherent clot found during endoscopy. Their work showed that treating these high-risk clots discovered during endoscopy reduces the risk of rebleeding. The poster received an ACG Presidential Poster Award in the category of GI bleeding. The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education is the nation’s largest Health Resources and Services Administration-funded Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education Consortium. It trains highly skilled physicians in community-immersed, clinical-learning networks that strive to address the nation’s physician shortage and related health care access disparities. Resident doctors can choose from programs in internal medicine, family medicine, national family medicine and psychiatry. Fellowships also are available in cardiovascular disease, gastroenterology and geriatrics.
Disney On Ice Returning to Wilkes-Barre Hosts Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse bring audiences on an expedition across raging seas, snow covered mountains and the marigold bridge in Disney On Ice presents Into The Magic. This action-packed extravaganza, produced by Feld Entertainment, Inc., features Disney’s Moana, Frozen, Coco and Beauty and the Beast with other beloved Disney characters skates into Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza from January 6 – 9, 2022. Disney On Ice Preferred Customers can purchase advance tickets starting today, October 26, 2021, to get the best seats available before tickets go on-sale to the general public on November 2, 2021. Fans can still sign up to become a Disney On Ice Preferred Customer and get exclusive access to the pre-sale offer code. Disney On Ice presents Into The Magic takes families on a high-sea adventure as Moana sets sail on a life-changing quest to save her island with help from the demigod Maui. With the ice floor transformed into the vast oceanic scape, Disney On Ice allows Moana’s strength and determination to take center stage. This engaging atmosphere lets audiences deepen their existing connection to their favorite wayfinder and discover one’s true identity is never out of reach. Journey across the Marigold Bridge with Miguel from Disney●Pixar’s Coco into the magnificent and mystical Land of the Dead and discover a vibrantly colorful performance with skeletons in a beautiful cultural celebration of family. Beautiful production numbers invite audiences into the world of Beauty and the Beast, as Belle shows what it means to be fearless. Along with her new friends in the enchanted castle, Belle is encouraged to step outside the ordinary and find joy in the bleakest situation. As she looks beyond the harsh exterior of the Beast to reach his gentle heart, fans learn there are teachable moments in everyday life. Through the athleticism and grace of Anna and Elsa, Rapunzel and Flynn, and Cinderella, brave heroes from Frozen, Tangled and Cinderella ignite passions to believe. Showgoers will witness each characters’ unique qualities and talents inspiring children around the world to discover their inner hero. While delivering the same magical experiences guest expect from Disney On Ice, Feld Entertainment is continuing Guest Wellness Enhancements to help keep families safe at its live events. Fed Entertainment is working closely with venue partners to establish and follow COVID-19 health and safety standards in accordance with all federal, state and local guidelines. Please monitor the venue website for health and safety policies, including face coverings and entry requirements, which are subject to change. Full details on Feld Entertainment Guest Wellness Enhancements can be found here. Event Location: Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza, 255 Highland Park Blvd, Wilkes Barre, PA 18702 Dates and Times of Performances: Thursday, January 6 7:00pmFriday, January 7 3:00pm 7:00pmSaturday, January 8 11:00am 3:00pm 7:00pmSunday, January 9 11:00am 3:00pm For ticket prices and to purchase tickets visit www.disneyonice.com, Ticketmaster.com or visit the NBT Bank Box Office at Mohegan Sun Arena *Ticket pricing is subject to change based on market demand.
New Workforce Development Program Launches in NEPA In an effort to help remove socio-economic barriers for some individuals looking to enter the workforce and earn a life-sustaining wage, Johnson College, United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania, The Institute for Public Policy & Economic Development, and the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund have formed a unique partnership to address this critical need and solve the skills gap in NEPA. RISE: Readiness In Skilled Employment is a workforce development program to serve residents of Lackawanna and Luzerne counties with the opportunity to obtain technical training while accessing additional supports to remove any barriers that stand in their way of starting a new career. Funded by the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund, the support and services offered will provide enrolled participants the pathway necessary to earn a family-sustaining wage. RISE paves the way for individuals and their future generations to succeed. “There are over 7,000 jobs currently posted available in NEPA even with a declining unemployment rate and increased labor force participation,” commented Teri Ooms, Executive Director at The Institute for Public Policy & Economic Development. “These jobs require all different levels of education, training, and skills. There is opportunity! RISE addresses both the education and training to secure those jobs, while helping individuals with all the other challenges that affect their ability to learn and be gainfully employed.” Participants will achieve the hands-on education through Johnson College to secure an in-demand job in NEPA. “For over 100 years, Johnson College has worked to produce skilled technicians needed for the workforce, and now the need is greater than ever,” said Dr Katie Leonard, Johnson College CEO & President. “By our organizations working together, more people from our community will have an opportunity to lessen the job market’s skills gap by becoming well-trained technicians without having to overcome certain barriers. Plus, they will enter the workforce with the knowledge and training to be able to earn family-sustaining wages . RISE will change lives.” “United Neighborhood Centers is thrilled to be working with Johnson College, The Institute, and the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund on this new initiative,” noted Lisa Durkin, President & CEO of United Neighborhood Centers. “Never before has the need for a strong skilled workforce been more evident. Many industries and professions are looking to fill key positions right now. It is our goal that we meet the demand of area employers and prepare the families and individuals we work with for these rewarding opportunities.”
Penn State Scranton Hosting Speaker on Race and Identity Michael Sidney Fosberg, founder of Incognito Inc., grew up believing he was white; then, in his early 30s, he learned that he is actually black. On Thursday, Nov. 4 at noon in the Study Learning Center’s Sherbine Lounge, he will present, “Nobody Wants to Talk About It – Race, Identity and the Difficulties in Forging Meaningful Conversations”. For more than a decade, Fosberg has toured the country performing his autobiographical play, “Incognito” at schools, colleges corporations, government agencies, community organizations and military bases. The play is based on his personal experiences in learning of, and discovering, his Black biological father. After hundreds of presentations and in-depth dialogues, Fosberg has assembled a set of tools and takeaways useful in navigating uncomfortable conversations about race and identity. He will share these tools at this presentation, with the goal of providing a road map to more authentic and meaningful conversations and authentic dialogue. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Nicole Paolicelli in Penn State Scranton’s Student Activities Office at 570-963-2703 or email: ntp10@psu.edu. You can also visit the speaker’s website at: www.incognitotheplay.com.
Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti Addresses Marywood Students on Leadership Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti recently visited Marywood University to speak to students in Dr. Lia Palmiter’s Master of Social Work Administration and Leadership class. Mayor Cognetti shared her personal journey on her road to Mayor and answered questions from the students.
Hendrick Manufacturing Celebrates 145th Anniversary Through Charitable Giving Hendrick Manufacturing makes donations to four local Carbondale charities. Dr. S. Robert Powell, Carbondale Historical Society, Maura Rottmund, Carbondale Public Library, Michael D. Drake, Hendrick Manufacturing Company Owner/CEO, Michelle Santanna, Catholic Social Services of Carbondale, Jason Mackie, Carbondale YMCA, Mari Potis, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce Hendrick Manufacturing, located in Carbondale, Pennsylvania,is pleased to announce its 145th year anniversary. Founded by Eli Hendrick in 1876, the business began by supplying sheet metal with holes used as sorting screens to the coal industry. Hendrick also invented the precursor to the modern high-speed,multi-punch perforating press. Today, Hendrick Manufacturing is the largest privately held perforator in the United States and serves diverse markets including transportation, food, medical, sound attenuation, mining and architectural. With 130 employees and growing, Hendrick serves approximately 675 customers nationwide. Hendrick has a history of serving the country during its most difficult times. During World War II, Hendrick stopped its perforating functions to manufacture gun components for ships during the war, earning Hendrick several Army-Navy E-Awards for its contributions. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Hendrick is again proud to serve as an essential supplier to companies that maintain the critical infrastructure to our national well-being. Hendrick’s history of giving back is instilled in its culture. Their 140th anniversary was celebrated by opening their facility to local high-school students and residents for tours and other festivities. However, similar plans for the 145th anniversary were curtailed due to Covid-19 safety protocols. Instead, the company decided to support the city of Carbondale thru donations to local charities that aid the well-being of the community including Catholic Social Services, Greater Carbondale YMCA and the Carbondale Public Library. Plus, one additional donation will be made to the Historical Society due to the deep history and ongoing connections Hendrick shares with the city of Carbondale. Being a good neighbor and an active member of the city has always been important and the 145th anniversary provides another opportunity to show their appreciation and support. Commenting on their 145-year milestone, Michael D. Drake, Chief Executive Officer said, “We are happy to be celebrating our 145th year in operation and we thank our employees for their dedication to the business. As only the second family to own Hendrick, the Drake family remains committed to the local Carbondale community and are pleased to be able to help these very worthwhile causes.”
Designs by Olivia Grey to Celebrate One Year Anniversary Designs by Olivia Grey will be celebrating their one-year anniversary of opening their storefront on November 4, 2021, from 5-7 pm. They will be hosting a meet and greet with their staff and some of their vendors. Pizza and wings will be served. Designs by Olivia Grey takes great pride in offering the best all natural soy candles and accessories. They are a veteran owned and operated business dedicated to giving back to local veterans. They are proudly partnered with Camp Freedom, a local non-profit organization dedicated to helping veterans, first responders and their families. They collect donations in store and at all events to support this organization. In providing an all natural product, they only ever use three ingredients in every candle: all natural soy wax farmed here in The USA, phthalate-free fragrance and essential oils, and cotton wicks. Designs by Olivia Grey is also Leaping Bunny certified, meaning they are a cruelty-free recognized company. In addition, they hand pour each and every candle in small batches to guarantee customer satisfaction on every purchase. Designs by Olivia Grey is your ultimate candle destination. Stop by and wish them a happy one-year anniversary!
RailRiders to Host High School “Hackathon” at PNC Field The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders will host local high school students for a “hackathon” on November 6 in the Geisinger Champions Club at PNC Field during NEPA STEM Ecosystem’s Celebration of STEM in Industry. A “hackathon” is an invention marathon. Programmers, designers, builders and more join together to learn, build, and share their creations. Hackathons are not limited to computer science interests — this “hackathon” is open to students who have an interest in technology and are eager to learn.Teams of students (with diverse backgrounds and interests in areas like math, science, design, economics, etc.) will be given a “problem” and their challenge will be creating a mobile/web app that will help solve that problem. The “problem” for this event will relate to something at PNC Field, but students will not know the challenge until they arrive on the day of the event. Students will receive hints related to the task through social media during the week leading up to November 6 and multiple experts will be on-site that day to answer any questions they have regarding the challenge.The students will be creating a “wire-frame” of an actual app, but not completing coding and creating a real app. At the end of the event, students will present their apps to the event judges and a winner will be announced. Cash prizes along with some special gifts from the RailRiders will be awarded to the winners.Registration is still open for high school teams of three to five students and this event is not open to the public. School districts may register more than one team. Students can range between ninth and twelfth grade and a team should be comprised of three to five individuals. Districts are encouraged to create diverse teams of all abilities and aptitudes with a variety of talents with attention to skill sets such as coding and programming, graphic designers/artists and user experience design, as well as those who excel in science and math. It is suggested to have at least one alternate student per team. Districts can also register for all virtual participation in this event. To register for this event, contact Stephanie Williams at swilliams@iu19.org. For more information on other events happening during NEPA STEM Ecosystem’s Celebration of STEM in Industry, visit NEPASTEM.ORG.
