The Dime Bank Celerbates 120 Years The Dime Bank is thrilled to celebrate 120 incredible years of service, growth, and connection with our valued customers and communities. Since our founding, we have been unwavering in our commitment to building strong financial foundations and fostering meaningful relationships that stand the test of time. This milestone is not just a reflection of our longevity but a testament to the trust and support of our loyal customers, who have been with us every step of the way. As we commemorate this significant anniversary, we are preparing for a year filled with celebrations that honor our rich history, our many achievements, and, most importantly, the people who made it all possible—you! Our celebrations will include a variety of special events, community initiatives, and exciting surprises designed to engage and delight our customers and partners. Each event will be an opportunity to reflect on our journey together, recognize the milestones we have achieved, and look ahead to the future we are building. We can’t wait to share this exciting journey with you throughout the year. Whether through community service projects, educational seminars, or festive gatherings, we are dedicated to celebrating the spirit of connection that has defined our organization for over a century. Thank you for being an integral part of our story. Here’s to 120 years of unwavering dedication and a bright, exciting future ahead! Stay tuned for announcements as we unveil the festivities, and let’s continue to create lasting memories together. Your support has been vital to our success, and we look forward to sharing many more milestones with you in the years to come!
Become the top dog in tourism at the PMVB’s 2025 Tourism Day Summit! WHEN: Thursday, May 22, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. WHERE: Kalahari Resorts & Conventions WHAT: A day full of tourism-focused networking and educational training plus 2024 Annual Report Highlights and 2025 PMVB Awards Presentations! This year’s agenda will include a panel discussion with industry experts, breakout sessions on social media, AI, quality content, streaming data and metrics, and more! Don’t miss Dino Cotilletta from Amazon Web Services, who will share insights into hospitality and data. Speaker Tom Ray, EVP at JDA.media and Amazon Best Selling Author, will explore the foundational concepts of management through the lens of the dog training world. Click HERE to watch a preview! Registration is required. The deadline to register is Monday, May 19, 2025.If you need assistance registering, please contact Liz Blose directly.
Shapiro Administration Fuels Innovation through Transportation Safety, Maintenance, and Environmental Initiatives PennDOT ‘Focus on Innovations’ publication details nearly 40 innovative projects across the department The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) today released its Focus on Innovations (FOI) publication that features the department’s work to identify and boost innovative projects improving safety, promoting efficiency, and saving money. Innovation plays a key role in getting things done for Pennsylvania travelers, building on the Governor’s commitment to ensure Pennsylvania remains a leader in delivering commonsense solutions to everyday issues. “Meeting the needs of Pennsylvania’s vast transportation network requires unique solutions,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “Across the Commonwealth, the PennDOT team is rolling out electric vehicle infrastructure, delivering projects faster, tackling congestion, and improving safety.” Innovation at PennDOT is a holistic process, pulling unique ideas and best practices from throughout the department. Employee-driven innovation councils and committees, the State Transportation Innovation Council (STIC), the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Every Day Counts (EDC) Program, and solutions identified and implemented by PennDOT employees, all work together to build better, more efficient, and more intuitive systems to serve all Pennsylvanians and those who travel throughout the Commonwealth. Highlighted innovations include: The Lane Reservation (or LaneRez) initiative is maximizing safety and minimizing congestion with a system to catalog upcoming construction projects, identify conflicts and plan ahead for traffic mitigation. PennDOT’s digital transformation focuses on using paperless technologies to transform the project delivery process by providing project data at the fingertips of our employees and partners. The implementation of Environmental Product Declarations is allowing the department to utilize construction materials with lower greenhouse gas emissions. Amber and green vehicle lights, enabled by Act 78 of 2024, increase safety by making construction and maintenance operations more visible. PennDOT’s continued Electric Vehicle (EV) infrastructure buildout, powered by the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, has helped expand EV-charging-station availability, making EVs more accessible to those who travel across the Commonwealth. Now in its fourth year, the FOI publication – including an interactive innovation timeline – is available here.
Treasurer Stacy Garrity Announces 529 Day Promotion with Awards Totaling More than $33,000 Six regional awards of $5,529 – covers a year’s tuition at a Pennsylvania community college Treasurer Stacy Garrity is encouraging families to save for education with this year’s 529 Day promotion. Families who save with the PA 529 College and Career Savings Program may be eligible to win one of six regional awards based on where in Pennsylvania they live. Each award winner will receive a $5,529 deposit into their PA 529 account. The promotion period starts tomorrow, May 1, and ends May 31, 2025. To be eligible, families must contribute at least $10 to a PA 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan (GSP) or PA 529 Investment Plan (IP) account between May 1 and May 31, 2025, and the account owner must be a Pennsylvania resident. Visit pa529.com/529day to read promotion rules. “I’m thrilled to announce this year’s 529 Day promotion to help boost savings for more Pennsylvania families,” Treasurer Garrity said. “Every year we celebrate 529 Day, May 29, all month long to recognize the power of saving with a PA 529 plan. It’s never too late to start saving, and our PA 529 program is the perfect way to do it. It comes with big tax advantages, and we have two plans to choose from, including the PA 529 Investment Plan which is ranked as one of the top plans in the entire country!” The PA 529 program has been helping families save and pay for education for more than 30 years. There are two plans to choose from, the PA 529 GSP and the Morningstar Gold-Rated PA 529 IP. The PA 529 GSP lets families save at today’s tuition rates to cover tomorrow’s tuitions costs and PA 529 GSP fees are waived through June 30, 2025. The PA 529 IP has multiple investment options to choose from and returns tied to financial markets. Treasurer Garrity has cut PA 529 fees numerous times, resulting in $17 million in savings for Pennsylvania families. Both plans offer state and federal tax advantages, and PA 529 assets don’t impact a student’s eligibility for Pennsylvania state financial aid. PA 529 accounts can be used for a wide variety of qualifying technical, collegiate, and apprenticeship expenses like tuition, fees, books, equipment, room and board, and more. Families with children born January 1, 2019, or later, already have a $100 Keystone Scholars account to jumpstart their education savings. This automatic deposit is available to every baby born in Pennsylvania, and those adopted by Pennsylvania families. The program uses no taxpayer dollars. Families are encouraged to claim their Keystone Scholars accounts at pa529.com/keystone and open their own companion PA 529 account to continue saving for their child’s future. Visit pa529.com to learn more about saving with PA 529 and pa529.com/529day for 529 Day promotion details and official rules.
Manufacturing Millennial to Headline NEPIRC’s Annual Manufacturing Day Best Practices Summit & Expo When younger generations think of manufacturing, many often picture dimly lit, dangerous and outdated work environments, but that is not a fair or accurate view of today’s manufacturing scene according to industry advocate Jake Hall, known as the “Manufacturing Millennial.” He is on a mission to educate younger people by meeting them where they are—on social media. Hall will address the future of manufacturing, effective social media use for manufacturers and much more when the Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center (NEPIRC) welcomes him as keynote speaker at its 2025 Manufacturing Day (MFG DAY) Best Practices Summit & Expo—the region’s largest manufacturing trade show and networking event of its kind—on Oct. 3, at Mohegan Pennsylvania in Wilkes-Barre. “We’re so excited to have Jake Hall as our MFG DAY keynote speaker addressing the topic of ‘The Future of Manufacturing: Technology and Workforce.’ Jake is an influential advocate for manufacturing, automation and skilled trades. His content is effective at educating the future workforce about the manufacturing industry, which is why we believe our Manufacturing Day attendees will be energized by his message and gain valuable insight,” said Chelsey Coslett-Traver, NEPIRC’s manager of marketing & stakeholder engagement. Considered one of the loudest voices in the industry and awarded by LinkedIn as the Top Voice in Robotics, Automation and Manufacturing, Hall is helping companies future-proof their businesses with technology and attract the workforce of tomorrow. Coslett-Traver said Hall is helping to revolutionize the way people and companies present through social media. With more than 100,000 followers and 150,000,000+ views on his content channels, Hall ignites conversations about the latest in manufacturing and automation to excite the current and future workforce about the manufacturing industry. Coslett-Traver added that Hall’s desire to influence the future workforce aligns closely with the goals of NEPIRC’s innovative Manufacturing Ambassador Dream Team initiative that increases high school and college student awareness of outstanding careers available within Pennsylvania’s advanced manufacturing field. She said Hall helps to reach the future workforce with programs like his “Discover Manufacturing” and MiCareerQuest, which introduce 20,000 high school students to manufacturing each year in west Michigan. In addition to delivering the keynote presentation, Hall will also lead a breakout session entitled, “The Power of Social Media: What You Should Do.” MFG DAY sponsorship opportunities are available but going quickly! If interested, visit www.nepirc.com/mfgday to learn more and complete and submit the confirmation form required to lock in sponsorship. Additionally, NEPIRC is proud to announce that InnoTek Computer Consulting of Bloomsburg is this year’s Presenting Sponsor. Tickets are also on sale and start at $75. If you want to learn from industry experts and connect with people who are making a difference in the manufacturing industry, then this is a must-attend event! This year’s MFG DAY will heavily focus on manufacturing technology, AI and automation. Visit www.nepirc.com/mfgday to purchase tickets. For more information, email Chelsey Coslett-Traver at Chelsey@NEPIRC.com or visit NEPIRC’s Manufacturing Day webpage at www.NEPIRCMFGDAY.com.
Johnson College to Host 32nd Annual Golf Tournament Johnson College will host its 32nd Annual Johnson College Open on Friday, May 16, 2025, at the Blue Ridge Trail Golf Club in Mountain Top, PA. All proceeds from the annual golf tournament support the Johnson College Presidential Scholarship Fund. Last year’s tournament raised over $50,000 to support the Presidential Scholarship Fund. The scholarships are presented each fall to full-time students demonstrating financial need to finish their educational journey. To learn more about this event, visit johnson.edu/golf. Sponsors of this event to date include: Presenting Sponsor: The Fresh Grocer – Owned and Operated by Gerrity’s Platinum Sponsor: NET Credit Union and ShopRite Gold Sponsors: Eastern Atlantic Regional Council of Carpenters; Five Star Equipment; Fastenal Company; L.R. Costanzo Company, Inc.; Peoples Security Bank & Trust; PNC Bank; Simplex Homes Silver Sponsor: American Eagle Outfitters Cart Sponsor: Toyota of Scranton Breakfast Sponsor: Boyle Construction Lunch Sponsor: Cable Associates Cocktail Hour Sponsor: Schiff’s Marketplace Dinner Sponsor: Sordoni Construction Services, Inc. Beverage Cart Sponsor: Widmer Signs / PA Signs Golf Gift Sponsor: eCampus.com Hole-in-One Sponsor: Tasca Ford Mulligan Sponsor: Topp Business Solutions Hit & Hold Sponsor: Nunzi’s Advertising Exclusive Tee Sponsors: Ability Recovery Service, LLC; Action Lift; CHA Consulting; Constantino’s Catering; Greenman-Pedersen, Inc.; I.B.E.W. Local #81; Knowles Associates, LLC; McCarthy Tire; Mesko Glass; MotorWorld; NRG Controls; Postler & Jaeckle; Scandale Associated Builders & Engineers, Ltd.; Simona America Industries; Stone Office Equipment, Inc; Topp Business Solutions; Torbik Safe & Lock, Inc.; Waste Management; Presidential Scholarship Sponsors: Ashley Machine & Tool Co.; Candy Frye ’94; Citizens Savings Bank, Czachor Electric; Highland Associates; Mesko Glass and Mirror Co., Inc.; Topp Business Solutions; Torbik Safe & Lock, Inc. Platinum Marketing Sponsor: Condron Sweda Advertising Advertising Sponsor: Lamar Advertising Gold Print Sponsor: Sprint Print, Inc.
Johnson College’s 8th Annual Carpentry Auction Raises over $4,000 for Children’s Advocacy Center of Northeastern Pennsylvania Johnson College Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology program hosted its Annual Carpentry Auction at the College’s Scranton campus on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. The event raised over $4,000 to benefit the Children’s Advocacy Center of Northeastern Pennsylvania in support of its mission to provide excellence in the assessment and treatment of child abuse and neglect. More than 70 items created by Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology students were available for auction. There was a wide variety of woodwork, including chessboards, tables, chests, benches, and more. Many of the items were made from repurposed materials.
Jamie Stracham Promoted to Branch Manager of our Hamlin Office Kate Bryant, President, and CEO of The Honesdale National Bank, has announced Jamie Stracham has been promoted to Branch Manager of the Hamlin Office. In making the announcement Bryant stated, “Jamie’s dedication and customer focused mindset make her a true asset to our team.” She continued, “Her promotion to Branch Manager is well-deserved, and we look forward to her ongoing positive impact for our customers and employees as she assumes her new responsibilities.” As Branch Manager, Stracham will be responsible for supervising and developing staff, driving business growth within the branch, overseeing daily branch operations, and maintaining customer service standards. Stracham started her career in the banking industry in 2017. At HNB she quickly grew in her role, starting as a Teller at the Montdale Office and within six months, earning her CSR title. In 2022, she was promoted to Head Teller at the Eynon Office, and in 2024, she advanced to the position of Assistant Branch Manager at the same location. She also holds a notary license. In commenting on her new role at the Bank, Stracham noted, “Working at HNB has allowed me to grow both professionally and personally; it has been an incredibly rewarding experience. I started as a Teller and worked hard to reach my current position. I am grateful to everyone who mentored and supported me on this journey.” Outside of the Bank, she serves as a Board Member and Treasurer for St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Scott Township. In her free time, she enjoys riding ATVs, spending time with her four dogs, and embracing the outdoors, especially in the summer. She also loves attending concerts. The Honesdale National Bank, established in 1836, holds the distinction of being the area’s oldest independent community bank headquartered in Northeastern PA, with offices in Wayne, Pike, Susquehanna, Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties. The Honesdale National Bank offers personal banking, business banking and wealth solutions. For more information on HNB’s products and services, visit www.hnbbank.bank.
Greater Scranton YMCA Urges Community to Prioritize Water Safety by Joining National “Phones Down, Eyes Up™” Campaign The Greater Scranton YMCA is proud to participate in the launch of YMCA of the USA’s National Phones Down, Eyes Up™ campaign this May in honor of National Water Safety Month. This campaign is focused on reducing distractions around water and raising awareness about the importance of vigilance when families visit pools and waterfronts this summer. Statistics from the National Drowning Prevention Alliance show that 88% of drownings occur with at least one adult present, highlighting the critical need for caregivers to stay alert when supervising children around water. The Phones Down, Eyes Up campaign encourages families to keep their phones away and stay focused while supervising children at pools, lakes, beaches, or other bodies of water. “The Greater Scranton YMCA is excited to be part of this important national campaign,” said Rich Surridge, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “People think they’ll hear someone if they’re struggling in the water, because that’s what we see in tv and movies,” says Surridge. “In actuality, drowning is silent and can happen in as little as 30 seconds. When we’re looking at our phones, we don’t see what’s happening around us.” As part of the Phones Down, Eyes Up campaign, the Greater Scranton YMCA is calling on families to designate a “Water Watcher”— an adult whose sole responsibility is to supervise children near water, free from distractions like phones, conversations, or alcohol. “We know how easily distractions can happen around water, but just one moment of inattention can have serious consequences. The Greater Scranton YMCA is committed to empowering families with the tools and information they need to stay safe around water.” The campaign’s website, PhonesDownEyesUp.org, offers a variety of helpful resources for families, including digital safety materials, a pledge to commit to water safety, and educational tools to help families stay safe this summer. Families who take the pledge will have access to resources such as phone wallpaper reminders, monthly safety tips, and downloadable Water Watcher lanyards. For more information on how you and your family can become Water Watchers and take part in the Phones Down, Eyes Up campaign in our community, visit phonesdowneyesup.org.
