Outreach – Center for Community Resources to Host the 2023 Mighty Oak Awards

As Outreach – Center for Community Resources celebrates 35 years, Outreach invites the community to join in the celebration at the 2023 Mighty Oak Awards on October 5, 2023, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at the Glenmaura National Golf Club in Moosic, PA. This year’s Mighty Oak Awardee is Dr. Ruth A. Connolly, and Kate Holod and Bill Burnell will be honored with the Beth Beh Community Spirit Award.

The Mighty Oak Awards honor those in Northeastern Pennsylvania who are pillars for their leadership and contributions to the community.

The 2023 Mighty Oak honoree is Dr. Ruth A. Connolly, former Development Director of Outreach. Dr. Connolly has spent over 50 years serving the community through her early childhood, middle school, and high school education work. She served as Outreach, then known as the Economic Opportunity Training Center of NEPA, as the Development Director, where she was instrumental in fundraising for the renovation of the Seventh Avenue Center. Outreach is still located at the Seventh Avenue Center today in Scranton. Most recently, she is the Director of the North Pocono Dry Good Pantry.

The Beth Beh Community Spirit Honorees for 2023 are:

Ms. Kate Holod is a member of the Outreach Board and Fundraising Committee. Ms. Holod has served as an Outreach Board member since 2006. Before retiring, she worked 35 years in state government, including 15 years as Director of the Bureau of Child Care with the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. She is very active in the community. She recently was named President of the Board of the Kiwanis Club of Scranton and actively volunteers at many of the Kiwanis’ local initiatives.

Mr. Bill Burnell is a longtime volunteer GED instructor for Outreach. Prior to retiring, he worked in commercial insurance for over 50 years and owned his own agency for nearly 20. Since retiring, he has become a very active volunteer in the community. For over 35 years, he has been a member of the Arc of NEPA Board and is the current Board President. He has a great love of the American Civil War era and actively participates in the Civil War Roundtable as a hobby.

In 2022, Outreach began awarding the Beth Beh Community Spirit Award. This award recognizes and honors an individual or group with a long-standing devotion to community service through education, volunteer work, and citizen connections. Beth Beh was the original founder of the Women’s Employment Program (WEP) in 1986, the flagship program of the Employment Opportunity Training Center (EOTC), now Outreach. She devoted her life to developing and expanding community services that focused on single mothers and children in the region and provided mentorship to childcare professionals.

The Mighty Oak Awards will include cocktails, hor d’oeuvres, live music, and basket raffles. Participant stories will set the stage for the awards event. Individual tickets can be purchased by visiting the Outreach website at outreachworks.org.

Outreach Center for Community Resources delivers family educational and workforce development services and programs to the regional community to promote family stability and economic self-sufficiency. Outreach provides evidence-based early childhood programs that help families and children gain the skills to be healthy and productive community members. Outreach programs support families experiencing adverse life events, including economically disadvantaged families, individuals seeking services that are involved in the Women’s and Veterans Treatment Court System, residents at the Lackawanna County Prison, and justice-involved juveniles. Outreach improves the lives of over 4,500 adults and children annually with evidence-based family development, early childhood education, adult GED services, and workforce programs that support them as they navigate life’s challenges.

Wayne Bank Ranks Amongst Top Banks in the Country

Wayne Bank, a subsidiary of Norwood Financial Corp (Nasdaq Global Market – NWFL), was recently ranked by Bank Director magazine as one of the top 25 best banks in the country in their Ranking Banking, The Best US Banks 2023 publication.  Wayne Bank was also ranked number ten (#10) in the country for banks in the $1B-$5B asset size category.

Bank Director applied a consistent set of metrics to determine the best banks, based on calendar year 2022 results.  Wayne Bank was evaluated on its profitability, capital adequacy, asset quality, and total shareholder return. For this 2023 study, Bank Director identified The Best U.S. Banks 2023: those that balance growth and profitability, deliver long-term shareholder value, and execute their goals in a safe and sound manner.  They also examined factors that drive performance, including growth, leadership, board oversight, and technological innovation.

President and Chief Executive Officer, James O. Donnelly, stated, “We are delighted and honored to be on both prestigious lists of The Best U.S. Banks 2023.  Our inclusion in the Top 25 Banks in the Country overall is an accomplishment we have never before achieved. Last year, Wayne Bank was ranked at number seventy-one for banks in our asset size.  This year we are proud to say that our dedication and commitment to shareholders, employees, customers, and our communities has helped us rise to number ten in our asset size.  This is a testament to the dedication of our employees and to executing our strategic vision.”

WVIA Named A Finalist For Nine Public Media Awards 

The National Educational Telecommunications Association (NETA) has announced that WVIA is a finalist for nine Public Media Awards in several different categories. This year is the 55th Annual Public Media Awards. 

The Public Media Awards, presented by NETA, honor their member’s work in the highest caliber community engagement, content, education, and marketing and communications.

WVIA’s works were announced as finalists in the following categories; Education Resources for the Community, Cultural Feature, Annual Report, Integrated Marketing Campaign, Promotion, Social Media, and Special Events. 

A standout production that was named as a finalist in multiple different categories is WVIA’s original documentary ROAR: The Story of the Southern Columbia Football Tigers. ROAR was released on May 12, 2023, after months of building anticipation and awareness through various promotions, culminating in a community pep rally held at Southern Columbia High School with a special showing of the film the day before the official public release on May 11th. 

“ROAR became something more than a football documentary to me. I got swept up in the drama of the season and the emotions of the players while capturing this incredible story,” said filmmaker Alexander Monelli. “It’s awesome to not only see the film recognized nationally by NETA, but all of the marketing and promotional efforts as well. So many people at WVIA touched this project and I think we all produced something special that I’ll never forget.”

WVIA’s Mind Over Matter, Season 2, a mental health initiative presented in conjunction with Geinsinger, was also named as a finalist. Mind Over Matter began as a television program, but quickly led to a podcast as well. The success of the program has resulted in a renewal for a third season, debuting in fall/winter of 2023.

“Our team is honored to be recognized by our public media peers for the content that we produced​ highlighting the people and places in the communities of Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania which we are proud to serve,” said Ben Payavis II, Chief Content Officer at WVIA.

The 55th Annual PMA winners will be announced on Sunday, September 10, 2023, at the 2023 NETA Conference and CPB Public Media Thought Leader Forum in Grand Rapids, MI.

With the exception of the overall excellence categories, stations competed within their divisions based on their station size. Awards are judged by a group of expert panelists from within the public media system, as well as industry professionals working outside of public media. 

The University of Scranton Ranks Among Best Colleges in the Nation for 22 Years

Marking the 22nd consecutive year, The Princeton Review selected The University of Scranton as one of the best colleges in the nation, and, for the seventh year, ranked Scranton among the “Best Science Lab Facilities” (No. 18) in the U.S.

According to Princeton Review, students are impressed by the “recent improvements Scranton has been making, from laboratories and simulation spaces that impart vital firsthand experiences to ‘the gorgeous glass study rooms in the Loyola Science Center,’ and the cadaver lab to ‘academic buildings [that] are the greatest strength of the school because most have nice classrooms and places to study that foster learning.’”

Students also boast about Scranton’s Alumni network that continues to look “for their Scranton successors, which helps explain the high 99% job-placement rate: as the school puts it, ‘more than 1,000 Scranton alumni are CEOs of their company or organization.’”

Students also mention Scranton’s Jesuit ideals which permeate the course work and that “are designed to help students graduate with a ‘strong commitment to…ethics.’”

Scranton is among just 14 percent of schools listed in the 2024 edition of the “Best 389 Colleges” guidebook to be selected and recommended by The Princeton Review as one of the top colleges in the country.

The Princeton Review does not include an overall ranking of the schools selected as the best in the country, however they do publish rankings of schools in 50 categories based on results of their surveys of 160,000 students at the 389 colleges included in the book. Information from the surveys is also used in the profiles included about each school in the publication.

In addition to Scranton’s ranking of “Best Science Lab Facilities,” The Princeton Review also ranked the school among the “Most Religious Students” (No. 22).

The 2024 edition of the guidebook published online on Aug. 15.

Woodloch Secures 4th Title in 5 Years as USA TODAY’s #1 Family Resort in the U.S.

For the fourth time in five years, Woodloch Pines, an all-inclusive family resort nestled in Pennsylvania’s picturesque Pocono Mountains, has been selected by USA TODAY as the number one family resort in the United States in the 2023 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Woodloch Pines previously claimed this impressive accolade in 2019, 2021, and 2022. Additionally, sister property and destination spa, The Lodge at Woodloch, secured the number three spot as the 2023 best all-inclusive resort. 

Nominees are chosen by a panel of travel experts, a well-traveled and well-educated group who are not only experts in their fields and their cities but also discriminating in their tastes. These include a combination of editors from USA TODAY, editors from 10Best.com, and other professional contributors.

“We are incredibly honored to be chosen as the number one family resort for the fourth time in five years. Woodloch has been in our family for over 65 years, and it is humbling to see our resort ranked among so many amazing properties and national brands,” said Brad Kiesendahl, CEO and President of Woodloch.  “We are grateful beyond measure for the hard work and genuine hospitality of our staff members as well as our loyal and passionate guests who generously shower us with praise year after year,” he continued.

To obtain more information or to book a stay, please visit woodloch.com, or call 1-800-Woodloch.

Catherine McAuley Center Earns Nomination for National Award

Charity Navigator, the nation’s largest and most influential nonprofit evaluator, has named the Catherine McAuley Center in the large-size organization category in the 2023 Community Choice Awards. The announcement was made on National Nonprofit Day, August 17, 2023.

The nomination comes as a result of Catherine McAuley Center’s outstanding achievements, having attained a prestigious four-star rating and earned all four Charity Navigator beacons. This recognition reflects the organization’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and effectiveness in its charitable endeavors.

The Community Choice Awards will have one winner in each size-based category: small, medium, large, and super. The determination of the winners will be based on the total number of votes received. The winners will be officially announced on September 27, 2023.

The four winning charities will receive the following:

•           Prominent visibility on Charity Navigator for one year

•           Email announcement to Charity Navigator’s audience of donors

•           Dedicated posts on Charity Navigator’s social media

•           Webinar speaking opportunity

•           Press release over the wire

Krista Murray, Executive Director, shared her appreciation, “The Catherine McAuley Center is deeply grateful for this nomination and the continued support from its community, donors, and partners. The organization remains dedicated to its mission and looks forward to making a positive impact in its community.”

To cast your vote and support Catherine McAuley Center in the Community Choice Awards, please visit the Center’s social media for a direct link and follow the instructions.

The Catherine McAuley Center has provided programs and services to those experiencing homelessness in Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties since 1984. Beyond a shelter of a roof and walls, the Center’s mission is to help the community break the cycle of poverty and heal the trauma of homelessness. To learn how you can make a difference, please contact the Catherine McAuley Center at 570-342-1342.

FNCB Bank Awards Staff

FNCB Bank, locally based since 1910, today announced that Durell Davis, Staff Auditor II, was awarded the Certified Practitioner in Internal Audit (“cPIA”) designation award by cRisk Academy. cRick Academy is the largest, on-demand webinar and certification training platform for internal auditors and professionals in risk and compliance.

Adding the cPIA credential to his accomplishments, Mr. Davis will stand out and demonstrate he is:

  • A credible and trusted internal auditor.
  • A true expert who understands and can apply the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing.
  • A stronger, more competent professional who is knowledgeable in internal controls, the internal audit process, risk-based internal auditing, and internal audit emerging risks.
  • Committed to the profession of internal auditing and equipped for career-advancing opportunities.
  • Differentiated from his peers.

Mr. Davis joined FNCB Bank in 2015 as an Indirect/Consumer Underwriter II and transferred to Staff Auditor I in 2018. Mr. Davis is a graduate of Pocono Mountain H.S. and University of Phoenix where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting. He is currently serving as Treasurer and serves on the Board of Governors for the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) – NEPA Chapter.

PS Bank Ranked #1 in PA and #42 Nationally on American Banker List

PS Bank is pleased to announce it has been ranked as the #42 highest bank on American Banker’s list of the Top 200 Community Banks under $2 billion in the United States as published in its June 2023 edition of the magazine.

The 2023 ranking marks the eleventh consecutive year that Peoples Ltd. (PPLL) was included among institutions that are ranked based on three-year average Return on Equity (ROAE). For the fourth time in five years, Peoples Ltd. was the highest-ranked Pennsylvania-based institution on this list.

With a three-year average ROAE of 14.84%, PS Bank continues to be a strong bank proudly serving customers throughout northeastern and central Pennsylvania.

Anthony J. Gabello, President & CEO, said “I am extremely proud of the hard work being done on a daily basis by our PS Bankers throughout the communities we serve. Earning the #42 ranking from American Banker and the highest ranking in Pennsylvania is a testament to the dedicated service we provide to our customers and to our strength as a community bank.”

Geisinger’s 17th EMS Awards Reception Honors First Responders

Emergency medical services (EMS) providers and fellow first responders were recognized for service to their community recently during Geisinger’s EMS Provider of the Year Awards reception, which took place just before a Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders home game at PNC Field in Moosic.

The 17th installment of the awards ceremony was part of a larger reception honoring nearly 200 first responders and their family members. Dinner and tickets to the ballgame were provided for all participants.

“We’re here to honor the people who put themselves at risk every day to care for members of our community when they need it most,” said Ron Strony, M.D., chair of Geisinger’s Department of Emergency Medicine. “We thank them for all they do and for partnering with us to improve how we respond to emergencies.”

John Campos, executive vice president of Emergency Medical Services of Northeastern Pennsylvania, received the Jack Lasky Lifetime Achievement Award, which is named in honor of a now-retired Geisinger EMS coordinator who served his community for 44 years in various roles.

During his 55-year career, Campos worked in Indiana, Pa., and organized EMS training for the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Appalachian Commission in Kentucky. He’s worked for Emergency Medical Services for the last 45 years, leading service licensure, training certification, medical command authorization and incident management protocols, and he’s implemented multiple changes in state EMS regulations.

The two recipients of the James “Sox” Ruane Community Service Award were Kathryn Bommer, pre-hospital registered nurse and Geisinger Community Medical Center trauma education and injury prevention outreach coordinator, and Bennett Heyman, Geisinger EMS paramedic.

Bommer was honored for providing exceptional and optimal care, dedication to serving her local community and educating the next generation of first responders throughout her 45-year career.

Heyman was awarded for outstanding caring and skill, treating patients like members of his family, and his calm while tending to scared or combative patients.

And for their roles in responding to a May 24 fire and saving the life of a Scranton Fire Department captain who went into cardiac arrest during the call, 10 first responders received the Alice and Bob Walsh Heroism Award:

  • Bruce Beauvais, paramedic, Pennsylvania Ambulance
  • Shane Buschpics, private, Scranton Fire Department
  • Donald Chesek, chauffeur, Scranton Fire Department
  • John R. Davis, lieutenant, Scranton Fire Department
  • Martin Fallon, private, Scranton Fire Department
  • Amy Kadonoff, advanced emergency medical technician (AEMT), Pennsylvania Ambulance
  • Jim Ralston, paramedic, Taylor Fire Department
  • Dave Ross, paramedic, Clarks Summit Fire Department
  • Terry Smith, AEMT, Pennsylvania Ambulance
  • Maureen Slovenkai, fire police officer, Newton-Ransom Volunteer Fire Department

Nominees for the James “Sox” Ruane Community Service Award were:

  • Mark Blanchard,paramedic, Susquehanna Regional EMS,who always provides high-quality patient care; receives compliments from patients for his care, knowledge and skill; and is a remarkable asset to patients and families
  • Matt Carter, police officer, Archbald Police, for always being kind and willing to help someone in need and embodying the highest ideals of police service
  • The entire staff of Covington EMS for providing uninterrupted basic life support (BLS) service to the North Pocono region for two years through a combination of paid employees and unpaid volunteers
  • Adam Fensch, paramedic, Bloomsburg EMS, for always demonstrating kindness and compassion toward his patients and their families
  • Melanie Gerulsky, paramedic, Pennsylvania Ambulance, for creating and hosting Kids’ Day at Nay Aug Park to raise money for children’s services and build awareness of these services in the community
  • Clair Pete Manhart, EMT, Geisinger EMS and Bloomsburg Ambulance, for a long career of faithful service and always teaching that BLS saves lives and advanced life support (ALS) is the icing on the cake
  • Kristen Myers, EMT and business manager, Freeland Ambulance, Medic 41, for her tireless commitment to the community and her EMS colleagues, including bringing ALS services to the Freeland community and volunteering to provide EMS services at local youth sporting events
  • Stevie Spishock, paramedic, Americus and DH&L, for always demonstrating excellence and striving to improve herself and those around her
  • Edward Szafran, Kingston firefighter and chief of operations for Greater Pittston Regional Ambulance, for more than 20 years of providing outstanding service to his community as well as serving as a health technician for the National Disaster Medical System of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
  • Bill White, firefighter and EMT, Justus Volunteer Fire Company Ambulance, for 50 years of outstanding service, including serving as deputy fire chief, assistant fire chief, ambulance lieutenant, chief driver, ambulance captain, chief engineer, dive rescue captain and president

Wayne Bank Ranks in Top 100 Performing Banks in U.S.

American Banker has conducted its rankings of the top-performing banks of 2023. Wayne Bank has been evaluated by American Banker on profitability, efficiency, capital adequacy, and asset quality based on a three-year average return. Jim Donnelly, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Wayne Bank is pleased to announce that Wayne Bank has ranked number eighty-four out of two hundred in the $2 billion to $10 billion asset size category.

Financial industry professionals turn to American Banker, every day and throughout the day, to stay maximally informed — drilling down on complex issues, keeping up with breaking news, and downloading research and data.

“We are honored to be recognized for our strong financial performance.  For over 150 years, we have been committed to helping our employees, customers, and communities we serve achieve their financial goals,” stated Mr. Donnelly.