The Greater Scranton YMCA Presents Healthy Kids Day What: The Greater Scranton YMCA is hosting the Y’s annual Healthy Kids Day® located at 706 North Blakely Street in Dunmore. This free, annual event features a variety of family-friendly activities to encourage a safe, healthy and fun start to the summer season. Some featured activities include rides, a vendor fair, bounce houses, face painting, first responders, and more. The celebration will kick-off with a free one-mile family fun walk at 10:00 a.m. Registration is not required. The Y’s Healthy Kids Day is sponsored nationally by Peanuts. Locally, Healthy Kids Day is sponsored by Air Excellence, Scartelli Construction, Community Bank, NET Credit Union, Matrix, Precor, Cal Mal Vending Services, TOPP Business Solutions, Brucelli Advertising and Rainey & Rainey CPAs. Who: Greater Scranton YMCA staff will be available for interviews. When: Saturday, May 3rd, 10:00 a.m. through 2:00 p.m. Where: Greater Scranton YMCA, 706 North Blakely St., Dunmore, PA 18512 Contacts: Media Contact: Meghan Carnevale, mcarnevale@gsymca.org; Event Contact: Brandon Whipple, bwhipple@gsymca.org
Steamtown National Historic Site to Launch Summer Schedule Steamtown National Historic Site will transition to its summer schedule and increase in-park operations and experiences starting on Saturday, May 3. The park and its buildings will remain free to enter, daily summer hours will expand to 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Technology Museum will reopen, and the park will fire up its popular“Scranton Limited” yard shuttles—short train rides that offer visitors a front-row seat to the sights, sounds and motion of a working rail yard, all set within the park’s historic landscape.“Scranton Limited” yard shuttle schedule:May: Short train rides will operate Saturdays and Sundays at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:15 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.June–July: Short train rides will expand to Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, at the same departure times.Ticket Prices: Ages 0–5: $1 Ages 6 and older: $6 Tickets are valid for the entire day of purchase. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis; passengers should arrive 15 to 20 minutes before departure to secure a seat. Operations are subject to change due to weather, mechanical issues or crew availability. Tickets can be purchased on site at the Tickets and Information Kiosk (credit or debit only).“Every ride through the park’s historic train yard connects visitors to the story of steam railroading in America,” said Superintendent Jeremy Komasz. “We’re proud to offer these experiences as part of our mission to preserve and share this rich industrial heritage.” Established by Congress in 1986, Steamtown National Historic Site was created to promote public understanding and appreciation of steam locomotives in the region. The park, located on the former Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad yard in downtown Scranton, interprets how railroads accelerated the growth of industry, innovation and communities across the United States.As the season continues, Steamtown will continue to explore opportunities for the expansion of access to live steam railroading and interpretive programming, offering even more ways for the public to engage with rail history.For more information about train rides and upcoming events, visit our website at http://www.nps.gov/steamtown or call (570) 445-1898.
The Wright Center Hosts U.S. Representative Robert Bresnahan Jr. The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education hosted U.S. Representative Robert Bresnahan Jr., R-8, Dallas Twp., and several members of his staff on Friday, April 25, at the Teaching Health Center in Scranton. Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak, president and CEO of The Wright Center, met with Representative Bresnahan to share information about The Wright Center and its mission to improve the health and welfare of our communities through responsive, whole-person health services for all and the sustainable renewal of an inspired, competent workforce that is privileged to serve. The Wright Center is one of 1,400 community health centers in the United States. Community health centers serve as a medical home for more than 32.5 million patients, are proven to reduce health care costs – saving an average of 24% per Medicaid patient compared to other providers – and generate an estimated $118.4 billion in total economic impact in local communities, according to the National Association of Community Health Centers. Since 2019, The Wright Center has been designated as a Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike (FQLA) by the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). FQLAs “ensure health care for our nation’s underserved communities and vulnerable populations through service provision to all, regardless of ability to pay,” according to HRSA. In addition to stressing the importance of protecting funding that supports community health centers, including FQLAs, Dr. Thomas spoke about how essential Medicare and Medicaid funding are to residents of Northeast Pennsylvania. They also discussed The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s nearly 50-year legacy of training physicians and strengthening the interprofessional health care workforce pipeline to meet the region’s complex health care and workforce needs. “We wanted to thank Representative Bresnahan for stepping up to represent our region in Washington, D.C. and for the partnership we have built with him and his staff, both here in his district and in our capital, over the past few months. We are grateful for the commitment he has shown in supporting community health centers,” Dr. Thomas-Hemak said. “Today was an opportunity to thank him and welcome him to our Teaching Health Center in Scranton so we can share the critical work we are doing throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania.” During his visit, Representative Bresnahan toured The Wright Center for Community Health Scranton with Dr. Erin McFadden, The Wright Center’s deputy chief medical officer, medical director for the community health centers in Scranton and Scranton Counseling Center, and co-regional director of medical education for A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona. The visit concluded with a group discussion with Representative Bresnahan, his staff, and The Wright Center’s board members, executive team, faculty, resident physicians, and other key staff members. “The Wright Center is doing extraordinary work to ensure high-quality, affordable care reaches every corner of Northeastern Pennsylvania,” said Representative Bresnahan. “I want to thank The Wright Center for the opportunity to visit their Scranton health center and to discuss ways in which we can work together to strengthen both the health and future of our communities. “The Wright Center serves as a national model for how community-based health care and workforce development can go hand-in-hand to improve lives.” Born in Kingston and raised in Wyoming and Hughestown boroughs, Representative Robert Bresnahan represents the 8th Congressional District, which includes all of Lackawanna, Wayne, and Pike, and parts of Monroe and Luzerne counties.
UNC Receives Contribution from Peoples Security United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC) is proud to announce it has received a $100,000 contribution for 2025 from Peoples Security Bank & Trust through the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development Neighborhood Partnership Program (NPP). This generous contribution, part of a six-year pledge, will support UNC’s ongoing efforts to rebuild, restore, and revitalize the Pine Brook neighborhood — a designated Elm Street Community under the Pennsylvania Keystone Communities Program. The support from Peoples Security Bank & Trust plays a vital role in strengthening neighborhoods, fostering economic development, and enhancing quality of life for Pine Brook residents. Photo attached (left to right): Martin Fotta, Chief Operating Officer at UNC; Lisa Durkin, President and Chief Executive Officer at UNC; and Sharon Borgia, Senior Vice President at Peoples Security Bank & Trust.
The Dime Bank Announces First Quarter Earnings for 2025 Dimeco, Inc. (OTCQX: DIMC), the holding company for The Dime Bank, reported unaudited results for the first quarter of 2025. On March 31, 2025, total assets were $1.1 billion, an increase of $102.3 million over March 31, 2024. During this same period, total loans increased by $39.7 million to $784 million, a growth rate of 5.3%. Deposits were $934 million on March 31, 2025, $88.7 million or 10.5% greater than the previous year. For the three months ending March 31, 2025, Dimeco recorded net income of $3.2 million, up 37.1% or $876 thousand from the same period last year. Net income at this level resulted in a return on average assets of 1.18% and a return on average equity of 11.88%. Maintaining a strong capital position, stockholders’ equity was $110.9 million on March 31, 2025, representing growth of 12.0% over balances a year earlier. Dividends reflected a solid 5% increase, amounting to $.42 per share for the period ended March 31, 2025, producing a dividend yield of 4.67%. President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Bochnovich stated, “I am happy to present the results of Dimeco, Inc. for the first quarter of 2025. Dimeco continues to grow prudently and remains vigilant about cost containment and looking for opportunities to generate additional revenue. We look forward to the remainder of the year and know that while there are many uncertainties, especially with the economy, there will also be opportunities. As always, we thank our shareholders and customers for their continued support and commitment.”
Moses Taylor Foundation Grants Funding for Mental Health in NEPA Moses Taylor Foundation, a private foundation with a mission to improve the health of people in Northeastern Pennsylvania, will invest $2,130,200 to address well-documented regional mental and behavioral health care needs. The Foundation’s Board of Directors recently selected nine organizations to receive between $113,000 and $300,000 across a two-year span. The selected projects will utilize innovative, evidence-based solutions and promising practices to strengthen the care continuum, increase the availability of and diversity of providers, integrate mental health services in health care and non-health care settings, or eliminate barriers to care. “Mental and behavioral health challenges touch every corner of our 11-county service area. The organizations selected for this inaugural initiative are deeply ingrained in their respective communities, paving pathways to solutions with compassion and care,” stated Danielle Breslin, President and CEO of Moses Taylor Foundation. “The amount of interest in this new initiative and the diversity of responses we received underscores the pressing need for innovative approaches to mental and behavioral health and wellness. Moses Taylor Foundation is proud to uplift and support this recent cohort of grantees and improve the health of people in Northeastern Pennsylvania.” The following organizations received an approval notification following Moses Taylor Foundation’s March 27 board meeting: Catholic Social Services; Community Care Behavioral Health Organization; Geisinger Health Foundation; Greater Scranton YMCA; Keystone Human Services; The Wright Center for Community Health; United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania; Wayne Memorial Community Health Centers; and Wyoming County Health Family Partnership
Tobyhanna Army Depot Partners with West Point on Lean Projects In the latest iteration of an ongoing partnership between the United States Military Academy West Point and Tobyhanna Army Depot (TYAD), three senior groups of cadets finished Lean Six Sigma (LSS) Green Belt projects provided by members of Team Tobyhanna leadership. LSS is a performance improvement methodology that combines the principles of Lean and Six Sigma to enhance efficiency, reduce defects, and improve overall organizational performance. It focuses on streamlining processes, eliminating waste, and delivering greater customer value. The 14-year partnership has become competitive due to its popularity and has presented added value to TYAD. After cadets are expertly prepared at West Point, the projects present to opportunity to provide them with practical firsthand application of the processes they have been taught in the classroom. The projects help TYAD grow, identifying opportunities for efficiencies, enhancement and improved warfighter readiness. The conclusion of the cadets’ time with TYAD was an out brief, during which the cadets offered what they’ve learned through the five steps of LSS to depot leadership and members of Team Tobyhanna. This year’s LSS presentations were focused on Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) Reduction, Production Order Traveler Accuracy, and System Throughput within TYAD’s C4ISR Finishing Division. The three groups operated meticulously with members of Team Tobyhanna as they followed the five-step method (define, measure, analyze, improve, control) of LSS. TYAD’s Director of Quality Management Christopher Musso emphasized the significant impact the TYAD-West Point relationship has on both organizations. “The partnership between West Point and Tobyhanna Army Depot represents a strong synergy of academic excellence and real-world military logistics expertise. By implementing LSS methodologies with measurable objectives, the Capstone projects have delivered tangible improvements in efficiency, and operational readiness, while providing the cadets with invaluable exposure to real-world logistics challenges,” said Musso. “The cadets have not only developed solutions that enhance our current operations, but they have also experienced firsthand the complexity of military industrial processes. This collaboration exemplifies our commitment to developing both tomorrow’s leaders and today’s operational excellence within the Army and the organic industrial base.” The goals of each team varied. The HAZMAT Reduction team set out to improve the Hazmat Disposal Process from 11.24% waste to 5.62%, the Production Order Traveler Accuracy team aimed improve the accuracy and reduce delays of the TYAD traveler documents and the System Throughout team wanted to reduce the planned versus actual repair cycle time (RCT) from an average of 59 to 20 days to improve process efficiency and increase the sigma quality level from 0.81 to 1.25 for production orders over planned RCT within the C4ISR Finishing Division by April 2025. Where applicable, the goals were met and data was provided to exemplify why their solutions would be effective. When it comes to reducing HAZMAT, the group concluded the best solution would be to create a Power BI Dashboard that can be used to address communication barriers between the ordering party, the Defense Logistics Agency, engineers, and cost center. They said that having accessible and easily digestible HAZMAT data would promote conversation and the addressing of issues early. Cadet Calahan Barker was among the members of the HAZMAT Reduction team. He said having the opportunity to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom to real-life situations adds to the educational experience. “These projects are a good experience because it allows cadets to put everything we’ve learned in class to use. To see all of the things you’ve learned in class come to life makes it more real,” said Barker. “The projects expose you to aspects of a topic that might not have been discussed in class.” The Production Order Traveler Accuracy team concluded that Order Maintenance Training, revisions to existing documentation, and a review of current routes would present improvements to the organization. The System Throughout group determined that allocating floorspace as an assignable resource in the Logistics Modernization Program, which is a program that uses enterprise resource planning to manage logistics, supply chains, and finances, and co-locating the Operation Planning Branch with one that would aid its mission would improve process capability. Depot Commander Col. James L. Crocker offered closing remarks at the out brief where he lauded the teams’ efforts saying “you can already see the positive effect your projects have created.” “The longstanding relationship between Tobyhanna Army Depot and West Point has been a fruitful one for both organizations. By welcoming cadets on post, the next generation of Army logisticians come face-to-face with what they’ve learned in the classroom, and depot artisans come face-to-face with the next generation of warfighters whom their work is supporting,” said Col. Crocker. “Your work will help to drive meaningful conversations across the depot about how we can continue to work towards becoming the most efficient organization possible.” Looking ahead, TYAD plans to continue collaborating with West Point to ensure tomorrow’s warriors are ready, modern and prepared in all aspects of warfighting. Collaborative partnerships across the DOD and private sector are directly aligned with Tobyhanna’s long-range strategic plan, TOBY2035. The effort has four strategic focus areas: Investing in Our People, C5ISR Readiness, Shape the Future and Strategic Communications and aims to posture the organization for future success.
Lackawanna Historical Society Releases Updated Downtown Scranton Walking Tour The Lackawanna Historical Society is pleased to release a revised and updated version of the “History Set in Stone” Downtown Scranton Walking Tour booklet, as well as a new Spanish-language version! This booklet, first produced by the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority in 2010, provides six guided walks around Downtown Scranton, focusing on history and architecture. The text has been updated to reflect new restoration projects and previously overlooked spaces in and around Scranton. We are grateful for the assistance of Jenny Gonzalez-Monges, director of Marywood University’s STARS Program, for her work translating a Spanish version of the booklet that provided the facts presented in the original version for a new audience of the city’s growing Latinx community. Booklets will be available at local history sites, libraries, hotels, and other sites. Funding support for this project was supplied by the Lackawanna Heritage Valley. More information and copies of the walking tour booklet will be provided at a press conference on Wednesday, May 7 at 11am on Courthouse Square, Adams Avenue. For more information, contact the Lackawanna Historical Society at 570-344-3841 or email lackawannahistory@gmail.com.
Grey Towers Presents “At Home with the Pinchots” What was life really like for the Pinchot family members who resided at Grey Towers mansion in Milford, PA in the late 19th and early 20th century? Be privy to all the details and among the first to receive an exclusive “calling card” to visit with them in their home on Saturday, May 10th between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Grey Towers Heritage Association cordially invites the public to a private tour of all three floors of the Pinchot mansion, nestled on 102 acres with magnificent gardens, where you will be hosted by actors who portray the famous persons who lived there. James and Mary, the patriarch and matriarch of this Gilded Age family, will greet you in the Great Hall. After highlighting their family’s history and rise to prominence in the New York City social scene, enjoy their memories of summering at Grey Towers. Gifford, their son and the first chief of the USDA Forest Service, will show you around his library, explain why he became such a force for conservation and tell you of his accomplishments and challenges as a two-term Governor of Pennsylvania. Moving on, you will be received by Cornelia, his wife, who was a preeminent advocate for women’s rights, social justice and cultural change in the early 20th century. Upstairs, there is a presidential guest waiting: Theodore Roosevelt, longtime friend and collaborator with Gifford, will tell the story behind the story. And finally, meet Mary McCadden, the nanny who saw it all! Refreshments will be served at this fascinating, not-to-be-missed event. Entrance to this event begins every twenty minutes, and tickets are available at www.greytowers.org/events.
Pennsylvania American Water Offers Statewide Support to Communities Pennsylvania American Water announced its charitable giving for 2024. Last year, the company provided more than $1.4 million through grants, general charitable contributions and programming support to 325 organizations across Pennsylvania. When combined with the $669,000 provided by the American Water Charitable Foundation, the total amount of support increases to more than $2.1 million. At Pennsylvania American Water, our work extends beyond providing safe, clean, reliable, and affordable water and wastewater services to our customers,” said Pennsylvania American Water President Justin Ladner, who also serves on the foundation’s board of trustees. “Together with the American Water Charitable Foundation, we’re committed to supporting organizations that make our communities a better place to live and operate. In 2024, Pennsylvania American Water contributed: $130,757 to 149 local fire and rescue organizations $102,300 to 30 environmental groups $74,213 to 21 health and wellness and other related organizations $32,050 to 11 organizations promoting inclusion, diversity, and equity $58,258 to education and workforce development groups $312,601 to 92 organizations working in the area of community sustainability The company also contributed $754,167 to help its customers through its H2O Help to Others assistance program, a resource that has been available for more than 30 years. Additionally, Pennsylvania American Water employees engaged in philanthropy by raising $151,803 and volunteering more than 2,000 hours to local nonprofit organizations through the Foundation’s Employee Volunteer and Matching Gift Program. “The American Water Charitable Foundation is proud to partner with eligible nonprofit partners to support impactful initiatives and projects across Pennsylvania,” said Carrie Williams, president of the American Water Charitable Foundation. “Our charitable focus is to keep communities flowing, empowering our employees to get involved and helping communities learn how every drop counts.” The American Water Charitable Foundation’s 2024 Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program focuses on three pillars of giving: Water, People, and Communities. Since 2012, the Foundation has invested more than $20 million in grants and matching gifts to support eligible organizations in communities served by American Water. To learn more about Pennsylvania American Water’s community involvement, read the company’s 2024 Community Impact Report.
