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.
The Wright Center to Offer Free Skin Cancer Screenings The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education, in partnership with Lackawanna Valley Dermatology Associates and the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, will offer free skin cancer screenings on Saturday, May 17, from 9 a.m. to noon at The Wright Center for Community Health Scranton, 501 S. Washington Ave. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, with over 5 million cases diagnosed annually. Early detection through regular screenings can significantly increase survival rates. To register for a screening, go to bit.ly/TWCSkinScreening. With May being Skin Cancer Awareness Month, the event aims to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and prevention, empowering individuals to take steps toward protecting their skin health. Dr. Kirelos Younan, a second-year internal medicine resident physician at The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education, organized the program after hearing about two local cases: a young patient who died after being diagnosed with melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, and another patient who survived after doctors detected the melanoma early. The Skin Cancer Foundation estimates that 212,200 cases of melanoma will be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2025, and an estimated 8,430 people will die from it this year. Dr. Younan rallied other resident physicians to volunteer for the program to fulfill The Wright Center’s mission to improve the health and welfare of regional communities through responsive, whole-person health services for all and the sustainable renewal of an inspired, competent workforce that is privileged to serve. “Residents will gain valuable experience in identifying the most common cancer globally, while their fresh perspectives and enthusiasm will enable them to educate patients on preventive strategies,” Dr. Younan said. “Additionally, our diverse group of residents can provide patient education in over 10 languages, which is crucial in getting our message out.” That message includes the importance of using sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day, which reduces the risk of developing melanoma by 50%. Early detection is key, too. The estimated five-year survival rate for U.S. patients whose melanoma is detected early is about 99%. “I’m eager to see our volunteer providers interact with attendees and convey reassuring messages that skin cancer is preventable and that cure rates are highly favorable if the cancer is detected early,” Dr. Younan said. “And I’m certainly looking forward to educating more people about the importance of sunscreen ahead of sunburn season.”
Tobyhanna Army Depot’s Technical Experts to Fortify Army Machine Network The critical infrastructure underpinning the U.S. Army’s defense industrial base just got stronger. Tobyhanna Army Depot has been named the Army Materiel Command center of excellence for the development and control of the Army’s industrial control network, or ICN. The depot will lead the design, implementation and long-term management of a network that connects industrial production floor machinery across all 23 Army organic industrial base locations. Once established, depot personnel will maintain the network, while seeking opportunities to continuously improve and strengthen it. The ICN will enable secure, real-time monitoring and remote access to production equipment, reducing downtime for depot artisans and increasing local ability to make data-driven decisions. Its scalable and flexible design also positions Tobyhanna to lead future integration and expansion efforts across the AMC industrial enterprise. After an exhaustive search for the perfect location, Tobyhanna was selected for this designation based on its robust cybersecurity capabilities and highly skilled workforce.“This initiative faced significant challenges, primarily due to the need for standardized connectivity and a unified toolset across the enterprise, which created immense pressure to succeed,” said Mark Music, chief of the AMC G6, adding that Tobyhanna stood out against other options for the mission. “I visited several OIB sites. It was during my visit to Tobyhanna Army Depot that I recognized I had found an invaluable partner. Tobyhanna is widely respected for its exceptional logistics support for command, control, communications, computers, cyber, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance — C5ISR — systems throughout the Department of Defense. As I engaged with the team, it became clear that they possessed the expertise and resources critical to the success of our project,” he said. The depot’s cyber professionals have a strong track record of delivering complex Army hardware and software integration solutions, supported by dynamic cross-functional experts. David Kuhn is one of Tobyhanna’s information technology specialists playing a key role in the development of the ICN. A member of the depot workforce for more than 15 years, Kuhn brings a wealth of hands-on experience to his position. After graduating from Johnson College with a degree in electrical construction and maintenance, he spent eight years working in the public works division, sustaining production equipment across the depot. After gaining additional education in the information technology field, Kuhn completed developmental assignments in the information management division — opportunities that broadened his skill set and capabilities. He says his diverse background has given him unique insight into the ICN effort. “My past experience working in equipment repair right here at Tobyhanna helps me understand the industrial machine process from a variety of viewpoints. I have also maintained relationships with my former co-workers, ensuring I can integrate the user perspective and experience into the ICN design.” According to Al Lyons, another key leader in the ICN initiative, the network will create a standardized operational technology baseline across the AMC. “When fully implemented, the ICN will reduce system downtime, increase security across industrial machinery, and ensure the AMC has a standard baseline of operational technology across the organic industrial base,” he said. Lyons leads the cyber portfolio services branch. Music emphasized the importance of the mission for Tobyhanna and the Army overall. “This designation is not just an honor; it signifies that Tobyhanna will lead the implementation of innovative technologies across the OIB while developing comprehensive training programs aimed at strengthening cyber resilience and operational efficiency. The depot will also become a central hub for sharing best practices and resources, facilitating collaboration among military and civilian personnel. By emphasizing Tobyhanna’s strategic role in delivering cutting-edge cyber solutions and advanced network support, we are enhancing operational readiness across the Army and creating a cohesive framework for cyber defense and information warfare.” Lyons, Kuhn and their colleagues work in the depot’s cyber division, which is comprised of 72 experts who offer a range of capabilities such as hardware/software integration, risk management, network design, vulnerability management, field deployment, help desk support and more. The division is part of the Directorate of Engineering and Cyber, which plays a vital role in the depot’s mission to deliver readiness to the Department of Defense. “Tobyhanna has strategically developed a highly skilled and adaptive cyber workforce, providing a distinct advantage in executing a broad spectrum of missions and rapidly expanding capabilities to meet evolving threats,” said Nicholas Caprioli, director of engineering and cyber. Music agreed. “AMC is extremely proud to acknowledge Tobyhanna as the center of excellence for OIB network and cyber operations, a recognition that underscores its vital contributions to our mission.” TYAD is a recognized leader in providing world-class logistics support for C5ISR systems across the Department of Defense. Tobyhanna’s corporate philosophy, dedicated work force and electronics expertise ensure the depot is the joint C5ISR provider of choice for all branches of the Armed Forces and industry partners. Tobyhanna’s unparalleled capabilities include full-spectrum logistics support for sustainment, overhaul and repair, fabrication and manufacturing, engineering design and development, systems integration, cyber support, technology insertion, modification, foreign military sales and global field support to our joint warfighters. About 3,100 personnel are employed by Tobyhanna. While the organization’s headquarters is located in the Pocono Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania, Tobyhanna’s worldwide workforce includes employees in 43 fixed locations across the globe. Tobyhanna Army Depot is part of the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command. Headquartered at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, the command’s mission is to deliver integrated C5ISR weapon systems, business systems, and medical sustainment to enable full spectrum combat operations at the point of need.
Lackawanna College Awarded Grant to Further Assist Parenting Students Lackawanna College received the Parent Pathways Grant for $98,602 from the Pennsylvania Department of Education Office of Postsecondary and Higher Education. The funds from this grant will expand existing resources for parenting students to directly impact the persistence of parenting students with tuition assistance, emergency funding, and support services. “This grant is a game-changer of our parenting students. It allows us to provide essential resources like childcare support, emergency funding, scholarships, and supplies to relieve one extra burden they may be experiencing. Ultimately, it’s about removing barriers so these students can thrive both as parents and students,” said Denise Larson, AVP Enrollment Management and Student Success at Lackawanna College. This is the second year Lackawanna College received the Parent Pathways Grant which aims to provide essential resources directly tailored to the needs of parenting students, ensuring their success in academic endeavors. Initiatives in the grant include tuition assistance, childcare costs, technology support services, and emergency funds for parenting students who require assistance with an academic or basic need affecting their education. These enhanced support services will benefit approximately 23% of Lackawanna’s parenting learners, providing them with the necessary assistance to navigate the demands of both parenthood and higher education.