University of Scranton Students Offer Free Income Tax Assistance Lackawanna and Wayne County residents whose households earned $67,000 or less in 2024 can receive free assistance in completing and filing their federal, state, and local tax returns from University of Scranton accounting students through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. University students have assisted residents with low and moderate incomes who need help with their basic tax returns for more than 30 years. Walk-in service in Brennan Hall on the University’s campus begins on Monday, Feb. 3. The VITA service is offered on a first-come, first-served basis during scheduled hours. Appointments are not available at the University. Walk-in VITA service without an appointment is available in room 111 of Brennan Hall, Madison Avenue, on the University’s campus on Mondays, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Tuesdays, from noon to 5 p.m.; Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. VITA service begins on Monday, Feb. 3, and continues to Friday, Apr. 4, except for the week of Mar. 17 to Mar. 21, when the University is closed for Spring Break. The VITA office may also close due to inclement weather. The University reserves the right to cap the number of walk-in residents they can serve within a single day. Residents can schedule appointments at other locations by contacting the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties by visiting www.uwlc.net or calling 570-602-3133, or 1-866-662-8887, 211. Residents who qualify for the free VITA service are asked to bring the following items: a valid photo ID; Social Security cards for all taxpayers and dependents; all W2 forms; last year’s tax returns; all 1099 forms (interest, dividends, pensions); unemployment paperwork; Form 8332 for non-custodial parents; information related to income and expenses (business, rental properties, sale of stocks); a personal banking account check if direct deposit is desired; documentation related to health insurance for themselves and anyone on the tax return, such as Form 1095-A, -B or –C; and real estate tax receipts if you qualify for the rent/tax rebate. Residents with questions may call the University at 570-941-4045.
The Wright Center for Community Health Staff Selected to Serve on State HIV Advisory Group Two employees of The Wright Center for Community Health’s Ryan White Clinic will join an advisory group collaborating with the state Department of Health, including its Division of HIV Health and Bureau of Communicable Diseases, as well as the University of Pittsburgh. Sharon Whitebread Deanna DiGiapaolo Sharon Whitebread, manager of medical case management at the Ryan White Clinic, and Deanna DiGiampaolo, the clinic’s outreach and prevention education coordinator, have been appointed to three-year terms on the HIV Planning Group. The advisory group panel brings together stakeholders from across the state to coordinate efforts in HIV care and prevention planning. “The HIV Planning Group envisions a future where everyone living with HIV, as well as those most vulnerable to the disease, have access to the latest prevention methods, treatment, care, support, and services,” Whitebread said. “We will offer guidance to the Pennsylvania Department of Health on HIV-related care, prevention, testing, and the state’s progress in achieving the goals of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy.” Whitebread, who holds a degree in human services and a certificate of specialization in criminal justice, has been with The Wright Center for nearly five years and has worked in the HIV field since 2001. Throughout her career, the Luzerne County resident has been an HIV testing counselor for the state Department of Health, an HIV/AIDS instructor and instructor trainer for the American Red Cross, an HIV intervention specialist, and an educator and outreach professional in the field. DiGiampaolo has a diverse clinical background, working in emergency rooms, laboratories, and pharmacies. The Wayne County resident has a public health degree with a concentration in communicable diseases and a biology degree. Membership in the HIV Planning Group is by invitation only. Whitebread and DiGiampaolo, chosen for their unique backgrounds, will join 23 other representatives from across the Commonwealth. The Wright Center has been a federally designated Ryan White provider since 2003. It delivers comprehensive HIV primary medical care, essential support services, and medications to individuals living with HIV, including the uninsured and underserved, across seven counties in Northeast Pennsylvania. Currently, The Wright Center serves nearly 500 patients through its Ryan White clinical program, provides specialty health care, and has about 300 clients through its medical case management program. Some individuals are enrolled in both services. To learn more, visit TheWrightCenter.org/services/ryan-white-hiv-clinic/ or call 570.941.0630.
The Dime Bank Donates to United Neighborhood Centers’ CEDAR Center Project The Dime Bank announced a $25,000.00 donation to the United Neighborhood Centers (UNC) of Northeastern Pennsylvania in support of their CEDAR Center project. This donation is made via the PA Department of Community and Economic Development Neighborhood Assistance Program. The contribution underscores The Dime Bank’s dedication to community development and its belief in UNC’s mission to empower individuals and families. The CEDAR Center, a transformative initiative by UNC, will revitalize a historic building into a vibrant community hub. The center will provide expanded access to vital services, including education, job readiness training, workforce development programs, community health resources, and support for immigrant integration. “At The Dime Bank, we believe that strong communities are built through strong partnerships. We’re proud to support UNC’s vision for the CEDAR Center and to work alongside them to create a brighter future for our neighbors.” said Senior Vice President Chief Financial Officer Jeffrey Roche. “The CEDAR Center is poised to become a cornerstone of community life, offering resources and opportunities for residents to thrive. The Dime Bank’s donation reflects its commitment to investing in the future of the community and empowering individuals to reach
The Dime Bank (Dimeco, Inc.) Announces 2024 Earnings Dimeco, Inc. (OTCQX: DIMC), the parent holding company of The Dime Bank, announces unaudited financial results for the quarter and fiscal year ending December 31, 2024. Total assets increased $90 million or 9.1% from the end of 2023 to $1.080 billion as of December 31, 2024. The loan portfolio ended the year at $775 million, an increase of $52.9 million or 7.3% from the year prior. Deposits also increased year-over-year to $911 million, a gain of $84.5 million or 10.2%. Dimeco’s 2024 net income of $12.9 million was $2.1 million or 19.5% greater than 2023, resulting in earnings per share of $5.12. Net income at this level produced a return on average assets of 1.25% and a return on average equity of 12.61%, an increase of 12.6% and 6.5%, respectively. Stockholders’ Equity also increased 8.5% to $107 million. The 2024 dividend payout ratio was 31.64% providing a yield of 4.08%, with year-to-date dividends totaling $1.62 per share. President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Bochnovich stated, “I am excited to share our financial achievements for 2024. It was a year of noteworthy progress for Dimeco, Inc., marked by numerous positive outcomes. We sustained our robust growth trajectory through sound and prudent banking practices. Looking ahead, we are optimistic about the future and confident that the momentum we built in 2024 will carry into 2025. Our commitment to our communities and shareholders is paramount. We value your ongoing support and unwavering dedication.”
SIMONA AMERICA Industries Expands to Archbald SIMONA AMERICA Group—a leading supplier of thermoplastic semi-finished parts—has announced a significant expansion of its Archbald, Pennsylvania facility, SIMONA AMERICA Industries “SAI”. This $23 million investment reflects the company’s commitment to driving innovation, supporting local economic growth, and enhancing its manufacturing capabilities. Scheduled for completion in Q1 of 2026, the expansion will add over 80,000 square feet to the existing facility. This state-of-the-art extension will be equipped with advanced manufacturing technology, enabling SAI to broaden its product portfolio and better serve its diverse customer base across industries such as chemical processing, semiconductor equipment manufacturing, outdoor living, marine, and more
Pennsylvania Treasury Launches New Portal for Tax Appeals Treasurer Stacy Garrity Launches New Portal to Simplify Pennsylvania Tax Appeals Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity today announced the launch of the new online Tax Appeal Portal to streamline Pennsylvania’s tax appeal process. Taxpayers and tax practitioners filing appeals with the Department of Revenue (DOR) through the Board of Finance & Revenue (BF&R) can now find all applicable forms in one convenient online location. “Making the tax appeal process easier makes sense on every level,” Treasurer Garrity said. “This new tool makes it simpler and more efficient to file an appeal, and it’s a great example of focusing on how we can make government work better for the taxpayers.” To use the Tax Appeal Portal, taxpayers and tax practitioners will first create a password-protected account. Password verification is required for enhanced security. Once an account is created, users can: File a petition; Upload supporting documents; Request a hearing continuance; Request a compromise directly with the DOR; Request a mediated settlement conference (for appeals filed on or after January 27, 2025); and Take advantage of other features. Those using the Tax Appeal Portal will be able to see all petitions they have filed through the Portal and verify any documents that were previously uploaded. BF&R is an independent administrative tax tribunal, administered by the State Treasurer, responsible for the second and final level of administrative appeal (with minor exceptions) before appealing to court. Its Board consists of three members – two are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Pennsylvania Senate; the third is the State Treasurer or her designee and serves as Chair. For more information about BF&R’s new Tax Appeal Portal, visit patreasury.gov/bfr.
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Jeannine Luby’s Donor-Advised Humor Fund Distributes Grant to Abington Library The Scranton Area Community Foundation recently awarded the Abington Community Library with a grant from the donor-advised Humor Therapy Fund developed in 2005 at the request of Jeannine Luby, who initiated the idea for this fund as part of her graduate work at Marywood University. The goal of the Fund is to help area nonprofits spread therapeutic humor and laughter to their clients, employees and/or community members. Luby continues to raise money for the Fund annually and advises on grant disbursement each year. The Abington Library received this year’s grant to fund their ‘Laughter Lab’ project to be held in April for teens in the Abington community. Teens will benefit from the opportunity to connect, express their humor and creativity, and experience stress relief from humor and laughter as they learn comedy improv from instructors at Scranton Improv and Comedy and stress-relieving laughter yoga that will be donated by Luby from her business Laugh to Live! Participants of the Laughter Lab will also receive humor toolkits and have an opportunity to show off their improv skills in a comedy performance that will be follow the April workshop at a later date. Past recipients of The Humor Therapy Fund grant include: Boys and Girls Clubs of Northeastern Pennsylvania, NAMI Northeast Region PA, Goodwill Industries of Northeast PA, Serving Seniors, Meals on Wheels, Volunteers in Medicine, and Laughing At My Nightmare. To donate to the Fund or learn about how your nonprofit can apply for next year’s grant, visit: https://safdn.org/the-humor-therapy-fund/.
Grey Towers Heritage Association Partners with Delaware Valley High School Grey Towers Heritage Association is now partnering with Delaware Valley High School to benefit students, parents, teachers and GTHA. “We’re proud and privileged to announce that Grey Towers Heritage Association is now working closely in collaboration with Delaware Valley High School to create opportunities for students to develop their talents, volunteer in community organizations, and gain credits for community work,” states Eileen Smith, President of GTHA. Students will have opportunities to apply their skills in social media and other areas by partnering with GTHA to publicize and participate in GTHA events. “We want to spread the word, especially to students and their parents, that Grey Towers isn’t just a beautiful castle on a hill, but a place that invites all community members to take advantage of the natural beauty of the mansion grounds,” explains Emma Ciancio, Editor-in-Chief of DVHS’s Del.Aware school paper. “Through our print and online versions of the school paper, the Del.Aware team will be helping Grey Towers Heritage attract teens and their families to hike year-round and engage in community events featuring art, music, and history in a fun, natural environment spanning 102 acres.” “We’re proud of our students for accepting the invitation to team with GTHA,” adds DVHS Principal Louis DeLauro. “Engaging in these activities provides new opportunities for our students to participate in community life and in some cases, earn credits for doing so. This also shows well on resumes and applications for colleges and jobs.” For more information about Grey Towers Heritage Association and student volunteer opportunities, students and parents may visit greytowers.org or speak to Emma Ciancio at the school.
The Greater Scranton YMCA Provides Tips and Programs During Heart Month February is American Heart Month, and with recently published research indicating blood pressure control has worsened in both men an woman since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Greater Scranton YMCA urges our community members to make their health a priority by getting a blood pressure screening. Blood pressure guidelines from American Heart Association indicate that nearly half of all Americans (46 percent) have high blood pressure. High blood pressure is often referred to as “The Silent Killer” because there are typically no warning signs or symptoms. While high blood pressure and heart disease are serious conditions, the good news is a healthy heart is an achievable goal through lifestyle changes such as regularly monitoring your own blood pressure, lowering sodium intake, eating healthier, and getting more physical activity. Getting help can be as easy as contacting the Y and taking part in The Greater Scranton YMCA is continuing its increased availability of the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program – which is part of the CDC-led National Diabetes Prevention Program. The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program helps adults at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles to help reduce their chances of developing the disease. Type 2 diabetes is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and people with diabetes are twice as likely to have heart disease or suffer a stroke as those who do not have it. The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program provides a supportive environment where participants work together in a small group to learn about eating healthier, increasing their physical activity and making other behavior changes with the goal of reducing body weight by 7 percent in order to reduce their risk for developing diabetes. A trained Lifestyle Coach leads the program over a 12-month period. Increased physical activity and moderate weight loss not only reduce diabetes risk, but also have an impact on lowering blood pressure and cholesterol. In addition to monitoring your blood pressure, reducing sodium intake is a great way to keep your heart healthy. Per the American Heart Association (AHA), too much sodium in your system puts an extra burden on your heart and blood vessels. In some people, this may lead to or raise high blood pressure. Everyone, including kids, should reduce their sodium intake to less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium a day (about 1 teaspoon of salt). Having less sodium in your diet may help you lower or avoid high blood pressure. “While there are many ways to keep your heart healthy, making a conscious effort to tackle your blood pressure and decrease sodium intake are two quick, effective ways to prevent heart disease,” said Brandon Whipple, Senior Program Director, Greater Scranton YMCA. “No matter what your heart health goal is this year, the Y has a variety of resources to help you get started and achieve them.” The Greater Scranton YMCA offers a community of diverse individuals who can support all people in meeting their health and well-being goals. Learn more by visiting https://www.greaterscrantonymca.org/ or stopping into the Y.
