UNC Launches Free Strengthening Families Program United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC), in partnership with the Carbondale Area School District and PROSPER Partnerships, will offer the Strengthening Families Program (SFP) for Parents and Youth ages 10–14 this fall. The seven-week series helps families build stronger relationships and supports children as they transition into the teen years. The program runs Thursdays, October 2 through November 13, 2025, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Carbondale Area Elementary School. Each session begins with a free family dinner at 5:30 p.m. and includes on-site childcare for younger siblings. Families who participate are eligible for weekly prizes such as board games, gift cards, and movie passes. Parents and caregivers learn practical strategies for setting loving limits, creating household routines, encouraging positive behavior, managing stress, and preventing substance misuse. Youth in fifth and sixth grade build skills to prepare for the teen years, communicate effectively with parents, handle stress and peer pressure, and make healthy choices. Registration: Space is limited. To register, contact Nathan Masco, UNC PROSPER Coordinator, at nmasco@uncnepa.org or 570-961-1592 ext. 103.
Wayne Bank Hires Valerie A. O’Hare as Corporate Training Manager Jim Donnelly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wayne Bank, is excited to announce the hiring of Valerie A. O’Hare as Corporate Training Manager. “I am thrilled to welcome Valerie to the Wayne Bank team. Her extensive training experience will be an asset in guiding our departments as we continue to develop and implement the best possible training practices for our employees,” said Donnelly. As Corporate Training Manager, Valerie will be responsible for creating and overseeing training programs, including job-specific instruction and compliance/regulatory training. She will also collaborate with various departments to design training initiatives that support the bank’s needs and long-term goals. With more than 28 years in the banking industry and over a decade of targeted training experience, Valerie brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Wayne Bank team. Valerie graduated from Delaware Valley High School in 1997. She attended PA Bankers Association School of Banking in 2017 and Advanced School of Banking in 2021. An active member of her community, Valerie currently serves on the United Way Community Impact Committees for Pike and Lackawanna counties. She resides in Pike County with her husband Tom.
WVIA Wins Awards at NETA Conference WVIA is proud to announce that it has been honored with two prestigious recognitions at the 57th Annual NETA Public Media Awards, presented by the National Educational Telecommunications Association (NETA). The awards celebrate excellence in public media content, community engagement, and education nationwide. WVIA earned recognition in the following categories: Community Engagement – Local Project: American Dreams Community Engagement – Kids & Family: Carl the Collector Family Engagement The American Dreams project explored the intersection of arts and civic engagement through partnerships with five arts organizations across four counties. WVIA produced three short films that were featured in an hourlong TV panel discussion program, Keystone Edition Arts: American Dreams. The Exchange in Bloomsburg showcased 70 works by 40 artists; the Wayne County Arts Alliance featured 200 student pieces in The Dinner Party exhibition; and Nigerian artist Ibiyanka Alao inspired 400 West Berwick students with art for peace. Misericordia University’s Pauly Friedman Gallery presented veterans’ reflections on war before hosting the TV taping with 100 attendees. The program examined visual art, pottery, poetry, jazz, and the historic role of art in civic life. WVIA Education’s Carl the Collector Family Engagement activities brought inclusive educational experiences to the community through screenings, activities, and the launch of a sensory-friendly space at the Pittston Memorial Library. The initiative engaged more than 100 participants at local events and drew civic leaders, PBS leadership, and families. Serving an estimated 320,000 residents, the project was celebrated both in person and online as a powerful example of public media fostering creativity, inclusion, and community connection. These honors highlight WVIA’s commitment to creating innovative and impactful projects that serve the needs of families, educators, and communities across Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania. “We are absolutely delighted that the creative work we do to address the unique needs of young people in our region and amplify the voices of students of all ages is not only recognized by our community but also by our peers across the country,” said Vicki Austin, WVIA’s Chief Education, Grants and Corporate Relations Officer. “We remain dedicated to our mission of service to all and are grateful for the countless partners who bolster our efforts.” The NETA Public Media Awards are among the most respected honors in the industry, recognizing work that strengthens communities, educates citizens, and enriches cultural life. This year’s competition included entries from dozens of public media stations across the country. “Receiving two NETA Public Media Awards is a powerful recognition of the creativity and dedication of the WVIA team,” said Carla McCabe, WVIA President & CEO. “These honors highlight our commitment to producing innovative projects that truly engage and uplift the communities we serve, and they underscore the vital role public media plays in enriching lives every single day in our region.”
PS Bank Hires New Commercial Loan Officer / Vice President Anthony J. Gabello, President and Chief Executive Officer, is pleased to announce the hiring of Brian E. Burd as Commercial Loan Officer / Vice President. With over 25 years of experience in commercial lending, Brian brings a wealth of expertise to the team. In this role, he will help grow PS Bank’s lending portfolio and extend its robust product line to new business customers. “True community banks are becoming rare and I’m very fortunate to have found a great place in PS Bank to continue my banking career. I’m looking forward to connecting local businesses with their best banking option,” said Burd. Anthony J. Gabello, President & CEO of PS Bank, added, “As our bank continues to grow, our lending department is proud to add Brian to our commercial lending area. His experience and network provide growth opportunities in the Luzerne, Wyoming, and Lackawanna County markets.” Brian holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Scranton, and an MBA from Misericordia University. Brian currently serves as the treasurer of the Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce; board member of United Way Wyoming County; member of the finance and audit committee for GirlScouts in the Heart of PA, and is a member of Soo Bahk Do Martial Arts Federation. He resides in South Abington Township with his wife, Cristan, with whom he shares three children.
TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty Launches Fourth Cohort to Accelerate Entrepreneurship in the County TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty, an initiative powered by Lackawanna County, Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, and the Chamber’s entrepreneurship division IGNITE, has officially opened its fourth cohort to idea-stage, start-up, for-profit technology businesses. This 10-week business boot camp is designed to jump-start entrepreneurship in Lackawanna County by equipping local tech-based entrepreneurs with the tools, mentorship, and training needed to advance their ventures. Participants will receive in-depth instruction in business modeling, customer discovery, financial planning, and investor readiness. At the conclusion of the program, participants will have the opportunity to compete for a reimbursable $10,000 grant to offset select start-up costs. The participants in the fourth cohort are: MillionMinds by Norman Zin Notea by Alexandria Small Optimust Intelligence by Luis Vazquez Stello by Jake Howells Sweeney Education Innovations by Dr. Terry Sweeney TechA11y by Brian Jagger VoiceBridge by Jonathan Lau Zach James Music (Zack Sprowls) “The partnership between Lackawanna County and Ben Franklin Technology Partners continues to be a powerful engine for innovation and entrepreneurship in our region,” shared Bob Durkin, president of The Chamber. “At The Chamber, our mission is to attract, sustain, and grow businesses in northeastern Pennsylvania—and the TechCelerator cohort does exactly that. By equipping emerging tech entrepreneurs with the resources, mentorship, and funding they need, we’re laying the groundwork for the next generation of business success stories right here at home.” Lackawanna County Commissioner Bill Gaughan: “With all the discussions about artificial intelligence and Lackawanna County being a potential site of data centers to sustain it, it’s important to remember that nothing can replace entrepreneurship in building the county’s, and the region’s economies. Lackawanna County is happy to participate in the innovative TechCelerator program, which supports that crucial entrepreneurship, gives prospective business leaders insight into growth and sustainability amid constant change, and helps to keep some our best talent home. Here’s to another successful year.” The TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty program has already helped launch multiple new ventures in the region, providing a proven framework for early-stage tech entrepreneurs to test ideas, build networks, and access resources that drive business success. At the conclusion of the program, participants and their businesses will give a formal presentation on the progress of their business.
Valley in Motion Unveils Six Murals in Carbondale Valley In Motion has started Creative Communities initiative in Carbondale and Forest City to bring art and cultural activities that support them as Outdoor Towns, fun and welcoming places for outdoor recreation. Funded by the PA Council on the Arts, the Borough of Forest City, and City of Carbondale, VIM is planning and executing projects that bring residents and visitors from the Lackawanna River’s trails to Main Streets in Carbondale and Forest City. In addition to murals above, these funds can support outdoor sculpture; signage; artist-designed bike racks and benches; and music and other cultural events.
Munley Law, Seven Honored with Super Lawyers Recognition Munley Law is pleased to announce that 7 of its personal injury lawyers have been included in the 2025 edition of Pennsylvania Super Lawyers. Only 5% of attorneys in the United States are selected to Super Lawyers. For the third year in a row, truck accident lawyer Marion Munley was also selected for the Top 10 Super Lawyers in Pennsylvania for 2025. She was also named to the Top 100 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers, and Top 50 Women Pennsylvania Super Lawyers lists. Also named as Pennsylvania Super Lawyers are: Daniel W. Munley Caroline Munley J. Christopher Munley Robert W. Munley, III John M. Mulcahey Melinda C. Ghilardi Super Lawyers, part of Thomson Reuters, is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained high peer recognition and professional achievement. To be included in Super Lawyers, an attorney must be nominated by his/her peers or identified by the Super Lawyers research department; lawyers cannot nominate themselves or pay to be recognized on the list. Nominated attorneys are subjected to a thorough evaluation and selection process. The Super Lawyers lists are published nationwide in Super Lawyers Magazines and in leading city and regional magazines and newspapers. Super Lawyers Magazines also feature editorial profiles of attorneys who embody excellence in law practice.
Fidelity Bank Promotions and New Hire Promotion of Joseph Tini Daniel J. Santaniello, President and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank, is pleased to announce that Joseph Tini, CFMP, has been promoted to Marketing Communications Manager. Tini joined Fidelity Bank in 2024 as Marketing Communications Coordinator and has over five years of financial marketing experience. As an officer of the bank, he works closely with the marketing department to execute the strategic plan and collaborate with internal departments and service partners. In his new role, Tini will lead the efforts to generate internal and external communications, maintain brand consistency, analyze marketing data, and support initiatives across all lines of business. His focus will be to enhance Fidelity Bank’s visibility and deepen engagement within the communities it serves. In reflecting on his promotion, Tini stated, “I am truly honored to be part of the team at Fidelity Bank, where collaboration, innovation, and community impact are at the heart of everything we do.” He continued, “It is incredibly rewarding to work for a local bank that not only promotes the success and growth of its bankers but also remains deeply committed to making a meaningful difference in our community.” A 2016 graduate of Valley View High School, Tini earned his bachelor’s degree in communication studies with a minor in digital communication at Kutztown University in 2020. Tini started his career in banking shortly after graduation at another local financial institution. He attended the American Bankers Association Bank Marketing School in 2022 and is a Certified Financial Marketing Professional (CFMP). Tini was appointed officer status at Fidelity Bank in early 2025. In making this announcement, Santaniello stated, “Joe has shown passion for driving the success of our marketing initiatives here at Fidelity Bank.” He continued, “I am excited to see him continue to advance his career by embracing new opportunities and adapting to the ever-evolving digital landscape.” Outside of work, Tini is a student pilot and avid outdoorsman. He is passionate about aviation, boating, skiing, fishing, exercising, carpentry, and spending time with family and friends. He is also a volunteer with the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce Influencers group. Promotion of William Fennie Daniel J. Santaniello, President and CEO of Fidelity Bank, is pleased to announce that William J. Fennie III, CFA®, has been promoted to Senior Vice President and Investment Officer of Fidelity Bank’s Wealth Management division. With nearly 15 years of investment management experience, Fennie leads and oversees the development and management of investment portfolios for Fidelity Bank Wealth Management’s clients. In his role, he manages the construction and oversight of proprietary investment portfolios and conducts research to identify relevant trends, opportunities, and investment vehicles. Fennie began his career at Fidelity Bank as an Investment Officer and has advanced through titles including Assistant Vice President, Vice President, and now Senior Vice President and Investment Officer. Announcing the promotion, Santaniello stated, “Will’s dedicated service and exceptional leadership have been instrumental to our success.” He continued, “His strategic thinking and deep commitment to serving our clients has elevated standards across Fidelity Bank, inspiring a culture of excellence and innovation.” Raised in Dunmore and currently a Scranton resident, Fennie is a graduate of Scranton Prep and earned dual bachelor’s degrees in finance and economics, with a minor in accounting, from West Chester University. He received his Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) designation in August 2019 and is a member of both the CFA Institute and the CFA Society of Philadelphia. Reflecting on his new role, Fennie shared, “It has been exciting and rewarding to be part of building Fidelity Bank Wealth Management. Over the past seven years, we have helped numerous individuals, families, institutions, and nonprofits gain greater financial confidence. Bringing clarity to families investing for college and retirement, or deploying capital for local organizations, has allowed me to see firsthand how thoughtful financial plans can build our community.”He resides in Scranton with his spouse, Leigh, and their four children: William IV, Andrew, Russell, and Nora. New Hire of William Walsh Daniel J. Santaniello, President and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank, is pleased to announce that William Walsh, CFP®, CRPC®, has joined the bank as a Wealth Advisor. In his new role, Walsh will provide expert financial advice and guidance to clients, strengthening and adding value to their financial journeys. He will explore opportunities for Fidelity Bank to deepen client relationships through expanded product and service offerings. His focus will be on helping clients achieve their long-term personal and financial goals. With a strong background in retirement and investment consulting, Walsh previously served as a Financial Consultant and a Senior Retirement Consultant at local firms. A lifelong resident of the region, Walsh currently resides in Back Mountain, PA. He earned a bachelor’s in business administration in marketing from Loyola University Maryland in 2018 and graduated from Scranton Prep in 2014. He is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) practitioner and holds the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC®) designation. In making the announcement, Santaniello stated, “Bill’s dedicated service and exceptional leadership will be the cornerstone to his success.” He continued, “His drive and commitment to our clients will inspire excellence across Fidelity Bank.” Reflecting on this milestone, Walsh shared, “Growing up in NEPA, I have long known Fidelity Bank for its strength in the community. After spending ten years in Maryland, being able to return home and join Fidelity Bank has been a tremendous opportunity, one that I could not pass up.” Outside of his professional life, Bill lives with his fiancée Sarah and their two Golden Retrievers, Lucky and Nittany. He enjoys spending time with family, beach trips, and hiking with their dogs at Francis Slocum and Ricketts Glen State Parks.
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Serving Seniors Celebrates 50th Anniversary Serving Seniors, Inc., a nonprofit leader in advocating for and protecting vulnerable older adults in Northeastern Pennsylvania, will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a commemorative dinner on Thursday, Oct. 9, at 5:30 p.m. at La Buona Vita in Dunmore. Founded in the early 1970s as Interfaith Friends, the organization began as a grassroots coalition of faith leaders and volunteers working to improve the quality of life for those in long-term care facilities. In 1975, the group formally reorganized as Serving Seniors, expanding its mission to include a broad range of services aimed at empowering and protecting older adults across the region. “For half a century, Serving Seniors has worked to ensure dignity, safety, and voice for some of the most vulnerable members of our community,” said Executive Director David Falchek. “The needs of the older adult population haven’t gone away—and are likely greater now than ever.” The organization will honor long-time advocate Dr. Alice McDonnell, professor at Marywood University and recognized expert in gerontology and hospice, with its Legacy of Care Award. State Secretary of Aging Jason Kavulich is scheduled to speak. Serving Seniors provides long-term care ombudsman services in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Wayne, and Wyoming counties, advocating for residents of skilled nursing and personal care facilities. In addition, the agency offers guardianship and power of attorney services, and serves as a patient advocate for older adults recently discharged from hospitals, particularly those with chronic or complicating conditions. The 50th Anniversary Dinner will bring together community partners, volunteers, and supporters to reflect on the organization’s impact and renew its commitment to protecting and uplifting the aging population in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Tickets for the event are available at https://ticketstripe.com/serving50. For sponsorship opportunities or more information, visit https://servingseniorsnepa.org or call (570) 574-4045.
