The Dime Bank Invests in Financial Literacy for Local Students The Dime Bank has donated $9,000 to Brighter Financial Futures, a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing financial literacy among students. This contribution, made possible through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program, will directly benefit students in the Wayne Highlands, Wallenpaupack, and Delaware Valley school districts. The funds supported the Personal Finance Lab, an innovative program that equips students with essential financial skills through interactive investing and budgeting challenges. The Personal Finance Lab offers a comprehensive learning experience, including: A robust personal finance curriculum covering key financial and business concepts. A realistic stock market challenge simulation to teach the principles of stock market investment. An engaging personal budgeting game simulation that educates students on credit, budgeting, net worth, and overall financial well-being. Congratulations to all the students who participated in these challenges! Special recognition goes to the top three students in each of the following categories: High School: 1st Place – Hayden Elderkin, Delaware Valley High School; 2nd Place – Devin Hopkins, Wayne Highlands; 3rd Place – Nora Warner, Wallenpaupack. Middle/Elementary School: 1st Place – Owen Curtis, Wayne Highlands Middle School; 2nd Place – Diana Sutton, Wallenpaupack Middle School; 3rd Place – Liz Stuart, Wallenpaupack Elementary School. Personal Budgeting Challenge: 1st Place – Logan Petroski, Wallenpaupack; 2nd Place – Brock Ludwig, Wayne Highlands; 3rd Place – Hayden Elderkin, Delaware Valley. The first-place winners of the Stock Market Challenge, Owen Curtis of the Wayne Highlands Middle School and Hayden Elderkin of the Delaware Valley High School received a Chromebook, a gift card, and The Dime Bank gift basket. All other students received gift cards, as did the teachers. President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Bochnovich commented, “The Dime Bank is deeply committed to fostering financial literacy in our youth. Equipping students with personal finance skills today is investing in a future of limitless possibilities. It’s the bedrock for their success.” Teacher Donald Burchell, AVP Damascus Branch Manager Marcris Rueger, Student Owen Curtis, Principal of Preston School David Jagger. AVP Dingmans Ferry Branch Manager Amy Burke, VP Marketing Deb Unflat, Student Hayden Elderkin, Teacher Audrey Dennis. Source: The Dime Bank / Deborah Unflat / June 11, 2025
PS Bank Welcomes Karen Weller Anthony J. Gabello, President and Chief Executive Officer, is pleased to announce the hiring of Karen Weller as Deposit Operations Manager / Vice President. With nearly 20 years of experience in banking and 13 years specializing in operations management, Karen brings a wealth of expertise to the team. In this role, she will oversee the key components of the deposit operations function. “I’m excited to join the PS Bank team because of its outstanding reputation in the community. A strong reputation combined with the strength of its leadership team has PS Bank primed for success,” said Weller. Anthony J. Gabello, President & CEO of PS Bank, added, “Karen will play an important role in further developing and expanding our deposit operations department. As our bank continues to grow, her strong banking background and leadership skills will allow us to continue to scale up and meet the needs of our customers and communities.” Karen holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Scranton, and she is a resident of Scranton.
Tobyhanna’s New Microelectronics Facility Shapes Future From left: Anthony Shebelock, Tobyhanna; Martin Nealon, Tobyhanna; Depot Commander Col. James L. Crocker; Army Materiel Command Executive Deputy to the Commanding General Ms. Liz Miranda; CECOM Commanding General Maj. Gen. James D. Turinetti IV; Jeffrey Burrell, Tobyhanna; and Mark Sgobba, Tobyhanna. With the snip of the scissors, Tobyhanna Army Depot celebrated the official opening of its Microelectronics Manufacturing Facility on Jun. 05, enabling the organization to lead the Department of Defense into a new era of warfighter readiness – one microchip at a time. The depot’s new capability will directly address current supply chain hurdles faced by the U.S. Armed Forces. Like many other industries, the DOD depends on foreign electronics suppliers to provide microelectronics components to develop and sustain weapons systems. This reliance on the global supply chain as well as the emergence of counterfeit parts results in a significant risk for national security. Enter Tobyhanna’s microelectronics facility, where a team of talented engineers and technicians develop repair, manufacturing and testing capabilities for circuit cards required by complex military weapons systems.This operation keeps the DOD’s existing equipment running, meets new technology needs, and, most importantly, reduces reliance on foreign suppliers. The event hosted by Communications-Electronics Command Commanding General, Maj. Gen. James D. Turinetti IV. Also in attendance was Ms. Liz Miranda, Executive Deputy to the Commanding General of Army Materiel Command, other distinguished visitors, depot leaders and members of the workforce. During the keynote address, Miranda emphasized the importance of the new mission. “This facility is a direct investment in Army modernization, enabling us to not only sustain our legacy systems, but to rapidly adapt and integrate cutting-edge technologies into future platforms,” she said, adding that the effort was made possible by the talented members of Team Tobyhanna. “To the workforce of Tobyhanna Army Depot – you are the heart of this operation. Your expertise in C5ISR systems is nationally recognized, and this new facility is designed to empower you, to challenge you, and to provide you with a world-class working environment prioritizing your safety and well-being.” Turinetti shared Miranda’s sentiment, noting the depot’s importance to the Department of Defense overall. “Tobyhanna repeatedly demonstrates value to the Army and other services for their unwavering dedication to innovation,” he said. “None of this would be possible without the expertise, commitment, and ingenuity of the subject matter experts here at Tobyhanna and throughout CECOM. Their dedication to our force and our country allows us to continue modernizing so we can fight and win in any domain.” Lead Electronics Engineer Mark Sgobba has been exploring the potential of a microelectronics facility for Tobyhanna since 2020. He says the effort has been an opportunity for the depot to grow its capabilities, while also embracing agile, future-ready talent. “We enjoy pushing boundaries, embracing challenges and the continuous pursuit of knowledge. I’m very proud of the ME Team we have developed,” he said. The depot first got involved with microelectronics when Sgobba and his colleagues revived the dormant M139 Volcano mine dispensing system through the Service Life Extension Program. Artisans began with an obsolescence and producibility analysis to show that TYAD could support the electrical and mechanical fabrication, assembly, inspection and testing of the dispenser control units for Volcano. The team then got busy developing repair, test and manufacturing capability for 13 different Volcano circuit cards to support U.S. and foreign military sales requirements. The success of the Volcano effort led to missions supporting the AN/TPQ-53, Secure, Mobile, Anti-Jam, Reliable, Tactical Terminal (SMART-T), Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System and more. Depot Commander James L. Crocker says the ribbon cutting was only the start of Tobyhanna’s microelectronics journey. “Today, we celebrated the first milestone in a four-phase project to support microelectronics needs across the DOD. We look forward to expanding our capacity and capability for this critical warfighter readiness mission.” Army Materiel Command Executive Deputy to the Commanding General Liz Miranda tours Tobyhanna’s new Microelectronics Manufacturing Facility, an effort she says is a direct investment in Army modernization. CECOM Commanding General Maj. Gen. James D. Turinetti IV addresses the crowd during Tobyhanna’s Microelectronics Manufacturing Facility Ribbon Cutting Photo Credits to Justin Kucharski
WVIA President & CEO Urges Support to Keep Local News Funded WVIA’s President & CEO, Carla McCabe has released the following statement. Yesterday the White House formally asked Congress to rescind federal funding that had already been appropriated for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). This effort would zero out any funds that have already been approved by Congress to fund CPB (and NPR and PBS) over the next two years, approximately $1.1 billion. On the surface, this reads like a national issue with no clear impact on our region. But let me be clear: the consequences will hit home—right here, in our communities. Currently, WVIA receives approximately $1.2 million in critical federal funding from CPB each year – roughly 20% of our overall budget. If this funding is cut, local stations like WVIA could be forced to immediately reduce—or eliminate—the trusted local news, educational programs and resources, tv and radio programs, and emergency broadcasting services you rely on. Congress now has 45 days to vote on the rescission request but we anticipate that the House may bring it to a vote as early as next week. So what can you do right now to help? Call and email your congressional representatives today and urge them to oppose efforts to rescind federal funding for public media. Your voice matters to your lawmakers, which is why it’s important for you to take action now to protect public media. Eliminating federal funding for public broadcasting would have a devastating impact on local stations, the communities that depend on them, and the public media system as a whole. We don’t know what the specific ramifications of this would be on WVIA but we do know that we must stop it from happening now. Through your continued support, WVIA has delivered relevant, balanced and in-depth programing for nearly 60 years, including award-winning locally produced documentaries, performances, news and public affairs programs across TV, radio and digital platforms. Thank you for believing in the value that local public media brings to our community and empowering us to serve you every day — no matter the challenges ahead. Remember, these are your stories. This is your community. And WVIA is where it all comes together. Public media is for all of us. Let’s continue to fight for it together. Best, Carla McCabe President & CEO, WVIA
Johnson College, William Lesek Memorial Scholarship Fund The American Society of Highway Engineers (ASHE), Northeast Penn Section, has established the William Lesek Memorial Scholarship Fund at Johnson College to support students pursuing careers in architectural drafting and design. Beginning in the 2025–26 academic year, the annual scholarship will provide a total of $2,000, awarding $1,000 each to two students enrolled in the College’s Architectural Drafting & Design Technology program. Preference will be given to students who demonstrate financial need, maintain good academic standing, and are actively engaged in the College community. Funding for the scholarship was made possible through a variety of fundraising efforts conducted by ASHE Northeast Penn in honor of the late William Lesek. “We are incredibly grateful to the American Society of Highway Engineers, Northeast Penn Section, for their generous contribution and partnership,” said Dr. Katie Pittelli, president and CEO of Johnson College. “This scholarship honors the memory of William Lesek while directly benefiting our students as they work toward entering the workforce and building successful careers.” For more information about available scholarships at Johnson College, visit johnson.edu/future-students/financialaid/scholarships. Members of the American Society of Highway Engineers (ASHE), Northeast Penn Section, recently met with Dr. Katie Pittelli to discuss the establishment of the William Lesek Memorial Scholarship Fund. Pictured left to right: Corey Lewis, PE, president of ASHE Northeast Penn Section; Dr. Katie Pittelli, president and CEO of Johnson College; John Pocius, PE, ASHE Northeast Penn Section board member; and Attilio “Butch” Frati, ASHE Northeast Penn Section board member.
Scranton Tomorrow, Voting Closing for Downtown Floral Competition Submissions to judge Scranton Tomorrow’s Downtown Scranton Business Class Floral Competition closes tonight! Join in, support local, and vote! Take a self guided tour of the floral display locations! QR codes linking to our Facebook voting gallery will be posted next to displays throughout the business district. Be sure to visit, N. Washington Avenue Over the Moon 123 N. Washington Avenue Tachi Hill 127 N. Washington Avenue Pizza By Pappas 303 N. Washington Avenue Abe’s Delicatessen 326 N. Washington Avenue Wyoming Avenue Picciocchi’s Pasta 114 Wyoming Avenue Biden Street Northern Light Espresso Bar & Cafe 536 Biden Street Penn Avenue RD Blow Dry Bar & The Daisy Collective (together) 324, 328 Penn Avenue AV Restaurant 320 Penn Avenue Adams Avenue Lavish Scranton 200 Adams Avenue Thai Rak Thai 349 Adams Avenue Spice Asian Market 343 Adams Avenue Lackawanna Avenue Scranton Art Haus 301 Lackawanna Avenue Vote for your favorite displays through Facebook. Each photo “like” counts as a vote! P.S. You are not required to take the self guided tour prior to voting (although we think you should – it’s fun!). In partnership with the Everhart Museum, Scranton Tomorrow will honor first, second and third place winners on Friday, June 20, at the at the Flower Power Happy Hour at the Everhart Museum in Nay Aug Park, 1901 Mulberry Street, Scranton, from 5 to 8 p.m. Winning arrangements will be on display at the Electric City Flower Show at Nay Aug Park on Saturday, June 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This competition is part of Scranton City Pride, a project of Scranton Tomorrow, NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania, and United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC), and a Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful program.
Marywood University Dean of Health Sciences: Local and Global Accomplishments In addition to her academic leadership role at Marywood University, Shelby W. Yeager, M.Ed., Dean of Marywood’s College of Health Sciences, is keeping busy with personal and professional accomplishments, both locally and internationally. Dean Yeager traveled to Paris, France, in April to run in the 2025 Paris Marathon, dubbed “the world’s largest marathon,” which she successfully finished. This race is not her first distance-running event. She has competed in numerous marathons over the years, including those in New York City (for charity), Chicago, and Philadelphia, as well as the Steamtown Marathon in Scranton and more than 15 half marathons. The Paris Marathon marks her first international competition. On the professional front, the Scranton Counseling Center Board of Directors voted unanimously to appoint Dean Yeager as one of its new directors. Her board tenure begins on July 1, and she brings a wealth of experience as an academic administrator with a professional/clinical background in health sciences, including the areas of kinesiology, sports medicine, and athletic training. Dean Yeager has led Marywood’s College of Health Sciences since March 2022. She was a long-term faculty member and department chair prior to her appointment as dean, beginning her academic career at Marywood in 2004. Before that, she was an athletic trainer at Wilkes University, then assumed clinical and administration roles at John Heinz Rehabilitation Institute and Keystone College. Additionally, she worked as part of the Sports Injury Prevention Program at the Hospital for Special Surgery, New York City. Dean Yeager earned her bachelor of kinesiology and sports medicine degree from Temple University and a master’s in health and physical education from East Stroudsburg University. She is a licensed athletic trainer and strength and conditioning coach with an emphasis on movement assessment, injury reduction, and corrective exercises. She also holds multiple specialty certifications from the USA-Weightlifting, National Academy of Sports Medicine, and Functional Movement Screening. In 2024, she was inducted into the Order Cor Mariae-Pro Fide et Cultura at Marywood University, an honor bestowed for 20 years of distinguished service.
Fidelity Bank Welcomes New Bankers and Announces Recent Promotions Daniel J. Santaniello, President & CEO of Fidelity Bank, is pleased to announce the following new bankers and banker promotions: Lauren Trichilo has been promoted to Vice President, Commercial Relationship Manager. She has been at Fidelity Bank for 12 years, developing her career through many departments and roles including the Client Care Center, Credit Department, and most recently, served as Small Business Relationship Manager. She will continue her career as VP, Commercial Relationship Manager, working closely with clients to understand their unique financial needs and provide customized banking solutions. James F. Burke joins as Senior Vice President, Business Relationship Manager. He brings financial expertise from his longstanding career, most recently being the Executive Vice President and Chief Banking Officer at another area financial institution. Burke will collaborate with business clients to analyze cash flow, identify growth opportunities, and develop tailored lending solutions. He will also support clients with fraud prevention, managing payments, retirement planning, and more. Katherine Mackrell Oven joins as Wealth Advisor. She will be working with Fidelity Bank’s Wealth Management Division to support clients and help grow their assets. She will assist in all aspects of their financial goals whether it is investing current assets, saving for college, planning for retirement, and implementing risk protection through life or long-term care insurance. Jill M. Valentini has been promoted to Vice President, Director of Retail Lending. She has been with Fidelity Bank for 17 years. She started as a Teller Services Supervisor and has continued to rise through the branch network as an Assistant Branch Manager, AVP, Retail Branch Manager II, and most recently, VP, Regional Retail Sales Manager. Valentini will continue her career at Fidelity Bank as VP, Director of Retail Lending, responsible for oversight of the Mortgage and Consumer Lending Department. Kelley Laird has been promoted to Assistant Vice President, Branch Business Lending Advisor at Fidelity Bank. She will be responsible for supporting Branch Managers in managing complex business loan transactions, enhancing client relationships, and driving growth in business banking. This role combines leadership, coaching, and technical expertise in loan structuring, credit analysis, and business development. The advisor ensures compliance with regulatory standards, participates in sales and service efforts, and helps maintain high client service standards, contributing to overall branch performance and success. Kiana Hubbard has been promoted to Retail Branch Manager at the Fidelity Bank Wyoming Branch. She will be responsible for leading and developing a successful team of bankers who embody the Fidelity Bank Model Experience, as well as striving to meet and exceed branch and organizational goals. Another focus will include maintaining and strengthening client relationships in the Wyoming community and participating in volunteer work and charitable giving. Donna Kane has been promoted to Lackawanna County Retail Regional Sales Manager. Since joining Fidelity Bank in 2020, she has successfully led several branches, most recently as the Abington Branch Manager. Kane won the “Excellence in Customer Service Award” in 2023. She is the Treasurer for the Marley’s Mission Board of Directors, as well as a graduate of the 2022 Core Class of Leadership Lackawanna, where she continues to serve on their finance and selection committees. Trish Curley has been promoted to Assistant Vice President, Luzerne County Retail Regional Sales Manager. Trish began her career at Fidelity Bank 19 years ago and has most recently served as Branch Manager at the Pittston branch. Curley is a Graduate of the 2023 Amplify Program in Luzerne County, serves on the Pittston Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and is an active member of the Jenkins Township Lions Club. In making this announcement, Santaniello stated, “These promotions and new bankers will be a vital asset to cultivate and maintain business relationships at Fidelity Bank.” He continued, “We are excited to have them grow their careers and bring new and engaging insight on the strategy behind enhancing business relationships with our clients.”
Lackawanna County to Conduct Assessment Appeal Hearings in the Marketplace at Steamtown Lackawanna County will conduct an expected large number of assessment appeal hearings in the Marketplace at Steamtown, 300 Lackawanna Ave., Scranton. Commissioners Bill Gaughan and Chris Chermak approved a lease for the space at Wednesday’s regular commissioners meeting. The county is conducting its first comprehensive reassessment of property valuations since 1968. Valuations are the basis for property taxation by the county, municipal governments and school districts. County property owners already have received new tentative valuations for their properties. The informal appeal process, in which about 9,500 property owners questioned their tentative valuations, has concluded. Letters informing property owners of final valuations will be mailed by June 20, according to Patrick Tobin, director of the county Department of Assessment. Those letters will include instructions on how to file a formal appeal. Appeal hearings will begin Aug. 1 and continue, five days a week, through Oct. 31. To accommodate the expected large number of appeals, the commissioners have appointed four auxiliary appeals boards to assist the permanent county Board of Assessment Appeals. All boards will conduct appeals in the marketplace. The permanent board will handle all commercial property valuation appeals. The space is on the first floor, between the Electric City Aquarium and Lehigh Valley Health Network. It is large enough to enable all five reassessment appeal boards to hear cases simultaneously. Under the terms of the lease agreement, the space will be occupied by the assessment appeals boards from Aug. 1 to Oct. 31 and will cost $3,700 per month, which includes the cost of the space and its utilities. The county will validate garage parking to ensure that it is free. Brian Jeffers, county chief of staff, emphasized that the space in the Marketplace at Steamtown allows for convenient parking and accessibility. “We scouted a bunch of locations and this is actually the best one,” Jeffers said. Once all appeals are resolved, the new valuations will be used by local governments and school districts to set 2026 property tax rates. Tobin noted that the new valuations are not relevant to current 2025 tax bills, and that the new valuations cannot be used to estimate 2026 taxes, which will be set when local governments and school districts adopt their 2026 budgets. — Brittain Banull, Lackawanna County Staff
WVIA, Lehigh & Luzerne County Airports Receive Funding for Upgrades The Wilkes-Barre Scranton International Airport (AVP) will expand its terminal and modernize the TSA screening area with a $6.2 million state grant. The upgrades will improve passenger flow and enhance security operations, according to State Sen. Marty Flynn’s office. The grant will also help support the continued growth of the airport. The Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) received $1.5 million to construct a parking structure to enhance terminal commercial development. The projects are financed through the state Capital Budget’s Aviation Transportation Assistance Program.
