Lackawanna County Literacy Committee Holds Book Drive The Lackawanna County Literacy Committee is launching a book drive to collect used books that will be distributed to families in Scranton. Books will be collected in bins across Lackawanna County. At this time, the Lackawanna County Literacy Committee is looking for businesses that would be interested in placing collection bins in their place of business. Bins will be provided and delivered at collection locations at no cost. Interested businesses should contact Patricia Hein at pdakhein@comcast.net or Sandie Lamanna at sslamanna@aol.com for additional information.
Lackawanna College Sonography Program Secures $35,000 Grant The Lackawanna College Sonography program is excited to announce it has received a grant award of $35,000 from the Robert Y. Moffat Family Charitable Trust to purchase state-of-the-art equipment. The grant will fund the purchase of one Mindray sonography machine, providing students hands-on training with cutting-edge technology. The sonography program is currently seeking to purchase a total of five new sonography machines to meet the demand of its recently expanded cohort sizes and to replace older equipment. The grant award will help achieve this goal with the purchase of one new Mindray machine. “Securing new equipment for the program is as essential as having current books for the classroom, without the machines for our students to learn on were missing one half of the picture,” said Mary Kay DelRosso, Assistant Director of Sonography at Lackawanna College. “We can teach them the mechanical and informational aspects of sonography but until they apply it to the scan, it’s of no value to them.” The college’s sonography program has grown rapidly over the past several years. Between 2022 to 2024 the sonography program as whole has experienced a six-fold increase in its enrollment in both Cardiac and Vascular Sonography programs, along with the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program tripling its enrollment. “We’ve seen about an 80% increase in enrollment this semester over our previous semester and had to increase our max capacity of students in the program to 30,” said DelRosso. “This grant is also helping increase the number of machines we have and allows our increased number of students to spend time on these machines. We need to make sure they receive practical and efficient experience on the machines. In order for that to happen we need to have more machines in the room to meet the demands of all the new students.” The Sonography Program at Lackawanna College serves both its learners and the wider local community of patients by readying qualified healthcare professionals to fill these in-demand, frontline positions in the medical field. The purchase of new equipment through the grant is part of a greater expansion in the program to train students into workforce ready graduates. The Lackawanna College Sonography program was notified of this grant award on November 15, 2024 and the program will likely purchase the new equipment in early 2025. “I know I speak for everyone in the department, including the students, that we are very grateful for these kind of donations. Being able to put the students on new machines and make them well-prepared after graduation is the core of our program,” said DelRosso.
Johnson College Announces the President’s List Dr. Katie Pittelli, President & CEO of Johnson College, has announced the President’s List of students who have completed the 2024 Fall Semester with a grade point average of 3.70 or higher. Edgar Acevedo, Electrical Construction Technology, Scranton, PA; Anthony Agrella, Electrical Construction Technology, Pittston, PA; Zekiel Alejandrez, Physical Therapist Assistant, Greentown, PA Holden Aylesworth, Computer Information Technology, Nicholson, PA; Charlize Barhite, Veterinary Nursing, Clifford Twp., PA; Tiffany Beckham, Radiologic Technology, Scranton, PA; Colleen Cannon-Augustine, Physical Therapist Assistant, Jenkins Twp., PA; Brady Carpenter, Computer Information Technology, Clarks Summit, PA; Cole Chesna, Welding Fabrication & Manufacturing Technology, Honesdale, PA; Ashlee Coe, Veterinary Nursing, Hawley, PA; Matthew Collier, Architectural Drafting & Design Technology, Throop, PA; Cameron Collins, Electrical Construction Technology, Jermyn, PA; Kenneth Cotton, Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Clifford Twp., PA; Emma Danowsky, Veterinary Nursing, Lewisburg, PA; Gerard Dolinsky, Diesel Truck Technology, Scott Twp., PA; Andi Fedorchak, Welding Fabrication & Manufacturing Technology, Carbondale, PA; Alec Fisher, Automotive Technology, West Wyoming, PA; Ethan Gardiner, Electrical Construction Technology, Summit Hill, PA; Hanaa Gohsler, Architectural Drafting & Design Technology, Dickson City, PA; Jennifer Gonzalez Rodriguez, Radiologic Technology, Scranton, PA; James Hancock, Automotive Technology, Clarks Green, PA; Cameron Hedgelon, Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Honesdale, PA; Emanuel Hernandez, Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning Technology, Scranton, PA: Jacob Holmes, Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology, Dalton, PA; Brooke Iverson, Physical Therapist Assistant, Wilkes-Barre, PA; Michael Kishel, Computer Information Technology, Pittston, PA; Steven Kollar, Computer Information Technology, Trucksville, PA; Henry Korman, Electrical Construction Technology, Lakeville, PA; Harrison Kubilus, Electrical Construction Technology, Scranton, PA; Skyler LeClere, Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology, Beach Lake, PA; Anthony Lemobruni, Aviation Technology, Moscow, PA; Corey Lesnefsky, Diesel Truck Technology, Olyphant, PA; Lucas Lorenzetto, Automotive Technology, Throop, PA; Paul MacDonald, Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology, Scranton, PA; Daniel Marcus, Electrical Construction Technology, Greeley, PA; Jessica Miller, Veterinary Nursing, Mechanicsburg, PA; Carter Mistishin, Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning Technology, Lake Ariel, PA; Tyler Moskosky, Architectural Drafting & Design Technology, Simpson, PA; Sean Munson, Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning Technology, Nanticoke, PA; Weston Nugent, Diesel Truck Technology, Lake Ariel, PA; Edward Peguero, Automotive Technology, Scranton, PA; Caitlyn Philips, Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology, West Wyoming, PA; Ronald Pritchard, Architectural Drafting & Design Technology, Damascus, PA; Alyssa Resio, Radiologic Technology, Old Forge, PA; Vincent Rinaldi, Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning Technology, Scranton, PA; Christian Rivera, Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning Technology, Wilkes-Barre, PA; Keith Rowlands, Electrical Construction Technology, Jermyn, PA; Abigail Schroder, Architectural Drafting & Design Technology, Scranton, PA; Wyatt Sickler, Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Tunkhannock, PA; Caiden Stancik, Electronic Engineering Technology, Clarks Summit, PA; Madison Stashak, Physical Therapist Assistant, Nanticoke, PA; Sierra Stonier, Veterinary Nursing, Monroe Twp., PA; Andrew Styborki, Electrical Construction Technology, Dalton, PA; Ragu Subedi, Computer Information Technology, Scranton, PA; Arthur Taylor, Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology, New Milford, PA; Nicholas Thayer, Mechatronics Technology, Pittston, PA; Logan Treat, Welding Fabrication & Manufacturing Technology, Falls, PA; Noah Wijaya, Automotive Technology, Roaring Brook Twp., PA.
Jeannine Luby Sponsors ‘Laugh A Latte’ Chamber member Jeannine Luby, owner of Laugh to Live, recently collaborated with Scranton organizations NEPA Networkers and Urban Co-Works to offer local professionals the opportunity to warm up on a cold January morning. Luby sponsored the event ‘Laugh A Latte’ that brought together about 20 attendees for coffee, conversation and a sampling of stress-relieving laughter yoga. Luby and NEPA Networkers Board President Bob Courtwright greeted participants.
The Honesdale National Bank Celebrates William Schweighofer’s 50th Anniversary Honat Bancorp, Inc., and The Honesdale National Bank are proud to celebrate William “Bill” Schweighofer’s remarkable 50-year milestone with the Bank. Bill’s dedication and expertise have made him an integral part of the bank’s history and growth. Bill served as CEO for several decades before stepping down in 2013. Since then, he has continued to play a pivotal role at HNB as Chairman of the Board of Honat Bancorp, Inc. and The Honesdale National Bank. “For the past 50 years Bill has led this Bank not only with a strong business sense, but with heart,” said Roger Dirlam, Vice Chairman of the Honat Bancorp, Board of Directors. “We are truly grateful for the pride and passion with which he continues to drive our Bank and community forward.” Kate Bryant, CEO of The Honesdale National Bank, noted, “Bill’s consistent dedication and outstanding leadership have been critical to our strength and stability. His commitment to excellence and genuine service to the community has profoundly impacted both the Bank and the region we serve.” Bill’s leadership has helped navigate the Bank through significant evolution in the financial industry, ensuring that HNB remains a pillar of stability and trust for its customers. His risk-management and service-centric approach have led to numerous strategic initiatives that have driven the Bank’s growth and customer satisfaction. HNB extends its heartfelt congratulations and deep gratitude to Bill Schweighofer for his 50 years of exemplary service. The Bank is grateful for his continued contributions and leadership into the future. Bill’s legacy at HNB is a testament to his dedication and the high standards he has set for himself and his colleagues. The Honesdale National Bank, established in 1836, holds the distinction of being the area’s oldest independent community bank headquartered in Northeastern PA, with offices in Wayne, Pike, Susquehanna, Lackawanna, and Luzerne Counties. The Honesdale National Bank offers personal banking, business banking, and wealth solutions. For more information on HNB’s products and services, visit www.hnbbank.bank.
Beyond Dunder Mifflin: The Electric City Documentary This fan-made documentary explores the unique and unexpected impact of the popular TV show The Office on the city of Scranton, Pennsylvania. Moving beyond the fictional world of Dunder Mifflin, the film delves into the real-life connection between The Office and Scranton, uncovering the city’s rich history, vibrant culture, and the myriad ways in which the show has shaped its identity. Almost 20 years since the pilot aired on March 24, 2005, The Office has transformed Scranton from a “Coal Town to a Cool Town.” Viewers will hear from notable figures such as Tim Holmes, Michele Dempsey, Mari Potis, Mayor Paige Cognetti, and many more. Additionally, some of your favorite characters from the show, including Andy Buckley and Angela Kinsey, will make appearances in the documentary. Our documentary will be free to the public on March 28 via YouTube and Facebook. There are discussions about airing it on a local TV station in the Scranton area, with hopes of eventually having it available on Peacock. Our story is about 54 mins to an hour long. Credits: Director, Producer: Brandon Soto Director of Photography and Assistant Director: DeAngelo Dixon Production Assistants: Brian Schnieders, Madison Whitford, and Cody Exley
Leadership Lackawanna Announces Applications Open for Leadership Fundamentals 2.0 Program Leadership Lackawanna, the community leadership and professional development division of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, announces applications are open for Leadership Fundamentals 2.0. Leadership Fundamentals 2.0 is a virtual eight-week course that provides advanced leaders with all the fundamentals of leadership but at a 2.0 level! Topics may include prioritizing purpose, reframing, humility, running effective meetings, generational differences, and workplace diversity. Applications close on February 3, 2025. Leadership Fundamentals 2.0 is open to anyone who desires to advance their personal and professional growth. Apply online at LeadershipLackawanna.com.
The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce Announces 156th Annual Dinner The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce announces the 156th Chamber Annual Dinner, presented by PNC Bank, to be held on March 26, 2025, at the Scranton Cultural Center. This signature event is set to bring together the region’s business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community members for an evening to celebrate the accomplishments of our members and programs from the past year. This year’s Annual Dinner will feature keynote speaker, author, and workforce strategist, Gregory Offner. Offner is the founding partner of the Global Performance Institute, a boutique consulting firm supporting organizations and executives seeking to get the most out of their workforce. He previously held leadership roles in the outsourced services and risk management industries, developing future leaders and advising some of the most recognizable names in business. In this keynote, former dueling pianist and award-winning speaker Offner will demonstrate three principles of engagement found in a piano bar and then discuss the strategies and stories of organizations who’ve applied these principles to business with phenomenal results. As part of its ongoing commitment to workforce development, Offner’s keynote address will equip businesses with valuable insights to address current workforce challenges. “We always look for an Annual Dinner keynote speaker who provides insight into the compelling issues facing our business community. As the nature of our workforce is evolving, Gregory Offner brings a thought-provoking perspective to address these key workforce issues,” shared Bob Durkin, president of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. To purchase tickets for the 156th Annual Dinner, visit www.ScrantonChamber.com.
Maloney Law, P.C. Provides Important Legal Compliance Update for Small & Medium Size Businesses Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Reports are again NOT REQUIRED by FinCEN at this time. On December 26, 2024, the preliminary injunction delaying the enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act was reinstated by the US Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit. This ruling reverses the Court’s previous ruling on December 23rd. For those unfamiliar with this regulation, BOI Reports were mandated by the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). The CTA was enacted a few years ago to assist the U.S. Treasury Department, Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) in fighting money laundering and other financial crimes. The CTA applies broadly to most small and medium size businesses (including LLCs, S-Corps, family businesses, and holding companies (e.g. an LLC formed to hold real estate, etc.) to identify who owns and controls the business. BOI Report were originally due by January 1, 2025. On December 3, 2024, a US District Court granted a preliminary injunction which caused a pause in the filing requirement. On December 23, 2024, the Fifth Circuit lifted the injunction. FinCEN then extended the filing deadline to January 13, 2025. In reaction to this new deadline, on December 26, 2024, the Fifth Circuit then decided to reinstate the preliminary injunction. Maloney Law, P.C. will continue to monitor the various court rulings and guidance from FinCEN and will provide updates as new information and guidance becomes available. Please feel free to contact Tim Maloney with any questions or to further discuss at tmaloney@maloneylawpc.com or (570) 309-3014.
Skills in Scranton Awarded $15,000 Grant from Robert H. Spitz Foundation to Advance Career Awareness Programs Skills in Scranton Business Education Partnership, the workforce development affiliate of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, is proud to announce it has been awarded a $15,000 grant from the Robert H. Spitz Foundation, administered by the Scranton Area Community Foundation. This grant will support Skills in Scranton’s efforts to enhance career awareness programs and strengthen collaboration between educational institutions and the business community. These initiatives aim to empower students and job seekers with a deeper understanding of diverse career pathways and equip them to navigate the evolving workforce landscape. “Business leaders across Northeastern Pennsylvania recognize that workforce development is critical to the economic future of our region and the long-term success of our youth,” said Emily Pettinato, workforce development specialist at the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. “This funding is instrumental in advancing our mission to foster career awareness and build a robust talent pipeline. It allows us to connect with students and job seekers, providing them with the tools and knowledge needed to make informed career decisions.” Skills in Scranton has developed a sector-based, industry-driven approach to address skills shortages, cultivate talent pipelines, and create meaningful career pathways. By engaging leading industry sectors, the organization continues to build opportunities that support the region’s workforce and economic growth. “Supporting initiatives that connect education to workforce development is important to the Robert H. Spitz Foundation,” said Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “We are proud to support Skills in Scranton to empower students and job seekers with tools to build meaningful careers, while strengthening the economic future of our region.” For more information about Skills in Scranton and its initiatives, please visit skillsinscranton.com.
