NEPA Philharmonic Brings the Joy of Music to Schools The musicians of the NEPA Philharmonic, alongside students from their Mentoring Program, have been keeping busy this winter, spreading the joy of music across the community! From inspiring local students in schools to sharing powerful musical moments with senior center residents, NEPA Phil has truly made a difference this season. Music in Our Schools This January, the NEPA Philharmonic’s Woodwind Quintet visited South Scranton Intermediate and Scranton High School, introducing students to the unique sounds of the wind instruments and offering a glimpse into the world of professional music. In February, former NEPA Philharmonic Principal Cellist Alberto Parrini brought his expertise to Abington Heights High School, working with student musicians—many of whom are also part of the Philharmonic’s Mentoring Program—on key techniques including bowing, rhythm, scales, and tone. Later in the month, renowned pianist Marcantonio Barone joined Parrini for an inspiring performance at Wyoming Valley West Middle School, where they engaged with young string musicians. These opportunities allow students to connect directly with professionals, gaining invaluable insight and experience that enhances the incredible work of local music programs. The enthusiasm and dedication from the students were evident, and their interactions with these accomplished musicians will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact. A special thank you goes out to the dedicated teachers—Greg Hulse, Diane Amari, Allison Covell, and Suzanne Hall—whose support made these visits possible. We encourage the community to express their gratitude to local music educators for their ongoing efforts in shaping the next generation of musicians. Mentoring Program and Outreach The NEPA Philharmonic Mentoring Program recently visited Green Ridge Care Center as part of the Music in Our Senior Centers initiative. Students shared their musical talents with senior residents, creating meaningful connections across generations through the universal language of music. The heartfelt performance was a testament to the power of music to bring people together. Rehearsals for the Mentoring Program’s upcoming chamber ensembles are also in full swing. Young musicians—including violinists Isaiah, Roman, Soren, and Alec, violists Judah and Lucas, and cellists Giada and Aiden—are hard at work in coaching sessions with Philharmonic musicians Gabriel and Leah, preparing for their highly anticipated Mentoring Program Chamber Concert on May 18th.
Marywood University Art Students Earn Addy Awards for Creative Work Several Marywood art students earned Addy awards for their creative work from the American Advertising Federation NEPA chapter, at a ceremony held at the Mohegan Sun Convention Center on February 28. They competed against other students from Penn College of Technology, Susquehanna University, Wilkes University, and the University of Scranton. Award categories and Marywood student winners include the following: Judge’s Choice (both students and professionals compete for this award): Caroline Flynn, sophomore graphic design; Jaws poster Student Gold Addy, Best of Show (both professionals and students compete for this award) and People’s Choice: Stephanie Klemick, senior graphic design; Fruit Cups packaging Klemick also won the Rising Star award, given to senior students or young professionals under the age of 24 in the field, which is based on their achievements and contributions to the community. Klemick’s gold award winning entry will advance to the regional competition, with students from several states competing, and then, if she wins, she will advance to the national competition. Student Silver Addy awards: Jess Sunar, senior illustration major; illustration series Julia Perpetua, senior graphic design; juice packaging Lilli Millon, graduate student; Marywood strings poster Sabrina Resuta, senior graphic design; chocolate packaging Honorable mentions were awarded to: Emily Duris, senior graphic design Melissa Bostjancic, senior graphic design; Bostjancic was also nominated for the Rising Star Award. Stephanie Klemick, senior graphic design Sabrina Resuta, senior graphic design Lilli Millon, graduate student Photo ID, from left to right: Julia Perpetua, Emily Duris, Lilli Millon, Melissa Bostjancic, Stephanie Klimek, Caroline Flynn, Jess Sunar. Also recognized, but absent from the photo, was Sabrina Resuta.
Johnson College Now Enrolling for OSHA Training Course Johnson College is now accepting enrollments for its 30-hour, non-credit OSHA training course at the Scranton campus. The course will run from April 22 to May 3, 2025, with classes scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. The final week will feature classes on Monday, May 5, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m., and Thursday, May 8, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. Participants will gain comprehensive knowledge on a range of essential safety topics, including fall protection, electrical safety, personal protective equipment (PPE), and more. The course, which is delivered through in-person classroom instruction, is designed to help individuals reduce workplace accidents, ensure compliance with federal safety standards, and foster a culture of safety within their organizations. The OSHA 30-hour training is ideal for individuals in leadership roles, those seeking advanced safety training, and employees in the general industry workforce. Upon successful completion of the course, attendees will receive the official OSHA 30 General Industry Outreach Course Completion Card. The cost for the course is $600. For more information or to reserve a spot in the course, visit johnson.edu/continuing-ed/osha-30. You can also contact the Continuing Education team at 570-702-8979 or continuinged@johnson.edu.
Geisinger Expands with Longtime Local Physician Joining Primary Care Network Nicholas Dodge, M.D., will be affiliated with the Geisinger primary care network beginning on Monday, March 3, and his practice at 414 E. Drinker St. will become Geisinger Primary Care Dunmore. Board certified in internal medicine, Dr. Dodge has cared for patients in the greater Scranton area for more than 30 years. He attended The University of Scranton for his undergraduate work and earned his medical degree from Temple University School of Medicine. He completed a residency in internal medicine through the Scranton-Temple Residency Program. “The opportunity to partner with Geisinger will help us continue to provide the friendly, high-quality personalized care that we’re known for while aligning with a nationally known system with a similar reputation for caring, excellence and quality,” Dr. Dodge said.
The Chamber and The Steel Supply Company Broker a Deal in Valley View Business Park The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and its business development division, the Scranton Lackawanna Industrial Building Company (SLIBCO), announces the sale of 2.67 acres in the Valley View Business Park to The Steel Supply Company, Inc. The Steel Supply Company produces components, supplies, and services that are critical to the structural steel fabrication industry. The company will manufacture and distribute industrial steel fabrication products from its new location in Jessup, Pennsylvania. Back Row (L-R): Amy Luyster, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce; AJ Cimahosky, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce; Javier Pazmino, The Steel Supply Company, Inc.; Willie Obeid, The Steel Supply Company, Inc.; Front Row (L-R): Bob Durkin, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce; Matt Obeid, The Steel Supply Company; and Heather Kubic Skapyak, GPI “We are excited about this new facility and the opportunities it affords the company for manufacturing, fabricating, and new product line development, shared Barbara Obeid, president of The Steel Supply Company. The area offers an impressive combination of facilities, access to shipping lanes, and a capable labor force. The assistance provided in locating the property and guiding the process by the energetic people at The Chamber has been invaluable. We look forward to working with the Chamber in bringing this project to fruition.” “SLIBCO and The Chamber leadership are thrilled to see this project come to fruition. The Steel Supply Company is committed to driving the workforce in Lackawanna County and falls right in line with the targeted industry sectors we desire to see grow in the area. Manufacturing has always been a part of our story here, and projects like these will allow that to continue,” shared AJ Cimahosky, business development specialist at The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber through its business development division, SLIBCO, and its business development marketing program, The Scranton Plan, are committed to attracting, sustaining, and growing business and the workforce in targeted industries. These industries include advanced manufacturing, food and beverage production, technology, energy, and life sciences. “In choosing a new site in Jessup to manufacture and distribute components, The Steel Supply Co. clearly recognizes some of Lackawanna County’s business-development advantages,” said Commissioner Bill Gaughan. He adds, “Our location and transportation infrastructure put major markets within easy reach, and our workforce ensures high-quality products. We welcome the Steel Supply Co. not only as a great addition to the county’s industrial base, but as further proof that Lackawanna County is open for business.” For information regarding this property or additional real estate opportunities in Lackawanna County, visit www.thescrantonplan.com.
Comcast Expands State-of-the-Art Network in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Network Expansion Brings Xfinity and Comcast Business Services to Lackawanna, Luzerne and Columbia Counties – Comcast has connected more than 18,500 new homes and businesses across Lackawanna, Luzerne and Columbia Counties in Northeastern Pennsylvania to reliable, high-speed Internet by expanding its network. This expansion enhances digital infrastructure, promotes economic growth, and positions residents and local businesses for success in an increasingly digital world. The network expansion brings Internet, mobile, entertainment, and security services from Xfinity and Comcast Business to residents and businesses in the following areas for the first time: Lackawanna County: Carbondale Township, Fell Townships, City of Carbondale Luzerne County: Newport Township, Conyngham Township, Hunlock Township, Plymouth Township, Shickshinny Borough, Union Township, Salem Township Columbia County: Berwick Borough, Briar Creek Borough, Briar Creek Township “Our community deserves the best when it comes to choosing their provider for Internet, mobile, and entertainment services,” said Tim Burke, Mayor, Berwick Borough. “Comcast’s entry into our market offers a variety of options for any type of customer, and we are thrilled that the Borough of Berwick and its surrounding areas now have access Comcast’s state-of-the-art network.” “I had been searching for a new Internet provider, so I was very happy to discover that Comcast recently made Xfinity services available in my area,” said Carbondale resident Laura Perry. “Switching my Internet and home phone to Xfinity gave me better speeds and pricing than my previous provider. My family and I have enjoyed seamless connectivity ever since.” Residents can visit Xfinity.com and businesses can visit ComcastBusiness.com to see if their address is eligible for service. In addition, residents and businesses can visit our newly renovated Xfinity Store in Dickson City, or stores in Wilkes-Barre and Hazleton, PA. This expansion is part of the company’s latest investment in Northeastern Pennsylvania, following recently completed network expansions to more than 28,000 homes and businesses in Jermyn and Mayfield Boroughs and the City of Wilkes-Barre. More than 6,600 residents and businesses in Carbon, Schuylkill and additional parts of Luzerne County will also soon be able to connect to our network, with an expansion project currently underway. “We’re excited for more Northeastern Pennsylvania communities to experience the power of our Xfinity and Comcast Business products and services that deliver over 99.9 percent reliability,” said Ricky Frazier Jr., Senior Vice President of Comcast’s Keystone Region. “In addition to connecting communities to the moments that matter most, Comcast is committed to advancing digital opportunity through Internet Essentials, our low-cost Internet service for low-income families, and Project UP, our $1 billion commitment to unlimited possibilities.” A Network You Can Trust to be Reliable, Fast and Secure Comcast’s state-of-the-art network is built to enable residents and businesses to thrive in today’s constantly connected world. Lackawanna, Luzerne and Columbia counties join the 64 million homes and businesses across the country to have access to a network that is trusted by essential community organizations like hospitals, schools, transportation systems and first responders, and federal agencies like the Department of Defense and FEMA. It delivers gigabit Internet speeds, 99.9 percent reliability and built-in security to help keep customers safe from cyber threats. Introducing Xfinity for Consumers Comcast’s residential services are marketed under the Xfinity and NOW brands, and consumers in Northeastern PAcan take advantage of Xfinity’s full suite of products, including Internet, video, mobile, voice and home security, with additional Internet, video and mobile options with NOW for those on a budget. With gigabit Internet speeds, powerful WiFi that reaches every corner of the home, and super-responsive connections with low lag available with its plan, customers have a great experience using their connected devices to stream their favorite sports and entertainment content, video chat with coworkers and friends, learn from home or simply surf the web. Comcast Business to Power Northeastern PA For local businesses, Comcast Business offers a suite of connectivity, communications, networking, cybersecurity, wireless, and managed solutions to help organizations of all sizes achieve their business goals. Industry analysts and associations have consistently recognized Comcast Business as a leader and innovator in flexible, scalable options as well as one of the fastest-growing providers of Ethernet services. What It Means for the Northeastern PA Community Comcast’s commitment to communities goes beyond building the network and aims to increase economic mobility for the local community and its residents. That’s why Comcast created Internet Essentials, a broadband adoption program that offers eligible households low-cost, high-speed Internet and affordable computers. Since its inception in 2011, Internet Essentials has connected more than 2 million low-income Pennsylvania residents to broadband service at home. Additionally, Comcast has launched 176 Lift Zones across Pennsylvania to provide students and families with free, high-speed WiFi and digital skills training. Lift Zones are part of Project UP, Comcast’s comprehensive $1 billion commitment to help build a future of unlimited possibilities and the continuation of the company’s long history of giving back to communities where it provides service and where its employees live and work.
WVIA Wins Best of Show at AAF NEPA’s American Advertising Awards – “Girls Wrestling Documentary,” which follows the inspiring journey of the barrier breaking athletes of the Western Wayne Girls Wrestling Team, tells the story of young athletes reshaping the landscape of high school wrestling. On Friday, February 28, the American Advertising Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania (AAF NEPA) hosted the 2024 American Advertising Awards, where they presented the 2024 Silver Medal Award, the Game Changer Award, winners of Cropped and the Rising Star Award. This year’s event was held at the Mohegan Pennsylvania Convention Center. The American Advertising Awards are widely acknowledged to be the largest and most representative competition of its kind, with more than 25,000 entries received as part of the three-tier competition. Campaigns need to advance through both local and regional levels in order to be eligible for the national award. In addition, the awards are often viewed as a lens offering insights into work that may also perform well at other upcoming international creative competitions. Local Gold winners will automatically advance to the regional level and silver winners have the option to send their work on. In all, 8 Professional ADDYs and 13 Student ADDYs were awarded at the Northeastern PA American Advertising Awards, along with 8 Special Judges Choice Awards. Winners were announced during the award show on February 28th, which was attended by 80+ creative professionals, educators and students from across the advertising, marketing, media and tech communities. Said Dan Kimbrough, President of AAF NEPA, “It’s a heavy lift pulling off the show each year, but we have an amazing board and being able to come together and celebrate our creative community makes it worth it.” Other highlights from this year’s American Advertising Awards include: ● WVIA’s Webseries “NEPA @ Work”, which took a gold medal, along with “Girls Wrestling Documentary”. ● Halibut Blue won two Silver Awards for their work with local non-profits Big Brothers Big Sisters of NEPA, and The United Way of the Wyoming Valley. ● Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Student Hunter Rossmann took home 5 trophies. ● Stephanie Klemick of Marywood University took home the student Best of Show with an innovative package design called “Fruit Cups”. Awards were chosen by a distinguished panel of judges representing 4 different markets and agencies not local to NEPA. Outside of our AAA Competition awards, Danielle Antonello-Smolley of Triggerfinger Photography, was awarded the Silver Medal Award, which recognizes an individual who has made outstanding contributions to advertising and has been active in furthering the industry’s standards, creative excellence and responsibility in areas of social concern. Kevin Jones, owner of VizVibe, took home the Game Changer Award, which recognizes local visionaries who are pioneering new and exciting ideas within the advertising industry. And Stephanie Klemick of Marywood University won The Rising Star Award, which celebrates emerging talents in the advertising industry who exhibit outstanding potential and a commitment to excellence in both their professional endeavors and community engagement. All professional and student entries and the winners can be viewed online at adflix.aafnepa.org.
The Dime Bank Promotes Maurice Dennis to Director of Lending Maurice (Mick) Dennis to now serve as Director of Lending at The Dime Bank, announced President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Bochnovich. He will supervise the bank’s commercial, mortgage, and consumer lenders as well as special assets. Additionally, Dennis will continue to assist area businesses attain the financing they need to grow. Dennis brings to this role over 16 years of distinguished experience in the financial sector, a career marked by consistent growth and exceptional performance. Dennis has been helping The Dime Bank business customers since 2019 as vice president commercial loan officer, where he played a crucial role in actively seeking and developing new commercial loan relationships while maintaining strong relationships with existing customers. Prior to The Dime Bank, Dennis honed his expertise through a series of progressive roles. He began his career developing a rigorous foundation in commercial loan underwriting and evaluation. He then excelled as a commercial documentation officer, ensuring the accuracy and efficiency of critical loan processes. His proven track record of success led to further advancement, where he effectively expanded business relationships in northeastern PA and the Poconos. Dennis’ banking career began with a strong academic background, including degrees from two well-respected universities. He graduated with a Master of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Scranton and a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania. Over the course of his career, he has supplemented his education with professional course certificates attained through the PA Bankers Association. He is also a graduate of Leadership Wayne. President and Chief Executive Officer Pete Bochnovich stated, “Please join me in congratulating Mick on his promotion to Director of Lending. For the past five years, Mick has demonstrated exceptional dedication, expertise, and leadership within our lending department. His deep understanding of the financial landscape, coupled with his commitment to fostering strong customer relationships and community involvement, has been instrumental in his success. Mick’s ability to navigate complex lending scenarios, his innovative approach to problem-solving, and his unwavering focus on responsible lending practices have exceeded expectations. He has proven himself to be an asset, and I am confident that in this new role he will continue to drive growth and excellence in our lending operations.” Dennis is the proud founder of Wayne Highlands Little League and continues to serve on the board of directors as treasurer. He is also a board member of Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance Business Financial Corporation.
Greater Scranton YMCA Receives Grant from AllOne Charities In November 2024, the Greater Scranton YMCA was awarded a $20,000 grant from AllOne Charities. Grant funding will support the Y’s Year-Round Food Program, specifically the purchase of new equipment and staffing. Since the Greater Scranton YMCA implemented its Year-Round Food Program, enrollment in early childhood education programs has significantly grown. During the Y’s most recently completed fiscal year (07/01/2023 – 06/30/2024), 69,490 meals and snacks were provided to children enrolled in Early Childhood Education programs, Summer Day Camp, and Before and After School care. This growth has proved challenging, as the need for additional staff and more efficient equipment has also increased. Thanks to the generosity of AllOne Charities, the Greater Scranton YMCA has been able to purchase a new steamer and deep freezer, as well as support staffing expenses. “We are so grateful to AllOne Charities for this generous grant award,” said Rich Surridge, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “Thanks to our Year-Round Food Program and to the dedication of our Food Program staff, we are so proud to provide the children in our care with healthy meals and snacks daily. This grant award will support these efforts, allowing us to continue to grow. For more information about the Greater Scranton YMCA’s Year-Round Food Program, contact Kelena Gonzalez, Food Program Coordinator, at kgonzalez@gsymca.org.
Johnson College Receives $7,500 EITC Contribution from Fastenal Johnson College received a $7,500 EITC contribution from Fastenal to support the College’s Industry Fast Track and STEM Outreach Programs. The Industry Fast Track Program (IFT) is a joint partnership with area school districts and the College. The program offers high school juniors and seniors an opportunity to simultaneously enroll in secondary and post-secondary coursework on the Johnson College campus. Students remain enrolled full-time at their high school while attending classes at Johnson College. Through its STEM Outreach, Johnson College utilizes its experience in providing industry-focused technical education to expand its outreach to elementary, middle, and high school students. The outreach raises awareness of the benefits of STEM education and the possibilities of achieving economic independence through employment in a STEM career field. Fastenal’s contribution to Johnson College is part of Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. For information about how to participate in the EITC program with Johnson College, visit Johnson.edu/eitc.
