The Honesdale National Bank Ernest and Margaret Lemnitzer Memorial Fund Supports Graduate The Ernest and Margaret Lemnitzer Memorial Fund, administered by the Trust Department at The Honesdale National Bank and local Honesdale businessman Paul Meagher, continued its support of those pursuing higher education with the awarding of scholarships to 2023 graduates with a total distribution of $18,418.86. These prominent Honesdale residents created the Ernest and Margaret Lemnitzer Memorial Fund to support designated charitable organizations within Wayne County, as well as, to provide scholarships to deserving graduates of Wayne Highlands High School. Ernest was the brother of the former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Honesdale resident, Lyman Lemnitzer. Chloe Rogers, the 2023 recipient of the “Ernest and Margaret Lemnitzer Nursing Scholarship” is scheduled to attend James Madison University to study nursing in the fall. She is a 2023 graduate of Wayne Highlands High School. The Women’s Auxiliary of the Wayne Memorial Hospital selects the nursing scholarship recipient and is based on scholastic achievement. This scholarship totals $18,418.86. The Honesdale National Bank Trust Department has managed the investments of the Memorial Fund since its inception in 1991. Through prudent investment of the trust assets, grants in excess of $2.7 Million have been paid to qualifying recipients to date. A total of $432,070.80 has been distributed through the Ernest and Margaret Lemnitzer Scholarships alone. For more information about the HNB Financial Group, please call 570-253-3355 or visit the HNB Corporate Center in Honesdale.
NEPA Gives Raises Over $1.2 Million in 24 Hours for 227 Nonprofits On Thursday, June 1, into Friday, June 2, 2023—in just 24 hours—227 local nonprofit organizations across eight counties in Northeastern Pennsylvania worked together to collectively raise a total of $1,211,399 for the fourth annual NEPA Gives. This year, a record-breaking number of donors contributed to the total amount raised, with 6,211 donors taking part in NEPA Gives.Promoted as the largest philanthropy event in Northeastern Pennsylvania, NEPA Gives was hosted by the Scranton Area Community Foundation, in partnership with The Luzerne Foundation, Wayne County Community Foundation, Greater Pike Community Foundation, Carbon County Community Foundation, Posture Interactive, and other community sponsors to raise awareness about the critical work nonprofit organizations carry out across the region and to help charitable organizations raise much-needed funds.Adding to the excitement, to celebrate NEPA Gives, the Scranton Area Community Foundation also hosted a free, all-ages in-person event on Friday evening, June 2, at the Hilton Scranton Conference Center to coincide with First Friday Scranton. The ‘Give Gathering’ celebration included live entertainment including music by Black Tie Stereo, giveaways, real-time and live-streamed updates on NEPA Gives with Chris Strub, known nationally as ‘The Giving Day Guy’, and opportunities for the general public to meet many of the participating nonprofits. A NEPA Gives kickoff event was also hosted by the Luzerne Foundation, Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce, and Scranton Area Community Foundation on Thursday evening, June 1, at Rodano’s in Wilkes Barre. There was also a NEPA Gives event at the Settlers Inn in Hawley, sponsored by the Settlers Cares Foundation in partnership with Wayne County Community Foundation and Pike County Community Foundation.Additionally, to celebrate the giving day, Scranton Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognetti made an official proclamation declaring June 1-2, 2023 as NEPA Gives Day.“NEPA Gives is all about supporting the charities that are doing important work right here in Northeastern Pennsylvania,” said Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “We had a record-breaking year with over 6,200 generous donors supporting NEPA Gives this year providing support for hundreds of local charitable organizations,” she added.Over 6,211 donors generously supported NEPA Gives. NEPA Gives was also generously supported by numerous sponsors including Coterra, Hawk Family Foundation, Moses Taylor Foundation, Fidelity Bank, Neighborly, Lamar Advertising, Schwartz Mack Foundation, Women in Philanthropy, the NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative, the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund, and many others.“People that want to move here, come here, or stay here in Northeastern Pennsylvania want to know that this is a community that cares and the entire network of social service activity speaks to that and the generosity of this community,” said Bob Durkin, President and CEO of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. “It really all comes together beautifully in NEPA Gives.” Hundreds of thousands of dollars in prizes and matching incentives were awarded to participating nonprofits for notable achievements, all sponsored by generous businesses, foundations, and donors across the region. This was the fourth year for NEPA Gives. To date, NEPA Gives has raised over $4.1 million for hundreds of local nonprofit organizations in Northeastern Pennsylvania since it began in 2020. NEPA Gives 2024 is planned for Friday, June 7, 2024.To learn more about #NEPAGives, visit nepagives.org or contact Brittany Pagnotti, Communications Manager of the Scranton Area Community Foundation at 570-347-6203.
Northeast PA Area Health Education Center to Host Career Exploration Event The 2nd Annual Healthcare Career & College Exploration Event, organized by Northeast PA Area Health Education Center, is pleased to announce that registration is now open for exhibitors and sponsors. The event will take place on Thursday, October 12th, from 10-2 pm at the Viewmont Mall in Dickson City. Following the overwhelming success of last year’s event, which drew participation from over 200 high school students representing more than 6 counties, this year’s edition is set to exceed expectations. Based on the valuable feedback received from participants, the event organizers have implemented several modifications, including an adjusted schedule that will conclude the event at 2 pm, providing a focused and impactful experience for all attendees. In collaboration with the Northern Tier Industry & Education Consortium (NTIEC) and the Wayne/Pike Workforce Alliance, Northeast PA Area Health Education Center is proud to host this event, uniting esteemed industry professionals, colleges, universities, and organizations committed to healthcare education and career development. Through this partnership, the event aims to provide an unparalleled platform for students to explore diverse healthcare pathways.
8 Years of EMPOWERING Women Regionally Scranton, PA—The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce recently hosted its eighth annual EMPOWER NEPA Women’s Leadership Conference on Thursday, April 13, at Kalahari Resorts and Conventions. A full-day conference, EMPOWER featured nationally recognized keynote speakers, Melissa Gilbert and Robyn Hatcher and 32 regional breakout session speakers. Over 800 attendees participated in the conference. Robyn Hatcher, international speaker and communications professional, said in her breakfast keynote, “Fake it till you make it; I hate that phrase; instead, you should Own it While You Hone it.” Hatcher continues, “We were all born with the gifts, the talents, the abilities to make that powerful impact; we just need to own your values.” Themed “Fearless Together,” EMPOWER is the premier Women’s Leadership Conference in NEPA. It highlights the ability all women have to create positive change in their communities and in their own lives – both professionally and personally – while recognizing the extraordinary power that exists when women come together to support each other. Presenting Sponsor, Dr. Julie Byerley from Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine EMPOWER’s lunch keynote speaker, Melissa Gilbert, known for her iconic role in the classic TV series, “Little House on the Prairie,” shared, “I was very excited to hear about [the conference], and to speak [.] Whatever I can do to empower young and older women. My primary focus is bringing awareness to nurturing and empowering women over 50.” EMPOWER 2023 included a Wellness Studio that allowed conference attendees to attend yoga, Zumba, stretching, and other fitness experiences throughout the day. In addition, there was a Wellness Marketplace and a Vendor Marketplace where attendees could network or engage with vendors who were selling products or services. The conference concluded with a networking reception. On the right is Melissa Gilbert, Lunch Keynote Speaker, and on the left is Robyn Hatcher, Breakfast Keynote Speaker The 32 regional speakers included Kate Sholonski, Guzal Mustafina, Dr. Christine Kiesinger, Elizabeth Keiper, Deborah Kolsovsky, Susan Unvarsky, Jasmine Willois, Laura Ducceschi, Karolyn Demarco, Mandie Hendricks, Kimberlee Greenleaf, Megan Stone, Noelle Krempasky, Holly Pilcavage, Alex Grover, Dr. Damary Bonilla-Rodriguez, Maria Traino, Danielle Weinschenk, Kim Drumgo, Dr. Katie Leonard, Nicole Strauser, Jill Valentini, Susan Kelly, June Webre, Elizabeth Nagy, and Marlyn Kissner. While Wellness Instructors included Chelsea Manganaro, Talia Walsh, Jackie Kerekes, Edna Cementina, Christie Estadt, and Michael Normandia. Empower 2024 will be held on April 25, 2024. The featured image is the EMPOWER Lunch Sponsor, PNC Bank, local team: from the left, Jennifer Stull, Joyce Petrenchak, Lauren Allen, Angela Mariotti, Melissa Gilbert, Kathy Dunsmuir, Debbie Kolsovsky, Nicole Costanzo, Elise Hill. Check out the EMPOWER 2023 Photo Album Watch EMPOWER 2023 Keynote, Breakout, and Panel Sessions Videos About The Greater Scranton Chamber of CommerceThe Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit organization that works to improve the area’s economic environment and quality of life by offering programs and services which stimulate economic growth, promote business prosperity and nurture educational opportunities. For more information about the Chamber, visit www.scrantonchamber.com.
