Johnson College’s WAVE Department Equips to Navigate a Changing Workforce Johnson College’s Workforce Advancement & Value-Added Education (WAVE) Department is helping individuals and employers across northeastern Pennsylvania thrive in today’s fast-changing job market through innovative, hands-on training programs. WAVE is dedicated to fostering lifelong learning, skill development, career advancement, and economic mobility. The department offers flexible, career-focused courses designed to equip learners with the tools they need to succeed in high-demand fields, empowering them to adapt to change and pursue long-term professional success. “At WAVE, we believe education never stops,” said Ashley Bechaver, Director of WAVE at Johnson College. “We’re creating opportunities for people to build new skills, grow their careers, and improve their lives, no matter where they are in their professional journey.” WAVE also plays a critical role in strengthening regional industries. Through partnerships with employers across various sectors, the department delivers customized training solutions tailored to meet the evolving demands of the workforce. Programs are offered on-site at employer locations or at Johnson College’s campuses in Scranton and Hazleton. Flexible delivery formats include in-person, hybrid, and online options to meet diverse needs. “WAVE is more than a training program, it’s a strategic resource for employers who want to stay competitive by strengthening their teams’ technical skills,” Bechaver said. “By working directly with industries, we ensure our curriculum aligns with the real-world challenges businesses face every day.” Formerly known as Continuing Education, the WAVE department continues Johnson College’s commitment to workforce readiness and community impact, supporting both individual learners and the industries that drive the region’s economy. To learn more about how WAVE can support your goals, contact wave@johnson.edu or call 570-702-8979.
Everything Natural Celebrates 40 Years of Health and Wellness On Saturday, June 21st from 11AM – 3PM, Everything Natural will celebrate its 40th year of being in business with an in-store party featuring local vendors, live music, raffle giveaways, and sales across the entire store. Founded in June of 1985, this family-owned health food store has been a staple in the Clarks Summit community for four full decades. ‘We have a very rich history in the community, and we want to honor that history with a huge party,’’ said owner, Guy Fasciana. ‘This is a big deal.’ The 40th Anniversary party will feature various local vendors, including Good Juju Kombucha, High Vibe Kitchen food truck and Green Ridge Om and Wellness, as well as other store favorite products, Orka Bars Ice Cream and Z Plant Magic Mushroom Coffee. Local musician Jeremy Burke will be supplying the tunes, and Fasciana says that the sales will be quite extensive. ‘You can expect to see everything we sell in the entire store to be on sale for the party. We also will be unveiling Everything Natural merchandise, including T shirts and hats which we are really excited about.’ Mr. Fasciana owns and operates with the business with his wife, Gabby, and they reside in Clarks Summit with their two children.
Stevens & Lee Fact Sheets: Information on ICE Immigration Enforcement at Businesses/Employers Issued: January 31, 2025 US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) is a law enforcement arm of the Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”). In preparation for potential immigration enforcement by ICE at businesses/employers (collectively, “Business”), key contacts at each Business should be trained and aware of the Business’s obligations under the law. This fact sheet pertains primarily to enforcement actions affecting employees or other visitors to the Business. Definition of “immigration enforcement” for purposes of this fact/information sheet. Immigration enforcement refers to any official action that ICE could take at a Business. Immigration enforcement could include arresting employees or seeking records / other private information and may be carried out by either or both of its component agencies – Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) or Enforcement and Removal Operations (“ERO”). 2. Best practices for dealing with ICE. Appoint a Designated Business Representative (“DBR”) to lead all interactions with ICE. Ideally, the DBR should be in-house counsel as ICE may present legal documentation for the Business’s review. There should always be a DBR “on duty” as ICE could present itself at any time. If in-house counsel is not a feasible option, the DBR could be another senior administrator on-site who has direct access to in-house (or other assigned) counsel. Whoever is designated as the DBR should be knowledgeable about the Business’s rights and responsibilities with respect to ICE enforcement and should remain abreast of changes to governmental policies that may impact the Business’s rights and responsibilities. If the DBR is not an attorney, a designated attorney must be contacted immediately. All employees should be given the name, title, and contact information of the DBR. 3. If an ICE agent presents themselves at our Business, what do we do? If you are not the DBR and an ICE agent enters the Business, you should ask the agent to wait while you contact the DBR. Contact the DBR immediately. You should inform the agent that, due to protocol, you are not authorized to provide information or access to non-public areas of the Business. Remain calm and professional. If you are the DBR, first ask the agent for identification and a business card. ICE agents wear uniforms. Next, ask the agent to step into an office or room away from the reception area/lobby. Once the agent is in a private room, the DBR should ask the agent the reason for their visit and request the presentation of any legal documents. At this point, if the DBR is not an attorney, the DBR should wait for in-house counsel instruction. 4. When, if ever, must the Business cooperate? Cooperation is directly dependent on the legal documentation the ICE agent presents. The Business has the right to thoroughly review any document that the agent presents. If the DBR is not an attorney, an attorney must review the documentation provided before any action is taken. If ICE does not present documentation, the Business is not required to comply with any requests. 5. What type of documentation might ICE present? A subpoena and a warrant are both court orders serving different legal purposes. A subpoena is a document which generally compels appearance in court or the production of documentation by a specific court- imposed date and time. A warrant generally authorizes immediate action, most often an arrest of an individual or a search of a designated area. There are several types of documents ICE may present, many of which the Business is not required to immediately comply with. DOCUMENT TYPEDESCRIPTION OF DOCUMENTEFFECT ON BUSINESSJudicial WarrantA document signed by a judge which authorizes ICE to obtain records or make an arrest.Compliance is required. If the accurate Business name is listed on the warrant and it is signed by a judge, the Business must comply.Administrative WarrantA document signed by an ICE official (not a judge) which authorizes ICE to obtain records or make an arrest.The Business is NOT required to comply with an administrative warrant.Judicial SubpoenaA document signed by a judge compelling appearance or production of records by a certain date.Immediate compliance is NOT required, and the Business may choose to challenge the judicial subpoena in court. Note that there will almost certainly be a court- designated date and time listed when a response is required. The Business must comply with this deadline but is not required to provide any documentation in that instant.Administrative SubpoenaA document signed by an ICE official, rather than a judge, compelling appearance or production of records by a certain date.The Business is NOT required to comply with an administrative subpoena. 6. The ICE agent presented a valid subpoena and told me that he or she will wait while the necessary information is collected. What should I do? The DBR should let the ICE agent know that the Business will respond by the deadline listed on the subpoena. Further interaction with the ICE agent is not required. 7. ICE says that immediate compliance with the arrest of an employee is required even after establishing that a judge has not signed a warrant. What do I do? Unless there is a signed warrant from a judge, compliance is not required. 8. The DBR has determined that the Business must comply with the request of the ICE agent. How do we proceed? If the DBR has made a determination that the Business must comply immediately with a judicial warrant, he or she should request the warrant be executed in a minimally disruptive manner. The DBR should accompany the agent as the warrant is executed. In the event the Business voluntarily chooses to comply with a request, this advice remains the same. 9. ICE has requested an employees’ personnel file or other information about an employee without a court order. What do I do? Is there is not a court order, you do not need to comply. You should also consult your attorney to understand state law regarding disclosure of employee information to third parties. * There may be state and/or federal laws that your company is required to comply with regarding disclosure of employee information, etc. You should consult with an attorney to ensure that all laws that may apply specifically to your business are complied with * Additional Resources to Select Industries Generic Employee Fact Sheet.PDF Healthcare Employee Fact Sheet.PDF University Employee Fact Sheet.PDF Immigration Enforcement-Universities-FAQ.PDF Immigration Enforcement-Healthcare Facilities FAQ.PDF
Simplify NEPA Joins Nonprofit to Mop Up for Cancer Patients Local Cleaning Company Making a Difference Simplify NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act), a women-owned residential and commercial cleaning company, is proud to announce its new partnership with Cleaning for a Reason, a nonprofit organization providing free home cleaning services to cancer patients across the United States and Canada. “We are more than a cleaning company—we are a company that brings joy and peace of mind through simplicity,” said owner Judith Youshock. “Giving back to patients in need and to my community is very important to me. I have a true passion for cleaning, family, and helping others, while bringing simplicity to homes and the people who live in them. I have firsthand experience with several family members who had cancer. Fighting cancer is very hard. It would be an honor to give patients a clean, healthy home so they can concentrate on getting healthy and spending time with their families.” Through this partnership, Simplify NEPA is donating cleaning services to two cancer patients per month for two consecutive months. These complimentary cleanings are available to residents of Lackawanna County. Any individual battling cancer—regardless of age, gender, or type of cancer—may apply. For more information or to request services, visit cleaningforareason.org. About Simplify NEPA Founded in 2018, Simplify NEPA has simplified thousands of homes through expert cleaning, organizing, and decluttering services. Located in Elmhurst, PA, the company has been featured on several news outlets, offering helpful tips and decluttering challenges for homeowners. Simplify NEPA is a member of Cleaning Business Fundamentals (CBF), a group of over 500 residential cleaning companies committed to growth and continuous improvement. About Cleaning for a Reason Cleaning for a Reason partners with more than 1,400 residential cleaners throughout the United States and Canada to offer free house cleaning to any household battling cancer. Since 2006, the nonprofit and its partners have donated more than $21 million in services, helping more than 61,000 cancer patients. In 2017, Cleaning for a Reason was adopted by ISSA Charities, the charitable arm of ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association.
Circle Drive-In Movie Showings Schedule SHOWING WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11TH Screen One: “Creature from the Black Lagoon” (G – 1954) at 9 pm FREE COMMUNITY MOVIE NIGHT friday, June 13th & Saturday, June 14th DOUBLE FEATURES ON BOTH SCREENS! Screen One: “How to Train Your Dragon” (PG – 2025) at 9:00 pm “The Phoenician Scheme” (PG-13 – 2025) at 11:25 pm Screen Two: “From the World of John Wick: Ballerina” (R – 2025) at 9:10 pm “Materialists” (R – 2025) at 11:40 pm SHOWING SUNDAY, JUNE 15TH Screen One: “How to Train Your Dragon” (PG – 2025) at 9:00 pm Screen Two: “From the World of John Wick: Ballerina” (R – 2025) at 9:10 pm
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.
Penn State Scranton Holds Information Session: Sustainability Coordinator Certificate Did you know that the Securities and Exchange Commission have adopted new rules for publicly traded companies to disclose climate-related information in annual reports? Did you know that businesses that invest in sustainability outperform their peers? The sustainability coordinator’s primary responsibilities include identifying gaps or inefficiencies in a company, developing projects to create more sustainable processes/environments, and implementing the plans created to help their company’s positive impact grow. This role requires honed critical thinking- and communication skills, as well as the ability to oversee multiple projects at once. In order for businesses in all industries to be successful today, they will need Sustainability Coordinators to help assess, recommend, and implement plans to ensure the processes and policies are efficient and responsible for the three pillars of the triple bottom line: People, Prosperity, and Planet! The online, non-credit Sustainability Certificate at Penn State helps business professionals turn rigorous knowledge into meaningful action. An Information session on our Sustainability Coordinator Certificate will be held August 8th from Noon to 1 pm. Those attending will be provided a discount when they register. For more details visit: https://scranton.psu.edu/business-development-community-outreach/options/certificate-programs/sustainability or email scrantonoutreach@psu.edu
Comcast to Host NASCAR Xfinity Series Meet & Greet Event Name: NASCAR Xfinity Series Meet & Greet Date: Friday, June 20 Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Location: 1128 Commerce Blvd, Scranton, PA 18519 Special Guests: Josh Williams and Harrison Burton – current Xfinity Series drivers Extras: Swag bags (while supplies last) Food truck on-site: Grilled Cheese Café This is a great opportunity for local fans to meet professional drivers, enjoy some great food, and gear up for race weekend!
The Wright Center and WVIA-TV Seeking Audience Members for Panel Discussion The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education and WVIA-TV 44 are collaborating on the panel discussion, “Conversations for the Common Good: Shaping Tomorrow’s Health Workforce,” on Tuesday, June 17, beginning at 6:15 p.m. at Scranton Preparatory High School’s Bellarmine Theater. The free program is open to the public. The program is being recorded and will be aired live on WVIA-TV 44 in June and July. The show explores how education programs and partnerships are transforming the future of health care by training the next generation of health care professionals. Panelists include Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak, president and CEO of The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education; Dr. Katie Pittelli, president and CEO of Johnson College; Jill Avery-Stoss, president of The Institute; and Pennsylvania State Representative Bridget M. Kosierowski. Tracey Matisak of WVIA will moderate the panel discussion. The show will air on WVIA-TV 44 on June 26, 9 p.m.; June 27, 2 p.m.; June 29, 1 p.m.; July 10, 7 p.m.; July 11, 4 p.m.; and July 13, noon. To participate in the live recording, you must register for free tickets in advance. Go here for more information or to reserve your ticket.
