WVIA Invites Veterans to Mind Over Matter Taping

Veterans are invited to be part of a studio audience and community conversation for the next Mind Over Matter television special, Veterans: Wounded Within on Thursday, February 2nd, 2023 at 6 pm at WVIA studios in Pittston.

Part of WVIA’s Mind Over Matter mental health initiative, Veterans: Wounded Within will feature moderator Tracey Matisak and a panel of regional mental health experts discussing the mental health challenges of veterans. Hear stories from people who are coping with mental health challenges and find out where to get help. Audience members will have an opportunity to ask panelists questions during the program taping.

Panelists include:

  • Brian Keller, a clinical psychologist who is a veteran of both the Navy & the Army.
  • Brigadier General (PA) Maureen Weigl, Deputy Adjutant General for Veterans Affairs
  • David Eisele, Director of Lackawanna County Veterans Affairs

Reservations are free but limited and can be made at: wvia.org/mindovermatter

About Mind Over Matter

Those suffering from mental health issues often become victims of discrimination and social isolation due to the stigma attached to these disorders. This stigma is a significant public health issue and can inhibit those with mental illness to seek proper treatment and recovery.

In order to combat the stigma and increase awareness, prevention, treatment, and management of a range of mental illnesses, WVIA and Geisinger present Mind Over Matter: A Mental Health Initiative. Like WVIA’s successful Battling Opioids series, this public health initiative aims to improve the mental and physical health of our community through a multi-platform approach that includes television, radio, and digital content.

Mind Over Matter is presented by Geisinger.

WVIA Mission

WVIA educates, inspires, entertains and fosters citizenship, diverse cultures, and perspectives to nurture community.

The Dime Bank News

Enter Our Drawings for Your Chance to Win!
Supporting local businesses is important to The Dime Bank. A strong community builds a better place to live and work for all.  

That is why we are running two New Digs Drawings for a chance to win one of 20 gift cards to a local business at each of our newest branches: Steamtown at 300 Lackawanna Avenue, Scranton, in the Marketplace at Steamtown and Indian Orchard at 1055 Palmyra Highway, Honesdale. Stop by both locations and enter our drawings!!  

We expanded to bring greater banking convenience to your neighborhood. Our seven other branch locations throughout Wayne, Pike, and Lackawanna counties remain open and are here to serve you.  

Additionally, you can bank online for both your personal and business accounts. You can also open accounts online at your convenience.  

The Dime Bank is here to bring you better banking, in person and online!
Official Rules
Do you have friends or family in or around Scranton, PA? Make sure you share the news with them and encourage them to visit our new branch at The Marketplace at Steamtown at 300 Lackawanna Avenue, right next to Starbucks. The Dime Bank is committed to providing you with the ultimate customer experience and we will be equally committed to your friends and family. We will be proud to be their bank of choice too. 
Checking Accounts Should be Easy!

And it is! The Dime Bank EZ Checking account is easy to maintain with:

  • No account balance or usage requirements to track
  • Unlimited check writing and deposits
  • Easy record keeping with free electronic statements

Just a simple checking account with lots of perks like a free debit card and many online and mobile banking services.

Need a financial consultation? It’s free with this account.

And the best part is you can open your EZ Checking account online. Open your new EZ Checking account today, we love making it easy for you.

APPLY NOW
Online Banking Tips & Tricks – Transactions

Did you ever have to scroll through your transactions in search for a specific item? Well, our online banking tools make it easy to search for specific check numbers, amounts, merchants, and more, without the endless scrolling!

Explore & Learn
Access your accounts on your time. Enjoy the ultimate online banking experience with digital banking at your fingertips!
Sweepstakes Winners
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Congratulations to the winners of the Mastercard® and Jack Henry & Associates, Inc.  Summer 2022 Priceless Surprises Sweepstakes!   Cassidy Rae Eckes Nicole D Syfor Sandra M Quick
Dimeco, Inc. News
    Dimeco, Inc. (OTCQX: DIMC), the parent holding company of The Dime Bank, announced earnings for the period ending September 30, 2022. President & Chief Executive Officer Pete Bochnovich stated, “I am happy to present the financial results of Dimeco, Inc as of September 30, 2022. The results are solid, and performance is in line with management’s expectations. I am excited to report that The Dime Bank opened two new branches in the third quarter, one in Scranton and one in Honesdale. Both locations have been well received and are designed to provide better service to our customers through our universal banker model with enhanced technology. We are eager to assist new and existing customers and thank all for their continued support.”
The Dime Bank News
      Earlier this year, The Dime Bank donated $10,000.00 to NeighborWorks Northeastern PA via the Neighborhood Assistance Program. NeighborWorks rejuvenates neighborhoods and creates opportunities for individuals and families to improve their lives through quality housing and financial guidance. This donation supports the 2022 Carbondale Beautiful Blocks Program. “We are excited to partner with NeighborWorks to not only improve the appearance of neighborhoods but to build community connections between neighbors as they work together through this program” stated The Dime Bank Vice President of Marketing Deborah Unflat.
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Employees’ Fundraising Efforts
The Dime Bank employees wore jeans on October 14th to raise money for the Wayne County Children’s Christmas Bureau (WCCCB). WCCCB operates solely on donations and the funds collected will be used to purchase Christmas gifts for families in need and every child helped is from Wayne County. Visit them at wcccb.org* for more information. 
The Dime Bank employees wore jeans on September 16th to support Zipper Junction Toy Drive* & Toys for Tots*. Our branches collected new, unwrapped toys for children ages infant to 18. We are proud to take part in this effort of helping families in need during the upcoming holiday season.
November 2022 Sponsorships
  Project Morry, Wayne Area Sports Hall of Fame, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Wayne County Historical Society, Dunmore Biddy Basketball, Greater Carbondale Miss C Softball League, Grover M Herman Hospital Auxiliary, Hawley Fire Department, Texas No 4 Fire Company.
More information on the above events/organizations.


Brightening the Outlook for Retired Veterans
 


The Dime Bank is proud to provide support for local retired Veterans through programs provided by Senior Crime Prevention Foundation®. We are excited to be a part of the nationwide banking initiative to operate programs in Veterans Homes across America that help protect veterans from financial and physical abuse. This is one of the many ways we give back to the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much. Join us this Veterans Day, and every day, as we honor them for their service.

Keystone College News

Keystone College Selected as One of the Top Schools for Veterans

Keystone College has been included among a group of colleges and universities that are doing the most to educate and serve our nation’s veterans. 

Keystone has been listed as a school which is “Best for Vets” by Military Times Magazine, a national publication which serves veterans and active military members. 

Keystone’s selection was compiled through the magazine’s extensive research to determine those schools which best serve veterans, their family members, and dependents through educational opportunities, financial assistance, and services.

“Throughout our history, Keystone has been especially attentive to providing a quality education to the men and women who have served our nation,” said Keystone College Interim President John F. Pullo, Sr. “For that reason, we are once again honored to be included as a top school for veterans by Military Times Magazine.”  

In previous years, Keystone has also been listed as a top school for veterans by other national military and veterans publications. Founded in 1868, with a commitment to providing an education to Civil War veterans and their families, Keystone is home to the Elmer Hawk ’48 Veterans Center. The Center is now the East Coast home for Veterans Stand Together, a national non-profit organization dedicated to veterans’ advocacy and support and is also the home of the Keystone Armed Services Club.

The Veterans Center offers a comfortable and convenient meeting place for this special group of Keystone students who have given so much to their country. Students can meet with each other, complete their school assignments, or simply relax, read, visit with friends and family members, or watch television while waiting for their next class.

Recognized as one of the best educational values in Northeastern Pennsylvania, Keystone offers more than 50 undergraduate and graduate degree options in liberal arts and science-based programs in business, communications, education, natural science, environmental science, and social sciences. Located 15 minutes from Scranton, Pa. and two hours from New York City and Philadelphia, Keystone is known for small class sizes and individual attention focused on student success through internships, research, and community involvement.

Geisinger To Host Dinners for Local Veterans

To thank local military veterans for their service, Geisinger will host drive-through Veterans Appreciation dinners at 11 locations across the health system’s service area from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 10. Geisinger Healthplex State College will serve meals from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

The dinners for U.S. military veterans and a guest are being provided at no cost to participants. Anyone interested should make a reservation by Tuesday, Nov. 1.

Geisinger will again serve this dinner as a drive-through event for the safety of the community, staff and volunteers. Last year’s event served more than 2,300 meals.

This year marks the 20th anniversary for the event at Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital, where it originated before expanding to other Geisinger facilities. This year’s event will grow from nine locations to 11.

Veterans may contact their preferred location to register themselves and one guest for the meal. Servings are limited, and those interested are encouraged to sign up now.

Locations are:

Pittston Township

Scranton

Wilkes-Barre

Bloomsburg

Danville

Jersey Shore

Lewistown

Mifflintown

Muncy

Shamokin

State College

  • Geisinger Healthplex State College, 132 Abigail Lane, Port Matilda
  • To make a reservation, visit go.geisinger.org/vetsdinner/statecollege or call 814-272-5032.
  • Meals will be served at this location from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee Advances Proposals to Benefit Female Veterans and Children of Military Families

Rep. Karen Boback (R-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Wyoming), chairman of the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, on Monday led a voting meeting at which six pieces of legislation to benefit Pennsylvania’s military members, veterans and emergency responders were unanimously approved.

The proposals included House Resolution 129, sponsored by Rep. Tracy Pennycuick (R-Montgomery), which would require the Joint State Government Commission to study and report findings and recommendations on prominent issues facing female veterans, including post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, military sexual trauma, and alcohol and substance abuse.

“Pennsylvania’s more than 71,000 women veterans often have different needs and issues when it comes to their health care. Whether it be how they process and deal with trauma and other mental health issues, they are not being adequately served under the current male-focused health care model in place,” Pennycuick told the committee.

“This legislation is long overdue. Our female veterans deserve the same kind of quality health care benefits as their male counterparts,” said Boback. “I am pleased we were able to move this important bill through the committee and look forward to its consideration in the House.”

Boback is the prime sponsor of House Bill 1867, legislation that would establish the Purple Star School Program. Under the proposal, Pennsylvania schools would be designated as Purple Star campuses if they demonstrate military-friendly practices and meet certain requirements such as: having a military liaison staff member; a webpage that includes resources for military students and families; and professional development training opportunities for staff members on issues relating to military students. The program is voluntary.

“This program would recognize schools that provide strong services for any educational transition issues encountered by military families and their children, who may experience multiple moves during their school-aged years,” Boback explained. “The Purple Star designation would signal that a school supports the social and emotional well-being of military children who are adjusting to new schools.”

Other measures advanced by the committee include:   

  • House Bill 1962, sponsored by Rep. Lou Schmitt (R-Blair), which would place a Pennsylvania Career Fire Chiefs Association member on the state 911 Advisory Board.
  • House Bill 2096, sponsored by Rep. Todd Polinchock (R-Bucks) which would authorize certain medals and awards to be presented to civilians and military members of a friendly foreign nation.
  • House Resolution 166, sponsored by Boback, which would urge the State Council on Interstate Education Opportunity for Military Children and the National Compact Commission to make National Guard/reserve members eligible for the Military Interstate Children’s Compact.
  • Senate Bill 739, sponsored by Sen. Pat Stefano (R-32), which would authorize the Pennsylvania Professional Firefighters Association, Pennsylvania Career Fire Chiefs Association, Department of Community and Economic Development secretary or designee, and Department of Conservation and Natural Resources secretary or designee, as voting members of the application review committee for the state Fire and Emergency Medical Services Loan Program. 

All six measures will next be considered by the full House of Representatives.

Geisinger Recognized for Military Employment and Support

Geisinger has been recognized for its continued support of military veterans and active service members with two recent designations. The Pennsylvania-based health organization was recognized by Military Times on its 2021 Best for Vets: Employers rankings and earned the 2022 Military Friendly® Employer designation by VIQTORY.

Both honors recognize Geisinger’s commitment and efforts to building programs and opportunities for military veterans.

“Both of these honors recognize Geisinger’s commitment to building important programs and opportunities for our military veterans in the community and beyond,” said Kim Drumgo, Geisinger’s chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer. “We know that a diverse workforce with unique experiences and backgrounds makes our team stronger, and our veterans and their family members are an important part of our Geisinger family. We honor their many sacrifices and support their career growth and health.”

To be designated a Military Friendly Employer, Geisinger was evaluated using public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. Methodology, criteria and weightings were determined by VIQTORY with input from the Military Friendly Advisory Council of independent leaders in the higher education and military recruitment community. Final ratings were determined by combining an organization’s survey score with an assessment of the organization’s ability to meet thresholds for applicants, new hire retention, employee turnover and promotion & advancement of veterans and military employees.

For the Best for Vets ranking, Military Times collaborated with Fors Marsh Group (FMG) to update the research methodology and analysis from previous years to provide a streamlined, user-friendly survey experience for participants. All survey changes were made based on subject matter expert reviews of the survey and rigorous qualitative research, including focus groups and in-depth interviews with Military Times subscribers. FMG designed, deployed, analyzed and wrote the report for this year’s survey.

The updated survey captured the areas of greatest importance to transitioning service members, veterans and their families when looking for an employer. Recruitment and employment practices, as well as retention and support programs, were given the most weight and importance in scoring and final rankings.

“Geisinger is committed to military veterans by providing care options and career opportunities to them in their local communities,” said U.S. Army veteran Chris Grill, program manager of Military and Veterans Affairs at Geisinger. “We know that employing talented people, like those from our veteran community, contributes to our overall goal of making better health easier for our patients and members.”

Geisinger employs more than 700 active-duty service members and veterans throughout the system. As part of its commitment to the military and its veterans, Geisinger introduced a paid military leave benefit, which provides service members employed by Geisinger to be paid for time at annual trainings, encampments and drills. It also recently established military fellowship program eases the transition of active-duty service members looking to move into a civilian career. To learn more about Geisinger’s veteran programs and career opportunities, visit jobs.geisinger.org/veterans.

Waverly United Methodist Church Drive-Thru Pasta Dinner to Honor Veterans

In honor of Veteran’s Day, Waverly United Methodist Church (UMC) will offer FREE Drive Thru pasta dinners on Friday, November 5th, beginning at 4:30 p.m. until all the meals have been claimed.

Co-sponsored by the First Baptist Church of Abington, Walmart, and Waverly United Methodist Church, this Veterans’ Pasta Dinner has become a much-anticipated annual event. Typically, this dinner would be offered as a dine-in event at the Waverly Community House, complete with musical entertainment. However, like so many other local traditions, 2020 saw the format of this dinner changed in response to COVID.

The2021 Veterans’ Pasta Dinner will be available in Drive-Thru/Take-Out format and can be picked up at Waverly UMC, located at 105 Church Street, On the COMM Square, in Waverly. This meal is made possible, in part, by a grant from Walmart and is open and available at no cost to all community members.

Please note only 150 meals are available. Dinners will be available from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.or until they are gone. No reservations are necessary, but anyone wishing to obtain a meal is encouraged to come out early as meals will not be held and are distributed on a first-come/first-served basis.

Each meal includes pasta, marinara sauce, and meatballs, salad with dressing, a roll with butter, and dessert.

As each meal is distributed, volunteers will gratefully accept any offered donations on behalf of Equines For Freedom.This is the second year that donations from this event have been designated for Equines For Freedom (EFF). EFF is a 501©3 charitable organization which offers FREE horse-assisted therapy services for Veterans and First Responders with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). EFF services are completely confidential and are offered at no cost regardless of the source of the client’s trauma or the character of their military service.

‘For Those Who Served’ Package of Bills Gains Traction in the House, Aims to Assist Veterans

Rep. Karen Boback (R-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Wyoming), majority chairman of the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, joined by members of the committee and other House members, along with Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre/Mifflin), stand in support of the ‘For Those Who Served’ package of bills aimed at assisting veterans and their families.

“We stand here today in this beautiful setting of Soldier’s Grove to honor the men and women who served our country honorably and heroically as members of our armed forces,” said Boback. “The bills were reported out of my committee just before Memorial Day. With the remembrance of D-Day, June 6, 1944, coupled with the upcoming 4th of July celebration, we felt that it was paramount to work together on behalf of our veteran community throughout the Commonwealth. The committee came together, in a bipartisan fashion, to produce a package of bills that will truly assist our veterans and their families.

“I know that there is more to do, and I assure you other bills will follow later in the year, but this package of bills will improve the lives of veterans across Pennsylvania. The package increases funding for our Act 66 Veterans Service Office Program, as well as our Pennsylvania Veterans Trust Fund. Additional funding is also increased for our Veteran Honor Guard Programs at Pennsylvania’s three national cemeteries and increases our State Blind and Paralyzed Veterans Pension Programs.

“The committee worked to additionally enhance college admission criteria, create greater protections for veterans discharge papers, update our veterans’ outreach and service programs and membership criteria for various veterans and military commissions. There is legislation also focused on establishing Pennsylvania as a partner in the ‘National Medal of Honor Highway’ and a resolution to call on the United States Congress to embrace new therapies for the treatment of post-traumatic stress injuries.

“We must always search for solutions and assistance for those who have suffered trauma, injuries and loss on our behalf – they truly deserve the best care they can receive. I am grateful for the sponsors of the legislation and the committee members and I look forward to seeing their passage through the General Assembly.”

‘For Those Who Served’ package of bills included House Bills 164, 490, 941, 995, 1055, 1057, 1091, 1220, 1389, 1421, and 1427; House Resolution 103; and Senate Bill 155.

For more information on the legislation, go to https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/bills/.

The press conference can be viewed here.