The Northeast Pennsylvania Business Journal, February 2020

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NEW MONTHLY FEATURE: COMMUNITY SPOTLIgHT

February 2020 VOL. 35 NO. 2

Retirement planning in the digital age out emotional hunches. Professionals should select specific investment choices after comIn the digital age, retirement planning can pleting the appropriate due diligence. become a day-to-day roller coaster ride, but “Our job is not the occasional home run,” the tactical roots of investment remain firmly said Ramassini. “It’s to be slow and steady imbedded within traditional tactics for wealth and create a portfolio that can actually grow management. after retirement begins.”

During 2020, investors Risk adversity is an issue with many will have the same opporinvestors, and portfolio managers should tunities that have existed help their clients understand this. Most for multiple decades, risk-adverse investors can be a bit malaccording to Rich Ramasleable, but fundamentally will not change sini, director of strategy their belief system. and sales performance Wealth managers must also consider the with PNC Investments. time horizon existing until client retirement.

Ramassini He urges investors to This demands creation of an appropriate ignore gloomy predictions portfolio that respects the realities of the cliproclaiming they should limit or even leave ent’s situation. the investment markets, and noted anyone Ramassini emphasized that it is never too who recently exited missed on solid market late in life to start investing, provided that expansion that has taken place. the client understands the portfolio must be “Investors must realize they can control practical. Priorities must match reality and only the ‘controllable’ and must not let the never deny limitations of where the portfogloom and doom of the 24-hour news cycle lio’s funding will come from. and normal market swings get them down,” With many clients, drastic reduction in exsaid Ramassini. “We therefore recommend penses may be needed in order to provide the investors go on a restricted information diet financial input for the plan to meet the inveswithout burying their head in the sand.” tor’s goals. This also may include strategic According to Ramassini, the keys to downsizing that has been carefully evaluated investment success are discipline with parfor its true consequences. ticipation. Uncle Sam continues to encourage With federal debt levels now tallying $1 investment and savings, while Roth IRA and trillion per year and total federal debt exceed401(k) plans can create sizeable tax and wage ing $21 trillion, Ramassini is pragmatic about match advantages. the debt and its effects on the economy. He He also preaches that all retirement noted that Washington has been subsidizportfolios should be managed with conscious ing the nation’s economy regularly for many diversity, which is the opposite of playing decades by borrowing and spending, but

by Dave Gardner

despite this mounting scenario it would be very difficult for Congress to unwind the financial commitment made to retirees for Social Security and Medicare.

Instead of a sudden financial crisis with these programs, Ramassini envisions incrementally reduced benefits for those now with ages of 55 and older. He therefore urges clients to focus on their individual situations, while keeping only an eye on macro-economic trends.

“History clearly proves that fear and worry can create bad decisions,” said Ramassini.

“It’s true that we are going to pay a price for all of this government debt, but that day is not here yet and we must not let worry about the future sabotage today.”

Savers before investors Investment should never become overly complex, according to Lou Ingargiola, president of the Ingargiola Wealth Management Group. He urges potential clients to consciously become savers before becoming investors, and he adds that estate planning and living wills are both key parts of retirement planning.

According to Ingargiola, investors need to Ingargiola live below their financial means, avoid letting the daily “noise” of the media distract them and not react to normal market fluctuations as investment numbers move up and down. With young potential investors, he has noticed many millennials are now buying homes as they become savers.

“Most of these millennial kids have been burdened with heavy school debt they had to get past, and that takes time,” said IngarPle ase se e Digital, Page 5

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Discover the Abingtons

SEE PAgE 4

ALSO INSIDE:

Valentine’s Day shopping outlook

SEE PAgE 6

February is Heart Health Month

SEE PAgES 12-13

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BRAND

winners, losers and cruisers: Brands to watch in 2020

by Dave Taylor

Here’s a quick look at brands that will be growing, shrinking, or maybe just disappearing in the coming year. comcast. The Big Boys of Cable have got to be feeling more and more like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. They lived the good life when they could pretty much rob their customers at will while pretending to be nice about it. But now they are surrounded by the Bolivian army in the form of streaming brands like Netflix, Apple TV+, and Amazon Prime. The real irony is that many of these streaming products are being delivered by Comcast’s own internet service. Comcast is rapidly losing relevance and the ability to charge for channels their customers don’t want. telsa/Elon musk. What I love about the Tesla/ Musk brand (and let’s face it they are inseparable) is the ongoing entertainment value that’s out of this world, sometimes literally. If you had bought

their stock in June of 2019, you’d have doubled your money by now, but that’s partly because the brand looked to be in deep trouble with production delays and possible malfunctions of its “Autopilot” software. In six months, their revenues have recovered, they are introducing new models including, a futuristic truck that looks like a stealth bomber, and Elon has managed to behave more appropriately for a CEO. Tesla/Musk just may have become the king of “what’s next,” beating out another pretty big brand, Apple, for the title, at least for now.

Juul. “And the winner of the 2020 Brand Most Likely to Disappear is…” Reminds me of the old joke about heading in the wrong direction but making really good time. This vaping brand is going to fall just as fast as it grew. Did they not see the potential for the trouble they’re in now? A product that introduces chemicals into the sensitive lungs of people of all ages? What could go wrong? Turns Ple ase se e Brands, Page 3

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Business Journal NoRtHEASt

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FEBRUARY 2020

PENNSYlVANiA

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NPBJ is protected under the federal Copyright Act. Reproductions of any part by any means or facsimiles without the express written permission of the publisher are not permitted. Reprints of NPBJ articles are available. Northeast Pennsylvania Business Journal cannot be responsible for the return of unsolicited materials — manuscripts or photographs — with or without the inclusion of a stamped, self-addressed return envelope. Information in this publication is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy and completeness of the information cannot be guaranteed. No information expressed herein constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any securities. Northeast Pennsylvania Business Journal (ISSN 1078-5698) is published monthly except twice in the month of May by The Scranton Times from offices located at 149 Penn Ave., Scranton, PA. Periodicals postage paid at Scranton, PA. The Journal serves business owners, managers and professionals in a 10-county region. Subscriptions are available for $28 per year, $49 two years or $64 for three years. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Northeast Pennsylvania Business Journal, 149 Penn Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503.

FEATURES

Retirement planning .................. 1 Mental health in the workplace..... 3 Valentine’s shopping outlook........ 6 Heart health .......................... 12 Health care study .................... 13 Celebrating Women ................. 15 Cardboard plant tour ................ 16 Marketing strategies................ 17 Regional CBD market ............... 22

Highland Associates ..................9

EXECUTIVE SUITE Brand .................................... 2 Economic development ............. 10 Banking & finance ................... 11 Education ............................. 14

BUSINESS BULLETINS

Personnel File.................... 24-27 Business Briefs .................. 26-27 ARCHITECTS & ENGINEERS Barry Isett & Associates ............. 8 For the Record ................... 28-31

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FEATURE

State addresses mental health in the workplace of the Scranton Chapter of NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. “That’s about 1 million It is a stigma that many are trying to drop – Pennsylvanians. In Lackawanna County alone, talking about mental health issues, especially in that’s 42,000. It’s just as common as any other the workplace. health concern, including the cost.”

A new program debuting in Pennsylvania, She said any other health concern that affected ‘Reach Out PA: Your Mental Health Matters,’ this many people would be treated as such. focuses on widening state support and resources As part of the initiative, the Pennsylvania for those facing mental health issues and crises. Insurance Department will examine regulations “For those struggling with their mental health, to make sure Pennsylvanians’ health insurance we have one message: your mental health matters includes mental health access. The Department of and it’s okay to reach out for help,” Gov. Tom Wolf Health will make sure those enrolled in Medicare said in announcing the program in January. “We have access to those services and the departare stepping up our efforts to ensure every Pennments of Labor and Industry and State will make sylvanian can access mental health care and more sure employers have the resources they need to agencies can respond to the challenges facing address any inadequacies.

Pennsylvanians struggling with their mental health.

“We know that well supported employees The act of reaching out for help – or to help – can do better work,” said Onukiavage. “We know make a huge difference for someone struggling.” that mental health conditions are treatable, so “We know that one in five of us will be afacknowledging and accepting that they are there fected by a mental health condition in any given and they can be treated and someone can continyear,” said Marie Onukiavage, executive director ue to be a valued employee is really important.”

by Phil Yacuboski

BRANDS: A 2020 watch list FROM PAGE 2

out, pretty much everything can. Between lawsuits and a growing number of bans on vaping products, this brand has nowhere to go but up in smoke. (Yeah, I went there.)

Boeing. The question for 2020, is will Boeing go “boing” or go bust? The 737 Max debacle has driven up their debt and has moved beyond damaging a particular product brand name to affecting the perception of the entire company.

Their CEO just got his walking papers and when the Max is reintroduced later this year as planned, passengers around the world will be asking about what plane they are flying in like never before. Safety is the foundation of any air travel brand. Boeing has a big crack in it right now. Only a perfect track record can save them going forward.

Apple. I have to laugh at critics of Apple, who claim they lack sufficient innovation to sustain their growth as a company and a brand. Their revenues and stock price continue to increase, and they create some of the most powerful advertising in the world. That’s because Apple

understands that their brand experience is less about their products and more about what people can do to be creative with them. All you want is to make cheap phone calls? Buy a prepaid burner. But if you want to make movies with your friends on the spur of the moment, buy an iPhone. And load it with songs from iTunes. And watch Apple TV on it instead of paying for cable.

Right, Comcast?

She said there is a lot of stigma and even discrimination surrounding mental illness and efforts like this one aim to end those or raise awareness.

“This educates people and that’s a good thing,” she said.

Onukiavage said business owners can begin by recognizing the barriers to treatment. If an employer offers benefits, they can examine their insurance to find what is and is not covered.

She also said they can review their Employee Assistance Program and what they offer to their employees.

“Make sure you find a way to make sure your employees understand their mental health benefits, whether it’s through trainings or other ways,” she said.

Emails, literature and other ways are helpful, she said to ‘get the word out.’

“Make mental health the daily conversation at work as much as you would a flu shot,” Onukiavage said.

As part of the ‘Reach Out PA’ program, the Wolf Administration has instructed practices used by the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs to create similar programs to combat mental health stigma. Similar efforts will be targeted to children and young adults.

“Self-care is important regardless of what industry someone is employed in,” said Rebecca Nazarchuk-Koehler, the director of clinical services at The Aaron Center, a mental health clinic located in Dickson City. “It is important to have a healthy work-life balance regardless of the position or industry. A healthy employee appears to be more likely to be on time for work and enthusiastic for their work if they are healthy. This means less turnover and more productivity.”

She said the stigma issue is something society has to work to overcome.

“There appears to be a stigma around asking for help, whether it’s for mental health assistance or financial assistance or another type of assistance,” she said.

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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Discover the Abingtons A lot of people relocating from out of the area request the Abington Heights School District.”

Clarks Summit’s annual Festival of Ice draws an Meanwhile, down the road in South Abington average of about to 35,000 people over the course of Township, new development is on the way. the weekend each February.

“There’s a lot going on there,” Farrell said. “They Other seasonal highlights in the borough include a are in the process of demolishing an old hotel and fall fun event, and Santa rolls into town on a firetruck. they’re going to build a large shopping center at This hub of the Abingtons hosts many of the businesses in the area, though just down the road in Nichols Village.”

Clarks Green, on the north side of Clarks Summit, is South Abington Township, commerce is thriving. home to a few businesses, and Waverly farther up the Clarks Summit, about seven miles away from road, is primarily residential.

Scranton, is surrounded by South Abington Township to the west, south and east and Clarks Green and Laura Ancherani, executive director of the Abington Waverly to the north.

Business & Professional Association, agrees the draw It’s something more than festivals that sets the for Clarks Summit is the small-town community feel.

Abingtons apart from other downtowns and shopping “And the local businesses, as opposed to shopping centers and draws tourists and shoppers. at a chain store,” she said.

“It has a different feeling coming to downtown Clarks She also agreed that in any kind of discussion Summit,” said Neil Persad, owner of Everything Natural about the area, the school district is part of it. on South State Street. “The people are friendly, it’s more Ancherani, who oversees the ice festival, said this community-oriented. Also, the selection of stores.” year is the 16th. Set for Feb. 14-16, it features comEverything Natural is among the specialty stores established in the downtown alongside the restaurants, pleted ice sculptures and some sculpted on site.

It’s always tricky working around the weather, but banks, insurance companies and other businesses. she plans the event as if the weather will be ideal.

“Business has its ups and downs,” Persad said, adding, though it is busiest for the ice festival and in “I’ve dealt with every kind of weather imaginable,” EMMA BLACK / Times-Shamrock file photo the summer. said Ancherani. “I’ve been doing it since 2008. You’re at At a summer 2018 community block party in downtown Clarks Summit, from left, first row, Justin Steven Farrell, owner of Classic Properties real and Wyatt Duggan. Second row, Karen and JJ Duggan. the mercy of the weather.” estate agency, said Clarks Summit, unlike some other downtowns, draws businesses and shoppers alike.

“We never have a problem filling storefronts,” Farrell said. “It’s very walkable, there are shops and restaurants, small businesses. It’s just quaint. Obviously, it’s very safe, very well lit at night.” Farrell, whose business includes the main office in Clarks Summit and branches in Kingston, Gouldsboro and Mountainhome, added that his Clarks Summit employees love the various options they have for lunch and they can walk to different events.

“Whenever we have a closing for a house, they want to have it here so they can go to lunch or celebrate with a cocktail,” he said.

He said people live in upper floor apartments downtown or live close by and like the convenience of walking to downtown venues.

The Abingtons area is a popular place to live, primarily because of the Abington Heights School District.

“The average (real estate) price in the Abingtons is almost $100,000 more than in the rest of the county,” Farrell said. “The school district drives it. It’s the Elizabeth Baumeister / Times-Shamrock file photo Ice chips fly as carver Johnny Hanson works on the details of a sculpture during the 15th Anniversary Clarks Summit Festival of Ice in 2019. number-one school district in northeast Pennsylvania.

by Joe Sylvester

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FEBRUARY 2020

DIGITAL: Retirement planning update FROM PAGE 1

giola. “Fortunately, the placement rate for jobs after school has been favorable, and the educational debt pay down finally is producing results.”

He also has noted that millennial investors hold portfolio managers accountable for performance. Within today’s “Amazon world” the youth totally understand they can perform their own investments by simply hitting a button.

Within conservative NEPA, large numbers of people who are extremely risk adverse to investment are a reality, and while Ingargiola understands these clients, he also warns that they will never generate true wealth. Involvement within equity markets is the way to have a client’s money grow beyond inflation, and portfolio managers must help clients avoid “noise” while setting realistic expectations.

“In reality, markets consistently rise over the long haul, but they also can decline day to day,” said Ingargiola. “A portfolio manager worth their salt must educate the clients to worry less during the downtowns.”

He emphasized that it’s never too late to start investing for retirement, even among the 55-plus crowd. For these eventual retirees, he advises that 80% of the portfolio should be placed into the investment market and workplace retirement plans should be maxed.

The investor must then patiently ride out the inevitable ups and downs while steering

clear of anything that’s too good to be true.

“If you believe in capitalism, ebbs and flows are normal and there are no promised returns,” said Ingargiola. “You have to experience these changes if you are to reach your retirement expectations.”

In addition, Ingargiola communicates to clients that there are no crystal balls with investments. He refuses to do any predictions of “hot” categories to invest in, and instead advises diversity within a relatively simple portfolio with realistic client expectations, patience and the acceptance of surprises.

“Who could have ever forecast that the nation would have so much oil from shale that we wouldn’t know what to do with it?” said Ingargiola.

In addition, Ingargiola warned about the reality of elder abuse within finance. He therefore requires older investors to provide a trusted contact who can be contacted if evidence of potential predatory activity occurs.

Behavioral economics Staring investment early in life is a key to prosperity, according to Edward Scahill, Ph.D., assistant professor of economics at the University of Scranton.

He urges every adult, at the earliest possible time, to set money aside every Scahill month, thereby creating

a savings habit that will compound principle plus interests.

Instigating these types of habits within people is a part of the effort known as “behavioral economics,” and has generated some success. Dr. Scahill noted that savings rates in the U.S. have actually risen, and some employers are offering automatic enrollment within retirement plans that can only be stopped by direct instructions from the employee.

Another area of retirement planning recognizes how $16 trillion of baby boomer money is about to pass to descendants, and must be handled properly through estate planning.

“This should only be done through a professional,” said Dr. Scahill. “There are some concerns that a great deal of this money could wind up being blown.”

He added that any talk of ending Medicare and Social Security, or big cutbacks to the programs, are probably fictional because of the power of retirees as a voting bloc. However, a recent Social Security trustee report said that deep financing trouble will appear with both programs by 2043, and that the national media is dropping the ball in the failure to report about this impending crisis.

Measurable results A key to wealth planning involves how the nation’s youth must understand the need to pay themselves first, said Justin Matus, Ph.D., associate professor with the Sidhu School of Business and Leadership at Wilkes

Matus

University. A tool such as a Roth IRA, with as little as $25 a month automatically channeled into it, will produce measurable results as the years pass by.

“I also believe you should own your own home as soon as possible,” said Dr. Matus. “I realize this is old school thinking, but basic fundamentals don’t change.”

He explained there are no profound secrets regarding investment. Simple basic goals, portfolio diversity and regular participation are key.

“Making a behavioral change to invest is somewhat like the story of the obese smoker – he knows what he’s doing is bad, and that he should stop,” said Dr. Matus. “Knowing you should do something, and making it happen, are two different things.”

Dr. Matus also fully recognizes that all is not well with today’s supposed economic miracle economy. The nation is experiencing GDP growth a bit more than 2%, but 5% of the GDP is being borrowed by Washington as it channels this $1 trillion annually into the economy.

This massive economic stimulation is creating many questions with few answers about the real state of the nation’s GDP. This is particularly true with Medicare and Social Security funding, and Dr. Matus forecasts that people may be required to work longer with reduced retirement benefits.

“Medicare is probably going to evolve into segments of various models from around world, and for most retirees it will become some sort of managed care plan,” said Dr. Matus. “There are so many shareholders with these programs, and many unknowns, but changes that occur will undoubtedly occur step by step.”

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FEATURE

Sweet shopping

by Phil Yacuboski

Lovers will spend about $19.6 billion on Valentine’s Day this year, according to statistics from the National Retail Federation. And between cards, candy flowers, dinner and perhaps a nice gift, the average consumer expects to cash in on those wanting to make Valentine’s Day extra lovely.

“It’s one the busiest holidays for us,” said Mari Jane Stankowski, partner, South Side Floral in Scranton. She said while Valentine’s Day is a busy holiday, Mother’s Day is first for her floral shop.

Stankowski said they are third-generation owners and they’ve seen ‘a lot’ when it comes to trends and how to prepare for the big holidays throughout the year.

“We do special arrangements and we have to make sure we have everything in stock for those arrangements.”

Stankowski said to plan, they examine last year’s numbers and then begin purchasing to see what the forecast would be for this year.

“The majority of roses come from South America, even Africa,” she said, which typically go up in price around the holidays. “Because it’s such a big romantic holiday, the growers will sometimes

hold back some stock so they have a large supply and then they charge more.”

She said she’ll charge about $75 for one dozen of roses.

“It’s our busiest winter holiday for us before the spring,” said Jerry Longo, owner, Jerry’s for All Seasons in Dunmore.

He said about 85-90% of those buying flowers for Valentine’s Day want roses.

“They come from Ecuador and they are flown in from Miami, so we will have plenty,” he said.

Longo said they will hire extra staff and have extra delivery trucks to handle the extra demand.

“Falling on a weekday, it’s good for us,” he said.

“Most men will send it to the business where she works, so we have to get it there by 3 p.m. We’ve been doing this for 30 years, so we know what we are doing.”

“The wire services, like TeleFlora, 1-800-FLOWERS, and FTD, are offering a discount if you have them delivered before Valentine’s Day,” she said.

“And some people are opting for that.” then they aren’t at work or they might go away for She said because Valentine’s Day 2020 falls on the weekend, so we’ll see how this year goes.” a Friday, it’s ‘iffy.’

“We are looking forward to a good holiday,” “A lot of people like to send flowers to work to said Longo. their sweetheart,” she said. “If it falls on a weekend, The National Retail Federation said men be-

tween the ages of 35-44 are the biggest spenders on the holiday. A study found that while department stores are popular destinations for those shopping for gifts, going to the movies is also a popular item in addition to dinner and other small gifts.

Tips for buying jewelry this Valentine’s Day Valentine’s Day is rife with tradition. Couples may have their own unique traditions, but others, like Valentine’s Day date nights, are widely popular.

One Valentine’s Day tradition many couples embrace is the exchange of gifts. Shoppers might not need much advice when purchasing heart-shaped boxes of chocolates or flowers for their sweethearts. However, when shopping for jewelry, Valentine’s Day celebrants may feel as though they’re in over their heads. The following tips, courtesy of the Better Business Bureau¨, can help shoppers as they navigate the potentially confusing process of buying jewelry.

Diamonds The BBB notes that diamonds’ value is based on color, cut, clarity, and carat. Often referred to as the “4 Cs,” this criteria refers to the grade of the color (color), the way the diamond is finished (cut), how flawless the diamond is (clarity), and its weight (carat). When shopping for diamonds, the BBB advises asking jewelers if they have

the most up-to-date testing equipment, which makes it easier for them to distinguish between diamonds and lab-created gemstones. That’s important, as lab-created gemstones resemble diamonds and may not be detectable if jewelers are using testing equipment designed to identify cubic zirconia.

Colored gemstones Colored gemstones are very popular, and the BBB notes that various new stone treatments have been developed to improve their appearance and durability. However, the BBB also notes that such treatments may adversely affect the value of the gem and necessitate special care in order to maintain the gem’s appearance. When shopping for colored gemstones, ask the jeweler if an item has been treated and if there’s any special maintenance required. Imitation or assembled stones may look like natural stones, so shoppers should ask if a stone is natural, synthetic or imitation before purchasing anything.

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FEBRUARY 2020

Gold When used alone, the word gold implies an item is all gold or 24 karat gold. But the BBB notes that gold is naturally soft and, as a result, is typically mixed with other metals to improve its hardness and durability. The karat-quality marking indicates what proportion of gold is mixed with other metals.

For example, the most common mark for gold jewelry is 18K of 750, which signifies an item is 75% gold. Lower-karat gold jewelry may include copper, silver, zinc, or other metals. Consumers should ask about these alloys and determine if the item’s ultimate recipient is allergic to certain metals or if he or she has a high acid content in their bodies.

People with high acid content in their bodies may have their jewelry turn black as a result.

Buying jewelry can be intimidating. However, jewelry buyers can work with their jewelers to find a beautiful piece their sweethearts will be proud to The Better Business Bureau offers several tips wear this Valentine’s Day. More information on buy- to help shoppers as they navigate the potening jewelry can be found at bbb.org. tially confusing process of buying jewelry.

Popular candies share sweet words of love There are many ways to say, “I love you.” For Valentine’s Day celebrants, various sentiments may be expressed with candy - particularly candy hearts.

Candy hearts, also called “Conversation Hearts¨ and “Sweethearts¨ (similarly Love Hearts in the UK), are sweet, chalky confections that have been around for more than 100 years. The conversation about candy hearts began back in 1847 when Oliver Chase, a Boston pharmacist, wanted to get in on the apothecary lozenge craze that was popular at the time. Lozenges were common remedies for sore throats and bad breath, and were growing in popularity as a convenient medical treatment.

Chase invented a machine that could roll out lozenge dough and press it into perfect discs, a time-saving improvement on the manual process used until then. Chase eventually abandoned making lozenges and the pharmacy business, ultimately realizing his machine could be used to make candies. He formed the New England Confectionery Company and began producing what would eventually be known as NECCO wafers.

Wanting to get in on his brother’s candy empire, Daniel Chase saw an opportunity to build on the

growing popularity of Valentine’s cards by printing words on candy with vegetable dye during the cutting process. In 1866, conversation candies began as round confections and were much bigger than today’s heart varieties. It wouldn’t be until 1902 that conversation candy hearts became available.

Through the years, the candies became smaller and the sentiments expressed on the hearts have been updated to stay current with the times.

Phrases like “LOL,” “BFF” and “Text me” have replaced some less modern sentiments.

At the height of the candies’ popularity, NECCO estimated that it made nearly 100,000 pounds of the hearts each day throughout the year in preparation for Valentine’s Day. In 2019, NECCO filed for bankruptcy and did not produce the iconic candy hearts while it was being purchased by an investment company called Round Hill Investments, LLC. Round Hill decided to sell NECCO to another candy company. Fortune magazine reported Spangler Candy Co., which took over rights to NECCO’s iconic brands, would manufacture candy hearts in 2020. Similar conversation hearts also are available through Brach’s Candy hearts have long been a way to share sweet words of affection and a sugary treat with candy company. the ones you love.

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ADVERTORIAL

ARCHITECTS & ENGINEERS

Barry Isett & Associates Barry Isett & Associates recently relocated in Hazleton nearly as high (11 stories) as the distance the move covered on the ground.

The top floor of Hazleton’s tallest building is now the new home for that city’s Isett office.

The address is 8 West Broad Street, which is the historic Hayden Tower at the Markle building and just one block from Isett’s former location.

People may channel classic television with “movin’ on up” and “penthouse view” to describe Suite 1100 – the 11th floor – and its new occupants, but the references are reality for Isett and its associates in the new office.

The prime location represents a clear step forward for the firm, according to Kevin Campbell, Isett president and CEO. “The investment we made in this space shows our commitment to this region and to downtown Hazleton,” Campbell said.

The new Hazleton office, designed by MKSD Architects of Allentown, is equipped with stateof-the-art technology necessary at a modern engineering firm. To foster collaboration, two conference rooms are fitted with interactive large-screen televisions that associates can easily use for in-house presentations as well as office-to-office communications.

The new space was a long time coming for Gregg Pavlick, vice president of Isett’s Northeast Pennsylvania region, whose career at Isett started 20 years ago at a much smaller, simpler office in the city where he grew up. Since then, he’s seen the firm, headquartered in the

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FEBRUARY 2020

Lehigh Valley, steadily grow to seven satellite offices, including in Hazleton, Wilkes-Barre and Stroudsburg in his NEPA region.

Pavlick’s offer to open the Hazleton office’s main conference room to community groups and area businesses upholds one of Isett’s four core values – Service.

Associates moved into the new Hazleton space in late October, but it wasn’t fully complete until early December – in time for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house on Dec. 6.

Celebrating along with Isett associates at the morning ribbon-cutting were Hazleton Mayor Jeff Cusat, state Rep. Tarah Toohil, Krista Schneider of the Downtown Hazleton Alliance for Progress, and Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce officials.

Many more visited the new office later that day for an open house held in conjunction with downtown Hazleton’s First Friday activities.

More than 150 invited guests and members of the public enjoyed conversation with Isett associates, refreshments courtesy of Whipped Sweet Shoppe in Hazleton, music by Two of Us, and of course, the view.

The Hazleton office is home to about 20 of the firm’s 180 associates, but its importance is greater than the numbers suggest. There, Isett leadership tested office designs, workspace layouts, furniture, lighting, décor and more elements when planning the Hazleton office, with an eye toward a new 20,000-square-foot main office in the Lehigh Valley.

ADVERTORIAL

ARCHITECTS & ENGINEERS

Highland Associates Pocono Organics, Head House, Long Pond Highland Associates was commissioned to design a 30,000 sq ft. single story Head House facility for Pocono Organics that will serve its indoor and outdoor regenerative organic farm operations. The Head House will function as a multi-faceted building containing office and process space, with an organic farm market. The processing space will serve as a post-harvest space where employees will wash, package and ship the products. The farm stand component will offer retail space for Pocono Organics’ produce as well as incorporate a commercial kitchen offering in-house grown menu items. A classroom for educational purposes and cooking classes is also a part of the plan. An outdoor terrace space was designed for customers to sit and enjoy or play host to events.

Pocono Organics is an environmentally friendly facility; the facility’s electrical power will be provided by their privately owned 3MW solar farm and the building will utilize rainwater harvesting methods to control storm water runoff through its green roof as well as reuse the water collected for irrigating their crops. The dominate single slope form of the Head House plays off of the existing ques found directly across the street at the Pocono Raceway with its tiered grandstand and banked racetrack. The Head House’s green roof slopes right to the ground plane making a poetic statement that the building and the mission of Pocono Organics is rooted in the earth.

Guthrie Health, Cardiac Catheterization/ Electrophysiology Suite, Sayre Highland Associates was selected, through a competitive RFP process, to provide comprehensive architectural, engineering and interior design services for the design and construction of a new, 16,000 sq. ft. Cardiac Catheterization/Electrophysiology Suite at Guthrie Health’s Robert Packer Hospital, Sayre, PA. The need for the project arose from an increase of Cardiac patient volume as well as a need for modernization of the department. Guthrie Health established several goals for the new suite which included reducing the time required for patient visits, improving the patient and staff experience and flexible space to adapt to changes in patient volumes. The newly designed suite will allow for trans-catheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR)procedures in addition to the services previously offered. The renova-

tion also provides accommodations for a future electrophysiology (EP) lab or Cath Lab by providing an appropriately sized shell space within the new unit.

Our team worked closely with staff and the Guthrie project manager to identify a construction plan that allowed for continued use of the departments and patient services outside and adjacent to the shell space renovation. Highland’s Project Manager was committed to regular on-site project coordination to assure compliance with design requirements in preparation of final approval by the Pennsylvania Department of Health Divisions of Life Safety and Acute and Ambulatory Care.

Design included site improvements related to the proposed addition and entrance/canopy renovations. A new Walk-in Entrance to the Cardiac Department required the addition of a small canopy to work in conjunction with the drive-through canopy.

Guthrie’s vision and success illustrate a larger

trend across healthcare as other organizations are evolving their cardiac care services, supported by advances in technology and equipment that allow them to do more life-saving procedures, often using noninvasive approaches.

City of Yonkers, Fire Station #1, Yonkers, NEW YORK Highland Associates, in collaboration with Mitchell Associates, was selected by the City of Yonkers for the Fire Station 1 Demolition and Reconstruction Design Project. The team was awarded the project through a competitive RFP process.

Phase I of the project included the development of a Demolition Package for the former firehouse and fire headquarters. The new, fourbay Fire Station 1 is designed to accommodate the seamless integration of the noble firefighter’s daily, on-duty life with the ease to respond and maintain equipment for their demanding job.

Sited to address the quickest response time out the door, with respect to local street conditions,

the floor plan organizes itself around the central apparatus bay surrounded by common areas. These areas include a day room with kitchen, exercise room, company officer’s office and firematic support spaces, including turnout gear lockers and bay support spaces.

The second floor contains programmatic elements designed for engagement on a different pace such as personnel lockers, bunk rooms, and bunker’s laundry. The building mass breaks itself down to fit into its urban context and scale through form and material changes that will offer exceptional durability and energy efficiency.

Select salvaged items from the former firehouse will be reused in the new design in order to bring the fire station’s rich history to its new location and carry on the tradition.

On-site parking is also provided for the department and integrated into the building allowing the remaining area of the site to be a part of future development for the City of Yonkers.

The owners of Highland wish to thank our 160+ employees for their dedication and excellent work.

Gil Ben-Ami, PE Hermin Z. Calderon Charles Consagra, AIA Richard J. Guditus, PE M. Bilal Hasan, PE, Thomas G. Hauck, Jr., AIA, Glenn D. Leitch, AIA, George Christiana Thomas W. Millard, PE Teddy Muliawan, PE James Scandale, PE Brian W. Schafer Michael Wolf, AIA Pennsylvania:

102 Highland Avenue

Clarks Summit, PA

18411

570-586-4334

New York:

One East 33rd Street

New York, NY

10016

212-681-0200

w w w . h i g h l a n d a s s o c i a t e s . c o m

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

The important role of parking in the downtown landscape

rage parking. For more information on all things parking, visit ABM’s website at When visiting urban cities across scrantonpaparking.com. the country, does anyone focus solely In other Downtown news: on the parking experience? In most ■ Plans to develop a pocket park in cases, probably not. More often, it’s the the Business District are well underway. variety of eclectic shops, diverse dining In partnership with the City of Scranton, options, architectural design, local Lackawanna County and Pennsylvania Collins history, art, culture and recreation that Department of Community & Economic take center stage. Parking plays a critical Development, Scranton Tomorrow is supporting role in the overall experience, quietly rehabilitating an abandoned lot on the corner of adding to the experience in the background.

Wyoming Avenue and Linden Street into muchThe formula for a successful downtown busineeded greenspace. Situated along the gateway ness district includes a structured parking system. to the city’s business district, the park will serve Without this structure, urban districts would be in as a main artery for vehicle and pedestrian traffic. a state of chaos. Creating a comprehensive parking The transformation of the site, which is 10,210 strategy not only ensures a sense of order along square feet, will begin with required environmental downtown streets, but it also supports economic clearance, site preparation and infrastructure work. and community development initiatives within the Later this year, natural landscaping enhancements district. Look no further than Downtown Scranton such as trees and shrubbery, pavers, planted areas as an example. and tree boxes will be added to create a tranquil The Downtown is undergoing a parking transspace for all to enjoy. formation. The antiquated meters of the past have ■ Scranton Tomorrow’s Downtown Scranton been replaced with updated pay stations through Safe, Clean & Green Ambassador Program is now a contract between the City of Scranton and ABM underway. Ambassadors will conduct year-round, Parking Services. ABM has modernized the system outdoor, daily maintenance duties within the to include both on-street and off-street parking Downtown Scranton Business District, including: enhancements. litter and graffiti removal, weed abatement, minor Here’s how the new system works: Park in landscaping, snow shoveling at crosswalks, and any designated spot on the street, and head to the painting in public areas. They will also provide a nearest pay station. Press “Start,” and follow the visible presence within the district, and enhance prompts. Enter a license plate number. Choose the the curb appeal on city streets while serving as amount of time needed (up to two hours). Then goodwill ambassadors. pay with quarters, or a credit or debit card.

■ Save the date: the second annual Electric City Another payment option for on-street parking Classic will be held on Aug. 22 and 23 in Downis available through Pango, a mobile application town Scranton and the Hill Section. A project of that allows visitors to manage parking via their Scranton Tomorrow, the inaugural event in 2019 smartphones. Download the app at mypango. welcomed professional and amateur cyclists from com. Pango users may bypass the pay station and around the world to the Electric City for a weekend take advantage of special rates for all day parking of competition and healthy fun. Thanks to the (between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.) on designated blocks. support of business and community leaders, a This program is a great option for the Downtown new summer tradition is now growing. There are workforce. plenty of sponsorship and volunteer opportunities Additional parking is also available in a number available to those who would like to be part of this of strategically located garages in the business exciting event. district. Garage parking is ideal for those who live Leslie Collins is the executive director of and work downtown, and for those who plan to Scranton Tomorrow, a non-partisan, non-profit economic development organization. Connect be downtown for more than two hours. ABM has with her via email at leslie@scrantontomorrow. developed Residential and New Customer Parking org. To learn more about Scranton Tomorrow, programs offering incentives and discounts for ga- visit scrantontomorrow.org.

by Leslie Collins

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FEBRUARY 2020

A new economic approach

Opportunity Insights continues to look at how children have It has been some time since fared in moving from one area there have been new approaches to another as well as how long to looking at the economy. One the continuation pattern exists, such venture has been developed and sometime that is a generaby Professor Raj Chetty, currenttion. The huge data source that Grossman ly at Harvard University and the Chetty has is an outstanding inventor of Opportunity Insights. collection of information that As a recent article in Atlantic magazine can be researched in a variety of ways for posed, he wants to not only understand a national picture to emerge, and that is America but he wants to change America what can be fostered in this region as a itself. His Harvard adventure is aimed means to find a new pathway to economic at applying his findings in cities around growth in coming years. the nation and demonstrating that social Regional economic development that scientists are able to fix the problems exists and that which is likely to octhey articulate in journals. Partnerships cur can benefit from what Chetty has are being developed in such locations as achieved, and here are some elements Charlotte, Seattle, Detroit, Minneapolis that can be helpful in this regard regionand other communities. In some sense, ally. he wants to revive the American dream.

■ Bring Chetty to this region and have Why not geographic places such him discuss and evaluate ways that his as Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Hazleton, research tools can best be utilized for Pottsville, Carbondale and even smaller helping the regional economy. communities such as Stroudsburg, ■ Find out the data support system he Honesdale and others? If larger cities can utilizes in relation to this region and begin be found and examined, then perhaps to analyze the informational progress smaller communities can be rediscovthat can best be organized to enhance ered, using what Chetty has invented as a economic development and apply the tool to focus on new ways to protect and big-picture setting that he has created to extend approaches to the renaissance this region. of urban centers or in our regional case, ■ Examine the young people in this resmall urban settings that have resisted gion, using the techniques he has applied change in past attempts at improving to see what trends have occurred and such entities. what avenues are best suited for improvChetty has put together data and ing the regional economy. information about urban communities ■ Use the Atlas that Chetty has to and metropolitan areas. For example, select better building sites for affordable one piece of data incudes a three-decade housing in coming years and make sure span linking children to the parents who they fit a housing policy that leverages claimed them as dependents, following the affordable housing goals for this poor kids from every census tract in this region. country, showing how much they earned ■ Identify high-opportunity places in as adults. Which factors foster opporthe region, using the five qualities Chetty tunities and which impede it? How can believes fit such as good schools, greater steps be taken to dress these problems? levels of social cohesion, many two-parDiagnosing weaknesses and describing ent families, low levels of income inequala set of treatments would follow. He parity, and little residential segregation. ticularly looks at Charlotte, studying its These criteria can be used to generate history and the many difficult situations that faced that city and how changes have ways to advance the Chetty model inside occurred for the better. this region.

by Howard J. Grossman, AICP

BANKING & FINANCE

What will you pay for Medicare in 2020?

as reported on your 2018 federal income tax return is above Medicare premiums, deducta certain amount, you’ll pay the ibles and coinsurance amounts standard premium amount and an change annually. Here’s a look at Income Related Monthly Adjustsome of the costs that will apply in ment Amount (IRMAA), which 2020 if you’re enrolled in Original is an extra charge added to your Whitesell Medicare Part A and Part B. premium, as shown in the accomMedicare Part B premiums panying table.

According to the Centers for Medicare Other Medicare costs & Medicaid Services (CMS), most people The following out-of-pocket costs for with Medicare who receive Social Security Original Medicare Part A and Part B apply benefits will pay the standard monthly Part in 2020: B premium of $144.60 in 2020. However, if ■ Part A deductible for inpatient hospiyour premiums are deducted from your So- talization: $1,408 per benefit period cial Security benefits, and the cost-of-living ■ Part A premium for those who need to increase in your benefit payments for 2020 buy coverage: up to $458 per month (most will not be enough to cover the Medicare people don’t pay a premium for Medicare Part B increase, then you may pay less than Part A) the standard Part B premium.

■ Part A coinsurance: $352 per day for People with higher incomes may pay days 61 through 90, and $704 per “lifetime more than the standard premium. If your reserve day” after day 90 (up to a 60-day modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) lifetime maximum)

by Susan A. Whitesell

Submitted artwork

■ Part B annual deductible: $198 ■ Skilled nursing facility coinsurance: $176 for days 21 through 100 (for each benefit period) For more information on costs and benefits related to Social Security and Medi-

care, visit ssa.gov and medicare.gov.

Susan A. Whitesell, is vice president/investments, financial advisor at Kingston Retirement Group of Janney Montgomery Scott, 270 Pierce Street, Kingston. Reach her at 570-283-8140 or visit kingstonretirementgroup.com.

FNCB Bank makes donation

Submitted Photo

FNCB Bank made a $670 donation to the Voluntary Service Office at the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center. The money was raised through a bank-wide ‘Jeans for a Cause’ dress down day. The fundraising effort encourages employees to make a small donation in exchange for the opportunity to wear jeans to work. FNCB Bank provided a corporate match of all donations collected. From left: Michael Cummings, FNCB Bank vice president, marketing manager; Lisa Urban, acting chief, Wilkes-Bare VA Medical Center voluntary service office and Michele Thomas, FNCB Bank marketing specialist.

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HEALTH CARE

Cardiac care update: the progress and the work ahead

by Dave Gardner

A lineup of NEPA-based cardiac specialists agree that great progress has been achieved with technology to battle America’s greatest killer, but much work remains to be done.

According to data comMohyuddin piled by CBS News, cardiovascular heart remains the most potent cause of death in the U.S., and was responsible for more than 647,000 deaths during 2017. This is more than four times the total for the second most common cause of death, which is chronic respiratory disease.

Technological tools routinely available to cardiologists now include the insertion of stents using a catheter to open blocked heart vessels.

Replacement of critical aortic valves can also be accomplished using a catheter.

Yet, setbacks are occurring in the battle.

Recognition has been made that vaping is not a passing fad, and in reality, has become a potent nicotine delivery that inevitably damages the cardio vascular system of the participant.

Yaqoob Mohyuddin, MD, associate chief, division of cardiology with the Lehigh Valley Health Network in Hazleton, reported that pharmaceutical advances have made treatment with cardiac medicines on a par with bypass and stent approaches for people who have not experienced a heart attack.

“After a heart attack has occurred a patient will need a stent or bypass, but the newer progressive approach with meds is now compatible with a stable patient who does not have left main coronary artery disease,” said Dr. Mohyuddin.

According to Dr. Mohyuddin, from a cardiac standpoint, unhealthy behavior is rampant in the nation with respect to diet and sedentary behavior. His staff continues to offer encourage-

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FEBRUARY 2020

ment to patients who try and fail with behavioral modification, and some success stories do appear.

“Smoking is still the number one risk factor confronting cardiac specialists, despite how hard we’ve all worked on this,” said Dr. Mohyuddin. “A smoker is shaving at least seven to eight years off of their life, and cholesterol and blood pressure are also all part of this because cardiac problems and stroke go together.”

He added that the EPA has approved use of a new fish oil that may achieve a 25% reduction in cardiac death when used along with statin drugs that improve cholesterol levels. In addition, injections of a new class of drug called PCSK9 inhibitors lower LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol by stimulating the liver to take it from the blood and recycle it.

Seasonal connections An increase in the appearance of cardio-vascular incidents can be seasonal, according to Samir Pancholy, MD, director of The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education Cardiology Fellowship. Winter Pancholy activities such as strenuous snow shoveling can tax the heart in ways that the body is not prepared for, while contraction of the blood vessels from cold may also be a contributor to trouble.

He also noted that great advancements have been made by science in the understanding of blockage formation within the vascular system, leading to improved treatments and medications. In particular, robotic systems can now install coronary stents, with the physician operating the robot away from the patient and the necessary imaging radiation.

“The cardiac team receives 90-95% less radiation when a robot is used,” said Dr. Pancholy. “The wires and catheter within the patient are the same as in conventional procedures.

However, the robotic console costs $300,000 to $500,000 for a private hospital to purchase, thereby raising the price of the treatment.”

Within the prevention arena, every cardiac specialist knows that multiple health problems and obesity go hand-in-hand, and commonly are a function of economics and the national food markets. Simply put, fresh food is expensive, and some popular dietary beliefs such as the use of red wine to prevent cardiac problems are later countered by data disproving their effectiveness.

Dr. Pancholy added that cardiac physicians may also wind up dealing with patients who present with heart symptoms, but actually have an anxiety disorder.

“Anxiety can definitely produce symptoms that mimic cardio-vascular disease, and the patient will then wind up going for tests that Ple ase se e Cardiac, Page 13

HEALTH CARE

Hospitals have high impact on Pennsylvania economy from people going to the hospital at lunch time is an example of that,” she said. “It’s really looking More than one in every 10 jobs in Pennsyland following the dollars that cascade across the vania is supported by hospitals, meaning an economy. It’s the trickle effect.” annual economic impact of $136.1 billion dollars to According to the report, the hospital economy Pennsylvania. The analysis, from a report released has grown 50% in the last decade.

by The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Dr. Siegal said in part that could be due to Pennsylvania, found that hospital systems through- Pennsylvania’s aging population. out the state generated almost 654,000 jobs.

“We have a larger older population as com“It’s a broad imprint,” said Dr. Sari Siegal, pared to other states,” she said. “I think that’s vice-president of HAP and the report’s lead author. definitely a factor.”

“It’s both direct and indirect. There’s a ripple effect.

The latest census numbers show the Keystone Hospitals not only spend money on their employState’s elder population is growing 20 times faster ees, but then there are so many jobs related to the than the rest of the population in the state. In 2025, hospital that are outside its four walls.” one in five Pennsylvanians will be age 65 or older, The study found a $60.5 billion direct impact according to government projections. In Lackawanfrom hospitals such as employee salaries, wages na, Luzerne, Wyoming, Wayne, Pike, Susquehanna, and benefits as well as $75.6 billion in indirect Bradford, Tioga, Carbon and Schuylkill counties, impact with dollars from businesses that rely on between 30 and 35% of the population is older hospitals. The jobs, the report found, are family than age 65. sustaining jobs.

“I think that’s good explanation as to why there “The restaurant down the street that is crowded is as much infrastructure as there is,” she said.

by Phil Yacuboski

Dr. Siegal said the steady growth won’t slow down.

“It will increase,” she said.

Geisinger, which serves more than 3 million people in its service area, is responsible for more than 32,000 employees. According to HAP, Geisinger is responsible for $8.9 billion to the Pennsylvania economy.

Many of the people hired for those jobs come through recruiting.

“Our recruiting process begins with strong partnerships between our operational teams and our recruitment teams,” said Jeff Lowry, director of talent management at Geisinger. “We identify the role that needs to be filled and the type of candidate who qualifies for this role.”

He said at any given time, there are about 2,000 jobs listed throughout the Geisinger system.

“We recruit from multiple sources in each of our markets,” he said. “To be successful, we need to implement a variety of tactics. We recruit from the open job market by posting our open positions on general and industry specific job boards.”

He said they often use employees to help in recruiting as well as creating a pipeline from local high schools and colleges.

Lowry said recruiting is used in the all positions at the hospital – from support, research, corporate and nursing/medical staff.

Dr. Siegal, who has been doing the report annually, said research dollars now represent $1.8 billion of the economy.

“That speaks to the world class researchers we have working in our hospital system right here in Pennsylvania,” she said.

CARDIAC: Latest in heart health Prostate cancer treated F R O M P A G E 12

now reaching 70%.

“Yet, in some cases, rejection and failure do occur, and our immunosuppressive drugs Technological advances can cause problems in July and August of 2019 were a busy time the long term,” said Dr. for Sabu George, MD, medical director of the George.

George Heart & Vascular Center at Wayne Memorial He is a strong Hospital. He attributed the sudden surge in the advocate of caregiving need for stents to vacationers who overdid it teams thoroughly explaining to patients why with summer celebrations, and then paid the they must take their medications consistently. price as their diseased hearts rebelled.

Drugs that can be administered only once Dr. George remarked that implantation a day can be useful for this type of compliof artificial left ventricle pumps has been ance, although patient intake of sugars and improving as the units inside the heart become processed carbohydrates with hidden fats smaller and smaller. A battery pack remains continue to plague the efforts of cardiologists. outside of the body, but despite this incon“Most patients are aware about the need venience the patient, while being continually to change their lifestyle, but this can be so monitored, often can become functional and difficult to achieve,” said Dr. George. “It can enjoy a vastly improved quality of life. cost more to eat right, but there is a YouTube Heart transplantation also has been improving since its inauguration in 1967, with instructional video to make almost any type of healthy food, and most of these recipes are anti-rejection therapy advancing and patient 10-year survival rates after transplantation are relatively cheap.” show no problems with their heart or vascular system. In these cases, the patient then may require mental health treatment.”

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EDUCATION

Fix the ‘Kiddie Tax’ to support Gold Star Families

legislative fix that shifted unearned income tax from the parent’s In my nearly 40-year career, income tax rate to the estate and I have made too many mistakes trust tax schedule. For most of us to count. Some have been small who do not have trusts and esand others large, but everyone tates, that sounds logical enough came with good intentions. It is as a way to be more equitable. easy not to get things completely In practice, it is not working as Botzman correct when the decision-making planned. process has been hurried. When Dependent children often I realize I made a mistake with unintended receive financial support from parents to consequences, my reaction is to apologize, pay for tuition, room and board at college. fix it, and apologize repeatedly – if need be. Room and board rates alone average about $12,000 annually at the typical four-year It is unacceptable to ignore a wrong, just college. Under the new tax law, unearned because the intent was honorable. income over $12,751 is subject to a 37% tax The goal of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs rate. If a parent provides more than $12,751 Act (TCJA) was to simplify the federal tax code and to make it fairer. In an unintended of support annually for a college education, the student dependent will owe more than manner, though, a change to the “Tax one third of that amount in taxes. The same for Certain Children Who Have Unearned goes for scholarships and grants awarded to Income” or the “Kiddie Tax,” contained a

the student in support of their education.

Many collegians and their families cannot afford this additional tax burden.

For children from lower-income families, the “Kiddie Tax” is a new and prohibitive expense. With 1.3 million undergraduates receiving scholarship and grant aid, this is not a trivial matter. For others, such as Gold Star families (the survivors of troops who died in a combat area), the tax is an unjust and unintended penalty. It was a mistake, but U.S. Congress still has not found a remedy to fix it.

National media outlets reported on the “Kiddie Tax” mistake and the consequences in the spring. Six months later, the House and Senate have not been able to find a bipartisan fix for Gold Star and lower-income families.

It is time to move legislation forward and have it signed into law. The sacrifice made

Dime Bank contributes to after school program

Bank donates to scholarship foundation

by Thomas J. Botzman, Ph.D.

Submitted photo

The Dime Bank recently contributed $1,000 to the Wayne Pike SHINE (Schools and Homes in Education) Afterschool Program. This new program, administered through the Wayne Pike Workforce Alliance, working with community stake holders, serves students in the school districts of Wallenpaupack Area, Western Wayne and Wayne Highlands. With first through fifth grade Lakeside Elementary students are, from left: Kristin Williams, lead teacher; Liam Maloney, teacher’s assistant; Jalenna Gibbs, teacher; Gabrielle Pranzo, lead teacher; Pantea Shademani, SHINE program director; and Pete Bochnovich, The Dime Bank chief executive officer.

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FEBRUARY 2020

by women and men in our military led to the practice of extending benefits to Gold Star families. As the late U.S. Sen. John Glenn said in his famous 1974 Gold Star Mothers Speech, “… you should be on your knees every day of your life thanking God that there were some men – some men – who held a job. And they required a dedication to purpose and a love of country and a dedication to duty that was more important than life itself. And their self-sacrifice is what made this country possible.”

We must never forget the sacrifice our military women and men have made for each of us. We should collectively apologize, fix the unintended mistake, and apologize again as necessary.

Thomas J. Botzman, Ph.D., is president of Misericordia University in Dallas, the oldest four-year institution of higher education in Luzerne County.

Submitted Photo

Community Bank presented the Diocesan Scholarship Foundation with a $50,000 gift through the EITC program and a $15,000 gift through the Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) program. The donation was made in support of need-based tuition assistance for students attending a Diocesan Catholic school. From left: Barbara Maculloch, PA president of Community Bank N.A.; Jason Morrison, Diocesan secretary of catholic education/chief executive officer; Kristen Donohue, superintendent of schools; and Richard Kazmerick, VP commercial banking team leader.

CELEBRATING WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS

Sandi Graham: Vintage Kitchen

LOCAL

U of S hosts 18th annual U.S. Conference on disability

by Mollie Boyd and Abigail Corrigan

Sandi Graham can count the years she has had a passion for teaching, going back from the time she was 5 years old subjecting her father to pretend school. Now, she teaches to empower others. Graham is the proud owner of Vintage Kitchen, 317 Linden St, Scranton. There, she educates both adults and children with classes in both cooking and sewing.

Graham has lived in northeast Pennsylvania for most of her life but left to earn her bachelor’s degree in home economics education (now better known as family consumer science) and nutrition and master’s degree in sports nutrition at Mansfield University.

While Graham did not have a formal business background before she opened Vintage Kitchen, she did learn skills through her well-rounded education. The family consumer science curriculum has a business focus, including classes such as marketing and finance.

Sandi Graham had the idea to open the Vintage Kitchen for 20 years, however, she was especially motivated to open her business when a similar program she had successfully run through a local university for seventeen years came to a halt. She decided to teach the program as her own, naming it Vintage Kitchen. Vintage Kitchen is a hub for learning skills in cooking and sewing, with classes for people of all ages.

“The classes focus on cooking skills to enhance individual and family mealtime,” Graham explains. The lessons give participants the whole cooking experience through hands-on cooking instructions using all the necessary equipment with the provided ingredients. Graham also teaches sewing classes for people of all skill levels. She themes her classes based on current food trends.

She reads food magazines and cookbooks for inspiration. Sewing classes are projectbased, meaning students learn to cut a pattern, sewing straight and curved seams, seam finishing and back-stitching through example. Vintage Kitchen hosts parties, such

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as birthday parties, corporate team-bonding events and other private parties.

Graham was motivated to teach lifestyle classes because, she says, “it is what I know best.”

She wants to share her knowledge with others and hopes to teach her students to create healthy, nutritious food in a fun environment. She wants to give people the opportunity to learn how to make meals at home while understanding the nutritional value in what they eat As most small business owners know, it is not always easy to run a company.

Graham faced obstacles relating to the business’s location. After unforeseen circumstances, Graham had to relocate from Clarks Summit to Scranton, but she did not let this deter her from educating others.

Graham finds that being a business owner is a rewarding experience. “I can set the hours, I make the rules. And when it is successful, it is nice to think, I made this,” Graham says.

For up and coming entrepreneurs, Graham offers this advice, “If you have an idea, don’t wait. Start. Trust your gut. Make the business sustainable for yourself, your time, your money, your energy. If it fails, so what. You can get fired from a “safe” job.”

Want to join in on the fun? Learn more at vintagekitchencookingclasses.com.

Mollie Boyd and Abigail Corrigan are Marketing majors and The University of Scranton Women’s Entrepreneurship Center interns. They work with Donna Simpson who is Consultant Manager at the University of Scranton Small Business Development Center.

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“Exploring Autism Across the Spectrum: Building Inclusive Communities” was the focus of The University of Scranton’s recent 18th Annual U.S. Conference on disAbility, which took place on campus. The conference also highlighted the continued work being accomplished through ACCE, which is part of a multi-year, multi-million-dollar regional initiative led by the AllOne Foundation to enhance the service delivery system for individuals with autism and their families living in 13 counties in northeast and north central Pennsylvania. At the conference, from left: John Graham, AllOne Foundation board member; Victoria Castellanos, associate dean of the university’s Panuska College of Professional Studies; U.S. Senator Bob Casey Jr.; John Cosgrove, executive director, AllOne Foundation and Charities; and conference co-chairs Rebecca Spirito Dalgin, director of the Rehabilitation Counseling Program at the university, and Lori Bruch, chair of the Counseling and Human Services Department at Scranton.

Highmark Foundation awards grant to U of S

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The Highmark Foundation awarded a $100,000 grant to The University of Scranton’s Edward R. Leahy Jr. Center Clinic for the Uninsured to support its efforts in chronic disease management among a vulnerable population. From left: Meg Hambrose, director of corporate and foundation relations at the university; Andrea Mantione, director of the university’s Leahy Community Health and Family Center; Jane L. Brooks, program manager for Highmark Foundation; and Debra Pellegrino, dean of the university’s Panuska College of Professional Studies.

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FEATURE

State, local leaders tour cardboard manufacturer’s Pittston Twp. headquarters the tour of the manufacturing facility.

Cardbox received a funding proposal from Pennsylvania Department of Community the state Department of Community and Ecoand Economic Development Executive Depnomic Development for a $75,000 Pennsyluty Secretary Neil Weaver came to Pittston vania First grant, $70,000 in job creation tax Twp. on Tuesday, Jan. 21 to tour Cardbox credits to be distributed upon creating all 35 Packaging’s first U.S. headquarters. jobs and a $15,300 workforce development Cardbox Packaging, which has locations grant to help the company train its workers. in Austria and the Czech Republic, produces Gov. Tom Wolf’s Action Team, a group paper packaging for products such as Siggi’s of economic development professionals yogurt and Persil laundry detergent. Its manu- who report to the governor and work with facturing plant recently opened next to its businesses that are considering locating or partner Greiner Packaging on Enterprise Way. expanding in Pennsylvania, helped coordiDCED’s Office of International Business nate the project.

Development recruited Greiner PackagWeaver said officials from the international ing from Austria in 2013 and the company company were considering opening in New referred Cardbox Packaging to Northeast Jersey and it’s “huge” they chose PennsylvaPennsylvania. nia as the site for their first U.S. headquarters.

Mericle Commercial Real Estate Services, “We need to make sure that we’re makthe owner and developer of CenterPoint ing as many investments in companies like Commerce & Trade Park, helped attract that as we can,” Weaver said. “This park is Cardbox Packaging to the region. amazing and we work really hard to provide DENISE ALLABAUGH / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Mericle constructed a 27,500-square-foot opportunities in places like this. The fact that Michael Schaid, general manager of Cardbox Packaging in Pittston Twp., leads Department of facility at 395 Enterprise Way in CenterPoint they chose us over New Jersey is a great Community and Economic Development Executive Deputy Secretary Neil Weaver and State Sen. Commerce & Trade Park West in Pittston opportunity for us.”

John Blake, D-22, Archbald on a tour of the manufacturing plant.

Twp. in a short time frame through its “Ready to Go” program, said Mericle spokesman Jim Cummings.

Cummings said Cardbox Packaging had an aggressive time frame to move in and since the pad was already prepared and permits were obtained, Mericle was able to start construction in April and complete the industrial building by November.

Michael Schaid, general manager of Cardbox Packaging, said 20 people are now employed at the manufacturing plant and the company plans to employ a total of 35 fulltime workers over the next three years.

Some young engineers came from Europe to work at the facility and they live in Scranton. Ten employees came from Payne Printery in Dallas after they lost their jobs, Schaid said.

Cardbox Packaging also purchased two pieces of equipment, including a “guillotine cutter” and an ink mixing machine, from Payne Printery, he said.

Weaver joined local leaders state Sen. John Blake, D-22, Archbald, and Michelle DENISE ALLABAUGH / STAFF PHOTO Mikitish, executive vice president at the Michael Schaid, general manager of Cardbox Packaging in Pittston Twp., leads Department of Community and Economic Development ExecuGreater Pittston Chamber of Commerce, on tive Deputy Secretary Neil Weaver and State Sen. John Blake, D-22, Archbald, on a tour of the manufacturing plant.

by Denise Allabaugh

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FEBRUARY 2020

Preparing for natural disasters Disaster preparedness strategies can help communities overcome floods, fires, hurricanes and storms. Many of these strategies focus on helping residents of communities that are prone to storms protect themselves and their homes from the wrath of Mother Nature. But it’s equally important that local business owners take steps to ensure their businesses survive natural disasters.

Local businesses can play vital roles as communities try to recover from natural disasters.

Such businesses can provide supplies like food and water to residents in need. In addition, businesses that are able to simply open their doors to customers can create a sense of normalcy in a community at a time when that normalcy can be comforting. However, in order to provide such services, businesses must first make it through disasters unscathed, and that takes planning.

■ Create a formal written plan. The Insurance Information Institute advises business owners to create formal written plans that detail how the business will respond to and recover from a disaster. This plan may include temporary relocation.

Business owners should know where they can go if they need to temporarily set up shop elsewhere in the wake of a disaster.

■ Make sure employees know the plan and their roles. Once the plan has been developed, business owners should share it with their employees and go over each employees’ role.

Assign responsibilities to staff members and train them so they are fully equipped to handle their role and confront disaster if the need arises. Periodically revisit the plan and go over it again with staff members, conducting drills at each review so

“Local businesses can play vital roles as communities try to recover from natural disasters.”

Small-business marketing strategies

Small businesses are the backbones of many local communities. They have helped to revitalize many communities and may benefit communities in ways that would surprise even the most ardent everyone is in the best position to respond quickly small businesses supporters. and effectively.

Economists at Penn State University studied ■ Keep emergency supplies on hand. The data on economic growth and residence status of Insurance Information Institute recommends business owners that was from more than 2,900 business owners store flashlights, first-aid kits and rural and urban communities. The researchers battery-powered radios in their businesses. It may found that small, locally owned businesses tend to also be wise to store food, water and blankets if generate higher incomes for community residents the business is in a remote or potentially inaccesthan large, non-local firms. sible location, such as the top of a high-rise. The Small businesses can be vital to the success III also notes that keeping generators on hand may of a community, and those businesses’ own suchelp businesses return to operations more quickly cess may depend on how well they can market than waiting for utility companies, which tend to be themselves to potential customers. The Small Busioverwhelmed with service calls in the wake of diness Administration notes that only one-third of sasters or heavy storms, to address power issues. small businesses will survive 10 years. Those that ■ Back up key information and data off-site. reach that benchmark often find ways to market Cloud computing has made it easier than ever for themselves and grow revenue. Whether a small businesses to protect important data from natural business owner is just starting out or looking to disasters, and business owners should make use continue growing, these marketing strategies can of such services. Make sure to store important be effective ways to connect with customers. disaster-specific information that you might need, ■ Take advantage of the free Google listing such as insurance policies and staff phone numservice. Google My Business is a free service bers, on cloud storage or somewhere else off-site that allows business owners to manage how so it is not destroyed. their business appears across Google, including ■ Do your best to protect the building. Heed on its Search and Map services. A Google listing warnings from the weather service and board up is essentially the new phonebook listing, as the entry points if a storm figures to be especially vio- “Local Consumer Review Survey 2018” from the lent. Doing so can protect the building where your marketing experts at BrightLocal found that 27% of business is housed as well as everything therein.

Businesses that plan ahead for natural disasters can typically get back on their feet quickly after storms come and go.

Business owners should take steps to ensure their businesses survive natural disasters.

consumers looked online daily for local businesses in 2018. That’s more than double the number of people who did so in 2017, suggesting that more and more consumers are finding local businesses via internet searches every day.

■ Pay attention to your online reviews. Online reviews can be a mixed bag for business owners and consumers, but reviews still bear considerable weight among the latter. The BrightLocal survey found that 50% of consumers between the ages of 18 and 34 always read online reviews when shopping for goods or services. Consumers are most likely to read restaurant reviews, but small businesses, regardless of their industries, can benefit from positive online reviews.

■ Take part in local festivals. Local events such as Oktoberfest festivals and holiday shopping bazaars provide great opportunities to connect with new customers. Such events tend to attract residents of the community and even those from neighboring towns, providing ample opportunities for small businesses to connect with new customers.

■ Make your presence known on social media. A 2017 survey from the social media specialists at Sprout Social found that 58% of consumers are more likely to buy from a brand they follow on social media than they are to buy from one they do not follow.

Small business owners who learn to market their businesses can contribute much to their bottom lines and their local communities.

Small businesses can be vital to the success of a community, and those businesses' own success may depend on how well they can market themselves to potential customers.

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Tobyhanna delivers functional STTs during maintenance rodeo Work executed during a maintenance rodeo in Florida helped equip an Army National Guard unit with mission capable mobile satellite systems.

The two-week event was the first of its kind for members of the 146th Expeditionary Signal Battalion partnering with Tobyhanna Army Depot.

Specialists volunteered to travel south to evaluate, troubleshoot and make critical repairs to Satellite Transportable Terminals (STT) with the goal of delivering as many functional systems as possible in the time available. Soldiers were also able to take advantage of some on-site training during the exercise.

Personnel applied their skills and expertise to repair a majority of the systems on site. Faced with a parts shortage mid-way through the exercise, the team’s quick thinking resulted in three systems being repaired by using two terminals earmarked for return to the depot for overhaul as a source for spare parts. A third system requiring major repairs, but not an overhaul, will be sent to the depot. Team members were able to fix 19 of the 24 systems identified inoperable.

“We [Tobyhanna] were able to work with

LOCAL

CECOM’s (Communications Electronic Command) Integrated Logistics Support Center will replenish the unit’s fleet with two float systems while Tobyhanna conducts necessary repairs at the depot,” said John Scott, Tactical Satellite Systems Branch chief. “If all goes according to plan the battalion will achieve full mission capable status to meet their 2020 deployment requirements.” Scott is assigned to the C4ISR Directorate’s C3 Division.

The outdoor exercise was plagued by rainy and unseasonably cold weather, according to the six-member team who surveyed and repaired the systems. Tobyhanna provided tools and expertise for evaluations and testing while the host unit provided everything else needed to ensure the systems met standards.

Soldiers that use the systems in the field worked alongside depot personnel throughout the exercise.

Electronics Mechanic Dave Schrader said working closely with the Soldiers was very rewarding.

The team leader remarked that there are always

Test site takes shape

The radome being built at Tobyhanna Army Depot along Perimeter Road will be used to test AN/TSC-167 Satellite Transportable Terminals (STT), replacing the temporary structures in use now. The new facility will protect personnel and systems from inclement weather, while consolidating work processes in a central location. STT overhaul, carried out at Tobyhanna Army Depot since 2013, includes the replacement of cables, line replaceable units and a full paint job. The depot’s overhaul effort brings aging equipment coming from theater to a like-new state. Employ-

ees in organizations throughout the installation play an active role in the success of the program.

Personnel there joined forces with the Army’s PEO-C3T (Program Executive Office Command, Control, Communications -Tactical) Project Manager (PM) Tactical Network (formerly known as PM Warfighter Information Network-Tactical) and U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command’s Integrated Logistics Support Center (ILSC) officials to deliver the critical communications systems to the warfighter faster maximizing readiness and training opportunities.

Ple ase se e Rodeo, Page 19

Photo courtesy of Thomas Robbins

Photo by Thomas Robbins / Tobyhanna

An Army Guard unit turned to Tobyhanna to help increase mission readiness during a two-week maintenance rodeo. Electronics Mechanics Joe Czech and Dave Schrader, and Electronics Worker Brandon Pauselli helped repair 19 of 24 non-mission capable Satellite Transportable Terminals during the exercise.

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FEBRUARY 2020

Photo courtesy of Thomas Robbins

LOCAL Precision Software Innovations unveils new space at The TekRidge Center

Motorworld Toyota Supports Northeast Regional Food Bank

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MotorWorld Toyota recently made a $5,000 donation to support The Commission on Economic Opportunity/Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Northeast Regional Food Bank’s Thanksgiving Project Submitted photo and general food distribution. From left: Jay Thomas, brand manager, MotorWorld Toyota, Rick Osick, president, MotorWorld | MileOne Autogroup; Gene Brady, chief executive officer, The Precision Software Innovations recently hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for its newly Commission on Economic Opportunity, and Amanda Brueckler, marketing director Weinberg expanded space at The TekRidge Center. The company is a graduate of The Greater Scranton Food Bank.

Chamber of Commerce’s IGNITE business incubator program and expanded its office space within the building. From left, first row: Joyce Piccolino; Diane Piccolino; Julia Piccolino; Gino Piccolino, founder/chief executive officer, Precision Software Innovations; Gina Piccolino; and Joe Buckshon, mayor, Borough of Jessup. Second row: Ken Okrepkie, regional manager, Ben Franklin Technology Partners; state Rep. Kyle Mullins, PA-112; Bob Durkin, president, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce; Aaron Whitney, IGNITE Business Incubator Program manager, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce; and Keith Yurgosky, business consultant, University of Scranton Small Business Development Center.

Chamber hosts welcome breakfast

RODEO: ‘A job well done’ F R O M P A G E 18

surprises when dealing with equipment held in storage for long periods despite planning for every contingency. This assignment was no different. Schrader smiled as he relayed a story about the team uncovering a wiring harness that looked like it had been damaged by squirrels.

According to Electronics Mechanic Joe Czech, everyone worked well together and got everything done in a timely fashion. He remarked that the servicemembers did a great job helping Team Tobyhanna meet customer expectations.

“The Soldiers showed an interest in learning more about the systems, so we showed them some simple troubleshooting techniques they could use in the field,” said Electronics Engineer Nisha Shrestha.

This was a much larger task than anticipated, according to Scott, explaining that this was the first time a survey and repair exercise of this

magnitude had been accomplished in one trip.

Generally Tobyhanna will send two teams – one to assess the situation followed by the specialists to perform the repairs, he added.

The branch chief commended the team for a job well done.

“The entire team communicated extremely well, which allowed them to remain in sync throughout the entire exercise, never missing a beat,” Scott said. “As a supervisor, witnessing firsthand the knowledge and skills team members possess is very humbling.”

The exercise was declared a success and team members returned home confident the work performed had helped increase the battalion’s mission readiness.

“This trip was a win-win for both organizations,” said Electronics Worker Brandon Pauselli.

“We had an awesome team. It felt like there wasn’t anything we couldn’t accomplish.”

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The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, the region’s premier member-based business organization, recently hosted a member welcome breakfast, during which chamber members had the opportunity to learn about the various benefits of their membership and the services the Chamber provides to the community at large. From left, First row: Christal Mutua, The Arc of Pennsylvania; David Kostiak, The University of Scranton; Megan Galko, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society; Chris Kelly, 1847Financial; and Stacie Amatangelo, Boyle Eye Specialists PC. Second row: Mari Potis, director of membership and events, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce; Nick Burruano, Servpro of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge; Cathy Voyack, Cathy Voyack, independent beauty consultant Mary Kay; Donna Arnold, La Voz Latina (The Latin Voice); Jen Hipps, The Arc of Pennsylvania; Kelly Ford, Hilton Scranton & Conference Center; Francene Vendetti, FirstLight Home Care; and Danielle Rohlay, Mount Airy Casino Resort. Third row: John Drake, Penn State Scranton; Chris DiNuzzo, JED Pool Tools; James Holdredge, New York Life; Robert Heyen, JED Pool Tools; Henry Matute, Penn State Scranton, Eugene Cunard, New York Life Ins. Co.; Jackie Lovallo, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society; Ryan McCloskey, Power Move Payment Solutions; Dolly Woody, Susan G. Komen Greater Pennsylvania; Michael Gallagher, Montage Mountain; Peter Tomasi, FirstLight Home Care; Bob Durkin, president, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce; and Amanda Hanna, Mount Airy Casino Resort.

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LOCAL Scranton Chamber hosts lunch meet up

Skills in Scranton hosts forum

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Skills in Scranton, the workforce development affiliate of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, recently hosted a Regional Higher Education Forum. The goal of this event was to establish a space for regional collaboration among higher education providers to ensure they are equipping students with both the skill sets and education needed to be successful in Submitted photo today’s workforce. The forum included presentations by Lisa Hall Zielinski, director of The UniThe Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, a regional member-based business organization, versity of Scranton’s Small Business Development Center, and by Teri Ooms, executive director recently held a Meet Up for Lunch event at The Garden A Mediterranean Restaurant. These of The Institute for Public Policy and Economic Development. From left: Amy Luyster, vice events are small-group networking opportunities, where members can interact closely during president, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce; Brianna Florovito, workforce developa lunch at a Chamber member location. From left: Tina Dolgash, Lackawanna County Heritage ment specialist, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce; Teri Ooms, executive director, Fair; Martin Genello, Janney Montgomery Scott LLC; James Bedison, AMO Environmental The Institute for Public Policy and Economic Development; Jerry Musheno, board chair, Skills Decisions Inc.; Laurie Stephens, About Design – powered by Boundless; Lexie Langan, Milnes in Scranton; Lisa Hall Zielinski, director, The University of Scranton’s Small Business DevelopEngineering & Construction; Nicole Evans, Trinity Staffing Service; and Greg Firely, AMO Enviment Center; and Bob Durkin, president, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. ronmental Decisions, Inc.

Sherman Theater and fans fight hunger

A visit from Senator Casey

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On Thursday, Jan. 2, U.S. Senator Bob Casey and members of his team stopped by the Scranton Area Community Foundation office discuss NEPA Moves, the Foundation’s initiative focused on providing solutions to the transportation challenges that limit access to affordable housing, job opportunities, educational and cultural opportunities and quality health care in northeast Submitted Photo Pennsylvania. From left: Nora Kern, Scranton Area Community Foundation executive assistant to the president and CEO; Aimee Wechsler, regional manager for Northeastern Pennsylvania The Sherman Theater’s food drive to benefit the families in the Stroudsburg Area School to Senator Robert P. Casey, Jr.; Vivian Williams, NEPA Moves’ project coordinator; Laura DucDistrict’s BackPack Program to Feed Hungry Kids was a success. The drive kicked off during ceschi, Scranton Area Community Foundation president and CEO; Robert. P. Casey, Jr., United the theater’s annual Thanksgiving Horn O’ Plenty weekend featuring the band Railroad Earth, States Senator for Pennsylvania; Maggie Martinelli, Scranton Area Community Foundation diand continued through the December run of the community theater production of ‘Change: rector of administration and projects; Kenneth Okrepkie, Scranton Area Community Foundation The Musical.’ Hundreds of non-perishable food items were donated to feed families-in-need board chair; Cathy Fitzpatrick, Scranton Area Community Foundation grants and scholarships in the Stroudsburg area. Arlington Elementary School Principal Elise Hanna, center, receives manager; Jack Groarke, economic development director to Senator Robert P. Casey, Jr. donated food from the Sherman Theater crew.

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FEBRUARY 2020

LOCAL Weiler contributes to Pocono United Way

Foundation CEO earns designation President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation, Laura Ducceschi, earned the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP) professional designation from the Richard D. Irwin Graduate School of The American College of Financial Services. The CAP program provides the knowledge and tools needed by professionals Ducceschi in the nonprofit, philanthropic and financial services fields in order to help individuals and families reach their charitable giving objectives and also meet their estate planning and wealth management goals.

Candidates for the CAP designation must complete a minimum of three courses in philanthropic studies at the Richard D. Irwin Graduate School and six hours of rigorous, supervised written examinations. The curriculum addresses the advanced design, implementation and management of charitable gift techniques and strategies, as well as philanthropic tools that include charitable trusts, private foundations, supporting organizations, donor-advised funds, pooled income funds and charitable gift annuities. More than 1,400 individuals have been awarded the CAP designation worldwide since its inception in 2003.

CAP graduates are uniquely qualified to bring together gift planners and professional advisors in the common purpose to help families create inspired legacy plans. In addition, professionals who have earned the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy designation help donors improve their communities by maximizing the

effective application of their financial resources.

Ducceschi’s expertise in gift planning combined with more than 15 years of philanthropic and nonprofit management experience enables her to work with individuals and their professional advisors in order to offer a greater breadth of gift planning options to maximize philanthropic impact through the Scranton Area Community Foundation.

In addition to the CAP designation, Ducceschi has an MBA in organizational management from Drexel University’s LeBow College of Business, an MA in communication from the Annenberg School of Communication at the University of Pennsylvania where she received a full fellowship, and a BA in communication from the University of Scranton where she graduated summa cum laude. She is currently pursuing a certification in change management from Cornell University.

In her role as president and CEO at the Scranton Area Community Foundation, she administers more than 200 charitable funds and manages the administration of two additional private foundations, the NEPA Health Care Foundation and the Robert H. Spitz Foundation. She helps guide the philanthropic initiatives of those in our community and oversees grant funding to support projects, programs, and causes in the northeast Pennsylvania region. She has established the Center for Community Leadership and Nonprofit Excellence, developed a Medallion Partners Program, and started the Women in Philanthropy initiative, all to benefit the surrounding community. She has also played a key role in the development of NEPA Moves, formed to solve the barriers in transportation to those in need in Northeastern Pennsylvania and the NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative.

The employees of Weiler Abrasives Group, the Cresco-based global abrasives manufacturer, raised more than $40,000 in their annual campaign benefiting Pocono Mountains United Way. The company matched that effort with a $60,000 corporate contribution, bringing Weiler’s

total donation to more than $100,000. The money raised will support Pocono Mountains United Way’s Monroe County programming initiatives that address poverty alleviation, healthy food access, and critical housing needs for local families.

Weiler Abrasives Group United Way team reveals total amount raised.

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FNCB Bank donates to historical society

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FNCB Bank made a $480 donation to the Dunmore Historical Society. The money was raised through a bank-wide “Jeans for a Cause” dress down day. The fundraising effort encourages employees to make a small donation in exchange for the opportunity to wear jeans to work.

FNCB Bank provided a corporate match of all donations collected. From left: Jerry Champi, FNCB Bank president and CEO; Michael Williams, president, Dunmore Historical Society; and Dan Schreffler, treasurer, Dunmore Historical Society.

Weiler Abrasives Group United Way team members, from left: Chad Hauenstein, Cristina Matos, Treena Hay, Tamra Ziegler, Alyssa Stettler, Laura Pastore, Connie Yuahsz and Denise Kresge. Additional team members include Vicky Gill, Bill Dwyre and Meghan Vance.

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FEATURE

Regional CBD market continues to grow called “Your CBD Store” opened next to Lakeway Beverage on Route 118 and he sells SunMed CBD After more than 80 years of prohibition, hemp products made from hemp grown in the U.S. rangis legal again, and Carl Giuli is seeking to capitalize ing from tinctures, bath bombs and topical creams on it. to edibles, pet products and beauty products.

Giuli and his wife, Amy, recently opened NEPA In Tunkhannock, Sarah Streby has operated Hemp at 2653 Memorial Highway in Dallas. They PreHempt CBD Boutique at 18 E. Tioga St. since are selling products containing hemp or CBD, or May of last year. She sells products ranging from cannabidiol, which are extracted from cannabis tinctures for people and pets and edibles like chocoplants but they don’t produce the high that the late, gummies and teas. She opened the store after chemical tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, causes. using CBD to manage pain caused by her arthritis The Giulis, who also own Coal City Tavern in and fibromyalgia.

Luzerne with partners, showed the various products Also last year, Sheetz launched an extensive they sell include tinctures, pain creams, warming CBD product line in stores selling products likes rub, cold rub and edibles like chocolate bars and gummies, tinctures, capsules, oral pouches, vape gummies as well as pet products. pens and pet products as well as topical rubs and “The concept is everything is hemp-based,” Carl patches.

Giuli said, while also showing hats, shirts and socks As the cannabis and hemp industries have for sale that are partially made with hemp. “We will continued to grow, Lackawanna College launched be selling seeds shortly.” a Cannabis Business Development certificate Hemp formerly was banned across the country program. because of its relation to marijuana. The 2018 farm The program started a series of three-day bill, however, allowed for industrial hemp produccourses in November at the Northeast Environtion nationwide. mental Technology Center in Mayfield for students Giuli said almost everything manufactured can looking to enter careers in the growing industries. be made with hemp and there are a “wide variety of Lackawanna College also offers an executive endless opportunities.” certificate program for current professionals looking They filed for permits to grow hemp and want to to expand their knowledge. Taught by professionals start manufacturing at a warehouse on Eley Street in in the cannabis industry, the program provides a Kingston, he said. foundation of basic cannabis knowledge combined “We want to start making bioplastics,” he said. with hands-on experience with hemp plants.

“We want to get into making hemp paper and Dan Summa, director of the program, said hemp paper products. Basically, one acre of hemp students learn to grow hemp in Mayfield and provides the same amount of paper as four acres of research it. They also learn about the growing CBD trees. And it grows in three months instead of four market that Summa said is projected to hit $22 years. It’s quicker. It’s more sustainable.” billion by 2022.

Giuli, 39, said he wants to bring a hemp Since Lackawanna College launched its first infrastructure into Northeast Pennsylvania because class in November, it was filled with 13 students it doesn’t exist since it wasn’t legal for 80 years. He and some already have jobs in the industry, Summa decided to open NEPA Hemp after personally seeing said. The program could help prepare students for the benefits of CBD for pain. the jobs that will come if and when recreational “There are no psychoactive effects so it doesn’t marijuana becomes legal in Pennsylvania, which he get you high. It’s a pain reliever and anti-inflamsaid is a possibility. matory. There are all kinds of benefits,” he said. “A Thirty-three states have passed laws legalizing lot of people don’t want to be high. They just don’t marijuana in some form and 11 states have adopted want to be in pain.” laws legalizing marijuana for recreational use.

NEPA Hemp is one of the latest stores to open in The introductory course at Lackawanna College the area since CBD has become all the rage. focuses on “compliance, cultivation and extraction” In November last year, former pharmaceutical and students have opportunities to meet potential sales representative Tim Norconk opened another employers, Summa said. The next series of classes business in Dallas selling CBD products. His store is expected to begin in February.

DENISE ALLABAUGH

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Carl and Amy Giuli recently opened NEPA Hemp in Dallas. They are selling products containing hemp or CBD, or cannabidiol.

Carl Giuli at NEPA Hemp in Dallas

Hats at NEPA Hemp, the new store in Dallas owned by Carl and Amy Giuli.

MARK MORAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

The right way to leave a job A new year often sparks change. Many people aspire to change jobs at the dawn of a new year, and such changes are more frequent than one might think.

According to a 2018 report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average person changes jobs between 10 and 15 times during his or her career. In addition, many workers spend five years or less in each job.

When leaving a job, it is important that professionals exhibit a certain measure of grace and etiquette. Leaving a job with dignity and mutual respect can benefit professionals in the short- and long-term.

■ Speak with a supervisor first. Make sure your boss or immediate supervisor learns of your plans to leave the job first.

Do not gossip or suggest to coworkers that you’re ready to leave. It’s unprofessional if a supervisor hears of your impending departure from others.

■ Provide ample notice. Even if it is time to move on, ensure that your current employer has plenty of time to interview potential replacements and train someone to take your place. This ensures an easy transition for all involved, and can show your employer that you have the company’s best interests in mind. While two weeks’ notice is

the standard, if you have held a professional position for some time, extend the courtesy to three.

■ Check company policy. The employment firm AG Careers suggests reviewing company policy if you will be leaving to work for a direct competitor. There may be strict rules in place and protocol to follow.

■ Don’t shirk responsibilities. It can be tempting to slack off when another job awaits. The popular job-hunting site Monster.com says it can be human nature to do less when long-term accountability is removed. However, you never know when you might need a referral or even a new job. Leaving a bitter taste in the mouth of your employer at the end of your work history can put a black mark on your employee record.

■ Take coworkers’ feelings into consideration. Be open and honest with coworkers, but do not gloat that you are leaving the company and they are not. And if anyone has strong feelings about your departure, accept their point of view and do not react outwardly. Take things in stride as much as possible.

When leaving a job, professionals should always be courteous and considerate toward their current employers.

There are right and wrong ways to leave a job.

What is occupational wellness?

Wellness is a broad term that can refer to various aspects of daily life. Disciplines like yoga and meditation might be the first things to come to mind when people think of wellness, but focusing on wellness at work can have positive, lasting effects on overall well-being as well.

Occupational wellness is not necessarily a familiar term, but it’s something that most professionals strive for. According to the Student Health and Counseling Services at the University of California, Davis, occupational wellness inspires people to find work from which they will gain personal satisfaction and find enrichment. Occupational wellness promotes the exploration of various career options and the pursuit of those opportunities that most appeal to each individual.

While it may seem like common sense to aspire for an engaging, enjoyable career, the effect that finding such a career can have on overall well-being might not be so apparent.

In an analysis of a recent Gallup World Poll, a survey that asks hundreds of thousands of workers across the globe about their jobs and their job satisfaction, Harvard Business Review found there is a correlation between job satisfaction and life evaluations. People who report being satisfied with their jobs seem to

be happier overall.

So how can one embrace the concept of occupational wellness? UC Davis offers individuals the following suggestions as they begin their journeys to occupational wellness.

■ Perform some self-reflection. Reflect on yourself and what you need out of a job. Are there certain occupational tasks you enjoy? Are there some you find burdensome? Identifying those you enjoy and those you feel are onerous can help you narrow down your options to careers you will find engaging and rewarding.

■ Consider unpaid work and volunteer opportunities. Even though they don’t pay, unpaid work and volunteer opportunities can still enrich your life and provide personal satisfaction. Such opportunities should not be overlooked.

■ Practice open communication and proper conflict management with colleagues. Negative working environments can be stressful, leading to dissatisfaction on the job. Openly communicating with colleagues and resolving conflicts in a proper, professional way can foster a positive working environment, potentially contributing to greater job satisfaction.

Prioritizing occupational wellness can help people live happier, more fulfilling lives.

Focusing on wellness at work can have positive, lasting effects on overall well-being as well.

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PERSONNEL FILE ALLIED SERVICES INTEGRATED HEALTH SYSTEM

The health system recently welcomed four new board members.

The health system welcomed two new members to its board of directors. Christina Mueller and Jill Murray, Ph.D., will serve on the Allied Services Foundation board of directors.

MUELLER Mueller, a native of Clarks Summit, earned her undergraduate degree from St. Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Indiana. The early years of her career were spent in Chicago, where she earned her Master of Business of Administration at Loyola University. While studying at Loyola, Mueller began her career with McDonald’s. After graduating, she returned to Northeast Pennsylvania, where she trained and became a McDonald’s operator. Today, she assists her family in operating 16 local McDonald’s stores. Mueller is actively involved in supporting the work of the Ronald McDonald House of Scranton and in supporting local schools through the McTeacher nights at local McDonald’s restaurants.

Murray is incoming president of Lackawanna College. Before accepting this position, Murray served as executive vice president and chief innovation officer for Lackawanna MURRAY College. Murray earned her Ph.D. in human development from Marywood University and has held teaching positions at Walden University, Kaplan University, Marywood University and the University of Phoenix. She is currently on the board of Maternal and Family Health Services and received the 2018 Non-Profit Board Member of the Year award from the Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce.

The health system welcomed two new members to its board of directors. Jay Brislin, MSPT, and Dr. Sandra KrokosKislan will serve on the hospital board of directors responsible for oversight of Allied Services Scranton Rehab Hospital and Heinz BRISLIN Rehab Hospital.

Brislin, vice president of Quantum Rehab, a division of Pride Mobility Products, brings an unrivaled depth of knowledge of complex rehab needs to his role on the rehabilitation hospital boards.

Brislin began with Quantum Rehab in 2000 as a rehab specialist, quickly becoming a leader and educator in the arena of complex rehab needs.

Brislin was part of the team instrumental in launching some of Quantum Rehab’s most innovative products. Today, he oversees a clinically based team dedicated to the most innovative products and inspiring client outcomes. As an industry leader, Brislin is a RESNA member, Friend of NRRTS and NCART participant.

Krokos-Kislan, of KROKOS-KISLAN Hazleton, is a graduate

COMMONWEALTH HEALTH

Rachel Giannotti, M.D., joined the pediatrics team.

She is a 2016 graduate of Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, and completed residency at

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of Coughlin High School. She received her Bachelor of Science from Wilkes College before earning her Doctor of Optometry degree from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry. Sandra and her husband, Dr. Thomas Kislan, own and manage Stroudsburg Eye Specialists and Hazleton Eye Specialists. Kroskos-Kislan is a member of the board of directors of Burnley Employment and Rehab Services, a division of Allied Services providing employment services for individuals with disabilities in the Poconos.

AMERICAN SOCIETY OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

David Allen Hines was recently reelected to the board of direc-

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tors for the Keystone State (Pennsylvania state) chapter. Hines holds a Master of Public Administration degree from Marywood University in Scranton, and for many years was the deputy director for budget administration for the government of the District of Columbia in Washington, D.C. After returning to the area, for the past several years he has been director of operations for the city of Pittston. A 40-year resident of Kingston, Hines also serves on the national budget and financial policy committee for the Government Finance Officers Association and the board of directors for the Greater Pittston Historical Society.

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HINES

FEBRUARY 2020

Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Pennsylvania.

Giannotti is providing skilled medical care at 407 N. State St., Clarks Summit, and 890 Viewmont Drive, Dickson City.

She will offer personalized, nurturing care to patients from newborn to 21 years of age.

DISTASIO & KOWALSKI LLC

Sara Labashosky joined the personal injury firm after spending four years working at an insurance defense firm in Philadelphia, where she gained LABASHOSKY experience litigating cases throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. She represents clients in personal injury matters,

including medical malpractice, product liability, premises liability, motor vehicle accidents and wrongful death claims.

Labashosky is admitted to practice in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and U.S. District Court, District of New Jersey. She is a member of the Luzerne County Bar Association and the Young Lawyers’ Division. She currently resides in Kingston.

GEISINGER

Wilkes-Barre physicians Jason Woloski, M.D., and Kristin Simmons, M.D., were named as Top Physicians Under 40 for 2019 by the Pennsylvania Medical Society WOLOSKI during a reception on Oct. 25 in Hershey.

Woloski is a family physician with Geisinger Wilkes Barre-Community Medicine. He is an active physician leader, serving on the board of trustees for both the Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians and the Luzerne County Medical Society. He is a participant in PAMED’s 2019 Year-Round Leadership Academy. He is also an assistant program director with the Geisinger Kistler Family Medicine Residency Program in Wilkes-Barre.

A family physician with Geisinger Wilkes Barre-Community Medicine, Simmons is becoming a leader in the health system. She serves as assistant program director for the Geisinger Kistler Family Medicine Residency Program in WilkesBarre. Simmons is a dedicated educator who encourages medical students to consider staying within the commonwealth to train and practice.

HEALTHY STEPS PODIATRY CENTER

Dr. Diane Stchur Bray has recently BRAY opened the center on Chocolate Avenue in Hershey. Bray, a graduate of Hanover Area High School, received her Bachelor of Science degree in biology and molecular genetics from King’s College, and her doctorate in podiatric medicine from Temple University.

After doing a three-year intensive surgical residency at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Binghamton, New York, Bray Ple ase se e Personnel, Page 25

PERSONNEL FILE F R O M P A G E 24

then joined a group practice where she provided podiatric care and served as a wound care specialist for the patients of upstate New York for 16 years.

HORIZON DENTAL CARE

Dr. Catherine Lee has joined the dental practice. She will be seeing patients in the Scranton office.

Lee was awarded her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from New York University College of Dentistry and completed her residency at Woodhull Hospital, New York University.

She specializes in general practice dentistry.

Lee is an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry and Pennsylvania Dental Association, Luzerne County Dental Society. She currently resides in the Dallas area.

LEE

manage commercial lines marketing, but will now assume the responsibilities of supervising the commercial lines staff, as well as acting as a liaison between senior-level management and the commercial lines team.

After receiving his degree in business administration with a concentration in marketing from Temple University in 2011, he joined the insurance group as a commercial lines service processor. In March 2014, Valvano assumed the role of commercial marketing manager. He resides in Dunmore.

MISERICORDIA UNIVERSITY

MARYWOOD UNIVERSITY

Sister Mary Persico, I.H.M., Ed.D., the university’s president, was recently elected as the chairwoman of the CECCACCI

selected by the Pennsylvania School Counseling Association as the School Counselor Educator of the Year. She represented the university’s counseling program at the Pennsylvania School Counselors Association 64th Annual Conference, which was held at the Sheraton Hotel, Pittsburgh, from Nov. 21-22.

Barna is a national certified counselor, an approved clinical supervisor, and is a certified pre-K-12 school counselor. She holds a Ph.D. in counselor education and supervision from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

PERSICO

Ryan Weber, Ph.D., associate professor of musicology, recently presented his scholarly research paper, “Who

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PNC BANK

The bank recently announced that Judith Frantz, branch manager, has been promoted to vice president.

Frantz is a graduate of Misericordia University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. She is FRANTZ also a graduate of Wilkes University, where she went to earn her MBA. She resides in Luzerne.

Carly Caroselli has joined PNC Wealth Management as a vice president and investment adviser.

Caroselli is a graduate CAROSELLI of Drexel University with a Bachelor of Science degree in behavioral health. She resides in Scranton.

RE/MAX CROSSROADS

Yarrow Wilkins Heil, CRS, ABR, SRS, broker/owner of the East Stroudsburg firm, has earned the Commitment to Excellence endorsement from the Governs Progress?: Exploring the Boundaries of Disability Studies and Aesthetic National Association of Discourse,” at the International Fjord Sum- Realtors. The endorsemer School in Bergen and Stord, Norway. ment goes to Realtors HEIL who have demonHis study examined the role that music strated knowledge and criticism played in negotiating belonging among the overlapping domains of musical competency in 10 core areas of real esperformance, health care and the institutate practice: client service, professional tions that bridge these areas of knowledge. reputation, real estate law, Realtor code of ethics, equal service to all, advocacy of real property ownership, trust and NBT BANK integrity, use of technology, data privacy The bank recently and areas of practice. announced the promoLaunched in November 2018, the protion of New Milford gram sets the standard for what it means branch Manager Ruth to be a professional in the real estate Burke to assistant vice brokerage business. president.

Burke has more than SENIOR HEALTH CARE 25 years of experience in the financial services SOLUTIONS LLC BURKE industry and joined the bank in 1998. Burke is Ple ase se e Personnel, Page 26 Rising Above.

HOWARD GARDNER MULTIPLE INTELLIGENCE CHARTER SCHOOL

The school welcomed four new trustees to its board.

New trustees are Laurie NIVERT Cadden, owner, Laurie Cadden LLC; Sam Ceccacci, former executive director, Scranton-Lackawanna Human Development Agency; Susan Hennemuth, development director, Children’s Service Center; and Aaron Nivert, executive vice president, Nivert Metal Supply.

JOYCE INSURANCE GROUP

Corey Valvano was promoted to manager of commercial lines.

He will continue to

a member of the United Way of Susquehanna County Allocations Committee and the Susquehanna Community Development Association Events Committee.

She graduated from Susquehanna Community High School and later attended SUNY Broome.

VALVANO

Pennsylvania Humanities Council’s board of directors. She joined the board in 2017 as an appointee of Gov. Tom Wolf, and, in her new role, she succeeds Silas Chamberlin. Wolf reappointed her to the board, and her current term will expire in 2023.

PHC is governed by a 24-seat board of directors, which includes both elected individuals and governor appointees.

Currently, 23 members serve on the board with backgrounds in business, law, education, philanthropy, government, arts and culture.

Jennifer Barna, Ph.D., NCC, ACS, associate professor and program director for pre-K-12 school BARNA counseling, was recently notified she has been

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Michael P. Kelly, MBA, NHA, HSE, of Scranton, has been appointed to the job analysis committee by the National Association of Long-Term Care Administrators. He will attend the national meeting to be held in February in Miami.

He is the founder and president of the health care company, based in Scranton. The company currently has three facilities under construction set to KELLY open in June.

He also serves on the Pennsylvania Board of Examiners of Nursing Home Administrators. He has been a licensed nursing home administrator since 1985.

University of scranton

Mary Jane Hanson, Ph.D., professor of nursing and director of the Department of Nursing’s graduate and doctor of nursing practice programs, was reelected as chairwoman of the board for the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education for 2020. This will be her second term.

CCNE is an autonomous accrediting agency that ensures HANSON the quality and integrity of baccalaureate and graduate nursing education programs and nurse residency and fellowship programs. The university’s nursing programs hold CCNE accreditation.

Hanson holds certifications as an adult clinical nurse specialist, adult nurse practitioner and family nurse practitioner and maintains a current part-time family nurse practitioner practice.

YURGOSKY Two Small Business Development Center staff members presented sessions at the 39th America’s SBDC national conference in Long Beach, California, this semester.

Keith Yurgosky, business consultant, presented “Overcoming Your SBDC’s Social Media Challenges” and also served as a panelist in a digital marketing session with SBDC colleagues from across the country.

Lisa Hall Zielinski, director, presented “Achieving Goals with a Small Busi-

sional Development and Education Conference Committee, a small group of SBDC staff from across the country who assist America’s SBDC staff in planning the annual conference.

This year, more than ZIELINSKI 1,300 SBDC professionals from across the country attended the conference. These advisers, trainers and directors came together for professional development and networking.

The university’s SBDC serves eight counties in Northeast and Northern Tier Pennsylvania.

Five university faculty presented at the National Taiwan University-Scranton Philosophy Symposium at the National Taiwan University. The symposium is

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a collaborative effort between the two schools. The first symposium, which

focused on the theme “Language and Reality,” took place earlier last year in Taiwan.

The theme of the next symposium is “Self and Others” and will take place in October in Scranton.

BAILLIE Faculty members who presented in Taiwan were: George Aulisio, associate professor, department chair and research and scholarly services coordinator, Weinberg Memorial Library; Harold Baillie, Ph.D., professor of philosophy; Andrew LaZella, Ph.D., associate professor of philosophy and co-director of the university’s honors program; Matthew Meyer, Ph.D., associate professor of philosophy and prelaw adviser; and Ann Pang-White, Ph.D., professor of philosophy and director of the Asian Studies Program.

Aulisio presented “Language, the Mental Lexicon, and Reality.” He received his AULISIO bachelor’s degree from Bloomsburg University, his Master of Science from Drexel University and his Master of Arts in Liberal Studies from the University of Pennsylvania. He joined the faculty at Scranton in 2009.

Baillie presented “Language, Recklessness and Reality in Zhuangzi and Plato.” He received his bachelor’s degree from Yale University and his master’s Ple ase se e Personnel, Page 27

BUSINESS BRIEFS Law firm makes contribution The team at O’Donnell Law Offices of Kingston is helping families by contributing to the local Volunteers of America baby pantry. The pantry was started by Bill Jones, who headed Volunteers of America in the early 2000s. He is now the president and CEO of the United Way of Wyoming Valley. funeral home honored nationally Jennings-Calvey Funeral and Cremation Services Inc. of Clarks Summit was recently recognized by the National Funeral Directors Association as the Best of the Best. They are one in only five firms to be awarded the national honor. The firm was recognized for an innovative program they began and are continuing to fund at the Abington Senior Center called Good Grief Art. The program

enables those who experience some sort of grief, whether it be the loss of a pet, family member, friend or even house, to translate a photo onto canvas via painting. The program is led by local artist Mary Ann Chibirka.

celebratory gala Oct. 30 during the FOLIO: Show at the Hilton Midtown in New York City.

Incisal Edge is a previous recipient of an Ozzie Award for Under40Summit.com in the category of Site Design in 2018.

Local company earns awards Incisal Edge placed first in three categories and received an honorable mention in nine categories during the 2019 FOLIO: Eddie & Ozzie Awards that celebrate excellence in journalism and design across all sectors of publishing.

The nation’s premier dental lifestyle magazine — Incisal Edge, published by Benco Dental since 1997 — is recognized for its offerings across digital and print media, as well as video. Winners from B2B, consumer, association and regional publishing brands were announced during a

fragrance company makes changes Note Fragrances Inc. has now been rebranded as Noteology. The local business, with locations in Scranton and Clarks Summit, has made some significant changes besides the name.

Danielle Fleming is founder and CEO of Note Fragrances Inc., a patented inventor of a system for creating custom fragrances, and now CEO of Olfactif, a niche fragrance discovery platform.

She and her husband and co-owner, Mark Bonfiglio, are also expanding their Scranton store by taking over the adjacent shop on Spruce Street,

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formerly occupied by Altier Jewelers.

The shop will feature more than 20 brands of niche fragrances and will have a rotating selection of new ones added each month, as well as bringing indie perfumers from around the world to Scranton.

Geisinger opens urology clinic The health system recently opened a clinic specializing in urology in Lackawanna County.

The clinic, named Geisinger Urology — Scranton, is located at 475 Morgan Highway, on the Allied Services Rehab Hospital campus.

Board-certified urologists Jerald B. Gilbert, M.D.; Brian Kapp, M.D.; Ira J. Kohn, M.D.; J. Robert Ramey, M.D.; and James Stefanelli, M.D.; Ple ase se e Briefs, Page 27

PERSONNEL FILE F R O M P A G E 26

and doctoral degrees from Boston College. He joined the faculty at Scranton in 1978.

LaZella presented “Flatus Vocis: Language and Reality in Medieval Nominalism.” He received his bachelor’s degree from Hamline University and his master’s and doctoral degrees from DePaul University. He joined the faculty at Scranton in 2010.

Meyer presented “The Problem of Opposites as a Fundamental Philosophy.” He received his bachelor’s

LAZELLA

MEYER

degree from the University of St. Thomas, his master’s degree from Harvard University and his doctorate from Boston University.

He joined the faculty at Scranton in 2010.

Pang-White presented “The Logic of the Ineffable: A Comparative Study of the Plotinian One and the Daoist Dao.” She received her bachelor’s degree from Tung-Hai University, her master’s degree from the University of South Carolina at Columbia and her doctorate from Marquette University.

She joined the faculty

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SCHUMACHER COHEN

at Scranton in 1997.

The university has named Julie Schumacher Cohen assistant vice president for community engagement and government affairs. In this position, she will report to the vice president for enrollment management and external affairs and will also work closely with the provost and senior vice president for

academic affairs.

In her new role, Schumacher Cohen will work to deepen the university’s community engagement efforts and government affairs activities and strengthen the mission of the university as an anchor institution in our city and region.

Since 2010, she has served as the university’s director of community and

BRIEFS: Regional business news F R O M P A G E 26 will provide care for adult patients for benign prostatic hyperplasia, erectile dysfunction and male infertility, kidney and urinary tract stones, Peyronie’s disease; and prostate, bladder, kidney and testicular cancers. They will also offer vasectomies, vasectomy reversals and treatment for male and female incontinence. They’ll be providing surgical care at Geisinger Community Medical Center and the North East Surgery Center.

College signs transfer agreement Lackawanna College and Shepherd University have signed a transfer agreement that will offer students who transfer to Shepherd from Lackawanna a 25% tuition discount as long as they have earned an associate degree and possess a cumulative grade point average of 2.8.

Students who qualify for the transfer admissions tuition discount will receive it for a maximum of six semesters. In addition to the tuition discount, students can apply for merit and need-based financial aid and scholarships. Students with a 3.5 GPA can apply for Shepherd’s Scholars Program, with benefits that may include honors housing and honors scholarships.

Bank accepting program applications The bank is currently accepting applications for its Management Development Program. This program prepares participating associates to assume mid-level professional roles inside of NBT at the completion of this 12-month training process.

The Management Development Program is ideal for recent college graduates looking for a way to fast-track their career development with direct, guided access to technical and soft skill training, cross-divisional work experiences, performance

coaching, mentoring and special projects that include community involvement.

Qualified candidates will hold a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, economics, business administration or a related degree with prior work and volunteer experience desired.

Bank donates to veterans FNCB Bank recently presented a check for $670 to the Voluntary Service Office at the WilkesBarre VA Medical Center raised through a bankwide “Jeans for a Cause” dress-down day.

The Voluntary Service Office at the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center supports veterans in need by providing them with clothing, home items, hygiene items, food and gas gift cards plus a variety of other goods and services.

FNCB’s monthly fundraising effort encourages employees to make small donations in exchange for the opportunity to wear jeans to work.

Senior community earns award Belle Reve Senior Living Community has been selected as one of the 2020 Best of Senior Living Award winners on SeniorAdvisor.com, the largest ratings and reviews site for senior care and services in North America and Canada.

SeniorAdvisor.com is in its seventh year of hosting the Best of Senior Living Awards. SeniorAdvisor.com’s Best of 2020 Award winners represent the best of the best of in-home care, assisted living and other senior living providers, based on the online reviews written by seniors and their families. This exclusive designation honors the top 2-3% of senior care providers across the United States and Canada.

Belle Reve is the only winner from Pike County.

Company supports violence victims

This holiday season, Ideaworks Marketing decided to give back to the community in a fun and creative way. The agency’s Christmas tree, otherwise known as the Giving Tree, was decorated in support of the Domestic Violence Service Center, located in Wilkes-Barre. Various items like toiletries, lip balm, travel shampoo and conditioner adorned the branches, while stockings were filled with goodies — all donated by the Ideaworks team.

PPL supports U of S program The power company contributed $10,000 through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program to support the University of Scranton’s University of Success, a multiyear, pre-college program for high school students designed to develop the skills needed to successfully gain entrance to college.

Students enter the University of Success at the completion of the eighth grade and continue through their high school years. The program offers enrichment courses in study skills, SAT prep, public speaking, math, science, art and cultural activities, as well as financial aid and wellness seminars. The ultimate goal is for University of Success students to be accepted into a four-year college or university.

The University of Success, offered free of charge to participants, is funded almost entirely by corporate and foundation grants.

several other employee benefits, including a new paid family leave policy that will provide mothers and fathers paid time off at 100% of pay following a birth, adoption or foster placement.

Waste company wins bids Local waste service company J.P. Mascaro & Sons, a solid waste industry leader in the regional area, continues to grow its business in the municipal sector. Mascaro was awarded approximately $3.4 million in competitively bid municipal waste collection and recycling contracts to serve the residents of the boroughs of Clarks Summit and Avoca.

Both municipalities will be serviced out of Mascaro’s Wyoming Valley Division.

Bank offers loan repayment program NBT Bank has launched its own Student Loan Repayment Program to help reduce the outstanding balance on qualifying student loans for full-time employees as part of its financial wellness initiatives.

The company has also reevaluated and updated

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FOR THE RECORD DEEDS

Columbia County

Chung yim Sherman. Property Location: Hemlock Twp. Seller: Shane B and Kelly M Moore. Amount: $325,000.

Readler Home investments llC. Property Location: Berwick. Seller: Craig L and Linda K Baker. Amount: $300,000. tracy a and loretta a miller. Property Location: Greenwood Twp. Seller: Alan R and Kimberly K Larotonde.

Amount: $625,000.

Christopher a and Kristi J Heiss. Property Location: Hemlock Twp. Seller: Frank R and Tami A Williams. Amount: $455,000. millville transfer Station llC. Property Location: Madison Twp. Seller: Theodore L and Cindy A Heaps Jr. Amount: $1 f-m-v $805,949.55. bloomsburg Christian Church. Property Location: Montour Twp. Seller: Bloomsburg Christian Church fka First Church of Christ of Bloomsburg PA. Amount: $1 f-m-v $1,950,750.27.

Joseph lamar and Rhoda Joy Vanpelt. Property Location: Madison Twp. Seller: Nevin E. and Janice A. Zeisloft.

Price: $475,000.

Seller: Lackawanna County. Amount: $1,621,000.

Jefferson Flats llC. Property Location: Scranton.

Seller: 640 Jefferson-Scranton LLC. Amount: $500,000.

Pa Commonwealth of Dept of Environmental Protection. Property Location: Scranton. Seller: Robert Stanek.

Amount: $290,000.

Rainbow land Co. LLC. Property Location: S. Abington Twp. Seller: 3900 LLC. Amount: $745,000. michael Hinchman. Property Location: S. Abington Twp. Seller: Fidelity Dep & Disc Bank. Amount: $425,000.

Zhuang Qian. Property Location: S. Abington Twp. Seller: Alexander H Bricker. Amount: $385,000.

David m beinke. Property Location: Springbrook Twp. Seller: R&A LLC. Amount: $284,000. leanne marie bryan. Property Location: Springbrook Twp. Seller: Sonya Sarner. Amount: $299,000.

$310,000.

Esther l axtell. Property Location: W. Abington Twp. Seller: Michael J Barrasse. Amount: $524,000.

Feddy & associates llC. Property Location: W Abington Twp. Seller: Patrick J Gillott. Amount: $350,000. michael Kelley. Property Location: W. Abington Twp. Seller: Gary G Wadsworth. Amount: $336,000. new Ventures Realty inc. Property Location: W. Abington Twp. Seller: D&L Realty Co. Amount: $336,000.

luZERnE County

Jack Danko. Property Location: Fairview Twp. Seller: Christopher Garza. Amount: $262,500. menachem m borenstein. Property Location: Kingston. Seller: Frank B Koronkiewicz. Amount: $318,000. brandon Demko. Property Location: Sugarloaf Twp.

laCKawanna County

thomas D malcolm Jr. Property Location: Clifton Twp. Seller: Mark Checki. Amount: $425,000. allied Health Care Services. Property Location: Dickson City. Seller: Daniel Sinawa Co. No. 2 Inc. Amount: $625,000. bridge Street Holdings llC. Property Location: Dickson City. Seller: Karmik Enterprises LLLC. Amount: $775,000. marywood university. Property Location: Dunmore.

Seller: Home for the Aged Little Sisters of The Poor Inc. Amount: $2,520,000.

Karf ltD. Property Location: Dunmore. Seller: Daniel Kostock. Amount: $400,000. melissa Sariti. Property Location: Dunmore. Seller: Kendra Riccio. Amount: $266,000.

Eugene w Ruddy. Property Location: Jefferson Twp. Seller: Elizabeth R Gore. Amount: $385,000.

Davis John Francis. Property Location: Jefferson Twp. Seller: Kenneth Kenowski. Amount: $260,000.

Patrick willson. Property Location: Jefferson Twp. Seller: Christopher J Kowalyk. Amount: $310,000. aymy llC. Property Location: Jermyn. Seller: Joseph P Incelli. Amount: $400,000.

Ecaterina iriza. Property Location: Moosic. Seller: Michal E Brier. Amount: $450,000.

J brian lonergan. Property Location: Moosic. Seller: Patrick Judge. Amount: $660,000.

Jordan thomas. Property Location: Moosic. Seller: Richard Conte. Amount: $280,000.

Sean Hughes. Property Location: Moscow. Seller: David W Benyon Jr. Amount: $400,000.

John Richard Croom iii. Property Location: Moscow.

Seller: Jon Beckley. Amount: $398,000.

Sean Herron. Property Location: Moscow. Seller: Regina Yeager Drouse. Amount: $510,000. marywood university. Property Location: Scranton.

Seller: Home for the Aged Little Sisters of the Poor Inc. Amount: $2,520,000.

Fisk Holdings llC. Property Location: Scranton. Seller: 1107 Fisk St. LLC. Amount: $362,450.

Hawk Enterprise llC. Property Location: Scranton.

Seller: Patricia Wagner. Amount: $250,000.

Snt Holdings llC. Property Location: Scranton. Seller: Cynthia Morgan. Amount: $250,000.

Scranton-Spruce llC. Property Location: Scranton.

Licensed Salvor Abandoned Vehicle Removal Services (570) 941-2480 • KellyTow.com atlantic Fresh Properties llC. Property Location: W. Abington Twp. Seller: Lextan LLC. Amount: $810,000. todd alan Visneski. Property Location: W. Abington Twp. Seller: J Peter Winebrake. Amount: $275,000.

East lane Realty llC. Property Location: W. Abington Twp. Seller: Nancy McCarthy (per agent). Amount: $500,000.

J Peter winebrake. Property Location: W. Abington Twp. Seller: Nancy McCarthy (per agent). Amount: $366,500.

Daniel walker. Property Location: W. Abington Twp. Seller: Jerard A Butala. Amount: $312,000.

East lane Realty. Property Location: W. Abington Twp. Seller: Janet A Summa (est. of dec.). Amount: $500,000.

Green tree Realty Partners llC. Property Location: W. Abington Twp. Seller: Esau Mohamed Ishmail. Amount:

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Seller: William C Denning. Amount: $325,000.

Gregory R moor. Property Location: Rice Twp. Seller: Tracey Yannuzzi. Amount: $455,000.

Harry V Cardoni. Property Location: Dallas Twp. Seller: Irma Jane Chilson. Amount: $262,500. alterra wealth management llC. Property Location: Jackson Twp. Seller: Patrick Deats. Amount: $354,470.

Kyle S Daderko. Property Location: Fairfield Twp. Seller: Frank McCormack. Amount: $390,500.

125 Capital Road llC. Property Location: Jenkins Twp. Seller: GPT PA 125 Capital Road Owner LLC. Amount: $12,750,000.

550 oak Ridge Road llC. Property Location: Hazle Twp. Seller: GPT PA 550 Oak Ridge Owner LLC. Amount: $58,800,000. mountaineer beer llC. Property Location: Dallas.

Seller: Janet C. Siegel. Amount: $360,000.

Salvadore neils wills. Property Location: Conyngham.

Seller: William H Fisher. Amount: $239,900.

Carl J Stempert. Property Location: Butler Twp. Seller: Eric M Tonsetic. Amount: $255,000.

StJ williams Family Partnership ltd. Property Location: Pittston. Seller: Edward Grasavage Jr. Amount: $1,125,000.

KJn acres llC. Property Location: Conyngham Twp. Seller: Roy W Brandau II. Amount: $360,000.

SPD South River Real Estate llC. Property Location: Plains Twp. Seller: Joseph M Mikelski. Amount: $265,000.

Philip loscombe. Property Location: Wyoming. Seller: Paul McCabe. Amount: $380,000.

Rajnikant D Patel. Property Location: Rice Twp. Seller: Presidential Land Company Ltd. Amount: $494,900.

Courthouse tower apartments llC. Property Location: Wilkes-Barre. Seller: Dolores R. Koury. Amount: $775,000.

Pole 34 llC. Property Location: Harveys Lake. Seller: Frank M Henry Associates. Amount: $480,000.

Candace opachinski. Property Location: Wright Twp. Seller: Stephen M Tucker. Amount: $250,000.

Robert a ayers. Property Location: Kingston Twp. Seller: Thomas C Hart. Amount: $542,500.

Robert a ayers. Property Location: Kingston Twp. Seller: Thomas C Hart. Amount: $542,500. lauren Karuth. Property Location: Butler Twp. Seller: Sand Springs Development Corp. Amount: $381,589.

147 west broad llC. Property Location: Hazleton.

Seller: Wilmington Savings Fund Society FSB. Amount: $1,250,000. lVHn Coordinated Professional Practice. Property Location: Hazle Twp. Seller: J&K Humboldt Station LP. Amount: $20,878,847.

Stephen lewis bush ii. Property Location: Plains Twp. Seller: William F Dickinson. Amount: $285,000.

Jason R Smith. Property Location: Plains Twp. Seller: Robert Slomovitz. Amount: $270,000.

Sherman mead. Property Location: West Pittston.

Seller: John Engleman. Amount: $295,000.

Joseph J Ziegler. Property Location: Salem Twp. Seller: Ralph E Webb III. Amount: $250,000.

monRoE County

Daniel and ashley Demchak. Property Location: Paradise Twp. Seller: Mark Gravel and Julianne Newman.

Amount: $348,000.

Roman Gaydari. Property Location: Jackson Twp. Seller: Marme Matthews Est., Kristie VanMeerbeke (Exec.).

Amount: $335,000. byron baldwin. Property Location: Barrett Twp. Seller: Self-Directed IRA Services Inc. (merged), Strata Trust Co. Amount: $300,000. noel muir. Property Location: Tobyhanna Twp. Seller: DE&S Properties Inc. T/A Classic Quality Homes. Amount: $338,900.

James Paylor Jr. Property Location: Tobyhanna Twp. Seller: Brendon and Elisabeth Carroll. Amount: $375,000. thomas and Karen Rendulich. Property Location: Tobyhanna Twp. Seller: Samuel and Jill Carsillo. Amount: $380,000.

Charles and Patricia williams. Property Location: Stroud Twp. Seller: Maria and Albert Alfraro Jr. Amount: $325,000.

2118 Rt. 715 Property LLC. Property Location: Jackson Twp. Seller: George and Mary Ann Vance Revocable Trust, Mary and George Vance. Amount: $255,000.

David and megan Feltenberger. Property Location: Coolbaugh Twp. Seller: Christopher and Amy Olsen.

Amount: $355,000.

Ple ase se e Record, Page 29

FOR THE RECORD F R O M P A G E 28 Elizabeth and Thomas Antalosky Jr. Property Location: Smithfield Twp. Seller: Jasmin Quintana-Aponte N/B/M Jasmin Casiano, Philip Casiano Sr. Amount: $349,900.

Carl and Kathleen Reinert. Property Location: Coolbaugh Twp. Seller: Vincent and Theresa Pirone. Amount: $433,000.

Eugene and Deborah Wadiak. Property Location: Polk Twp. Seller: TKL Properties LLC. Amount: $311,429.

James and Diane Monaghan. Property Location: Tobyhanna Twp. Seller: Lelynn LLC. Amount: $399,900.

JL Homes LLC. Property Location: Mt. Pocono. Seller: Frank and Betty Mazuk. Amount: $379,750.

Old Stagecoach Realty LLC. Property Location: Polk Twp. Seller: Kendall Boeman. Amount: $250,000.

Sirva Relocation Credit LLC. Property Location: Smithfield TWp. Seller: Robert and Traci Stepanski. Amount: $345,000.

Robert Romanowski. Property Location: Smithfield Twp. Seller: Sirva Relocation Credit LLC. Amount: $345,000.

Jamisa McIvor. Property Location: Middle Smithfield Twp. Seller: Mary Tadros N/K/A Mary Hanna, Michael Tadros. Amount: $330,000.

Nadzhibe Barzeva. Property Location: Coolbaugh Twp. Seller: John Lombardi III. Amount: $412,000.

PIKE COuNTy

Louis Muggeo, Alexa Gaydos. Property Location: Blooming Grove Twp. Seller: Santo Tantillo. Amount: $345,000.

Mark A Massa, Magaly Munoz. Property Location: Blooming Grove Twp. Seller: Jonathan Greenfield, Heather Greendfield, (co-trustees Greenfield Family Trust). Amount: $275,000.

Oveanview Solutions LLC. Property Location: Blooming Grove Twp. Seller: Barbara Silverman. Amount: $460,000.

James H and Jacqueline Nathan. Property Location: Blooming Grove Twp. Seller: Rotraud Diaz. Amount: $270,000.

Lester J and Roseanne F Walters Jr. Property Location: Blooming Grove Twp. Seller: Deborah Tasso. Amount: $335,000.

Richard and Nina Tucker. Property Location: Blooming Grove Twp. Seller: Craig M and Antonietta Rothenberg.

Amount: $450,000.

Slava Shuma and Marina Tabach. Property Location: Blooming Grove Twp. Seller: Laura Gendelma. Amount: $300,000.

Vyacheslav Repik and Nataliya Ivanova. Property Location: Delaware Twp. Seller: Vladimir Kraminsky. Amount: $317,500.

Sandra Jimenez. Property Location: Delaware Twp. Seller: Mark Perius, Julie Helen Kosobucki. Amount: $310,000.

Chris Krishna LLLC. Property Location: Delaware Twp. Seller: Nicholas Dispoto, Brian E Benson. Amount: $450,000.

Irene Graham. Property Location: Delaware Twp. Seller: Jorge M Gonzalez. Amount: $272,000.

David and Ellen Champion. Property Location: Dingman Twp. Seller: Amy Rowland. Amount: $340,000.

David and Michele Nutkiewicz. Property Location: Dingman Twp. Seller: Edward and Lisa Della. Amount: $315,000.

DESPG Dingmans Assoc.LLC. Property Location: Dingman Twp. Seller: Hunt Horizons LLC. Amount: $546,250.

Carla Dersarkissian, Manuel John Valas Matos.

Property Location: Dingman Twp. Seller: Milford West Dev. LLC. Amount: $400,000.

Patrycja Anna Kalicka. Property Location: Palmyra Twp. Seller: Michael Prenderville. Amount: $400,000.

Randy Gabriel. Property Location Palmyra Twp. Seller: Fannie Mae. Amount: $440,000.

November and Scott S Nickett. Property Location: Palmyra Twp. Seller: Barbara H and Robert C Dundon.

Amount: $865,000.

Robert M, heather A, Marlee, and Robert Michael Russell. Property Location: Palmyra Twp. Amount: $485,000.

Paul and Lois Wituschek. Property Location: Palmyra Twp. Seller: Michael Jankowski. Amount: $285,000.

Jeffrey E and Vicki O Ebner. Property Location: Palmyra Twp. Seller: Manfred Muehter Jr. by Manfred K Muehter. Amount: $725,000.

Bryon and Susan N Nickerson. Property Location: Shohola Twp. Seller: R. Philip Steinberg (Tr). Amount: $590,000.

Georgios and Theodora Gouramanis. Property Location: Greene Twp. Seller: Maureen Moore, exe. Of Est. of Patricia A Hoza. Amount: $250,000.

Linda Gunderson. Property Location: Lackawaxen Twp. Seller: Sequoia Group Northeast LLC. Amount: $250,000.

James A and Vicotria M Graziano. Property Location: Lackawaxen Twp. Seller: Scott and Jacqueline Levenson.

Amount: $290,000.

Rory Gildea and Melissa Lombreglia. Property Location: Lackawaxen Twp. Seller: Judith A Stephens. Amount: $555,000.

Fred T and Stacey Anne Hoila. Property Location: Lackawaxen Twp. Seller: Robert and Nancy Parker. Amount: $290,000.

Daniel E and Deborah E Prince. Property Location: Lackawaxen Twp. Seller: Bernard D Preston. Amount: $325,000.

The Woodloch Spa Resort LP. Property Location: Lackawaxen Twp. Seller: G and W Properties LLLC. Amount: $1,350,000.

Bruce and Karen Nelson. Property Location: Lackawaxen Twp. Seller: Barbara C Frasier Rev. Liv. Tr. By Susan L Ambrogi (Tr). Amount: $275,000.

P and M Realty of Lackawaxen LLC. Property Location: Lackawaxen Twp. Seller: Cindy Magnes. Amount: $305,000.

Kenneth and Dawn Doherty. Property Location: Lackawaxen Twp. Seller: G.A. Homes Inc. Amount: $379,000.

Joseph and Jean Diluca. Property Location: Lackawaxen Twp. Seller: John and Rosemary Howlett. Amount: $338,000.

Victor and Svetlana Sidorova. Property Location: Lehman Twp. Seller: Lupe Jaghab. Amount: $260,000.

Pocono RE Ventures LLLC. Property Location: Lehman Twp. Seller: LSF10 Master Participation Trust. Amount: $275,000.

Peter R and Nancy A Rushton. Property Location: Westfall Twp. Seller: Robert H and Margaret C Peters Sr. Amount: $295,000.

Vincent J and Maureen A Albano. Property Location Westfall Twp. Seller: Rivers Edge LP. Amount: $329,72 Nelson Freedman, Carmen Castellano. Property Location: Westfall Twp. Seller: Rivers Edge LP. Amount: $299,900.

Tricia T Vanderhoof, Gerald M Taylor. Property Location: Westfall Twp. Seller: Roseann Sirico. Amount: $256,000.

Edward T and Bonnie M Addison. Property Location: Matamoras Boro. Seller: Spencer Hill, Jennifer Barnettt.

Amount: $325,000.

Candice Louise and Benjamin Mahala III. Property Location: Milford Boro. Seller: Most Rev. Joseph C Bambera, Bishop & Trustee of Roman Catholic Diocese of Scranton. Amount: $330,000

SCHuyLKILL COuNTy

Daniel and Tammy Zackus. Property Location:

Pottsville. Seller: Matthew and Melissa Sophy. Amount: $299,900.

Samuel, Michael and Ray Zimmerman. Property Location: Eldred Twp. Seller: Debra and Gary Carpenter.

Amount: $685,000.

WAyNE COuNTy

Daniel P and Diane Conway. Property Location: Berlin Twp. Seller: J Keith and Virginia Coleman. Amount: $425,000.

Shane Schneider. Property Location: Berlin Twp. Seller: Haydee Rosario (TR), Michael A, Miguel, Haydee Rosario, Ada Martinez Rev. Trust. Amount: $260,000.

Douglas C Szot. Property Location: Buckingham Twp. Seller: Michael G and Anita K Doll. Amount: $365,000.

Christopher A Mee. Property Location: Buckingham Twp. Seller: Dwight R Ball, John T Rogers, John B Burtis, Margaret Mee Family Trust. Amount: $675,000.

Rosemarie P Thomas. Property Location: Cherry Ridge Twp. Seller: Timmie and Ann Marie Barber. Amount: $490,000.

Karl and Katherine Schloesser. Property Location: Cherry Ridge Twp. Seller: Gerald L Dirlam. Amount: $400,000.

Patrick Kellogg Kane. Property Location: Clinton Twp. 1. Seller: Patrick and Julia A Farley Haggerty. Amount: $250,000.

Reid Petrucelly, Elena Kegler. Property Location: Damascus Twp. Seller: Bernard Handler. Amount: $340,000.

Thomas and Claudia Trousdell. Property Location: Dyberry Twp. Seller: Al Grazia. Amount: $255,000.

James Harmon. Property Location: Honesdale Boro.

Seller: Carol Ann Siepela. Amount: $380,000.

Anthony and Gia Ricottone. Property Location: Lake Twp. Seller: Kenneth J and Kathleen M O’Brien (TR).

Amount: $415,000.

Ronald and Deborah L Stenten. Property Location: Lake Twp. Seller: Mahendra J. Patel, Lata Patel, Ami and Mac Khahera, Samir and Ekta Patel. Amount: $252,400.

Hwa Soo Lee. Property Location: Lehigh Twp. Seller: George A and Mary Ann Kick. Amount: $307,500.

Vanja and Susan Glusica. Property Location: Manchester Twp. Seller: Glenn H and Mary Lu Ryerson. Amount: $525,000.

James Peppard. Property Location: Manchester Twp. Seller: Hazel V Peterson. Amountl $400,000.

Jens Mueller. Property Location: Mt. Pleasant Twp. Seller: Harry and Kristin A Montauredes. Amount: $295,000.

Gregory and Diana Sorg. Property Location: Palmyra Twp. Seller: John and Danuta Barszcz. Amount: $330,000.

Kelly Hebert and Philip Alan Block. Property Location: Palmyra Twp. Seller: John and Elizabeth Pallay. Amount: $589,000.

Richard G and Kelly Locklin Jr. Property Location: Paupack Twp. Seller: Paul J Wondrasch. Amount: $600,000.

Andrew P and Carrie A Stankus. Property Location: Paupack Twp. Seller: Rosemarie C MacDowell. Amount: $280,000.

Carey and Shane Counterman. Property Location: Paupack Twp. Seller: Christine Vehstedt. Amount: $282,000.

Sean and Stacey Delong. Property Location: Paupack Twp. Seller: Andrew B and Jane R Bastian. Amount: $650,000.

Meredith L Hellstern, Richard L Hogg III. Property Location: Paupack Twp. Seller: Steven Digiovanni, Ruchika Sindhudi Giovanni. Amount: $314,000.

Jammie Cafaro. Property Location: Paupack Twp. Seller: Robert and Mary Beth Atkinson. Amount: $335,000.

Glenn and Kristine Phillips. Property Location: Preston Twp. Seller: Joseph C and Cheryl A Dyer. Amount: $450,000.

William D and Luanne Norris. Property Location:

Preston Twp. Seller: David C Politano. Amount: $295,000.

Todd Theodore and Heather Grant Lindsley. Property Location: Salem Twp. Seller: Lewis R and Alice Jane Pulliam. Amount: $940,000.

Stephanie Ann and Kirk Carey Wolloff. Property Location: Salem Twp. Seller: Wendy Rockford, Lawrence Maurer.

Amount: $499,000.

Tarcisco G. Gomes, Vera L Gomes, Tarcisco G Gomes Living Tr., Vera L Gomes Liv. Tr. Property Location: Salem Twp. Seller: Richard and Joslyn Kirsch. Amount: $380,000.

Henry Alfredson Jr. Property Location: Texas Twp. 1&2.

Seller: Walter L and Abby L Pittenger. Amount: $285,000.

WyOMING COuNTy

1375 State Rte. 11 Investments LLC. Property Location: Clinton Twp. Seller: Wyoming County Tax Claim Bureau Tenant Services of Pennsylvania LLC. Amount: $254,839.33.

David C Whitman, Kristine E Whitman, (trustees) Property Location: Falls Twp. Seller: Darlene K Wiedenheft.

Amount: $285,000.

2R Holdings LLC. Property Location: Meshoppen, Washington Twp. Seller: Sherwood Farms LTD. Amount: $700,000.

John R and Robyn Lacy. Property Location: Lemon Twp. Seller: Bruce W and Brenda L Insinger. Amount: $270,000.

MORTGAGES

COLuMBIA COuNTy

Turkey Hill Inn Inc. Property Location: Scott Twp. Lender: First Columbia Bank & Trust Co. Amount: $775,000.

Karl Z Mary Lee, Chelsea Rae Hunsinger. Property Location: Briarcreek Twp. Lender: First Columbia Bank & Trust Co. Amount: $395,000.

Mark A and Tina M Thomas, Matthew E. Hockenburg, Katie M Thomas. Property Location: Scott Twp. Lender: AgChoice Farm Credit. Amount: $495,000.

Readler Hoe Investments LLC. Property Location: Berwick. Lender: Craig L. and Linda K. Baker. Amount: $450,000.

Akeem J and Danelle E Scott. Property Location: Scott Twp. Lender: MERS. Amount: $419,500.

Matthew S and Barbara A Balliet. Property Location: Beaver Twp. Lender: First Citizens Community Bank.

Amount: $550,000.

Tracy A and Loretta . Miller. Property Location: Greenwood Twp. Lender: MERS. Amount: $340,000.

Christopher A and Kristi J Heiss. Property Location: Hemlock Twp. Lender: Turbotville National Bank. Amount: $364,000.

Amanda Mamrak. Property Location: Orange Twp. Lender: MERS. Amount: $325,300.

Kelly Polizzi. Property Location: Hemlock Twp. Lender: MERS>. Amount: $337,000.

Bloomsburg Towers LLC. Property Location: Bloomsburg. Lender: Wells Fargo Bank. Amount: $2,625,000.

Richard T and Donna M Sherwin. Property Location: Benton Twp. Lender: First Columbia Bank & Trust Co. Amount: $360,000.

Off Campus Housing LLC. Property Location: Bloomsburg. Lender: First Keystone Community Bank. Amount: $596,250.

Gary E and Donna . Aurand. Property Location: Madison Twp. Lender: AgChoice Farm Credit. Amount: $575,000.

Matthew C and Ashli A Lear. Property Location: Mifflin Twp. Lender: First Columbia Bank and Trust Co. Amount: $313,255.

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FOR THE RECORD

F R O M P A G E 29 Paul J and Heather K Ervin. Property Location: North Centre Twp. Lender: MERS.. Amount: $481,073.

Sean Hughes. Property Location: Moscow. Lender: ESSA Bank & Trust. Amount: $340,000.

John R croom III. Property Location: Moscow. Lender: PA State Employees Credit Union. Amount: $316,000.

Sean M Herron. Property Location: Moscow. Lender: LacKawanna county Navy Federal Credit Union. Amount: $518,925. oriol Josep Sunyer. Property Location: Clifton twp.

Mary Kaye Bucciarelli. Property Location: Moscow.

Lender: Trident Mtge Co. Amount: $261,000.

Lender: Citizens Savings Bank. Amount: $332,000. nicole R Malcolm. Property Location: Clifton Twp. terra manor LLc. Property Location: Newton Twp. Lender: Movement Mortgage LLC. Amount: $382,500.

Lender: Dime Bank. Amount: $265,000. aqua Pennsylvania Inc. Property Location: Covington Douglas B Pallman. Property Location: Newton Twp. Twp. Lender: Bank Of New York Mellon Trust Co. Amount: Lender: FNCB Bank. Amount: $250,000. $75,000,000. aqua Pennsylvania Inc. Property Location: N. Abington cara a Graci Irrev. Tr. Property Location: Covington Twp. Lender: Bank of New York Mellon Trust Co. Amount: Twp. Lender: FNCB Bank. Amount: $1,000,000.

Five c’s Realty LLc. Property Location: Covington Twp. $75,000,000. .Joseph Cola. Property Location: N. Abington Twp. Lender: GNCB Bank. Amount: $285,000.

Lender: US Bank National Assoc. Amount: $268,750.

Bridget Street Holdings LLc. Property Location: aqua Pennsylvania Inc. Property Location: Roaring Dickson City. Lender: PS Bank. Amount: $454,960.

Brook Twp. Lender: Bank of New York Mellon Trust Co. Mark albert. Property Location: Dunmore. Lender: Amount: $75,000,000.

Community Bank. Amount: $270,400. andrew F Martin. Property Location: Scott Twp. EtK Ventures LP. Property Location: Dunmore. Lender: Lender: Wayne Bank. Amount: $277,600.

Fidelity Dep and Disc Bank. Amount: $1,500,000.

Snt Holdings LLc. Property Location: Scott Twp. Melissa Sariti. Property Location: Dunmore. Lender: Lender: PS Bank. Amount: $250,000.

Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co. Amount: $252,700.

Fish Holdings LLc. Property Location: Scranton. twelve olice LLc. Property Location: Dunmore.

Lender: FNCB Bank. Amount: $291,240.

Lender: Fidelity Dep & Disc Bank. Amount: $4,300,000.

BRt Ice LP. Property Location: Scranton. Lender: FidelB Meltell LLc. Property Location: Fell Twp. ity Dep & Disc Bank. Amount: $1,600,000.

Lender: Deutsche Bank Trust Co. Americas. Amount: BRt Ice LP. Property Location: Scranton. Lender: Fidel$2,000,000,000. ity Dep & Disc Bank. Amount: $1,662,000. thomas M Burke. Property Location: Glenburn Twp. Gerald M Frank. Property Location: Scranton. Lender: Lender: Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co. Amount: Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co. Amount: $927,000. $500,000.

Gerald M Frank. Property Location: Scranton. Lender: aqua Pennsylvania. Property Location: Glenburn Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co. Amount: $927,000.

Twp. Lender: Bank of New York Mellon Trust Co, Amount: Robert Lewis DeLuca Jr. Property Location: Scranton. $75,000,000.

Douglas D Dimmig. Property Location: Greenfield Twp. Lender: Newrez Inc. Amount: $282,474.

EtK Ventures LP. Property Location: Scranton. Lender: Lender: Wells Fargo bank. Amount: $500,000.

Fidelity Dep & Disc Bank. Amount: $1,500,000.

Jeffrey Galenas. Property Location: Jefferson Twp. Snt Holdings LLc. Property Location: Scranton.

Lender: Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co. Amount: Lender: PS Bank. Amount: $250,000. $450,000.

Scranton-Spruce LLc. Property Location: Scranton. aqua Pennsylvania Inc. Property Location: Jefferson Lender: Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co. Amount: Twp. Lender: Bank of New York Mellon trust Co. Amount: $375,000. $75,000,000.

Jefferson Flats LLc. Property Location: Scranton. LendEugene w Ruddy. Property Location: Jefferson Twp. er: Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co. Amount: $375,000.

Lender: Fidelity Dep & Disc Bank. Amount: $308,000.

School Side Builders LLc. Property Location: ScranRyan P Bielovitz. Property Location: Jefferson Twp. ton. Lender: Honesdale National bank. Amount: $875,000.

Lender: NBT Bank. Amount: $320,000. tJ Grzenda LLc. Property Location: Scranton. Lender: Bernard Benko. Property Location: Jefferson Twp. Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co. Amount: $300,000.

Lender: NBT Bank. Amount: $267,000.

ID washington Property group LLc. Property LocaayMy LLc. Property Location: Jermyn. Lender: Fidelity tion: Scranton. Lender: Jersey Shore State Bank. Amount: Deposit & Disc Bank. Amount: $320,000. $576,800.

Raymond M Gall. Property Location: La Plume Twp. Florey Lumber co. Inc. Property Location: S. Abington Lender: First National Bank of PA. Amount: $301,000.

Twp. Lender: Fidelity Dep & Disc Bank. Amount: $300,000.

Brian R Jenkins. Property Location: Madison Twp. Joy Shakelton. Property Location: S. Abington Twp. Lender: Sutherland Mortgage Services Inc. Amount: Lender: Freedom Mtge Corp. Amount: $252,612. $335,033. outlook Design & construction Inc. Property Location: Shwom Brothers LLc. Property Location: Moosic.

S. Abington Twp. Lender: Dime Bank. Amount: $280,000.

Lender: Fidelity Dep & Disc Bank. Amount: $285,000.

Gravel Pond townhouses Inc. Property Location: S. Glenmaura Senior Living LLc. Property Location Abington Twp. Lender: Fidelity Dep & Disc Bank. Amount: Moosic. Lender: Community Bank. Amount: $3,000,000. $1,500,000.

Ectarina Iriza. Property Location: Moosic. Lender: Gravel Pond townhouses Inc. Property Location: S. Quicken Loans. Amount: $423,000.

J Brian Lonergran. Property Location: Moosic. Lender; Abington Twp. Lender: Fidelity Dep & Disc Bank. Amount: $1,500,000.

Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co Amount: $600,000. aqua Pennsylvania Inc. Property Location: S. Abington J Brian Lonergran. Property Location: Moosic. Lender: Twp. Lender: Bank of New York Mellon Trust Co, Amount: Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co, Amount: $325,000. $75,000,000.

Birney 1LP. Property Location: Moosic. Lender: FNCB Gerald Frank. Property Location: S. Abington Twp. Bank. Amount: $5,000,000.

Lender: Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co. Amount: Jordan tmahas. Property Location: Moosic. Lender: $927,000.

Anthony R Domiano Jr. Amount: $420,000.

Daniel turshon. Property Location: S. Abington Twp. Jordan thomas. Property Location: Moosic. Lender: Lender: United Wholesale Mortgage. Amount: $325,109.

Anthony R Domiano Jr. Amount: $420,000.

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Mailynn Peters. Property Location: S. Abington Twp. Lender: Freedom Mtge Corp. Amount: $263,107.

Peter J Krenitsky. Property Location: S. Abington Twp. Lender: First National Bank of PA. Amount: $480.000.

Paul D Horger. Property Location: S. Abington Twp. Lender: Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co. Amount: $468,000. ashwinkumar D Patel. Property Location: S. Abington Twp. Lender: Fidelity Bank & Disc Bank. Amount: $484,350. clarks Summit Hotel Holdings. LLC. Property Location: S. Abington Twp. Lender: FNCB Bank. Amount: $500,000.

Michael Hinchman. Property Location: S. Abington Twp. Lender: Fidelity Dep & Disc Bank. Amount: $340,000.

James a nasser. Property Location: S. Abington Twp. Lender: Fidelity Dep & Disc Bank. Amount: $368,000.

Zhuang Qui. Property Location: S. Abington Twp. Lender: Citizens Savings Bank. Amount: $285,000.

David M Beinke. Property Location: S. Abington Twp. Lender: Navy Federal Credit Union. Amount: $293,372. timothy S Bryan. Property Location: S. Abington Twp. Lender: Home Point Financial Corp. Amount: $293,584.

MBc Properties LP. Property Location: Taylor. Lender: M&T Bank. Amount: $4,300,000.

Philip J amico Jr. Property location: Throop. Lender: Wayne Bank. Amount: $290,000.

James w Kramer Jr. Property Location W. Abington Twp. Lender: PNC bank. Amount: $279,400. atlantic Fresh Properties LLc. Property Location: W. Abington Twp. Lender: Fidelity Dep & Disc Bank. Amount: $405,000. atlantic Fresh Properties LLc. Property Location: W. Abington Twp. Lender: Fidelity Dep & Disc Bank. Amount: $324,000.

Marliee Barone. Property Location: W. Abington Twp. Lender: Fidelity Dep & Disc Bank. Amount: $350,000.

Mitchell Grochowski. Property Location: W. Abington Twp. Lender: Fidelity Dep & Disc Bank. Amount: $272,000. anthony R Moses. Property Location: W. Abington Twp. Lender: United Wholesale Mortgage. Amount: $384,000.

Michael J McHale. Property Location: W. Abington Twp. Lender: PNC Bank. Amount: $330,500. anthony Gazoo. Property Location: W. Abington Twp. Lender: Quicken Loans. Amonut: $278,499.

Denzal construction co LLc. Property Location: W. Abington Twp. Lender: Honesdale National Bank. Amount: $270.000.

Jonathan william Hickok. Property Location: W. Abington Twp. Lender: Penn East Federal Credit Union.

Amount: $252,000.

Joseph R axtell Property Location: w. Abington Twp. Lender: PS bank. Amount: $471,600.

Feddy & associates LLc. Property Location: W. Abington Tw. Lender: Wayne Bank. Amount: $315,000.

Banat Management LLc. Property Location: W. Abington Twp. Lender: Community Bank. Amount: $1,300,000.

Katherine Poepperling. Property Location: W. Abington Twp. Lender: ESSA Bank & Trust. Amount: $345,000.

Michael Kelley. Property Location: W. Abington Twp. Lender: MERS. Amount: $268,600.

LuZERnE county

Dallas Bengel. Property Location: Black Creek Twp. LEnder: MERS. Amount: $454,500.

Pamela J oliveira. Property Location: Kingston Twp. Lender: MERS. Amount: $484,350.

Michael collins. Property Location: Jenkins Twp. Lender: FNCB Bank. Amount: $265,600.

Federico Lombardo. Property Location: Kingston.

Lender: Frederico Lombardo II. Amount: $1,500,000. cross creek Pointe Realty LP. Property Location:

Plains Twp. Lender: Landmark Community Bank. Amount: $2,286,168.74. cross creek Pointe Realty LP. Property Location: Plains Twp. Lender: Landmark Community Bank. Amount: $1,000,000.

Kingston Residential Pa owner LLcarbor. Property Location: Kingston. Lender: Commercial Funding I LLC. Amount: $3,400,000.

Daniel R cronauer. Property Location: Fairview Twp. Lender: Cross Valley Federal Credit Union. Amount: $272,000.

Lauren Krauth. Property Location: Butler Twp. Lender: MERS. Amount: $362,509. nishith Smart. Property Location: Dallas Twp. Lender: MERS. Amount: $254,000. thomas E Quinn. Property Location: Harveys Lake.

Lender: Honesdale National Bank. Amount: $250,000.

Jason R Smith. Property Location: Plains Twp. Lender: MERS. Amount: $256,500.

Marlene R Minnick. Property Location: Butler Twp. Lender: Community Bank. Amount: $298,000.

Multiplex Manufacturing co. Property Location: Salem Twp. Lender: First Keystone Community Bank. Amount: $500,000.

Ronald J Minnick. Property Location: Hazleton. Lender: Community Bank. Amount: $298,000.

Francine M Greco. Property Location: Wright Twp. Lender: Citizens Savings Bank. Amount: $356,000.

John P Henry. Property ocation: Jackson Twp. Lender: Luzerne Bank. Amount: $357,000.

Duane E Deivert. Property Location: Rice Twp. Lender: MERS. Amount: $431,239.

MonRoE county

HFIco LLc. Property Location: Tunkhannock Twp. Seller: Robert and Jane Clawson. Amount: $395,000. thurston and Kelly Reinhart. Property Location: Tobyhanna Twp. Seller: Bryan Fuerst and Dennis Forde Jr. Amount: $355,000.

Jessica and Rosemary Padilla. Property Location: Jackson Twp. Seller: JHJF Properties LLC. Amount: $365,000.

Jacques Jean. Property Location: Price Twp. Seller: DE&S Properties Inc. T/A Classic Quality Homes. Amount: $329,900. abraham Goldstein. Property Location: Middle Smithfield Twp. Seller: Owen Lee. Amount: $430,000.

Jeannine Leager and Russell Dunbar III. Property Location: Middle Smithfield Twp. Seller: Kevin and Jill Miller.

Amount: $327,000. arby’s Properties LLc. Property Location: East Stroudsburg. Seller: Sybra LLLC F/K/A Sybra of Michigan LLC SB/M Sybra Inc. Amount: $1. Tax basis: $559,551.

David camp and Gwen Borowsky. Property Location: Tobyhanna Twp. Seller: Arthur and Andrea Jennerich.

Amount: $575,000.

Bernice claxton-Stapleton and Frankie Stapleton.

Property Location: Middle Smithfield Twp. Seller: Classic Quality Homes. Amount: $308,500.

Jaime and Jessica Hidalgo. Property location: Coolbaugh Twp. Seller: Michael Delcampt Trust. Amount: $420,000.

David obiesie. Property Location: Tobyhanna Twp. Seller: Classic Quality Homes. Amount: $304,500.

Piotr olejnik and Paulina Galik. Property Location: Jackson Twp. Seller: Stephen and Donna Hallberg. Amount: $380,000.

Peggy and Rodney Merwine. Property Location: Hamilton Twp. Seller: Mario and Illise Arvelo. Amount: $330,000.

Justin and christine Bove. Property Location: TobyPle ase se e Record, Page 31

FOR THE RECORD F R O M P A G E 30 hanna Twp. Seller: Joshua and Kristin Shannon. Amount: $378,500.

NP 830 LLC. Property Location: Stroudsburg. Seller: Laurel Beverage Co. Amount: $450,000.

Michael and Brandie Carter. Property Location: Paradise Twp. Seller: Adrian Martens. Amount: $299,900.

Christopher and Nancy Fan. Property Location: Polk Twp. Seller: Stanislaw Wnorowski and Thomas Gontarz.

Amount: $317,500.

Leigh Hopkins and Jacqueline Junkins-Hopkins.

Property Location: Tobyhanna Twp. Seller: William MacMillan III and Donna Wood. Amount: $850,000.

Leonid Ivanov and Alexis Santiago-Cabanas.

Property Location: Stroudsburg. Seller: David and Lynette Quaresimo. Amount: $399,000.

Vladimir Leibson and Raisa Reznikas. Property Location: Stroud Twp. Seller: RJA Development Corp. Amount: $292,200.

Gosia Sobieszczuk. Property Location: Hamilton Twp. Seller: Central Penn Capital Management LLC. Amount: $309,175.

Erik Paige and Cheryl Hall-Paige. Property Location: Middle Smithfield Twp. Seller: Joun and Choon An. Amount: $332,500.

HFICO LLC. Property Location: Stroudsburg. Seller: Lamplighter Associates. Amount: $372,000.

Jay and Donna Galaini. Property Location: Coolbaugh Twp. Seller: Joyce Mennella. Amount: $330,000.

HFICO LLC. Property Location: Pocono Twp. Seller: GAO Global LLC. Amount: $950,000.

Jan Bulinsky. Property Location: Smithfield Twp. Seller: Marek Morawiec Est., Daiana and Elizabeth Morawiec (exec.). Amount: $322,000.

HFICO LLC. Property Location: Tobyhanna Twp. Seller: Charlene Walter. Amount: $347,000.

Turning Wheel Enterprises LLC. Property Location: Pocono Twp. Seller: Debra and Curtis Herman. Amount: $313,000.

Pre-Insulated Metal Technologies Inc. Property Location: Stroud Twp. Seller: Northwoods Commercial Properties Inc. Amount: $5,500,000.

Natalie George. Property Location: Price Twp. Seller: LTS Homes LLC. Amount: $332,143.

Liberty One Realty LLC. Property Location: Tobyhanna Twp. Seller: 383 Ventures LLC. Amount: $443,000.

Eric Powders. Property Location: Tobyhanna Twp. Seller: Spartak Holding Group LLC, Oval Management of PA LLC (managing member). Amount: $303,000.

Tiffany Guirand. Property Location: Stroud Twp. Seller: Joel Anthony Inc. Amount: $343,000.

Joan Maniaci and Melissa Clarke. Property Location: Jackson Twp. Seller: Thomas and Joyce Flattery. Amount: $430,000.

296 Washington Street LLC. Property Location: East Stroudsburg. Seller: Shiva Real Estate Investors and Management LLC. Amount: $862,500.

260 Great Bear LLC. Property Location: Middle Smithfield Twp. Seller: James and Anne Neitzel. Amount: $300,000.

Beltzville Enterprises LLC. Property Location: Barrett Twp. Seller: Hollow Enterprises Inc. Amount: $850,000.

Sterowski’s Car Wash LLC. Property Location: Tobyhanna Twp. Seller: Mountain Car Care LP, Geryville Associates LLC. Amount: $600,000.

Richard and Samantha Kim. Property Location: Tobyhanna Twp. Seller: Paul and Carolyn Rodriguez Trust.

Amount: $299,000.

Ronald and Kathy Papera. Property Location: Tobyhanna Twp. Seller: Avram Hornik and Katharine Damora.

Amount: $825,000.

Niagale Fofana. Property Location: Ross Twp. Seller: Classic Quality Homes. Amount: $313,500.

Anthony P Fritz. Property Location: Dyberry Twp. Lender: Honesdale National Bank. Amount: $375,000.

Orchard Grove LLC Property Location: Damascus Twp. Lender: Honesdale National Bank. Amount: $425,000.

Meredith L Hellstern, Richard L Hogg III. Property Location: Paupack Twp. Lender: Honesdale National Bank.

SCHuyLKILL COuNTy PIKE COuNTy Amount: $298,395.

Customers Bank. Property Location: Orwigsburg.

Louis Muggeo, Alexa Gaydos. Property Location: Jammie Cafaro. Property Location: Paupack Twp. Lender: Converter Realty, LLC. Amount: $3,000,000.

Blooming Grove Twp. Lender: MERS. Amount: $276,000.

Lender: Cross Country Mortgage. Amount: $268,000.

2468 Group, Inc. Property Location: Ashland. Lender: Patricia Anna Kalicka. Property Location: Greentown.

Security Mutual Life Insurance Co, NY. Amount: $1,000,000.

William R and Cynthia Fehringer. Property Location: Lender: Polish and Slavic Federal Credit Union. Amount: Customers Bank. Property Location: Orwigsburg.

Texas Twp. Lender: Honesdale National Bank. Amount: $316,000.

Lender: Converter Realty, LLC. Amount: $2,000,000.

Randy Gabriel. Property Location: Palmyra Twp. $784,000.

William and Cherie Gottshall. Property Location: Lender: MERS. Amount: $340,000.

South Manheim Twp. Lender: Caliber Home Mortgages.

Nancy A and Peter R Rushton. Property location: WyOMING COuNTy Amount: $309,000.

Milford Twp. Lender: Wayne Bank. Amount: $288,000.

David C Whitman, Kristine E Whitman (trustees).

Matthew A. Baran. Property Location: East Brunswick Russell A Coelho Jr., Victoria A Caruso. Property LocaProperty Location: Falls Twp. Lender: Community Bank. tion: Milford. Lender: Hudson Heritage Federal Credit Union. Twp. Lender: CACL Federal Credit Union. Amount: $265,000. Amount: $255,000.

Samuel, Michael and Ray Zimmerman. Property LoAmount: $387,400.

Bernard P and Donalynn yanik Martin. Property cation: Eldred Twp. Lender: Fulton Bank. Amount: $548,000.

Vyacheslav Repik, Nataliya Ivanova. Property LocaLocation: Falls Twp. Lender: Pennsylvania State Employees tion: Greene Twp. Lender: MERS. Amount: $252,000.

Credit Union. Amount: $310,000.

Daniel Ohem, Samantha Garnet. Property LocaWAyNE COuNTy B Meltel LLLC. Property Location: Tunkhannock Twp. tion: Dingman Twp. lender: ESSA Bank & Trust. Amount: Richard G and Kelly Locklin. Property Location: Lender: Deutsche Bank Trust Co Americas Trustee. Amount: $355,965.

Paupack, Salem Twp. Lender: Honesdale National Bank. $2,000,000,000.

Candice Louise and Benjamin Mahala III. Property Amount: $625,000 resp.

Jeremy N and Heather Conrad. Property Location: Location: Milford Boro. Lender: JP Morgan Chase Bank.

Rosemarie P Thomas. Property Location: Cherry Forkston Twp. Lender: PS Bank. Amount: $370,000.

Amount: $264,000.

Ridge Twp. Lender: MERS. Amount: $441,000.

2R Holdings LLC. Property Location: Meshoppen, Good Shepherd Child Care Center. Property Location: Vanja and Susan Glusica. Property Location: ManWashington Twp. Lender: Peoples Security Bank & Trust Dingmans Twp. Lender: Dime Bank. Amount: $390,000. chester Twp. Lender: MERS. Amount: $329,062.

Co. Amount: $496,800.

Rory Goldea, Melissa Lombreglia. Property Location: Daniel P and Diane Conway. Property Location: Berlin William Raymond and Maura Elizabeth Longstreet.

Lackawaxen Twp. Lender: Wells Fargo Bank. Amount: Twp. Lender: Dime Bank. Amount: $250,000.

Property Location: Falls Twp. Lender: Peoples Security Bank $471,750.

Sean and Stacey DeLong. Property Location: Paupack & Trust Co. Amount: $328,872.

Christopher M and Nancy A Trinka. Property Location: Twp. Lender: MERS. Amount: $520,000.

John R and Robyn Lacy. Property Location: Lemon Lackawaxen Twp. Lender: MERS. Amount: $260,000.

Lisa Lori. Property Location: Paupack Twp. Lender: Twp. Lender: Aloysius V and Betty S Curtin Jr. $270,000.

Sebastian Nino and Robin A Russo. Property Location: MERS. Amount: $688,000.

Dingman Twp. Lender: PSECU. Amount: $355,000.

Five Zero Industrial Park LLC. Property Location: Agnes M Raeven. Property Location: Dingman Twp., Sterling Twp. Lender: Parke Bank. Amount: $1,095,000.

Milford Boro. Lender: Citizens Bank. Amount: $272,000.

Frederick E Bosch (TR), Frederick E Bosch Liv Tr. Michael D Wong, Jixia Qin. Property Location: DelaProperty Location: Prompton Boro. Amount: $263,989.39. ware Twp. Lender: MERS. Amount: $356,765.

Todd Theodore and Heather Grant Lindsley. Property Fred T and Stacey Ann Hoila. Property Location: Location: Salem Twp. Lender: MERS. Amount: $752,000.

Lackawaxen Twp. Lender: MERS. Amount: $284,747.

Corey Moyer, Amanda Flicker. Property Location: Stanley Reed. Property Location: Delaware Twp. Salem Twp. Lender: Wells Fargo Bank. Amount: $400,000.

Lender: Citizens Savings Bank. Amount: $260,000.

Rosemarie, Anthony J, Lisa, Leonard, Annmaria David and Michele Nutkiewicz. Property Location: Cazzorla. Property Location: Mt. Pleasant Twp. Lender: Dingman Twp. Lender: MERS Amount: $252,000.

Wayne Bank. Amount: $539,305.

November and Scott S Nickett. Property Location: Daniel and Jennifer S Barna. Property Location: Palmyra Twp. Lender: Wayne Bank. Amount: $315,000.

Clinton Twp. Lender: Community Bank. Amount: $345,000.

Robert M Russell, Heather A Russell, Marlee RusShane Schneider. Property Location: Berlin Twp. sell, Robert Michael Russell. Property Location: Palmyra Lender: MERS. Amount: $260,000.

Twp. Lender: JP Morgan Chase Bank. Amount: $388,000.

Kelly Hebert and Philip Alan Block. Property Location: Chris Krishna LLC. Property Location: Delaware Twp. Palmyra Twp. Lender: Honesdale National Bank. Amount: Lender: Dime Bank. Amount: $667,500. $369,000.

Vincent J and Maureen A Albano. Property Location: James Harmon. Property Location: Honesdale. Lender: Westfall Twp. Lender: MERS. Amount: $330,456.

MERS. Amount: $299,200.

Charles and Mary Peck. Property Location: LackaStephanie Ann and Kirk Carey Wolloff. Property Bring us any and all potential locations. waxen Twp. Lender; Honesdale National Bank. Amount: Location: Salem Twp. Lender: Wendy Rockford. Amount: $266,250. $439,000.

We will determine if we can develop DEPG Dingmans Assocaites LLC., HK Properties Gary Stephen and Cindy A Guerrieri. Property Locaor relocate to your site.

LLC. Property Location: Dingman Twp. Lender: Dime bank. tion: Dreher Twp. Lender: MERS. Amount: $291,208.

Pennsylvania Counties of Interest Include: Amount: $400,000.

Tarsico G Gomes (Tr), Vera L Gomes (Tr), Tarsico G Carla Dersarkissian, Manuel John Valas Matos.

Gomes Liv Tr., Vera L Gomes Liv. Tr. Property Location: • Bradford, Bucks, Carbon, Columbia, Property Location: Dingman Twp. Lender: MERS. Amount: Salem Twp. Lender: Wayne bank. Amount: $304,000.

Lackawanna, Lehigh, Luzerne, Lycoming, Monroe, $278,000.

Albert and Jeanette B Orsini. Property Location: Northampton, Pike, Schuylkill, Sullivan, Gary and Karen Owne-Houck. Property Location: Damascus Twp. Lender: Reverse Mortgage Funding LLC. Susquehanna, Tioga, Wayne, Wyoming Palmyra Twp. Lender: MERS. Amount: $260,000.

Amount: $508,500.

Types of Locations Wanted: Albert and Jeanette B Orsini. Property Location: Carmen Castellano, Nelson Freedman. Property • End Cap, In-Line, Drive-Thru, Free Standing Damascus Twp. Lender: Housing & Urban Dev. Amount: Location: Westfall Twp. Lender: Wayne Bank. Amount: $508,500. $269,910.

PLEASE CONTACT Denise A Fantini. Property Location: Lehigh Twp. Andrew and Kathy Desiderio. Property Location: Abbie Muto muto_a@sdepa.com Member of Lender: MERS. Amount: $300,000.

Milford Boro. Lender: MERS. Amount: $297,500.

International Council Cheryl Green green_c@sdepa.com Paul J and Veronica L DePaoli. Property Location: Kenneth and Dawn Doherty. Property Location: Lackaof Shopping Centers (610) 366-8120 • www.sdepa.com Texas Twp. Lender: Wayne Bank. Amount: $250,000. waxen Twp. Lender: Dime Bank. Amount: $300,000.

Paul and Jennifer Ferry. Property Location: Tobyhanna Twp. Seller: Michael and Jayne Klem. Amount: $424,000.

Richard and Larisa Leist. Property Location: Barrett Twp. Seller: Gregory and Suzanne Muth. Amount: $720,000.

Vicki O and Jeffrey E Ebner. Property Location: Palmyra Twp. Lender: MERS. Amount: $425,000.

Joseph and Jean DeLuca. Property Location: Lackawaxen Twp. Lender: MERS> Amount: $270,400.

Relocation Opportunities Wanted

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