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November 2017 VOL. 32 NO. 11
SKY HIGH
Culture a factor in drawing businesses to area
SEE PAgE 4
ALSO INSIDE:
Small business spotlight
SEE PAgE 9
Insurers, employers grapple with soaring costs of health care
Holiday gift guide
SEE PAgE 20
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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.
employers and insurers trying to cure headache of soaring health care costs.
FeatureS
Focus on Scranton...................... 4 Nepa courts amazon ................... 8 Health Care benefits ................. 16 Gift Guide .............................. 20 alzheimer’s update ................... 24
reGioNal NeWS
tutoring ................................ recycling a building ................. Holiday sales outlook ................ Made in pa.............................
12 15 22 26
exeCutive SpotliGHt
Small business spotlight .............. 9 Women entrepreneurs ................. 9 economic development .............. 14 Marketing .............................. 27 banking & finance .................... 27 Strategic planning.................... 28
buSiNeSS bulletiNS
personnel file ......................... For the record ......................... deeds ................................... Mortgages ............................. local stocks ...........................
29 35 35 37 39
Paying the best doctors for the best care. There’s value in that. To control rising costs, we’re changing the way we pay doctors — rewarding quality of care over volume of care — which is expected to save as much as $50 million per year in unnecessary costs. And that adds up to better outcomes for your employees, and more value for your healthcare dollar. See how we can help improve care and lower cost. Download our free eBook at HighmarkValueCare.ccom
▶
Dr. Judith Wesolowski Primary Care
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
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Economy
Scranton a positive economic mixed bag
label as a distressed city. However, dark clouds of financial deficit As the City of Scranton looks ahead into 2018, gathered over the Scranton School District during a good look around the city indicates that 2017 2017. Acknowledgement was made that the diswas a year of good things happening, but also trict was operating with a steep deficit which could ongoing challenges. grow to $47 million by the end of the year. On the government front, new life was Bob Durkin, president of the Greater Scranton breathed into the city’s distressed pension system Chamber of Commerce, declared he is bullish on due to proceeds from the $195 million sale of the Scranton’s outlook for 2018. The downtown is regional sewer system. This influx of revenues clearly being transformed as a destination which is for City Hall also freed up cash for badly needed profiting from the march of young urban millenniinfrastructure projects. als, with investment galore underway. City hall also negotiated a $31 million settle“The downtown Scranton market can use up to ment for the police and firefighter unions who 1,500 apartments, and our private developers are were legally haggling over overdue revenues. As well on their way to creating this,” said Durkin. the smoke was clearing on these events, the PennAs an example, Durkin noted that Penn Avenue sylvania Economy League issued a three-year exit was suffering from empty properties that included plan for Scranton to finally end its state-designated the B. Levy storefront, the old senior citizen’s By Dave Gardner
center and Jack’s Draft House. All of the locations are now occupied, with construction of apartments galore leading the investment charge. The historic Globe Store building on Wyoming Avenue was once a real estate albatross, but is now slated to become the site of Lackawanna County administrative offices. Bids also are being accepted for the old city administration building on Adams Avenue. NEPA’s maturing bio-science initiative is being fulfilled by the operation of the ever-expanding Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, plus activity on the expansive Commonwealth Health System and Geisinger-CMC hospital campuses. Big dollar investment by these health systems for both infrastructure and technology is now the norm. “All of this development is now a reality, and
not just a dream as in years past,” said Durkin. “Every dollar pumped into these many development projects across the city is multiplied in effect as the money changes hands over and over.” Durkin’s personal development passion involves workforce training, and he noted that his organization is not just sitting back and waiting for the region’s numerous colleges to produce skilled 21st century workers. Toward this goal, the chamber has updated its Skills in Scranton initiative and is utilizing a board of directors comprised of industry sector representatives, while operating with best practices from proven systems in Connecticut and the Pennsylvania College of Technology. “The inquiries we receive from developers do not involve the availability of grant dollars, buildings and tax breaks,” said Durkin. “The questions
See POSITIVE on page 5
Active community arts scene adds to area’s attractiveness for business By Phil Yacuboski
It is no secret that a quality business community is more than just doctors, lawyers, shop owners, manufacturers and accountants, just to name a few. A diverse business community also is closely aligned with arts and culture and our region is no exception. “I think museums help attract quality employees from the outside,” said Aurore Giguet, executive director, Everhart Museum, Scranton. “Especially when you are talking about the quality of life.” She said while people know and realize the Everhart is here, few realize all it has to offer. “Many people in our area have memories of the Everhart,” said Giguet, who began running the museum 16 months ago after moving to Scranton from UNLV’s Barrick Museum in Nevada. “But a lot of those memories are not in the forefront. They aren’t thinking about what is going on now.” She said they are in the process of doing a lot more marketing and changing the programs to promote interest within the community. “We’ll be changing the exhibitions in the next few months,” she said, adding that only about 10 percent of the Everhart’s collection is on display at any given time. “We’ll be bringing out things that have never been seen by the public.”
Giguet said the museum’s collection is unique and diverse. “We hold the museum’s assets as they are in the public trust,” she said. “It’s our heritage. It’s the community’s heirlooms and I hope we leave it to a more unique interpretation so it becomes a great experience for visitors.” She said the museum also is working to bring in the business community and make its members aware of the vast collection. “We can do personalized tours,” she said. “We’re going to be offering the Everhart for meetings, holiday parties or any kind of receptions so that they can use the space and see
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what it has to offer.” The region did lose a community asset in the Northeast Philharmonic. In August, it suspended operations and canceled the upcoming season to restructure into something that is more financially viable. “I think the arts are very important,” said Helene Tinsley, executive director of Scranton’s Mostly Opera. “Especially if new people come to the area and are looking for a good school system and opportunities. They like to see all kinds of cultural activities.” The all-volunteer group conducts shows throughout the year. The group began in 2000
and has a board of directors. Some of those aren’t even singers, she said, rather just people who love the arts. Many of those involved sell advertising and help keep the group financially solvent. The group does receive grants from both the state and Lackawanna County, but she said that’s not enough to sustain a performance. “We’re community based,” she said, “and we have about 40 singers who are professional singers.” She said they volunteer when they have time and when their schedule permits as many have other careers. Tinsley said in the spring, they do “grand opera” excerpts and do a dinner-show in the fall, which is more of a musical theater experience. “It’s a dinner-theater and it’s something for people to do,” she said. “People can go out and watch these professional singers. They are wonderful.” The fall shows are done at the Hilton Scranton and Conference Center. The spring shows are done at Scranton’s Covenant Presbyterian Church, which she described as being “acoustically perfect.” Tinsley said that, while producing opera is expensive, the organization puts on a great show. “We use costumes and scenery,” she said. “We even perform with a small orchestra.”
ECONOMY POSITIVE continued from page 4 now are about workforce quality.” To meet this need for skills, the chamber is facilitating contacts between industry and the region’s schools to tailor training to needs. The plight of underemployed workers since the Great Recession is also being addressed. “We are trying to educate for careers, and not just jobs,” said Durkin. “When a worker adds to their skills and moves up, then the lower position they formerly worked becomes available, creating a chain of employment opportunities.”
Push on PartnershiP Private sector building investment plus a partnership with government is the key to downtown revitalization, according to Teri Ooms, executive director of The Institute for Public Policy & Economic Development. Government must ensure that a clean and safe environment exists with pleasing aesthetics and sensible ordinances, thereby giving private developers the footing they need to invest as people work and play. “Within NEPA, for so long, we accepted the status quo without change,” said Ooms. “However, this is changing, and as the millennial kids enter the workforce in large numbers, they will not settle for mediocrity.” She noted that Scranton has boomed with the development of downtown apartments, specialty retail, and creative business plans such as that which transformed the former Steamtown Mall. Meanwhile, colleges such as the University of Scranton are fostering awareness with students about the availability of a growing number of downtown business amenities. “The millennials want to walk to places of business, thereby creating incredible opportunities for entrepreneurs if they will serve these demands,” said Ooms. “Major retail is not going to return to the downtown, but the hospitality, specialty and service sectors all have strong opportunities for business as the number of downtown offices, apartments, and art and ethnic festivals expand.” Ooms added that, despite the growing economic spending of the millennials, governments must accept change if the environment for business is to be fertile. This includes the reality that taxes are a big issue, and must be controlled to prevent chasing the urban-loving millennials into the suburbs. “Fortunately, its dawning on our lawmakers everywhere that they can’t just raise taxes to cover generous employee pension obligations,”
O’KrepKie said Ooms.
oPtimism and investment Leslie Collins, executive director of Scranton Tomorrow, proclaimed that frequent complaining among the Scranton business community about tax burdens has now given way to a renaissance of optimism and investment. The downtown’s ground-floor storefronts now include some service companies upstairs, numerous apartments, and new owners for old businesses creating a niche retail market. The city’s expansive collegiate system, including the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, is bringing in an ever-changing population of students with buying power which the downtown merchants are learning to tap into. This trend includes valuable brainpower in the form of paid internships by the Small Business Development Center which may lead to full-time positions. “We must educate our business community to look farther into the future with planning,” said Collins. Collins added that Scranton’s business community definitely has challenges to confront. A new focus now on collectivity is developing to build visitor traffic that focuses on the joys of experiences, but associated street closures for the growing number of downtown events may be harmful to the existing businesses. Parking is also an issue. “We really need consumer education about the availability of the city’s downtown parking garages,” said Collins.
OOMS tech oPerations The economies of NEPA’s suburbs and the City of Scranton are now heavily intertwined, according to Ken O’Krepkie, regional manager with Ben Franklin Technology Partners. This must be considered when evaluating the region’s presence
of tech-based firms, which are functioning both in and out of Scranton while employing workers from across the region. Noble Biomaterials, operating within the city’s South Side, is a specialty manufacturer of silverladen fibers with an antibacterial nature that are being used by consumers such as the Department of Defense for undergarments. The expanding company now employs more than 100 people, and began its life in the city’s downtown business incubator. Net Driven, which creates websites, internet marketing and social media solutions for the automotive industry operates on Lackawanna Avenue with more than 100 employees, and relatively new firms such as ChannelApe and Signallamp Health are using talent produced by the region’s flourishing college system. “Our downtown business incubator, which is housing four new companies, is also enjoying a $400,000 investment by the Chamber,” said O’Krepkie. “You have to remember, wages paid to all of these employees benefit the entire region as the multiplier effect takes place with spending.”
Upcoming Special Editions! • Top 20 Under 40
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economy
nePA promoters trying to get Amazon’s attention By Denise Allabaugh
PITTSTON TWP. — Northeast Pennsylvania fueled the Industrial Revolution and now, area officials hope Amazon will open its second corporate headquarters here to fuel a technological evolution. Penn’s Northeast, a regional economic development agency, worked with local colleges and universities as well as local companies to submit a 100-page proposal to try to woo the online retail giant to open here. In a presentation Oct. 26 at the WilkesBarre/Scranton International Airport, Penn’s Northeast President and CEO John Augustine outlined six real estate options in the region submitted to Amazon to include in its site selection process. Options include a Hanover Twp. site on Earth Conservancy land near Chewy.com, a site at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport, CAN DO Corporate Center land in Hazleton, Glenmaura Corporate Center in Moosic, Arcadia North Business Park in Coolbaugh Twp. and Highridge Business Park in Pottsville.
Warren Ruda/Times-Shamrock
John Augustine of Penn’s northeast talks about the presentation sent for the region’s response to Amazon’s HQ2 request for proposals. on behalf of regional partners, Pne submitted six real estate options to Amazon for inclusion in its decision-making process. Augustine highlighted some of the region’s assets outlined in the proposal to try to convince Amazon to open its second corporate headquarters here. “We offer talent, affordability, access, productivity, resilience, sustainability and a great quality of life,” he said. “When you look at the salaries Amazon is talking about, $100,000, that’s not a high salary in New York City, in Denver or in Austin. That is life-changing in Northeastern Pennsylvania. A company like Amazon really has a chance to come in and reinvent Northeastern Pennsylvania.” He said the region’s location, with more than 96 million people within a 500-mile radius, also is an asset as well as its dedicated labor force known for having a good work ethic.
Second headquarterS
Seattle-based Amazon recently bought Whole Foods and announced last month it wants to open a second North American headquarters, which would be a $5 billion investment creating as many as 50,000 jobs. Augustine said at first, he thought there was no chance to meet the criteria but then he said, “Regionally, if we put all of our assets together, maybe we have a chance. “If it’s not Amazon, maybe it’s another company that’s out there that sees the great resources that Northeastern Pennsylvania has to offer, takes a look and decides to locate to our area,” he said. Northeast Pennsylvania’s application is among 238 proposals Amazon received from cities, states, districts and territories. Amazon announced a final site selection will be made in 2018. The online retail giant already has warehouses in Pittston Twp. and Covington
Warren Ruda/Times-Shamrock
A Zombie survival kit was sent to Amazon as part an attempt to lure the company to build it’s second headquarters in nePA.
Twp. as well as a 650,000-square-foot fulfillment center in the Humboldt Industrial Park in Hazle Twp.
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Survival kit
Augustine also showed how Northeast Pennsylvania officials used creative approaches to try to get Amazon’s attention, including adding a zombie apocalypse survival kit with the proposal. In 2015, a team from Cornell University
determined that Northeast Pennsylvania would be the worst place to be if a zombie apocalypse were to strike the United States because of its proximity to highly populated major cities. “We promise if Amazon locates to Northeastern Pennsylvania, every single employee, all 50,000, will be given a zombie apocalypse survival kit,” Augustine said. The proposal was sent to Amazon in a big decorative metal box designed by Keystone Automation in Duryea. Ed Sankus, vice president of Keystone Automation, said he thinks it will stand out. “We work with a team of very skilled craftsmen,” he said. “They did a great job under short notice.” Luzerne County Manager David Pedri was among several officials who attended the presentation and who wrote a letter on behalf of the county in support of Amazon opening its second corporate headquarters in the region. “As a region, we can compete with the big boys,” Pedri said. “I think our proposal is as good as anyone’s.”
small business spotligHt is on...
Carrie Thorne: The Beauty Mark By Sydney Garofolo and Carolyn Giordano
Carrie Thorne is the proud owner of The Beauty Mark Boutique in downtown Scranton. Open since September, The Beauty Mark is a boutique selling organic-based makeup while specializing in skincare. Thorne graduated from Bloomsburg University with a business marketing degree. Her father owned car businesses throughout the Wyoming Valley area and she wanted to follow in his entrepreneurial footsteps. She lived in Scottsdale, Arizona, for seven years and, while there, started her own skincare line called Sexy Stems. Sold online and through small boutiques, Sexy Stems is a skincare regimen for legs that helps remove cellulite. When Thorne moved back to the East Coast, she combined her entrepreneurship heritage with her passion for skincare and The Beauty Mark Boutique opened its doors. With her passion for skincare, Thorne wanted to bring a holistic approach to makeup. The Beauty Mark sells organic-based makeup and skincare that is all tested and handpicked by her. She is very specific about the products she brings into the store as she wants to sell only the highest quality products to her customers. Most of her products cannot be found in big box retailer stores and Thorne takes pride in each and every product that is sold. The Beauty Mark itself is a place where women and men can come and feel comfortable while getting a specialized approach to their skincare needs. The space is spectacular. With a clean, modern feel, it is perfect for all ages. A customer can sit down and talk about what he or she is looking for, instead of being overwhelmed by big box retailers. The staff at The Beauty Mark will then analyze and figure out exactly what the customer needs for their beauty wardrobe. The Boutique also provides special services including organic airbrush tanning, makeup applications, makeup lessons and bridal parties. Clients getting their makeup done can choose from a variety of looks in order to fit their occasion. Although The Beauty Mark looks like it is out of a magazine, Thorne certainly faced her share of struggles while getting to this point and still faces some today. One of the biggest challenges that she is still working to overcome is getting this brand-new concept out there. This type of business is new to the area; therefore, Thorne needs to continually market her affordable luxury cosmetics. With the brand-new start of The Beauty Mark there is still plenty Thorne plans to accomplish. Com-
From Drab to Fab Mayfield, PA 570-687-7779 Member since 2017
carrie thorne, right, meets with carolyn giordano. ing soon, the boutique will offer lunchtime facials. These quick facials are perfect for an on-the-go pickme-up during the workday. Her long-term goal is to make The Beauty Mark the go-to specialty beauty boutique in the area, as well as the go-to spot for brides and their bridal parties. She plans to relaunch her high-performance-based skincare line with the hope that it will be just as successful as it was in Scottsdale. Ultimately, The Beauty Mark Boutique’s goal is to be an online store able to reach people around the world. For women entrepreneurs, or entrepreneurs in general, Thorne offers a few pieces of advice. Her first is simple, but is easier said than done. “Just get started,” she says. “Whatever it is that you want to accomplish, even if you do 1 percent every day you are 1 percent closer to accomplishing it.” Also, It is important to never fear failure, it only makes you stronger and motivates you further. Those growing pains associated with failure help you to understand exactly what path to follow in order to reach your goals. Lastly, Thorne says, “It’s okay to make a mistake, and it’s okay to ask for help.” No one knows it all when it comes to starting your own business, but one thing is for sure, when it comes to your beauty routine, The Beauty Mark has all the knowledge. You can check out everything Thorne has to offer at www.thebeautymarkboutique.com. The shop can also be found on Facebook (The Beauty Mark Boutique) and Instagram (Beautymark.570).
dresser might be outdated and boring, but given a facelift and some modification, it can be turned into a new television stand.
advertorial
advertorial
celebrating women entreprenuers
When decorating your home, your furniture always takes center stage. A darker piece or a lighter piece could totally transform a room, while an outdated piece could make your showplace look more like a warehouse than a home. Keeping these ideas in mind, Shiloh Byrnes created From Drab to Fab, a Mayfield-based furniture store that specializes in refreshing your furniture to fit your ever-evolving taste and style.
What is the hardest piece of furniture you’ve ever restored? The hardest pieces are usually the ones that have already been painted multiple times as this tends to create a lot of paint built up, which is difficult to remove. With the chalk paint, there is no need to sand down and strip to bare wood, but it is sometimes necessary to put a little extra prep work into a piece so that the final version is smooth and beautiful.
How did you come up with the concept for From Drab to Fab? This store originally started as a small hobby that I began right after I had my daughter. I was a stay-at-home mom and I enjoyed going to yard sales and estate sales on weekends to look for unique things. At one sale, I picked up a desk and chair for my daughter’s room. I watched a few videos on refinishing furniture and decided to try and refinish the desk. I then decided to reupholster the chair. By the time I was done with these projects, my husband and I realized they didn’t fit in her room, so I ended up putting it all up for sale on Facebook, where it sold pretty quickly. I felt this was something I could do at home in my spare time to bring in extra money while having fun. I turned my basement into a workplace in about six months and six months after that, I opened my shop.
How important is it for your business to focus on everything local? We pride ourselves on our items being 90 percent locally made. Everything from the furniture, wooden signs, pillows, candle melts and other products all comes from the local area. A lot of times, we are saving the furniture from the landfill. I feel as though this is my part in helping our environment, one piece of furniture at a time.
What is one thing people forget about when trying to update their homes? I try to remind people that just because something is no longer working in the space you have does not mean that you can’t use it somewhere else in your home. For example, a wide
Get in the Spotlight! Every month, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce features a member small business in the Small Business Spotlight. Don’t miss your chance to be seen! Visit scrantonchamber.com to apply for membership or to fill out a Small Business Spotlight
How has your Chamber membership helped your business? The Chamber’s events give me a chance to network and meet other small business owners. I have met other small business owners that I would not have had the chance to meet otherwise just by attending Chamber events. It is so great to be able to share knowledge with them, as well as brainstorm on different topics.
Carolyn Giordano and Sydney Garofolo are University of Scranton Women’s Entrepreneurship Center interns who work under the supervision of Donna Simpson, Consultant Manager.
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EDUCATION
Exeter tutoring company helps good students improve their performance reach more students in a less formal environment. “I wanted to come back to this area and really For nearly 10 years, Academy Tutoring has make a difference and contribute to the Wyoming Valley,” he said. been behind the scenes quietly helping more than Another big motivator for him to start a tutor2,500 students from Luzerne and Lackawanna ing company was that he felt that Northeast Penncounties get accepted to some of the top colleges sylvania students were drastically not represented in the country. ExpEriEncEd staff enough at the top colleges in the country. Rob Fumanti, a former middle school and Fumanti’s wife, Jennifer, a state-certified “I went to the Naval Academy for my bachhigh school teacher and adjunct professor in the elementary school teacher and former human elor’s degree and the University of Chicago for education department at Chestnut Hill College, resources manager, is director of operations at my first master’s degree. There were very few started the business in 2007 with a staff of just Academy Tutoring. people from NEPA at either of these schools,” three tutors helping a few students get ready for His father, Bob Fumanti, is from the area and is Fumanti said. “I wanted to move back to our area their upcoming SATs. a former superintendent at Wyoming Area School to change that.” The company, based in Exeter, Luzerne County, District, and his mother, Fran, was a teacher. By helping students increase their SAT and has grown to a staff of more than 60 tutors helpFumanti started his career as a naval officer ACT scores, Fumanti said, they have been acing students in kindergarten through 12th grade in and had lived in different parts of the country. cepted at universities such as Stanford, Harvard, all academic areas. In 2007, he was teaching high school chemPrinceton, Penn, Cornell, Columbia, NYU and Academy Tutoring, which celebrates its 10th istry in the Philadelphia area and part-time at West Point as well as the Naval Academy and Air anniversary this month, is regarded as the top Chestnut Hill College. Force Academy. SAT and ACT preparation provider in Northeast While he enjoyed teaching, he said, he wanted The rates for a tutor from Academy Tutoring Pennsylvania, said Fumanti, who serves as CEO. to have more input into what he was teaching stustart at $30 an hour. While the company is most known for provid- dents and he wanted to create his own curriculum. Rob Fumanti is CEO of Academy Tutoring. ing one-on-one tutoring, staff from Academy He thought he could have more of an impact and By Denise Allabaugh
Tutoring also teach SAT and ACT courses at Wyoming Seminary and MMI Preparatory School. “We regularly get called by school districts in both Luzerne and Lackawanna counties as well as the Intermediate Unit and staff on the SAT and ACT,” he said.
HElping studEnts ExcEl
By helping students get into their top college choices, Fumanti said, Academy Tutoring helps students get a lot of scholarship money. Scholarships are directly tied to students’ SAT and ACT scores, he said. With increased test scores, students from Academy Tutoring have been awarded more than $3.2 million in scholarships, he said. Academy Tutoring also has worked with many top athletes in the area, helping them to get scholarships, he said. “I think we have also changed the way people look at tutoring,” Fumanti said. “Years ago, if you needed a tutor, people thought you weren’t smart. Today, it’s exactly the opposite. Most of the students we get are some of the top students in the school, asking us to help them reach high goals.” West Pittston resident Lori Campenni said her son Julian’s SAT scores jumped by 400 points thanks to working with a tutor from Academy Tutoring to prepare. Her son Julian, 24, received a football scholarship and received a bachelor’s degree from human services and family services from The University of Connecticut and is pursuing a master’s degree in sports management at Boston College. The tutor worked around her son’s busy sports schedule, Campenni said.
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“It was a big help for Julian. It was not that he wasn’t prepared, it was just that it helps kids (who are) busy with sports get to that next level,” Campenni said. “I thought it was amazing. Being so busy with doing schoolwork and sports, it made a huge difference when it came to the SAT testing, which is tricky.”
OnE full lEttEr gradE According to Fumanti, in the 2015-2016 school year, 93 percent of the students they tutored in regular subject areas increased at least one full letter grade. SAT prep students’ scores increased an average of 160 points and ACT Prep students’ scores increased an average of four points. Academy Tutoring’s latest offering is college admissions counseling. “We help students every step along the way to acceptance, including helping with their applications, essays and interviews,” Fumanti said. He said there was a real demand for this service “as we have found that there is information overload out there for students.” “Students and families are bombarded with college options and choices,” he said. “What they are really looking for is the best possible education and the best possible price.”
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ECONOMY
The Atlantic focus
By Howard J. Grossman, AICP
A book written in 2009 titled “ The Atlantic Century” by Kenneth Weisbrode, should be required reading in today’s controversial times about the European Union and the role and impact on regions such as the Pocono-Northeast. This 470-page treatise talks about key figures during the height of post war Europe and the entire Atlantic discovery of America and the alliance with Europe through NATO and the European Recovery Plan, better known as the Marshall Plan. The opportunities which opened up for trade, for taking vital steps to help other nations rebuild, to accomplish reconstruction and allow allies and others to become deep trading allies is traced in this responsible book about the people who became well-known figures in recovery. The four generations that have taken place since the end of World War II forged factors that have engaged the region and helped create “ the greatest regional economic comeback in the history of the United States.” While this statement is bold and creative, think of what the region was like in the 1950s and ’60s, and see what economic diversification has meant to regional economic life. While there have been ups and downs in the economy during these generations, the Pocono-Northeast has survived and been a major component for community growth and economic development. The Marshall Plan contributed to not only European recovery but also American economic improvement by the investment of funds overseas, thus building opportunities to enhance the business community of regions such as ours. During the time of the Marshall Plan, there was a prayer which was cited in the book and goes something like this:
“Our Uncle which art in America, Sam be thy name, Thy Navy come, thy will be done, in London as ’tis in Washington. Give us this day our Marshall aid, and forgive us our un-American activities, as we forgive you your American activities again. And lead us not into Socialism, but deliver us from Communism, for thine is our Kingdom, the Atom-power and the Tory, for ever and ever, G-men.” Think of those days and years and what the nation went through with McCarthyism and other events and what we had to overcome to reach an economic destiny, that is as yet incomplete, but better than what the region faced in the years following 1945. The economic picture is yet to be fully implemented, and the issues currently being faced still makes economic development a No. 1 regional priority, and more attention needs to be placed upon exporting and importing of products and services, especially those relating to European countries, and now Asia and the remainder of the world. The global economy is an important element in nurturing the ability of this region to be competitive and have a strong capacity to overcome difficulties. One of the major needs is to have a national posture that is not constantly at odds with the leaders of world life, especially in nations found in western and eastern Europe. It is why books and policies discussed, such as “ The Atlantic Century,” need to be a reminder of history so that the mistakes of the past are not repeated and the positive assets of history can be replicated.
Looking ahead To focus on this process, here are a few steps that can be taken in coming months and years in the region. Coming out of World War II were regional business people who became heroes of regional recovery such as
Tom Shelburne, Roy Morgan, Sandy Sutherland, Ernie Preate, Sr., Dr. Ed Dessen and others. These monumental leaders should never be forgotten and a history of their economic development contribution should be written and memorialized as a means of remembrance and creativity for this and future generations. An Atlantic community of organizations within the region should be developed as a way to further economic performance that benefits this region and focuses on how to advance economic trading, business development and community enhancement. Such an entity would establish new approaches to this century and the years ahead in expanding all types of business opportunities. In similar terms, an Asian consortium of organizations should be established so that the region can take advantage of economic activity between the Pocono-Northeast and the growing economy of Asia. A regional diplomatic corps should be considered just as former Gov. William W. Scranton was a United Nations ambassador and became a leader in this field, current regional leaders should become involved in helping to train appropriate regional personnel in becoming part of the diplomacy factors which can be designed for participation in global events. Perhaps such training can be advanced by one or more higher education institutions inside the region. Leaders such as Tom Friedman , should be invited to speak at regional assemblies, and help promote a global view of business development. Sandy Unger, who is a writer, educator and journalist from this region, could be asked to speak to groups inside the region. There are others who come from the region, have made it elsewhere, and should be invited to help develop some of these ideas. Exporting and trading products and services was
Grossman advanced by the then-Economic Development Council of Northeastern Pennsylvania (EDCNP), and now the NEPA Alliance, and this featured program should be a major focal point for accelerating these ideas and recommendations. “The Atlantic Century” brings history and the future together, and the leadership of this region should always consider our historical background, how this fits into national perspectives, and develop creative aspects which focus on the ability of the region to utilize all appropriate elements, historical and current, for the benefit of regional economic advancement.
Small business briefs: Market for buying, selling businesses surges; home remodeling looks strong By JOYCE M. ROSENBERG, AP Business Writer
The market for buying and selling small businesses is gathering momentum. BizBuySell.com, an online market for small companies, counted 2,589 sales in the third quarter, up nearly 25 percent from 2,090 a year earlier. Sales are so far following the pattern of 2016, rising continuously from the start of the year; sales activity tends to dip in the fourth quarter. The economy and optimism about tax reform and a more lenient government attitude about regulations may be contributing to the continued strength of the small business market, BizBuySell.com says. The sales figures are based on transactions
reported by business brokers across the country next year. surveyed by BizBuySell.com. The stronger economy and the short supply of homes available for sale mean more people hoMe ReModeLing oUTLook are willing to spend on remodeling their homes, The home remodeling market is expected to says Chris Herbert, managing director of the remain strong into the third quarter of 2018, an center. upbeat sign for the small businesses that domiDamage caused by a spate of hurricanes in nate the industry. That’s the finding of Harvard August and September may mean even more University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies, spending, says Abbe Will, a research associate which assesses the strength of the market each at the center. quarter. “There is certainly potential for even stronger The center’s Leading Indicator of Remodelgrowth in remodeling next year as major reconing Activity forecasts that home renovation and struction and repairs get underway in affected repair spending will increase at an annual rate of regions,” she says. 6.3 percent in the current quarter, with that pace The Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activpicking up to 7.7 percent by the third quarter of
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ity is based on economic statistics including monthly sales reports on existing and new homes and new home construction, and on broad economic numbers including the gross domestic product and the Index of Leading Economic Indicators.
onLine SMaLL BUSineSS ConFeRenCe
Small business owners can get mentoring, attend networking sessions and take part in educational seminars during an online conference sponsored by SCORE, the organization that provides free counseling for small companies. It will be held on Thursday, Nov. 9, from noon to 5 p.m. Eastern time. You can learn more and register at http://bit.ly/2yYPvXy .
ECONOMY
Building recycling fits this couple’s business plan By Kyle Wind
Meegan Possemato’s and Andrew Planey’s latest recycled item is 1138 Capouse Ave. The owners of On&On History Recycled recently celebrated the grand re-opening of the marketplace of vintage, handmade and repurposed items in its new building, whose previous uses dating back to the late 1800s ranged from housing stables to Hurst Sign Co. “When we saw the bones of that building, we just knew it would be perfect for us because we’re not the kind of business that belongs in a mall,” Possemato said. “The big industrial factory look really fits well with what we do.” Possemato recalled when she and Planey first opened at 518 Lackawanna Ave. more than two years ago, a number of people told her she was crazy to put her faith in downtown Scranton, which was struggling mightily at the time. The couple wanted to be part of a turnaround for the city’s downtown — where the prospects look brighter today and the Marketplace at Steamtown has stabilized under new owner John Basalyga — and now say their success justifies their faith in Scranton. “Our first night, we opened on First Friday (Sept. 1), and we honestly sold as much as we normally would on Lackawanna Avenue,” Possemato said. “I don’t think we would be able to be successful here if we didn’t start off on Lackawanna Ave. Everybody saw us. Everybody knew us. We have a following now. Scranton has been good to us.” When they decided the business had outgrown its approximately 2,000-square-foot rental space, the pair initially hoped to stay downtown but couldn’t afford to buy real estate in that part of the city. They still wanted to stay in Scranton, and with logistical support from the Small Business Development Center at the University of Scranton, bought the building on Capouse Avenue for $120,000. Paying back loans to NEPA Alliance and Fidelity Deposit and Discount Bank, On&On’s monthly expenses are comparable to the $1,600 in rent they were paying at Lackawanna Avenue — with the noteworthy exception of the months tax bills are due, Possemato said. “I think it’s going to be a good thing for us to grow,” Planey added. “We were kind of at
Butch Comegys / Staff Photographer
Andrew Planey and Meegan Possemato, owners of On&On History Recycled located on Capouse Avenue in Scranton. our limit at the other store. Now we’ve got more space to grow and can offer the customers more stuff.” On&On, which hosts products from other vendors to share overhead costs, now operates in an approximately 8,000-square-foot building, meaning once the owners finish preparing the upper floor, the business will have quadrupled its space. The previous location maxed out at 18 vendors and always had a waiting list for more spots; the new maximum capacity will be 60 vendors, with floor space increasing from 7-feet-by-7-feet to 10-by-10. Vendors rent floor space for $195 per month, bookshelf space for $50 per month and tabletop space for $25 per month. Other pluses Possemato cited about the new location are free parking, the building having a loading dock to facilitate furniture sales and being a neighbor to National Bakery. Taylor resident Rob Hartman used to go to On&On at its old location and thinks customers will make the trip to the new spot.
Butch Comegys / Staff Photographer
Tons of items, including a stuffed black bear weighing hundreds of pounds, are for sale at On&On History Recycled Store in Scranton. “There is so much more space, which they needed because they can fit more cool stuff,” he said. “The openness of this building and the age of this building adds to the atmosphere ...
It’s the only place like this in the area. We do antique shopping all the time. There are other places that have multiple vendors, but you have to walk sideways through it.”
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EmployEE BEnEfits: opEn EnrollmEnt
Employers in health insurance quandary
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of exploding costs and usage for pharmaceuticals, new technology acquisition, and escalating Frustrated employers around the provider usage by patients. In addition, the ACA nation are swimming in murky waters with has inflicted some minor indirect increases to process instability, plus unending cost pay for its insurer mandates such as standardincreases, as they face health insurance ized basic benefits, young adults up to 26 years enrollments for 2018 within America’s $3 old remaining on their parents’ policy and trillion-plus health care system. coverage of pre-existing conditions. Despite the ferocious hub-bub in Above all, insurance policies must be Washington about the Affordable Care Act financially sustainable from the standpoint of (ACA) being responsible for health insurrevenues versus costs. Pennsylvania insurers roGEr HoWEll ance price increases, data clearly is indicating are required to work with Harrisburg for their prodthat overall policy costs have been increasing for decades, and ucts to be externally reviewed, which may include public hearings. long before the ACA was signed into law. In reality, insurance ACA policies sold through the Internet have proven to be a costs revolve around the complex actuarial system, where highly mine field of unpredictability, because the carriers originally selling trained analysts examine historical claims and costs and then use these on the Internet had no historical data about the claims they this data to forecast product pricing for the coming year. would receive. Price corrections then followed as this pool of All available data is now indicating that the nation’s steep in- insured customers turned out to be much sicker and therefore surance costs and unending price increases are hugely the result See HEALTH on page 18 By Dave Gardner
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employee benefits: open enrollment
Rising costs make it harder for insurers and companies to find balance At the Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in WilkesBarre, ongoing investment includes a $38.9 million facilities more expensive in terms of claims than originally forecast. upgrade project. Within the system’s Community Medical Center Yet, some insurers report that their overall ACA insurance is in Scranton, maternity care is returning after a decade with a new enjoying a 95 percent stability for the involved insurance products. $15 million maternity center as part of the Geisinger Women’s and This scenario is playing out in a national environment where Children’s Institute. health insurance, as a whole, is only generating a margin of 3 The emergency department is also reopening on the percent to 5 percent. Geisinger South campus. This involves a $5 million project that, Cash reserves for insurance carriers are also vital if mass according to internal projections, will create 75 to 100 new jobs. claims with high payouts occur, such as from a disease pandemic. The insurance company must be protected against cash exhausGuarded and murky? tion that would flow to providers, and Harrisburg creates these Roger Howell, president of Howell Benefit Services Inc., reserves guidelines that each insurance company must comply charged that finances can be “guarded and murky” within various with. insurance systems, although insurers are presenting no shortages Investment and its inherent needs for cash have also become of cash. This is compounded by the fact that 80 percent to 85 a big issue for modern health care providers as they compete percent of insurance claims are lifestyle related, thereby making within a free-market system for patient dollars. The Geisinger obese and aging NEPA unattractive for many carriers. Health System, one of the state’s most well-known organizaHowell also has found that legislators, overall, have no tions, spent $330 million on buildings, equipment and capitalized understanding of the health care cost problems driving insurance information technology during the past fiscal year. prices. In addition, workforce diversity is creating differing benefit In addition, spending of $445 million has marked the current demands, such as the millennials’ tendency to remain unmarried. fiscal year. Buildings and equipment represent about 75 percent of “Employers can’t really control the demographics of their capital expenditures, with technology accounting for the remainemployee base, and most full-time employees must now be coving 25 percent.
HEALTH continued from page 16
ered,” said Howell. “You mix annual price increases for decades into this situation, and it’s a powder keg of financial trouble.” The use of an employer wellness program to reduce claims and eventually control health care costs takes time, according to Howell. A project such as this also requires maximum effort and participation, measurable weight loss by the employees and active management of pharma usage. “Negotiations with the carriers and physician groups are vital for minimum possible pricing,” said Howell. “But, this can be tedious.” Howell disclosed that the ACA has created a form of hidden costs for employers in the form of complex enrollment and mandatory information reporting to Washington. He therefore advises employers to leverage technology to maximize data productivity, with Howell Benefits now offering software that can accomplish these in almost a paperless fashion. Often, costs for insurance have become so prohibitive that company CEOs first will target a number for coverage cost and then build this total into their business model. This is then dictated to carriers during subsequent negotiations. “Yet, you pay either way, through payroll or point of service,” said Howell. “The employers just can’t deal with all of these costs, and when the employers can’t absorb the increased costs the
employee pays.” Howell also is not a fan of annual carrier changes. The process is complex, time consuming, and creates costly administration costs, and he is careful to speak simply to employee groups about their benefit packages, with enrollment surveys offering consistent commentary. “The employees tell us over and over they hate change, can’t understand the policy jargon, don’t want to be rushed and often must deal with HR departments that are over-extended with no time,” said Howell.
deep disconnect?
A gap now exists between employers and employees as HR managers search for a solution to their insurance costs, according to Dan Day, regional vice president of sales with Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield. The situation has been muddied by the survival of rich benefit plans for school districts and many municipalities, although when employees leave these organizations and see true policy costs with COBRA, they usually are in shock. “We’ve been dealing with nonsustainable policy increases of eight to nine percent for years, with cost-shifting now a factor as employers try to make up their dollar losses,” said Day. See HEALTH on page 19
Janney Montgomery Scott marks anniversary
Retirement involves striking a delicate balance between cash flow, spending, investment risks, lifestyle needs, and many other factors. If your retirement is feeling off-balance, it’s time to get the advice you need. The Kingston Retirement Group has been helping people reach their retirement goals for many years. Contact us today to discuss how we can help you find the right balance for your retirement. THE KINGSTON RETIREMENT GROUP OF JANNEY MONTGOMERY SCOTT LLC PETER D. SHELP CFP®, AWMA®, CRPC®, CRPS®, RIS, ChFC® First Vice President / Wealth Management Branch Manager Susan A. Whitesell CRPS®, CRPC®, RIS, AWMA®, CLTC Vice President / Investments
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Many investors are concerned they will not have enough income to last throughout their retirement years. The Kingston Retirement Group of Janney Montgomery Scott, comprised of Peter Shelp, Susan Whitesell and Adam Shelp, focuses on helping clients plan for income in retirement. The team creates custom roadmaps to help clients save for their future source of retirement income and help them stay on track. The team paints a retirement picture for them, using various income sources, investment mix and lifestyle preferences. Using Janney’s Retirement Income Evaluator, the team helps clients with making important decisions including the sources of income they will rely upon, if their assets will be able to support their income needs over their lifetime and if their assets are properly invested based on their risk tolerance and timeframe. Beyond offering investment advice, the Kingston Retirement Group also offers financial services that add value to their client relationship. Throughout the different phases of a client’s life, the Group provides effective financial planning, for both expected and
non-expected events, helping to keep goals on track. It is not always possible to plan or predict life events, but the Group discusses the “what ifs” and the impact an event could have on client assets and their family. This year, Janney Montgomery Scott LLC, one of the nation’s largest full-service regional securities broker/dealers and one of the oldest in the nation, celebrates its 185th anniversary. The Firm traces its roots to 1832, when Thomas Watson, then a part of Lawrence Turner & Co., purchased the second seat on the New York Stock Exchange. Since then, and as a result of a number of mergers and acquisitions, Janney has evolved to be one of the few remaining strong and growing regional firms. The Firm is dedicated to a long tradition of viewing every client – whether an individual, a corporation, a municipality, or other – as unique. This tradition of service is at the core of Janney’s 185 years of ongoing success. Our most important relationships are those with our clients and the communities in which we live and work. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC. Member NYSE, FINRA, SIPC.
EMpLoyEE bENEfItS: opEN ENRoLLMENt life signs, and use of a pharmacy benefit manager who can serve as a middle-man for He is in agreement with major health care policy analysts best drug buys and pricing. that rising costs for technology, pharma, and high provider use Day said a rising storm within the are the true culprits behind exploding insurance costs. Ongoing Medicare system must be addressed. Data infrastructure buyouts of health systems also has created a need indicate the current system is financially for provider cash, but cultural issues often are at the root of poor unsustainable as 10,000-plus people per employee wellness, such as rampant obesity and the multiple day apply for coverage. Many are hugely medical conditions it gives rise to. co-morbid but also living longer. “Employer self-funded insurance is an interesting option that “It is becoming vital that we remove the may cut costs, but the idea of selling insurance across state lines noise that is clouding our discussion and presents big challenges,” said Day. “This would be complicated by judgment about the health care system, and a lack of networks and contracts.” the true problems we face,” said Day. The 2018 ACA policy market, according to Day, is fairly
“It’s all about demand for care,” said Day. He noted that after the 2008 crash, as the economy struggled, employers aggressively analyzed their operating costs. This made erosion inevitable with benefit cost shifting, and has now led employers into a search for financial alternatives with insurance coverage. “Despite all of this searching, there seems to be no big disruptor on the horizon with rising costs,” said Day. “The situation has also featured at least five years of legislative MICHELLE GRUSHINSKI haggling with the discussion solely on health insurance reform, and in the process, we took energy away from Political instability? the creative disruption of care costs.” stable within Pennsylvania. Most locales have competition and Chris Fanning, chief sales and marketing officer with the Day emphasized that no massive employer revolt with insurwell-funded policies available, but some states, such as Delaware, Geisinger Health Plan, said Washington’s political instability is ance has yet occurred, but as the post-recession labor markets are dealing with limited carriers and competition. Premiums creating a need for flexible scenario analysis and different marketevolve, sweet benefit packages have become vital to attract must equal claims, creating markets where high payouts must be ing positions with policy offerings. This contrasts with the reality employee talent. Within this scenario, carriers are attempting funded by crippling policy costs. to communicate that it is important not to over-utilize provider Meanwhile, within the employer market, an understanding is that insurance requires stability if rates are to be predictable, as expenses must equal income. services. finally being achieved that costs from care are the true problem. Within the group market, single-digit price increases still are “Long-term financial planning within all of this must involve Irrational pricing by carriers to drive member numbers has hurt in some locations, adding to a situation that is non-sustainable with the rule every year, with larger groups receiving smaller increases. both the insurance carriers and the providers,” said Day. “UnforEmployer wellness programs have become a plus if costs are a disconnect among the various players. tunately, all of Washington’s potential reforms have not addressed to be reduced, requiring an aggressive approach featuring work Solutions to potentially battle rising costs continue to flow. provider costs. Change has been only on the insurance end.” Dark future? site programs to battle obesity with disease management and These may now include the use of patient-to-provider digital technology that instantly transmits information about that patient’s prevention. Michelle Grushinski, past president with the NEPA chapter HEALTH continued from page 18
Louis Ingargiola
of the Society of Human Resources Management, has reaped benefits from contracting with a health insurance broker who thoroughly investigated the options available. Cost-versus-quality analysis was performed, allowing best choices to be made of which carrier and plan to utilize. “A brutal battle with substantial negotiation may occur when several insurance carriers bid,” said Grushinski. “A national provider network is also vital if a business operates multiple locations, and a broker can help with this also.” However, even when every resource is used to purchase health insurance, the overall situation for employers is unsustainable, according to Grushinski. Decades of annual prices for policies have created an environment where many employers are close to being unable to purchase insurance coverage. The option of self-insuring with larger employers has also become attractive. Grushinski has found carriers nebulous with the complex reasons for their annual increases, but with a self-insured process the company would see accurate payment data and be able to negotiate like providers and operate with transparent financial data. “At this time, there are no high-level discussions in Washington about the true problem, which is high overall care costs,” said Grushinski. “I’m sorry to say, many of us can see a dark light at end for the system, a financial shipwreck for employer coverage, and confusion nationally from too many players and variables in the drama.”
|
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203 North Blakely Street
Caring for your future
Dunmore, Pennsylvania 18512 570.961.1161 | 800.440.1776 www.iwmg.us
Securities and advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network, member FINRA/SIPC, a registered investment adviser. Fixed insurance products and services offered through CES Insurance Agency.
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gift guide NEPA has perfect shops to find special gifts for family, friends and co-workers By Phil Yacuboski
As the holiday season approaches, many people are moved to give a gift to friends, co-workers and employees as well as family. Here’s a sampling of gifts and shops in Northeast Pennsylvania that can help you provide a special gift.
The Beaumont Inn
Book your Holiday Party! Accommodating parties up to 80 people in our formal Dining Room, 30 people in our private Wine Room, or close the Beaumont for more than 100 guests station style holiday party. Call our Special Events Team today! 570-675-7100 www.thebeaumontinn.net
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Cronin’s Irish Cottage For those looking for Irish gifts, there’s no better place than Cronin’s Irish Cottage at the Marketplace at Steamtown. The business has been around for 30 years and was a fixture on North Keyser Avenue in Scranton, but is now booming in downtown Scranton. And while they sell Waterford crystal, Claddagh rings, and all things Irish, the most popular item they sell is authentic Irish fisherman’s sweaters. “We import them directly from Ireland,” said the owner, Breeda Cronin-Holmes. The sweaters range from $89 to $179. The shop also carries women’s long coats with Celtic knots on the zippers that are popular. “People love those,” she said. It’s not just apparel, but other gifts that bring people into the store. “We import a lot of Celtic and Irish jewelry,” she said. “We have Christmas ornaments and we also sell a lot of Catholic gifts.” A portion of that is donated to the Catholic school system in the region. Breeda Cronin-Holmes’ mother Nora, the founder of the business, passed away in April. In a kind of tribute to her, Breeda has been adding a number of items that they used to sell in their original location. “We’re bringing it back to the way it used to be,” she said. “We’ve been carrying Irish foods, which my mother used to do years ago.” She said the spot at the Marketplace at Steamtown is a good spot for sales and welcomes the foot traffic. “I’ve seen the mall worse, but in the history of the mall, I’ve never been this optimistic,” she said. “It’s going to be great and I’ve never seen a group work so hard to make it work.” Cronin’s Irish Cottage The Marketplace at Steamtown 570-342-4448
the fisherman’s knit sweaters are popular at Cronin’s irish Cottage.
night, a holiday party and need something quick and casual.” Brown said a popular seller is Hudson jeans for women. “Skull Cashmere is a high-end item, but is still very popular and we sell a lot them in our store,” she said. Z Supply is another clothing line she carries, which is also a popular seller. “They are easy T-shirts and cute stuff you can look great in while you run errands and do your holiday shopping,” Brown said. In addition to women’s clothes, customers can also find other types of gifts. “Swell bottles, hats and gloves and sunglasses,” she said. “We sell jewelry, too. Things that make great gifts for teacher or a friend, especially if you want something small and inexpensive.” The name ‘Golden Coast’ is derived from Brown’s love of the west coast. She found herself as a business owner because it combines her admiration of the region, apparel and shopping local. “We are helping to put money back into the community,” she said adding that with her business background, she was ready to do this on her own. Brown said this is her second holiday shopping season Golden Coast and is hoping for more customers this year. There’s a piece of the so-called ‘Golden Coast’ in “People know that I’m here,” she said. “We’re in a great Lackawanna County that is packed with women’s clothing location and there’s parking. It’s an easy place to get to.” and gifts for the holiday shopping season. Golden Coast “We sell a lot of casual and contemporary clothing,” said 535 South State Street, Clarks Summit Bridget Brown, owner of Golden Coast on South State Street 570-319-6444 in Clarks Summit. “Especially if you are going out on a date
Heaven and Earth Gift Shop For those seeking something a bit spiritual or religious, a Scranton business is getting ready to make that happen in its first holiday shopping season. “We offer beautiful religious goods,” said Janine Evanish, owner of Heaven and Earth on Wyoming Avenue in Scranton. “For Christmas, we’re going to have nativities, advent wreaths and calendars.” The store also has books, candles, baby items, crucifixes and rosaries. Evanish and her husband bought the space and the building in 2014. The Diocese of Scranton previously owned the building using the upper floors as office space and used the ground floor for The Guild Studios, which closed in 2013. “The response has been wonderful,” said Evanish. “People miss The Guild Studios.” She said she believes the response has been so great because of so many who come to the store and miss having a place to shop for these types of religious goods. “With all of the troubles in the world, people seem to find peace and comfort in their faith traditions,” she said. “The store itself is like a haven. It’s very peaceful. It’s not stressful shopping.” While just about anything can be found online today, Evanish said it’s the personal connection that makes her shopping experience unique.
gifT guiDe
“A lot of our customers like that they can see and feel the products,” she said. “I think we’ve all been there. You buy something online and it comes in the mail and it’s not what you expected.” She said a lot of people are short on time. “If you’re not a planner, where you plan ahead to order something two days ahead of time online, then this provides the opportunity to pick something up without having to wait for shipping,” she said. Heaven and Earth Gift Shop The Guild Building 400 Wyoming Avenue, Scranton 570-800-1877
The Bee Keeper’s Daughter has a wide selection of honey and beeswax items. on their website as well including Amazon and iGourmet. The Bee Keeper’s Daughter Burgess said the holiday shopping season is busy. Looking for a sweet gift this holiday season? “We set up a display and have gift baskets,” she said. The Bee Keeper’s Daughter on Maffett Street, Plains, “It’s just a great gift, especially for those people who are sells a wide variety of homemade honey products from bees hard to buy for.” kept right in our area. The honey is sold in different varieties and flavors. “Honey is our big forte,” said owner Hannah Burgess. “Honey is something that people want to buy locally, but “We also sell other products from the hive including they are open to trying it from other places,” she said. beeswax candles, chapsticks, lotions, candies and even Honey is the family business and has been for decades. honey soda.” “Our family has been keeping bees since the 1950s,” The store on Maffett Street doubles as a bottling location said Burgess. “But for many years, our honey and bee as well as a storefront for customers. Their products are products were used and sold to other businesses.” also sold at several area businesses. They sell online directly Burgess said that all changed in 2010 when she decided
to bottle the honey and sell it. “We started wholesaling and retailing the product,” she said. While the main apiary is located in Dallas where there are hives as well as the extraction process to making the honey, they also contract to other farms, like Hillside Farms, to keep bees there, too. www.thebeekeepersdaughter.com 60 Maffett Street, Plains 570-208-4861 Leslee Hughes at J. Hilburn Boxes and gift wrap. Shirts and ties. Socks. A pair of jeans. How many clothing items do we box up for the always hard-to-buy-for-man during the holidays hoping it all goes together? How about the gift of a personal stylist for the man in your life? Leslee Hughes, an independent personal stylist for J. Hilburn, a men’s custom-fitted clothing company based in Dallas, Texas, is helping men put their best foot forward in Scranton. While there is no physical storefront in Scranton, Hughes will attend to your every fashion need – at your home or office – to make you look your best. Consultations are free and clothes are shipped right to your door. See GIFT on page 22
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retailing
Holiday shopping, sales increases predicted By Kathy Ruff
The National Retail Federation expects holiday retail sales in November and December to increase between 3.6 and 4 percent to a total $678.75 to $682 billion, up from $655.8 billion in 2016. That projection excludes sales from automobiles, gasoline and restaurants. “Last year, we saw a 3.6 percent increase in holiday sales and that came out to $655 billion,” said Ana Serafin Smith, senior director of media relations for the NRF, Washington, D.C. “This is above last year’s sales. The year before, it was $632 billion. So we have seen since the recession, growth in holiday retail sales.” According to Serafin Smith, holiday sales account for almost 20 percent of the total industry sales for the entire year. “It’s a really big time of year for the retail industry,” she said. “From an economic perspective, we see a continuous growth for this year for the holiday season.” What retail sectors will see the most spending? “Looking at our data, over the holidays the majority of the money is spent in food and beverage stores,” Serafin Smith said. “They have been continuously growing year over year in that sector during the holiday season. We will see growth in this sector as the No. 1 retail sector for the holidays, food and beverage stores, grocery stores, liquor stores.” The federation’s data shows the Census Bureau’s category of electronic shopping and mail order retailers as the next big winner in holiday sales projections. “It’s online shopping,” she said. “It could be anything. It could be from Amazon.com to Walmart.com to Target. com, any other retailer that sells and also has a brickand-mortar store.” According to Forrester, a research and advisory firm, U.S. online holiday sales will reach $129 billion in 2017, up 12 percent from $115 billion in sales last season. Among other things, Forrester cites consumer convenience, selection and value for the growth. Rounding out the top three winners in the NRF’s outlook, warehouse clubs such as Sam’s and Costco and super stores such as Wal-Mart and Target may see brisk holiday sales. “One of the things we have been seeing over the last couple years is that consumer confidence has been very strong and high,” said Serafin Smith. “Consumers are happy with the state of the economy at this moment.” Other factors contributing to the NRF’s outlook include the fact more consumers have jobs today than the
years during and after the Great Recession. “Wages have absolutely gone up year over year so we are seeing more money in their pockets,” she said. “More consumers working and more money in their pockets, they are a lot happier and willing to spend more on
the holidays, whether it’s a gift for themselves or a friend or family. We have been trending over the last couple of years that whenever the consumer is in a good financial state like that, they tend to spend a little bit more on special occasions.” Some local retailers also expect consumers to spend a little bit more this holiday season. Celebrating its 95th year in business, thirdgeneration owned and operated Fellin’s Jewelers, Hazleton, Luzerne County, looks positively toward another holiday season at both its main facility and its boutique location in Conyngham. “We have never been more optimistic and we look forward to a successful season,” said Andrea Kosko, partner. “People’s moods are different. Our customers are feeling pretty good. Things are going well. As my mother who is 90 years old and still comes to work every day – she likes to say, ‘Santa always comes’ and he always does. Some years, he brings more than others. We are looking forward to a busy and satisfying season.” Fellins expands its business hours in November and December using its existing staff to cover the additional time.
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“I think (consumers) are sensing that there’s something different in the air,” Kosko said. “The stock market has been doing wonderfully well and a certain segment of our customer base is aware of that and happy about that. The job market is good; the stock market is good. People are feeling more confident.” Kosko believes that confidence will generate more sales for Fellins. “I’m counting on it,” she said. “I know that it will. When people are uncertain, they tend to be — it’s just human nature — they tend to be more cautious, let’s say. But I do think that we’ve seen a turn in the tide that now consumers are feeling more comfortable.” Kosko knows the company’s longevity, local community involvement with nonprofits and trustworthy customer service will support its holiday sales again this year. This year, one local vineyard and wine shoppe also anticipates improved holiday sales. “A lot of people come to Jim Thorpe to do Christmas shopping, especially since we do an Olde Time Christmas Festival the first couple weeks of December,” said Chantelle Gendron, manager of Big Creek Vineyard – Shoppe in Jim Thorpe, Carbon County. “It’s a great place to get some general ideas for gifts or pick up something that’s from a quaint little town. November is usually a little bit slower. After Thanksgiving, we see an uptick in visitors to the town as everybody gets into the Christmas and holiday spirit.” Gendron sees that activity continue through the end of the year, in part because of its special holiday offering. “Around this time of year, we bring out our holiday wine, which is our spiced apple wine, which is for the wintertime,” she said.
“It’s infused with cinnamon and orange peels. When you warm it, it makes your house smell like Christmas. It’s a big seller this time of year.” Gendron remains optimistic for the coming season. “I hope it’s going to be good,” she said. “The weather is going to have a big playing factor on our holiday economy because in years when it has been warmer, it has been really busy. But if it starts getting cold really quick, it will hamper things a lot. I am not anticipating anything different this year.” Another positive sign for improved holiday sales includes additional hiring. Target recently announced it plans to hire about 100,000 seasonal workers this year, over 40 percent more than last year’s 70,000. It expects to add another 4,500 distribution center jobs to help with anticipated growth in online orders. Macy’s will hire 80,000 seasonal workers, down from last year’s 83,000, in part due to closures of some of its stores. Wal-Mart plans to offer extra hours to its current employees instead of hiring seasonal workers this year. United Parcel Service expects to hire 95,000 temporary workers to help with its boosted annual holiday workload and FedEx plans to bring on over 50,000 seasonal workers.
GIFT continued from page 21 “Even though it’s a lot of business causal, you’re still putting together a suit along with a shirt that really pops,” she said. “We’re taking that up a step,” noting that a popular look is a white shirt with blue thread in the buttons. Tailored shirts, pants and suits are the firm’s specialty. “There’s really a difference with a custom-fitted suit,” she said. “When he puts it on, he notices it immediately. Clothes are made for the masses and there’s too much fabric just hanging out there.” Hughes said one of the most popular pants they are selling for men are a made-to-measure pant that looks like denim, but is actually a chino material. “It’s that casual fabric that is really hot right now,” she said, adding that they come in several colors. She said an initial appointment takes about an hour and full measurements are taken. “The clothing fits our client,” she said. www.lesleehughes.jhilburn.com
Wright Center holds fall health fair
part of the community
The Wright Center for Primary Care hosted its annual Community Fall into Health Fair and 5K Walk/Run on Oct. 1. The event included activities such as blood pressure screenings, body mass index screenings, nutrition information, massage therapy, and a children’s obstacle course along with the annual 5K race. The first-place male finisher was Christopher Hughes and the first-place female finisher was Stacy Lyons. In total, $1,141 was raised through a basket raffle, and all proceeds will be donated to the Community Health Hub’s Driving Better Health initiative, which helps patients the winners of each age bracket of the 5k race gather for a photo after accepting their awards. access affordable transportation to and from their medical care. An additional donation of $300 was presented by Core Fitness & Rehab to assist with patient transportation. Members of PA Ambulance were on site to meet health fair attendees and Athletes Caring Together (ACT), a local nonprofit, hosted an obstacle course for kids. The free, community event was made possible through the generosity of local sponsors UPMC Health Plan, Community Care Behavioral Health, Health Network Laboratories, AmeriHealth Caritas, Universal Printing, Corcoran Printing and Dr. John candace passino of core fitness & rehab presents a check to Kuna, Psy. D. and Associates. Scott constantini, director of behavioral health, the Wright event organizers mary marrara, Wright center board member and event cocenter; and Dr. Linda thomas-hemak, president/ceo of the chair; Dr. Linda thomas-hemak, president/ceo, the Wright center; Kellen Wright center from a successful day of fundraising at core Kraky, event chair; and Betsy mcGrath, event co-chair, pose for a photo fitness. before the 5K.
NBT Bank makes Home in City donations
NBT Bank presented a $1,000 donation to the Housing Development Corp. of NEPA on Sept. 6 as part of the bank’s Home in the City Program in Wilkes-Barre. Home in the City focuses on supporting home ownership within a specific city — such as Wilkes-Barre — and partners with local agencies to provide homeowner education in addition to the financing from NBT Bank. From left are retail market manager Ed Mott, HDC manager Barbara Boote Rupert, homebuyer counselor Sarah Buisch and mortgage originator Don Goffredo II.
NBT Bank presented a $5,000 donation to Lackawanna Neighbors on Sept. 5 as part of NBT Bank’s Home in the City Program in Scranton. Home in the City helps to make affordable home ownership a reality for many first-time or qualified buyers in the City of Scranton. To learn more, visit nbtbank. com/loans. From left are NBT retail market manager Ed Mott, Lackawanna Neighbors Executive Director Keith Tucker and mortgage originator Don Goffredo II.
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health care
alzheimer’s looking like a mix of genes and lifestyle
zheimer’s Association indicates that at least five million Americans are now As medical science strives for a afflicted with the disease. This total is game-changing breakthrough, families expected to increase to a potential 16 across the nation are in a battle against million by 2050. exploding care costs and heartbreak Scientists generally agree that resulting from various forms of deobesity, a lack of physical activity, mentia, including Alzheimer’s disease. decreases in intellectual exercise, high Care for the victims of Alzheimer’s blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, is placing a tremendous financial diabetes and an overall poor diet all burden upon the already stressed contribute to Alzheimer’s risk. These Medicare and Medicaid systems. The are all manageable, although certain Finney specific cost of caring for Alzheimer’s inherited gene variations may also play a role. patients in the nation, according to the Alzheimer’s Early onsEt? Association, was estimated to be $236 billion in Glen Finney, M.D., director of the Geisinger 2016, and may rise to a crippling $1.1 trillion by Health System’s Aging Brain and Behavioral Neu2050. rology department, explained that Alzheimer’s can The deadly consequences of Alzheimer’s are also mounting. The Centers for Disease Control re- actually begin when a person enters his or her 40s. ports a 55 percent increase in deaths resulting from Data also indicates that by their mid-80s, up to half the disease, with no family or individual immune to of the population will battle some sort of dementiarelated cognitive decline. the affliction. Alzheimer’s onset actually creates an ongoing Other staggering data reported by the Al-
By Dave Gardner
physical degeneration of the brain, while vascular forms of dementia deprive the brain of blood producing cognitive difficulties. A third form of dementia and brain destruction, recently in sports news, involves repeated head trauma. “Primary care is usually where the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s occurs,” said Dr. Finney. “For Alzheimer’s, the greatest risk is generated by living long enough for the disease to occur.” According to Dr. Finney, studies clearly suggest sociability can be a vital tool to curb the onset of Alzheimer’s. Withdrawal from social activities with an entrance into isolation increases risk, while the inverse of keeping the brain engaged and intellectually active produces benefits for people of all ages. “Social activity and intellectual exercise clearly benefit the brain, and even online exercise can reduce cognitive declines,” said Dr. Finney. “But, these must involve more than just a crossword puzzle.” Vascular dementia is also a big problem for physicians, and Dr. Finney often recommends the Mediterranean-Dash Intervention diet for these
patients. This is a modified medical nutritional system that allows limited red meat, fried foods, cheeses and sugars, but emphasizes brain-healthy foods including greens, vegetables, nuts, berries, beans, whole grains, fish, poultry, olive oil and potentially wine.
Drug connEctions?
With Americans liberally using alcohol and recreational drugs, questions have surfaced about connections between these and the onset of Alzheimer’s. Dr. Finney commented that marijuana and alcohol use in adolescents has been proven to cause brain damage, but it is unknown if these substances play a role in the later onset of Alzheimer’s. “However, recreational drugs and the elderly are a particularly bad combination,” said Dr. Finney. “They impair thinking, add to aging side-effects, and overall spell trouble.” At the heart of science’s roadblock in the treatment of Alzheimer’s lies the reality that mankind does not understand how complex electrical See Alzheimer’s on page 25
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“Mom passed away in 1998. She received such loving care and compassion from all VNA nurses, aides and volunteers. I will always be grateful to VNA because they helped not only my Mom but also our entire family at a very difficult time for all of us.”
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VNA Hospice & Home Health of Lackawanna County & Surrounding Communities recognizes the priceless benefit of hospice care during National Hospice and Palliative Care Month. 24 NORTHEAS T P ENNS YLVANIA BUS INES S J OURNAL TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B24] | 11/01/17
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VISITING NURSE ASSOCIATION of Lackawanna County & Surrounding Communities
HOME HEALTH HOSPICE INPATIENT UNIT
570.383.5180
vnahospice.org
management
leadership lackawanna
New members installed
scholarships awarded
the scholarship recipients for the Leadership Lackawanna Core Program Class of 2017-2018 have been announced. each year, Leadership Lackawanna awards scholarships to qualified candidates who need assistance paying tuition. typically, these funds are set aside for individuals from nonprofit organizations or who are sole proprietors. Because of the generosity of past donors, several scholarship funds have been established and continue to make a significant impact in our community each year. From left are, seated: amy L. Hnat, of Electric City Escape who received the William W. and Mary L. Scranton Scholarship; alejandra W. marroquin of the Friendship House who received the Margaret Briggs Scholarship; and april guse of Bedrock Technology who received the Karen O’Connell Welles Scholarship. Standing: amanda marchegiani of the Northeast Regional Leadership Lackawanna, the region’s community leadership and development organization, Cancer Institute who received both the H. Leigh Woehling Scholarship and the Government Leadership Award Fund recently installed several new board members. Incoming board members will serve a three-year of the Scranton Area Foundation; Kayla guilford of Lackawanna College who received the William Rinaldi Scholarterm. From left, front row: Brian Loughney, the University of Scranton; Brad Kovaleski, Penn State ship; mark Bonfiglio of NOTE Fragrances and mark Barbernitz of the Boy Scouts of America NEPA Council who Worthington Scranton; and Thomas DePietro, DePietro’s Pharmacy. Back row: Robbie Risley, Leadboth received the Leadership Alumni Scholarship; and nicole a. morristell, director, Leadership Lackawanna. ership Lackawanna board chair; and Nicole Morristell, Leadership Lackawanna director. Alzheimer’s continued from page 24 activity between brain cells creates consciousness. Alzheimer’s actually causes a progressive death of brain tissue, and although the brain can regrow some cells this ability is limited, and “re-connecting” brain cells to create a functional neuro network still is not possible. “The fundamental process of thought will eventually be understood,” said Dr. Finney. “A huge breakthrough will occur.” According to a study associated with the National Academy of Sciences and reported by CNN, new hope is on the horizon in the difficult task of diagnosing Alzheimer’s. An experimental blood test that can accurately diagnose the disease and potentially other degenerative brain disorders has been developed, with relevant data indicating the test can reveal Alzheimer’s patients with up to 86 percent sensitivity and specificity. This would contrast with the current situation, in which most Alzheimer’s diagnoses are made by a primary care physician utilizing different types of mental status exams. Only a microscopic study of brain cells after a patient’s death, such as is the case with former NFL players suffering from trauma-induced dementia, can produce direct evidence of brain tissue loss.
DNA coNNectioNs? Vithalbhai Dhaduk, M.D., an independent NEPA neurologist, is in complete agreement that many of the risk factors for Alzheimer’s can be controlled. These include blood pressure problems, diabetes, heart and vascular disease issues, high cholesterol, obesity, smoking and sedentary behavior. However, he is also quick to point out that genes which are inherited as part of a family genetic history conclusively raise the risk for an early onset of dementia. Several medications are currently in use to slow or even delay the onset of Alzheimer’s, but no effective treatment or cure exists to stop the destruction of the brain. Dr. Dhaduk agrees that, to really tip the balance with dementia-related illness, science is in need of a big breakthrough that will create fundamental changes to the way physicians approach care for dementia. “It is very important to understand that Alzheimer’s is very hard on the patient’s caregivers, and right now there is no cure on the horizon,” said Dr. Dhaduk. “This is a terrible disease that dissolves both the minds of people and their family.”
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manufacturing
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NOVEMBER 2017
Marketing/finance Once-thriving Toys R Us fights to stay relevant By Dave Taylor
In April, Toys R Us announced that they had lost $36 million last year. That was the good news. The year before, the giant toy retailer lost $130 million, which on $12 billion in sales, is not the end of the world. But it gets worse. Sales in 2016 were down 1.4 percent in a toy market that grew by 5 percent. On Sept. 18 of this year, Toys R Us filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and put the long-term viability of the brand into serious question. To paraphrase Kermit the Frog, it isn’t easy making green. The first Toys R Us opened in Rockville, Maryland, in 1957, based on a similar business owned by the founder called Children’s Supermart. The new specialty brand became the hammer in its category, offering a wide selection of toys and children’s items while driving smaller toy stores out of business. The new concept easily overmatched the typical department store selection and grew rapidly through the ’80s and ’90s. They launched spinoff brands Kids R Us and Babies R Us. But, in the early 2000s, their growth began to slow and profits stagnated. Kids R Us closed in 2003. Toys R Us succeeded as a category specialist, but their brand was not about great service as much as it was great selection. And that once-solid position ultimately proved to be vulnerable. Two big sharks and any number of smaller fish began to eat away at their profits. As Amazon grew from a bookstore to a more broad-based retail giant, they quickly outpaced the ability of Toys R Us to sell online. Walmart did what they do to so many retail competitors and cherry-picked the most successful products and sold them at a lower cost. Smaller online operations used the efficiency of their virtual retail space to chip away, as well. So, 60 years later, the once-mighty Toys R Us has become the nail, getting pounded by bigger retail brands and accumulating more and more debt as they struggle to compete. Service has deteriorated, they are often undercut on price, and their online presence is outdated. Online video games have completely bypassed all retailers and now take up a big share of the toy budget for many parents. Of course, Toys R Us is hardly the only retailer hurt by the likes of Amazon and Walmart. K-mart, Sears and JCPenney are all wobbling like Weebles that may actually fall down. If there’s a way to save Toys R Us from joining brands like Circuit City and Blockbuster in the attic, it could be to revamp their retail service experience and make it part of the value of going to the store. This might include parent and child in-store events, online clubs and special promotions for grandparents or other niche audiences. There has to be a reason to skip Amazon Prime and say, “Let’s head over to the store today.” Unfortunately, it is far more likely that Toys R Us is on the same Slip ’N Slide that Radio Shack has been riding for years. They are on a race to the bottom of a hill that may be impossible to climb back up.
Not your grandparents’ retirement By Peter D. Shelp
Throw out those rocking chairs — retirement is changing. The goal of enjoying a comfortable retirement lifestyle is still the same. But the types of activities people plan to enjoy in retirement and the opportunities they plan to pursue are changing and expanding.
determined by the amount you have in your account. Savings and Investments: Like many people, you will probably have to rely on your personal savings and investments, in addition to the balance in your employer’s retirement savings plan, to supply a significant portion of your retirement income, especially if you won’t receive traditional pension benefits.
The New 65 A Working Retirement Advances in medicine have played a major role Not everyone is ready to stop working at “normal in the changes, especially in terms of increased life retirement age.” Some people plan to continue workexpectancies. The average life expectancy for a baby ing so they can stay active, pursue new interests, conSHeLP born in the U.S. at the turn of the previous century was 47.3 years. tinue to earn a full-time income or simply make some extra money. Fifty years later, the life expectancy for newborns was 68.2 years. However, if you have to work just to make ends meet once you reach According to projections, babies born in 2012 can look forward to an retirement age, it could be a problem. There are many factors, such average life expectancy of 78.8 years. That’s an increase of over 66 as your health and appropriate job opportunities, that you won’t be percent in a little more than 100 years. able to control. We’re Living Longer Average Number of Years of Life Remaining, 1989–2012 1989–91 1999–2001 2012 30-year-old female 50.2 50.6 52.1 30-year-old male 44.1 45.9 48.0 45-year-old female 36.0 36.3 37.9 45-year-old male 30.7 32.1 34.1 60-year-old female 22.9 23.1 24.6 60-year-old male 18.5 19.7 21.7 Source: The 2012 Statistical Abstract, U.S. Census Bureau, www.census.gov and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Vital Statistics Reports, Vol. 65, No. 8, November 2016
The Old Three-legged Stool More time to enjoy being retired is a big plus. However, a longer retirement means you’ll need more money. Where will your income come from when you retire? Traditionally, financial professionals used the “three-legged stool” analogy to explain the most likely sources of a person’s income in retirement. The legs were Social Security, pension benefits and personal savings: three income sources working together to support your retirement. Let’s look at how well the three legs are holding up these days. Social Security: The Social Security system was designed to provide supplemental income only — not the bulk of a retiree’s living expenses. At the beginning of 2017, the average monthly Social Security benefit amount was $1,360 ($16,320 per year), which is not enough to allow most people to live comfortably. As the chart shows, today’s retirees receive only 33 percent of their income from Social Security. Plus, the future of the program is uncertain; benefit formulas and age requirements could change. Pensions: This is the leg that has changed the most. Traditionally, a pension is a steady monthly benefit paid to covered retirees who accrued vested benefits while employed. Pensions are much less common today. More and more employers are offering retirement savings plans instead. Retirement benefits under these plans are
Do It Now Since you won’t know everything about retirement until you get there, you should make the most of what you do know. Your employer’s plan is an opportunity to save and invest for retirement. If you decide you can do more now for the future, make the changes soon. Your situation is unique, so be sure to consult a professional before taking action. Where Your Money Might Come From 33 percent Social Security 32 percent Earnings 10 percent Savings and investments 21 percent Pensions 4 percent Other Source: Fast Facts and Figures About Social Security, 2016, Social Security Administration
Peter D. Shelp, AWMA®, ChFC®, CFP®, CRPC®, Kingston Retirement Group of Janney Montgomery Scott LLC, 270 Pierce St., Kingston. For more information, call 570-283-8140 or visit www. kingstonretirementgroup.com Janney Montgomery Scott LLC Financial Advisors are available to discuss the suitability and risks involved with various products and strategies presented. We will be happy to provide a prospectus, when available, and other information upon request. Please note that the information provided includes reference to concepts that have legal, accounting and tax implications. It is not to be construed as legal, accounting or tax advice, and is provided as general information to you to assist in understanding the issues discussed. Neither Janney Montgomery Scott LLC nor its Financial Advisors (in their capacity as Financial Advisors) give tax, legal, or accounting advice. We would urge you to consult with your own attorney and/or accountant regarding the application of the information contained in this letter to the facts and circumstances of your particular situation. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC, is a full-service investment firm that is a member of the NYSE, the FINRA and SIPC. Source: DST Systems, Inc.
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Sustainability and economic development
management
port a high quality of life beyond just basic amenities; that speaks to people. Companies seek highly Economic development seeks to improve the educated, highly skilled professionals for managewellbeing and quality of life in a community by ment positions, and high performing managers’ creating, and then retaining jobs with the goal of families anticipate a robust cultural, educational growing incomes and the tax base. The and recreational place to live and work. broader the tax base, the lower the tax Sustainable, placed-based economic burden per capita, and the more condudevelopment differs from conventional cive to growth is a community. economic development because the The ability to accomplish these base emphasis is on building upon existing activities addresses both the health of a community assets and growing the community, and the productivity of the economic impact of businesses rather business climate. There is always room than simply pursuing jobs by creatfor improvement. Businesses, during murnin ing tax break packages used by local the site selection phase seek communities with transparent governance, high governments to lure and poach companies from quality of life, an equitable, modern taxing structure another community. and an opportunity to become involved in the comRecognizing the synergies between the three munity. Economic and community development elements of the triple bottom line, and community is successful fostering business when it creates assets can make a community very attractive sustained growth. Sustained growth can be acto a site-selection team. Creating a successcomplished through leadership in good, forwardful development strategy requires the efforts of looking policy making, and through thoughtful multiple stakeholders coming together around a policy administration. A strong, pro-growth common goal in order to attract a team that will business environment supported by a high quality bring diverse, high-paying wages. Warehouse jobs of life occurs when both good policy making and are fine, however innovations in technology have administration happen equally on a regular basis. reduced the number of workers actually needed to Sophisticated business leaders seek communiaccomplish tasks at each facility. ties that demonstrate a long-term commitment Renowned urban planner and Scranton native to place-based economic development because it illustrates that community understands how Jane Jacobs suggests that the healthiest communiimportant the triple bottom line of people, planet, ties enjoy a vast diversity of business types, and diand profit is. A place-based strategy leverages versity of thought is the thing that now attracts the a community’s amenities to increase economic most forward-leaning, high-paying employers. That progress; it ties jobs directly to specific places help- means the old way of thinking which aims to preing to prevent global outsourcing. serve the status quo creates an environment that Three things must happen in order to make this is not conducive to economic growth. Enhancing strategy work. fiscal responsibility of policymakers and increasing First, the old corruptions of governments and transparency goes a long way to empower current policy makers must be mitigated; that speaks to community members and stakeholders to take the profits. A corrupt and inept elected class and tax risk of creating new home-grown business activity structure is an obstacle to business profits and and jobs from current community assets. healthy job growth. By Cheryl Scandale Murnin, LEED, AP
Second, the reluctance of mainstream acceptance of environmental sustainability and corporate social responsibility must be outgrown; that speaks to planet. High-performing companies have already made a commitment to reporting their considerable investment in environmental stewardship successes, and they don’t want to locate in a community that creates obstacles to protecting natural resources. Third, companies seek communities that sup-
Cheryl Scandale-Murnin, LEED, AP, is an adjunct faculty member in the School of Business and Global Innovation at Marywood University. As a LEED AP, she is an Accredited Professional in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, demonstrating a high level of professional expertise in issues of sustainability. She served both as a former vice president of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and member of the Small Business Advisory Board of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce.
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What David Bowie can teach us about leadership
What if a situation arose in which we can blend hard work (bass and drums), intense mental effort (guitar and Most classic rock songs have the same philosophy keyboards), and our own personal charismatic style (vobehind their engineering mix. Picture an ocean or body cals) in such a way that the entire process of leadership of water during the storm. At the very bottom you have and, more importantly, communicating the message that this general murkiness which doesn’t really the role of leadership implies, is positive, change because of the weather, but actually, compelling and motivational? doesn’t really change because of anything. This process of homogenization of leadYou then have the body of water itself, conership efforts requires some forethought. taining rip tides, back currents and a general But if executed correctly can come across state of natural unruliness. On the very top, as effortless. are the whitecaps; the waves. I believe Steve Jobs was an example Most classic rock mixes have that of this effortless execution of leadership philosophy. The very bottom, tends to be Sciacca through the homogenization process. your bass and drums which lay the underlyHe was an extremely hard worker, a ing heartbeat of the song. Above that are mentally intense individual, and a charismatic speaker the guitars and keyboards, where most instrumental in the fields he felt qualified to speak in. You knew just expression occurs. And on the very top, the whitecaps from listening to him that all the above, in terms of hard tend to be the vocals. work, mental intensity and preparation were present, but In April 1973 with the release of the “Aladdin Sane” he came across smooth and unproblematic. album, David Bowie tried to change that. The first song Could he, in fact, have been a student of the homogon that album, “Watch That Man,” elevated the bass enization process of leadership? Perhaps. and drums and devolved the vocals, making the vocals So how can you incorporate this process of hard sound like another instrument. If you listen closely to the work, mental intensity and charisma into a unified song, what you will hear is a sonic journey of homogwhole? enous sounds where no specific instrument, or vocal Here are a few things to think about: range is highlighted. David Bowie, being a master of his 1. Any strength overused becomes a weakness. If craft even at a very young age, pulled this off nicely. you are naturally charismatic and that is the only arrow Keep in mind, Bowie did not try to elevate the stature in your quiver, you will be perceived as hollow. If you of the bass or the drums as instruments, nor degrade gravitate toward mental intensity and that is your prithe value of the vocals, but intended to make all the mary focus, you will be viewed as a brain with no teeth. various parts of his fine ensemble sound the same. The If hard work is your modus operandi and all you do is process was a brilliant representation of creativity and grind, grind, grind, you will be viewed as a slave driver originality. and a taskmaster. I believe that process of homogenization of sounds 2. Think about your outcome before you start. You that worked so well for Bowie can work in leadership as may find that one of the three areas requires more well as rock sound engineering. emphasis than another based upon what you are trying Let me explain. to accomplish. When most people think of leaders, they think of 3. Don’t be afraid to ask for assistance. Even the the smiling, well-groomed, charismatic individual who most seasoned executive needs to have his or her has the ability to inspire and motivate (the white caps). What we don’t see directly underneath that motivational assumptions questioned and the conclusions reality tested. This is not evidence of weakness; rather, it shows façade, is the daily application of intense mental effort strong character and great judgment. necessary to project that image (the general body of I wish Steve Jobs were alive today. I am sure he water). Below that mental effort is the day-to-day hard would find the correlation of David Bowie and leadership work that is required for a position of leadership (the to be amusing. Frankly, as I was listening to “Watch That bottom of the body of water). Man” on the classic vinyl satellite radio station, I, myself, Most individuals will separate the tasks of being charismatic, intense mental effort and hard work. While found it amusing. It actually got me thinking that perhaps leadership I am not suggesting that that is not relevant or true, principles can be found in manifold venues. Whether the may I suggest that perhaps David Bowie’s philosophy insight is relevant, its exploration is priceless. on “Watch That Man” might be a possibility for some Please send your comments… leaders in some situations. By Biagio W. “Bill” Sciacca, Ph.D.
Personnel File
brain, colorectal, lung, pancreatic and patients in the hospital’s of $1 million as part of the firm, includAll-One HeAltH kidneys, leukemia, lymphoma, iron intensive care unit. She ing the largest settlement in a trucking The Pa. Institute of Certified Public Accountants deficiency anemia, hemochromatosis, also treats patients with collision case in Lackawanna recognized John Dean, CPA, of Scranmyelodysplastic syndrome and multiple pulmonary issues includCounty ($14.75 million). ton, a senior accountant with All-One myeloma, along with other hematology ing various forms of lung has on He served the Health in Wilkes-Barre, with a 2017 and oncology diseases. disease, asthma, chronic board of governors of the Young Leader Award. He received this He earned his medical degree obstructive pulmonary disPennsylvania Trial Lawdistinction for demonstrating leaderfrom New York Institute of Technolease, pulmonary embolisms yers Association and was ship skills that will propel his success FATeH rAMesH ogy’s College of Osteopathic Medicine, and lung cancer. She will also elected to the board’s in a profession committed to protecting Old Westbury. He then completed an also perform diagnostic and executive committee. He has the public interest. Dean is an active DeAn internship at Nassau University Medical Center, therapeutic lung procedures. been a member of the Judicial Relations, member of PICPA’s Northeastern Chapter East Meadow, New York, followed by an internal Board certified in internal medicine and pulmoLegislature Network, Education and Membership Emerging CPAs Committee. medicine residency at Southampton Hospital, nary medicine, Ramesh earned her medical degree Committees. Foley had also served as a member PICPA’s Young Leader Awards program recogSouthampton, New York. Fateh then completed a from the Tamilnadu MGR Medical University, of the Lackawanna County Civil Rules Committee. nizes members under the age of 40 who demonthree-year fellowship in hematology/oncology at India. She then completed a residency in internal He is a member of the Pennsylvania and American strate a commitment to the CPA profession through Nova Southeastern University’s Larkin Community medicine at Rochester Regional Health System, bar associations, the Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers active PICPA or community volunteer leadership. New York, and a fellowship in pulmonary and criti- Hospital, South Miami, where he was elected chief Association, the American Association for Justice. The group was honored Sept. 18 at PICPA’s fellow. cal care medicine at Mount Sinai Beth Israel Icahn Foley is a member of the Champions of Justice annual Leadership Conference in Harrisburg. Board certified in internal medicine, Fateh is School of Medicine, New York. of the Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association, COmmOnweAltH HeAltH a member of the American Society Ramesh is a member of the American the Obstetrics Malpractice Litigation Group of the Julie Speicher, M.D., and the Physicians of Hematology, American Society of College of Physicians, American College American Association for Justice and the Million Health Alliance internal medicine clinic, Ash Street, Dollar Advocates Forum. In addition, Foley is an Clinical Oncology and American Osteoof Chest Physicians, Society of Hospital Dunmore, were recognized with HealthStream’s pathic Association. Medicine and Society of General Internal advocate of the National College of Advocacy. Excellence through Insight award in the Clinician Medicine. Since 2005, he has been named a Pennsylvania Dr. tiFFAny GriFFitHS, PSy.D. Group - Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Emergency medicine physicians John Super Lawyer every year by Philadelphia magazine. AnD ASSOCiAteS Providers and Systems category. Previously, Foley was also selected by his peers for P. Bernett, M.D., morganne Phillips, Ashley Gilbert, Psy.D., has joined The HealthStream Awards of Excellence acinclusion in Best Lawyers in America in the fields of M.D., and Afghani roshan, M.D., have the practice and will be providing knowledge exceptional patient satisfaction perforjoined the medical staff at the hospital’s Litigation and Medical Malpractice Law. GilBerT therapy and psychological assessment mance achieved by health care organizations and Attorney michael Foley of the firm spoke to the emergency department. to children, adolescents and adults providers. Providers are selected across the nation Western Trial Lawyers Association Bernett received his medical at the Kingston location. She is completing her among HealthStream clients for their outstanding degree from George Washington School of in Maui, Hawaii, June 10-14, on the postdoctoral residency toward licensure. patient satisfaction ratings and are awarded this Medicine and Health Sciences in Washingtopic “Don’t Let Bankruptcy Filing Gilbert is a graduate of Immaculata University, high honor for their commitment to excellence in ton, D.C. He then completed an emergency Estop Your Client’s Lawsuit.” Foley, of Malvern, where she earned a doctorate in clinical patient care. medicine residency at Geisinger Medical Scranton, is the past president to the psychology. Before joining the organization, she Speicher is board-certified in internal medicine Pennsylvania Association for Justice Center in Danville. He is also a certified Life completed her doctoral internship at Devereux and is a graduate of Temple University School of Flight physician. (2008-2009) and was selected by Advanced Behavioral Health, Pocono Center, workMedicine, Philadelphia. She completed a residency the publication, “Best Lawyers in Phillips earned her medical degree from ing with adults with intellectual and developmental M. FoleY in the Scranton Temple Residency Program, now the Medical University of South Carolina. America,” for Lawyer of the Year in disabilities. Gilbert has also completed several the Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education. Medical Malpractice in the Allentown/ She then completed an emergency mediother externships working with adults with chronic cine residency at Christiana Care Health System, Northeast Pennsylvania region for 2017. He has mental health issues, adolescents in residential FOley lAw Firm been listed in Best Lawyers in America since 2009. Delaware, where she served as chief resident. treatment, and conducting psychological screening Kevin P. Foley of the Scranton-based firm Roshan earned her medical degree from Foley has been selected as a Pennsylvania Super and evaluations for religious and clergy. has been selected by Best Lawyers in Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Lawyer since 2004, a member of the America for his high caliber of work Scranton, and completed an emergency medicine Pennsylvania Association for Justice HOneSDAle nAtiOnAl BAnK in the practice areas of litigation: residency at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville. since 1991, and a member of the Board Bank Vice President luke w. woodmansee insurance, medical malpractice law — of Governors for the American Associahas been named as the bank’s chief credit officer. plaintiffs; and personal injury litigation GeiSinGer COmmunity meDition for Justice (2009-2017). He served Woodmansee joined the bank in 1989 CAl Center — plaintiffs. as a board member of Lackawanna Proas a loan officer, was promoted to the numan Fateh, M.D., has joined Foley graduated from the University Bono from 2000-2004. position of vice president and senior GCMC’s Cancer Center as a hematoloof Scranton and completed his law K. FoleY loan officer in 1991, and at that time also gist/oncologist. studies at the Dickinson School of Law, GeiSinGer wyOminG VAlley assumed the position of vice president, Fellowship trained in hematology/ meDiCAl Center earning his J.D. He then served as a treasurer and secretary of HONAT Banoncology to diagnose and treat a Pulmonologist and critical care physician law clerk to the Honorable James T. McDermott, corp Inc., the bank’s holding company. variety of cancers, Fateh sees patients navitha ramesh, M.D., joined the medical center. Justice, Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. He has Through the years, he has aided in with tumors including bladder, breast, As a critical care specialist, Ramesh treats achieved multiple settlements and awards in excess WooDMAnsee
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Personnel File
Keystone College and a bachelor of science degree Mass., and received his law degree and nia. She previously served as president from Springfield College. He also pursued studies MBA from Villanova University. of Harbor Group Inc., vice president of at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard After law school, he served as law First Securities Investments, northeast University Graduate School of Business, University clerk for the Hon. Thomas I. Vanaskie, director of marketing for Consulting of Southern California School of Pharmacy and chief judge of the U.S. District Court Group Inc., marketing representative Duquesne University. for the Middle District of Pennsylvania with Omni Health Plan, and agent for Noyle, of East Norriton, serves as senior and current judge for the U.S. Court of Mutual of New York, where she earned director, telesales, for Colonial Penn Life Appeals for the Third Circuit. designations as a certified life underInsurance Co., Philadelphia. Prior to Haggerty serves as board writer and long-term care professional. HiCKeY joining Colonial Penn in 2007, Noyle was chair of the Wilkes University Gelb obtained a bachelor of science Family Business Alliance and degree in English and history from the an account manager for Verizon in Exton. vice president of the PennUniversity of Maryland and pursued He has also served as senior account sylvania Business Brokers graduate studies in accounting and manager and managing director of client Association. He is a member health care economics. services with Telespectrum in King of of the Lackawanna County Glassman, of Clarks Summit, is Prussia and Berwyn. Noyle has also been noYle Bar Association. Haggerty vice president at Riggs Asset Managedirector of account management and serves on the executive comment Co. Inc., where he provides served in other management positions mittee of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick investment and business advice to at RMH in several Pennsylvania cities, including of Lackawanna County. entrepreneurs, family businesses and Scranton and Wilkes-Barre. He has been an adjunct Hickey, of York, is treasurer and chief family groups throughout the northprofessor of business administration at Keystone GlAssMAn financial officer of the World Methodist eastern United States. He graduated College. Council. He graduated from Keystone Colfrom New York University in 1977 with Noyle graduated from Keystone College with bachelor of science degrees in economics, finance, lege in 1965 with an associate degree in business an associate degree in business administration and administration, then earned a bachelor’s degree in business management and marketing. obtained a bachelor of science in business admineconomics at Moravian College in 1967. He joined He returned to Scranton for a management istration and an MBA from Wilkes University. He a family business founded by his father, the late position with G&G Sewing Machine Co. Inc. serves as a member of the board of the Keystone’s Keystone College George Hickey, and eventually became president and MUVA Needle Co. In 1978, he became vice National Alumni Association and is a member of gail Dickstein, natalie gelb, Alan glasspresident of G&G Sewing Machine Co. and in 1981 and CEO of Hickey Toyota. He also was owner, the scholarship, awards and board nomination man, attorney Daniel Haggerty, Kirby president and CEO of United Sales, a York company committees. he assumed the position of president. In Hickey, Robert Kagler and David that sold office furniture and provided interior order to assure the continued growth of noyle have been elected as the newest King’s College design services. Hickey is president of the Stewthe corporation, a multiyear acquisition members of the Keystone College Allison samanas of Dallas has been appointed ardship Foundation of the Susquehanna strategy was developed. board of trustees. manager of financial planning and analysis. She will Conference of the United Methodist Church. To that end, Atlas Rapid Dickstein, of Clarks Summit, has be primarily responsible for developing and impleBefore retirement, Kagler, Hudson, Ohio, Racks Inc., Automated been involved in the field of educamenting the long-range planning and forecasting was a senior regional director at Merck & Components Internation for the majority of her adult life. Co. A former Keystone trustee, he has been processes, including budgeting and financial tional, Silverman Machines DiCKsTein management of operations, current and emerging She taught elementary school in the recognized with various awards, including International, Schreiber programs, and strategic goals. In addition, she Scranton School District for 20 years. the Keystonian of the Year in 2004, the and Goldberg Limited, and will be taking on responsibility for bank relations Dickstein joined the faculty at Misericordia Universi- SAL-BEE Limited were acquired over college’s Presidential Medallion in 2000, KAGler ty, where she taught classroom management skills a period of years. Mr. Glassman sold and was inducted into the Keystone Athletic and communications along with several process and supervised the student-teacher program. She Hall of Fame in 2008. Kagler also provided improvement projects at the college. his business interests in 1997 and She was formerly a senior financial analyst for later joined Keystone College where she taught in the keynote address at commencement in joined Riggs Asset Management Co. InterMetro Industries Corp. in Wilkes-Barre. the Education Department and supervised student 1996 and at the 2004 Keystone ScholarInc. Samanas earned a bachelor’s degree in acteachers. She has a bachelor’s degree in elementary ship Luncheon. He has been an adviser for Haggerty, of Scranton, is owner counting from the Pennsylvania State University. education from Arcadia College and completed Hudson Job Search Inc., a board member and president of PMJ Group She is currently pursuing a Master of Business graduate work at Marywood University of the Hudson Public Schools Endowment LLC, a business brokerand College Misericordia. Administration degree at the University of Fund, and served on the Hudage firm in Clarks Summit. Gelb, of Clarks Summit, recently Scranton. son Planning Commission. He previously worked retired as executive director of the Dr. Christopher o’Brien has been Kagler has been a part-time for family-owned TimesHAGGerTY Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority, appointed the inaugural dean of health faculty member at the UniverShamrock Communications a position she held since 2004. During sciences. He will oversee the faculty and sity of Akron Graduate School as publisher of The Citizens’ her tenure, Gelb was widely recognized curricular affairs of King’s health sciences of Business and a guest lecturer at Voice, Wilkes-Barre, and the Standardfor making the Lackawanna River programs, including physician assistant Speaker, Hazleton. He joined PMJ as vice the College of Charleston. A native of GelB Heritage Trail one of the most beautiful studies, athletic training, exercise science, Scranton and an Army veteran, Kagler president in 2011. He is a graduate of o’Brien and popular nature trails in Pennsylvaand the college’s two newest health received an associate degree from College of the Holy Cross in Worcester,
administration of the bank’s loan portfolio, composed of commercial and consumer loans, home mortgages and equity loans, student loans, credit cards and overdraft protection lines of credit. He is a member of the HNB Executive Team and serves on various other committees at the bank. Woodmansee is a graduate of Hancock High School and attended Broome Community College, SUNY-Binghamton College, now Binghamton University, and the New York State School of Banking at West Point. He has attended various courses, seminars and conferences sponsored by the American Bankers Association and, before joining the bank, served as president of the Delaware County Bankers Association. Woodmansee serves on the board of directors of the Chamber of the Northern Poconos and the Wayne County Cooperative Extension, of which he is a past president. He is an active volunteer and supporter of the Wayne County Fair and is involved with various area organizations. A lifelong Wayne County resident, he is the son of Janet Y. Woodmansee and the late H. Lindy Woodmansee of Lake Como. He resides in Starlight.
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Personnel File
Suzanne wrobleski as treasurer and Tom Duncan Mailloux earned her bachelor’s degree one-year appointment as a Moreau Postdoctoral sciences programs: the RN to Bachelor Fellow. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the as secretary. in nursing from Wilkes, her master’s of Science in Nursing Program, which University of Kentucky and a doctorate from the degree in nursing from Misericordia begins in spring 2018, and the 1-2-1 Dual LighTSpeeD TeChnoLogieS University, and a doctorate in nursing, University of Notre Dame, where he previously Degrees in Nursing Program, a collaboraChristopher payne iii was named an outside with a concentration in education from served as an instructor of philosophy. He also has tion with Luzerne County Community salesman. Payne’s technology sales experience Penn State University. She also earned taught at Holy Cross College. College, beginning in fall 2018. spans multiple industries, including the federal gova certification in nursing education O’Brien’s primary responsibilities ernment, health care and Fortune 1000 companies. LAwRenCe A.J. SpegAR from the National League of Nursing. include academic planning and budgetMAilloUX Attorney Lawrence A.J. Spegar was In previous positions, he has held sales leadership Y. Bora Senyigit, ing, leadership in recruiting, evaluating roles and has strong Cisco product knowledge. selected as one of the 10 Best Attorneys assistant professor of acfaculty, developing clinical sites for the An Ole Miss graduate, Payne has received in Pennsylvania by the American Institute counting, previously was an assistant college’s programs and developing new health of Legal Counsel, an impartial third party numerous industry awards and holds several Cisco professor of accounting at Woosong sciences programs. attorney-rating organization that recogCertifications. He is currently pursuing an additional University Sol International School in He earned his bachelor’s degree in health scinizes excellence of attorneys. The rating degree in computer systems and security technolences/athletic training from Lock Haven University, Korea and an assistant professor of system helps clients throughout the ogy at Luzerne County Community College. Payne accounting at Zirve University, School master’s degree in athletic training from California United States make educated decisions is a member of the Mountain Top Small Business University of Pennsylvania, and his doctorate in hu- of Economics and Administrative ScisenYiGiT when it comes to choosing their attorney. Partners and is the incoming president of the man development — higher education administra- ences in Turkey. He earned a master’s Selection of attorneys to the AIOLC allows Kiwanis Club of Mountain Top. of business administration from Ball tion from Marywood University. potential clients to save time, energy and effort in State University and a bachelor’s degree, master’s O’Brien began his career as an athletic trainer, MARYwooD univeRSiTY choosing the most qualified attorney in degree and doctorate from Istanbul University in and he is credentialed to practice in three states. nikki Moser, assistant professor of their area. Attorneys selected Turkey. He served as a faculty member at Stony Brook art and area coordinator of 3D studies, by the American Institute Dr. Tabitha Sprau Coulter is an University and Marywood University, where he was was recently awarded second prize for have reached the top of their assistant professor of civil engineering. the athletic training education program director her work, “Springville Fracking Well and profession while doing so She previously served as an assistant from 2000 to 2007. Pond,” in the sculpture division of the with client satisfaction being O’Brien was named to the 2014 Irish Education professor in civil engineering technol2017 Art of the State Awards. of paramount importance. ogy at Alfred State SUNY College of 100 by the “Irish Voice.” This honor is awarded Art of the State is an annual juried Spegar has a comprehensive Technology. She earned her bachelor’s to Irish educators and supporters of education Moser exhibition that has been showcasing the trial attorney practice covering degree at Lafayette College and a maswho provide outstanding teaching and advice for CoUlTer work of Pennsylvania’s artists at The many areas of the law in ter’s degree and doctorate from Penngenerations of students. State Museum of Pennsylvania since 1968. multiple counties throughout Northeast sylvania State University. Eight new full-time faculty memAwards were given in painting, photography, Pennsylvania, with locations in Jessup Dr. Alex Szatmary, assisbers have joined the college for the sculpture, craft and work on paper. Winners were and Pocono Summit. tant professor of mechanical 2017-18 academic year. chosen from 130 works selected from more than engineering, was a visiting Dr. Jessica Anderson is an LevY, STieh, gAughAn & BARon 2,200 submissions. assistant professor of engiassistant professor of psychology. Moser is an artist, mother, teacher and The Center for Developmental Disneering at Bucknell University She previously was a post-doctoral advocate. In 2010, she co-founded Keystone Iron abilities announced attorney Kelly A. and an instructor and sumresearch fellow in the Department of Works, an iron casting program for at-risk high gaughan, Esq., will serve as president mer research mentor at the Anesthesiology at the University of AnDerson sZATMArY of the board of directors for the 2017-18 school students, which has been awarded two NaNational Institute of Health. Buffalo-SUNY and a research/teaching tional Endowment for the Arts awards. She is also school year. He earned an associate deassistant in the Department of PsycholResiding in Milford with her husband the 2016 recipient of the F. Lammot Belin Award gree from Harford Commuogy at SUNY-Binghamton. She earned and two children, Gaughan is the current for her work with Keystone Iron Works. The NEA nity College and a bachelor’s her doctorate at Binghamton University awards also led to the founding, in collaboration vice president of the United Way of Pike degree and doctorate from and bachelor’s and master’s degrees at with the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority, of County, secretary of Vetstock, secretary the University of Maryland, the University of Connecticut. the Confluence Sculpture Park, which is populating for the Pike County Bar Association and Baltimore County. Dr. Christopher Aults is an assits on the advisory board of GAIT. She is 110 miles of walking and biking trails in the LackaMatthew Toniatti, assistant professor of psychology. He the vice president of the law firm of Levy, wanna Valley with sculptures and works of art. sistant clinical professor in earned a bachelor’s degree from PennAUlTs ToniATTi Moser earned her bachelor of fine arts degree Stieh, Gaughan & Baron PC and has been physician assistant studies, sylvania State University-Altoona and with the firm since 1999. Gaughan has from Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science previously served as a master’s degree and doctorate from been sitting on the board of directors of and Arts, New York City, and her master of fine arts physician assistant for Pinnacle Health Florida Atlantic University. Prior to coming to the CDD for more than seven years and has degree in studio art from the Maryland Institute college, he served as a visiting assistant professor in Mechanicsburg and MedExpress in served as the master of ceremonies for College of Art, Baltimore. She regularly exhibits her State College. He earned his bachelor’s at Presbyterian College and adjunct instructor at their Chefs Do Dinner fundraising event work nationally and has sculptures in many private degree from Penn State University Cambridge College of Healthcare and Technology. for the past several years. and public collections. Dr. Cynthia Mailloux has been appointed chair and master’s degree from Lock Haven Joining Gaughan as officers of the F. David Romines, D.M.A., assistant associate of the Dual 1-2-1 Bachelor of Nursing Program and University. board for the 2017-18 school year will professor of music education and co-chairman Dr. Jordan Rodgers will serve a a professor of nursing. A licensed registered nurse, roDGers be Mandy Coleville as vice president, of the music, theater and dance departments,
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workshop outlines how the university’s educamunity Center Pre-School in Wilkes-Barre, and as has been invited to be a presenter at Misericordia University tors utilized the institution’s on-campus challenge the administrator for youth services at the Boys the upcoming 2018 Collegiate Band Paula Pate-schloder, associate course to develop an activity that reflects real-life Directors National Association Eastern and Girls Club of America of Wyoming Valley in professor, was named the chair of the issues and creates cohesiveness, teamwork and Division Convention, which will take Wilkes-Barre. She earned her bachelor of science Department of Medical Imaging. self-confidence to foster collaboration, cooperation place at Yale University. A blind panel Pate-Schloder has more than 26 years degree in education with a minor in psychology committee reviewed recordings of the of teaching experiencing in the academic from Wheelock College, Boston, and her master of and problem-solving. Marywood Wind Symphony along with science in teaching of young children with moderprogram at the university. During that neiGhBorWorKs northeastern a redacted description of how the uniate special needs from Lesley College, Cambridge, time, she has taught hundreds of medical roMines PennsyLvania versity’s band programs are organized. Mass. imaging students. Before embarking on a President and CEO Jesse ergott was recently Romines has been asked to speak on The Autism Center added the new program career in higher education, she acquired elected president of the National NeighborWorks how the program has developed over because of the region’s shortage of available extensive clinical and administrative Association’s board of directors. With more than the past eight years and make repertoire resources and services for adults on the autism capabilities. 200 member organizations and numerous addisuggestions for collegiate band prospectrum. She holds a master of science in tional partners nationwide, the National Neighborgrams at smaller schools. Recordings of Kleinman and her husband, Keith, live in Dallas. education degree from Misericordia Works Association unites housing and community the university’s band will be played for The couple has four children, Kimberly, Sarah, University and a bachelor of science development practitioners to advance housing and those in attendance. Allison and Ross. in medical radiography from Northern economic opportunities for individuals, families, Romines earned his bachelor and Faculty members in the College of Health SciPATe-sCHloDer Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona. communities and neighborhoods across the master of music degrees in music Pate-Schloder also earned an associate ences and Education are collaborating to present country. education from the University of Tennessee and his in risk management designation from the Insuran academic poster presentation and interactive In this role, Ergott helps to lead the Washdoctor of musical arts degree from the University of ance Society of America. In 2015, she earned a workshop at the Collaborating Across Borders VI ington, D.C.-based organization in its mission to Southern Mississippi. Conference in Banff, Alberta, Canada, this month. certificate as a medical radiation safety officer. advocate for affordable housing and community Joining the university in 2009, Romines directs The conference is North America’s premier Certified by the American Registry of Radiologic development programs that revitalize the nation’s the wind ensemble. He oversees the departmental Technologists in radiography, cardiovascular inter- interprofessional health care education and coldistressed communities and working to ensure that operations and serves as artistic director for its laborative practice conference, according to CAB. It ventional technology, computed tomography and federal legislators and decision makers recognize wind ensemble. His academic responsibilities inlinks educators, researchers, practitioners, students vascular interventional technology, Pate-Schloder the needs of the nation’s neighborhoods. NNA is clude teaching courses in instrumental conducting, regularly makes scholarly presentations at national, and patients from Canada and the United States also committed to making sure that federal legislainstrumental methods and he supervises student in essential discussions around interprofessional state and local conferences on radiography and tion and policies promote housing and community teachers. He has served as a guest conductor/clinihealth care education, practice, leadership and medical imaging topics. Her presentations often development programs that are undertaken by cian in five countries as well as the United States. policy in North America. center on risk management and patient safety, local, nonprofit community organizations. He also serves as the educational adviser for the Laurie Brogan, P.T., D.P.T., C.E.E.A.A., G.C.S., which serve as points of emphasis in her career. United States-China Cultural and Educational assistant professor of physical therapy, A Lake Winola resident, she is the Pnc BanK Foundation and is a former member of the Music and sheryl e. Goss, M.S., R.T.(R)(S), past president and chair of the board for robert Makos was appointed senior vice Educators Journal Advisory Board. R.D.M.S., R.D.C.S., R.V.T., the Association of Educators in Imaging president and market managing director Romines is frequently invited to be a guest clinician F.S.D.M.S., professor and and Radiologic Sciences. In 2015, AEIRS for PNC Wealth Management. In his new for high school bands and band camps all over the chair of the Department of elevated her to fellow. role, Makos is responsible for overseecountry. He has adjudicated many band Sonography, are makJoan roth Kleinman, ing the wealth management business competitions; presented lectures at univering the interactive poster M.Ed., has been named direcin Central and Northeast Pennsylvania. sities, conferences and conventions; and presentation, “Developtor of the university’s Autism This includes private banking, investhas written a number of journal articles. BroGAn ment of Interprofessional Center’s Autism Lifelong Learnment management, trust and estate He currently serves as educational Education Awareness in a ing Program. Housed in the administration and wealth planning in adviser and board member for the MAKos Small Private Catholic University.” The College of Health Sciences and Education, the Central and Northeast markets. He U.S.-China Cultural and Educational presenters collaborated with colleagues the program began accepting clients in will oversee more than 85 employees Foundation. In this position, he works KleinMAn Gina capitano, M.S., R.T.(R), assistant profesOctober. in a territory that encompasses 37 counties in with cultural entities in China to sor of medical imaging, and rita carey, M.S.N., ALL is one of the programs available Pennsylvania. bring outstanding musical and dance R.N., C.N.E., assistant professor of nursing. The through the Autism Center in John J. Passan Hall. Makos joined PNC Wealth Management in July ensembles from the United States to China for the presentation outlines how the college’s faculty 2006 as team director for Lehigh Valley. In 2017, benefit of the Chinese people. He is also a member It provides prevocational, vocational and commuof the editorial board of the Music Educators Jour- nity living services to adults who are on the autism collaborated to develop and offer interprofessional he accepted the role of market director for Central educational opportunities for students in the health and Northeast Pennsylvania. nal and serves the John Philip Sousa Foundation as spectrum of disorders or dually diagnosed with sciences. autism and intellectual disabilities. ALL’s primary Makos earned a bachelor of science degree in a member of the Sudler Committee. Brogan also is collaborating with Maureen objective is to enable adults participating in the management and an MBA from Lehigh University. Romines recently assisted with the establishromanow Pascal, P.T., D.P.T., N.C.S., associate program to obtain supportive or competitive emment of the Northeastern Youth Wind Ensemble ployment in a fully integrated setting with at least a professor of physical therapy, on the interactive reaLty netWorK GroUP at the university, which attracts students from workshop, “Does Team Play Enhance Teamwork? minimum wage. Peg Wascura has been a professional service throughout the Northeastern United States. Kleinman most recently served as the instructor Use of a Challenge Course Experience to Enhance agent her whole career. A Realtor since 2001, she Interprofessional Education and Practice.” The for early childhood education at the Jewish Comhas transitioned her exceptional service experience
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ing products segment where he served as her research at conferences throughout the United Wildlife Taxa of Concern.” into the real estate arena. Joel b. Kemp, Ph.D., of Pittsburgh, was named States. director of operations for CPG Before working in real estate, she thomas G. concannon, Ph.D., International, Scranton. Jolie was a successful owner of her own assistant professor of theology. He previously of Mountain Top, was named visiting has expertise in lean manuhairstyle salon for 25 years. When it taught at Boston College, where he completed a assistant professor in the physics and facturing, automation, global came to changing careers, it was clear doctorate in theology. He earned a bachelor’s deelectrical engineering department. He sourcing, and profit and loss that her next step was becoming a real gree in religion and American history from Harvard previously worked for 17 years as a management. estate agent. She learned the profesCollege, a juris doctorate from Harvard Law School software applications consultant and sion through Penn State University and and a master of divinity degree from Andover WAsCUrA univerSity oF applications engineer instructor for Syn- Newton Theological School. In addition to teaching continues to build upon her experience BorDonADA Scranton opsys Inc. He earned bachelor’s degrees theology, Kemp was also a practicing attorney for daily. Her focus is to achieve the best The university has appointed 15 new in mathematics and physics from the more than a decade. He is fluent in Biblical Hebrew possible outcome for her clients’ real estate needs. full-time faculty members for the 2017Pennsylvania State University, a master’s and can read Greek, Akkadian, Aramaic, German A lifelong resident of Lackawanna County, she degree in mathematics from Lehigh and French. was born and raised in Dunmore. She now resides 18 academic year. bryon c. applequist, Ph.D., of HenUniversity, and a doctorate in physics John Kilker was named assistant professor of in Eynon. In her spare time, she volunteers at St. derson, Nevada, was named assistant from the University of North Carolina at communication. He served as a faculty specialist in Francis of Assisi Soup Kitchen. professor of exercise science and sport. Chapel Hill. He has also taught math and television and video for the university’s Department He earned bachelor’s and master’s physics at King’s College, Elon College, of Communication for the 2016-17 academic year. Scranton area Foundation degrees, both in kinesiology, Wake Forest University and the UniverHe has worked in the film and television industry Donna Pretko has been appointed APPleQUisT from the University of Nevada, sity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. for more than 15 years as a producer, director, senior director of operations and Las Vegas. He is completFrancis t. conserette of Dunmore writer and editor. His work has been nominated or finance. Pretko earned a bachelor of ing a doctorate in exercise was named assistant professor in the won awards at numerous film festivals, includscience in accounting and a master of science from the University of Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Memoing the Toronto International Film Festival. He business administration from Wilkes Nebraska at Omaha. He was rial Library. He previously worked as a has taught screenwriting, sound and directing at University. She has 19 years of finance a graduate assistant at both library metadata specialist at the uniexperience working in both manufacseveral universities. He holds a bachelor’s degree in universities and has pubversity, property title analyst, document criminal justice from the University of Scranton, a turing and nonprofit environments. PreTKo lished papers in a number of imaging specialist and curator assistant master’s in industrial and organizational psycholShe will oversee all financial activischolarly journals. Applequist at the Eisenhower National Historic Site ogy from Fairfield University, and a master of ties and reporting for the foundation, ConsereTTe in Gettysburg. He earned a bachelor’s including effective accounting policies and controls. resides in Clarks Summit. fine arts in film production from the University of Kelly M. banyas, of Mountain Top, degree in history from She will serve as liaison to the foundation’s audiSouthern California. was named assistant professor in the Gettysburg College and a tors, CIO and investment managers, and monitor linda c. Mlodzienski of Moosic was Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Memorial master’s degree in library the foundation’s assets and external foundations named faculty specialist in the accountLibrary. She previously was a research and information science managed by SAF, in addition to overseeing other ing department. She earned a bachelor’s from Drexel University. key project areas. She will also work with Scranton and teaching fellow at the University degree in accounting and an MBA in fiof Maryland’s Teaching and Learning christopher a.F. Howey, Area Foundation Medallion Partners in enhancing nance, both from the University of ScranServices and has a decade of experience Ph.D., was named assistant the delivery of planned giving services used for ton. She has many years of industry working in various library environprofessor in the biology decharitable gift planning. experience, having worked for accounting BAnYAs MloDZiensKi ments. She earned a bachelor’s degree partment. He was a postPretko will also be overseeing the Scranton firms, as director of finance for catholic in history and classical civilization from doctoral research scholar Area Foundation’s Women in Philanthropy microschools in the Diocese of Scranton, as Boston University and a master’s degree at the Pennsylvania State loan initiative, which enables low- to moderatebusiness manager for the Notre Dame in library and information science from University. Howey earned income women and women in transition the Regional Schools, and as director of the University of Maryland. a bachelor’s degree in opportunity to start and build a business. She is a operations for the Lackawanna Heritage tiffany M. bordonada of Columbia, wildlife conservation from member of Women in Philanthropy. Valley National and State Heritage Area. South Carolina, was named assistant the University of Delaware She has also previously taught accountprofessor in the counseling and human united GilSonite laboratorieS and a master’s degree in ing at the university, Wilkes University services department. She The manufacturer of paint specialty biology from the Univerand East Stroudsburg University. HoWeY holds a bachelor’s degree in products announced the recent hiring sity of Central Arkansas. anne royer, Ph.D., of Salem, roYer psychology from Fairmont of david M. Jolie as vice president He earned a doctorate in Oregon, was named assistant professor State University, and earned two master’s biological sciences from Ohio Univerof manufacturing and operations. of biology. She was previously a visiting degrees from West Virginia University, Jolie will oversee the company’s four sity, where he also taught for several assistant professor and postdoctoral one in rehabilitation counseling and one production facilities in Scranton; years. Howey has received numerous scholar at Willamette University. Royer in public administration. She completed Jacksonville, Illinois; Dayton, Nevada, grants, including a $500,000 grant earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and a doctorate in counselor education and and Jackson, Mississippi. from the Pennsylvania Department of German studies from Oberlin College. Jolie supervision from the University of South Conservation and Natural Resources Jolie, an industrial engineer with an She received her doctorate in ecology, Carolina. Bordonada has worked as a MBA, has more than 18 years experito study “Effects of Prescribed Burning evolutionary biology and behavior from clinical therapist in West Virginia and has presented in Pennsylvania’s Mixed Oak Forest on ence in manufacturing, most recently in the buildMichigan State University. Her research KeMP
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Personnel File The following are faculty who have been profocuses on the evolutionary ecology of interspecific faculty specialist in the nursing department. interactions, primarily plant-pollinator systems. She Valunas has more than 20 years of experience as a moted to full professor: John Hepp was promoted to full professor of has presented her work at conferences around the pediatric nurse practitioner. She previously worked for Physicians Health Alliance in Dickson history. He received his bachelor’s degree in history nation and has been published in several City, Goldsboro Pediatrics and Duke and political science from Temple University and academic journals. University Medical Center. She earned received his juris doctorate from the University of Janette Scardillo, D.P.T., of Whiting, a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the Pennsylvania. After practicing law in Philadelphia, New Jersey, was named faculty specialUniversity of Scranton, and a master’s he earned a doctorate in history from the University ist in the physical therapy department. degree in nursing and her pediatric of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Hepp specializes in Scardillo was previously an assistant nurse practitioner certification from urban history, including the cities of Philadelphia, professor and co-director of clinical eduDuke University. London and Glasgow, and the history of Americation at Thomas Jefferson University. sCArDillo can foreign policy. His research interests include She earned a bachelor’s degree in health Wayne MeMoriaL HeaLtH Victorian middle-class culture and the science, as well as master’s and doctoral SySteM development of international law. He degrees in physical therapy from the University John “Jack” Dennis has been has published two books, one on the of Scranton. She worked as a physical therapist promoted to the position of executive city of Philadelphia and one on Warren in New Jersey, Washington, D.C., and Maryland director of the Wayne Memorial Health G. Harding, three peer-reviewed journal before joining the faculty of Thomas Jefferson Foundation. Dennis replaced G. richard articles and two book chapters in University. Garman, who announced his edited volumes, along with numerous Jong-Hyun Son, Ph.D., of Salt Lake retirement earlier this year. encyclopedia entries. City, Utah, was named assistant profesDennis The foundation serves as the Kyle Kreider was promoted to sor of biology. He earned a bachelor’s fundraising arm and recipient full professor of political science. He degree in animal science from Dankook of all charitable contributions benefiting received his bachelor’s degree in political science University, South Korea, a master’s the entities that comprise the health and philosophy from Millersville University and degree in biological science from system. Additionally, WMHF oversees earned a master’s degree and doctorate in political Western Illinois University, and a doctorthe for-profit subsidiary, Wayne Health science from Temple University. Kreider’s research ate in neuroscience and experimental son Services. is at the intersection of social science and law. He therapeutics from Texas A&M University Among numerous professional co-authored two book-length projects with wellof the Health Sciences. For the past achievements, Dennis is credited with securing respected publishers: “U.S. Election Campaigns: eight years, he has worked for the University of over $14 million in grant funds for expansion Utah as a postdoctoral fellow in the department of A Reference and Documentary Guide,” published and sustainability of health care services offered pharmacology and toxicology, and as a postdocby Greenwood Press in 2001, and a two-volume by WMH and WMCHC. These include toral research associate in the School of collection of scholarly essays, “Minority Voting in acquiring the designation for a federally the United States,” published in 2016 by Praeger. Medicine. qualified health center, expansion of Leona Sparaco, Ph.D., of TallahasKreider is the chair of the Divisions of Behavioral WMH’s emergency department, radioland Social Services at Wilkes. see, Florida, was named visiting instrucogy PACS system upgrades and the Lawrence Kuhar was promoted to full profestor in the mathematics department. She development of the Rural Telehealth sor of English. He received his bachelor’s degree earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematNetwork of NEPA. in journalism and master’s degree in English from ics from Siena College and a doctorate Dennis received a master of science Duquesne University and his doctorate in conin mathematics from Florida State degree in organizational management sPArACo temporary American literature and rhetoric from University. Since 2012, she has taught a from Misericordia University. He rethe University of Maryland. In addition to having variety of calculus, trigonometry, college ceived his bachelor of science degree in an original play produced, Kuhar is an active poet algebra and other math classes at Florida State. engineering management from Fairleigh-Dickinson who has published his work nationally, including Krista Stevens, Ph.D., of Birmingham, AlaUniversity’s College of Engineering, Teaneck, New the 2017 publication of three poems in Ars Medica, bama, was named visiting assistant professor of Jersey. He also completed a fellowship in PA RULE and presented his work at conferences. Kuhar is a theology. She earned a bachelor’s degree in theology and English from Spring Hill College, a master – Pennsylvania Rural Leadership Program at Penn communications consultant to the insurance indusState University, University Park. Dennis try, the health-care industry, banking, technology of divinity degree from Weston Jesuit is a veteran of the Air Force. He resides School of Theology, and a doctorate in enterprises and other organizations in northeast in Milford. He is married, the father of theology from Fordham University. She Pia. His work in these industries has focused on four children and grandfather to three. was also a teaching fellow and postdoctopics ranging from organizational and leadership toral teaching fellow at Fordham and a communications, culture change initiatives, team WiLKeS UniVerSity building policies and procedures, the Affordable visiting assistant professor at Marquette The university has announced faculty Care Act, Medicaid, managed care and internal University. Her research has been pubpromotions and recognized faculty who audit communication practices. lished in several academic journals. sTeVens have been awarded tenure. edward Schicatano was promoted to full Laurie B. Valunas was named
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professor of psychology. He received his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Bloomsburg University and his master’s degree and doctorate in neuroscience from Wake Forest University. Schicatano was awarded the Carpenter Award for teaching excellence in 2006, which is Wilkes University’s highest recognition for outstanding teaching. He was also recognized with the Outstanding Adviser Award in 2010. He has published two journal articles in the last year, including a publication in Journal of Neuroscience Education. Schicatano has consistently presented his research on the effects of emotion and cognition on pain perception at conferences. He is the co-director of the NeuroTraining and Research Center at Wilkes and is the coordinator of the psychology degree program, as well as the head of the neuroscience program. Mark Stine was promoted to full professor of communication studies. He received his bachelor’s degree in English from Moravian College, a master’s degree in education with a concentration in media production from East Stroudsburg University and a doctorate in mass media and communication from Temple University. He is the faculty adviser for the Wilkes Now TV magazine program, for WCLH radio and for the University’s chapter of College Republicans. His teaching at Wilkes has been recognized with the Interdisciplinary Teaching Award, and he received the Outstanding Adviser Award in 2013. He produced and coproduced several documentary films with one of them attaining critical success in England in 2014. His documentary film “True Rarity: The Amazing Story of Irwin Weinberg,” attracted attention from postal history scholars and was publicly screened. Stine also has presented 15 papers at regional, national and international conferences, including the National Communication Association meeting, a top conference in the discipline, and has several publications. The university also made other personnel moves. rafael Garcia was granted tenure and promoted to associate professor of foreign languages. Garcia specializes in Spanish literature with a focus on the Golden Age. Garcia joined the faculty in 2011 after serving at Martin University. He received a licenciatura in Spanish literature and linguistics and a second in Latin and Greek philology, both from the Universidad de Valladolid in Spain. He earned his doctorate from the University of Cincinnati. Garcia is a scholar of 16th and 17th century Spain, in particular the writings of Luis de Granda.
FOR THE RECORD DEEDS
son Twp. Seller: Mary Vanston. Amount: $275,000. KMP Realty LLC. Property Location: Jermyn Boro. Seller: John J. Duffy Jr. Amount: $340,000. COLUMBIA COUNTY NP 81 North Industrial LLC. Property LocaMichael J. Maiuro. Property Location: North tion: Jessup Boro. Seller: Corridors Portfolio LP. Centre Twp. Seller: Brian D. Laubach. Amount: Amount: $19,364,216. $317,000. Sean C. Volack. Property Location: Moosic Maureen T. Lallier. Property Location: HemBoro. Seller: Timothy J. Oustrich. Amount: lock Twp. Seller: Henry Family Trust. Amount: $373,000. $390,000. Michael Bisignani. Property Location: Moscow Ramin Zand. Property Location: Hemlock Twp. Boro. Seller: Robert Bisignani. Amount: $300,000. Seller: Bradley A. Drysdale. Amount: $475,000. Tracy Kiera Pitman. Property Location: Moscow Meng Ni. Property Location: Bloomsburg. Boro. Seller: Stephen R. Gamache. Amount: Seller: Michael K. Hatem. Amount: $335,000. Jeffrey D. Gordner. Property Location: Hemlock $318,000. Michel Kiernan. Property Location: Newton Twp. Seller: John Pieifer. Amount: $341,000. Twp. Seller: John R. Vinskofski. Amount: $360,000. Holly E. Cimprich. Property Location: Scott Cody E. Hendricks. Property Location: Newton Twp. Seller: Shaffer Hollow Investing LLC. Amount: Twp. Seller: Cale Hendricks. Amount: $300,000. $250,000. Sabrina Graham. Property Location: Newton Shane P. Malia. Property Location: Mt. Pleasant Twp. Seller: Robert D. Gwyn. Amount: $355,000. Twp. Seller: Elsie S. Kreider. Amount: $380,000. John Newman Jr. Property Location: Newton Michelle L. Grant. Property Location: Scott Twp. Twp. Seller: Marie Vass. Amount: $285,000. Seller: Robert B. Snyder. Amount: $325,000. Cale Hendricks. Property Location: North Seth N. Eyer. Property Location: Greenwood Abington Twp. Seller: Donald A. Kalina. Amount: Twp. Seller: Lois A. Wolff. Amount: $315,000. $439,000. LACKAWANNA COUNTY John J. Quinn. Property Location: Old Forge Richard Tanfield. Property Location: CovingBoro. Seller: Robert Ferri. Amount: $265,000. ton Twp. Seller: Isabelle J. McAndrews. Amount: Robert Sauers III. Property Location: Scott Twp. $615,000. Seller: Mark E. Filarsky. Amount: $280,000. Jeffrey M. Ryan Sr. Property Location: CovingLofts Garden LLC. Property Location: ton Twp. Seller: Peter Bilyk. Amount: $645,000. Scranton City. Seller: Lofts at the Mill LP. Amount: Ted Kazmierczak. Property Location: Dalton $13,344,920. Boro. Seller: James P. Millet. Amount: $530,000. Kion Realty LLC. Property Location: Scranton Jack Peak LLC. Property Location: Dickson City. City. Seller: J M J Property Co. LLC. Amount: Seller: Otto Ventures LLC. Amount: $400,000. $454,000. 334 Main LP. Property Location: Dickson Keystone Community Resources Inc. Property City. Seller: Main Avenue Realty Development LP. Location: Scranton City. Seller: Eugene Deutsch. Amount: $700,000. Amount: $350,000. 334 Main LP. Property Location: Dickson Michael C. Ludka. Property Location: South City. Seller: Main Avenue Realty Development LP. Abington Twp. Seller: Ulincy Family Trust. Amount: Amount: $5,540,000. $346,000. Jagadishchandra J. Patel. Property Location: Colleen Heckman. Property Location: South Dickson City. Seller: Kenneth Powell. Amount: Abington Twp. Seller: Boston Land Company Inc. $262,200. Amount: $253,000. Brian C. Widzon Sr. Property Location: Travis Mason. Property Location: South Greenfield Twp. Seller: James Liparulo. Amount: Abington Twp. Seller: Michael O. Mensah. Amount: $309,000. $264,400. Steve Fairlie. Property Location: Greenfield Twp. Sumit Agrawal. Property Location: South Seller: Robert Budah. Amount: $485,000. Abington Twp. Seller: Shawn M. Arcus. Amount: Nicholas Sabo. Property Location: Green$398,000. field Twp. Seller: Anthony J. Besten III. Amount: Timothy J. Farley. Property Location: South $330,000, Abington Twp. Seller: Boston Land Company Inc. Karissa M. Averto. Property Location: Jefferson Amount: $258,000. Twp. Seller: Andrew M. Boock. Amount; $295,250. Alan M. Myers. Property Location: South John J. Bartkovsky. Property Location: Jeffer-
Abington Twp. Seller: Benjamin G. Dann. Amount: $325,000. Richard J. Luciani III. Property Location: South Abington Twp. Seller: Edward J. Ciskowski. Amount: $288,000. Justin Clark. Property Location: Springbrook Twp. Seller: Joseph R. Thomas. Amount: $250,000. Todd C. Mickavicz. Property Location: Taylor Boro. Seller: Sean Christopher Volack. Amount: $256,000. Steven Roger Potter Jr. Property Location: West Abington Twp. Seller: Wawrzniec Stepczak. Amount: $284,000. John E. Pfeiffer. Property Location: West Abington Twp. Seller: Theodore J. Bolcavage. Amount: $285,000.00. Raj Kumar. Property Location: West Abington Twp. Seller: David W. Heckman. Amount: $378,000. Stella-Bosco Group LLC. Property Location: West Abington Twp. Seller: MCMOKO LLC. Amount: $700,000. Charles M. Mecca. Property Location: West Abington Twp. Seller: Delbert P. Keisling Jr. Amount: $393,500. Linda Aswad. Property Location: West Abington Twp. Seller: Bernard J. Stafursky. Amount: $310,000. Timothy G. Redmond. Property Location: West Abington Twp. Seller: Charles M. Mecca. Amount: $450,000. Norman L. Metzger. Property Location: West Abington Twp. Seller: Kenneth Powell. Amount: $264,000.
LUZERNE COUNTY
Shunny Han. Property Location: Pittston City. Five Parcels. Seller: Meng Sa Lau. Amount: $310,000. Robert L. Besecker Jr. Property Location: Dallas Twp. Seller: Elizabeth B. Fitch. Amount: $425,000. Thomas Kanton. Property Location: Kingston Twp. Seller: Hallmark Homes Inc. Amount: $549,000. Kevin P. Kearney. Property Location: West Pittston Boro. Seller: Anthony C. McGowen. Amount: $375,000. Elizabeth B. Fitch. Property Location: Dallas Twp. Seller: Prestige Development Group LLC. Amount: $319,000. Happy Homes Wyoming LLC. Property Location: Exeter Boro. Seller: Mirchwood MHC LLC. Amount: $6,300,000. R&G Properties LLC. Property Location: Luzerne Boro. Seller: Douglas S. Coslett. Amount: $310,000.
Aaron Heil. Property Location: Dallas Twp. Seller: James P. Mendoza. Amount: $342,500. Paul Nigolo. Property Location: Laflin Boro. Seller: David A. Rowlands. Amount: $265,000. Matthew Paul Kempinski. Property Location: Jenkins Twp. Seller: Deanna Nickas. Amount: $270,000. Katrina A. Kottler. Property Location: Ross Twp. Seller: Leslie Delgaudio. Amount: $275,000. Ell-WB & L, LP. Property Location: Hanover Twp. Seller: Falling Creek Investments Inc. Amount: $2,190,000. Nicholas Michael Leonard. Property Location: Lake Twp. Seller: David R. Stokes. Amount: $352,000. Jason M. Rhine. Property Location: Wright Twp. Seller: Jason McNeil. Amount: $297,500. 207 Simpson Eat LLC. Property Location: Swoyersville Boro. Two Parcels. Amount: $1,800,000. Steven Cooper. Property Location: Jackson Twp. Seller: Scott W. Watkins. Amount: $280,000. Joshua A. Nochumson. Property Location: Rice Twp. Seller: Laszlo Schaffer. Amount: $408,670. Espo Family Investments LLC. Property Location: Hazleton City. Seller: Thomas A. Yorie Jr. Amount: $685,000. Ann Marie Lafoca. Property Location: Fairview Twp. Seller: Donald R. Mayers. Amount: $310,000. Maverick L. Castro. Property Location: Rice Twp. Seller: Samuel A. Moors. Amount: $349,900. Joshua Turel. Property Location: Kingston Twp. Seller: Jeffrey J. Pyros. Amount: $384,000. Kayla M. Kotch. Property Location: Dallas Twp. Two Parcels. Seller: Quentin Reese. Amount: $265,000. Kuber Property LLC. Property Location: Union Twp. Seller: Lori Ulichney. Amount: $420,000. Virgina Marita Faith. Property Location: Dupont Boro. Seller: Brian M. Szumski. Amount: $288,500. Victor Medeiros. Property Location: Butler Twp. Seller: Louis F. Hornstine. Amount: $500,000. Charles M. Krone. Property Location: Butler Twp. Seller: Churchview Realty Corporation. Amount: $258,288. Jeffrey D. Kenewell. Property Location: Dallas Twp. Two Parcels. Seller: Salvatore M. Imperiale Estate. Amount: $299,900.
MONROE COUNTY
Olga Plans. Property Location: Tobyhanna Twp. Seller: John Murray. Amount: $330,000. Jose Rodriguez. Property Location: Stroud Twp. Seller: LTS Homes LLC. Amount: $291,770. Richard McPhillips Jr. Property Location: East
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Stroudsburg. Seller: Maureen Coyle Amount: $207,770. Saluki Management LLC. Property Location: Jackson Twp. Seller: Tracy Hoffman. Amount: $300,000. AVB Group LLC. Property Location: Chestnuthill Twp. Seller: Richard Graeber. Amount: $525,000. Billie Cooper. Property Location: Stroudsburg. Seller: Robert Buff. Amount: $330,000. GF3 LLC. Property Location: Stroud Twp. Seller: Christopher Maybury. Amount: $1,600,000. Joanne O’Keefe. Property Location: Tobyhanna Twp. Seller: Robert Mann. Amount: $300,000. 660 LLC. Property Location: Polk Twp. Seller: Pleasant Valley School Dist. Amount: $485,000. Sheet Metal Traders LLC. Property location: Hamilton Twp. Seller: Marvin Possinger. Amount: $335,000. Karen Buros. Property Location: Tobyhanna Twp. Seller: Nicholas Mosunic. Amount: $375,000. Robert Apollo. Property location: Eldred Twp. Seller: John Landis. Amount: $390,000. Robert Stepanski. Property Location: Smithfield Twp. Seller: Kenneth Nowicki. Amount: $301,000. Dreher Farm LLC. Property Location: Stroud Twp. Seller: ESSA Bank & Trust. Amount: $500,000. James DeBonet. Property Location: Middle Smithfield Twp. Seller: Todd Powers. Amount: $335,000.00. Margaret Yoder (trus). Property Location: Tobyhanna Twp. Seller: Allan Spielman. Amount: $389,000. 809 Scott Street LLC. Property Location: Stroudsburg. Seller: Alpha Prime LLC. Amount: $655,000. Sebastian Alappat. Property Location: Eldred Twp. Seller: Robert Syracuse. Amount: $435,000. Richard Smith. Property Location: Tobyhanna. Seller: Paul Hummel. Amount: $325,000. Bruce Rinschler. Property Location: Smithfield Twp. Seller: International Custom Built Homes Inc. Amount: $375,000. Brett Snowden. Property Location: E. Stroudsburg. Seller: 81 N. Courtland LLC. Poros Investments LLC. Amount: $256,000. Daniel Chirlia. Property Location: Pocono Twp. Seller: Enrico Ferrara. Amount: $309,000. Treetop Cottage LLC. Property Location: Jackson Twp. Seller: Todd Singer. Amount: $311,500. 3313 Old Lake LLC. Property Location: Tobyhanna Twp. Seller: Thales Bowen Jr. Amount: $460,000.
Patricia Marinese. Property Location: Tobyhanna Twp. Seller: George Clyne. Amount: $305,000. Jonathan Turco. Property Location: Coolbaugh Twp. Seller: Gerald Anton. Amount: $305,000. Kerri Smith. Property Location: Pocono Twp. Seller: LSF9 Master Participation Trust. Amount: $302,200. Kenneth Joseph. Property Location: Hamilton Twp. Seller: Cynthia Gibson. Amount: $297,500. Maria Polin. Property Location: Hamilton Twp. Seller: Justin Kim. Amount: $410,000. Randy Page. Proeprty Location: Middle Smithfield Twp. Seller: Thomas Large. Amount: $430,000. Peter O’Malley. Property Location: Tobyhanna Twp. Seller: Paul Burke. Amount: $420,000. Sarah Condron. Property Location: Tobyhanna Twp. Seller: Brian Murphy. Amount: $439,500. Jonathan Sdao. Property Location: Tobyhanna Twp. Seller: David Ring. Amount: $500,000. 315 Dartmouth Dr. LLC. Property Location: Smithfield Twp. Seller: Frank Riccobono. Amount: $980,000. CLA LLC. Property Location: Stroudsburg. Seller: John Gialouris. Amount: $350,000.
PIKE COUNTY
Vadim Filler. Property Location: Blooming Grove Twp. Seller: Gregory F. Ozzimo. Amount: $350,000. Michael G. Kline. Property Location: Blooming Grove Twp. Seller: Kurt Burg. Amount: $329,000. Albert Bernstein. Property Location: Blooming Grove Twp. Seller: Gregory Degiorgis. Amount: $315,000. Theresa Ibanez. Property Location: Delaware Twp. Seller: Elena Dragun. Amount: $325,000. Isaac W. Smith. Property Location: Greene Twp. Seller: Philip S. Patterson. Amount: $260,000. Timothy I. Doris. Property Location: Dingman Twp. Seller: David P. Current. Amount: $475,000. Robert Walski. Property Location: Dingman Twp. Seller: Michael Bulger. Amount: $265,000. Justin T. Guyre. Property Location: Dingman Twp. Seller: Michael P. Stevenson. Amount: $255,000. Salvatore Baratto. Property Location: Dingman Twp. Seller: Alex Mcateer. Amount: $315,000. Ippan Shadan Houjin. Property Location:¨Dingman Twp. Seller: Young Jin Moon. Amount: $400,000. Eric Albert Carr Jr. Property Location: Dingman Twp. Seller: Stephen C. Kirby. Amount: $345,000. Daniel Tassone. Property Location: Lacka-
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waxen Twp. Seller: Theodore Edgar. Amount: $295.000. Richard Paulsen. Property Location: Lackawaxen Twp. Seller: Daniel Tassone. Amount: $275,000. George Babayev. Property Location: Lackawaxen Twp. Seller: John Marcondes. Amount: $355,000. Vincent P. Bardong III. Property Location: Lackawaxen Twp. Seller: Stephan Korsakov. Amount: $260,000. Lyudmila Magdyuk. Property Location: Lackawaxen Twp. Seller: Miroslaw Kozyra. Amount: $255,000. Nicholas R. Miller. Property Location: Milford Twp. Seller: John J. Lewis. Amount: $278,000. The Nature Conservancy. Property Location: Porter Twp. Seller: William J. Lien. Amount: $920,000. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Property Location: Porter Twp. Seller: The Nature Conservancy. Amount: $336,700. Emsweller Properties LLC. Property Location: Palmyra Twp. Seller: Gail M. Beitelman. Amount: $373,000. Harbour Landing Realty LLC. Property Location: Palmyra Twp. Seller: Pirog Family Limited Partnership. Amount: $555,000. David Lee Lake. Property Location: Palmyra Twp. Seller: Sean Weir. Amount: $2,355,000. Steven M. Tonkovich. Property Location: Palmyra Twp. Seller: George W. Hughes. Amount: $260,000. Kevin Loughery. Property Location: Palmyra Twp. Seller: Alfred Rowinski. Amount: $285,000. Thomas G. Mueller. Property Location: Palmyra Twp. Seller: Paupack Property Management LLC. Amount: $412,000. Ian Sumner. Property Location: Shohola Twp. Seller: Donald A. Wall. Amount: $300,000. Peckman Property Holding Associates LCC. Property Location: Westfall Twp. Seller: Deanne Connolly Attorney in Fact for Robert W. Carpenter. Amount: $795,000. Stephen Schneider. Property Location: Westfall Twp. Seller: Rita M. Brock. Amount: $350,000. Carl H. Von Tobel. Property Location Westfall Twp. Seller: Patricia L. Dundon. Amount: $319,000. Vincent Patrick Cordova. Property Location: Westfall Twp. Seller: Vera M. Talmadge. Amount: $300,000.
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY
Daniel Basile. Property Location: E. Brunswick Twp. Seller: Amber Wessner. Amount: $258,000.
Bruce D. Schwaim. Property Location: Hegins. Seller: Ruby Shepley. Amount: $645,000. Lublin Realty LLC. Property Location: Frackville. Seller: MBC Development LLP. Amount: $310,000. Tom C. Green. Property Location: South Manheim Twp. Seller: Gracie Onarchio. Amount: $295,880.
WAYNE COUNTY
Play More Properties. Property Location: Paupack. Seller: George P. Irish. Amount: $1,350,000. Roderick S. Thomas. Property Location: Salem. Seller: Martha W. Reumann. Amount: $286,000. Roger Aguinaldo. Property Location: Mt. Pleasant. Seller: KeyBank NA. Amount: $750,000.00. Castlerock 2017 LLC. Property Location: Buckingham. Seller: Margaret Mee. Amount: $845,000. Michael T. Rizzo. Property Location: Lebanon. Seller: Mark D. Crossman. Amount: $360,000. Kimberly G. Rifflard. Property Location: Lake. Seller: Deborah J. Ott. Amount: $395,000. Tom Kavourias. Property Location: Paupack. Seller: Livius Sangeap. Amount: $337,000. Antonietta M. Winter. Property Location: Lake. Seller: Dennis I. Tave. Amount: $290,000. Richard Hammond. Property Location: Mt. Pleasant. Seller: RWV Land LLC. Amount: $370,000. Matthew L. Kasprenski. Property Location: Lake. Seller: Maergaret Judge Philbin. Amount: $442,500. Christian C. Schaffroth. Property Location: Salem. Seller: Rose Napolitano. Amount: $267,500. John J. Toland. Property Location: Paupack. Seller: Daniel Kevin O’Rourke. Amount: $470,000. Robert Miller. Property Location: Dreher. Seller: Joseph DiMartino. Amount: $340,000.00. Hob A. Spillane. Property Location: Lake. Seller: Michael Alexander. Amount: $426,000. Gopipooja LLC. Property Location: Lebanon. Seller: Riley Corners LLC. Amount: $500,000.
WYOMING COUNTY
Paul J. Coviello. Property Location: Tunkhannock Twp. Seller: Massimo Fremiotti. Amount: $740,000. Matthew Anderson. Property Location: North Branch Twp. Seller: Michael R. Kolman. Amount: $285,000. Mark E. Holmes. Property Location: North Branch Twp. Windham Twp. Lender: Cheryl Pearson. Amount: $270,000.
FOR THE RECORD MORTGAGES COLUMBIA COUNTY
Michael J. Maiuro. Property Location: North Centre Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. Amount: $317,000. Maureen T. Lallier. Property Location: South Centre Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. Amount: $312,000. Ramin Zand. Property Location: Hemlock Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. Amount: $380,000. Ronald E. Jacoby. Property Location: North Centre Twp. Lender: First Columbia Bank & Trust Co. Amount: $410,000. Mark J. Wojtowicz. Property Location: Franklin Twp. Lender: UNB Bank. Amount: $425,718. Jeffrey D. Gordner. Property Location: Hemlock Twp. Lender: Service 1st Federal Credit Union. Amount: $323,950. Chad A. Stahl. Property Location: Hemlock Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. Amount: $311,986. Brian W. Campbell. Property Location: Briarcreek Twp. Lender: First Columbia Bank & Trust Co. Amount: $1,200,000. Shane P. Malia. Property Location: Mt. Pleasant Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. Amount: $304,000. Kevin J. Bellimer. Property Location: Scott Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. Amount: $326,880. Lisa Kay Strawser. Property Location: North Centre Twp. Lender: First Keystone Community Bank. Amount: $332,000. Richard W. Sober. Property Location: Cleveland Twp. Lender: First Columbia Bank & Trust Co. Amount: $300,000. Travis E. Oberrender. Property Location: Bloomsburg. Lender: Stanley E. Oberrender. Amount: $300,000.
LACKAWANNA COUNTY
PPL Electric Utilities Corp. Property Location: Carbondale City. Lender: Bank of New York Mellon. Amount: $475,000,000. PPL Electric Utilities Corp. Property Location: Carbondale Twp. Lender: Bank of New York Mellon. Amount: $475,000,000. PPL Electric Utilities Corp. Property Location: Carbondale Twp. Lender: Bank of New York. Amount: $475,000,000. Richard Tanfield. Property Location: Covington Twp. Lender: Fidelity Dep & Disc Bk. Amount:
$402,000. Jeffrey M. Ryan Sr. Property Location: Covington Twp. Lender: Fidelity Dep & Disc. Bk. Amount: $424,000. PPL Electric Utilities Corp. Property Location: Covington Twp. Lender: Bank of New York Mellon. Amount: $475,000,000. Cara A. Graci Trust. Property Location: Covington Twp. Lender: FNCB Bank. Amount: $6,800,000. PPL Electric Utilities Corp. Property Location: Dalton Boro. Lender: Bank of New York Mellon. Amount: $475,000,000. Ted Kazmierczak. Property Location: Dalton Boro. Lender: Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co. Amount: $424,000. Jack Peak LLC. Property Location: Dickson City. Lender: NBT Bank. Amount: $320,000. Dickson City Investments LLC. Property Location: Dickson City. Lender: Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co. Amount: $525,000. PS Dickson City LP. Property Location: Dickson City. Lender: NBT Bank. Amount: $899,485. PPL Electric Utilities Corp. Property Location: Dickson City. Lender: Bank of New York Mellon. Amount: $475,000,000. 334 Main LP. Property Location: Dickson City. Lender: FNCB Bank. Amount: $5,304,000. 334 Main LP. Property Location: Dickson City. Lender: FNCB Bank. Amount: $5,304,000. Christopher Larioni. Property Location: Dickson City. Lender: Fidelity Dep & Disc Bk. Amount: $275,000. PPL Electric Utilities Corp. Property Location: Dunmore Boro. Lender: Bank of New York Mellon. Amount: $475,000,000. San Moritz LLC. Property Location: Dunmore Boro. Lender: Fidelity Dep & Disc Bk. Amount: $300,000. PPL Electric Utilities Corp. Property Location: Fell Twp. Lender: Bank of New York Mellon. Amount: $475,000,000. Steven Takach. Property Location: Fell Twp. Lender: PS Bank. Amount: $330,000. Jamie Haley. Property Location: Greenfield Twp. Lender: NBT Bank. Amount: $367,000. Steven F. Fairlie. Property Location: Greenfield Twp. Lender: Summit Mortgage Corp. Amount: $388,000.00. Brian Pember. Property Location: Greenfield Twp. Lender: Allied Mtge. Group Inc. Amount: $272,000. PPL Electric Utilities Corp. Property Location: Greenfield Twp. Lender: Bank of New York Mellon. Amount: $475,000,000. Stephen Takach. Property Location: Greenfield
Twp. Lender: PS Bank. Amount: $330,000. Karissa M. Averto. Property Location: Jefferson Twp. Lender: Residential Mortgage Services Inc. Amount: $280,488. PPL Electric Utilities Corp. Property Location: Jefferson Twp. Lender: Bank of New York Mellon. Amount: $475,000,000. Lawrence J. Moran. Property Location: Jermyn Boro. Lender: FNCB Bank. Amount: $334,600. KMP Realty LLC. Property Location: Jermyn Boro. Lender: M&T Bank. Amount: $272,000. PPL Electric Utilities Corp. Property Location: Jessup Boro. Lender: Bank of New York Mellon. Amount: $475,000,000. NP 81 North Industrial LLC. Property Location: Jessup Boro. Lender: Simmons Bank. Amount: $22,439,360. Drugatz Family Trust. Property Location: La Plume Twp. Lender: NBT Bank. Amount: $312,600. PPL Electric Utilities Corp. Property Location: La Plume Twp. Lender: Bank of New York Mellon. Amount: $475,000,000. Sean C. Volack. Property Location: Moosic Boro. Lender: Wells Fargo Bank. Amount: $317,000. PPL Electric Utilities Corp. Property Location: Moosic Boro. Lender: Bank of New York Mellon. Amount: $475,000,000. Benjamin Accardi. Property Location: Moosic Boro. Lender: Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania. Amount: $346,750. Premier Holding Oakwood Terrace. Property Location: Moosic Boro. Lender: SunTrust Bank. Amount: $7,176,000. PPL Electric Utilities Corp. Property Location: Moscow Boro. Lender: Bank of New York Mellon. Amount: $475,000,000. Michel Kiernan. Property Location: Newton Twp. Lender: Fidelity Dep. & Disc. Bk. Amount: $288,000. PPL Electric Utilities Corp. Property Location: North Abington Twp. Lender: Bank of New York Mellon. Amount: $475,000,000. Cale Hendricks. Property Location: North Abington Twp. Lender: Fidelity Dep & Disc Twp. Amount: $351,200. PPL Electric Utilities Corp. Property Location: North Abington Twp. Lender: Bank of New York Mellon. Amount: $475,000,000. PPL Electric Utilities Corp. Property Location: Ransom Twp. Lender: Bank of New York. Amount: $475,000,000. Brian J. Litts. Property Location: Ransom Twp. Lender: Fidelity Dep & Disc Bk. Amount: $309,000. Dimitrios Zaharopoulos. Property Location: Scott Twp. Lender: FNCB Bank. Amount: $245,000.
Sara Sauers. Property Location: Scott Twp. Lender: Finance of America Mortgage LLC. Amount: $266,000. PPL Electric Utilities Corp. Property Location: Scott Twp. Lender: Bank of New York Mellon. Amount: $475,000,000. PPL. Electric Utilities Corp. Property Location: Scranton City. Lender: Bank of New York Mellon. Amount: $475,000,000. Amil M. Minora. Property Location: Scranton City. Lender: Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co. Amount: $536,000. Kion Realty LLC. Property Location: Scranton City. Lender: Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co. Amount: $340,500. Brett. P. Scanlan. Property Location: Scranton City. Lender: Fidelity Dep & Disc Bk. Amount: $308,000. Neil C. Trama. Property Location: Scranton City. Lender: Fidelity Dep & Disc Bk. Amount: $320,000. Keystone Community Resources Inc. Property Location: Scranton City. Lender: FNCB Bank. Amount: $280,000. Christopher Michael Ludka. Property Location: South Abington Twp. Lender: CM Commonwealth Mortgage LLC. Amount: $328,250. Travis C. Mason. Property Location: South Abington Twp. Lender: Residential Mortgage Services Inc. Amount: $259,611. Sumit Agrawal. Property Location: South Abington Twp. Lender: PS Bank. Amount: $275,000. PPL Electric Utilities Corp. Property Location: South Abington Twp. Lender: Bank of New York Mellon. Amount: $475,000,000. Michael L. Sunday. Property Location: South Abington Twp. Lender: Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co. Amount: $405,000. Raymond W. Ferrario. Property Location: South Abington Twp. Lender: Valley National Bank. Amount: $285,000. Richard J. Luciani III. Property Location: South Abington Twp. Lender: Snare & Associates Mortgage Services LLC. Amount: $268,000. Joseph Perrotti. Property Location: Springbrook Twp. Lender: Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co. Amount: $500,000. Todd C. Mickavicz. Property Location: Taylor Boro. Lender: Finance of America Mortgage LLC. Amount: $251,363. PPL Electric Utilities Corp. Property Location: Taylor Boro. Lender: Bank of New York Mellon. Amount: $475,000,000. PPL Electric Utilities Corp. Property Location: Throop Boro. Lender: Bank of New York Mellon. Amount: $475,000,000.
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FOR THE RECORD Jay Umiya I LLC. Property Location: Throop Boro. Lender: Landmark Community Bank. Amount: $385,000. Jay Umiya I LLC. Property Location: Throop Boro. Lender: Landmark Community Bank. Amount: $385,000. PPL Electric Utilities Corp. Property Location: Vandling Boro. Lender: Bank of New York Mellon. Amount: $475,000,000. Jennifer Ann Potter. Property Location: Unknown. Lender: Fidelity Dep & Disc Bk. Amount: $269,000. Raj Kumar. Property Location: Unknown. Lender: CM Commonwealth Mortgage LLC. Amount: $302,000. Jamy Rosenstein. Property Location: Unknown. Lender: Fidelity Dep. & Disc Bk. Amount: $250,000. George Lynett Jr. Property Location: Unknown. Lender: Fidelity Dep & Disc Bk. Amount: $467,118. Joanne Farley. Property Location: Unknown. Lender: FNCB Bank. Amount: $352,000. Stella-Bosco Group LLC. Property Location: Unknown. Lender: PNC Bank. Amount: $560,000. PPL Electric Utilities Corp. Property Location: Unknown. Lender: Bank of New York Mellon. Amount: $475,000,000. PPL Electric Utilities Corp. Property Location:
New Development & Relocation Opportunities Needed
Pennsylvania Counties of Interest Include: • Bradford, Bucks, Carbon, Columbia, Lackawanna, Lehigh, Luzerne, Lycoming, Monroe, Northampton, Pike, Schuylkill, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, Wayne, Wyoming Locations Wanted: • Flexible space requirements • End Cap, In-Line, Drive-Thru, Free Standing Bring us any and all potential locations. We will determine if we can develop or possibly relocate to your site. PLEASE CONTACT Abbie Muto muto_a@sdepa.com Cheryl Green green_c@sdepa.com (610) 366-8120 • www.sdepa.com
Member of International Council of Shopping Centers
& Trust Company. Amount: $100,000,000. NP Wilkes-Barre Building I LLC. Property Location: Hanover Twp. Two Parcels. Lender: Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company. Amount: $27,500,000. Michael J. Plummer III. Property Location: Kingston Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. Monster Loans. Amount: $364,682. PPL Electric Utilities Corporation. Property LocaLUZERNE COUNTY tion: Ashley Boro; Avoca Boro. Two Parcels; Black Thomas Kanton. Property Location: Kingston Twp. Creek Twp.; Bear Creek Twp. Four Parcels; Buck Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Two Parcels. Butler Twp. Four Parcels; Dorrance Inc. Finance of America Mortgage LLC. Amount: Twp., Dorrance Twp; Dennison Twp.; Duryea Boro. $526,226. Three Parcels; Dupont Boro. Four Parcels; Exeter Joan M. Woitko. Property Location: Wilkes-Barre Boro. Twelve Parcels; Foster Twp. Four Parcels; City. Lender: First National Bank of Pennsylvania. Hanover Twp.; Ashley Boro.; Hanover Twp.; Hazle Amount: $530,095. Twp. Fourteen Parcels; Hollenback Twp. Two Parcels; Kevin P. Kearney. Property Location: West Pittston Hughestown Boro.; Jenkins Twp. Two Parcels; Boro. Lender: Peoples Security Bank & Trust ComKingston Twp. Three Parcels; Laflin Boro.; Laurel Run pany. Amount: $300,000. Boro.; Nescopeck Boro; Newcopeck Twp. Five Parcels; Jesse Prebola Irrevocable Trust (Per Trustee). Nuangola Boro; Plymount Twp. Plains Twp. TwentyProperty Location: Ross Twp. Lender: Fidelity Deposit Three Parcels; Pittston Twp. Three Parcels; Salem & Discount Bank. Amount: $250,000. Twp. Eight Parcels; Sugarloaf Twp; Wright Twp. Three Happy Homes Wyoming LLC. Property Location: Parcels; West Pittston Boro; West Wyoming Boro, Exeter Boro. Two Parcels. Lender: Berkadia Commer- Three Parcels. Wilkes-Barre Twp.; Yatesville Boro Two cial Mortgage LLC. Amount: $4,725,000. Parcels; Hazleton City Seven Parcels; Wilkes-Barre David W. Radginaki. Property Location: Lehman City Twenty Parcels. Lender: Bank of New York MelTwp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration lon. Amount: $475,000,000. Systems Inc. American Advisors Group. Amount: Peter A. Wittkamp. Property Location: Kingston $250,500. Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration David W. Radginski. Property Location: Lehman Systems Inc. New Penn Financial LLC. Amount: Twp. Two Parcels. Lender: Secretary of Housing & $279,100. Urban Development. Amount: $250,500. Robert W. Falcone. Property Location: Black Creek Aaron Heil. Property Location: Dallas Twp. Lender: Twp. Lender: Branch Banking & Trust Company. Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. SteaAmount: $320,000. rns Lending LLC. Amount: $311,332. Eagle Rock Resort Co. Property Location: Hazle Scott M. Gillam. Property Location: Kingston Twp. Twp. Lender: FNCB Bank. Amount: $286,000. Lender: Wells Fargo Bank. Amount: $270,000. Eagle Rock Resort Co. Property Location: Hazle Fred Hickman. Property Location: Sugarloaf Twp. Twp. Lender: FNCB Bank. Amount: $332,000. Lender: Citizens Savings Bank. Amount: $300,000. Ell-WB & L LP Property Location: Hanover Twp. Man-Ching Anna Tin. Property Location: Hanover Lender: First Northern Bank & Trust Co. Amount: Twp. Lender: Manufacturers & Traders Trust Com$3,131,150. pany. Amount: $260,500. Michael B. Terlesky. Property Location: Jackson Darin W. Ide. Property Location: Lake Twp. Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Systems Inc. Reliance First Capital LLC. Amount: Inc. Home Point Financial Corporation. Amount: $280,489. $252,000. Jason M. Rhine. Property Location: Wright Twp. Paul Ngolo. Property Location: Laflin Boro. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. Stearns Lending LLC. Amount: $285,825. Inc. Veterans United Home Loans. Amount: $270,697. Joshua A. Nochumson. Property Location: Rice NP Wilkes-Barre Building II LLC. Property LocaTwp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systion: Hanover Twp. Two Parcels. Lender: Privatebank tems Inc. Benchmark Mortgage. Amount: $326,936. & Trust Company. Amount: $100,000,000. Christina Valeria Lambert. Property Location: NP Wilkes Barre Building III, LLC. Property Loca- Wright Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration: Hanover Twp. Two Parcels. Lender: Privatebank tion Systems Inc. Finance of America Mortgage LLC. Unknown. Lender: Bank of New York Mellon. Amount: $475,000,000. PPL Electric Utilities Corp. Property Location: Unknown. Lender: Bank of New York Mellon. Amount: $475,000,000. Timothy G. Redmond. Property Location: Unknown. Lender: Navy Federal Credit Union. Amount: $453,060.
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NOVEMBER 2017
Amount: $260,200. Scott P. Parkhurst. Property Location: Kingston Boro. Lender: Peoples Security Bank & Trust Company. Amount: $425,000. Liza A. Kashnicki. Property Location: Bear Creek Twp. Lender: Honesdale National Bank. Amount: $350,000. ESPO Family Investments LLC. Property Location: Hazleton City. Lender: Landmark Community Bank. Amount: $950,000. Paul J. Esposito. Property Location: Hazleton City. Lender: Hazleton City. Amount: $100,000. Matthew J. Brannen. Property Location: Foster Twp. Two Parcels. Lender: Wayne Bank. Amount: $273,249. Maverick L. Castro. Property Location: Rice Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. Cartus Home Loans. Amount: $314,900. Joshua G. Turel. Property Location: Kingston Twp. Lender: Wells Fargo Bank. Amount: $307,200. Lori L. Terrana. Property Location: Kingston Twp. Lender: Luzerne Bank. Amount: $352,000.00. Kayla M. Kotch. Property Location: Dallas Twp. Two Parcels. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. Caliber Home Loans Inc. Amount: $251,750. Kuber Property LLC. Property Location: Union Twp. Lender: Lori Ulichney. Amount: $630,000. Virginia Marita Fath. Property Location: Dupont Boro. Lender: Highway Federal Credit Union. Amount: $274,050. Kevin R. Palmiter. Property Location: Rice Twp. Lender: Honesdale National Bank. Amount: $374,000. Rapp Development Corporation. Property Location: Ashley Boro. Lender: Peoples Security Bank & Trust Company. Amount: $625,000. Yalick Farms. Property Location: Dallas Twp. Five Parcels. Lender: Peoples Security Bank & Trust Company. Amount: $17,000,000. Mark D. Gusditis. Property Location: Wright Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. Loandepot.com LLC. Amount: $300,000. James Panzitta. Property Location: Dallas Twp. Lender: Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania. Amount: $250,000. ACCB Pittston RE LLC. Property Location: Pittston Twp. Four Parcels. Lender: Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania. Amount: $70,000,000.
MONROE COUNTY
Mountain Hollow Estate LLC. Property Location: Stroud Twp. Lender: Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co. Amount: $940,462. AVB Group LLC. Property Location: Chestnuthill Twp. Lender: Richard Graeber. Amount: $400,000.
FOR THE RECORD Walter Price. Property Location: Hamilton Twp. Lender: ESSA Bank & Trust. Amount: $400,000. Shawnee Commons Corp. Property Location: Smithfield Twp. Lender: ESSA Bank & Trust. Amount: $960,000 and $340,000. GF3 LLC. Property Location: Stroud Twp. Lender: Christopher Maybury. Amount: $1,250,000. Thomas Small. Property Location: Barrett Twp. Lender: JPMorgan Chase Bank NA. Amount: $360,000. Kelly Randis. Property Location: Polk Twp. Lender: ESSA Bank & Trust. Amount: $332,600. Randy Detrick. Property Location: Chestnuthill and Ross Twps. Lender: ESSA Bank & Trust. Amount: $530,000. 660 LLC. Property Location: Polk Twp. Lender: First National Bank of Pennsylvania. Amount: $363,750. LTS Homes LLC. Property Location: Middle Smithfiled Twp. Lender: Wayne Bank. Amount: $250,000. Great Wolf Lodge of the Poconos LLC. Property Location: Pocono Twp. Lender: JPMorgan Chase Bank NA. Amount: $1,000,000,000. Franklin Kepner Jr. Property Location: Tobyhanna Twp. Lender: M&T Bank. Amount: $328,000. Robert Apollo. Property Location: Eldred Twp. Lender: Atlantic Home Loans Inc. Amount: $304,000. MBC Properties LP. Property Location: Stroud Twp. Lender: PNC Bank NA. Amount: $1,350,000. Young Men’s Christian Assn. of Monroe County. Property Location: Stroudsburg. Lender: ESSA Bank & Trust. Amount: $580,000. S&K Hospitality LLC. Property Location: Smithfield Twp. Lender: Republic Bank. Amount: $750,000. Dreher Farm LLC. Proeprty Location: Stroud Twp. Lender: First Keystone Community Bank. Amount: $475,000. Sciota Ventures LLC. Property Location: Hamilton Twp. Lender: Meridian Bank. Amount: $790,000. Maran Revocable Trust. Property Location: Tobyhanna Twp. Lender: Bank of America NA. Amount: $311,200. William Franklin. Property Location: Middle Smithfield Twp. Lender: Village Capital & Investment LLC. Amount: $349,720. DCON Developers LLC. Property Location: Jackson Twp. Lender: Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co. Amount: $648,000. 809 Scott Street LLC. Property Location: Stroudsburg. Lender: Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co. Amount: $648,000.
PIKE COUNTY
Artsandy Gomes. Property Location: Dingman Twp. Lender: MERS Mortgage Electronic Registration System Inc. Amount: $250,000. Christopher J. Degrave. Property Location: Dingman Twp. Lender: MERS. Amount: $328,932. Jon R. Uhrin. Property Location: Palmyra Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration System Inc. Quicken Loans Inc. Amount: $285,000. Linda L. Delling-Delabar. Property Location: Blooming Grove Twp. Lender: M&T Bank. Amount: $350,000. Westfall Hospitality Holdings LLC. Property Location: Westfall Twp. Lender: Wayne Bank. Amount: $582,500. Brian H. Wright. Property Location: Palmyra Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration System Inc. Amount: $344,250. Lilia C. Abbamonte Remus. Property Location: Milford Twp. Lender: MERS. Amount: $279,300. Christopher Patrick Sherry. Property Location: Greene Twp. Lender: Bank of Oak Ridge. Amount: $541,500. NJ Federation of Young Men’s Hebrew Assoc. Property Location: Dingman Twp. Lender: Dime Bank. Amount: $900,000. David Webster. Property Location: Palmyra Twp. Lender: Vist Bank. Amount: $285,600. Ruzveld Service Group Limited. Property Location: Dingman Twp. Lender: Eldorado RLT Inc. Amount: $400,000. Pattiann Parker. Property Location: Greene Twp. Lender: First Northern Bank & Trust Company. Amount: $350,000.
Lender: Bethpage FCU. Amount: $269,000. Sucharita Benerjee. Property Location: Paupack. Lender: Unity Bank. Amount: $595,000. Brian B. Buynak. Property Location: Dyberry. Lender: Buynak Family Irrevocable Trust. Amount: $2,000,000. Terry W. Dickison. Property Location: Mt. Pleasant. Lender: Wayne Bank. Amount: $600,000. New Jersey Federation of Young Men’s Hebrew Assn. & Young Women’s Hebrew Assn. Property Location: Preston. Lender: The Dime Bank. Amount: $900,000. Paul J. Krajkovich. Property Location: Canaan & Waymart. Lender: Honesdale National Bank. Amount: $265,000. Donato A. Cuttone. Property Location: Dyberry. Lender: Wayne Bank. Amount: $500,000. Christian C. Schaffroth. Property Location: Salem. Lender: MERS-USAA FSB. Amount: $254,000. Matthew L. Kasprenski. Property Location: Lake. Lender: The Dime Bank. Amount: $300,000. Andrew J. Linhard. Property Location: Salem. Lender: MERS-Summit Mortgage. Amount: $308,000. Robert Miller. Property Location: Dreher. Lender: Fidelity Depoist & Disc Bk. Amount: $282,200. Gopipooja LLC. Property Location: Clinton. Lebanon. Lender: Jeff Bank. Amount: $300,000.
WYOMING COUNTY
Anderson Mackenzie. Property Location: North Branch Twp. Lender: CU Mortgage Services Inc. Amount: $270,750. Pelican Energy LLC. Property Location: Mehoopany Twp.; North Branch Twp.; Forkston Twp.; Nicholson Twp.; Windham Twp.; Lemon Twp.; SCHUYLKILL COUNTY Meshoppen Twp.; Washington Twp.; Tunkhanock Christopher Grabowski. Property Location: Twp.; Braintrim Twp.; Meshoppen Boro. Lender: Orwigsburg. Lender: Mid Penn Bank. Amount: JPMorgan Chase Bank. Amount: $75,000,000. $272,000. Jamestown Resources LLC. Property Location: Joseph T. Fleming. Property Location: Barry Mehoopany Twp.; North Branch Twp.; Forkston Twp. Lender: Allied Mortgage Group LLC. Amount: Twp.; Windham Twp.; Nicholson Twp.; Lemon Twp.; $259,461 Meshoppen Twp.; Washington Twp.; Braintrim Twp.; 322 S. Hancock Street LP. Property Location: Meshoppen Boro.; Overfield Twp.; Tunkhannock McAdoo. Lender: Community Banks NA. Amount: Twp. Lender: JPMorgan Chase Bank NA. Amount: $973,150. $300,000,000. John Robinson. Property Location: Schuylkill Lance J. Ward. Property Location: Nicholson Haven. Lender: Riverview Bank. Amount: $284,500. Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Michael Morgan. Property Location: N. Manheim Systems Inc. Amount: $305,000. Twp. Lender: USAA Federal Savings Bank. Amount: $254,464. Peter Shumski. Property Location: Pottsville. Lender: CACL. Amount: $858,000.
WAYNE COUNTY
Tom Kavourias. Property Location: Paupack.
STOCKS
This report on insider trading activity has been prepared for informational purposes only by James Blazejewski, CFP, Senior Vice President-Investment Officer, Wells Fargo Advisors, 672 North River Street, Suite 300, Plains, PA 18705. It is based on information generally available to the public from sources believed to be reliable. No representation is made that the information is accurate or complete and it does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any particular security. Current information contained in this report is not indicative of future activity. Wells Fargo Advisors, is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. Member FINRA/SIPC. Source of data: Thomson Financial
INSIDER TRADING ACTIVITY ON STOCKS OF LOCAL INTEREST FOR NOVEMBER (CZFS – 61.00) CITIZENS FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Dwight Rohrer, vice president of Citizens Financial Services Inc. purchased 300 shares on Sept. 15 at $55.60 per share for a total cost of $16,680. Rohrer controls 782 shares directly and 825 shares indirectly.
(FDX – 221.61) FEDEX CORPORATION
Michael Ducker, officer of FedEx Corporation, exercised options for 16,065 shares on Sept. 29 at $90.81 per share (exercised 8.1 months prior to the expiration date) for a total cost of $1,458,863 and on the same date sold 14,964 shares at $225.85 per share for total proceeds of $3,379,619. Ducker controls 53,397 shares directly and 645 shares indirectly. David Steiner, director of FedEx Corporation, exercised options for 6,440 shares on September 27 at $74.88 per share (exercised 2 years prior to the expiration date) for a total cost of $482,227. Steiner controls 11,440 shares directly. Over the last six months, insiders of FedEx Corporation acquired 315,754 shares and disposed of 260,370 shares.
(FKYS – 28.25) FIRST KEYSTONE CORPORATION Don Bower, director of First Keystone Corporation, purchased 110 shares on Sept. 20 at $28 per share for a total cost of $3,080. Bower controls 116,360 shares directly and 1,255 shares indirectly. Barbara Robbins, vice president of First Keystone Corporation, sold 500 shares on Sept. 20 at $28 per share for total proceeds of $14,000. Robbins controls 2,000 shares directly. _______________________________ Prices as of Close of Business Oct.5
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Strong relationships are always good for business. At NBT Bank, we’re all about helping you get the most out of your partnership with us. Our dedicated relationship managers will get to know your business and connect you with the solutions you need to meet your goals. It’s the personal side of business banking—and for businesses big and small, it counts. Our newest commercial banking team members: Matthew Colgan, Commercial Banking Relationship Manager 570.341.8426 mcolgan@nbtbank.com John Palmieri, Commercial Banking Relationship Manager 570.341.8444 jpalmieri@nbtbank.com Tom Sohns, Commercial Banking Relationship Manager 570.341.8422 tsohns@nbtbank.com
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