BUSINESS BEAT DENISE ALLABAUGH by Dave

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17:49 | DONLINKEVI

tHE CItIzEns’ VOICE

Business

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SUNDAY, MAY 12, 2019

State of malls throughout NEPA varies Wyoming Valley Mall sees exodus of retail chains By Denise AllABAugh Staff Writer

Clothing retailer PacSun is the latest to put up “store closing” signs at the Wyoming Valley Mall in WilkesBarre Twp. The store has been advertising sales ranging from 40% off to “buy one get one free.” An employee said he expects the store will close in June. PacSun, short for Pacific Sunwear, sells casual California-inspired brand name clothing, swimwear and accessories and also has locations in the Crossings Premium Outlets in Tannersville and the Lehigh Valley Mall that remain open.

It is one of several chains to recently announce plans to close or to shut down at the Wyoming Valley Mall during what some call a “retail apocalypse” amid a shift to online shopping. The mall’s two anchor stores, Bon-Ton and Sears, have remained vacant since they closed last year. Other stores which recently closed include children’s clothing retailers Children’s Place, Gymboree and Crazy 8. Things Remembered, a longtime kiosk in the mall that s o ld p e r so n a li z e d a n d engraved gifts, also shut down. Payless ShoeSource is closing as well.

DeNiSe aLLaBaUGH / Staff PHOtO

PacSun is the latest retailer to shut down its location at the Wyoming Valley Mall in Wilkes-Barre Twp. The store is expected to close its doors in June. While Wyoming Valley Mall’s food court was once filled with dining options, only three businesses remain there: Arby’s, Orange Julius and Dino’s.

Jake DaNNa SteveNS / Staff PHOtOGraPHer

Third of mall is empty More than 34 percent of the 910,000-square-foot Wyoming Valley Mall is vacant, according to the Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment

Jake DaNNa SteveNS / Staff PHOtOGraPHer

Trust, which owns the mall and more than 22 million square feet of retail space throughout the eastern U.S. “As of right now, PREIT is exploring future plans for the property,” Heather Crowell, executive vice president of strategy and communications for PREIT, said in an emailed statement. “Across all of its properties, PREIT is constantly evaluating and prioritizing its capital across portfolios.” Larry Newman, executive director of the Diamond City Partnership, which promotes downtown Wilkes-Barre, said when the Wyoming Valley Mall first opened in the 1970s, it followed a shift from shopping at retailers on Main Street to retail models focused on national chains in suburban areas. Malls were intended to maximize conve-

nience and comparison shopping and offer better prices, he said. “Now we’re seeing another enormous shift,” Newman said. “It’s not a local shift. It’s a national shift. It’s a shift away from that model of retailing built around the suburban mall chain store model.” In Diamond City Partnership surveys, more than 650 people answered questions about their shopping patterns and 43% said they regularly shopped online in 2014. That number jumped to 59% in 2018. Five years ago, 27% said they regularly shopped at the Wyoming Valley Mall. That number dropped to 15% in 2018. Fifty percent said they regularly shop at stores at Please see MAlls, Page A17

Jake DaNNa SteveNS / Staff PHOtOGraPHer

From left: A cocoa pod, beans and nibs used by Moka Origins; Moka lemon ginger cacao bar samples; bars for sale at the Himalayan Institute in Honesdale.

FROM BEANS TO BARS

Wayne County chocolate maker, coffee roaster combines global farming, local production By kAThleen Bolus Staff Writer

DYBERRY TWP. — Cacao and coffee beans from as far away as Africa and South America are being melded and roasted into delicious chocolate and unique coffee in Wayne County. In a twist on local foods, Moka Origins roasts coffee and makes bean-to-bar twoingredient chocolate with the addition of a variety of flavors in a former dairy barn at the Himalayan Institute in Dyberry Twp. Demand increased and so Jeff Abella, CEO and co-founder of the company, began renovating the barn. Moka was also awarded a FedEx Corp. small-business grant, which included a $15,000 cash grant and $1,000 in FedEx Services. With the funds, they added 3,000 square feet of production space to Moka. The renovations are expected to be done by June 1 when the company will hold its official grand opening. In the meantime, chocolate and coffee production is still underway and bars infused with ginger and lemon or blueberry can be found around local businesses, including the Wandering Hen in Scranton and Nearme Cafe in Old Forge. They retail for $8 a bar. The products — which are kosher, and nut and dairy free — are also in 100 stores nationwide and are featured internationally, Abella said. Moka’s name is a take on “Mocha,” or the combination of chocolate and coffee, and originally comes from Abella’s business model of farm-to-shop beans. Moka has five full-time employees and while the processing of the beans and nuts are strictly done in Northeast Pennsylvania, the farming is done globally. Through his work as director of international development for the Himalayan Institute, Abella has spent the past 12 years building libraries and health centers in Africa, India and South America. In Abella’s role at the institute, he began working in Cameroon in West Africa on agricultural initiatives. He helped start a facility there that manufactured medicinal herbs to be dispensed in the organization’s health centers. His job took him to South India and

Business Buzz

Jake DaNNa SteveNS / Staff PHOtOGraPHer

grand opening celebration Moka Origins, located at 952 Bethany turnpike, Dyberry twp., added 3,000 square feet of production space after being awarded a fedex Corp. smallbusiness grant. the business will hold a grand opening celebration Saturday, June 1, at 10 a.m. Mexico creating similar programs through the institute and working with farmers to bring sustainable jobs with positive implications to those regions. “We work directly with farmers to showcase different ways that farms can grow so that its more economical for them to put less in and get more out,” he said. Please see MokA, Page A17

arship assistance to students and families who cannot afford full tuition costs. the support of Scranton Prep Bank donates to is part of fNCB’s larger Commuscholarship fund nity Caring initiative. as a true, local community bank, fNCB fNCB Bank, locally based for more than 100 years, an- Bank is making a difference nounced a $27,500 Pennsyl- through volunteerism, donavania education improvement tions and outreach programs. tax Credit donation to Scran- hospice ribbon ton Preparatory School’s cutting set P.J.H.S. Scholarship fund. the ribbon cutting and the donation to Scranton Prep will help provide scholgrand opening of traditional

Jake DaNNa SteveNS / Staff PHOtOGraPHer

Home Health Care, 175 e. Brown St., Suite 103, east Stroudsburg, will be Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. to noon, with the formal ribbon cutting at 11:30. traditional Home Health Care offers in-home care in which they make day-to-day life comfortable and stressfree for all patients.

Heart has been named a 2019 Hospice Honors recipient by HeaLtHCareﬁrst, a leading provider of billing and coding services and advanced analytics. Hospice Honors is a prestigious program that recognizes hospices providing the highest level of quality as measured from the caregiver’s point of view.

local hospice receives award

FCC warns of phone scam

Hospice of the Sacred

the federal Communica-

tions Commission is alerting consumers to reported waves of “One ring” or “Wangiri” scam robocalls targeting specific area codes in bursts, often calling multiple times in the middle of the night. the calls are likely trying to prompt consumers to call the number back, often resulting in per-minute toll charges similar to a 900 number. Consumers should not call these num-

ABOVE: Jeff Abella, owner of Moka Origins, produces sustainable chocolate and coffee from around the world from a restored dairy barn at the Himalayan Institute in Dyberry Twp. LEFT: Chocolate flows from a temper machine into molds as production lead Joe Kennedy of Honesdale handles the pour at Moka Origins.

bers back. recent reports indicate the calls are using the “222” country code of the West african nation of Mauritania. News repor ts have indicated widespread overnight calling in New York state and arizona. suBMiT Business BuZZ items to business@ timesshamrock.com or the times-tribune, 149 Penn ave., Scranton, Pa 18503.

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17:49 | DONLINKEVI

Business

SUNDAY, MAY 12, 2019

THE CITIZENS' VOICE A17

People on the Move AAA north Penn The board of directors announced the appointment of Glenn Zumbach, a native of Taylor, as president and chief executive officer. Zumbach joined in 1983 as director of information technology and most recently was senior vice president and chief operating officer, overseeing all business lines, which included emergency road service, membership, insurance and travel. His most recent accomplishment was heading up a management team that purchased, remodeled and relocated the new Scranton Member Service Office. Zumbach has participated in a number of national AAA committees and task forces. Zumbach replaces Glenn Smith, who retired at the end of March. Smith joined in 1981 as director of services and held positions of increasing responsibility throughout the organization, becoming president and CEO in 1998. Under Smith’s leadership, the club expanded to seven offices in 11 counties throughout Northeast and North Central Pennsylvania, with 150 employees and more than 194,000 members.

Buscarini Law Firm PC The American Institute of Family Law Attorneys recognized the exceptional perfor-

ZuMBACH AAA

sMiTH AAA

BRODGinsKi Classic Properties

Reese King’s College

nGuYen Misericordia University

GODLeWsKi Misericordia University

WALLO UNC

FOTTA UNC

degree program. The new academic program prepares creative and diligent professionals who use data to communicate and enact meaningful improvements in the delivery of health care. Misericordia Godlewski earned his doctoruniversity ate degree in human development and social work at Linh Nguyen has been appointed manager of the office Marywood University, and his Master of Social Work from multicultural and inclusion Classic Properties of the University of Pennsylvania. initiatives. Nguyen most reA resident of NorthumberThe real estate firm ancently held the position of asland, he formerly spent 30 nounced Derek Brodginski sistant director for the office has joined the Kingston ofof identity and inclusion at Bel- years with Geisinger Health fice. He was raised in Wilkeslarmine University in Louisville, System. Barre and currently resides in Kentucky. united neighborhood Kingston. Brodginski recently In her new role, she will asCenters of completed his real estate edu- sist in the development and northeastern Pa. cation at the Pa. Real Estate implementation of new proAcademy in Kingston. grams and initiatives that Jessica Wallo has been propromote multiculturalism and moted to vice president of proCampolieto-Ruggiero King’s College inclusion within the universigrams and services. She startLaw Offices Robert Reese has been ty. She will focus on creating ed at the agency in 2009 in appointed vice president for and maintaining strong conThe American Institute of the HIV/AIDS prevention proenrollment management folnections with other offices, Family Law Attorneys has recgram before becoming a case lowing a national search. He departments and colleagues ognized the exceptional permanager in the community joined the college’s community working on intersections of formance of family law attorservices department in 2011, culture, identity and social jus- then the emergency services ney Frank J. Ruggiero as Four April 15. Reese, who has held vice tice. Years 10 Best Family Law Atsupervisor in 2013, and finally president-level positions at George A. Godlewski, Ph.D., the community services assistorney for Client Satisfaction. three religiously affiliated priMSW, was named director of The American Institute of tant director in 2014. She has the health care analytics grad- a master’s degree in general Family Law Attorneys is a third- vate colleges in the Philadeluate program that will be avail- theoretical psychology from party attorney rating organiza- phia area, will be responsible for leading the critical admisMarywood University, and a able fully online beginning in tion that publishes an annual sions and financial aid funcbachelor’s degree in psycholthe fall semester. list of the Top 10 Family Law ogy from King’s College. tions of the college. Health care analytics is a Attorneys in each state. AtMarty Fotta was promoted torneys who are selected to A resident of Clarks Summit, 36-credit Master of Science

mance of family law attorney Carrie Buscarini as Six Years 10 Best Family Law Attorney for Client Satisfaction. The American Institute of Family Law Attorneys is a thirdparty attorney rating organization that publishes an annual list of the Top 10 Family Law Attorneys in each state. Attorneys who are selected to the list must pass the organization’s rigorous selection process, which is based on client and/or peer nominations, thorough research, and the organization’s independent evaluation. The organization’s annual list was created to be used as a resource for clients during the attorney selection process.

the list must pass the organization’s rigorous selection process, which is based on client and/or peer nominations, thorough research, and the organization’s independent evaluation. The organization’s annual list was created to be used as a resource for clients during the attorney selection process.

Reese most recently served as vice president for enrollment services at La Salle University. He is a former member of the Coast Guard and Pennsylvania Army National Guard.

to vice president of community development. He started in 2010 as the director of community development for the center’s housing subsidiary, the United Neighborhood Community Development Corp., which works to identify and develop affordable housing in Northeast Pennsylvania. Fotta has a Master of Public Administration and a bachelor’s degree in business management, both from Marywood University.

university of scranton Dr. Ana Ugarte, assistant professor of Spanish, has received the National Endowment for the Humanities grant for her project “Health Humanities Concentration and Community Based Learning at the University of Scranton.” The grant will allow her “to create a health humanities concentration that will emphasize the integral role of the humanities in transforming health care, health and well-being. It aims not only at providing a more comprehensive education to the students enrolled in the programs for the health professions at the university, but also seeks to develop new pedagogical practices informed by interdisciplinarity, community-based learning and diversity and intercultural competence.” suBMiT PeOPLe On THe MOVe items to business@ timesshamrock.com or The Times-Tribune, 149 Penn Ave., Scranton, PA 18503.

MALLs: Viewmont, Marketplace at Steamtown adding tenants FROM PAGE A16

the Arena Hub and other stores on Mundy Street in 2014. That number stayed about the same in 2018. Twenty-two percent of respondents said they shopped downtown in 2014. That number rose to 28 percent in 2018. “In 2018, online shopping was the number one destination for everyone,” Newman said. Wico van Genderen, president and CEO of the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce, said the trends and statistics for the local mall and malls throughout the country are “sobering.” “Anchor stores are closing, store vacancies are at an alltime high, shopper preferences are changing and in malls across the board, shoppers are becoming far and few between,” he said. Van Genderen said if consumers solely want to buy based on price and convenience, they typically aren’t making a special trip to the mall. They are shopping online because it is “more convenient, faster, price competitive and easier as an online transaction to buy in the comfort of your home,” he said. To make malls relevant, van Genderen said they should go back to the original model of being the local, regional place to create an experience that people want to have today. He said they can highlight that they have products now with immediate gratification and no shipping costs. They also could offer “renewed consumer experience or a place for community life services such as health, wellbeing, fitness, college extension programs, libraries or community centers as an extension of the retail experience,” he said.

Viewmont brings in new retailers While the Sears store at the Wyoming Valley Mall

remains vacant, another Sears store that previously closed in the Viewmont Mall in Scranton in 2016 was demolished and replaced by Dick’s Sporting Goods, Field & Stream and HomeGoods. Bob Durkin, president of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, said the opening of these stores helped draw people to the Viewmont Mall, which also has a vibrant food court and is “doing well overall.” “The reality is while people are making purchases online on sites like Amazon and eBay, literature I read is showing there continues to be a market for brick-andmortar stores,” Durkin said. Some people want to see what they are buying before making a purchase and there is a growing interest in shopping for an experience, he said. “The Viewmont Mall is clearly doing a good job of giving people the experience they want,” he said. The total occupancy rate of the Viewmont Mall is 97.8 percent, according to PREIT, which also owns the Viewmont Mall. Dick’s Sporting Goods, Field & Stream and HomeGoods opened within 14 months of Sears closing. Crowell said this demonstrates PREIT’s “proficiency in identifying and securing quality and high-performing replacement anchors.” Over the last few years, she said the Viewmont Mall has been a key focus of PREIT’s portfolio-wide remerchandising efforts that also have included adding national tenants Ulta, Buffalo Wild Wings, Forever 21 and Yankee Candle along with new prototype stores for several key tenants. “Across all portfolios, PREIT responded to consumer demands for more exciting options in retail and dining,” Crowell said. “Viewmont Mall is an example of the extensive remerchandising and proactive anchor recapture strategy we have in place.”

DENISE ALLABAUGH / STAFF PHOTO

The space housing the Bon-Ton at the Wyoming Valley Mall in Wilkes-Barre Twp. has remained vacant since last year.

Marketplace focuses on nontraditional Since the former Mall at Steamtown in Scranton was rebranded “The Marketplace at Steamtown” in 2016, it’s now home to some unique and nontraditional businesses, such as the Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den. Luzerne County Community College opened its Scranton campus in the former Bon-Ton space, which also houses medical facility Delta Medix. Dr. Mary Grace Rizzo-Fryzel recently opened Electric City Dentistry in the Marketplace at Steamtown, which also continues to house Boscov’s and other stores. Space on the second floor that once housed an antiquated food court is now Scranton Public Market for local vendors and is used for farmers markets, food festi-

DENISE ALLABAUGH / STAFF PHOTO

Payless ShoeSource is closing at the Wyoming Valley Mall. vals and artisan street fairs. Its anchor tenants are there seven days a week and booth vendors are open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Durkin said the transformation follows a national trend and he credited owner John Basalyga for repurposing the for mer mall

buildings are planned for the site. Missouri-based NorthPoint Development purchased the site of the Schuylkill Mall for $2.1 million, tore it down and plans to constr uct an 880,000-square-foot building and a 350,000-square-foot building there. Brian Hansbury, vice president of the Schuylkill Economic Development Corp., said NorthPoint does not have tenants lined up but it could house a distribution center and manufacturing facility that would create 800 to 1,000 jobs on the site with higher pay than the retail jobs at the failing mall. Hansbury said while it was sad to see the mall torn down, having the site return to productive use is “very worthwhile for our community” and a “win-win.”

into the marketplace. As chain stores continue to close, Newman said he believes some malls will continue to look for nontraditional uses for space like the Marketplace at Steamtown has done, or they could end up like the Contact the writer: Schuylkill Mall, which was dallabaugh@citizensvoice.com demolished and two new 570-821-2115, @CVAllabaugh

MOKA: Some processes still done by hand, others specially engineered FROM PAGE A16

Moka began in Cameroon in 2015 as a separate passion project for Abella’s co-founder, Ishan Tigunait, who is also based in Wayne County. Just like the crops, Abella and his partner had to grow everything on the farm, which they own, from the ground up. Infrastructure, a river irrigation system and internal road work had to be built before they began grow-

ing cacao, low-elevation coffee and other crops like bananas, mangos, papayas, cor ns, beans, okra and medicinal herbs. Growing cacao takes time. The trees from the farm in Cameroon need a few more years before they’re fully up to production levels, said Abella. Until then, the beans, which are often more nutty or more citrusy depending on the region in which they’re grown, are sourced sustainably from

different parts of the world. “Coffee and chocolate could be vehicles to create jobs,” he said. Back in Dyberry Twp., some processes — including packaging and removing the chocolatey beans — are still done by hand, while others have been engineered specifically for the company. Coffee is the second part of Moka and the beans are organized by roast and origin. The company also sells its

products online and has a monthly subscription box. Moka is an amazing component to the Himalayan Institute’s humanitarian projects, said Mark Larson, from the organization’s humanitarian department. “The amount of influence and impact that it has on not only the same region that we work in, Camaroon, Africa, but it has a similar impact around other countries around the globe and it all

ties in to this really delicious project,” he said. Larson said Moka brings people together from the region and also abroad while supplying “a really great product that people can enjoy and talk about.” Moka will not operate as a traditional coffee shop so Abella could fulfill another mission. “We’re here to support local businesses,” he said. “We want this part of the state to be known for quality.”

Moka, located at 952 Bethany Turnpike, Dyberry Twp., offers free walk-in Saturday tours and tastings from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. A grand opening celebration is set for Saturday, June 1, beginning at 10 a.m. For details, visit MokaOrigins.com or Moka Origins on Facebook. Contact the writer: kbolus@timesshamrock.com 570-348-9100 x5114 @kbolusTT

WB_VOICE/PAGES [A18] | 05/18/19

17:18 | DONLINKEVI

tHE CItIzEns’ VOICE

Business

A18

SUNDAY, MAY 19, 2019

All about alpacas

Creatures and their fiber growing in popularity. BY DENISE ALLABAUGH STAFF WriTer

Karen Rader has always loved alpacas and after visiting Falls Edge Farm in Benton, she decided to start an alpaca farm. She began Pine Valley Alpacas farm in Lake Twp. with her husband, Dan, in 2015 with six alpacas. They now have 17 alpacas and they bought some from Falls Edge Farm. Recently, Georgia resident Kyle O’Rourke came to their farm with his partner, Adam Stain, to shear their 17 alpacas along with three alpacas owned by Rader’s protege Kelly Fleming of Factoryville. The alpacas are sheared once a year. After each one was sheared, Rader quickly gathered the luxurious fiber, which she said she uses to make things like yarn, dryer balls, felted soap and nesting

MArK MOrAN / STAFF PHOTOGrAPHer

An alpaca chews on a piece of hay at the Harvest Moon Hollow Country Store in Sweet Valley. balls. People also like to use alpaca fiber to stuff pillows, she said. She sells her alpaca items at area festivals and to people who find her through word of mouth. She also sells

alpaca socks, sweaters and blankets that she does not make herself but orders. “I make my own yarn. I knit, but mostly hats, fingerless gloves and scarves,” she said. “I spin yarn to sell.” Alpaca fiber has seen a greater demand over wool in the textile and fashion industries because it’s a natural fiber without a scratchy texture that makes clothing warm, soft and comfortable. According to the Alpaca Owners Association, people in many countries call alpacas “the world’s finest livestock.” The textiles produced from their fleeces are in demand at fashion centers in New York, Paris, Milan and Tokyo, and profit opportunities are available to alpaca breeders. Rader said the fiber is unique because it’s hollow and better insulated. It doesn’t contain lanolin like

DeNiSe ALLABAUGH / STAFF PHOTO

Some of the 17 alpacas at Pine Valley Alpacas in Lake Twp. were sheared while the others wait their turn. wool so it’s soft, hypoallergenic and has no “itch factor,” she said. After Rader first brought alpacas home, she started going to shows to learn more about making things with their fiber.

“Someone taught me how to spin and I just started learning how to do things and loving it,” she said. “When I went to alpaca shows, I got to learn about bigger farms in the area and I started breeding a few. I

would find some deals and I started accumulating more alpacas.” Now, Rader said she sees such a big demand for alpaca items that she sometimes Please see ALPACAS, Page A19

STUNTED GROWTH

Heavy spring rains delay planting, putting farmers on edge

JAKe DANNA STeveNS / STAFF PHOTOGrAPHer

Brian Pallman, right, a co-owner of Pallman Farms, surveys his strawberry crops Wednesday as Olises Lopez, left, and Marin Lopez Garcia uncover last year’s plants that should be more then twice their size at Pallmans Farm in Clarks Summit. BY JON O’CONNELL STAFF WriTer

Farmers must be consummate weather-watchers. They’re slaves to it. But this past year has dumped an overabundance of wet on them. “We haven’t had a dry spell to speak of since before last spring,” Pallman said. The week before Mother’s Day, Trevor Brown called off his farmhands. With no end in sight for steady, drenching rain, the owner of Purple Pepper Farms in Overfield Twp. decided instead to pot flowers for the holiday and hold out for a break in the weather. “It’s still early May. If we can get next week in, and the week after, then we will not have any problems,” he said. “If next week is super rainy, then we’re going to have a lot of issues.” In Luzerne County, Larry O’Malia isn’t thinking just about the rain. He’s got his eyes on the river, too. Flood stage for the Susquehanna River JAKe DANNA STeveNS / STAFF PHOTOGrAPHer in Wilkes-Barre is 22 feet. For O’Malia, whose farm is upriver in Brian Pallman holds a frost-damaged flower that will not bear a strawberry at

Last week a Massachusetts nursery was holding strawberry plants with Craig Pallman’s name on them. But the South Abington Twp. farmer, known for his family’s popular you-pick strawberry patches, couldn’t take them just yet. Soaking rain has delayed planting, stunted growth and generally put fruit and veggie farmers on edge across the region as the spring sowing season comes to a close. “We can’t do anything, so there’s no sense in bringing the plants in here and staring at them,” he said. “We can’t string more than two days of fair weather together. … Everybody is dealing with it at different levels, and it’s not good.” Strawberries produce fruit year after year, and he expects a crop this year in Pallman’s strawberry patches, he said confidently. That said, the plants haven’t filled out as they should by this time of Pallmans Farm in Clarks Summit. The unusually wet weather and frost have the season. stunted the growth of this year’s strawberry crop.

Business Buzz

tor Tannis Kowalchuk and Sue Currier (formerly of Delaware Highlands ConCenter announces servancy), the collective’s mission is to nourish cominaugural season munity through programs Farm Arts Collective, a in farming, art, food and newly formed agriculturecology. Workshops, peral center based on Wilformances and events are low Wisp Organic Farm, planned from May to Nohas announced its season vember. The opening cerevents. Founded by organic emony will take place June farmer and artistic direc2 at 3 p.m. Donations will

be accepted.

Senior center receives grant The Wayne County Area Agency on Aging received part of $2 million in funding from the state Department of Aging’s Senior Community Center grants from the Pennsylvania Lottery. The grant, totaling

$57,656, will be used for upgrades at the Hamlin Senior Center, with the funding earmarked for a new roof, ﬂooring and painting, as well as a new wellness program for the seniors.

Tire business expands internships McCarthy Tire Service, a family-owned company and one of the top 10 in-

Please see FARMERS, Page A19

dependent commercial tire dealers in the United States, has expanded its corporate internship program with multiple placements at its headquarters in Wilkes-Barre. McCarthy Tire’s internship program offers high-caliber high school and college students the opportunity to gain ﬁrsthand experience in a fast-paced business

environment. They develop tangible professional skills that make them competitive in the marketplace. They also learn what it takes to be successful in a multimillion-dollar corporation. SUBMIT BUSINESS BUZZ items to business@ timesshamrock.com or The Times-Tribune, 149 Penn Ave., Scranton, PA 18503.

WB_VOICE/PAGES [A19] | 05/18/19

17:23 | DONLINKEVI

BUSINESS

SUNDAY, MAY 19, 2019

THE CITIZENS' VOICE A19

People on the Move Chick’s Cleaning Kerri Burakowski, Milford, was promoted to the position of managing chick. Burakowski will be responsible for client relationship management, quality control and business growth and acquisition. The Milford company is a residential and commercial cleaning company providing services such as move-in and -out cleans, rental turnovers, maintenance and deep cleaning. Burakowski has served as a lead cleaner since last year. She has been an instrumental part of the company’s operations, consistently ﬁnding ways to better serve clients and improve work methods.

Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Vicki T. Sapp, Ph.D., director of student engagement, diversity and inclusion and an assistant professor, has been invited to serve on the American Association of Medical Colleges’ Undergraduate Medical Education First Generation Work Group. The newly created work group is tasked with improving programs and strategies to assist ﬁrst-generation students, who often lack mentors and resources to guide and support them throughout their medical education.

Lewith & Freeman Real Estate Carmen Winters has joined the Kingston ofﬁce. A Wilkes University graduate and Pittston resident, he will retain his membership to both the Luzerne County Association of Realtors and the Greater Scranton Association of Realtors. Winters is an accomplished

BURAKOWSKI Chick’s Cleaning

WINTERS Lewith Freeman

YAKSICK Mercyhurst University

FEDOR Misericordia University

KISENWETHER Misericordia University

LOUGHLIN Misericordia University

She has presented at conferences across the U.S. and in Belgium, China and BosniaHerzegovina. A resident of Hawley, Weber joined the faculty in 2013. He also serves as a member of the faculty of the medical and health humanities program. He recently authored the book “Cosmopolitanism and Transatlantic Circles in Music and Literature,” and presented details at an international music and political science conference in Athens in 2018. He has presented at the University of Huddersﬁeld, England, and the University of Amsterdam, Netherlands. Winneker, a resident of Chester, N.J., holds a Juris Doctor magna cum laude from Seton Hall University School of Law and has been a member of the faculty since 2013. He teaches all legal courses in the undergraduate and graduate programs in the department of business, including business law, sports law, regulation of sports gambling, law, ethics and the legal environment, legal aspects of administration and regulation of human resources. He previously taught at the University of Delaware, where he won the Student Choice Excellence in Teaching Award for the Lerner College of Business & Economics. Prior to teaching, he practiced corporate litigation in New York City at several international law ﬁrms.

responsible for making programming decisions, creating promotions to beneﬁt the radio station and its listeners, and managing the image of the radio station.

UGI Utilities Inc.

Robert Krieger has been appointed to the newly created position of vice president — business process improvement. Krieger will be responsible for ensuring business and operations processes are consistent, efficient and effective. He will also lead the developMCDONALD WEBER WINNEKER FERGUSON KRIEGER ANGSTADT ment of the company’s work Misericordia Misericordia Misericordia UGI UGI Timesand asset management inforUniversity University University Utilities Utilities Shamrock mation system improvement initiative. Realtor whose experience and six members of the faculty. Loughlin, a resident of Krieger joined in 1988 as an reputation in the industry has Those tenured and promotShenandoah Heights, joined engineer and has worked in given him the qualifications ed to associate professor are the faculty in 2011. During various departments throughto work with buyers and sellAnna Fedor, Ph.D., chemisher career, she served as an out the company. Most recenters on both commercial and try; Jessica Sofranko Kisenelementary school teacher, ly, he served as vice president residential properties for all of wether, Ph.D., C.C.C.-S.L.P., reading specialist, federal pro— operations, a position he their real estate needs. speech-language pathology; grams coordinator and Title held since 2012. Jodi Piekarski Loughlin, D.Ed., 1 coordinator at ShenandoMercyhurst Timothy Angstadt has been teacher education; Susan Mc- ah Valley School District. She University named vice president — opDonald, Ph.D., social work; teaches a range of courses, erations. Angstadt will be Ryan Weber, Ph.D., fine arts, including reading methods, Dr. Pete Yaksick, a Johns and Joshua D. Winneker, J.D., classroom management, lanresponsible for leading opHopkins and Columbia trained business. guage arts methods and coldevelopmental psychologist erations, construction and Fedor, a Dallas resident, is laborating with families. She and former television journalist, maintenance activities. He will the chair of the department has published scholarly work recently co-published a cogniensure safe and reliable sysof chemistry and biochemisin Pennsylvania Teacher Edutive science article as member tem operations, execution of try, and has been a member cator, and presented at the of a five-person Ivy League refield-related regulatory complisearch team based at Columbia of the faculty since 2008. She Pennsylvania Council for Exance activities, and implemenUniversity. The article is titled teaches courses in chemiceptional Children’s 59th Antation of the infrastructure “How does discourse among cal principles, inorganic and nual Convention and numerreplacement and betterment like-minded individuals affect physical chemistry, and overous Pennsylvania Association program. their thinking about a complex sees a research program for of Colleges and Teacher EduAngstadt joined in 1999 as issue?” It was published in Deundergraduates in the areas cation conferences. an engineering intern and has cember in the peer-reviewed of physical and computational McDonald, of Kingston, who worked in multiple departscholarly British journal Thinking chemistry. serves as the chair of the deTimes-Shamrock ments within the company. And Reasoning, volume 24 numAn alumna and a Dallas resi- partment of social work, joined Most recently, he served as ber 4, 2018. He is an assistant dent, Kisenwether earned her the faculty in 2013. She holds Communications program director of the UNITE professor of criminology and Bachelor of Science in psya social work license in PennTom Ferguson, a Dunmore initiative focused on upgradpsychology at the Tom Ridge chology and Master of Science sylvania and is a certified trau- native, joined the company College of Intelligence Studies & in speech-language pathology. ma-informed yoga therapist. as program director of WFUZ- ing the company’s customer information and enterprise reApplied Sciences and maintains She has been a member of She served as the university’s FM. Ferguson has been in source planning information residences in Old Forge and at the faculty since 2015. Kisen- director of field education for the radio business locally systems. Mountain Lake, Bear Creek Twp. wether has published a book social work. McDonald previfor almost a decade, most chapter, several articles in ously served as professor of recently employed at EnterSUBMIT PEOPLE ON THE Misericordia numerous peer-reviewed jourthe MSW program for Temple com Communications. Prior MOVE items to business@ University nals, and presented her work University in Harrisburg, and to that, he was brand mantimesshamrock.com or The ager for WFUZ and WEJL. In The university recently award- at numerous international, na- program director of social Times-Tribune, 149 Penn Ave., his new position, he will be ed tenure and promotions to Scranton, PA 18503. tional and state conventions. work at Alvernia University.

ALPACAS: Socks made from fiber popular FROM PAGE A18

DENISE ALLABAUGH / STAFF PHOTO

Kyle O’Rourke shears an alpaca at Pine Valley Alpacas in Lake Twp. while his partner, Adam Stain, holds the animal still.

MARK MORAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Alpaca socks are available for sale at the Harvest Moon Hollow Country Store in Sweet Valley. The business sells alpaca accessories like socks, hats and gloves.

runs out of fiber. She often sells to people who say they want to support local artists and crafters. “People really want the handmade stuff,” she said. “I often get special requests especially around Christmas. That is my highest selling point. Now, I am making stuff for next fall and hoping I have enough.” Fleming also assisted in gathering the fiber after O ’ Ro u rke s h e a r e d t h e alpacas. She bought one of Rader’s alpacas and two others and is just starting to learn more about making things with the fiber. “I’ve only had them for a few months now,” Fleming said. “Karen is my mentor. She gets the first year’s batch and we’ll take it from there. I’m here to learn.” O ’ Ro u rke h a s b e e n shearing alpacas for 11 years. He learned his trade after his parents paid for him to go to a seminar at Magical Farms in Ohio, the largest alpaca farm in the country. “I was so intrigued by it that I drove up the following weekend for the advanced seminar,” he said. After he lear ned his trade in 2008, he said he immediately had 500 alpacas ready to be sheared. He now travels around to different states from March to May to shear alpacas before the weather gets warm. “The animals don’t like it but it has to happen

because they’re going to hate the heat more,” he said. Alpacas can be beneficial not only for small-business owners, but O’Rourke said big businesses like Walmart like to promote the animals as well. “You go to Walmart on any given holiday, you are going to see an alpaca or llama advertising that holiday,” he said.

Sweet Valley country store sells alpaca items Amid their growing popularity, another alpaca business opened in Sweet Valley in 2015. Rebecca Mooney, who owns Harvest Moon Country Store with her husband, Dan, said they formerly owned 16 alpacas in Lehman Twp. When the opportunity arose to open a store on Route 118 in Sweet Valley in 2015, they downsized to six alpacas. Their store is open Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a . m . t o 5 p.m . a n d by appointment, and they sell unique items including alpaca accessories like socks, hats and gloves and items made from alpaca fiber like teddy bears. The teddy bears are made from fiber from other alpacas, but yar n and shoe inserts are made with fiber from their alpacas, Mooney said. The biggest demand for alpaca socks comes around Christmas because of their warmth, she said. Thick socks made from alpaca

fiber cost $25. “Hunters like them because they are super warm,” she said. “It is the warmest, softest fiber.” Chris Stitzel of Fleetville recently sheared their six alpacas. It cost $30 to shear each alpaca, Mooney said. Mooney said alpacas are not “real high maintenance” and they have two guard dogs to watch and protect them. Alpacas, which are a species of the South American camelid, are a “huge industry” in South America, Mooney said. According to the Alpaca Owners Association, alpacas still represent the primary source of income for thousands of South Americans. Today, wealth as a result of livestock ownership is not as common, but opportunities exist for profitable farms and ranches. Some owners say tending to a herd of alpacas can be a rewarding lifestyle. Mooney said she doesn’t own alpacas to make tons of money. “We’re doing it because we love the animals,” she said.

Miss Belle, an attraction at the Lands at Hillside Farms

“She is one of our most loved animals here,” she said. Miss Belle was recently sheared and her “summer cut” keeps her cool for the summer months, Krohnemann said. Visitors “love her silly haircut that she gets for the summer especially and she is very gentle when it comes to being hand-fed,” she said Krohnemann said they are in the process of donating her fiber to “someone who will hopefully collaborate with us and show us a demonstration on how to spin fibers and such.” A mercantile store at the Lands at Hillside Farms sells alpaca socks, hats and gloves that are extremely popular items, said Suzanne Kapral, director of marketing and development. Krohnemann said she thinks alpacas are popular because they are different. Miss Belle stands out in her paddock as she is housed with sheep and occasionally a few goats, she said. “She stands high above them and has a very calm demeanor,” Krohnemann said. “Her haircut is also very unique. Most people understand what a goat or a sheep is and have seen many in their lifetimes, but not many get to experience alpacas.”

One of the big attractions at the Lands at Hillside Farms in Kingston Twp. is an alpaca named Miss Belle. People are very interested in seeing the alpaca, who is often mistaken for a lla- Contact the writer: ma, said bar n manager dallabaugh@citizensvoice.com 570-821-2115, @CVAllabaugh Sierra Krohnemann.

FARMERS: May change course when planting next year’s harvest FROM PAGE A18

Plains Twp., he starts worrying about flooding at 18 feet. That’s when water starts cutting across the middle of his farm from both sides threatening his corn fields, cabbage, lettuce and potato patches and the broccoli. “That crosspath, it just keeps getting bigger and wider,” he said. Last year the river crested at nearly 29 feet on Aug. 15 and covered parts of his fields in 10 feet of water, he said.

“Even when the river went down, it’s too late to s t a r t a f a r m a l l o ve r again,” he said. “By the time you dry out, you wouldn’t be planting stuff until the beginning of September.” Far mers plan crops months in advance. So the prospect of making corrections this late in the game is mostly dissolved. “You remain optimistic a n d yo u ke e p t e l l i n g yourself that this cycle has to change,” Pallman said. Farmers saw a break in

This healthy strawberry blossom will become a strawberry at Pallmans Farm in Clarks Summit. Brian Pallman, coowner of Pallman Farms, said the farm has 8 acres in production, but should have at least 12 acres in production.

the rain last week, but meteorologists call for more offand-on rain in the coming days. If it persists through the summer and fall, growers, Pallman included, might consider changing course when planning next year’s harvest. “As we sit here right now, there’s no turning back,” he said. “You bought the plants, but if you can’t use them you’ re just discarding them.” Contact the writer: joconnell@timesshamrock.com 570-348-9131, @jon_oc

JAKE DANNA STEVENS / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

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Cyber-attack investigated at county courthouse The attack was limited to the courthouse servers. BY ERIC MARK STAFF WRITER

“At first, he was iffy, but then he started to study the market and said, ‘Wow. I think you’re really on to something,’” Everetts said. Among the benefits of CBD, Everetts said it could be used for pain management and to treat a wide variety of disorders including epilepsy, migraine headaches, anxiety and depression. He hopes it also could help children with cancer. At first, he said he was hesitant about introducing his idea at Wilkes University since CBD is derived from marijuana plants. It was not yet that prevalent in the area and was a “big gray area,” he said.

WILKES-BARRE — A cyber-attack has forced Luzerne County officials to shut down some of the computers at the county courthouse. Information technology workers are examining all servers and computer stations at the courthouse, according to David Parsnik, county director of administrative services. “We are going through every computer to make sure there are no viruses,” Parsnik said Wednesday. The public should not hesitate to conduct county-related business while that investigation continues, he said. Some county offices may provide paper receipts or take other measures as part of contingency plans for dealing with a lack of computer access, Parsnik said. The cyber-attack was discovered Saturday by the county’s computer security monitoring service, which indicated a virus infected some computers, according to Parsnik. County officials immediately took measures to limit the damage, shutting down much of the courthouse computer network until it could be examined by IT professionals, Parsnik said. The attack was limited to the courthouse servers and does not impact computer systems elsewhere in the county, he said. It appears no personal or sensitive information was compromised, but officials “are still assessing that” as they investigate, Parsnik said. The attack likely stemmed from someone opening an email attachment that contained a virus, according to Parsnik. “I can’t prove it, but most of the time when you get these things inside the system it’s because someone did something they shouldn’t have,” he said.

Please see ICE, Page A5

Please see ATTACK, Page A4

MARK MORAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Wilkes University graduate Troy Everetts came up with an idea to blend hemp-derived Cannabidiol with Italian ice.

FROZEN CREATION BY DENISE ALLABAUGH STAFF WRITER

WILKES-BARRE — While he was a student at Wilkes University, Troy Everetts was assigned a task in 2017 to launch his own business. Everetts, 24, who is the son of Al Everetts, owner of Josie’s Italian Ice in Kingston and Scranton, came up with an idea to blend hemp-derived Cannabidiol with Italian ice. CBD oil, which has recently become all the rage throughout Northeast Pennsylvania, is extracted from cannabis plants but it does not produce the high that the chemical tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, causes. Everetts learned more about CBD right after he turned 21 and

Father, son team up to infuse Italian ice with CBD

MARK MORAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

The CBD-infused Italitan ice comes in three flavors: lemon, cherry and mango. he and his girlfriend and now wife visited Colorado. They went to a marijuana store and he said it was “crazy busy” and filled with a line of people. CBD was being sold in chocolate bars and gummies but he

noticed there were no frozen products. Since his father has 25 years experience in the Italian ice industry, Everetts said he decided to tell him about his idea to infuse Italian ice with CBD.

RUSSIA PROBE

Mueller declares report did not exonerate Trump Statement fuels calls for Trump impeachment

Robert Mueller’s remarks stood as a rebuttal to Trump’s repeated claims that he was cleared.

BY LISA MASCARO AND MARY CLARE JALONICK ASSOCIATED PRESS

BY ERIC TUCKER, MICHAEL BALSAMO AND CHAD DAY ASSOCIATED PRESS

WASHINGTON — Special counsel Robert Mueller said Wednesday that charging President Donald Trump with a crime was “not an option” because of federal rules, but he used his first public remarks on the Russia investigation to emphasize that he did not exonerate the president. “If we had had confidence that the president clearly did not commit a crime, we would have said so,” Mueller declared. The special counsel’s remarks stood as a pointed rebuttal to Trump’s repeated claims that he was cleared and that the twoyear inquiry was merely a

CAROLYN KASTER / ASSOCIATED PRESS

Special counsel Robert Muller speaks at the Department of Justice Wednesday in Washington about the Russia investigation. “witch hunt.” They also marked a counter to criticism, including by Attorney General William Barr, that Mueller should have reached a determination on whether the president illegally tried to obstruct the probe by taking

actions such as firing his FBI director. Mueller made clear that his team never considered indicting Trump because the Justice Department prohibits the prosecution of a sitting president. “Charging the president

with a crime was therefore not an option we could consider,” Mueller said during a televised statement. He said he believed such an action would be unconstitutional. Please see REPORT, Page A5

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WASHINGTON — Special counsel Robert Mueller’s first — and possibly last — public statement on the Russia investigation is fueling fresh calls on Capitol Hill to begin impeachment proceedings against President Donald Trump, a step that Democratic leaders have so far resisted. Surprising Washington with brief remarks Wednesday, Mueller indicated it’s up to Congress to decide what to do with his findings. The special counsel reiterated that, bound by Justice Department policy, charging a sitting president with a crime was “not an option.” But he also stressed he could n o t e xo n e r at e T r u m p. Instead, he cited that same

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Ohio, Kansas clean up from severe storms. Page a10

policy to say, “The Constitution requires a process other than the criminal justice system.” With Mueller closing his office and not expected to comment further, it all amounted, for some, to an open invitation for Congress to launch impeachment proceedings. “He’s asking us to do what he wasn’t allowed to — hold the president accountable,” said Rep. Val Demings, D-Fla., a member of the House Judiciary Committee, the panel with impeachment power. “We have one remaining path to ensure justice is served,” said Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey, a Democratic presidential candidate. Please see TRUMP, Page A5

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St. Jude Parish International Fest to kick off start of June We’ve got the details on bazaars, fairs and festivals in Northeast Pennsylvania this summer: St. Jude Parish International Fest, June 1, 4 to 11 p.m.; June 2, noon to 9 p.m.; parish grounds, 420 S. Mountain Blvd., Mountain Top. International food from around the world including homemade pierogi, potato pancakes, fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, tacos, empanadas, desserts and more; $5,000 cash prize raffle. Entertainment: Chester Avenue, Saturday; local dance studios, Sunday. Divine Mercy Parish Picnic, June 6-8; 312 Davis St., Scranton. Food, games and prizes. Raffle, food, games and prizes. Entertainment: Thursday, Take 3; Friday, Strangers; Saturday, The Mix. Edwardsville Pierogi Festival, June 7, noon to 10 p.m.; June 8, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; John Hopkins Memorial Park, High Street, Edwardsville. Food, vendors, games, kids’ zone and more. Parade, Saturday, 11 a.m. Cookoff contest, Saturday, 2 p.m. Entertainment: Friday, The Frost Duo, noon; George Rittenhouse, 1:45 p.m.; John Stevens Polka Band, 4 p.m.; The Sperazza Band, 8 p.m. Saturday, Nonstop Duo, 10 a.m.; The Swing Masters, noon; Flirting with Yesterday, 5 p.m.; Flaxy Morgan, 8 p.m. Visit edwpierogi. com or Edwardsville Pierogi Festival on Facebook. McAdoo Fire Co. Annual Bazaar, June 13-14, 4 p.m.; June 15, noon; 34 S. Kennedy Drive, McAdoo. Entertainment: Thursday, Pair of Nuts,

these

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Don’t see your event? Email it to nepabazaars@citizensvoice. com. The listing will be updated with new events through bazaar season. Visit citizensvoice.com/ bazaars and facebook. com/nepabazaars for the complete list.

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Ave., Williamsport. Firwood United Methodist Church 4 TIMES Annual Festival, June 19-20, 6 to 9 EACH RECEIVES p.m.; June 21, 6 to 10 p.m.; 399 Old $ 00 River Road, Wilkes-Barre. Games, silent auction, food and more. 12 TIMES Salem Twp. Beach Haven EACH RECEIVES Carnival, June 19-22; 1316 Salem ¢ Blvd., Beach Haven. Fireworks, Friday. Food and entertainment. 200 TIMES Corpus Christi Parish Annual Bazaar, June 20-21, 6 to 10 p.m.; 6 p.m.; Friday, North of 40, 7 to 10 p.m.; Saturday, Just Us Polka Band, 1 June 22, 5 to 10 p.m.; Immacuto 4 p.m.; Toolshed Jack, 7 to 11 p.m. late Conception Church grounds, 601 Luzerne Ave., West Pittston. Fire truck parade, Friday, 7 p.m. Games, flea market, basket raffle, Wright Twp. Volunteer Fire children’s games, bingo and more. Department Bazaar, June 14-15, Potato pancakes, pizza, tripe, 5 to 11 p.m.; June 16, 3 to 10 meatballs, pierogi, steamed clams, p.m.; St. Jude Church grounds, cannoli, beer, wine, soft drinks 420 S. Mountain Blvd., Mountain and more. New food this year Top. Food, games, basket, big ticket items and more. Visit wtvfd. includes homemade meatballs and hand-filled cannoli. Entertainment: com. Thursday, Flaxy Morgan; Friday, St. Lawrence Catholic Church Millennium; Saturday, Orange Parish Flea Market, June 14-15, Whip. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., 800 W. Central

$ 00

JaCqUELyn marTIn / aSSoCIaTED PrESS

White House press secretary sarah sanders, right, answers questions from members of the media outside the White House on Wednesday in Washington.

tRump: ‘No one is above the law’ From PagE a1

“It’s clear that the House must begin impeachment proceedings. No one is above the law.” But top Democrats, with almost no support from Republicans, are hesitant to go it alone on an impeachment inquiry that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has warned would be divisive for the nation. They prefer to continue the work of investigat-

Dr. Rodney Ridley, executive director of the Allan P. Kirby Center for Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, and Gerald Ephault, executive in residence at the Allan P. Kirby Center, however, welcomed Everetts’ idea with open arms as part of his work in a “Launch Your Business” class in the Jay S. Sidhu School of Business and Leadership at Wilkes University. Laura Solomon, a recent Wilkes University graduate and science scholar, assisted in Everetts’ project by creating a booklet filled with research and information about CBD. Ridley recalled that Everetts formerly came to class wearing shorts and flip flops. After turning in his business plan, he started wearing suits and ties and became a “business guy,” he said. “We believed in him,” Ridley said. “To me, the best part of the whole thing was meeting Al for the first time.” Al Everetts said Wilkes University officials mentored both of them. Since then, the father and son team have launched the business Mt. Everetts Frozen Creations. Starting June 7, they will sell 5-ounce cups of Italian ice which each contain 30 milligrams of CBD at a few locations including Josie’s Italian Ice at 115 S. Wyoming Ave., Kingston, and 1510 North Keyser Ave., Scranton; Hazle Drugs, 1 E. Broad St., Hazleton and Primal Glass smoke and vape shops in the Pine Mall at 695 Kidder St. in Wilkes-Barre. Primal Glass also plans to carry the products in its other locations in Bethlehem, Philadelphia and Springfield, Pa., as well as Hanover, New Jersey. The cost of each cup of CBDinfused ice is $5.95. The Everetts recently purchased the former Eskimo Pie building at 360 New Commerce Blvd. in the Hanover Industrial Park in Hanover Twp. and are turning it into a production facility and distribution center that will serve as the corporate headquarters for Mt. Everetts Frozen Creations. They plan

MAY 30JUNE 2

ence in New York stopped short of calling for an impeachment inquiry. “All options are on the table and nothing should be ruled out,” Nadler said Wednesday. Nadler’s committee is among six in the House that are conducting dozens of probes in the Democratic-controlled House into subjects such as Trump’s tax returns, the handling of the Russia probe and the running of government.

muELLER: Work was complete From PagE a1

Mueller did not use the word ‘impeachment,” but said it was the job of Congress — not the criminal justice system — to hold the was successful in starting a president accountable for business with his father. any wrongdoing. “The future of Northeast The special counsel’s statePennsylvania is going to be guys like this who are developing products that are made here and manufactured here that will stay here and grow here,” Ridley said. Ephault said he found BY KatHLEEn BoLus Everetts to be an entrepreSTaFF WrITEr neur with extensive energy who wanted to be successful. NEWTON TWP. — The Fortunately, he was able to National Weather Service work with his father who has declared a tornado ripped “extensive, relevant technol- through part of the Abingtons ogy knowledge and opera- Tuesday, ripping off roofs, tional business acumen,” he shattering windows and sendsaid. ing trees through buildings. “You put those two togethMeteorologist Mitchell er, and some support from Gaines from the National the center and the university, Weather Service said that an and you end up here. It was EF-1 tornado with wind dynamic,” Ephault said. speeds over 90 mph touched “Everyone thinks that entre- down in Newton Twp. He and preneurs are older people or other NWS officials also said a Bill Gates or someone else microburst — a downward but they are here. Everyone current of air within a thuncan be trained to be an entre- derstorm — with winds over preneur and that’s what we 75 mph hit Madison Twp. saw.” Gaines, from the BinghamWhile Northeast Pennsyl- ton, New York, office, spent vania has a large number of the day in Lackawanna Coundistribution centers, Ephault ty, examining how downed said the region needs more trees fell and speaking with corporate headquarters to residents before determining start here like Mt. Everetts what exactly happened just Frozen Creations soon will after 6 p.m. on Tuesday. in the Hanover Industrial National Weather Service Park. Meteorologist Lily Chapman “The more we could have took photos of the damage entrepreneurs like this with and entered them into a proa growth company with lots gram on her tablet, which figof jobs, lots of impact and ured out the path of the storm lots of revenue coming back and wind speeds. At 2:15 p.m. into the region with a corporate headquarters here, that’s really significant,” Ephault said. “Our regional network really pulled togeth- Mortgages ■ Edward L. Kovalski et al. er to help make this happen from mortgage Electronic with them as the leads. That registration Systems Inc. et al., just goes to show where we $212,759; Senate Drive, Wright could go with this area.” Twp.

icE: Offered in three flavors From PagE a1

ing the president and building, as Pelosi said Wednesday, a case that’s “very compelling to the American people.” “We are legislating, we’re investigating and we are litigating,” Pelosi said at an event in San Francisco. “Nothing is off the table,” she said. “We want to do what is right and what gets results.” Staying the course, Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., the chairman of the Judiciary Committee, at a news confer-

to open in the fall and hire about eight people to start. They initially will sell CBD-infused ice in three flavors: lemon, cherry and mango and in the future, they plan to add more flavors. In November last year, the father and son team went to the MJBizCon marijuana conference in Las Vegas to serve their products for the first time. They attracted the longest lines there of about 1,000 vendors and caught the attention of the editor in chief of Green Entrepreneur magazine Jonathan Small, who profiled them in an article about how they infused their family business with cannabis. “We were the only ones doing what we were doing,” Al Everetts said. “We blew everybody away.” After that, they started getting calls about the products from people from all over the country. They expect to continue to grow going forward and sell the products in more shops throughout the country. At first, Troy Everetts said people thought “we were out of our minds” by trying to infuse CBD oil into a waterbased product but his father figured it out. Al Everetts said the products’ packaging with childproof lids and spoons under the lids make them unique. He said they found a niche in the market by adding CBD to frozen products. “We’re ready to roll with this,” he said. “The process was a little bit different that your traditional Italian ices at Josie’s. There’s a lot that goes into the process to get the CBD into that product. There was a lot of research ■ Thomas Hischak et al. from and I had to get the right contact the writer: equipment to make it easier dallabaugh@citizensvoice.com mortgage Electronic registration Systems Inc. et al., $157,950; for me. We’re in a small back 570-821-2115, @CVallabaugh Vista Drive, rice Twp. room kitchen and for us to get production going, we had CABINETRY AND STONE to get better equipment so that’s what we did.” Ridley and Ephault now tell Everetts’ story as an example of an student who

ment largely echoed the central points of his 448-page report, which was released l as t m o nt h w i th s o m e redactions. But his remarks, just under 10 minutes long and delivered from a Justice Department podium, were extraordinary given that he had nev-

er before discussed or characterized his findings and had stayed mute during two years of feverish public speculation. Mueller, a former FBI director, said Wednesday that his work was complete and he was resigning to return to private life.

EF-1 tornado touched down Tuesday in Lackawanna County toRnaDo saFEtY ■ Safest place to be is an underground shelter, basement or safe room. Cover your head with your arms, a mattress, or heavy blanket. ■ If no underground shelter is available, a small, windowless interior room or hallway on the lowest level of a sturdy building is the safest alternative. ■ Stay away from windows. ■ get out of large auditoriums or large warehouses. ■ mobile homes are not safe during tornadoes or severe winds (nearly 40 percent of all tornado-related deaths come from residents of mobile homes). Do not seek shelter in a hallway or bathroom of a mobile home. If you have access to a sturdy shelter or a vehicle, abandon your mobile home immediately. ■ If you are caught outdoors, seek shelter in a basement, shelter, or sturdy building. If you cannot, quickly walk to a shelter: ■ Immediately get into a vehicle, buckle your seat belt and try to drive to the closest sturdy shelter. ■ If flying debris occurs while your are driving, pull over and park. ■ as a last resort: Stay in the car with the seat belt on. Put your head down below the windows, covering with your hands or a blanket if possible. — NatioNal Weather Service

Wednesday, Gaines made his final determination. He said the Northeast region typically gets hit with one EF-0 to EF-1 tornado yearly. However, warm to hot air from the southwestern part of

■ mark E. morris et al. from ESSa Bank, & Trust, $701,487; Kasko road, Jackson Twp. ■ anita m. moore et al. from mortgage Electronic registration Systems Inc. et al., $78,341; roosevelt Street, Edwardsville. ■ Joseph P. morris et al. from UFCW Federal Credit Union,

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the country clashing with cold air from the west in Pennsylvania is causing unusual weather patterns, he said.

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homestandhighlights May 30• Thirsty Thursday w/ $1 Bud Light drafts and Pepsi products courtesy May 31• Red Barons Weekend- Replica Jersey Giveaway Marc Bombard Jersey Retirement Ceremony June 1 • Red Barons Weekend- 4:05 P.M. First Pitch; Chase Utley All-Time SWB Team Bobblehead Giveaway courtesy & June 2 • 1:05 P.M. First Pitch; Family FUNday presented by Pregame Autograph Session thanks to Knoebels Kids Eat Free courtesy Jersey Mike’s Subs & Kids Run the Bases

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Nine ways to save on your air-conditioning costs. Page C1

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‘THIS IS JUST A USELESS KILLING’ Fatal alcohol-related crashes are on the decline in NEPA; still a major concern. BY JOSEPH KOHUT STAFF WRITER

Richard “Rikki” Cummings made a decision while traveling west on the Casey Highway that cost him his life. He helped a stranger. The 30-year-old West Scranton man was one of eight people killed by drunk drivers in seven deadly crashes on a roughly six-mile stretch of Route 6, known locally as the Casey HighCUMMINGS w a y, b e t w e e n Archbald and Carbondale Twp., from 2007 through 2017, an analysis of the state Department of Transportation data found.

Uncovering

DeaDliest roaDs

A joint investigation into their impact in NEPA. Cummings was helping a man change a tire on the side of the Casey Highway in Mayfield in October 2013, when a drunk driver hit and killed him. “He stopped to help everyone,” his mother, Cindy Slevenski said. “When it first happened...not to sound cruel, we hoped that the person had a heart attack or a stroke so there’s more of a reason. This is just a useless killing.” Of the 1,200 fatal crashes on state roads in Northeast Pennsyl-

vania during the time frame, 444 of them involved alcohol, with 488 people killed. Other stretches of road in Luzerne, Lackawanna, Monroe, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming counties that had four or more alcohol-related fatal crashes within a six-mile parameter are: THE CITIZENS’ VOICE FILE ■ Route 309 from Fairview Twp. to Wilkes-Barre Twp., Luzerne Pennsylvania State Police and Wilkes-Barre police reconstruct the area of a fatal hit and run that killed Kevin Miller on North County — five crashes, five dead. Please see ALCOHOL, Page A4

Street in Wilkes-Barre in December 2012. The death of 5-year-old Miller prompted significant changes to state DUI law.

Wolf, top lawmakers working on budget plan The spending package is expected to pass before the state’s new fiscal year starts July 1. BY MARC LEVY ASSOCIATED PRESS

Yet, Subaru officials caution drivers with newer vehicles in their owners’ manuals not to use gasoline that contains more than 10 percent ethanol. Bobby Murray, service manager for Minooka Subaru in Moosic, said E15 could damage fuel injectors and seals. Subaru also doesn’t cover E15 under warranty. Dan DelBalso, co-owner of Pat & Dan’s DelBalso Ford in Kingston, doesn’t recommend using E15 in newer Ford vehicles. If they are flexible-fuel vehicles, however, it is OK, he said. Other automakers, including BMW, Mercedes, Mazda, Mitsubishi and Volvo, have vehicle models not approved for E15 since it can harm engines and d r ive r s a re e n c o u r a g e d t o check their owners’ manuals.

HARRISBURG — With strong tax collections oiling the gears, Gov. Tom Wolf and leaders of the Republican-controlled Legislature are working under the hood of a new spending plan as they head into the final weeks of voting sessions before lawmakers break for summer. F ront and center is an approximately $34 billion budWOLF g e t p a ck a g e that is expected to pass before Pennsylvania’s new fiscal year starts July 1. Top Republican lawmakers are steering much of the work right now on hundreds of pages of budget-related legislation b e h i n d cl o s e d d o o r s. A strengthening revenue projection for next year is easing some of the strain of assembling a budget, although there’s never a shortage of demands on the state’s cash. Meanwhile, the Democratic governor is pressing Republicans to take up at least a couple of his top agenda items before they leave the Capitol until September.

Please see FUEL, Page A11

Please see BUDGET, Page A12

SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Don LaBar, owner of Caddie Labar’s, said E15 can impact gas lines, carburetors and fuel systems.

MIXED FUEL REACTIONS

E15 gasoline blend is good for farmers; bad for engines.

Gas pumps that include E15 will be marked with a small Don LaBar, head of the ser- orange label.

BY DENISE ALLABAUGH STAFF WRITER

Reactions are mixed to the Trump administration’s Environmental Protection Agency lifting a summertime ban of E15, a gasoline blend made of 15 percent ethanol. Corn and soybean farmers praise the action while officials in the boating industry criticize it, saying gasoline with 15 percent ethanol will damage marine engines.

vice shop’s marine and boat division at Caddie Labar’s boat dealer in Dallas, called E15 “junk” and said it can impact gas lines, carburetors and fuel systems and cause rubber to break down. “Boats have gas line hoses which are rubber. That’s the big thing. What it also does is it actually sucks moisture right out of the air and puts it in the gas tank of the boat. Most gas

tanks of boats are ventilated,” he said. “Mr. Trump promised the farmers and the farmers are trying to make money. I have to support him but I don’t like it.” A spokesperson for the U.S. E nv i ro n m e n t a l P ro t e c t i o n Agency said E15 can be used in flexible-fuel vehicles, model year 2001 and newer cars and light-duty trucks.

Sex abuse crisis the focus as US Catholic bishops convene Insiders voice doubts that the bishops are capable of handling the crisis on their own. BY DAVID CRARY ASSOCIATED PRESS

As the Roman Catholic church’s sex abuse scandal grows ever wider in scope in the U.S., bishops convene for

a national meeting in Baltimore on Tuesday under heavy pressure to acknowledge their oversight failures and give a larger role to lay Catholics and secular authorities in confronting the crisis. The pressure comes not only from longtime critics of the church’s response to clergy sex abuse, but also from insiders who now voice

doubts that the bishops are capable of handling the crisis on their own. Among them is Francesco Cesareo, chairman of a national sexabuse review board set up by the bishops. “My biggest concern is that it’s going to end up being bishops overseeing bishops,” Cesareo told Catholic News Service, the news agency of the U.S. bishops’ conference.

“If that’s the case, it’s going to be very difficult for the laity to feel any sense of confidence that anything has truly changed.” Sex-abuse scandals have beset the Catholic church worldwide for decades, but events of the past year have JAE C. HONG / ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE created unprecedented challenges for the U.S. bishops. An advocate and survivor of sexual abuse looks at the Please see BISHOPS, Page A4

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Obituaries / NeWs

MONDAY, JUNE 10, 2019

June 5, 2019

FRom PAgE A1

Twp.; Michael Stoodley and his wife, Sara Beth, Kingston; daughter, Jaclyn Mendygral and her husband, Joe, Hanover Twp.; grandchildren, Kaitlyn Stoodley, Amber Stoodley, Matthew Stoodley, Christopher Stoodley, Bailey Stoodley, Abigail Mendygral, Lindsey Mendygral, Joey Mendygral and Emma Stoodley; brother, Mark Volinski; numerous nieces and nephews; and her beloved golden retriever, Clark. Memorial visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at George A. Strish Inc. Funeral Home, 105 N. Main St., Ashley. A prayer service will be held at the funeral home at 6:30 p.m. officiated by the Rev. Carol Coleman. The family would like to thank Dr. Solomon, Dr. Saidman and the entire staff at Medical Oncology and Birchwood Nursing & Rehab Center for their care and compassion during her illness. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Robert J. Cronauer June 8, 2019

Robert J. Cronauer, 88, of Waymart, formerly of Wilkes-Barre, passed away Saturday, June 8, 2019, at his home. He was born in WilkesBarre, a son of the late Clarence and Mildred Miller Cronauer. Robert was a 1949 graduate of St. Nicholas High School. He was a master electrician and he was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 163 for 71 years. Robert for merly taught night class at the West Side Vocational Technical School. Prior to his retirement, he served as a Pennsylvania State Electrical Inspector. Robert was a member of St. Mary’s Church, Waymart. He was a former member of St. Andrew’s Parish, WilkesBarre. He was also a member of the Catholic Knights of St. George Branch 75. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marie Loughnane Cronauer, in 2014. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Clarence Cronauer. Robert is survived by his children, Molly Griffiths, Waymart; Robert Cronauer and his wife, Tina, Warrior Run; and Libby Rush and her husband, Stanton, Waymart; grandchildren, Ryan and Connor Griffiths, Leah Cronauer and Jamie O’Neill and Stanton, Elise and Carson Rush; brother, Raymond Cronauer, WilkesBarre; sister, Mary Delong

THE CITIZENS' VOICE A11

FueL: Some stations sell ethanol-free gas

Laurie Ann Stoodley Laurie Ann Stoodley, 62, of Hanover Twp., passed away Wednesday, June 5, 2019, after a courageous battle with cancer, with her loving husband at her side. She was born in Newark, N.J., on Aug. 21, 1956, the daughter of the late Theodore T. and Meta Springmann Volinski. She was a 1974 graduate of Hanover Area High School and was also a graduate of the WilkesBarre Vocational School of Nursing. She was employed as a CNA and later as an LPN for 30 years. Laurie was an excellent nurse and her patients loved her. Laurie was most proud of her three children and her nine grandchildren. She was eagerly anticipating the birth of her tenth grandchild in November. Gram and Pop’s house was the place that the whole family could meet at any time of the day or night. Grandma hosted every holiday, Sunday brunches, cookouts and pool parties. Coffee at mom’s house was the best. She always put others first. She never hesitated to help any of her grandchildren. She was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She was taken from us much too soon. Life will never be the same without her as her passing has left a hole in all of our hearts. She will be greatly missed. She was preceded in death by her sister, Barbara Mihalchick; and two brothers, Thomas (Vink) and Teddy Volinski; niece, Aubree Volinski. Surviving are her loving husband of 45 years, Frank Stoodley, at home; sons, Frank Stoodley Jr., Hanover

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and her husband, John, Center Valley; brother-inlaw, Butch Loughnane and his wife, Mary Lou, Hanover Twp.; and sisterin-law, Dolores Loughnane, Warrior Run; nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday from Nat & Gawlas Funeral Home, 89 Park Ave., WilkesBarre, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. in St. Andrew Parish, 316 Parrish St., Wilkes-Barre. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hanover Twp. Friends may call from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Robert’s memory to St. Joseph’s Indian School, P.O. Box 326, Chamberlain, SD 57326, stjo. org. Condolences may be sent by visiting Robert’s obituary and www.natandgawlas.com.

E15 should not be used in boats as well as vehicles with heavy-duty engines such as school buses, transit buses and delivery trucks, on-highway and n o n - ro a d m o t o rcycl e s, snowmobiles, engines in equipment such as lawnmowers and chainsaws as well as model year 2000 and older cars, light-duty trucks and medium-duty passeng e r ve h i cl e s, t h e E PA spokesperson said. The new rule from the Trump administration and EPA will allow some gas stations to sell blends containing up to 15 percent ethanol year-round. It ends a summertime ban that form e r P re s i d e n t B a r a ck Obama’s Environmental Protection Agency imposed in 2011. Some Sheetz stores in Northeast Pennsylvania, including locations in on Route 93 in Sugarloaf Twp., West Front Street in Berwick and 500 Mount Pleasant Drive, Scranton, have E10 and E15 available. LaBar said he thinks only a few places will see the gasoline blend made of 15 percent ethanol yearround. “The farmers can’t produce that much fuel, not the way we use gas in America,” he said. Some authorized gas stations, including Newell Fuel at 1355 Memorial Highway in Shavertown, Blue Ridge Travel Plaza in Mountain Top and Wawa on State Route 940 in White Haven, sell ethanol-free gasoline. Higher ethanol blends tend to be slightly cheaper than the standard 10-percent gasoline. Today, 97 percent of the country’s fuel mix contains about 10 percent ethanol and John-Michael Donahue, spokesman for the National Marine Manufacturers Association, said he is concerned that the availability of E15 will continue to spread. In addition to damaging marine engines, he said E15 is prohibited by federal law to be used in small engines in lawn mowers, chainsaws and other power equipment. Gas pumps that include

STEPhAn SAVoIA / ASSoCIATEd PRESS FIlE

A customers prepares to pump gas at a station in Pembroke, Mass., in 2015. Some gas stations will be allowed to sell blends containing up to 15% ethanol year-round. E15 are marked with a very small orange label which Donahue said is not enough to protect consumers from misuse. He is concerned when people fill up at gas stations during summer boating season, a rising number of them will use the wrong fuel that contains the blend with 15% ethanol. The National Marine Manufacturers Association has repeatedly voiced opposition to the EPA’s proposal leading up to the action on E15, calling it a direct threat to consumer safety. Thom Dammrich, president of the National Marine Manufacturers Association, said for more than a year, the recreational boating industry and other stakeholders have been “working hard to convey the harmful effects of E15 and dissuade the administration from moving forward with this now official rule.” “Our industry remains steadfastly opposed to this policy given a simple set of facts: E15 destroys engines in a wide range of everyday consumer products, contains less energy content than gasoline and other biofuel alternatives, and is terrible for the environment — all of which are reasons the summer sale ban on E15 was implemented in the first place,” Dammrich said in a statement. Dammrich added that the absence of better consumer education and protection efforts in the new rule further jeopardizes the safety of boaters and others who use small g as-powered engines.

More than 60 percent of Americans mistakenly assume that any gas sold at their local station is safe for all their products and nearly nine in 10 say the government should do more to protect consumers from “misfueling” with E15, he said. “With hard-to-read, often hidden warning labels serving as the only misfueling prevention measure currently in place, it’s hard to f a t h o m w hy t h e E PA r e b u f f e d eve n m o d e s t reforms to at the pump safeguards,” Dammrich said. By lifting the restrictions on the sale of higher ethanol blends of gasoline, Trump kept a campaign promise he made to farmers suffering from the trade war from China and his decision to impose tariffs. Ethanol is made from corn and other crops and the action on E15 was hailed as win for farmers. Gary Moyer Sr., who owns 130 acres of farmland in Hollenback Twp. where he grows corn and soybeans and raises beef cattle, said he is sure the final rule on E15 will have a positive impact on farmers and they could see an increase in what they are paid for corn. The Trump administration also recently announced the federal government will spend an additional $16 billion to help farmers hurt by the trade war with China. Moyer, who ships some of his corn outside of Mifflinville, said he has already seen some extra money this year and “every little bit helps.” Keith Hilliard, president

Contact the writer: dallabaugh@citizensvoice.com 570-821-2115, @CVAllabaugh

Walker named new pastor at Scranton church bY FraNK WiLKes LesNeFsKY STAFF WRITER

Whether it’s reaching out to the impoverished, the homeless or at-risk youths, t h e R e v. Shawn Walker wants to help Shiloh B ap t i s t Church find its niche. “ T h i s WaLKer church is very hungry for change and relevancy,” the church’s new pastor said, explaining he wants to “make an impact on the community.” Walker, 43, was installed as the Scranton church’s new pastor Sunday. He said preaching at Shiloh feels like a homecoming, since he spent nearly 20 years preaching on and off at the church at 1936 Wayne Ave. While filling in for the

church’s interim pastor, the Rev. Earl C. Johnson, D. Min., Walker learned that Shiloh was searching for a new pastor. “Life presents itself and opportunities present themselves when you’re not really looking,” Walker said, explaining he wasn’t looking for a new pastoral position, but it just felt right. “One thing led to another, and here we are.” Walker previously pastored the First Baptist Church of Wilkes-Barre from 2003 to 2014, and he spent the past four years as the pastor at Dr. Edwards Memorial Congregational Church in Edwardsville. Describing himself as excitable and “a little bit louder than maybe most,” it “comes from passion and excitement for the word of God,” he said. He knows how it trans-

formed his life, and he hopes “that it catches fire inside someone else,” he said. A married father of three, Walker is the regional business development manager for LightSource Unlimited, a Wilkes-Barre Area School Board member, and has been a youth and junior high basketball coach for nearly two decades. As he moves into his new position, Walker wants to build on the foundation laid by his predecessor. After spending two years as Shiloh’s pastor, Johnson said he is leaving the church in good hands. The American Baptist Churches’ Interim Ministries program sent Johnson to Shiloh Baptist in early 2017. “I just came in to help them along in their pastoral search, and in doing so, I worked to supervise leader-

Creek; Christine Perkoski, Dallas; Judy Kittle, Nanticoke; Gary Naugle, Shavertown; Cubby Naugle and wife, Darlene, Pikes Creek; and Brian Naugle and wife, Estella, Sweet Valley; 17 g randchildren and 13 g reat-g randchildren, to whom she was a loving “Nana;” sister, Beverly Rebert and husband, Ken; nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday from Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home Inc., state Routes 29 and 118, Pikes

Contact the writer: flesnefsky@timesshamrock. com; 570-348-9100 x5181

June 9, 2019

June 8, 2019

United Methodist Church. Gloris was known for her fun sense of humor and smile. She was an avid gardener, hosted picnics and reunions for loved ones and she also enjoyed spending winters in Florida with her late husband, Lloyd. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd; son, Bradley; grandson, Tommy Kittle; and brothers, Burton Jr. and Robert Steltz. Surviving are six children, Brenda Naugle, Bear

ship training,” Johnson said, explaining he also worked to grow the congregation both physically and spiritually. Additionally, he worked with community outreach in the church and to develop a more multicultural ministry. Although on paper the congregation had 75 members when he took over, there were only about 20 to 25 people attending services, Johnson said. Now, that number is anywhere from 50 to 75, and under Walker’s leadership, he expects it to grow to 100 in the coming years. “His teachings are top notch,” Johnson said of Walker, calling them forward thinking and addressing the issues of the day. “Whatever he preaches, they can go out the door and apply (it) to their lives.”

Stanley J. Stoy

Gloris Lee Ellen Naugle Gloris Lee Ellen Naugle, 86, of Pikes Creek, passed away Saturday, June 8, 2019, surrounded by her loving family. She was the daughter of the late Burton Sr. and Jennie Steltz. Gloris was a devoted wife and mother. She sold Dutchmaid clothing and Avon. She was also an active member of the Sweet Valley community and served as a poll worker and judge of elections. She frequently attended both Roaring Brook Baptist Church and Maple Grove

of the Luzer ne County Farm Bureau who grows corn, soybeans, potatoes, wheat and hay on 1,200 acres of farmland in Sugarloaf Twp., said while the new rule could be a win for farmers because they could be paid more money for corn, he is not yet sure of the impact. “We could see a little bit more money but I don’t know how much,” Hilliard said. “I’m kind of glad to see that we’re trying to be more self-sufficient as a country.” In a statement, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue said he appreciates President Trump’s “steadfast support for our patriotic farmers and for his commitment to expand the sale of E15 and unleash the full potential of American innovation and ingenuity as we continue to demonstrate our rightful place as the world’s leader in agricultural and energy production.” “This move to approve the year-round use of E15 in time for the summer driving season provides consumers with more choices when they fill up at the pump, driving demand for our far mers and i m p r ov i n g t h e a i r we breathe,” Perdue said in the s t at e m e n t . “ W h i l e t h e Trump administration and USDA are expanding the ethanol market in the United States, we continue to fight for more export markets in Brazil, Mexico, China, and other countries across the globe.”

Creek, with the Rev. Dan Brubaker, pastor, officiating. Interment will follow in Maple Grove Cemetery. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 57 N. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701 or to a community foundation of the donor’s choosing. Please visit clswansonfuneralhome.com to place condolences.

Stanley J. Stoy, 82, of Alden section of Newport Twp., passed away Sunday, June 9, 2019, at Birchwood Healthcare Center, Nanticoke. Funeral arrangements are in the care of Davis-Dinelli Funeral Home, Nanticoke, and will be announced.

Obituary email The email address for The Citizens’ Voice obituaries and photos is obits@ citizensvoice.com. Please include the word “obituary” in the subject line of emails.

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tHE CItIzEns’ VOICE

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Business SUNDA Y , SE P T E MBE R 1, 2019

Business Buzz Fidelity Bank receives ranking For the second year in a row, Forbes Magazine has rated Fidelity Bank one of the top three banks in Pennsylvania and one of the Best In-State Banks in 2019. In collaboration with the analytics ﬁrm Statista, more than 25,500 study participants were asked to rate banks in Pennsylvania on various criteria including customers satisfaction, level of trust, quality of digital services and other factors. Only the top 2.8% of all U.S. banks made the ranking.

Program expanded at city hospitals MDsave and Commonwealth Health’s Moses Taylor Hospital and Regional Hospital of Scranton are working together to help local residents without insurance or with high deductible health plans save money and better manage their health care imaging needs. Through MDsave, patients at both Moses Taylor Hospital and Regional Hospital of Scranton can save up to 60 percent on some procedures, including MRIs, X-rays and CT scans, through transparent pricing, educational resources and simple appointment booking. In addition to the Scranton hospitals, Commonwealth Health offers MDsave at Berwick Hospital Center and Wilkes-Barre General Hospital.

Firm to participate in world trade fair Golden Technologies will be a ﬁrst-time exhibitor at the world’s leading international trade fair for rehabilitation, prevention, inclusion and care. REHACARE 2019 will be held in Düsseldorf, Germany, from Sept. 18-21, featuring the latest technologies and products in the Home Medical Equipment industry. Shachar Hillel, Golden’s vice president of international business development, leads the company’s involvement at REHACARE.

University makes magazine’s list The University of Scranton ranked among the nation’s best values for a college education based on educational quality, affordability and alumni success, according to a 2019 ranking by Money magazine published in August. Money ranked Scranton at No. 296 among its selection of the 744 “best performing colleges” in America. Money based its ranking on its analysis of 26 data factors. The factors Money analyzed to determine a college’s “academic quality” included the six-year graduation rate, the standardized test scores of incoming freshmen, the student-faculty ratio and the graduation rate of Pell Grant recipients, among other factors. The analysis also included “value” assessments that looked at a school’s predicted graduation rates based on the academic and economic proﬁle of its student body versus its actual graduation rates.

Health system recognized Geisinger announced its designation as a Radiology Center of Excellence by Covera Health — a leading clinical analytics company that cultivates high-performance provider networks. With this designation, Geisinger joins Covera Health’s nationwide Centers of Excellence program, which integrates with selffunded insurers’ existing health networks to seamlessly connect community members to local radiology providers who have proven to deliver the most accurate diagnoses. Geisinger is also a member of Please see BUZZ, Page A17

SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Co-owner Denise Ogurkis throws a hatchet during the Hatchet Factory’s recent grand opening on Welles Street in Forty Fort.

UNBURY THE HATCHET

Ax throwing craze lands in NEPA

By Denise AllABAUgH STAFF WRITER

Move over darts, bowling and pool. An old sport is popular again. Ax throwing is the latest craze and in response, Denise Ogurkis of Harveys Lake and Nick and Nicole Smith recently opened a new business called the Hatchet Factory at 125 Welles St., Forty Fort. The Hatchet Factory, the first ax throwing venue in the area, has six throwing lanes and 13 boards. Each participant is allowed five warm-up throws and then each gets 10 throws per game. Their scores are based on where they stick the axes on the targets. “It’s a different type of business,” Ogurkis said. “There’s camaraderie. It brings people together. Everybody loves a little competition whether you’re rolling a ball or throwing an ax.” Ogurkis, who also sells essential oils, said throwing axes also is great for therapy. “You could get a little aggressive and throw the ax as hard as you want and there’s nothing better than that release,” she said. “For therapy, you could pretend that’s a target or you could pretend that’s your boss or that’s your ex or your current spouse. You could just get up there and have fun with it.” Ogurkis talked about opening an ax throwing business while she was in Twin Falls, Idaho, earlier this year doing her final training for a non-profit organization she brought to Luzerne County called Sleep in Heavenly Peace, that consists of volunteers building beds for children

SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Hatchets are stored into a piece of a wood at the Hatchet Factory. and families in need. She told the founder of Sleep in Heavenly Peace that she wanted to open an ax throwing facility and he and his wife also were opening the same kind of business. She said she learned that the ax throwing craze “has swept the nation.” After doing some market research, she also learned there was no ax throwing facility in the area. When she told her friend Nicole Smith about her idea to open an ax throwing business, she was on board. The Hatchet Factory does not serve alcohol, but it is BYOB and people can only bring beer, wine and cider, Ogurkis said. Please see AX, Page A17

SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Targets are set up at the Hatchet Factory.

Bowling alley seeks strike with laser tag Idle Hours lanes adds attraction to offer more entertainment to customers. By Jon o’Connell STAFF WRITER

SCRANTON — Laser bowling, meet laser tag. A South Scranton bowling alley took a chomp out of space formerly used for bowling lanes to build a laser tag arena, all part of a shifting amusement industry in which customers expect more robust entertainment beyond knocking pins. The Minelli family started the Idle Hours empire in the JASON FARMER / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER late 1950s, and bowling largeScott Weiland, 10, takes aim at the base in the new ly remained the same for half a century. laser tag arena at Idle Hours South bowling alley.

The industry has changed over the last decade, with declining league membership, more casual night-out bowlers, and bowling alleys adding other high-end attractions to keep guests coming back, even if they never lace up a pair of bowling shoes. The Minellis are wrapping up a $6.5 million-plus, yearslong renovation at their bowling alleys in Dickson City and South Scranton. They are following in bowling giant Brunswick’s footsteps by diversifying their attractions, co-owner

Mark Minelli said. At his family’s centers, sweeping renovations include VIP lanes in Dickson City with a bar and high-end food, including lobster and prime rib. Both locations have upgraded arcades and new redemption rooms with better prizes. Home-based and online video games still remain a threat to the experiential amusement industry, said Jeff McAfee, president of Classic Arcades Inc. in Wilkes-Barre. He sells pinball machines and replacement parts for mostly private buyers around the world. Please see lAseR, Page A17

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BUSINESS

SUNDA Y , SE P T E MBE R 1, 2019

T HE C IT IZE NS' V O IC E

People on the Move Commonwealth Health Leah Habersham, M.D., obstetrician and gynecologist, has joined the Physician Network and is a medical staff member of Wilkes-Barre General Hospital. Habersham is 2012 graduate from the Saba University School of Medicine, Netherlands-Antilles. She completed an obstetrics/gynecology residency as chief resident at the Brooklyn Hospital Center, Brooklyn, New York. She comes to Wilkes-Barre from St. Francis Hospital, Maryville, Missouri, where she formerly practiced as an attending physician in the department of obstetrics and gynecology since 2016.

Foley, Comerford & Cummins Daniel E. Cummins of the Scranton law ﬁrm recently presented a Civil Litigation Update CLE at the Pennsylvania Defense Institute’s annual meeting at the Bedford Springs Resort. The institute is a group of hundreds of insurance professionals and attorneys from all around Pennsylvania. Cummins provided the attendees with an update on important decisions and legal trends in Pennsylvania over the past year. Cummins, who has handled automobile accident cases for more than 20 years, also recently published an article in the Pennsylvania Law Weekly on

HABERSHAM Commonwealth Health

CUMMINS Foley, Comerford

EVANICK Geisinger Commonwealth

HAYWARD Maternal and Family

president for academic affairs. He is responsible for overseeing medical education at the medical school, Geisinger including curriculum renewal, Commonwealth assessment of student outSchool of Medicine comes and enhancing the alignment of medical school Joe Evanick, director of inlearning with the skills and structional design and discompetencies outlined by tance learning at the School the Accreditation Council for of Graduate Education, reGraduate Medical Education. cently delivered a presentaHe will also oversee medical tion at “OLC Innovate 2019,” student recruitment and ada conference for online missions. learning professionals that He served since 2009 as provided networking and opsenior associate dean for portunities to learn about medical education at the the latest advances and University of Vermont, rechallenges in online higher sponsible for its ofﬁces of education. curriculum, academic affairs, “Innovating in Medical Edustudent affairs and admiscation Through Microlearnsions. ing,” described GCSOM’s Rebecca Stoudt, DNP, application of microlearning Ph.D., CRNA, has been techniques in online coursnamed associate dean for es. Microlearning is a way nursing student education of teaching and delivering effective June 9. Working content to learners in small, closely with Geisinger nursvery speciﬁc bursts in a digiing leadership, Stoudt will tal environment, allowing be responsible for the colearners to control what and ordination, oversight and when they learn. management of the experiThe medical school also ences within the Geisinger announced three appointsystem of Geisinger nursments in medical education, ing students, as well as unnurse education and library dergraduate and graduate services. students enrolled in degree William Jeffries, Ph.D., programs at other educawas named vice dean for tional institutions. Stoudt medical education and vice continues to serve as direcsafety tips for driving titled “Driving Tips From Someone Who Has Seen it All.”

BOZENTKA Maternal and Family

T. VARGAS Nobel Learning

tor of CRNA services. Amy Allison, MPH, will assume the role of associate dean and library director in September. In that position, she will create, in concert with Geisinger administration and library staff, one health sciences library system that will serve all Geisinger facilities, including all hospitals and the School of Medicine. She will report to the chief academic officer. Allison has worked for 11 years at Emory University’s Woodruff Health Sciences Center Library, first as a clinical informationist, then as head of Clinical Informationist Services and finally as associate director of the entire library, where she oversaw all public service points for Woodruff.

E. VARGAS Victims Resource

tions and rapid response.

Maternal and Family Health Services

FROM PAGE A16

SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Dennis Pantucci of West Wyoming retrieves a hatchet during the Hatchet Factory’s recent grand opening on Welles Street in Forty Fort. open Tuesday through Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m., Friday, 5 to midnight, Saturday, 3 to midnight and Sunday, 12 to 6 p.m. In addition to the new venue opening, mobile ax throwing events also have been popular throughout Northeast Pennsylvania. Axe Kickers NEPA have held mobile ax throwing events at locations such as Benny Brewing Co. in Hanover Twp., Duryea VFW, the Ashley Fireman’s Bazaar and the Rotary Club of Hazleton’s Wine & Beer Festival. T he Roba Family Orchard’s newly named Lakeland Orchard and Cidery in Scott Twp. has

added ax throwing to its new activities. Jeff Roba said he got the idea when he went to a trade show in March in St. Louis and saw a vendor selling ax throwing trailers and let people try it. He said he thought it was “super fun” and “awesome” and wanted to offer the sport at Lakeland Orchard and Cidery. After researching ax throwing, he said he thought it was a “really good fit at the orchard.” “If you’re having a rough day or a tough week at work, you could come and let off a little steam,” Roba said. “When you’re good enough

to stick the ax in the target, it’s something that’s very therapeutic. It’s enjoyable hitting the target right in the bull’s-eye for the first time.” The Robas built eight lanes for ax throwing and each lane has two targets. Groups could rent the lanes and have competitions. The cost to throw axes is $10 for 10 minutes, $18 for 20 minutes and $25 for 30 minutes. The activity will include an introductory talk about safety rules and coaches, Roba said. Like the Hatchet Factory, Lakeland Orchard and Cidery has a number of safety precautions. People must wear closed toe shoes. Only

two people are allowed in a lane at a time. Only one person can throw axes at a time and others must stand behind lines. Mesh fences were put up between lanes. No one can retrieve axes while another person is throwing, Roba said. Lakeland Orchard and Cidery will be open Friday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in September and Friday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in October. Ax throwing will be offered every Saturday and Sunday during business hours. Contact the writer: dallabaugh@citizensvoice.com; 570-821-2115; @CVAllabaugh

LASER: Bowling alleys look to diversify amusements FROM PAGE A16

While it hasn’t been dram at i c — n o, To p D o g arcades probably won’t emerge from the grave — he believes movies and television that depict arcade machines are sparking a new interest. “As soon as that ‘Wreck-itRalph’ movie came out, arcade machines have gone up in value considerably,” he said. Nostalgic TV shows like “Stranger Things” are having similar effects, and he thinks arcade games and pinball machines will only increase in popularity.

“We used to love them growing up. We spent all of our money on those machines,” McAfee said. “Nothing’s changed. A kid is still a kid.” National chains, for example, Dave & Buster’s, have proven that adults are drawn to the arcade experience, and a number of independent bars in the area are adding arcades. Construction at the Idle Hours bowling alleys took a year, but family members spent about 2½ years researching laser tag arenas and other amusements around the country before settling on their own plans.

Part of the reinvention included changing names to put both destinations under one brand. The Dickson City center is now Idle Hours North. The South Scranton location is Idle Hours South. North added glow-in-thedark mini golf, a virtual reality game and a VIP bowling area. South got laser tag, where the two-story arena includes ramps and walls, blind corners, booming music and fog machines that reveal beams slicing through the air. The Minellis knocked out a half dozen or so bowling lanes to build it.

high quality of care for participants in the program. A 17-year employee, she has held roles including WIC nutritionist, senior operations manager, and most recently, regional manager of the WIC Nutrition Program. Erica received a degree in applied nutrition from Penn State University.

Nobel Learning Communities

Thomas Vargas, Royersford, was recently hired with the human resource departShannon Hayward has been promoted to vice presi- ment at the West Chester location. dent of service delivery opA graduate of Valley View erations of the health sysHigh School, he earned his tem. In this position, she will Bachelor of Science degree oversee the WIC and Nurse Family Partnership programs, in human resource managewhere she will focus on pro- ment from Cabrini College and a Master of Business gram evaluation, service inAdministration degree from tegration and growth strateNova Southeastern Univergies for programing. sity in Fort Lauderdale, FlorHayward brings more than 15 years of experience across ida. He is currently working to attain a second master’s marketing, program mandegree in business law from agement and strategic leadNova Southeastern. ership. She most recently served as director of the WIC Victims program. Hayward is a graduResource Center ate of LaSalle University, as Eryka Vargas, Carbondale, well as the first cohort of the Nonprofit Leadership Program accepted a salaried opporHealthcare4AllPA at the University of Scranton. tunity at the resource center Noah Levinson has been in Wilkes-Barre, and will be Erica Bozentka has renamed executive director. He a prevention education specently been promoted to seis dedicated to the fight for cialist. nior manager of the WIC Nusingle-payer health care and A graduate of Valley View trition Program. In this role, Medicare For All in Pa. High School, she also reshe will oversee WIC service Levinson, born and raised delivery in over 30 locations ceived a Bachelor of Arts denear Scranton, started his gree in communications from in 16 counties, as well as career in media and techEast Stroudsburg University. the operation of the health nology. He published a thesystem’s call center. Her foSUBMIT PEOPLE ON THE sis on internet culture and cus will be on supporting MOVE items to business@ memes at the University the operations of the WIC timesshamrock.com or The of Pittsburgh before advisprogram, with a focused Times-Tribune, 149 Penn Ave., ing global organizations on Scranton, PA 18503. digital influence, communica- commitment on providing a

Ax: Forty Fort business employes ‘axperts’ in safety While combining beer and wine and ax throwing might not sound like a great idea on paper, Ogurkis stressed, “Safety is our main priority.” Among the safety precautions, she said the wall was built with seven layers with plywood and insulation and covered with turf to try to prevent the chance that an ax will bounce back. Additionally, there are eight cameras throughout the Hatchet Factory’s 3,800 square feet of space. Metal fencing separates the lanes and the Hatchet Factory employs “axperts” who are trained in safety as well as the proper way to hold axes and throwing techniques, Ogurkis said. No one is allowed to wear open toe shoes and everyone must respect the lines. Only two people are allowed in a box at a time and all spectators must stand behind bars, she said. “Our safety is off the charts,” Ogurkis said. The owners plan to start leagues in the fall. People need to be 18 to throw axes and people up to age 70 have been interested in the sport, Ogurkis said. “It’s open to anyone who wants to come in and try something different,” she said. For groups of one to five, it costs $34 a person to throw axes for a 90-minute session with a 15-minute orientation on safety and how to throw and play the game. For groups of six to 12, it costs $29 per person for the same time frame. For more than 12 people, it is considered a private party and the owners work with groups on the rates. The Hatchet Factory is

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Up to 30 players don breastplates wired to laser guns and converge on each other in an Indiana Jonesthemed battlefield replete with black lights and giant cobra statues. Outside, observers can watch scores stack up on a flat-screen TV. Guests who play regularly can buy a membership for $10. It lets them log their scores and level up, earning perks that give them an advantage, and also bringing more points for any sharp shooter who can bring them down. A single round of laser tag at Idle Hours starts at $7 per

person, per game, which is the going rate for a game at a few other arenas in the area, including one in Dickson City and another in Honesdale. Despite the massive investment in extra attractions, Minelli said they still just supplement the main draw, which will always be bowling. “We went all over the country looking at different places,” he said. “But bowling is always going to be the anchor. People love to bowl.” Contact the writer: joconnell@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9131; @jon_oc

Business Briefcase Sept. 12: Scranton YP, the young professionals program of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, hosting “Libations and Learning,” 5 p.m., Ale Mary’s, 126 Franklin Ave., Scranton. This event will feature remarks by entrepreneur, investor and author Kris Jones. Jones was the founder and former chief executive ofﬁcer of Pepperjam, which he sold to eBay enterprise in 2009. In 2010, he founded early stage technology investment fund “KBJ Capital” to make investments in companies in our region and beyond. He either founded or co-founded several successful local start-ups, including ReferLocal, LSEO.com, APPEK Mobile Apps and French Girls, as well as venture-backed entertainment booking app “Special Guest App,” which he co-founded with actor/comedian Damon Wayans Jr. He launched the Accelerator Wilkes-Barre for growthstage technology companies this year; registration: www. scrantonchamber.com.

BUZZ: Businesses recognized FROM PAGE A16

Covera Health’s Quality Care Collaborative, a partnership program supporting clinical analytics and research to advance the measurement and delivery of high-quality care. Radiology providers in the QCC receive practical, actionable feedback that can be used to improve their practices.

University receives national ranking Misericordia University achieved a Top 10 national ranking in the Chronicle of Higher Education for having one of the best four-year graduation rates among “primarily residential,” four-year private nonproﬁt institutions of higher education. Misericordia placed ninth in the nation with a 71.2% graduation rate, with Johns Hopkins University topping the list with an 87.1% graduation rate, followed by Cornell and Northwestern universities at 85.5% and 84.3%. The University of San Diego completed the Top 10 listing with a 69.5% four-year graduation rate. SUBMIT BUSINESS BUZZ items to business@timesshamrock.com or The Times-Tribune, 149 Penn Ave., Scranton, PA 18503.

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tHE CItIzEns’ VOICE

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Business Buzz nPS northeast awards announced The 2019 national Park Service northeast Region’s george and helen hartzog Awards for outstanding Volunteer Service were recently announced, with Steamtown national historic Site volunteer Walter Elvidge receiving the award in the enduring service category, while the site’s education team volunteers received honorable mention in the group category. The nPS northeast Region is composed of 83 parks from maine to Virginia. The award, named in honor of former nPS director george B. hartzog Jr. and his wife, helen, recognizes the exemplary contributions of volunteers, volunteer managers, and volunteer programming and activities.

Business SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2019

NEPA experiences worker shortage Employers roll out incentives to attract employees ‘Several industries are already competing for workers. We see it in distribution, manufacturing production workers, most technical and trades and in health care.’

By DenISe AllABAUgh STAFF WRITER

A widespread worker shortage has led some area employers to raise wages and offer other incentives to try to attract qualified employees. Teri Ooms, executive director of the Institute of Public Policy and Economic Development, said the labor shortage is a national issue but Northeast Pennsylvania has been affected as well. Locally and nationally, there are increased opportunities for workers, she said. “I don’t think there will be enough workers over the

Teri ooms

Institute of Public Policy and Economic Development

next two decades,” she said. In the next 10 years, Ooms projected there will be demand for about 143,000 people across all industry sectors and occupations in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre/ Hazleton area.

“That is a little over 50 percent of our current workforce numbers,” she said. A shrinking population is one cause of the labor shortage. The baby boomers, the largest generation ever, are retiring in droves and the

bution centers also have opened in the region, which is increasing the demand for workers, Ooms said. The unemployment rate in the Scranton/WilkesBarre/Hazleton area recently dropped to 4.6 percent, the lowest it’s been in 43 years, and it remains a low 4.7 percent. As a result of the labor shortage, Ooms said companies that can afford to do so are offering higher wages, flexible scheduling and more paid time off. The key for companies hiring is to find what the younger generation sees value in, she said.

younger workers behind them are smaller in number, Ooms said. “So ‘replacement demand,’ as opposed to growth, is the driver and the challenge is less bodies,” she said. “It is a national problem and we will see the ramifications for decades because the birth rate has been and is still very low, which means there will continually be less bodies. Automation can alleviate the problem somewhat in some industries, but automation also creates jobs as does artificial intelligence.” A large number of distri- Please see WoRKeRS, Page A19

lackawanna College oKs extension The college and its full-time faculty, represented by the Pa. State Education Association, agreed to an early three-year extension of their collective bargaining agreement, now set to run through June 30, 2023. It had been set to expire next year. The extended contract makes improvements in a number of areas, including wage increases over the next three years with potential for more in the ﬁnal year. It also restructures health care cost sharing.

Cable company, university team up Comcast announced that it would be bringing its Xfinity on Campus service to misericordia University, allowing students to watch live TV, on Demand and recorded content on their IP-enabled devices, including laptops, tablets and smartphones. The service is included with room and board for students living in on-campus housing. Xfinity on Campus offers more than 100 live channels including every major broadcast network, as well as AmC, Bravo, ESPn, FX and mTV through Comcast’s Xfinity Stream app and portal. The service also includes access to thousands of current season TV shows and hit movies via Xfinity on Demand. While off campus, students can use the Xfinity Stream app to login and access TV Everywhere programming that’s part of their subscription.

U of S ranks among best The University of Scranton ranked no. 18 among the “Best Catholic Colleges in America” in a 2020 niche. com list published recently online. niche.com also placed Scranton no. 223 among the “Best Colleges in America” in its ranking of 1,626 four-year colleges. niche.com ranked Scranton in the top 10 percent of schools in the country in a number of other national rankings, including: “Best Colleges with no Application Fee in America” (no. 35); “Best College Food in America” (no. 69); “Best College Dorms in America” (no. 74); “Best College Campuses in America” (no. 142); and “Best Value Colleges in America” (no. 144).

Wilkes earns national rank Wilkes University is among the nation’s top colleges and universities included in Washington monthly’s annual rankings of higher education institutions and what they are doing for the country. The university is ranked 133rd in the national universities category, which recognizes institutions that award a signiﬁcant number of doctoral degrees. In this category, it is the highest ranked institution in the region and ranked higher than Pennsylvania institutions that include the University of Pittsburgh, Drexel University and Duquesne University. SUBMIT BUSIneSS BUZZ items to business@timesshamrock.com or The Times-Tribune, 149 Penn Ave., Scranton, PA 18503.

JASon FARmER / STAFF PhoTogRAPhER

Designs for female army figurines from BMC Toys are in the final stages, with their release targeted for Christmas 2020.

MEET THE NEW RECRUITS Toymaker adds little green army women to his ranks after plea from young girl. By Jon o’Connell STAFF WRITER

SCRANTON — Her feet might be stuck to a little plastic platform, but a new twist on an old toy is off and running. North Scranton toymaker Jeff Imel, owner of BMC Toys, whose little green army men are mostly cast from decades-old male soldier molds, had been kicking around the idea of making green army women for years. A letter he received from a 6-year-old girl named Vivian from Little Rock, Arkansas, last month — and the deluge of media interest after he blogged about it — triggered him to act. Women are in the army, too, Vivian said. So why can’t girls like her buy green army women? “ ... So (please) can you make army girls that look like women. I would play with them (every day) and my (friends) would, (too)!” she wrote in the letter. Imel, 49, is in the final stages of designing four female figurines in full battle gear, posed for action. They should be ready for market by Christmas 2020. With few exceptions, no toy company has translated the iconic toy into a woman. One reason: most of the toys are modeled after World War I and World War II fighters, and women rarely fought in those wars. The toymaker has one woman figurine, circa 1950s, who carries a lantern. It’s a nod to the 19th century British military nurse and reformer Florence Nightingale, who was known as “the lady with the lamp,” but that’s about it. Most tiny female figurines cast in solid drab plastic aren’t packing heat.

JASon FARmER / STAFF PhoTogRAPhER

Jeff Imel of BMC Toys shows a model and designs for his latest product, little green army women.

JASon FARmER / STAFF PhoTogRAPhER

culture trends and the equal treatment movement, that barrel into boyhood strongholds. “We’ve seen small inroads made with inclusion of girls in areas that are traditionally more boy oriented. The first is with action heroes,” said Juli Lennett, a U.S. toy industry analyst for the market research fir m NPD Group. “There have been a number of female action heroes, tied to TV and movies that have been re-created in the toy aisle,” she said. She points to Lego’s 2012 launch empowered women of Lego Friends and subsequent Imel’s not exactly entering lines targeting girls with the uncharted territory. stacking block kits, once made Major toy companies have mostly for boys. rolled out new lines, fueled by pop The Marvel and DC superhero

worlds tapped the equality movement with blockbuster films cast around women and women heroes saving the day in step with the boys.

A toy story begins

are made in China, he’s found ways to bring some production to the U.S. with other molds, including his most recent manufacturer, Northeastern Plastics Inc. on Penn Avenue in Scranton, which puts him closer to the production. Until now, the only new design he made was a model bunker, and even that modified an existing design. “It’s expensive to have new molds made,” he said. “This particular project, the plastic army women, soup to nuts, it’s probably the cost of a modest new car.” Imel serves a slightly higherend market; for example, a 40-piece playset, cast from a 1950s-era mold, costs almost $15. By comparison, Walmart sells a 144-piece set for around $9. “I grew up playing with those army men,” said C. Britt Beemer, a Florida-based consumer behavior consultant. “I used to have cherry bombs and make them as mines … seven or eight guys would go flying into the sky.” Imel’s off to a strong start with appearances in the national news and on toy and military blogs. But in a world where social media influencers steer retail trends, Beemer suggested getting the toys in the hands of a celebrity, or his or her child, could pour fuel on his rising celebrity. “Ar my men have seen a resurgence in sales in the last few years,” Beemer said. “I don’t know how many women would be playing with army men, but anything that’s new is going to get people’s attention so I would give it a shot.”

Imel’s been selling things online since the late 1990s, the dawn of e-commerce. One of his vendors was Bill McMaster, a well-regarded toymaker who founded BMC Toys in 1991. When McMaster died in 2014, Imel bought the assets of his business. Now he uses legacy molds that span decades, from the 1950s to his most recent from Contact the writer: around 2000, he said. While the joconnell@timesshamrock.com; BMC toys historically and still 570-348-9131; @jon_oc

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BUSINESS

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2019

THE CITIZENS' VOICE A19

People on the Move Allied Services Integrated Health System Jim Brogna was named vice president for strategic partnership development. Brogna has served as vice president for corporate advancement and communication since 2015. The new role was created in response to the need for advanced leadership in the rapidly changing health care market. Brogna will work with senior management to strengthen medical and business partnerships that support the nonproﬁt health system’s mission. During his more than 20-year career, Brogna has earned responsibilities in marketing, fundraising, physician relations and management of the dePaul School for Children with Dyslexia.

JIM BROGNA Allied

JOHN KIRRANE Classic

MARIAN FARRELL U of S

KATRINA MACKEY Classic

TERESA GRETTANO U of S

become a trusted real estate adviser for her clients.

ANTHONY VENTELLO Claverack

OLIVER MORGAN U of S

CHARLES BULLOCK Claverack

LAWRENCE KENNEDY U of S

CHARLES McNAMARA Claverack

CHARLES PINCHES U of S

University of Scranton

EL-HABIB ZANZANA U of S

ally stimulating environment that promotes critical thinking and learning. Boyle, asClaverack Rural Eleven university faculty sociate professor and chair Electric Cooperative members were honored reof the accounting department, joined the faculty at The cooperative’s members cently with Provost Faculty elected one new director and Enhancement awards for ex- the university in 2009. He cellence in teaching, scholearned his bachelor’s degree returned two incumbents to arship or service. The Office from the University of Scranthe board of directors at the of the Provost and the Proton, his master’s degree 2019 annual meeting, held vost Advisory Group selected from Columbia University July 9 at the Elk Lake School the recipients from a pool and his Doctor of Business Classic Properties District campus in Springof candidates nominated by Administration from Kenville. academic deans and depart- nesaw State University. Two people joined the real Anthony J. “Tony” Ventello ment chairs. estate firm. Marian Farrell, Ph.D., reof Towanda was elected to Michael Allison, Ph.D., reJohn Kirrane was raised ceived the Excellence for a three-year term representceived the Excellence in Inteon Long Island, N.Y., and University Service and Leading Zone 9 on the cooperarelocated to Pennsylvania grating Mission and Justice ership Award, which recogtive board. in 2014. He holds a bachinto the Curriculum Award. nizes faculty members who Ventello, executive direcelor’s degree in accounting The award honors a faculty have contributed service to tor of the Progress Authorand a master’s in educamember whose special efthe university community, ity of Bradford and Susquetion administration from forts ensure that students particularly those who demhanna counties, defeated Fordham University in New have a keen understanding Frank Bertrand of Towanda in York. Kirrane has a diverse and appreciation of the reali- onstrate academic leadership by effectively mentora two-way race for the board ties of the world, including background of leadership ing their junior colleagues. seat. in teaching, administration, pressing justice issues in Farrell, professor of nursing, Incumbent Directors publishing, restaurant mana local, national and global joined the faculty at ScranCharles R. Bullock of Meagement and photography. context. Allison, professor shoppen and Charles R. He chose to join the comand chair of the Department ton in 1990. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s depany because of its reputa- McNamara of Friendsville of Political Science, joined grees from College Miserition and having experienced were unanimously re-elected the faculty at Scranton in cordia, a second master’s to represent Zones 7 and 8, 2006. He earned his bachit as a buyer. degree from Syracuse Unirespectively. Katrina Mackey is a lifeelor’s degree from Fairfield versity and her doctorate Claverack seats three of its University and his master’s long resident of Northeast from Adelphia University. nine board positions annuPennsylvania — raised in degree and doctorate from Teresa Grettano, Ph.D., Taylor and a current resident ally. Directors are elected to Florida State University. received the Excellence in three-year terms. of West Scranton. She atDouglas Boyle, D.B.A., Advancing Interdisciplinary Claverack Rural Electric Co- received the Faculty Sentended Lackawanna College Study Award, which recogoperative, with headquarters ate Excellence in Graduate and Penn State University in Wysox, provides electricity Teaching Award, which recognizes a faculty member who and holds an associate deto more than 16,000 memgree in business adminisnizes a faculty member who demonstrates noteworthy bers in Bradford, Susquehan- demonstrates dedication to academic leadership in protration. She received her na, Wyoming, Tioga, Lycommoting and strengthening real estate training online teaching graduate students ing, Sullivan, Lackawanna through the CE Shop. She in a manner that creates an cross-disciplinary or interand Luzerne counties. said she joined the firm to departmental teaching and encouraging and intellectu-

WORKERS: Hundreds of jobs available FROM PAGE A18

While the baby boomers are willing to work longer hours and stay at one company for a lifetime, she said the millennial generation views the work world differently. They want more of a work-life balance, she said. “They are unlikely to stick with a single employer for a decade,” Ooms said. “So what works for one company may not work for another. Several industries are already competing for workers. We see it in distribution, manufacturing production workers, most technical and trades and in health care.”

Hundreds of open jobs

‘Several industries are already competing for workers. We see it in distribution, manufacturing production workers, most technical and trades and in health care.’ TERI OOMS

Institute of Public Policy and Economic Development executive director

that we see applying for open positions,” Stark said. As Kane Is Able continues to grow, Stark said the company adds qualified safe drivers, warehouse and administration team members. “While the available workforce has dwindled, we are fortunate that our reputation and culture continues to make us an employer of choice,” Stark said. “Our openings get filled pretty quickly. We focus on hiring people with good attitudes and a strong work history.” As a labor shortage continues and more companies compete for workers, Stark said company officials recently made an adjustment to increase wages in the Scranton market. “We constantly review our benefits and compensation in the market and through internal surveys,” Stark said. “Additionally, we understand that off-shifts can be challenging to maintaining a quality life, so we offer financial consideration to work those shifts. Although we have a great wage and benefit program, what attracts people to our company is our reputation and culture.” Job openings at Kane Is Able can be found on the company’s website.

“We’re always looking for top talent at Lowe’s and we’ve made significant investments in our associate experience so we can better serve customers, wherever and whenever they need support,” he said. Lowe’s has been advertising day shift jobs starting at $14.63 an hour, night shift jobs starting at $15.13 an hour and weekend shift jobs starting at $16.25 an hour with incremental pay increases after six months. “We are particularly looking for associates for our night and weekend shifts,” Salazar said. “We have operations supervisor positions available on the night shift, and we have jobs available across operations, including our shipping and receiving teams.” In addition to competitive hourly wages, Salazar said Lowe’s offers comprehensive benefits for associates, provides performance bonuses and career advancement opportunities and has a strong track record of promoting associates. He said the warehouse positions available at Lowe’s are eligible for performance bonuses up to $1.50 more per hour, on top of their base pay, for exceeding performance metrics. Lowe’s also offers health and wellness benefits including medical, dental and vision programs, a 10 percent employee discount, flexible work schedules, 401(k) and discounted stock purchase plans, tuition reimbursement and paid time off for community volunteering, Salazar said. To further remain competitive, Lowe’s announced a new maternity leave benefit in 2018 that provides 10 weeks of paid leave for eligible moms, plus an additional two weeks of parental leave for eligible Lowe’s associates welcoming a new child into their home by birth or adoption. New moms are eligible for 12 weeks of paid leave, he said. Lowe’s also offers associates several amenities at its massive distribution center. In addition to a cafeteria on site, the center has a clinic that is staffed with a full-time nurse practitioner, Salazar said. “The on-site clinic provides free health services so Lowe’s associates can conveniently seek out primary and preventive care in the workplace,” he said. Open positions are posted online at Jobs.Lowes.com. Applicants can apply online or visit the distribution center to apply in person.

Throughout Northeast Pennsylvania, companies are looking to fill hundreds of jobs. Online pet food retailer Chewy is among the local companies hiring. Chewy has been advertising that the warehouse in Hanover Twp. is looking for fulfillment specialists with wages up to $14.25 an hour. The company also is looking to fill positions for warehouse workers, material handlers and forklift operators, said Gregg Walsh, vice president of human resources operations for Chewy. In all, Chewy is trying to fill 200 jobs, he said. Hiring events were recently held at Chewy, which is located near a distribution center for Adidas that also announced last month it is hiring hundreds of workers. Walsh said there was a great turnout at the hiring events and company officials are eager to hire additional team members. With a large number of distribution centers opening in the area, Walsh said Chewy offers “competitive pay, best-in-class benefits, signon bonuses, overtime and rapid career growth potential.” Chewy also offers perks for pet parents, such as discounted pet supplies and pet insurance, he said. Lowe’s looking to hire 150 “We offer a variety of shifts and positions as well as hiring events Lowe’s nearly 1.6 millionsix days a week, where prospective square-foot distribution center in employees receive on-the-spot job CenterPoint Commerce and Trade Park in Jenkins Twp., the largest offers,” he said. Kane Is Able hikes wages industrial building in Luzerne County, is looking to hire nearly 150 Scranton-based Kane Is Able, a full-time associates across three logistics company that provides shifts, said Lowe’s spokesman Steve warehousing and transportation Salazar. services, has a few job openings As other companies also are tryand spokesman Alex Stark has ing to fill jobs, Salazar said, “We noticed the pool of people avail- monitor the competitive landscape able to work has been shrinking. to ensure that we offer appropriate- Contact the writer: That is “evidenced by the ly competitive pay and benefits to dallabaugh@citizensvoice.com; reduced number of applicants hire the skilled associates we need.” 570-821-2115; @CVAllabaugh

MICHAEL ALLISON U of S

DOUGLAS BOYLE U of S

JAHAN TABATABAIE U of S

learning endeavors. Grettano, associate professor of English and theater, joined the faculty at Scranton in 2009. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of South Alabama and her doctorate from Illinois State University. Christie Pugh Karpiak, Ph.D., received the Excellence in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Award, presented to faculty members who enhance student learning. Karpiak, professor and chair of the Department of Psychology, joined the faculty at Scranton in 2001. She earned her bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees from the University of Utah. Lawrence W. Kennedy, Ph.D., and Yibai Li, Ph.D., received the Excellence in Scholarly Publication Award, presented to faculty members who have attained distinction in scholarship or creative activity. Kennedy, professor of history, joined the faculty at Scranton in 1992. He earned his bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees from Boston College. Li, associate professor of operations and information management, joined the faculty at Scranton in 2013. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Jilin University, his master’s degree from Oklahoma State University and

his doctorate from Washington State University. Oliver Morgan, Ph.D., received the Excellence in Adapting Classic Principles of Jesuit Pedagogy into the Curriculum: Magis Award. Morgan, professor of counseling and human services, joined the faculty at Scranton in 1990. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Fordham University, his master’s degree from Hahnemann Medical University, his Master of Divinity degree from Weston School of Theology, and his doctorate from Boston University. Charles Pinches, Ph.D., received the Excellence in Advancing Global Learning Award, presented to faculty members who integrate international issues and perspectives into the curriculum. Pinches, professor of theology/religious studies, joined the faculty at Scranton in 1990. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Wheaton College and his master’s degree and doctorate from the University of Notre Dame. El-Habib Zanzana, Ph.D., received the Excellence in Integrating Diversity in Learning Award, which recognizes a faculty member whose efforts to integrate diversity in the curriculum have enriched the students’ learning experiences. Zanzana, associate professor of world languages and cultures, joined the faculty at Scranton in 1995. He earned his bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees from Indiana University. In addition, Jahan Tabatabaie, adjunct professor in the economics and ﬁnance department, was honored with the Part-Time Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching. Tabatabai earned his bachelor’s degree from Pennsylvania State University and his master’s degree from Columbia University. SUBMIT PEOPLE ON THE MOVE items to business@ timesshamrock.com or The Times-Tribune, 149 Penn Ave., Scranton, PA 18503.

Toyota of Scranton aids charities

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Toyota of Scranton donates to the sustaining fund of St. Joseph’s Center. From left: Ahmad Wasal, Joe Mercado Sr., Isiah Gill, Joe Mercado Jr., St. Joseph’s Center President and CEO Sister Mary Alice Jacquinot, I.H.M., Brianna Cucura and Joe Gatto. St. Joseph’s Center strives to be a sign of hope to individuals and families who have special needs.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Toyota of Scranton supports the American Heart Association 2019 Go Red for Women Experience and Purse Auction, to be held Nov. 15. From left: Christine Bacher, Bob Edwards, Jammie Marcen, Allen Blad, Joe Gatto, American Heart Association Special Events Director Tara Sokola, Ron Pritchyk, Maxx Broden, Brianne Cucura, Sam Rudin, Elcryssan Gant, Nick Felkowski, George Zepherin, Bryan Matarese and Stephanie Jones.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Toyota of Scranton supports the Cody Barrasse Foundation as a court sponsor for the Aug. 10 3V3 Tournament. From left: Bryan Matarese, Doug Stahl, Jeff Felkowski, Maxx Broden, Corey Boynton, Joe Barrasse of the Cody Barrasse Foundation, Ahmad Wasal, A.J. Wallace, George Zepherin, Bob Edwards, Len Gierszal, Joe Mercado Jr., Brianne Cucura, Chris Wagner and Nick Bosque.

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Business SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2019

Business Buzz Funeral home receives honor Sheldon-Kukuchka Funeral Home Inc. has been honored by the National Funeral Directors Association with the 2019 Pursuit of Excellence Award. Only 160 ﬁrms from around the world and ﬁve in Pennsylvania have received the prestigious recognition, placing the funeral home among an elite group of funeral service providers. Pursuit of Excellence Award recipients raise the bar on funeral service excellence by adhering to the highest ethical and professional standards and providing unsurpassed service to families and communities. The funeral home started serving local families in 1959.

Foundation opens 2 recovery centers The Clear Brook Foundation celebrated the official grand opening of two new Recovery Connect Centers located in WilkesBarre and Scranton with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by colleagues, providers, educators, judges, law enforcement and government officials from Lackawanna and Luzerne counties. Recovery Connect provides individuals and families experiencing the devastating effects of drug and alcohol addiction with guidance, confidential assessments and referrals to the appropriate level of care. Funded through the 2018 sale of Clearbrook Manor and a grant from the AllOne Foundation, all services provided to the community through Recovery Connect are free.

Surveying company to relocate office JHA Companies announces the relocation of its Delhi, New York, office around the corner to the late Ronald Mullenix Land Surveying office in downtown Delhi. With the purchase of the building, JHA also acquired the surveying records and plans of Ronald Mullenix Land Surveying, enabling a smooth transition for Mullenix’s previous clients. JHA Companies is a full-service civil engineering and land surveying firm with local offices in Moosic, Montrose and Honesdale. JHA has a highly qualified team of engineers, surveyors, environmental scientists, GIS technicians and support staff with many years of experience.

Cancer institute receives award The Northeast Regional Cancer Institute was recently recognized by the Pennsylvania Commission for Women and Adagio Health as a 2019 Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Partner Recognition Award winner. The award commended the Cancer Institute’s continued commitment to improving access to breast cancer screening, treatment and care. Cancer Institute staff accepted the award at the second annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month Breakfast in October at the Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg.

U of S recognized for sustainability The Princeton Review recognized the University of Scranton and 412 other colleges worldwide for expressing “strong commitments to green practices and programs” by inclusion in the 2019 edition of The Princeton Review Guide to Green Colleges. Most of the schools selected for the guide, which was published online in October, are in the U.S., with 16 schools from Canada, one from Egypt and one from Greece also listed. This is the third consecutive year the University of Scranton has made this list. Please see BUZZ, Page A17

SmokerS need not apply Geisinger policy bans hiring tobacco users BY DEnISE ALLABAUgh STAFF WRITER

A low unemployment rate and shortages of skilled professionals have led to a tight labor market and challenges for Geisinger and other employers to fill jobs. Yet, there is one demographic that Geisinger has refused to hire for more than seven years: smokers. Geisinger has a policy that it will not hire people who use tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars and chewing or smokeless tobacco. Job applicants are tested for tobacco use just as they are for illegal drugs. Testing for nicotine is part of a urine drug screening. Applicants who test positive for nicotine will not be offered employment, but may reapply for jobs at Geisinger within six months, according to the health system’s policy on its website. In an emailed statement, Geisinger spokesman Matt Mattei said the policy of hiring non-tobacco users was implemented in 2012 “to create better employee health and a more healthful patient environment and improving

MARK MORAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

For more than seven years, Geisinger has refused to hire smokers and anyone who uses tobacco products. Geisinger tests job applicants for nicotine and those who test positive will not be offered employment, according to the health system’s policy. Above, a smoker lights a cigarette. health remains our focus.” “Improving employee health is a primary focus at Geisinger,” he said. “Geisinger has a robust employee wellness program.” When the policy of not hiring smokers was implemented, it did not affect existing Geisinger employees who smoke or use other tobacco products. As of 2018, 97.4 percent of employees reported no tobacco use and 59 percent of tobacco users enrolled in a tobacco ces-

sationprogram.Of those,30percent reported quitting, according to statistics Mattei provided. The statistics also showed as of 2018, more than 38,000 free, on-site health screenings have been provided for Geisinger employees. Denise Balas, talent acquisition specialist for Geisinger, recently participated in a discussion with Eileen Cipriani, deputy secretary of the state Department of Labor and Industry, at CareerLink in Wil-

kes-Barre about the challenges of trying to hire local employees amid a tight labor market. She said the health system is looking to fill a number of nursing jobs and offers increased wages and sign-on bonuses of up to $20,000 for registered nurses because of a nursing shortage. Geisinger also encounters challenges trying to fill entrylevel positions, she said. Mattei said Geisinger’s policy of hiring non-tobacco users “has not made hiring more difficult.” Geisinger hired 3,700 employees in fiscal year 2018, which spans July 1, 2017, to June 30, 2018; 3,800 employees in fiscal year 2019 and 1,200 employees through Sept. 30, 2019, he said. Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Plains Twp. was the third-largest employer in Luzerne County for the first quarter of 2019 after the federal and state governments, and Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton was the third-largest employer in Lackawanna County after the state government and Allied Services Foundation, according to the Please see SMOKERS, Page A17

Dog grooming business caters to canine owners New Laceyville business provides clients with safe space, worry-free experience. BY BROOKE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

A new business in Laceyville seeks to provide dog owners with some peace of mind. Stephanie Chilson cut a ribbon Oct. 31 in front of 429 Main St., signifying the opening of Chilson Grooming. “My mission is to give people a safe place to take their dogs where they don’t have to worry about them being manhandled or being overgroomed,” Chilson said. “I want to give them a safe, happy atmosphere, and that’s what my goal was when I decided to be a groomer. I love the artistic side, but just

the side of being able to help dogs is one big plus of the business.” Originally from Sayre, Chilson moved to Towanda when she got married. Last May, she relocated to Laceyville in Wyoming County with her husband. “We purchased a home in May and I was going to do this out of my home, but I just decided to get a shop instead,” she said. With Chilson Grooming, she brings over 17 years of grooming experience to downtown Laceyville. “I got my experience from the Puppy Patch in Elmira Heights and my mom Kathy

BROOKE WILLIAMS / STAFF PHOTO

Stephanie Chilson recently opened Chilson Grooming on Main Street in Laceyville. and I actually had our own salon, a small dog grooming shop in Waverly, New York,” she said. “I’ve just kind of been all over. I’ve been in

Chilson Grooming offers full service grooming by appointment from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, though Chilson plans to be flexible with scheduling. Appointments take two hours. “We do the full dog grooming. The bath, the ears, the nails, the haircut and soon, I hope to be carrying products such as dog toys and treats, but that’s a little bit down the road until I see if this takes off first,” she said. To get her business running, Chilson sought help from the University of Scranton Small Business Development Center. Keith Yurgosky, an SBDC business consultant, walked Chilson through

shops and I’ve been in my house, and now I just want to have my own shop. It’s been my dream for a very long Please see gROOMER, Page A17 time.”

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People on the Move Coordinated Health Orthopedic and sports medicine surgeon Lisa O’Brien, DO, has joined the physician staff and will be seeing new patients in Lackawanna and Luzerne counties, speciﬁcally at clinics in Pittston, Scranton and at the newest medical facility at Humboldt Station in Hazleton. O’Brien completed a fellowship in orthopedic surgery sports medicine at Wake Forest Baptist Health. During her time at Wake Forest, she was a team physician for Wake Forest University Athletics, Winston Salem State University Athletics and the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. She currently serves as the team physician for North Pocono School District.

O’BRIEN Coordinated Health

KOWALSKI Distasio & Kowalski

KELLY ESSA Bank

CHITTALIA Geisinger

WALSH Geisinger

HOFFMAN Misericordia University

THOMASHEMAK Misericordia

MACULLOCH Misericordia University

OBERSTAEDT Misericordia

DAVIS Pennsylvania Institute

DONATO Pennsylvania Institute

CHUPKO Pennsylvania Institute

joined the bank as a network engineer. He is a recent graduate of Pennsylvania State University, where he received his degree in information sciences and technology. He previously completed several internships where he was responsible for a team of intern developers. Distasio & Jamespeter Hinkle has joined the bank as a techKowalski LLC nology services specialMichael J. Kowalski, a ist. He has more than partner in the Wilkes-Barre 13 years of experience personal injury law firm, across multiple informahas been selected for intion technology disciplines clusion in the Best Lawand holds several indusyers in America for 2020. try leading certifications. This is Kowalski’s secMost recently, he served ond year for inclusion in as senior IT specialist for the publication. This year, an IT consulting firm and a he was recognized for his Level 3 support specialist work in the areas of medi- for a regional educational cal malpractice law and institution. personal injury litigation. Nancy Schrader has Since it was first pubjoined the bank as conlished in 1983, Best Law- sumer loan processing yers has become unimanager. She has more versally regarded as the than 34 years of experidefinitive guide to legal ence in loan processing, excellence. The Best Law- underwriting and system yers in America rankings administration. She most are based solely on peerrecently served as vice review surveys in which president, commercial tens of thousands of attor- fulfillment team lead at neys confidentially evaluBB&T. In her new role, she ate their colleagues. will oversee all processing ESSA Bank & Trust and document preparation for Mortgage and ConsumThe bank has expanded er Lending. its information technolMaria Kelly, branch manogy team in the Stroudsager of the bank’s Scranburg market and promoted ton office, will also asMaria Kelly in its Wilkessume responsibility for Barre/Scranton market the bank’s Wilkes-Barre areas. office. She will now lead Ronald Gaddy has joined both teams in growing exthe bank as a network enisting relationships and gineer. He has more than servicing customers in 20 years of experience in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre business analytics and market area. project management. He Kelly resides in West has served as a senior apPittston. She currently plications developer, proserves on the board of duction services superviDress for Success Lackasor and systems analyst. wanna, is actively involved Alexandros Psitos has

Business Briefcase Nov. 14: Penn State Extension’s Leadership Network Emerging Leaders in Agriculture Leadership Professional Development event, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., Dawson Building on the Penn State Scranton Campus in Dunmore, for any young or new farmer, rancher, agricultural worker or agribusiness employee looking for quality leadership professional development; refreshments provided; registration: extension.psu.edu/emergingleaders-in-agriculture or Dr. Suzanna Windon, sxk75@ psu.edu or 814-863-3825, by Monday. Dec. 7: Commonwealth Health Trends, Innovations and Philanthropy Conference in Healthcare presented by the American Trauma Foundation, 7:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Wilkes University Henry Student Center Ballroom,

84 W. South St., WilkesBarre, training and education to all medical professionals and health care students on topics such as trauma, robotics, emergency medical services, orthopedics, stroke, challenging critical care cases, resilience and work life balance; registration, https://bit. ly/2PU7w0S. Dec. 11: Northeastern Pa. Industrial Resource Center No-Cost Industry 4.0 Technologies for Manufacturers Lunch & Learn, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., 75 Young St., Hanover Industrial Estates, Wilkes-Barre; registration: www.nepirc.com or call 570-819-8966. SUBMIT BUSINESS BRIEFCASE items to business@timesshamrock.com or The Times-Tribune, 149 Penn Ave., Scranton, PA 18503.

BUZZ: NEPA businesses receive recognition als to join free of dues for The Princeton Review ana- 2020 and 2021. The club’s December Holiday Social lyzed more than 25 data Hour will be held Dec. 11 points to determine the ﬁat 5:30 p.m. at the Radisnal selection of colleges son at Lackawanna Station for the guide based on inhotel for a meet-and-greet formation from surveys of opportunity with appetiznearly 700 schools. ers, along with a designer Women’s club handbag rafﬂe basket. The opens membership opportunity to join for two years with free memberBusiness and Profession- ship will be presented by al Women’s Foundation cel- the club’s president, Lindebrated National Business sey Reinheimer Loss, at Women’s Week during the the celebration; contact third week of October. This Sharon Thauer, 570-344year’s National Business 5947, for an open invitaWomen’s Week provided tion to join. an excellent opportunity for the Scranton Business and SUBMIT BUSINESS BUZZ items to business@ Professional Women’s Club timesshamrock.com or The to open its membership to Times-Tribune, 149 Penn Ave., young professional women Scranton, PA 18503. and seasoned professionFROM PAGE A16

in Habitat for Humanity and regularly volunteers at the St. Francis of Assisi food pantry.

Geisinger Recognized for his work and efforts surrounding diversity and inclusion between the LGBTQ community and medicine, Aliasgar Chittalia, M.D., MHA, was recently honored with the 2019 Pennsylvania LGBT Leadership Award at the Pennsylvania LGBTQ+ Unity Summit in Pittsburgh. Presented on behalf of the National Diversity Council, the award recognizes Chittalia’s leadership and commitment to providing inclusive and respectful quality care to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals. The award honors those who are taking action to affect inclusion and building better relationships with LGBT patients in medicine as well as inclusion of LGBT colleagues in the workplace. Matthew Walsh was appointed to the position of executive vice president and chief operating officer, effective Oct. 1. Walsh, who joined the health system in 2017 as chief operating officer for the clinical enterprise, joins the executive leadership team following more than two years of progressive leadership for its 1,300-plus physicians, 13 hospital campuses and more than 100 outpatient and ambulatory clinics. In his new role, Walsh will continue progress toward creating a seamless, userfriendly experience for everyone in the communities Geisinger serves.

Misericordia University The university recently named Kristin Hoffman, M.S., S.E., as the director of the Autism Center in the College of Health Sciences and Education. Hoffman will be responsible for the administration and overall operation of the program, including budget development, marketing and coordination of programs, development and maintenance of working relationships with service partners, oversight of group facilitators and other staff, and compliance with all state and federal regulations. Hoffman formerly served as the special education lead teacher and local screening committee chair for Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia. The university and the Conference for Mercy Higher Education recently elected Linda Thomas-Hemak, M.D., F.A.C.P., F.A.A.P., Barbara A. Maculloch and Mark J. Oberstaedt, J.D., to the university’s board of trustees. They began their three-year terms in October. Thomas-Hemak is a triple board-certiﬁed internal medicine, pediatrics and addiction medicine primary care physician, and medical educator who teaches, practices medicine and resides in her hometown of Jermyn, concurrent with her responsibilities as an executive. She currently serves the Wright Center for Community Health as chief executive ofﬁcer and the Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education as president. She returned to the area in 1998 to practice primary care and joined the Wright Center in 2000. Thomas-Hemak graduat-

ed as a Michael DeBakey Scholar from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, and completed Harvard’s combined internal medicine/pediatrics residency in Boston. Maculloch of Wyoming is the president of Pennsylvania Banking for Community Bank, NA, and a 1994 graduate of Misericordia University with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration with a concentration in banking. Prior to becoming president, she was the senior vice president and Pennsylvania market director for Community Bank Wealth Management. A graduate of Leadership Wilkes-Barre, she was honored in 2007 with the Distinguished Alumni Award. She is also a graduate of Lackawanna Executive Leadership. In addition, the Northeastern Pennsylvania Business Journal recognized her as one of the Top 25 Women in Business in 2015. Oberstaedt is a partner in the law firm Archer & Greiner in Haddonfield, New Jersey, and a 1989 graduate of Misericordia University with a bachelor’s degree in history, summa cum laude. He graduated magna cum laude in 1992 from Seton Hall Law School, where he served as editor-in-chief of the Seton Hall Law Review. A shareholder in the firm’s litigation department and assistant chairman of the business litigation group, his practice covers all aspects of trial and appellate work relating to commercial litigation and business disputes in the federal and state courts in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and other courts throughout the country.

Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants The institute recognized Diana L. Davis, CPA, Maggie M. Donato, CPA, and Carolyn Chupko with 2019 Young Leader awards. They received this distinction for demonstrated leadership skills that will propel their success in a profession committed to protecting the public interest. Davis, of Peckville, is a partner with Eckersley and Ostrowski LLP in Scranton. She is treasurer of PICPA’s Northeastern Chapter and serves on its Emerging

CPAs Committee. Donato, of Dunmore, is controller of Penn East Federal Credit Union in Scranton. She is secretary of PICPA’s Northeastern Chapter and serves on its Emerging CPAs and Corporate Finance Roundtable committees. Chupko, of Madison Twp., is the business/CIS division chairwoman and an accounting faculty member at Lackawanna College in Scranton. She serves on PICPA’s Northeastern Chapter Schools and Colleges Committee, as well as the statewide High School Scholarship and Relations with Schools and Colleges committees. The association’s Young Leader Awards program recognizes members under the age of 40 who demonstrate a commitment to the CPA profession through active PICPA or community volunteer leadership. This year’s group was honored Sept. 19 at PICPA’s annual Leadership Conference in Harrisburg.

Weber Gallagher Ross J. Ventre, an associate at the Scranton law firm, was recently appointed as a board member of Pennsylvania’s Motor Truck Association — Northeast Chapter. Ventre is a longtime member of the PMTA — Northeast Chapter and dedicated to serving its mission and helping other members. PMTA is a national integrated network of trucking associations and affiliates. They identify the key issues impacting the trucking industry and fight to preserve and strengthen the trucking industry and its jobs in Pennsylvania.

Weis Markets Matt Burke was promoted to regional vice president. In this position, Burke oversees the day-to-day operations of 67 stores located in Binghamton, New York; Northeast Pennsylvania, the Poconos, Northern New Jersey and the Central Susquehanna Valley, including Sunbury and State College. Burke joined the company in 2016 as district manager for the Central Susquehanna Valley/Sunbury. He has more than 25 years of store and multi-unit retail management experience. SUBMIT PEOPLE ON THE MOVE items to business@ timesshamrock.com or The Times-Tribune, 149 Penn Ave., Scranton, PA 18503.

SMOKERS: Refusing to hire them not illegal FROM PAGE A16

Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry Center for Workforce Information & Analysis. Geisinger employs about 32,000 people, according to its website, which also advertises a number of career opportunities in the health system.

ACLU opposition The American Civil Liberties Union has expressed opposition on its website to employers discriminating against off-duty smokers. “Private employers are using the power of the paycheck to tell their employees what they can and cannot do in the privacy of their own homes,” the ACLU stated on its website. “The American C iv i l L i b e r t i e s U n i o n believes that what a person does during non-working hours away from the workplace should not be the basis for discrimination.” According to the ACLU, the driving force behind the trend of not hiring smokers is economics, in particular the rising cost of health care

benefits that employers provide. Several factors contribute to the high cost of health insurance, but the only factor employers have substantial control over is their employees. Under the pressure of economic considerations, employers try to regulate “every health-related aspect of their employees’ lives, including diet, hobbies, sleep habits and even childbearing,” the ACLU stated. According to the ACLU, the groups most frequently “discriminated against” are smokers and people who are overweight. “Employers’ desire to keep their health care insurance costs down is understandable, but it is unclear that employers can save much by engaging in lifestyle discrimination,” the ACLU stated. “Permitting employers to act as ‘health police’ will not solve our nation’s health care crisis. It will only destroy the private lives of working Americans.” The ACLU also pointed out that virtually every lifestyle choice people make has some

health-related consequence and asked “where do we draw the line as to what an employer can regulate?” “The real issue here is the right of individuals to lead the lives they choose,” the ACLU stated. “It is very important that we preserve the distinction between company time and the sanctity of an employee’s private life. Employers should not be permitted to regulate our lives 24 hours a day, seven days a week.” While the ACLU opposes what it calls “lifestyle discrimination in the workplace,” it is not illegal to refuse to hire smokers. Federal laws prohibit discriminating against people for a variety of reasons such as race or sex but existing antidiscrimination laws do not offer the same protection for those who smoke. Twenty-nine states prohibit discrimination based on legal activities outside the workplace but Pennsylvania is not one of them. Mattei refrained from commenting on other health care systems that also refuse to hire people who use tobac-

co products, but he said “this type of policy is not an uncommon practice.” The University of Pennsylvania Health System announced in 2013 it would join dozens of hospitals across the country in implementing a policy refusing to hire smokers. Commonwealth Health, which includes Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, First Hospital in Kingston, Moses Taylor Hospital in Scranton, Regional Hospital of Scranton, Berwick Hospital Center and Tyler Memorial Hospital in Tunkhannock, does not have a similar policy. “Commonwealth Health hires individuals to fill vacancies based on their expertise and knowledge. Whether or not an individual uses tobacco does not play a part in hiring decisions,” Commonwealth Health spokeswoman Annmarie Poslock said in a statement. “We do maintain a tobaccofree campus policy at all of our hospitals to provide a safe environment for our patients, visitors and employees.” Contact the writer: dallabaugh@citizensvoice.com 570-821-2115, @CVAllabaugh

GROOMER: Business welcomed by community FROM PAGE A16

the entire process of opening a business. “Keith was my biggest help with advertising and with making the business plan, and then it was just finding a spot to do it,” she said. As a groomer, Chilson aims to make sure all her clients have a positive experience, and each appointment focuses on one individual dog. She disagrees with the use of cage dryers, as well as having sev-

eral dogs in and out each day to maximize efficiency. “I like to take my time and actually get to know the dog and have the dog know me and be comfortable,” she said. Laceyville Mayor Randy Brigham joined Chilson at the ribbon cutting and said he feels pleased to see a new business coming to town. “I think that Mrs. Chilson is going to do a wonderful job there,” he said. “There is a need for it in the area and we welcome any businesses

coming into the area to take a look at our town and see if it’s a good fit for them. We’re really happy to have Stephanie there and look forward to seeing her grow.” When any new business opens, Brigham said it sparks rejuvenation and makes people want to spend more time in Laceyville. “I really see a slow but steady increase in the amount of interest in the downtown area,” he said, noting that there has been

talk of other businesses coming to the Laceyville area. “I think that Laceyville is really going to perk up.” For information about Chilson Grooming, call 607738-1708 or visit Chilson Grooming on Facebook. “The community has been very supportive and excited with me,” Chilson said. “I can’t think of a better community to be involved in.” Contact the writer: bwilliams@wcexaminer.com, 570-836-2123 x36