Freckles and Frills received a $12,054 SBA Guaranty Fee, paid by Lackawanna County, according to Commissioners Corey D. O’Brien, Jim Wansacz and Patrick M. O’Malley.

“This is great news,” said Commissioner Corey D. O’Brien.  “We are very happy to help a small business expand and be able to deliver additional service.  We hope this is the first of many more projects to come.  This was the purpose of this initiative and we are looking forward to assisting more Lackawanna County companies with their growth plans.”

“This is what we want to accomplish through our economic development program – keep firms here, help our communities to grow, and provide employment opportunities for our residents,” explained Commissioner Jim Wansacz.

“Not only is this our first loan, but it is also helping to assist a growing section of our population, the Hispanic community,” noted Commissioner Patrick M. O’Malley.  “This project has a dual purpose – it is helping a business to grow and serve more clients and also enabling families to go to work with peace-of-mind that their children are being taken care of in a safe atmosphere.”

Freckles & Frills is a daycare center and preschool that provides quality childcare to working families for children ages six weeks to 12 years old. It has been in business in South Scranton since 1977.

The center currently has a total enrollment of 120 children.  The facility serves a significant number of Hispanic children, utilizing a bilingual staff.

The company recently purchased a new, larger facility at 515 Fig Street, which is 10 blocks from its present site, 100 Pittston Avenue.  It will utilize the SBA loan to pay-off the new building purchase, complete renovations to the facility, market its services through a new website, upgrade its educational programs, and hire seven employees, which will increase its staff to 19 individuals.

The total project cost is $950,523.

The Fidelity Deposit & Discount Bank, an area leader in SBA lending, financed this venture.

Announced on November 28, the fee waiver program is designed to promote economic development, spur local growth, and encourage the private sector to create family-sustaining jobs in our community.  The County is allocating funds through its economic development budget line item for the SBA program.

For a business to participate in the waiver program, it must: be approved by the SBA; be approved by a local lending institution; deploy 100% of the SBA loan proceedings in Lackawanna County; and meet the SBA 7(a) or 504 Loan Programs’ job requirements and all other SBA and lending institution stipulations.  (Generally, a business must create or retain one job for every $65,000 guaranteed by the SBA.  Small manufacturers must create or retain a ratio of one job for every $100,000.)

In order for a qualified business to participate in this program, the firm’s qualified lender must submit an application form at least (30) days prior to the loan closing along with a corporate resolution agreeing to the terms and conditions of the program, an approved business plan, and SBA loan documents.

For further information on the SBA Fee Waiver Program, contact Mary Liz Donato, Coordinator, at (570) 963-6830.

Freckles & Frills Gets SBA Fee Waiver Check – Freckles & Frills Early Learning Center was the first recipient of the Lackawanna County SBA fee waiver program. The business received a $12,054 check from the Lackawanna County Commissioners for its project, which involved the purchase and renovation of a South Scranton building and the creation of five new jobs that were a combination of full-time and part-time positions. The four-star day care/learning center has 127 students and coordinates an after school program. L-r, Christopher J. Cawley, Managing Director of the Northeastern Economic Development Company of Pennsylvania-CDC, Inc.; Commissioner Corey D. O’Brien; Daniel Aguirre, Administrative Manager of Freckles and Frills; Elizabeth Keiper, Freckles and Frills owner; Commissioner Jim Wansacz; and George Kelly, Director of Economic Development for Lackawanna County.

Atty. Brier is a partner in the law firm of Myers, Brier & Kelly.

“I would like to welcome Dan to our team.  We are confident that Atty. Brier’s 25 years of trial experience will be beneficial to the taxpayers of Lackawanna County,” said Commissioner Corey D. O’Brien.

“I am very pleased to have Atty. Brier as part of the County’s legal team.  The breadth of litigation experience that he possesses will be very beneficial to the County,” explained Commissioner Jim Wansacz.

“Dan’s experience is second to none, and it will certainly be very valuable in handling issues that arise from time-to-time,” noted Commissioner Patrick M. O’Malley.

For the past three years, Atty. Daniel T. Brier was selected every year as one of the “Top 100 attorneys in Pennsylvania.” Every year since 2005, he has been named as a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer. He was recently re-appointed to a three year term as a Hearing Committee Member of the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. Dan is a court-approved mediator for the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.  He is also an arbitrator for the National Association of Securities Dealers.

His Bar Admissions include: Pennsylvania, U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, U.S. Tax Court, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, and U.S. Supreme Court.

Atty. Brier earned his Bachelor of Arts degree, magna cum laude, from the University of Scranton in 1985 and received his law degree in 1988 from the Georgetown University School of Law.

He has served as a speaker at several local, state and national programs and has been involved in a number of educational, legal and business organizations.  Last year, he travelled to Cyprus at the invitation of the United States State Department to participate in the training of Cypriot judges and prosecutors.

Atty. Brier’s retainer is set at $36,000 and no benefits are being provided, which means a $24,000 budget savings.

“What a difference a year makes.”

That phrase aptly reflects the success and great service inroads that the Lackawanna County Veterans Affairs office attained in 2012.

Under the guidance of director Robert Tuffy, the office has experienced tremendous growth and success in providing onsite and offsite programs, service and benefits to our areas retired and active military personnel.

“The incredible success that we have enjoyed in aiding our veterans is a credit to our staff’s commitment to assist those who have served our country,” said Commissioner Jim Wansacz.  “We have taken our programs “to the streets” and gone to where our veterans are – at home, in the hospital or at an assisted living facility.  We have provided valuable help with programs, explained benefits, or assisted in completing various applications or forms.”

“We understand that sometimes everyone needs help, has a question, or requires information pertaining to service records or other military benefits and can’t get to us,” explained Commissioner Corey D. O’Brien.  “Not only are we honored to help our veterans with these and other issues through our Veterans Affairs Office, but we will go to them and their families to make it as easy as possible.”

“The freedoms and safety that we enjoy are a direct result of veterans and those who are defending our country today.  We appreciate their service and are committed to doing all that we can to help them with whatever issues they may have, provide benefit assistance, or direct them to the proper organizations or agencies that can offer help,” said Commissioner Patrick M. O’Malley.

Last year, the Veterans Affairs Office was moved into The Scranton Electric Building, saving the County over $30,000.  Several veterans organizations and affiliated groups were concerned about the move, but it has worked out tremendously.

The relocation proved to be not only frugal, but very beneficial.  The office has more space to offer assistance, elevator service, reserved parking and the convenience to the main courthouse for other business transactions.

While the location has worked out well for those who come to the office, it’s the personal visits that have become the trademark of the office.  Staff has initiated a tremendous outreach program for the veterans and their families.  Meetings have been conducted wherever necessary to explain vital programs and benefits.

Speaking of benefits, Anissa Fetchen, Veterans Service Officer and Office Coordinator, has helped the organization to make great strides in providing veterans with valuable financial support.  In 2011-12, claims reached $2,464,000.  In fiscal 2012-13, the benefits assistance stands at a record $2,551,120 and rising.  The Veterans Office expects the success to continue and the current record-setting pace to be surpassed in the next fiscal year, which begins July 1.

Ms. Fetchen has also made presentations to various community groups, spreading the word on the office’s operation and services.

In 2007, Mr. Tuffy undertook a major restoration project at Cathedral Cemetery, replacing over 3,500 missing flag holders from veterans’ graves, painted flag poles, and installed brand new flags.  This is in addition to the office’s other military graves’ ceremonial decorating activities.

Other key services provided by the office include: death benefits, pension benefits, veterans disability benefits, homeless veterans assistance, tax exemption for 100% service-connected disabled war time veterans, veterans DD 214 military records checks, and government headstones or markers.

The refurbishing of the Blue Coal Company Mine Fire Engine Restoration and Preservation project was undertaken as a 14-month labor of love by Carl Orechovsky of Old Forge, who is also a Hoist Engineer and Tour Guide at the Coal Mine Tour.

“Carl Orechovsky has preserved a piece of our history that symbolizes the foundation of our community – trains, railroads and coal.  He did an outstanding job on this project.  It will be a source of great pride for many years to come and a landmark for visitors and residents to enjoy,” said Commissioner Jim Wansacz.

“Carl did a tremendous job on restoring the engine to working order,” said Commissioner Corey D. O’Brien.  “He used his ingenuity to make this project a reality and to put it in a place of honor at the Coal Mine.  This spot is a symbol of what made Lackawanna County such a great place to live, work, raise a family and experience our proud past.”

“I want to personally thank Carl for his efforts.  This project represented his passion for the rail and mine industries and his commitment for keeping our rich history alive,” noted Commissioner Patrick M. O’Malley.

Mr. Orechovsky began this project in April of 2012.  He dissembled the tanks and carriage down to the axles.  All of the wood was replaced with oak, painted and sealed.  All of the metal parts underneath the carriage were restored to working condition or replaced and all were coated with heavy grease.

The cross beams and side beams were joined with four inch mortise and tendent joints and held in place by five cross rods.  The tanks were repaired, sanded, painted and reassembled.  This April, the new box and Nott hose cage were placed on the carriage.

Mr. Orechovsky also had to enlarge the display track at the coal mine to accommodate the newly restored engine.  He added 45 feet of 30 pound rail and six small wooden ties to the park area were the engine rests.

According to Mr. Orechovsky, the twin tanks engine was originally constructed from scrap or spare parts at the car maintenance shop of the Huber Breaker in Ashley around 1955.  It was state-of-the-art in its heyday, featuring brass piping and valves and top-of-the-line hosing.

The two-ton engine was donated to the County’s #190 Slope Mine by the Beltrami Coal Company in 1988.

This chemical engine used baking soda mixed with acid to produce a crude foam that was released through the hoses to fight fires.  A rotating handle was used to control the flow of acid into the baking soda.  Propellers in the tank were used to mix the materials. The foam was passed from a compressor hose in the tanks out to the main hose and nozzle.

Further information on the project can be obtained by contacting Mr. Orechovsky, who is the President of the Old Forge Coal Mine website and Editor for the Anthracite Archives, at info@oldforgecoalmine.com.

Blue Coal Fire Engine Restored – The Lackawanna County Commissioners gather in front of the 58-year old coal mine fire engine which was completely restored by Carl Orechovsky, third from left, and put on permanent display at the Lackawanna County Coal Mine Tour. This 14-month project involved a complete overhaul of the car. New wood and a carriage, tank repair, painting, large tank installation, new hose lines and valve work were all a part of the restoration. L-r, Commissioner Patrick M. O’Malley, Commissioner Corey D. O’Brien, Mr. Orechovsky, Commissioner Jim Wansacz and William Davis, the County’s Deputy Director of Parks & Recreation.

The doors will open at 5:00 p.m., 5:30-p.m. Soup & Sandwich, 6:00 p.m. – Business meeting-2013 Thomas J. Jurchak Award, 6:30 p.m. – Tour of the Medical College.

The Thomas B. Jurchak Award is presented to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the Lackawanna County Extension program for advancing its goals of education in agriculture, family living, youth and community development. Thomas B. Jurchak was county extension director and dedicated 38 years of service to Lackawanna County.

The cost of the program is $10 per person. Registration is required and the deadline to register is May 30, 2013. There is parking along North Pine Street or in the TCMC parking lot on East Gibson between Adams and Jefferson. For questions or to register contact the Penn State Extension office in Lackawanna County at 570-963-6842.

Penn State Cooperative Extension in Lackawanna County is an educational network that gives local residents easy access to the resources and expertise of the Pennsylvania State University. Through educational programs, publications, and events, cooperative extension educators deliver unbiased, research-based information to Lackawanna County citizens.

Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact Terry Schettini at 570-963-6842 in advance of your participation or visit.

Penn State is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity and the diversity of its workforce.

The Lackawanna County Commissioners, Covington Township Supervisors and other local officials cut the ribbon on May 9 to mark the unveiling of Covington Park’s $1.6 million construction and enhancement project.

“This was a great project and it represents our commitment to community reinvestment,” said Commissioner Corey D. O’Brien.  “It turned out tremendous and has something for everyone to enjoy.  You can walk the nature trails, play ball, relax with your family or watch your children have fun on the boundless playground.”

“This is a top-flight facility for the people of Covington and the surrounding communities to enjoy.  It was created to be the centerpiece for family-related activities, as well as community athletic events,” stated Commissioner Jim Wansacz.  “Once people see the park, they will want to keep coming back.”

“This is a great day.  The project turned out extremely well and it is an example of what can be accomplished when everyone works together,” said Commissioner Patrick M. O’Malley.  “This has everything you would want in a family park.”

The 400-acre Covington Park is the latest crown jewel in the County’s recreation network.  The work done was funded by a combination of grant money from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the County’s Landfill Trust.

The work, which was done by various local contractors, involved the construction of a little league field, a field house with a press box, a pavilion, and handicap accessible restrooms.   The project also included building park offices, a soccer field, a basketball court, and a volleyball court.

A boundless playground, designed for children of all needs and abilities, was installed.  A large parking lot and access to the lake were also incorporated into this development.

On the drawing board for the future are a lake trail and additional nature hiking trails.

William Davis is the County’s Deputy Director for Parks & Recreation.   

Lackawanna County continues to do more with less.  The County’s workforce is at its lowest level since 1996.

The County currently employs 964 full-time employees and 120 part-time employees for a total workforce of 1,084.  This total represents a staff reduction of 37.16% from the 2007 employee count.

“Making county government smaller and more efficient for our residents remains an important priority, and we have worked hard to instill this philosophy in our government’s culture,” said Commissioner Corey D. O’Brien.  “We are committed to holding the line on expenses, and we are asking our staff to continue to do the same.”

“Our administration continues to find more creative ways to do more with less, while continuing to provide important programs and services,” explained Commissioner Jim Wansacz.  “This is the wave of the future; being lean and asking everyone to do a little more.  We are doing all that we can to hold the line on costs.”

The County’s workforce hit an all-time high in 2007 with 1,725 employees (1,361 full-time and 364 part-time).

Reductions began in 2008 when the staffing level dropped 11.83 % to 1,521 (1362 full-time and 159 part-time).  All workforce reductions have come with no interruption to the important programs and services offered by Lackawanna County.

The workforce reductions have continued on a steady pace since 2008.

A chart denoting the staffing level reductions is attached here: Chart

The Lackawanna County Arts & Culture Department and ScrantonMade are organizing the “Arts on the Square” festival slated for Courthouse Square on July 27 from noon to 8 PM.

The “Arts on the Square” committee is looking for performers and organizations to get involved.  There will be two stages available for various acts, but strolling performers are also encouraged to apply/participate.

The festival will also feature various vendors and local businesses, offering various food, drink or merchandise specials.

Festival applications can be downloaded at www.lackawannacounty.org or by emailing arts-culture@lackawannacounty.org.  The applications are due Saturday, June 1, and will be reviewed by the committee.  Applicants will be notified by Saturday, June 15.

For additional information or clarification, contact Maureen McGuigan, the County’s Deputy Director of Arts & Culture, at 570-963-6590, Ext. 102.

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