The Irem Temple Restoration Project has taken on the mission of preserving Wilkes-Barre’s 117-year-old Irem Temple. The group aims to restore the historical and architectural marvel of the Wyoming Valley while also transforming it into a mixed-use community event venue for entertainment and social/educational gatherings.
Follow this blog to learn more about the project and how you can become a part of the story.
Leading with Vision
Every nonprofit faces financial pressure, moments of doubt about whether the venture will succeed, times when ideas are few, and not many willing hands are available. That’s when those with vision stand firm and inspire others with their dedicated assertion that this project will work, we just have to find the way. We are proud to have such high caliber people who work with us at the Irem Temple Restoration Project. Two of the ones who keep the lights on, and gears of the organization oiled are our Chairman, Christian Weilage, and Dale Parmenteri who serves as Treasurer for us.
Christian Wielage, Board Chairman, Irem Temple Restoration Project
Christian is the driving force behind this project. He saw the loss of valuable historic real estate in the Wyoming Valley and was determined that the Irem Temple would not suffer the same fate. Christian has been that person to push the boundaries, lift the curtain so that others join in. He is the CEO of PlanGuru, a budgeting and forecasting software company empowering businesses to make smarter financial decisions. A Wyoming Seminary graduate, he earned his undergraduate degree from Franklin & Marshall College and an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh.
After living in Baltimore, Pittsburgh, and New York, Christian and his wife Lauren Toczylowski—also a Wyoming Seminary alum—moved back to Northeastern, PA in 2017 to raise their boys, Turner (9) and Bennett (6). Christian is deeply involved in youth lacrosse, coaching for the Back Mountain Bandits and leading lacrosse training through Wyoming 6’s.
Dale Parmenteri, Board treasurer, Irem Temple Restoration Project
Dale joined the board of ITRP, Inc. early in its inception and is currently the treasurer. In March 2022, Dale assumed responsibility for the daily operations including administration, maintenance of the building and adjacent parking lots, coordinating construction access, insurance, financial statement preparation, tax filings and board communication.
He has coordinated six music videos filmed in the Irem since 2022 and several photographers have had access for inclusion in art shows or for documentary purposes.
Dale has over 40 years of C-Level management and consulting experience as a former partner in Balester Optical Company located in Wilkes-Barre prior to its sale in 2012 and then as VP of Operations at the Northeast PA Industrial Resource Center located in the Hanover Industrial Park. He continues as a manufacturing consultant part-time in his retirement.
These two talented men have continually been at the forefront of the operation providing the guidance, expertise, and inspiration needed to keep our project on course. Our hats are off to them!
