Hospice of the Sacred Heart to Deliver Thanksgiving Meals to Homebound Patients On Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, November 23rd, Hospice of the Sacred Heart will deliver meals to patients and their families. This is the 18th year the hospice will provide this service project. Over 700 meals complete with roasted turkey, all traditional Thanksgiving sides and pumpkin pie will be prepared by Mansour’s Market Café in Scranton, packaged, and delivered by hospice staff members and volunteers. “We so look forward to this day. We plan to once again gather as a hospice family of employees and volunteers to safely deliver over 700 Thanksgiving meals to our patients and their families. This project demonstrates our gratitude for the blessings in our lives,” said Diane Baldi, CEO, Hospice of the Sacred Heart. Media outlets are invited to photograph the distribution process beginning at 7:50 am at Mansour’s Market Café, 969 Prescott Avenue, Scranton. Deacon Patrick J. Massino will bless the meals at 8 am and deliveries will begin immediately afterwards. Diane Baldi, CEO, will be available for interviews between 8 and 10 am.
Dimeco, Inc. Announces Earnings at September 30, 2023 Dimeco, Inc. (OTCQX: DIMC), the parent holding company of The Dime Bank, announces earnings for the period ending September 30, 2023. Total assets of $986 million on September 30, 2023 increased $24.5 million or 2.6% over balances on September 30, 2022. The loan portfolio increased $42 million or 6.3% over balances a year earlier. Total deposits decreased 5.2% or $43 million from balances on September 30, 2022. Net income was $7.2 million for the first nine months of 2023, resulting in a return on average assets of 1.00% and a return on average shareholders’ equity of 10.47% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The Board of Directors declared dividends totaling $1.14 per share during the past nine months, which produced a dividend yield of 4.52% on September 30, 2023. Dividends are up 5.6% over the amount paid in 2022. President & Chief Executive Officer Pete Bochnovich stated, “I am pleased to present the results for Dimeco, Inc. through the first three quarters of 2023. As the current economic scenario continues, management looks for opportunities to grow and position Dimeco for future success. We thank our customers, shareholders, staff, and the community for their continued commitment.”
The Steamtown National Historic Site to Host “Stuff the Caboose” Event Steamtown National Historic Site (NHS) invites the public to “Stuff the Caboose” and enjoy some holiday cheer on Friday, November 17, 2023, from 5:00pm – 7:00pm. This free family event will take place at Steamtown NHS, located at 350 Cliff Street in Scranton. The holiday season is just around the corner! Steamtown NHS and its partners are asking for your help to restock the United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA Food Pantry with non-perishable food items. Interact with Scranton’s police and fire departments and their equipment, enjoy the sounds of holiday music provided by students from West Scranton High School Strings and Band, sample s’mores over a horizontal “Ring of Fire”, and take in the sight of locomotives decorated with holiday lights. Visitors will also have photo opportunities with the former Nay Aug Park Miniature Train to capture new memories or relive those from long ago!
Geisinger Announces Recipients of the Nursing Scholarship and Caring Award Geisinger has recognized 10 employees who go above and beyond in their dedication to patients at work and in the community with the Caring Award and Nursing Scholarship in honor of Susan M. Robel. “Improving the patient experience and making better health easier for everyone is at the forefront of what we do. And our Geisinger family members are devoted to finding ways — big and small — to impact our patients’ lives,” said Janet Tomcavage, MSN, RN, executive vice president and chief nursing executive at Geisinger. “Each year, we recognize those who go the extra mile in their service to others. Congratulations to all the deserving recipients.” Created to honor the legacy of Sue Robel, Geisinger’s former chief nursing officer and co-chief patient experience officer, the two awards are presented annually to recognize Geisinger employees’ commitment to providing the highest level of patient care and serving others in their roles at work and in the community. The Nursing Scholarship Program in honor of Robel recognizes the significance of lifelong learning in nursing, and rewards those enrolled in nursing school who exemplify what it means to go above and beyond in providing patient care. Scholarship recipients have demonstrated a continued commitment to meeting the highest standards of bedside care and treat patients with the utmost compassion and kindness. Each recipient is awarded $1,000 toward their tuition, funded by the Alice E. Steele Endowment. The 2023 Nursing Scholarship winners are: Cherie Hrapowicki, patient care technician II, emergency medicine, Geisinger Medical Center Muncy Jennifer Kauffman, patient care unit assistant, intermediate care unit, Geisinger Lewistown Hospital Katie Lynn, nurse intern/extern, emergency medicine, Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre Carson Farr, patient care technician, medical/surgical unit, Geisinger Medical Center Jessica Wallace, operations manager II, family practice, CommunityCare Kistler Clinic The Caring Award recognizes Geisinger employees who are dedicated to caring for others in the workplace and beyond. Like Robel, who defined collegiality and was an exemplary colleague to all, these people demonstrate a steadfast commitment to serving others and are incredible advocates in our communities. They inspire others with their compassion, thoughtfulness and selflessness. Nominated by their peers and selected by the award committee, winners receive $500 in cash and $500 to donate to their charity of choice. The 2023 Caring Award winners are: Raphael Ferro, registered nurse, intensive care unit, Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center Kimberly Green, registered nurse, Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital Gina Hatton, licensed practical nurse, neurology, Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center Angela Phillips, community health assistant II, Care Coordination and Integration Lindsey Shannon, patient care technician, intensive care unit, Geisinger Medical Center
Geisinger Welcomes Vascular Surgeon John A. Kutz, M.D., an experienced vascular surgeon with deep ties to northeastern Pennsylvania, has joined Geisinger. Dr. Kutz practices at Geisinger Community Medical Center and treats patients with diseases of the circulatory system. He has a clinical interest in helping patients get appropriate operative and non-operative care for vascular conditions and is certified by the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Vascular Surgery. He joins Eugene Langan, M.D., David Phang, M.D., and Alessandro Smeraldi, M.D., on a vascular care team that provides comprehensive coverage for Scranton and surrounding communities. A native of Luzerne County, Dr. Kutz earned his medical degree from the Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. He completed his residency in general surgery at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and his fellowship training in vascular surgery at Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. He has provided vascular care in Scranton for 20 years and has held clinical and administrative leadership positions in surgery, vascular surgery and wound care. Dr. Kutz serves as an assistant professor of vascular surgery at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, and he was recently appointed by the governor of Pennsylvania to serve on the State Board of Medicine. “I’m grateful to have the opportunity to continue caring for members of my community with Geisinger,” Dr. Kutz said. “My wife and I came back to this region two decades ago, because we wanted to be part of the communities in which we were raised.” Dr. Kutz served 13 years in the U.S. Air Force and Air Force Reserve where he trained at the School of Aerospace Medicine in San Antonio, Texas, reached the rank of major and was awarded for expert marksmanship, unit achievement and meritorious service. To learn more about vascular care at Geisinger or find a vascular surgeon near you, visit Geisinger.org/vascular.
Marywood University to Hold Transfer Tuesdays Program Marywood University has set several dates in the fall and winter for its Transfer Tuesdays program. Transfer Tuesday events are for current or former college students, at all stages of their college journey, who are considering transferring to Marywood University. Transfer Tuesdays opportunities will take place on the following Tuesdays: November 28, 2023 and December 12, 2023, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and on January 9, 2024, from 1-6 p.m. Those interested in the fall/winter Transfer Tuesdays events can schedule an appointment every half hour during the time frames established for each date, and optional tours will be offered at select times. Registered visitors can discuss financial aid and scholarship options, transfer credits, take a tour of campus, review credits for transfer eligibility, and complete an application for admission. Marywood University’s spring semester begins on Tuesday, January 16, 2024. For additional information about transferring to Marywood, or to register for the Transfer Tuesdays program, please visit marywood.edu/transfer or call Marywood University’s Office of University Admissions, at (570) 348-6234 or email YourFuture@marywood.edu.
The Chamber Celebrates 2023 SAGE Award Winners at Chamber Gala The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce hosted its Chamber Gala on Friday, November 3, where they presented the 2023 SAGE Awards—the Scranton Awards for Growth and Excellence. Verizon presented this year’s event at the Scranton Art Haus Theater and Cinema Club. Chamber board chair, Jerry Musheno, opened the ceremony by thanking all finalists, award sponsors, and Gala sponsors for their dedication to the NEPA community. The following were presenters for the evening—John Basalyga, owner of Scranton Art Haus, Marketplace at Steamtown, and JBAS Realty, and Robert McGuckin, manager–state and local government affairs for Verzion. Mike Castellano, special projects manager, United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne, and Pike Counties, served as the emcee for the evening. The SAGE Awards honor outstanding local businesses for their talent, creativity, and innovation. The Chamber received nearly 90 SAGE Award applications. A team of volunteers scored the applications. The top three scoring applications were named finalists. The 2023 SAGE Awards offered a new category to highlight businesses and their significant milestones, the Milestone Awards. 14 businesses were recognized throughout the award show: DBA Architects, LLC, Fidelity Bank, Goodwill Industries of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Highland Associates, Ltd., Inspired Studio, Montage Mountain Resorts, Needle Law, PC, Outreach – Center for Community Resources, Ski Shack, Space Time Mead & Cider Works, Talerico’s Tropical Winery, Tobyhanna Army Depot, WVIA, and WNEP. The Chamber congratulates all finalists and winners of the 2023 SAGE Awards. The winners in each category are: BUSINESS OF THE YEAR• Titan Tree Service, Inc. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT EXCELLENCE• Tobyhanna Army Depot CUSTOMER SERVICE EXCELLENCE• Tech42, LLC.MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS EXCELLENCE• The Honesdale National Bank NEW AND EMERGING BUSINESS OF THE YEAR• LFG Life Fitness Goals NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR• WVIA PRODUCT AND SERVICES EXCELLENCE• Merut Construction PEOPLE’S CHOICE• United Sports Academy SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR• Ski Shack WORKPLACE EXCELLENCE• Woodloch Resorts
The Waverly Community House to Host Annual Artisans’ Marketplace For more information or to purchase tickets in advance, click HERE, scan the QR code, or call the office: 570.586.8191. Volunteers are needed for this event. Please contact Kathy at the Comm office to discuss volunteer opportunities. 570.586.8191
Northeast Regional Cancer Institute Receives Donation from Scranton High School Cheerleaders The Scranton High School Varsity Football Cheerleaders hosted a t-shirt fundraiser and dress down day for all students to support the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The cheerleaders raised $825. The funds will help to support the Cancer Institute’s mission of easing the burden of cancer in northeastern Pennsylvania.
