Northeast Regional Cancer Institute Receives Donation from Foundation The Northeast Regional Cancer Institute recently received a $50,000 grant from The Hawk Family Foundation, in memory of their daughter, Carolyn Hawk Horter. Carolyn passed away in 2023 from colon cancer at the age of 46. Funds will support the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute Community Based Cancer Screening Navigation Program and specifically colon cancer screenings. The Navigation Program is a cancer screening initiative focused on education, barrier reduction and facilitation of screenings for breast, cervical, colon and lung cancer targeting low income un/underinsured individuals, while connecting or reconnecting all participants to a medical home to ensure ongoing preventative care. “We are very appreciative of the Hawk Family Foundation grant that provides critical support for the colon cancer screening component of the Community-based Navigation Screening Program. Targeting low income, un/underinsured individuals, these funds will be used to reduce barriers to colon screening and ensure that those most vulnerable are up to date with these potentially life-saving cancer screenings,” said, Laura Toole, Executive Vice President at the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute. This funding was awarded as part of the open applications for The Hawk Family Foundation.
The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement Receives 10,000 Pairs of Socks from Bombas The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement (PCE) received 10,000 pairs of warm, cozy socks from Bombas to distribute to people experiencing homelessness and hardship throughout the region. PCE, a subsidiary of The Wright Center for Community Health, focuses on improving access to health care while addressing the negative social and economic determinants of health that affect patients and community members, including food insecurity, homelessness, poverty, and access to education. Throughout the year, PCE hosts clothing giveaways at Wright Center for Community Health locations and community events. Additionally, it hosts regular food distributions, backpack and school supply giveaways, and provides transportation vouchers to patients who have difficulty getting to and from doctors’ appointments. The socks will be distributed to people experiencing homelessness, as well as residents who are experiencing financial hardship or emergency situations, according to Holly Przasnyski, director of The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement. “We’re thrilled to receive this generous donation from Bombas,” she said. “A pair of socks can be such a comfort.” Bombas is a comfort-focused, basic apparel brand with a mission to help those in need. The company was originally founded in 2013 because socks are the No. 1 most requested clothing item at homeless shelters. Underwear and T-shirts are No. 2 and No. 3, respectively. While the brand started with and is known for its extremely comfortable socks, Bombas used its expertise in comfort to launch into apparel with T-shirts in 2019 and, most recently, underwear in 2021. For every item purchased, a specially designed item is donated to someone at risk of or currently experiencing homelessness. To date, Bombas has donated over 100 million items. For more information about PCE, call 570.343.2383, ext. 1444, or visit TheWrightCenter.org/ patient-and-community-engagement.
NEPA Philharmonic Executive Director Announces Retirement Nancy Sanderson will retire from her position as executive director of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic on December 31, 2024, according to Carol Nelson Dembert, president of the NEPA Philharmonic’s board of directors. On behalf of the board and staff, Nelson Dembert expressed appreciation for Sanderson’s service. “Nancy has led the NEPA Philharmonic for ten years, exhibiting outstanding leadership and stewardship,” she said. “Nancy has earned the respect of the region, our partners in the arts and education, our musicians, our sponsors, our board of trustees, and our patrons.” Sanderson has been the face of the NEPA Philharmonic for a decade. Under her guidance, the orchestra has overcome many challenges, including COVID and economic changes, while still maintaining the Philharmonic’s position as the leading performing arts organization inNortheastern Pennsylvania. Also, during Sanderson’s tenure, the orchestra has expanded its educational programs with regional schools, introduced a juried mentoring program for highly talented high school students, and expanded the Music in our Schools program. Recently, Sanderson launched interactive performances in senior centers and children’s libraries. Nancy shared her feelings about her upcoming retirement. “It is with mixed emotions that I’vemade the difficult decision to step down from my position as executive director of the NEPAPhilharmonic. Since I joined the Philharmonic’s team in 2014, I have been honored to be a part of some major changes and accomplishments, all of which are positive and promising for the future of our outstanding regional orchestra. I have treasured the opportunity to get to know our incredibly talented musicians, our hard-working board members, and last, but not least, our loyal patrons. I know I leave the orchestra in the capable hands of the entire NEPA Philharmonic team, and I look forward to attending concerts as an enthusiastic and appreciative audience member.” Nelson Dembert has named Carl Witkowski, chair of the NEPA Philharmonic board governance committee, to chair the search committee. “Nancy has set the bar very high,” Nelson Dembert stated, “and we are confident that with our new executive director in place, we will continue to entertain, educate and enhance life in Northeastern Pennsylvania.”
Allied Services Clinician Earns Advanced Certification in Vestibular Rehabilitation Allied Services‘ Kori Wood, DPT, recently earned the Advanced Vestibular Physical Therapist Certification (AVPT) from the University of Pittsburgh. The AVPT Certification is a post-professional certification program for physical therapists who want to become experts in vestibular rehabilitation. Wood completed rigorous coursework and demonstrated clinical competency skills to achieve the advanced certification. Vestibular rehabilitation is a type of physical therapy commonly used for conditions such as vertigo and labyrinthitis that focuses on improving the relationship between the inner ear, brain, eyes, muscles, and nerves. The therapy can also reduce the risk of falling and improve balance, body strength, and the patient’s ability to stabilize vision. Wood, who is a Montrose native, joined Allied Services in 2005. She currently treats patients at Allied Services Luger Scranton Rehab Center and has extensive experience in treating balance and vestibular disorders, back and neck pain, and orthopedic injuries and conditions.
UNC’s Child Care Centers Receive Award from Shapiro Administration On Wednesday April 24, United Neighborhoods Centers of Northeastern Pennysylvania’s (UNC) Child Care Department received the 2024 Equity in Early Childhood Education (ECE) Champion Award from the Shapiro Administration. UNC staff visited the State Capitol Rotunda to receive the award from Pennsylvania Department of Education Secretary Dr. Khalid N. Mumin and Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Dr. Val Arkoosh, along with fellow recipients from across the state. The Pennsylvania Equity in Early Childhood Education Champion Award brings awareness to and highlights the equity work being done within Pennsylvania’s early childhood education and afterschool settings, including child care, evidence-based home visiting, and early intervention. UNC operates three child care centers that provide affordable before- and after-school care, and preschool services. We understand that reliable, safe, and accessible childcare is crucial to the stability of working families. Likewise, the quality of that care is key to the early development of the child. Our centers are licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services and operate weekdays from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. All three of UNC’s child care centers have 4-STAR ratings, the highest designation from the Keystone STARS childcare quality rating program. UNC child care centers accept Lackawanna County Early Learning Resource Center subsidy and other funding, as well as paying families. For more information about UNC’s childcare centers, see below, or call UNC’s Director of Children and Teens, Kelly Langan, at 272-228-1352. Pictured: From Left (front row): Dr. Khalid N. Mumin, Secretary for the Department of Education; Mary Ellen Richards, UNC Child Care staff; Nita Barrett, UNC Child Care staff; Shante’ Brown, Deputy Secretary of the Office of Child Development and Early Learning; Dr. Val Arkoosh, Secretary for the Department of Human Services From left (2nd row): Vuanasha Gatewood, UNC Child Care staff; Kelly Langan, UNC Director of Director of Children & Teens.
Mohegan Pennsylvania Unveils New Smoke-Free Gaming Space Mohegan Pennsylvania is unveiling a thrilling new gaming area where guests can play in a smoke-free environment. Conveniently located just inside the Hotel entrance at Mohegan Pennsylvania, the Aristocrat Gaming Lounge offers over 2,000 square feet of gaming space, complete with a full Aristocrat Gaming brand takeover. The lounge features an exclusive array of top gaming products by Aristocrat with 55 slot machines available, including classic favorites such as Dragon Link™, Lightning Link™ and Buffalo™, along with hot new titles like Whisker Wheels™, Mo’ Mummy™ and Triple Supreme Extreme™. Tony Carlucci, President of Mohegan Pennsylvania, expressed his enthusiasm about the new offering, stating, “We are thrilled to launch the smoke-free Aristocrat Gaming Lounge as part of our commitment to providing exceptional and comfortable gaming experiences. Our collaboration with Aristocrat, an award-winning casino slot provider, has allowed us to offer a truly exciting gaming experience.” The Aristocrat Gaming Lounge is not only about gaming, but also about ambiance. It features bespoke lighting and exclusive artwork, dynamic depictions of Aristocrat’s beloved characters seemingly breaking through the lounge walls. Additionally, the lounge boasts state-of-the-art LCD video panels that keep guests informed about the latest Aristocrat content. For more information about the new Aristocrat Gaming Lounge and all other gaming details at Mohegan Pennsylvania, visit moheganpa.com/playing.
Wayne Bank Promotes Jamie Polley to Payroll Officer Jim Donnelly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wayne Bank, is pleased to announce the promotion of Jamie Polley to Payroll Officer. According to Mr. Donnelly, “Jamie is an asset to the Human Resources department. Her strong work ethic, attention to detail, and proficiency in managing the accuracy and efficiency of our payroll operations has earned her the trust and respect of her colleagues. Jamie’s commitment to excellence contributes to the success of our organization and she is well-deserving of this promotion.” Jamie holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from The PennsylvaniaState University and a master’s degree in human resources administration fromthe University of Scranton. Jamie joined Wayne Bank in 2014 and has 15 years of Human Resources experience. In her current role, Jamie oversees all employee payroll, employee records, and calculates employee benefits and compensation. She resides in Lake Ariel with her two children, Mia and Frank.
Johnson College’s Carpentry Auction Raises Money for Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA Johnson College Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology program hosted its Annual Carpentry Auction at the College’s Scranton campus on Wednesday, April 24, 2024. The event raised over $10,000 to benefit the Children’s Advocacy Center of Northeastern Pennsylvania in support of its mission to provide excellence in the assessment and treatment of child abuse and neglect. More than 70 items created by Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology students were available for auction. There was a wide variety of woodwork including chess boards, tables, chests, benches, and more. Many of the items were made from re-purposed materials. Johnson College provides real-world, hands-on learning in a supportive environment and prepares graduates to enter into or advance in their in-demand careers. Johnson College was founded in 1912 and is the region’s only technical college, offering 18 associate degrees, four academic certificates, and over 30 continuing education programs. A low student-to-instructor ratio supports an emphasis on hands-on learning. Located in Scranton on a 44-acre campus with a satellite campus serving the greater Hazleton area, the College is an accredited, private, non-profit, co-educational institution with a strong tradition of working with regional businesses and industries to ensure a skilled and qualified workforce. For additional information on Johnson College, please call 1-800-2-WE-WORK, email enroll@johnson.edu, or visit Johnson.edu.
The Dime Bank Announces First Quarter 2024 Earnings Dimeco, Inc., the holding company for The Dime Bank, reported unaudited results for the first quarter of 2024. At March 31, 2024, total assets were $1 billion, an increase of $41 million over March 31, 2023. Fueling this growth was an increase in total loans of $73 million, bringing loans to $744 million compared to $671 million one year prior, a growth rate of 11%. Deposits were $845 million at March 31, 2024, compared to $788 million the same period 2023, or 7.2% higher. For the three months ended March 31, 2024, Dimeco recorded net income of $2.4 million, down $162 thousand from the same period last year. Net income at this level resulted in a return on average assets of .95% and a return on average equity of 9.56%. Maintaining a strong capital position, stockholders’ equity was $99 million at March 31, 2024, representing growth of 6.9% over balances a year earlier. Dividends remained solid, amounting to $.40 per share for the period ended March 31, 2024, producing a dividend yield of 4.60%. “I am pleased to announce that Dimeco attained a long-time goal of reaching $1 billion in total assets as of the first quarter of 2024. Surpassing this milestone was achieved through responsible growth and prudent banking management,” stated President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Bochnovich. “We will continue to navigate the economic challenges through 2024 including persistent inflation, margin compression, and an inverted yield curve. Additionally, fraud is increasing, and we encourage everyone to be wary of any text, e-mail, or phone call that is asking for account information or to send money. We look forward to continued growth through 2024 and in future years.”
EMPOWER, The Leadership Experience: Inspiring Leaders and Cultivating Potential EMPOWER, The Leadership Experience, presented by Geisinger and hosted by The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, left attendees feeling motivated, challenged, and deeply engaged in soul-searching conversations. With over 800 attendees, including 61 enthusiastic high school students, the event was a testament to the region’s commitment to cultivating leadership and business innovation. Attendees found the experience to be resourceful, tapping into a wealth of knowledge and expertise from the event’s two keynote speakers and 46 regional breakout speakers, panelists, and wellness presenters. For the second consecutive year, The Honesdale National Bank sponsored the teen program, providing high school students with a unique opportunity to embark on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Through a series of workshops and interactive sessions, these young leaders were equipped with the skills and motivation to uncover their purpose and drive positive change in their communities. The Teen Program was in partnership with The Chamber’s leadership development affiliate, Leadership Lackawanna, and Luzerne County’s leadership cohort, Leadership Northeast. President of The Chamber, Bob Durkin, shares, “The growth of EMPOWER with over 800 attendees is, I believe, a measure of the emergence of women in leadership positions across northeastern Pennsylvania. We hope and believe that this program is providing women with professional and personal development tools and resources that will add to that trajectory.” Keynote speakers Dr. Lauren Hazzouri and Patrice D. Banks, renowned for their expertise in leadership and personal development, shared their insights and experiences, leaving a lasting impression on attendees. “You are going to fail. PERIOD. You are human, and it’s just going to happen. However, it’s what you do with that failure to move forward to continue with your purpose,” shared Patrice D. Banks, founder of Girls Auto Clinic. Dr. Hazzouri and Banks, through their captivating stories and practical advice, empowered participants to embrace change, overcome obstacles, and unlock their purpose. Attendees at the breakfast keynote session were asked to name one word that defines their purpose. The three most common phrases reported were happiness, helping others, and families. The challenge to all attendees was to run hard after their purpose and allow their purpose to fuel their life ambitions. The event’s lineup of regional breakout speakers and panelists covered a diverse range of topics. Attendees found these sessions to be invaluable, offering actionable takeaways, and fresh perspectives on leadership in today’s dynamic world. The conference included the Highmark Wellness Studio, which hosted 10 wellness presenters, and the Fidelity Vendor Marketplace, which housed 37 Chamber members and their businesses. As EMPOWER continues to evolve, organizers remain committed to providing a platform for leaders at all stages of their journey to connect, learn, and grow together. With each passing year, the event serves as a catalyst for positive change, empowering individuals and organizations to make a lasting impact on the world around them. Northeast PA, save the date for April 24, 2025, at Kalahari Resort & Conventions.
