Greater Scranton YMCA Education Director Named 30 Under 30 The Greater Scranton YMCA would like to congratulate Tressa Parker, Education Director, for recently being named as a 30 Under 30 YMCA award winner. The 30 Under 30 award was debuted in 2018 and recognizes staff who embody the YMCA mission, and formally acknowledges 30 full-time YMCA leaders under the age of 30 for their accomplishments and potential to lead YMCA Associations in the coming years. “We are very happy to see Tressa recognized for her hard work and dedication to our children,” said Trish Fisher, President & CEO of Greater Scranton YMCA. “Her leadership and passion in her role have helped distinguish our early childhood education programs as some of the best in our region.” Tressa began her YMCA career in November 2021. She oversees a staff team of more than 30 full-time employees. Under her leadership, enrollment in early childhood education programs has grown significantly, going from approximately 50 children to more than 210 in under 18 months. The Greater Scranton YMCA is so grateful for Tressa’s leadership and commitment. “I am humbled and tremendously grateful to be selected as one of the 2023 Emerging Leaders Resource Networks’ 30 Under 30 Award recipients,” said Tressa. “I look forward to continuing to impact the lives of young children in our community and grow within the Greater Scranton YMCA organization.”
Wayne Bank Hires New Risk Director Jim Donnelly, president and chief executive officer of Wayne Bank, is pleased to announce the addition of Tracie Young as Wayne Bank’s new director of risk. Young joins the Bank as a Senior Vice President and will oversee the newly formed Risk Management department. She will work out of the Bank’s Corporate Office in Honesdale, PA. Young brings over 30 years of experience in the areas of risk management, internal audit, and compliance for financial institutions. In her new role, she will be responsible for overseeing the Bank’s risk management framework, which includes Audit, Compliance, Deposit Operations, Fraud, and Security & Facilities, while proactively identifying and addressing potential risks to the operations of the business. Mr. Donnelly stated, “We are excited to welcome Tracie to our team. Her extensive knowledge and dedication to effective risk management, will play a key role in safeguarding the interests of the Bank, while promoting a culture of informed decision-making.” Young resides in Honesdale, PA, with her husband, Neal. They have two daughters.
Northeast Regional Cancer Institue Publishes Local Cancer Surveillance Report The Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, a local community-based nonprofit organization, has released the latest report on cancer, “Cancer in Northeastern Pennsylvania: Incidence and Mortality for Common Cancers”. The report is available at: http://cancernepa.org/ This unique, locally focused report was compiled by Cancer Institute Vice President of Cancer Surveillance, Karen Ryczak, RN and Medical Director, Samuel Lesko, MD, MPH. The report documents that both incidence and mortality rates for cancer remain significantly higher in NEPA than the U.S. It also identifies those specific cancer sites for which there is a disparity in either incidence or mortality. In NEPA, we continue to see statistically significantly higher incidence rates for cancer of the lung, larynx, oral cavity and pharynx, esophagus, colon and rectum, urinary bladder, pancreas, thyroid, cervix, and uterus compared to the U.S. Evidence-based screenings are available for breast, cervical, colon and lung cancer that can reduce deaths from these cancers and in the case of cervical and colon cancer, may prevent cancers from developing. Primary care providers are well suited to advise individuals on what screenings are appropriate based on age, gender, personal and family history, risk factors, and eligibility criteria for screenings. The goal in sharing these data is to raise awareness across the community and to promote collaborative efforts to reduce the risk of select cancers through healthy lifestyle choices and adherence to proper screening guidelines. The report offers important insight for Northeastern Pennsylvania residents, health professionals, and government leaders.
City of Scranton Honors First Woman to Serve as City Councilmember At the Scranton City Council meeting on January 23, Mayor Paige G. Cognetti and City Councilmembers issued a proclamation honoring Grace O’Malley Schimelfenig, the first woman to serve as a Scranton City Councilmember in the City’s history. Officials wanted to pay tribute to her legacy of trailblazing paths for women to participate and lead in local government. Grace O’Malley Schimelfenig was elected to the Scranton City Council in 1974, and she served a four-year term as a member of the Community Development Committee. She led her party’s eight-candidate race with the most votes – 7,658 – in the general election. For decades, Schimelfenig advocated for women in professional spaces, having served as a Board Member for the Lackawanna Commission for Women, former President of American Women in Radio and TV, the women’s division of the National Association of Broadcasters, and former President and Woman of the Year of the American Business Women’s Association. She also worked at WVIA-TV/FM and later served as the Borough Manager of Old Forge, PA, and Fiscal Assistant for the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. “It is essential that we recognize the women who paved the way in our city’s civic history,” said Mayor Cognetti. “Grace’s legacy merits recognition, and it is clear from her time on our City Council and record of public service that she is a powerful example for women wanting to be involved in their community and shape Scranton’s trajectory.” Schimelfenig’s legacy has also had a direct impact on her family. Her daughter, Mari Pizur, is a proud member of the Rotary Club of Scranton. Pizur connected with Mayor Cognetti at a separate proclamation event for World Polio Day, and they realized the importance of celebrating her mom’s accomplishments and contributions to the city with this proclamation. “We would like to thank the City of Scranton for recognizing our mom’s accomplishments,” said Pizur. “My brother and I were teenagers when she ran for City Council, and we didn’t realize until we were older that she was a trailblazer. She was just our mother.”
Wright Center Physician Receives Board Certification in Obesity Medicine Dr. Nirali Patel, a board-certified internal medicine physician at The Wright Center for Community Health Scranton Practice, recently earned board certification in obesity medicine, increasing the number of physicians in the network who are prepared to better help patients manage obesity, its many comorbidities, and to lose weight. Patel is accepting adult patients at the primary care practice at 501 S. Washington Ave. A Scranton resident, Patel is also a core faculty member for The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s Internal Medicine Residency program. She earned her medical degree from Medical University of Lublin, Poland, and completed her internal medicine residency and geriatrics fellowship training at The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education. Obesity is one of the nation’s most prevalent chronic diseases and is associated with many of the leading causes of preventable, premature death. The condition is linked to a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, sleep apnea, arthritis, certain cancers, and many additional comorbidities. The certification from the American Board of Obesity Medicine gives physicians the insights and tools to help patients who are struggling with the complex issue of obesity. Drs. Linda Thomas-Hemak, Jumee Barooah, and Manju Mary Thomas are also board-certified in obesity medicine and see patients at The Wright Center for Community Health Mid Valley Practice, 5 S. Washington Ave., Jermyn. In addition, Barooah accepts patients at the Scranton Practice. For more information about The Wright Center for Community Health and its network of primary and preventive care practices in Northeast Pennsylvania, go to TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-230-0019.
Wright Center Dentist Receives Faculty Appointment with Partner Organization Dr. Surbhi Abrol, a board-certified dentist at The Wright Center for Community Health, has been appointed as a faculty member at NYU Langone Dental Medicine. In her new role, Abrol will mentor dental residents in the Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) program, sharing her clinical knowledge in general dentistry and background in prosthodontics. Each academic year, two dental residents train at The Wright Center’s primary care practices in Northeast Pennsylvania as part of an affiliation established in 2021 with NYU Langone Dental Medicine. The organization, based in Brooklyn, N.Y., operates the world’s largest postdoctoral dental residency program of its kind, training about 400 residents annually at partner sites, including community health centers, hospitals, and other affiliates in nearly 30 states. The Wright Center is currently the only organization in Pennsylvania to partner with NYU Langone to offer its AEGD program. Through the affiliation, The Wright Center is able to attract additional health professionals to the region to address the community’s pressing need for dental services. “I am pleased to receive this faculty appointment and contribute to The Wright Center for Community Health’s vision in clinical training and dental education,” said Abrol, who joined The Wright Center in 2022. “As a faculty member at NYU Langone Dental Medicine, I am excited to help shape the next generation of dentists, particularly those committed to serving in rural and medically underserved communities. This role aligns perfectly with my passion for dental education and community health.” Abrol earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree at the Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine and has been practicing since 2021 in Scranton, Pennsylvania. The Wright Center for Community Health operates 10 primary and preventive care practices in Northeast Pennsylvania, including a mobile medical and dental vehicle called Driving Better Health. Its practices offer integrated whole-person care, meaning patients typically have the convenience of going to a single location to access medical, dental, and behavioral health care, as well as community-based addiction treatment and recovery services. The Wright Center accepts most major health insurance plans, including Medical Assistance (Medicaid), Medicare, and CHIP. No patient is turned away due to an inability to pay. To schedule a dental appointment at the Mid Valley Practice in Jermyn, call 570-230-0019. To schedule a dental appointment at the Scranton Practice in the city’s South Side neighborhood, call 570-941-0630. For more information about The Wright Center, visit TheWrightCenter.org.
Lexington Entertainment Releases Doug Smith’s Music Winter Schedule Lexington Entertainment’s winter schedule appears on our website:www.lexingtonentertainment.org and www.facebook.com/lexingtonentertainment See our videos at: www.youtube.com/dougsmithbass Saturday, January 13 DOUG SMITH BAND 8:00 – 10:00 Saturday Night Dance & Grand March Skytop Lodge Skytop, PA Sunday, January 14 JIM WALTICH, Accordion / DOUG SMITH, Bass / 4:00 – 6:00 TOM HAMILTON, Saxophone An Afternoon of Anthracite Region Music for “Anthracite Mining History Month” Susquehanna Brewing Company 635 South Main Street Pittston, PA Friday, January 19 ERIN MALLOY followed by MRS. KASHA DAVIS 6:00 – 8:00 & DJ STEVEN WALLACE A FUN-Raiser for Bill Canjar Colonnade Room 401Jefferson Avenue Scranton, PA Please join us to support Bill and Sean and help them manage Bill’s medical expenses related to simultaneous cancer and ALS diagnoses. Saturday, January 27 DOUG SMITH’S DIXIELAND ALL-STARS 1:00 – 3:00 Clarks Summit Festival of Ice “Jurassic Ice” Gerrity’s Market 100 Old Lackawanna Trail, Clarks Summit, PA https://www.facebook.com/clarkssummitfestivities/ Saturday, February 3 DOUG SMITH BAND 8:00 – 10:00 Saturday Night Dance & Grand March Skytop Lodge Skytop, PA Friday, February 9 DOUG SMITH’S DIXIELAND ALL-STARS 6:00 – 7:00 Blakely/Peckville Crimewatch Association Fundraiser – Mardi Gras Style Fiorelli’s 570-489-6777 1501 Main Street, Peckville, PA – $65
Foundation for Free Enterprise Education Supports Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week Our organization’s #1 priority? Ensuring our businesses have a knowledgeable, skilled workforce. That’s why we support Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week (PFEW). Offered by the Foundation for Free Enterprise Education (FFEE), PFEW uniquely prepares our students for successful careers right here at home. PFEW 2023 graduate Maddie Miller from Henderson HS in Chester County explains why PFEW is so important, “My experience at PFEW was amazing. I went into the program without any real interest in business and came out as a changed person. I had no idea the tools I would gain from this. I also made incredible friends. Building a company from scratch with eighteen people that you just met was nothing short of a challenge. Throughout my time, I saw my company grow closer as a group but also grow individually as people. Personally, I developed leadership, speaking, and collaborative skills that I will take with me throughout my career endeavors. We were lucky enough to listen to some incredible speakers during our time at PFEW and their words were very influential. I am so thankful I got to participate in this amazing experience.” PFEW is entirely funded and taught by the PA business community and is open to all rising juniors and seniors in PA. It’s a powerful hands-on program that teaches students to understand modern business and the American free enterprise system. Students form teams and manage a manufacturing company competing with other companies. Along the way, they gain the knowledge and skills that uniquely prepare them for successful careers and lives right here in PA. Since its inception, over 50,000 students have participated in this award-winning program. FFEE offers two additional programs that prepare students for success. The Stock Market Game (SMG)is a hands-on in-class program for students in grades 4-12 that focuses on financial literacy, investing and capital markets. The Speaker Series helps students explore careers, discover regional scholarship and career opportunities, build a mentor network, and more. FFEE’s three-pronged approach to youth and workforce development promotes the finest ideals of business and free enterprise and creates our next generation of productive, engaged employees and leaders. To support PFEW or to learn more about these vital FFEE programs, visit www.pfew.org or contact VP of Marketing & Development Scott Lee at (814) 833-9576 ext. 8, or scott@pfew.org.
Steamtown National Historic Site Hiring Curatorial Assistant intern In partnership with the American Conservation Experience (ACE) and the NPS Cultural Resources Diversity Internship Program (CRDIP), Steamtown National Historic Site is hosting a curatorial assistant. The selected ACE member will assist curatorial staff with collection management activities and participate in professional development opportunities. The CRDIP introduces students and recent graduates, from backgrounds historically underrepresented in the National Parks, to career opportunities within Cultural Resource Management in the NPS. “Underrepresented” and “diversity” are broad terms in this context meant to reach as many students and recent graduates as possible from all backgrounds. Click the link below to learn more and apply today! https://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/1062276
Scranton Area Community Foundation Announces 2024 Scholarship Cycle The Scranton Area Community Foundation now invites students to apply online for eligible scholarship opportunities. This year, over 85 scholarships and $800,000 are available to graduating high school and current college students for various studies, interests, and more. Included in these scholarships is the prestigious James F. Swift Scholarship, which provides $5,000 per year (renewable for a total of 4 years) to assist with continuing education expenses. The James F. Swift Scholarship opportunity is open to local high school seniors graduating from a Lackawanna County high school. Twenty students are selected annually for this competitive scholarship. All scholarship applications must be received through the Scranton Area Community Foundation’s online scholarship portal. 2024 scholarship applications are due Friday, March 1, 2024. Scholarship decisions will be announced in June. The Scranton Area Community Foundation is steward to over 85 scholarship funds, with over $14 million currently invested in scholarships at the Foundation. The Scranton Area Community Foundation distributed over $840,000 in scholarships in 2023. For more information, visit safdn.org/scholarship-application, or contact Cathy Fitzpatrick, Scranton Area Community Foundation Director of Grants and Scholarships, at 570-347-6203 x301, or grants@safdn.org.
