The Dime Bank Promotes Valerie O’Hare President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Bochnovich announced the promotion of Valerie O’Hare to Assistant Vice President, Training Manager at The Dime Bank. O’Hare joined The Dime Bank in 2013 as an assistant branch manager. In 2015, she was appointed to the position of trainer. In 2022, O’Hare was promoted to training manager. With 26 years of banking experience, O’Hare oversees the training program for approximately 170 employees including new hire, compliance, and universal banker training. She provides operational and procedural support to the staff, writes standard operating procedures, manages the training budget, and provides additional training for staff as needed. O’Hare also visits the local schools to provide financial literacy to students and serves on multiple committees within the bank. O’Hare is a graduate of the Pennsylvania Bankers Association (PBA) School of Banking and Advanced School of Banking. O’Hare was recognized as the 2017 Emerging Leader. In 2020, O’Hare was presented with the PA Bankers H.Y.P.E. (Highlighting Young Professionals’ Excellence) “Developer” award. O’Hare recently committed her time as a volunteer for the United Way of Lackawanna/Wayne/ Pike. The Dime Bank President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Bochnovich stated, “Please join me in congratulating Val on her well-deserved promotion. Val is a dedicated professional who has consistently displayed a passion for the banking industry and a commitment to delivering exceptional training resources to our staff. I am confident that Val’s extensive banking knowledge, expertise, and leadership skills will be instrumental in driving growth and success to The Dime Bank. As Val takes on her new role, we look forward to seeing her achievements and contributions to the bank in the years to come.”
WVIA Announce New Documentary: Eddie Durham American Public Television (APT) and WVIA have announced the debut of a new WVIA original documentary titled WHAM Re-Bop-Boom-Bam: The Swing Jazz of Eddie Durham, coming in February. The film will be broadcast on over 250 APT member stations nationwide. Eddie Durham was an American jazz guitarist, trombonist, composer, and arranger. He was one of the pioneers of the electric guitar in jazz music. Through the testimonials of family, friends and devoted fellow musicians of all ages, Wham-Re-Bop-Boom-Bam: The Swing Jazz of Eddie Durham follows the musical journey of this often overlooked, but totally unique, musical genius. “Eddie Durham was an innovator who helped shape a whole era of American music, no question. But he also had that rare gift of being able to bring people together, in bands and in life, across multiple generations and widely varying social backgrounds. He found the best in everyone, and everyone who knew him was a better musician and a better person for it,” said Producer Kris Hendrickson. “Our hope is that this documentary will help more people get to know Eddie Durham and, consequently, bring more people together through their appreciation for and admiration of him.” Produced and directed by WVIA’s Kris Hendrickson and Executive Producer Ben Payavis II, along with Music Director and Producer Loren Schoenberg of The National Jazz Museum in Harlem, the film will be presented and distributed by American Public Television. WHAM Re-Bop-Boom-Bam will air on public television stations nationwide in February 2024 (check local listings for airdates). The documentary also gave students of The Juilliard School in New York City an opportunity to perform original Eddie Durham arrangements that had never been recorded, allowing the next generation of jazz musicians to bring Eddie’s music to life for themselves. “It’s so important to honor Eddie Durham’s legacy and to play his music, especially for young people,” said Dr. Aaron Flagg, Chair and Associate Director of Juilliard Jazz. “That really helps them understand the journey that the great American music known as jazz has taken.” This film provides a unique look into the life and career of Eddie Durham, including details from those who knew him best. The story of Eddie Durham is told through interviews with an array of jazz musicians such as Russel Malone, Vincent Gardner, James Chirillo, jazz historians Robert O’Meally, Dennis Spragg, and more. It also includes interviews with Durham’s daughter Marcia and sons Eric and Terrance. “There’s been a lot of talk about roots; roots of civilization, families, of art, and history. When it comes to music in America, very few artists have deeper roots than Eddie Durham, and finally, a documentary has been produced to reveal how deep his story truly is. Above all, it’s a story of talent, perseverance, and love”, said Producer Loren Schoenberg. The trailer for WHAM Re-Bop-Boom-Bam: The Swing Jazz of Eddie Durham can be viewed here. For a full list of PBS stations carrying WHAM Re-Bop-Boom-Bam: The Swing Jazz of Eddie Durham, please visit our website here, or contact your local station directly.
WVIA News Awarded Grant for New Full-Time Journalist WVIA was recently awarded a grant through the Williamsport Lycoming Competitive Grant Program at the First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania to support the addition of a dedicated, full-time WVIA News reporter to exclusively cover Williamsport and the Lycoming County region. The position has now been filled by Chase Bottorf, a Lock Haven native, providing dedicated WVIA News coverage to the area. Bottorf is a graduate of Lock Haven University and holds a bachelor’s degree in English with a concentration in writing. Having previously been a reporter for the Lock Haven news publication, The Express, he comes with an existing awareness of the unique issues in the Lycoming County region, and has ties to the local communities. “I am extremely excited to work for WVIA in bolstering community-based reporting in Northcentral Pennsylvania,” said Bottorf. “While working with the station, under the NPR/PBS umbrella, I hope to achieve greater transparency within the community and tackle stories that will benefit the area as a whole. This, and at the same time, garner experience that will help push my boundaries in the field of journalism overall.” Mr. Bottorf will be responsible for reporting and producing stories exclusive to the Lycoming County region on WVIA’s radio and digital platforms. He will focus on the many complexities of the Williamsport area by providing in-depth coverage of local issues and community engagement opportunities with residents of the region. Bottorf will work out of the WVIA Studios Lycoming County Bureau in the Community Arts Center on West 4th Street in Williamsport. Bucking the national trends of shrinking staff and non-local ownership groups, WVIA has grown – and is quickly becoming the source for balanced, local news throughout the 22-county region it serves. Founded in 2022, WVIA News has grown to a team of six full-time journalists in less than two years. “First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania is thrilled to support WVIA’s continued expansion into Lycoming County,” stated Betty Gilmour, Director of Grantmaking, First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania. “With a dedicated journalist closely involved in the greater Williamsport and surrounding area, residents will become more knowledgeable about the place they call home, opening new avenues to a more connected community.” This is the second grant-funded news position for WVIA News since its founding in 2022. These additions to WVIA’s growing news department are evidence of the level of support from donors and the community for local nonprofit journalism and the level of commitment from WVIA to fill the need for such.
Scranton Cultural Center Hosts “The Classic Rock Show – World Tour 2024” The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple is pleased to announce The Classic Rock Show – World Tour 2024, kicking off in Scranton on March 21 at 7:30 PM. This electrifying production by CMP Entertainment features all the hits from Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Queen, The Rolling Stones, The Eagles, AC/DC, The Beatles, Dire Straits, Meat Loaf, ZZ Top, Eric Clapton, Aerosmith, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Who, Boston, Toto, Van Halen, Fleetwood Mac and more. The Classic Rock Show is an amazing opportunity for rock fans, young and old, to celebrate three decades of the world’s greatest classic rock music with a stunning multi-million dollar sound and light show to match. Note-for-note, anthem after anthem, riff after riff and solo after solo – the night will culminate in a show-stopping guitar duel that is definitely not to be missed. The show will take place in the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Theatre and is presented by Magic City Productions and the Scranton Cultural Center. Tickets start at $44.30. A VIP Sound Check Experience Pre-Show Package is available for an additional fee. Doors will open at 7:00 PM and a cash bar and concessions will be available. Tickets will be available for purchase beginning January 26 at 10 AM at the Fidelity Bank Box Office at the SCC in person or by calling (570) 344-1111, or via Ticketmaster. For more information or to view a full schedule of events, visit SCCMT.org.
FNCB Bank Donates to Keystone Mission FNCB Bank, through the FNCB Bank Charitable Foundation, today announced a $5,000 donation to Keystone Mission in support of their new Wilkes-Barre Innovation Center. The Wilkes-Barre Innovation Center, opened on October 23, 2023, acts as an educational and hands-on facility for both men and women experiencing homelessness in Northeastern PA. The facility provides a place to receive meals, clothing, showers, and the ability to meet with community service providers. The Keystone Mission donation is part of FNCB’s larger Community Caring initiative. As a true, local community bank, FNCB is making a difference through volunteerism, donations, and outreach programs.
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.
