Treasurer Stacy Garrity Announces Improvements to Pennsylvania Tax Appeal Process Extended time to appeal and new mediated settlement process available for certain state tax appeals. Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity today announced numerous improvements to Pennsylvania’s tax appeals process which will benefit Pennsylvania taxpayers. The changes apply to tax appeals filed on or after January 27, 2025, when Act 123 of 2024, which amended the Tax Reform Code of 1971, took effect. “These are significant improvements which make the tax appeal process more fair for hardworking Pennsylvanians and businesses,” Treasurer Garrity said. “The new law removes unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles – and it will save both the state and its taxpayers time and money. I want to thank Sen. Scott Hutchinson, Rep. Tim Briggs, and every member of the General Assembly who supported these important changes with tremendous bipartisanship.” Pennsylvanians seeking to resolve tax disputes with the Department or Revenue (DOR) for personal income taxes, fiduciary income taxes, employer withholding taxes and pass-through assessments will now have 90 days (previously 60) to file their appeals with the Board of Finance & Revenue (BF&R). BF&R can also grant a 30-day extension for late-filed applications for these types of tax appeals if good cause is shown. In addition, taxpayers filing certain appeals will be able to request a mediated settlement conference at no cost to them. Those requesting a mediated settlement conference have 30 calendar days to do so following the filing of their tax appeal. BF&R also has the discretion to refer an appeal to a mediated settlement conference. This new mediated settlement process will reduce litigation costs for taxpayers and serve as an alternative to formal, lengthy and costly court appeals. Treasury estimates that up to 500 cases annually could be eligible for this new process. Act 123 of 2024 was supported by numerous organizations, including the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, the NFIB, and the Pennsylvania Society of Enrolled Agents. The new law was sponsored by Sen. Hutchinson (R-21) and earned great bipartisan support in the General Assembly. A companion bill was introduced in the House by Rep. Briggs (D-149). BF&R is an independent administrative tax tribunal, administered by the State Treasurer, responsible for the second and final level of administrative appeal (with minor exceptions) before appealing to court. Its Board consists of three members – two are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Pennsylvania Senate; the third is the State Treasurer or her designee and serves as Chair. For further guidance on procedures to request a mediated settlement conference, visit patreasury.gov/bfr.
Providence Pregnancy Center Opens New Maternity Home in Scranton Since its inception, Providence Pregnancy Center (PPC) had a goal of opening a maternity home in addition to its bustling Resource Center. The increased cost of living and lack of housing have left pregnant women in crisis without the support they need. When PPC purchased their property on North Main Ave, the Board envisioned turning one of the buildings on the property, a four-bedroom home, into a welcoming house that would allow mothers and children to stay together, filling this critical service gap. Casa de Maria will house up to four pregnant women (and their children up to age 5). Unlike any other maternity home in the region, women will have access to safe housing and be able to keep their small children with them while benefiting from a program designed to help them achieve stability and independence. Other maternity homes are not equipped to allow children to move in with their mothers during pregnancy, making women choose between remaining with their existing children or housing. Renovations of the home have been a work in progress, funded through donations and volunteers. Recently, PPC received two generous donations towards the renovations from the Scranton Area Community Foundation and the Robert H. Spitz Foundation. These funds were instrumental in helping the organization finish some important projects. “We receive calls every week asking if we can accept residents. We’ve been working diligently to finish this project, and we’re so excited to share that we’re ready,” says Jessica Freyne, Executive Director. “We anticipate welcoming our first residents in March, so we want to invite the community to come celebrate all the progress we’ve made,” says Freyne. PPC is hosting an Open House at Casa de Maria on Sunday, February 23rd, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Guests can tour the newly renovated home, visit the pregnancy resource center, and stop by Reborn Boutique, their women’s thrift store. Fr. Eric Bergman will dedicate the home to Our Blessed Mother, and there will be light refreshments. Please RSVP online at www.ppcscranton.org/events, by calling PPC at 570-341-7045 or by emailing help@ppcscranton.org.
PS Bank Adds Walter Sarafinko Anthony J. Gabello, President and Chief Executive Officer, is pleased to announce the hiring of Walter Sarafinko as Commercial Loan Officer / Vice President. With over 40 years of experience in banking and more than 25 years specializing in commercial lending, Walter brings a wealth of expertise to the team, especially to the Northeast PA region. Walter joins PS Bank at an exciting time as it prepares to open its newest office on Keyser Avenue in Scranton, further expanding its footprint in Lackawanna County and surrounding markets. The new location aims to make PS Bank retail and business services more accessible to the Greater Scranton area. “I’m excited to join the team at PS Bank, a bank with a long-standing tradition of building strong relationships through community banking. This team has a great reputation within the business community, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to join them” said Sarafinko. “I look forward to helping our clients navigate their financial needs, and continuing to grow PS Bank’s presence in a market that I have called home for most of my career.” Anthony J. Gabello, President & CEO of PS Bank, added, “Walter will play a vital role in increasing our presence in Lackawanna County and the surrounding markets, as we prepare to open our newest office in North Scranton. His vast knowledge of the region, combined with his extensive background in commercial lending, will be instrumental in helping us to better serve both new and existing customers.” A resident of South Abington Township, Walter resides with this wife, Robin, and has two adult children, Colin and Kelsey.
Scranton Area Community Foundation Awards Grantees in 2024 Employee Assistance Grant Program The Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation, in collaboration with AllOne Foundation & Charities and the Moses Taylor Foundation, gathered to award over $1.1 million to the recipients of the 2024 Employee Assistance Grant Program. Funds will assist nonprofit organization grantees in behavioral and mental health care across Lackawanna, Luzerne, and Wyoming Counties. Employee Assistance Grants will help the recipient organizations sustain a sufficient level of qualified providers to meet community demand. Specifically, funds will alleviate financial-related stressors, minimize employee attrition, and serve as an additional recruitment strategy while supporting the long- term development of a sustained workforce for providers. The 2024 grantees are Allied Services for an enhanced assistance program for behavioral health team members; Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA for launching an employee assistance program to retain and attract behavioral health employees; Children’s Service Center for an employee tuition and loan assistance program; Friendship House for the Friendship House ABA Program Staff Recruitment Initiative; Jewish Family Service of Northeastern Pennsylvania for investing in social workers; Scranton Counseling Center for the Scranton Counseling Center Employee Assistance Program expansion; and Volunteers in Medicine for the development of an employee assistance program in a nonprofit free clinic setting. For more information about The Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation, contact NEPAHCF@safdn.org or visit www.nepahealthcarefoundation.org.
RailRiders University Community Series Begins on April 1 The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders are pleased to announce the schedule for the ninth annual RailRiders University Community Series, presented by Geisinger. Each year, the RailRiders welcome local high school teams and the Wyoming Valley Challenger League onto PNC Field to showcase their talents. 25 different high school and two junior high programs will be represented with regular season games this year in addition to the PIAA District II Championships. PNC Field will host the Bill Howerton Media Day at PNC Field on Sunday, March 2, 2025. In conjunction with the American Cancer Society and The Howerton Organization, coaches and student-athletes from local softball and baseball teams will be present to discuss their upcoming seasons. Teams from the Wyoming Valley Conference will be on-hand from 11:00 A.M. until 12:30 P.M. At 12:30, there will be an awards ceremony and guest speaker in the Geisinger Champions Club. At 1, representatives from teams in the Lackawanna League will be available to the media. There is no parking charge or admission fee for any of the regular season games during the 2025 RailRiders University Community Series. The RailRiders are also proud to host the Wyoming Valley Challenger League as part of the Community Series on June 1, 15, 29, and July 13. RailRiders University will host three camps this summer—June 17–19, July 22–24, and August 19–21. Registration is open now for young athletes ages six to 14. Contact Robby Judge at (570) 558-4612 or rjudge@ swbrailriders.com for additional information. The 2025 RailRiders University Community Series is presented by Geisinger as part of their continued commitment to Northeastern Pennsylvania. For more information, please contact the RailRiders front office at (570) 969-BALL. Date April 1 April 4 April 4 April 5 April 13 April 14 April 14 April 15 April 21 April 28 April 30 May 1 May 3 May 18 May 24–26 June 1 June 15 June 17–19 June 21 June 29 July 13 July 22–24 August 19–21 Time 4:30 PM 4:30 PM 7:00 PM 2:00 PM TBD 4:30 PM 7:00 PM 4:30 PM 4:30 PM 4:30 PM 4:30 PM 4:30 PM 1:00 PM TBD TBD 9:00 AM 9:00 AM 9:00 AM 12:00 PM 9:00 AM 9:00 AM 9:00 AM 9:00 AM Game/Details Hazleton Area High School vs. Nanticoke High School Holy Cross High School vs. Riverside High School Abington Heights High School vs. Valley View High School Dallas High School vs. Crestwood High School Towanda High School vs. Athens High School** Delaware Valley High School vs. North Pocono High School Pocono Mountain East High School vs. Pocono Mountain West High School Wallenpaupack High School vs. Abington Heights High School West Scranton High School vs. Scranton High School Wyoming Seminary High School vs. Hanover Area High School Mid Valley High School vs. Western Wayne High School Danville High School vs. Southern Columbia High School East Stroudsburg North High School vs. East Stroudsburg South High School Abington Heights Jr. High vs. North Pocono Jr. High PIAA District II Championships Wyoming Valley Challenger Baseball Wyoming Valley Challenger Baseball RailRiders University Summer Camp #1 Lackawanna County High School Senior All-Star Game Wyoming Valley Challenger Baseball Wyoming Valley Challenger Baseball RailRiders University Summer Camp #2 RailRiders University Summer Camp #3
Wright Center Doctor, Resident Physicians Named to Northeast Counties Medical Society Board of Directors A board-certified family medicine physician and medical director of The Wright Center for Community Health Wilkes-Barre was appointed to the Northeast Counties Medical Society’s Board of Directors. Dr. Maureen Litchman joined The Wright Center in 2016. In addition to leading The Wright Center’s health center in Wilkes-Barre, she serves as associate program director of The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education Regional Family Medicine Residency Program. The Luzerne County native earned her medical degree from what is now Hahnemann University in Philadelphia and completed her medical residency at United Health and Hospital Services in Kingston, now The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education Regional Family Medicine Residency Program. “I’m looking forward to becoming involved with the Northeast Counties Medical Society’s Board,” Dr. Litchman said. “This is an opportunity to strengthen relationships across the Northeastern Pennsylvania medical community. The potential to make a positive impact on the future of health care spurred me to seek a position on this board.” Drs. Tejas Nikumbh and Simran Bhimani, resident physicians in The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education Internal Medicine Residency Program, were also appointed to serve on the Northeast Counties Medical Society’s Board. Dr. Nikumbh, a graduate of Grant Government Medical College in Mumbai, India, and Dr. Bhimani, a graduate of Dow Medical College in Karachi, Pakistan, began training at The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education Internal Medicine Residency Program in 2023. Both will serve on the Northeast Counties Medical Society’s Board until they graduate in 2026. Dr. Litchman will serve a three-year term on the board. The trio will join more than 20 doctors, resident physicians, and students from across Lackawanna and Luzerne counties on the board. Headquartered in Scranton, The Wright Center’s growing network of community health centers in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayne, and Wyoming counties, including a mobile medical and dental unit called Driving Better Health, provides affordable, high-quality, nondiscriminatory whole-person primary health services to everyone, regardless of insurance status, ZIP code, or ability to pay. To learn more, call 570-230-0019 or go to TheWrightCenter.org. For more than 150 years, county medical societies have represented physicians who live and work in Lackawanna and Luzerne counties. Their recent merger created the Northeast Counties Medical Society, producing an even stronger partnership with more membership benefits. Visit www.nepams.org to learn more.
University of Scranton Accounting Dept. Ranked No 2 in Education Research Productivity The University of Scranton Accounting Department ranked No. 2 (tied) internationally for accounting education research published in peer-reviewed accounting journals during the most recent six-year period, according to the 2024 Brigham Young University Accounting Rankings just published. The 2024 report also ranked Douglas M. Boyle, D.B.A., professor and chair of the Accounting Department and director of the Ph.D. program, No. 2 in the world for accounting education publication volume in the past six years, and No. 91 (tied) for Accounting Information System Research. Accounting faculty members James F. Boyle, D.B.A., associate professor and director of the Master of Accountancy program, was ranked No. 10 (tied); and Amanda Marcy, Ph.D., assistant professor, and Ashley Stampone, Ph.D., assistant professor, were ranked No. 79 (tied) worldwide. Dr. Stampone was also ranked No. 91 (tied) for Accounting Information System Research. The Brigham Young University Accounting Rankings are considered to be the gold standard in accounting disciplines. “The international recognition for education research published by our Accounting Department faculty is a testament to their steadfast commitment to not only teach accounting students at Scranton but to advance further learning and knowledge for the betterment of the accounting profession,” said Mark Higgins, Ph.D., dean of the University’s Kania School of Management and professor of accounting, who noted that all four professors recognized are graduates of The University of Scranton. “It is also a testament to the University’s commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and service, which is embodied in each of these outstanding professors.” This is the fifth consecutive year the University’s Accounting Department was ranked among the top research publishers in the world in the prestigious Brigham Young University Accounting Rankings. The report ranks accounting programs and faculty throughout the world based on their success in publishing in top-tier, peer-reviewed accounting journals. The report is updated annually and includes ranks for specific categories of research and for specific time periods. Dr. Douglas Boyle is a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Management Accountant with more than 30 years of industry executive experience. He joined the faculty at Scranton in 2009. An award-winning researcher and teacher, Dr. Boyle has received the Institute of Management Accountants’ (IMA) Committee on Ethics and Strategic Finance Curt Verschoor Ethics Feature of the Year Award three times and was also selected as the IMA Research Foundation Distinguished Scholar in 2022, among numerous other awards. At Scranton, Dr. Boyle earned Provost Excellence Awards for University Service and Leadership, Scholarship of Teaching and Scholarly Publication; and the Faculty Senate’s Excellence in Graduate Teaching Award. He was named the Kania School of Management’s Alperin Teaching Fellow for 2015 to 2018 and received their Advisory Board’s Award for Curriculum Innovation for 2017-2018. He was twice recognized as the KSOM Teacher of the Year. He is the founder and director of the University’s Ph.D. in Accounting and Nonprofit Leadership Certificate programs. He earned a bachelor’s degree from The University of Scranton, an MBA from Columbia University and a doctorate from Kennesaw State University. A Certified Public Accountant with significant professional experience working in public accounting and in internal auditing, Dr. James F. Boyle has taught part-time at the University since 2009 and full-time since 2012. He serves as faculty advisor for Accounting Internships at Scranton. He has co-authored articles published in many peer-reviewed academic and practitioner journals, including The Accounting Educators’ Journal, The CPA Journal, Strategic Finance, The Journal of Forensic and Investigative Accounting, and Internal Auditing. He received several publishing awards, including the 2015 IMA’s Lybrand Silver Medal and the 2016 IMA Certificate of Merit Award. He earned a bachelor’s degree and an MBA from The University of Scranton and a D.B.A. in Accounting from Kennesaw State University. A Certified Public Accountant, Dr. Marcy has twice received the Curt Verschoor Ethics Feature of the Year Award from the IMA’s Committee on Ethics and Strategic Finance. She was named assistant professor of accounting at Scranton in 2018 and previously served as a faculty specialist in the department. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the American Accounting Association and the Healthcare Financial Management Association. Dr. Marcy earned a bachelor’s degree, an MBA and a Ph.D. in accounting from The University of Scranton. An award-winning teacher, Dr. Stampone was selected by students of Scranton’s Business Club as the Kania School of Management Professor of the Year four of the last five years. Since joining Scranton’s faculty in 2016, Dr. Stampone has garnered numerous state and national awards and professional honors. In 2019, she was given the IMA’s Faculty Leadership Award, and in 2021, she won IMA’s Ursel K. Albers IMA Campus Advocate of the Year Award, which recognizes a campus advocate/student chapter advisor who has made significant contributions to the IMA and student members in particular. Dr. Stampone earned a bachelor’s degree, an MBA and a Ph.D. from The University of Scranton.
The Office 5K Returns to Scranton in May The Office 5K, the wildly popular fun run celebrating the iconic sitcom “The Office,” returns to Scranton on Saturday, May 3, 2025, promising even more Dunder Mifflin-inspired fun and community spirit. Following a record-breaking 2024 event that drew over 1,500 registrants from around the globe, this year’s race is already off to a strong start with over 450 runners signed up internationally! The 5K course will wind through Scranton, passing by familiar locations featured in the show. Walkers can enjoy a shorter, one-mile course with interactive activities along the way. Participants are encouraged to dress up as their favorite Office characters for a chance to win prizes. The race kicks off at 1:00 PM on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 523 Linden Street in Scranton, in front of Backyard Ale House. Pre-registered runners can pick up their race bibs, t-shirts, and race information at Cooper’s Seafood House (701 N. Washington Avenue) on Friday, May 2nd, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Race day registration and packet pick-up will also be available from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM at the starting line. A post-race block party and awards ceremony will immediately follow the event. Prizes will be awarded for top finishers in various age groups, as well as a variety of costume categories, including Best Group Costume, Most Obscure Office Reference Award, and Best In Show. Register by April 20th to guarantee your race t-shirt! The pre-registration fee is $30, and the day-of registration fee is $40. All proceeds from The Office 5K will benefit Valley In Motion, a local non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening the sense of community across the Lackawanna Valley. Learn more about Valley In Motion at www.valleyinmotion.org or follow them on Facebook and Instagram @valleyinmotion. For more information about The Office 5K and to register, please visit www.theoffice5k.com.
Wayne Bank Promotes Tracie Young to Executive Vice President and Director Jim Donnelly, president, and chief executive officer of Wayne Bank, is pleased to announce the promotion of Tracie Young to Executive Vice President and Director of Risk. “I am extremely proud to announce Tracie’s promotion. She consistently pushes herself and those around her to promote effective risk management here at Wayne Bank. Her extensive knowledge and dedication to safe, efficient operations help us safeguard the interests of the Bank, and we are lucky to have her leading the Risk Department,” said Mr. Donnelly. Young joined Wayne Bank in 2023 and has most recently served as a Senior Vice President, where she was responsible for overseeing the Bank’s risk management framework, which includes Audit, Compliance, Deposit Operations, Fraud, and Security & Facilities. With over 30 years of experience, Tracie is critical to proactively identifying and addressing potential risks to the operations of the Bank. Young resides in Honesdale, PA with her husband, Neal. They have two daughters.
The Wright Center Recognizes National Salute to Veterans Here in Northeast Pennsylvania, we hold our military veterans in the highest regard – and rightfully so, given their immense sacrifices for our nation. Like any other group, veterans face a wide array of health challenges that require exceptional care. Highlighting this vital issue is the mission of the annual National Salute to Veteran Patients, observed this year from Feb. 9-15. This weeklong tribute honors the millions of veterans who receive care at Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities while raising awareness about the critical role these centers play and encouraging more people to visit and volunteer. The National Salute to Veteran Patients began in 1974, initiated by the humanitarian organization No Greater Love, Inc., and was later adopted by the VA in 1978. Today, the VA’s Center for Development and Civic Engagement organizes local events and activities at VA medical facilities across the country, recognizing the contributions of both hospitalized and outpatient veterans. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, nearly 100,000 veterans visit VA medical centers each day, about 9 million annually. These centers, operated by the Veterans Health Administration, form the largest integrated health care system in the country. They provide a wide range of essential services, including orthopedics, mental health care, surgery, critical care, radiology, pharmacy, physical therapy, speech pathology, and neurology. At The Wright Center, we are proud to play a role in this vital work. Many of our resident and fellow physicians gain invaluable experience at the VA Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre, where they learn firsthand the rewards of providing high-quality medical care to those who have served our country. The opportunity to care for veterans – whose selfless service has ensured our safety and freedoms – is deeply fulfilling for our physicians. Just like our resident and fellow physicians, you can be of service to our vets, too, by becoming more engaged in the volunteer and philanthropic efforts of the VA. There are a number of ways to give your time, from greeting veterans at the main entrance of the VA Medical Center to visiting them in their rooms to becoming a Volunteer Transportation Network driver. You can also donate items or make a financial contribution to support food banks, homeless veteran programs, and other worthwhile endeavors. As part of National Salute to Veteran Patients Week, the VA is inviting individuals and organizations to send Valentine’s Day cards to veteran patients at its medical centers. The cards are meant to express appreciation for their service, and provide encouragement as they continue their health care journey. Interested in getting involved? Contact the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center at 570-821-7237 and tell them you want to help out. Veterans represent the best and bravest amongst us, so we owe it to them to support their health care needs in any way we can. So, if you can, make a visit to the VA and salute a veteran patient – you’ll brighten their day and feel enriched by the experience. Stephanie A. Gill, M.D., MPH, is a board-certified family medicine physician at The Wright Center for Community Health and the program director and physician faculty member of The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s Regional Family Medicine Residency Program. For more information about The Wright Center, go to TheWrightCenter.org.
