The Wright Center to Host Tinnitus Support Group The newly-formed Tinnitus Support Group of Northeast Pennsylvania will meet on Friday, Jan. 3, at 2 p.m. at The Wright Center for Community Health Mid Valley, 5 S. Washington Ave., Jermyn. Virtual meeting options are available for those unable to attend in person. The support group welcomes individuals living with tinnitus, their loved ones, and anyone interested in understanding this complex audiological and neurological condition. Participants will have the opportunity to connect, share their experiences, and explore coping strategies in a compassionate and supportive environment. At the January meeting, guest speaker Dr. Erin Walborn-Sterantino will discuss the neurophysiological model of tinnitus, the role and proper use of sound therapy, and more. Dr. Walborn-Sterantino is an audiology doctor specializing in treating tinnitus and sound sensitivity disorders. Over the course of her nearly 30-year career, she has dedicated herself to helping patients reclaim their quality of life through innovative, compassionate care and evidence-based practices. She has studied under many of the field’s leading researchers, including Dr. Pawel Jastreboff, the pioneer of Tinnitus Retraining Therapy. She integrates this evidence-based approach with a holistic, mind-body perspective, tailoring treatment to each individual’s needs. Dr. Walborn-Sterantino is also a qualified teacher of mindfulness-based stress reduction. Her practice emphasizes empowering patients through education, mindfulness techniques, and comprehensive sound therapy, reflecting her belief that effective tinnitus care addresses both the auditory and emotional dimensions of the condition. For more information or to obtain the virtual meeting link, contact Nicole Flynn, director of the geriatrics service line at The Wright Center for Community Health, at flynnn@TheWrightCenter.org or 570-230-0019.
Marywood University Historian to Present Free, Virtual Talk on “Victorian Vegetarians” Dr. Adam Shprintzen, a historian of nineteenth century America and Associate Professor of History at Marywood University, is presenting a free, virtual talk for the Maine Historical Society about the history of vegetarianism in 19th-century America on Monday, January 13, at 7 p.m. Dr. Shprintzen will look at the lively history of early American vegetarianism and social reform. Vegetarianism, practiced in the United States since the country’s founding, has been misunderstood and understudied, especially with regard to the early years of the movement. Through the Civil War, the vegetarian movement focused on social and political reform, but, by the late nineteenth century, it became a path for personal strength and success in a newly individualistic, consumption-driven economy. This development led to greater expansion and acceptance of vegetarianism in mainstream society. Featured in national publications ranging from the New York Times to Slate, Dr. Shprintzen is a frequent guest on podcasts and radio shows. He is the author of The Vegetarian Crusade: The Rise of an American Reform Movement, 1817-1921. Presently, he is researching the history of the Automat and its place in popular memory. While the Zoom presentation is free and open to the public, registration is required. This program is offered as a companion to the organization’s exhibit, Maine’s Untold Vegetarian History, which is on view through May 17, 2025. To register for this virtual event, visit the Maine Historical Society’s event website: mainehistory.org/events/food-of-the-future and follow the registration link.
Wayne Bank Announces KlariVis Banking on Brillance Recipient Jim Donelly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wayne Bank, is proud to recognize and announce employee Kayla Dixon as a winner of KlariVis’s 2024 Banking on Brilliance Award. Dixon, who currently serves as Assistant Vice President and Consumer Loan Officer for Wayne Bank, has been an integral part of the Bank for over twelve years. Her experience has positioned her as a dependable decision-maker and team leader – both attributes of which have enabled Dixon to push herself and her fellow employees, landing her on KlariVis’s list of award recipients. Each year, KlariVis, a solution-focused company for bankers, recognizes those leading the charge in community banking. Awards go to not just any individuals – but to women who go above and beyond to enhance their communities. The Banking on Brillance Award specifically recognizes these remarkable women in banking who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in driving transformation through innovation and data. “Our team thrives because of leaders like Dixon, who bring ingenuity and expertise to the forefront,” stated Mr. Donnelly. Her exceptional skills in data analytics not only drive results but also set a new standard for women in banking leadership. This Banking on Brillance Award through KlariVis reflects her groundbreaking contributions and her dedication to shaping the future of our industry.” Dixon is one of many women leading the financial services field into 2025. She has acted as a main player in the Bank’s adoption of KlariVis’s enterprise data platform and continues to share her knowledge with her teammates to derive insights and advance the data-driven banking practices of Wayne Bank. Dixon is actively involved in her community, serving on various school and sports committees. This balance between her professional and personal life helps her maintain a well-rounded perspective in all that she does. She resides in Waymart with her husband, John, and their three children, Finley, Natalie, and Logan.
Use New Year’s resolutions to pursue attainable health goals The holiday season might be in full swing, but I have no doubt many of you are already looking forward to setting some fresh life goals for 2025. There’s nothing wrong with making New Year’s resolutions, as they allow us to strive for genuine self-improvement, often in the areas of overall health and well-being. That’s all for the better, although we should resist the temptation to aim too high – at least at first. My advice is to set small goals that, over time, can lead to bigger, more sustainable successes that ultimately result in a healthier you. So, with that in mind, here are some potential health-related resolutions you might want to pursue in the coming year: Adjust your diet to include more whole grains, fruits, and vegetables while reducing red meat, sweets, and overly processed foods. Moderate your alcohol consumption, as research continually reveals its detrimental effects on long-term health. Pursue regular exercise, whether through a gym membership, regular runs, walks around your neighborhood, or whatever fits your schedule best. Prioritize better sleep. The quality of our sleep regimen profoundly affects our overall quality of our life. Practice self-care: resist self-criticism, invest in therapy, find time for hobbies and activities that make you happy, adopt a mindfulness or meditation routine, or treat yourself to a massage or manicure. Make time each day to focus on your needs. Volunteer with a local organization or nonprofit – doing good for others can significantly boost your sense of fulfillment. Limit social media and overall screen time, something many of us can benefit from reducing. Make more time for family and friends. While material things are nice, investing in deeper relationships ultimately leads to a more fulfilling life. While offering these suggestions, I should also point out that The Wright Center is fully committed to improving people’s long-term health through our lifestyle medicine initiative, which is based on the concept that poor lifestyle choices drive most modern chronic illnesses in America. Lifestyle medicine is focused on helping patients and their families improve their health and overall quality of life by adopting a host of long-term lifestyle behaviors, including eliminating tobacco use, improving diet, practicing stress relief techniques, increasing physical activity, strengthening personal relationships and connections, and adjusting sleep habits for better, more restorative rest. Our team is trained in both conventional medicine and lifestyle medicine, and we work closely with patients to create a personalized lifestyle self-care plan that’s not only easily implementable but sustainable. These modifications can go a long way toward preventing or managing chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes (type 2), high blood pressure, high cholesterol, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, metabolic syndrome, coronary artery disease, cancers that are lifestyle-associated (e.g., prostate and breast), osteoarthritis, chronic pain, chronic autoimmune diseases, and chronic psychological stress. The science is clear on this – a healthier lifestyle leads to a healthier, longer, happier life. And if that’s at the core of your 2025 New Year’s resolutions, I’m happy to report you’re on the right track. On that note, happy holidays and happy New Year! Ajit Pannu, M.D., a board-certified family medicine physician, is accepting patients of all ages at our Dickson City Community Health Center. Dr. Pannu is also the associate program director of The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s Regional Family Medicine Residency Program, where he completed his residency.
I NEED A SPEAKER OFFERS SPECIAL PRICING ON WORKSHOPS Get the Most Value from Your Training and Development Budget I Need A Speaker is offering public speaking training at a special price during December 2024 and January 2025. “Many companies have unused training funds at the end of the calendar year. Using that money to schedule one or two training sessions will benefit individuals on public-facing teams, such as sales, marketing, customer service, or related departments,” said Autumn Bohner, marketing communications manager for I Need A Speaker. The special rate of $3,800 includes one day with six hours of training, a workbook, and lunch for participants. Workshops will be taught by Tricia Richards-Service, PhD, who has taught public presentation for more than 20 years. She is the founder and president of I Need A Speaker, a global online platform for qualified speakers at all price points. This offer is valid for on- or off-site workshops for up to 12 people. Off-site workshops are available at your choice of two pre-selected venues: one in Wilkes-Barre, and one in Scranton. To be eligible, clients must book the workshops for dates in January 2025. A travel fee will be applied for clients who are more than 75 miles from Scranton, PA. “Professional development is a great way to motivate and reward employees,” said Bohner. “What a wonderful, practical way to end one year or begin another.” For more information or to book your training date, email info@ineedaspeaker.com.
Imagine Performing Arts Center Presents Christmas Wonderland Mark your calendars for our enchanting Christmas Wonderland Event happening in just 2 weeks! Join us for a wonderful, family-friendly experience filled with free crafts, tasty snacks, and the chance to take photos with Santa. Enjoy a delightful short play performed by our talented Imagine Alumni, who are now studying at some of the top performing arts schools across the nation. This is an event you won’t want to miss! Plus, your participation helps support our spring season. We can’t wait to celebrate the holiday spirit with you! All inclusive Tickets Available NOW!
Culinary Creations by Metz Ring In the ‘New Year’ with a Timeless Tradition Join us for #Genetti‘s New Year’s Open House on Tuesday, December 31st, from 7 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. at their Grand Ballroom in Wilkes-Barre. Enjoy an open bar, passed hors d’oeuvres, charcuterie display, delicious dinner buffet, midnight breakfast, and music by Popstar Drive. $125 per person. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable night! Make reservations at the link: https://fs4.formsite.com/metzculinary/zdurjpshun/index
Wayne Bank Grants $10,000 to NEPA Nonprofit The Board of The John and Helen Villaume Foundation announced that the Family Services of NEPA was selected to receive one of the Foundation’s 2024 community grant awards. David Kale, Sr. Grant Writer and Communications Manager, received a check in the amount of $10,000 from The John and Helen Villaume Foundation. The John and Helen Villaume Foundation, established by Honesdale natives John and Helen Villaume, was created to benefit charitable, religious, scientific, literary and educational programs within Wayne County. Since its inception, the Foundation has made awards totaling over $2,500,000.00 with Wayne Bank managing the account in the Wealth Management and Trust Services Division of Wayne Bank. Family Services of NEPA is a not-for-profit, non-sectarian organization which provides diverse services to children, seniors, individuals, and families empowering them to reach their full potential and resulting in healthier relationships and stronger communities. Established in 1895 by a group of concerned community members, FSA NEPA has been built by a governing board, a professional staff, and an involved consumer community. PA 211 NE/HelpLine provides a free 24/7/265 information and referral service which connects callers/contacts with resources to meet daily vital needs, both in Wayne County and 16 others in the region. Additional information about the Foundation and grant applications may be obtained from: The John and Helen Villaume Foundation, c/o Wayne Bank Wealth Management and Trust, 717 Main Street, Honesdale, PA 18431, or by phone: 570-253- 8507 or email: Trust@WayneBank.com
Governor Shapiro Reduces or Eliminates Registration Fees for Some Veterans, Retired Customers Through bipartisan efforts between the Shapiro Administration and the Pennsylvania General Assembly, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is pleased to announce that due to changes established in Act 60 of 2024, signed by Governor Shapiro in July, the annual income threshold for a retired Pennsylvanian to qualify for a reduced vehicle registration fee was increased, allowing more people to be eligible for this benefit. Additionally, some veterans may now be eligible for free vehicle registration and titling fees. “We’re glad that these changes in the law help make things a little easier for older Pennsylvanians and our veterans,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “PennDOT and the Shapiro Administration are committed to working with the General Assembly on commonsense changes like these that have a direct, positive impact on people’s lives.” Previously, the annual income threshold for a retired customer to qualify for a reduced registration fee of $11 annually was $19,200. Beginning December 16, 2024, the annual income threshold increases to $29,906 and will be subject to annual Consumer Price Index adjustments. “As we age, many of us find ourselves hitting the road less, yet paying the same registration fee as those who drive more frequently. With the changes to the annual income limits, these reduced fees will enable more older adults to save some money to spend on other necessities while still having peace of mind on their vehicle’s registration,” said Pennsylvania Department of Aging Secretary Jason Kavulich. “Thanks to Governor Shapiro, the General Assembly, and PennDOT for keeping older adults a priority.” For qualifying customers to receive the reduced vehicle registration fee of $11, they must complete and submit Form MV-371, “Application for a Retired Person’s Processing Fee of a Vehicle Registration.” Customers should attach the completed form to their invitation to renew and return it to PennDOT to be processed. The $11 annual fee will be applied after the application is processed. More information on eligibility requirements can be found on PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website. Act 60 also provides for the elimination of registration and title fees for one passenger vehicle or truck weighing 9,000 pounds or less owned by military veterans who meet the following requirements (license plate fees still apply): Vehicles registered to a veteran who lost a limb or eye or who became partially paralyzed while serving in the Armed Forces of the United States.Vehicles registered to a person who, as a member or the Armed Forces of the United States, was captured by the enemy in any armed conflict for which the Department of Defense authorizes a campaign medal. Vehicles registered to a person who has been awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. Vehicles registered to a person who has been awarded the Purple Heart. “As the Commonwealth’s leading advocate for our servicemembers, past and present, the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is grateful to the Shapiro Administration for its continued support of veterans and their families,” said Brig. Gen. John Pippy, Pennsylvania’s acting adjutant general and head of the DMVA. “Many veterans who have served our nation have sacrificed to a level most will never experience. Efforts like eliminating registration and title fees for eligible veterans sends an important message that Pennsylvania has not forgotten all you have done while in uniform.” For more information about driver licensing and vehicle services for veterans, visit PennDOT’s driver and vehicle services website. Traveling by domestic aircraft on or after May 7, 2025? You will need a REAL ID-compliant product or other federally-accepted form of identification if you do. Visit www.dmv.pa.gov/REALID for information on how you can get a REAL-ID compliant driver’s license or identification card today. There are less than six months left to prepare. Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras. 511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional X alerts.
Johnson College Set to Host Power Tools & Purse Bingo in February Johnson College will hold a Power Tools & Purse Bingo fundraiser on Sunday, February 16, 2025, at the Moffat Student Center, on its Scranton campus located at 3427 Main Avenue, Scranton. This one-of-a-kind event will offer attendees the chance to win premium power tools and designer purses, all while supporting Johnson College students. Doors will open at 1:00 p.m., with the first bingo game beginning promptly at 2:00 p.m. This limited-capacity event is restricted to just 200 guests, so early reservations are encouraged. Event Highlights Include: Over $10,000 in valuable prizes, including professional-grade power tools from industry leaders such as Milwaukee, DeWalt, Makita, and more. Designer purses from top brands like Louis Vuitton, Tory Burch, and Kate Spade. Ten regular bingo rounds, including two grand prize rounds (one for a power tool and one for a designer purse, with a total prize value of up to $4,000). “4 Specials Games” available for purchase. A 50/50 raffle for additional prizes. Food and beverages available for purchase (outside food & alcohol not permitted). Individual tickets are available for $45, or $50 at the door. For an exclusive experience, VIP tables for 10 guests are also available for $450 (valued at $550), which include 10 game packs, 10 “Swag Bags,” and 10 vouchers for special game bingos. Additional Opportunities Available:Interested in supporting the event? Contact Patty DeScipio at 570-702-8860 or via email at collegeadvancement@johnson.edu to learn more about sponsorship opportunities. Reserve Your Tickets Today!For more details and to secure your tickets, visit Johnson.edu/bingo. Proceeds from this event will directly benefit Johnson College students. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this exciting event and support a great cause!
