Waverly Community House to Host Events

The Waverly Community House will be hosting multiple events in the next coming weeks. On August 13 @ 1:00 pm, they will host Montrose: The Underground Railroad and the Civil War Era

This program will cover the history of Montrose, Pennsylvania, the Susquehanna County seat. Destination Freedom Program Manager, EJ Murphy, will highlight the town’s connection to the Underground Railroad, local anti-slavery and abolitionist movements and various aspects of the Civil War era history. The event is free and open to the public.

On Friday, August 18th, The Comm will once again host its annual tennis court fundraiser, Cocktails for the Courts. This popular summer party will take place from 6-8 PM on The Waverly Community House Front Lawn. Tickets are $35 in advance at waverlycomm.org, or $40 at the door. Admission includes, wine, beer, a signature drink, […]

On Monday, September 18th, the Waverly Community House will host their Golf Comm Classic at Glen Oak Golf Club Click HERE to register! Captain & Crew Format: This tournament will feature competition in men’s, women’s, and mixed divisions. Entry fee includes 18 holes of golf and cart, buffet lunch, cocktail hour, and buffet dinner. About the Tournament: $10,000 Hole in One, Contests and Prizes, Snack Shack, […]

PS Bank Ranked #1 in PA and #42 Nationally on American Banker List

PS Bank is pleased to announce it has been ranked as the #42 highest bank on American Banker’s list of the Top 200 Community Banks under $2 billion in the United States as published in its June 2023 edition of the magazine.

The 2023 ranking marks the eleventh consecutive year that Peoples Ltd. (PPLL) was included among institutions that are ranked based on three-year average Return on Equity (ROAE). For the fourth time in five years, Peoples Ltd. was the highest-ranked Pennsylvania-based institution on this list.

With a three-year average ROAE of 14.84%, PS Bank continues to be a strong bank proudly serving customers throughout northeastern and central Pennsylvania.

Anthony J. Gabello, President & CEO, said “I am extremely proud of the hard work being done on a daily basis by our PS Bankers throughout the communities we serve. Earning the #42 ranking from American Banker and the highest ranking in Pennsylvania is a testament to the dedicated service we provide to our customers and to our strength as a community bank.”

Scranton Area Community Foundation Announces Scholarship Recipients

Twenty students from twelve different high schools in the area have been awarded a prestigious scholarship through the James F. Swift Scholarship Fund administered by the Scranton Area Community Foundation, which provides $5,000 per year for each recipient for up to four years to assist with continuing education expenses.

The following students are first-time recipients of a James F. Swift Scholarship: Emma Aversa (Old Forge), Jacquelyn Bitter (Dunmore), Kaeden Carr (Holy Cross), Jayden Evans (Mid Valley), Sadid Hassan (Scranton), Courtney Hazelton (West Scranton), Emma Illian (Abington Heights), Kendal   Johnson (Mid Valley), Lorna Lynch (Abington Heights), Connor Monahan (Riverside), Ayman Mounota (Dunmore), Julia Murphy (Carbondale Area), Gianna Natale (Scranton), Gabrielle Novak (Lakeland), Paige Pezanowski (Lakeland), Ron Prislupski (Holy Cross), Mila Racibor (Old Forge), Ethan Symuleski (Valley View), Martin Turi (West Scranton), Jayde Weibel (Scranton Preparatory).

In addition to the 20 new recipients, there were 56 James F. Swift Scholarship renewals in 2023. The following students are recipients of a James F. Swift Scholarship Renewal in 2023: Antonio Pugliese, Fione Evans, Andrew Cummings, Tori Kovalchick, Nina Sampogne, Kristen Lello, Marguerite Flynn, Ryan Turlip, Eric Spivak, Nicholas Guerra, Ashley Capone, Christopher Talluto, Rebecca Lucas, Caitlin Doughton, Olivia Manarchuck, Taylor Seprosky, Tyler Muskey, Ava Decker, Michael Rodyushkin, Kayla Rose, Hunter Geise, Benjamin Thompson, Matthew Howard, Cameron Butka, Meredith Purcell, Ryan Coleman, Sofia Capozzi, David McKenney, Alexis Tanana, Gabrielle Snee, Jillian Brennan, Christian Snee, Taralyn Reilly, Marisol Olivares, Hailey Matechak, Alyssa Cosklo, Owen Morgan, Erileidi Fernandez, Eliana King, Chloee Rumford, Dana Mackin, Michael Kazmierczak, Ava Aulisio, Mia Muskey, Molly White, Riley Clarke, Alexander Bond, Elina Joshi, Joel Cali, Sofia Flores-Weidner, Michael Sewack, Finley McHale, Ryan Salony, Ritu Regmi, Thomas Milewski, Sara McCormack.

The James F. Swift Scholarship Fund has awarded over $4 million since 2008, benefiting over 300 local students to date. Created in 2002 through a gift by Mr. James F. Swift to the Scranton Area Community Foundation, the James F. Swift Scholarship Fund provides support for higher education for students graduating from high schools in Lackawanna County. Following Mr. Swift’s death in 2006, the Scranton Area Community Foundation gratefully received a significant gift from his estate to the scholarship fund which has allowed a great number of students from Lackawanna County the opportunity to pursue their academic and professional goals through higher education.

The scholarship aims to provide an ongoing stream of matriculation at Lackawanna County colleges and universities. It is the goal of the Scranton Area Community Foundation to award 75% of the scholarships to students who plan to attend institutions of higher learning in the Lackawanna County region.

Scranton Area Community Foundation President and CEO Laura Ducceschi praised the generosity of Mr. Swift, noting “he has left a permanent and enduring legacy for the young people of our region. His scholarship fund makes higher education more attainable for generations of students.”

The Scranton Area Community Foundation is a partner with the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) in their Partnership for Access to Higher Education (PATH) Program to offer qualifying students additional financial aid. Through PHEAA, these scholarship recipients may be eligible for additional dollars toward their tuition.

For more information on the James F. Swift Scholarship Fund at the Scranton Area Community Foundation, please contact Brittany Pagnotti, Communications Manager of the Scranton Area Community Foundation at 570-347-6203.

Geisinger’s 17th EMS Awards Reception Honors First Responders

Emergency medical services (EMS) providers and fellow first responders were recognized for service to their community recently during Geisinger’s EMS Provider of the Year Awards reception, which took place just before a Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders home game at PNC Field in Moosic.

The 17th installment of the awards ceremony was part of a larger reception honoring nearly 200 first responders and their family members. Dinner and tickets to the ballgame were provided for all participants.

“We’re here to honor the people who put themselves at risk every day to care for members of our community when they need it most,” said Ron Strony, M.D., chair of Geisinger’s Department of Emergency Medicine. “We thank them for all they do and for partnering with us to improve how we respond to emergencies.”

John Campos, executive vice president of Emergency Medical Services of Northeastern Pennsylvania, received the Jack Lasky Lifetime Achievement Award, which is named in honor of a now-retired Geisinger EMS coordinator who served his community for 44 years in various roles.

During his 55-year career, Campos worked in Indiana, Pa., and organized EMS training for the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Appalachian Commission in Kentucky. He’s worked for Emergency Medical Services for the last 45 years, leading service licensure, training certification, medical command authorization and incident management protocols, and he’s implemented multiple changes in state EMS regulations.

The two recipients of the James “Sox” Ruane Community Service Award were Kathryn Bommer, pre-hospital registered nurse and Geisinger Community Medical Center trauma education and injury prevention outreach coordinator, and Bennett Heyman, Geisinger EMS paramedic.

Bommer was honored for providing exceptional and optimal care, dedication to serving her local community and educating the next generation of first responders throughout her 45-year career.

Heyman was awarded for outstanding caring and skill, treating patients like members of his family, and his calm while tending to scared or combative patients.

And for their roles in responding to a May 24 fire and saving the life of a Scranton Fire Department captain who went into cardiac arrest during the call, 10 first responders received the Alice and Bob Walsh Heroism Award:

  • Bruce Beauvais, paramedic, Pennsylvania Ambulance
  • Shane Buschpics, private, Scranton Fire Department
  • Donald Chesek, chauffeur, Scranton Fire Department
  • John R. Davis, lieutenant, Scranton Fire Department
  • Martin Fallon, private, Scranton Fire Department
  • Amy Kadonoff, advanced emergency medical technician (AEMT), Pennsylvania Ambulance
  • Jim Ralston, paramedic, Taylor Fire Department
  • Dave Ross, paramedic, Clarks Summit Fire Department
  • Terry Smith, AEMT, Pennsylvania Ambulance
  • Maureen Slovenkai, fire police officer, Newton-Ransom Volunteer Fire Department

Nominees for the James “Sox” Ruane Community Service Award were:

  • Mark Blanchard,paramedic, Susquehanna Regional EMS,who always provides high-quality patient care; receives compliments from patients for his care, knowledge and skill; and is a remarkable asset to patients and families
  • Matt Carter, police officer, Archbald Police, for always being kind and willing to help someone in need and embodying the highest ideals of police service
  • The entire staff of Covington EMS for providing uninterrupted basic life support (BLS) service to the North Pocono region for two years through a combination of paid employees and unpaid volunteers
  • Adam Fensch, paramedic, Bloomsburg EMS, for always demonstrating kindness and compassion toward his patients and their families
  • Melanie Gerulsky, paramedic, Pennsylvania Ambulance, for creating and hosting Kids’ Day at Nay Aug Park to raise money for children’s services and build awareness of these services in the community
  • Clair Pete Manhart, EMT, Geisinger EMS and Bloomsburg Ambulance, for a long career of faithful service and always teaching that BLS saves lives and advanced life support (ALS) is the icing on the cake
  • Kristen Myers, EMT and business manager, Freeland Ambulance, Medic 41, for her tireless commitment to the community and her EMS colleagues, including bringing ALS services to the Freeland community and volunteering to provide EMS services at local youth sporting events
  • Stevie Spishock, paramedic, Americus and DH&L, for always demonstrating excellence and striving to improve herself and those around her
  • Edward Szafran, Kingston firefighter and chief of operations for Greater Pittston Regional Ambulance, for more than 20 years of providing outstanding service to his community as well as serving as a health technician for the National Disaster Medical System of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
  • Bill White, firefighter and EMT, Justus Volunteer Fire Company Ambulance, for 50 years of outstanding service, including serving as deputy fire chief, assistant fire chief, ambulance lieutenant, chief driver, ambulance captain, chief engineer, dive rescue captain and president

The Honesdale National Bank Promotes Staff Members

Thomas E. Sheridan Jr., President, and CEO of The Honesdale National Bank, announced Melissa Rushworth has been promoted to Assistant Vice President, Loan Officer.

In making the announcement, Sheridan stated, “I am pleased to promote Melissa to this new role as she grows personally and professionally here at HNB.” He continued, “With her dedication and longstanding record in the Forest City community, it is evident that her experience will lead to success in her new role.”

As AVP, Loan Officer, Rushworth will assist customers with direct and indirect consumer loans, mortgages, and home equity loans.

Rushworth started her banking career in 1998. She joined HNB in 2008 and has held various positions throughout her career including: Sales Associate, Teller, CSR, Branch Supervisor, Head Teller, Assistant Branch Manager, Branch Manager, Human Resource Assistant and now Loan Officer.

In commenting on her new position at HNB, Rushworth noted, “HNB has given me the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally. It really is like a second family.” She continued, “With the banking industry ever changing it’s comforting to know that we are committed to doing what’s best for our employees, customers and the communities we serve.”

Rushworth is from Mayfield, graduated from Lakeland Jr. Sr. High School, and has completed various continued learning opportunities through coursework through Pennsylvania Bankers Association, BAI, ICBA, and leadership seminars.

Outside of the bank, she is part of the Forest City Lions Club and loves spending time with family, going on vacations, camping, and gardening. She is an active supporter of all her children’s school and sporting events.

Furthermore, Thomas E. Sheridan Jr., President, and CEO of The Honesdale National Bank, has announced Kate Bryant has been promoted to Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

In making the announcement, Sheridan stated, “Kate continues to excel in her role and elevate the bank’s executive leadership team.” He continued, “Her contributions to maintaining HNB’s strength and stability and upholding shareholder value are the characteristics that will continue to drive us forward.” 

Bryant has served as the Bank’s CFO since 2016, through which she is responsible for managing the financial planning of the bank and helps direct its overall executive strategy across all departments. She had been previously promoted to Senior Vice President, CFO in 2020.

Bryant began her career in the financial industry in 1999, starting in the banking industry in 2003. She joined HNB in 2004 in the Accounting Department and has helped shepherd the development of accounting and Bank Security Act (BSA) functions.

In commenting on her time at the bank, Bryant noted, “HNB provides me with ongoing opportunities which support my overall professional growth and allows me to be an active participant in my community, for which I am very grateful.”

Bryant resides in Honesdale, Pa. and is a graduate of Honesdale High School. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Finance and Minor in Economics from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She later received her Master of Business Administration from Villanova University.

Outside of the bank, she enjoys spending time with friends and family.

The Honesdale National Bank, established in 1836, holds the distinction of being the area’s oldest independent community bank headquartered in Northeastern PA, with offices in Wayne, Pike, Susquehanna, Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties.  The Honesdale National Bank offers personal banking, business banking and wealth solutions.  For more information on HNB’s products and services, visit www.hnbbank.bank.

University of Scranton Rated Among Best Values in U.S.

Spring 2022 photo shoot by Nathan Cox

Money magazine gave The University of Scranton its second highest star rating in its selection of the 2023 “Best Colleges in America” based on value. The University of Scranton received a four and one-half star rating based on the magazine’s analysis of dozens of data points to evaluate affordability and student outcomes.

Just 34 colleges in the nation received Money’s highest rating of five-stars, which included many the nation’s ivy league and near-ivy league schools. Scranton was among 189 schools in America to receive the second-highest, four and one-half star rating, which included highly-regarded Jesuit schools like Boston College and the College of the Holy Cross and prestigious schools in Pennsylvania such as Carnegie Mellon University and Villanova University.

Money rated less than 800 colleges in the nation with two and one-half to five stars. Colleges not included in its listing failed to meet Money’s initial screening requirements, such as having at lease 500 in-person undergraduate students or 150 full-time faculty members, having sufficient data to analyze, and other criteria. According to Money magazine, “the most common reason colleges don’t make the cut is that their six-year graduation rate is too low.”

The factors Money used in assessing the value of the education provided by colleges included an analysis of the schools’ quality (30 percent) and affordability (40 percent) and the outcomes of graduates (30 percent).

The factors Money analyzed to determine a college’s “academic quality” included the six-year graduation rate, the standardized test scores of incoming students, the student-faculty ratio, financial stability and the graduation rate of Pell Grant recipients, among other factors. The analysis also included “value” assessments that looked at a school’s predicted graduation rates based on the academic and economic profile of its student body versus its actual graduation rates.

The criteria used to assess “affordability” included an estimate of the “net price of a degree,” which assessed tuition, the time it takes for students to graduate, and the school’s average financial aid offered to students. The “affordability” criteria also looked at student debt, student loan default rates, and student loan default rates adjusted for the economic and academic profile of a school’s student body, in addition to other factors.

The factors Money used to assess “outcomes” included the average salaries of students ten years after enrollment based on data from U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard as well as salaries of graduates adjusted by major. In addition to other factors, the “outcomes” criteria looked at socio-economic mobility data from Think tank Third Way that measures a college’s share of students from low- and moderate-income backgrounds as well as the cost and payoff of a degree for those students.

Money’s 2023 “Best Colleges in America” rating was published online July 12.

This is the eighth consecutive year that Money included Scranton in its published list of America’s best values in college education.

Marywood University Appoints new VP for Mission Services

Sister Mary Persico, IHM, Ed.D., president of Marywood University, Scranton, Pa., recently appointed Sister Rachel Terry, IHM, to the position of associate vice president for mission services. A member of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary of Scranton since 2004, she is an experienced educator and leader, with a strong background in faith formation, liturgical preparation, and personal spiritual development.

As associate vice president for missions services, Sister Rachel serves in the Office of Campus Ministry, working directly with students and with her colleagues to promote Marywood’s Catholic identity and affirm its significance as a central part of Marywood’s culture.

Prior to assuming this new leadership role, Sister Rachel served as an Adult Faith Formation Intern at Old St. Patrick’s Church in Chicago, Illinois. She also worked part-time in Marywood’s Office of Campus Ministry from 2019-2021. Before that, she served as a music educator at elementary schools in Pennsylvania and Maryland.

The Wright Center Names New VP of Academic Affairs

James McFadden, Ed.D., will join The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education as the new vice president of academic affairs, chief operations officer for education, and associate designated institutional official.

McFadden, of Nashville, Tennessee, was hired after a nationwide search. He holds a doctorate of education from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois, a Master of Education in supervision and administration from Tennessee State University, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. He most recently served as the administrative director of medical education and designated institutional officer at Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville, an integrated health care provider in Kentucky.

At The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education, McFadden will provide administrative and programmatic leadership across all educational activities, partnerships, and new educational initiatives. He will work closely with Dr. Jumee Barooah, the designated institutional official for The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education.

McFadden, his wife, Brandy, and three children will relocate to Scranton.

Commonwealth Health Tips to Prevent Type-2 Diabetes

Over 30 million Americans have Type-2 diabetes. If left untreated or unmanaged, the disease can damage all aspects of the cardiovascular system, cause blindness, heart disease, loss of limbs and other serious conditions.

While Type-2 diabetes is most often diagnosed in adults 45 and older with a family history of the disease or in those who are overweight or obese, the condition is now becoming more prevalent in children, teens and young adults. Fortunately, there are small lifestyle changes and habits that can help prevent this chronic condition in people of all ages while also improving overall health.

As the most common type of diabetes, Type-2 diabetes is when the body creates too much insulin or resists it, which causes blood sugar levels to rise.

“The reality is that there is no cure for Type-2 diabetes, so taking steps to prevent this disease is your best course of action,” says Neda Danniel, M.D., family medicine physician with Commonwealth Health Physician Network.  “Even small changes in lifestyle like taking a daily walk or drinking water instead of juice can help ward off a diagnosis and make a big impact on your health.” 

Dr. Danniel suggests four ways to prevent Type-2 diabetes.

  • Manage weight and belly fat: Excess weight in the abdomen and obesity are main causes of Type-2 diabetes. Experts recommend maintaining a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 and a waistline of less than 35 inches for women and less than 40 inches for men.

  • Exercise regularly: Daily exercise can help avoid heart disease, reduce stress and Type-2 diabetes. The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise, like walking or biking, and two strength workouts each week.

  • Move more: Additional movement beyond exercise can also help keep off weight. Consider taking the stairs rather than an elevator or standing during work meetings to add more movement into daily life.

  • Eat fresh food: Avoid overly processed foods like chips, candy and deli meats, and focus on foods rich in fiber and nutrients like fruits, vegetables and lean protein.

Unfortunately, Type-2 diabetes could take years to develop and symptoms are often hard to detect. If you experience extreme fatigue, numbness or tingling in the hands or feet or blurred vision, it is important to get tested.

To learn more about preventing Type-2 diabetes, or to schedule a wellness exam, visit https://www.commonwealthhealth.net/.

Pennsylvania American Water Announces Pipe Project in Scranton

Pennsylvania American Water today announced a $6 million project to provide redundant drinking water supply from its Lake Scranton Water Treatment Plant to the city of Scranton.  The project, which is slated to begin in mid-August, involves rehabilitating an existing water line that runs through the East Mountain area of Scranton.

As part of the project, company contractors will be lining and reinforcing an existing 48-inch transmission line with high-density polyethylene pipe.  The transmission line was originally installed through East Mountain in 1908 to serve the city.  It was taken out of service in 2018 after a new transmission line was installed through the mountain. 

“The original cast-iron pipe served us for well over 100 years,” said Rich Dudek, project manager, Pennsylvania American Water.  “The second line was installed to provide redundancy should any repairs be needed on the original pipe, and now we are making these improvements to extend the service life of the water main and add resiliency and redundancy to our Scranton water system.” 

The project is expected to start in mid-August and be completed in the spring of 2024.  Customers’ water service will not be impacted by this work.

In preparation for the project, part of the walking path around the Lake Scranton reservoir will temporarily close to pedestrian traffic beginning Monday, July 31 as contractors begin delivering material and equipment for the project.  The walking path will be closed from the area where the path meets the roadway at the small stone bridge to the dam near the fishing pier.

The walking path will be closed as a safety precaution due to increased truck traffic on the roadway until August 4.  The path will be reopen Saturday, August 5.

For more information, contact Pennsylvania American Water’s customer service center at 1-800-565-7292.