The Dime Bank Announces Officer Promotions The Dime Bank is pleased to announce the promotion of four key team members. These well-deserved advancements underscore the bank’s commitment to cultivating and empowering its talent pool while strengthening the overall management team. Jenn Tagle to Vice President Application Services Manager, Robert Karoscik to Vice President Banking Relationship Officer, Riley Terysen to Assistant Vice President Branch Manager, and Adam Ropati to Assistant Vice President Branch Manager. Tagle has been with The Dime Bank since May 2003 holding various positions, contributing her expertise and dedication to the organization for 21 years. As Vice President, Application Services Manager, she is responsible for managing and overseeing the implementation and maintenance of software applications within The Dime Bank. This role involves stakeholder communication and continuous process review and improvement to enhance application performance and support organizational success. Jenn Tagle stated, “I’m truly thankful for this opportunity and look forward to the professional growth it will bring.” Karoscik has been with The Dime Bank since 2015 as branch manager in several branches, leading his team with over 30 years of banking experience. In his role as Vice President, Banking Relationship Officer, Bob is responsible for developing and maintaining residential and commercial customer relationships while overseeing branch operations. Bob inspires his colleagues to bring their best to work each day, ensuring exceptional service for The Dime Bank customers. Terysen has been with The Dime Bank since May 2016, delivering eight years of banking experience. As branch manager, he oversees branch operations, staff development, customer relations, and the growth of deposits and loans. Terysen previously held various roles at The Dime Bank, including teller and assistant branch manager. Terysen stated, “Very thankful for this opportunity and grateful to work for a company that invests in its employees. Looking forward to the new challenges and opportunities ahead.” Ropati joined The Dime Bank in 2023 as a float branch manager and is currently the branch manager of our Steamtown office. He brings many years of experience as a branch manager from another financial institution, showcasing his dedication to customer service and operational excellence. President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Bochnovich stated, “Please join me in congratulating these exceptional employees as they embark on new leadership roles. Their promotions are a testament to their hard work and dedication. At The Dime Bank, our vision is clear: to foster growth, prosperity, and strong community ties while delivering exceptional value to our shareholders. To bring this vision to life, we require a dynamic leadership team capable of driving innovation and inspiring our workforce. I am confident that their expertise and enthusiasm will propel us forward and position us for continued success.”
Greater Scranton YMCA Supports Healthy Families September is Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, and as children and families start their new school-year routines, it’s a perfect time to reflect on and refresh your family’s healthy habits. Many families, though, may not have easy access to opportunities to learn about and practice healthy behaviors. That’s why the Greater Scranton YMCA — a leading community-based organization dedicated to improving health — wants to help families through nutrition education and increased physical activity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the prevalence of obesity affects about 14.7 million, or one in five U.S. children and adolescents. Obesity can increase risk for health problems such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and some cancers. Here in Pennsylvania, 18 percent of children in grades K-12 are affected by obesity, according to the Department of Health. “Experts now have a heightened understanding of the necessity to provide families with assistance in altering their eating and physical activity patterns,” said Rich Surridge, Interim CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “At the Y, we’re delighted to collaborate with families, extending support as they strive to incorporate changes to help children grow up at a healthy weight.” The Y also promotes open communication between families and their health care providers regarding their children’s health. “A child’s healthy weight cannot be determined based off of appearance,” said Surridge. “Working with health care professionals guarantees that families receive accurate guidance and support.” The Greater Scranton YMCA is helping families improve their health and help youth adopt healthy behaviors through membership, youth sports and enrichment programs, swim lessons, family programming and more. The following tips are some great ways to incorporate healthier eating habits and increased physical activity into your daily family routine: Eat & Drink Healthy: Make water the drink of choice and encourage everyone to fill half their plates with fruits and vegetables by offering two or three servings at every meal. As a family choose a new fruit and veggie every week to taste together. Place a full pitcher of water on the table during meals and allow children to pour their own water. Keep full water bottles available in cars and back packs. Play Every Day/Go Outside: Children should have at least an hour a day of unstructured play outside (when possible) and break a sweat at least three times a week by getting 20 minutes or more of vigorous physical activity. Join your children in games that get your hearts pumping and body moving. Get Together: Eat as a family as frequently as possible. Involve kids in meal planning, preparation and clean up. In addition, take a break from electronics and spend one-to-one time each day together, enjoying one another’s company. Reduce Recreational Screen Time: Time spent in front of a television, computer, tablet, cell phone or video games should be limited to two hours or less per day. Make a family plan to reduce screen time at home (i.e., turn off screens during meals, charge electronics/screens in the kitchen overnight, go for a walk after a meal, set a timer to remind you to power down the screen). Sleep Well: Kids and adults need to keep a regular sleep schedule; unwind together in the evenings by reading a book or listening to soft music to ensure your bodies are preparing for sleep. Kids are growing and need 10-12 hours of healthy sleep per night; adults should aim for seven to eight hours nightly. To learn more about the Greater Scranton YMCA’s membership and programs, please contact Brandon Whipple, Senior Program Director, at (570) 828-3116 or bwhipple@gsymca.org, or visit the Y online at www.greaterscrantonymca.org.
University of Scranton Reports 2023 Graduates Careers and Salaries The highest mean salaries reported for class of 2023 undergraduates were in computer science, nursing, finance, mathematics and business analytics. More outcomes are reported in the First Destination Survey. Ninety-nine percent of The University of Scranton’s class of 2023 bachelor-degree graduates, and 100 percent of its post-baccalaureate class of 2023 graduates, reported being successful in their choice of career path within 12 months of graduation. The “First Destination Survey” report by Scranton’s Roche Family Center for Career Development is based on career success data obtained for 85 percent of the undergraduate class and 72 percent of its graduate class. This “knowledge rate,” or percentage of graduates for whom their career outcome is known, exceeds the National Association of College Employers recommended rate of 65 percent six months after graduation. For members of University’s class of 2023 earning a bachelor’s degree, 49 percent of graduates had the goal of obtaining full-time employment and 98 percent of these graduates succeed with that goal. Forty-four percent of graduates had the goal of attending graduate or professional school and 99 percent of graduates successfully achieved that goal. Other graduates were seeking part-time employment or pursued other intentional paths such as a gap year. The average (mean) salary is $61,360, based on the bachelor’s degree graduates that provided salary information. The average salary varied by major. The highest average salaries reported are in computer science ($83,440), nursing ($80,791), finance ($75,961), mathematics ($75,000) and business analytics ($70,800). Geographically, of those employed, 83 percent reported working in Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey. Eighty-one percent of the undergraduate class of 2023 reported completing at least one experiential learning opportunity during their education at the University, which includes internships, research, student teaching, observations, clinicals, externships and residencies. In addition, 86 percent of the graduates engaged with the Center for Career Development during their time at Scranton. As mentioned, Scranton’s class of 2023 master’s and doctoral degree graduates had a 100 percent overall success rate. The report shows 94 percent of graduates were employed full-time; 3 percent were employed part-time; 2 percent were pursuing additional education; and 1 percent were seeking another goal, such as travel or taking a gap year. The average (mean) salary for 2023 graduate-degree graduates is $89,891, based on the graduates that provided salary information. Salaries reported vary by degree programs. The highest average salaries reported are for graduates with master’s degrees in nurse anesthesia ($213,462), healthcare management MBA ($140,960) and MBA-international business ($107,000). Of those employed, 71 percent are working in Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey. The surveys over the past three years indicate a significant average salary increase at the graduate degree level. The average salary reported for post-baccalaureate graduates in 2021 was $71,827; $81,045 for class 2022 graduates; and $89,891 for class of 2023 graduates. The Roche Family Center for Career Development is located on the second floor of the Loyola Science Center.
University of Scranton Music Concert Set for Family Weekend Joseph Boga and The Scranton Ramblers with guest guitarist Stephane Wrembel, and an appearance by the University Concert Choir set for Sept. 21 On Saturday, Sept. 21, Performance Music at The University of Scranton will present a concert featuring Joseph Boga and the Scranton Ramblers with guitarist Stephane Wrembel, as part of the University’s annual Family Weekend festivities. The concert, which will also include an appearance by The University of Scranton Concert Choir, begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue. Admission is free and the concert is open to the public. Seating on a first-come, first-seated basis. “All of us in Performance Music are delighted to present such an outstanding Family Weekend concert, especially where our choir gets to perform a piece alongside musical powerhouses Joseph Boga and Stephane Wrembel,” said Janelle Decker, conductor and co-director of Performance Music at Scranton. Boga, an area native, is a member of the legendary group Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks, which appears in New York City every Monday in their roost – Birdland. In addition to his work with Giordano and The Nighthawks, Boga also leads his own groups and has performed and/or recorded with a variety of other ensembles such as Stephane Wrembel’s Django New Orleans, David Ostwald’s Louis Armstrong Eternity Band, Jazz Museum in Harlem All-Stars, James Langton’s New York All-Star Big Band and The Kyle Athayde Dance Party, as well as with artists such as Stephane Wrembel, Wycliffe Gordon, Adrian Cunningham, Loren Schoenberg, Wynton Marsalis and many others. His film appearances include Killers of the Flower Moon, season 2 of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Capote vs. The Swans and others. Stephane Wrembel is quite simply one of the finest guitar players in the world. Though specializing in the Django Reinhardt style, he revels in transcending and expanding, and the breadth and range of his playing and compositions are unmatched. His music incorporates jazz, blues, classical, swing, flamenco and rock. All of these influences come together as a genre identifiable only as Stephane Wrembel. This prolific musician, composer, educator and musical director has released a steady stream of music since 2002, truly making his mark as one of the most original guitar voices in contemporary music. He tours the world and has headlined venues such as Jazz at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, The Town Hall in N.Y.C. and The Lyon Opera House in France, and has dazzled audiences at events like Montreal Jazz Festival, Rochester International Jazz Festival, Django Reinhardt Festival in France, Ellnora Guitar Festival, Caramoor Jazz Festival and many others. Wrembel won a Grammy award for his tune Bistro Fada, which Woody Allen used as the theme song for his 2011 Oscar-winning film, Midnight in Paris. Other musicians performing with The Scranton Ramblers for the concert will include trombonist Sam Chess; guitarist Roy Williams (a native and current resident of the Scranton area); Will Reardon-Anderson, alto sax and clarinet; and Jay Rattman, bass saxophonist (a native of the Delaware Water Gap area. The University of Scranton Concert Choir is an soprano, alto, tenor and bass (SATB) mixed choir comprised of members of the University community from majors and departments spanning the curriculum – none of whom are music majors – who are brought together by their mutual love for making music. They will be performing “La Vie En Rose” with the featured guest ensemble. For further information on the performance, call 570-941-7624, email music@scranton.edu or visit the Performance Music website. For more on Boga, visit josephboga.com, and for more info on Wrembel, visit stephanewrembel.com.
Tobyhanna Army Depot Spotlights Employee Excellence Every quarter, Tobyhanna Army Depot (TYAD) proudly honors one junior and one senior member of its exceptional workforce with the Employee of the Quarter (EoQ) award. Recognizing excellence is never easy at TYAD, where talent and dedication are in abundant supply across every mission. For the 3rd Quarter of FY24, the spotlight shines on Nicole Samsell from the Public Affairs Office and Lauren Leary from the Legal Office, as they earn this well-deserved recognition for their outstanding contributions. With a strong background in communications, TYAD’s Public Affairs Office (PAO) was a natural fit for Samsell. She joined the PAO team in January 2023 as a Public Affairs Assistant and is currently serving as a Public Affairs Specialist during a 120-day temporary promotion. After successfully completing developmental assignments across different areas of the installation, Leary found her calling in TYAD’s Legal Office in 2020 when she became the Legal Assistant. While in that role, she obtained her Paralegal Certificate from East Stroudsburg University, which provided her the opportunity to become the Paralegal Specialist in 2021, the role she works in today. Samsell, this quarter’s junior recipient, joined Team Tobyhanna in November 2021 as an Administrative Assistant in the Production Engineering Directorate’s SATCOM and Site Installation Division. Her career in federal service began about a year and a half prior as she worked for the Social Security Administration. Samsell also has six years of top 40 radio hosting experience, wrote for an arts & entertainment publication, and 20 years in hospitality working in the restaurant business. She earned an Associate of the Arts degree in Communications in 2007 from Luzerne County Community College. Samsell said she found her way to TYAD in search of reliable, meaningful employment following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. “[The effects of the pandemic were] a very big eye opener. It forced me to re-examine my goals, pivot, and look towards my future,” said Samsell. “Federal employment was kind of a no brainer because of the unique benefits that are available to us as federal employees. Additionally, it feels gratifying to be able to serve the country in this way.” Samsell added that she is proud that the work she helps the organization achieve is part of something bigger than just herself. “Being a civil servant is very humbling because we are a piece of a much larger puzzle. The impact that puzzle has on our society is large,” said Samsell. “That does feel like that is something that is worth taking pride in.” With a strong background in communications, TYAD’s Public Affairs Office (PAO) was a natural fit for Samsell. She joined the PAO team in January 2023 as a Public Affairs Assistant and is currently serving as a Public Affairs Specialist during a 120-day temporary promotion. She said her role within the team plays strongly into her skillset and makes coming to work feel fun. “In the current role, I really enjoy having the creative freedom to try to connect with the workforce and collaborate with my colleagues. I’ve always found that I have a knack for connecting with people, which I’ve fostered that throughout all of my years in customer service,” said Samsell. “Working in Public Affairs has been great because it has gotten me out of my chair and into the workforce meeting people and learning about the depot’s various workloads and missions.” Samsell said her favorite thing about working at TYAD is the endless opportunity for development. “My favorite thing about working at Tobyhanna has been that leadership fosters an environment where growth and development are truly valued. “When you walk into Tobyhanna and you say that you have a goal, most people around you are eager to help you achieve it,” said Samsell. “The encouragement to push boundaries and continuously improve is something that I really appreciate and is one of the reasons why I really like being a part of the organization,” she said. Upon receiving the Employee of the Quarter award, Samsell said she was shocked and humbled realizing the team around her helped make it possible. “I am really humbled from winning the award. I do know that there are dozens of people who are as deserving, if not more deserving, as I am. I can’t believe it, but I know that you are nominated by your peers and your supervisor so knowing that the input that I put in every day is valued and appreciated is very humbling and extremely motivating,” said Samsell. “Sometimes we come into work every day and we just need a little extra pep in our step to remember why we ever started this journey. This has reenergized me.” Public Affairs Officer Danielle Weinschenk said that Samsell tackles every task head-on and is willing to do whatever is necessary to ensure the team’s success. “During a time of great change for PAO, Nicole has been the constant, ensuring all members of the team have the tools they need to succeed. She willingly took on many additional duties and has played a key role in training new team members (including her new Chief). Nicole has faced these challenges with a smile, never complaining or refusing to take on yet another task,” said Weinschenk. “It is not uncommon to hear her say, ‘Put me in, coach!’ and she encourages her colleagues up, down, and across our organizational chain to do the same. No task is too big or too small for her – and her positive attitude is the catalyst for cultural change here in PAO.” Visual Information Specialist Nicolo Manzo lauded Samsell’s strong work ethic, infectious positivity, and support for the team. “Nicole is a phenomenal co-worker and teammate. She continuously goes above and beyond, offering support to the entire team and ensuring its success. Through her proactivity, adaptability, attention to detail, and excellent work ethic, she sets the entire team up for success,” said Manzo. ”Perhaps her greatest contribution to the PAO team is her positive attitude and commitment to the success of not just her own work, but the work of all those around her. If it cannot be measured in hard data, her positive impact is felt among the PAO team and can easily be observed by anyone on the installation. Members of Team Tobyhanna like Nicole Samsell ensure Tobyhanna’s position as a leader in the Department of Defense will endure.” Samsell credited the team around her, saying they serve as her source of motivation each day. “This award validates your hard work. You come in every day and you put your nose to it and it is important to be noticed for that. That is not why we do it, but that is certainly something that motivates folks to continue to go the extra mile,” said Samsell. “I really will say that the collaboration and dedication amongst my team inspires me to keep working hard.” Leary, this quarter’s senior recipient, joined Team Tobyhanna as an Administrative Assistant in the Production Engineering Directorate’s Design, Development, and Fabrication division in 2018, following years working in food service and food service management. Like Samsell, she sought a career with TYAD for a better work-life balance. After successfully completing developmental assignments across different areas of the installation, Leary found her calling in TYAD’s Legal Office in 2020 when she became the Legal Assistant. While in that role, she obtained her Paralegal Certificate from East Stroudsburg University, which provided her the opportunity to become the Paralegal Specialist in 2021, the role she works in today. Additionally, she is pursuing a Bachelors Degree from Florida International University. Leary said her time in the Legal Office has taught her much about that line of work, which she had previously not known much about. “The opportunity [in the Legal Office] opened up and working with the right team really opened my eyes to just how incredible the field is. Every day I’m tackling a new challenge or a different issue,” said Leary. “I love figuring out problems, breaking down issues, and problem solving. It is the perfect place for me with the perfect group of people at the right time in my life.” Leary lauded the team she works with in the Legal Office, saying that they have helped her grow both personally and professionally. “I get to take all of these little pieces of all of these brilliant people and it has changed me so much and changed who I am. I listen more, I am more patient, I am calmer under pressure, and I don’t need to be right; I just want to do the right thing. That is a credit to my teammates. I just value that and love that so much,” said Leary. “I work very hard but the team is the reason that I am able to do what I do in the way that I do it. On a daily basis, I learn from their actions.” Leary said that the welcoming environment fostered by the legal team is part of the reason she was able to earn the EoQ honor. “I probably would not have won this award in 2018. I think that it takes the right environment, the right co-workers and most of all, the right manager to bring out the best in an employee,” said Leary. “Starting with the environment, it is very collaborative and very safe. You never have to be scared that you’re going to be laughed at for asking a question. You never have to be afraid to ask somebody to explain something more. It is very safe in that way. We have a lot of trust in one another.” Leary said winning the EoQ was an honor knowing how many people are involved in the nomination process. “I was very shocked and surprised. It means a lot because I know that it is not just my supervisor nominating me. It goes through a lot of people,” said Leary. “It means a lot that people thought what I do matters, is important, and should be honored.” She concluded by saying she feels lucky to get to do what she does every day alongside a great team. “I love the aspect of my job where I get to break down complex issues so that anybody can consume them. I love finding solutions to problems,” said Leary. “I’m lucky that in this job, I get to think critically and tackle new challenges alongside the group of people I work with.” Chief of the Tobyhanna Legal Office Brandon Gatto said Leary’s unwavering drive, generosity, and meticulousness make her a tremendous asset to the team. “Lauren is the kind of employee every supervisor hopes for. She has a long and impressive list of accomplishments that earned her this quarter’s award, but she’s invaluable to the Legal Office because of her endless initiative, selflessness, and attention to detail,” said Gatto. “More importantly, she’s an exceptional person. She raises our bar, and she’s a role model for other employees. I am incredibly proud and lucky to have Lauren on our team.” Associate Counsel Jamie Schelling expressed deep appreciation for Leary’s hard work ethic and thoughtful nature, both of which make her dependable colleague. “Lauren is an exceptional talent. To say that we are lucky to have her in the Legal Office is an understatement. I have never seen anyone throughout my entire legal career with a more incredible work ethic than Lauren. She quickly recognizes and understands issues and has already come up with three different solutions before I’ve wrapped my brain around what it is that we are talking about,” said Schelling. “She is a crucial part of our office, not only in the value that she adds with her work but also her value as a person. Her quick wit makes work fun and she one of the most thoughtful people-she literally keeps notes in her phone of everyone in the office’s favorite things. Simply put, we are all exponentially better because she is around. It is truly all of her behind the scenes legwork that makes our jobs as attorneys run smoothly, so it is great to see her getting the recognition she deserves.” The Employee of the Quarter awards and other employee recognition programs align with Tobyhanna’s long-range strategic plan, TOBY2035 – specifically the Investing In Our People line of effort. TOBY2035, the depot’s long-range strategic plan, has four focus areas: Investing in Our People, C5ISR Readiness, Shape the Future and Strategic Communications. TOBY2035 aims to posture the depot for success in the coming years as the Department of Defense’s premier worldwide C5ISR readiness provider. Tobyhanna Army Depot is a recognized leader in providing world-class logistics support for command, control, communications, computers, cyber, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C5ISR) systems across the Department of Defense. Tobyhanna’s Corporate Philosophy, dedicated work force and electronics expertise ensure the depot is the joint C5ISR provider of choice for all branches of the Armed Forces and industry partners. Tobyhanna’s unparalleled capabilities include full-spectrum logistics support for sustainment, overhaul and repair, fabrication and manufacturing, engineering design and development, systems integration, post-production software support, technology insertion, modification, foreign military sales and global field support to our joint warfighters. About 3,300 personnel are employed at Tobyhanna, located in the Pocono Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania. Tobyhanna Army Depot is part of the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command. Headquartered at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, the command’s mission is to deliver integrated C5ISR weapon systems, business systems, and medical sustainment to enable full spectrum combat operations at the point of need.
Indraloka Animal Sanctuary Hosts the Goat Games Indraloka, NEPA’s groundbreaking farm animal sanctuary and veterinary clinic that also offers wellness programs for people, is hosting a FREE Open Tour this Friday, 9/6, from 3pm to 7pm, as part of its Goat Games event. Goat Games unites nonprofit sanctuaries across the country to raise awareness of how much fun it is to hang out with goats. Started as a virtual event to help with fundraising during the pandemic, Goat Games has since blossomed into a celebration of goats and sanctuaries. On Friday, Indraloka will welcome visitors for free festivities, including self-guided sanctuary tours, games, prizes, and the pièce de résistance of the event — Goat Yoga led by this year’s team captain Soul, a four-year-old goat who is exceptionally friendly and well-behaved. “Scrolling through Instagram, I see all these people doing ‘goat yoga’ and, frankly, I’m appalled. Those goats are all babies. Not one of them is certified to teach yoga. They wouldn’t know a yoga studio from a barn. They couldn’t do a downward dog for all the hay in the world,” Soul says. “So, we decided to show people what real goat yoga looks like.” On First Friday, visitors can spend hours strolling Indraloka’s peaceful grounds, walking through fields of wildflowers, enjoying the natural beauty of Northeast Pennsylvania amid the sanctuary’s most gentle goats. Art lovers can browse the many pieces of photography and other works in Indraloka’s Art Barn. Soul is hoping that through his leadership people will realize that goats really are the GOATs when it comes to having fun! “I’ve put my heart and soul — pun intended — into this event. Please join us,” Soul says. Media interested in attending or interviewing Soul can make arrangements through his spokesperson, sanctuary founder Indra Lahiri, PhD, at 570-855-8440.
Dale Carnegie Offers Effective Communications and Human Relations Course LIVE ONLINE! This program is held on Tuesdays from 4:00-7:00 PM EST each week with a Kick-Off on September 10th from 4:00-6:00 PM EST. You must attend seven of the eight sessions to successfully graduate from the program (Kick-Off does not count as one of the eight sessions). Makeup sessions are available for any missed classes for up to one year. REGISTER
Misericordia University Appoints Dr. Norton as Dean of the College of Health Sciences and Education Misericordia University is proud to announce the appointment of Lisa May Norton, Ed.D., as the new dean of the College of Health Sciences and Education. Norton assumed her role on September 1, 2024 With a distinguished career spanning over 25 years, Norton brings a wealth of experience in higher education administration and a strong commitment to advancing social justice and fostering inclusive academic environments. She joins Misericordia University from Touro University California, where she served as dean for the College of Education and Health Sciences. Her tenure at Touro was marked by her leadership in enhancing student support services, securing grants for mentoring programs, and spearheading strategic enrollment management initiatives that significantly improved student retention and success. Norton’s academic journey and professional accomplishments make her an ideal fit for Misericordia University. She has been actively engaged in community organizations and served on various advisory boards, demonstrating her dedication to community engagement and social justice advocacy. Her extensive experience in strategic planning, accreditation processes, and program development will be invaluable in advancing the College of Health Sciences and Education’s reputation and brand identity. As Misericordia University’s mission is rooted in the charisms of mercy, service, justice, and hospitality, we are thrilled to welcome Norton. Her passion for educational leadership and collaborative leadership style are expected to benefit the university community and foster a culture of growth and excellence. David Rehm, Ph.D., vice president of Academic Affairs, expressed his confidence in Norton’s appointment, stating, “Dr. Norton’s extensive experience and commitment to fostering inclusive and supportive educational environments align perfectly with our values at Misericordia University. We are certain that her leadership will significantly contribute to the continued success and growth of our College of Health Sciences and Education.” For more information about Misericordia University’s College of Health Sciences and Education, click here.
Wright Center Hosts Ribbon Cutting for New Community Health Center The Wright Center for Community Health hosted a ribbon cutting and open house on Tuesday, Sept. 3, to celebrate the opening of its newest community health center in Dickson City. The new full-service, family-friendly office at 312 Boulevard Ave. opened for patient care on Tuesday, Sept. 3, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house held at 5:30 p.m. Along with members of the public, Dickson City Borough Councilmen Jack Horvath and Richard Cesari; Borough Manager Cesare Forconi; Drew Popish, Gov. Josh Shapiro’s northeast regional director; and Thom Welby, state Rep. Bridget Malloy Kosierowski’s district director, attended the event. Drs. Supriana Bhandol and Ajit Pannu, who will lead the new location, offered health center tours during the open house. Both doctors are graduates of The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s Regional Family Medicine Residency and began providing care to patients at The Wright Center for Community Health in Scranton in November. The new location occupies the former medical offices of Drs. Cynthia M. Oleski and Giovanni Ramos. After deciding to relocate, the doctors contacted The Wright Center, which has been providing responsive and inclusive whole-person primary health services across the region for decades, to ensure that patients would not experience any interruptions in care. The Wright Center for Community Health in Dickson City will be open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering affordable, comprehensive whole-person primary health services for people of all ages, from pediatrics to geriatrics. Services will include checkups, physicals, screenings, treatment of common illnesses and injuries, and more. To make an appointment, call 570-489-4567 or visit TheWrightCenter.org. In addition to the Dickson City location, The Wright Center will also open its first primary care community health center in Wyoming County on Monday, Sept. 9, at the former Tyler Memorial Hospital, 5950 U.S. Route 6, Suite 401, Tunkhannock. With these new locations, The Wright Center will operate 12 community health centers, including a mobile medical and dental unit called Driving Better Health, serving patients of all ages, income levels, and insurance statuses in Northeast Pennsylvania. The Wright Center for Community Health offers a sliding-fee discount program. Based on a family’s size and income level, the program reduces barriers to care and ensures everyone has access to affordable, whole-person primary health services.
