Luzerne County Residents Refunded Registration Fees Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced today that the Pennsylvania Treasury Department has sent refunds to approximately 31,000 Luzerne County residents who were owed money after the county eliminated its $5 annual vehicle registration fee. Luzerne County residents owed the refund paid for two-year vehicle registration renewals prior to the elimination of the $5 fee. “Working with Luzerne County, we were able to make these refunds without requiring the affected residents to take any action at all,” Treasurer Garrity said. “This wasn’t a traditional form of unclaimed property, but it was the most efficient way to get this money back where it belongs.” “Luzerne County was happy to work with our State Treasurer’s office to get this refund out to citizens in the most economical way,” said John Lombardo, Luzerne County Council Chair. “Thank you very much to Stacy Garrity and her staff for assisting our administration in this effort.” Most residents received a $5 refund, although some – based on when they paid their vehicle registration – received more, up to $20. In February, Luzerne County sent $221,200 of excess registration fees to the Pennsylvania Treasury Department’s Bureau of Unclaimed Property. County officials worked quickly with Treasury to submit a claim on behalf of all 31,253 residents who were owed a refund. Any resident of Luzerne County who has questions about this process can email the Pennsylvania Treasury Department’s Bureau of Unclaimed Property at tupmail@patreasury.gov or call 800-222-2046. Treasury has more than $4.5 billion in unclaimed property owed to more than one in ten Pennsylvanians, with the average value of a claim being $1,600. Unclaimed property can include things such as dormant bank accounts, insurance policies, and old valuables like contents of safe deposit boxes. State law requires businesses to report unclaimed property to Treasury after three years of dormancy. Anyone can search for unclaimed property, and see if they are owed anything, at patreasury.gov/unclaimed-property.
Dime Bank Parent Company Dimeco, Inc. Names New Director The Board of Directors of Dimeco, Inc, (OTCQX: DIMC), the parent holding company of The Dime Bank, announced that Mike Peifer has joined the board of directors’ team. Mike Peifer is a senior advisor with Novak Strategic Advisors, where he provides wide-ranging, strategic solutions to everyday business needs. Additionally, Peifer has represented the 139th district, encompassing parts of Pike and Wayne counties, in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for eight terms. Mike Peifer stated, “It is exciting to continue to serve our community as a member of Dimeco’s board of directors. The Dime Bank has a long history and deep roots in our region, and it is an honor to be joining the team. Together, we will strive to uphold the values and traditions that have made The Dime Bank a cornerstone in our region, while also embracing innovation and new opportunities to better serve our customers and shareholders.” Known for his deep understanding of the state’s intricate fiscal matters, Peifer played a significant role in the Commonwealth budget process and tax code revisions as a member of the House Appropriations Committee and Chairman of the House Finance Committee. Peifer’s public service extends to local government, having previously held the position of Pike County Treasurer. Before entering politics, he practiced as a certified public accountant and served as a senior tax consultant at Price Waterhouse. President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Bochnovich stated, “Mike’s background in the private financial sector and as a small business owner, combined with his current advisory role and extensive understanding of state government, provide him with knowledge of various matters and a distinctive viewpoint to augment the breadth of board of directors. Mike’s leadership abilities and talent for consensus-building will fit in nicely with our existing members. We are pleased he has joined our team as we continue to grow while serving our customers and shareholders.”
Keystone Mission Announces the Opening of its Overnight Shelter On behalf of Keystone Mission, Wilkes-Barre City Mayor George C. Brown on Friday announced the upcoming opening of the organization’s overnight shelter, at its Wilkes-Barre Innovation Center for Homeless and Poverty. The center is located at 90 East Union St., and the opening ceremony is scheduled for Monday, June 17, at 4:30 p.m. Mayor Brown said funding for the shelter for the current year is made possible through a $109,500 grant from the city’s American Rescue Plan funds, spearheaded by the mayor and unanimously approved by Wilkes-Barre City Council in April. The overnight shelter’s hours of operation will be from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. each day. Mayor Brown said the overnight shelter will dissolve the Code Blue shelter that operated during the winter months, from October to March. He said the shelter will be able to provide overnight services for approximately 50 individuals at a time. In addition to providing a physical shelter for homeless individuals, Keystone Mission’s Innovation Center helps its guests in obtaining identifying documentation, housing application assistance, educational programs in addition to free haircuts, meals, laundry services, clothing, showers and more. Keystone Mission’s mission statement is: “To be a catalyst for the community, to provide help and hope to the homeless, hungry, and hurting people in Northeast PA.”
Geisinger to Host Men’s Health Talk To celebrate men’s health month, Geisinger urologists Ryan Mori, MD, and John Ramey, MD, will host a free PA Health Talk about erectile dysfunction, bladder cancer and prostate conditions. The live discussion will be held at the Wilkes-Barre Penguins Practice Pavilion on June 12 from 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. and will include a light dinner. Everyone is welcome at this relaxed, casual event, including women who have questions about a loved one’s health. It’s predicted that by 2025 over 300 million men will have erectile dysfunction, and 30 million men will be diagnosed this year. Treatment options can include medication and surgery. Men are also at risk of being diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with an individual’s risk of prostate cancer varying by age, race/ethnicity, and other factors. Drs. Mori and Ramey will discuss multiple urological conditions, their causes and treatment options, followed by a question-and-answer session. Questions can be submitted ahead of time and will be asked anonymously. Attendees interested in a tour of the practice facility should arrive by 5:10 p.m. The tour will start at 5:15 p.m. Boston Scientific will also be there to showcase products used to help treat erectile dysfunction. To register, visit events.geisinger.org. Space is limited. The practice facility is located at 40 Coal St., Wilkes-Barre.
PS Bank Announces Promotion of Sean Ann Schoen PS Bank is proud to announce the promotion of Sean Ann Schoen to Marketing Director / Vice President. Sean Ann has been with PS Bank since 2020. As Marketing Director / Vice President, Sean Ann will continue to oversee the bank’s marketing and communications as well as assume additional corporate and community-based responsibilities. “Over the last four years, Sean Ann has been critical in the development of the PS Bank brand across our markets. In this new role, she will continue to serve as the primary ambassador of our brand in the community as well as further develop the marketing role at our bank,” said Anthony J. Gabello, President & CEO. In the community, Sean Ann is a board member for the Deutsch Institute and serves the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce as a trustee for Lackawanna Industrial Fund Enterprises (LIFE). She holds a bachelor’s degree from East Stroudsburg University in communications with a concentration in public relations and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Bloomsburg University. She resides in Dunmore with her husband Timothy and their daughter Casey.
PS Bank Announces Promotion of Paul Walsh PS Bank is pleased to announce the promotion of Paul Walsh to Senior Lender / Senior Vice President. Paul has been with PS Bank since 2015 serving as Commercial Loan Officer. Under Paul’s guidance, PS Bank’s lending presence in Lackawanna County increased exponentially and now represents the bank’s largest lending market. As Senior Lender, Paul will be responsible for overseeing the management and leadership of lending at PS Bank. “Paul has been an integral part of PS Bank’s growth over the last nine years. He was responsible for our designation as a Small Business Administration Preferred Lender in 2022. Paul’s dedication to his customers and his ability to recommend both simple and complex financing packages for projects of all kinds, have helped to propel PS Bank into a bright future. I am excited to see what he will accomplish as a member of our senior leadership team,” said Anthony J. Gabello, President & CEO. Paul holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration with a concentration in financial services from Pennsylvania State University and graduated from American Bankers Association Stonier Graduate School of Banking. He received a leadership certificate from the Wharton Executive Education Program in 2023. Walsh resides in Greenfield Township with his wife Gina and their two children, P.J. and Tessa.
NEPA Philharmonic Takes Center Stage in June and July The Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic’s June and July events will include a main stage concert, the NEPA premiere and private screening of the award-winning documentary Maestra, the launch of the 2024-2025 season, a summer BBQ hosted by the Philharmonic League, Yoga on the Roof, and free Independence Day concerts in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre. Saturday, June 1, the Philharmonic will kick off its summer season with a Masterworks concert featuring the esteemed Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1, with pianist, Xiayin Wang, and Rachmaninoff’s sublime Symphony No. 2. The concert will take place at 7:30PM at Kirby Center for the Creative Arts at Wyoming Seminary. Tickets range in price from $38-$76, with free student admission (available through calling the box office or at the door). Parking is also free. Concert sponsors are Sundance Travel, Geisinger Temple B’nai B’rith, and Steinway & Sons. On Sunday, June 2, the Philharmonic will host a private screening and reception at the Scranton Art Haus of the award-winning documentary “Maestra” featuring the NEPA Philharmonic’s conductor Mélisse Brunet. This will be the only screening in our region of this internationally acclaimed film. VIP Tickets are $125, which includes a private meet and greet with Maestra Mélisse Brunet at 1:30 PM. Patron tickets are $75 and includes a 2 PM reception, movie screening and Q & A. The “Maestra” event is sponsored by Scranton Art Haus and Serenity Senior Living. Tickets must be purchased in advance and seating is limited. June will also mark the launch of the eclectic 2024-25 season “Building Bridges”. Next season will feature the fully professional NEPA Philharmonic at its best, with tributes to Queen and Tina Turner, two holiday concerts, and three classical concerts featuring works by Tchaikovsky, Bizet, Sibelius, Dvorak, Copland, the thrilling Carmina Burana and more. Concert venues include Scranton Cultural Center, F. M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Kirby Center for Creative Arts, and Mohegan Pennsylvania Casino. The full season will be announced in June with early bird subscriptions available for purchase in July. On June 26 the Philharmonic League will host Swing Into Summer with Jazz & Jeans at Constantinos in Clarks Summit. Join us as we celebrate our 2024 Philharmonic League honoree, Mary Marrara, recognizing her many years of commitment to the League and to our community. Music for the event will be by Erin Malloy. Tickets are $55 per person. Please RSVP: The Philharmonic League, PO Box 4525, Scranton PA 18505, or nepaphil.org All proceeds benefit the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic, with a large portion dedicated to Once Upon an Orchestra Community Outreach and our Senior Citizen Outreach. The 11th Annual Yoga on the Roof, a project of Jaya Yoga Studio Clarks Summit owned by Hillary Steinberg, features live music by the Philharmonic and will take place on Thursday, July 4th at 9 AM on the roof of the Marketplace at Steamtown’s Electric City Parking Garage. This annual one-hour yoga practice is open to all level practitioners and is followed by treats from Maximum Zen. A donation of $15 supports young people’s programs of the NEPA Philharmonic. Preregistration is possible at nepaphil.org and walk ins are welcome. An annual tradition…free Independence Day NEPA Philharmonic concerts will take place on Courthouse Square in Scranton on Wednesday, July 3rd, and at Kirby Park in Wilkes Barre on Thursday, July 4th. A program of familiar patriotic songs will be followed by a giant fireworks display. These concerts are sponsored by The City of Scranton, The City of Wilkes-Barre, and Visit Luzerne County (Department of Tourism). For tickets and additional information about the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic, please check out nepaphil.org or call 570.270.4444.
The Swiftwater Hotel Opening Day Announced The Pocono Mountains welcomes its newest luxury destination, The Swiftwater, opening its doors to guests on June 10th, 2024. Nestled amidst the serene beauty of the Pocono Mountains, The Swiftwater offers a unique blend of modern elegance and natural Pocono design, promising an unparalleled experience for both leisure and business travelers alike. The Swiftwater boasts 100 meticulously designed guest rooms and suites. From plunge pool suites to King and Queen rooms, every detail has been carefully curated to provide the ultimate in comfort and relaxation. The hotel features an indoor/outdoor pool, fitness center, concierge lounge, and garden patio. Guests will discover a culinary journey at The Swiftwater’s signature restaurant, The Olivet. The restaurant offers a fine dining experience, sourcing local ingredients and seasonal flavors. The Olivet also features a unique bar experience with cocktail flights, olives from around the world, and mimosa flights for a signature breakfast experience. Breakfast will be open to hotel guests only, with dinner being open to the public with limited availability. The Swiftwater is also an ideal venue for corporate retreats and special events. Featuring the Branch executive meeting room and lightning-fast Wi-Fi, it is the perfect spot to meet with your team. Advanced audio-visual technology and a dedicated event planning team ensure that every event is executed flawlessly. In addition to luxurious accommodations and world-class dining, The Swiftwater is the perfect home away from home for your adventures in the Pocono Mountains. Our dedicated concierge is available to help you plan your itinerary from whitewater rafting to wine tasting and everything in between. Our location in the heart of the Pocono Mountains makes it the perfect retreat for rejuvenation and adventure. The Swiftwater partners with local artisans and producers, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Pocono region.
The Wright Center Receives Grant The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education was awarded a $3 million grant to train internal medicine residents and faculty to better serve patients living with limited English proficiency and/or physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities. The five-year grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), will also be used to train internal medicine residents and faculty in best practices for patients who all too often experience disproportionate impacts to care access. The Wright Center is one of 18 programs around the country awarded a total of $8 million in grants as part of HRSA’s mission to improve access to health care for underserved and marginalized groups. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, up to 27% of adults in the United States live with some type of disability. The Wright Center for Community Health provides whole-person primary health services to patients in eight counties, including Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Wyoming counties. Nearly 16% of residents in Lackawanna and Luzerne counties are people with disabilities, while more than 16% of the population in Pike and Susquehanna counties and nearly 18% in Wayne County are people with disabilities, according to the American Community Survey. The state average, according to the same survey, is just under 14%. “The absence of professional training toward disability consciousness for health care practitioners is one of the most significant barriers that prevent people with disabilities from receiving appropriate and effective health care,” said Dr. Jumee Barooah, the senior vice president of education and designated institutional official for The Wright Center. Additionally, the communities The Wright Center serves are becoming increasingly diverse, with a notable influx of Hispanic, Indian, Nepali, and Bhutanese residents moving to the region within the last decade. More than 60 languages are spoken in the Scranton School District. Patients at The Wright Center speak more than 22 languages, including Spanish, Nepali, Mandarin, Krio, Gujarati, Hindi, Serbian, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese. Research has shown that when a patient’s primary spoken language differs from the primary language of the health system, worse health outcomes often result, according to Wright Center officials. Putting methods in place to aid communication with patients who are most comfortable communicating in a language other than English can improve their health and well-being. “We were so pleased to learn we were awarded this grant from HRSA,” Dr. Barooah said. “It is allowing us to increase the number of internal medicine physicians who are trained in these vital best practices through developing and implementing an enhanced curriculum, which in turn will have a positive impact on patient care for all of our community members.”
Geisinger Hosting PA Health Talk on Fertility Prospective parents and community members are invited to join fertility specialists Jennifer Gell, M.D., and Lydia Shively, PA-C, for a virtual PA Health Talk from 6 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18. Infertility is more common than most people think, and risk for infertility increases with age. Participants looking to grow their family can learn about: When to see a fertility specialist Conditions that affect fertility Testing options Fertility medications Fertility treatments and more The live event will be hosted via Microsoft Teams. To register, visit geisinger.org/fertilitytalk. During registration, participants may submit questions for the fertility experts to answer during the talk. For more information on fertility treatments, visit Geisinger’s fertility website.
