UNC’s 3rd Annual Pine Brook Family Arts Festival Date Set United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC) and partner John Adams Elementary School are hosting the 3rd Annual Pine Brook Family Arts Festival on Saturday, April 27, 2024, from Noon to 4 pm on the school’s playground. Activities include kids’ yoga, drum making, upcycling planters with flowers, DIY tie-dyes, suncatchers, face painting, balloon making, rock painting, food, music, and more! Antonio’s Pizza and El Buen Amigo will be serving pizza and tacos, for an additional fee. Joining us for the first time is Snook’s Wings and Things, selling burgers, fries, wings, and more. We will be supplying free ice cream from Scoopz Ice Cream truck for all attendees. Our partners Marywood University and The University of Scranton will provide arts education and make and take crafts. We are also hosting five local artists to assist children in creating artwork, this is made possible through a sponsorship from Lackawanna County Arts ENGAGE. Other organizations presenting crafts and resources include Penn State Extension 4H & Master Gardeners, Albright Memorial Library, Be SMART, Scranton Tomorrow with Keep PA Beautiful, and My Center for Independent Living. This free festival is a part of the UNC Pine Brook Neighborhood Revitalization Plan and offers access to different arts and activities for families in the neighborhood to enjoy,” said Holly Yorkonis, UNC event organizer. UNC’s Pine Brook Neighborhood Community Revitalization Plan is funded by Coterra, FNBC Bank, and Peoples Security Bank through the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Neighborhood Partnership Program. Anyone interested in volunteering at the annual event should contact UNC Assistant Director of Community Revitalization, Holly at Hyorkonis@uncnepa.org or (272) 228-1366.
Marywood University to Hold Transfer Tuesdays Opportunities Marywood University has set several dates in late spring and throughout the summer for its Transfer Tuesdays program. Transfer Tuesday events are for current or former college students, at all stages of their college journey, who are considering transferring to Marywood University. Transfer Tuesdays opportunities will occur at Marywood University on the following Tuesdays: April 30, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. May 21, 1-6 p.m. June 18, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. July 16, 1-6 p.m. August 13, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Those interested in the spring/summer Transfer Tuesdays events can schedule an appointment every half hour during the time frame indicated for specific dates. Registered visitors can discuss financial aid and scholarship options, transfer credits, take a tour of campus, review credits for transfer eligibility, and complete an application for admission. Marywood University’s fall semester begins on Monday, August 26, 2024 For additional information about transferring to Marywood, or to register for the Transfer Tuesdays program, please visit marywood.edu/transfer or call Marywood University’s Office of University Admissions, at (570) 348-6234 or email YourFuture@marywood.edu.
FNCB Bank Donates $15,000 to the Agency for Community Empowerment of NEPA FNCB Bank, locally based since 1910, today announced a $15,000 Neighborhood Assistance Program/Special Program Priorities (NAP-SPP) donation to the Agency for Community EmPOWERment of NEPA in support of their effort to provide our community with quality, affordable housing. The Agency for Community Empowerment of NEPA, through its housing affiliate, the Scranton Lackawanna Resources Development Corporation, is poised to address this need through the construction and management of an 8-unit veterans’ apartment complex in Scranton. Two units will be fully handicapped accessible & rent will follow HUD guidelines for low-income housing. FNCB Bank has committed NAP-SPP contributions to seven different community projects in Northeastern Pennsylvania totaling $125,000 in 2024. As a true, local community bank, FNCB is making a difference through volunteerism, donations, and outreach programs.
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Railriders Announce 2024 Local Slate on MyTV WQMY The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders are partnering with MyTV WQMY to broadcast seven games in 2024 on local television in NEPA. The RailRiders are thrilled to continue their partnership with MyTV WQMY and return to the airwaves this Thursday evening as Scranton/Wilkes-Barre hosts Lehigh Valley. In addition to rivals like the IronPigs, games against Rochester, Syracuse, Buffalo, and Worcester will be televised locally. The RailRiders will welcome the Norfolk Tides in early June and the game on June 6 will feature some of the best prospects in the Baltimore Orioles organization. Scranton/Wilkes-Barre hosts Louisville from July 30 through August 4 and the game on August 1 will pit the RailRiders against the top affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds. Adam Marco, the “Voice of the RailRiders,” will call the action alongside DJ Eberle. Airtime is slated for five minutes prior to first pitch. RailRiders 2024 MyTV WQMY Broadcast Schedule Thursday, 4/18 vs. Lehigh Valley- 6:35 first pitch Thursday, 5/09 vs. Rochester- 6:35 first pitch Tuesday, 5/21 vs. Syracuse- 6:05 first pitch Thursday, 6/06 vs. Norfolk- 6:35 first pitch Thursday, 6/20 vs Buffalo- 6:35 first pitch Thursday, 7/25 vs. Worcester- 6:35 first pitch Thursday, 8/01 vs. Louisville- 6:35 first pitch For more information, call (570) 969-BALL or visit www.swbrailriders.com.
The Wright Center for Community Health Welcomes New Students to Training Program The Wright Center for Community Health welcomed two students into a unique training program that allows aspiring medical assistants to gain hands-on experience alongside flexible online training provided by the National Institute for Medical Assistant Advancement (NIMAA). Over 29 weeks, the students will be immersed in various aspects of the profession, including maintaining patient medical records, assisting during examinations, and ensuring the security of medical records. They will work closely with physicians, patient care teams, and medical assistants at The Wright Center for Community Health’s Scranton and Mid Valley practices. Additionally, they will participate in skill labs led by experienced medical assistants, providing them with comprehensive training. The workforce development partnership has trained four students, two of whom are employed as certified medical assistants at The Wright Center. Daileen Morales of Scranton expressed her enthusiasm for the program, citing her passion for helping people and the valuable learning experiences she has already gained during the early part of the program. Her sentiment aligns with the growing demand for medical assistants, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 14% growth in employment over the next decade. “I thought this would be a great way to start,” said Morales, who is also joined in the training program by Judy Hanvey of Dickson City. “I have been in the program for two weeks and have already learned a lot.” Amber Bello, co-manager of medical assistants at The Wright Center for Community Health Scranton Practice, highlighted the program’s significance in providing a realistic job preview for aspiring medical assistants. She, Nicole Munley, certified medical assistant manager; Laura Sweeney, co-manager of medical assistants; and Lida Kiefer, certified medical assistant II; supervise and train the students. “It’s a great way for them to get some hands-on experience and really get a feel for the job,” Bello said. “The Wright Center provides the space, supplies, and the expertise for them to learn.” The Wright Center operates 10 primary and preventive care practices in Lackawanna, Luzerne, and Wayne counties, including a mobile medical and dental unit called Driving Better Health. Together, these clinical locations provide whole-person primary health services, offering a safety net for the region’s residents and ensuring everyone in The Wright Center’s eight-county service area can access integrated medical, dental, and behavioral health services, regardless of their insurance status, ZIP code, or ability to pay. NIMAA is a nonprofit education institute that trains medical assistants to work effectively in today’s high-performing primary care settings. NIMAA’s fully accredited, affordable programming offers students hands-on education and prepares graduates to work in high-performing, team-based practices. Applications for the Medical Assistant Training Program are being accepted through May 29, offering interested individuals the opportunity to pursue a rewarding career in the health care sector. For more information or to apply, visit NIMAA.edu.
The Wright Center for Community Health Names VP of Strategic Marketing and Communications The Wright Center for Community Health named Bob Adcroft as vice president of strategic marketing and communications. Adcroft has four decades of experience in network TV, radio, digital, and print advertising. His skill set encompasses motivational leadership, strategic media planning, purchasing and negotiation, mentoring, and coaching. At The Wright Center, Adcroft will lead the development, planning, and implementation of a marketing and communications strategy integrating the approach across all service lines, initiatives, programs, and activities to advance the enterprise’s mission and vision. The Scranton native was inspired to pursue opportunities in the health care field after successfully fighting cancer in 2019. Five years ago, Adcroft underwent a successful bone marrow transplant at Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital in New York City. The experience sparked his journey towards a healthier lifestyle and inspired him to seek opportunities to promote wellness initiatives and improve the local health care landscape. Adcroft is deeply familiar with Northeast Pennsylvania, having been a proud partner in a family-owned local franchise for more than 50 years. In 2019, he received the American Advertising Federation’s Silver Medal Award, which recognizes individuals who make significant contributions to the regional advertising market and advance industry standards, creative excellence, and social responsibility. He’s also the creator and host of the podcast, “Be Real Now,” which features special guests from around the region sharing their stories. For more information about The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education, go to TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-230-0019.
Grey Towers Presents “At Home with the Pinchots” Mansion Tour Grey Towers presents an exclusive visit to all three floors of this Gilded Age mansion located in Milford, PA. Your “calling card” provides a guided tour by actors portraying the actual people who lived there! Refreshments served. For tickets www.greytowers.org At Home with the Pinchots Saturday, May 11, 2024 11:00-2:00 Ever wonder what life was really like for the Pinchot family who lived at Grey Towers? Be the first to get an exclusive “calling card” to visit on May 11th between 11:00 and 2:00! All three floors of the mansion will be featured with actors who portray the famous persons who lived there. You are greeted by James and Mary, the patriarchs of this Gilded Age family. After highlighting their family’s history and rise to prominence in New York City social scene, enjoy their memories of summering at Grey Towers. Gifford, their son who became the first chief of the Forest Service, will show you around his library and explain why he became such a force for conservation. His further contributions as a two -term Governor will be highlighted. Moving on, you will be received by Cornelia, his wife, who was a preeminent advocate for women’s rights, social justice and cultural change in the early 20th century. Upstairs, there is a special guest waiting! Theodore Roosevelt, longtime friend and collaborator with Gifford, will tell the story behind the story. And finally, meet Mary McCadden, the nanny who saw it all! A not to be missed opportunity. Refreshments will be served. For tickets, go to www.greytowers.org.
Surgeon General of the United States to Deliver Keynote Address at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine (GCSOM) announced that Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, the Surgeon General of the United States, will deliver the keynote address at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine’s 12th annual commencement ceremony scheduled for Sunday, May 5 at the F.M. Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre. “We are honored to welcome Dr. Murthy,” said Julie Byerley, MD, MPH, GCSOM’s president and dean. “He has used his far-reaching platform as Surgeon General to advocate for population health issues that Geisinger has made central to our mission, like greater access to care, addressing loneliness, and healthcare worker well-being. We look forward his remarks as we celebrate the graduation of our twelfth class of physicians, now totaling more than one thousand doctors, from our medical school.” Jaewon Ryu, MD, JD, president and CEO of Geisinger, noted that Dr. Murthy has long championed a comprehensive approach to medicine that prioritizes mental health and wellness. “As a national leader in value-based care, Geisinger is proud that Dr. Murthy will encourage our graduates to pursue our shared vision of medicine. He knows well what Geisinger means when we say our mission is to make better health easier and I know he will inspire the class of 2024 to dedicate their careers to doing just that.” Dr. Murthy was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in March 2021 to serve as the 21st Surgeon General of the United States. As the nation’s top doctor, Dr. Vivek Murthy helps to advance the health and well-being of all Americans and has worked to address critical public health issues. He has issued Surgeon General Advisories on the youth mental health crisis and social media’s impact on youth mental health, the epidemic of loneliness and isolation, and on burnout in the health worker community. Dr. Murthy also issued a Surgeon General’s Framework on mental health in the workplace and he is the first Surgeon General to host a podcast, House Calls with Dr. Vivek Murthy, where he invites guests and listeners to explore how we can all build more connected and meaningful lives. As Vice Admiral of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, Dr. Murthy oversees more than 6,000 dedicated public health officers serving underserved and vulnerable populations. Dr. Murthy previously served as the 19th Surgeon General under President Obama. Raised in Miami, Dr. Murthy received his bachelor’s degree from Harvard, his medical degree from the Yale School of Medicine, and his master’s in business administration from the Yale School of Management.
Risant Health Completes Acquisition of Geisinger Risant Health has announced the completion of its acquisition of Geisinger as its first health system dedicated to increasing access to value-based care and coverage. Together, the organizations will create a new value-based care platform that includes best practices, tools, technology and services to support leading community-based health systems. Risant Health’s goal is to expand and accelerate the adoption of value-based care in diverse, multipayer, multiprovider, community-based health system environments and improve the health of millions of people in communities across the country. Through this first acquisition, Risant Health brings together Kaiser Permanente’s integrated care and coverage expertise and Geisinger’s experience in advancing value-based care in a model that includes various payers and a broad network of providers, while serving some of the most vulnerable and marginalized communities. With the close of the Risant Health and Geisinger transaction, Jaewon Ryu, M.D., J.D., who has served as Geisinger’s president and CEO since 2019, will become the first CEO of Risant Health. As announced in March 2024, Terry Gilliland, M.D., will assume the role of president and CEO of Geisinger once Dr. Ryu’s transition to Risant Health is complete. “Risant Health and Geisinger share a vision for the future of health care. Through Risant Health, we will leverage our industry-leading expertise and innovation to increase the country’s access to high-quality and evidence-based health care, which we know improves care quality and the patient and member experience,” said Risant Health’s board chair, Greg A. Adams. “We will also learn and benefit from Geisinger and the additional health systems that become part of Risant Health in the future, to help them grow in new ways, be more affordable and bring value-based care to more people.” As its inaugural health system, Geisinger will play an important role in shaping Risant Health’s strategy, platform and operational model. Geisinger will maintain its name and mission, continue accepting patients covered by other health plans and continue offering its members a broad network of care providers in addition to Geisinger. “Geisinger is proud to formally join Risant Health as its inaugural health system, which will accelerate our vision to make better health easier, more affordable and more accessible for the communities we serve,” said Dr. Ryu. “Geisinger now can extend its vision, strategy and impact to more Pennsylvanians because of the access to an expanded set of tools, expertise and capital that joining Risant Health provides.” As a part of Risant Health, Geisinger will build on its 109-year mission to care for rural and urban communities across Pennsylvania. Geisinger will have access to capital, technology and resources to fuel improvements in facilities, drive innovation and investment in patient care, and continue the expansion of Geisinger Health Plan. In the future, Risant Health’s investments to advance value-based care will accelerate Geisinger’s journey to make better health easier by offering Geisinger members enhanced health insurance options and offering patients easier access to Geisinger’s high-quality, innovative clinical programs and more robust health management technology, tools and programs. Risant Health expects to acquire 4 to 5 additional leading community-based health systems over the next 4 to 5 years. Risant Health’s value-based platform will support its health systems with a set of technology, services and capabilities designed to deliver superior health outcomes and a lower total cost of care, in diverse business models. Initial platform solutions will aid Risant Health organizations in delivering evidence-based care everywhere — the “best-of” knowledge to provide high-value, effective care at the right time. Additionally, Risant Health will help health systems and their patients know how to easily understand, access and navigate to the right care at the right time and place. Risant Health’s acquisition of Geisinger Health was reviewed and approved by the appropriate federal and state agencies and the transaction closed on March 31, 2024.
The Lodge at Woodloch Massage Therapists Win Big at the PA Massage Championship Two of The Lodge at Woodloch’s exceptionally talented massage therapists, Junie Fenton of Scranton and Erik Oliva of Milford, showcased their skills at the prestigious Pennsylvania Massage Championship. This esteemed event draws top-tier massage therapists from across the state to compete in various categories, including form, technique, body mechanics, and client feedback. We are thrilled to announce that Junie Fenton took 1st place in the Swedish Massage category, earning her the distinguished title of the top Swedish Massage Therapist in our state. Additionally, Junie secured an impressive 2nd place in the overall competition. She has been a massage therapist at The Lodge at Woodloch for over 14 years. Erik Oliva claimed 3rd place in the Eastern Freestyle category. Erik introduced his unique Traditional Chinese Tui Na medical massage to a panel of judges who were not extensively familiar with this technique, showcasing his adaptability and skill in a challenging environment. The dedication and success of Junie and Erik exemplify the commitment to excellence that defines The Lodge at Woodloch. Their achievements not only bring pride to our establishment but also underscore the high caliber of talent within our team. Treatments Manager, Amanda Clabaugh, was eager to express her gratitude: “I could not be more proud of our exceptional massage therapists for recently competing and earning awards in their respective categories at The Pennsylvania Massage Championship. Their skill, professionalism, and commitment to their craft have not only earned them well-deserved recognition but will also enrich the experience of our guests. We are thrilled that they had the opportunity to compete and learn from others in the massage therapy industry, further enhancing their expertise and passion for their work. They exemplify the true essence of excellence in their field, and I am honored to have them on our team.”
