Maternal and Family Health Services Elects Board Officers

Maternal and Family Health Services (MFHS), a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the health and well-being of families, recently elected a new slate of board officers. These individuals bring a diverse and dynamic range of expertise, which will help further the organization’s mission to provide essential health services, education, and advocacy for women, children, and families in the communities we serve.

The newly appointed board officers include:

Chair: Christine Jensen, Site Administrator, Pennsylvania Career Link

Vice Chair: Lake Ryan Gemzik, Chief Operating Officer/SVP of Finance and HR, Building Blocks Learning Center

Treasurer: Suzanne Fletcher, CPA, CGMA, Retired  

Secretary: Jesse Simon, IT Tech Support, Luzerne County Head Start, Inc.

These distinguished leaders collectively possess vast experience that will help guide MFHS as it continues to address the ever-evolving needs of families.

“We are thrilled to welcome this new slate of board officers who bring an impressive breadth of knowledge and a shared commitment to our mission,” said Maria Montoro Edwards, President and CEO of MFHS. “Each of these individuals brings a unique perspective that will help ensure that MFHS remains a vital resource for the families we serve.”

MFHS expresses its deep gratitude for the time, dedication, and leadership these new board officers bring. Their ongoing commitment to MFHS’s mission will play a key role in helping the organization create lasting, positive change for families in need.

The Wright Center’s Scranton Practice Gets National Recognition

Two of The Wright Center for Community Health’s primary and preventive care community health centers again received national commendations from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) for delivering high-quality, patient-centered care.

The Wright Center for Community Health Scranton, 501 S. Washington Ave., and The Wright Center for Community Health Wilkes-Barre, at 169 N. Pennsylvania Ave., have successfully maintained their NCQA’s Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) recognition, a prestigious certification that affirms the two community health centers’ ability to provide the right care at the right time through innovative tools, systems, and resources.

Both community health centers initially earned the NCQA voluntary accreditation in 2021 and undergo a formal review to ensure they comply with the Washington, D.C.-based organization’s high standards. For patients, this accreditation serves as a trusted mark of quality, signifying The Wright Center’s dedication to continuous improvement and prioritizing the needs of patients under the PCMH model of care, which fosters stronger patient-provider relationships, enhances the management of chronic conditions, and elevates the overall patient experience. The PCMH model has also increased staff satisfaction and reduced health care costs.

“This recognition is a testament to the exceptional dedication and expertise of our care teams, who harness technology, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and prioritize delivering the highest standard of care,” said Dr. Jignesh Y. Sheth, senior vice president and chief medical and information officer at The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education. “The National Committee for Quality Assurance Patient-Centered Medical Home seal underscores the unwavering commitment at The Wright Center to our patients’ well-being, ensuring accessible, coordinated, and patient-centered care that always puts their needs first.”

I Need A Speaker Welcomes Four New Team Members

I Need A Speaker is proud to announce the addition of four new members to its growing team: Autumn Bohner as marketing communications manager, Keith Hickox as video production manager, Michelle Riley as marketing communications specialist, and Brooke Trusty as digital marketing manager.

(Clockwise, starting from top left) Keith Hicox, Brooke Trusty, Michelle Riley, Autumn Bohner

In their new roles, Bohner, Hickox, Riley and Trusty will be integral members of the marketing team, contributing to the outreach and engagement efforts to connect qualified speakers with event planners.

They will be responsible for creating digital content that amplifies the organization’s mission and message while fostering connections with event planners in the I Need A Speaker directory and expanding outreach to new organizations.

“I am thrilled to have such talent on this growing team,” said Tricia Richards-Service, founder and president of I Need A Speaker. “I Need A Speaker is well positioned to add value and deliver exceptional service to the organizations, speakers and event planners we serve.”

Tobyhanna Army Depot Honors Local Hero with New Award

Tobyhanna Army Depot (TYAD) recently had the privilege of honoring a local hero with the new Tobyhanna Outstanding Active-Duty Servicemember award.

The Outstanding Active-Duty Servicemember award was established to commit anew to the depot’s longstanding tradition of celebrating the relationship between the workforce at TYAD and the service members they support. To be considered for the award, unit leaders must demonstrate the ways their candidates selflessly dedicate themselves to the defense of the United States, live in alignment with the U.S. Army’s core values, and are dedicated to supporting the growth and prosperity of their communities.

Selected from a group of nominations pooled from active-duty units operating in the community surrounding TYAD, Sgt. 1st Class Erin Kuhlmeier of the Pennsylvania National Guard’s Headquarters Support Company (HSC) of the 55th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade (55th MEB) out of Scranton was found to embody the qualities sought for the first ever recipient of TYAD’s new award.

Lt. Col. Cliff Morales, Brigade Action Officer leading the Pennsylvania National Guard unit quartered in the Armed Forces Reserve Center in Scranton, proudly championed the soldier for consideration of the award in a nomination package in which he stated, “Sgt. 1st Class Kuhlmeier is a phenomenal NCO who selflessly provides guidance, direction, and care for more than 200 soldiers. She performs administration functions for her whole unit and oversees logistics and training requirements for her subordinates, all while maintaining an infectious can-do attitude.”

Even before enlisting in 2009, Kuhlmeier felt a determination to be all she can be in support of her nation and community. “My grandfather was in the Navy and my father spent some time in the Army,” said Kuhlmeier. “I wanted to continue the tradition.”

Kuhlmeier emphasized, “I wanted to give more to the community – this passion inspired me to join the National Guard.”

In her 15 years of service, Kuhlmeier has received many awards for the excellent execution of her duties, which included deployments to Kuwait and Guantanamo Bay.

In her current role as the Readiness Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) of HSC 55th MEB, Kuhlmeier oversees and manages all aspects of the unit’s readiness, including personnel administration, training, and medical readiness – ensuring the unit’s soldiers are prepared for missions.

“Military service has greatly shaped who I am by embedding strong values such as discipline, responsibility, leadership, and a deep sense of camaraderie,” Kuhlmeier said.

In addition to her official duties, Kuhlmeier also makes time to support her local community through volunteering at the Griffin Pond Animal Shelter in South Abington Township, Pennsylvania, and the St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

“Giving back and building a meaningful connection with [my community] is why I like to volunteer,” said Kuhlmeier. “It is a great feeling to know you are contributing to the community.”

Kuhlmeier was honored as TYAD’s first Outstanding Active-Duty Servicemember during a midgame ceremony at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins hockey team’s Veterans Appreciation Night on Nov. 9 in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. TYAD Commander Col. James L. Crocker and Depot Sgt. Maj. Michael S. Riggs presented Kuhlmeier with a bronze statue and Certificate of Achievement for her military accomplishments and contributions to her community. The president of the Tobyhanna Chapter of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) presented Kuhlmeier with the AUSA’s Distinguished Service Award along with a complimentary two-year membership to the association.

“I was very humbled by the experience of receiving this award,” shared Kuhlmeier. “The team I work with is just as deserving of this award as I am, as I would not be here today if it was not for their efforts as well.”

The Tobyhanna Outstanding Active-Duty Servicemember award and other military and employee recognition programs align with Tobyhanna’s long-range strategic plan, TOBY2035 – specifically the Connecting with the Community line of effort. The goal of Tobyhanna Army Depot’s plan is to strive to position Tobyhanna for success in the coming years as the Department of Defense’s premier worldwide C5ISR readiness provider.

Connecting with the community and investing in its people are just two tenets of Tobyhanna’s long-range strategic plan, TOBY2035. The plan focuses on posturing the depot to support future force requirements and has additional lines of effort dedicated to ensuring C5ISR readiness across the joint services and shaping the future.

The Wright Center Awarded Grant to Battle Food Insecurity

The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement, a nonprofit subsidiary of The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education, has been awarded a $15,000 grant from the Central Atlantic Chapter of the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation to support essential initiatives aimed at addressing food insecurity among children and families throughout Northeast Pennsylvania.

The grant will enable The Wright Center to provide free lunches, take-home snacks, and backpacks filled with educational materials about nutrition during the summer months. It will also fund grocery gift cards for families to purchase healthy foods and connect them with nutrition assistance programs.

“This impactful and deeply appreciated grant from the Central Atlantic Chapter of the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation will make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and their families in our region who are experiencing food insecurity,” said Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak, president and CEO of The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education and co-chair of The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement Board of Directors. “The continued investment by Dunkin’ in The Wright Center helps meet critical health and socioeconomic needs and fosters a sense of unity, hope, generosity, and resilience within our communities.”

The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement advances The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education’s mission — to improve the health and welfare of our communities through inclusive and responsive health services and the sustainable renewal of an inspired, competent workforce that is privileged to serve — by involving patients and communities in transforming primary health services, fostering workforce development, and addressing public health challenges.

Focused on education, advocacy, and tackling socioeconomic barriers, the nonprofit organization assists the region’s most vulnerable populations, including those experiencing poverty, homelessness, food and housing insecurity, limited access to education and job opportunities, lack of transportation, social isolation, and other challenges. Guided by a board of patients and local professionals, it organizes community initiatives, such as health fairs, food drives, and school supply giveaways, while its annual Dr. William Waters Golf Tournament generates essential funding to ensure equitable access to high-quality, whole-person primary health services for everyone, regardless of age, ethnicity, insurance status, ZIP code, or ability to pay.

The Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation, as well as the regional Dunkin’ franchisee group, Lufrankton, LLC, which operates 34 Dunkin’ stores in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, including six in Scranton, have awarded numerous grants to The Wright Center over the years to help address food insecurity and other community outreach initiatives. Since 2006, the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation has granted over $40 million to national and local nonprofits, supporting programs that combat child hunger — such as backpack and mobile and school pantry initiatives — and creating joyful experiences for pediatric patients and their families through specialized camps, sensory rooms, and art and music therapy.

Pink Friday at Golden Coast

Join us for Pink Friday, a special nationwide event celebrating small and local businesses like Golden Coast! Founded in 2020, this annual tradition takes place the Friday before Black Friday, encouraging shoppers to prioritize small retailers first as they kick off their holiday shopping.

Celebrate community and creativity while discovering unique finds and supporting your favorite local boutique this holiday season. Make Pink Friday your new tradition!

Johnson College Hosts Instant Decision Day for Veterans and Service Members

Johnson College’s Instant Decision Day for Veterans and those currently serving in the U.S. Military will be held on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will be held virtually and in person on the College’s Scranton campus in Ideal Saldi Hall. To register to attend in person or virtually, visit Johnson.edu/instant.

During the Instant Decision Event, Johnson College will provide prospective veteran students and those currently serving in the U.S. military with an immediate enrollment decision. They must supply their high school transcripts and can bring their college and military transcripts if applicable. It is highly recommended that the prospective student completes an application before attending.

Applications for Johnson College’s Physical Therapist Assistant, Radiologic Technology, and Veterinary Nursing programs are excluded from instant decisions.

Wayne Bank Announces New Cash Management Officer

Jim Donnelly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wayne Bank, is pleased to welcome Alissa Weiss as Cash Management Officer.

In this role, Weiss will provide comprehensive cash management services to the Bank’s business clients, which includes personalized account analysis, payment processing, and cash concentration solutions.

“We are thrilled to welcome Alissa to our team,” stated Mr. Donnelly. Her extensive expertise in cash management and strategic financial operations aligns with our commitment to delivering exceptional financial solutions to our customers. We look forward to the positive impact Alissa will bring to our customers.”

With over ten years’ experience in the finance industry, Weiss brings a wealth of knowledge in treasury management, risk mitigation, and cash flow optimization. Alissa is dedicated to making financial management easier, more efficient, and tailored to thecustomers unique needs. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Marywood University and a Master of Business Administration degree from Louisianna State University Shreveport.

Weiss believes in giving back to her community and is the Founder and President of PAWS of NEPA, an organization dedicated to providing financial assistance for veterinary care. She is also a Board Member of Green Trees Early Learning Center and the Treasurer of Blue Heron Woods POA. She resides in Hawley with her husband, Wayne, and their son, Jett.