Johnson College Hosts Annual Scholarship Breakfast Johnson College hosted its annual Scholarship Breakfast today, November 13, at Fiorelli Family Catering in Peckville. The event recognized the scholarship recipients and honored the generous donors who made scholarships available to students. The College awarded 82 students with scholarships. Andrew Abrams, a second-year student in Johnson College’s Veterinary Nursing program and recipient of the Johnson College Presidential Scholarship and the Janie Lamberton Memorial Scholarship served as the student speaker at the event. “I deeply appreciate the financial support these scholarships provide for me and many other students who rely on this assistance to continue their education,” Abrams said. He stated that the generosity of the scholarship donors and the support from Johnson College allows him to pursue his studies and dream of helping pets lead long and healthy lives. Andrew Abrams, a Johnson College Veterinary Nursing program student, spoke at the College’s Annual Scholarship Breakfast at Fiorelli Family Catering. During the event, 82 students received scholarships from various community and industry partners. The event also featured keynote speaker, Dave Thomas, Secretary of the Villa Capri Cruisers Car Club incorporated, a club that has long supported the College and its Automotive students through scholarship opportunities. The event was sponsored by industry partners including Cardinal LG, SIMONA, Ball, and Mesko Glass. The breakfast concluded with the scholarship awards presentation by Katie Pittelli, Ed.D., president and CEO of Johnson College, and Jeanine Engelmann, Ed.D., Chief Academic Officer of Johnson College. The presented awards included: AAA North Penn Annual ScholarshipIsaiah CasselAl Pantuso Automotive ScholarshipAndrew AdonizioAndrew Mazza Memorial ScholarshipChristopher RosaAnthony Ploskonka Memorial ScholarshipAlyssa Nicholas, Emma DanowskyBartolai Family Scholarship FundNico CarterChris Pambianco ’65 Vocational Education AwardJacob Holmes, Hanaa GohslerCMC Rich Vinansky Memorial Golf Tournament ScholarshipOlivia MustoDr. George J. Hallesky Memorial Scholarship (Scranton Area Foundation)Ryan BoyanowskiIslyn Thomas Achievement AwardCameron HedgelonEd Vogel Memorial Scholarship of the NEPA Chapter of the Antique Truck Club of AmericaCamron McMillianEdgar A. and Ida M. Alekna FoundationNathan Dixon, Daniel Marcus, Hunter Smith, Michael ChapmanF. David Mercanti Memorial ScholarshipConnor AngeloFrank and Jean Hubbard ScholarshipChase Ferranti, Peter StefanelliHawk Family Foundation ScholarsDonald Church, Jordan StineIrene Ploskonka Memorial ScholarshipCole Chesna, Jarrel JohnsonJanie Lamberton Memorial ScholarshipAndrew AbramsJefferson Township Lions ScholarshipPeter StefanelliJohn K. & Mary E. Blackledge Memorial ScholarshipLogan Rehrig, McKenzie GavinJohn R. and Maureen J. Pesavento Johnson College Scholarship (Scranton Area Foundation)Jacob MuraccoJohn T. Gerod ScholarshipEmma SheddenMargaret Briggs ScholarshipJonathan Merlen, Anthony MarsicoMoses Taylor Foundation Careers in Healthcare ScholarshipColleen Cannon-Augustine, Adam Rosencrance, Dilyara Akhmedova, Nicholas Novak, Amari Grey, Malana Vega, Stacey Turk, Hannah ChapmanMotorWorld Lexus ScholarshipHunter Landers, Bruce KohutNorth Eastern Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association Veterinary Nursing ScholarshipBriana KaufmanNortheast Suicide Prevention Initiative ScholarshipGerard DolinskyP. Fricchione and Sons ScholarshipJames AndersonPocono Mountain Street Rod AssociationHunter Landers, Camron McMillanRoss Family Foundation ScholarshipWeston Nugent, Hanaa GohslerRuth Stitt Morgan Memorial ScholarshipAshlee CoeScranton UNICO Foundation ScholarshipMaximus FitzpatrickSean J. Calpin Automotive Technology Scholarship (Scranton Area Foundation)Hunter LandersSebastian “Sebby” Amico Memorial ScholarshipCaiden StancikSociety of Broadcast Engineers, Chapter II ScholarshipMichael NovotkaThe John R. O’Hara ScholarshipAaron EvansThomas Hesser ScholarshipRobert RoaThomas J. Perry ScholarshipVincent RinaldiVernon “Terry” Decker ScholarshipMichael NovotkaVilla Capri Cruisers Car Club, Inc. ScholarshipCamron McMillanVince Bartolai Memorial Biomedical Equipment Technology ScholarshipAmari GreyOrlando S. Johnson Merit AwardJordan Bowen, Liberty GravesJohnson College Presidential ScholarshipAndrew Abrams, Michael Andrews, Carter Mistishin, Charlize BarhiteJohnson College Moffat Merit AwardDravyn Falsone, Keith RowlandsJohnson College Richmond Merit AwardEmma Danowsky, Holly ScielzoJohnson College Technology Merit AwardEthan Gardiner, Samantha WarnerFAA Aviation Maintenance Technical Workers Workforce Development Program ScholarshipMatthew Alden, Benjamin Amaya, Joshua Ayala, Christopher Berroa-Mereno, Tahj Bond, Zachary Brown, Pierry Chatelain, Holsen Estime, Michael Fordham, Raphiel Garcia, Kyle Garofolo, Janitza Gonzalez-Caban, Frank Goodwin, Jaylen James-Thomas, Anthony Leombruni, Tanner Little, Logan Rehrig, Amara Rubino, Connor Steele, Amir Vernon
The Wright Center’s Research to be Published in Peer-reviewed National Journal A chief fellow of The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship Program and his program director will have their work published in an upcoming edition of the peer-reviewed journal Catheterization Cardiovascular Intervention. L: Nischay Shah, R: Samir Pancholy The project began when Dr. Nischay Shah, one of the chief fellows of The Wright Center’s Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship Program, treated a patient with monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (MMVT). In this condition, the heart’s bottom chambers beat too fast. This abnormal rhythm can lead to severe issues, such as heart attacks. The patient was referred for cardiac catheterization, and Dr. Shah consulted with Dr. Samir Pancholy, the fellowship’s program director and an internationally renowned cardiologist based in Northeast Pennsylvania. “Going through the evidence-based decision-making process, we found a significant gap in the literature about whether procedures that improve blood flow to the heart by treating narrowed arteries or other common interventions would lead to reduced mortality or lower rates of ventricular tachycardia recurrence,” Dr. Shah said. “This prompted us to investigate further, ultimately leading to a comprehensive pooled analysis of existing studies.” Under the guidance of Dr. Pancholy and in collaboration with peers at Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and Thomas Jefferson University’s Sidney Kimmel Medical College, an analysis of data from PubMed, Google Scholar, the Cochrane Library, and other medical databases found that patients who had undergone additional tests for blocked arteries – such as stress tests – or had blockages treated with stents, did not show any significant improvement in survival rates or the recurrence of MMVT. “These further tests or treatments didn’t appear to make a difference in preventing death or the return of the abnormal heart rhythm in the select group of patients studied,” Dr. Shah explained. In November, Dr. Shah and Dr. Pancholy learned their manuscript detailing their methods and findings was accepted for publication by Catheterization Cardiovascular Intervention, an international cardiology journal. A publication date has not been announced. Dr. Shah expressed his gratitude for Dr. Pancholy’s guidance throughout the project, explaining that his mentorship made the achievement possible. Dr. Pancholy, who also serves as the cardiac catheterization lab director at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, holds 73 U.S. and international patents, has co-authored three textbooks, has published several practice-changing randomized controlled trials, and has developed multiple procedural techniques to increase the safety and efficacy of the procedure of cardiac catheterization and catheter-based intervention. In 2023, The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (SCAI), the only professional medical society in the U.S. dedicated solely to interventional cardiology, named Dr. Pancholy a Master Interventionalist – an honor that fewer than 100 interventional cardiologists worldwide can claim. The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s residency and fellowship programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. For more information, go to TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-866-3017.
Geisinger Performs First Ever Lifetime Guaranteed Shoulder Replacement Geisinger, Medacta announce first shoulder replacement with lifetime guarantee. Program builds on the success of the health system’s ProvenCare® surgeries on hips, knees and spines Geisinger and the Medacta Group SA, a Swiss company specializing in innovative and sustainable solutions for joint replacement, sports medicine and spine surgeries, announced the first lifetime guarantee for a recent reverse shoulder replacement surgery. Geisinger and Medacta will stand behind the full cost of care throughout the patient’s lifetime. Mark Pallis, D.O., Geisinger regional director of orthopaedic surgery, performed the first guaranteed reverse shoulder surgery at Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre. “This is the first reverse shoulder arthroplasty with a lifetime guarantee in the world,” Dr. Pallis said. “We used state-of-the art intra-operative navigation to more accurately place the implants, using sensors to guide pin placement, reaming depth and screw length and position. The postoperative results were nearly identical to the preoperative plan based on 3D modeling from a CT scan of the shoulder.” A reverse shoulder replacement is a specific type of total shoulder replacement commonly performed in patients who have arthritis as well as a torn or non-functioning rotator cuff. It is called a “reverse” because the ball portion of the shoulder is placed where the socket was, and the socket implant is placed where the head of the humerus was. Medacta and Geisinger previously partnered on groundbreaking guarantees for qualified patients for hip and knee replacement surgeries and spinal fusion surgery as part of Geisinger’s ProvenCare® program, which covers inpatient and follow-up care for patients, including visits due to complications up to 90 days after the procedure. “This new guarantee allows us to expand our ProvenCare® commitment to include patients who qualify for total shoulder replacement, offering those patients a sense of security when making the decision to have the procedure,” said Michael Suk, M.D., J.D., chair of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. “Standing behind our world-class joint replacement and spinal surgeries demonstrates Geisinger’s commitment to making better health easier for our patients and communities.” A global leader in orthopaedic medical devices, Medacta provides unique resources to train surgeons — including those at Geisinger — in surgical techniques and the use of their specially designed hip, knee, shoulder and spinal implants for minimally invasive surgeries. Medacta’s innovative technologies are designed to enable a healthy and active lifestyle for every patient, reducing postoperative pain and shortening rehabilitation time. “The addition of the world’s first guarantee for reverse shoulder arthroplasty completes our robust offering of patient-focused guarantees for those undergoing hip, knee or spine procedures at Geisinger,” said Francesco Siccardi, CEO of Medacta International. “Through this initiative, we remain dedicated to improving outcomes for patients throughout their lifetimes.”
Reminder: Scranton Payroll Tax Third Quarter Due November 30 Businesses Reminded that the Deadline for Submitting the 2024 Third Quarter Payroll Preparation Tax Return is November 30, 2024 Entities conducting business within the City of Scranton are reminded that the due date to submit their third quarter tax return for the 2024 Payroll Preparation Tax is November 30, 2024. A person shall be deemed to be conducting business within the City if they engage, hire, employ, or contract with one or more individuals as employees, partners, or is self- employed and, in addition, does at least one of the following: Maintains a fixed place of business within the City. Owns or leases real property within the City for profit. Maintains a stock of tangible, personal property in the City for sale in the ordinary course of business. Conducts continuous solicitation within the city related to such business; or Utilizes the streets of the city in connection with the operation of such business (other than for the mere transportation from a site outside the City, through the City, to a destination outside the City.) Institutions who are exempt from the Payroll Preparation Tax because of their status as a nonprofit are required to file quarterly returns claiming their exemption. Returns submitted after November 30, 2024, will be subject to penalty and interest on the balances due. The Payroll Preparation Tax is a tax levied separately by both the Scranton School District and the City of Scranton. The 2024 Payroll Preparation Tax rate for the Scranton School District is 0.7553 percent and the 2024 Payroll Preparation Tax rate for the City of Scranton is 0.2787 percent. The combined 2024 Payroll Preparation Tax rate is 1.034 percent. The City of Scranton and the Scranton School District have both appointed Berkheimer Tax Innovations, Inc. to administer the Payroll Preparation Tax on their behalf. Tax forms are available on Berkheimer’s website at hab-inc.com/pptforms. Additional information, including Frequently Asked Questions, can be found at scrantonpa.gov/payroll-prep-tax-information, https://www.scrsd.org/departments/business-office and www.hab-inc.com/ppt-faq. Please direct all questions regarding the Payroll Preparation Tax to Berkheimer by emailing ebpt@goberk.com or by calling (610) 599-3140.
Misericordia Players Present “The Mousetrap” The Misericordia Players proudly present Agatha Christie’s iconic play, “The Mousetrap.” Known for being the world’s longest-running play, this thrilling whodunit is filled with twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the final moment. Plot Summary: A group of strangers is snowed in at a remote guesthouse, only to discover there’s a murderer among them. As suspicions rise and secrets unravel, everyone becomes a suspect. Will the killer be caught before they strike again? Performance dates & times: November 21, 22, and 23 at 7:30 p.m. November 24 at 2:00 p.m. Location: Lemmond Theater, Misericordia University Directed by: Scott Colin Woolnough Don’t miss your chance to experience one of Agatha Christie’s most famous works live on stage! “The Mousetrap” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com.
Greater Scranton YMCA Prepares for Giving Tuesday Giving Tuesday, a global generosity movement traditionally held the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, will take place on December 3rd and the Greater Scranton YMCA is excited to participate. Each year, this global day of “doing good” inspires millions of people around the world to give, collaborate and celebrate generosity. The Greater Scranton YMCA encourages our community to learn more about the local impact the Y has had during our most recently completed fiscal year (07/01/2023- 06/30/2024) and to consider donating as the holidays approach. Many people associate the Y with a swimming pool, treadmills, or even a place to enjoy a cup of coffee. But the true power of the Y isn’t found within four walls. The Y is in the hearts and actions of every neighbor who believes in the vision of a better “us” and a stronger community for all. Thanks to the support of neighbors in our community, during our most recently completed fiscal year, the Y has: • Provided $790,400.26 in financial assistance for membership, child care, programs, and more, ensuring everyone can access our YMCA. • Served 11,153 children, adults and families from across our region through a membership to our YMCA. • Provided 69,490 meals and snacks to 653 kids enrolled in early childhood education programs at our YMCA. • Provided 1,689 children and adults essential, life-saving skills through our swim lessons, swim team and more. • Served 285 children in our 2023 and 2024 Summer Day Camp Programs, providing them with priceless experiences and memories to last a lifetime. • Served 337 children the Early Learning Centers in Dunmore and Olyphant and our Y-PALS Program. • Served 31 school-aged children in our before and after school program. • Served 4,854 individuals through specialized classes in our Wellbeing Initiative. • Served 1,130 children in youth sports and enrichment programs. “Every single dollar donated on Giving Tuesday and throughout our Year-End Appeal goes back into our vibrant, community,” said Rich Surridge, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “To ensure that the Y is able to continue transforming lives and is working towards making our community a better place for all, each contribution gets us one step closer to upholding our commitment.” This year, the Greater Scranton YMCA is proud to again partner with AllOne Charities for their Give Day Campaign. Donations made to the Greater Scranton YMCA from November 27th through the morning of December 5th will be matched by AllOne Charities up to $1,000. Donations to the Greater Scranton YMCA’s Give Day campaign from November 27th through December 5th can be made here: https://formstack.io/793FF. Donations to the Greater Scranton YMCA’s Year-End Appeal that are made before November 27th and after December 5th can be made here: https://www.greaterscrantonymca.org/donate/.
2024–25 Tomorrow’s Leaders Today Class Announced The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and its community leadership and professional development division, Leadership Lackawanna, is proud to announce the 2024–25 class of Tomorrow’s Leaders Today (TLT)—a transformative program that prepares high school juniors for leadership roles in their communities. Sponsored by NBT Bank, the TLT program spans seven months, immersing students in hands-on experiences across essential sectors, including healthcare, STEAM, history and heritage, crime and corrections, financial literacy, philanthropy, nonprofit organizations, and community service. “This year, we are proud to welcome these 67 remarkable teens into the Tomorrow’s Leaders Today Program. We’re hopeful they’ll use the skills and knowledge they gain over the next seven months to positively impact their schools and communities as confident and capable young leaders,” shared Jen Strzelec, program coordinator for Leadership Lackawanna. The TLT program provides these young leaders with unique opportunities to develop critical leadership, interpersonal, and managerial skills. Throughout the program, students will engage in workshops, field visits, and interactive discussions led by regional experts and industry leaders, preparing them for the real-world challenges and opportunities that await them. The class participants are: Addison Daiute Aidan Tinney Andrew McDonald Anthony Betti Audrey Agnello Ava Roberto Ava Strzelec Ava Wisnosky Benjamin Reese Benjamin Kulikowski Brendan Korty Charlie Stampien Emily Atonal Emily Grover Emily Loomis Emma Guse Emmelia Rucks Gabriella Dennis Gabrielle Jordan Gavin Roberts Gianna Vachino Grace Bennett Isabelle O’Brien Jaiden Trunzo James Prislupski Joseph Griffin Joshua Cuck Julia Noto Kate Peters Kathryn Apolinario Kathryn O’Hora Katie Gutekunst Kaylyn Davis Kelsey Smith Kevin Vincent Khloe Mistishin Kiera Crowell Kiley Williams Krithika Krishnan Lauren Bartell Lindsey Bartell Luke Warring Madeleine Mackarey Madelyn Battaglia Madison Hallock Madison Smith Maryn Kukuchka Matther Kirchner Mia Peregrim Molly Carter Molly Banik Mya Cesarini Natalia Ghirelli Natalie Talluto Natalie Puckett Nathan Beecham Nmesoma Udoye Nora Crambo Olive O’Rourke Olivia Lawler Olivia Lach Raphael Thomas Ryan DeMarco Sona Hanumali Timmy Fogley William Murphy Wyatt Barucky
WRC Receives Grant from the Scranton Area Community Foundation The WRC (Women’s Resource Center) is pleased to announce the receipt of a generous $15,000 Community Needs Grant from the Scranton Area Community Foundation. The SACF utilizes Community Needs grants to enhance the quality of life in Lackawanna County by supporting nonprofit programs in a variety of fields including education. The Empowering Youth through Healthy Relationships grant will significantly enhance WRC’s prevention education programs focused on healthy relationships including friendships that is offered in schools across the county. Last year, WRC reached over 2,500 elementary, middle, and high school students. Pictured are (L-R: Laura Ducceschi, Scranton Area Foundation President & CEO; Katie Gilmartin, Treasure, SAF Board of Governors; Patty McLain, WRC Teen Educator; Sarah Dawgert, WRC Education Manager; Frank Caputo, SAF Grants & Communications Coordinator and Cathy Fitzpatrick, Scranton Area Foundation Director of Grants & Scholarship.
Settlers Hospitality Welcomes Veterans This Veteran’s Day, military personnel were invited to enjoy a complimentary night’s stay at one of the properties of Settlers Hospitality. The program was part of Settlers Hospitality’s annual Veterans Appreciation, which made approximately 200 guest rooms available to veterans at no cost across its properties. On November 11, The Settlers Inn, Ledges Hotel, Silver Birches Resort in Hawley, and Hotel Anthracite in Carbondale hosted American service members, both past and present. The salute began with a Veteran’s Day Breakfast Buffet on Monday, November 11, at Hotel Anthracite. The event, which started at 11 a.m., was free for military members and $15 for all others. The program featured a presentation by Camp Freedom, including a keynote address from Executive Director Matt Guedes. Located in nearby Waymart, Camp Freedom is a non-profit organization that provides access to 1,800 acres of countryside for disabled veterans to enjoy activities like hunting, shooting sports, fishing, camping, hiking, biking, and more. Later that day, The Settlers Inn hosted a welcome wine and cheese event for service members, followed by a fireside chat by Steve Pratt and a military exhibit. The tradition of honoring veterans began over 10 years ago at The Settlers Inn and has since been carried on at sister properties Ledges Hotel, Silver Birches Resort, and Hotel Anthracite. “It’s our honor to welcome veterans and treat them to an overnight getaway in Northeast Pennsylvania,” said Justin Genzlinger, CEO/Owner of Settlers Hospitality. “Each year, we look forward to this opportunity to extend our signature brand of hospitality in gratitude to veterans of every branch of America’s military.” Complimentary lodging was offered to military men and women in tribute to their service, with reservations required.
UNC Receives Donation from Topp Business Solutions United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC) is proud to be the designated Lackawanna County agency for the WNEP Feed A Friend campaign’s 40th Annual drive. This year, UNC is committed to helping make the holidays brighter for more than 1,500 families in Lackawanna County through non-perishable food donations and monetary contributions. We are deeply grateful to Topp Business Solutions for their generous donation of $250 to support the Feed A Friend program. This contribution will directly assist in providing holiday meals to local families in need. Topp Business Solutions has been a valued community partner for over 60 years and continues to demonstrate unwavering support for our mission. Pictured (L-R): Chrissy Manuel, UNC; Karen Prokarym, Topp Business Solutions; Sue Lasota, Topp Donate to Feed A Friend and help families in our community enjoy a warm meal and the joy of the season, go to uncnepa.org/one-time-donation/ If you are a family in need with children in Lackawanna County, you can register to receive a $50 gift card for a local grocery store to choose items consistent with your traditions and cultures to celebrate Thanksgiving. For a complete list of locations to register, go to uncnepa.org/thanksgiving UNC is coordinating with over 70 locations in Lackawanna County that collect non-perishable items for our Angel’s Attic Food and Clothing Pantry at 410 Olive Street in Scranton; for a list of participating agencies, visit us on Facebook.
