Allied Services Announces Grand Finale of Fundraising Campaign Over $500,000 Raised to Support Pediatric Rehab Programs Allied Services celebrated the grand finale of its annual fundraising campaign after months of training, unveiling an impressive fundraising total of $553,908 to support pediatric rehabilitation programs at their John P. Moses, Esq. Pediatric Rehab Centers. The event, hosted live on WNEP with Chelsea Strub, highlighted inspiring stories from patients, runners, and donors, bringing together a community dedicated to making a difference for children in Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania. from left, Jim Brogna, Vice President, Allied Services; Bob Cole, Sr. Vice President, Allied Services; Atty. Bill Conaboy, President & CEO, Allied Services; Hunter Benson, pediatric patient, Allied Services; Cari Snyder, Clinical Dietitian, Allied Services; Chris Langley, Vice President, Allied Services. Each year, Team Allied Services takes on the iconic New York City Marathon to raise funds that provide life-changing therapies and support to over 1,200 children who rely on Allied Services for specialized pediatric rehab care. This year’s campaign brought together a passionate team of runners, generous donors, and a supportive community, creating a powerful impact for families in need. “Our mission at Allied Services is to make life better for those we serve, and our community’s incredible support this year has allowed us to do just that in a remarkable way,” said Atty. Bill Conaboy, President and CEO of Allied Services. “We are deeply grateful to our sponsors, donors, and every individual who joined us in this effort. Thanks to their generosity, children in our community will continue to have access to the rehabilitation and specialized care they need to overcome obstacles and reach their full potential.” Allied Services extends heartfelt thanks to its media partners WNEP TV and Lamar Advertising, and major sponsors, including Mohegan Pennsylvania, Motorworld Toyota, Northeast Rehab, Scanlon, Howley, & Doherty, Lopatofsky Auction, Mueller Family McDonald’s, Stella-Corbin Family McDonald’s, United Concordia Dental, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Peoples Security Bank, Crothall Healthcare, the Hawk Family Foundation, Weis Markets; signature event sponsors Aon, Topp Business Solutions, and Quantum Rehab; and the many donors for their for their unwavering support. Their contributions have been instrumental in driving the campaign’s success, helping Allied Services provide innovative therapies, advanced technology, and comprehensive care to the children who need it most.
The Wright Center Promotes Lung Cancer Awareness Month By now, we all know the terrible risks smoking poses to your long-term health. But we’re also all too aware of how hard it is for people to kick this most destructive of habits for good. Awareness campaigns like November’s Lung Cancer Awareness Month are certainly a good way to encourage people to be proactive about protecting their lungs. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among both men and women, killing more people than colon, breast, and prostate cancer combined. This year will see about 234,580 new cases, and roughly 125,070 people will die from the disease, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). About 80% of lung cancer deaths are believed to be caused by smoking. Which makes events like the Great American Smokeout another key November awareness event. Held on the third Thursday of November, the Smokeout encourages people across the country to take that first crucial step toward a smoke-free life by providing information on the many resources the ACS has to support those looking to quit. Its mission has helped spur the smoke-free laws of the past few decades that have significantly curtailed smoking-related deaths in the United States. Since the event’s inception in the early 1970s, we’ve significantly reduced the smoking population in the U.S., from about 42% in 1965 to 14% in 2019. Of course, there’s still a long way to go, given about 34 million American adults currently smoke. Smoking remains the single largest preventable cause of death and illness in the world, with an estimated 480,000 deaths annually, according to the ACS. Certain populations tend to have larger numbers of smokers, among them people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, those without college degrees, Native Americans, African Americans, members of the LGBTQ+ community, military personnel, and people with behavioral health conditions. That’s why we must continue doing our part to promote the virtues of a tobacco-free life. This improves people’s health immediately and, over the long term, diminishes their chances of cancer and cardiovascular and lung diseases. The path to quitting comes with proven cessation methods, among them prescription medications and counseling. And, of course, lots of support. Here at The Wright Center, we’re doing our best to decrease Northeast Pennsylvania’s smoking population through our promotion of the American Lung Association’s Freedom from Smoking Program. The program focuses on FDA-approved medications that can help people quit, lifestyle changes that can make quitting easier, coping strategies to manage stress and avoid weight gain, and methods to stay tobacco-free permanently. Individual and/or group sessions for the Freedom from Smoking Program are determined by the number of participants at any given time. To learn more about the program, contact Kathleen Doyle, director of patient-centered services, at doylek@TheWrightCenter.org or 570-892-2966. Meanwhile, our Lifestyle Medicine program takes an evidence-based approach to helping individuals and families improve their health and quality of life by adopting and sustaining lifestyle behaviors, including eliminating tobacco use. Our team is trained in both conventional medicine and lifestyle medicine, and we work with patients to create personalized lifestyle self-care plans that are sustainable and can help manage or prevent a number of chronic diseases. Smoking and lung cancer go hand in hand, so let’s continue to do our part to bring down the rates for both.
The Wright Center Geriatricians Recognized for Boosting Vaccination Rates The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) highlighted the accomplishments of two geriatricians with ties to The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education in its recent quarterly publication, AGS News, for their efforts to improve vaccination rates among older adults. Dr. Edward Dzielak, director of The Wright Center’s geriatrics fellowship program, was recognized for his leadership in incorporating the AGS Older Adults Vaccine Initiative into The Wright Center’s geriatrics care service line. The initiative, backed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, aims to increase immunization rates among older adults eligible for routine vaccinations in the U.S., with a focus on four key vaccines — COVID-19, influenza, shingles (zoster), and pneumonia. Dr. Muhammad Ishaq, a 2024 graduate of The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s Geriatrics Fellowship Program and an internal medicine resident physician at Rochester Regional Health’s Unity Hospital in upstate New York, was lauded for spearheading a quality improvement project and initiatives to boost older adults’ vaccination rates at The Wright Center’s primary care community health centers. Along with his colleagues, Dr. Ishaq, who received his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from Khyber Medical College in Peshawar, Pakistan, established a SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timely) goal framework to help seniors take charge of their health and lives, integrated electronic medical record changes to prompt providers about patient vaccination statuses, and increased educational outreach and awareness. A Carbondale native board-certified in internal medicine and geriatrics medicine, Dr. Dzielak, of Greenfield Twp., has dedicated more than four decades of his life to medicine, specifically in internal medicine, critical care, and geriatrics. Following his residency in internal medicine at the Scranton-Temple Residency Program, now called The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education, he served as the Residency Program coordinator from 1981 to 2015. He also served as the director of both medicine and the intensive care unit at Moses Taylor Hospital in Scranton, from 1982 until his 2017 retirement. He returned to The Wright Center in October 2019 after being asked to serve as the founding geriatric fellowship program director. He earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Scranton in 1974 and his medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1978. Dr. Dzielak accepts patients over the age of 60 at The Wright Center for Community Health Mid Valley Practice, 5 S. Washington Ave. Jermyn. To make an appointment, to schedule a vaccine, or for more information on The Wright Center’s geriatric services line, visit TheWrightCenter.org or call (570) 230-0019. The Wright Center’s geriatric services line has been recognized by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement as an Age-Friendly Health System Partner, offering a full range of comprehensive, safety-net primary care and support services for older adults. A cornerstone of the program is the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Clinic, which provides thorough evaluations and testing accessible to all patients, regardless of their primary care provider. Additionally, The Wright Center is one of just 10 health systems nationwide selected to implement the innovative Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Program developed by UCLA. Founded in 1942, the AGS is a New York-based nonprofit organization with more than 6,000 members that is dedicated to improving the health, independence, and quality of life of older adults.
Geisinger Recognized as WellBeing First Champion Geisinger recently announced its recognition as a WellBeing First Champion for 2024 by ALL IN: WellBeing First for Healthcare. As a WellBeing First Champion, Geisinger has demonstrated that licensure and credentialing applications for physicians and advanced practice providers are free from intrusive and stigmatizing language around mental health care and treatment. This means health workers at Geisingercan seek needed care without fear of losing their license or job. Geisinger is currently the only hospital system in its service area to be recognized. “This recognition is a testament to our deep commitment to supporting the well-being of our workforce,” said Susan Parisi, M.D., chief wellness officer at Geisinger. “Our profession is demanding and impactful, and all too often comes at a very personal cost to us, our families and friends. We often talk about the importance of taking care of ourselves so that we can best care for our patients, and with these credentialing changes, we’re putting our words into action. We hope our employees feel confident seeking any health care services they need, free from shame or barriers.” Verification that all invasive or stigmatizing language around mental health has been removed from applications is confirmed annually by ALL IN: WellBeing First for Healthcare, a coalition of leading health care organizations that works to eliminate barriers for health workers to obtain needed mental health care. “Across the country, health workers are at an increased risk for burnout and mental health conditions,” said Corey Feist, co-founder of ALL IN: WellBeing First for Healthcare and CEO of the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation. “Many health workers feel they cannot speak up about their mental health without being criticized by colleagues or losing their jobs. Today, physicians and nurses die by suicide at two times the rate of the general population. We as a nation must better protect these lives, and I applaud our WellBeing First Champions for their leadership to support the well-being of health workers.”
Peoples Security Bank’s Leaders Named to Banking on Brilliance Awards Peoples Security Bank & Trust announced today that Susan Hubble and Stephanie A. Westington, CPA have been named a recipient of the 2024 Banking on Brilliance Awards, powered by KlariVis. The Banking on Brilliance Awards recognize remarkable women in community banking who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in driving transformation through innovation and data. Hubble and Westington were selected due to their excellence in innovation and data-driven leadership. “We are proud to see Susan and Stephanie recognized among such accomplished leaders,” said Jerry Champi, President of Peoples Security Bank & Trust. “Their dedication to leveraging data and innovation has had a major impact on our organization. This award is a testament to their talent and vision.” Ms. Hubble leads the Information Technology division as Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Peoples Security Bank & Trust, a role she has held since December 2019. She is responsible for overseeing strategic technology planning to align with the bank’s objectives and directs the Information Technology, Business Support Services, and Program Management departments. Previously, as Senior Vice President and Senior Information Technology Officer, Ms. Hubble managed the department’s daily operations and led several system conversion projects. Ms. Westington is a Senior Vice President and Chief Profitability Officer at Peoples Security Bank & Trust, with over 35 years of experience managing finance and accounting for community banks. Previously, as Chief Accounting Officer for FNCB Bank, she oversaw key financial operations and played a pivotal role in the recent merger with Peoples Security Bank and Trust Company. She holds a BS in Accounting and an MBA in Finance from the University of Scranton and is a graduate of the Stonier Graduate School of Banking. She is a licensed CPA and active in her community, including serving as Treasurer of the Catholic Women’s Conference of the Diocese of Scranton. “The women we’ve recognized are changing the game in community banking. Their commitments to driving innovation are remarkable not only for their banks, but for each customer they serve,” says Kim Snyder, KlariVis founder and CEO. “It is incredibly encouraging to be in an industry where women are leading the charge in such an exceptional way, and I look forward to seeing what each of these women continues to accomplish.” For more information on the 2024 Banking on Brilliance Awards and to view the full list of winners, visit https://go.klarivis.com/banking-on-brilliance.
NEPA Philharmonic Appoints New Executive Director The Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic has announced that Chason Goldschmitz has joined the organization and will formally assume the role of Executive Director on January 1, 2025, when Nancy Sanderson steps down from the position. Carol Nelson Dembert, President of the Philharmonic Society, governing board of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic, introduced Mr. Goldschmitz at the first concert of the Thalenfeld Family Masterworks series, “Bizet, Lalo, and Sibelius” on Sunday, November 3, 2024, at 3 PM at the Scranton Cultural Center. The Philharmonic Board of Trustees has unanimously endorsed Chason Goldschmitz‘s appointment for his new role as Executive Director. We are confident that Chason and Music Director Mélisse Brunet are a dynamic duo who will continue to move the orchestra forward, building on a half century of excellence and expanding the Philharmonic’s missions of world class concerts, excellent educational programs, and community outreach. Chason Goldschmitz is an artistic administrator, producer, composer, and arranger, and he is honored to join the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic as its new Executive Director during the 2024-25 season. Goldschmitz joins the NEPA Philharmonic from the office of world-renowned soprano Renée Fleming, where he served as Director of Production, Music, and Arts & Health. In this role, he produced and supervised logistics for concerts, large-scale summits, and other public events, and served as producer and production engineer for Ms. Fleming’s multimedia events, including “Voice of Nature: The Anthropocene” performances in collaboration with National Geographic. Goldschmitz also coordinated arts and health research, policy, and funding initiatives on behalf of the Renée Fleming Foundation, in partnership with a diverse array of governmental partners and performing arts, healthcare, education, and community organizations — including the Kennedy Center, LA Opera, Johns Hopkins University, the Aspen Institute, Los Angeles County, the National Institutes of Health, and the World Health Organization. Performers of arrangements and orchestrations by Goldschmitz include soprano Renée Fleming; pianist Inon Barnatan; conductors Marin Alsop and JoAnn Falletta; the Baltimore, Houston, North Carolina, and Palm Beach Symphonies; the Buffalo Philharmonic; the National Arts Centre Orchestra (Ottawa); L’Orchestre des Nations (Geneva); and the Kennedy Center Honors. His original compositions have been commissioned by venues such as 92NY and been performed by ensembles including the Juilliard Orchestra and the Daedalus String Quartet. Goldschmitz participated in the League of American Orchestra’s 2024 Essentials of Orchestra Management program, and he will complete a Master’s in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from Arizona State University in December 2024. He previously received a Master’s of Music in Music Composition from The Juilliard School, where he co-founded the school’s first contemporary opera program. Goldschmitz also received a Bachelor’s in Environmental Science at Columbia University under the Columbia-Juilliard Exchange program and a 3-year accelerated graduation track, and conducted science research in neuroscience and geochemistry at the Columbia University Medical Center and the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory. The Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic is a fully professional symphony orchestra performing classics, pops, holiday, chamber, and July 3-4 concerts. The Philharmonic’s educational programs include a juried mentoring program for talented high school students, “Meet the Maestra”, “Music in our Schools”, Young Peoples’ Concerts, “Once Upon an Orchestra” in regional libraries, and interactive performances in senior centers. For tickets and additional information, please call 570.270.4444 or www.NEPAphil.org.
The Swiftwater Makes its Mark with Triple Award Win Newly Opened Pocono Mountains Hotel Wins Prestigious AAA Four Diamond, “Newcomer of the Year” from Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association, and a Bizzy Award for Interior Design. The Swiftwater, the Pocono Mountains’ newest luxury destination, has achieved a remarkable trio of industry accolades within just four months of opening. The Swiftwater is celebrating the coveted AAA Four Diamond rating, the title of “Newcomer of the Year” from the Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association, and a Bizzy Award for Interior Design. This trifecta highlights the hotel’s dedication to excellence, elevating the guest experience in this iconic region. AAA Four Diamond Rating: A Symbol of Superior Hospitality Receiving the prestigious AAA Four Diamond Award, Swiftwater has distinguished itself as a premier destination in the Poconos. This rating is a testament to the hotel’s exceptional service, upscale amenities, and meticulous attention to guest satisfaction. From personalized concierge services to luxurious on-site dining, Swiftwater offers an experience that redefines modern luxury in the region. Named “Newcomer of the Year” by the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association The Swiftwater has also been named “Newcomer of the Year” by the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association, celebrating its swift rise in popularity and its impactful contributions to Pennsylvania’s hospitality landscape. This award speaks to the hotel’s unique combination of locally inspired charm, innovative experiences, and community commitment that have resonated with visitors and locals alike. Interior Design Excellence Recognized with Bizzy Award Swiftwater Hotel was honored with the Bizzy Award for Interior Design, a nod to its visionary blend of elegance and mountain-inspired aesthetic. This award recognizes the hotel’s commitment to creating an immersive environment that harmoniously reflects the Pocono region’s natural beauty while delivering sophistication in every detail. The design features custom décor, inviting public spaces, and stunning guest rooms crafted to evoke both relaxation and inspiration. “We are immensely honored by the recognition we’ve received in our first few months,” said Dante Trapasso, Managing Partner of The Swiftwater. “These awards reflect our team’s dedication to delivering a hospitality experience that blends the scenic allure of the Poconos with a level of service that leaves a lasting impression.”With its luxurious accommodations, signature dining, and dedication to a refined guest experience, The Swiftwater is already making waves in the hospitality industry, poised to become a must-visit destination for those seeking both adventure and tranquility in the Pocono Mountains.
PennDOT License Centers Closed for Veterans Day Weekend The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) today announced that all driver license and photo centers, including its full-service center in Harrisburg, will be closed Saturday, November 9, 2024, through Monday, November 11, 2024, in observance of Veterans Day. Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services, including all forms, publications, and driver training manuals, online through PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website. Driver and vehicle online services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and include driver’s license, photo ID and vehicle registration renewals; driver-history services; changes of address; driver license and vehicle registration restoration letters; ability to pay driver license or vehicle insurance restoration fee; driver license and photo ID duplicates; REAL ID pre-verification; and driver exam scheduling. There are no additional fees for using online services. A complete listing of PennDOT driver and photo license center closings in 2024 is available online. If you are planning to visit one of PennDOT’s On-Line Messenger Service Centers, please call ahead for hours of operation during holidays. Traveling by domestic aircraft on or after May 7, 2025? You will need a REAL ID-compliant product or other federally-accepted form of identification if you do. Visit www.dmv.pa.gov/REALID for information on how you can get a REAL-ID compliant driver’s license or identification card today. There are only six months left to prepare. Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras. 511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional X alerts.
Maternal and Family Health Services Awarded Coalition Grant Maternal and Family Health Services (MFHS) has received $900,000 in funding to develop a Regional Maternal Health Coalition (RMHC) in a 14-county service area within its existing footprint. Utilizing the CDC’s State Strategies for Preventing Pregnancy- Related Deaths and principles of community engagement, MFHS will work to select, implement, and evaluate the PA Maternal Mortality Review Committee’s (2024) recommendations for improving maternal health outcomes, promoting maternal health equity, and reducing health disparities. The goal of the project is to help improve care for pregnant women and babies by addressing maternal health issues at the local level through the creation and enhancement of regional coalitions. “There is an increasing need for access to health care and support services for women, especially during pregnancy and during the postpartum period. We’ve seen the need for these kind of services for years, and it continues to grow,” said Maria Montoro Edwards, PhD, MFHS President and CEO. “This funding will have a tremendous impact on women and families in need. MFHS is focused on improving the health outcomes related to pregnant and postpartum mothers. To lead coalition activities, MFHS hired Project Coordinator London McPhatter, MPH, who will ensure the formation of activities to find and implement real solutions to high maternal morbidity rates especially among vulnerable communities. MFHS is uniquely positioned to deliver this program given the organization’s long-standing commitment to serving women, children, and families with programs that are proven to have a positive impact on maternal and child health outcomes. The coalition will serve the 14 PA counties of Bradford, Carbon, Lackawanna, Lehigh, Luzerne, Northampton, Monroe, Pike, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Schuylkill, Tioga, Wayne, and Wyoming.
Junior Achievement of NEPA Celebrates a Successful October Junior Achievement (JA) of Northeastern Pennsylvania had an incredible month of October, engaging hundreds of local students through hands-on career exploration, personal finance education, and community-driven initiatives. From impactful YES! Day Experiences to continued partnerships with local foundations, JA NEPA is making a lasting difference in the lives of young people in the region. YES! Day Highlights In October, JA NEPA held three successful YES! Day Experiences across local schools, where 7th and 8th grade students participated in interactive learning activities about career readiness, financial literacy, and life skills. These engaging programs were powered by the support of dedicated volunteers from the local community, who brought their expertise to the classrooms. Dunmore Junior High School – On October 9, JA NEPA reached 246 students with the help of 24 volunteers, making the event a resounding success. Solomon-Plains Middle School – On October 17, 502 students took part in the YES! Day Experience, supported by 43 volunteers. Special guests included Gwen Ross of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and Representative Eddie Day Pashinski, who helped make the day even more memorable. JA NEPA also extends a special thank you to Enterprise Mobility for their generous support of the event. Tunkhannock Intermediate School – On October 29, JA NEPA engaged 290 6th and 7th grade students with the help of 30 volunteers. The event was a great success, and JA NEPA is grateful for the teachers and administrators who helped make this program run smoothly. Volunteers Needed for Upcoming YES! Days As JA NEPA continues to expand its reach and impact, we’re looking for passionate volunteers to help bring YES! Day experiences to even more local students this year. These dynamic events are designed to introduce students to a wide variety of career opportunities, essential life skills, and personal finance concepts, all led by community volunteers. Upcoming YES! Days: West Scranton Intermediate School – Friday, November 15, 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM.We need 10 more volunteers. Wallenpaupack Area Middle School – Monday, November 25, 7:30 AM – 11:00 AM.We need 29 more volunteers. Carbondale Area Jr/Sr High School – Wednesday, December 11, 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM.We need 10 more volunteers. Interested individuals can Sign Up Here to volunteer for any of these upcoming events. For more information about YES! Days, or to register as a volunteer, please visit our What is a YES! Day page or contact Alysia Clancy at alysia.clancy@ja.org. A Special Thank You to Our Supporters We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to The Luzerne Foundation and the Pasco Schiavo Memorial Foundation for their continued support. In October, our President, Susan Magnotta, and Program Manager, Suzanne McCabe, had the honor of presenting JA NEPA’s programs, including the YES! Days and JA Inspire Career Discovery Experience, to The Luzerne Foundation. Their support, along with the contributions of other local partners, helps us continue our mission to inspire and prepare young people for success in a global economy.
