Fidelity Bank Presents Wilkes-Barre Volunteers with Grant Fidelity Bank is pleased to share Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) has won the $10,000 Fidelity Bank IMPACT grant. VIM competed with two other area nonprofit finalists, all with the goal of securing grant funding to support their ongoing initiatives. Although all the finalists demonstrated their ability to deliver vital services to Wilkes-Barre residents, VIM secured the most community votes, determining them the winner. Ruth Turkington, EVP, Chief Consumer Banking Officer of Fidelity Bank was on hand at the bank’s Wilkes-Barre branch to present a $10,000 check to VIM. She stated, “On behalf of all of us here at Fidelity Bank, we extend our heartfelt congratulations. Winning this grant clearly indicates that the services Wilkes-Barre Volunteers in Medicine provides closely aligns with our goal of providing support and value to the communities we serve.” Volunteers in Medicine is a community-based nonprofit organization who offers a wide range of services at no cost, including primary medical care, dental services, diagnostic testing, and counseling. These services are offered to the working, uninsured, and underinsured populations in NEPA. The clinic’s comprehensive care addresses the needs of residents, some of whom are non-English speaking, by providing vital interpretation services. The IMPACT Grant funds will be used to support this interpretation program, which is essential for effective communication and treatment planning. More details and complete rules for the IMPACT grant can be found online at www.bankatfidelity.com/impact.
Peoples Security Bank & Trust Introduces New Senior VP Peoples Security Bank & Trust has announced the hiring of Rebecca Newsom as Senior Vice President, Director of Community Development and Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) Compliance. In this role, Newsom will lead community development strategies, oversee CRA compliance, and work with community stakeholders, nonprofits, government agencies, and internal teams to help meet the bank’s social responsibility goals. She will focus on driving investments, services, and lending efforts in line with CRA guidelines. Newsom brings more than 20 years of experience in financial services. She previously served as a CRA mortgage consultant at Fulton Bank and has held roles at First Niagara, National Penn Bank, and AT&T Corp. Throughout her career, she has built strong customer relationships by identifying needs and providing practical financial solutions. Newsom is also active in the community, serving as a board member for the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce and Community Action Financial Services. “We are pleased to welcome Rebecca to our team,” said Jerry Champi, President of Peoples Security Bank & Trust. “Her experience in community development and customer service will support our continued commitment to the communities we serve.”
Scranton Celebrates Verizon’s Investment for High-Speed Internet The City of Scranton is celebrating the investment of tens of millions of dollars from Verizon over the next three years, at no project cost to the City. This project, which has already begun in sections of the City, will develop a ubiquitous network of fiber internet access to homes, providing the opportunity for all Scranton residents to subscribe to high-speed internet. “Access to fast, affordable internet service is critical to our success,” said Scranton Mayor Paige G. Cognetti. “Broadband internet provides access to students’ schoolwork, offers remote working opportunities for our residents, and can help the City stand out in an ever-evolving digital age. We are thankful for Verizon’s investment in Scranton and that our residents in need will have access to cost-saving programs.” “Verizon is proud to be investing in the City of Scranton,” said Chris Flood, Atlantic North Market President, Verizon. “Wider availability of our best-in-class Fios internet will ensure that every resident has the opportunity to be connected whether it be for school, work or play.” Verizon was selected from four vendors in a request for qualifications (RFQ) process that began in October 2023. Per the agreement, the costs for the project will be borne by Verizon with no funding needed from the City. According to Verizon, millions of Americans still lack necessary access to broadband internet service, with many unable to afford it. To help Scranton close its existing digital divide, Verizon will construct a Fiber to the Premises (FTTP) network to reach all broadband serviceable locations in the City that are reasonably able to be served by a fiber-optic connection. Further, the contract requires that Verizon either participate in the Affordable Connectivity Program, any successor program, or provide its own low-cost program to eligible low-income households in the City. Verizon currently offers cost-effective services for eligible customers through its Fios Forward program with service tiers costing up to $39.99. Other Fios Home Internet plans range between $24.99 and $89.99 per month. The agreement was unanimously approved by Scranton City Council in September
The University of Scranton Among Greenest Colleges The Princeton Review listed The University of Scranton among just 511 colleges in the world “selected for their exceptional programs, policies and practices related to sustainability and the environment” for inclusion in its 2025 edition of its “Guide to Green Colleges,” which was published online in October. This is the sixth year that Scranton has made this listing. The Princeton Review analyzed more than 25 data points to choose the colleges for this year’s guide based on its 2023–2024 survey of administrators about their institutions’ sustainability-related policies, practices and programs, as well as surveys of students attending those colleges about their “green” campus experiences. Banner of Earth Day at the DeNaples Building “We are seeing substantive interest among college applicants in attending green colleges,” said Rob Franek, editor-in-chief of The Princeton Review. According to the Princeton Review, 61 percent of the high school student participating in their 2024 “College Hopes and Worries Survey” indicated that “having information about a college’s commitment to the environment would affect their decision to apply to or attend the school.” The Princeton Review also noted that, as a group, “the schools in the 2025 Edition of the Guide to Green Colleges have impressive sustainability-related statistics: 28 percent of their energy comes from clean and renewable sources; 46 percent of their waste is diverted from incinerators or solid-waste landfills; 98 percent offer a sustainability focused undergraduate major or degree; and 100 percent have a sustainability officer.” Scranton’s long-established sustainability efforts include academics, facilities and community education and outreach. Scranton has infused issues of sustainability in courses across the curriculum, ranging from theology, to business, to the natural sciences, to education, as well as other disciplines. Scranton uses numerous “green” procedures in building maintenance practices, as well as in building design and construction. Scranton currently has three Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified buildings: Leahy Hall, the Loyola Science Center and the DeNaples Center, which became the city’s first LEED certified structure in 2008. Robert S. and Marilyn A. Weiss Hall, currently under construction, is design intended to meet silver LEED certification requirements. In addition, inspired by Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical titled “On Care for Our Common Home,” the University is participating in a seven-year initiative to be recognized by the Vatican as a Laudato Si’ University. To be designated as a Laudato Si University, colleges must evaluate comprehensively current environmental and sustainability programs, then improve and develop further initiatives to address seven goals outlined by the Pope. The goals to be addressed are: to respond to the cries of the Earth; to respond to the call of the poor; to apply ecological economics; to adopt sustainable lifestyles; to implement ecological education programs; to develop ecological spirituality efforts; and to develop of programs to address community resilience and empowerment. In addition to its “Guide to Green Colleges,” The Princeton Review has listed Scranton in its “Best Colleges” guidebooks for 23 consecutive years, also ranking Scranton among the nation’s “Best Science Lab Facilities” (No. 17) for the eighth year.
The Wright Center Partners with Friendship House The Wright Center for Community Health is partnering with Friendship House to improve access to responsive and inclusive whole-person primary health services, especially for individuals with complex mental health and/or substance use disorder needs. On Tuesday, Nov. 5, The Wright Center will offer primary health services at Friendship House’s new Whole Person Care Center, 200 Wyoming Ave., Suite 250, in Scranton, Pennsylvania. The new location will begin by opening from noon to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, providing a range of services such as checkups, physicals, screenings, and treatment for common illnesses and injuries. These services will be available to individuals of all ages, regardless of their insurance status, ZIP code, or ability to pay. Patients do not need to be clients of Friendship House to receive care at The Wright Center’s new location. “We are grateful and deeply honored to collaborate with Friendship House at its new state-of-the-art Whole Person Care Center,” said Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak, president and CEO of The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education. “We specifically thank Alex Hazzouri, president and CEO, and his team, as well as the governing board, for their vision to promote unprecedented collaboration that led to our welcomed invitation to be part of this wonderful development for our community in the heart of downtown Scranton. “This exciting and important partnership allows The Wright Center to enrich and extend the delivery of our noble 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 improving access to essential primary health care services for individuals who come to Friendship House, we will continue to enhance the overall health and well-being of our shared community.” Friendship House provides support to children, adolescents, and adults facing developmental disabilities, emotional or behavioral challenges, or the effects of trauma from loss, abuse, or neglect. In March 2022, the nonprofit acquired the two-story, 22,000-square-foot facility, which spans the Davidow Building at 200-216 Wyoming Ave., and the former Murray Building at 413-415 Biden St. The new center’s goal is to integrate mental health, substance use disorder, and physical health services, improving health outcomes while optimizing the use of resources. Along with The Wright Center’s primary health services, Friendship House will offer mental health and substance use disorder services, and The Prescription Center will provide pharmacy services. “This integrated model will enhance care coordination and improve patient care outcomes, especially in terms of chronic medical condition management,” said Kathleen Barry, deputy chief operating officer of The Wright Center for Community Health. “We’re thrilled to be able to work closely with Friendship House, one of our great community partners, and enhance our ability to address the complex health and social needs of patients in our communities.” Hazzouri noted that his organization has been in discussions with The Wright Center for several years about a collaboration. The Wright Center and Friendship House treat patients of all ages, income levels, and insurance statuses. “Thousands of people live, work, and study in downtown Scranton every day,” Hazzouri said, noting that 17 of the county’s 22 bus routes pass by the new Whole Person Care Center. “The accessibility will help make the center integral to a healthy Scranton and a healthy Lackawanna County.” At a ribbon-cutting ceremony held at the new facility on Friday, Oct. 24, U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright presented Hazzouri and Dr. Thomas-Hemak with a certificate of Congressional recognition for opening the Whole Person Care Center. “Every person in the community deserves access to health care,” he said. “Thank you for removing barriers to access. I applaud your collaborative efforts.”
Indraloka Founder Indra Lahiri Receives Carole Noon Award In the worldwide animal sanctuary field, there is no honor more distinguished than the Carole Noon Award given by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS). The award recognizes the “individual who embodies and puts into practice the GFAS philosophy of vision, dedication, and excellence in animal care at sanctuaries.“ This year’s recipient, Indra Lahiri, PhD, is the founder of Indraloka in Dalton, Pennsylvania. Dr. Lahiri has successfully launched and grown Indraloka into one of the leading farmed animal sanctuaries globally. Under her leadership, the sanctuary has rescued over 2,500 animals and established groundbreaking initiatives that have notably influenced the field of animal rescue and sanctuary management. She also spearheaded the creation of the NEPA Rescue Veterinary Clinic which provides low-cost care to local animal rescues and income-qualified households in the NEPA community and assists communities with Trap, Neuter & Release programs to help manage feral cat populations. Another innovative program Dr. Lahiri created, “Indraloka Heals,” launched this summer with its “Resilient Counselors Mastery Series” that provided support and resources to Scranton-area school guidance counselors. “I am humbled and grateful, however, I cannot take credit for this award. The entire Indraloka team works so hard every day, pouring love and energy into whomever needs it most — each one is really deserving of this honor,” Dr. Lahiri says. “This award is also a testament to our community and the support we receive from individuals, businesses, visitors, and volunteers.” GFAS is the worldwide leader in accreditation programs for animal sanctuaries, assessing facilities against a robust set of operational and animal care standards, including species-specific standards for elephants, great apes, big cats, horses, farmed animals, and others. “I feel privileged to be on Indra’s board of directors,” says Olympic medalist (Cycling, London 2012) Dotsie Bausch. “Indra is unparalleled in her dedication to saving the lives of the voiceless and with her rigorous work ethic and the restorative hope she carries, she will always serve as a true champion of compassion to those who need her most. No one deserves this honor more than my friend and one of my mentors, Indra Lahiri.” As Indraloka prepares for its biggest fundraiser of the year — ThanksLiving, a feast honoring birds — the sanctuary hopes to get the word out that Indraloka is much more than an animal sanctuary. It is a place of hope, healing, fun, and community for people too. Dr. Lahiri is available for interviews.
NEPIRC Promotes Professional Development Training for Manufacturers Browse NEPIRC’s training catalog to find your next professional development training program The Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center (NEPIRC) offers world-class professional development training for manufacturers delivered by manufacturing experts. NEPIRC’s training courses and workshops provide new skills, fresh insights and networking opportunities that can help manufacturers meet everyday challenges and achieve long-term goals. Browse NEPIRC’s Training Catalog to learn more about the training programs NEPIRC offers and see which ones are upcoming. You can also easily register for a program directly through the Catalog. Questions? Email Info@NEPIRC.com. https://nepirc.com/wp-content/uploads/24-25-NEPIRC-Training-Catalog.pdf
Inner Harmony Wellness Launches Mindfulness Program in Schools Dr. Peter Amato to Lead Initiative Promoting Mental Health, Wellness, and Drug & Alcohol Guidance The Inner Harmony Group, a leader in holistic health and wellness, is proud to announce the launch of a transformative new program that will bring social emotional awareness and mindfulness education to public school districts across Pennsylvania. Spearheaded by Dr. Peter Amato, the esteemed founder of Inner Harmony Wellness Center & The Inner Harmony Group, this initiative aims to enhance mental health, overall wellness, and provide crucial guidance on drug and alcohol issues for students. With the growing awareness of the importance of mental health and the rising concerns about substance abuse among young people, and emotional burnout of those working within the school system, this program is a timely and critical addition to the educational landscape. Dr. Amato, a recognized authority in the field of mindfulness and integrative medicine, will be at the forefront of this initiative, delivering expert training to students, teachers, and administrators. “Schools are the heart of our communities, and it’s essential that we equip our young people with the tools they need to thrive both mentally and physically,” said Dr. Peter Amato. “Through mindfulness practices, we can help students manage stress, make healthier decisions, and ultimately lead more fulfilling lives. I am honored to partner with Pennsylvania’s public schools to make a positive impact on the future of our youth.” This initiative began with the Hanover Area School District (HASD) who have already embraced this program with enthusiasm. This collaboration is in its early stages, and HASD is committed to ensuring that all elementary students benefit from the mindfulness practices offered by Inner Harmony Group. The program will encompass a comprehensive curriculum tailored to the needs of each school district, focusing on: Mindfulness Training: Techniques to help students cultivate awareness, reduce anxiety, and improve focus in the classroom and beyond. Mental Health Support: Strategies for recognizing and addressing mental health challenges, promoting resilience and emotional well-being. Drug & Alcohol Guidance: Educational sessions aimed at prevention, informed decision-making, and support for students at risk. Inner Harmony Wellness has long been at the forefront of holistic health for almost 30 years, and this new initiative is a natural extension of the organization’s mission to foster wellness in all aspects of life. The program will launch in select school districts with plans for statewide expansion in the coming years. For more information about the program or to inquire about bringing mindfulness education to your school district, please visit www.innerharmonywellness.com or contact Dr. Steve Szydlowski at at 570-319-6073.
Geisinger Changes Anesthetic to Reduce Carbon Footprint In a continued effort to reduce its carbon footprint, Geisinger will stop using the anesthetic gas, Desflurane, for surgical cases due to its significant environmental impact. The elimination of desflurane will not impact patient safety as there are equally safe alternatives, according to Matthew Desciak, M.D., chair of Geisinger’s Anesthesiology Department. While desflurane does offer some benefits, such as clearing patients’ systems quickly, it’s a potent greenhouse gas with a global warming potential more than 2,500 times that of carbon dioxide. “Discontinuing the use of desflurane will have the largest impact of our green initiatives,” Desciak said. “Using this agent at a typical flow rate for eight hours has the equivalent environmental impact as driving a car from Danville to Mexico.” In place of desflurane, Geisinger will emphasize the use of anesthesia gases with lower global warming potential and focus on using the minimal amount of these gases. This will allow the system to provide the same level of safe patient care with a lower overall environmental impact. In 2023, the department joined seven other health systems including Kaiser Permanente to look for ways to reduce department waste while still offering world-class care to patients in central Pennsylvania. This initiative is already in place at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre and will roll out systemwide throughout the rest of 2024.
The Honesdale National Bank Promotes Landon Firmstone Thomas E. Sheridan Jr., President, and CEO of The Honesdale National Bank, announced Landon Firmstone has been promoted to Cash Management Specialist. In making the announcement Sheridan stated, “Landon’s dedication to continuous learning and his ability to foster strong client relationships have been reflective of our mission and HNB culture.” He continued, “We are confident that he will bring the same level of excellence and commitment to his new role, contributing significantly to our team’s success.” As Cash Management Specialist, Firmstone will be responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the Cash Management sector. This includes managing customer interactions, servicing and installing equipment, and ensuring customers are matched with the most suitable products for their needs. He is a graduate of Western Wayne High School and has received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management degree from Marywood University. Firmstone currently resides in Waymart, PA, and began his career in the financial industry with The Honesdale National Bank in October 2023. He was previously the Management Trainee, an experience that allowed him to learn extensively and form relationships with fellow employees and customers. In commenting on his new role at the bank, Firmstone noted, “I have learned so much about all the banking industry and have formed great relationships with my colleagues. HNB has a fantastic atmosphere, and it is evident that everyone is on the same team. All employees are always willing to help each other and make you feel invited no matter which office you are in. I feel as if I have the groundwork to have a long career here at HNB.” Outside of the Bank, he is a member of the Honesdale Area Jaycees and is also the current Tournament Director for Honest Anglers. Additionally, he enjoys hunting, fishing and golfing in his free time.
