Scranton Cultural Center To Unveil Historic Theatre Restoration The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple will hold a press conference to offer the media as well as invited guests to witness the unveiling of its newly restored Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Theatre. The theatre has been closed to the public for restoration, as part of a large-scale restoration process funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Department of General Services. Members of the press will receive an exclusive media tour of the newly finished restoration. The press conference will also include an important announcement regarding long-standing partners, the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple and Broadway Theatre League of NEPA, and what the future holds for both organizations. Speakers to include: Governor Joshua Shapiro (pending availability) State and Local Government Officials Brian J. Cali, Esq., Broadway Theatre League of NEPA Board President John J. Murray, Scranton Cultural Center Board President John Cardoni, Scranton Cultural Center General Manager Wednesday, November 19 at 3:00 PM Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple 420 N. Washington Avenue – Scranton, PA Grand Ballroom and Main Stage, First Floor
Wright Center Adds Internal Medicine Teaching Hospitalist An internal medicine physician and teaching hospitalist has joined The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education. Dr. Maheswara Reddy Koppula will serve as an internal medicine teaching hospitalist, focusing on the quality of patient care, teaching, and supervising physicians participating in The Wright Center’s Internal Medicine Residency Program. Dr. Koppula will develop, implement, and assess the curriculum and mentor residents to ensure they achieve competency in their specialty. He will also serve as an associate program director for The Wright Center’s Internal Medicine residency program. Additionally, Dr. Koppula will provide whole-person primary health services for individuals 18 and older, including checkups, physicals, screenings, and treatment of common illnesses and injuries at The Wright Center for Community Health Wilkes-Barre, 169 N. Pennsylvania Ave. The community health center is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. To schedule an appointment, go to TheWrightCenter.org or call 570.230.0019. After graduating from GSL Medical College in Rajahmundry, India, in 2012, Dr. Koppula served as a medical officer at several hospitals in Hyderabad and Telangana, India. After moving to the United States in 2014, he completed observership rotations in Texas, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania and an internship and internal medicine residency at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Youngstown, Ohio. His contributions to the health care field earned him a fellowship in the American College of Physicians. Dr. Koppula, who is board-certified in internal medicine, joined The Wright Center after serving as a faculty hospitalist and associate program director of the internal medicine residency at Crozer Chester Medical Center in Upland, Pennsylvania, since 2023. Prior to that, he worked as a hospitalist in Buffalo, New York; Springfield, Ohio; and Clarksville, Tennessee.
PennDOT: Shapiro Administration Highlights School Bus Safety The Shapiro Administration released the results of Operation Safe Stop, an annual school bus enforcement and education initiative aimed at enhancing school bus safety for students across the Commonwealth by curtailing violations of Pennsylvania’s School Bus Stopping Law. Operation Safe Stop is a one-day targeted enforcement and education event where law enforcement officials and participating schools documented drivers violating Pennsylvania’s School Bus Stopping Law, emphasizing the frequency of these violations and highlighted the importance of driving safely around students and school buses. During this year’s Operation Safe Stop, participating school districts and law enforcement agencies witnessed 188 violations of the law, up from the 176 reported last year. “Just one incident of passing a stopped school bus is too many, and this many violations in just one day is unacceptable,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “Responsibly sharing the road with students and school buses helps keep all of us safe.” The School Bus Stopping Law requires motorists approaching a school bus with its red lights flashing and stop arm activated to stop at least 10 feet from the bus. Motorists approaching from all directions are required to stop, unless they encounter a school bus stopping on the opposite side of a divided highway clearly separated by a divider, such as a concrete barrier or grassy median. “Although there are steep penalties for violating Pennsylvania’s School Bus Stopping Law, they pale in comparison to a tragedy that could occur if either a driver or a student is not paying attention to their surroundings,” said Corporal Zeina Black, Permits and Bus Safety Unit Supervisor with the Pennsylvania State Police. “If a driver is stopped by law enforcement and convicted of disobeying Pennsylvania’s School Bus Stopping Law – the penalty is a $250 fine, five points on your driving record and a 60-day license suspension. The fine increases to $300 if someone is caught by a stop arm camera.” “Student safety in school zones and at school bus stops is of the utmost importance, requiring the undivided attention of all motorists. Local school districts work hard to identify the safest locations possible for school bus stops and provide training for staff to foster greater safety for all students,” said Department of Education Deputy Secretary of Elementary and Secondary Education Amy Lena. “Vehicle operators can contribute greatly to improving the safety of our students by watching for the flashing lights of school buses and always stopping when students are boarding and exiting the busses.” Some safety tips for students to remember while waiting for or loading and unloading the bus include: Get to the school bus stop at least five minutes early, so you won´t have to run across the road to catch the bus. When waiting for the bus, stay away from traffic. Line up at least five giant steps away from the curb or the roadway to wait for the bus. Never run after the school bus if it has already left the bus stop. Never push when getting on or off the school bus. For more information about school bus safety, visit PennDOT’s School Bus Safety Tips page on the Driver Vehicles Services website.
Geisinger Health Plan Announces Marketplace Plans for 2026 Geisinger Health Plan (GHP) announced its coverage plans for individuals age 19 to 64 who don’t have insurance coverage through an employer or family member. “Everyone’s health looks different, and it’s critical to have adequate health care coverage that fits your needs,” said Dan Schultz, individual sales manager at Geisinger Health Plan. “Having health insurance coverage for emergencies that come up can protect you from an unexpected large expense.” GHP is locally staffed, community-focused, innovative and fully integrated with Geisinger, a recognized leader in care. Having GHP coverage means having access to quality care from world-renowned doctors. Members living outside the GHP footprint have access to more than 120 hospitals, including Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Johns Hopkins, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. The Open Enrollment Period (OEP) runs Nov. 1 through Jan. 15. During OEP, everyone can find suitable Geisinger Health Plan coverage, with its range of different price points. For people who don’t have existing medical needs or don’t visit the doctor often, high-deductible plans cover less. Those seeking coverage for more specific needs, like treatments, specialist visits, management of chronic medical conditions and prescription drugs, can find GHP plans with a lower deductible. More than half a million members choose Geisinger Health Plan for its high-quality, affordable health care benefits, including: A large provider network that gives members access to thousands of medical professionals Concierge-type customer service Exclusive health and wellness programs Access to world-renowned hospitals To learn more about Geisinger Health Plan’s Marketplace plan options, call 866-460-5467 or visit geisinger.org/mp.
Geisinger Health Plan Earns 4.5 CMS Star Ratings Geisinger Health Plan (GHP) announced that its Geisinger Gold Medicare Advantage plans achieved 4.5 out of 5 Stars in the 2026 Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Star Ratings program. “This recognition reflects GHP’s commitment to delivering high-quality medical coverage and excellent member services to Medicare beneficiaries across Pennsylvania,” said Karen Murphy, PhD, RN, president of Geisinger Health Plan. “The Star Ratings are based on performance across multiple criteria, including positive clinical outcomes, preventive care, prescription drug services, and customer services. We’re proud to have earned 4.5-Star ratings for our Medicare plans that reflects the outstanding services we’re providing in these critical areas.” CMS annually evaluates Medicare Advantage and Part D plans using its Star Ratings program. These ratings help consumers compare plans based on quality and performance. Plans are rated on up to 45 unique measures. Medicare Star Ratings may change from one year to the next. Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period, which runs until Sunday, Dec. 7, is the perfect time for members and those looking to enroll in a new plan to learn more about Geisinger Gold. Geisinger Gold offers access to a comprehensive care network with more than 30,000 doctors, 180 hospitals and 3,000 pharmacies. It also includes perks like wellness programs, prescription discounts, financial assistance and Silver Circle membership, a free program designed for men and women 55+ that promotes physical, emotional and social well-being. Click here to learn more about Geisinger’s Medicare Advantage health plans.
Geisinger Awarded Grant for Cardiovascular Prediction Breakthrough Researchers at Geisinger have been awarded funding to pioneer a new approach to predicting thoracic aortic dissection (TAD) — a life-threatening cardiovascular emergency that often occurs without warning. The grant, from The John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health, will support development of an advanced AI and machine learning–based predictive tool to identify patients at highest risk for TAD earlier and more accurately than current methods. “Traditional approaches rely heavily on measuring the size of the aorta, but many patients dissect without ever reaching the guideline thresholds,” said Tooraj Mirshahi, Ph.D., principal investigator, professor, Department of Genomic Health, Geisinger. “By combining imaging features, genetic risk factors, and detailed clinical histories, our project will generate a truly personalized risk model for patients.” The study will draw on Geisinger’s unique dataset, which includes: Over 2.3 million electronic health records More than 200,000 CT scans analyzed with a custom AI tool Genetic data from more than 230,000 people, including rare variants and risk scores linked to aortic disease Combining these data streams will allow the team to build a model that can pinpoint which patients are at risk of aortic dissection, potentially years before an event occurs. “This project has the potential to save lives by identifying high-risk individuals who would otherwise fall through the cracks,” said Evan Ryer, M.D., co-investigator and vice chair, vascular surgery, Geisinger. “Ultimately, we envision a predictive tool that informs clinical decision-making, guides surveillance, and allows for timely preventive interventions.” Along with improving early detection, the project is expected to personalize patient monitoring and treatment. “Understanding why and when dissections occur has been a long-standing challenge in cardiovascular medicine. By integrating genetics, imaging, and clinical factors, this project will help us identify at-risk patients and provide new insights into the biology of aortic disease. That knowledge can shape future therapies and improve outcomes for patients worldwide,” added Scott LeMaire, M.D., co-investigator, associate chief scientific officer, professor of cardiothoracic surgery, Geisinger. The project supports the foundation’s mission to prevent premature deaths from thoracic aortic dissections, honoring the legacy of actor John Ritter, who died from a misdiagnosed aortic dissection in 2003. “Funding from the John Ritter Foundation allows us to bridge cutting-edge science and clinical care,” said Mirshahi. “We are grateful for their partnership and support in advancing this lifesaving work.” LeMaire, Ryer and Mirshahi have been invited to participate in a webinar to discuss the grant titled “An AI/ML Framework for Predicting Thoracic Aortic Dissections Using Routine CT Imaging, HER, and Genetic Data” on Monday, November 17 at 7 p.m. Click here to find more information regarding the webinar.
Circle Drive-In Releases Weekend Schedule FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14TH & SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15TH Screen One: “Predator: Badlands” (2025 – PG-13) at 7:00 PMScreen Two: “The Running Man” (2025 – R) at 6:45 PM Gates & Box Office open at 5:45 PM SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16TH CIRCLE GIANT FLEA FAIR from 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Vendor Gates at 5:00 AM) New vendors are always welcome, no pre-registration required! Vendors are invited to come out and sell their crafts, artisan items, homemade products, gently used treasures & more – every Sunday! Learn more at circledrive-in/fleafair24. Tickets for upcoming movies, as well as additional information, available at circledrive-in.com.
Fidelity Bank Adds Charles Hangen to Team Daniel J. Santaniello, President and CEO of Fidelity Bank, is pleased to announce that Charles Hangen has joined Fidelity Bank as SVP, Chief Risk Officer. Hangen will be responsible for safeguarding the Bank’s strategic integrity, this role leads to the identification and mitigation of critical competitive, regulatory, and technological risks. He will be focused on advancing the enterprise risk management framework and ensuring robust policies and procedures that adapt to an evolving financial landscape. In making this announcement, Santaniello stated, “Charles brings a wealth of expertise in risk management and strategic leadership. His deep understanding of regulatory frameworks and proven ability to mitigate complex risks will be instrumental as we strengthen our foundation and continue delivering secure, innovative financial solutions to our clients.” Currently residing in Nazareth, PA, Hangen is a graduate of Northampton Area High School and graduated from Bloomsburg University in 1994. He has completed the American Bankers Association Stonier Graduate School of Banking, the Wharton Leadership Program, Central Bankers School of Commercial Lending, and has also been recognized as a Northampton Area Konkrete Kids Education Foundation 2019 Distinguished Alumni Inductee. Reflecting on his new role, Hagen shared, “I am excited for a new challenge with a financial institution dedicated to the communities they serve” Outside of the bank, he is involved in his community as Bethlehem Steel Travel Softball assistant coach and a Blue Eagles Basketball assistant coach.
NRCI: Board of Ambassadors Honor Baum at Spirit of Hope The Board of Ambassadors will honor John “Slick” Baum as the 2025 Tribute to Courage Honoree at their upcoming Spirit of Hope Celebration set for Friday, November 14, 2025, at Mohegan Pennsylvania. John “Slick” Baum is a retired USAF Lieutenant Colonel, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and leading business strategist. John enlisted in the USAF at 17 serving as an avionics maintenance technician. He then attended Embry- Riddle Aeronautical University graduating with a BS in Aeronautical Science in 1999 and a Masters of Aeronautical Science in 2008. Col. Baum attended Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training and graduated F-16 training as the Distinguished Graduate. He then attended USAF Fighter Weapons School (Top Gun) and returned as an instructor. John was then requested by the Commander of Air Combat Command to fly as a Demonstration Pilot for the 2009-2010 Thunderbird team. Following the Thunderbirds, he was selected as a Secretary of the Air Force Strategic Communications Fellow earning a Masters in Strategic Communication from George Mason University. John was also co-founder of Draken International providing contract air support to the US and NATO military forces with the world’s largest fleet of privately owned fighter aircraft. Slick provided high G flight training for the Crew of Inspiration4, the first all civilian space program in partnership with SpaceX, and then served as the Philanthropy Director for the Polaris Program endeavoring to further understand the requirements for long duration human space flight. For his successful fundraising and awareness efforts, he was honored as the 2025 Extraordinary Performance Award recipient from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Penn State Scranton Student Wins National Contest Fourth-year corporate communication student Zamarra Vrabel has made campus history with her recent podcast project, which earned two first-place awards, including the campus’ first-ever national award, which she received from the National Federation of Press Women (NFPW) Communications Contest. Her project also garnered a first place award in the Pennsylvania Press Club’s annual contest. Penn State Scranton Corporate Communication major Zamarra Vrabel, center, poses for a photo with her first place award from National Federation of Press Women (NFPW) Communications Contest. At left is Corporate Communication Program Coordinator Kelly Conlon-Mazzucca, with Assistant Professor of Corporate Communication Stephanie Longo, at right. Vrabel’s winning podcast, titled “Culture — Little Pieces of You: A Strong Foundation and a Constant Journey,” was created as a midterm assignment for her CAS 471: Intercultural Communication course, taught by Assistant Professor of Corporate Communication Stephanie Longo. The podcast explores the role of culture in shaping identity, featuring an interview with Luz Cabrales, a local filmmaker and editor who shared insights into her Mexican American heritage. Vrabel recorded the interview via Zoom and edited the audio to enhance clarity and cohesion. She structured the podcast to highlight how culture influences various aspects of life, including family, work and community. “I structured my podcast in a way that showed how culture affects all areas of our lives, such as family, work and our place in the community,” Vrabel said. “I wanted to stress that each person defines culture based on how they allow it to shape them into who they are.” The podcast was first submitted to the Pennsylvania Press Club’s annual contest, where it won first place at the state level. That victory qualified Vrabel for the national competition hosted by the NFPW, where she again took top honors. The NFPW’s 2025 Professional Communications Contest drew nearly 2,000 entries from across the United States and even internationally, including submissions from 47 states, the District of Columbia and Spain. Winners were announced in September during the organization’s national conference in Golden, Colorado. “Finding out that my podcast gained national recognition, along with an award, made me feel very happy and accomplished,” Vrabel said. “I couldn’t have done it without Dr. Longo’s guidance and support, and Luz Cabrales (my guest on the podcast) sharing her amazing story with me and my family and friends who encouraged me to work hard on the podcast and to enter the competition.” Longo, who submitted the podcast on Vrabel’s behalf, said the assignment was designed to give students hands-on experience with emerging communication tools. “Working on this podcast taught me that listening and asking questions are two of the most important skills in becoming an effective communicator,” she said. “I will continue to remember this and practice these skills as I continue in my Corporate Communication journey.” Longo said Vrabel’s success reflects the program’s commitment to innovation and student development. Corporate Communication Program Coordinator Kelly Conlon-Mazzucca praised Vrabel’s achievement as a milestone for Penn State Scranton’s Corporate Communication department. “Winning first place at the National Federation of Press Women’s competition, which is our first national award, is a testament to her extraordinary talent, hard work and dedication,” she said. “Zamarra is not only a gifted communicator, but she is an inspiration to those around her.” “Seeing our students recognized on the state and now national level is a thrill for our Corporate Communication department,” Longo said. “Both Professor Kelly Conlon-Mazzucca and I are dedicated to providing our students with real-world, cutting-edge opportunities in the field of communication. We know that if students don’t learn up-and-coming techniques in our classes, they will be behind their peers.” She added that the department invests considerable time in researching and integrating the latest technologies to ensure students are prepared for the evolving job market.
