Scranton Area Community Foundation Announces Scholarship Recipients

Twenty students from twelve different high schools in the area have been awarded a prestigious scholarship through the James F. Swift Scholarship Fund administered by the Scranton Area Community Foundation, which provides $5,000 per year for each recipient for up to four years to assist with continuing education expenses.

The following students are first-time recipients of a James F. Swift Scholarship: Emma Aversa (Old Forge), Jacquelyn Bitter (Dunmore), Kaeden Carr (Holy Cross), Jayden Evans (Mid Valley), Sadid Hassan (Scranton), Courtney Hazelton (West Scranton), Emma Illian (Abington Heights), Kendal   Johnson (Mid Valley), Lorna Lynch (Abington Heights), Connor Monahan (Riverside), Ayman Mounota (Dunmore), Julia Murphy (Carbondale Area), Gianna Natale (Scranton), Gabrielle Novak (Lakeland), Paige Pezanowski (Lakeland), Ron Prislupski (Holy Cross), Mila Racibor (Old Forge), Ethan Symuleski (Valley View), Martin Turi (West Scranton), Jayde Weibel (Scranton Preparatory).

In addition to the 20 new recipients, there were 56 James F. Swift Scholarship renewals in 2023. The following students are recipients of a James F. Swift Scholarship Renewal in 2023: Antonio Pugliese, Fione Evans, Andrew Cummings, Tori Kovalchick, Nina Sampogne, Kristen Lello, Marguerite Flynn, Ryan Turlip, Eric Spivak, Nicholas Guerra, Ashley Capone, Christopher Talluto, Rebecca Lucas, Caitlin Doughton, Olivia Manarchuck, Taylor Seprosky, Tyler Muskey, Ava Decker, Michael Rodyushkin, Kayla Rose, Hunter Geise, Benjamin Thompson, Matthew Howard, Cameron Butka, Meredith Purcell, Ryan Coleman, Sofia Capozzi, David McKenney, Alexis Tanana, Gabrielle Snee, Jillian Brennan, Christian Snee, Taralyn Reilly, Marisol Olivares, Hailey Matechak, Alyssa Cosklo, Owen Morgan, Erileidi Fernandez, Eliana King, Chloee Rumford, Dana Mackin, Michael Kazmierczak, Ava Aulisio, Mia Muskey, Molly White, Riley Clarke, Alexander Bond, Elina Joshi, Joel Cali, Sofia Flores-Weidner, Michael Sewack, Finley McHale, Ryan Salony, Ritu Regmi, Thomas Milewski, Sara McCormack.

The James F. Swift Scholarship Fund has awarded over $4 million since 2008, benefiting over 300 local students to date. Created in 2002 through a gift by Mr. James F. Swift to the Scranton Area Community Foundation, the James F. Swift Scholarship Fund provides support for higher education for students graduating from high schools in Lackawanna County. Following Mr. Swift’s death in 2006, the Scranton Area Community Foundation gratefully received a significant gift from his estate to the scholarship fund which has allowed a great number of students from Lackawanna County the opportunity to pursue their academic and professional goals through higher education.

The scholarship aims to provide an ongoing stream of matriculation at Lackawanna County colleges and universities. It is the goal of the Scranton Area Community Foundation to award 75% of the scholarships to students who plan to attend institutions of higher learning in the Lackawanna County region.

Scranton Area Community Foundation President and CEO Laura Ducceschi praised the generosity of Mr. Swift, noting “he has left a permanent and enduring legacy for the young people of our region. His scholarship fund makes higher education more attainable for generations of students.”

The Scranton Area Community Foundation is a partner with the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) in their Partnership for Access to Higher Education (PATH) Program to offer qualifying students additional financial aid. Through PHEAA, these scholarship recipients may be eligible for additional dollars toward their tuition.

For more information on the James F. Swift Scholarship Fund at the Scranton Area Community Foundation, please contact Brittany Pagnotti, Communications Manager of the Scranton Area Community Foundation at 570-347-6203.

Geisinger’s 17th EMS Awards Reception Honors First Responders

Emergency medical services (EMS) providers and fellow first responders were recognized for service to their community recently during Geisinger’s EMS Provider of the Year Awards reception, which took place just before a Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders home game at PNC Field in Moosic.

The 17th installment of the awards ceremony was part of a larger reception honoring nearly 200 first responders and their family members. Dinner and tickets to the ballgame were provided for all participants.

“We’re here to honor the people who put themselves at risk every day to care for members of our community when they need it most,” said Ron Strony, M.D., chair of Geisinger’s Department of Emergency Medicine. “We thank them for all they do and for partnering with us to improve how we respond to emergencies.”

John Campos, executive vice president of Emergency Medical Services of Northeastern Pennsylvania, received the Jack Lasky Lifetime Achievement Award, which is named in honor of a now-retired Geisinger EMS coordinator who served his community for 44 years in various roles.

During his 55-year career, Campos worked in Indiana, Pa., and organized EMS training for the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Appalachian Commission in Kentucky. He’s worked for Emergency Medical Services for the last 45 years, leading service licensure, training certification, medical command authorization and incident management protocols, and he’s implemented multiple changes in state EMS regulations.

The two recipients of the James “Sox” Ruane Community Service Award were Kathryn Bommer, pre-hospital registered nurse and Geisinger Community Medical Center trauma education and injury prevention outreach coordinator, and Bennett Heyman, Geisinger EMS paramedic.

Bommer was honored for providing exceptional and optimal care, dedication to serving her local community and educating the next generation of first responders throughout her 45-year career.

Heyman was awarded for outstanding caring and skill, treating patients like members of his family, and his calm while tending to scared or combative patients.

And for their roles in responding to a May 24 fire and saving the life of a Scranton Fire Department captain who went into cardiac arrest during the call, 10 first responders received the Alice and Bob Walsh Heroism Award:

  • Bruce Beauvais, paramedic, Pennsylvania Ambulance
  • Shane Buschpics, private, Scranton Fire Department
  • Donald Chesek, chauffeur, Scranton Fire Department
  • John R. Davis, lieutenant, Scranton Fire Department
  • Martin Fallon, private, Scranton Fire Department
  • Amy Kadonoff, advanced emergency medical technician (AEMT), Pennsylvania Ambulance
  • Jim Ralston, paramedic, Taylor Fire Department
  • Dave Ross, paramedic, Clarks Summit Fire Department
  • Terry Smith, AEMT, Pennsylvania Ambulance
  • Maureen Slovenkai, fire police officer, Newton-Ransom Volunteer Fire Department

Nominees for the James “Sox” Ruane Community Service Award were:

  • Mark Blanchard,paramedic, Susquehanna Regional EMS,who always provides high-quality patient care; receives compliments from patients for his care, knowledge and skill; and is a remarkable asset to patients and families
  • Matt Carter, police officer, Archbald Police, for always being kind and willing to help someone in need and embodying the highest ideals of police service
  • The entire staff of Covington EMS for providing uninterrupted basic life support (BLS) service to the North Pocono region for two years through a combination of paid employees and unpaid volunteers
  • Adam Fensch, paramedic, Bloomsburg EMS, for always demonstrating kindness and compassion toward his patients and their families
  • Melanie Gerulsky, paramedic, Pennsylvania Ambulance, for creating and hosting Kids’ Day at Nay Aug Park to raise money for children’s services and build awareness of these services in the community
  • Clair Pete Manhart, EMT, Geisinger EMS and Bloomsburg Ambulance, for a long career of faithful service and always teaching that BLS saves lives and advanced life support (ALS) is the icing on the cake
  • Kristen Myers, EMT and business manager, Freeland Ambulance, Medic 41, for her tireless commitment to the community and her EMS colleagues, including bringing ALS services to the Freeland community and volunteering to provide EMS services at local youth sporting events
  • Stevie Spishock, paramedic, Americus and DH&L, for always demonstrating excellence and striving to improve herself and those around her
  • Edward Szafran, Kingston firefighter and chief of operations for Greater Pittston Regional Ambulance, for more than 20 years of providing outstanding service to his community as well as serving as a health technician for the National Disaster Medical System of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
  • Bill White, firefighter and EMT, Justus Volunteer Fire Company Ambulance, for 50 years of outstanding service, including serving as deputy fire chief, assistant fire chief, ambulance lieutenant, chief driver, ambulance captain, chief engineer, dive rescue captain and president

The Honesdale National Bank Promotes Staff Members

Thomas E. Sheridan Jr., President, and CEO of The Honesdale National Bank, announced Melissa Rushworth has been promoted to Assistant Vice President, Loan Officer.

In making the announcement, Sheridan stated, “I am pleased to promote Melissa to this new role as she grows personally and professionally here at HNB.” He continued, “With her dedication and longstanding record in the Forest City community, it is evident that her experience will lead to success in her new role.”

As AVP, Loan Officer, Rushworth will assist customers with direct and indirect consumer loans, mortgages, and home equity loans.

Rushworth started her banking career in 1998. She joined HNB in 2008 and has held various positions throughout her career including: Sales Associate, Teller, CSR, Branch Supervisor, Head Teller, Assistant Branch Manager, Branch Manager, Human Resource Assistant and now Loan Officer.

In commenting on her new position at HNB, Rushworth noted, “HNB has given me the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally. It really is like a second family.” She continued, “With the banking industry ever changing it’s comforting to know that we are committed to doing what’s best for our employees, customers and the communities we serve.”

Rushworth is from Mayfield, graduated from Lakeland Jr. Sr. High School, and has completed various continued learning opportunities through coursework through Pennsylvania Bankers Association, BAI, ICBA, and leadership seminars.

Outside of the bank, she is part of the Forest City Lions Club and loves spending time with family, going on vacations, camping, and gardening. She is an active supporter of all her children’s school and sporting events.

Furthermore, Thomas E. Sheridan Jr., President, and CEO of The Honesdale National Bank, has announced Kate Bryant has been promoted to Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

In making the announcement, Sheridan stated, “Kate continues to excel in her role and elevate the bank’s executive leadership team.” He continued, “Her contributions to maintaining HNB’s strength and stability and upholding shareholder value are the characteristics that will continue to drive us forward.” 

Bryant has served as the Bank’s CFO since 2016, through which she is responsible for managing the financial planning of the bank and helps direct its overall executive strategy across all departments. She had been previously promoted to Senior Vice President, CFO in 2020.

Bryant began her career in the financial industry in 1999, starting in the banking industry in 2003. She joined HNB in 2004 in the Accounting Department and has helped shepherd the development of accounting and Bank Security Act (BSA) functions.

In commenting on her time at the bank, Bryant noted, “HNB provides me with ongoing opportunities which support my overall professional growth and allows me to be an active participant in my community, for which I am very grateful.”

Bryant resides in Honesdale, Pa. and is a graduate of Honesdale High School. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Finance and Minor in Economics from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She later received her Master of Business Administration from Villanova University.

Outside of the bank, she enjoys spending time with friends and family.

The Honesdale National Bank, established in 1836, holds the distinction of being the area’s oldest independent community bank headquartered in Northeastern PA, with offices in Wayne, Pike, Susquehanna, Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties.  The Honesdale National Bank offers personal banking, business banking and wealth solutions.  For more information on HNB’s products and services, visit www.hnbbank.bank.

Marywood University Appoints new VP for Mission Services

Sister Mary Persico, IHM, Ed.D., president of Marywood University, Scranton, Pa., recently appointed Sister Rachel Terry, IHM, to the position of associate vice president for mission services. A member of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary of Scranton since 2004, she is an experienced educator and leader, with a strong background in faith formation, liturgical preparation, and personal spiritual development.

As associate vice president for missions services, Sister Rachel serves in the Office of Campus Ministry, working directly with students and with her colleagues to promote Marywood’s Catholic identity and affirm its significance as a central part of Marywood’s culture.

Prior to assuming this new leadership role, Sister Rachel served as an Adult Faith Formation Intern at Old St. Patrick’s Church in Chicago, Illinois. She also worked part-time in Marywood’s Office of Campus Ministry from 2019-2021. Before that, she served as a music educator at elementary schools in Pennsylvania and Maryland.

Swift Kennedy Hires Chris Young

Swift Kennedy is pleased to announce the hiring of Chris Young as our Small Business Insurance Solutions Representative. Chris comes to Swift Kennedy with 12 years in the banking industry working with small businesses. He is passionate about ensuring that the needs of small businesses are met when they are offering group employee benefits & HR services. Chris will be responsible for the Mid-Atlantic region sales and services for Swift Kennedy’s Small Business Insurance Services Program.

Small Businesses’ insurance needs have often been under-served when it comes to group employee benefits. Swift Kennedy has created a benefits platform to give clients more services and access to programs that help attract and retain employees, as well as provide much-needed guidance and service for day-to-day insurance and HR needs. President & CEO, Jerry Calistri, says the addition of an SBIS department will give clients and prospective clients the resources they need to help better run their businesses. Often groups in the 2-20 employee market don’t have a dedicated HR or benefits staff member to administer these programs. Much of this is due to costs, but simply not having a staff member who understands the market, has time to educate staff, answers questions, and negotiates renewals is costing business owners much more in the long run. Our Small Business Insurance Solutions department addresses these issues for business owners. Chris has the right mindset and understanding to fully help small businesses enjoy a better benefits experience!

FNCB Bank Donates to Vocational Training Programs at Allied Services

FNCB Bank announced its support for Allied Services with a $5,000 donation to the Vocational Services Division. FNCB served as a co-presenting sponsor of the Allied Services 2023 Vocational Services Golf Classic. The charity tournament was held Monday, July 24, 2023, at Glenmaura National Golf Club in Moosic, Pa.  

Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the annual tournament benefits individuals with disabilities participating in training and employment programs provided by the non-profit health system. Allied Services Vocational Services Division serves over 500 individuals with disabilities each year. Individuals with disabilities enrolled in the program receive specialized training, development of work-related skills, and supervision and guidance in the workplace as needed. The goal of the program is to support and empower individuals with disabilities as members of the workforce.     

Jewish Family Service of NEPA Receives Grant

Jewish Family Service of Northeastern Pennsylvania was one of the recent recipients of a grant from the Robert H. Spitz Foundation for the 2022 grant cycle.  The grant in the amount of $10,000 will assist with General Operating Support for the organization.  Grants from the Robert H. Spitz Foundation are administered by the Scranton Area Community Foundation.  

Pictured in photo from left to right: Sheila Nudelman Abdo, ACSW, LCSW, JFS Executive Director; Atty. Jack Nogi, Robert H. Spitz Foundation Trustee; Marguerite Bushwick, LCSW, NCG, JFS Social Worker.

Established in 1915, Jewish Family Service is a human service organization, which reflects the Jewish tradition of caring and compassion for all people in need.  Through professional counseling, advocacy, and educational programming, our services seek to enhance and strengthen the quality of individual, family, and community life.  It is this agency’s mission that drives all services and activities of Jewish Family Service.

The Scranton Area Community Foundation has been working to enhance the quality of life for people across the Northeastern Pennsylvania region over the past 66 years, serving the community as a steward, a grantmaker, a charitable resource, and a catalyst for change and growth. The Scranton Area Community Foundation is a public 501c3 community foundation with assets of more than $50 million and more than 215 charitable funds. More information about the Scranton Area Community Foundation can be found at www.safdn.org.

Doctor Joins The Wright Center

The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education have named Dr. Richard Weinberger as deputy director for Allied and John Heinz Services and core faculty for the Internal Medicine and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Residency programs.

He will oversee the development and execution of strategies to enhance The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s programs at Allied and John Heinz as deputy director. He will also assist the designated institutional official in assessing, implementing, and developing new graduate medical education programs and will serve on the Graduate Medical Education Committee.

In addition, Dr. Weinberger will serve as a core faculty member of the Internal Medicine and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Residency programs. In that role, he will treat patients and supervise resident physicians, medical students, and interprofessional health learners at The Wright Center for Community Health and Allied and John Heinz clinical learning environments. He will also see patients at The Wright Center for Community Health Mid Valley Practice in Jermyn.

Dr. Weinberger is board certified in internal medicine and geriatric medicine and a fellow of both the American College of Physicians and American College of Osteopathic Internists. He has a long history with The Wright Center. After graduating from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, he completed his internal medicine residency at the Scranton-Temple Residency program, the precursor to The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education. For decades, he has worked in private practices in Lackawanna County, most recently with Horizon Medical Corp.

For more information about the locations and services provided by The Wright Center for Community Health, go to TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-230-0019. Call 570.866-3017 or email GMErecruitment@TheWrightCenter.org for more information about The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education.

Penn Foster Group Plans Largest Graduation Ceremony

Penn Foster Group, a leading provider of digital learning solutions for high demand skills and jobs, will celebrate its largest-ever group of high school and career program graduates at its 2023 commencement ceremony on Saturday, July 29, 2023. This graduation ceremony will honor graduates from the past three years who have not had the opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments in person due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Held at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Wilkes-Barre Township, PA, this year’s commencement will honor more than 1,200 graduates—some who have traveled from as far as Iceland and the United Arab Emirates for the event—and will be witnessed by an estimated 4,000+ family members and supporters. Penn Foster Group’s largest-yet commencement will feature a number of special speakers and presenters, a live band, and a ton of energy.

“Even though distance learning is an individualized journey, I am certain we all went through very similar, if not the same, emotional rollercoasters of getting the work done to get to this point. Being able to share the stage with these folks makes it even more special,” said Garrik Haynes, Ashworth College Graduate of the Year.

Following opening remarks from Dr. Andrew Shean, Chief Learning Officer of Penn Foster Group, Dr. Tom Stewart, Vice Chancellor for Social Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at National University System, will serve as the commencement keynote speaker. With over 30 years of experience in education and criminal justice reform, innovation, and transformation, Dr. Stewart has devoted his career to providing development opportunities for underserved and underrepresented individuals and communities.

This year’s graduation is also the first big milestone under the new Penn Foster Group name unveiled in April, marking the next phase of its 130+ year history. By bringing together its online education and career training brands, this celebration symbolizes a momentous step forward in Penn Foster’s unwavering commitment to nurturing vital skills for the future workforce.

“This year’s graduation is so much more than a celebration—it’s a symbol of overcoming obstacles, defying odds, and unity,” said Stacy Caldwell, General Manager, High School and Career of Penn Foster Group. “Despite the challenges many of our students have faced on their journeys to graduation, they persevered to finish what they started. We are so proud to recognize our incredible students for the first time under the Penn Foster Group name.