Pennsylvania American Water Promotes Water Saving Tips Pennsylvania American Water is joining the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to promote water conservation and help provide savings to customers.Small drips from faucets and often-overlooked toilet tank leaks can add up quickly. Helping homeowners fix the drips to save money and water is the goal of the annual “Fix a Leak Week,” running March 20-26. Fix a Leak Week is a national campaign that helps raise awareness about leaks and other water issues that contribute to water waste within homes. “Customers might barely notice a small drip at their faucet, but at the rate of one drip per second, it can waste more than 3,000 gallons a year — enough for more than 180 showers,” said Pennsylvania American Water Vice President of Operations Jim Runzer. “Fortunately, most common leaks are easily detectable and correctable, which not only makes you a more environmentally conscious consumer, but also saves money on your monthly water and sewer bill.” According to the EPA, the average residence in the U.S. loses 10,000 gallons of water per year from seemingly minor leaks. With more than 110 million households in the U.S., this equates to more than one trillion gallons of water lost every year due to leaks in the home. Moreover, it is estimated that the average homeowner can reduce his or her water bills by 10 percent simply by addressing leaks. Runzer added, “As a water utility, we work every day to practice what we preach, which is why we invest millions in our pipes each year to reduce system leaks.” Pennsylvania American Water is committed to fixing leaks in its underground network of pipes by constantly replacing and upgrading its infrastructure. Over the past five years, the company has funded more than $2 billion in system upgrades and plans to invest $450 to $600 million annually over the next several years to continue providing safe, clean, reliable, and affordable water and wastewater services to customers. To assist customers with at-home leak repairs and prevention, Pennsylvania American Water has helpful information including tips on finding and fixing common, and some not-so-common, indoor and outdoor water leaks along with downloadable leak detection kits, available in English and Spanish, through the company’s leak detection webpage. Pennsylvania American Water also offers these starter tips for detecting leaks: Regularly check your toilet, faucets, and pipes for leaks. If you find a leak, have it fixed as soon as possible.Reduce faucet leaks by checking faucet washers and gaskets for wear and replace them.Leaky toilets are most often the result of a worn toilet flapper. Replacing the rubber flapper is a quick fix that could save a home up to 200 gallons of water per day.For a leaky garden hose, replace the nylon or rubber hose washer and ensure a tight connection to the spigot using pipe tape and a wrench.Tighten connections on your showerheads if drips appear when the shower is off.Check your garden and lawn irrigation system for leaks.Consider installing water and energy-efficient appliances. The EPA reports that certified Energy Star washing machines use up to 35 percent less water per load. Water-saving shower heads, toilets and faucet aerators also help cut your water usage.
The Wright Center Names Christen Marante as Associate Vice President Christen Marante, BSN, RN, of Roaring Brook Township, has been hired as associate vice president of the Value-Based Performance Program at The Wright Center for Community Health. As a key member of the nonprofit enterprise’s Finance Department, Marante will focus on developing and maintaining excellent relations with payors, including commercial insurance carriers. This responsibility includes implementing pricing strategies and communicating payor participant requirements to The Wright Center’s clinicians and other stakeholders. Marante had previously worked at The Wright Center from 2019-21 as its Luzerne County practice manager. “We are delighted Christen will rejoin our organization and help us in an executive leadership role,” said Ron Daniels, chief financial officer of The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education. “One area in which she will especially focus her attention is assisting in planning and rolling out alternative payment model strategies to strengthen our value proposition.” In 2022, Marante earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Penn State University. She is completing a master’s degree program in nurse executive leadership from Illinois-based Chamberlain University. Marante most recently worked as a nursing house supervisor for Commonwealth Health’s Moses Taylor Hospital and its Regional Hospital of Scranton. She assisted in directing day-to-day administrative and operational functions for the two hospitals’ 286-bed campus, providing guidance to more than 250 employees. In her early career, Marante devoted five years to clinical work, including a stint as a charge nurse in the pediatric intensive care unit of The Children’s Hospital at Palms West in Royal Palm Beach, Florida. Since 2015, she has been president and owner/manager of Pristine Contours LLC, an aesthetic medical spa with locations in Greenacres, Florida, and the Shoppes at Montage in Moosic. For more information about The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education, go to TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-230-0019
Pennsylvania Treasurer News Treasurer Stacy Garrity Wants to Make Sunday’s Big Game Even More Super for Pennsylvanians with Unclaimed Property To celebrate the Philadelphia Eagles earning a spot in Sunday’s big game, Treasurer Stacy Garrity said today that more than $35.3 million is owed to 282,595 Pennsylvanians and Philadelphia sports fans alike with a name or business name that includes the words Jalen, Hurts, Jason, Kelce, Haason, Reddick, DeVonta, Smith, Eagles, Fly, Super, or Bowl. “I’m one of the millions of fans rooting for the Eagles to win on Sunday – and I’m also rooting for Pennsylvanians to claim property that rightfully belongs to them,” Garrity said. “One of my top priorities as Pennsylvania’s Treasurer is to help the residents of our great state score touchdown after touchdown when it comes to unclaimed property. I encourage everyone to search for unclaimed property this weekend. It can be done so fast online that you won’t even miss the commercials!” Unclaimed property includes things like dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, forgotten stocks, insurance policies, tangible property like the contents of abandoned safe deposit boxes, and more. State law requires businesses to report unclaimed property to Treasury after three years of dormancy. Last year, Treasury returned more than $211 million to Pennsylvanians, the most returned in a calendar year since 2018 – also the last time the Eagles brought home the Lombardi Trophy. In total, Treasury is currently seeking the owners of more than $4 billion in unclaimed property. One in ten Pennsylvanians is owed unclaimed property, and the average value of a claim is $1,600. To learn more about unclaimed property or to search Treasury’s database, visit patreasury.gov/unclaimed-property. Media Contact:Samantha Heckel, Press Secretary, 717-418-0206 or sheckel@patreasury.gov Treasurer Stacy Garrity Announces Return of More Than $60,000 in Unclaimed Property to Lackawanna County Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity and Lackawanna County officials announced today that more than $60,000 in unclaimed property has been returned to Lackawanna County. “It’s exciting to get this money back where it belongs – to benefit the residents of Lackawanna County,” Treasurer Garrity said. “As long as I serve as Pennsylvania’s treasurer, I will work with our team to return property to its rightful owners, no matter how long it has been unclaimed – and regardless of whether it’s valued at a few dollars or thousands of dollars. I encourage everyone to search our online database to see if they, their loved ones or their government or business entity may be owed some of the more than $4 billion in unclaimed property safeguarded by Treasury.” “The Lackawanna County Controller’s Office appreciates the assistance of Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity and her staff in facilitating the process of returning $60,436.61 of unclaimed property back to Lackawanna County where it will now benefit county taxpayers,” Lackawanna County Controller Gary DiBileo said. “In times like this, every dollar counts,” Lackawanna County Commissioner Chris Chermak said. “Having this unclaimed property returned to our county is great news for taxpayers, and I will work to ensure that it’s put to good use. I thank Treasurer Garrity and her team for working with Lackawanna County to get this money back where it belongs – and I encourage everyone to search and see if there’s any unclaimed property waiting for you.” The $60,436.61 returned to Lackawanna County included 111 individual properties ranging in value from $0.01 to $21,151.89. The oldest property dates back to 1985, while the most recent is from 2019. Properties returned include accounts payable checks, claims payments checks, cashier’s checks, court deposits, and other forms of unclaimed property. How the funds are spent will be determined by county officials. Treasurer Garrity has returned nearly $7 million to 43 local governments, including counties and municipalities, since taking office. Treasury is working to return more than $4 billion in unclaimed property to its rightful owners. About one in ten Pennsylvanians is owed unclaimed property, and the average claim is worth nearly $1,600. Unclaimed property can include dormant bank accounts, claims payments, accounts payable, uncashed checks, insurance policies, contents of forgotten safe deposit boxes and more. State law requires businesses to report unclaimed property to Treasury after three years of dormancy. To learn more about unclaimed property or to search Treasury’s database, visit patreasury.gov/unclaimed-property. Media contact: Samantha Heckel, Press Secretary (Treasury), 717-418-0206 or sheckel@patreasury.gov Gary DiBieleo, Controller (Lackawanna County), 570-963-6726 or dibileog@lackawannacounty.org Treasury Announces Transition to New Unemployment Compensation Prepaid Debit Card Provider The Pennsylvania Treasury Department today announced the beginning of a transition period to a new prepaid debit card provider for Unemployment Compensation (UC) and State Workers’ Insurance Fund (SWIF) claimants. Claimants of both programs are strongly encouraged to verify that they have their correct mailing address on file with the Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) to ensure all mailings reach them in a timely manner. Claimants can also change their payment method to direct deposit by visiting L&I’s website. Money Network prepaid debit cards, issued by My Banking Direct, will replace U.S. Bank ReliaCards® currently in use. Beginning on or about March 6, 2023, the Money Network prepaid debit cards will be mailed to UC/SWIF recipients who receive benefit payments via prepaid debit card. The new card will arrive in a plain white envelope with an Omaha, Nebraska, return address. Recipients should be sure to remove the card before discarding this envelope. Here are images of the new Money Network prepaid debit card (left) and the U.S. Bank ReliaCard® (right): Here’s the anticipated timeline of the transition to Money Network prepaid debit cards: Starting February 17, 2023: New UC/SWIF claimants who request payment by prepaid debit card will be enrolled with Money Network. February 17, 2023, through approximately March 20, 2023: Anyone filing a claim during this timeframe will likely receive one or more benefit payments via check issued by the Pennsylvania Treasury Department and mailed to the address on record with L&I. February 28, 2023: The last day UC/SWIF benefit payments will be loaded to ReliaCards. March 1, 2023, through March 23, 2023: Anyone who received benefit payments via a ReliaCard prior to March 1, 2023, will receive payments during this period via check issued by the Pennsylvania Treasury Department and mailed to the address on record with L&I. Beginning March 6, 2023: Money Network prepaid debit cards will be sent via U.S. mail to UC/SWIF claimants who request payment by prepaid debit card. Beginning March 24, 2023: All UC benefit payments made via prepaid debit card will be loaded onto Money Network prepaid debit cards. Claimants should note that any remaining balances on U.S. Bank ReliaCards® will not transfer to the new Money Network prepaid debit cards. Those with remaining funds on U.S. Bank ReliaCards® should continue to use the card until it reaches a zero ($0.00) balance. Remaining funds can also be transferred to a personal savings or checking account. While the number of people affected by this change will vary depending on the number of claims, approximately 47,000 claimants statewide will receive Money Network prepaid debit cards by the end of March. Nearly all of those will be recipients of UC benefits; the number of SWIF benefit recipients affected by the change is estimated to be fewer than 20. Treasury makes no determinations regarding UC and SWIF eligibility or benefit payment amounts. All questions regarding program eligibility and payment amounts should be directed to L&I. For more information on the transition to new Money Network prepaid debit cards visit Treasury’s webpage about the transition, Treasury’s FAQ, and L&I’s UC website. In 2022, as Treasury’s contract with U.S. Bank for the ReliaCard was coming to an end, Money Network was selected as the successful bidder to provide debit card services to the UC program following an extensive and open competitive procurement process. Money Network Financial, LLC, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fiserv, headquartered in Brookfield, Wisconsin. The Money Network prepaid debit card is issued by My Banking Direct, a service of New York Community Bank. Claimants with questions can email UCDtreasuryweb@patreasury.gov or call 877-869-1956. Media contact: Samantha Heckel, Press Secretary, 717-418-0206 or sheckel@patreasury.gov
Representative Karen Boback News Boback Announces District Office Changes Rep. Karen Boback (R-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Wyoming) today announced that her district office in Dallas only has limited services available at this time, as it is scheduled to permanently close on Wednesday, Nov. 30, due to redistricting. The district office staff can no longer be reached by telephone or email. However, residents are still able to stop by the office, located at 105 Lt. Michael Cleary Drive, for assistance with any state government-related issue until the closure date. Meanwhile, Boback’s district office in Tunkhannock remains fully operational. The phone number there is 570-836-4777. Located at 133 W. Tioga St., Suite 4, the office will remain open after Nov. 30 under Rep. Tina Pickett (R-Bradford/Sullivan/Susquehanna), who will serve the newly created 110th Legislative District, which includes Wyoming County. Boback Takes Part in Signing Ceremony for Her Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day Legislation Rep. Karen Boback (R-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Wyoming), majority chairman of the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, on Tuesday took part in a ceremonial bill signing with Gov. Tom Wolf for legislation she sponsored to designate March 29 of each year as “Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day” in Pennsylvania (Act 138 of 2022). Three members of the Tuskegee Airmen were also in attendance, including (seated from left): Dr. Eugene Richardson Jr., fighter pilot; Alma Bailey, cadet nurse; and Nathan Thomas, operations. The Tuskegee Airmen was the first group of African-American military aviators and served during World War II. They were known for fighting with exemplary courage and distinction despite facing racial adversity. Nearly 100 Tuskegee Airmen are originally from western Pennsylvania.
The Wright Center News Wright Center Names Dr. Shah as Medical Director of Behavioral Health, Associate Program Director, and Physician Faculty A board-certified psychiatrist with more than 35 years of experience at clinical sites in Northeast Pennsylvania has joined The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education where she will train and educate the next generation of psychiatrists and provide behavioral health services to adult patients. A graduate of M.P. Shah Government Medical College in India, Dr. Jyoti R. Shah is an American Psychiatric Association Distinguished Life Fellow. She completed a psychiatry residency, including a rotation in neurology, at St. Vincent’s Hospital and Medical Center in New York. She will provide patient care, and education and administrative leadership as the medical director of The Wright Center for Community Health Behavioral Health Service Line. She will begin seeing patients ages 18 and above at the Scranton Practice, 501 S. Washington Ave., Scranton, on Nov. 1. In addition, she will serve the nonprofit enterprise as a psychiatric physician faculty member and as the associate program director of the Psychiatry Residency. Shah will provide administrative and clinical oversight of the educational program, ensuring high-quality patient care, teaching and supervision of resident physicians. Overall, more than 250 resident physicians are enrolled in The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s five residency and three fellowship programs. For the past two years, Shah has served as the medical director of Behavioral Health Services at Commonwealth Health First Hospital in Kingston after being the assistant medical director for nine years. She began her professional career in the local health care system at the VA Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre as a staff psychiatrist, before assuming the roles of acting chief and chief of the psychiatric service line for 20 years. Shah is also active in her profession and community. She is a member of the American Psychiatric Association, and served as vice chairperson and chairperson of the National Alliance for Mentally Ill Keystone Pennsylvania chapter and president of the Pennsylvania Psychiatry Society. At King’s College in Wilkes-Barre and Penn State School of Health and Sciences in Williamsport, she held academic appointments in clinical medicine. Patients can schedule appointments for behavioral health services by directly calling the primary care practice. To find a convenient location, go to The Wright Center’s website at TheWrightCenter.org. To learn more about The Wright Center’s mission and integrated health care services, call 570-230-0019. Wright Center Employee Receives Apex Honor for Customer Service Excellence The Pennsylvania Association of Community Health Centers has presented Kari Machelli, R.N., the associate vice president of Integrated Primary Health Services at The Wright Center for Community Healthy, with the Awards for Primary Care Excellence (APEX) in recognition of her stellar customer service. An APEX represents the pinnacle of service, quality, innovation and achievement in primary health care. The association bestows its awards in 10 categories to recognize the outstanding efforts of dedicated individuals and teams who work or volunteer for Pennsylvania’s community health centers. Machelli received the award at the Pennsylvania Association of Community Health Centers Annual Conference and Clinical Summit in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. “Kari Machelli ranks as one of the most competent and patient- and family-centered nurses I have ever encountered,” says Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak, president and CEO of The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education. “She is most deserving of the APEX Customer Service Award, and our organization is privileged to have her on our team. My career continues to be tremendously enriched by the honor of working with Kari.” In her executive leadership role, Machelli oversees the nurse care managers and community health workers across the organization who provide medical and socioeconomic support services for patients. She also supervises and supports the case managers and certified recovery specialists within The Wright Center’s Opioid Use Disorder Center of Excellence. A resident of Blakely, Machelli began her career at The Wright Center as an R.N. care manager and has been with the organization for more than 20 years. She earned her nursing degree from The Pennsylvania State University and remains passionately committed to providing high-quality, compassionate, whole-person care to each of her patients and their families. She and her husband, Anthony, have two daughters, Mia and Gianna. Patients can schedule appointments at the most convenient location in Northeast Pennsylvania by using the express online scheduling service at TheWrightCenter.org. To learn more about The Wright Center’s mission and integrated health care services, call 570-230-0019 or visit TheWrightCenter.org.
Treasurer Stacy Garrity News Treasurer Stacy Garrity Elected Chair of National ABLE Savings Plan Network Treasurer Stacy Garrity has been elected as the inaugural Chair of the new ABLE Savings Plan Network (ASPN), a group formed by the National Association of State Treasurers. ABLE programs allow Americans with disabilities to save tax-free without affecting their eligibility for means-tested government benefits. “ABLE accounts help Americans with disabilities live more independently and enjoy better financial security,” Treasurer Garrity said. “I’m honored to lead this new organization to advance the reach of ABLE programs. We’re all dedicated to making sure these programs are accessible and affordable, and I will be a tireless advocate to ensure our ABLE programs are successful and continue to grow and help more Americans.” The Stephen Beck Jr. Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act, passed in 2014, allowing states to create ABLE programs. It was sponsored by U.S. Senator Bob Casey of Pennsylvania. “ABLE programs help Americans with disabilities save for the future and work towards financial security. I can fortunately say that these programs are benefiting Pennsylvanians every day, helping them lead independent lives,” said Senator Casey. “Treasurer Garrity is knowledgeable and well-qualified for this position. I have faith that she will work to ensure the accessibility of these programs to Pennsylvanians with disabilities.” ASPN will provide strategic leadership on advancing ABLE accounts by monitoring federal actions, including any legislative or regulatory changes, that impact state ABLE plans, developing strategies to improve ABLE plans at the federal level, and analyzing best practices for those with an eligible disability who want to save and invest for a better life, achieve financial empowerment, and prepare for a more independent future. Treasurer Stacy Garrity Announces Third Consecutive Morningstar Silver Rating for PA 529 Investment Plan Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced today that the PA 529 College and Career Savings Program Investment Plan (IP) received a Morningstar Silver Rating for the third consecutive year. The honor comes as part of Morningstar’s review of the top 529 education savings plans of 2022, and designates the PA 529 IP as a best-in-class plan nationwide. “I’m very pleased that Morningstar has again affirmed the quality of our PA 529 Investment Plan,” Garrity said. “Saving for education can seem daunting, but the first step is the most important. Opening a PA 529 account is a simple way for families to help give their children a brighter future.” Morningstar specifically recognized the PA 529 IP as “a straightforward and low-cost offering that is overseen by a capable steward” and praised the Pennsylvania Treasury Department for its “team-based approach and demonstrated ability to effectively oversee the program.”
The University of Scranton News Scranton Professor Among Those Interviewed by BBC World News A team from BBC World News broadcasted live reports on the upcoming U.S. election from the balcony of the Rose Room of Brennan Hall on the campus of The University of Scranton. Scranton alumnus Ted Tait ’86, chief engineer for BBC, Washington, D.C., Bureau, was among the BBC team who broadcasted live reports and interviews about the election throughout the day on Oct. 31. University of Scranton Political Science Professor Jean Harris, Ph.D., was among those interviewed by BBC World News America anchor Laura Trevelyan during the broadcast. University of Scranton students Alexander Nunez, Hackettstown, New Jersey, and Kelly Nee, Hopatcong, New Jersey, both journalism and electronic media majors, served as student ambassadors during the visit. Nee also serves as editor of The Aquinas, Scranton’s student newspaper. The University’s Public Relations Intern, Edward Fargis, an English major from Ho Ho Kus, New Jersey, was also on hand. Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president of the University, visited the BBC team during a break in the broadcast. All-One Grant Supports Physical Therapy for Vulnerable Populations AllOne Charities has awarded a $25,000 grant to The University of Scranton to support free physical therapy services offered by Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students to vulnerable populations in the region. The University’s Physical Therapy Community-Based Outreach Program seeks to improve women’s health access in the refugee community. This is done through evidence-based preventive health education, risk assessment for disease, and health promotion wellness services, particularly for those who are unlikely to access the University’s free, campus-based Physical Therapy Clinic. The grant will support the equipment and supplies, translation services and transportation needed for DPT students to conduct faculty-supervised physical therapy and health education clinics for uninsured and underinsured members of our community, particularly refugee or resettled women and families, in their own neighborhoods or community spaces. The Physical Therapy Community-Based Outreach Program will focus on: reducing maternal mortality and morbidity; improving cognitive, mental and physical health outcomes; and preventing chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease among our region’s vulnerable populations. The University of Scranton NEPA Nonprofits Benefiting from Leadership Program The University of Scranton’s Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program seeks to develop future executives who will serve at Northeast Pennsylvania nonprofit institutions. Since beginning in 2017, 47 participants, representing 40 separate regional nonprofit organizations, have graduated from the program. “The Nonprofit Leadership Certificate is a unique credential that can help graduates advance to executive leadership positions at nonprofit organizations,” said Ryanne Jennings, president and CEO of the Wayne County Community Foundation and a Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program graduate. “The coursework in not hypothetical. Participants can apply concepts learned in class immediately. That is very powerful and inspiring. The experience in this program was well worth the investment.” “The courses were very thorough in educating participants in all the aspects involved in managing a nonprofit, from financial best-practices to board cultivation and grant writing and everything in between. The program provided a depth of knowledge that was extremely beneficial to me and the other students,” said Ron Prislupski, president of NativityMiguel School of Scranton and graduate of the Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program. Prislupski and Jennings valued greatly the colleagues and mentors they met through the program. “I moved here from Philadelphia,” said Jennings. “The program allowed me learn about the landscape of fundraising in NEPA and to develop a cohort of peers locally who have been a great source for discussing challenges and successes. They have served as sounding boards for ideas and as professional references.” “The instructors are absolutely wonderful and, three years later, I still keep in touch with them on a regular basis,” said Prislupski. “Also, the 15 members of my cohort share the same career paths. Through this program, you connect with individuals who have their hearts in the nonprofit sector.” The certificate program combines a rigorous academic component taught by Kania School of Management faculty with expertise in nonprofit organizations, a mentorship and experiential learning. The program includes capstone project that requires participants to form a comprehensive plan to solve a current issue faced by the nonprofit organization they represent. “My project was to create an annual fundraising plan, which, subsequently, I also developed and implemented at NativityMiguel,” said Prislupski. “What I learned in the program, specifically through the capstone project, has helped a local nonprofit organization develop a stabilized financial plan.” The University of Scranton is accepting applications for the Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program for the 2022-2023 academic year. The deadline to apply is Nov. 11 for classes that begin in January 2023.
Marywood University News Marywood Graphic Design Student Among Winners in Poster Competition Marywood University student Danaé Drews, a junior graphic design major, is a winner in the international poster design competition, Typography Day, hosted by the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, India. Her work, selected from over 500 international entries, also will appear in a poster book. The winners are entitled to free participation during the online Typography Conference and Workshop, November 18-19, 2022, hosted by IDC School of Design (IDC), Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) with support from India Design Association (InDeAs ) and Aksharaya. The winning entries will be published and displayed in an exhibition during the event. To view all winning entries from the 2022 Typography Day poster design competition, visit https://typoday.in/poster_result-22.html. Marywood Associate Professor Publishes Research Patrick Seffrin, Ph.D., associate professor of social science, along with his graduate research assistant, Joseph Teeple, recently had an article, titled “Making Drug Use Dangerous for Black Men: Race, Drugs, Violence, and Criminal Justice,” accepted for publication in the journal, Race and Justice. Dr. Seffrin teaches courses in the areas of sociology, criminology, and criminal justice at Marywood University. This study examined links between drug use, violence, and criminal justice involvement among Black and White men. Differential treatment under the law has historically been the case for African Americans. According to the article abstract, “This study theorized that the War on Drugs, which was waged disproportionately in majority Black communities, had the unintended effect of making drug use riskier for Black men by limiting the supply of drugs to high-risk populations who commit far more serious and violent criminal offenses.” The study revealed that drug use was found to be less prevalent, overall, for Black men, but its association with violence was greater for Black men than White men. Differential legal treatment for violence and drugs was found to be greater for Black men than White men and had diminishing returns for deterring violence and negative returns for drugs by predicting greater use. Accounting for differential legal treatment did not significantly reduce predicted racial disparities in violence or drug use, and implications of these findings are discussed in the study.
The Dime Bank News Enter Our Drawings for Your Chance to Win! Supporting local businesses is important to The Dime Bank. A strong community builds a better place to live and work for all. That is why we are running two New Digs Drawings for a chance to win one of 20 gift cards to a local business at each of our newest branches: Steamtown at 300 Lackawanna Avenue, Scranton, in the Marketplace at Steamtown and Indian Orchard at 1055 Palmyra Highway, Honesdale. Stop by both locations and enter our drawings!! We expanded to bring greater banking convenience to your neighborhood. Our seven other branch locations throughout Wayne, Pike, and Lackawanna counties remain open and are here to serve you. Additionally, you can bank online for both your personal and business accounts. You can also open accounts online at your convenience. The Dime Bank is here to bring you better banking, in person and online! Official Rules Do you have friends or family in or around Scranton, PA? Make sure you share the news with them and encourage them to visit our new branch at The Marketplace at Steamtown at 300 Lackawanna Avenue, right next to Starbucks. The Dime Bank is committed to providing you with the ultimate customer experience and we will be equally committed to your friends and family. We will be proud to be their bank of choice too. Checking Accounts Should be Easy! And it is! The Dime Bank EZ Checking account is easy to maintain with: No account balance or usage requirements to trackUnlimited check writing and depositsEasy record keeping with free electronic statements Just a simple checking account with lots of perks like a free debit card and many online and mobile banking services. Need a financial consultation? It’s free with this account. And the best part is you can open your EZ Checking account online. Open your new EZ Checking account today, we love making it easy for you. APPLY NOW Online Banking Tips & Tricks – Transactions Did you ever have to scroll through your transactions in search for a specific item? Well, our online banking tools make it easy to search for specific check numbers, amounts, merchants, and more, without the endless scrolling! Explore & Learn Access your accounts on your time. Enjoy the ultimate online banking experience with digital banking at your fingertips! Sweepstakes Winners Congratulations to the winners of the Mastercard® and Jack Henry & Associates, Inc. Summer 2022 Priceless Surprises Sweepstakes! Cassidy Rae Eckes Nicole D Syfor Sandra M Quick Dimeco, Inc. News Dimeco, Inc. (OTCQX: DIMC), the parent holding company of The Dime Bank, announced earnings for the period ending September 30, 2022. President & Chief Executive Officer Pete Bochnovich stated, “I am happy to present the financial results of Dimeco, Inc as of September 30, 2022. The results are solid, and performance is in line with management’s expectations. I am excited to report that The Dime Bank opened two new branches in the third quarter, one in Scranton and one in Honesdale. Both locations have been well received and are designed to provide better service to our customers through our universal banker model with enhanced technology. We are eager to assist new and existing customers and thank all for their continued support.” The Dime Bank News Earlier this year, The Dime Bank donated $10,000.00 to NeighborWorks Northeastern PA via the Neighborhood Assistance Program. NeighborWorks rejuvenates neighborhoods and creates opportunities for individuals and families to improve their lives through quality housing and financial guidance. This donation supports the 2022 Carbondale Beautiful Blocks Program. “We are excited to partner with NeighborWorks to not only improve the appearance of neighborhoods but to build community connections between neighbors as they work together through this program” stated The Dime Bank Vice President of Marketing Deborah Unflat. Continue Reading Employees’ Fundraising Efforts The Dime Bank employees wore jeans on October 14th to raise money for the Wayne County Children’s Christmas Bureau (WCCCB). WCCCB operates solely on donations and the funds collected will be used to purchase Christmas gifts for families in need and every child helped is from Wayne County. Visit them at wcccb.org* for more information. The Dime Bank employees wore jeans on September 16th to support Zipper Junction Toy Drive* & Toys for Tots*. Our branches collected new, unwrapped toys for children ages infant to 18. We are proud to take part in this effort of helping families in need during the upcoming holiday season. November 2022 Sponsorships Project Morry, Wayne Area Sports Hall of Fame, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Wayne County Historical Society, Dunmore Biddy Basketball, Greater Carbondale Miss C Softball League, Grover M Herman Hospital Auxiliary, Hawley Fire Department, Texas No 4 Fire Company. More information on the above events/organizations.Brightening the Outlook for Retired Veterans The Dime Bank is proud to provide support for local retired Veterans through programs provided by Senior Crime Prevention Foundation®. We are excited to be a part of the nationwide banking initiative to operate programs in Veterans Homes across America that help protect veterans from financial and physical abuse. This is one of the many ways we give back to the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much. Join us this Veterans Day, and every day, as we honor them for their service.
Representative Karen Boback News Boback’s Bill Commemorating Tuskegee Airmen Needs Governor’s Signature to Become Law A bill sponsored by Rep. Karen Boback (R-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Wyoming) that would designate March 29 of each year as “Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day” in Pennsylvania passed unanimously in the Senate last week. House Bill 2586 now awaits the governor’s signature to become law. “Nearly 100 Tuskegee Airmen came from western Pennsylvania, more than any other region in the nation,” Boback said. “It is important that we both remember and honor this group of outstanding state residents who put their lives on the line for our nation and Commonwealth, all while in the face of racial adversity.” The Tuskegee Airmen were the first group of African-American military aviators, fighting with exemplary courage and distinction during World War II. Despite facing rigid racial barriers and constant segregation, these airmen were among the most accomplished and effective pilots of the entire war. Upwards of 900 pilots who graduated from Tuskegee Airfield flew 1,578 missions and 15,533 sorties, destroying 261 enemy aircraft and earning themselves more than 850 medals, collectively. The bill also would require an annual proclamation from the governor encouraging all public schools and educational institutions to observe and conduct exercises recognizing the Tuskegee Airmen and their sacrifices. The governor has 10 days to sign, veto or allow the bills to become law without his signature. If signed, the new law would take effect in 60 days. Boback’s Bill to Assist Older Foster Youth Awaits Governor’s Signature After Senate Approval – A bill sponsored by Rep. Karen Boback (R-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Wyoming) aimed at helping older foster youth in Pennsylvania find more permanent family connections passed unanimously in the Senate on Wednesday. House Bill 1866 now awaits the governor’s signature to become law. “It is imperative that we do all we can to help foster youth in Pennsylvania find a permanent family before reaching adulthood and, if that doesn’t happen, to ensure they at least have positive family and community connections,” said Boback. “My bill helps these young people to make the often difficult transition into adulthood with a support system in place. I am so pleased we were able to get it across the finish line before the end of the current legislative session.” House Bill 1866 builds on existing state requirements that foster youth receive counseling and other services as they grow older, including the identification of family members who may be willing to assume a primary caretaker or other supportive role. The measure also ensures those requirements are fully and effectively implemented. If signed, the new law would take effect in 60 days.
