Reminder: Scranton Payroll Tax Third Quarter Due November 30 Businesses Reminded that the Deadline for Submitting the 2024 Third Quarter Payroll Preparation Tax Return is November 30, 2024 Entities conducting business within the City of Scranton are reminded that the due date to submit their third quarter tax return for the 2024 Payroll Preparation Tax is November 30, 2024. A person shall be deemed to be conducting business within the City if they engage, hire, employ, or contract with one or more individuals as employees, partners, or is self- employed and, in addition, does at least one of the following: Maintains a fixed place of business within the City. Owns or leases real property within the City for profit. Maintains a stock of tangible, personal property in the City for sale in the ordinary course of business. Conducts continuous solicitation within the city related to such business; or Utilizes the streets of the city in connection with the operation of such business (other than for the mere transportation from a site outside the City, through the City, to a destination outside the City.) Institutions who are exempt from the Payroll Preparation Tax because of their status as a nonprofit are required to file quarterly returns claiming their exemption. Returns submitted after November 30, 2024, will be subject to penalty and interest on the balances due. The Payroll Preparation Tax is a tax levied separately by both the Scranton School District and the City of Scranton. The 2024 Payroll Preparation Tax rate for the Scranton School District is 0.7553 percent and the 2024 Payroll Preparation Tax rate for the City of Scranton is 0.2787 percent. The combined 2024 Payroll Preparation Tax rate is 1.034 percent. The City of Scranton and the Scranton School District have both appointed Berkheimer Tax Innovations, Inc. to administer the Payroll Preparation Tax on their behalf. Tax forms are available on Berkheimer’s website at hab-inc.com/pptforms. Additional information, including Frequently Asked Questions, can be found at scrantonpa.gov/payroll-prep-tax-information, https://www.scrsd.org/departments/business-office and www.hab-inc.com/ppt-faq. Please direct all questions regarding the Payroll Preparation Tax to Berkheimer by emailing ebpt@goberk.com or by calling (610) 599-3140.
Misericordia Players Present “The Mousetrap” The Misericordia Players proudly present Agatha Christie’s iconic play, “The Mousetrap.” Known for being the world’s longest-running play, this thrilling whodunit is filled with twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the final moment. Plot Summary: A group of strangers is snowed in at a remote guesthouse, only to discover there’s a murderer among them. As suspicions rise and secrets unravel, everyone becomes a suspect. Will the killer be caught before they strike again? Performance dates & times: November 21, 22, and 23 at 7:30 p.m. November 24 at 2:00 p.m. Location: Lemmond Theater, Misericordia University Directed by: Scott Colin Woolnough Don’t miss your chance to experience one of Agatha Christie’s most famous works live on stage! “The Mousetrap” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com.
Greater Scranton YMCA Prepares for Giving Tuesday Giving Tuesday, a global generosity movement traditionally held the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, will take place on December 3rd and the Greater Scranton YMCA is excited to participate. Each year, this global day of “doing good” inspires millions of people around the world to give, collaborate and celebrate generosity. The Greater Scranton YMCA encourages our community to learn more about the local impact the Y has had during our most recently completed fiscal year (07/01/2023- 06/30/2024) and to consider donating as the holidays approach. Many people associate the Y with a swimming pool, treadmills, or even a place to enjoy a cup of coffee. But the true power of the Y isn’t found within four walls. The Y is in the hearts and actions of every neighbor who believes in the vision of a better “us” and a stronger community for all. Thanks to the support of neighbors in our community, during our most recently completed fiscal year, the Y has: • Provided $790,400.26 in financial assistance for membership, child care, programs, and more, ensuring everyone can access our YMCA. • Served 11,153 children, adults and families from across our region through a membership to our YMCA. • Provided 69,490 meals and snacks to 653 kids enrolled in early childhood education programs at our YMCA. • Provided 1,689 children and adults essential, life-saving skills through our swim lessons, swim team and more. • Served 285 children in our 2023 and 2024 Summer Day Camp Programs, providing them with priceless experiences and memories to last a lifetime. • Served 337 children the Early Learning Centers in Dunmore and Olyphant and our Y-PALS Program. • Served 31 school-aged children in our before and after school program. • Served 4,854 individuals through specialized classes in our Wellbeing Initiative. • Served 1,130 children in youth sports and enrichment programs. “Every single dollar donated on Giving Tuesday and throughout our Year-End Appeal goes back into our vibrant, community,” said Rich Surridge, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “To ensure that the Y is able to continue transforming lives and is working towards making our community a better place for all, each contribution gets us one step closer to upholding our commitment.” This year, the Greater Scranton YMCA is proud to again partner with AllOne Charities for their Give Day Campaign. Donations made to the Greater Scranton YMCA from November 27th through the morning of December 5th will be matched by AllOne Charities up to $1,000. Donations to the Greater Scranton YMCA’s Give Day campaign from November 27th through December 5th can be made here: https://formstack.io/793FF. Donations to the Greater Scranton YMCA’s Year-End Appeal that are made before November 27th and after December 5th can be made here: https://www.greaterscrantonymca.org/donate/.
2024–25 Tomorrow’s Leaders Today Class Announced The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and its community leadership and professional development division, Leadership Lackawanna, is proud to announce the 2024–25 class of Tomorrow’s Leaders Today (TLT)—a transformative program that prepares high school juniors for leadership roles in their communities. Sponsored by NBT Bank, the TLT program spans seven months, immersing students in hands-on experiences across essential sectors, including healthcare, STEAM, history and heritage, crime and corrections, financial literacy, philanthropy, nonprofit organizations, and community service. “This year, we are proud to welcome these 67 remarkable teens into the Tomorrow’s Leaders Today Program. We’re hopeful they’ll use the skills and knowledge they gain over the next seven months to positively impact their schools and communities as confident and capable young leaders,” shared Jen Strzelec, program coordinator for Leadership Lackawanna. The TLT program provides these young leaders with unique opportunities to develop critical leadership, interpersonal, and managerial skills. Throughout the program, students will engage in workshops, field visits, and interactive discussions led by regional experts and industry leaders, preparing them for the real-world challenges and opportunities that await them. The class participants are: Addison Daiute Aidan Tinney Andrew McDonald Anthony Betti Audrey Agnello Ava Roberto Ava Strzelec Ava Wisnosky Benjamin Reese Benjamin Kulikowski Brendan Korty Charlie Stampien Emily Atonal Emily Grover Emily Loomis Emma Guse Emmelia Rucks Gabriella Dennis Gabrielle Jordan Gavin Roberts Gianna Vachino Grace Bennett Isabelle O’Brien Jaiden Trunzo James Prislupski Joseph Griffin Joshua Cuck Julia Noto Kate Peters Kathryn Apolinario Kathryn O’Hora Katie Gutekunst Kaylyn Davis Kelsey Smith Kevin Vincent Khloe Mistishin Kiera Crowell Kiley Williams Krithika Krishnan Lauren Bartell Lindsey Bartell Luke Warring Madeleine Mackarey Madelyn Battaglia Madison Hallock Madison Smith Maryn Kukuchka Matther Kirchner Mia Peregrim Molly Carter Molly Banik Mya Cesarini Natalia Ghirelli Natalie Talluto Natalie Puckett Nathan Beecham Nmesoma Udoye Nora Crambo Olive O’Rourke Olivia Lawler Olivia Lach Raphael Thomas Ryan DeMarco Sona Hanumali Timmy Fogley William Murphy Wyatt Barucky
WRC Receives Grant from the Scranton Area Community Foundation The WRC (Women’s Resource Center) is pleased to announce the receipt of a generous $15,000 Community Needs Grant from the Scranton Area Community Foundation. The SACF utilizes Community Needs grants to enhance the quality of life in Lackawanna County by supporting nonprofit programs in a variety of fields including education. The Empowering Youth through Healthy Relationships grant will significantly enhance WRC’s prevention education programs focused on healthy relationships including friendships that is offered in schools across the county. Last year, WRC reached over 2,500 elementary, middle, and high school students. Pictured are (L-R: Laura Ducceschi, Scranton Area Foundation President & CEO; Katie Gilmartin, Treasure, SAF Board of Governors; Patty McLain, WRC Teen Educator; Sarah Dawgert, WRC Education Manager; Frank Caputo, SAF Grants & Communications Coordinator and Cathy Fitzpatrick, Scranton Area Foundation Director of Grants & Scholarship.
Settlers Hospitality Welcomes Veterans This Veteran’s Day, military personnel were invited to enjoy a complimentary night’s stay at one of the properties of Settlers Hospitality. The program was part of Settlers Hospitality’s annual Veterans Appreciation, which made approximately 200 guest rooms available to veterans at no cost across its properties. On November 11, The Settlers Inn, Ledges Hotel, Silver Birches Resort in Hawley, and Hotel Anthracite in Carbondale hosted American service members, both past and present. The salute began with a Veteran’s Day Breakfast Buffet on Monday, November 11, at Hotel Anthracite. The event, which started at 11 a.m., was free for military members and $15 for all others. The program featured a presentation by Camp Freedom, including a keynote address from Executive Director Matt Guedes. Located in nearby Waymart, Camp Freedom is a non-profit organization that provides access to 1,800 acres of countryside for disabled veterans to enjoy activities like hunting, shooting sports, fishing, camping, hiking, biking, and more. Later that day, The Settlers Inn hosted a welcome wine and cheese event for service members, followed by a fireside chat by Steve Pratt and a military exhibit. The tradition of honoring veterans began over 10 years ago at The Settlers Inn and has since been carried on at sister properties Ledges Hotel, Silver Birches Resort, and Hotel Anthracite. “It’s our honor to welcome veterans and treat them to an overnight getaway in Northeast Pennsylvania,” said Justin Genzlinger, CEO/Owner of Settlers Hospitality. “Each year, we look forward to this opportunity to extend our signature brand of hospitality in gratitude to veterans of every branch of America’s military.” Complimentary lodging was offered to military men and women in tribute to their service, with reservations required.
UNC Receives Donation from Topp Business Solutions United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC) is proud to be the designated Lackawanna County agency for the WNEP Feed A Friend campaign’s 40th Annual drive. This year, UNC is committed to helping make the holidays brighter for more than 1,500 families in Lackawanna County through non-perishable food donations and monetary contributions. We are deeply grateful to Topp Business Solutions for their generous donation of $250 to support the Feed A Friend program. This contribution will directly assist in providing holiday meals to local families in need. Topp Business Solutions has been a valued community partner for over 60 years and continues to demonstrate unwavering support for our mission. Pictured (L-R): Chrissy Manuel, UNC; Karen Prokarym, Topp Business Solutions; Sue Lasota, Topp Donate to Feed A Friend and help families in our community enjoy a warm meal and the joy of the season, go to uncnepa.org/one-time-donation/ If you are a family in need with children in Lackawanna County, you can register to receive a $50 gift card for a local grocery store to choose items consistent with your traditions and cultures to celebrate Thanksgiving. For a complete list of locations to register, go to uncnepa.org/thanksgiving UNC is coordinating with over 70 locations in Lackawanna County that collect non-perishable items for our Angel’s Attic Food and Clothing Pantry at 410 Olive Street in Scranton; for a list of participating agencies, visit us on Facebook.
Allied Services Announces Grand Finale of Fundraising Campaign Over $500,000 Raised to Support Pediatric Rehab Programs Allied Services celebrated the grand finale of its annual fundraising campaign after months of training, unveiling an impressive fundraising total of $553,908 to support pediatric rehabilitation programs at their John P. Moses, Esq. Pediatric Rehab Centers. The event, hosted live on WNEP with Chelsea Strub, highlighted inspiring stories from patients, runners, and donors, bringing together a community dedicated to making a difference for children in Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania. from left, Jim Brogna, Vice President, Allied Services; Bob Cole, Sr. Vice President, Allied Services; Atty. Bill Conaboy, President & CEO, Allied Services; Hunter Benson, pediatric patient, Allied Services; Cari Snyder, Clinical Dietitian, Allied Services; Chris Langley, Vice President, Allied Services. Each year, Team Allied Services takes on the iconic New York City Marathon to raise funds that provide life-changing therapies and support to over 1,200 children who rely on Allied Services for specialized pediatric rehab care. This year’s campaign brought together a passionate team of runners, generous donors, and a supportive community, creating a powerful impact for families in need. “Our mission at Allied Services is to make life better for those we serve, and our community’s incredible support this year has allowed us to do just that in a remarkable way,” said Atty. Bill Conaboy, President and CEO of Allied Services. “We are deeply grateful to our sponsors, donors, and every individual who joined us in this effort. Thanks to their generosity, children in our community will continue to have access to the rehabilitation and specialized care they need to overcome obstacles and reach their full potential.” Allied Services extends heartfelt thanks to its media partners WNEP TV and Lamar Advertising, and major sponsors, including Mohegan Pennsylvania, Motorworld Toyota, Northeast Rehab, Scanlon, Howley, & Doherty, Lopatofsky Auction, Mueller Family McDonald’s, Stella-Corbin Family McDonald’s, United Concordia Dental, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Peoples Security Bank, Crothall Healthcare, the Hawk Family Foundation, Weis Markets; signature event sponsors Aon, Topp Business Solutions, and Quantum Rehab; and the many donors for their for their unwavering support. Their contributions have been instrumental in driving the campaign’s success, helping Allied Services provide innovative therapies, advanced technology, and comprehensive care to the children who need it most.
The Wright Center Promotes Lung Cancer Awareness Month By now, we all know the terrible risks smoking poses to your long-term health. But we’re also all too aware of how hard it is for people to kick this most destructive of habits for good. Awareness campaigns like November’s Lung Cancer Awareness Month are certainly a good way to encourage people to be proactive about protecting their lungs. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among both men and women, killing more people than colon, breast, and prostate cancer combined. This year will see about 234,580 new cases, and roughly 125,070 people will die from the disease, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). About 80% of lung cancer deaths are believed to be caused by smoking. Which makes events like the Great American Smokeout another key November awareness event. Held on the third Thursday of November, the Smokeout encourages people across the country to take that first crucial step toward a smoke-free life by providing information on the many resources the ACS has to support those looking to quit. Its mission has helped spur the smoke-free laws of the past few decades that have significantly curtailed smoking-related deaths in the United States. Since the event’s inception in the early 1970s, we’ve significantly reduced the smoking population in the U.S., from about 42% in 1965 to 14% in 2019. Of course, there’s still a long way to go, given about 34 million American adults currently smoke. Smoking remains the single largest preventable cause of death and illness in the world, with an estimated 480,000 deaths annually, according to the ACS. Certain populations tend to have larger numbers of smokers, among them people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, those without college degrees, Native Americans, African Americans, members of the LGBTQ+ community, military personnel, and people with behavioral health conditions. That’s why we must continue doing our part to promote the virtues of a tobacco-free life. This improves people’s health immediately and, over the long term, diminishes their chances of cancer and cardiovascular and lung diseases. The path to quitting comes with proven cessation methods, among them prescription medications and counseling. And, of course, lots of support. Here at The Wright Center, we’re doing our best to decrease Northeast Pennsylvania’s smoking population through our promotion of the American Lung Association’s Freedom from Smoking Program. The program focuses on FDA-approved medications that can help people quit, lifestyle changes that can make quitting easier, coping strategies to manage stress and avoid weight gain, and methods to stay tobacco-free permanently. Individual and/or group sessions for the Freedom from Smoking Program are determined by the number of participants at any given time. To learn more about the program, contact Kathleen Doyle, director of patient-centered services, at doylek@TheWrightCenter.org or 570-892-2966. Meanwhile, our Lifestyle Medicine program takes an evidence-based approach to helping individuals and families improve their health and quality of life by adopting and sustaining lifestyle behaviors, including eliminating tobacco use. Our team is trained in both conventional medicine and lifestyle medicine, and we work with patients to create personalized lifestyle self-care plans that are sustainable and can help manage or prevent a number of chronic diseases. Smoking and lung cancer go hand in hand, so let’s continue to do our part to bring down the rates for both.
The Wright Center Geriatricians Recognized for Boosting Vaccination Rates The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) highlighted the accomplishments of two geriatricians with ties to The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education in its recent quarterly publication, AGS News, for their efforts to improve vaccination rates among older adults. Dr. Edward Dzielak, director of The Wright Center’s geriatrics fellowship program, was recognized for his leadership in incorporating the AGS Older Adults Vaccine Initiative into The Wright Center’s geriatrics care service line. The initiative, backed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, aims to increase immunization rates among older adults eligible for routine vaccinations in the U.S., with a focus on four key vaccines — COVID-19, influenza, shingles (zoster), and pneumonia. Dr. Muhammad Ishaq, a 2024 graduate of The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s Geriatrics Fellowship Program and an internal medicine resident physician at Rochester Regional Health’s Unity Hospital in upstate New York, was lauded for spearheading a quality improvement project and initiatives to boost older adults’ vaccination rates at The Wright Center’s primary care community health centers. Along with his colleagues, Dr. Ishaq, who received his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from Khyber Medical College in Peshawar, Pakistan, established a SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timely) goal framework to help seniors take charge of their health and lives, integrated electronic medical record changes to prompt providers about patient vaccination statuses, and increased educational outreach and awareness. A Carbondale native board-certified in internal medicine and geriatrics medicine, Dr. Dzielak, of Greenfield Twp., has dedicated more than four decades of his life to medicine, specifically in internal medicine, critical care, and geriatrics. Following his residency in internal medicine at the Scranton-Temple Residency Program, now called The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education, he served as the Residency Program coordinator from 1981 to 2015. He also served as the director of both medicine and the intensive care unit at Moses Taylor Hospital in Scranton, from 1982 until his 2017 retirement. He returned to The Wright Center in October 2019 after being asked to serve as the founding geriatric fellowship program director. He earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Scranton in 1974 and his medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1978. Dr. Dzielak accepts patients over the age of 60 at The Wright Center for Community Health Mid Valley Practice, 5 S. Washington Ave. Jermyn. To make an appointment, to schedule a vaccine, or for more information on The Wright Center’s geriatric services line, visit TheWrightCenter.org or call (570) 230-0019. The Wright Center’s geriatric services line has been recognized by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement as an Age-Friendly Health System Partner, offering a full range of comprehensive, safety-net primary care and support services for older adults. A cornerstone of the program is the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Clinic, which provides thorough evaluations and testing accessible to all patients, regardless of their primary care provider. Additionally, The Wright Center is one of just 10 health systems nationwide selected to implement the innovative Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Program developed by UCLA. Founded in 1942, the AGS is a New York-based nonprofit organization with more than 6,000 members that is dedicated to improving the health, independence, and quality of life of older adults.
