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.
Marywood Sets Virtual Info Session for Dual Enrollment Program Academically focused high school students can get a head start on college by participating in Marywood University’s pre-collegiate program, Momentum. Courses in the Momentum program are offered at a special rate of $95 per credit, providing students with a head start on their collegiate career at an affordable price. To provide program details to students who are interested in taking dual enrollment classes, Marywood is hosting a virtual information session on Wednesday, November 20, from 6-7 p.m. Students should be ranked in the top 50% of their high school class or have a 2.75 High School GPA (80%) to participate in the Momentum program. Students can register for the virtual session at https://admissions.marywood.edu/register/Momentum. Marywood University’s dual enrollment program provides qualified high school students with the opportunity to earn college credits while completing requirements for high school graduation. Students choose from a wide variety of courses during the summer, fall, and spring semesters. Dual enrollment courses use the same curriculum, assessments, and instructional materials as other college-level courses. Momentum students are eligible to receive: Privileges to utilize Marywood University’s academic and recreational resources (e.g. library and fitness center). Free parking on campus. A Marywood University ID (This can be used for local university student discounts!) Free admission to most Marywood University athletic, musical, social and cultural events.
Laugh to Live: Laughter Yoga to Relieve Holiday Stress During a season known for generosity and gift-giving, the one person who needs to be at the top of your list but is often forgotten, is you. Two Scranton-area organizations are collaborating to offer residents the gifts of stress relief and a boost to their well-being on Saturday, November 23 at 10 a.m. at Connell Park in Scranton. Laugh to Live, a Scranton-based business founded by Jeannine Luby, is teaming up with Valley in Motion’s Connell Park Walking Club to provide stress-reducing laughter yoga activity before the Club’s weekly walk around the park. Luby said she suggested the inclusion of laughter yoga to Walking Club Manager Roxy Brown because this time of year can feel overwhelming. A 2015 survey conducted by Healthline, a consumer health information site, revealed that 62 percent of respondents described their stress level as “very or somewhat” elevated during the holidays, while only 10 percent reported no stress during the season. Among the holiday stressors listed by respondents were the financial demands of the season, negotiating the interpersonal dynamics of family, and maintaining personal health habits such as an exercise regimen. Luby said, “We all experience stress in our everyday lives, but the holidays can add extra pressure as many of us feel the need to live up to family traditions or what we see others doing on social media. It is often more than we have the capacity for whether it is because of time constraints, limited financial means or our emotions. So it’s important to set manageable expectations but also build in time for stress relief like walking outdoors, talking to a good friend and laughing.” Luby received an ARPA (American Rescue Plan) Creative Grant from the City of Scranton in 2024, in part to deliver laughter yoga to Scranton residents, and when she met Gus Fahey, president of Valley in Motion, and learned about the nonprofit’s weekly walking club at Connell Park that incorporated special guests on wellness-related topics, she coordinated with him and Brown to plan laughter at the park. “The Connell Park Walking Club is a great way to connect with friends, get some exercise, and learn new ideas for healthy living. Partnering with Laugh to Live provides our participants with a fun and innovative way to both enjoy the outdoors and lower stress levels,” said Gus Fahey, president of Valley In Motion. Laughter therapy has been around for a long time, but it seemed to gain credibility and the attention of the medical community when magazine publisher Norman Cousins’ article “Anatomy of an Illness (As Perceived by the Patient)” was published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 1976. Cousins would later publish a book with the same name in 1979 to fully detail his experience of how laughter provided him with relief from pain caused by connective tissue disorder. Luby explains thatLaughter Yoga isnot the same as traditional yoga or what people picture when they hear the word “yoga.” Laughter Yoga was created in 1995 by a medical doctor in India named Dr. Madan Kataria who believes in the researched health benefits of laughter that include lowering the stress hormone cortisol, improving blood flow and immune system performance, boosting brain chemicals and endorphins that help to manage pain and so much more. In the laughter yoga that Luby will lead on November 23, participants will not use a yoga mat, need to wear fitness clothes, or even touch their toes; they will follow Luby’s instructions to breathe, clap, laugh and repeat. You can learn more at www.laughtolive.net for follow Laugh to Live and Connell Park Walking Club on Facebook. The Connell Park Walking Club meets every Saturday at 10am at Connell Park at 800 Gibbons St. in Scranton and is free and open to everyone.
Pennsylvania Anthracite Heritage Museum Hosts Conversations in the Gallery Pennsylvania Anthracite Heritage Museum is pleased to announce Conversations in the Gallery with Scott Herring, which will take place on Saturday, November 23. Site Administrator, Dr. Bode Morin, said, “Scott Herring is the last Anthracite Photographer having spent the last 50 years chronicling the changing coal and industrial landscapes of Northeast Pennsylvania. Scott’s unique relationship with the land and its people is reflected in his vast work. This exhibit is as much a celebration as it is a record.” Join us as we kick off the holiday season with a curated and insightful gallery talk. On Saturday, November 23, visitors can meet the “Last Anthracite Photographer,” Scott Herring, in his new exhibit, Anthracite Family Album. Herring will give opening remarks, then spend time answering questions and chatting with visitors in the exhibition. Conversations in the Gallery will start at 2pm and end at 3:30pm. Program included with regular admission: $8 for adults, $6 for youth (ages 3-11), and $7 for Seniors. Free for museum members. For more information, call (570) 963-4804, visit our event page, or our Facebook page.
Lackawanna College Culinary Students Open “MISFITS” Lackawanna College is thrilled to announce the return of its holiday pop-up event, Misfits, a festive and inclusive experience set to open in downtown Scranton at 409 on Adams, the College’s student-run restaurant. This event will run from November 13th through December 21st, and invites guests to embrace the holiday spirit in an unconventional way – where everyone is welcome and being different is celebrated. Following the success of last year’s inaugural season, which saw over 7,000 guests, Misfits is set to be bigger and better in 2024. The theme of the event is inspired by the heartwarming story of Charlie, a kindhearted but misunderstood soul who inherits an old boarding house. Inside, the rooms are filled with unique characters and festive tales that bring a fresh perspective to the holiday season. Attendees are encouraged to come, find their tribe, and celebrate the holidays with a twist. “Misfits is about creating a space where everyone can come as they are and be part of something special,” said [Name], [Title] at Lackawanna College. “It’s a unique celebration that brings together our community, our students, and everyone who supports the College and its mission. Last year was a huge success, and we look forward to welcoming even more guests in 2024.” A Meaningful ImpactBeyond being a fun and festive experience, Misfits plays a vital role in supporting the mission of Lackawanna College and empowering its students. All proceeds from the event help fund initiatives that provide tangible support for the College’s diverse student body, including: Loaner Laptops for Students – Providing 130 students with the necessary tools to succeed in their education by loaning out laptops to help bridge the digital divide. Fighting Food Insecurity – Through programs like The Common Kitchen, Lackawanna College combats food insecurity among students by offering nutritious food staples, culinary training, and access to a community-driven food bank. Student Leadership Opportunities – Scholarships and workforce training opportunities are provided to upperclassmen who take on leadership roles within the College, preparing them for real-world success. Nourishing Neighbors – In partnership with the Scranton Counseling Center, Lackawanna College has provided over 2,300 meals to local families in need, supported by over 100 hours of student and faculty volunteer time. “We’re not just celebrating the season – we’re supporting our students and our community,” added [Name]. “By attending Misfits, you are helping to make these programs possible, and together, we can continue to create opportunities for those who need it most.” Become a SponsorLackawanna College is actively seeking sponsors for the 2024 Misfits season. Sponsorships not only provide visibility and recognition within the community but also directly support the College’s mission to empower students and give back to the Scranton area. For more information about becoming a sponsor, or to inquire about event details, please contact [Name] at (570) 504-7945 or via email at deckers@lackawanna.edu.
Hospice of the Sacred Heart to Deliver Meals to Patients for Thanksgiving On Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, November 28th, Hospice of the Sacred Heart will deliver meals to patients and their families. This is the 19th year the hospice will provide this service project. Over 700 meals complete with roasted turkey, all traditional Thanksgiving sides and pumpkin pie will be prepared by Mansour’s Market Café in Scranton, packaged, and delivered by hospice staff members and volunteers. “We so look forward to this day. Many of our hospice staff and volunteers enjoy this beautiful tradition of blessing the meals, the friendship of our colleagues and the delivery of over 700 Thanksgiving meals to our patients and their families. This project demonstrates our gratitude for the blessings in our lives,” said Diane Baldi, CEO, Hospice of the Sacred Heart. Media outlets are invited to photograph the distribution process beginning at 7:50 am at Mansour’s Market Café, 969 Prescott Avenue, Scranton. Deacon Patrick J. Massino will bless the meals at 8 am and deliveries will begin immediately afterwards. Diane Baldi, CEO, will be available for interviews between 8 and 10 am.
Moses Taylor Foundation Hosts Biennial Event, Recognizes Leadership Moses Taylor Foundation Hosts Biennial Event and Honors Teri Ooms with the Douglas G. Allen Leadership Award Moses Taylor Foundation, a private foundation with a mission to improve the health of people in Northeastern Pennsylvania, hosted its biennial meeting on Tuesday, October 1, 2024. Danielle Breslin, President and CEO of Moses Taylor Foundation, shared a strategic update on the Foundation’s four focus areas of Health Care Access and Quality, Older Adult Health, School-Based Health and Nonprofit Effectiveness. Pictured L-R: Douglas G. Allen, Founding Chairman of the Board of Directors of Moses Taylor Foundation; Teri Ooms, President & CEO, The Institute Teri Ooms, President & CEO of The Institute, was recognized as the recipient of the Douglas G. Allen Leadership Award. The award was established in 2019 to honor Doug Allen’s 35 years of leadership as Chair of the Moses Taylor Foundation Board of Directors. It is awarded biennially to a community leader who shares in his commitment to improving the health of people in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Ooms has led The Institute — a non-profit research organization dedicated to identifying opportunities, issues, and challenges unique to the region and finding innovative ways to solve problems — since its inception twenty years ago. Under her leadership, The Institute has become an integral support for regional nonprofits and legislators, providing the unbiased local data necessary to create jobs, programs, and legislative changes. At the event, Allen spoke of Ooms noting, “Teri approaches her work humbly and with a genuine commitment to the betterment of our area. She is always generous with both her time and knowledge, and on behalf of the Board and staff, I am delighted to recognize Teri today.”
Ballet Theatre of Scranton Presents The Nutcracker Ballet Theatre of Scranton. under the artistic direction of Joanne Arduino, will kick off the holiday season with its 49th annual performances of The Nutcracker at the Theater at North over Thanksgiving weekend on Friday November 29, Saturday November 30, and Sunday December 1. Please note the new performance times each day: noon and 5:30 pm. This traditional gift to the community has offered free public performances since 1976. Free tickets can be picked up at the box office at the Theater at North on the day of the specific performance, two hours prior to curtain. This year, an inaugural pilot, sensory friendly performance is being offered to an invited audience as well as the traditional educational performances for area school children. Over 100 local dancers from ages 9- adult will perform and will feature Elizabeth Schneider and Laura Durkin as Sugarplum Fairy (each in three performances), Gianna Vachino as Clara, John Roman Vachino as the Nutcracker Prince, Brennan Connor as Snow King, Gabrielle Snyder as Snow Queen, and Valentina Ruiz Giraldo as Dewdrop. Professional guest artists George Sanders (of Twyla Tharp company, NYC) and Sanford Placide (previously of Dance Theater of Harlem, NYC) will perform as Cavalier in 3 performances each. Benefactor seats are available by calling 570-347-2867 before November 1.
Marywood University to Hold Transfer Tuesdays Opportunities Marywood University has set several dates during fall and winter for its Transfer Tuesdays program. These events are for current or former college students, at all stages of their college journey, who are considering transferring to Marywood University. There are three in-person and one virtual option available, with appointments occurring every half hour during the designated time frames, including: In-Person Dates: November 12, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. December 17, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. January 7, 1-5:30 p.m. Virtual Date: December 3, 4-5:30 p.m. At Marywood’s Transfer Tuesdays, students can meet with an admissions counselor, discuss financial aid and scholarship opportunities, and review credits for transfer eligibility. Optional tours are offered at select times. Marywood University’s spring semester begins on Monday, January 13, 2025.
The University of Scranton Professor Awarded Grant The National Science Foundation (NSF) awarded a $1.8 million collaborative grant to Nathaniel Frissell, Ph.D., associate professor physics and engineering at The University of Scranton, to provide sophisticated atmospheric measuring equipment to a nationwide network of ham radio enthusiast and citizen scientists that he developed. Dr. Frissell will serve as the lead principal investigator of the collaborative grant and will work with colleagues at Case Western Reserve University, the University of Alabama and the New Jersey Institute of Technology. Nathaniel Frissell, Ph.D., associate professor physics and engineering at The University of Scranton, was awarded a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant of $1.8 million to support equipment to further the atmospheric data gathering capabilities of The Ham Radio Science Citizen Investigation (HamSCI) network he has developed across the U.S. and beyond. The grant will further the collective data gathering capabilities of the Ham Radio Science Citizen Investigation project led by Dr. Frissell. “The grant will establish the only wide-spread, coordinated high frequency, very low frequency and ground magnetometer measurement network that is distributed primarily across the midlatitude region,” said Dr. Frissell. According to Dr. Frissell, the grant supports the development of a network of 30 standardized receive stations capable of observing high frequency (HF) Doppler shifts, HF amateur radio Weak Signal Propagation Reporter (WSPR, pronounced “whisper”) transmissions, very low frequency (VLF) transmissions and natural radio emissions, and the geomagnetic field. The enhanced capabilities to collect data on the Earth’s ionosphere for this project builds on the HamSCI Personal Space Weather Station network of licensed amateur radio operators who have helped measure the effects of weather in the upper levels of Earth’s atmosphere through a $1.3 million NSF funded project previously awarded to Dr. Frissell. According to Dr. Frissell, the new NSF grant will support systems that will be deployed to high-quality, low-noise sites throughout the previously established U.S. personal weather station sites that are most suitable to increasing measurement density and the quality of the current network. “Priority will be given to locations that can simultaneously and effectively operate all three HF, VLF, and magnetometer instruments,” said Dr. Frissell. The grant also supports ten fully-automated, Global Positioning System (GPS) disciplined amateur radio WSPRSonde transmitters to serve as a new source of GPS- stabilized high frequency beacon signals. “These signals will be utilized not only by this project’s personal weather station receivers, but also by the existing global WSPR amateur radio receiver network that provides millions of daily observations,” said Dr. Frissell who explained data collected from all the instruments will be uploaded for HamSCI research. He said the data will also be publicly available. Collaborators for the project include: Majid Mokhtari, senior laboratory engineer for the Physics and Engineering Department, The University of Scranton; Christian Zorman, Ph.D., associate dean for research, and professor of electrical, computer and systems engineering, Case Western Reserve University; Kristina Collins, Ph.D., research scientist, Space Science Institute; Travis Atkison, Ph.D., associate professor of computer science, University of Alabama; William Engelke, chief architect and engineer of the Personal Space Weather Station (PSWS) project, University of Alabama; Hyomin Kim, Ph.D., assistant professor of physics, New Jersey Institute of Technology; and Gareth Perry, Ph.D., assistant professor of physics New Jersey Institute of Technology; in addition to HamSCI volunteers and collaborators. A space physicist, Dr. Frissell’s research focuses on the ionosphere, which is an atmospheric region that extends from about 50 to 600 miles above the earth’s surface. According to Dr. Frissell, changes in the ionosphere alter the behavior of radio wave propagation and greatly affect the radio communications and global navigation satellite systems. Understanding ionospheric structures and processes will lead to an increased understanding and prediction of these effects. Through numerous grants he has received in the past five years from the National Science Foundation (NSF), NASA, the Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC) foundation and other organizations, Dr. Frissell, physics and engineering faculty and students, as well as community volunteers, have been involved in numerous research projects, including one of just five projects selected by NASA’s Citizen Science Investigations to study the effects of the total solar eclipse on the earth’s ionosphere. Grants have also supported the development of state-of-the-art amateur radio station W3USR on the fifth floor of the Loyola Science Center on campus. Dr. Frissell joined the faculty at Scranton in 2019. He received his bachelor’s degree from Montclair State University, and his master’s degree and doctorate from Virginia Tech.
