WVIA News Announces the Addition of a Reporter WVIA is thrilled to announce the addition of a new reporter to its growing news team. Sarah Hofius Hall will join the team with a focus on local and regional education stories in northeastern and central Pennsylvania, providing dedicated coverage and transparency on the topics that affect one of the most vulnerable populations in any region; the youth and those that serve them. A trusted subject matter expert, Hall comes to WVIA with a wealth of experience in journalism and education. She was previously employed by The Times-Tribune in Scranton since 2006. For nearly all of that time, she covered education, visiting the region’s classrooms and reporting on issues important to students, teachers, families and taxpayers. Her reporting ranges from covering controversial school closure plans and analyzing test scores, to uncovering wasteful spending and highlighting the inspirational work done by the region’s educators. “We are excited to welcome Sarah to the WVIA News team,” says WVIA News Director Julie Sidoni. “She is an experienced journalist with a deep understanding of the local education system and the issues that matter to our communities. Her talent, dedication, and diverse perspectives will be invaluable as we continue to provide our communities with essential news and information.” Hall’s work has been recognized by the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association, Society of Professional Journalists and Pennsylvania Women’s Press Association. She received her degree in journalism from Ithaca College and resides in Clarks Summit with her family. “I’m excited to bring my years of experience to a wider audience at WVIA,” said Hall. “I’m encouraged and inspired by the station’s commitment to covering the news important to residents of this region, and I’m honored to have a role in that. As the education reporter, I look forward to visiting classrooms and campuses, telling important stories that can have a significant impact.” Bucking the national trends of shrinking staff and non-local ownership groups, WVIA continues to grow – and is quickly becoming the source for balanced, local news throughout the 22-county region it serves. Founded in 2022, WVIA News now features a team of seven full-time journalists. “One of the core elements of the WVIA mission has always been education. We strive to educate our communities and provide support to our local schools, and we have done so since the 1970s,” stated WVIA President & CEO Carla McCabe. “We are ecstatic that we are able to take that a step further by providing education specific news coverage, ensuring an informed public and accountability on behalf of our educational institutions. When it comes to education, WVIA is an advocate, a resource, and now, a watchdog.” Learn more about WVIA’s News Impact here.
FNCB Bank Pledges $2,500 to United Way of Wyoming Valley FNCB Bank, locally based since 1910, has announced a $2,500 donation to United Way of Wyoming Valley. For over 100 years, the United Way of Wyoming Valley has been helping children and families in the Wyoming Valley. FNCB Bank’s donation will touch the lives of many individuals and families in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The support of United Way is part of FNCB’s larger Community Caring initiative. As a true, local community bank, FNCB Bank is making a difference through volunteerism, donations and outreach programs.
Marywood University’s “Day-in-the-Life” Exercise Science Experience Event Marywood University’s exercise science program will host a day-in-the-life experience for prospective students on Friday, February 16, at the Center for Athletics and Wellness, from 8:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. The deadline to register for the event is Monday, February 12. The experience will feature immersive and hands-on learning in topic areas including sports performance and sports rehabilitation. This event also includes a program overview, meetings with faculty, a Q&A student panel, and breakout sessions. An optional campus tour is included at the conclusion of the day’s events. Register for the event by February 12 at: admissions.marywood.edu/register/ExerciseScienceSpr24. Learn more about Marywood’s bachelor’s degree program in exercise science at: marywood.edu/exercise-science-bachelors-degree. Contact Lindsay Howard, Chair of the Exercise Science program, with any questions at howard@marywood.edu or 570-348-6211, ext. 2283.
The Dime Bank Announces 2023 Earnings Dimeco, Inc. (OTCQX: DIMC), the parent holding company of The Dime Bank, announces unaudited financial results for the quarter and fiscal year ending December 31, 2023. Total assets increased $20 million or 2.1% from the end of 2022 to $989 million as of December 31, 2023. The loan portfolio ended the year at $722 million, an increase of $43.4 million or 6.4% from the year prior. Deposits also increased year-over-year to $827 million, a gain of $39 million or 4.9%. Dimeco’s 2023 net income of $10.8 million was $1.5 million less than 2022, including a reduction of $1.1 million in fees from the Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Program. Net income at this level produced a return on average assets of 1.11% and a return on average equity of 11.84%. The 2023 dividend payout ratio was 36.07% providing a yield of 4.47%, with year-to-date dividends totaling $1.54 per share. President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Bochnovich stated, “I am excited to report the financial results of Dimeco, Inc. for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2023. While there were challenges in 2023, there were also many successes. Dimeco, Inc. fared well, especially within the loan portfolio. We look forward to the opportunities Dimeco will have in 2024. We are thankful to our customers and shareholders for their commitment to us.”
Mohegan Sun Arena Hosts WWE Superstars The superstars of World Wrestling Entertainment are set to return to the ring at Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza for Friday Night SmackDown on Friday, May 10, beginning at 7:45 p.m. WWE has shared that the star-studded wrestling cast coming to Wilkes-Barre is set to include Superstars like LA Knight, Randy Orton, The Bloodline’s Jimmy Uso & Solo Sikoa, Bianca Belair, Kevin Owens, Bobby Lashley, The Street Profits, AJ Styles and Damage CTRL, among others. The lineup is subject to change ahead of WWE’s return to northeastern Pennsylvania. Tickets for the event begin at $25 and will be available beginning next week. Tickets for the event will be available for purchase starting Friday, February 2, at 10 a.m. All tickets can be purchased on Ticketmaster.com or by visiting the NBT Bank Box Office at the Mohegan Sun Arena. Ringsider packages are also available exclusively online. For more information about the event, interested fans are invited to visit Mohegan Sun Arena’s official website, MoheganSunArenaPA.com. The two-hour Friday Night SmackDown will be broadcast live from the Mohegan Sun Arena and air on FOX beginning at 8 p.m. With more than 1,100 original episodes, SmackDown is the second longest-running weekly episodic program in U.S. primetime TV history, only behind WWE’s other flagship program, Monday Night Raw (by number of original episodes).
Geisinger Welcomes New Pediatric Neurosurgeon Geisinger has welcomed a new pediatric neurosurgeon to serve Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital and northeast clinics. Cameron Brimley, MD, joined Geisinger late last year after serving a residency at the children’s hospital. Dr. Brimley specializes in brain, head and spine procedures for pediatric patients from newborns to 18 years of age. He received his medical degree from the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, completed his residency at Geisinger and St. Jude/Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis. He completed fellowships at the University of Tennessee and at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Dr. Brimley served as a combat medic for 8 years for the U.S. Army and National Guard. “I specialize in pediatric brain and spine tumors, but I enjoy taking care of any pediatric patient with brain, head or spine issues,” he said. “I love interacting with my patients, taking care of their needs and seeing them succeed, grow and progress after we’ve helped them with the care they need.” Geisinger uses the latest technologies and specialized treatment options to care for your child and care for a wide range of conditions. To learn more, visit Geisinger pediatric neurosurgery online.
The Wright Center Achieves Gold Status for Advocacy Center The National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) recently recognized The Wright Centers for Community Health as a Gold Advocacy Center of Excellence (ACE) for the second time. The Wright Center was first awarded Gold ACE status in January 2022 – the first community health center in Pennsylvania to achieve the recognition. Being awarded a second Gold ACE status, effective Dec. 19, 2023, shows The Wright Center’s continued dedication to advocating for and supporting community health centers that provide comprehensive primary and preventive health services to medically underserved populations in rural and urban areas. “The Wright Center is honored to be recognized by NACHC for the second time with designation as a Community Health Center Gold Advocacy Center of Excellence,” said Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak, president and CEO of The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education. “We are very grateful and proud to be expanding our mission-driven advocacy efforts to ensure our elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels understand and commit to investing in the comprehensive, affordable, equitable, and innovative primary health services that The Wright Center and our community health center colleagues across our country provide to people of all ages, income levels, and insurance statuses.” ACE levels recognize consistent engagement, success, and ongoing commitment to prioritizing advocacy. Community health centers that receive the designation are actively engaged with NACHC and forums addressing federal policy issues, as well as their state primary care association and platforms to address key state and local policy issues that impact the entities and their patients. NACHC awards three levels of ACES: bronze, silver, and gold. The status is valid for two years. In order to earn ACE status, a community health center must complete a checklist of activities and accomplishments as outlined by NACHC. The Wright Center’s employees, for example, developed and wrote guest editorials that addressed important public health issues that affect community health centers and patients and hosted round table discussions with elected officials. Additionally, an in-house advocacy committee offers training, and the organization also hosts elected officials at its primary care practices. “Earning Gold ACE status requires serious dedication and prioritization of advocacy,” Ky Rhee, M.D., MPP, president and CEO of NACHC, wrote in his letter congratulating officials at The Wright Center about the achievement. “Your organization is now part of an elite group that serves as an example to other community health centers striving to achieve advocacy excellence.” Headquartered in Scranton, The Wright Center operates 10 primary and preventive care practices, including a mobile medical and dental vehicle called Driving Better Health, in Northeast Pennsylvania. Its practices offer integrated whole-person care, meaning patients typically have the convenience of going to a single location to access medical, dental, and behavioral health, as well as community-based addiction treatment and recovery services. The Wright Center accepts most major health insurance plans, including Medical Assistance (Medicaid), Medicare, and CHIP. No patient is turned away due to an inability to pay. To make an appointment, go to TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-230-0019.
Wright Center Physician Receives Board Certification in Obesity Medicine Dr. Nirali Patel, a board-certified internal medicine physician at The Wright Center for Community Health Scranton Practice, recently earned board certification in obesity medicine, increasing the number of physicians in the network who are prepared to better help patients manage obesity, its many comorbidities, and to lose weight. Patel is accepting adult patients at the primary care practice at 501 S. Washington Ave. A Scranton resident, Patel is also a core faculty member for The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s Internal Medicine Residency program. She earned her medical degree from Medical University of Lublin, Poland, and completed her internal medicine residency and geriatrics fellowship training at The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education. Obesity is one of the nation’s most prevalent chronic diseases and is associated with many of the leading causes of preventable, premature death. The condition is linked to a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, sleep apnea, arthritis, certain cancers, and many additional comorbidities. The certification from the American Board of Obesity Medicine gives physicians the insights and tools to help patients who are struggling with the complex issue of obesity. Drs. Linda Thomas-Hemak, Jumee Barooah, and Manju Mary Thomas are also board-certified in obesity medicine and see patients at The Wright Center for Community Health Mid Valley Practice, 5 S. Washington Ave., Jermyn. In addition, Barooah accepts patients at the Scranton Practice. For more information about The Wright Center for Community Health and its network of primary and preventive care practices in Northeast Pennsylvania, go to TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-230-0019.
RailRiders Release 2024 Field Staff The New York Yankees have announced the field staff for each of their minor league affiliates and the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders are pleased to welcome Manager Shelley Duncan back to the dugout in 2024. Duncan will see the majority of his 2023 staff return, including Pitching Coach Graham Johnson, Hitting Coach Trevor Amicone, Defensive Coach José Javier and Athletic Trainer Jimmy Downam.Gerardo Casadiego joins the field staff as the Bullpen Coach while Danny Smith will be the club’s Strength & Conditioning Coach in 2024. Nori Subero has been added to the roster as the Assistant Athletic Trainer and Steven DiMaria is the new Advance Scouting Analyst.Jim Billington and Sullivan Lyons return to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in the same roles they held last season. Billington is the RailRiders’ Home Clubhouse Manager and Lyons is the Video Assistant.Duncan, 44, was tabbed as the 20th manager in franchise history in January 2023 and led the team to a 73-75 mark last season. He was drafted by the Yankees in 2001; a second-round selection out of the University of Arizona. He reached Triple-A with Columbus in 2006 and spent portions of three seasons in an SWB Yankees uniform. Duncan appeared in 272 games for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre between 2007 and 2009. In 2009, he hit .277 with 30 home runs and 99 runs batted in over 123 games, garnering the nod for International League MVP. His Major League career spanned 330 games for the Yankees, Cleveland and Tampa Bay over seven years.“Going into my second season with essentially the same staff is extremely exciting,” Duncan said. “We get to start this season with solid chemistry already in place. We know each other and that learning period won’t be there. It’s a great group and I’m excited to get to work.”Johnson, 38, has served as the RailRiders Pitching Coach for the last two seasons, posting top-five I.L. finishes in ERA and strikeouts in both years. Before joining the Yankees organization in 2022, he served as a minor league pitching coach in the Houston Astros system. Johnson played at Culver-Stockton College in Canton, MO, before becoming a graduate assistant at Lindenwood University, completing his Master’s of Education with an emphasis in strength and conditioning degree in 2010. After a stint with Western Illinois University, he joined the staff at Morehead State. Johnson was the pitching coach for the Eagles from 2012-17 and also served as an assistant head coach, overseeing field maintenance and the academic development of all student-athletes involved in the baseball program. Amicone, 36, also returns to the role he has held for the last two seasons with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. The RailRiders hit a franchise-record 219 home runs last season, surpassing the previous mark of 2012 set in 2019. Amicone joined the Yankees organization in 2020 The Sandy, Utah, native has served as an assistant coach and camp coordinator for the Dixie State baseball program as well as the head baseball coach at Woods Cross High School in Utah. He has also worked privately with hitters at the professional, college, high school and youth levels.Javier, 31, will once again serve as the Defensive Coach for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. He was initially signed by New York as a non-drafted free agent in 2010 and played six seasons in the Yankees’ minor league system. 2024 marks the eighth season for Javier as a coach in the organization, having spent time at each level, including serving in the same role for the RailRiders last year.Casadiego, 43, enters his 12th year within the Yankees organization. After playing 10 seasons in Minor League Baseball, including parts of two seasons at the lower levels for New York, Casadiego moved to the coaching ranks in 2014. In 2021, he served as the pitching coach for the Hudson Valley Renegades and spent 2022 in the same role with the Tampa Tarpons. His pitching staff finished second in strikeouts in their respective leagues the last two seasons.Downam, 37, returns for a third season as the athletic trainer for New York’s top affiliate and his 12th year within the organization. He joined the Yankees in 2013 as the trainer for Staten Island and also spent three seasons with Charleston from 2014 through 2016. Downam spent five seasons as New York’s Double-A trainer between time in Trenton and Somerset. He attended Liberty University, where he received his B.S. in Athletic Training in 2009 and an M.S. in Sports Administration in 2012.Smith, 31, joined the Yankees organization in 2017 and has advanced through the ranks. He spent 2017 with Pulaski in the Appalachian League and moved to Staten Island for the 2018 and 2019 seasons. After spending two years with Hudson Valley, including 2021 when he was named the South Atlantic League’s Strength & Conditioning Coach of the Year, Smith was promoted to Somerset in 2023. He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford with a B.S. in Sports Medicine in 2014 and earned his M.S. in Sport and Exercise Science at Gannon University in 2015, where he served as a Graduate Assistant. Subero, 28, enters her third season with the Yankees organization. She is a graduate of the University of Miami with a B.S. in Athletic Training and earned a Master’s degree in Exercise Science from Concordia University Chicago. Subero, a Puerto Ordaz, Venezuela native, spent 2022 with the FCL Yankees and was the Tampa Tarpons athletic trainer last season. “A new Minor League Baseball season is always exciting,” Duncan added. “We go into this year understanding it will be a completely different team. We are excited for those prospects and those challenges and to see the character of this team. On the winning side of things, you start off with a clean slate and get a chance to build something special together. You create that goal for everyone to rally around and try to achieve it. That is something you are always excited about.” Please direct any interview requests to Adam Marco – amarco@swbrailriders.comThe RailRiders open their 2024 season on March 29 with a three-game weekend set at Buffalo. The home opener is set for April 2 at 6:35 P.M. as the Syracuse Mets come to PNC Field. Season tickets, mini plans and the flex plan are all available now. For more information, contact the RailRiders front office at (570) 969-BALL or visit swbrailriders.com.
