FNCB Bank Employees Spread Holiday Cheer with Generous Donations Employees help local families this season FNCB Bank, deeply rooted in the local community since 1910, once again demonstrated its commitment to making a positive impact this holiday season. Employees rallied together to donate $1,100 in grocery gift cards and 200 gifts to benefit 11 local families as part of the Bank’s annual “Adopt-A-Family” initiative. This year marked a significant milestone for FNCB Bank as 100 staff members actively participated in the Adopt-A-Family program, the bank’s hallmark holiday gift-giving event. The program, now in its ninth year, successfully matches families in need from the Catherine McAuley Centers of Lackawanna and Luzerne County, and Children and Youth Services of Wayne County, with employees eager to spread holiday joy. Michael Cummings, Senior Vice President, Marketing Manager, said, “Since launching the Adopt-A-Family program, we have successfully matched 102 families, while also fulfilling wish lists for these two incredible organizations. Our team is truly dedicated to making a meaningful difference in our community.” The Adopt-A-Family project is an integral part of FNCB’s broader Community Caring initiative, showing the bank’s role as a local community partner. Beyond the holiday season, FNCB continues to contribute to the community’s well-being through volunteerism, donations, and outreach programs. For more information on FNCB Bank and its community initiatives, please visit fncb.com.
Lackawanna College Occupational Therapy Program Hosts Assistive Technology Event On Thursday, Nov. 30, the Lackawanna College Occupational Therapy Assistant program hosted an Assistive Technology Fair in the OTA lab on campus, open to the public. In addition to Occupational Therapy Assistant program staff and students, the event was attended by area occupational therapy students, practitioners, and other Lackawanna College employees. The spacious area housing the OTA program was an excellent fit for area vendors to display their unique and specialized equipment and services. The fair included familiar and cutting-edge assistive technology and services that enable individuals to live more independently, safely, and vibrantly. These devices and services create a context that better engages and supports the individual’s level of function. Vendors at the fair provide services across an age span from early childhood through adult rehabilitation to aging. Students and the public participated in live demonstrations and learned how to assess the need for, document reimbursement for, and access alternative funding solutions for assistive devices and services. PM Medical, Hanover Township, provided familiar low-tech assistive technology, durable medical equipment, with a unique opportunity for students to learn from the provider about the specific and critical documentation needed for reimbursement requirements. PaTTAN, PA Training and Assistive Technology Network, presented their full-service provisions of education, consultation, and technology to support the needs of students in the classroom, including a discussion of the inter-professional teams and roles they support. United Cerebral Palsy’s Assistive Technology Resources Center presented their services and lending library of low- and high-tech devices, creating an excellent alternative access option for individuals unable to afford purchases of this nature. Additionally, Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation taught fair-goers about their unique programs for not only assessing needs for assistive technology but also providing a variety of funding options for access to high-end technology. Penumbra was present, providing opportunities for attendees to experience virtual reality devices, the REAL system, for therapeutic recovery and skill development, as well as pain management and wellness. As these cutting-edge, research-based therapeutic interventions begin to become standard within the profession, it is critical that occupational therapy assistant students have access and experience to enter the profession in a knowledgeable and prepared manner. Those looking for a safer option for aging in place in NEPA were represented by NeighborWorks NEPA. One of the many vibrant services that this critical program offers is to provide education for and install assistive technology, as well as home repairs, enabling a person to age in their home environment and community for longer. Together, this group of vendors represents a segment of human services that partners with occupational therapy to support an individual’s ability to engage in the things that matter—the things they want to “occupy” their time. The Lackawanna College Occupational Therapy Assistant program desires this annual Assistive Technology Fair to be a resource not only for area occupational therapy students and practitioners but also for members of the public seeking information and the ability to experience the technology.
Keystone Mission Receives $25,000 Grant The William G. McGowan Charitable Fund presented Keystone Mission with a $25,000 grant check to help fill the growing need of individuals seeking nutritious meals throughout the organization.Among our regular church partnerships and food providers for weekend meal outreach, part of Keystone Mission’s outreach is serving nutritious meals – breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday – to welcome individuals further into the wrap-around services.“We provide healthy, nutritious meals daily, and this grant will go a long way, touch many lives, and leave an indelible impact on our guests and residents,” says Danielle O. Keith-Alexandre, CEO & Executive Director.
The Dime Bank Recognizes the Retirement of Board Member Dimeco, Inc. and The Dime Bank Board of Directors member Thomas A. Peifer announces his retirement from the board after serving for 35 years. Thomas A. Peifer joined the Board of Directors in 1988 while holding the position of superintendent of the Wallenpaupack Area School District in Hawley, Pennsylvania. This provided him with numerous area resident personal relationships, who comprise a significant portion of The Dime Bank marketplace. Peifer was also the president of Metlag, Inc., a franchised retail Agway store, which he sold in 2014. As a local businessman and lifetime resident of Pike County, Peifer brought his expertise and knowledge of the Pike County market area to guide management decisions. Tom’s proficiency was further enhanced by his numerous community and civic affiliations. Peifer was committed to oversight through active participation during monthly meetings and through the various committees he served on throughout the years. He enabled strong corporate governance with his high standards of integrity and candor. President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Bochnovich stated, “Please join me, along with fellow board members and The Dime Bank management, in thanking Tom for his dedication, commitment, and knowledge that has helped The Dime Bank grow and prosper. Board service can be difficult at times, and Tom took on his duties with steadfastness and thoughtfulness. We are grateful for his active leadership as a judicious steward of our organization and express our sincere gratitude for his service to our customers and helping grow shareholder value. Those of us that know Tom personally admire him not only for his business efforts, but also for his personal lifetime values as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Tom’s presence will be missed, and we wish him well.”
Skills in Scranton Receives Grant from the Robert H. Spitz Foundation Skills in Scranton Business Education Partnership, the workforce development affiliate of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, is proud to announce that it has been awarded a $15,000 grant from the Robert H. Spitz Foundation, administered by the Scranton Area Community Foundation. This grant will support facilitation of career awareness programs, facilitate collaboration between educational partners and the business community to empower students and job seekers to deepen their knowledge of diverse career pathways. Business leaders across northeastern Pennsylvania have recognized that workforce development is critical to our economic future, and the long-term success of our youth. Skills in Scranton has established the framework for an industry-led, sector-based approach for addressing skills shortages, developing talent pipelines, and creating meaningful career pathways for a range of workers in these leading industry sectors “This funding is instrumental in advancing our mission of fostering career awareness and developing a talent pipeline in Northeastern Pennsylvania,” said Emily Pettinato, workforce development specialist, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. “This grant will allow us to strengthen our efforts in connecting with students and job seekers to ensure they have the tools and knowledge to make informed career decisions.” “Workforce development and career readiness are among the region’s most pressing needs, affecting regional employers and job seekers alike,” said Laura Ducceschi, President & CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “With its robust connection between education, training, and employment, the Business Education Partnership’s community-based approach is an important component in ensuring every individual has access to family-sustaining jobs, creating a thriving community. The Robert H. Spitz Foundation and the Scranton Area Community Foundation are proud to support this very important endeavor.”
Lackawanna College Receives Donation from People’s Security Bank & Trust Lackawanna College received a donation of $45,000 from Peoples Security Bank & Trust. This generous contribution will support the Dual Enrollment Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program, which allows high school students to enroll in college-level courses and earn credits while still attending high school. “We are deeply grateful to Peoples Security Bank & Trust for their support of our mission to enhance educational opportunities for high school students,” Lackawanna College President and Chief Innovation Officer Jill Murray said. “This donation will directly impact the Dual Enrollment Program, opening doors for students to engage in advanced coursework and gain valuable college experience before graduation.” The Peoples Security Bank & Trust’s donation shows their commitment to education, aligning with Lackawanna College’s mission to provide accessible and affordable education for the communities it supports.
Broadway in Scranton Tickets on Sale this Friday Just in time for the holidays, the remaining shows in Broadway in Scranton’s 2023 – 2024 season go on sale this Friday, December 8 at 10AM! Tickets for ANNIE, THE CHER SHOW, COME FROM AWAY, and PRETTY WOMAN – THE MUSICAL will be available online at BroadwayInScranton.com and in person at the Scranton Cultural Center Box Office. All shows at the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple. Box Office hours are Monday – Friday 10AM – 5 PM, Saturday 10AM – 2PM. Ticket buyers are reminded that the Scranton Cultural Center Box Office, Ticketmaster.com, and BroadwayInScranton.com are the only official retail ticket outlets for all individual Broadway in Scranton tickets. Ticket buyers who purchase tickets from a ticket broker or any third party should be aware that Broadway in Scranton is unable to reprint or replace lost or stolen tickets and is unable to contact patrons with information regarding time changes or other pertinent updates regarding the performance. Want to give the gift of theatre but not sure what they’d like? Gift certificates are also available! These certificates are good for any Broadway in Scranton show, and they can be used on single tickets, group tickets or season tickets. You can purchase a gift certificate in any denomination at the Broadway Theatre League office by phone at 570-342-7784 or in person at 345 N. Washington Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503. The office is open from 10AM to 4PM, Monday through Friday. This package includes HAIRSPRAY, ANNIE, THE CHER SHOW, COME FROM AWAY, and PRETTY WOMAN – THE MUSICAL. 5-Show Season Tickets can be purchased online at BroadwayInScranton.com, in person at the Broadway Theatre League (BTL) office (345 North Washington Ave, Scranton, PA) or by calling the BTL office at 570-342-7784. BTL Office Hours are Monday – Friday 10AM – 4PM. Season Ticket prices are $205, $280, $330 and $395. Season Ticket benefits include: • The Best Seats … Select your seats prior to shows going on sale • Same Great Seat … The same seat for each show • Value … over buying individual show tickets… Season Tickets save time & money! • Convenience … One order and you get tickets to all season shows • Payment plans … Flexible payment plan options available to space your purchase out over time. (NOTE: Payment plans cannot be arranged online and must be arranged in person at the BTL office or over the phone at 570.342.7784.) • Ticket Exchange … If you cannot attend a performance, you can exchange your tickets for another performance of the same show. • Guaranteed Nights Out … Season Tickets provide you the opportunity to pre-plan nights out • Free Ticket Insurance … Lose your tickets? No problem! We’ll replace them at no charge. • Extra Shows & Tickets … Season Ticket holders are the first to hear about any extra shows that are added throughout the season and receive advance purchase privileges
The Wright Center Names Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr. Erin McFadden, a board-certified internal medicine physician and medical director of The Wright Center for Community Health Scranton Practice, has been named deputy chief medical officer of The Wright Center for Community Health. In her new role, Dr. McFadden will oversee various critical administrative duties to deliver high-quality primary and preventive care services to patients of all ages, regardless of their insurance status, ZIP code, or ability to pay. She will also lead training initiatives and various educational and professional development opportunities for resident and fellow physicians, providers, and support staff. As medical director of the Scranton practice, Dr. McFadden will continue serving as the clinical leader for all ambulatory health and primary care services and provide clinical oversight and direction to all support services, including nursing, laboratory, radiology, pharmacy, and related functional areas. She will also serve as medical director for The Wright Center for Community Health Scranton Counseling Center location and other clinics as needed. Dr. McFadden received her undergraduate degree from the University of Scranton and her medical degree at Temple University School of Medicine. She completed her internal medicine residency training at The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education. Dr. McFadden began working for The Wright Center in 2020 and has been the medical director of The Wright Center for Community Health Scranton Practice since 2021. In addition to providing patient care, Dr. McFadden will continue serving as the dean of undergraduate medical and interprofessional education and as a core faculty member for The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s Internal Medicine Residency. Dr. McFadden is also involved in The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s Geriatric Fellowship program. In addition, she plays an integral role in developing the lifestyle medicine curriculum and serves as co-regional director of medical education for A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine – Arizona (ATSU-SOMA). The Wright Center for Community Health operates 10 primary and preventive care practices in Northeast Pennsylvania, including a mobile medical and dental unit. For more information about the primary and preventive care services provided by The Wright Center for Community Health or for the nearest location, go to TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-230-0019.
Two Wright Center Locations Earn National Recognition Two of The Wright Center for Community Health’s primary and preventive care practices recently received commendations from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) for delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. The Wright Center for Community Health Scranton Practice, 501 S. Washington Ave., and The Wright Center for Community Health Wilkes-Barre Practice, 169 N. Pennsylvania Ave., each achieved the NCQA’s Patient-Centered Medical Home certificate of recognition, acknowledging that they have the tools, systems, and resources to provide patients with the right care at the right time. Both practices initially earned the NCQA voluntary accreditation in 2021. Every year, the practice locations undergo a formal review to ensure they comply with the Washington, D.C.-based organization’s high standards. For the public, the NCQA accreditation is a signal that The Wright Center for Community Health maintains a focus on quality improvement and has key processes in place so that its clinics are prioritizing the needs of patients by following the patient-centered medical home model of care. The model is designed to allow patients and their care teams to build better relationships, help patients to more effectively control chronic conditions, and improve the overall patient experience. In addition, the patient-centered medical home model has been shown to increase staff satisfaction and reduce health care costs. “We are proud to retain this recognition seal for both practices, which is a reflection of the dedicated work being done by The Wright Center’s employees to use our information technology and team-based delivery system so we can coordinate care and get the best results possible for patients,” said Dr. Jignesh Y. Sheth, chief medical officer of The Wright Center for Community Health. “The NCQA seal lets people know these practices will be open outside traditional business hours to meet their primary care needs and that we do all we can to put our patients at the forefront of care.” The NCQA was founded in 1990 with support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. It seeks to improve health care quality through measurement, transparency, and accountability. The Wright Center’s Mid Valley and Clarks Summit practices also maintain the NCQA’s respected recognition seal, undergoing annual renewals. Overall, The Wright Center operates 10 primary and preventive care practices in Northeast Pennsylvania, including a mobile medical and dental vehicle called Driving Better Health. 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 care, 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 learn more about The Wright Center for Community Health’s primary and preventive care services, call 570-230-0019 or visit TheWrightCenter.org.
NEPA Alliance to Host Export Training Webinars NEPA Alliance is offering the following export training webinars in December and January. There is no fee to register. The webinars will be presented by Mr. Bob Imbriani, Vice President-International Services, Team Worldwide. Please feel free to share this information with your clients and contact Debbie Langan (dlangan@nepa-alliance.org or 570-891-4645) if you have any questions or require additional information. Incoterms 2020 In Practice Tuesday, December 12, 2023 10:00 – 11:00 amIncoterms® (“INternational COmmercial TERMS”) are a set of 11 internationally recognized rules which define the responsibilities of sellers and buyers. Incoterms specify who is responsible for paying for and managing the shipment, insurance, documentation, customs clearance, and other logistical activities. You may know of Incoterms 2020, but do you know how to apply them in an actual transaction? Many programs present the definitions but only provide a few, if any, ways to apply them. This program will provide not only an understanding of the definitions but also actual examples of using them to your advantage in Purchase Orders, Sales Agreements, and even letters of credit. Registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_0OuD6xdbR1qa4nNOpXjA0Q Choosing the Correct Payment Option for Your Exports Wednesday, January 10, 2024 10:00 – 11:00 am In a global marketplace, exporters need to offer their customers attractive sales terms supported by the appropriate payment methods. Understand the payment process so you can choose correctly. For most companies, it’s important to get paid for their exports. Of course, most companies would prefer payment up-front, before goods are shipped. However, the realities of making a sale—particularly when you are competing against other potential suppliers—mean you need to choose a payment option that minimizes your risk while accommodating the needs of the buyer and maximizing the competitiveness of your products. Registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_z4j5NWgMQnqkgEdTig8Meg
