The Wright Center for Community Health Staff Selected to Serve on State HIV Advisory Group Two employees of The Wright Center for Community Health’s Ryan White Clinic will join an advisory group collaborating with the state Department of Health, including its Division of HIV Health and Bureau of Communicable Diseases, as well as the University of Pittsburgh. Sharon Whitebread Deanna DiGiapaolo Sharon Whitebread, manager of medical case management at the Ryan White Clinic, and Deanna DiGiampaolo, the clinic’s outreach and prevention education coordinator, have been appointed to three-year terms on the HIV Planning Group. The advisory group panel brings together stakeholders from across the state to coordinate efforts in HIV care and prevention planning. “The HIV Planning Group envisions a future where everyone living with HIV, as well as those most vulnerable to the disease, have access to the latest prevention methods, treatment, care, support, and services,” Whitebread said. “We will offer guidance to the Pennsylvania Department of Health on HIV-related care, prevention, testing, and the state’s progress in achieving the goals of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy.” Whitebread, who holds a degree in human services and a certificate of specialization in criminal justice, has been with The Wright Center for nearly five years and has worked in the HIV field since 2001. Throughout her career, the Luzerne County resident has been an HIV testing counselor for the state Department of Health, an HIV/AIDS instructor and instructor trainer for the American Red Cross, an HIV intervention specialist, and an educator and outreach professional in the field. DiGiampaolo has a diverse clinical background, working in emergency rooms, laboratories, and pharmacies. The Wayne County resident has a public health degree with a concentration in communicable diseases and a biology degree. Membership in the HIV Planning Group is by invitation only. Whitebread and DiGiampaolo, chosen for their unique backgrounds, will join 23 other representatives from across the Commonwealth. The Wright Center has been a federally designated Ryan White provider since 2003. It delivers comprehensive HIV primary medical care, essential support services, and medications to individuals living with HIV, including the uninsured and underserved, across seven counties in Northeast Pennsylvania. Currently, The Wright Center serves nearly 500 patients through its Ryan White clinical program, provides specialty health care, and has about 300 clients through its medical case management program. Some individuals are enrolled in both services. To learn more, visit TheWrightCenter.org/services/ryan-white-hiv-clinic/ or call 570.941.0630.
The Wright Center Hosts Tinnitus Support Group The Tinnitus Support Group of Northeast Pennsylvania will meet on Friday, Feb. 14, at 2 p.m. at The Wright Center for Community Health Mid Valley, 5 S. Washington Ave., Jermyn. Virtual meeting options are available for those unable to attend in person. The support group welcomes individuals living with tinnitus, their loved ones, and anyone interested in understanding this complex audiological and neurological condition. Participants will have the opportunity to connect, share their experiences, and explore coping strategies in a compassionate and supportive environment. At the February meeting, guest speaker Dr. Erin Walborn-Sterantino will continue the discussion from the January meeting on the neurophysiological model of tinnitus, the role and proper use of sound therapy, and more. Dr. Walborn-Sterantino is an audiology doctor specializing in treating tinnitus and sound sensitivity disorders. Over the course of her nearly 30-year career, she has dedicated herself to helping patients reclaim their quality of life through innovative, compassionate care and evidence-based practices. She has studied under many of the field’s leading researchers, including Dr. Pawel Jastreboff, the pioneer of Tinnitus Retraining Therapy. She integrates this evidence-based approach with a holistic, mind-body perspective, tailoring treatment to each individual’s needs. Dr. Walborn-Sterantino is also a qualified teacher of mindfulness-based stress reduction. Dr. Walborn-Sterantino emphasizes empowering patients through education, mindfulness techniques, and comprehensive sound therapy, reflecting her belief that effective tinnitus care addresses both the auditory and emotional dimensions of the condition. For more information or to obtain the virtual meeting link, contact Nicole Flynn, director of the geriatrics service line at The Wright Center for Community Health, at flynnn@TheWrightCenter.org or 570-230-0019.
The Dime Bank Donates to United Neighborhood Centers’ CEDAR Center Project The Dime Bank announced a $25,000.00 donation to the United Neighborhood Centers (UNC) of Northeastern Pennsylvania in support of their CEDAR Center project. This donation is made via the PA Department of Community and Economic Development Neighborhood Assistance Program. The contribution underscores The Dime Bank’s dedication to community development and its belief in UNC’s mission to empower individuals and families. The CEDAR Center, a transformative initiative by UNC, will revitalize a historic building into a vibrant community hub. The center will provide expanded access to vital services, including education, job readiness training, workforce development programs, community health resources, and support for immigrant integration. “At The Dime Bank, we believe that strong communities are built through strong partnerships. We’re proud to support UNC’s vision for the CEDAR Center and to work alongside them to create a brighter future for our neighbors.” said Senior Vice President Chief Financial Officer Jeffrey Roche. “The CEDAR Center is poised to become a cornerstone of community life, offering resources and opportunities for residents to thrive. The Dime Bank’s donation reflects its commitment to investing in the future of the community and empowering individuals to reach
The Dime Bank (Dimeco, Inc.) Announces 2024 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, 2024. Total assets increased $90 million or 9.1% from the end of 2023 to $1.080 billion as of December 31, 2024. The loan portfolio ended the year at $775 million, an increase of $52.9 million or 7.3% from the year prior. Deposits also increased year-over-year to $911 million, a gain of $84.5 million or 10.2%. Dimeco’s 2024 net income of $12.9 million was $2.1 million or 19.5% greater than 2023, resulting in earnings per share of $5.12. Net income at this level produced a return on average assets of 1.25% and a return on average equity of 12.61%, an increase of 12.6% and 6.5%, respectively. Stockholders’ Equity also increased 8.5% to $107 million. The 2024 dividend payout ratio was 31.64% providing a yield of 4.08%, with year-to-date dividends totaling $1.62 per share. President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Bochnovich stated, “I am excited to share our financial achievements for 2024. It was a year of noteworthy progress for Dimeco, Inc., marked by numerous positive outcomes. We sustained our robust growth trajectory through sound and prudent banking practices. Looking ahead, we are optimistic about the future and confident that the momentum we built in 2024 will carry into 2025. Our commitment to our communities and shareholders is paramount. We value your ongoing support and unwavering dedication.”
SIMONA AMERICA Industries Expands to Archbald SIMONA AMERICA Group—a leading supplier of thermoplastic semi-finished parts—has announced a significant expansion of its Archbald, Pennsylvania facility, SIMONA AMERICA Industries “SAI”. This $23 million investment reflects the company’s commitment to driving innovation, supporting local economic growth, and enhancing its manufacturing capabilities. Scheduled for completion in Q1 of 2026, the expansion will add over 80,000 square feet to the existing facility. This state-of-the-art extension will be equipped with advanced manufacturing technology, enabling SAI to broaden its product portfolio and better serve its diverse customer base across industries such as chemical processing, semiconductor equipment manufacturing, outdoor living, marine, and more
Pennsylvania Treasury Launches New Portal for Tax Appeals Treasurer Stacy Garrity Launches New Portal to Simplify Pennsylvania Tax Appeals Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity today announced the launch of the new online Tax Appeal Portal to streamline Pennsylvania’s tax appeal process. Taxpayers and tax practitioners filing appeals with the Department of Revenue (DOR) through the Board of Finance & Revenue (BF&R) can now find all applicable forms in one convenient online location. “Making the tax appeal process easier makes sense on every level,” Treasurer Garrity said. “This new tool makes it simpler and more efficient to file an appeal, and it’s a great example of focusing on how we can make government work better for the taxpayers.” To use the Tax Appeal Portal, taxpayers and tax practitioners will first create a password-protected account. Password verification is required for enhanced security. Once an account is created, users can: File a petition; Upload supporting documents; Request a hearing continuance; Request a compromise directly with the DOR; Request a mediated settlement conference (for appeals filed on or after January 27, 2025); and Take advantage of other features. Those using the Tax Appeal Portal will be able to see all petitions they have filed through the Portal and verify any documents that were previously uploaded. BF&R is an independent administrative tax tribunal, administered by the State Treasurer, responsible for the second and final level of administrative appeal (with minor exceptions) before appealing to court. Its Board consists of three members – two are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Pennsylvania Senate; the third is the State Treasurer or her designee and serves as Chair. For more information about BF&R’s new Tax Appeal Portal, visit patreasury.gov/bfr.
PennDOT to Host ‘REAL ID Day’ at Tunkhannock Driver License Center To help ensure Pennsylvanians are prepared for the upcoming federal REAL ID enforcement deadline of May 7, 2025, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced today that it will hold special REAL ID service hours at its Tunkhannock Driver License Center at 600 Hunter Highway Suite 12, Tunkhannock on February 10, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. “We’re committed to ensuring our customers are ready for the REAL ID enforcement deadline of May 7, 2025,” said PennDOT Deputy Secretary for Driver and Vehicle Services Kara Templeton. “By offering special hours on a day when our centers are typically closed, we’re providing an additional opportunity for those who want to obtain a REAL ID and be prepared. We are always looking for ways to provide a better service to residents and our REAL ID Days accomplishes that mission.” More than 2.5 million Pennsylvanians have chosen to opt into the REAL ID program. Getting a REAL ID is optional in Pennsylvania, but beginning May 7, 2025, Pennsylvanians will need a REAL ID-compliant license/identification card, or another form of federally acceptable identification (such as a valid passport or military ID) to: Board domestic commercial flights. Enter a military base. Enter certain federal facilities that require a federally acceptable form of ID. If you’re not sure whether a REAL ID is right for you, our REAL ID online wizard may be able to help. Federal REAL ID regulations require that PennDOT must verify the below documents: Proof of Identity: examples include an original or certified copy of a birth certificate filed with the State Office of Vital Records/Statistics with a raised/embossed seal, or a valid, unexpired U.S. Passport. Proof of Social Security Number (proof must display currently legal name and full nine digits of the Social Security Number): examples include a Social Security card, a W-2 form, a SSA-1099 form, a non-SSA-1099 form, or a pay stub. Two Proofs of Current, Physical PA Address: examples include a current, unexpired PA driver’s license or identification card, vehicle registration, or a utility bill with the same name and address. Proof of all Legal Name Changes (if current legal name is different than what is reflected on proof of identity document): examples include certified marriage certificate(s) issued by the County Court for each marriage, court order(s) approving a change in legal name, or adoption decree issued by your county’s family court. Note: If current name is the same as what is reflected on the proof of identity document (usually birth certificate or passport), show proof of legal name change does not need to be shown. More information about REAL ID document requirements can be found on PennDOT’s REAL ID website. When a customer gets their first REAL ID product, they will pay a one-time fee of $30, plus the applicable renewal fee (the current renewal fee is $39.50 for a four-year non-commercial driver’s license and $42.50 for a photo ID). The expiration date of their initial REAL ID product will include any time remaining on their existing non-REAL ID product, plus an additional four years, unless the customer is over 65 and has a two-year license. This expiration date structure means that the customer won’t lose time that they’ve already paid for. After the initial REAL ID product expires, the customer will pay no additional fee beyond regular renewal fees to renew a REAL ID product. After customers present the proper documentation and pay the applicable fee, customers may obtain a REAL ID-compliant product by: Receiving the product in the mail within 15 days, if application was made at a Driver License Center, such as the Tunkhannock Driver License Center. Receiving the product over the counter, if application was made at one of PennDOT’s 15 REAL ID Centers. Customers who received their first Pennsylvania driver’s license, learner’s permit, or photo ID card AFTER September 1, 2003, may already have their REAL ID documentation on file with PennDOT. These customers can apply for REAL ID pre-verification and order their REAL ID-compliant product online. For a full list of driver license centers, REAL ID Centers, and services offered, please visit the PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services website and click on Find A Location. For more information on REAL ID, visit PennDOT’s REAL ID website. REAL ID is optional for Pennsylvanians, but will be required for domestic air travel and entry to certain federal facilities after the May 7, 2025, deadline. A passport will still be required for international travel. Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras. 511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional X alerts.
NEPA Youth For Christ Celebrates 30th Anniversary with Grammy-Nominated Artist Celebrate 30 years of working in the lives of teenagers and young parents with NEPA Youth For Christ. Grammy-nominated, four Dove award winner artist Brandon Heath is the special guest at the 30th Anniversary Banquet. Doors open at 5 for the silent auction. The banquet starts at 6 PM. Tickets: $45 a person Sponsorships are available.
NAMI Collaborates with Owl & Friends to Provide Support for Maternal Mental Health The expression ‘bundle of joy’ is often used in reference to a newborn baby, but for many women, it is not joy that’s being experienced, instead, it’s perinatal or postpartum depression or another mood disorder. NAMI Northeast Region PA (National Alliance on Mental Illness) and the newly opened business Owl & Friends in Wayne County are collaborating to offer parents the opportunity for education, support and community all in one place. NAMI Northeast Region has been offering its Momma Bears support group meetings at no cost to individuals affected by pre- and postnatal mental health struggles since February of 2022, and has recently teamed up with Owl & Friends so meeting attendees can be in a space created specifically for parents of children who are ages infant to 5 years old. On Thursday, February 13, NAMI’s Momma Bears support group will begin meeting at Owl & Friends, 809 Main St. in Honesdale at noon and continue to meet there on the second Thursday of every month. NAMI’s Executive Director Marie Onukiavage said, “Helen Keller’s quote ‘Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much,’ reflects the truth in our collaboration with Owl & Friends and what owner Ashley Springer has created in this space: ‘a community hub for growth and fun.’ NAMI wants anyone who is struggling with pre- or postpartum mental health to know that they are not alone, and mental health recovery through support and education is possible.” Support groups like these are vital given that in the U.S., 1 in 5 women experience a mental health disorder in the months before or after giving birth — and the vast majority of them never get care, according to an article published to the Association of American Medical Colleges website in December of 2023. Owl & Friends grew out of founder Ashley Springer’s search for connection with other moms and activities for her three children who are 4 months, 4 and 6 years old in one convenient location. With her four-month-old child napping on her chest, Springer said, “I was spending time trying to find events on Facebook and driving all around to different places and I was using too much mental energy and time in the car.” In addition to helping parents save energy and time by having one central location for activities, drop-in playtime, and support group meetings, Springer said the ability to connect with other moms is crucial. “I found that I needed to get out to talk to people, to feel like a human being, not a milk machine. I was inspired to create a place that feels like home and isn’t just a class, it’s a community where you can talk to other people going through what you’re going through,” Springer said. In addition to the monthly Momma Bears support group meetings that are open to the public, NAMI will offer monthly workshops for Owl & Friends’ members beginning on February 27. NAMI Services Leader and Momma Bears facilitator Katie Spencer said, “To be located where moms and families gather for community and support for their growing families aligns with NAMI’s mission of helping and supporting individuals and families find hope, support, and education. We are grateful for this collaboration and are looking forward to helping pregnant and postpartum moms feel heard, validated, and supported.” Owl & Friends will have a soft opening for the public to visit starting February 15 with a grand opening party scheduled for March 1. Follow Owl & Friends PA on Facebook for upcoming events. To learn about all of NAMI’s resources to help individuals living with mental illness and their families, visit NAMINEPA.org and follow NAMI NEPA on Facebook and Instagram.
Mohegan Pennsylvania, Love is in the Air Valentine’s Day specials available Friday, February 14th – Sunday, February 16th; The Lalas to headline the Keystone Grand Ballroom on Friday, February 14th Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and so is the opportunity to treat that certain someone to delicious food and drink specials at Mohegan Pennsylvania. Specials are offered Friday, February 14th through Sunday, February 16th. Those looking for the full Valentine’s Day experience can also catch The Lalas take over the Keystone Grand Ballroom for an equally hilarious and sexy show at 9:00pm. The Hive Taphouse will feature a special $75 dinner that includes an appetizer to share, choice of soup or salad, two entrées, and a decadent desert to share. The app choices are Spinach and Artichoke Dip, Classic Shrimp Cocktail, or Margherita Flatbread followed by either a House salad, Classic Ceaser Salad, or Lobster Bisque. The main entrée offers guests either a Neptune’s Kiss: Twin jumbo lump crab cakes with cognac stone ground mustard aioli, Cupid’s Steakhouse; 12-oz. carved prime rib of beef served with classis au jus and horseradish cream sauce, or The Love Shack: Twin pan-seared European chicken breasts with a porcini mushroom and caramelized onion demi-glace. To finish the meal, guests can choose either a Fresh Wild Berry Shortcake or Triple Chocolate Cake to share. The Hive Taphouse will also feature a Queen of Hearts Martini, a Peach Pomegranate Mimosa, and sparking wine by the glass or bottle as their Valentine’s Day inspired drink specials. Over at Molly O’Sheas, guests can enjoy a four-course dinner for two. This $69 special dinner includes an appetizer to share, choice of soup or salad, two entrées, and a mouthwatering desert to share. The app choices are Peel & Eat Shrimp, Sausage and Cheddar Stuffed Mushrooms, or Crabby Dip with Toasted Pretzel Dippers followed by either Molly’s Beef & Mushroom Soup, a Classic Caesar Salad, or a Pub Side Salad. The main entrée offers guests either Prime Rib served with baby carrots, Guinness gravy and red skin mashed potatoes, Honey Bourbon Glazed Pork served with brussels sprouts & bacon and red skin mashed potatoes, or Beer Brined Roasted Chicken served with a side of sweet corn and red skin mashed potatoes. To finish the meal, guests can choose either Sweet Strawberries or Cheesecake to share. Molly O’Sheas will also feature Lovers Knot, Kiss me I’m Irish, and sparkling wine by the glass or bottle as their drink specials. Those looking for more of an Italian Mediterranean-influenced menu can head over to Rustic Kitchen where they’ll be featuring two appetizers and two entrées. To start, guests can choose between Fried Fresh Mozzarella ($14) which consists of fried fresh panko & herb crusted mozzarella with an arugula salad & marinara and a Berry Burrata Salad ($15) which is made up of strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, burrata, and toasted pecans over mixed greens in an orange poppyseed dressing. For the main course, guests have the option of Surf & Turf ($75) which consists of a 7oz. filet mignon and an 8oz. Brazilian lobster tail with a béarnaise sauce and drawn butter, served with grilled asparagus and mashed potatoes or Cajun Shrimp & Crab Pasta ($42) featuring house-made pappardelle pasta with jump lump crab and shrimp in a Cajun roasted pepper cream sauce. Slice’d will also be getting in on the Valentine’s Day specials action by offering a Heart-Shaped Cheese Pizza with a choice of two toppings and a Sinfully Chocolate Desert Pizza which consists of Nutella spread, chocolate chips, marshmallows, and strawberry garnishes. Those looking to fall in love with Mohegan Pennsylvania’s Valentine’s Day entertainment can head over to the Keystone Grand Ballroom for The Lalas, one of the best in burlesque. Doors for this special Valentine’s Day performance open at 8:00pm and the show kicks off at 9:00pm. Tickets are on sale now via ticketmaster.com. Tickets can also be purchased with Momentum Dollars and all other forms of payment at the Mohegan Pennsylvania Box Office located at the Hotel Front Desk, subject to availability. Guests must be 21+ to attend this show. For more information about Valentine’s Day at Mohegan Pennsylvania, visit the Mohegan Pennsylvania website.
