The Wright Center News Wright Center Launches National Physician Assistant Program The Wright Center for Community Health recently welcomed eight master’s degree-level students who will be gaining knowledge and experience in its primary care practices as they complete a program to become physician assistants. The students are part of the first class to enroll in the Central Coast Physician Assistant program, a new initiative of A.T. Still University of Health Sciences (ATSU) in partnership with the National Association of Community Health Centers and select health centers across the country. Participants in the 24-month program attend ATSU’s Santa Maria campus in California for one year during their pre-clinical phase. Then they enter a clinical phase, which includes 35 weeks of supervised clinical practice experiences at The Wright Center or other partnered community health center. “The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education are deeply immersed in and passionately committed to developing and inspiring our current and future interprofessional health care workforce,” said Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak, president and CEO of The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education. “We are excited to embrace an expanded role in preparing physician assistants to work in community-based teaching health center settings, where they will serve and care for historically underserved populations. “Our partnership with ATSU’s College for Healthy Communities will force-multiply the delivery of our shared mission to improve the health and welfare of America,” she added. “Future graduates of the program will be essential for the continued workforce renewal of safety-net community providers such as The Wright Center for Community Health, which depend on dedicated teams of caring, patient- and community-centered healers.” Physician assistants Bryan Boyle and Angelo Brutico, each of whom is a Marywood University alumnus and Wright Center employee, will provide on-site program supervision and leadership as ATSU’s regional directors of physician assistant education. The Central Coast Physician Assistant program prepares its graduates to be “highly competent professionals in the science of medicine” who are “steeped in the osteopathic tradition of body, mind, and spirit care for the whole person.” The Wright Center and ATSU have a long track record of successfully collaborating to conceptualize and launch programs that develop compassionate, skilled physicians and other health care professionals to help address workforce shortages in the nation’s rural and other underserved communities. Representatives from the A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona (ATSU-SOMA), based in Mesa, were involved in the planning stages of The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s National Family Medicine Residency – a first-of-its-kind program that places resident physicians in one of four partner training sites in the U.S. In 2020, as part of a separate program, The Wright Center for Community Health became a rotational host site for aspiring doctors enrolled at ATSU-SOMA – which prides itself on being “the medical school of the future.” The school’s unique medical education model allows students to spend their first year on campus in Mesa, Arizona, followed by three years at a community health center, where an emphasis is placed on fostering community-minded physicians who will be advocates for equitable health care access. About 30 ATSU-SOMA medical school students are currently based at The Wright Center’s primary care practices in Northeast Pennsylvania. These programs, in combination with The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s existing residency and fellowship programs, have positioned The Wright Center nonprofit enterprise to be a true regional provider of interprofessional health care education. The inaugural cohort of physician assistant students is scheduled to complete its clinical rotation at The Wright Center in June 2023. To learn more about opportunities in the Central Coast Physician Assistant program, visit ATSU’s website at atsu.edu. Or contact Carla Blakeslee, The Wright Center’s coordinator of clerkships, by calling 570-591-5116 or sending an email to blakesleec@thewrightcenter.org.
Neighborworks Todd Pousley Named Neighborhood Revitalization Manager The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) named Todd Pousley, Neighborhood Revitalization Manager at NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania (NeighborWorks), to participate in the 2022-2023 class of the Appalachian Leadership Institute, a free leadership and economic development training opportunity for individuals currently living and/or working in one of ARC’s 13 Appalachian states. The 2022-2023 class comprises a diverse network of professionals representing all 13 Appalachian states and a wide spectrum of perspectives and sectors, including tourism, healthcare, education, civil service, and more. The nine-month curriculum is anchored by six multi-day seminars across the Appalachian region focusing on each of ARC’s strategic investment priorities, which aim to strengthen economic and community growth in Appalachia. The fourth class will run from October 2022 through July 2023, focusing on skill-building seminars and best practice reviews to prepare fellows to: • Design effective economic development project proposals• Integrate community assets into long-term economic development strategies• Identify resources available to spark economic and community development• Locate and access investment capital from a variety of public and private sources• Prepare competitive applications for public grant opportunities• Use expanded connections and leadership skills to create strong regional partnerships “Congratulations to the incoming 2022-2023 class of Appalachian Leadership Institute fellows! These leaders are already growing their Appalachian communities and will be even better equipped to drive positive change after their work with this program,” said ARC Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin. “I am eager to see this class of fellows collaborate across state lines to set big goals that will help the entire Appalachian region thrive.” Appalachian Leadership Institute fellows were selected via a competitive application process to reflect the Appalachian region’s wide range of economic development challenges, opportunities, and strategies. Upon completion of the program, Pousley will automatically become part of the Appalachian Leadership Institute Alumni Network, a peer-to-peer working group of experts helping foster collaborative solutions that will build a stronger future for Appalachia. “I’m thrilled for Todd to be included as a fellow in this year’s Appalachian Leadership Institute class,” said Jesse Ergott, President & CEO of NeighborWorks. “His deep experience and commitment to community development make him a great fit for this exciting program. We look forward to utilizing what he learns from the sessions in various communities to advance our work on behalf of our neighbors here in northeastern Pennsylvania.” Joining Pousley in representing Pennsylvania are fellow local area expert Holly Pilcavage, CEO of Coal Creative in Wilkes-Barre, and Amanda Craig Bradley, Business Outreach Manager of DRIVE in Danville.
Geisinger Offering Drive-through and Walk-in Flu Shots Geisinger is hosting its second Super Saturday flu vaccine event this upcoming Saturday, Oct. 8, at 42 locations across the system’s footprint. Flu shots are free and available to all in the community – no appointments are needed. Simply drive up and receive a shot without leaving your vehicle. At locations without drive-in shots, walk-in shots are available. The Super Saturday flu shot clinics run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The last Super Saturday event this year will be on Nov. 5. “It’s so important to get vaccinated to not only protect yourself, but to protect those vulnerable of severe illness which include children, the elderly, and those immunocompromised,” said Stanley Martin, M.D., director of Geisinger’s Division of Infectious Diseases. “We could see more cases this year than we have in the past five years, so to keep everyone healthy, we want to vaccinate as many people as possible.” The following Geisinger community medicine clinics will host drive-through events for anyone age 3 and older. Shots will be available at: Geisinger Healthplex State College (132 Abigail Lane)Geisinger Philipsburg (210 Medical Center Drive)Geisinger Bellefonte (819 E. Bishop St.)Geisinger Lewistown (21 Geisinger Lane)Geisinger Medical Clinic Lock Haven (68 Spring St.)Geisinger Medical Center Muncy (255 Route 220 Highway)Geisinger Berwick (2200 W. Front St.)Geisinger Medical Clinic Buckhorn (240 Mall Blvd.)Geisinger Frackville (701 West Oak St.)Geisinger Kulpmont (119 Nevada Drive)Geisinger Lewisburg (250 Reitz Blvd.)Geisinger Orwigsburg (300 Hollywood Blvd.)Geisinger Pottsville (529 Terry Reiley Way)Geisinger Selinsgrove (201 Roosevelt Ave.)Geisinger Woodbine Lane (16 Woodbine Lane)Geisinger Dallas (114 Lt. Michael Cleary Drive)Geisinger Kingston (560 Pierce St.)Geisinger Mountain Top (35 S. Mountain Blvd.)Geisinger Mt. Pocono (126 Market Way)Geisinger Pittston (42 N. Main St.)Geisinger Mt. Pleasant (531 Mt. Pleasant Drive)Geisinger Tunkhannock (10 Trieble Drive) Those 65 and older can receive shots at Geisinger 65 Forward locations. Drive-through: Kingston (499 Wyoming Ave.)Scranton (3 W. Olive St., Floor 1, Suite 205) Walk-in: Buckhorn (240 Mall Blvd., Floor 1)Milton (5170 State Route 405 – South Gate Plaza)Scranton (3 W Olive St., Floor 1, Suite 205)Shamokin Coal Township (9333 State Route 61, Suite 2)Wilkes-Barre (41 South Main St.) Walk-in flu shots for patients ages 6 months and older will also be available at the following CommunityCare and Geisinger Pediatrics locations: CommunityCare Hazleton (426 Airport Road)CommunityCare Kistler Clinic (175 S. Wilkes-Barre Blvd.) Pediatrics: Pottsville (529 Terry Reiley Way)Mt. Pocono (126 Market Way)Scranton (5 Morgan Highway, Suite 8)Forty Fort (190 Welles St., Suite 122)Lewisburg (55 Medical Park Drive)Woodbine (16 Woodbine Lane)Lock Haven (68 Spring St.)Muncy (255 Route 220)Healthplex State College (132 Abigail Lane)Lewistown (21 Geisinger Lane)Philipsburg (210 Medical Center Drive) There’s no need to preregister to get a flu shot. Remember to wear a mask and loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the upper arm. For more information on fighting flu this season, visit geisinger.org/flu.
Pickeyweedz Is Expanding Its Retail Location Pickeyweedz is expanding its retail location to a near 3k sq. ft. space with a grand opening on November 4th, 2022. In addition to becoming one of the largest occult / metaphysical stores in the NE US with this move; they are also offering a dedicated event space hosting author meet & greets, book readings, classes on a multitude of metaphysical topics, and two bookable rooms for readers & healers. Pickeyweedz has become a household name within the metaphysical community in the tri-state area specifically drawing customers from NYC, Philadelphia & Baltimore in addition to the area surrounding NEPA’s Clarks Summit community. Not content with just being another crystal or new-age store, Pickeyweedz offers in addition to hundreds of crystal & gemstone varieties; books from domestic publishing houses as well as international distributors as well as independent rare book sources in the UK, unique, artisan-crafted clothing & wares, hundreds of varieties of incense & candles, locally crafted as well as internationally sourced jewelry, bulk teas and herbs from around the world all organic / wild-crafted sourced; statuary spanning hundreds of pantheons and so much more… Opening their doors on March 1st, 2020 on the cusp of the pandemic’s grip on the nation – Pickeyweedz has not only survived but thrived due in large part to the vibrant community they are proud to call customers. The inventory here is fluid in that each time you visit – there will always be something new to see or experience. Business growth has increased to the point that there is absolutely no room remaining in their current 900 sq. foot space hence the expansion to this new retail space which boasts four times the floor space and a greatly improved parking/commuting experience for everyone. The Pickeyweedz team will be hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony with the Scranton, PA Chamber of Commerce as well as local dignitaries at 10 am at the new location (105 Layton Road, Clarks Summit, PA) on November 4th, 2022, and are inviting all members of the press/community to stop by prior to their doors opening at 11 am for the general public.
The Railriders New Opportunity With Marvel and MiLB On the eve of the Major League Baseball’s Postseason, where baseball’s heroes shine bright, Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™) and Marvel Entertainment today began releasing the team logos designed by Marvel’s legendary illustrators for the 96 teams participating in the “Marvel’s Defenders of the Diamond” special event and content series. The Marvel-created logos featuring MiLB teams’ unique brands and mascots will be worn on-field for the first time in 2023. The initial release commenced today at Marvel Entertainment’s booth at New York Comic Con inside the Javits Center in Manhattan. The first eight MiLB team logos unveiled include the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons, Durham Bulls and El Paso Chihuahuas, the Double-A Hartford Yard Goats, Midland RockHounds and Somerset Patriots, the High-A Lansing Lugnuts and the Class-A Stockton Ports. After today’s launch, MiLB and Marvel will unveil new logos from the “Marvel’s Defenders of the Diamond” program throughout October and November until all 96 Marvel creations have been revealed, culminating with MiLB.com’s exclusive merchandise launch, including the New Era Cap Co. on-field game caps, on Friday, November 18, 2022. MiLB and Marvel first introduced the “Marvel’s Defenders of the Diamond” three-year partnership last October, hinting at numerous opportunities to collaborate and co-create content for both sports and comic fans. “The first phase of MiLB’s groundbreaking partnership with Marvel Entertainment delivered on our promise to bring our unique brand of fun and entertainment to more fans across the country,” said Kurt Hunzeker, Major League Baseball’s Vice President of Minor League Business Operations. “When you combine the creative power of these two storied brands, the promotions, events, and now merchandise fans will see in ballparks and retail stores in the years ahead will create memories that will be passed from generation to generation, and we are beyond excited to share these new team-specific logos and characters Marvel created as we build excitement for the 2023 baseball season.” All 96 participating MiLB teams will wear full uniforms featuring the Marvel-designed logos for at least one “Marvel’s Defenders of the Diamond”-themed game in 2023 and 2024. Additionally, Marvel has created a “Marvel’s Defenders of the Diamond” comic book series for MiLB fans that will be distributed in participating MiLB ballparks throughout the next two seasons.
Disaster Blaster Newly Launched Franchising Program The challenge was how to take a business operating in an industry already valued at $210 billion and make it even better. The father-and-son team behind Disaster Blaster believe they have built a better mousetrap and are now ready to expand their business model on a national basis via franchising. Founded in 2006, Disaster Blaster is a full-service, indoor restoration firm specializing in water damage, smoke damage, duct cleaning, asbestos abatement, and a wide range of other services, including meth lab cleanup and remediation – the only company in its market professionally trained to perform such work. Gary Lyons, 71, and son Matthew Lyons, 39, formed a mitigation and restoration company that separates itself from the competition with a simple but highly impactful strategy: Disaster Blaster offers the most services to the most wide-ranging customer base; one that encompasses insurance claims, commercial clients, property owners, cleaning companies, home sellers and buyers, schools, and universities and more. “We wanted to address what we saw as serious issues inherent in the industry as a whole, such as the seasonality of service offerings and the over-reliance on certain customer segments and revenue sources,” Gary said of the restoration industry, which has been valued at $210 billion, according to IBISWorld. “That led us to develop the Disaster Blaster brand and concept that addressed the seasonality issue within our industry and create stability in growth, revenue, and income.” Already approved to sell franchises in 30 states, Disaster Blaster is selling territories throughout the country, with the average territory including a population of between 150,000 to 200,000. Experience in management or the trades is beneficial, but not required. “We want someone who is honest, dependable, and ethical,” Matthew said. “We want individuals who will represent the Disaster Blaster brand well in their territory and have a long-term interest in the brand and fulfilling the needs of their customers. And we want to offer a startup business to couples and individuals who are looking to operate a small mobile business that otherwise may be out of reach for them.” Disaster Blaster considers itself the “Indoor Environmental Experts” and also provides radon mitigation, flood cleanup, mold remediation, odor removal, vandalism repair, basement waterproofing and reconstruction. But Disaster Blaster’s meth lab cleanup and remediation is certainly a differentiator. According to figures from a report by news organization Spotlight PA, the “Pennsylvania State Police, the agency that typically handles drug lab busts here, logged 923 incidents” from 2017 to 2021. Matthew said Disaster Blaster began offering meth remediation about six years ago after they received several requests for the service. Spotlight PA further reported that although meth remediation makes up less than 10 percent of Disaster Blaster’s projects, Matthew said he’s hoping the state will eventually regulate the service. Clients are generally property owners or managers who want to clean a property so it can be rented again; people who purchased bank-owned properties without knowing the full history of the home; and insurance companies. The jobs are complex and take at least two weeks. “We didn’t believe it was that big of a problem up here,” Matthew told Spotlight PA. “I grew up here. I’ve lived in northeast Pennsylvania most of my life. I never expected that we would have the issues here that we have.” The possible effects of climate change are another area that Matthew said might impact their service offerings in the future. “It will be interesting to see how that may impact our services and/or the need for our services,” he said. “Additionally, homeowners are becoming more and more aware of the needs for our services for such things as mold, radon, or asbestos remediation.” Although they formed Disaster Blaster in 2006, both Gary and Matthew have been involved in the industry since 1996. Both owned separate mitigation and restoration businesses until they decided to launch Disaster Blaster together. Gary also worked in the insurance industry for more than 20 years as a claims representative handling mitigation and property restoration claims and later as a claims manager overseeing close to 100 offices across the country. Likewise, Matthew started working in the mitigation/property restoration industry when he was 14 and holds multiple industry certifications. “My experience in handling property claims for insurance companies has been invaluable in helping our customers navigate the claims process and will also be an invaluable resource for our franchisees,” Gary said. While they both operated similar businesses on their own, Gary and Matthew said there was a period of adjustment as they combined their knowledge and experience to create a newly branded company. “We had to essentially start over from scratch,” Matthew said. “We had to market to customers who didn’t know our name yet. We had to develop our own marketing, relationships, and vendors. It was a lot of change, but it was well worth it in the end.” “We love watching people succeed and are anxious to help our franchisees grow their businesses,” Gary said. “We are excited to watch the Disaster Blaster brand grow nationally, broadening our ability to assist more homeowners in need of our services or with existing environmental issues.”
PennDOT Accepting Unsolicited Public-Private Partnership Proposals The PennDOT Office of Public-Private Partnerships (P3) announced today that it is accepting unsolicited proposals for transportation projects from the private sector through October 31. The submission period applies to PennDOT-owned projects and infrastructure. During this period, the private sector can submit proposals offering innovative ways to deliver transportation projects across a variety of modes including roads, bridges, rail, aviation, and ports. Proposals can also include more efficient models to manage existing transportation-related services and programs. The private sector may also submit applications for non-PennDOT-owned assets directly to the P3 board during this time. Transportation entities outside of the governor’s jurisdiction, such as transit authorities, may establish their own timelines or accept proposals year-round. Unsolicited proposals are being accepted through 11:59 p.m. on October 31. Instructions on how to submit a project and information on the unsolicited proposal review process can be found on the state’s P3 website, www.P3.pa.gov. The state’s P3 law allows PennDOT and other transportation authorities and commissions to partner with private companies to participate in delivering, maintaining, and financing transportation-related projects. As part of the P3 law, the seven-member Public Private Transportation Partnership Board was appointed to examine and approve potential public-private transportation projects. If the board determines a state operation would be more cost-effectively administered by a private company, the company will be authorized to submit a proposal and enter into a contract to either completely or partially take over that operation for a defined period of time. The next unsolicited proposal acceptance period will occur in April 2023. To learn more about P3 in Pennsylvania, including active projects, visit www.P3.pa.gov.
Artworks Gallery To Host Art Exhibit Join us at ArtWorks Gallery and Studio on the First Friday, October 7th, from 5-9 pm for Jessica Maietta: Synergy. Maietta is an artist based in Northeastern Pennsylvania who creates two-dimensional works using various mixed media techniques. About her work, the artist states, “mixed media enables me to channel my subconscious mind and discover personal truths. Some of my art is non-archival, mirroring the ever-changing impermanence of life. Everything has a beginning, an end, and the now. I create my own pictorial language using symbols. My pieces reflect personal views of human life in relation to time, space, nature, and spirituality. The symbols I use are universal, allowing variable interpretations. Being aware of these alternative dimensions elevates me from being a robotic gear in the clock of life.” In addition to her work, Maietta is an accomplished tattoo artist in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Join us in celebrating Jessica’s work for the entire month of October. Beyond First Friday, the gallery is open to the public 8 am – 4 pm M-F. Masks required.
Geisinger To Host Dinners for Local Veterans To thank local military veterans for their service, Geisinger will host drive-through Veterans Appreciation dinners at 11 locations across the health system’s service area from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 10. Geisinger Healthplex State College will serve meals from 4 to 5:30 p.m. The dinners for U.S. military veterans and a guest are being provided at no cost to participants. Anyone interested should make a reservation by Tuesday, Nov. 1.Geisinger will again serve this dinner as a drive-through event for the safety of the community, staff and volunteers. Last year’s event served more than 2,300 meals. This year marks the 20th anniversary for the event at Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital, where it originated before expanding to other Geisinger facilities. This year’s event will grow from nine locations to 11.Veterans may contact their preferred location to register themselves and one guest for the meal. Servings are limited, and those interested are encouraged to sign up now.Locations are: Pittston Township Geisinger Healthplex CenterPoint, 1201 Oak St.To make a reservation, visit go.geisinger.org/vetsdinner/pittston or call 570-808-5380. Scranton Nay Aug Park, 500 Arthur Ave.To make a reservation, visit go.geisinger.org/vetsdinner/gcmc or call 570-703-6322. Wilkes-Barre 50 Roosevelt TerraceTo make a reservation, visit go.geisinger.org/vetsdinner/gswb or call 570-808-3651. Bloomsburg Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital, 549 Fair St. (main entrance)To make a reservation, visit go.geisinger.org/vetsdinner/gbh or call 570-387-2145. Danville Geisinger Justin Drive Office Building, 35 Justin Drive, Building 2To make a reservation, visit go.geisinger.org/vetsdinner/gmc or call 866-578-3427. Jersey Shore Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital, 1020 Thompson St.To make a reservation, visit go.geisinger.org/vetsdinner/gjsh or call 570-398-3101. Lewistown Geisinger Lewistown Hospital, 400 Highland Ave. (third-floor entrance)To make a reservation, visit, go.geisinger.org/vetsdinner/glh or call 717-242-7102. Mifflintown Geisinger Family Health Associates Mifflintown, 27 Cjems LaneTo make a reservation, visit go.geisinger.org/vetsdinner/mifflintown or call 717-242-4219. Muncy Geisinger Medical Center Muncy, 255 Route 220To make a reservation, visit go.geisinger.org/vetsdinner/gmcm or call 570-308-2475. Shamokin Geisinger Shamokin Area Community Hospital, 4200 Hospital Road, Coal TownshipTo make a reservation, visit go.geisinger.org/vetsdinner/gsach or call 866-278-9806. State College Geisinger Healthplex State College, 132 Abigail Lane, Port MatildaTo make a reservation, visit go.geisinger.org/vetsdinner/statecollege or call 814-272-5032.Meals will be served at this location from 4 to 5:30 p.m.
Fidelity Bank Promotes Annamarie Rittle Daniel J. Santaniello, President & CEO, Fidelity Bank, is pleased to announce the promotion of AnnaMaria Rittle to Vice President, Regional Retail Sales Manager of the Lehigh Valley Region of Fidelity Bank. Rittle brings more than 27 years of community banking experience to her new role at Fidelity Bank, where she oversees Branch Administration sales functions. She develops, implements, and achieves annual goals and objectives for the Retail Banking Division, and ensures the department meets all regulatory and operating requirements. Rittle holds an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration from Northampton Community College, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. As an active member of the community, she is the treasurer of Easton Business Association and a member of the Easton Area Chamber of Commerce Programming Committee. She also volunteers at multiple community events through her affiliation with Greater Easton Development Partnership (GEDP).