The Wright Center News Wright Center Names Dr. Shah as Medical Director of Behavioral Health, Associate Program Director, and Physician Faculty A board-certified psychiatrist with more than 35 years of experience at clinical sites in Northeast Pennsylvania has joined The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education where she will train and educate the next generation of psychiatrists and provide behavioral health services to adult patients. A graduate of M.P. Shah Government Medical College in India, Dr. Jyoti R. Shah is an American Psychiatric Association Distinguished Life Fellow. She completed a psychiatry residency, including a rotation in neurology, at St. Vincent’s Hospital and Medical Center in New York. She will provide patient care, and education and administrative leadership as the medical director of The Wright Center for Community Health Behavioral Health Service Line. She will begin seeing patients ages 18 and above at the Scranton Practice, 501 S. Washington Ave., Scranton, on Nov. 1. In addition, she will serve the nonprofit enterprise as a psychiatric physician faculty member and as the associate program director of the Psychiatry Residency. Shah will provide administrative and clinical oversight of the educational program, ensuring high-quality patient care, teaching and supervision of resident physicians. Overall, more than 250 resident physicians are enrolled in The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s five residency and three fellowship programs. For the past two years, Shah has served as the medical director of Behavioral Health Services at Commonwealth Health First Hospital in Kingston after being the assistant medical director for nine years. She began her professional career in the local health care system at the VA Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre as a staff psychiatrist, before assuming the roles of acting chief and chief of the psychiatric service line for 20 years. Shah is also active in her profession and community. She is a member of the American Psychiatric Association, and served as vice chairperson and chairperson of the National Alliance for Mentally Ill Keystone Pennsylvania chapter and president of the Pennsylvania Psychiatry Society. At King’s College in Wilkes-Barre and Penn State School of Health and Sciences in Williamsport, she held academic appointments in clinical medicine. Patients can schedule appointments for behavioral health services by directly calling the primary care practice. To find a convenient location, go to The Wright Center’s website at TheWrightCenter.org. To learn more about The Wright Center’s mission and integrated health care services, call 570-230-0019. Wright Center Employee Receives Apex Honor for Customer Service Excellence The Pennsylvania Association of Community Health Centers has presented Kari Machelli, R.N., the associate vice president of Integrated Primary Health Services at The Wright Center for Community Healthy, with the Awards for Primary Care Excellence (APEX) in recognition of her stellar customer service. An APEX represents the pinnacle of service, quality, innovation and achievement in primary health care. The association bestows its awards in 10 categories to recognize the outstanding efforts of dedicated individuals and teams who work or volunteer for Pennsylvania’s community health centers. Machelli received the award at the Pennsylvania Association of Community Health Centers Annual Conference and Clinical Summit in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. “Kari Machelli ranks as one of the most competent and patient- and family-centered nurses I have ever encountered,” says Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak, president and CEO of The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education. “She is most deserving of the APEX Customer Service Award, and our organization is privileged to have her on our team. My career continues to be tremendously enriched by the honor of working with Kari.” In her executive leadership role, Machelli oversees the nurse care managers and community health workers across the organization who provide medical and socioeconomic support services for patients. She also supervises and supports the case managers and certified recovery specialists within The Wright Center’s Opioid Use Disorder Center of Excellence. A resident of Blakely, Machelli began her career at The Wright Center as an R.N. care manager and has been with the organization for more than 20 years. She earned her nursing degree from The Pennsylvania State University and remains passionately committed to providing high-quality, compassionate, whole-person care to each of her patients and their families. She and her husband, Anthony, have two daughters, Mia and Gianna. Patients can schedule appointments at the most convenient location in Northeast Pennsylvania by using the express online scheduling service at TheWrightCenter.org. To learn more about The Wright Center’s mission and integrated health care services, call 570-230-0019 or visit TheWrightCenter.org.
Karen Boback Named Legislator of the Year Rep. Karen Boback (R-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Wyoming), majority chairman of the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, has been named the 2022 Legislator of the Year by the Ambulance Association of Pennsylvania (AAP). The award is in recognition of her “dedication and tireless efforts on behalf of emergency medical services in Pennsylvania.”
The Scranton Public Theater Presents “The Last Thoughts of Gino Merli” The Scranton Public Theater will perform “The Last Thoughts of Gino Merli” written by Tom Flannery on Thursday, November 10 at 7 p.m. in the Peoples Security Bank Theater. Bob Shlesinger, executive director, Scranton Public Theater, will perform the role of Gino Merli. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets may be obtained from Jim Sagona at 570-815-7568. The play is presented by the Scranton chapter of UNICO National and Lackawanna College. The play will be preceded by the Gene Dempsey orchestra. Gene Passarella, World War II Veteran, contemporary of Merli and Normandy Beach survivor with two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star, will lead the orchestra.
PS Bank Hosts Ribbon Cutting PS Bank has officially opened its newest Northeast PA location in South Abington Township. The PS Bank Business Center houses the PS Mortgage division, commercial and retail lending, and regional bank administration, providing increased resources for lending in Lackawanna County as well as surrounding communities. PS Bank marked the occasion with a Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening on Wednesday, November 2nd. The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce facilitated the ribbon cutting where board members, staff, community representatives, and customers came together.
Scranton Tomorrow Recycling Program Yep. It’s true. We’re spilling the beans on our new recycling program! Did you know … even if you toss your used coffee pods into the recycling bin, they are not being recycled in Lackawanna County? That’s because these convenient little pods can only be recycled if they are fully deconstructed. That’s too labor intensive to be practical. So, they add to the pile in the landfill. Don’t worry. We have a solution! In honor of America Recycles Day on November 15, Scranton Tomorrow’s Safe, Clean & Green Team is launching a program to recycle single-use coffee pods in partnership with the City of Scranton, Lackawanna County, and NeighborWorks of Northeastern Pennsylvania. How you can participate. Through the month of November, simply save your used pods instead of throwing them away. Once you’ve gathered a bunch, contact Steve Ward, Downtown Safe, Clean & Green Ambassador Team Leader at Scranton Tomorrow, at 570.963.5901 or steve@scrantontomorrow.org to make arrangements for drop-off. We’ll send all pods to a specialized recycling facility where components will be separated, the plastic part will be recycled and remanufactured, and the coffee grounds will be composted. Learn More Email Steve Ward to Sign Up Partners The single-use coffee pod recycling program in Lackawanna County is a project of Scranton Tomorrow in partnerships with:
Keystone Mission Receives Grant On Thursday, November 3rd, 2022, Keystone Mission was given the opportunity to present the organization in front of the members of the Millennium Circle Fund, a subgroup of the Luzerne Foundation. The Millennium Circle is made up of local community donors who seek to identify and support the unmet needs in the Luzerne County community. The member’s voices were heard, and they chose Keystone Mission as the $25,000 recipient. Funds will benefit the 15-Bed Male Transformation Center in Wilkes-Barre. Keystone Mission wants to acknowledge the other finalists: The United Way of Wyoming Valley, the Commission on Economic Opportunity, the Greater Wyoming Valley Area YMCA, and the McGlynn Center for all their hard work and efforts in the community.
Treasurer Stacy Garrity News Treasurer Stacy Garrity Elected Chair of National ABLE Savings Plan Network Treasurer Stacy Garrity has been elected as the inaugural Chair of the new ABLE Savings Plan Network (ASPN), a group formed by the National Association of State Treasurers. ABLE programs allow Americans with disabilities to save tax-free without affecting their eligibility for means-tested government benefits. “ABLE accounts help Americans with disabilities live more independently and enjoy better financial security,” Treasurer Garrity said. “I’m honored to lead this new organization to advance the reach of ABLE programs. We’re all dedicated to making sure these programs are accessible and affordable, and I will be a tireless advocate to ensure our ABLE programs are successful and continue to grow and help more Americans.” The Stephen Beck Jr. Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act, passed in 2014, allowing states to create ABLE programs. It was sponsored by U.S. Senator Bob Casey of Pennsylvania. “ABLE programs help Americans with disabilities save for the future and work towards financial security. I can fortunately say that these programs are benefiting Pennsylvanians every day, helping them lead independent lives,” said Senator Casey. “Treasurer Garrity is knowledgeable and well-qualified for this position. I have faith that she will work to ensure the accessibility of these programs to Pennsylvanians with disabilities.” ASPN will provide strategic leadership on advancing ABLE accounts by monitoring federal actions, including any legislative or regulatory changes, that impact state ABLE plans, developing strategies to improve ABLE plans at the federal level, and analyzing best practices for those with an eligible disability who want to save and invest for a better life, achieve financial empowerment, and prepare for a more independent future. Treasurer Stacy Garrity Announces Third Consecutive Morningstar Silver Rating for PA 529 Investment Plan Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced today that the PA 529 College and Career Savings Program Investment Plan (IP) received a Morningstar Silver Rating for the third consecutive year. The honor comes as part of Morningstar’s review of the top 529 education savings plans of 2022, and designates the PA 529 IP as a best-in-class plan nationwide. “I’m very pleased that Morningstar has again affirmed the quality of our PA 529 Investment Plan,” Garrity said. “Saving for education can seem daunting, but the first step is the most important. Opening a PA 529 account is a simple way for families to help give their children a brighter future.” Morningstar specifically recognized the PA 529 IP as “a straightforward and low-cost offering that is overseen by a capable steward” and praised the Pennsylvania Treasury Department for its “team-based approach and demonstrated ability to effectively oversee the program.”
The University of Scranton News Scranton Professor Among Those Interviewed by BBC World News A team from BBC World News broadcasted live reports on the upcoming U.S. election from the balcony of the Rose Room of Brennan Hall on the campus of The University of Scranton. Scranton alumnus Ted Tait ’86, chief engineer for BBC, Washington, D.C., Bureau, was among the BBC team who broadcasted live reports and interviews about the election throughout the day on Oct. 31. University of Scranton Political Science Professor Jean Harris, Ph.D., was among those interviewed by BBC World News America anchor Laura Trevelyan during the broadcast. University of Scranton students Alexander Nunez, Hackettstown, New Jersey, and Kelly Nee, Hopatcong, New Jersey, both journalism and electronic media majors, served as student ambassadors during the visit. Nee also serves as editor of The Aquinas, Scranton’s student newspaper. The University’s Public Relations Intern, Edward Fargis, an English major from Ho Ho Kus, New Jersey, was also on hand. Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president of the University, visited the BBC team during a break in the broadcast. All-One Grant Supports Physical Therapy for Vulnerable Populations AllOne Charities has awarded a $25,000 grant to The University of Scranton to support free physical therapy services offered by Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students to vulnerable populations in the region. The University’s Physical Therapy Community-Based Outreach Program seeks to improve women’s health access in the refugee community. This is done through evidence-based preventive health education, risk assessment for disease, and health promotion wellness services, particularly for those who are unlikely to access the University’s free, campus-based Physical Therapy Clinic. The grant will support the equipment and supplies, translation services and transportation needed for DPT students to conduct faculty-supervised physical therapy and health education clinics for uninsured and underinsured members of our community, particularly refugee or resettled women and families, in their own neighborhoods or community spaces. The Physical Therapy Community-Based Outreach Program will focus on: reducing maternal mortality and morbidity; improving cognitive, mental and physical health outcomes; and preventing chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease among our region’s vulnerable populations. The University of Scranton NEPA Nonprofits Benefiting from Leadership Program The University of Scranton’s Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program seeks to develop future executives who will serve at Northeast Pennsylvania nonprofit institutions. Since beginning in 2017, 47 participants, representing 40 separate regional nonprofit organizations, have graduated from the program. “The Nonprofit Leadership Certificate is a unique credential that can help graduates advance to executive leadership positions at nonprofit organizations,” said Ryanne Jennings, president and CEO of the Wayne County Community Foundation and a Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program graduate. “The coursework in not hypothetical. Participants can apply concepts learned in class immediately. That is very powerful and inspiring. The experience in this program was well worth the investment.” “The courses were very thorough in educating participants in all the aspects involved in managing a nonprofit, from financial best-practices to board cultivation and grant writing and everything in between. The program provided a depth of knowledge that was extremely beneficial to me and the other students,” said Ron Prislupski, president of NativityMiguel School of Scranton and graduate of the Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program. Prislupski and Jennings valued greatly the colleagues and mentors they met through the program. “I moved here from Philadelphia,” said Jennings. “The program allowed me learn about the landscape of fundraising in NEPA and to develop a cohort of peers locally who have been a great source for discussing challenges and successes. They have served as sounding boards for ideas and as professional references.” “The instructors are absolutely wonderful and, three years later, I still keep in touch with them on a regular basis,” said Prislupski. “Also, the 15 members of my cohort share the same career paths. Through this program, you connect with individuals who have their hearts in the nonprofit sector.” The certificate program combines a rigorous academic component taught by Kania School of Management faculty with expertise in nonprofit organizations, a mentorship and experiential learning. The program includes capstone project that requires participants to form a comprehensive plan to solve a current issue faced by the nonprofit organization they represent. “My project was to create an annual fundraising plan, which, subsequently, I also developed and implemented at NativityMiguel,” said Prislupski. “What I learned in the program, specifically through the capstone project, has helped a local nonprofit organization develop a stabilized financial plan.” The University of Scranton is accepting applications for the Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program for the 2022-2023 academic year. The deadline to apply is Nov. 11 for classes that begin in January 2023.
