Treasurer Garrity Visits Lackawanna College School of Petroleum and Natural Gas

Treasurer Stacy Garrity toured Lackawanna College School of Petroleum and Natural Gas, then took part in a roundtable discussion about education opportunities and economics in the region. Representatives of Lackawanna College, the Susquehanna County Career & Technology Center, Northern Tier Industrial Education Center, Commonwealth Charitable Management, the Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce, the Wyoming County Community Alliance, and Coterra took part in the roundtable discussions.

Treasurer Garrity shared the importance of the PA 529 College and Career Savings Program as a tool to support workforce development and help families save to make education of all types more affordable. She also emphasized the need for the Keystone Saves legislation. Keystone Saves allows employers who don’t currently have retirement plans for employees to provide retirement savings options to more than two million Pennsylvanians.

“Lackawanna College’s School of Petroleum and Natural Gas is a crucial resource here in the northeast, where local industries need highly skilled workers,” Garrity said. “Programs like Treasury’s PA 529 program can help make education more affordable for students by offering tax-advantaged savings options to help pay for any type of higher education, including the many career-focused certificates and two-and four-year degrees offered right here in their own backyard.”

The PA 529 College and Career Savings Program offers families two plans to choose from, the PA 529 Investment Plan (IP) and the PA 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan (GSP). IP account earnings are based on financial market performance, while GSP earnings are based on college tuition inflation.

Both plans offer generous tax benefits including a state income tax deduction on contributions (up to $16,000 per beneficiary per year; $32,000 for married couples); PA state and federal tax-free contribution growth; no income tax paid on account growth when used for qualified expenses; and gift and inheritance tax benefits. Families can learn more about how to start saving with PA 529 plans at pa529.com or by calling 800-440-4000.

“The Pennsylvania 529 plan is a great benefit for families and our communities,” said Sue Gumble, Director of the Lackawanna School of Petroleum and Natural Gas. “A career in the energy industry can be life-changing. This program financially prepares students for college, providing them with the means to pursue a degree and graduate prepared to enter the workforce.”

“While our PA 529 program helps students pay for critical job-force training, there is potential for the same model to work to help them save throughout their careers and be better prepared for retirement,” Garrity said. “Proposed Keystone Saves legislation is by far the most business-friendly state retirement program out there, and it is so important that we make it a reality to help our friends and neighbors — our favorite waitress, hairstylist or mechanic — people we all know — have an easy way to save for retirement. It’s also a big boost for employers who would be able to offer retirement benefits to attract and retain more workers.”

Keystone Saves, which will be introduced as HB 2156 by prime sponsor Rep. Tracy Pennycuick (R) and co-sponsor Rep. Michael Driscoll (D), will expand retirement savings opportunities for more than two million Pennsylvanians. The business-friendly program lets employers offer retirement plans without having to worry about start-up costs, program liability, and other red tape that keeps them from doing so. Businesses will simply provide an employee census to Treasury and process a payroll deduction.

Keystone Saves will be administered much like the PA 529 program as a public-private partnership. Employees maintain complete control of their accounts, and the accounts can follow them from job to job. The proposed legislation already has more than 50 co-sponsors from across the commonwealth. Ten other states have enacted similar legislation.

“Keystone Saves is a win, win, win,” Garrity said. “Employers can offer a great benefit, hardworking Pennsylvanians get an easy way to save for retirement, and taxpayers save billions of dollars, because it’s estimated that without action unprepared retirees will cost Pennsylvanians more than $14 billion over 15 years to cover extra social services costs.” “It’s clear that Treasurer Garrity understands the crucial role that energy plays in our country’s economy and workforce development,” said George Stark, Director of External Affairs at Coterra Energy. “Her eagerness to learn about our industry is refreshing and we’re excited for the chance to share more about our commitment to the community and environmental excellence.”

The Wright Center President Named Governor-Elect for the Eastern Region of the PA-ACP

Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak, president and CEO of The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education, has been elected governor-elect for the eastern region of the American College of Physicians’ Pennsylvania Chapter (PA-ACP).

Beginning in April, she will serve one year as governor-elect concurrently with Dr. Lawrence H. Jones, governor of the eastern region whose term expires in 2023. Her four-year term as governor begins April 2023.

Founded in 1915, the American College of Physicians is a national organization of internists, who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment and care of adults. It is the nation’s largest medical-specialty organization, with more than 161,000 members, of which more than 7,800 are members of the PA-ACP chapter. The PA-ACP chapter has three regional governors that represent the eastern, western and southeastern regions of the commonwealth.

“I am humbled and proud to represent and advocate on behalf of my physician colleagues we represent, the profession of medicine we embody and the patients, families and communities we serve through the American College of Physicians’ Pennsylvania Chapter,” said Thomas-Hemak, who previously received the prestigious Dr. Ann Preston Women in Medicine and Laureate awards from PA-ACP in 2020 and 2014 respectively. “Our collective mission to improve health care and access has certainly been challenged by the pandemic, but we remain resolute in exceeding the high standards we strive for every day to improve the health and welfare of our local, state and national communities.

“I am grateful for and inspired by the incredible honor and leadership opportunity,” she added.

Overall, the American College of Physicians works to enhance the quality and effectiveness of health care by fostering excellence and professionalism in the practice of medicine and promotes quality patient care, advocacy, education and career fulfillment in internal medicine and its subspecialties.

The 87-member board of governors is an advisory board, featuring representatives from Alabama to Alberta, Bangladesh to Brazil and Ontario to Pennsylvania. Collectively, the elected board members act as an advisory board to the college’s policy-making body, the board of regents. The board of governors implements national projects and initiatives at the chapter level and represents member concerns at the national level.

Born and raised in Northeast Pennsylvania, Thomas-Hemak received her undergraduate degree from The University of Scranton. After graduating as a Michael DeBakey Scholar from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, and completing Harvard’s Combined Internal Medicine/Pediatrics Residency in Boston, Massachusetts, she returned to the region to practice and teach primary care. She joined The Wright Center in 2000 and became president of The Wright Center for Community Health in 2007. In 2012, she was named president and CEO of both The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education.

Concurrent with her responsibilities as an executive, Thomas-Hemak is also board certified in internal, pediatrics, addiction, and most recently, obesity medicine. Her favorite professional responsibilities are to teach and provide comprehensive primary health services to multigenerational families served by The Wright Center for Community Health’s Mid Valley Practice in Archbald and Jermyn, her hometown community where she was born, raised and currently resides with her husband and three children.

For more information about The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education, go to TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-343-2383.

Colbert & Grebas to Host Estate Plan Webinar

A comprehensive and effective ESTATE PLAN is the key to Protecting your legacy.

Join your LOCAL Certified Elder Law Experts, Attorneys Brenda D. Colbert and Kevin R. Grebas on Saturday, January 22nd, 2022  10:00 to 11:30 AM for a FREE Webinar to gain valuable and practical planning techniques to achieve your future goals.

Call 570-299-7909 to register or go to our website:  ElderLawNEPA.com

Advance registration is required. After registering you will receive a link to access the Webinar.

Transportation Webinar

Please join the Office of US Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) and Department of Transportation officials for an educational conversation on available grant and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funding opportunities through DOT for Pennsylvania communities. Any questions or concerns may be directed to grace_nelson@casey.senate.gov

Geisinger Encourages Ordering Free, At-Home COVID-19 Tests

Geisinger is encouraging the community to take advantage of ordering free, at-home COVID-19 tests through the new federal website.

Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order four free at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests at CovidTests.gov and have them shipped right to their doorstep.

“COVID-19 testing is an essential tool in stopping the spread in our communities,” said Kurt J. Wrobel, Geisinger Health Plan president and executive vice president of insurance operations for Geisinger. “Over-the-counter tests can save you a trip to your doctor’s office, an urgent care clinic or a testing center. In fact, if you have mild or no symptoms, at-home testing is your most convenient and safest testing option, especially with the long wait times at urgent care clinics and testing centers. Due to high demand and limited supply, the easiest way to find at-home tests is through CovidTests.gov.”

Tests available through the federal website are rapid antigen at-home tests. They can be taken anywhere and give results within 30 minutes, with no lab drop-off required.

If you have COVID-19 symptoms or you’ve been around someone suspected or confirmed to have COVID — you meet the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) guidelines for testing. If you have mild or no symptoms, at-home tests are an appropriate first step.

If you test positive on your at-⁠home test, follow the latest CDC guidance for isolation. If you test negative, you should test again within a few days with at least 24 hours between tests.

Learn more in our Coronavirus Resource Center at geisinger.org/coronavirus.

Stephanie Mihal, CPA, Named Partner at McGrail Merkel Quinn & Associates

McGrail Merkel Quinn & Associates, P.C., Certified Public Accountants and Consultants is pleased to announce the promotion of Stephanie M. Mihal, CPA to Partner.

Joining MMQ in 2005 as an intern, Stephanie has more than 16 years of experience with our firm in a vast number of areas including audit, tax, consulting, and compliance. She specializes in audits of not-for-profit organizations, employee benefit plans and foundations and also focuses on the health care, retail and manufacturing industries. She manages firm recruiting for internships and new hires and oversees career development for the firm. As a Partner, Stephanie uses her communication and relationship building skills to provide exceptional client service, increase firm visibility and provide growth opportunities.

Stephanie received her Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting, Summa Cum Laude, from the University of Scranton in 2006. She is a member of the AICPA and PICPA. Stephanie is currently on the Board of Directors of Outreach – Center for Community Resources and has been a member of the board for 11 years. She served as Board President from 2017-2019. Stephanie is a member of the University of Scranton ADPAC (Accounting Department Professional Alumni Council) since inception in 2015. She also volunteers her time with the University of Scranton Career Coaches Program and other student mentor programs. Stephanie volunteers with the Scranton Area Community Foundation to provide informational sessions with participant programs, learning conferences, and donor education seminars.

“We are very excited for Stephanie and her family as she elevates to partner within our Firm” said Dan Gerrity, MMQ’s Managing Partner. “Stephanie’s skills and expertise have become very valuable over the years. We look forward to her continued contributions to the growth of our firm.”

Geoffrey Mesko, CPA, MT, Named Board Chair at Drucker & Scaccetti

Drucker & Scaccetti, a CPA and advisory firm based in Philadelphia, PA, and dedicated to providing specialized tax, business, and financial consulting to families and their closely held and entrepreneurially driven businesses, has appointed its next generation of leadership to take the firm beyond its founders, effective January 1, 2022. For the first time in its 31-year history, the firm’s leadership will consist of all non-founding shareholders and, uniquely, an all-women C-suite.

“From our inception in 1990, the goal of the founders has been to offer to our up-and-coming team the same opportunities that we were provided,” states CEO & Co-founder Jane Scaccetti, “which is a purpose of building a legacy and continuing Drucker & Scaccetti into the future. I’m incredibly excited and positive about this next chapter in our firm’s future.”

The newly appointed Board Chair, Geoff Mesko, will serve as the liaison between the board and the chief business officers. He will be responsible for overseeing firm vision, strategic planning, external communication, and community interface, while continuing client responsibilities. Mesko joined Drucker & Scaccetti as an intern in 2004 and he became a shareholder in January 2012. Mesko has extensive tax experience in serving private clients and their family enterprises while bringing a strategic business acumen to complement Drucker & Scaccetti’s tax focus.   Mesko serves on several educational and civic boards in Philadelphia and Scranton and hails from a multi-generational family business.  

“The new leadership team will build upon the legacies of Drucker & Scaccetti caring about the professional integrity of our services, our team members, and the clients we serve in an advisory role. We are very excited about this next chapter of Drucker & Scaccetti’s future and the impactful work we will do together,” said Mesko.

FNCB Bank Donates $7,500 to United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties

FNCB Bank, locally based since 1910, has announced a $7,500 donation to United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties.

The United Way advances the common good by creating opportunities for a better life for all. 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.