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Geisinger Hires Hernando Ruiz-Jimenez, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Hernando Ruiz-Jimenez is Geisinger’s new chief marketing and communications officer, a role in which he oversees brand and digital marketing, corporate communications, content creation and service line marketing for the entire system. Ruiz-Jimenez brings more than two decades of marketing leadership experience to Geisinger, including four years as chief marketing officer at NewYork-Presbyterian and three years as chief marketing and communications officer for Triple-S Insurance, a licensee of BlueCross BlueShield. “Hernando’s experience, knowledge, and leadership — from health systems to health insurance and numerous other industries — will be a great asset to the organization and the marketing and communications team,” said Amy Brayford, Geisinger’s executive vice president and chief of staff. While at NewYork-Presbyterian, Ruiz-Jimenez oversaw the transformation of the organization’s marketing department and guided it through the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in one of the hardest-hit areas of the country. “As someone with a passion for healthcare marketing, the appeal of being able to tell the Geisinger story and promote this well-known, respected brand was obvious,” said Ruiz-Jimenez. “Geisinger is a leader in the value-based care model that is so critical to improving healthcare in the U.S. It also is a unique system, offering the kinds of facilities and level of care in both rural areas and smaller cities that put it on par with the large academic medical centers people would otherwise have to travel to in Philadelphia, New York or other major metropolitan areas.” In addition to his healthcare experience, Ruiz-Jimenez has held marketing leadership roles for iconic consumer brands including Pepsi and Captain Morgan. He most recently served as general manager and chief marketing officer of Un(Think) Foods, a successful agricultural start-up. Ruiz-Jimenez received an M.B.A. from Stanford University and a B.S. in Business Administration from Villanova University. He is a professor at CCNY’s Branding + Integrated Communications (BIC) Master’s Program, a Member and Governance Fellow of the National Association of Corporate Directors and the Latino Corporate Directors Association.
Greater Scranton YMCA Benefited from the 5th Annual Harry P. McGrath Memorial Golf Tournament & Dinner 5th Annual Harry P. McGrath Memorial Golf Tournament & Dinner Celebration Benefits the Greater Scranton YMCAOn Tuesday, February 11th, the McGrath family presented the Greater Scranton YMCA with a $23,000 donation, which represents proceeds from the 5th Annual Harry P. McGrath Memorial Golf Tournament. The tournament was held on September 20, 2024 at Glen Oak Country Club. Tournament proceeds will support the Greater Scranton YMCA’s Summer Learning Loss Prevention Program, Summer Scholars. Summer Scholars is a free research-based and research-proven six-week summer learning program. The goal of the program is to get elementary students on track to read at or above grade level by the start of their next school year. This summer, the program will serve rising first, second and third grade students attending the Dunmore and Mid Valley School Districts. Participants’ days consist of 2.5 hours of literacy in the morning followed by lunch and enrichment in the afternoon. Enrichment activities include field trips, as well as trips to the Greater Scranton YMCA for use of the pools. The program is instructed by certified teachers and YMCA staff. “We are happy to continue our support of the Y’s Summer Scholars Program in honor of our Dad,” said Betsy McGrath Ardizoni, Board Member, Greater Scranton YMCA, and daughter of the late Harry P. McGrath, Esq. “He believed that all children should have the resources needed to succeed in school, and this program allows for that opportunity.” The Scranton Area Community Foundation administers the Harry P. McGrath, Esq. Memorial Fund, established in May 2022 by Harry’s family to support the charitable causes and organizations important to him, including the Greater Scranton YMCA’s Summer Loss Prevention Program. “The McGrath family has made a profound impact on our YMCA and on the Summer Scholars Program,” said Rich Surridge, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “Through their generosity and dedication to the success of this tournament, our YMCA continues to have the resources needed to provide the Summer Scholars Program, ensuring it stays free for participants.” For more information about Summer Scholars, contact Helen Cruser, Education Director, at hcruser@gsymca.org. For more information about the Harry P. McGrath Memorial Golf Tournament, contact Betsy McGrath Ardizoni at ecm0588@gmail.com.
Griffin Pond Partners with Scranton Comedy Club Griffin Pond Animal Shelter is partnering with Scranton Comedy Club on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at The Scranton Holiday Inn, 200 Tigue Street, Dunmore, Pa. 18512. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the show begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are available through the QR code on the flyer. They are $25.00 a person and $200 for a group of 10 ten people. All proceeds benefit Griffin Pond Animal Shelter. Come out and laugh, and have some fun with all of us!
Johnson College Receives $5,000 from Fidelity Bank Johnson College received a $5,000 EITC contribution from Fidelity Bank to support students in the College’s Industry Fast Track Program. The Industry Fast Track Program (IFT) is a joint partnership with area school districts and the College. The program offers high school juniors and seniors an opportunity to simultaneously enroll in secondary and post-secondary coursework on the Johnson College campus. Students remain enrolled full-time at their high school while attending classes at Johnson College. Fidelity Bank’s contribution to Johnson College is part of Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. For information about how to participate in EITC program with Johnson College, visit Johnson.edu/eitc.
Johnson College Receives $5,000 Grant from PPL Foundation Johnson College has been awarded a $5,000 grant from the PPL Foundation to support an English as a Second Language (ESL) to Credential pilot program. The program was created through a collaboration among Johnson College, United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC), Educational Opportunity Centers (EOC), and CareerLink of Northeastern Pennsylvania. As part of the pilot program, eight participants will work with UNC to learn English and receive case management services, EOC to obtain their GED, Johnson College to complete career technical training, and finally CareerLink of Northeastern Pennsylvania for employment services. The funding from the PPL Foundation will be used to support participants in the career technical training portion of this program to obtain supplies and support needed to help them succeed. They will enroll in one of three short-term training opportunities at Johnson College to earn recognized industry credentials including CNC Operator Training, Basic Maintenance, and Medical Assistant. “Johnson College’s Industry and Community Engagement department continues to look for ways to engage and create pathways for vulnerable populations to complete training as we know it can lead to high-demand occupations and ultimately life-sustaining wages,” said Dr. Kellyn Williams, Associate Vice President of Special Programs at Johnson College and director of the pilot program. The pilot program closely aligns with the PPL Foundation’s focus on sustainable communities and improving lives through collaboration with community partners. Through this educational collaboration, Johnson College hopes to address workforce shortages throughout the region, build strong communities, strengthen our regional economy, and set participants on a pathway to fulfilling careers with family-supporting wages.
Marywood University Announces Its Spring Semester Music and Theatre Performances Marywood University’s Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance has announced its schedule for performances throughout the spring semester. The following concerts and events presented by the department are free and open to the public. If a signature event does require a modest admission fee, it will be noted in the information about the performance. Proceeds from any event that includes admission costs are used exclusively to support Marywood students’ performances. FEBRUARY February 15, 7:30 PM, Orchestra Concert, Marian Chapel, Swartz Center for Spiritual Life: The Marywood Orchestra’s Winter Concert features a colorful marimba concerto by the Brazilian percussionist Ney Rosauro, performed by the winner of our 2024 Marywood Concerto Competition, Ben Werle. The concerto will be paired by two masterpieces of early romanticism—Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony and Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture. February 20-21-22 at 7:30 PM and February 23 at 2 PM, Musical: Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812, Munley Theatre, Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing Arts Natasha, Pierre, and The Great Comet of 1812, often simply referred to as The Great Comet, is a brilliant, thrilling, and incredibly popular new musical that had a highly succesful braodway run, starrring Josh Groban, from 2016-2017. Author and composer Dave Malloy describes Great Comet as, “an electro-pop opera ripped from a slice of Tolstoy’s War and Peace.” It’s a love story, it’s a coming-of-age story, it’s a midlife crises story, it’s classical, it’s contemporary, it’s new, it’s bold, it’s The Great Comet of 1812! Tickets are $15 for General Admission, $10 for Students, or free with a Marywood I.D. and for IHM Sister. Tickets scan be purchased online at https://marywood.universitytickets.com or in advance or at the door. MARCH March 2, 3 PM, Northeastern Youth Wind Ensemble Concert, Munley Theatre, Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing ArtsThe Northeastern Youth Wind Ensemble is affiliated with American Youth Ensembles, offering middle and high school musicians an opportunity to perform with other student instrumentalists who simply enjoy making music. They will perform a variety of repertoire ranging from traditional (transcriptions, marches and works of serious and artistic merit) to cutting-edge contemporary composition and music from popular media venues. March 29 at Noon, Children’s Theatre: Hansel and Gretel, Munley Theatre, Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing ArtsThe retelling of a classic German fairy tale where siblings Hansel and Gretel find themselves alone in the forest and fall into the hands of a witch who lives in a house made of sweet treats. Hansel and Gretel must save themselves by outsmarting the witch. APRIL April 4, 8 PM, Jazz Ambassadors Concert, Marian Chapel, Swartz Center for Spiritual LifeFeaturing iconic blues, funk, and swing charts – the Marywood Jazz Ambassadors in concert will explore the lasting charm of mid-century jazz with captivating arrangements, smooth style, impressive technique, and a profound dedication to the blues. April 5, 7:30 PM, Wyoming Seminary Civic Orchestra Concert, Munley Theatre, Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing ArtsWyoming Seminary Civic Orchestra’s spring concert will feature two French works: Ernest Chausson’s Symphony in B-flat, considered the composer’s greatest masterpiece, and the charming suite “Feuillets de Voyage” by Florent Schmitt. April 6, 3 PM, Wyoming Seminary Civic Orchestra Concert, Kirby Center for Creative Arts, Wyoming SeminaryWyoming Seminary Civic Orchestra’s spring concert will feature two French works: Ernest Chausson’s Symphony in B-flat, considered the composer’s greatest masterpiece, and the charming suite “Feuillets de Voyage” by Florent Schmitt. April 13, 2 PM, Tutti Concert, Munley Theatre, Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing ArtsMusic has the power to inspire, connect, and heal, which is exactly what the Tutti Ensemble is all about. Since 2016, Marywood University’s music therapy and music education students have collaborated to make this innovative adaptive music program possible, empowering individuals with diverse abilities to make music together. This semester’s free concert is especially meaningful, as it takes place during World Music Therapy Week. Celebrate the incredible achievements of our ensemble members as they showcase their talents, and enjoy a special interactive lobby experience to learn more about the transformative power of music therapy. April 13, 4 PM, Wind Symphony Concert, Munley Theatre, Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing ArtsMarywood’s Wind Ensemble performs literature by Samuel Hazo, John Barnes Chance, Frank Ticheli, and others. A special highlight of the concert will be a performance of “My Life Flashed Before My Eyes,” by Marywood’s own, Dr Diogo Carvalho April 25, 7:30 PM, Carmina Burana, with the Marywood Concert Choir and Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic, at the F. M. Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre, PA The Marywood Concert Choir will join forces with the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic to present one of the most popular and exciting musical works for chorus and orchestra, Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana. Visit nepaphil.org to purchase tickets for this not-to-be-missed event. April 27, 7 PM, Percussion Ensemble Concert, Munley Theatre, Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing ArtsThe Marywood University Percussion Ensemble, directed by Steven Mathiesen, will present a free program of chamber music for percussion instruments. The program will include works by Alejandro Rutty, Chick Corea, and arrangements by Clair Musser of works by Anton Rubinstein and Albert Ketelbey. April 28, 7:30 PM, String Ensemble Concert, Marian Chapel, Swartz Center for Spiritual LifeThe University String Ensemble will give a free performance of Bloch’s Concerto Grosso for strings and piano and Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 3. April 29, 7:30 PM, Evening Of Strings, Marian Chapel, Swartz Center for Spiritual LifeMarywood String Majors will give a free performance of solo music for violin, viola, cello, and bass. MAY May 3, 7 PM, Guitar Ensemble Concert, Marian Chapel, Swartz Center for Spiritual LifeAn Intimate Latin Night With the Marywood Guitar Program, with Marywood’s Guitar Ensemble, Beginning Guitar Class, and String Project Guitar, features Latin music from around the world, including Gabriel Fauré’s Pavane and Maddalena Casulana’s Amor per qual cagion. May 4, 2 PM, Chamber Singers Concert, Marian Chapel, Swartz Center for Spiritual LifeBefore embarking on its spring tour to Florida, Chamber Singers will present a free concert that includes motets by Orlando di Lasso and sacred and secular music from the American, English, and Eastern European choral traditions, as well as vocal jazz. May 5, 6:30 PM, String Project Concert, Munley Theatre, Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing ArtsString Project Spring Gala Concert, featuring Grammy-nominated guest artist, Nick Revel. This will be a culmination of a semester-long project exploring and creating new forms of notation and composition with students ages 4-18 and Marywood string students. 5/9/2025, 7:30 PM, Orchestra Concert, Munley Theatre, Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing ArtsThe Marywood Orchestra’s season finale features two Marywood string faculty, Sophie Till and Christiane Vaida, on the Double Concerto of Johannes Brahms.
Treasurer Stacy Garrity Announces Improvements to Pennsylvania Tax Appeal Process Extended time to appeal and new mediated settlement process available for certain state tax appeals. Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity today announced numerous improvements to Pennsylvania’s tax appeals process which will benefit Pennsylvania taxpayers. The changes apply to tax appeals filed on or after January 27, 2025, when Act 123 of 2024, which amended the Tax Reform Code of 1971, took effect. “These are significant improvements which make the tax appeal process more fair for hardworking Pennsylvanians and businesses,” Treasurer Garrity said. “The new law removes unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles – and it will save both the state and its taxpayers time and money. I want to thank Sen. Scott Hutchinson, Rep. Tim Briggs, and every member of the General Assembly who supported these important changes with tremendous bipartisanship.” Pennsylvanians seeking to resolve tax disputes with the Department or Revenue (DOR) for personal income taxes, fiduciary income taxes, employer withholding taxes and pass-through assessments will now have 90 days (previously 60) to file their appeals with the Board of Finance & Revenue (BF&R). BF&R can also grant a 30-day extension for late-filed applications for these types of tax appeals if good cause is shown. In addition, taxpayers filing certain appeals will be able to request a mediated settlement conference at no cost to them. Those requesting a mediated settlement conference have 30 calendar days to do so following the filing of their tax appeal. BF&R also has the discretion to refer an appeal to a mediated settlement conference. This new mediated settlement process will reduce litigation costs for taxpayers and serve as an alternative to formal, lengthy and costly court appeals. Treasury estimates that up to 500 cases annually could be eligible for this new process. Act 123 of 2024 was supported by numerous organizations, including the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, the NFIB, and the Pennsylvania Society of Enrolled Agents. The new law was sponsored by Sen. Hutchinson (R-21) and earned great bipartisan support in the General Assembly. A companion bill was introduced in the House by Rep. Briggs (D-149). 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 further guidance on procedures to request a mediated settlement conference, visit patreasury.gov/bfr.
Providence Pregnancy Center Opens New Maternity Home in Scranton Since its inception, Providence Pregnancy Center (PPC) had a goal of opening a maternity home in addition to its bustling Resource Center. The increased cost of living and lack of housing have left pregnant women in crisis without the support they need. When PPC purchased their property on North Main Ave, the Board envisioned turning one of the buildings on the property, a four-bedroom home, into a welcoming house that would allow mothers and children to stay together, filling this critical service gap. Casa de Maria will house up to four pregnant women (and their children up to age 5). Unlike any other maternity home in the region, women will have access to safe housing and be able to keep their small children with them while benefiting from a program designed to help them achieve stability and independence. Other maternity homes are not equipped to allow children to move in with their mothers during pregnancy, making women choose between remaining with their existing children or housing. Renovations of the home have been a work in progress, funded through donations and volunteers. Recently, PPC received two generous donations towards the renovations from the Scranton Area Community Foundation and the Robert H. Spitz Foundation. These funds were instrumental in helping the organization finish some important projects. “We receive calls every week asking if we can accept residents. We’ve been working diligently to finish this project, and we’re so excited to share that we’re ready,” says Jessica Freyne, Executive Director. “We anticipate welcoming our first residents in March, so we want to invite the community to come celebrate all the progress we’ve made,” says Freyne. PPC is hosting an Open House at Casa de Maria on Sunday, February 23rd, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Guests can tour the newly renovated home, visit the pregnancy resource center, and stop by Reborn Boutique, their women’s thrift store. Fr. Eric Bergman will dedicate the home to Our Blessed Mother, and there will be light refreshments. Please RSVP online at www.ppcscranton.org/events, by calling PPC at 570-341-7045 or by emailing help@ppcscranton.org.
