PA Treasurer Announces Increased Contribution Limit for PA ABLE Accounts Treasurer Stacy Garrity today announced that the annual contribution limit for PA ABLE, a savings program for people with disabilities, increased to $19,000. The change is a result of IRS inflation adjustments for 2025 and took effect January 1, 2025. The previous limit was $18,000. “This increase in the contribution limit expands opportunities for Pennsylvanians with disabilities to live more independently by saving for the future without hurting their eligibility for important benefits,” Treasurer Garrity said. “More than 10,000 people have opened PA ABLE accounts, and they’ve saved more than $144 million. It’s a program that has truly changed lives for the better.” PA ABLE accounts offer tax-advantaged savings options to people with qualifying disabilities, so they can save and build assets without affecting eligibility for means-tested federal and state benefits such as Supplemental Security Income and Medical Assistance. Additionally, account owners who are employed may be able to contribute beyond the $19,000 limit. PA ABLE offers seven investment options to choose from, plus a checking account with a debit card. Funds are easy to access and may be used for a wide range of expenses, such as healthcare, housing, education, assistive technology, adaptive vehicles, and more. No federal or state income tax is paid on account growth or withdrawals when used for qualified expenses. In November, Treasurer Garrity announced a fee cut for ABLE account owners after the National ABLE Alliance, of which Pennsylvania is the largest member, surpassed 45,000 funded ABLE accounts. That marked the fifth time PA ABLE fees have been reduced since Treasurer Garrity took office. Starting in 2026, the federal ABLE Age Adjustment Act, championed by former U.S. Senator Bob Casey, will make millions more Americans – including one million Veterans – eligible to save with ABLE accounts. Currently, a person’s disability must have onset prior to their 26th birthday to save in an ABLE account. The ABLE Age Adjustment Act will increase that age to 46. To learn more about how to save with PA ABLE, including eligibility, visit paable.gov, call 855-529-ABLE (2253), or register for an upcoming webinar at paable.gov/webinars.
Northeast Regional Cancer Institute’s 22nd Annual CASUAL Day Announces Chair Alessandro Smeraldi, MD is chair for the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute’s 22nd Annual CASUAL (Colon Cancer Awareness Saves Unlimited Adult Lives) Day for a second year. Building on the momentum he gained last year; he is once again teaming up with his wife Gail and other healthcare professionals to bring awareness to the importance of colon cancer screening. Alessandro Smeraldi, MD is a board-certified vascular surgeon. Dr. Smeraldi recently retired, focusing on his family and his health. He is proud to have served his community these many years. He maintains ties with the Society for Vascular Surgery and Society for Vascular Ultrasound. Additionally, he serves as a clinical professor of surgery at the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine in Scranton. Dr. Smeraldi draws daily strength from the love of his wife, Gail, and their children Hayley and Caleb. CASUAL Day, set for Thursday, March 27, 2025, is a dress down day to raise awareness for colorectal cancer in northeast Pennsylvania. On this day, participants dress casual while wearing specially designed socks, hats, and/or t-shirts. The focus of this awareness campaign is to have a casual conversation about colon cancer. All proceeds from the event stay in NEPA and go towards the Cancer Institute efforts to raise awareness and support to support colorectal cancer prevention, early detection education and screenings. For more information about CASUAL Day and how you can participate, please call the Cancer Institute at (570) 904-8808 or visit www.cancernepa.org.
Misericordia University Hosts 2025 MILK Event Join us as on January 20th in Lemmond Theater as we host Emerald Garner, daughter of the late Eric Garner, for a fireside chat discussing her book Finding My Voice. Through her experience, we shall talk about the story of family and community, and the strength it takes to survive, to stand, to speak.
Misericordia University Launches Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic The Misericordia University College of Business has launched a Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic to serve residents of Northeastern Pennsylvania. The clinic offers free representation to low-income taxpayers involved in disputes with the Internal Revenue Service or the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Jim Pierson, J.D., CPA, dean of the College of Business, serves as the clinic director, while Richard Brogan, MBA, MS (Tax), EA, acts as the clinic’s tax specialist. Business students will assist with cases under the supervision of qualified representatives, allowing them to gain practical experience while serving the community. The clinic’s mission is to ensure fairness and integrity in the tax system for low-income individuals and those who speak English as a second language. It aims to: Provide pro bono representation in tax disputes. Educate taxpayers about their rights and responsibilities. Advocate for issues impacting low-income taxpayers. “If you have received a tax notice or have unresolved issues such as audits, refund claims, collection actions, identity theft, worker misclassification, state tax concerns, or other matters, please contact us for a confidential consultation,” Pierson said. The clinic receives matching federal and state funding to provide free services for qualifying taxpayers. “Our goal is to advocate for low-income taxpayers so they can achieve fair resolutions to their disputes,” Pierson said. “We’re also committed to educating them about their rights and responsibilities under the tax system.” To reach the Misericordia University Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic, call (570) 674-1472 or email taxclinic@misericordia.edu. For more information, visit misericordia.edu/LITC.
Maternal and Family Health Services: Honoring Cervical Cancer Awareness Month January marks the beginning of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the importance of early detection, education, and access to care in the fight against cervical cancer. As the President and CEO of Maternal and Family Health Services (MFHS), I am proud to lead an organization that is dedicated to empowering women to take control of their health, supporting them with the resources and services they need, and ensuring they have access to the critical screenings that can save their lives. Cervical cancer, while preventable, continues to claim lives every year, especially among women who face barriers to healthcare access. But through consistent screenings, education, and HPV vaccinations, we have the power to reduce the incidence of this devastating disease and improve outcomes for women everywhere. At MFHS, we are committed to providing the essential healthcare services women deserve. As a trusted partner in reproductive and maternal healthcare, we offer a range of services designed to make preventive care and screenings accessible, affordable, and welcoming. This month, and every month, let us take action to protect our health, spread awareness, and advocate for better access to care for all women. Schedule a screening, talk to your healthcare provider, and know that you are not alone in this journey. MFHS is here to support you every step of the way. We are proud to offer services that make women’s health a priority, and we are committed to breaking down the barriers to care that too often prevent women from seeking the screenings and treatments they need. MFHS has HPV vaccines and same day appointments available. To learn more about cervical cancer, screenings, or to schedule an appointment, visit mfhs.org. or call 570-595-4496. Together, we can reduce the impact of cervical cancer and ensure that every woman has the opportunity to live a healthy, empowered life. Maria Montoro Edwards, PhD President & CEO, Maternal and Family Health Services
Marywood University Student, Former Chamber Intern and Sister Present in San Diego Marywood senior multimedia communication students Liz and Maddie Adams, twin sisters who co-founded and host the podcast, Courageously Kind, are traveling to San Diego to share messages of kindness and self-esteem with children and families affected by facial differences. Their presentation will take place on Saturday, January 18, at the Girls Scouts of San Diego Balboa Service Center in San Diego, CA. This effort began after Liz shared her story about her facial disfigurement and condition. She wanted to inspire others to be kind to those who look different. Her twin sister, Maddie, suggested starting a podcast to encourage others to be kind. Courageously Kind got its start as a quarantine passion project while the two Brackney, Pa. natives were still seniors in high school. The initiative has grown throughout their college years to include a worldwide audience of more than 170,000 followers in 70 countries. Their upcoming presentation, in collaboration with ConnectMed and the University of California San Diego, will seek to equip kids with tools to boost their self-confidence and to share kindness with others in their community. It is a part of a research study led by UCSD and ConnectMed, to show the impact of peer-to peer-support groups on social image, wellbeing, and self-esteem.
Lackawanna Historical Society Spotlight Art for Anthracite Heritage Month Each January, museums, educational institutions, and public organizations observe Anthracite Mining Heritage Month, a regional observance focusing on the history and culture of the anthracite region of Northeastern Pennsylvania. The Lackawanna Historical Society will present two programs at the end of the month, exploring topics of unionization and industry in the coal region. On Sunday, January 26 at 2pm, join us for “Artistic Expressions in Anthracite,” a panel discussion at the Catlin House, 232 Monroe Avenue, Scranton. Our expert panelists will discuss how anthracite has been expressed through different artistic mediums: Chester Kulesa, former site administrator of the PA Anthracite Heritage Museum, will speak on photography; Richard Stanislaus, former curator of the PA Anthracite Heritage Museum, will discuss paintings and illustrations; and F. Charles Petrillo, local author and historian, will discuss the portrayal of the anthracite region in films. The panel will be moderated by Phil Mosely, professor emeritus at Penn State University and author of “Telling of the Anthracite.” Throughout the month a variety of programs will be offered in across the region, from Ashley to Wilkes-Barre, sponsored by the Anthracite Heritage Foundation and various historical societies and museums. When available, a full schedule of events can be found on the Society’s website at http://www.lackawannahistory.org/EventsCalendar.html. For more information or to register, please call the Society at 570-344-3841 or email lackawannahhistory@gmail.com.
