Fidelity Bank Commits $250,000 to Marywood EMPOWER Campaign Fidelity Bank has made a $250,000 commitment to The Pascucci Family Health Sciences Pavilion at Marywood University, as part of Marywood’s comprehensive campaign, EMPOWER. Daniel Santaniello, Fidelity Bank CEO, is a Marywood graduate and regional community business leader, who earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1990. Mr. Santaniello, who has contributed his own personal financial support to the EMPOWER campaign, was proud to also guide the major gift from Fidelity Bank. “To be a part of this is inspiring,” said Mr. Santaniello. “The IHM Sisters and Marywood, and their core values, focusing on exemplary ideals like community and excellence, along with their commitment to continuous improvement through lifelong learning, share the core values that we have at Fidelity Bank.” By proactively addressing increasing healthcare workforce shortages that place communities at risk and limit timely access to care, Fidelity’s significant commitment to the EMPOWER Campaign is a key part of the solution, providing vital support to advance Marywood’s ability to expand its healthcare offerings.The Pascucci Family Health Sciences Pavilion is a 15,000 square-foot addition to the existing Keith J. O’Neill Center for Healthy Families. With state-of-the-art simulation laboratories and technology-supported classrooms, Marywood University will be able to teach more health sciences students, who will learn and work together in one facility. This real-world environment will better prepare them to deliver an integrated model of collaborative clinical care after entering practice. “The demand is here today,” Mr. Santaniello affirmed. “The workforce is asking for these professionals. None of us anticipates the demand for healthcare workers will go down anytime soon. In fact, it is going to continue to grow.” He added, “This contribution makes it possible for Marywood to expand and meet the ever-growing demand that exists today. We need to respond in a way that is proactive. We feel that this (campaign initiative) will absolutely help meet that demand.” For more information about EMPOWER: The Campaign for Marywood University, go to: marywood.edu/empower.
Geisinger Announces Importance of Pap Smears for Cervical Cancer Awareness Month Routine Pap smears are one of the best (and simplest) ways to prevent and detect cervical cancer.Scott C. Purinton, MD, PhD, chief of gynecologic oncology at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville. Whether it’s your first or fifth time, it’s completely normal to feel nervous or have questions before a Pap smear. But knowing what to expect can help put your mind at ease before your appointment. Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. Staying up to date on your Pap smears is a big part of that. Here’s what to know about this valuable procedure. A Pap smear, or Pap test, checks for changes in your cervical and vaginal cells that could develop into cancer over time. One of the biggest advantages of these tests is their ability to detect abnormal cells before they even become cancerous. This leads to earlier treatment and better outcomes. During the procedure, your healthcare provider gently scrapes cells from your cervix. These cells are examined for changes and can also be tested for human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection that can cause cervical cancer. While these screenings can be a little uncomfortable and awkward, they should never cause pain. How often you need a Pap smear depends on your age and health history. The guidelines are: Women ages 21 – 29: You should have a Pap smear every three years. Women ages 30 – 65: Discuss the following options with your doctor: Have both a Pap smear and an HPV test every 5 years Have only a Pap smear every 3 years Have only an HPV test every 5 years Women older than 65: You might no longer need to be screened, depending on your health history and doctor’s recommendation. Whether you’re sexually active or not, you still need a Pap smear. While most cervical cancers are caused by HPV (which is sexually transmitted), this isn’t the case for all cancers. Pap smears don’t screen for STIs like HPV, gonorrhea or chlamydia. Instead, they test for any abnormal cell changes that could lead to cervical cancer. If you want additional testing for STIs, ask your healthcare provider during your appointment. A Pap smear is different from a pelvic exam but you should have both. A pelvic exam is typically performed at your annual well-woman visit with your healthcare provider. During this exam, they’ll check your vulva, vagina, cervix, ovaries, uterus, rectum and pelvis for any abnormalities. A Pap smear specifically screens for precancerous changes. If you’re due for one, you can get a Pap smear during your annual pelvic exam. Depending on how heavy your flow is, your period may affect the results of your Pap smear. A lot of blood can make your sample harder to read, which could produce inaccurate results. This shouldn’t be an issue if your flow is lighter. The best thing you can do is call your provider’s office and talk about your options. There’s no reason to avoid it while on your period unless you’re having the exam because of abnormal discharge or another concern. P.S. Your period does not bother your healthcare provider. Cervical cancer is preventable — and receiving regular Pap tests is the best way to prevent it. Remind your mom, sisters, friends — every woman in your life — to schedule their appointment (especially if it’s been a few years). And if you still have questions, don’t be afraid to ask your provider. There are no bad questions when it comes to your health. We want you to be open and honest so we can help you achieve your best health. For the latest health and wellness tips and advice, visit geisinger.org/balance.
Sky Zone Holds Fundraiser for Detective Gilmarten Tonight Join Sky Zone in Supporting Detective Kyle Gilmartin and His Family. On January 11th, 2024, Detective Kyle Gilmartin, while on patrol in the streets of Scranton, PA, was injured by a heartless act. In his commitment to protecting our community, he took swift action, demonstrating true heroism.In light of these events, we are coming together to host a fundraiser for Detective Kyle Gilmartin and his family. This dedicated officer has not only served our community with unwavering dedication but has also gone above and beyond the call of duty.20% of all Proceeds Will Be Donated To The Scranton FOP Wellness Fund Thursday, January 18th4:00pm – 8:00pmSky Zone Pittston, 195 Enterprise Way, Pittston, PA 18640, United States
Lackawanna College and Police Academy Extend Support to Wounded Detective Lackawanna College and the Lackawanna College Police Academy extends our unwavering supportand prayers to Detective Kyle Gilmartin, his family, friends, and all of the brave men and womenwho make up the Scranton Police Department. Detective Kyle Gilmartin was shot and seriously wounded while honorably performing his duties onJanuary 11, 2024. This tragic act of violence services as a stark reminder of the dangers our local lawenforcement officers face on a daily basis while serving and protecting our communities. Lackawanna College has a longstanding and meaningful relationship with the Scranton PoliceDepartment, and Detective Kyle Gilmartin was a distinguished graduate of our Police Academy in 2010. His resilience, integrity, heroism, and unwavering dedication to duty serve as a shiningexample of the highest standards in law enforcement. We extend our heartfelt wishes for a swift and complete recovery for Detective Kyle Gilmartin. Ourthoughts and support are with him and all those who uphold the noble cause of ensuring the safetyand well-being of our society.
Waverly Community House to Host Spanish for Adults Course The Waverly Community House is hosting Spanish for Adults with Kate Cawley. The objective of this six-week course is to establish a foundational understanding of the Spanish language through practical vocabulary development, a stock of frequently used phrases, and an idea of fundamental grammar and cultural perspectives. Using listening, reading and writing activities, the course will explore the following topics: Greetings/Introductions/Courtesy Letters, numbers, pronouns, days, months, weather, common objects Asking and responding to common questions: Who/What/Where/When/How Noun/adjective agreement Subject/verb agreement Tuesdays for six weeks at 6:00pm beginning January 23, 2024 in the CRB Room To register, please click HERE $65
The Scranton Counseling Center Launches Crisis Unit The Scranton Counseling Center marked a significant milestone with the successful launch of its Crisis Receiving Stabilization Unit on January 5th, 2024. This facility represents a crucial advancement in mental health care for Lackawanna and Susquehanna counties, providing both overnight and crisis residential support for adults in a secure environment for up to 72 hours. The center specializes in delivering immediate crisis counseling and creating personalized safety plans, catering to adults from the mentioned counties. The emphasis on direct and personalized care reflects the center’s commitment to addressing mental health concerns promptly and effectively. Importantly, the center adopts a no-appointment-necessary approach, eliminating barriers to access and ensuring individuals can seek immediate support during times of crisis. This proactive stance aligns with the center’s dedication to making mental health services readily available, underscoring the importance of timely assistance for those in need. The launch of this facility signifies not only a significant step forward in mental health care but also a tangible commitment to fostering a responsive and accessible support system within the community.
The RailRiders Pinstripe Pals Program Returns to Support Local Youth Leagues The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, in partnership with US Foods, are thrilled to announce that the Pinstripe Pals program has returned in support of area youth softball and baseball leagues. Applications are being accepted now and 10 youth leagues will be selected for the program once again this year. League representatives are encouraged to fill out the Pinstripe Pals application form and submit a 500-word (or less) essay describing why their league should be chosen. Each of the ten leagues selected will receive a $500 sponsorship from the RailRiders to assist in league expenses, as well as a $500 gift card courtesy of US Foods, which can be used to help teams pay for concession stand products and supplies. Applications are due by March 1. Each league selected will have the opportunity to participate in a pre-game parade at PNC Field before a RailRiders home game and the opportunity for RailRiders assistance with league fundraising. Selected leagues will have a photo of their choice placed in the GuideRail game day program on their league’s designated night. One of the teams in each league will serve as the “Field of Dreams” club on that night and take the field with the RailRiders players. Applications can be found on our website under the Community tab or upon request. Completed applications can be emailed to Robby Judge at rjudge@swbrailriders.com, faxed to (570) 963-6564 or mailed to: SWB RailRiders Attn: Pinstripe Pals 235 Montage Mountain Rd. Moosic, PA 18507 Winning leagues will be announced on March 8. For more information on the Pinstripe Pals program, presented by US Foods, please contact Krista Lutzick or Robby Judge at (570) 969-2255. The 2024 season begins on March 29 in Buffalo with the RailRiders home opener slated for April 2 against the Syracuse Mets. Season ticket plans are available now on www.swbrailriders.com or by calling (570) 969-BALL.
RailRiders Announce Annual Valentine’s Day Diner Reservations Knock Love Out of the Park: The RailRiders annual Valentine’s Day Dinner is back by popular demand! Choose from two sessions on February 14. Indulge in a delectable four-course meal for $85/person, spend a romantic evening in a private suite, and receive tickets to a 2024 RailRiders game of your choice! Want to dine as a group? Enjoy an evening with multiple couples or bring the little sweethearts in your life! Review the menu and event details online at https://loom.ly/1RYxZfo. Contact Kirsten Peters at kpeters@swbrailriders.com or (570) 558-4545 to reserve your spot! (Suites are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.)
RailRiders Selling Football Squares for February 11 Game Prizes Don’t Fumble Your Chance to Win Big: RailRiders Football Squares are BACK in advance of the Big Game on February 11! Fans who purchase any season ticket plan between NOW and February 9 will receive the corresponding number of football squares with your chance to win one of five prize packages. Prizes include Yankees tickets, a David Cone autographed baseball, replica jerseys, and more! Call (570) 969-2255, email info@swbrailriders.com, or review season ticket plans online at https://loom.ly/IEnyLsY.