The Wright Center Announces New Executive Role for Longtime Leader The Wright Center for Community Health has named a new vice president and chief clinical operating officer and director of certified registered nurse practitioner and physician assistant services. Colleen Dougherty, DNP, CRNP, FNP-BC, will coordinate overall business operations for the health center and work to ensure all primary care and service line operations are aligned with The Wright Center’s mission and strategic objectives. She also will maintain her duties as director of CRNP and physician assistant services, including overseeing scheduling and participating in recruitment, orientation, and performance evaluation. Since joining The Wright Center for Community Health in 2017, Dougherty has led several process improvements to improve the health center and the care offered to patients. She enhanced a screening process used by providers to identify behavioral health issues. Since implementing those changes in March, the practices have seen a 24% increase in the use of these potentially life-saving screenings. Dougherty earned a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Penn State University in 2014. Last year, she earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from the University of Scranton. The Wright Center for Community Health’s patient-centered medical home has 10 locations in Lackawanna, Luzerne, and Wayne counties, as well as a mobile medical and dental unit called Driving Better Health, that serves more than 40,0000 unique patients annually and ensures everyone in the service area has access to integrated, high-quality, affordable health services, regardless of their insurance status, ZIP code, or ability to pay. For more information about The Wright Center for Community Health or the nearest location, go to TheWrightCenter.org or call 570.230.0019.
Broadway in Scranton Announces New Season Broadway in Scranton (NAC Entertainment and Broadway Theatre League of NEPA) is proud to announce the 2023-24 Broadway in Scranton Season. This upcoming season is the biggest yet, with six shows on the lineup. See new productions of beloved classics, Tony Award winners, shows for the entire family, and three shows making their Scranton stage debut! “We want to thank our subscribers and patrons for their support season after season. We’re excited to continue bringing the power and magic of live theatre to NEPA!” said Thomas Combs of NAC Entertainment. The new season was heavily influenced by the votes of the local community. In a survey sent by Broadway in Scranton earlier this year, audiences answered a series of questions about potential show selections. “Our audience response was instrumental in choosing this season’s productions. Not only will they be seeing their top-voted choices, but they also had a hand in choosing when to see these shows.” said Combs. The upcoming season will feature a change in performance times, with Friday and Saturday evening performances now at 7:30 PM. Executive Director Frank T. Blasi stated “We believe that the increase in the number of shows and the new starting times will result in a record number of people in the seats this year. The demand for Broadway is strong in our area, and we look forward to continuing our vital role and contribution to the quality of life in NEPA.” New season tickets go on sale Thursday, July 20 at 10 AM 2023-24 Broadway in Scranton season features: Jesus Christ Superstar – October 27-29, 2023Hairspray – January 12-14, 2024Annie – February 16-18, 2024The Cher Show – March 1-3, 2024Come From Away – April 5-7, 2024Pretty Woman – May 17-19, 2024 Prices for this 6-Show season ticket package are $240, $330, $390, and $450. Season Tickets can be purchased online at BroadwayInScranton.com, in person at the Broadway Theatre League (BTL) office (345 North Washington Ave, Scranton, PA), or by calling the BTL office at (570) 342-7784. BTL Office Hours are Monday – Friday 10 AM – 4 PM.
The Honesdale National Bank Promotes Staff Thomas E. Sheridan Jr., President, and CEO of The Honesdale National Bank, has announced Destiny Megivern has been promoted to Investment Assistant with HNB Financial Services. In making the announcement Sheridan stated, “Destiny is a very well-rounded team member here at HNB. She continues to adapt through new roles and grows by providing our customers and fellow employees with the HNB & me experience.” As Investment Assistant, Megivern will be responsible for assisting the HNB Financial Services department in the daily workflow to maximize the sales efforts and minimize the time spent on operational tasks. This includes scheduling appointments, completing and submitting forms, and answering phone calls. She is a graduate of Forest City Regional School District and resides in Pleasant Mount, PA. Megivern was a manager at Weis in Honesdale before starting at the bank in 2018 as a Teller. She moved away for a short period and was a Universal Banker for a bank in Colorado. When she returned to Pennsylvania, she was rehired in Loan Operations at HNB, and then served as a Teller/ CSR before accepting her current role as Investment Assistant. In commenting on her new role at the bank, Megivern noted, “I love working at HNB, that is why as soon as I knew I was moving back to PA, I called to see if I could be rehired.” She continued, “HNB is truly one big family, and it makes you look forward to coming to work every day.” Outside of the bank, she loves to read, bake, and spend time with friends and family.
NRCI Names Chair for Annual Cancer Survivors Day Susan Drumgould, has been named chair for the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute’s 31st Annual Cancer Survivors Day- Honoring, Remembering, Sharing. Susan Drumgould is a 13-year breast cancer survivor. Every year on July 23, she celebrates her survivorship anniversary by bringing breakfast goodies to different organizations. She is retired which allows her the time to volunteer for several organizations including Allied Services and St. Joseph’s Center in the aquatic program. She currently volunteers with Friends of the Poor’s Food Bank and with United Neighborhood Centers. Susan enjoys swimming, playing golf, and traveling with her husband, James. They reside in West Scranton. Susan has donated to NRCI in memory of her friends and has been an attendee at Cancer Survivors Day for several years. Cancer Survivors Day is a dual-location event set for Saturday, September 23 at Kirby Park in Wilkes-Barre and Saturday, September 30 at McDade Park in Scranton. The event registration begins at 10:00 a.m. and the program begins at 10:30 a.m. It’s free of charge although pre-registration is encouraged. The events feature the Circle of Survivors, an activity during which every person in attendance can share inspirational words and support about their cancer experience. Conversation and light refreshments provide an additional opportunity for connection and support. Cancer survivors, their families, and friends, as well as caregivers and healthcare professionals are invited to attend. For more information, go to www.cancernepa.org or call the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute at (570) 904-8808.
Peoples Security Bank Promotes Staff Member Peoples Security Bank & Trust (PSBT) recently announced that Shane Ely (Scranton) has been promoted to Assistant Branch Manager of the Minooka Office. With this new position, Ely will take on a more active role in establishing a team-based culture and developing positive sales growth. A graduate of the North Pocono School District with certifications in NMLS, Ely has eight years of banking experience with Peoples Security Bank. Ely will be responsible for ensuring area customers receive the best in banking services, offering personal financial guidance, and developing relationships with area businesses. “My number one priority is to serve this community that I care so much about and to build a team environment at the Minooka Office that will deliver exceptional financial services. Creating a strong foothold in our community gives customers the security of better community banking,” says Ely.
Johnson College to Hold Open House Johnson College Hazleton will hold its first-ever student and community Open House on Thursday, July 27, from 5 to 7 p.m., at the CAN DO Training Center located inside the Humboldt Industrial Park at 370 Maplewood Drive in Hazle Township. The event welcomes all interested students and community members who are eager to see the progress of the new college campus. All visitors must register to attend the Open House by visiting johnson.edu/hazletonOH or contacting Johnson College’s Enrollment Department at 570-702-8856 or enroll@johnson.edu. The Open House will include discussions with interested students about the admissions process, information about financial aid for those who qualify, and student services such as student life, student support, and career services. Plus, same-day acceptance will be available for many programs if students bring their high school or college transcripts. Tours of each technical area will be conducted and program directors and instructors will be available to review the specifics of their programs with both students and the community.
The Catherine McAuley Center Services Continue Despite Reconstruction Krista Murray, the executive director, had important choices to make on Thursday when she was told that the sewer line was in need of complete reconstruction at the Administration building. She could shut down the Administration Office and go remote, having programs hold steady for those already being served or come up with a plan within 24 hours of how to continue to provide critical services to those who come to the Center door each day. Beyond the shelter of a roof and walls, the Catherine McAuley Center’s emergency shelters and housing programs offer a host of other important grassroots programming including a food pantry, hygiene closet, period product pantry, and the family support program that provides necessary assistance and referrals for those facing homelessness. To clear the area into which the reconstruction will be taking place, the Catherine McAuley Center will be offering additional items tomorrow, July 14th from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. at its Administrative Offices. Diapers, hygiene items, period products, food packages, and more will be available while supplies last. The Center will continue to serve the community with all its programs and services throughout the reconstruction. “We serve people in crisis each day. Even during this setback, we understand the privilege we have in each other. We know that our staff, our board, volunteers, and others in the community will support us so that we can continue to support those that need us most.” For more information on our programs and services, or how you can support the Catherine McAuley Center during this time, you can call the main phone number at 570 342-1342.
Car Show to Benefit Patients of The Wright Center for Community Health The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement Health will host the second annual “Road to Recovery” car show from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 5, at Nay Aug Park. The event is at the Miami Pavilion near the Everhart Museum. Registration, which costs $10 per vehicle and $5 per motorcycle, begins at 8 a.m. Admission is free. The family-friendly fundraiser also features prizes, music, raffles, food trucks, games, and much more. In addition, other addiction treatment facilities from around the region will be invited to set up informational tables at the event. Just like last year, proceeds raised from the car show will be used to help patients of The Wright Center for Community Health’s Opioid Use Disorder Center of Excellence with transportation to and from appointments. Pennsylvania designated The Wright Center for Community Health as an Opioid Use Disorder Center of Excellence in 2017 – one of 50 in the state. Patients can visit any of The Wright Center’s primary care practices in Lackawanna, Luzerne, or Wayne counties to connect with supportive certified recovery specialists, case managers, social workers, and medical providers who help them break the cycle of addiction through outpatient care. “Transportation remains the highest need for our patients in Northeast Pennsylvania and those across the country,” said Kara Seitzinger, executive director of Public Affairs at The Wright Center. “The lack of reliable transportation is a real barrier to care. If you cannot get to your medical provider, you cannot receive the necessary care and support services The Wright Center has available for this patient population.” In addition to supporting the Center of Excellence’s patients with transportation needs, the car show also raises awareness about the services The Wright Center for Community Health and other regional organizations offer, according to Scott Constantini, associate vice president of primary care and recovery services integration at The Wright Center. “For me, the best part is the people who come out to support the cause,” Constantini said. “It’s bringing people together with a passion for recovery treatment.” More information about the center and its addiction and recovery services is available at thewrightcenter.org/coe.
The Settlers Inn Earns Award The Settlers Inn has been honored for its outstanding wine program in Wine Spectator’s 2023 Restaurant Awards, which celebrate the world’s best restaurants for wine. “In a time of technological innovation, restaurants offer the human experience diners are hungry for—listening to their customers and offering personalized experience,” said Marvin R. Shanken, Editor and Publisher, Wine Spectator. “This annual issue celebrates the places where wine is at the top of that conversation. I’m pleased to congratulate all 3,505 restaurants for their dedication to wine and wine-loving diners.” “We are honored to receive this recognition from Wine Spectator as an acknowledgement of our continued commitment to providing the highest caliber wine service to guests of The Settlers Inn,” states CEO Justin Genzlinger. “It’s a privilege to be distinguished as one of only two restaurants in Northeast PA to receive this prestigious award. We are proud of our Sommelier, Claude Briere, and Director of Food and Beverage Steven Vennie, who have crafted an award-winning wine experience for our guests.” Launched in 1981, the Restaurant Awards represent the world’s only program focused exclusively on restaurant wine service. They are assigned on three levels: the Award of Excellence, the Best of Award of Excellence and the Grand Award, with 2,001; 1,411; and 93 winners this year in each respective category. The Settlers Inn has won the Best of Award of Excellence for a second consecutive year. Best of Award of Excellence recipients display excellent breadth across multiple winegrowing regions and/or significant vertical depth of top producers, along with superior presentation.
