FNCB Bank Spreads Holiday Cheer with Toys for Tots Donation Drive FNCB Bank, locally based since 1910, is pleased to announce they recently held a Toys for Tots drive that brought in hundreds of donated toys for children in Northeast Pennsylvania. The drive was conducted in all 16 community offices as well as FNCB’s Corporate Centers in Dunmore. Midge MacArthur, FNCB Bank Dunmore Community Office Manager, spearheaded the project. “The generosity of our customers and employees is truly incredible,” said MacArthur. “Every year we do this, the number of toys donated increases. It’s because of this generosity, that many kids in NEPA will have a brighter holiday season.” The support of Toys for Tots 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.
Marywood University President Announces Retirement Sister Mary Persico, IHM, Ed.D.,the 12th President of Marywood University, has announced to the Board of Trustees her decision to retire from her role, effective June 30, 2024. Sister Mary was elected President of Marywood University by the University Board of Trustees in April 2016 and began her presidential tenure on July 1, 2016. Throughout her eight-year tenure, the University endowment has nearly doubled and maintained a fiscally responsible status, even during universally challenging financial times in higher education and while the industry as a whole has faced a national downturn in enrollments. To further strengthen Marywood’s future, Sister Mary is presently guiding the University’s $30 million comprehensive campaign, which is set to conclude upon her retirement. The campaign is designed to fund new construction and academic spaces on campus, to provide scholarships for students, and to enhance the student experience. The state-of-the-art Pascucci Family Health Sciences Pavilion, an addition to the O’Neill Healthy Families Center, which will house all students who study the Health Sciences, will be dedicated in May 2024. Since 2016, several signature programs have enjoyed expansion, including the Physician Assistant and Architecture programs, and several innovative programs in Respiratory Therapy, Construction Management, and Biotechnology were launched. Last spring, the Living City Lab at Marywood University was established and dedicated to the memory of Jane Jacobs, an urbanist and activist from Scranton; this entity is housed in the Insalaco Center for Studio Arts. Sister Mary also launched the Center for Law, Justice, & Policy, as a precursor to the engagement of students in programs that will lead to legal-related professions. Additionally, the University established the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, out of which grew the Center for Truth and Racial Healing. Sister Mary’s belief that universities exist to serve the communities that surround them was realized, in part, with the purchase of Marywood Heights, the former Holy Family Skilled Nursing Facility, which is home to nearly 90 residents. Marywood Heights is the first UBRC (University Based Retirement Community) in Northeast Pennsylvania. In addition, the NativityMiguel School of Scranton was relocated to Marywood University in 2019 and is now a permanent addition to campus. Sister Mary has represented Marywood to the broader higher education community through service on boards and by her presence in the public arena, including a six-year term on the Board of the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania, during which time she assumed the role of Chair for one year. She was an appointee of Governor Tom Wolf to the PA Humanities as a Director for six years and also assumed the role of Chair for some of her tenure there. In 2019, Sister Mary was asked to deliver the Commencement Address at the Catholic University of East Africa, Nairobi, Kenya. She currently serves as one of ten members on the Governor’s task force for Higher Education in the Commonwealth of PA and has chaired several Middle States site visits during her years as Marywood’s President. Sister Mary’s leadership has led to global accomplishments, such as online graduate Business programs to students from the Tsingsua Holdings Zijing Education Group in Beijing, China, and from the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Support, Alexandria, Egypt. The Office of Global Education also was established during her presidency. Through this office, dozens of students from South Korea spend one semester at Marywood and do practical nursing training in local hospitals and clinics. When the COVID-19 pandemic arose, Sister Mary guided Marywood through unprecedented, uncertain times, successfully navigating challenges and positioning Marywood to thrive in the aftermath of a global pandemic. The University was able to pivot quickly to sustain its mission and to assist the community to curb the spread of the virus and minimize the pandemic’s consequences. Additionally, she brought national retail partnerships to campus, including Starbucks, the Gear Shop, the Apple Store, and the Amazon Store, to provide an enhanced campus culture to students. “On behalf of the Trustees, I wish to acknowledge our admiration for Sister Mary, her collaborative leadership, and her bold vision for Marywood,” stated Board President, Lisa Lori, Esq. “Sister Mary has been an inspiration to us all. Throughout the years, and long before her tenure as President, Sister Mary promoted the mission and core values of our University. She has kept them ever before our students, staff, faculty, and administration as the collective light that guides all we do.” The Board of Trustees will launch a national search for Sister Mary’s successor. The Board of Trustees has hired a search firm/consultant and will be forming a search committee, which will include members of various stakeholder groups. The position is expected to be posted in early January 2024, with a plan to announce finalists for the position in March and a President-Elect by early April 2024.
The Wright Center’s Top Executive Receives 2023 Pennsylvania Impact Award Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak, president and CEO of The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education, received a 2023 Pennsylvania Impact Award from City & State Pennsylvania magazine, recognizing her leadership in social responsibility. Dr. Thomas-Hemak, a Lackawanna County native, was one of 75 honorees from across the commonwealth to be chosen by the magazine for its special recognition. She accepted the award during a ceremony in Philadelphia. “I am extremely humbled and honored to be recognized for living the mission of The Wright Center,” said Dr. Thomas-Hemak. “Together, we are building a preferred future in which everyone will benefit from a health system that prioritizes equity, quality, and affordability of comprehensive primary health care services and career opportunities.” The Pennsylvania Impact Awards honor residents “who are pillars of sustainability, diversity and inclusion, charity, and community engagement,” according to the publication, known for its coverage of the Keystone State’s business, political, and community leaders. The publication noted that “there are a lot of ways to make a difference.” For example, the changemakers “have raised funds and galvanized support for patients with Alzheimer’s and autism and for children in need of early intervention.” In addition, “they have programmed software to help Pennsylvanians access medical care and legal services. The influential difference-makers included state Sen. Lisa M. Boscola, state Sen. Art Haywood, Associate Professor Teresa Hunter-Pettersen, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine; Clayton Jacobs, executive director, Alzheimer’s Association Greater Pennsylvania Chapter; and President Jessica Ritchie, UPMC Pinnacle Foundation. Under Dr. Thomas-Hemak’s leadership, The Wright Center remains deeply immersed in community engagement activities, routinely collaborating with dozens of regional, state, and national partners on health care and workforce development initiatives. The Wright Center, for example, is spearheading an effort in Northeast Pennsylvania to establish interoperability across multiple hospital, health care, and social services systems, with the goal of giving patients and providers access to timely, actionable health care data to improve patient outcomes. Dr. Thomas-Hemakalso serves as board co-chair of The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement,a subsidiary of the health center. The group is active throughout the year in providing material goods and other support to community members challenged by poverty and other negative social determinants of health, such as food insecurity and homelessness. Earlier this year, Dr. Thomas-Hemak hired the enterprise’s first environmental, social, and governance (ESG) specialist. He is now developing a strategic plan to tailor existing policies and decision-making systems so the enterprise can fulfill its mission while being socially responsible to the community and the planet. Similarly, The Wright Center’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is evident in the year-round programming offered to employees and community members, including a monthly DEI blog and workshop. An emphasis is currently being placed on fostering a safe, trauma-informed workplace for employees, patients, and visitors. Dr. Thomas-Hemak, who has served as The Wright Center’s top executive for more than a decade, has helped the health center optimize federal and state resources, allowing it to establish 10 primary and preventive care clinics that collectively serve more than 32,500 patients a year. She also expanded the enterprise’s graduate medical education programs, which now train about 250 resident and fellow physicians annually in eight residency and fellowship programs. These programs attract needed medical expertise, such as behavioral health and specialized geriatric care providers, to the region. Her leadership has enabled the enterprise to create hundreds of jobs and improve community health. Today, The Wright Center employs about 645 people. Dr. Thomas-Hemak graduated from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, and completed Harvard’s Combined Internal Medicine/Pediatrics Residency in Boston, Massachusetts, before returning to Northeast Pennsylvania to practice primary care. She is quadruple board-certified in internal medicine, pediatrics, addiction medicine, and obesity medicine. She directly cares for patients weekly. In April, she began a four-year term as governor for the eastern region of the Pennsylvania Chapter of the American College of Physicians. For more information about The Wright Center, go to TheWrightCenter.org or call 570.230.0019.
Johnson College Now Enrolling in Continuing Education Welding Courses Johnson College’s Continuing Education Program is enrolling students in its Fundamentals of Welding and Intermediate Welding courses at the Scranton campus. The Fundamentals course will begin on January 18, 2024, followed by the intermediate course beginning on February 1, 2024. The Fundamentals of Welding and Intermediate Welding courses provide specific instruction in Oxy-Fuel, Gas Tungsten Arc (TIG, Gas Metal Arc (MIG), and Shielded Metal Arc (Stick) welding processes. The course consists of 40% theory and 60% hands-on practice. Additional lectures are given on basic metallurgy, welding codes, nondestructive examination, and welding symbols. The fundamentals course fee is $1,870 and includes a PPE kit. The intermediate course fee is $2,750 and includes certification testing fees. The courses can be bundled for a reduced cost of $4,251. To learn more or enroll call 570-702-8979 or email continuinged@johnson.edu. To register for the course, visit johnson.edu/continuing-ed/welding/.
Be a Speaker at EMPOWER Have you enjoyed Empower Women’s Leadership Conference? Ever want to be on the stage sharing your story, your expertise, motivating others? This is your year and your opportunity! EMPOWER Women’s Leadership Conference is now EMPOWER, The Leadership Experience! EMPOWER will be held on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at Kalahari Resorts, Mount Pocono. We are accepting submissions for “Breakout Room Speakers, Wellness Presenters & Instructors, Panelists and Panel Moderators” through January 12, 2024. The 2024 theme is “PURPOSE” (to be interpreted by Speakers/Presenters in their presentation).EMPOWER 2024 consists of four (4) Breakout Room tracks:1.) Professional Development2.) Personal Development3.) Leadership Development4.) Panel Discussions (final topics/titles tbd):***PANEL DISCUSSION TOPICS***a.) Non-Traditional Industry Leadersb.) Young Professionals: What To Do or Knowc.) Poise & Public Speakingd.) Career BuildingBreakout Room Speakers must prepare a 45 minute presentation inclusive of Q&A to typically includes a PowerPoint presentation.Panelists offer their expertise on specific topics managed by the Panel Moderator.Wellness Studio Presenters/Instructors. The Wellness Studio runs every 30 minutes. We are currently looking for Presenters/Instructors to offer 20 minute sessions covering “Mind, Body and Spirit”. This an be a fitness class, mindfulness, meditation, nutrition counseling, etc.If EMPOWER is for you and you’re ready to get on stage and share your expertise please complete this “Speaker Submission Form” by January 12, 2024 to be considered for EMPOWER. https://metroaction.wufoo.com/forms/2024-empower-speaker-submission-form/ (No calls or direct emails please.)We look forward to reviewing your submission and seeing you at EMPOWER, The Leadership Experience!
Commonwealth Health Provides Information on Upper Respiratory Illness Commonwealth Health: If it seems like more people are getting sick each day – it’s not your imagination. Diagnoses of flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are on the rise across the U.S with the CDC trackers showing flu activity to be minimal here in Pennsylvania but more people visiting the emergency department or needing hospitalizations for treatment of severe symptoms. If you are one of those who has gotten ill, the symptoms for each condition are similar and it’s important to know when they signal a medical emergency. All can cause mild to severe illness and sometimes lead to complications such as pneumonia or sepsis which can be life-threatening. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, emergency warning signs of flu and COVID-19 include difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, persistent pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen and confusion. Additional dangerous flu symptoms include persistent dizziness, inability to arouse, seizures, not urinating, severe muscle pain, severe weakness or unsteadiness, fever or cough that improve but then return or worsen and worsening of chronic medical conditions. If you or someone you know have any of these symptoms, seek emergency medical care immediately. To protect yourself and others, there’s still time to get vaccinated for flu, COVID-19 and RSV, and it is safe to get them at the same time. Other steps to reduce the spread of respiratory diseases during this busy season are: Wash your hands often. Cover your cough or sneeze. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. Stay home when you are sick with respiratory symptoms, except to get medical care. “The holidays can bring us together in more social settings than the rest of the year, making them a perfect breeding ground for illness,” said Nicholas Ahn, M.D., an internal medicine physician with Commonwealth Health Physician Network. “Vaccination is always a key way to lessen your chance of illness, but common sense also remains important. Stay home if you are not feeling well as illness is the gift no one wants.” Those at the highest risk of serious illness from flu or COVID include babies and toddlers, the elderly, pregnant women and people with chronic health conditions, including asthma, diabetes, heart disease and obesity. People ages 60 years and older should talk to their healthcare provider about whether RSV vaccination is right for them as well. Older adults, adults with chronic heart or lung disease, with weakened immune systems or living in nursing homes or long-term care facilities are at the highest risk for RSV illness. Dr. Ahn continues, “your physician can test to determine whether the flu, COVID-19 or RSV virus is causing your illness and what treatment will be beneficial. Seek medical care immediately if you are experiencing extreme symptoms such as difficulty breathing, shortness of breath or confusion.”
Keystone Mission Receives Grant from the Robert H. Spitz Foundation The Robert H. Spitz Foundation provided a $6,000 grant to Keystone Mission’s Scranton Innovation Center for Homeless & Poverty for housing needs. The grant directly supports the housing program at the Mission, which aids adults experiencing homelessness to access affordable and permanent housing. Our Housing Life Coach bridges the gap between guests experiencing homelessness and outside agencies that have housing/shelter programs available. The Life Coach trains each guest on how to fill out public housing applications, conduct an apartment/house search, and/or set up the proper appointments and transportation.
The Anthracite Museum Holiday Hours Anthracite Heritage Museum Holiday Hours:Friday, December 22, 10am – 4pmSaturday, December 23, 10am – 1pmSunday, December 24, closedFriday, December 29, 10am – 4pmSaturday, December 30, 10am – 1pmSunday, December 31, closed1. The museum will be closed to general visitation January and February 2. We will be open for the Knox Mine Program, January 20, at 2:00 pm3. We will host an presentation on the Museum’s second sponsored trip to the UK, January 28, at 2:00 pm.4. We are thrilled to announce that starting in March, the museum will open for general visitation Thursday to Sunday each week!Eckley Holiday Hours:Thursday, December 21, 10am – 4pmFriday, December 22, 10am – 4pmSaturday, December 23, 10am – 1pmSunday, December 24, closedThursday, December 28, 10am – 4pmFriday, December 29, 10am – 4pmSaturday, December 30, 10am – 1pmSunday, December 31, closed1. On January 17, in partnership with the Luzerne County Historical Society, we will host Justin Emershaw discussing modern mining as part of Mining History Month. 7 pm 2. The museum will be open on weekends during January and February. Sat-Sun, 10 am to 4 pm. Have a wonderful Holiday Season!3.Starting in March, the museum will be open Wed-Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm each week!
The Dime Bank Donates to Local Animal Shelter The Dime Bank recently pledged $10,000.00 to the Olga and Dorothea Dessin Animal Society (Dessin), a non-profit private organization that facilitates the placement of countless animals into caring homes each year. Dessin’s fundraising efforts and facility maintenance were hindered by COVID. The Dime Bank funds will assist with crucial renovations, such as upgrading the septic system, HVAC, electrical systems, and restoring the kennels. The Dime Bank Chief Operating Officer Lisa Cavage stated, “Being a community bank, The Dime Bank understands the significance of Dessin Animal Shelter’s unwavering dedication to providing animal rescue, medical care, animal housing, and adoption services. We extend our gratitude to Dessin’s staff and volunteers for their hard work, and we hope that our pledge will aid in upgrading their facilities.” If you would like to assist Dessin with a donation, would like to volunteer, or adopt a pet, visit www.dessinshelters.com.
Scranton Area Community Foundation Celebrates a Record Year of Grantmaking On the evening of Thursday, December 7, the Scranton Area Community Foundation hosted its 2023 Annual Community Celebration at the Hilton Scranton and Conference Center, celebrating a record year of grantmaking and recognizing the impact of notable charitable funds and community partners making a difference. Over 200 attendees gathered to celebrate the impact and accomplishment made possible by the Foundation’s generous partners, donors, funds, and more. At the event, Scranton Area Community Foundation President and CEO Laura Ducceschi, along with members of the Scranton Area Community Foundation Board of Governors, thanked the donors and friends whose contributions enabled the Foundation to distribute nearly $8 million in grants and scholarships from charitable funds and an additional $2 million from foundations under management, the highest since the Foundation’s inception in 1954. The Foundation also acknowledged and celebrated community partners and funds who have led the way in making a significant impact in 2023. Featured Funds included the Fendrock Family Fund, the Susan Burke Foundation for Colon Cancer, and the Sondra G. and Morey M. Myers Charitable Gift Fund. Featured Community Partners were Scott R. Thorpe, Accountant/Partner, Ostrowski Beckley, and Thorpe PC; Chris Bohinski and WBRE-TV. The event also paid tribute to Attorney Jack Nogi, who was a dedicated trustee of the Robert H. Spitz Foundation. Attorney Nogi was instrumental in working with the Scranton Area Community Foundation to distribute over $2 million in grants from the Robert H. Spitz Foundation since 2016. The Scranton Area Community Foundation is on a mission to enhance the quality of life for all people in Northeastern Pennsylvania through the development of organized philanthropy. With nearly $95 million in assets under management and more than 330 charitable funds, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served as a steward, grantmaker, charitable resource, and catalyst for change since 1954. The Foundation leads various initiatives, including Women in Philanthropy, the Center for Community Leadership and Nonprofit Excellence, NEPA Moves, and the NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative. Additionally, the Foundation hosts and facilitates NEPA Gives and the NEPA Learning Conference. The Scranton Area Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, tax-exempt organization confirmed in compliance with National Standards of U.S. Community Foundations. More information about the Scranton Area Community Foundation can be found at www.safdn.org.
