Wright Center’s Scholars Day Highlights Cutting-Edge Research Dr. Harshaman Kaur, a resident physician explains her scholarly research poster to Harold W. Baillie, Ph.D., chair of The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s Board of Directors. Dr. Aroma Naeem, a resident physician entered her collaborative scholarly poster in the annual Scholars Day Program. The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education hosted our annual Scholars Day Program on May 24, 2025, at our auditorium in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Our event included 31 scholarly research posters presented by physician learners from our residency and fellowship programs, as well as from the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, the Geisinger Internal Medicine Residency Program, HonorHealth Mountain Vista Medical Center, and the Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital Department of Graduate Medical Education. Dr. Erin McFadden – Our deputy chief medical officer, medical director of our primary care centers in Scranton and the Scranton Counseling Center, co-regional director of medical education for A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona (ATSU-SOMA), and dean and director for undergraduate medical education and interprofessional education – Case Report Session. Dr. Qi Shi – Geisinger – Research and Quality Improvement Session. Dr. Nevena Barjaktarovic – Our rheumatologist and regional director of medical education for ATSU-SOMA – Community-Oriented Primary Care Session. The program opened with welcoming remarks from Dr. McFadden, followed by the keynote address, “From Clinic to Community: Partnering with AHEC to Shape Health Beyond the Exam Room,” delivered by Debra Youngfelt, executive director of the Northeast Pennsylvania Area Health Education Center (NE PA AHEC). Dr. Amninder Singh, a resident physician in our Internal Medicine Residency Program and scholarly activity chief resident, delivered the closing remarks to conclude the day. Prizes were awarded for first, second, and third place in each poster session category. The winners included: SESSION A WINNERS (Case Reports) 1st Place Presenter: Dr. Himani Mongia, Internal Medicine Residency Program, The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education Poster: “A Novel Case of Utilizing Overlapping Lumen-Apposing Metal Stents for Treatment of Complicated Marginal Ulcers at the Gastrojejunal Anastomosis” 2nd Place Presenter: Dr. Chukwuemeka Christian Aghasili, Internal Medicine resident physician, Geisinger Internal Medicine Residency Program Poster: “When Arteries Fracture without a Cause: A Case of Multivessel Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection and Associated Extracoronary Arterial Vascular Dissections in the Absence of Connective Tissue Disease” 3rd Place Presenter: Dr. Harshaman Kaur, Internal Medicine resident physician, HonorHealth Mountain Vista Medical Center Poster: “Unmasking the Silent Transformation: Nodular Regenerative Hyperplasia Emerging Decades Post-Liver Transplantation” SESSION B WINNERS (Research and QI) 1st Place Presenter: Dr. Aroma Naeem, Internal Medicine Residency Program, The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education Poster: “Balloon-Expandable Versus Self-Expanding Valves in Patients with Small Aortic Annuli Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials and Propensity Score Matched Studies” 2nd Place Presenter: Dr. Harshaman Kaur, Internal Medicine resident physician, HonorHealth Mountain Vista Medical Center Poster: “Readmission Risk Associated with Falls in Decompensated Cirrhosis: Insights from a National Database” 3rd Place Presenter: Dr. Yuexiu Wu, Internal Medicine Residency Program, The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education Poster: “Surveillance Study of Lyme Disease in The Wright Center for Community Health from 2015-2024” SESSION C WINNERS (Community-Oriented Primary Care) 1st Place Presenter: Dr. Sonam Gautam, Internal Medicine Residency Program, The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education Poster: “One-Time Routine HIV Screening in Primary Care” 2nd Place Presenters: Drs. Justine Carlo Guevarra and Imran Hamid, Family Medicine – Scranton Residency Program, The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education Poster: “Investigation into Possible Improvement in HSM Rotation for Effectiveness of Intern Orientation and Preparedness for Unsupervised Patient Care” 3rd Place Presenter: Dr. Archana Sridhar, Internal Medicine Residency Program, The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education Poster: “Predictive Value of PREVENT Calculator for Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients at Outpatient Clinics in Northeast Pennsylvania” Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education resident physicians, Drs. Sonam Gautam, left, and Lokendra Channtyal, display their scholarly research poster at the Scholars Day Program. They are in the Internal Medicine Residency Program. Drs. Amninder Singh, left, and Harshaman Kaur, Internal Medicine resident physicians at The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education, showcase their scholarly research poster at The Wright Center’s annual Scholars Day Program.
Settlers Hospitality 9th Annual Wally Wine Fest Water and wine combine for a divine summer event. Wally Wine Fest returns to The Waterfront at Silver Birches, June 13-15. The indoor/outdoor event on the shores of Lake Wallenpaupack offers three jam-packed days of sampling, shopping and soaking in the scenery. Visitors may enjoy sips from more than 100 domestic and international labels, a varied marketplace of artisan goods and live music on two stages. Festivities kick off on Friday, June 13 with a Platinum Wine Dinner at The Settlers Inn. The Live Fire Dinner in Grant’s Woods features a five-course wild game feast in collaboration with Fossil Farms that boasts duck rillette, rabbit ragu, lamb kofta and roasted elk French rack. Guests will take a seat in the open-air woodland dining venue and watch executive chefs from The Settlers Inn and guest chefs from Fossil Farms prepare the feast in the outdoor kitchen. Located in Boonton, NJ, Fossil Farms specializes in providing the highest quality farm-raised game birds, exotic and natural meats. Each course is paired with a fine wine from Trinchero Family Estates in a Sonoma vs Napa Vally taste test showdown. A $200 Platinum Ticket allows access to the Live Fire Game Dinner as well as entry to Wally Wine Fest on Saturday, June 14. Wally Wine Fest shifts to Silver Birches Resort on Saturday and Sunday where visitors will have the opportunity to sample vintages from more than 100 domestic and international labels. Wineries from as far away as New Zealand, Italy, France, Napa Valley and the Pacific Northwest are represented as well as varietals grown and produced in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Claude Briere, a sommelier for Settlers Hospitality, personally selects each wine. Briere is a renowned wine expert who travels the globe as a consultant and lecturer advising on wine selections, pairings and service. Novice wine enthusiasts will have the opportunity to sample a variety of pours and discover which wine suits their palate. Wine connoisseurs will relish the opportunity to interact one-on-one with wine makers, restauranteurs and sommeliers who are knowledgeable in flavor profiles, can discuss the differences among wine, grapes and varietals, plus point out the notes to be enjoyed for each. Bottles of every wine featured are available for sale. With prices ranging from $10-$100, there’s something to match every taste and budget. An indoor and outdoor marketplace will overflow with fine food, gift items and decor fit for wine lovers– all available for purchase. Visitors may shop offerings from places such as Art on the Edge, which features home/wine décor. Kryzan Design offers hand-poured candles in a variety of scents including some wine-inspired selections. A Silent Auction benefits Lake Wallenpaupack’s Fourth of July Fireworks and features overnight stays at some of the area’s finest accommodations plus gift cards to local restaurants and businesses. Golf and spa packages, as well as boat and paddle board rentals, are also up for grabs. Satellite events at other Hawley area venues extend the Wally Wine Fest celebration. The Settlers Inn will offer a Bubbly Brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Visitors may savor a brunch menu, live music and a tasting flight of sparkling wine. Glass-wine.bar.kitchen at Ledges Hotel will present live music by Mike Metzger on Saturday night. Wally Wine Fest at Silver Birches runs from 1-5 p.m. on Saturday and 1-4 p.m. on Sunday. Everyone who attends receives a commemorative wine glass. Admission is $40 in advance or $50 at the door and includes 15 sampling tickets. The sampling tickets may be exchanged for wine tastings. A $50 VIP admission allows entry to the festival one hour early and 25 sampling tickets. The $200 Platinum admission price offers early entry, increases the sampling tickets to 25 and includes a seat at the Live Fire Game Dinner at The Settlers Inn on June 13. Admission for designated drivers is $20. Tickets are available at wallywinefest.com Special thanks to Champagne Level event sponsors Silver Birches Resort, Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau and Trinchero Family Estates, as well as Cabernet Level sponsor, AM Skier Insurance, Chant Realtors and Olsommer and Clarke Insurance. Settlers Hospitality would also like to acknowledge the support of many local sponsors including Bold Gold Media Group.
Misericordia University Offers Summer Sports Camps Looking to keep your young athlete active and engaged this summer? Misericordia University offers a variety of summer sports camps led by experienced coaches and college athletes. With programs in soccer, basketball, volleyball, and more, campers will build skills, make friends, and have a blast on and off the field. Spots are filling quickly—sign up today and give your child a summer to remember! For more information and to register, visit https://www.misericordia.edu/summer-sports-camps/sports-camps.
SWB RailRiders, Christopher McDonald VIP Meet & Greet Announced Famed actor who portrayed Shooter McGavin in Happy Gilmore slated for June 14 appearance at PNC Field Christopher McDonald, iconically known for portraying Shooter McGavin in the 1996 comedy classic Happy Gilmore, is set for a VIP Meet & Greet prior to his appearance at PNC Field on Saturday, June 14, for Amazing Golf Ball Whacker Night. The acclaimed actor has over 200 film and television credits during his prolific career, including a recent run on the award-winning Max Original show Hacks. He is set to reprise his role as McGavin in the upcoming Happy Gilmore sequel, set for release in July. Amazing Golf Ball Whacker Night features a custom McDonald bobblehead with a bobble “Shootah” arm for the first 1,500 fans presented by PNC Bank. Gates open at 5 P.M. with a 6:35 first pitch against the Syracuse Mets. The VIP Meet & Greet includes a Geisinger Champions Club level ticket plus your chance to compare sleeve length with one of the greatest fictional golfers of all time. The VIP experience begins at 4:30 and also includes a guaranteed bobblehead giveaway. VIP tickets are available for $65 per person (plus fees) and availability is limited. McDonald will sign autographs on the concourse after the game begins. For tickets to Amazing Golf Ball Whacker Night or more information, please visit swbrailriders.com.
Celebrate Marywood Event Raises Nearly $400,000 Marywood University’s re-imagined flagship annual fundraising event, Celebrate Marywood, formerly known as the Community Leadership Celebration, took place on Thursday, May 1, 2025. The outdoor celebration, held in the picturesque Motherhouse and Seminary Morgan Memorial Garden, marked a significant milestone by raising nearly $400,000 to support vital campus improvements and enhance the student experience at Marywood University. Since its inception in 2014, the event has raised over $4.2 million, with the 2025 total setting a new benchmark for generosity and community engagement. Proceeds from this year’s event will directly fund projects that enrich and enhance the student experience at Marywood for years to come. This year, Marywood honored Richard and Erin Kane of Dalton with the Inspire Award for their outstanding contributions to the university and the broader region. Their leadership, including Mr. Kane’s past service as a trustee and board chair, along with the couple’s philanthropic commitment to Marywood, embodies the institution’s mission and core values. Additionally, their dedicated leadership and care have inspired Marywood students in their pursuit of education and service. “Together, Dick and Erin have made lasting contributions that are woven into the very fabric of our campus,” said Lisa A. Lori, J.D., President of Marywood University. “Their legacy is not only written in bricks and mortar, but in the lives of our students—students who have benefited from their generosity, their leadership, and their belief in the future of Marywood.” The celebration featured an array of food stations, live music by the band Old Friends, dancing, and a spectacular 3-D digital mapping show projected onto Marywood’s iconic Liberal Arts Center. The event provided a festive atmosphere where alumni, donors, faculty, staff, and friends of the university came together to celebrate Marywood’s growth, community spirit, and vision for the future. Marywood University extends its heartfelt gratitude to all who attended, sponsored, and supported Celebrate Marywood. Their contributions play a pivotal role in advancing the university’s mission and ensuring a bright future for its students. To learn more about Celebrate Marywood, go to marywood.edu/celebratemarywood or call (570) 348-6238. Images:Richard and Erin, Kane, Dalton, address attendees of the recent Celebrate Marywood event, expressing their gratitude as recipients of the Inspire Award for their leadership and service to Marywood University and to the community. A vibrant light display is projected onto the Liberal Arts Center at Marywood University. The 3-D Digital Mapping presentation culminated the Celebrate Marywood event, held outdoors at the Motherhouse and Seminary Morgan Memorial Garden in the center of campus.
The Greater Scranton YMCA Recognizes Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month June is National Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. Worldwide, more than 55 million people are living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. Did you know that studies have shown that physical activity and social connectedness reduce the risk of cognitive decline? At the Greater Scranton YMCA, we promote the importance of physical activity at any age! Just a little bit of activity can go a long way in helping improve brain health. Check out some of the great offerings at our Y below, which can be used a great start on anyone’s health and wellness journey: SILVER SNEAKERS & SENIOR YOGA Silver Sneakers focuses on strengthening muscles and increasing range of movement for daily life activities. Participants can use hand-held weights, elastic tubing with handles and a Silver Sneakers ball. Often, a chair is used for seated exercises or standing support. Silver Sneakers is offered twice weekly. Senior Yoga is a specialized form of yoga perfect for older adults. This class is offered once a week at the Greater Scranton YMCA. SHALLOW & DEEP WATER EXERCISE Shallow Water Exercise class is a fun way to use the resistance of the water to improve cardiovascular fitness, strength and flexibility. Classes are a light to moderate aerobic workout. Deep Water Exercise class provides a great opportunity for people of all fitness abilities. This type of workout is non-weight bearing, which means it’s gentler on your body while remaining extremely beneficial to it. Shallow and Deep Water Exercise classes are offered weekly, as well as an Arthritis Water Exercise class. PICKLEBALL Pickleball is a fun and active way for adults to socialize. Pickleball is a paddleball sport that combines elements of badminton, table tennis and tennis. All skill levels are welcome and no experience is necessary. Paddles and balls are provided. Those interested in playing can join during open play time, which is offered three days a week at various times. Registration is not required. ENHANCE®FITNESS Enhance®Fitness is a proven, community-based fitness and arthritis management program. Its purpose is to help older adults become more active, energized and empowered for independent living. The program is recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, US Department of Health and Human Services, US Administration on Aging and the National Council on Aging. The Greater Scranton YMCA offers Enhance®Fitness sessions throughout the year. For more information, visit the Y online. PERSONAL TRAINING Training with our certified personal trainers is a great way to get in shape safely, efficiently and effectively. Personal trainers provide the motivation necessary for individuals to achieve their goals with regular fitness testing, personalized programming and accountability. In addition to classes and programs, beginning at 5:30 a.m., the Greater Scranton YMCA serves fresh coffee daily and invites members to connect and socialize in our welcoming teaching kitchen and café space. For more information about wellness programming at the Y, as well as class schedules, visit the Greater Scranton YMCA online at https://www.greaterscrantonymca.org/. For questions, please contact Brandon Whipple, Senior Program Director, at bwhipple@gsymca.org.
The Wright Center’s Ryan White Clinic Leads Regional Fight Against HIV/AIDS Mary Louise Decker, M.D., FIDSA, is a board-certified infectious disease physician and Infectious Disease Medical Director for The Wright Center for Community Health. It’s been a privilege to witness the remarkable progress over the last several decades, with the story of HIV transforming into a manageable chronic condition thanks to community advocacy, scientific advances, and compassionate care. At The Wright Center for Community Health’s Ryan White Clinic, we celebrate this progress and continue to stand with our patient to ensure they lead full, healthy lives with the support they deserve. Still, our work is far from over. We remain committed to helping individuals achieve undetectable viral levels and supporting them through every step of their journey. As a local leader in HIV/AIDS care, The Wright Center proudly supports awareness efforts like National HIV Testing Day, observed annually on June 27 since its establishment in 1995. The day highlights the importance of testing and encourages individuals to seek treatment and support as early as possible. For more than two decades, The Wright Center has delivered high-quality, compassionate HIV/AIDS care through our Ryan White Clinic, which serves more than 500 patients across seven counties in Northeast Pennsylvania. Located at our Scranton and Wilkes-Barre community health centers, the clinic is staffed by an exceptional team of infectious disease experts. I’m honored to lead this deeply committed and skilled group of professionals. We are excited to share that our clinic recently received more than $1 million in federal funding through the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program Part C Early Intervention Services Program, administered by the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). This three-year grant supports comprehensive HIV primary health services, education and treatment adherence counseling, and referrals for additional services when needed. The Wright Center has been a HRSA-designated Ryan White Part C provider since 2002, delivering care through a whole-person, integrated model. Our patients – those living with or at risk for HIV – benefit from having access to a wide range of services at our specialty clinic locations, from clinical care to mental health support and social services. Thanks to continued progress in medication adherence, over 95% of our patients have achieved undetectable viral loads, meaning they cannot transmit the virus to others. But treatment goes far beyond medication. Our multidisciplinary team provides a full spectrum of health services. In addition to medical care management, staff at the clinic offer behavioral health, dental care, medical nutrition therapy, and addiction and recovery services, offering comprehensive, patient-centered care tailored to the complex needs of individuals living with or at risk for HIV/AIDS. The clinic provides medical treatment for those individuals living with HIV who are co-infected with Hepatitis B and/or Hepatitis C. In addition, the clinic offers HIV preventive services, testing, and treatment. In 2008 the clinic expanded its offerings to include Part B medical case management, offering comprehensive support to help individuals living with HIV effectively manage their medical and supportive care needs. Available ancillary services include housing assistance, transportation, emergency financial aid, a food bank, home-delivered and congregate meals, nutritional supplements, support for durable medical equipment purchases, help with lab and medical bills, psychosocial support, and more. We welcome all patients, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. Our patients range from 18 to over 80, with more than 60% age 50 and older – a reflection of the success we’ve seen in extending both lifespan and quality of life for those living with HIV. The Ryan White Clinic continues to make a real difference in our communities, and I’m proud of the life-changing care we provide every day. We look forward to continuing this important work for years to come. Mary Louise Decker, M.D., FIDSA, is a board-certified infectious disease physician and Infectious Disease Medical Director for The Wright Center for Community Health. Dr. Decker leads The Wright Center’s Ryan White Clinic. To make an appointment, call 570-941-0630 or go to TheWrightCenter.org.
Wayne Bank Promotes Bridget Kennedy to Bank Officer and Commercial Loan Portfolio Manager Jim Donnelly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wayne Bank, is pleased to announce the promotion of Bridget Kennedy to Bank Officer and Commercial Loan Portfolio Manager. “I am proud to announce Bridget’s promotion – her can-do attitude, diligence, and commitment to Wayne Bank make her deserving of this great accomplishment. Bridget is someone whose incredible customer focus and work ethic truly inspire those around her. I am confident in her ability to drive team efficiency and build meaningful client relationships,” said Donnelly. In her new role, Bridget will be responsible for supporting commercial lenders in managing client relationships and identifying cross-selling opportunities. Bridget joined the Bank in May of 2001 and has held many titles during her tenure. With over 27 years of banking experience, she brings a great wealth of knowledge to our Wayne Bank team. Bridget holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Marywood University. She is an active member of the Scranton community, currently serving as Secretary of the North Penn Charitable Foundation, and Board Member of the Scranton Diocese Catholic Women’s Conference. Bridget resides in Scranton with her husband, Jim, and her 11-year-old son, James.
The Dime Bank Celebrates Employee Anniversaries Demonstrating its deep appreciation for employee loyalty, The Dime Bank hosts an annual dinner to honor those reaching five-year career milestones. The 2025 event shone a spotlight on 23 individuals, from thirty years of dedication to five years. These anniversary celebrations are a cornerstone of The Dime Bank’s progressive culture, a heartfelt expression of gratitude for the loyalty and effort shown by its employees. It’s an opportunity to commemorate their achievements and unwavering commitment to The Dime Bank. President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Bochnovich commented, “Our employees are the heart of what makes The Dime Bank unique and fosters its positive spirit. Their respect, dedication, and loyalty are the foundation for exceptional customer service, and each employee plays an indispensable role in The Dime Bank’s continued success. The bank proudly acknowledges and thanks them for their dedication and hard work.” Pictured left to right: Front row: 25 years of service- Deborah Unflat; 20 years of service- Bryan Rupp, Amy Burke, Tom Didato, Donna Vogel. Second row: 15 years of service- Chase Holl, Meghan Gibbons, Victoria DiGiuseppe, Jaimie Fiebiger; 10 years of service- Robert Karoscik, Tina Geer, Nancy Mead, Viktoria Beiter, Gary Schemel. Third row: 5 years of service- Kevin Urian, Randi Yonke, Nicholas Pomroy. Not Pictured: 30 years of service- Julene McGraw; 25 years- Suzanne Mansfield; 20 years- Mary Carol Hanis; 10 years- Cheryl Holmquist, Michael Borick, Diane Christopher-Riefler.
