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.
Greater Scranton YMCA Helps Combat Child Hunger with Summer Food Program As summer approaches, many families look forward to vacations and outdoor activities, but for others, putting food on the table is a daily struggle. The latest report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reveals that 47.4 million people, including 13.8 million children, faced food insecurity last year—a rise of 3.2 million from the year before. As the summer season arrives, it’s crucial to remember that access to nutritious meals is not guaranteed for all, highlighting the need for stronger support programs. According to the USDA, over 30 million kids receive free or reduced-cost meals thanks to the National School Lunch Program. However, once the school year ends, only 15 in 100 eligible kids have access to free, healthy meals and snacks over summer break, leaving many children to go without during the summer months. The Y is working to fill that gap and will help keep children healthy and well-nourished this summer, ensuring that kids reach their full potential. Children enrolled in Early Childhood Education Programs, including daycare, preschool and summer day camp, will receive both food and fun through nutritious meals and snacks, while also enjoying recreational and learning activities aimed at keeping bodies and minds active. Y sites across the country, including the Greater Scranton YMCA, will offer the Summer Food Program. While daycare and preschool operate year-round, the Summer Day Camp Program runs from June 9th through August 22nd. Thanks to the Summer Food Service Program and our sponsor, the Scranton School District, campers will receive a healthy lunch daily. This summer, the Greater Scranton YMCA is estimating to feed 225 children in Summer Day Camp and 250 in daycare and preschool here in our community. To learn more about the Greater Scranton YMCA’s Summer Day Camp, Early Childhood Education and Food Program, contact Tressa Capoccia at tcapoccia@gsymca.org or visit www.greaterscrantonymca.org. “Hunger has a lasting impact on the development of children,” says Rich Surridge, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “Giving kids access to nutrition-filled meals allows kids to focus, learn and become empowered to reach their full potential. The Y’s Summer Food Program helps make sure kids can enjoy healthy and delicious meals and snacks all summer long.” During the Greater Scranton YMCA’s 2023-2024 fiscal year, 69,490 meals and snacks were served to children enrolled in summer camp, after school and early childhood education programs. This year marks the program’s thirteenth year and the Y’s ongoing commitment to helping kids achieve their full potential by nurturing their physical, mental and social- emotional development. During the school year, the Greater Scranton YMCA also serves healthy snacks in its afterschool program to provide kids with nourishment and academic enrichment.
Johnson College to Host Transfer Day Johnson College is holding a Transfer Day on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on its Scranton and Hazleton campuses. The College is encouraging current college students who are interested in changing the direction of their education and ultimately their career path to register for this event. To attend Transfer Day at one of Johnson College’s campuses, students must register online at Johnson.edu/transfer or contact the College’s enrollment team at enroll@johnson.edu or (570)-702-8856. Students will meet with Enrollment, Financial Aid, Career Services, and Counseling and Disability Services representatives. In addition, staff members from the Registrar’s Office will be on hand for transfer credit analyses and to review potential schedules for the upcoming semester. Students will learn why Johnson College is the leader in hands-on education, how it exposes students to industry from day one, and how its two-year degree programs, focusing on careers in in-demand industries, have the highest return on investment in the short term.
Marywood University Faculty Member Publishes Two New Books Marywood faculty member Alexander Dawoody, Ph.D., Director of Marywood University’s Ph.D. Program in Strategic Leadership and Administrative Studies, recently published two new books, The Quantum Metaphors and History of Iraq: From Inventing Civilization to the Modern Failed State. The Quantum Metaphors This book discusses the use of quantum and chaos theories as metaphors in the social sciences. It emphasizes intentionality, flux, uncertainty, emergence, relations, non-linearism, irrationality, and process. History of Iraq: From Inventing Civilization to the Modern Failed State This book examines the history and political trajectories in Iraq, from early Mesopotamia and the invention of civilization in cities such as Sumer, Akkad, Babylon, and Nineveh, to the creation of writing, astronomy, laws, scribes, administration, city-states, and the early agrarian settled communities. The book also observes the impact of Islamic conquests, the golden era of the Abbasid Caliphate, the Mongol invasion, and the negative impact of the Ottoman-Persian rifts on the population. Additionally, History of Iraq observes the creation of the Iraqi modern state of Iraq by Great Britain in 2020, the subsequent political regimes that governed it, the country’s ethnic and religious make up, the Iran-Iraq War, the two Gul Wars, the U.S. invasion in 2003, and the current political dynamics of a dysfunctional and corrupt administrative state struggling to maintain the integrity of a failed state from disintegrating into separate fiefdoms divided on ethnic and sectarian lines. Finally, the book examines the effect of Iraq’s future disintegration on the Middle East and the competing regional and international forces. Both books can be found online and purchased on Amazon.
The Northeast Regional Cancer Institute’s Spirit of Hope Event Raises Over $48,000 The Spirit of Hope Celebration Board of Ambassadors presented the Cancer Institute with a $48,540 check from their 2024 Spirit of Hope event. “On behalf of the Ambassadors who truly exhibit the ‘Spirit of Hope’ we are thrilled to present you with these funds to help individuals receive early detection and free screenings,” said Leo Vergnetti, Chairman of the Board of Ambassadors. The Board of Ambassadors, a group of community volunteers, hosted the twelfth annual Spirit of Hope Celebration in November 2024 at Mohegan Pennsylvania. More than 300 people were in attendance. The event featured cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, music and a silent auction. Peter A. Danchak was the Tribute to Courage Honoree. Proceeds from the event benefited the Cancer Institute’s Community-Based Cancer Screening Navigation Program. This program helps low income and underinsured individuals in northeast Pennsylvania get their recommended colorectal, breast, cervical, and lung cancer screenings. The 2025 Spirit of Hope Celebration will take place on Friday, November 14, 2025, at Mohegan Pennsylvania. More details can be found at www.spiritofhopecelebration.org. 2024 Spirit of Hope Celebration Front row, seated from left to right: Amanda E. Marchegiani, Community Relations Coordinator, Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, Maria Donahue, Karen M. Saunders, President, Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, Leo Vergnetti, Spirit of Hope Board of Ambassadors Chair, Laura Toole, Executive Vice President, Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, Vanessa Vergnetti Thomas, Robin Long and Hon. Tom Munley. Second row, standing from left to right: Casey Quinn, Angela Rempe Jones, Tammy Saunders, Marta Gomes, Dino Campitelli, AAC, Vito Pizzo, Vince Scarpetta, Nevin Gerber, Kristie Hynoski, Jim Gorman, Mark Mesko, Bill Davis, Matt Beynon, Joe Ferguson, Nick Colangelo. Ph.D., and Pat Sicilio. Ambassadors Absent from the Photo: Clarence Baltrusaitis, Tom Blaskiewicz, Jim & Susan Brady, Brigitte Baum, Richard P. Conaboy, Edward Cosgrove, Tom DePietro, PharmD, Traci Fosnot, Greg Gagorik, Meghan Gagorik, JoAnn Romano Hallesky, John Heil, Jennifer Heil, Charles C. Jefferson, John Mack, Linda Marino-Brooks, Joe Mattioli, IV, Brian McQuestion, Philip Medico, Dan Meuser, Dana D’Angelo Morris, David Nape, Christopher Peters, MD, William F. Rinaldi, John P. Rodgers, Esq., P. Richard Scheller, Frank Sepko, Dr. Steven J. Syzdlowski, Joe Van Wie, Tony Vergnetti, Sonya Eddings, Patty Vergnetti, Mary Erwine, and Atty. Charles J. Volpe.
PA Treasurer Stacy Garrity Announces Results of Unclaimed Property Auction More than $468,000 in proceeds will be held in perpetuity for rightful owners to claim Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced today that Treasury’s spring unclaimed property auction brought in more than $468,000. All proceeds are carefully logged by Treasury and will remain available for the rightful owners to claim no matter how much time passes. “Treasury’s first goal is always to return items in our vault to the rightful owners,” Treasurer Garrity said. “But eventually we do have to auction items to make room for incoming property. I’m incredibly pleased this was another successful auction, and I encourage everyone to check for unclaimed property at least once a year by visiting our website, patreasury.gov/unclaimed-property.” More than 5,500 items were sold during the online auction last spring. Items not sold at auction, or those not paid for by a winning bidder, are returned to Treasury to be listed in future auctions. Treasury partners with Pook & Pook, Inc., of Downingtown for auctioneer and appraisal services. “It was a pleasure to once again partner with the Pennsylvania Treasury on this important initiative,” said Cindy Hauer, Auctioneer at Pook & Pook, Inc. “The strong results achieved during our March 26th and 27th auctions underscore the continued public interest in these remarkable offerings of unclaimed coins and jewelry. We’re proud to support the Treasury’s mission – not only to reunite unclaimed property with its rightful owners but also to ensure enduring financial benefit when that’s not possible. We look forward to our next collaborative effort, another Coins & Jewelry auction scheduled for October 29th.” Some of the high-price items sold in the auction include: 14K yellow gold chain, 115.90 dwt sold for $7,400; 14K gold Knights Templar presentation medal with engraving, 90.6 dwt sold for $5,800; 22K yellow gold bangle bracelets, 44.8 dwt sold for $4,600; Switzerland Helvetia fine gold proof set including 1 ozt, ½ ozt, ¼ ozt, and 1/10 ozt sold for $4,300; and 18K yellow gold jewelry to include two bangle bracelets, 64.7 dwt sold for $4,060. Treasury expects to receive $402,772.40 after Pook & Pook receives its 14 percent commission. The profits from the auction were more than $32,000 over the high estimate. Treasury’s fall 2024 auction generated more than $605,000, breaking a record for the most ever generated by an unclaimed property auction in Pennsylvania. Prior to any item being auctioned, Treasury searches for the rightful owner for at least three years. Military decorations and memorabilia received as tangible unclaimed property are never auctioned, and Treasury will continue to search for the Veteran who earned them or their family. More than $5 billion in unclaimed property is available to be claimed. More than one in ten Pennsylvanians is owed unclaimed property, and the average claim is worth more than $1,000. To learn more about unclaimed property or to search Treasury’s database, visit patreasury.gov/unclaimed-property.
