Wright Center: January Is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month The Wright Center is deeply committed to expanding awareness of their women’s health services, particularly in response to the complex and evolving challenges faced by female patients. One critical area of focus is cervical health. January is Cervical Health Awareness Month, an annual observance dedicated to raising awareness about cervical cancer and emphasizing the importance of early detection through routine screenings. Each year, more than 13,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer, and more than 4,000 die from the disease, according to the National Cervical Cancer Coalition (NCCC). Encouragingly, significant progress has been made in recent years, including advances in screening and treatment and the widespread availability of the HPV vaccine. As a result, cervical cancer is now considered the most preventable of all female cancers, and the World Health Organization estimates it could become the first cancer to be eliminated altogether. Cervical cancer most often develops during midlife and is commonly diagnosed in women between the ages of 35 and 44. It is rare in women younger than 20, and more than 15% of cases occur in women older than 65 – typically among those who have not received regular screenings. Prevention begins early with HPV vaccination. Human papillomavirus (HPV), the most common sexually transmitted infection, affects more than 40 million people in the United States, most of them adolescents and young adults. HPV is responsible for nearly all cases of cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine protects against high-risk strains linked to cervical cancer, as well as low-risk strains that cause genital warts. The vaccine is recommended for all boys and girls at ages 11 or 12, when the immune response is strongest. Two doses are required for those vaccinated before age 15; individuals 15 and older need a three-dose series. Routine screening remains a cornerstone of early detection. Women ages 21 to 29 should receive a Pap smear every three years to identify cancer or precancerous cell changes. Women ages 30 to 65 should undergo cervical cancer screening every five years. Women’s health is a year-round priority at The Wright Center, with comprehensive services designed to support women in maintaining their health while balancing the demands of daily life. These services include cervical cancer screenings, Pap smears, and HPV testing, routine gynecological care, pelvic and breast exams, well-women visits, bone density testing, age-appropriate immunizations, STI testing and treatment, and hormonal testing. The Wright Center accepts all insurances, including Medicaid, Medicare, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and most private plans. For uninsured patients, their enrollment assisters provide guidance on coverage options and enrollment, and their sliding-fee discount program ensures high-quality, affordable care for all. During Cervical Health Awareness Month, all women are encouraged to take time to prioritize their health and well-being – this month and throughout the year. Amatus Legbedion, M.D., is a board-certified family medicine physician. She completed her residency training at The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s Regional Family Medicine Program, serving as chief resident. She is accepting patients of all ages at The Wright Center for Community Health Wilkes-Barre. Visit TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-491-0126 to make an appointment.
Dime Bank: Dimeco, Inc. Declares Increased Cash Dividend On December 18, 2025, the Board of Directors of Dimeco, Inc. (OTCQX: DIMC) declared a dividend of $0.45 per share. This dividend is an increase of $0.03 from the dividend declared in September 2025, bringing dividends to $1.71 per share, or $.09 greater than dividends declared in 2024. Dividends are payable to shareholders of record on December 31, 2025. The dividends will be paid on January 29, 2026, the anticipated date to release earnings for the year ended December 31, 2025. President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Bochnovich commented, “This dividend increase underscores our commitment to delivering excellent returns and maximizing the value of shareholder investment. Our sincere thanks go out to both our shareholders and customers for their unwavering support. Wishing everyone a prosperous and successful 2026.”
Garden of Cedar End of Year News The Garden of Cedar’s third year of operations has come to a close. A highlight of the 2025 season was that the Garden and its annex were able to provide fresh homegrown vegetables to over 100 urban families lacking outdoor space to garden. This was made possible in part because 10 truckloads of compost were donated during the spring, providing vital soil nutrients. Special thanks to the Lackawanna County Recycling Center for this valuable gift. This past summer the Indigo Spoon Foundation was back on site with their popular summer lunch program for children. Once again, employees of Citizens Savings Bank dedicated their harvest to the neighborhood community. The Garden was also pleased to offer Mother Nature’s lesson of the birds and the bees when early spring brought two bluebirds, who courted and built their nest. Soon thereafter the nest was populated with 5 eggs. For 18 days the female bluebird sat on the eggs, while the male delivered nourishment to her. All five eggs hatched! Twenty-one days later 5 young bluebirds emerged from the nest to begin their lives in the wild. The entire event was captured on video and shared on the Garden’s Facebook page to a wide audience. Not to be outdone, the bees made their presence known during the summer as they traveled from flower to flower pollinating the Garden’s vegetables. Click here to find the Garden’s Facebook. The Garden of Cedar is an initiative that may be of interest to those looking to give back. Click here to find additional information.
Greater Scranton YMCA Celebrates National Mentoring Month January is National Mentoring Month, and the Greater Scranton YMCA is proud to recognize the incredible impact mentors have on young people in our community. With 1 in 3 young people growing up without a mentor, the Y is committed to ensuring that all youth have access to caring adults who can provide support, encouragement, and guidance. “At the YMCA, mentorship is at the heart of what we do,” said Rich Surridge, President & CEO of the Greater Scranton YMCA. “Whether it’s through afterschool programs, youth sports, or leadership development opportunities, mentors help kids build confidence, achieve their goals, and feel like they belong.” The Greater Scranton YMCA is proud to offer youth sports, enrichment, educational, and mental health and wellbeing programs that provide mentorship opportunities for children. Community members are encouraged to get involved during National Mentoring Month by: Volunteering as a mentor with the Y Enrolling youth in programs that provide positive mentorship Supporting YMCA programs that strengthen youth development For more information about volunteer mentoring opportunities at the Greater Scranton YMCA, contact Meghan Carnevale, Mission Advancement & Marketing Director, at mcarnevale@gsymca.org.
WVIA To Rebroadcast Documentary Honoring John Stankovic To honor the passing of International Polka Association Hall of Famer and Nanticoke native John “Stanky” Stankovic, WVIA TV will rebroadcast the 2006 original documentary film John & Dottie Stanky: Rags to Riches. The special presentation will air on Saturday, January 10 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, January 11 at 3 p.m.. The film chronicles John and Dottie Stanky’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming beloved icons of the polka music scene, highlighting their enduring impact on the genre and their community. Polka has long been an important part of WVIA’s cultural programming, and this documentary reflects the station’s commitment to celebrating local music, heritage, and community stories. For more information about WVIA TV programming, visit https://www.wvia.org/.
Munley Law Recognized in Lawdragon Feature Munley Law is proud to announce that the truck accident law firm was featured in Lawdragon in a comprehensive profile titled “How a Family Firm Became America’s Authority on Truck Crashes,” highlighting the firm’s status as the premier trucking litigation practice in the United States. The Lawdragon feature details how Munley Law has stood at the forefront of trucking litigation for more than six decades, securing hundreds of millions in recoveries for victims of catastrophic truck crashes. The firm obtained record-setting settlements for victims, including a $19.8 million settlement in 2025 for the family of three people killed by a distracted truck driver. “It’s an honor to be recognized for our work as a firm,” said Managing Partner Caroline Munley. “We are proud to be one of the best personal injury firms in the country and to carry forward the legacy our father established.” Family legacy and commitment to the community drives much of Munley’s work, as outlined in the piece. Marion and Dan Munley have both served as Chair of the American Association for Justice’s Trucking Litigation Group, the nation’s leading organization for attorneys in this field. They were the first recipients of the Robert W. Munley Award, a national recognition renamed in honor of their father, trucking-law pioneer and firm founder Robert W. Munley. Lawdragon highlighted that three of Pennsylvania’s four board-certified Truck Accident Lawyers are at Munley Law. Marion Munley, Daniel W. Munley, and Katie Nealon practice at the firm, a concentration of specialized expertise that is nearly unmatched nationally. The article particularly noted the firm’s innovative “Get That Truck!” rapid-response protocol, developed by Dan Munley, which ensures the firm can move as quickly as defense teams to preserve critical evidence within hours of a crash. “In an era of consolidation and mega-firms, Munley Law’s majority-sibling leadership sets it apart,” the article states. “Each partner contributes a distinct strength – trial strategy, rapid response, firm management, client relations, pre-litigation analysis – forming a team that operates with uncommon cohesion and precision.”
Treasurer Garrity Announces Expanded PA ABLE Eligibility Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced that expanded eligibility for the PA ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) Savings Program is officially in effect. As of January 1, Pennsylvanians whose qualifying disability began prior to the age of 46 are eligible to open a PA ABLE account. Previously, eligibility was for individuals whose disability began before age 26. This change, made possible by the ABLE Age Adjustment Act, opens the door for an estimated six million additional Americans — including approximately one million Veterans — to benefit from ABLE savings accounts nationwide. “This marks a major step toward financial independence and security for our friends and neighbors with disabilities,” Treasurer Garrity said. “With this eligibility expansion now in place, more Pennsylvanians can save for their future without risking critical benefits. PA ABLE is about opportunity, dignity, and increasing independence, and I’m thrilled more Pennsylvanians will be able to enjoy the benefits of this life-changing program.” PA ABLE accounts allow Pennsylvanians with disabilities and their families to save tax-free without impacting eligibility for important benefits such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Earnings grow tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified disability-related expenses are exempt from state and federal taxes. The contribution limit for PA ABLE accounts is $20,000, and Pennsylvania residents can deduct up to $19,000 per year in PA ABLE contributions from their state income taxes. PA ABLE assets are also exempt from Pennsylvania inheritance tax. Since opening its first accounts in 2017, following the passage of legislation championed by Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20), PA ABLE has grown to become the fifth largest ABLE program in the nation, with more than 11,500 accounts and over $185 million saved. “PA ABLE accounts have already made a meaningful difference in the lives of so many Pennsylvanians,” Treasurer Garrity said. “I encourage everyone to explore how this financial tool can provide security and stability for themselves or their loved ones.” Since taking office, Treasurer Garrity has reduced PA ABLE account fees six times. She was a strong advocate for the ABLE Age Adjustment Act, and the inaugural chair of the ABLE Savings Plans Network which works to strengthen ABLE programs on a national level. To learn more about program eligibility and how to start saving with PA ABLE, visit paable.gov, email info@paable.gov or call 855-529-2253. Click here to find video of Treasurer Garrity explaining the PA ABLE Savings Program and the eligibility expansion, and here for the transcript.
Greater Scranton YMCA: Join the Y for $0 for Health and Connection As the new year begins, the Greater Scranton YMCA invites individuals and families to discover the power of belonging. The Y is a place where people come together to grow stronger in body, mind, and spirit. From group fitness classes to youth programs, swim lessons to volunteer opportunities, the Y offers something for everyone. But what makes it truly special is the sense of connection that forms when people from all walks of life share space and purpose. “At the Greater Scranton YMCA, we witness daily how connections spark, confidence builds, and communities flourish,” said Rich Surridge, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “The Y isn’t only about the activities you take part in; it’s about the people you share them with.” Membership at the Y means joining a movement that’s been strengthening our community for more than 165 years. Whether you’re looking to get active, give back, or simply find your people, there’s a place for you here. Join the Y now and pay a $0 join fee! Start the year strong with connection, community, and wellness. Visit https://www.greaterscrantonymca.org/ or stop by the Greater Scranton YMCA, located at 706 North Blakely Street in Dunmore.
Outreach Awarded $75,000 Grant from William McGowan Fund The William G. McGowan Charitable Fund has graciously awarded Outreach – Center for Community Resources $75,000 to support Adult General Educational Development “GED” programming at Outreach’s Seventh Avenue Center. The McGowan Fund has provided tremendous support to Outreach and its programming for adults in Lackawanna County. Left to right: Jennifer Shoemaker, Outreach Prison, Reentry, and GED Manager; Nikki Price, Court, GED, Young Adult, Prison, Reentry, and Workforce Development Program Director; Leo McGowan, William G. McGowan Charitable Fund Board of Directors President; and Lori Chaffers, Outreach President/CEO. Outreach provides GED services to community members at the Outreach Seventh Avenue Center and in 2025 re-initiated GED classes and testing at the Lackawanna County Prison. Attaining a GED is not only a milestone achievement for many, but it also has the potential to increase earnings by 25%. More than 600,000 adults in Pennsylvania lack a high school diploma. This equates to 9.4% of residents aged 25 to 65 who have not completed their high school education or obtained a GED (US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022). Outreach began providing GED services at its Seventh Avenue Center in Scranton during the COVID-19 pandemic, pivoting from providing services at the Lackawanna County Prison. This proved to be a critical moment in the development of Outreach’s GED program, allowing them to serve not only individuals reentering the community from incarceration, but many others from young adults to seniors. Outreach employs two full-time GED instructors who work directly with participants, providing one-on-one and small-group sessions. Outreach is the educational provider at the Lackawanna County Prison, and connects individuals to Outreach’s programs upon release, including GED. Many GED participants are justice-involved individuals. Achieving a GED can significantly alter an individual’s life trajectory and help families achieve stability. The GED is a four-part exam that is certified as equivalent to the academic knowledge required for a high school diploma. The average individual takes 240 hours of studying to pass all sections. Many Outreach participants’ schedules are busy with family, work, and other obligations. Outreach GED instructors work with each individual to create a GED tutoring and preparation plan that best suits their needs. Outreach’s GED programming aligns with the William G. McGowan Fund’s priority of providing adults with the building blocks they need to flourish and address the root causes of poverty. The McGowan Fund’s continued support of Outreach GED programming has made a significant difference in the lives of individuals and families, enabling them to advance their careers and futures by achieving a GED.
SWB RailRiders Announce Grube as Senior Director of Corporate Partnerships The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders are pleased to announce the addition of Gerald Grube, Jr. to the front office staff as the Senior Director of Corporate Partnerships. The Roseto, Pennsylvania native joins the RailRiders after four and a half years in corporate partnership sales with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms in the American Hockey League. “Gerald will be an outstanding resource to enhance our staff,” said Shawn Reilly, the RailRiders President/ GM. “To add someone of his caliber to an already strong staff is a boon for the organization. Gerald brings extensive experience in corporate partnerships and sponsorship development. His work creating valuable partnerships is thoroughly impressive and we are excited to bring him back to NEPA.” Grube, Jr. graduated from Wilkes University and was a member of the Colonels’ 1994 Hall of Fame baseball team that claimed the MAC Championship. Throughout his career in sports and brand management, he has had the opportunity to work with premier organizations, including the AHL, IndyCar, NASCAR, UFC/ZUFFA, Bellator MMA and Oak View Group. Grube, Jr. has also collaborated with world-class athletes and globally recognized brands such as Mayweather Boxing, Mike Tyson, Caleb Plant, Badou Jack, Daniel Cormier, Nate Diaz, Conor McGregor, Frankie Edgar and Cowboy Cerrone. “I’m thrilled to join the RailRiders’ staff,” Grube, Jr. said. “Building meaningful connections has been central to my success, resulting in sponsorship revenue and long-term brand growth. I’m here to both create and strengthen partnerships, elevate the organization’s brand and contribute to sustained success at PNC Field.” 2026 RailRiders’ season tickets are on sale now. For more information, visit swbrailriders.com.
