Four Geisinger Hospitals Recognized as Leaders in Caring for People with Diabetes Four Geisinger hospitals have been named Recognized Leaders in Caring for People Living with Diabetes, a designation bestowed by The Leapfrog Group in collaboration with the American Diabetes Association. The recognition means that Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Geisinger Lewistown Hospital, Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre and Geisinger Shamokin Area Community Hospital met the most rigorous standards for delivering safe, high-quality care to patients with diabetes. Geisinger’s hospitals were among 17 to achieve the distinction across the country. With four hospitals recognized, Geisinger has the most recognized facilities in the country. “This recognition highlights our decade-long and systemwide multidisciplinary approach to helping our patients with diabetes manage their disease, reach their personal treatment goals and avoid complications,” said Brian Jameson, D.O., Geisinger director of endocrinology. “A big thank you to all our colleagues in nursing, pharmacy, primary care, endocrinology and information technology who made the programs and practices to improve diabetes care part of the Geisinger culture. We look forward to the future and continuing our efforts to improve the lives of our patients with diabetes.” Hospitals were assessed based on key indicators that demonstrate the highest level of training on caring for diabetic patients, including: Evaluating policies and protocols that support patient-centered care Adherence to evidence-based guidelines in preparing patients for surgery as well as managing all diabetic patients in the hospital Implementation of robust planning for high-risk diabetes patients from the day of admission to discharge and facilitating a seamless transition from hospital to home. Robert Gabbay, M.D., chief scientific and medical officer at the American Diabetes Association, emphasized the importance of this recognition. “There is an immense need to ensure hospitals provide safe, patient-centered care for all people who live with diabetes,” he said. “Hospitals recognized through this program are leading the way.” “Eight million people living with diabetes are hospitalized each year in the United States, and a disturbing number of them experience safety breakdowns due to preventable medical errors,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “This program is a powerful tool to promote facilities that can appropriately accommodate and safely manage care for these at-risk patients.”
NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania Names Shane K. Powers President and CEO NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania (NeighborWorks) today named Shane K. Powers president and CEO. Powers, who currently serves as the organization’s chief operating officer, succeeds Jesse J. Ergott, who is departing in April 2024 (https://tinyurl.com/Ergottdeparture). “We thank Jesse for his service and contributions to NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania over the past two decades,” said Teddy Michel, NeighborWorks board chair. “We wish him well in his future endeavors and are fortunate to have someone of Shane’s caliber ready to step into this role as we launch into an exciting new chapter of opportunity for our organization. “Shane will lead a talented team at NeighborWorks, one that is focused on extending our strong track record of collaboration, innovation and impact,” Michel said. “She will undoubtedly continue the organization’s trajectory of meaningful community leadership.” Powers, who joined NeighborWorks on Jan. 3, 2022, brings extensive experience in relationship management, securing funding awards, scaled project delivery, staffing optimization and programmatic expansion. Her knowledge of operations, combined with a foundational belief in metrics and data analysis, enables her to develop coherent visions, strategies, and objectives. Prior to serving as chief operating officer at NeighborWorks, she worked as chief operating officer for the Tunkhannock Area School District, general manager for DHL Supply Chain and department leader at Procter and Gamble. “I am very excited to begin this next chapter and work alongside the NeighborWorks Board of Directors, community partners and our NeighborWorks team. I’m eager to listen and engage with these key stakeholders as we deliver on our mission to create stable, vibrant communities by amplifying the voices of residents and providing critical housing assistance, financial guidance, community development services and proactive partnerships,” said Powers.
Johnson College Hosts Annual 3D Printing Competition Johnson College hosted its annual 3D Printing Competition for local high school students on Friday, March 22, 2024, at its Scranton campus. The competition was an opportunity for students from Forest City, Lakeland, Scranton, Wallenpaupack, and Wilkes-Barre Area STEM Academy to showcase their abilities and creativity using science, technology, engineering, and math. Using 3D CAD (Computer Aided Design) skills, participants designed and printed a device that could launch a projectile across the College’s gymnasium. The student who placed first, James Telep from Lakeland Jr. Sr. High School, was awarded a $1,000 scholarship to Johnson College. Second place was awarded to Caelum Cahoon from Forest City Regional High School and third place to Gavin Zellers from Lakeland Jr. Sr. High School. The event, which was sponsored by The New Jersey Chapter of SAMPE and Boyce Products Ltd., featured a keynote address given by Adam Hecht, co-founder and Director of Additive Manufacturing at DiveDesign, a full-service design agency. He gave students a behind-the-scenes look at how DiveDesign is helping to disrupt industries with the use of 3D Printing. To learn more about Johnson College’s STEM opportunities for local school districts, visit johnson.edu.
Hospice of Sacred Heart Hosts Social Work Breakfast Social Workers from Hospice of the Sacred Heart and many healthcare facilities gathered at the hospice office in Moosic March 21st for the annual Social Work Breakfast. The theme of “Increasing Awareness and Sensitivity about Cultural Diversity and Inclusion” was highlighted by a panel discussion including Dr. Jumee Barooah, Designated Institutional Official, The Wright Center for Community Health, Sister Ruth Neely, CRNP, The Wright Center for Community Health Ryan White HIV Clinic, Martin Russo, an advocate for the transgender community and Rabbi Daniel J. Swartz, Spiritual Leader, Temple Hesed. The mission of Hospice of the Sacred Heart is to provide comfort, care, hope and choice to patients and their families, while guiding them through the end of life journey. Photo caption left to right: Sister Ruth Neely, MSN, CRNP, The Wright Center for Community Health Ryan White HIV Clinic, Rabbi Daniel J. Swartz, Spiritual Leader, Temple Hesed, Diane Baldi, CEO, Hospice of the Sacred Heart, Martin Russo, Advocate for the transgender community and Jumee Barooah, M.D., FACP, Designated Institutional Official, The Wright Center for Community Health
UNC to Host 2nd Annual Designer Purse Bingo UNC’s 2nd Annual Designer Purse Bingo is taking place at Holy Cross High School in Dunmore on Friday April 5th. We have amazing purses to win, “celebrity” callers, a huge bingo recall screen, additional chances on raffle items, 50/50, a gift card pull, and special games – all we need is you! It’s a Friday so bring your own Happy Hour. Doors open at 5:30pm, bingo starts at 6:30pm. Tickets are $30 in advance. $35 at the door. The proceeds benefit UNC’s many programs and services. This is a 21+ event. Register 10 or more for reserved seating. Call Chrissy Manuel, UNC Director of Development & Communications for more information at: (272) 228-1371 or email cmanuel@uncnepa.org. For tickets, please visit: uncnepa.org/bingo
Treasurer Stacy Garrity Commends House for Passing Legislation to Strengthen PA 529 and PA ABLE Treasurer Stacy Garrity today commended members of the Pennsylvania House for unanimously approving House Bill 1745, sponsored by Rep. Paul Friel (D-26), which will provide a tax credit for employers who contribute to PA 529 College and Career Savings Program accounts owned by their employees. The bill includes an amendment sponsored by Rep. Joe Emrick (R-137) to extend the same benefit to employers who contribute to employees’ PA ABLE Savings Program accounts. PA ABLE is a savings program for Pennsylvanians with disabilities. “PA 529 and PA ABLE accounts are helping people all across Pennsylvania, and both have seen exceptional growth over the past three years,” Treasurer Garrity said. “I applaud the House for advancing this bill to strengthen both programs with tremendous bipartisan support. Creating tax credits will encourage employers to contribute to employees’ PA 529 and PA ABLE accounts, which will be a huge benefit for hardworking families as they save for the future.” “The PA 529 program has helped hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvania families save for their child’s or grandchild’s future education,” Rep. Friel said. “I’m pleased that the PA 529 tax credit bill passed the House unanimously. We’re coming together to improve college access and make education more affordable by reducing the financial burden on Pennsylvania’s students and their families.” “Addressing the skills gap and strengthening our workforce starts with access to education,” said Rep. Kristin Marcell (R-178), a strong supporter of the legislation. “By encouraging employers to invest in their employees’ futures, HB 1745 not only supports Pennsylvania families but also contributes to building a more skilled and educated workforce.” HB 1745 would establish a 25 percent tax credit on employer contributions of up to $500 per participating employee per year. It would apply to contributions made to any PA ABLE account and any 529 account owned by a Pennsylvania resident. Incorporating a tax credit for Pennsylvania employers who provide contributions to PA 529 accounts was recommended by the Tuition Account Program Advisory Board in the program’s most recent annual report. Seven other states – Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Nebraska, Nevada and Wisconsin – provide a similar credit. HB 1745 now moves to the Senate for consideration. Treasurer Garrity thanked Rep. Friel, Rep. Marcell, Rep. Emrick, Rep. Peter Schweyer (D-134), and Rep. Jesse Topper (R-78) for their key roles in advancing the legislation in a bipartisan fashion. The PA 529 College and Career Savings Program helps families steadily and strategically save for future educational expenses like tuition, fees, books, equipment, room and board and more at qualifying technical, collegiate and apprenticeship programs. PA 529 plans also offer significant state and federal tax advantages and saving with PA 529 does not impact Pennsylvania state financial aid eligibility. There are two options to invest with PA 529: the PA 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan, which allows families to save at today’s tuition rates to meet tomorrow’s tuition costs, and the PA 529 Investment Plan, which allows families to choose from a variety of investment options and received a Gold Rating from Morningstar in 2023, making it one of the top two 529 plans in the nation. The PA 529 program has been helping families save and pay for education for more than 30 years. There are currently almost 300,000 PA 529 accounts with assets of nearly $7.5 billion. Visit pa529.com to learn more about the PA 529 College and Career Savings Program. PA ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) accounts are a tax-free way for Pennsylvanians with disabilities, and their families, to save without affecting eligibility for important benefits. Treasurer Garrity recently announced the program’s fourth fee reduction in the past three years, resulting in annual savings of more than $80,000 for PA ABLE account owners. To learn more about program eligibility and how to start saving with PA ABLE, visit paable.gov.
Harry McGrath Memorial Golf Tournament Benefits the Greater Scranton YMCA On Monday, March 18th the McGrath family presented the Greater Scranton YMCA with an $18,000 donation, which represents proceeds from the 4th Annual Harry P. McGrath Memorial Golf Tournament. The tournament was held on September 15, 2023, at Glen Oak Country Club. Tournament proceeds will support the Greater Scranton YMCA’s Summer Learning Loss Prevention Program, Summer Scholars. Summer Scholars is a free research-based and research-proven six-week summer learning program. The goal of the program is to get elementary students on track to read at or above grade level by the start of their next school year. In summer 2024, the program will serve rising first, second and third grade students attending the Dunmore and Mid Valley School Districts. Participants’ days consist of 2.5 hours of literacy in the morning followed by lunch and enrichment in the afternoon. Enrichment activities include field trips, as well as trips to the Greater Scranton YMCA for use of the pools. The program is instructed by certified teachers and YMCA staff. “We are happy to provide support to the Y’s Summer Scholars program,” said Betsy McGrath Ardizoni, Board Member, Greater Scranton YMCA, and daughter of the late Harry P. McGrath, Esq. “Our dad believed in the importance of children receiving the necessary tools to succeed in school, and this program does just that.” The Scranton Area Community Foundation administers the Harry P. McGrath, Esq. Memorial Fund, established in May 2022 by Harry’s family to support the charitable causes and organizations important to him including the Greater Scranton YMCA’s Summer Loss Prevention Program. “The Greater Scranton YMCA is so grateful to the McGrath family for their continued support of our YMCA and our Summer Scholars Program,” said Trish Fisher, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “The generosity of tournament participants and sponsors continues to amaze us. This funding makes such an impact on the lives of the children benefitting from Summer Scholars and supports our mission of keeping the program free for families.” For more information about Summer Scholars, contact Helen Cruser, Education Director, at hcruser@gsymca.org. For more information about the Harry P. McGrath Memorial Golf Tournament, contact Betsy McGrath Ardizoni at ecm0588@gmail.com.
McCarthy Flowers Purchases Additional Flower Shops McCarthy Flowers, headquartered in Lackawanna County since 1952, just purchased 4 more Flower Shops in Northern Colorado – Palmer Flowers, with 3 locations, one in Ft Collins, one in Loveland, and another in Greeley CO. This iconic Floral Name began in 1976, and catapulted to become Northern Colorado’s premier florist. In addition, McCarthy Flowers also purchased Paul Wood Florist, the oldest florist in Northern Colorado, founded in 1932. Paul Wood Florist remains a fixture in downtown Ft Collins inside the oldest commercial storefront in Ft Collins. McCarthy already owns two flower shops in Colorado, Lehrers Flowers, and Newberry Brothers Florist, as well as their own wholesale Florist, Associated Wholesale Florist. Prior to the acquisition of Palmer Flowers and Paul Wood Florist, McCarthy Flowers was already the largest volume retail florist in the state. With the new four shops added, McCarthy Flowers of Colorado has double their previous baseline of sale volume. This latest acquisition brings McCarthy Flowers total store count to 30 throughout their 10 state footprint, and full time employee count to over 600. Kevin McCarthy, President of McCarthy Group Florists, says the iconic brands will continue to operate under their trusted names, and welcomes the talent pool to the McCarthy Family.
John N. Grochowski Joins PS Bank Anthony J. Gabello, President and Chief Executive Officer of PS Bank, is pleased to announce the hiring of John N. Grochowski as Indirect Lending Department Manager / Vice President. With John’s hiring, a new line of business has been added to PS Bank’s robust portfolio. Indirect lending will allow for the financing of new and used automobiles for customers across all markets. Mr. Grochowski has over 35 years of banking experience and has spent the past 25 years in the indirect lending area. “With John’s leadership, we anticipate great success for the indirect lending department at PS Bank. He brings tremendous experience and quality relationships to our institution and is a great addition to our team.,” said Gabello. Mr. Grochowski holds a bachelor of science degree in business administration from Wilkes University. He has also served in various leadership and volunteer capacities for numerous community fundraising campaigns. Mr. Grochowski resides in Forty Fort with his wife Luciann.
UNC’s Mid Valley Senior Community Center Starts Ballroom Classes United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC) Mid Valley Senior Community Center starts its newest free activity, Ballroom Dance Classes with Vince Brust on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at 9:00 am. Any interested older adults 60+ can register by calling 570-489-4415, no experience or partner necessary. The classes are offered in partnership with Arts in Education, Lackawanna County Area on Aging, the Pennsylvania Department on Aging, and the Scranton Area Community Foundation. About Vince Brust, Dance Instructor/Choreographer Vince Brust, a graduate from University of Louvain, Belgium, has taught more than 76,000 Dance lessons since 1975. He has in North and South America, Africa, Australia, and Europe. Vince appeared on Oprah Winfrey Show and was a Rotary International Exchange Dance Professional to Brazil. He conducts residencies in Swing, Latin or Ballroom Dancing for 3rd through 12th grades, and Senior citizens. He draws connections between the history and movements of the dance(s) with his students’ own courses: (e.g. Spanish language studies and Salsa; or Swing dance and WWII era). The benefits of such a residency manifold greater self-confidence, self-esteem, and greater “connectedness” with fellow students.
