Allied Services Hospice Honors Geisinger’s School of Medicine with Star Volunteer Award Medical students’ No One Dies Alone chapter ‘sits vigil’ with hospice patients Allied Services Hospice recognized Geisinger School of Medicine with its Star Volunteer Award on April 22. The medical school’s chapter of No One Dies Alone (NODA) was honored for its dedication and compassion “sitting vigil” with actively dying patients, offering a comforting presence in the room. The volunteers’ presence provides solace, so that no one faces their final moments in solitude. The program started modestly with just three students, but every September, new volunteers were recruited, expanding the reach and impact of NODA. “With the help of Dr. (Lauren) Nicholls, assistant professor, who is also the Palliative Care Interest Group’s facilitator, we partnered with Allied Health Services and their hospice in Scranton,” said club founder SooYoung VanDeMark, MD ’25. “If students can provide companionship so that patients feel less alone, that’s such a straightforward way for a medical student to make a profound impact. I also find that hospice volunteering helps keep the pressures, demands and rigor of medical school in perspective.” Student volunteer Katelyn Whetstone, MD ’28, agreed that the hospice experience has helped her confront her own ideas about mortality. “I joined the NODA club to confront the aspect of medicine that intimidated me most: death,” she said. “And I have no regrets. Through this experience, I gained a profound understanding that medicine is not solely about healing, but also about providing comfort and presence in life’s final moments.” The program has grown significantly, with 15 student volunteers from Geisinger School of Nursing and a total of 82 volunteers participating in various activities. Laurie Fleming, volunteer coordinator at Allied Services Hospice and Palliative Care Programs, coordinates the schedules, sending out text messages to find available volunteers. She is mindful of their academic commitments, allowing them to bring their studies while sitting with non-responsive patients. Volunteers introduce themselves to the patients, reminding them of their presence throughout their shift, and gently touch the patients before leaving. In addition to personal growth, Ms. Fleming said, students gain a professional sense of hospice and learn how it takes a team to deliver optimum care. “I’m proud to see them learn what hospice is and is not,” she said. “Hospice is for the living. Our student volunteers learn this. It also teaches them bedside manner and how to deal with other staff, nurses and family members.” Aubrey McGovern, MD ’27, is now president of the NODA club and was present to accept the Star Volunteer Award on behalf of the club. “It has been such a privilege to lead this group and continue the NODA program with my classmates, especially with such an incredible hospice center and all the amazing staff at Allied,” she said. “It’s about more than just being there physically for individuals in the process of passing on — it’s about respect and providing comfort and support to their loved ones. We are so honored to carry on this partnership with Allied Services Hospice.” Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine students accept their Star Award from Allied Services Hospice. Seen from left are Laurie Fleming, volunteer coordinator at Allied Services Hospice and Palliative Care Programs; Tommy Ahlin, MD ’28, of Pittsburgh; Aubrey McGovern, MD ’28, of Carbondale; and Kelly Langan, RN, BSN, CHPN, director of inpatient hospice servicesfor Allied Services Hospice.
The Waverly Community House Appoints Interim Executive Director The Board of Trustees of the Waverly Community House is pleased to announce the appointment of Gia Tugend as Interim Executive Director, following the departure of Michelle Hamilton. Ms. Hamilton, who was appointed Executive Director in June 2023, has concluded her tenure with the organization. The Board extends its sincere gratitude to her for her service and leadership. Ms. Tugend brings extensive experience and deep institutional knowledge to the role, having served the Waverly Community House since 2012 in a variety of capacities. Most recently, she held the position of Director of Institutional Advancement and Digital Social Media. “We are confident in Gia’s leadership and we’re fortunate to have a seasoned, capable team in place,” said Betsy Curtin, President of the Board of Trustees. “They know The Comm inside and out – its deep traditions, its importance to the community, and the high standard of service it represents. Programs and services will continue without interruption. The Comm is strong, and it’s in excellent hands.” The Board will soon establish a search committee to identify and appoint a permanent Executive Director. In the meantime, Ms. Tugend will ensure continued momentum and a smooth transition.
NEPA Philharmonic to Perform Tina Turner Tribute THE NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA PHILHARMONIC, UNDER THE BATON OF MAESTRA MÉLISSE BRUNET, AND SCOTT COULTER’S SPOT-ON ENTERTAINMENT, WILL ROCK WITH “SIMPLY THE BEST”, A TRIBUTE TO TINA TURNER, SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 2025, AT MOHEGAN SUN PENNSYLVANIA, KEYSTONE GRAND BALLROOM The NEPA Philharmonic orchestra, under the baton of Maestra Mélisse Brunet, will share the stage with Grammy Award winning vocalists from “Spot-On Entertainment’s” in a tribute to Tina Turner, “The Queen of Rock and Roll. The concert will take place on Saturday, June 7, at 7:30 PM in the Keystone Grand Ballroom, Mohegan Sun Pennsylvania. Among the fan favorites on the set list will be “What’s Love Got to do with It”, “Proud Mary”, “River Deep”, “Mountain High”, “Private Dancer”, and “Better Be Good to Me. Dancing in the aisles is not only permitted but encouraged. Legendary icon Tina Turner won more than 160 awards and garnered more than 180 nominations, including recognitions from the American Music Awards, Billboard, Grammy, and the Grammy Hall of Fame. Her work has inspired artists worldwide, and has even been developed into a Broadway show, Tina. Tickets start at $42 for adults and student tickets are $16. Reserved seats may be purchased at www.nepaphil.org or Philharmonic Box Office, 570.270.4444. Tickets are subject to availability on concert night and reserved seats are encouraged. Mohegan Pennsylvania, which is located at 1280 Highway 315, opens its doors at 6 PM for will call ticket pickup and day of concert sales. Cash bars will open at 6:30 PM, doors to the theater open at 7PM, with the performance beginning at 7:30 PM. The Philharmonic Pops series is sponsored by the PNC Foundation in collaboration with Dr. Seth W. And Carolyn Fisher. Additional sponsors include Robert M. Sides Music Centers, Pat Atkin family, Munley Law, and Mohegan Pennsylvania. Mohegan Pennsylvania continues to be a valuable supporter and friend of the NEPA Philharmonic and provides the perfect venue for the special, fun evening. Multiple restaurants are available for dining before or after the show, including Rustic Kitchen, Ruth’s Chris, Pearl Sushi Bar, and the Hive Taphouse. Free parking is available. For additional information and media interviews, please call the Philharmonic office at 570.270.4444.
Joy World Wealth Partners Joins Jeannine Luby in Offering Workshops to Women in Business When people picture wealth, they often focus on bank accounts and 401(k) plans. While financial resources are crucial, they represent just one aspect of a fulfilling life. Megan Alpert, principal and founder of Scranton’s Joy World Wealth Partners, will offer women access to empowering tools and vital information this summer to help them strengthen five essential pillars of wealth for a more secure and abundant life. Alpert is offering area women the opportunity to experience a four-week workshop series entitled “The Abundance Life Series: Women, Wealth, Well-being, and Wisdom,” thoughtfully designed to empower women in the five pillars of wealth— financial, time, social, physical and spiritual—to achieve greater personal and collective strength. Workshops, which will take place inside Joy World Wealth Partners at 125 N. Washington Ave. in downtown Scranton, begin at 12:30 p.m. on four consecutive Fridays beginning on June 6 and ending on June 27. Alpert said, “Abundance isn’t something we chase—it’s something we remember. When women reclaim their voice around money, self-worth, and well-being, we don’t just transform our bank accounts—we transform our families, our communities, and the world.” Alpert added that for too long, emotional avoidance, inherited money beliefs, and internalized doubt have held women back from fully owning their financial lives and this series is here to say: ‘You’re not behind. You’re not broken. And you absolutely belong in the wealth conversation.’ Each week of the series, a presenter will focus on a different pillar of abundance—financial clarity, physical vitality, time freedom, meaningful connection, and spiritual depth—so that women can rise in every part of their lives, Alpert said. Financial wealth presenter Trish Dickert-Nieves, who is a certified holistic practitioner and certified trauma informed somatic guide, believes this series can benefit women in their personal as well as professional lives. She said, “In my workshop ‘Somatic Money,’ I will share how financial confidence is linked with our self-confidence, self-love and self-worth. This is an absolute mindset shift around financial wealth and abundance. Women are not taught this perspective, and it has radically changed my life. I take a body-based or somatic approach which allows women to feel confidence in their body.” The conversation around women’s bodies will continue when Lisa Rigau, registered nurse, nutrition counselor, and owner of Healthy Lifestyle Management, speaks about physical wealth, offering education and resources around health, hormones, plant-predominant nutrition and stress management. Rigau said, “I want women to understand from the information they receive that they can become their own best health advocate. In order to do that, you need a strong education to understand the choices you have in front of you; and that requires discernment. I want women to listen to what I have to say and then go do their own research.” Rigau added, she will help to dispel myths and misconceptions and provide attendees with credible resources they can explore on their own. Rigau said she will focus on perimenopause and menopause because those are two dominant topics in popular health conversations right now. The Abundance Series will include the following workshops: On June 6, the series kicks off with the topic of financial wealth as Dickert-Nieves presents “Somatic Money,” providing tools for financial confidence and long-term planning. On June 13, time and social wealth will be addressed with Certified Recovery Specialist Rose Nogan, owner of White Tail Sober Coaching, who will provide women with tools to build time wealth by creating boundaries that allow more space for personal peace, joy and happiness. Jeannine Luby, certified laughter yoga leader, comedian, and owner of Laugh to Live, will offer strategies using playful and empowering humor and laughter yoga for social wealth through meaningful connection and stress-reduction. On June 20, physical wealth will be addressed with a focus on vitality, movement and wellbeing with Rigau offering information on health topics such as improved sleep, nutrition and stress management. ACE Certified Personal Trainer Pat Barnes will share her expertise of more than 25 years in the fitness industry catering to women over 50. On June 27, the series closes with the topic of spiritual wealth. Alison Skoff, an ontological coach and soul-centric guide, will focus on reclaiming wholeness, cultivating peace, purpose and alignment to support the journey of inner reclamation, soul truth, and life aligned leadership. While there is no cost to attend the Abundance Life series, participants are invited to donate to We Respect and Care (formerly the Women’s Resource Center). Contributions support women in crisis and empower them to find safety, support, and strength. Giving is not required, but it is deeply appreciated as a reflection of the collective abundance being cultivated. Space for the workshops is limited. To secure your spot, please email Joanna@planwithjoyworld.com. Women can register for one session or all four workshops.
Allied Services Physician Receives Certification in Stroke Rehabilitation Specialist Allied Services is proud to announce that Stacey Williams, DPT, PT, C/NDT, has earned certification as a Certified Stroke Rehabilitation Specialist (CSRS) following her successful completion of an intensive training course held May 2–4, 2025, at Johnson College in Scranton, Pennsylvania. The CSRS credential is a nationally recognized, evidence-based certification that acknowledges advanced clinical expertise in stroke recovery and rehabilitation. The course equips therapists with the latest research-backed strategies to improve outcomes for individuals recovering from stroke—a leading cause of long-term disability in the United States. Stacey brings over 20 years of experience to her dual role as a clinician and manager at Allied Services, specializing in the treatment of individuals with neurological disorders, including stroke, brain injury, and spinal cord injury. She holds certifications in Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT) of the adult and is a PWR!Moves Certified Therapist, using specialized techniques in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. In addition to her leadership and clinical work, Stacey serves as an assistant adjunct professor in the Physical Therapy Department at the University of Scranton, where she mentors aspiring rehabilitation professionals. She also contributes to the local community as a certified PIAA official, demonstrating her commitment to both health and sportsmanship. “Stacey exemplifies our mission at Allied Services through her dedication to clinical excellence, patient care, and professional development,” said Bob Cole, Senior Vice President at Allied Services. “Her newly earned CSRS credential enhances our capacity to deliver top-tier, specialized stroke care to the communities we serve.” Allied Services congratulates Stacey on this milestone and celebrates her continued impact on patients, students, and the broader community.
Matthew Philistine, Retirement Wealth Academy Presentation Please join us on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at 11 am at the Albright Memorial Library to learn about The New Reality in Our Retirement. The number one concern of Baby Boomers in retirement is “we don’t want to run out of money.” The New Reality in Our Retirement is an adult education class that covers potential financial threats, now and in the future, and provides students with the knowledge they need to build a successful retirement. This is a free financial planning education workshop. You can register for this workshop on Eventbrite. About our presenter: Matthew C. Philistine is an Accredited Wealth Management Advisor, AWMA®, through the College for Financial Planning. Mr. Philistine earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Health Care Administration and a Master of Health Administration degree from King’s College, Wilkes Barre, PA. He’s a licensed insurance agent and an investment advisor representative registered with Brookstone Wealth Advisors, LLC. Matthew also volunteers throughout his community. About the Academy Retirement Wealth Academy is a nationwide cooperative of financial professionals with a passion for educating pre-retirees and those in retirement. The Academy was established by seasoned veterans of the financial industry. We offer educational classes at universities, libraries, and community centers across the country. Our courses teach a disciplined approach to financial planning and retirement investing.
WVIA, Wilkes-Barre Challenger Team Live at Little League World Series For the 14th consecutive year, WVIA will bring the spirit of inclusion and community to audiences nationwide by broadcasting and streaming the 2025 Little League Challenger Division Exhibition Game, presented by Eggland’s Best. The game will take place on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. ET, at the iconic Volunteer Stadium in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. A Local Connection: This year’s game holds special significance for WVIA and the communities it serves, as the local Wyoming Valley Challenger Baseball Little League team from Wilkes-Barre will take the field in Williamsport. Over the past six years, the Wyoming Valley program has experienced an extraordinary resurgence. Once facing challenges like a lack of a home field, dwindling player numbers, and limited funding, the league turned its fortunes around after the City of Wilkes-Barre offered a 25-year lease on a field for just $1 per year. This act of generosity sparked a wave of local support and donations, allowing the league to grow into a thriving program serving 130 players across Districts 16 and 31. “The community came together in a remarkable way to lift up this program and its players,” said Carla McCabe, WVIA President & CEO. “We’re honored to help showcase the spirit and determination of the Wyoming Valley Challenger team—and all Challenger players across the country—on a national stage.” The Most Heartwarming Game of the Year: The Challenger Exhibition Game has been a beloved tradition since 2001, giving children with physical and intellectual challenges the chance to enjoy the game of baseball at the iconic Little League World Series. This year’s event will also highlight the achievements of the Woburn Little League Challenger Division of Woburn, Massachusetts, which is proudly celebrating its 30th anniversary. With nearly 50 players and an active group of “Buddies” from across the community, Woburn’s Challenger Division plays weekly games at Weafer Park and ends its season with a championship celebration and cookout for families and friends. Ways to Watch: WVIA will produce a full television broadcast of the game and stream it live on WVIA-TV, on wvia.org and on the WVIA PBS app. The broadcast will also be available on-demand for viewers to enjoy after the live event and will be made available to PBS stations across the country. Contact your local PBS Station regarding carriage in your area. The game will also be available on the ESPN app under the “watch” option. For more information about the Challenger Division and this year’s participants, visit LittleLeague.org.
Wayne Bank Promotes Corissa O’Malley Jim Donnelly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wayne Bank, is pleased to announce the promotion of Corissa O’Malley to Vice President and Loan Documentation Manager. “I’m thrilled to announce Corissa’s well-deserved promotion. In her 14 years with us, Corissa has gone above and beyond to prove her dedication and loyalty to Wayne Bank. I’m confident in her continued leadership as she manages the residential loan documentation and processing department and am excited to see what her new role brings,” said Donnelly. In her new role, Corissa will lead the New York and Pennsylvania retail loan processing and documentation teams. Corissa joined the Bank in 2011, and has held several positions during her tenure, including Floating Teller, Administrative Specialist, Residential Mortgage Processor and Loan Documentation Officer. With her vast experience within the banking industry, Corissa plays a critical role in ensuring operations run smoothly and loans are properly maintained. Corissa resides in South Canaan, PA, with her husband, Eugene, and their two children.
Wayne Bank Promotes Lianne Waller Jim Donnelly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wayne Bank, is pleased to announce the promotion of Lianne Waller to Assistant Vice President and Trust Custody Officer. “I am very excited to announce Lianne’s promotion. Her accounting experience and deep understanding of client assets position her as a dependable leader and fantastic example for her teammates. I am confident that she will be a positive force within our trust and custody department,” said Donnelly. In her new role, Lianne will be responsible for overseeing the safekeeping and administration of client assets, and for maintaining custody operations. Lianne joined the bank in May of 2015 as a Teller in the Main Street Office and transferred into an Administrative Assistant role in the Wealth Management Department. She received a Degree in Business Management from Lackawanna College.
