Urban Co-Works Holds ‘First Friday Free Coworking’ Event Every First Friday, Urban Co-Works offers free coworking in our coworking space from 9am to 5pm. This month’s event is set to take place June 6th, at the regular time of 9am to 5pm. Freelancers, remote workers, entrepreneurs and other professionals come to Urban Co-Works to try out our vibrant workspace for First Friday Free Coworking. Discover the benefits of working in a distraction free environment by signing up here for free tickets.
Tobyhanna Army Depot Announces Employees of the Quarter Tobyhanna Army Depot (TYAD) recently honored two standout team members as its latest Employees of the Quarter, recognizing their exceptional contributions to our mission of supporting America’s warfighters. Selected for their dedication, innovation, and commitment to excellence, the honorees exemplify the values that keep Team Tobyhanna and America’s Armed Forces ready, modern, and prepared. The junior and senior recipients for the 2nd quarter of FY25 are Jolene Jensen of the Production Management directorate and John Wojciechowski of the Resource Management directorate respectively. Jensen currently serves as a Management Assistant in the Regional Support Center (RSC) Management Division. She is being recognized for the pivotal role she plays in the execution of administrative matters across the division along with planning and leading the depot’s Integrated Product Team for the implementation of the worldwide field support contract within the Logistics Management Program (LMP). Jensen also took on the sole administration role for the management Global Combat Support System (GCSS) Army across TYAD’s RSCs. Jensen’s efforts have positioned the depot for the incorporation of over 400,000 labor hours across more than 120 separate programs into LMP. This significantly impacts TYAD’s productive yield and net operating revenue performance. Her leadership in administering GCSS Army has enabled the establishment of proper property book office accountability of all government material across seven separate RSC sites. She has also supported the completion of the complex reorganization of the division and its two associated moves. Michael Monroe serves as Chief of the RSC Management Division. He said Jensen’s dedication to bolstering warfighter readiness made her more than deserving of this honor. “Where others may concern themselves with daily weight of their assigned workload, Ms. Jensen has remained intensely focused on what needs to get done. She has stepped up to lead teams where she was the lowest grade employee. She did it with confidence and effectiveness, largely due to the professional reputation that she has established and maintained,” said Monroe. “It is her constant and continuous, selfless service that provides the foundation for the professional credibility and competence for which she is known. She doesn’t seek the spotlight, but rather seeks the satisfaction of making the greatest possible impact and achieving excellence on behalf of the warfighter.” Reflecting on the recognition, Jensen said it couldn’t have been achieved without the strong support system around her. “Receiving Employee of the Quarter is such a massive honor – my heart swells with pride by the recognition. That said, the work I put in is only a reflection of the amazing team I work with and the example each of my RSC co-workers set on a daily basis. I am eternally grateful to have been granted the privilege of standing at the base of this mountain of knowledge and wisdom and learn from it every day,” said Jensen. “Though it should go without saying, I feel incredibly lucky to have leadership that recognizes our potential and pushes us to perform beyond what we thought ourselves capable.” Wojciechowski serves as a Lead Budget Analyst within TYAD’s Budget Division. He is being recognized for developing over 300 new cost center rates within a three-week timeframe during a recent organizational restructuring, all of which were uploaded into LMP ensuring appropriate rates were available for customer charging the day the reorganization was implemented. He also reconfigured the labor-hour plan to reflect the new organizational structure, ensuring leadership can make informed decisions related to resource allocation. Additionally, he drafted information papers focusing on forward repair activity rate development and CECOM Civilian Human Resources Services Center costing that have been shared with senior leadership for policy and decision making consideration. Wojciechowski created detailed worksheets that categorize the components of each cost center rate. This established a visible standardized structure that is easily understood and ensures rate development is comprehensive, accurate, and auditable during rate development. These complex spreadsheets ensure questions regarding rates are addressed in minutes instead of days. He also developed detailed guidance and instruction of cost center rate development to be used internally and externally to ensure transparency in costing data and confidence in pricing to customers. Chief of the Program Budget & Execution Division Deana Haikes lauded Wojciechowski for bringing stability during an otherwise unstable time. “John accepted the labor-hour planning, execution, and justification function during the reorganization. When it was determined this function was transferring to the Division, John assumed the role to ensure he understood it, the mission was performed properly, and he could develop guidance for his team of analysts to ensure they acquired the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully manage the workload. This quarter, John’s willingness to improve processes, multitask a heavy workload, navigate additional stress, all while getting to know the new teammates brought to him during the reorganization proved to be the steady hand that was required for success.” Wojciechowski said receiving the honor made him reflect on how every depot employee plays a role in supporting the joint warfighter. “I was very surprised that I won employee of the quarter. I do not feel like I do anything extraordinary each day. I think I feel that way because I enjoy and take pride in what I do and realize the part we all play in supporting the warfighter,” said Wojciechowski. “I am fortunate to be surrounded by amazing coworkers and have had great mentors throughout my career at Tobyhanna.” The Employee of the Quarter awards and other employee recognition programs align with Tobyhanna’s long-range strategic plan, TOBY2035 – specifically the Investing in our People line of effort. The effort has four strategic focus areas: Investing in Our People, C5ISR Readiness, Shape the Future and Strategic Communications and aims to posture the organization for future success.
The Wright Center, June ‘Walk With a Doc’ Events In Jermyn and Scranton The Wright Center for Community Health invites the community to take a step toward improving their health by joining monthly Walk with a Doc events. This physician-led initiative brings health care providers and community members together for an invigorating walk with doctors and other health care professionals. Participants will have the opportunity to exercise, engage with health care professionals, and connect with new people. The June Walk with a Doc event in Jermyn will be held on Saturday, June 7, at 9 a.m. at the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail. Walkers should gather at the Delaware Street Trailhead entrance. The monthly community Walk with a Doc event in Scranton is scheduled for Saturday, June 14, at 9 a.m. at the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail. Walkers should gather at the Olive Street entrance. The walks are free and open to the community, accommodating people of all ages and fitness levels. No pre-registration is necessary. Walk with a Doc is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring communities through movement and conversation. According to the American Heart Association, walking for just 30 minutes a day can improve blood pressure and blood sugar levels, help maintain a healthy body weight, reduce the risk of obesity, enhance mental well-being, and lower the risk of osteoporosis. For more information about The Wright Center for Community Health’s Walk with a Doc program, contact Melissa Germano-Ryczak at germanom@TheWrightCenter.org.
The Wright Center to Host Tinnitus Support Group The Tinnitus Support Group of Northeast Pennsylvania will meet on Friday, June 6, at 2 p.m. at The Wright Center for Community Health Mid Valley, 5 S. Washington Ave., Jermyn. Virtual meeting options are available for those unable to attend in person. There is no fee to attend. New members are welcome. The support group welcomes individuals living with tinnitus, their loved ones, and anyone interested in understanding this complex audiological and neurological condition. Participants will have the opportunity to connect, share their experiences, and explore coping strategies in a compassionate and supportive environment. Tinnitus, often described as ringing, buzzing, or whooshing in the ears or head, affects over 50 million adults across the U.S., with many experiencing its effects daily. For some, it can be a temporary nuisance, while for others, it becomes a chronic, life-altering condition. For more information or to obtain the virtual meeting link, contact Nicole Flynn, director of the geriatrics service line at The Wright Center for Community Health, at flynnn@TheWrightCenter.org or 570-230-0019.
The Wright Center, Dietitian Turns Tragedy Into Life’s Purpose Making men’s health a priority Melissa Germano, M.S., RD, LDN, still tears up a little when she talks about her father’s sudden, fatal cardiac arrest in 2010 – when she was just 23. “It was a devastating shock and an experience in life that was heartbreaking for me, my mom, and my two sisters when he passed so suddenly. My dad didn’t seem sick, but his health was affected by risk factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol,” Germano said. “Men can take control of their health by addressing these factors through preventive measures and lifestyle changes which can significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other serious health complications.” His death inspired Germano to pursue a career helping other families avoid the same grief. After earning a bachelor’s degree in nutrition and dietetics from Marywood University and a master’s degree in human nutrition from the University of Alabama, the registered dietitian and director of lifestyle modification and preventive medicine at The Wright Center for Community Health helps others lead healthier, more active lives. Heart disease is the leading cause of death among men in the United States, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Lung cancer claims more men’s lives than any other cancer, while prostate and colorectal cancers rank as the second and third most common causes of cancer-related deaths in men. Additionally, 34% of adult men in the U.S. are obese, and 32% have hypertension, according to CMS. Despite these serious health risks, many men avoid visiting the doctor due to fear, embarrassment, time constraints, or a strong sense of self-reliance. Men’s Health Month, celebrated each June, aims to raise awareness of preventable health issues and promote early detection and treatment to improve men’s well-being. “Many men do not prioritize their health, often putting off checkups, ignoring symptoms, or prioritizing work and other responsibilities over self-care,” Germano said. “This can lead to undiagnosed health conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, and diabetes – many of which can be prevented or managed with early intervention.” The first step to better health? Schedule a checkup with a primary care physician, Germano said. Establishing a relationship with a doctor can help identify health problems early and get patients on track with essential screenings, including blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers. Meeting with a registered dietician can also empower patients by providing them with knowledge and strategies to take control of their health. Germano – and dieticians like her – can help patients develop a plan that incorporates small lifestyle changes that add up to big improvements over time. “Many men don’t think about how their diet and lifestyle might impact their health,” Germano said. “What you’re eating, if you’re smoking or drinking, it all impacts your physical health, mental health, sexual health, and longevity. “Men have unique nutritional needs that vary depending on factors such as age, activity level, and overall health,” she added. “Men can optimize their overall health and vitality by consuming a well-balanced diet that includes adequate protein for muscle health, a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, and healthy fat sources to support heart health. They should also stay physically active by combining strength training with cardiovascular exercise, ensure they drink enough water, and limit the amount of sugary beverages they consume.” Germano tells patients to start by focusing on building well-balanced plates for meals, which is one of the most effective ways for men to maintain energy, muscle health, and long-term health. She recommends filling half of your plate with fruits and vegetables to boost antioxidants and fiber and one-quarter with lean proteins to support muscle growth and metabolism. The remaining quarter should be filled with whole grains to provide long-lasting energy. Choosing what to eat is important, too. Here are some of Germano’s tips: Most men do not consume enough fiber, which can lead to constipation, high cholesterol, blood sugar imbalances, and increased risk of chronic diseases. Get your fiber in by swapping refined grains (like white bread and pastries) for whole grains, consume fruits and vegetables with peels or skins on, add dried beans and peas to casseroles or soups, and enjoy a variety of grains such as barley, oats, farro, and quinoa. Protein is critical for muscle health, repair, and growth, but choose lean protein sources, such as chicken, turkey, fish, eggs, and low-fat dairy. Incorporate more plant-based proteins – including peas, lentils, beans, tofu, edamame, nuts, and seeds – that are high in phytonutrients, which have been shown to lower the risk of cancer and decrease cholesterol. Healthy fats are crucial for supporting heart health and overall well-being. Omega 3 fatty acids found in fatty fish such as salmon and trout, as well as flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts, have anti-inflammatory properties and promote cardiovascular health. As a registered dietician, Germano said she finds it deeply rewarding to see a patient progressing toward better health. “Every success, no matter how small, is a huge win for my patients,” she said. “Whether it’s weight loss, improved lab results, better energy levels, or healthier eating habits, the success is a testament to the patient’s hard work and dedication. It means my support and guidance are making a real impact.” Headquartered in Scranton, The Wright Center for Community Health’s growing network of community health centers in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayne, and Wyoming counties, including a mobile medical and dental unit called Driving Better Health, provides affordable, high-quality, whole-person primary health services to everyone, regardless of insurance status, ZIP code, or ability to pay. Patients typically have the convenience of going to a single location to access integrated medical, dental, and behavioral health care, as well as community-based addiction treatment and recovery services. For more information, go to TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-230-0019. Melissa Germano, a registered dietician and director of lifestyle modification and preventative medicine at The Wright Center for Community Health, shops for produce at Gerrity’s Supermarket in Scranton The Wright Center for Community Health offers lifestyle and obesity medicine programs at its community health centers in Northeast Pennsylvania. Melissa Germano said men should strive for a diet that includes a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, adequate protein, and healthy fat sources
Settlers Hospitality Expands to Downtown Scranton Ale Mary’s Under New Management A Scranton-based developer and Pocono Mountains hospitality group are joining forces to reinvigorate a landmark in the Electric City. ATR Properties tapped Settlers Hospitality to manage restaurant operations at Ale Mary’s at the historic Bittenbender. The historic building at 126 Franklin Street has been a part of the cityscape for nearly 150 years. In 2014 ATR Properties owner, Art Russo, revamped the previous restaurant model to open a popular gastropub and sports bar. For over a decade Ale Mary’s has been a go-to downtown destination for drinks, dinner and a distinctive event venue. With this new venture, Settlers Hospitality plans to reimagine the layout of the 150-seat restaurant and craft new menu offerings, but still in keeping with the gastropub concept. A rotating selection of nearly 100 craft and import beers, for which Ale Mary’s is known, will continue. Guests can expect a variety of appetizer and entrée options that are both craveable and affordable. “Settlers Hospitality shares our commitment to preserving the region’s historical treasures and has a proven track record of community and economic revitalization that makes this partnership virtually seamless,” explains owner Art Russo. Settlers Hospitality has been a leader in boutique hotel and restaurant management for over 40 years with a collection of concepts in Lehigh Valley, the Pocono Mountains, Catskills and Scranton regions. The company is eager to bring its highly regarded reputation and established brand name to the vibrant customer base in Scranton. “We are delighted to grow operations in Lackawanna County by expanding our footprint into downtown Scranton,” states CEO Justin Genzlinger. “The business ethos of Ale Mary’s at Bittenbender aligns with our core values to preserve our community’s historic real estate treasures and take responsibility to sustain their survival looking forward. Coupled with our non-negotiable passion to provide quality, unique experiences for every guest, it is a recipe for success.” The restaurant will remain open throughout the transition, which becomes official on July 1. Plans also include the relaunch of Madam Jenny’s, Ale Mary’s speakeasy style nightclub, in the fall. For more information, visit SettlersHospitality.com.
Greater Scranton YMCA Receives Grant from Step Into Swim In September, the Greater Scranton YMCA was awarded a grant from Step Into Swim to support scholarships for swim lessons. Step Into Swim is the nationwide drowning prevention initiative of the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) dedicated to creating safe swimmers. Through this grant award, the Y’s goal is to offer a session of swim lessons, which consists of eight lessons, to families who otherwise may not be able to participate due to cost. Grant funding will provide the YMCA with the capacity to offer participating families a 75 percent subsidy, making them responsible to pay only 25 percent of the swim lesson session fee. “We are so grateful to Step Into Swim for allowing our YMCA to provide swim lessons to more children in our community,” said Rich Surridge, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “We believe all kids should have the opportunity to learn the lifesaving skill of swimming and thanks to this grant award, we will be able to provide lessons to children who may otherwise not be able to participate due to cost.” To award the lessons, the Greater Scranton YMCA has created a Google Form that interested families can complete. In addition to collecting parent and child information, the form also includes questions about household income and family size to ensure the lessons are being awarded to families in need. The Google Form will open on Wednesday, May 28th and will close when lessons are filled. The form can be accessed here: https://forms.gle/Gt3Er3EG87sjH8nF6. The four-week swim lesson session will consist of two lessons weekly. The session will begin the week of June 23rd. For more information about the Step Into Swim scholarship swim lessons at the Greater Scranton YMCA, contact Leslie Kopa, Aquatics Director, at lkopa@gsymca.org.
PA Treasury Rep Steve Shope to Visit DACC The Danville Area Community Center (DACC) will host Steve Shope, a representative from Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity’s Office on Wednesday, May 28, from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. to assist local residents in searching for unclaimed property in the state’s archives. The event is free and open to the public, with no reservations or documents required. He will give a brief overview of consumer programs before helping attendees check for unclaimed property in their name. Unclaimed property can include forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance payouts, and more. Statewide, more than $4.5 billion in unclaimed property is waiting to be returned — including over $15 million owed to Lycoming County residents alone. The average claim is worth $1,600, and about one in ten Pennsylvanians is owed money. For more information, contact DACC Director of Community Engagement Mark Giesen 570-275-3001.
PA Treasurer Stacy Garrity Announces 500 Military Decorations Returned Treasurer Stacy Garrity today announced that 500 military decorations and memorabilia have been returned to Veterans and their families since she took office in 2021. “As state treasurer, I safeguard every taxpayer dollar, but one of my favorite parts of the job isn’t about the money at all – it’s the work Treasury does to honor and thank our Veterans and their families by returning military medals that become unclaimed property,” Treasurer Garrity said. “Each item that comes to our vault is an important part of someone’s story, and returning each one to the rightful owner who earned it or their family is a way to show our gratitude for their immense sacrifices for our nation’s defense.” The 500 medals and memorabilia returned by Treasurer Garrity include 12 Purple Hearts, three Bronze Stars and one Gold Star Medal. Treasury’s vault in Harrisburg still holds about 500 military decorations, including those from every branch of service and most major conflicts. Items include medals, pins, buttons, ribbons and more. Military decorations most often come to Treasury’s unclaimed property program as the contents of abandoned safe deposit boxes. “The team at Treasury is dedicated to finding the Veterans and families whose medals are in our care,” Treasurer Garrity said. “From cold calls to deep-dive internet searches, and digging through records, they leave no stone unturned in the search for a Veteran. As long as I’m Treasurer, we will never stop searching for the rightful owners. I encourage everyone to help us in the search for these Veterans and their families.” Anyone can help find the owners of the medals in Treasury’s care by visiting patreasury.gov/unclaimed-property/Medals. A few notable military returns include: A Bronze Star and engraved military funeral bullet casing to the family of Frank Musto, a U.S. Army Veteran who served his country during World War II. Musto, from Westmoreland County, enlisted when he was 19, and he was wounded in France. He was also the recipient of the Purple Heart, WWII Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, and European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal. Multiple Medals including the Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Korea Medal and Korean War Service 50th Anniversary Medal earned by the late Timothy Marahoris of Harrisburg were returned to the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Marahoris served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He had no living relatives, and his church family accepted his decorations in his honor. A Gold Star Mothers and Widows Pilgrimage Medal was returned to the Morrison family. The medal, presented to Agnes Morrison in 1933 when she visited her son, Joseph William Morrison’s grave in France. Morrison, from Schuylkill County, was a member of the 554th Ambulance Service in World War I. He was killed in action just ten days before the end of the war. He was also the recipient of the Croix de Guerre with palm for his bravery. “As a Veteran myself, every return is near and dear to my heart,” Treasurer Garrity said. “It’s my solemn duty to make sure every medal in our care is returned to the Veteran who earned it or to their family who also made tremendous sacrifices for our country.” Along with the hundreds of military decorations waiting to be reunited with Veterans, Treasurer Garrity is working to return more than $5 billion worth of unclaimed property in Treasury’s care. More than one in ten Pennsylvanians has unclaimed property, and the average value of a claim is $1,000. Unclaimed property includes things like dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance policies, and more. Most tangible unclaimed property comes from abandoned safety deposit boxes and can include things like jewelry, baseball cards, and other collectibles and family valuables. Visit patreasury.gov/unclaimed-property to search for unclaimed property.
Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza, MOM-n-PA Dental Missions to Give Free Services at Community Event WHO: MOM-n-PA Dental Missions (www.mom-n-pa.com) WHAT: Press conference featuring local dental chairs, Dr. Christopher Kotchick and Dr. Richard Grossman, state & local politicians, and key representatives demonstrating the power of this FREE community event. MOM-n-PA provides FREE dental care for the relief of pain to thousands of the neediest, many of whom are from working families who do not have access or cannot afford dental insurance. WHERE: Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza, 255 Highland Park Boulevard, Wilkes-Barre Township, PA WHEN: Friday, June 6, 2025 at 10 am. Set-up will be on Thursday, June 5 starting at 8:00 a.m. TV and still photographers often find significant opportunities, as the empty arena will be turned into a 120 dental chair clinic in a few short hours. MOM-n-PA believes that everyone deserves an opportunity to receive dental care regardless of income or current economic situation. For that reason, MOM-n-PA provides annual, free, dental clinics throughout Pennsylvania. With 120 mobile dental units over a two-day span, patients are accepted without qualifications, on a first come, first served basis. MOM-n-PA has approximately 1000 volunteers including more than 200 dentists, 100 dental hygienists, and 200 dental assistants, 150 dental students, 30 nurses and 300 lay volunteers. Since 2013, clinics have been in Philadelphia, Allentown, Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, Erie, Reading, and Wilkes- Barre/Scranton. This year’s event will take place at Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza, 255 Highland Park Boulevard, Wilkes-Barre Township, with local dentists and Co-Chairs Dr. Christopher Kotchick and Dr. Richard Grossman, spearheading the effort. Over the course of the two day span, MOM-n-PA is expected to treat up to 2000 patients, providing approximately $1,000,000 worth of services, including medical screenings, dental exams with X-Rays when necessary, cleanings, extractions, fillings, root canals and a limited number of partial dentures, without accepting any fees. “Wilkes-Barre/Scranton has been selected as a site because of the needs within the community and its surrounding areas,” stated Dr. Gary Davis of Shippensburg, MOM-n-PA Chairman. “We are a 100% volunteer organization and can use all the volunteer assistance and support we can get from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton community to provide these services to those families and individuals who do not have access to any dental care.” According to the US Census Bureau, estimated statistics for a sample household over a 5 year period demonstrate that 35.9% of residents had income below the poverty level, as compared to 17.7% in the entire state. Additionally, 11.5% of residents had income below 50% of the poverty level, as compared to 6.1% in the entire state and 45.3% of children live below the poverty level, as compared to 19.0% in the entire state. Unfortunately, families and individuals representing these characteristics often do not have access to any dental care. MOM-n-PA is designed to address this undeserved population by providing those services and seeking to establish a location where the patients will be able to receive future dental services. For more information about the event visit www.mom-n-pa.com.
