Allied Services Celebrates Miracle Makers Allied Services Integrated Health System recently honored the contributions and successes of employees from various divisions with their quarterly Miracle Maker breakfast. The gathering was held at the Convention Center at Mohegan, Pennsylvania, Plains, Pa.“Today’s gathering, which celebrates the Miracle Makers across Allied Services, is a reminder of how blessed we are to work with so many compassionate and dedicated people, as well as validation of the critical care we provide in physical rehabilitation, skilled nursing, home health, residential care for those with mental health issues and hospice care at home and in our inpatient hospice units,” commented Atty. Bill Conaboy, President & CEO, Allied Services Integrated Health System
The Wright Center Celebrates Community Health Worker Awareness Week One of the fastest-growing careers in health care has nothing to do with direct medical care. Using their encyclopedic knowledge of local resources, community health workers (CHWs) help people meet various basic needs, including housing, utility bills, nutritious foods, clothing, insurance, transportation to and from medical appointments, and more. “Community health workers, they’re pretty much the foundation,” said Amanda Vommaro, CCHW, director of patient-centered services and supervisor of the community health workers at The Wright Center for Community Health. “We make sure the patients are getting their social needs met so that they’re able to address their health.” For example, a patient with financial difficulties may have to choose between buying food or medication, according to Vommaro. Connecting to a food pantry could help that patient afford the life-saving medication a doctor prescribes. “If you don’t have your basic needs met, you’re not really able to do anything else,” she said about patients. “When they’re not buying medication and taking care of their health, that’s where we come in.” As the health care world celebrates National Community Health Worker Awareness Week from Aug. 28 to Sept. 1, the need for CHWs is greater than ever. Employment of community health workers across the United States is projected to grow 12% between 2021 and 2031 – much faster than the average for other occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the demand for CHWs, according to Chelsea Wolff, a health educator with the Pennsylvania Area Health Education Center (AHEC). Thousands of people lost their jobs and found themselves navigating an often-overwhelming system to apply for unemployment, food stamps, rent and mortgage relief, and other aid from government entities and local social service agencies. President Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan called for hiring 100,000 CHWs over 10 years starting in 2021 to support the prevention and control of COVID-19. But many entities that employ CHWs are having trouble filling the jobs, including The Wright Center for Community Health. It’s partly because people are not familiar with the position. “People are starting to know about it, but we have a long way to go,” Wolff acknowledged. AHEC hopes to help fill the need locally through training courses, some of which are held virtually for community members. The center began offering CHW courses in 2009, Wolff said. Since then, demand has soared for these specialty workers. The course covers the basics of what a CHW needs to know, from building an understanding of different cultures and health literacy to learning how to complete documentation and how to avoid job burnout. CHWs live in the communities they serve, so they become experts in knowing what resources are available and how best to connect clients to them, Vommaro and Wolff said. The AHEC classes feature many guest speakers, so trainees can begin building a list of local resources that provide help. “It’s helping to connect the dots and really building those contacts,” Wolff said. Vommaro said clients are often more comfortable talking to CHWs because of their shared community roots. “It’s just a different level of comfort when you’re talking to a community health worker because sometimes we’ve been in the same situation they are in; we’re people who live in their community,” she said. “It’s a little less intimidating than talking to their doctor.” For more information about the course, visit the AHEC’s website at NEPA-AHEC.org. AHEC also offers monthly informational sessions about CHWs every second Monday of the month. To learn more, go to PACHW.org/upcoming-sessions.
Allied Services to Host Kick-Off Celebration at Mohegan Pennsylvania Allied Services, a leading provider of healthcare and human services for northeastern Pennsylvanians with disabilities and chronic illnesses, is hosting their Annual Campaign Kick-Off Celebration on Thursday, August 10th during Party on the Patio at Mohegan Pennsylvania. At this special edition of Party on the Patio, guests will be able to stop by the Team Allied Services tent to donate, purchase an official team exercise t-shirt and learn more about Allied Services. Guests can also feast on delicious bites by Eat Up Now while dancing the night away to the best of the 80’s, courtesy of tribute band RUBIX KUBE. There is no cover to attend this celebration, and all guests must be 21+. “Mohegan Pennsylvania has been a proud sponsor and fundraising participant for Team Allied Services for the past 14 years,” said David Parfrey, Vice President of Marketing at Mohegan Pennsylvania. “Like Allied Services, we are passionate about supporting our community as they overcome challenges and reach their greatest potential. This Party on the Patio on August 10th will certainly be a special one, and Mohegan Pennsylvania is really looking forward to a fun and memorable night kicking off the annual Team Allied Services campaign.” Team members from Mohegan Pennsylvania will be joining Team Allied Services for their 5K and All-Abilities Walk on Saturday, August 12th. This inspiring event starts with a run/walk 5K, followed by an all-abilities opportunity where patients strive to meet their own rehab goals, whether it be just a few steps or a lap around the track. On Sunday, November 5th, Mohegan Pennsylvania’s Director of Events, Jennifer Ducharme, will also be joining Team Allied Services for the TCS New York City Marathon – a 26.2-mile journey starting in Staten Island, working its way through all five boroughs in New York City and finishing in Central Park. Team Allied Services is currently accepting online donations for the 2023 fundraising campaign. For more information about the Team Allied Services Campaign Kick-Off celebration, visit moheganpa.com.
Johnson College to Host Celebration of Industry Johnson College will host its first-ever Celebration of Industry event on September 7, 2023, on the College’s Scranton campus. The event will honor David Boniello ’84, President of Simplex Industries, as the recipient of the President’s Spirit of Giving Award for his leadership and contributions to Johnson College and the region. Johnson College’s Celebration of Industry is a signature fundraising event that celebrates the unique relationship between the College and its industry partners. Each year, an industry partner will be honored for work as an industry champion and for playing a vital role in supporting the College’s students and the community. Proceeds from the event will benefit the College’s Innovation at Work Capital Campaign to improve programs and facilities for student success. The President’s Spirit of Giving Award is an artistic representation of the community, students, and the College made of steel and welded together in a flowing 3D design. The award was designed and created by members of the College’s Welding Department including Tony DeLucca, Welding Technology Program Director, Ben Lipperini, Welding Instructor, and Josh Perniciaro, Welding Instructor. Mr. Boniello is a native of Dunmore, Pa., and graduated from Johnson College with an Associate Degree in Building Construction Technology in 1984. He became an active member of the College community by participating in its Program Advisory Committees, as a member of the Board of Directors in 2008, and became the first alum to be named Chair of the Board of Directors in 2016. Mr. Boniello worked on the College’s first capital campaign from 2009 to 2014, helping to raise over $5.1 million, and currently chairs the College’s $5 million five-year capital campaign, Innovation at Work, launched in 2021. He played an instrumental role in the College’s nationwide search for the current President and CEO, Dr. Katie Leonard. Mr. Boniello has been part of the Simplex team for over 30 years. Throughout his professional career, he rose through positions in sales and management before being appointed to Vice President of Simplex, where he focused on developing and maintaining relationships with large-scale customers. He oversaw the company’s largest apartment and townhome projects across the Mid-Atlantic region. He was promoted to President in 2022. Furthermore, in 2005, he was an instrumental part of the company’s efforts to launch its own retail division for home sales called Cornerstone Building Solutions Inc. of which he currently serves in the capacity of President. In addition to his commitment to Johnson College, Boniello is a former board member of the Lackawanna Home Builders Association and Home Builders Association of Northeastern Pennsylvania, along with the Women’s Resource Center Golf Tournament Committee. Simplex Industries has been an industry partner of Johnson College for over 25 years. The partnership benefits both organizations and most importantly, the local community. Through collaborative efforts with NeighborWorks of Northeastern Pennsylvania and the Lackawanna County Area on Aging, the College and Simplex are involved with the Elder Cottage Housing Opportunity (ECHO). The project allows older adults to remain close to family or caretakers as they age by placing cottages on their properties. These structures are designed and built by Johnson College students and members of the Simplex team. To learn about available sponsorship opportunities for the Celebration of Industry, please contact Karen Baker, Senior Director of College Advancement, at kbaker@johnson.edu or (570) 702-8908.
Lackawanna College Sunbury Celebrates Anniversary Jennifer Times know the importance of a quality education. After the pandemic pushed her to reassess her career goals, she attended and graduated from Lackawanna College with an associate degree in Business Administration, which has helped her transition to a job in the business industry. Times went to the College’s Sunbury Center, which celebrated its five-year anniversary on Monday, Aug. 1 with an open house. The event included tours, one-on-one help with the College’s Financial Aid office and other informational sessions. The College also waived application and commitment fees for those who applied during the event. Local dignitaries attended the event, including Philip Campbell, Sunbury Center director; Tom Bogush, regional director of Admissions at Lackawanna College, Sunbury Mayor Joshua A. Brosious; Derrick Backer, Sunbury city administrator; Marc Freeman, Shikellamy Principal; Lynda Schlegal Culver, state representative; Joe Kantz, Snyder County commissioner; Kymberley Best, Northumberland County commissioner; Aimee Buehner, chamber representative; Sierra Woodling, Sunbury Revitalization Inc.; Westley Smith, building owner; and several Lackawanna College alumni. “We are grateful to be part of the Sunbury community and be a place where local residents can get a high-quality education,” said Lackawanna College President Dr. Jill Murray. “We want our degree and non-degree graduates to enter the workforce and succeed. An education from Lackawanna College prepares our graduates to excel in their positions and gives local employers people they can count on.” Lackawanna College strives to provide the local communities it serves with degree programs and training that are needed the most. As the community’s college, the Sunbury Center offers residents the chance to study the latest, high-demand fields such as Medical Assisting, Criminal Justice and Business Administration. “The Sunbury Center provides high-quality education for students in Northumberland and the surrounding counties,” said Philip Campbell, Sunbury Center director. “We are committed to providing a quality education to all who seek to improve their lives and better their communities. We continue to be the community’s college and we take that responsibility seriously.” The Sunbury Center has provided opportunities for students like Times to further their education or get retraining. Without her degree, Times wouldn’t have had the necessary training to perform her business duties at her new job, which include invoices, contracts and insurance work. The College’s online Business Administration program was able to give Times the flexibility she needed to finish her degree on a full-time basis and meet her professional and family obligations. “Because of Lackawanna, I was able to get into my bachelor’s degree program at Arizona State University online and the job I currently have,” Times said. “Although the impact of the pandemic was upsetting, I am in a much better position now having graduated from Lackawanna. The staff and professors there have really prepared me for my career and I can’t say enough nice things about the college.” The Center has several different degrees and certificates students can study. Bachelor degrees include Business, Criminal Justice, Human Services, Restaurant and Foodservice Management and RN to BSN. The Center’s Associate degree programs include Accounting, Business Administration, Business Studies, Criminal Justice, Culinary Arts – which will start soon, Cyber Security, Human Services, Petroleum & Natural Gas Technology, Professional Studies and Sport Management. Additionally, the Center has certificates in 3D Printing and Medical Assisting. There are also select programs available online such as Business Administration. Those programs provide students the accessibility to a college education in their own community. “For me its accessibility because our kids are not able to all hop in a car and go down to Bloomsburg University or Susquehanna University,” said Marc Freeman, Shikellamy High School principal. “They can go to college right here. If they get job income then maybe they can travel to the main campus so that offers them accessibility as well.” The College also recently signed an articulation agreement with Susquehanna University. That agreement allows qualifying students guaranteed acceptance as a junior at the university. “The programs we have at Sunbury enable students to stay in the area and save money because they can attend a college right here,” Campbell said. “We are constantly looking for ways for students to also continue their education, whether it’s through one of our own bachelor degree programs or with another university that we have an articulation agreement with like Susquehanna University.” For students like Times, it’s about finding the right place that offers the best education. Lackawanna College fit her requirements so much so that even her husband and son are attending. Her husband has been taking a class or two each semester to help him in his current role. Her son will start in the fall. Both are also hoping to get their associate degrees in Business Administration from Lackawanna. “Three out of four people in my family have attended or will be attending Lackawanna College to further their education,” Times said. “Because of my experience at the school, both my husband and son decided to attend Lackawanna. The College really helps you better yourself and gets you prepared for the workforce. I am definitely in a better position career-wise now than I was before the pandemic.” Prospective students in the Sunbury area looking for more information about the Sunbury Center can visit the College’s website at Sunbury Center at Lackawanna College | Lackawanna College. Students can also call the center at (570) 988-1931 to get more information.
Treasurer Garrity: Unclaimed Property In celebration of National Roller Coaster Day, Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced today that nearly $43 million is owed to more than 208,000 Pennsylvanians who are ready to take the ride of their lives – those with a name or business name that includes the words coaster, ride, loop, up, down, thrill, summer, park, Edwin or Prescott. “The last few years have been a wild ride, and we could all use a little extra cash in our wallets,” Garrity said. “Please keep your arms and legs inside the ride at all times, and get ready to search for unclaimed property – you don’t even have to stand in line! The average roller coast ride is about two minutes long, but it doesn’t even take that long to see if Treasury has unclaimed property waiting for you.” Unclaimed property includes things like dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, forgotten stocks, insurance policies, tangible property like the contents of abandoned safe deposit boxes, and more. The state’s unclaimed property law requires assets to be turned over to Treasury after certain periods of time, generally three years. “When Edwin Prescott patented the first looping roller coaster in North America in 1898, he had no idea how many smiles his invention would bring to millions of people,” Garrity said. “Finding unclaimed property is another reason to smile, especially since the average claim is about $1,500. One in ten Pennsylvanians is owed unclaimed property, so there’s a good chance you might end up with money in your pocket!” Last year, Treasury returned more than $135 million to Pennsylvanians. Treasury is currently seeking the owners of more than $4 billion in unclaimed property. Tangible property received by Treasury may be auctioned after approximately three years, but any proceeds from a sale will be kept in perpetuity until an owner is found. Military decorations and memorabilia are never auctioned, and Treasury works diligently to find veterans and their families to reunite them with these priceless symbols of service. Search Treasury’s unclaimed property database to see if you or someone you know has property waiting to be claimed at patreasury.gov/unclaimed-property.
Spirit of Hope Celebration Raises $56,982 for Northeast Regional Cancer Institute Front row, seated from left to right: Marta Gomes, Traci Fosnot, Leo Vergnetti, Board of Ambassadors Chairman, Karen M. Saunders, President, Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, Robin Long and Jo Ann Romano Hallesky.Second row, standing from left to right: Vanessa Vergnetti-Thomas,Joe Van Wie, Nevin Gerber, Dino Campitelli, Richard P. Conaboy Jr. (2021 Tribute to Courage Honoree), William Davis, Kristie Hynoski, Clarence Baltrusaitis, Meghan Gagorik, and Amanda E. Marchegiani, Community Relations Coordinator, Northeast Regional Cancer Institute. The Spirit of Hope Celebration Board of Ambassadors and Associate Board of Ambassadors presented the Cancer Institute with a $56,982 check from their 2021 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 ninth annual Spirit of Hope Celebration in November 2021 at Mohegan Sun Pocono. More than 300 people were in attendance. The event featured cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, music, and a live and silent auction. Richard P. Conaboy Jr. 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 un/underinsured individuals in northeast Pennsylvania get their recommended colorectal, breast, cervical, and lung cancer screenings.
Wayne Bank Celebrates 150 Year Anniversary Lewis J. Critelli, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wayne Bank, is pleased to announce that the Bank will be celebrating its 150 year anniversary this November. Wayne Bank was founded in Honesdale, PA on November 4, 1871, with the modest capital of $25,000. It was known as the Wayne County Savings Bank, after Major General Anthony Wayne, who was a prominent solider, officer, and statesman in American history. During the later portion of the 19th Century, Honesdale was a burgeoning canal town at the terminus of the Delaware and Hudson Canal. Led by President, W.W. Weston, a Honesdale merchant and businessman, the Bank’s early financing included everything from boat building and harness manufacturing to tanneries and farming. As time went on, the Bank helped finance the progression of Wayne County into the glassworks, textile, and logging industries. The headquarters also moved to four different locations within Honesdale, until finally building and moving into the Bank’s present Corporate Office in 1924, located between Seventh and Eighth Streets on Main Street in Honesdale. The Bank continued to expand throughout the remainder of the 20th Century, acquiring and opening additional locations throughout Wayne, Pike, and Monroe Counties in Pennsylvania. The name was also officially changed to Wayne Bank in 1993. In 1996, the Bank’s holding company, Norwood Financial Corp, was created. Stock began trading on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol, NWFL. Additional acquisitions helped Wayne Bank to continue its tradition of expansion during the 21st Century with significant growth into Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties in Pennsylvania, and finally into Delaware, Sullivan, Otsego, Ontario, and Yates Counties in New York State. Today, Wayne Bank has 30 Community Offices in two states and ten counties, including those operating under the Bank of Cooperstown and Bank of the Finger Lakes brands, and employs close to 300 local people. Mr. Critelli commented, “Although so much has changed in 150 years, I am proud to say that Wayne Bank has remained committed to the same mission and core values that were instated upon our founding. We are a community bank that is dedicated to investing in the residents, businesses, and organizations who make our communities a better place to live. We are strong, secure, and excited to continue our legacy of ‘Helping the Community Grow’ for another 150 years.” As part of the 150th anniversary celebration, the Bank has some exciting initiatives planned which will kick off in November with special product promotions and Customer Appreciation events. For more information, visit waynebank.com or facebook.com/waynebank/.
Jim and Cathy Gavin To Be Honored by Marywood University Marywood University’s Eighth Annual Community Leadership Celebration, Inspiring Social Justice, will honor Jim and Cathy Gavin of Scranton. The Celebration will take place on the University’s campus in the Motherhouse and Seminary Morgan Memorial Garden on Thursday, June 10, 2021, where they will be awarded the 2021 Lead On Award. Inspiring social justice is a theme that unites Jim and Cathy, the Gavin and Walsh families, and the IHM Congregation in common purpose. In furtherance of that common purpose, Marywood University sets the standard for educating and preparing our youth for a successful and meaningful role in society. Mr. and Mrs. Gavin have a lifelong relationship with the Sisters Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Congregation beginning in grade school at Chapel and Holy Rosary schools in the 1950s. This relationship has flourished over seven decades. Mr. Gavin graduated from the University of Scranton in 1971, following three years of active military service. He earned graduate degrees in Social Work and Management from Marywood in 1973 and 1985. A professional social worker, Mr. Gavin worked in the behavioral health field for 47 years in clinical as well as management positions. He recently retired after 21 years as President/CEO of Community Care Behavioral Health Organization, a UPMC insurance company, and is currently a Senior Advisor to executive leadership. Elected to the Marywood University Board of Trustees in 2014, Mr. Gavin is a member of various committees serving as Treasurer and Chair of Finance since 2016. Mrs. Gavin began a lifelong career in the restaurant business at Stirna’s Restaurant in 1967. After a short stay at The Scranton/Lackawanna Human Development Agency she returned to her true passion, Stirna’s Restaurant. In 1980, with the support and assistance of a friend and attorney, she purchased the business and remains its sole proprietor today. During the next 40 years, Mrs. Gavin began and managed what is today a thriving catering business. She also negotiated and managed the food service contract for Lackawanna College. In 2008, on the 100th anniversary of Stirna’s Restaurant, with the help of her son Michael, she totally renovated the West Market Street facility. Today, the restaurant and catering businesses continue to thrive under their management and supervision. During Jim and Cathy’s fifty years of marriage, their focus has been on family, church, and community. They have two children, Kate and Michael, and two grandchildren, Gavin and Grace. They are proud members of the Gavin/Walsh families, who are collectively committed to the missions and work of the IHM Congregation. Mr. and Mrs. Gavin are active on numerous boards dedicated to the health and welfare of the citizens in Lackawanna and Allegheny counties. For additional information on the Eighth Annual Community Leadership Celebration at Marywood University, to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, or to buy tickets to the event, please visit marywood.edu/clc, or call 570-348-6238.
