The Dime Bank and PA Bankers Warn of Uptick in Phishing Scams The Pennsylvania Bankers Association (PA Bankers) announced today that banks across the commonwealth are seeing an uptick in phishing scams targeting their customers via phone, email and text messages. These phishing scams are communications designed to trick consumers into providing confidential information (like account numbers, passwords or PINS) either online or over the phone to someone impersonating a bank employee. Victims of phishing scams can lose hundreds, even thousands of dollars. The Dime Bank President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Bochnovich stated, “Phishing attacks can appear very convincing, so it’s crucial to remain vigilant and question any suspicious requests for your information. The Dime Bank will never ask you to click on unfamiliar links or provide sensitive details. Your online security depends on your awareness. The Dime Bank is continually educating our communities and implementing safeguards to protect our customer account information from ever-changing scams.” The association and The Dime Bank urge consumers to remember the following: • Banks will never ask for your personal information via phone, text or email. You may be asked to verify confidential information if you call your bank, but banks will never call you to ask for this information. If you receive an incoming call from someone claiming to be your bank, the safest thing you can do is hang up and call your bank’s publicly listed customer service number. • If you receive a suspicious email or text, do not download any attachments, click on any links or reply to the sender. Report the email or text by forwarding emails to the Anti-Phishing Working Group at reportphishing@apwg.org and text messages to SPAM (7726). Finally, report the phishing attack to the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint. • If you receive a suspicious phone call, hang up or end the call and do not respond to the caller’s requests. • If you feel that you have been the victim of a scam and may have provided personal or important financial information, contact The Dime Bank and your other financial institutions immediately via a publicly listed customer service number. Often, this is found on the back of your bank card. Be sure to include any relevant details, such as whether the suspicious caller attempted to impersonate your bank and whether any personal or financial information was provided to the suspicious caller. “PA Bankers and its member banks take consumers’ financial well-being seriously,” said Duncan Campbell, PA Bankers’ president and CEO. “Banks are constantly working hard to protect their customers’ money through a variety of safeguards, but one of the most effective ways to prevent consumers from falling victim to phishing scams is through continued education.” In October, the American Bankers Association (ABA) launched its annual #BanksNeverAskThat campaign, which seeks to turn the table on fraudsters by empowering consumers to spot bogus bank phishing scams by using attention-grabbing humor and other engaging content. Consumers are encouraged to visit banksneveraskthat.com for an interactive game, a quiz and tips to help them learn more about these scams. “The easiest way to spot a phishing scam is to remember that ‘Banks Never Ask That.’ When something looks or sounds suspicious, it likely is,” said Campbell.
The Wright Center Celebrates Doctors Day – Highlights Dr. Simran Bhimani Internal Medicine resident following in parents’ footsteps takes on new leadership role at The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education As a child, Dr. Simran Bhimani had a bird’s-eye view of her parents’ medical clinic in their small village near Karachi, Pakistan. Dr. Bhimani’s childhood home doubled as a medical clinic, where her mother, an obstetrician-gynecologist, and her father, a pediatrician, cared for patients on the first floor. Some of her earliest memories include her mother tending to her between patient visits. “Becoming a doctor is something that was ingrained in me from an early age,” said Dr. Bhimani, a second-year Internal Medicine resident physician at The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education (TWCGME) in Scranton, Pennsylvania. “Training in the United States was my mother’s dream, so it’s special to me to be able to come here and train.” Now, as the resident physician follows her parents’ path, she’s taken on a unique leadership role at The Wright Center: Participatory Citizenship Chief Resident. The post serves as a bridge between resident and fellow physicians and TWCGME’s leadership. Participatory citizenship is an international concept that is gaining in popularity. It seeks to improve decision-making and enhance accountability by emphasizing the involvement of ordinary citizens in the overall process of building a better society. “The position was created to ensure that the voices of the residents and fellows are heard,” said Dr. Bhimani. “Some residents may feel hesitant to voice concerns or give feedback to faculty or Graduate Medical Education Committee members, but as a colleague and friend, I hope they feel comfortable speaking with me.” Dr. Bhimani’s primary goal is to boost resident and fellow physician participation in TWCGME surveys. These surveys gather feedback on various topics, including faculty engagement and learning environments. In her first email to residents and fellows, she praised the strong response rate to a recent clinical climate survey and highlighted the steps Wright Center officials are taking based on the feedback they received. “As we strive for excellence, one key area for improvement emerged: enhancing the patient-centered continuity experience. We have enhanced our team-based continuity model in our primary clinics to address this concern,” she wrote in the message. “While this initiative is still in its early stages, we are committed to refining and expanding it in the coming months.” Dr. Bhimani emphasized that informing residents and fellows about how their feedback contributes to improving and refining training programs is essential for boosting survey participation. “When I was a first-year student, I didn’t understand the importance of filling out a survey,” she said. “Now I know that responding to a survey is a chance to make my mark on the program and contribute to making it better for all stakeholders – the residents and fellows, TWCGME leadership, the patients, and most importantly, future learners.” Coming from a family of physicians – including her brother, Dr. Sameer Bhimani, a first-year Internal Medicine resident physician at The Wright Center – she understands the importance of open communication in medical training. This trait was recognized by TWCGME leadership, who praised her enthusiasm for the new role. “Together with Dr. Bhimani and our resident and fellow physicians, we are demonstrating the value of participatory citizenship, sharing opportunities to contribute, and offering a venue for action plans,” said Dr. Jumee Barooah, senior vice president of education and designated institutional official at TWCGME. “We look forward to working with her to develop and define this role as we continue our efforts to improve the graduate medical education experience.” Dr. Bhimani views the new role as another valuable opportunity to develop skills for her future career as a primary care physician. Inspired by her parents’ dedication to whole-person care in Pakistan, she is committed to providing the same level of compassionate treatment. Along her journey, she has drawn inspiration from leadership at The Wright Center, including President and CEO Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak, Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr. Erin McFadden, and Dr. Barooah. “I connect to the type of care offered here because my parents also took a whole-person approach to treating their patients,” Dr. Bhimani said. “The doctors I’ve worked with take the time to listen and understand their patients. The whole sum of The Wright Center’s program is community care and community outreach. That’s what I want to provide as a doctor, too.” For more information about The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education, go to TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-230-0019
The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education Welcomes 47 New Resident Physicians on Match Day The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education welcomed 47 new resident physicians into residency programs on National Match Day for aspiring doctors on March 21. The National Resident Matching Program’s Match Day is held annually on the third Friday of March. Medical students nation- and worldwide simultaneously learn at which U.S. residency program they will train for the next three to seven years. It is one of the most important and competitive processes in the medical school experience. On March 21, The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education staff celebrated National Match Day, marking the exciting moment when medical students discover their residency placements. Joining the festivities were Michelle Grochowski, Eileen Howells, Lisa Mann, Russell Day, Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak, Meagan Coleman-Derenick, Dr. Jumee Barooah, Brian Ebersole, Najla Figueroa, and Xiomara Smith, who shared in the excitement of welcoming the incoming residents. The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education looks forward to Match Day each year as it learns which medical school graduates will continue their training in its Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)-accredited residency programs. The Wright Center is one of the largest U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)-funded Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education Consortiums in the country, with more than 190 physicians in training. The Wright Center matched residents in the following regional programs: Internal Medicine Residency (32) and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Residency (9). Two resident physicians were also welcomed into the new Internal Medicine-Geriatrics Integrated Residency and Fellowship Pathway, commonly known as the Combined Med-Geri Pathway, and four residents will join the new Family Medicine – HealthSource of Ohio Residency Program, a collaboration between The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education and HealthSource of Ohio in Hillsboro. The Wright Center is one of 14 training sites across the country approved by ACGME to offer the unique Med-Geri Pathway Program, which provides an alternative route for training geriatricians by integrating the clinical experiences and competencies required of a geriatrics fellowship across the internal medicine residency. The innovative Family Medicine – HealthSource of Ohio Residency Program focuses on training family medicine physicians in rural settings with an emphasis on caring for underserved populations. Residents will gain hands-on experience in patient care at Ohio’s largest Federally Qualified Health Center, which serves more than 85,000 patients annually. Through this immersive training, the program aims to strengthen the rural health care workforce and improve access to high-quality whole-person primary health services. The Wright Center will also retain three physicians in training who will complete the Geriatrics Fellowship Program in June. They will join the Internal Medicine Residency Program. The new resident physicians will begin their program on July 1. All together, incoming residents hail from 12 countries: 15 from the United States, 15 from Pakistan, four from Egypt, four from India, two from Canada, and one each from Georgia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Lebanon, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. The Wright Center received 5,835 applications and interviewed 433 candidates, or about 7.42% of the applicants. The National Resident Matching Program makes residency matches, using a mathematical algorithm to pair graduating medical students with open training positions at teaching health centers, educational consortia, hospitals, and other institutions across the U.S. The model considers the top choices of both students and residency programs. “Match Day is one of the most exciting days of the academic year and a celebration to welcome our new residents,” said Jumee Barooah, M.D., senior vice president and designated institutional official at The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education. “For the residents, the day represents the culmination of years of hard work and perseverance that began at an early age. “For The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education, it marks another milestone in meeting our mission to improve the health and welfare of our communities through responsive, whole-person health services for all and the sustainable renewal of an inspired, competent workforce that is privileged to serve.” The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education was established in 1976 as the Scranton-Temple Residency Program, a community-based internal medicine residency. Today, The Wright Center is one of the nation’s largest HRSA-funded Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education Safety-Net Consortiums. Together with consortium stakeholders, The Wright Center trains residents and fellows in a community-based, community-needs-responsive workforce development model to advance their shared mission to provide whole-person primary health services to everyone, regardless of their insurance status, ZIP code, or ability to pay. To date, The Wright Center has trained 1,056 graduates. The Wright Center offers ACGME-accredited residencies in four disciplines – internal medicine, family medicine, physical medicine & rehabilitation, and the combined med-geri pathway – as well as fellowships in cardiovascular disease, gastroenterology, and geriatrics. For more information about The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education, go to TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-230-0019.
Urban Co-Works Expands Out of State Urban Co-Works, a premier coworking space provider, is thrilled to announce the opening of its newest location at 98 Lower Westfield Road in Holyoke, Massachusetts. This expansion marks the third location for Urban Co-Works, which began in 2017 in Schenectady, NY, and opened its second location in downtown Scranton, PA, in 2023. “Holyoke is a vibrant city with a growing community of professionals and entrepreneurs in need of flexible, collaborative spaces to work and thrive,” said Jeff Goronkin, CEO of Urban Co-Works. “Our team is excited to bring the Urban Co-Works experience to Massachusetts. We look forward to contributing to the city’s economic development and offering a space that inspires creativity and connection.” The new Holyoke facility offers a state-of-the-art coworking environment featuring 55 private offices, three meeting rooms, an expansive event area with a fully equipped kitchen, and a coworking section with 20 workstations. Members will enjoy 24/7 access with a keyless entry system, free onsite parking, printing services, and complimentary beverages including coffee and tea. Conveniently located near some of Holyoke’s best shopping and dining options, the space is designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and professional growth. Goronkin shared his vision for the new location: “Our goal is to create an environment in Holyoke that mirrors the success we’ve had in Schenectady and Scranton. We want to be a hub for business development, networking, and professional events. Urban Co-Works has always been about building strong communities, and we’re excited to bring that mission to Holyoke.” Ned Barowski, owner of the building at 98 Lower Westfield Road, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership. “We’re thrilled to welcome Urban Co-Works to our space. Their presence will foster a vibrant professional community in the region, and we can’t wait to see the positive impact they’ll have on Holyoke’s business ecosystem.”
Scranton Area Community Foundation Awards Grant to Scranton Counseling Center Scranton Area Community Foundation Awards $10,000 Fall 2024 Community Needs Grant to Scranton Counseling Center to help with their Crisis Receiving and Stabilization Unit Scranton Counseling Center has been awarded a $10,000 Community Needs grant by the Scranton Area Community Foundation in support of the Center’s Crisis Receiving and Stabilization Unit (CRSU). The CRSU is a 24-hour walk-in facility for people experiencing crises but who don’t need the level of support an inpatient psychiatric hospital provides. Trained crisis counselors connect them with services & resources to help them succeed in the community. The facility has 8 beds & offers a less restrictive option for managing individuals who are going through a crisis and provides assessment of crisis needs and supervision 24-hours a day up to 3 days. Scranton Counseling Center is extremely grateful for the Scranton Area Community Foundation’s continued belief in our programs. Pictured L to R: Cathy Fitzpatrick, SACF Director of Grants and Scholarships; Melanie Galli, SCC CRSU Coordinator; Doug Hein, SCC Directors of Development; and Laura Ducceschi, SACF President and CEO.
Outreach Hosts Early Childhood Community Meeting On March 4th, Outreach – Center for Community Resources, members of the Scranton School District board and staff, Maternal & Family Health Services (MFHS), the United Way, Children’s Issues in a Changing World, and other key regional stakeholders came together for a valuable discussion on building school readiness, promoting parental involvement, and improving the coordination of services for children throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. The event was held at the Allied Services Luger Scranton Rehab Center on Morgan Highway. The more than 50 attendees explored topics such as early identification, engaging parents, transitions between birth to 3 and 3 to 5, and transitions between 3 to 5 and kindergarten. Outreach President/CEO Lori Chaffers (L), Scranton School District Assistant Superintendent Al O’Donnell, and John F. Kennedy Elementary School Principal Nora Phillips (R) opened the meeting by discussing the critical needs of our community’s youngest members. Following the opening remarks, attendees were divided into four discussion groups, each tackling a different topic of interest. Staff members of the Scranton School District and Outreach facilitated the groups, helping guide the conversation. By the end of the discussions, the group determined the next steps, including discussing the possibility of creating a nonprofit index for Lackawanna County and increasing opportunities for parental engagement. This was the first in a series of discussions regarding early childhood in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Outreach and the Scranton School District have not announced a date for the next meeting.
Misericordia University Launches Center for Workforce Development Misericordia University is proud to announce the launch of the Center for Workforce Development and Talent Solutions, housed within the College of Business. This newly established center is dedicated to strengthening the local, regional, and globally connected workforce by equipping businesses and professionals with tailored educational programs, workforce training, and talent development solutions that address evolving industry needs.As industries face evolving challenges in talent recruitment, employee retention, and skill development, Misericordia University’s Center for Workforce Development and Talent Solutions will serve as a strategic partner, bridging the gap between higher education and workforce needs. Through innovative training programs, credit-bearing degree programs, professional certifications, customized corporate learning opportunities, and career development initiatives, the center will equip individuals and organizations with the tools needed to thrive in a competitive, ever-evolving job market.“The establishment of this center reflects Misericordia University’s commitment to lifelong learning and workforce innovation,” said Jim Pierson, Dean of the College of Business at Misericordia University. “By leveraging our academic expertise and industry partnerships, we aim to provide employers and professionals with the resources necessary to succeed in today’s dynamic economic landscape.” The center will offer: Workforce and Talent Solutions: A commitment to equipping the workforce locally, regionally, and beyond with the skills, knowledge, and abilities necessary to meet evolving employer needs. The center will ensure that businesses have access to a well-prepared talent pool, ready to contribute to organizational success in an increasingly competitive and interconnected economy. Business Partnerships: Collaboration with employers, professional associations, government agencies, community groups, and other stakeholders to develop talent pipelines that strengthen the workforce locally, regionally, and beyond. Comprehensive Credentials: Credentialing opportunities (certificates, micro-credentials, badges, continuing education units, and credit-bearing degree & certificate programs) in high-demand fields to enhance career advancement and long-term professional growth. Career Support: The center will provide front-end and back-end career counseling and ongoing career support throughout the entire career lifecycle, ensuring individuals have the guidance, resources, and strategies needed to navigate career transitions, advance in their fields, and achieve long-term professional success. Customized Workforce Training: Tailored programs designed to address specific industry needs, from leadership development to technical skills training. Core sectors will include business, business healthcare, business technology & analytics, and human development skills. Through these initiatives, the Center for Workforce Development and Talent Solutions seeks to position Misericordia University as a local, regional, and broader community hub for workforce education and business collaboration.For more information about the Center for Workforce Development and Talent Solutions and upcoming programs, please visit www.misericordia.edu/workforcedevelopment or contact Paul Nardone, Director at pnardone@misericordia.edu or 570-674-8130.
The Chamber Hosts Congressman Rob Bresnahan for Capitol Conversations The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce recently hosted Congressman Rob Bresnahan for the first 2025 session of Capitol Conversations—a series designed to foster open dialogue between business leaders and government officials. The event provided a platform to discuss key issues impacting northeastern Pennsylvania’s economy, workforce, and business landscape. Congressman Bresnahan, moderated by Bob Durkin, president of The Chamber, addressed several pressing topics, including workforce development, housing, childcare, and the challenges facing small businesses. On tariffs, Bresnahan noted that while business owners are adaptable, sudden tariff hikes place undue strain on Americans. He advocated for incremental increases instead of abrupt policy changes. When discussing the housing market, he pointed out how tariffs on supplies influence interest rates and the overall cost of building materials. He called for a stronger push for domestic production and noted that tariffs remain an executive order, not a congressional action. Bresnahan also addressed the ongoing workforce challenges at Tobyhanna Army Depot. He stressed Tobyhanna’s importance as an economic driver, with local companies playing a critical role in its operations. The conversation also covered the Small Business Administration (SBA). Congressman Bresnahan urged the SBA to improve its outreach efforts and more effectively distribute funding to small businesses, recognizing their significant contribution to the region’s economy. Childcare was another focal point, and the congressman emphasized its connection to workforce development. He discussed the difficulty of finding qualified staff and the need for increased support to help families afford services. Tourism, a vital industry for the region, was also discussed. Bresnahan acknowledged the sector’s ongoing workforce challenges and stressed the need for improved self-promotion to combat negative self-perception. “The Capitol Conversations series offers a unique opportunity for our members to connect one-on-one with our elected officials,” shared Bob Durkin, president of The Chamber. “We thank Congressman Bresnahan for his openness to listening to and discussing these issues critical to our business community.” The Chamber’s Capitol Conversations series will continue to bring policymakers and business leaders together, fostering meaningful dialogue and driving advocacy efforts that support economic growth in northeastern Pennsylvania.
Strzelec Named Top 25 Women in Business Honoree by NEPA Business Journal The leadership of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that Jennifer Strzelec, program coordinator for its community leadership and professional development division, Leadership Lackawanna, has been selected as an honoree for the prestigious Top 25 Women in Business by the NEPA Business Journal. The NEPA Business Journal’s Top 25 Women in Business recognizes outstanding women who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, community involvement, and professional success throughout the region. As program coordinator, Strzelec plays a vital role in advancing Leadership Lackawanna’s mission to cultivate community leadership and foster professional development across northeastern Pennsylvania. She primarily supports the Tomorrow’s Leaders Today (TLT) program, a seven-month initiative designed for high school juniors. In this capacity, Strzelec oversees recruitment, marketing, evaluations, and administrative operations. Her leadership ensures that the next generation of leaders is equipped with the essential skills and knowledge they need. In addition to managing TLT, Strzelec runs Leadership Lackawanna’s collegiate initiatives and alumni engagement, fostering a lifelong network of leadership and community involvement. Strzelec brings a diverse background to her role. She previously gained valuable experience as a preschool aide in Mt. Cobb and at the YMCA in King George, Virginia. Her commitment to service extends beyond education, as she is a veteran of the United States Army, where she served in the avionics division at both Fort Hood, Texas, and Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. “This honor is a true reflection of her talent and hard work, and I’m very proud to see her recognized. Indeed, it is a testament to her dedication, not only to Leadership Lackawanna but to our community,” shared Nicole Morristell, executive director of Leadership Lackawanna.
Olympic Gold Medalist to provide Keynote Address at EMPOWER, The Leadership Experience The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce announces that Olympic Gold Medalist Dominique Dawes will provide the lunch keynote at EMPOWER, The Leadership Experience. Dominique Dawes is the first African American gymnast to win an individual Olympic medal. She is the owner of Dominique Dawes Gymnastics & Ninja Academies. The first academy opened in July 2020 during the global pandemic, and the second location opened in 2023. Dominique Dawes, lunch keynote speaker Christina Butler, breakfast keynote speaker Dawes holds minority ownership in the Washington Spirit of the National Women’s Soccer League. Alongside Drew Brees, she served as the co-chair of the President’s Council for Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition under the Obama administration. Recently, Dawes collaborated with LeBron James and Maverick Carter as Executive Producer of the Peacock docuseries “Golden,” which follows USA’s elite gymnasts on the road to the Tokyo Olympics and has been nominated for a Sports Emmy. EMPOWER, The Leadership Experience is the premier women’s leadership event in northeastern Pennsylvania. Marking its 10th year, the 2025 conference theme is “DREAM BIG!” and will be held on April 24 at Kalahari Resorts & Convention Center. Presented by Geisinger, EMPOWER is a day-long conference highlighting the ability all women have to create positive change in their communities and lives while recognizing the extraordinary power that exists when women come together to support each other. In addition to Dawes, the breakfast keynote address will be provided by Christina Butler, a communications and presentation skills professional, and 44 regional speakers will present in breakout sessions. Attendees will also have access to a wellness studio and a small business marketplace. It is anticipated that the conference will host 1,000 attendees in 2025. For a third year, The Honesdale National Bank will sponsor EMPOWER TEEN, a specialized track for students currently enrolled in high school and between the ages of 16 and 18 years old. The program empowers and enhances students’ personal and professional development. Tickets are available through April 1, 2025.
