The Wright Center Recognizes National Salute to Veterans Here in Northeast Pennsylvania, we hold our military veterans in the highest regard – and rightfully so, given their immense sacrifices for our nation. Like any other group, veterans face a wide array of health challenges that require exceptional care. Highlighting this vital issue is the mission of the annual National Salute to Veteran Patients, observed this year from Feb. 9-15. This weeklong tribute honors the millions of veterans who receive care at Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities while raising awareness about the critical role these centers play and encouraging more people to visit and volunteer. The National Salute to Veteran Patients began in 1974, initiated by the humanitarian organization No Greater Love, Inc., and was later adopted by the VA in 1978. Today, the VA’s Center for Development and Civic Engagement organizes local events and activities at VA medical facilities across the country, recognizing the contributions of both hospitalized and outpatient veterans. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, nearly 100,000 veterans visit VA medical centers each day, about 9 million annually. These centers, operated by the Veterans Health Administration, form the largest integrated health care system in the country. They provide a wide range of essential services, including orthopedics, mental health care, surgery, critical care, radiology, pharmacy, physical therapy, speech pathology, and neurology. At The Wright Center, we are proud to play a role in this vital work. Many of our resident and fellow physicians gain invaluable experience at the VA Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre, where they learn firsthand the rewards of providing high-quality medical care to those who have served our country. The opportunity to care for veterans – whose selfless service has ensured our safety and freedoms – is deeply fulfilling for our physicians. Just like our resident and fellow physicians, you can be of service to our vets, too, by becoming more engaged in the volunteer and philanthropic efforts of the VA. There are a number of ways to give your time, from greeting veterans at the main entrance of the VA Medical Center to visiting them in their rooms to becoming a Volunteer Transportation Network driver. You can also donate items or make a financial contribution to support food banks, homeless veteran programs, and other worthwhile endeavors. As part of National Salute to Veteran Patients Week, the VA is inviting individuals and organizations to send Valentine’s Day cards to veteran patients at its medical centers. The cards are meant to express appreciation for their service, and provide encouragement as they continue their health care journey. Interested in getting involved? Contact the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center at 570-821-7237 and tell them you want to help out. Veterans represent the best and bravest amongst us, so we owe it to them to support their health care needs in any way we can. So, if you can, make a visit to the VA and salute a veteran patient – you’ll brighten their day and feel enriched by the experience. Stephanie A. Gill, M.D., MPH, is a board-certified family medicine physician at The Wright Center for Community Health and the program director and physician faculty member of The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s Regional Family Medicine Residency Program. For more information about The Wright Center, go to TheWrightCenter.org.
WVIA Recognized with Multiple Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters (PAB) Awards for Local Storytelling and Impact WVIA, the PBS and NPR affiliate serving over 22 counties in Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania, has been recognized by the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters (PAB) with multiple awards across several categories. These honors highlight the station’s commitment to producing high-quality, locally relevant stories that inform, educate, and engage the community. Key Highlights: WVIA received recognition in five categories, including Outstanding Television Use of Digital Media, Outstanding Television Public Affairs Program, Outstanding Documentary Program, Outstanding Use of Radio Digital Media, and a Judges Merit Award. The station was honored for producing high quality news, information, and education content, which reflect its ongoing dedication to serving the public by telling impactful local stories that resonate with the community. Two of the awards recognize the quality and importance of coverage from WVIA News, including a deeply reported story about the dangerous consequences of distracted driving statewide initiative to crack down on it, and a Veteran’s Day special about a 99-year WWII veteran who readies his local orchestra for their next performance in Scranton. Key Quotes: “We are grateful to the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters for this recognition,” said Ben Payavis II, Chief Content Officer at WVIA. “As a public media organization, our goal is to provide thoughtful, local programming that reflects the diverse needs of our community. These awards affirm the hard work and passion of our entire team, as well as the importance of the trust we’ve built with local organizations, artists, storytellers, and the audience we serve.” “Public media belongs to the people, and these awards belong to our community,” said Carla McCabe, President & CEO of WVIA. “We are honored to continue sharing meaningful stories that inform, inspire and shine a spotlight on our region.” WVIA was Awarded in the Following Categories: Outstanding Television Use of Digital Media:“The Forgotten Dynasty: Scranton Eagles Football Digital Campaign” Contributors: Chris Zellers, Jim Jennings, Kara Washington, Caitlin Mackiewicz, Holly Biondo, Ron Andruscavage, Ben Payavis II Outstanding Television Public Affairs Program/Program Series:“Keystone Edition Reports: Distracted Driving”Contributors: Julie Sidoni, Faith Golay, Lisa Guthrie Deabill, Ben Payavis II, Roger DuPuis, Haley O’Brien, Ron Andruscavage Outstanding Documentary ProgramWHAM Re-Bop-Boom-Bam: The Swing Jazz of Eddie Durham”Contributors: Kris Hendrickson, Ben Payavis II, George Graham, Ron Anduscavage, Loren Schoenberg, Andy Sordoni Outstanding Radio Use of Digital Media:“WWII veteran Gene Passarella”Contributor: Sarah Hofius Hall JUDGES’ MERIT“VIA Short Takes #403”Contributors: Kris Hendrickson, John Alaimo, Ben Payavis II These awards are a testament to the WVIA’s commitment to producing content that goes beyond entertainment by delivering balanced, fact-based local news and informative programs, as well as captivating arts, historical, and educational content for our region. Winners will be recognized at the Annual Excellence in Broadcasting Awards Luncheon taking place at the Harrisburg Hilton on Friday, April 11, 2025. The full list of winners will be announced on the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters website.
Wayne Bank Promotes Monica Bell to Assistant Fraud Officer Jim Donnelly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wayne Bank, is pleased to announce the promotion of Monica Bell to Assistant Fraud Officer. “Monica is extremely deserving of this promotion, and I am thrilled to announce her accomplishment. Her commitment to bettering operational efficiency in our Fraud Department has contributed to our consistent growth. With hard work and expert knowledge, Monica will continue to aid our improvement at Wayne Bank,” said Mr. Donnelly. Bell joined Wayne Bank in 2022 and most recently served as a Fraud & Risk Analyst, where she was responsible for maintaining safe practices and driving operations within our Fraud Department. Bell graduated from Ocean County College, where she received an associate’s degree in criminal justice. Bell spends her free time coaching and volunteering her four children’s sports teams with her husband.
University of Scranton Students Offer Free Income Tax Assistance Lackawanna and Wayne County residents whose households earned $67,000 or less in 2024 can receive free assistance in completing and filing their federal, state, and local tax returns from University of Scranton accounting students through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. University students have assisted residents with low and moderate incomes who need help with their basic tax returns for more than 30 years. Walk-in service in Brennan Hall on the University’s campus begins on Monday, Feb. 3. The VITA service is offered on a first-come, first-served basis during scheduled hours. Appointments are not available at the University. Walk-in VITA service without an appointment is available in room 111 of Brennan Hall, Madison Avenue, on the University’s campus on Mondays, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Tuesdays, from noon to 5 p.m.; Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. VITA service begins on Monday, Feb. 3, and continues to Friday, Apr. 4, except for the week of Mar. 17 to Mar. 21, when the University is closed for Spring Break. The VITA office may also close due to inclement weather. The University reserves the right to cap the number of walk-in residents they can serve within a single day. Residents can schedule appointments at other locations by contacting the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties by visiting www.uwlc.net or calling 570-602-3133, or 1-866-662-8887, 211. Residents who qualify for the free VITA service are asked to bring the following items: a valid photo ID; Social Security cards for all taxpayers and dependents; all W2 forms; last year’s tax returns; all 1099 forms (interest, dividends, pensions); unemployment paperwork; Form 8332 for non-custodial parents; information related to income and expenses (business, rental properties, sale of stocks); a personal banking account check if direct deposit is desired; documentation related to health insurance for themselves and anyone on the tax return, such as Form 1095-A, -B or –C; and real estate tax receipts if you qualify for the rent/tax rebate. Residents with questions may call the University at 570-941-4045.
The Wright Center for Community Health Staff Selected to Serve on State HIV Advisory Group Two employees of The Wright Center for Community Health’s Ryan White Clinic will join an advisory group collaborating with the state Department of Health, including its Division of HIV Health and Bureau of Communicable Diseases, as well as the University of Pittsburgh. Sharon Whitebread Deanna DiGiapaolo Sharon Whitebread, manager of medical case management at the Ryan White Clinic, and Deanna DiGiampaolo, the clinic’s outreach and prevention education coordinator, have been appointed to three-year terms on the HIV Planning Group. The advisory group panel brings together stakeholders from across the state to coordinate efforts in HIV care and prevention planning. “The HIV Planning Group envisions a future where everyone living with HIV, as well as those most vulnerable to the disease, have access to the latest prevention methods, treatment, care, support, and services,” Whitebread said. “We will offer guidance to the Pennsylvania Department of Health on HIV-related care, prevention, testing, and the state’s progress in achieving the goals of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy.” Whitebread, who holds a degree in human services and a certificate of specialization in criminal justice, has been with The Wright Center for nearly five years and has worked in the HIV field since 2001. Throughout her career, the Luzerne County resident has been an HIV testing counselor for the state Department of Health, an HIV/AIDS instructor and instructor trainer for the American Red Cross, an HIV intervention specialist, and an educator and outreach professional in the field. DiGiampaolo has a diverse clinical background, working in emergency rooms, laboratories, and pharmacies. The Wayne County resident has a public health degree with a concentration in communicable diseases and a biology degree. Membership in the HIV Planning Group is by invitation only. Whitebread and DiGiampaolo, chosen for their unique backgrounds, will join 23 other representatives from across the Commonwealth. The Wright Center has been a federally designated Ryan White provider since 2003. It delivers comprehensive HIV primary medical care, essential support services, and medications to individuals living with HIV, including the uninsured and underserved, across seven counties in Northeast Pennsylvania. Currently, The Wright Center serves nearly 500 patients through its Ryan White clinical program, provides specialty health care, and has about 300 clients through its medical case management program. Some individuals are enrolled in both services. To learn more, visit TheWrightCenter.org/services/ryan-white-hiv-clinic/ or call 570.941.0630.
The Dime Bank Donates to United Neighborhood Centers’ CEDAR Center Project The Dime Bank announced a $25,000.00 donation to the United Neighborhood Centers (UNC) of Northeastern Pennsylvania in support of their CEDAR Center project. This donation is made via the PA Department of Community and Economic Development Neighborhood Assistance Program. The contribution underscores The Dime Bank’s dedication to community development and its belief in UNC’s mission to empower individuals and families. The CEDAR Center, a transformative initiative by UNC, will revitalize a historic building into a vibrant community hub. The center will provide expanded access to vital services, including education, job readiness training, workforce development programs, community health resources, and support for immigrant integration. “At The Dime Bank, we believe that strong communities are built through strong partnerships. We’re proud to support UNC’s vision for the CEDAR Center and to work alongside them to create a brighter future for our neighbors.” said Senior Vice President Chief Financial Officer Jeffrey Roche. “The CEDAR Center is poised to become a cornerstone of community life, offering resources and opportunities for residents to thrive. The Dime Bank’s donation reflects its commitment to investing in the future of the community and empowering individuals to reach
The Dime Bank (Dimeco, Inc.) Announces 2024 Earnings Dimeco, Inc. (OTCQX: DIMC), the parent holding company of The Dime Bank, announces unaudited financial results for the quarter and fiscal year ending December 31, 2024. Total assets increased $90 million or 9.1% from the end of 2023 to $1.080 billion as of December 31, 2024. The loan portfolio ended the year at $775 million, an increase of $52.9 million or 7.3% from the year prior. Deposits also increased year-over-year to $911 million, a gain of $84.5 million or 10.2%. Dimeco’s 2024 net income of $12.9 million was $2.1 million or 19.5% greater than 2023, resulting in earnings per share of $5.12. Net income at this level produced a return on average assets of 1.25% and a return on average equity of 12.61%, an increase of 12.6% and 6.5%, respectively. Stockholders’ Equity also increased 8.5% to $107 million. The 2024 dividend payout ratio was 31.64% providing a yield of 4.08%, with year-to-date dividends totaling $1.62 per share. President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Bochnovich stated, “I am excited to share our financial achievements for 2024. It was a year of noteworthy progress for Dimeco, Inc., marked by numerous positive outcomes. We sustained our robust growth trajectory through sound and prudent banking practices. Looking ahead, we are optimistic about the future and confident that the momentum we built in 2024 will carry into 2025. Our commitment to our communities and shareholders is paramount. We value your ongoing support and unwavering dedication.”
SIMONA AMERICA Industries Expands to Archbald SIMONA AMERICA Group—a leading supplier of thermoplastic semi-finished parts—has announced a significant expansion of its Archbald, Pennsylvania facility, SIMONA AMERICA Industries “SAI”. This $23 million investment reflects the company’s commitment to driving innovation, supporting local economic growth, and enhancing its manufacturing capabilities. Scheduled for completion in Q1 of 2026, the expansion will add over 80,000 square feet to the existing facility. This state-of-the-art extension will be equipped with advanced manufacturing technology, enabling SAI to broaden its product portfolio and better serve its diverse customer base across industries such as chemical processing, semiconductor equipment manufacturing, outdoor living, marine, and more
Pennsylvania Treasury Launches New Portal for Tax Appeals Treasurer Stacy Garrity Launches New Portal to Simplify Pennsylvania Tax Appeals Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity today announced the launch of the new online Tax Appeal Portal to streamline Pennsylvania’s tax appeal process. Taxpayers and tax practitioners filing appeals with the Department of Revenue (DOR) through the Board of Finance & Revenue (BF&R) can now find all applicable forms in one convenient online location. “Making the tax appeal process easier makes sense on every level,” Treasurer Garrity said. “This new tool makes it simpler and more efficient to file an appeal, and it’s a great example of focusing on how we can make government work better for the taxpayers.” To use the Tax Appeal Portal, taxpayers and tax practitioners will first create a password-protected account. Password verification is required for enhanced security. Once an account is created, users can: File a petition; Upload supporting documents; Request a hearing continuance; Request a compromise directly with the DOR; Request a mediated settlement conference (for appeals filed on or after January 27, 2025); and Take advantage of other features. Those using the Tax Appeal Portal will be able to see all petitions they have filed through the Portal and verify any documents that were previously uploaded. BF&R is an independent administrative tax tribunal, administered by the State Treasurer, responsible for the second and final level of administrative appeal (with minor exceptions) before appealing to court. Its Board consists of three members – two are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Pennsylvania Senate; the third is the State Treasurer or her designee and serves as Chair. For more information about BF&R’s new Tax Appeal Portal, visit patreasury.gov/bfr.
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