The Wright Center for Community Health Clinics Earn National Recognition Two of The Wright Center for Community Health’s clinics received commendations from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) for delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. The Wright Center for Community Health Clarks Summit, 1145 Northern Blvd., and The Wright Center for Community Health Mid Valley, 5 S. Washington Ave., Jermyn, achieved the NCQA’s Patient-Centered Medical Home certificate of recognition. The award recognizes both locations’ commitment to delivering affordable, high-quality, nondiscriminatory, whole-person primary health services using the patient-centered medical home model. In addition to strengthening patient-clinician relationships and enhancing the management of chronic conditions, the patient-centered medical home model also increases staff satisfaction and reduces health care costs. The Wright Center for Community Health Scranton, 501 S. Washington Ave., and The Wright Center for Community Health Wilkes-Barre, 169 N. Pennsylvania Ave., earned NCQA’s Patient-Centered Medical Home certificates of recognition in September. The Mid Valley location first achieved this distinction in 2011, followed by Clarks Summit in 2014, and both Scranton and Wilkes-Barre in 2021. All four health centers undergo an annual review to maintain compliance with NCQA’s rigorous standards. “Our continued certification as a Patient-Centered Medical Home reaffirms to the communities we serve that our team-based care approach and advanced technology deliver timely, effective care,” said Dr. Jignesh Sheth, senior vice president and chief medical and information officer at The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education. “This model fosters strong partnerships between patients and clinicians, enabling more responsive and comprehensive health care. We’re honored to receive this recognition once again for our dedication and hard work.” The NCQA, based in Washington, D.C., was founded in 1990 with support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. It seeks to improve health care quality through measurement, transparency, and accountability. Headquartered in Scranton, The Wright Center’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, nondiscriminatory whole-person primary health services to everyone, regardless of insurance status, ZIP code, or ability to pay. To learn more, call 570-230-0019 or go to TheWrightCenter.org.
PS Bank Donates to Neil Armstrong Elementary School PS Bank recently made a donation of $4,000 to Neil Armstrong Elementary School in Scranton. This contribution, made possible through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program, will help fund instructional materials for early literacy programs, including materials used during before-school and after-school tutoring. The donation will support the school’s ongoing efforts to enrich student experiences, both inside and outside the classroom. Neil Armstrong has strong participation in before-school and after-school tutoring sessions, and the PS Bank donation will allow for teachers to have greater access to materials to enrich those programs. “We are so grateful for PS Bank’s generous donation,” said Jennifer Bradley, Principal of Neil Armstrong Elementary School. “This funding will make a huge impact on our ability to provide enhanced educational resources to our teachers who facilitate the before-school and after-school tutoring program.” The donation holds special significance for PS Bank, as the school is located in the heart of North Scranton where PS Bank is set to open a new branch this spring. PS Bank President & CEO Anthony Gabello,who attended Neil Armstrong Elementary School growing up, expressed deep pride in supporting the institution that shaped his early educational experience. “It’s a true honor to give back to the school that played such a pivotal role in my own education,” said Gabello. “Neil Armstrong Elementary School has always been a cornerstone of the North Scranton community. We’re proud to support their efforts and look forward to continuing to invest in the future of Scranton’s students.” PS Bank’s donation is part of the bank’s commitment to supporting educational opportunities in the community through the EITC program, which allows businesses to provide financial support to approved educational organizations while receiving a tax credit in return.
Allied Services Receives Donation from Peoples Security Bank & Trust Peoples Security Bank & Trust Donates $50,000 to Support Pediatric Rehabilitation at Allied Services Allied Services recently welcomed representatives from Peoples Security Bank & Trust (PSBT) to the John P. Moses, Esq. Pediatric Rehabilitation Center in Scranton to celebrate a generous $50,000 contribution through the Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP). This investment underscores PSBT’s commitment to enhancing pediatric rehabilitation services for children in Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania. standing front from left: Nancy Jeffers, Vice President, Senior Commercial Loan Officer, PSBT; Lynne Duncan, MS, CCC/SLP, Allied Services; Karen Kile, MS, OTR/L, Allied Services; Danielle Burrier, MS, CCC/SLP, Team Manager, Allied Services; back row from left: Joseph Ferriti, Executive Vice President, Northeast Market President, PSBT; Cathy Guzzi, PT, DPT, MS, Assistant Vice President of Rehab Therapies; Robert Cole, Ph.D., Senior Vice President, Chief Analytics Officer, and Director of Graduate Medical Education, Allied Services The donation, made possible through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s NAP Tax Credit Program, helps ensure that Allied Services can continue providing life-changing therapies and specialized care to more than 1,200 children annually. “We are deeply grateful for the continued generosity of Peoples Security Bank & Trust,” said Robert Cole, Ph.D., Senior Vice President, Chief Analytics Officer, and Director of Graduate Medical Education at Allied Services. “Community partnerships like this are essential in ensuring that children facing physical and developmental challenges receive the comprehensive care they need to reach their full potential. PSBT’s commitment to our pediatric rehabilitation programs is truly making a difference in the lives of local families.” For over 30 years, the Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) has encouraged community participation and partnerships among nonprofits, businesses, and residents to benefit distressed areas and low-income populations. NAP tax credits provide an incentive for corporate partners to invest in nonprofit projects, helping to revitalize Pennsylvania communities and support vital services like pediatric rehabilitation at Allied Services. Allied Services extends its heartfelt appreciation to Peoples Security Bank & Trust for their generous $50,000 investment in the John P. Moses, Esq. Pediatric Rehabilitation Center. Their support directly impacts the lives of children in need of specialized rehabilitation, empowering them to thrive and achieve their goals.
Pennsylvania Treasury Launches New Employer Tax Credit Program The Pennsylvania Treasury is pleased to announce Pennsylvania’s New Employer Tax Credit for matching contributions to employee PA 529 and PA ABLE accounts. The new employer tax credit encourages Pennsylvania employers to contribute to their employees’ PA 529 and ABLE accounts. Beginning in January 2025, Pennsylvania employers will be eligible to claim a 25% state tax credit against the aggregate amount of all matching contributions to employee 529 and ABLE accounts of up to $500 per employee per tax year. For more information, contact Jolene Miraglia, Regional Program Manager, Pennsylvania Treasury at jmiraglia@patreasury.gov or visit patreasury.gov/consumer. PA 529 New Employer Tax PDF PA 529 College & Career Savings PDF
Geisinger Facilities Remain Open Due to Strike Geisinger facilities in Luzerne County remain open as SEIU nurses begin 5-day strike Registered nurses affiliated with Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Healthcare Pennsylvania started a 5-day strike at 7 a.m. Monday at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre and Geisinger Healthplex CenterPoint after several weeks of negotiations between SEIU and Geisinger failed to produce a mutually agreeable labor contract. Despite any labor actions, those facilities remain open and staffed with experienced, licensed registered nurses. “We have activated a contingency plan that includes bringing in additional staff on a temporary basis so these critical health care resources in Luzerne County can operate business as usual to continue delivering high-quality care to everyone in need during the strike,” said Renee Blakiewicz, R.N., vice president and chief nursing officer for Geisinger’s northeast region. “In addition to nurses, other members of the clinical team, including physicians and advanced practice providers, will care for our patients as they always have. We are fully committed to ensuring continuity of care for our community during the strike.” Geisinger does not expect to postpone any procedures or elective surgeries during the strike. Geisinger values the compassionate work registered nurses do every day for the community and respects the rights of the SEIU-affiliated nurses to collectively bargain. “We have been negotiating in good faith, and a strike is the last thing we wanted to see happen,” said Brion Lieberman, chief human resources officer for Geisinger. “We want to compensate our nurses for their great work, while maintaining the ability to add clinical staff, improve our facilities and grow the services we offer this community. We have offered a starting salary of more than $85,000 per year for fulltime staff with yearly increases and comprehensive health benefits. We hope SEIU will return to the bargaining table so we can reach a mutually agreeable contract.”
GAIT Equine Assisted Service Hosts Workshop on Vagus Nerve Discover the Power of the Vagus Nerve in Humans & Horses Learn how to recognize, activate, and optimize vagal tone for your entire EAL team, facilitators, volunteers, participants, and equines! What You’ll Gain: Practical tools to enhance participant outcomes Strategies to support therapy horses’ well-being Integration of vagal tone principles into facilitative reasoning Earn 3 CEUs from PATH Intl. & receive a Certificate of Completion Presented by: Veritas Equine Assisted Learning Institute, LLC Hosted by: GAIT EAS, Milford, PA Date: February 26, 2025 Time: 10 AM – 1 PM (Registration opens at 9 AM) Cost: $75 per person Bring a Friend: $50 per person when you sign up together PATH Intl. Members: $65 individually or $50 each when signing up with a friend Reserve Your Spot Today! Call 570-409-1140 or email Info@gaittrc.org
The Foundation for Free Enterprise Education is Shaping Tomorrow’s Leaders The Foundation for Free Enterprise Education (FFEE) is paving the way for a brighter future by equipping Pennsylvania’s youth with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to succeed. Through its innovative programs, FFEE fosters a deep understanding of the free enterprise system while preparing students for personal and professional success. At the heart of FFEE’s mission is its flagship program, Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week (PFEW), which has been inspiring high school students for over 46 years. Each summer, students from across the state step into the roles of corporate executives, working in teams to navigate real-world business challenges. Along the way, they develop critical thinking, leadership, and teamwork skills that will serve them for a lifetime. But PFEW is more than a business program—it’s a life-changing journey. Students leave with newfound confidence, lifelong friendships, and a clearer vision for their future. Many participants describe the week as “transformational,” with alumni often calling it the best week of their lives. In 2025, PFEW will debut a Reality Fair, an interactive simulation that teaches students how to navigate real-world financial decisions. From budgeting and managing expenses to saving for the future, this hands-on experience equips students with essential life skills to prepare them for adulthood. FFEE’s programming extends beyond PFEW. The Speaker Series connects students with accomplished professionals from various industries and youth opportunities across the state, offering inspiration and practical career insights. The Stock Market Game™ introduces students to the principles of investing and financial literacy, providing teachers with valuable classroom resources while helping students meet key educational benchmarks. All FFEE programs align with Pennsylvania’s education standards, ensuring they are both impactful and relevant. However, none of this would be possible without the incredible partners who bring these programs to life. Each summer, dedicated professionals, educators, and community members join PFEW as mentors, company advisors, and guest speakers. Volunteering at PFEW is an opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of young people while sharing your expertise and enthusiasm. Volunteers often say the experience is as rewarding for them as it is for the students. FFEE also relies on the support of local businesses, schools, and community organizations. These partnerships empower the foundation to offer sponsorships, guaranteeing that every student, regardless of financial circumstances, has access to the unique PFEW opportunity. Together, these collaborations are shaping the next generation of leaders and innovators who will drive Pennsylvania’s economy forward. To support PFEW or to learn more about these vital FFEE programs, visit www.pfew.org or contact VP of Marketing & Development Scott Lee at (814) 833-9576 ext. 8, or scott@pfew.org. Together, we can empower Pennsylvania’s youth to achieve greatness and build a brighter future for all.
Crystal Windows Launches Redesigned Website National manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems recently launched its redesigned corporate website, CrystalWindows.com, with new features to enhance the experience of visitors to the website. The new website has completed reorganized content, new product photography and images, an expanded project gallery, greater product resources and documentation, and easier means to contact the company for sales and information. Besides English, the new website content is available in Spanish and Chinese through the click of a translation button, with more languages planned in coming months. “Last year, Crystal embarked on a journey to rebrand and update its marketing materials across the board,” said Steven Yu, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “We engaged MarketSmiths, a branding agency based here in New York, for the effort. They started by creating a new logo, which we introduced last year, and since then they have worked with our marketing team to completely redesign our website. The results are impressive and reflect the extraordinary level of products and services Crystal has to offer.” Navigation on the website is faster and more intuitive, and it has been tailored for several key audiences: architects and engineers, general contractors and trades, and owners and developers. Product information is prominent, with new lifestyle photography showing the products installed as well as standalone product images. Product literature is organized with everything needed in one location, including installation accessory information and “how-to videos” to facilitate minor installation adjustments. Another focus of the new website is simplifying ordering and order tracking. A newly redesigned contact form easily directs inquiries to the right department or sales representative. For construction professionals, tracking orders is easier, with the production status of each order updated every hour. Translated versions of select product manuals and guides are available in Spanish and Chinese; other languages are planned in the future. For homeowners looking to buy Crystal products, Crystal will recommend local dealers to assist them, since the company does not sell directly to homeowners. Crystal has an extensive network of dealers and has included focused content for them on the website. Fenestration firms looking to join Crystal’s dealer network can complete a special contact form to learn more. “The information now available on the new Crystal website has been streamlined for greater efficiency, with greatly enhanced visual appeal,” said Yu. “We believe our customers and members of the design and construction community will find the new website exciting, more informative, and much easier to navigate.”
Colbert & Grebas Nominated for ‘Best of the Best’ by Times Leader The information below is provided if you would consider voting for Colbert & Grebas in the Best of the Best event offered by the Times Leader. The direct link to vote is: https://www.timesleader.com/bestofthebest#/gallery?group=504601 Thank you for your continued support in serving the elder population in our communities.
City of Scranton Reminds Businesses to Submit 4th Quarter Payroll Preparation Tax Businesses Reminded that the Deadline for Submitting the 2024 Fourth Quarter Payroll Preparation Tax Return is February 28, 2025 Entities conducting business within the City of Scranton are reminded that the due date to submit their fourth quarter tax return for the 2024 Payroll Preparation Tax is February 28, 2025. A person shall be deemed to be conducting business within the City if they engage, hire, employ, or contract with one or more individuals as employees, partners, or is self-employed and, in addition, does at least one of the following: Maintains a fixed place of business within the City; Owns or leases real property within the City for profit; Maintains a stock of tangible, personal property in the City for sale in the ordinary course of business; Conducts continuous solicitation within the City related to such business; or Utilizes the streets of the City in connection with the operation of such business (other than for the mere transportation from a site outside the City, through the City, to a destination outside the City.) Institutions who are exempt from the Payroll Preparation Tax as a result of their status as a nonprofit are required to file quarterly returns claiming their exemption. Returns submitted after February 28, 2025, will be subject to penalty and interest on the balances due. The Payroll Preparation Tax is a tax levied separately by both the Scranton School District and the City of Scranton. The 2024 Payroll Preparation Tax rate for the Scranton School District is 0.7553 percent and the 2024 Payroll Preparation Tax rate for the City of Scranton is 0.2787 percent. The combined 2024 Payroll Preparation Tax rate is 1.034 percent. The City of Scranton and the Scranton School District have both appointed Berkheimer Tax Innovations, Inc. to administer the Payroll Preparation Tax on their behalf. Tax forms are available on Berkheimer’s website at hab-inc.com/pptforms. Additional information, including Frequently Asked Questions, can be found at scrantonpa.gov/payroll-prep-tax-information, https://www.scrsd.org/departments/business-office and www.hab-inc.com/ppt-faq. Please direct all questions regarding the Payroll Preparation Tax to Berkheimer by emailing ebpt@goberk.com or by calling (610) 599-3140.
