The Wright Center Expanding Access to Whole-Person Primary Health Services The Wright Center for Community Health will open a new health center in Dickson City on Tuesday, Sept. 3 as part of its efforts to expand access to responsive and inclusive whole-person primary health services across the region. Drs. Supriana Bhandol and Ajit Pannu will lead the new location at 312 Boulevard Ave., Dickson City. Both are 2023 graduates of The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s Regional Family Medicine Residency and currently treat patients at The Wright Center’s Teaching Health Center in Scranton. The Wright Center for Community Health has provided safety-net primary and preventive care services across the region for decades. The Dickson City location will be open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and offer whole-person primary health services for people of all ages, from pediatrics to geriatrics. In addition to primary care services, including checkups, physicals, screenings, and treatment of common illnesses and injuries, the new community health center will offer community-based addiction treatment and recovery services, including medication-assisted treatment. To make an appointment, call 570-489-4567 or visit TheWrightCenter.org. The location is the former medical offices of Drs. Cynthia M. Oleski and Giovanni Ramos. After deciding to relocate, the doctors contacted The Wright Center about stepping in so patients would not experience care interruptions. “Opening an office in Dickson City is another example of how we are fulfilling our mission to improve the health and welfare of our communities through inclusive and responsive health services,” said Marianne Linko, deputy chief operating officer at The Wright Center. “It’s also a great opportunity for two of our Regional Family Medicine Residency graduates to take on a larger role as physicians in the community.” The Dickson City location is one of two new health centers The Wright Center will launch in September. On Monday, Sept. 9, The Wright Center’s first health center in Wyoming County will open at the former Tyler Memorial Hospital, 5950 U.S. Route 6, Suite 401, Tunkhannock. The location will be open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and offer a full slate of primary care services as well as addiction treatment and recovery services, including medication-assisted treatment. With these new locations, The Wright Center has 12 community health centers, including a mobile medical and dental unit called Driving Better Health, serving patients of all ages, income levels, and insurance statuses in Northeast Pennsylvania. The Wright Center treated more than 35,400 unique patients in fiscal year 2023-24. The Wright Center is a Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike with a growing network of community health centers throughout Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayne, and Wyoming counties. More than 31.5 million people across the nation receive affordable, high-quality health care each year at community health centers like The Wright Center, according to the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC). The community health center initiative, founded by leaders of the U.S. Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s, was envisioned as a way to deliver care in underserved areas such as low-income urban neighborhoods and rural settings. Promoters saw it as a means to improve people’s health while also empowering communities and reducing poverty, as health centers offer access to low-cost or no-cost services as well as family-sustaining employment opportunities. Today, there are more than 1,400 community health centers and look-alike organizations in the U.S., according to NACHC. For more information about The Wright Center for Community Health’s integrated whole-person primary health services or for the nearest location, visit TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-489-4567.
Geisinger Discusses What Causes Yeast Infections Geisinger brings answers to your burning questions about yeast infection causes, symptoms and how to find fast relief. By Lauren Williams, Geisinger Women’s health physician assistant If you’re a woman, chances are high you’ve had the dreaded vaginal yeast infection: that itchy, uncomfortable feeling “down there,” with thick, sometimes clumpy discharge left behind in your underwear. If you’re one of the lucky ones who hasn’t, it’s likely you will someday. Vaginal yeast infections are common throughout a woman’s lifetime. A yeast infection, medically known as candidiasis, is a fungal infection that can impact the vagina and other parts of the body, such as the mouth and throat. While yeast is naturally present in the body, certain factors can disrupt the balance and trigger an overgrowth of the yeast called candida. This proliferation can overtake healthy cells and lead to a yeast infection. Factors such as poor hygiene, antibiotics and even pregnancy can put a woman at higher risk for developing a yeast infection. Fortunately, there are medications that are effective in treating vaginal yeast infections — sometimes even without a prescription. If you develop more than three yeast infections a year, however, talk to your doctor about a longer treatment plan. The telltale sign of a vaginal yeast infection is itching, irritation or a burning sensation in the vaginal area, usually accompanied by thick, odorless, white discharge that can have the consistency of cottage cheese. Other common vaginal yeast infection symptoms include: Redness and swelling of the vulva (tissue surrounding the vagina) Pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse Frequent urination and burning sensation when you pee Vaginal rash Small cuts or cracks in the skin of the vulva Many factors can cause the population of healthy bacteria in the vagina to diminish, enabling yeast to quickly multiply and cause a yeast infection. Understanding the causes of vaginal yeast infections can help in prevention and effective management. If you have a weakened immune system due to cancer treatments or certain conditions like HIV/AIDS, your body will have a harder time controlling the growth of yeast. This can lead to an overpopulation of yeast and cause an infection. Chronic stress can have a negative impact on your immune system, making it more difficult for your body to control the levels of yeast in the vagina. Stress also causes your body to release the hormone cortisol, which raises your blood sugar level. Yeast feeds on sugar, which can lead to an overgrowth of the fungus. Yeast infections are common in pregnancy. Pregnancy causes a variety of systemic changes throughout the body, increasing the incidence of yeast infections. Although more common in pregnancy, vaginal yeast infections are not known to be associated with negative pregnancy outcomes. High blood sugar can cause the body to excrete extra sugar through sweat, urine and mucus. This increase in sugar in the mucous membranes of your vagina feeds the yeast, creating an ideal place for yeast to grow and thrive. Antibiotics are designed to kill harmful bacteria, but they can also kill the good bacteria in the body that normally prevents an overgrowth of yeast. This imbalance can lead to an infection. Tight underwear or clothing that doesn’t allow air flow can cause irritation and sweating. Yeast thrives in warm, moist conditions. Spending too much time in a wet swimsuit or sweaty gym clothes also can have the same effect. Using harsh soaps or douching can cause irritation and disrupt the natural balance of good bacteria in your vagina, leading to an overgrowth of yeast. Yeast infections can be quite uncomfortable, but treatment is available for fast relief. Antifungal medications are the most common treatment. They work by killing the fungi that cause the infection. For mild to moderate yeast infections, or for treating yeast infections during pregnancy, over-the-counter antifungal creams (i.e., Monistat®), ointments or vaginal suppositories can be used. Prescription-strength antifungal creams, ointments or suppositories are often recommended for more severe or recurring infections. Yeast infections should clear up in about 5 to 7 days with treatment. However, severe cases may take longer. Just be sure to complete the full course of medication to make sure the infection is fully cleared and doesn’t return. It’s a good idea to see your doctor if it’s the first time you’ve had symptoms of a yeast infection, symptoms continue after treatment or if you’ve had three or more in one year. If you have similar symptoms, but are unsure of the cause, talk to your doctor for further testing. Your provider may want to rule out other conditions, such as bacterial vaginosis or sexually transmitted infections. While in some cases yeast infections can’t be prevented, following a few self-care measures and maintaining optimal vaginal health can help decrease your risk. Keep the vaginal area clean and dry. Wash the area with mild, unscented soap and warm water. Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing and change out of wet bathing suits or sweaty workout clothes as soon as possible. Opt for breathable fabrics like cotton underwear. This allows for better air circulation and helps to keep the area dry. Synthetic fabrics like nylon or polyester can trap moisture and heat, promoting the growth of yeast. Avoid using scented pads, tampons, soaps and detergents. They may contain irritants that can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria and increase the risk of infection. Wipe from front to back when using the bathroom. This can help prevent the spread of bacteria and yeast from the anus to the vagina. Try a probiotic. There is some evidence taking probiotics may help prevent yeast infections. If you do wind up getting a yeast infection — and it’s likely you will at some point — the good news is most cases are mild and treatment is very effective. For more health and wellness topics, visit Geisinger.org/balance.
Lackawanna College Offers Many Ways to Save on Tuition Lackawanna College continues to lead the way in making higher education more accessible and affordable for students through groundbreaking corporate partnerships and a robust Dual Enrollment program. Corporate Partnerships: A Pathway to Affordable Education Lackawanna College has created strategic partnerships with several prominent local employers, including McDonald’s, Sheetz and Allied Services Integrated Health System. These partnerships offer scholarships to employees, helping to lower tuition costs and provide educational opportunities that may otherwise be out of reach. The partnership with Mueller Family McDonald’s is open to all its employees and has enabled approximately 70 students to attend Lackawanna College for free. Similarly, Sheetz and Allied Services employees benefit from scholarship opportunities that assist with tuition expenses. “Our partnership with Lackawanna College has been incredibly successful. We’ve seen firsthand how these scholarships can change lives by making college education accessible to our employees,” owner of several McDonald’s franchises and a Lackawanna College Board member, Christina Curran said. Dual Enrollment: Expanding Opportunities for High School Students Since its inception in 2006, Lackawanna College’s Dual Enrollment (DE) program has grown exponentially, both in participation and impact. The program allows high school students to take college-level courses, earning credits that can be applied toward a college degree while still fulfilling high school requirements. From 2022 to 2024, the number of students participating in the DE program increased from 1,832 to 2,110, and the number of credits earned grew from 11,071 to 13,194. Over the past 12 years, the DE program has saved local students over $30 million in tuition costs. Students pay only $100 per credit, a rate that has remained unchanged for over a decade. The program is available to students in 62 schools across 27 school districts and 14 counties, with more schools joining each year. “The amount of people this impacts is amazing. For example, my daughter did Dual Enrollment for a year and took a year off her time in college. She’s getting her bachelor’s degree in three years instead of four. The one thing you can’t save is time,” Director of College Partnerships, Phil Campbell said. The DE program supports a wide range of educational pathways, allowing students to take general education courses and earn up to $6,200 in scholarships towards an associate degree. Additionally, the “Level Up” program provides one-on-one support to guide students to their degrees and is available across all Lackawanna College campuses. Lackawanna College also offers targeted programs to help students gain a competitive edge in the job market. The SOAR program is designed for students who are occupationally and academically ready, aligning high school courses with postsecondary programs, allowing students to earn up to 15 college credits. The PNG 105 program, an introductory course to the Petroleum and Natural Gas (PNG) program, available since 2013, helps students earn their degrees faster and fills a critical educational gap in Career and Technical Centers. “I’m going to say 95% of my students had no intentions of going to college. When I meet with them, introduce them to the program and start teaching college credits they realize, number one I can do this and number two I can afford this,” Associate Program Director of the School of PNG, Jeremy Yadlosky, said. “We’ve built a great relationship with the students and schools thanks to the program.” In light of rising tuition costs, Lackawanna College offers practical solutions to help make higher education more affordable. To learn more about Lackawanna College’s corporate sponsorships and Dual Enrollment, visit Lackawanna.edu or call the college’s Admissions Department at 570-961-7898.
PennDOT/BPC Announce Lane Restrictions for Interstate 81 Motorists are advised that the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and Bridging Pennsylvania Constructors (BPC) are announcing lane restrictions on Interstate 81 northbound and southbound as part of the I-81 Susquehanna Bridges Project. Work will take place Saturday, July 27th, 2024 through Friday, September 13, 2024, between MM 223.6 and MM 232.7 from New Milford to Great Bend for paving, guide rail repair, and bridge beam installation and maintenance between 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM. This project is part of the ongoing PennDOT Major Bridges P3 Program. Bridging Pennsylvania Developers – I (BPD-I) is led jointly by Macquarie Capital and Shikun & Binui USA as Lead Project Developers and Equity Members. The Bridging Pennsylvania Constructors (BPC) joint venture (JV) consortium includes the design & construction expertise of FCC Construction and S&B USA Construction, based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. S&B USA Construction is the construction arm of Shikun & Binui Ltd, and is also the parent company of Fay, one of the BPC four (4) Major Bridge subcontractors. Other Major Bridge subcontractors include The H&K Group, Kokosing Construction Company, Wagman Heavy Civil, and Lead Designer, Michael Baker International. Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information, and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras. 511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following local alerts on X. 511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional Twitter alerts accessible on the 511PA website. Subscribe to PennDOT news and traffic alerts in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Wyoming counties at www.penndot.pa.gov/District4. Information about infrastructure in District 4, including completed work and significant projects, is available at www.penndot.pa.gov/D4Results. Find PennDOT’s planned and active construction projects at www.projects.penndot.gov. Find PennDOT news on X, Facebook, and Instagram.
Dimeco, Inc. Announces Second Quarter 2024 Earings Dimeco, Inc. (OTCQX: DIMC), the holding company for The Dime Bank reported total assets of $1.026 billion on June 30, 2024, an increase of $57 million or 5.9% from the second quarter of 2023. Total loans of $746 million reflect an increase of $59.9 million or 8.7% over last year. Total deposits were $874 million on June 30, 2024, an increase of $78.6 million or 9.9% over the previous year. Stockholder’s equity remains well-capitalized with an increase of 10.2% or $9.4 million from June 30, 2023, to $101.4 million on June 30, 2024. Net income of $5.4 million for the first six months of 2024 was $444 thousand more than the same period last year, resulting in an annualized return on average assets of 1.08% and return on average equity of 10.96%. Dimeco’s Board of Directors declared dividends of $.80 per share for the first half of 2024, a 5.3% rise over last year, resulting in an annualized dividend yield of 4.46%. President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Bochnovich stated, “I am pleased to present the second quarter results of Dimeco, Inc. The growth experienced since the beginning of the year continued and management is focused on positioning Dimeco for future growth and earnings. Additionally, we welcomed our newest director, Mike Peifer, and look forward to his contributions. As always, we are dedicated to serving our shareholders, customers, and communities.”
PS Bank Ranked #36 Nationally on American Banker List PS Bank is pleased to announce it has been ranked as the #36 highest bank on American Banker’s list of the Top 100 Community Banks under $2 billion in the United States as published in its June 2024 edition of the magazine. The 2024 ranking marks the twelfth consecutive year that Peoples Ltd. (PPLL) was included among institutions that are ranked based on three-year average Return on Equity (ROAE). The 2024 ranking is an improvement of six spots from last year’s #42 ranking. With a three-year average ROAE of 16.15%, PS Bank continues to be a leading bank strongly serving customers throughout northeastern and central Pennsylvania. Anthony J. Gabello, President & CEO, said “I am extremely proud of the hard work being done by our PS Bankers throughout the communities we serve. Our customers continue to value our services and support our bank, allowing us to improve each year. Being able to improve our ranking to #36 in a turbulent year for banking is a testament to the dedicated service we provide to our customers and to our strength as a community bank.”
Treasurer Stacy Garrity Visits Pocono Raceway to Return Unclaimed Property Treasurer Stacy Garrity and ABC News’ Good Morning America (GMA) teamed up to return more than $8,000 in unclaimed property to NASCAR fans at Pocono Raceway during NASCAR Race Weekend on Saturday, July 13. “What a tremendous event! Returning money to enthusiastic NASCAR fans at the iconic Pocono Raceway with Gio Benitez and the great team from GMA was a thrill,” Treasurer Garrity said. “We couldn’t ask for better partners – huge thanks to everyone at the Raceway and GMA. I encourage everyone to search for any unclaimed property that might be available to them. It’s so easy to do. Pennsylvanians can search online and find their unclaimed property in less time than it takes a NASCAR driver to finish a lap at the Tricky Triangle!” “It’s always a pleasure hosting Treasurer Garrity and her team at the raceway,” said Ben May, President of Pocono Raceway. “We’re thrilled for all the Pennsylvanians that were reunited with their property. This was a fun way to add some extra excitement to our NASCAR Race Weekend by surprising fans.” Treasurer Garrity, her staff and GMA co-anchor Gio Benitez were busy all afternoon, reuniting $8,086.29 worth of unclaimed property with more than 34 attendees. One woman visited the booth to see if her mother had any unclaimed property, but instead discovered more than $2,800 for herself. “That’s a great example of why it’s important to search our website,” Treasurer Garrity said. “I hear from people all the time who say they’re absolutely certain that they couldn’t possibly have any unclaimed property… and then they search, and they do!” At the July 13 event, Treasurer Garrity returned $2,607.17 to Pocono Raceway. Unclaimed property includes things like dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance policies, contents of forgotten safe deposit boxes and more. State law requires businesses to report unclaimed property to Treasury after three years of dormancy. Treasury is working to return more than $4.5 billion in unclaimed property to its rightful owners. More than one in ten Pennsylvanians is owed unclaimed property, and the average claim is worth about $1,600. To learn more about unclaimed property and to search Treasury’s database, visit patreasury.gov/unclaimed-property.
Norwood Financial Corp Announces Second Quarter Earnings Subsidiary Wayne Bank announced James O. Donnelly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Norwood Financial Corp (Nasdaq Global Market-NWFL) announced earnings for the three months ended June 30, 2024 of $4,213,000, which was $2,290,000 lower than the same three-month period of last year. The decrease includes a $717,000 decrease in net interest income, a $424,000 increase in total other income, a $506,000 increase in total other expense, and a $2,097,000 increase in the provision for credit losses. Earnings per share (fully diluted) were $0.52 in the three months ended June 30, 2024, compared to $0.81 in the same period of last year. The annualized return on average assets for the three months ended June 30, 2024, was 0.75%, while the annualized return on average tangible equity was 11.26%. Net income for the six months ended June 30, 2024, was $8,646,000, which is $3,639,000 lower than the same six-month period of 2023, due to a decrease in net interest income an increase in the provision for credit losses and an increase in operating expenses, partially offset by an increase in total other income. Earnings per share (fully diluted) for the six months ended June 30, 2024, were $1.07, compared to $1.51 for the six months ended June 30, 2023. The annualized return on average assets for the six months ended June 30, 2024 was 0.78%. The annualized return on average tangible equity for the six months ended June 30, 2024 was 11.46%. Total assets as of June 30, 2024 were $2.235 billion, compared to $2.142 billion at June 30, 2023. At June 30, 2024, loans receivable were $1.623 billion, total deposits were $1.811 billion and stockholders’ equity was $182.2 million. For the three months ended June 30, 2024, net interest income, on a fullytaxable equivalent basis (fte), totaled $15,124,000, a decrease of $705,000 compared to the same period in 2023. A $150.8 million increase in average time deposits, combined with a 126 basis points increase in the cost of time deposits, contributed to the decreased net interest income. Borrowing costs also increased, offsetting a $4,447,000 increase in total interest income. Net interest margin (fte) for the three months ended June 30, 2024 was 2.79%, compared to 3.09% in the same period of 2023. The tax-equivalent yield on interest-earning assets increased 57 basis points to 5.14% during the three months ended June 30, 2024, compared to the same prior year period, while the cost of interest-bearing liabilities increased 108 basis points to 3.09%. Net interest income (fte) for the six months ended June 30, 2024 totaled$30,029,000, which was $2,075,000 lower than the same period in 2023, due primarily to a $11,762,000 increase in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities. The net interest margin (fte) was 2.79% for the six months ended June 30, 2024, as compared to 3.17% for the six months ended June 30, 2023. The decrease in the net interest margin (fte) was due to a 127 basis points increase in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities, which offset the 64 basis points increase in the yield on interest earning assets. Other income for the three months ended June 30, 2024, totaled $2,207,000,compared to $1,783,000 for the same period in 2023. The increase is due primarily to a $151,000 increase in service charges on deposit accounts, and a $212,000 loss on the sale of investment securities in 2023. For the six months ended June 30, 2024, other income totaled $4,213,000, compared to $3,695,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2023. For the six months ended June 30, 2024, other expenses totaled $23,175,000, compared to $21,374,000 for the same period in 2023, due primarily to an increase in professional fees, data processing costs and FDIC insurance. Mr. Donnelly stated, “Our second quarter income decreased from the 2023 level due to a release of provision for credit losses in the three months ended June 30, 2023 and the rising cost of deposits and borrowed funds. These decreases were partially offset by a $424,000 increase in non-interest income. On a linked quarterbasis loan growth was an annualized 4.9%. Total deposits decreased $28 million compared to the first quarter of 2024. This was due to a seasonal outflow of municipal deposits of $53 million offset by inflows of $25 million of other customer funds, a 7.3% annualized increase. The net interest margin was stable at 2.79% for the first and second quarter. Our core operating expenses remain well-controlled at 2% of average assets during the quarter. Our capital base remains above “Well Capitalized” targets. Additionally, our credit quality metrics remained strong during the second quarter, which we believe should benefit future performance. We appreciate the opportunity to serve our Wayne Bank customers and our customers at the Bank of the Finger Lakes and Bank of Cooperstown locations. We continue to look for opportunities available to us as we service our growing base of stockholders and customers.” Norwood Financial Corp is the parent company of Wayne Bank, whichoperates from fourteen offices throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania and fifteen offices in 4 Delaware, Sullivan, Ontario, Otsego and Yates Counties, New York. The Company’s stock trades on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “NWFL.”
