Wright Center Health Centers Receive National Certification The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) recently awarded The Wright Center for Community Health’s Clarks Summit and Jermyn locations with Patient-Centered Medical Home certificates for delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. The Wright Center for Community Health Clarks Summit, 1145 Northern Blvd., South Abington Township, and The Wright Center for Community Health Mid Valley, 5 S. Washington Ave., Jermyn, each again achieved this special recognition, acknowledging that they have the tools, systems, and resources to provide patients with the right care at the right time. Four of The Wright Center’s community health centers have retained the NCQA voluntary accreditation in recent months. In October, The Wright Center’s community health centers in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre were notified that they had successfully retained the recognition seal. Every year, The Wright Center’s community health centers undergo a formal review to ensure compliance with the Washington, D.C.-based organization’s high standards. NCQA is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health care quality. Its Patient-Centered Medical Home program reflects input from the American College of Physicians, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Osteopathic Association, and others. It was developed to assess whether health centers are functioning as medical homes and to recognize their efforts. The Patient-Centered Medical Home model is designed to enable patients and their care teams to foster stronger relationships, help patients manage chronic conditions more effectively, and enhance the overall patient experience. The model has been shown to increase staff satisfaction and reduce health care costs. It also increases patient satisfaction by offering open access to health care services and extended hours. For the public, NCQA accreditation signals that The Wright Center for Community Health maintains a focus on quality improvement and has key processes in place to help patients prioritize their health. “We are proud to retain this recognition seal at our community health centers,” said Dr. Jignesh Sheth, senior vice president and enterprise chief operations and strategy officer at The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education. “The NCQA seal communicates to the public that we are fully committed to prioritizing patient-centered care, including offering morning, evening, and weekend hours to allow patients to access care when it is convenient for them and expanding behavioral health and dental services to truly offer a team-based approach to care.” Mid Valley’s certification carries an additional NCQA distinction in behavioral health integration. This recognition demonstrates that recipients have the resources, evidence-based protocols, standardized tools, and quality measures to meet patients’ needs, according to NCQA. “Many times, primary care physicians will be the first to identify a health issue that requires behavioral health services,” Dr. Sheth said. “Offering affordable, high-quality behavioral health services where patients are already receiving whole-person primary health services eliminates barriers and helps improve patient health overall.” For more information about The Wright Center for Community Health, visit TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-230-0019.
PennDOT: Shapiro Administration Invests $30M in Traffic Safety The Shapiro Administration announced that 57 municipalities across the Commonwealth will receive nearly $30 million through the Green Light-Go Program to improve traffic safety and mobility by reducing congestion and improving traffic flow. Since Governor Shapiro took office, $96 million has been distributed to municipalities through the program. Many of the funded projects will upgrade traffic signal detection and control technology, allowing signals to respond to real-time traffic conditions, reduce congestion, and improve safety for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. Last week, the Shapiro Administration announced that 54 highway, bridge, bike, and pedestrian projects in 34 counties across Pennsylvania have been selected for more than $47 million in funding through the Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF). “Under Governor Shapiro’s leadership, our top priority is serving the people of our Commonwealth by improving the services that make a real difference in Pennsylvanians’ lives,” said Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Secretary Mike Carroll. “The safety improvements supported by the Green Light-Go program will help municipalities reduce congestion, improve traffic flow, and keep Pennsylvanians moving safely and efficiently. I’m proud that PennDOT continues to partner with communities to deliver real results.” Below is a list of awarded projects by county. Green Light-Go grants are provided as reimbursements to municipalities for projects that improve the efficiency and operation of existing traffic signals. These projects are funded through the FY 2025–26 budget. Eligible improvements include, but are not limited to, installation of light-emitting diode (LED) technology, traffic signal retiming, special-event traffic planning, traffic signal monitoring, and upgrades to modern signal technologies. Allegheny County City of Pittsburgh: $1,394,029 to replace traffic signals at North Avenue/James Street, Lorenz Avenue/Steuben Street, and Mifflin Road/Interboro Avenue. Green Tree Borough: $42,400 to update signal detectors at Carnahan Road and Greentree Road. Green Tree Borough: $293,392 to modernize signal equipment at Noblestown Road and Mansfield Avenue. McCandless Township: $443,409.12 to upgrade adaptive signal systems along Perry Highway (Route 19). Monroeville Borough: $498,114.75 to modernize the intersection of Monroeville Boulevard, Jamison Lane, and Oxford Drive. Moon Township: $193,792 to upgrade signal equipment at Beaver Grade Road and Thorn Run Road. Mount Lebanon Township: $322,115 to modernize signal equipment at Bower Hill and Parkview Drive. Neville Township: $335,120 to upgrade signal equipment at Neville Road and Grand Avenue. Oakmont Borough: $195,516 to upgrade signal equipment at Allegheny River Boulevard and Hulton Road. O’Hara Township: $238,712 to modernize signal equipment at Alpha Drive and Gamma Drive. Ohio Township: $155,832 to upgrade signal equipment at Mount Nebo Road and Camp Horne Road. Scott Township: $145,192 to modernize the intersection of Hope Hollow Road and Greentree Road. Sewickley Borough: $229,168 to replace outdated signal equipment at Beaver Street/Broad Street and Thorn Street/Broad Street. Wilkinsburg Borough: $266,000 to replace the signal at East Swissvale Avenue and Wallace Avenue. Beaver County Center Township: $132,024 to upgrade signal equipment at Pleasant Drive (Route 3017) and Autumn Street. Berks County Boyertown Borough: $687,949.20 to upgrade intersections at East Philadelphia Avenue (Route 73) with Reading Avenue (Route 562) and Madison Street. Leesport Borough: $155,160 to upgrade detection and controller equipment at Wall Street, Peach Street, and Cherry Street. West Reading Borough: $228,404 for signal retiming and equipment upgrades at multiple intersections. Bucks County Lower Southampton Township: $662,355 to upgrade signal equipment at multiple intersections along Bustleton Pike and Bristol Road. Perkasie Borough: $425,240 to replace outdated signal equipment at Ridge Road and Park Avenue. Butler County Cranberry Township: $94,800 to upgrade detection and controller equipment at multiple intersections. Cranberry Township: $83,350 to expand fiber-optic traffic signal communications. Seven Fields Borough: $117,520 to replace outdated sensors with radar detection. Centre County College Township: $503,700 to upgrade signal equipment at Curtin Road and University Drive. Chester County East Whiteland Township: $191,870 to modernize Lancaster Avenue and Conestoga Road. Upper Uwchlan Township: $920,306 to upgrade detection and controller equipment at Route 100 and Graphite Mine Road. West Whiteland Township: $389,640 to upgrade multiple intersections along Route 100 and Commerce Drive. Cumberland County East Pennsboro Township: $1,156,340 to modernize 16 intersections. Hampden Township: $774,900 to upgrade detection and controller equipment at multiple intersections. Dauphin County City of Harrisburg: $387,380 to modernize intersections in the Allison Hill neighborhood. Derry Township: $764,320 to upgrade detection and controller equipment at multiple intersections. Delaware County Darby Township: $448,908 to modernize West Oak Lane, Rively Avenue, and Pine Street. Lansdowne Borough: $120,000 to upgrade signal equipment at Baltimore Avenue and Union Avenue. Erie County City of Erie: $746,320.44 to reconstruct the signal at West 12th Street and Pittsburgh Avenue. Mill Creek Township: $1,799,885.76 to upgrade signal equipment along Route 5. Wesleyville Borough: $449,079.84 to reconstruct the intersection of Buffalo Road and Station Road. Fayette County North Union Township: $353,640 to modernize intersections along U.S. 119. South Union Township: $122,800.80 to modernize New Salem Road and Matthew Drive. Lancaster County City of Lancaster: $91,476.80 to study and remove unwarranted traffic-control signals. City of Lancaster: $732,095.20 to modernize multiple intersections. Earl Township: $103,215.60 to modernize U.S. 322 and Railroad Avenue. East Lampeter Township: $258,040 to modernize Route 340 intersections. Lititz Borough: $53,600 to upgrade detection equipment. Manheim Township: $50,000 to install LED traffic signal modules at multiple locations. Lebanon County City of Lebanon: $368,000 to modernize traffic equipment at Maple Street/Jonestown Road/North 12th Street. Lehigh County City of Allentown: $798,480 to upgrade signal equipment at 19th Street/Roth Avenue/Walbert Avenue. Luzerne County City of Pittston: $38,640 to modernize Broad Street, Water Street, and Main Street. Mercer County City of Sharon: $762,534 to modernize multiple intersections. Montgomery County Limerick Township: $246,559 to upgrade the Traffic Management Center on Ridge Pike. Lower Merion Township: $385,596.17 to modernize Lancaster Avenue and Elliott Avenue. Norristown Borough: $419,713.11 to modernize East Fornance Street and New Hope Street. Northampton County City of Bethlehem: $298,480 to modernize approximately 100 signals citywide. City of Bethlehem: $370,608 to replace LED signal bulbs at approximately 90 intersections. City of Easton: $339,416 to modernize Seitz Street and West Berwick Street. Moore Township: $158,800 to modernize Route 512 and Route 946. Palmer Township: $748,044 to modernize Milford Street, Greenwood Avenue, and Kingwood Avenue. Northumberland County Milton Borough: $433,267.58 to modernize Routes 254 and 405. Philadelphia County City of Philadelphia: $3,421,440 to upgrade approximately 750 traffic controllers. City of Philadelphia: $2,287,880 to modernize multiple intersections in Northwest Philadelphia. Venango County City of Oil City: $22,000 to modernize traffic control infrastructure. Washington County Peters Township: $897,480 to modernize intersections along Route 19. York County City of York: $164,550 to modernize intersections along U.S. 30. Additionally, the 2025-26 budget signed by Governor Shapiro allocates over $1.8 billion in funding to repair roads and bridges and continues to sustainably fund the Pennsylvania State Police by reducing their reliance on the Motor License Fund. Since taking office, the Governor has secured $391.7 million in additional funding for roads and bridges. Under the Shapiro Administration, 17,722 miles of roadway have been improved and work has advanced on 1,540 state and local bridges. According to the Federal Highway Administration, in 2023 — Governor Shapiro’s first year in office — Pennsylvania repaired or replaced more than 200 bridges, resulting in 90 fewer bridges rated in poor condition, the largest improvement of any state in the nation. For more information from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), subscribe to local PennDOT news or statewide PennDOT news.
Wright Center: January Is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month The Wright Center is deeply committed to expanding awareness of their women’s health services, particularly in response to the complex and evolving challenges faced by female patients. One critical area of focus is cervical health. January is Cervical Health Awareness Month, an annual observance dedicated to raising awareness about cervical cancer and emphasizing the importance of early detection through routine screenings. Each year, more than 13,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer, and more than 4,000 die from the disease, according to the National Cervical Cancer Coalition (NCCC). Encouragingly, significant progress has been made in recent years, including advances in screening and treatment and the widespread availability of the HPV vaccine. As a result, cervical cancer is now considered the most preventable of all female cancers, and the World Health Organization estimates it could become the first cancer to be eliminated altogether. Cervical cancer most often develops during midlife and is commonly diagnosed in women between the ages of 35 and 44. It is rare in women younger than 20, and more than 15% of cases occur in women older than 65 – typically among those who have not received regular screenings. Prevention begins early with HPV vaccination. Human papillomavirus (HPV), the most common sexually transmitted infection, affects more than 40 million people in the United States, most of them adolescents and young adults. HPV is responsible for nearly all cases of cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine protects against high-risk strains linked to cervical cancer, as well as low-risk strains that cause genital warts. The vaccine is recommended for all boys and girls at ages 11 or 12, when the immune response is strongest. Two doses are required for those vaccinated before age 15; individuals 15 and older need a three-dose series. Routine screening remains a cornerstone of early detection. Women ages 21 to 29 should receive a Pap smear every three years to identify cancer or precancerous cell changes. Women ages 30 to 65 should undergo cervical cancer screening every five years. Women’s health is a year-round priority at The Wright Center, with comprehensive services designed to support women in maintaining their health while balancing the demands of daily life. These services include cervical cancer screenings, Pap smears, and HPV testing, routine gynecological care, pelvic and breast exams, well-women visits, bone density testing, age-appropriate immunizations, STI testing and treatment, and hormonal testing. The Wright Center accepts all insurances, including Medicaid, Medicare, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and most private plans. For uninsured patients, their enrollment assisters provide guidance on coverage options and enrollment, and their sliding-fee discount program ensures high-quality, affordable care for all. During Cervical Health Awareness Month, all women are encouraged to take time to prioritize their health and well-being – this month and throughout the year. Amatus Legbedion, M.D., is a board-certified family medicine physician. She completed her residency training at The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s Regional Family Medicine Program, serving as chief resident. She is accepting patients of all ages at The Wright Center for Community Health Wilkes-Barre. Visit TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-491-0126 to make an appointment.
Dime Bank: Dimeco, Inc. Declares Increased Cash Dividend On December 18, 2025, the Board of Directors of Dimeco, Inc. (OTCQX: DIMC) declared a dividend of $0.45 per share. This dividend is an increase of $0.03 from the dividend declared in September 2025, bringing dividends to $1.71 per share, or $.09 greater than dividends declared in 2024. Dividends are payable to shareholders of record on December 31, 2025. The dividends will be paid on January 29, 2026, the anticipated date to release earnings for the year ended December 31, 2025. President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Bochnovich commented, “This dividend increase underscores our commitment to delivering excellent returns and maximizing the value of shareholder investment. Our sincere thanks go out to both our shareholders and customers for their unwavering support. Wishing everyone a prosperous and successful 2026.”
Garden of Cedar End of Year News The Garden of Cedar’s third year of operations has come to a close. A highlight of the 2025 season was that the Garden and its annex were able to provide fresh homegrown vegetables to over 100 urban families lacking outdoor space to garden. This was made possible in part because 10 truckloads of compost were donated during the spring, providing vital soil nutrients. Special thanks to the Lackawanna County Recycling Center for this valuable gift. This past summer the Indigo Spoon Foundation was back on site with their popular summer lunch program for children. Once again, employees of Citizens Savings Bank dedicated their harvest to the neighborhood community. The Garden was also pleased to offer Mother Nature’s lesson of the birds and the bees when early spring brought two bluebirds, who courted and built their nest. Soon thereafter the nest was populated with 5 eggs. For 18 days the female bluebird sat on the eggs, while the male delivered nourishment to her. All five eggs hatched! Twenty-one days later 5 young bluebirds emerged from the nest to begin their lives in the wild. The entire event was captured on video and shared on the Garden’s Facebook page to a wide audience. Not to be outdone, the bees made their presence known during the summer as they traveled from flower to flower pollinating the Garden’s vegetables. Click here to find the Garden’s Facebook. The Garden of Cedar is an initiative that may be of interest to those looking to give back. Click here to find additional information.
Greater Scranton YMCA Celebrates National Mentoring Month January is National Mentoring Month, and the Greater Scranton YMCA is proud to recognize the incredible impact mentors have on young people in our community. With 1 in 3 young people growing up without a mentor, the Y is committed to ensuring that all youth have access to caring adults who can provide support, encouragement, and guidance. “At the YMCA, mentorship is at the heart of what we do,” said Rich Surridge, President & CEO of the Greater Scranton YMCA. “Whether it’s through afterschool programs, youth sports, or leadership development opportunities, mentors help kids build confidence, achieve their goals, and feel like they belong.” The Greater Scranton YMCA is proud to offer youth sports, enrichment, educational, and mental health and wellbeing programs that provide mentorship opportunities for children. Community members are encouraged to get involved during National Mentoring Month by: Volunteering as a mentor with the Y Enrolling youth in programs that provide positive mentorship Supporting YMCA programs that strengthen youth development For more information about volunteer mentoring opportunities at the Greater Scranton YMCA, contact Meghan Carnevale, Mission Advancement & Marketing Director, at mcarnevale@gsymca.org.
WVIA To Rebroadcast Documentary Honoring John Stankovic To honor the passing of International Polka Association Hall of Famer and Nanticoke native John “Stanky” Stankovic, WVIA TV will rebroadcast the 2006 original documentary film John & Dottie Stanky: Rags to Riches. The special presentation will air on Saturday, January 10 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, January 11 at 3 p.m.. The film chronicles John and Dottie Stanky’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming beloved icons of the polka music scene, highlighting their enduring impact on the genre and their community. Polka has long been an important part of WVIA’s cultural programming, and this documentary reflects the station’s commitment to celebrating local music, heritage, and community stories. For more information about WVIA TV programming, visit https://www.wvia.org/.
Munley Law Recognized in Lawdragon Feature Munley Law is proud to announce that the truck accident law firm was featured in Lawdragon in a comprehensive profile titled “How a Family Firm Became America’s Authority on Truck Crashes,” highlighting the firm’s status as the premier trucking litigation practice in the United States. The Lawdragon feature details how Munley Law has stood at the forefront of trucking litigation for more than six decades, securing hundreds of millions in recoveries for victims of catastrophic truck crashes. The firm obtained record-setting settlements for victims, including a $19.8 million settlement in 2025 for the family of three people killed by a distracted truck driver. “It’s an honor to be recognized for our work as a firm,” said Managing Partner Caroline Munley. “We are proud to be one of the best personal injury firms in the country and to carry forward the legacy our father established.” Family legacy and commitment to the community drives much of Munley’s work, as outlined in the piece. Marion and Dan Munley have both served as Chair of the American Association for Justice’s Trucking Litigation Group, the nation’s leading organization for attorneys in this field. They were the first recipients of the Robert W. Munley Award, a national recognition renamed in honor of their father, trucking-law pioneer and firm founder Robert W. Munley. Lawdragon highlighted that three of Pennsylvania’s four board-certified Truck Accident Lawyers are at Munley Law. Marion Munley, Daniel W. Munley, and Katie Nealon practice at the firm, a concentration of specialized expertise that is nearly unmatched nationally. The article particularly noted the firm’s innovative “Get That Truck!” rapid-response protocol, developed by Dan Munley, which ensures the firm can move as quickly as defense teams to preserve critical evidence within hours of a crash. “In an era of consolidation and mega-firms, Munley Law’s majority-sibling leadership sets it apart,” the article states. “Each partner contributes a distinct strength – trial strategy, rapid response, firm management, client relations, pre-litigation analysis – forming a team that operates with uncommon cohesion and precision.”
Treasurer Garrity Announces Expanded PA ABLE Eligibility Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced that expanded eligibility for the PA ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) Savings Program is officially in effect. As of January 1, Pennsylvanians whose qualifying disability began prior to the age of 46 are eligible to open a PA ABLE account. Previously, eligibility was for individuals whose disability began before age 26. This change, made possible by the ABLE Age Adjustment Act, opens the door for an estimated six million additional Americans — including approximately one million Veterans — to benefit from ABLE savings accounts nationwide. “This marks a major step toward financial independence and security for our friends and neighbors with disabilities,” Treasurer Garrity said. “With this eligibility expansion now in place, more Pennsylvanians can save for their future without risking critical benefits. PA ABLE is about opportunity, dignity, and increasing independence, and I’m thrilled more Pennsylvanians will be able to enjoy the benefits of this life-changing program.” PA ABLE accounts allow Pennsylvanians with disabilities and their families to save tax-free without impacting eligibility for important benefits such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Earnings grow tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified disability-related expenses are exempt from state and federal taxes. The contribution limit for PA ABLE accounts is $20,000, and Pennsylvania residents can deduct up to $19,000 per year in PA ABLE contributions from their state income taxes. PA ABLE assets are also exempt from Pennsylvania inheritance tax. Since opening its first accounts in 2017, following the passage of legislation championed by Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20), PA ABLE has grown to become the fifth largest ABLE program in the nation, with more than 11,500 accounts and over $185 million saved. “PA ABLE accounts have already made a meaningful difference in the lives of so many Pennsylvanians,” Treasurer Garrity said. “I encourage everyone to explore how this financial tool can provide security and stability for themselves or their loved ones.” Since taking office, Treasurer Garrity has reduced PA ABLE account fees six times. She was a strong advocate for the ABLE Age Adjustment Act, and the inaugural chair of the ABLE Savings Plans Network which works to strengthen ABLE programs on a national level. To learn more about program eligibility and how to start saving with PA ABLE, visit paable.gov, email info@paable.gov or call 855-529-2253. Click here to find video of Treasurer Garrity explaining the PA ABLE Savings Program and the eligibility expansion, and here for the transcript.
Greater Scranton YMCA: Join the Y for $0 for Health and Connection As the new year begins, the Greater Scranton YMCA invites individuals and families to discover the power of belonging. The Y is a place where people come together to grow stronger in body, mind, and spirit. From group fitness classes to youth programs, swim lessons to volunteer opportunities, the Y offers something for everyone. But what makes it truly special is the sense of connection that forms when people from all walks of life share space and purpose. “At the Greater Scranton YMCA, we witness daily how connections spark, confidence builds, and communities flourish,” said Rich Surridge, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “The Y isn’t only about the activities you take part in; it’s about the people you share them with.” Membership at the Y means joining a movement that’s been strengthening our community for more than 165 years. Whether you’re looking to get active, give back, or simply find your people, there’s a place for you here. Join the Y now and pay a $0 join fee! Start the year strong with connection, community, and wellness. Visit https://www.greaterscrantonymca.org/ or stop by the Greater Scranton YMCA, located at 706 North Blakely Street in Dunmore.
