Wright Center to Host Backpack Giveaway To celebrate National Health Center Week, The Wright Center for Community Health will host backpack giveaways in Hawley and South Scranton. The backpacks, funded by The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement, contain much-needed school supplies – including pencils, pencils, notebooks and folders – to give kids a good start to the school year. Sponsored by the National Association of Community Health Centers, National Health Center Week celebrates America’s 1,400 Community Health Centers, which serve as the beacon of strength, service, and care in their communities. The week begins Sunday, Aug. 6 and ends Saturday, Aug. 12. WHAT: Backpack giveaways in Hawley and South Scranton to celebrate National Health Center Week. WHERE/WHEN: Tuesday, Aug. 8, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., The Wright Center for Community Health Hawley Practice, 103 Spruce St., Hawley; Saturday, Aug. 12, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., South Side Farmers Market, 526 Cedar Ave., Scranton. A Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike, The Wright Center for Community Health is an essential community provider of safety-net primary and preventive health services, a state-designated Opioid Use Disorder Center of Excellence, and a Ryan White HIV/AIDS Clinic. The Wright Center for Community Health operates 10 locations in Lackawanna, Luzerne, and Wayne counties include a mobile medical and dental unit called Driving Better Health that serve more than 33,0000 unique patients annually and ensure everyone in the service area has access to integrated, high-quality, affordable health services, regardless of their insurance status, ZIP code, or ability to pay.
Treasurer Reminds Veterans to File Discharge Documents Locally Treasurer Stacy Garrity and James M. Zugay, Recorder of Deeds in Dauphin County and President of the Pennsylvania Recorders of Deeds Association (PRODA), today reminded Pennsylvania veterans to register their military discharge paperwork with their local recorder of deeds office. “Military discharge papers are crucial documents for veterans to keep, and Recorder of Deed offices can provide easy access to official copies if the originals get misplaced or lost,” said Treasurer Garrity, a retired U.S. Army Reserve Colonel. “It’s important that my fellow veterans know about and understand the importance of this great resource, and I urge them all to make sure they have their paperwork on file with their county’s recorder of deeds.” “Recorders are proud to serve as a custodian of DD214s for our veterans who have honorably served our country,” said Zugay. “We have recorded thousands of these documents, but our hope is spread the word that recording these documents in our office is a way to preserve them in a safe and confidential way if they are needed for any reason in the future.” Recorders are required by Pennsylvania law to accept and maintain military discharge papers from veterans. This is the only document protected as private – DD214s are not public record. If a veteran or their family loses the original paperwork, or it is lost due to a flood, fire or other natural disaster, certified copies can be obtained from the Recorder of Deeds office where the documents were stored. Without this county-level process, veterans would be forced to go through the federal government to receive replacement documents, which can be a cumbersome process. To have military discharge papers recorded, veterans will need to provide their DD214 or NGB22 and, in some cases, a valid photo I.D. Veterans should contact their county Recorder of Deeds to ensure proper documentation. There is no fee associated with recording military discharge papers. “I hope all veterans will take some time to register their discharge papers with their local county Recorder of Deeds,” Garrity said. “It’s a great service that can make things much easier in the future if their original documents get misplaced or destroyed.” Recorders of Deeds have had the authority in Pennsylvania to collect military discharge papers since 1868. To find your county recorder of deeds, visit PRODA’s website at padeeds.com/county-officials.
Wayne Bank Staff Member Receives Honor Student Recognition Anna Van Acker, Assistant Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer of Wayne Bank, achieved honor student status from the Pennsylvania Bankers Association’s (PA Bankers’) 2023 School of Commercial Lending. Honor students are selected for outstanding academic achievement on a final examination. Jim Donnelly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wayne Bank, stated, “Anna’s strong work ethic and dedication to her customers makes her an asset to our commercial lending team. I am so pleased, but not at all surprised by her tremendous achievement. Her commitment to ensuring she remains knowledgeable on the latest banking products and procedures for her co-workers and her customers is admirable. Congratulations, Anna!” Van Acker has served the banking industry for five years and joined Wayne Bank in 2021 as a Commercial Loan Associate. She specializes in commercial property mortgages and construction loans, equipment financing and lines of credit, customized acquisition financing, capital projects, and USDA loans. She is very active in the community and serves on the boards of the Wayne Pike Building Industry Association, Pennsylvania Builders Association, and Professional Women in Building. Anna holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Scranton. PA Bankers’ School of Commercial Lending provides educational content similar to 200- and 300-level college course study. Topics for this program include: business development, credit structuring, the practical application of commercial lending knowledge, and client and internal communication. PA Bankers has been bringing banks and bankers together for more than 125 years to learn, grow, serve and engage with their peers, communities and lawmakers. The association has built a strong reputation as a leading advocate for pro-banking policies at the state and federal levels, as well as the delivery of quality education, products and services for banks of all sizes and their employees. Wayne Bank is a subsidiary of Norwood Financial Corp., Member FDIC, and is located in Honesdale, Pennsylvania. The Bank has 29 Community Offices serving Wayne, Pike, Monroe, Lackawanna, and Luzerne Counties in Pennsylvania, along with Delaware, Sullivan, Otsego, Ontario, and Yates Counties in New York, including those offices operating under the Bank of Cooperstown and Bank of the Finger Lakes brands. The stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol— NWFL
Munley Law Partner Sworn in as Treasurer for the AAJ Munley Law is pleased to announce that truck accident lawyer Marion Munley was sworn in as the Treasurer for the American Association for Justice (AAJ). The American Association of Justice is a 20,000-member organization of plaintiff attorneys dedicated to protecting the rights of trial by jury. The mission of the AAJ is to promote justice and fairness for injured victims, safeguard victims’ rights, and strengthen the civil justice system through education and disclosure of information critical to public safety and health. Marion has held several positions in the AAJ over the years. She was elected as the AAJ Parliamentarian in 2022 and has served on the Board of Governors and its Executive Committee. In 2018, she was the first woman to become the Chair of the AAJ Trucking Litigations Group and received the organization’s Robert W. Munley Champion of Justice Award in 2020. Marion is widely recognized as one of the most prominent and widely respected personal injury lawyers in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. She has won many multimillion-dollar settlements and verdicts for injury clients throughout the United States, including one of the largest truck accident settlements in Pennsylvania. She is triple board certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy in Civil Trial Law, Civil Practice Advocacy, and Truck Accident Law. She is the second woman in Pennsylvania to become board certified as a Civil Trial Advocate. She has been listed in the Best Lawyers in America since 2013 and was named the 2023 “Lawyer of the Year” for Medical Malpractice in Northeastern Pennsylvania. She was recently named a 2023 Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyer and is among the Top 10 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers for 2023.
Noteology Celebrate First Anniversary in New Location Scranton Tomorrow leaders and members of the Downtown Scranton business community recently celebrated a milestone for one of their own. On July 26, Noteology, a boutique perfumery and custom studio, marked its first anniversary at 537 Wyoming Avenue, Downtown Scranton. In honor of the occasion, Co-owners Danielle Fleming and Mark Bonfiglio expressed their gratitude to their supporters. “We’re deeply grateful to our customers, team members, friends, and family for their continued support,” Fleming said. “None of this would be possible without them.” Fleming and Bonfiglio have been active members of the Downtown Scranton Business community since 2013 when Noteology joined the Downtown landscape at 401 Biden Street. They regularly participate in Downtown events and promotions as a collaborative partner and supporter. In November, they will celebrate their 10th anniversary in business. Be sure to follow Noteology on social media for more information on how they plan to celebrate. To learn more about Noteology, visit www.noteology.com or call (570) 343.2100.
Johnson College Enrolling Students Into Distance Learning Program Johnson College is now enrolling for its Fall 2023 Distance Learning Program for high school and adult students in Wayne, Pike, and Susquehanna counties. It creates a direct route for students to complete any of Johnson College’s seventeen 2-year associate’s degree programs and ultimately a fulfilling career with family-sustaining wages while staying in their communities. To learn more about this program or to register for courses listed below, please visit johnson.edu/distance-learning-program/ or email the Johnson College enrollment team at enroll@johnson.edu. Students will have interactive, two-way access to Johnson College faculty and participate in remote education, discussions, testing, and skill demonstrations via high-tech telecommunications equipment in classrooms at Forest City Regional High School, Honesdale High School, Wallenpaupack Area High School, and Western Wayne High School. Furthermore, Lakeville Library, Newfoundland Library, and Pleasant Mount Library will be equipped with laptops to give community residents access to career exploration services and information about courses at Johnson College. In addition to the distance learning opportunity this program provides, students will have access to Johnson College’s full array of on-campus support services including tutoring, counseling, career services, financial aid, internship opportunities, and exposure to industry from day one. Distance learning will help high school and adult students reach their full potential and connect with the region’s essential careers already in demand. Distance learning courses available at all participating high schools will include: VMR 151-1 Introduction to Vehicle Maintenance and Repair – Tuesdays, 2 to 3:50 p.m. PRG 103-1 C Sharp – Tuesdays, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. BUS 101-1 Introduction to Business – Mondays, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. WTC 153-3 Gas Metal and Flux Cored Arc Welding – Tuesdays, 5 to 5:50 p.m. WTC 154-3 Gas Metal and Flux Cored Arc Welding I Lab – Thursdays, 5 to 9 p.m.
Scranton Area Community Foundation Announces Scholarship Recipients Twenty students from twelve different high schools in the area have been awarded a prestigious scholarship through the James F. Swift Scholarship Fund administered by the Scranton Area Community Foundation, which provides $5,000 per year for each recipient for up to four years to assist with continuing education expenses. The following students are first-time recipients of a James F. Swift Scholarship: Emma Aversa (Old Forge), Jacquelyn Bitter (Dunmore), Kaeden Carr (Holy Cross), Jayden Evans (Mid Valley), Sadid Hassan (Scranton), Courtney Hazelton (West Scranton), Emma Illian (Abington Heights), Kendal Johnson (Mid Valley), Lorna Lynch (Abington Heights), Connor Monahan (Riverside), Ayman Mounota (Dunmore), Julia Murphy (Carbondale Area), Gianna Natale (Scranton), Gabrielle Novak (Lakeland), Paige Pezanowski (Lakeland), Ron Prislupski (Holy Cross), Mila Racibor (Old Forge), Ethan Symuleski (Valley View), Martin Turi (West Scranton), Jayde Weibel (Scranton Preparatory). In addition to the 20 new recipients, there were 56 James F. Swift Scholarship renewals in 2023. The following students are recipients of a James F. Swift Scholarship Renewal in 2023: Antonio Pugliese, Fione Evans, Andrew Cummings, Tori Kovalchick, Nina Sampogne, Kristen Lello, Marguerite Flynn, Ryan Turlip, Eric Spivak, Nicholas Guerra, Ashley Capone, Christopher Talluto, Rebecca Lucas, Caitlin Doughton, Olivia Manarchuck, Taylor Seprosky, Tyler Muskey, Ava Decker, Michael Rodyushkin, Kayla Rose, Hunter Geise, Benjamin Thompson, Matthew Howard, Cameron Butka, Meredith Purcell, Ryan Coleman, Sofia Capozzi, David McKenney, Alexis Tanana, Gabrielle Snee, Jillian Brennan, Christian Snee, Taralyn Reilly, Marisol Olivares, Hailey Matechak, Alyssa Cosklo, Owen Morgan, Erileidi Fernandez, Eliana King, Chloee Rumford, Dana Mackin, Michael Kazmierczak, Ava Aulisio, Mia Muskey, Molly White, Riley Clarke, Alexander Bond, Elina Joshi, Joel Cali, Sofia Flores-Weidner, Michael Sewack, Finley McHale, Ryan Salony, Ritu Regmi, Thomas Milewski, Sara McCormack. The James F. Swift Scholarship Fund has awarded over $4 million since 2008, benefiting over 300 local students to date. Created in 2002 through a gift by Mr. James F. Swift to the Scranton Area Community Foundation, the James F. Swift Scholarship Fund provides support for higher education for students graduating from high schools in Lackawanna County. Following Mr. Swift’s death in 2006, the Scranton Area Community Foundation gratefully received a significant gift from his estate to the scholarship fund which has allowed a great number of students from Lackawanna County the opportunity to pursue their academic and professional goals through higher education. The scholarship aims to provide an ongoing stream of matriculation at Lackawanna County colleges and universities. It is the goal of the Scranton Area Community Foundation to award 75% of the scholarships to students who plan to attend institutions of higher learning in the Lackawanna County region. Scranton Area Community Foundation President and CEO Laura Ducceschi praised the generosity of Mr. Swift, noting “he has left a permanent and enduring legacy for the young people of our region. His scholarship fund makes higher education more attainable for generations of students.” The Scranton Area Community Foundation is a partner with the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) in their Partnership for Access to Higher Education (PATH) Program to offer qualifying students additional financial aid. Through PHEAA, these scholarship recipients may be eligible for additional dollars toward their tuition. For more information on the James F. Swift Scholarship Fund at the Scranton Area Community Foundation, please contact Brittany Pagnotti, Communications Manager of the Scranton Area Community Foundation at 570-347-6203.
Geisinger’s 17th EMS Awards Reception Honors First Responders Emergency medical services (EMS) providers and fellow first responders were recognized for service to their community recently during Geisinger’s EMS Provider of the Year Awards reception, which took place just before a Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders home game at PNC Field in Moosic. The 17th installment of the awards ceremony was part of a larger reception honoring nearly 200 first responders and their family members. Dinner and tickets to the ballgame were provided for all participants. “We’re here to honor the people who put themselves at risk every day to care for members of our community when they need it most,” said Ron Strony, M.D., chair of Geisinger’s Department of Emergency Medicine. “We thank them for all they do and for partnering with us to improve how we respond to emergencies.” John Campos, executive vice president of Emergency Medical Services of Northeastern Pennsylvania, received the Jack Lasky Lifetime Achievement Award, which is named in honor of a now-retired Geisinger EMS coordinator who served his community for 44 years in various roles. During his 55-year career, Campos worked in Indiana, Pa., and organized EMS training for the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Appalachian Commission in Kentucky. He’s worked for Emergency Medical Services for the last 45 years, leading service licensure, training certification, medical command authorization and incident management protocols, and he’s implemented multiple changes in state EMS regulations. The two recipients of the James “Sox” Ruane Community Service Award were Kathryn Bommer, pre-hospital registered nurse and Geisinger Community Medical Center trauma education and injury prevention outreach coordinator, and Bennett Heyman, Geisinger EMS paramedic. Bommer was honored for providing exceptional and optimal care, dedication to serving her local community and educating the next generation of first responders throughout her 45-year career. Heyman was awarded for outstanding caring and skill, treating patients like members of his family, and his calm while tending to scared or combative patients. And for their roles in responding to a May 24 fire and saving the life of a Scranton Fire Department captain who went into cardiac arrest during the call, 10 first responders received the Alice and Bob Walsh Heroism Award: Bruce Beauvais, paramedic, Pennsylvania AmbulanceShane Buschpics, private, Scranton Fire DepartmentDonald Chesek, chauffeur, Scranton Fire DepartmentJohn R. Davis, lieutenant, Scranton Fire DepartmentMartin Fallon, private, Scranton Fire DepartmentAmy Kadonoff, advanced emergency medical technician (AEMT), Pennsylvania AmbulanceJim Ralston, paramedic, Taylor Fire DepartmentDave Ross, paramedic, Clarks Summit Fire DepartmentTerry Smith, AEMT, Pennsylvania AmbulanceMaureen Slovenkai, fire police officer, Newton-Ransom Volunteer Fire Department Nominees for the James “Sox” Ruane Community Service Award were: Mark Blanchard,paramedic, Susquehanna Regional EMS,who always provides high-quality patient care; receives compliments from patients for his care, knowledge and skill; and is a remarkable asset to patients and familiesMatt Carter, police officer, Archbald Police, for always being kind and willing to help someone in need and embodying the highest ideals of police serviceThe entire staff of Covington EMS for providing uninterrupted basic life support (BLS) service to the North Pocono region for two years through a combination of paid employees and unpaid volunteersAdam Fensch, paramedic, Bloomsburg EMS, for always demonstrating kindness and compassion toward his patients and their familiesMelanie Gerulsky, paramedic, Pennsylvania Ambulance, for creating and hosting Kids’ Day at Nay Aug Park to raise money for children’s services and build awareness of these services in the communityClair Pete Manhart, EMT, Geisinger EMS and Bloomsburg Ambulance, for a long career of faithful service and always teaching that BLS saves lives and advanced life support (ALS) is the icing on the cakeKristen Myers, EMT and business manager, Freeland Ambulance, Medic 41, for her tireless commitment to the community and her EMS colleagues, including bringing ALS services to the Freeland community and volunteering to provide EMS services at local youth sporting eventsStevie Spishock, paramedic, Americus and DH&L, for always demonstrating excellence and striving to improve herself and those around herEdward Szafran, Kingston firefighter and chief of operations for Greater Pittston Regional Ambulance, for more than 20 years of providing outstanding service to his community as well as serving as a health technician for the National Disaster Medical System of the U.S. Department of Health and Human ServicesBill White, firefighter and EMT, Justus Volunteer Fire Company Ambulance, for 50 years of outstanding service, including serving as deputy fire chief, assistant fire chief, ambulance lieutenant, chief driver, ambulance captain, chief engineer, dive rescue captain and president
The Honesdale National Bank Promotes Staff Members Thomas E. Sheridan Jr., President, and CEO of The Honesdale National Bank, announced Melissa Rushworth has been promoted to Assistant Vice President, Loan Officer. In making the announcement, Sheridan stated, “I am pleased to promote Melissa to this new role as she grows personally and professionally here at HNB.” He continued, “With her dedication and longstanding record in the Forest City community, it is evident that her experience will lead to success in her new role.” As AVP, Loan Officer, Rushworth will assist customers with direct and indirect consumer loans, mortgages, and home equity loans. Rushworth started her banking career in 1998. She joined HNB in 2008 and has held various positions throughout her career including: Sales Associate, Teller, CSR, Branch Supervisor, Head Teller, Assistant Branch Manager, Branch Manager, Human Resource Assistant and now Loan Officer. In commenting on her new position at HNB, Rushworth noted, “HNB has given me the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally. It really is like a second family.” She continued, “With the banking industry ever changing it’s comforting to know that we are committed to doing what’s best for our employees, customers and the communities we serve.” Rushworth is from Mayfield, graduated from Lakeland Jr. Sr. High School, and has completed various continued learning opportunities through coursework through Pennsylvania Bankers Association, BAI, ICBA, and leadership seminars. Outside of the bank, she is part of the Forest City Lions Club and loves spending time with family, going on vacations, camping, and gardening. She is an active supporter of all her children’s school and sporting events. Furthermore, Thomas E. Sheridan Jr., President, and CEO of The Honesdale National Bank, has announced Kate Bryant has been promoted to Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer (CFO). In making the announcement, Sheridan stated, “Kate continues to excel in her role and elevate the bank’s executive leadership team.” He continued, “Her contributions to maintaining HNB’s strength and stability and upholding shareholder value are the characteristics that will continue to drive us forward.” Bryant has served as the Bank’s CFO since 2016, through which she is responsible for managing the financial planning of the bank and helps direct its overall executive strategy across all departments. She had been previously promoted to Senior Vice President, CFO in 2020. Bryant began her career in the financial industry in 1999, starting in the banking industry in 2003. She joined HNB in 2004 in the Accounting Department and has helped shepherd the development of accounting and Bank Security Act (BSA) functions. In commenting on her time at the bank, Bryant noted, “HNB provides me with ongoing opportunities which support my overall professional growth and allows me to be an active participant in my community, for which I am very grateful.” Bryant resides in Honesdale, Pa. and is a graduate of Honesdale High School. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Finance and Minor in Economics from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She later received her Master of Business Administration from Villanova University. Outside of the bank, she enjoys spending time with friends and family. The Honesdale National Bank, established in 1836, holds the distinction of being the area’s oldest independent community bank headquartered in Northeastern PA, with offices in Wayne, Pike, Susquehanna, Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties. The Honesdale National Bank offers personal banking, business banking and wealth solutions. For more information on HNB’s products and services, visit www.hnbbank.bank.
