Geisinger Awarded Grant for Cardiovascular Prediction Breakthrough Researchers at Geisinger have been awarded funding to pioneer a new approach to predicting thoracic aortic dissection (TAD) — a life-threatening cardiovascular emergency that often occurs without warning. The grant, from The John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health, will support development of an advanced AI and machine learning–based predictive tool to identify patients at highest risk for TAD earlier and more accurately than current methods. “Traditional approaches rely heavily on measuring the size of the aorta, but many patients dissect without ever reaching the guideline thresholds,” said Tooraj Mirshahi, Ph.D., principal investigator, professor, Department of Genomic Health, Geisinger. “By combining imaging features, genetic risk factors, and detailed clinical histories, our project will generate a truly personalized risk model for patients.” The study will draw on Geisinger’s unique dataset, which includes: Over 2.3 million electronic health records More than 200,000 CT scans analyzed with a custom AI tool Genetic data from more than 230,000 people, including rare variants and risk scores linked to aortic disease Combining these data streams will allow the team to build a model that can pinpoint which patients are at risk of aortic dissection, potentially years before an event occurs. “This project has the potential to save lives by identifying high-risk individuals who would otherwise fall through the cracks,” said Evan Ryer, M.D., co-investigator and vice chair, vascular surgery, Geisinger. “Ultimately, we envision a predictive tool that informs clinical decision-making, guides surveillance, and allows for timely preventive interventions.” Along with improving early detection, the project is expected to personalize patient monitoring and treatment. “Understanding why and when dissections occur has been a long-standing challenge in cardiovascular medicine. By integrating genetics, imaging, and clinical factors, this project will help us identify at-risk patients and provide new insights into the biology of aortic disease. That knowledge can shape future therapies and improve outcomes for patients worldwide,” added Scott LeMaire, M.D., co-investigator, associate chief scientific officer, professor of cardiothoracic surgery, Geisinger. The project supports the foundation’s mission to prevent premature deaths from thoracic aortic dissections, honoring the legacy of actor John Ritter, who died from a misdiagnosed aortic dissection in 2003. “Funding from the John Ritter Foundation allows us to bridge cutting-edge science and clinical care,” said Mirshahi. “We are grateful for their partnership and support in advancing this lifesaving work.” LeMaire, Ryer and Mirshahi have been invited to participate in a webinar to discuss the grant titled “An AI/ML Framework for Predicting Thoracic Aortic Dissections Using Routine CT Imaging, HER, and Genetic Data” on Monday, November 17 at 7 p.m. Click here to find more information regarding the webinar.
Circle Drive-In Releases Weekend Schedule FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14TH & SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15TH Screen One: “Predator: Badlands” (2025 – PG-13) at 7:00 PMScreen Two: “The Running Man” (2025 – R) at 6:45 PM Gates & Box Office open at 5:45 PM SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16TH CIRCLE GIANT FLEA FAIR from 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Vendor Gates at 5:00 AM) New vendors are always welcome, no pre-registration required! Vendors are invited to come out and sell their crafts, artisan items, homemade products, gently used treasures & more – every Sunday! Learn more at circledrive-in/fleafair24. Tickets for upcoming movies, as well as additional information, available at circledrive-in.com.
Hospice To Deliver Thanksgiving Meals to Homebound Patients Hospice of the Sacred Heart will once again spread the spirit of gratitude and compassion this holiday season through its annual Thanksgiving Program, taking place on Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, November 27. This is the 20th year for the program. Each year, staff and volunteers come together to prepare, package, and deliver traditional Thanksgiving meals to Hospice of the Sacred Heart patients receiving care at home, along with their families. Over 700 meals are expected to be delivered. The initiative ensures that patients and loved ones can share in the warmth and comfort of a holiday meal, even when they cannot gather around a traditional family table. “Our mission has always been rooted in compassion,” said Diane Baldi, CEO, Hospice of the Sacred Heart. “This program allows us to bring comfort, care, and a sense of togetherness to our patients and their families on one of the most meaningful days of the year.” Volunteers and staff will begin early Thanksgiving morning at Mansour’s Market Café in Scranton, packing full meals complete with turkey, stuffing, potatoes, vegetables, and pumpkin pie for dessert. The meals are then carefully hand-delivered by volunteers to patients throughout the region. “This effort truly embodies what Thanksgiving is all about — gratitude, service, and community,” added Ann Seechock, Volunteer Coordinator. “We’re proud to share this day with those we serve.” Hospice of the Sacred Heart extends its thanks to the many employees, volunteers and community partners who make this event possible each year. For more information about Hospice of the Sacred Heart or to learn how to support future programs, please visit HospiceSacredHeart.org or call 570-706-2400.
Fidelity Bank Adds Charles Hangen to Team Daniel J. Santaniello, President and CEO of Fidelity Bank, is pleased to announce that Charles Hangen has joined Fidelity Bank as SVP, Chief Risk Officer. Hangen will be responsible for safeguarding the Bank’s strategic integrity, this role leads to the identification and mitigation of critical competitive, regulatory, and technological risks. He will be focused on advancing the enterprise risk management framework and ensuring robust policies and procedures that adapt to an evolving financial landscape. In making this announcement, Santaniello stated, “Charles brings a wealth of expertise in risk management and strategic leadership. His deep understanding of regulatory frameworks and proven ability to mitigate complex risks will be instrumental as we strengthen our foundation and continue delivering secure, innovative financial solutions to our clients.” Currently residing in Nazareth, PA, Hangen is a graduate of Northampton Area High School and graduated from Bloomsburg University in 1994. He has completed the American Bankers Association Stonier Graduate School of Banking, the Wharton Leadership Program, Central Bankers School of Commercial Lending, and has also been recognized as a Northampton Area Konkrete Kids Education Foundation 2019 Distinguished Alumni Inductee. Reflecting on his new role, Hagen shared, “I am excited for a new challenge with a financial institution dedicated to the communities they serve” Outside of the bank, he is involved in his community as Bethlehem Steel Travel Softball assistant coach and a Blue Eagles Basketball assistant coach.
NRCI: Board of Ambassadors Honor Baum at Spirit of Hope The Board of Ambassadors will honor John “Slick” Baum as the 2025 Tribute to Courage Honoree at their upcoming Spirit of Hope Celebration set for Friday, November 14, 2025, at Mohegan Pennsylvania. John “Slick” Baum is a retired USAF Lieutenant Colonel, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and leading business strategist. John enlisted in the USAF at 17 serving as an avionics maintenance technician. He then attended Embry- Riddle Aeronautical University graduating with a BS in Aeronautical Science in 1999 and a Masters of Aeronautical Science in 2008. Col. Baum attended Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training and graduated F-16 training as the Distinguished Graduate. He then attended USAF Fighter Weapons School (Top Gun) and returned as an instructor. John was then requested by the Commander of Air Combat Command to fly as a Demonstration Pilot for the 2009-2010 Thunderbird team. Following the Thunderbirds, he was selected as a Secretary of the Air Force Strategic Communications Fellow earning a Masters in Strategic Communication from George Mason University. John was also co-founder of Draken International providing contract air support to the US and NATO military forces with the world’s largest fleet of privately owned fighter aircraft. Slick provided high G flight training for the Crew of Inspiration4, the first all civilian space program in partnership with SpaceX, and then served as the Philanthropy Director for the Polaris Program endeavoring to further understand the requirements for long duration human space flight. For his successful fundraising and awareness efforts, he was honored as the 2025 Extraordinary Performance Award recipient from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Penn State Scranton To Host Fall Open House Penn State Scranton will welcome prospective students and their families to campus for its Fall Open House on Saturday, November 15, at 9:30 a.m. This event offers prospective students and their families an opportunity to explore the campus, meet faculty, staff and current students, and learn more about the more than 275 majors available through Penn State. Visitors will have the chance to connect with faculty, academic advisors and athletic coaches, learn about admissions requirements, and review important financial aid information. The day will also include guided campus tours led by current students, offering an inside look at academic and student life. As an added benefit, students who attend the open house can apply to Penn State Scranton for free! Pre-registration is required. Students under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Penn State encourages individuals with disabilities to participate in the event. Any individual requiring special accommodation needs should contact snadmissions@psu.edu or by calling 570-963-2500. Upon registration, attendees will receive follow-up information, including directions, a campus map, and additional event details. For more information or to register, visit scranton.psu.edu.
Penn State Scranton Student Wins National Contest Fourth-year corporate communication student Zamarra Vrabel has made campus history with her recent podcast project, which earned two first-place awards, including the campus’ first-ever national award, which she received from the National Federation of Press Women (NFPW) Communications Contest. Her project also garnered a first place award in the Pennsylvania Press Club’s annual contest. Penn State Scranton Corporate Communication major Zamarra Vrabel, center, poses for a photo with her first place award from National Federation of Press Women (NFPW) Communications Contest. At left is Corporate Communication Program Coordinator Kelly Conlon-Mazzucca, with Assistant Professor of Corporate Communication Stephanie Longo, at right. Vrabel’s winning podcast, titled “Culture — Little Pieces of You: A Strong Foundation and a Constant Journey,” was created as a midterm assignment for her CAS 471: Intercultural Communication course, taught by Assistant Professor of Corporate Communication Stephanie Longo. The podcast explores the role of culture in shaping identity, featuring an interview with Luz Cabrales, a local filmmaker and editor who shared insights into her Mexican American heritage. Vrabel recorded the interview via Zoom and edited the audio to enhance clarity and cohesion. She structured the podcast to highlight how culture influences various aspects of life, including family, work and community. “I structured my podcast in a way that showed how culture affects all areas of our lives, such as family, work and our place in the community,” Vrabel said. “I wanted to stress that each person defines culture based on how they allow it to shape them into who they are.” The podcast was first submitted to the Pennsylvania Press Club’s annual contest, where it won first place at the state level. That victory qualified Vrabel for the national competition hosted by the NFPW, where she again took top honors. The NFPW’s 2025 Professional Communications Contest drew nearly 2,000 entries from across the United States and even internationally, including submissions from 47 states, the District of Columbia and Spain. Winners were announced in September during the organization’s national conference in Golden, Colorado. “Finding out that my podcast gained national recognition, along with an award, made me feel very happy and accomplished,” Vrabel said. “I couldn’t have done it without Dr. Longo’s guidance and support, and Luz Cabrales (my guest on the podcast) sharing her amazing story with me and my family and friends who encouraged me to work hard on the podcast and to enter the competition.” Longo, who submitted the podcast on Vrabel’s behalf, said the assignment was designed to give students hands-on experience with emerging communication tools. “Working on this podcast taught me that listening and asking questions are two of the most important skills in becoming an effective communicator,” she said. “I will continue to remember this and practice these skills as I continue in my Corporate Communication journey.” Longo said Vrabel’s success reflects the program’s commitment to innovation and student development. Corporate Communication Program Coordinator Kelly Conlon-Mazzucca praised Vrabel’s achievement as a milestone for Penn State Scranton’s Corporate Communication department. “Winning first place at the National Federation of Press Women’s competition, which is our first national award, is a testament to her extraordinary talent, hard work and dedication,” she said. “Zamarra is not only a gifted communicator, but she is an inspiration to those around her.” “Seeing our students recognized on the state and now national level is a thrill for our Corporate Communication department,” Longo said. “Both Professor Kelly Conlon-Mazzucca and I are dedicated to providing our students with real-world, cutting-edge opportunities in the field of communication. We know that if students don’t learn up-and-coming techniques in our classes, they will be behind their peers.” She added that the department invests considerable time in researching and integrating the latest technologies to ensure students are prepared for the evolving job market.
Penn State Scranton’s Alan Peslak Honored Penn State Scranton Professor of Information Sciences and Technology Alan Peslak has been named the 2025 Computer Educator of the Year by the International Association for Computer Information Systems (IACIS). The award, the highest honor bestowed by the organization, was presented earlier this month during the IACIS annual conference in Pensacola, Florida. The Computer Educator of the Year award recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional research and teaching achievements, and who have made significant contributions to the fields of information systems (IS), information technology (IT) and computer science. Recipients are selected for their national and international impact on information science education and scholarship. Peslak, who also serves as professor in charge of Penn State’s information technology degree program and as information sciences and technology discipline coordinator for the University’s 14 Commonwealth Campuses, has played a key role in advancing IT education across Penn State. He recently co-chaired a University-wide committee to design the new IT degree focusing on broad-based technology skills for entry-level professionals, particularly in small and medium-sized organizations. “I am very proud to be a part of advancing the field of Information technology in our society,” Peslak said. “Our discipline is leading the way in improving the lives of everyone by using technological resources to improve health, manufacturing, businesses, the environment and nearly every aspect of society. And the use of artificial intelligence to accelerate improvements in everyday life is nothing short of revolutionary. I am privileged to be a part of Penn State and help prepare our students to use technology to further our progress and address the major challenges we face in the world.” Peslak joined Penn State more than two decades ago after a 25-year career in the private sector, where he served as vice president of finance for Akzo Nobel. His research explores the societal and ethical implications of information technology, social media and artificial intelligence. He has authored 131 peer-reviewed publications, including 87 journal articles, with more than 2,200 citations and an i10-index of 50. His work has earned numerous honors, including the 2020 Ben Bauman Award for Excellence from IACIS and the 2012-13 Information Sciences and Technology Statewide Faculty Member of the Year award at Penn State, as well as being named a fellow by the International Educators Association: Information Systems & Computing Academic Professionals, a non-profit organization for academics in information systems and computing. In addition to his research and teaching, Peslak has also been a leader in global collaboration through the Experiential Digital Global Exchange (EDGE) program, partnering with institutions such as the University of Auckland in New Zealand and Seifullin Agrotech University in Kazakhstan to connect students globally via technology-driven learning. Peslak also contributes to the broader academic community through service on multiple editorial boards and as a reviewer for leading journals, including the Journal of Business Ethics, Journal of Computer Information Systems and Communications of the ACM.
Treasurer Garrity Honors Veterans with Military Decoration Returns Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity today announced that 57 military decorations have been returned to Veterans and their families so far in 2025. Returns this year include two Purple Hearts, Treasury’s first-ever Gold Star Widows and Pilgrimage Medal and Civil War buttons and epaulettes. “As state treasurer, I’m tasked with safeguarding more than $180 billion in state assets, but one of my favorite parts of this job isn’t about the money at all, it’s honoring my fellow Veterans by returning the military decorations that find their way to Treasury’s vault in Harrisburg,” Treasurer Garrity said. Treasury has a dedicated database to help reunite military decorations with Veterans or their families. There are nearly 500 decorations, including medals, dog tags, pins, buttons and more remaining in Treasury’s care. They represent every branch of military service and nearly every major conflict. Anyone can review the available decorations online at patreasury.gov/unclaimed-property/medals. “I urge the public to search our military decoration database to see if they have information to help us reunite the priceless decorations in our vault with the Veterans who earned them or their families,” Treasurer Garrity said. Since taking office, Treasurer Garrity has returned 533 military decorations, including 13 Purple Hearts, three Bronze Stars and one Gold Star Medal. “This year included incredibly moving in-person returns, including the return of two Purple Hearts, and the Gold Star Medal,” Treasurer Garrity said. “Meeting the families of the Veterans is impactful because they add so many details about the bravery, determination and good character of the Veteran who stood in the defense of our great nation.” In April, Treasurer Garrity returned a Gold Star Widows and Pilgrimage Medal to Christine Morrison, the great-niece of Private First-Class Joseph William Morrison. PFC Morrison was in the 554th Army Ambulance Service during World War I. He was killed in action on November 1, 1918, ten days before the end of the war. His bravery was also recognized by the French government, which awarded him the Croix de Guerre. The Gold Star Treasury returned had been presented to PFC Morrison’s mother, Agnes Morrison, when she visited the grave of her son in France in 1933. The full return ceremony can be seen here. On Purple Heart Day, Aug. 7, Treasurer Garrity returned a Purple Heart to James Morgan, the son of the late Ray Alvin Morgan, an Army Veteran who was wounded in the Vietnam War. Private First-Class Morgan served in Company A, 4th Supply and Support Battalion, 4th Infantry. He was presented with the Purple Heart at Valley Forge Hospital during his recovery. The Purple Heart return ceremony, which took place at Fort Indiantown Gap, can be seen here. “Each medal, pin or button that comes to Treasury is a piece of someone’s story and returning them is a way to honor a Veteran’s service and show our gratitude for their sacrifices. I extend my sincere gratitude and appreciation on this Veterans Day to all Veterans and their families for all they have done for every Pennsylvanian and every American.” Tangible unclaimed property, like military decorations, finds its way to Treasury most often as the contents of forgotten safe deposit boxes. State law requires unclaimed property to be reported to Treasury after three years of dormancy. There is also more than $5 billion in unclaimed property, including old bank accounts, checks, rebates, insurance policies and more available to claim. More than one in ten Pennsylvanians has unclaimed property, and the average value of a claim is more than $1,000. To search for unclaimed property, visit patreasury.gov/unclaimed-property. Images of military decorations can be found here.
Treasurer Garrity & Special Olympics PA Announce Expanded Partnership Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced an expanded partnership today between Pennsylvania Treasury’s PA Achieving a Better Life Experience Savings Program (PA ABLE) and Special Olympics Pennsylvania (SOPA) at Villanova University during SOPA’s Fall Festival. “With this new partnership, we are able to provide additional resource availability and better awareness of the real financial opportunities available for Pennsylvanians living with disabilities through PA ABLE,” Treasurer Garrity said. “We want to reach as many Pennsylvanians with disabilities and their families as possible, so they know about PA ABLE and have access to the tools and opportunities necessary to achieve success and independence.” SOPA provides year-round sports training and athletic competitions in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. More than 1,700 athletes, coaches, and Unified Partners will compete in events like powerlifting, bocce, soccer, volleyball, flag football, and long-distance running/walking. “We believe in partnerships that go beyond the playing field. Our collaboration with PA ABLE reflects a shared commitment to empowering athletes and their families to build brighter, more secure futures,” said Matt Aaron, President & CEO of SOPA. “Together, we’re helping our community not only compete and achieve in sports but thrive in life.” Through this expanded partnership, Treasury and SOPA will work together on outreach and education efforts, ensuring more individuals and families across Pennsylvania learn about the benefits of a PA ABLE account. This partnership will grant Treasury access to SOPA events across the state and allow for PA ABLE branding at SOPA events. PA ABLE accounts allow Pennsylvanians with disabilities to save tax-free for expenses like housing, education, assistive technology, everyday needs and more – without impacting important benefits. Currently, to be eligible to save with an ABLE program, a person’s disability must be onset prior to their 26th birthday. Starting in Jan. 2026, ABLE eligibility will expand to include those whose disability is onset prior to age 46, which would include millions more Americans, including one million Veterans. “I encourage anyone with a disability or who has a family member or friend with a disability to learn more about what PA ABLE can do for them,” said Treasurer Garrity. Since taking office, Treasurer Garrity has reduced PA ABLE account fees six times for PA ABLE account owners. PA ABLE is the fifth largest ABLE program in the country. 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.
