Geisinger School of Medicine and Northeastern Health Care Foundation Celebrate at Annual Reception Geisinger School of Medicine and the Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation (NEPA HCF) recently held their annual reception to review the progress and impact of the NEPA Health Care Foundation Scholars Program. The program continues to play a pivotal role in supporting medical students committed to serving the healthcare needs of northeastern Pennsylvania. In October 2014, the board of the NEPA HCF approved a grant to the School of Medicine (then called The Commonwealth Medical College). The grant, payable over 11 years, established the NEPA HCF Scholars Program, funding scholarships for 20 Doctor of Medicine (MD) students. Two students were chosen from each incoming class, beginning in 2015 with the incoming members of the Class of 2019, and ending in 2024 with the Class of 2028. To date, a total of 20 scholarships to 20 students have been awarded through the NEPA HCF Scholars Program. Laura Ducceschi, administrator of NEPA HCF, and President & CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation, emphasized the program’s alignment with the foundation’s mission, “Establishing this scholarship made sense, given NEPA HCF’s goal to improve the region’s health and well-being. Supporting medical students committed to practicing medicine in our community ensures a healthier future for northeastern Pennsylvania.” The reception also focused on the group’s annual report, detailing the program’s achievements. Key accomplishments include the continued support of students through substantial scholarship awards and the reinforcement of partnerships aimed at enhancing health care access in the region. “The NEPA Health Care Foundation Scholars Program is a wonderful example of how strategic philanthropy and medical education can work together to strengthen our region’s health care system,” said Julie Byerley, M.D., M.P.H., Geisinger College of Health Sciences president and dean. “By investing in our students and encouraging them to stay and practice in northeastern Pennsylvania, we’re building a healthier future — one physician at a time.” First row, L to R: Parita Ray, Laura Barna, M.D. (alumna, Class of 2019) Caitlin Doughton, Kyle Kidd, Evan Florey, Madison Ziobro, Alexis Blackburn, Abigail Glynn, Jake Parrick, M.D. (alumnus, Class of 2019), Alivia Roberts Back row, L to R: Tonyehn Verkitus, Catherine Mihalick, Sarah Wodder, Shubhra Shetty, M.D., Jason Woloski, M.D., Laura Ducceschi, Barbara Grimaud, Michael Cordaro, Joseph Burke, Patrick Connors, Julie Byerley, M.D., M.P.H., Peter Cognetti
Geisinger College of Health Sciences Vice Provost Returns to Harvard Macy Institute’s Faculty Michelle Schmude, EdD, MBA, vice provost for enrollment management and a professor of medical education, recently returned to the faculty of Harvard Macy Institute’s (HMI) Program for Educators in Health Professions, which she joined in 2018. Based in Boston, the HMI Program for Educators in Health Professions is a professional development program designed to enhance the skills and expertise of health care professionals as educators. It aims to equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively teach and lead in the evolving landscape of medical education. Dr. Schmude has long been active in the HMI, helping to develop and share strategies for cultivating professionalism in medical students. A focus on professionalism is proven to protect future doctors from burnout and help them deliver compassionate care. “The most meaningful professional development experience of my career has been as a scholar and faculty member in the HMI’s Program for Educators in Health Professions,” Dr. Schmude said. “I’m grateful to Dr. William Iobst, who encouraged me to attend HMI in 2017, and to Dr. Elizabeth Armstrong, the founder of HMI, and her team, who welcomed me into this exceptional community of educators. I’m thankful to Drs. William Jeffries and Julie Byerley for their continued support. Finally, I’m fortunate to have made lifelong friends through HMI who encourage, support and inspire me daily.” In her return to the Institute, Dr. Schmude will focus on serving in: Project Group, faculty co-lead and facilitator Journal Club, faculty co-lead and facilitator Microteaching Group, faculty co-lead and facilitator HMI World Café: Ongoing professional advancement for mid-career and senior educators, faculty facilitator Scholar ePoster session, facilitator She will also co-present an elective session, Communication Styles: Examining Our Assumptions. The session will examine 4 different communication styles that affect interactions. Learners will explore their communication style and examine the domains of emotional intelligence. In addition, the session uses small group work to help learners understand diverse communication styles and effectively communicate with their peers using emotional intelligence.
UNC’s Carbondale Farmers Market has Special NBT Bank Day United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC) invites all media outlets and community members to join us on Thursday, June 5, for a special NBT Bank Day at our year-round Carbondale Farmers Market. The market is held every Thursday from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Fallbrook Community Center, located at 185 Fallbrook Street, Carbondale. This event recognizes NBT Bank, our Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (PA DCED) Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) tax credit partner, for their investment in the Carbondale Farmers Market. Through the PA DCED program, NBT Bank has played a vital role in supporting the market’s growth and long-term sustainability. The Neighborhood Assistance Program continues to strengthen the market by supporting vendor recruitment, marketing, and the development of local partnerships. The market will feature all of our regular local vendors offering fresh produce, handmade goods, delicious treats, and more. To mark the occasion, UNC will provide free pizza from Pat’s Pizza in Carbondale and free ice cream to enjoy while shopping. Each shopper will receive a reusable market bag (while supplies last), and Bobbie Cooks Bakery will offer a special birthday treat to celebrate their first year in business. Shoppers can also enter a raffle—each purchase at any vendor earns an entry to win two season passes to Lakeland Orchard & Cidery and Roba Family Farms, a prize valued at $250. Families can also enjoy fun outdoor activities, including games with UNC’s brand-new cornhole boards, free to play. UNC’s Carbondale Farmers Market accepts SNAP/EBT. Benefit cardholders can receive an additional $2 for every $4 spent through the Food Bucks incentive program. For more information on SNAP/EBT, Food Bucks, or to become a cooking demonstrator, contact Lee Eckardt, Farmers Market Manager, at fm@uncnepa.org. Carbondale Farmers Market is funded in part by a Collaborative Philanthropy Grant from AllOne Foundation & Charities and is also supported by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s Neighborhood Partnership Program, with investments from Honesdale National Bank, NBT Bank, Gentex Corporation, and Mar-Paul Construction. Additional funding is financed in part by a grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Community and Economic Development through the PA Fresh Food Financing Initiative, administered by The Food Trust.
Tobyhanna Opens Microelectronics Manufacturing Facility WHAT: Tobyhanna Army Depot has officially opened is Microelectronics Manufacturing Facility, where surface mount technology is used to sustain critical military weapons systems. Tobyhanna plays a key role in the DOD, and this new mission expands the organization’s massive capability portfolio. WHEN: Thursday, Jun. 5 at 10 EST WHERE: Tobyhanna Army Depot, Pennsylvania WHY/BACKGROUND: The DOD relies on the global supply chain to provide microelectronics for developing and sustaining military weapons systems. A shortfall in domestic manufacturing and the introduction of counterfeit parts into the supply chain represents a significant risk to operational readiness for the Joint Force. In response to this challenge, Tobyhanna Army Depot is executing a four-phase project to prototype and produce surface mount technology circuit card assemblies (CCAs). Tobyhanna is improving its ability to repair, build, and inspect CCAs, ensuring they last longer and stay reliable. This effort includes studying designs, analyzing supply chain risks, reverse engineering old parts, and creating replicas of outdated components. The goal is to keep the DOD’s existing equipment running, meet new technology needs, and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. This ceremony celebrates Tobyhanna Army Depot reaching operational capability on the microelectronics lab, which enables the depot to repair and manufacture circuit cards for DOD and foreign military sale needs. The future phases will expand capacity and capability at the depot. PARTICIPANTS: Ms. Liz Miranda, executive deputy to the commanding general, Army Materiel Command; Maj. Gen. James Turinetti, commanding general, Amy Communications-Electronics Command; and Col. James L. Crocker, commander of Tobyhanna Army Depot. Media interview available on request. If you wish to attend the ceremony, please RSVP to Danielle Weinschenk, TYAD PA, danielle.e.weinschenk.civ@army.mil. PLEASE NOTE THAT A REAL-ID COMPLIANT IDENTIFICATION IS REQUIRED TO ACCESS TOBYHANNA ARMY DEPOT.
Northeast Regional Cancer Institute Received $900 from Fundraising by St. Nicholas St. Mary’s Students St. Nicholas St. Mary’s School National Junior Honor Society students presented the Cancer Institute with a $900 check from their fundraising efforts. Students paid $3 for a dress down day and $1 to purchase various cancer ribbons to wear during the day to show support for someone affected by that type of cancer. Additional donations were accepted to support the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute. It was important to the students to donate locally. From left to right: Karen M. Saunders, President, Northeast Regional Cancer Institute,St. Nicholas St. Mary’s National Junior Honors Society students, Gianna Bongarzone, Vice- President, Nina Lombardi, Secretary, Amanda E. Marchegiani, Community Relations Coordinator, Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, Ryan Pugh, President, and Mr. Chris Tigue, Principal, St. Nicholas St. Mary School.
Lackawanna Historical Society, Home and Garden Tour Returns to the Abingtons After more than 20 years conducting tours of Scranton’s historic Hill Section, the Lackawanna Historical Society invites you to venture “Beyond the Hill” this summer to explore homes and gardens in Waverly, Clarks Summit, and North Abington! The Society will present “Beyond the Hill: Enjoy the Homes & Gardens of the Abingtons” on Sunday, June 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Participants will follow a self-guided tour to five private homes and outdoor spaces, and a members-only club. The Beyond the Hill tour provides an opportunity to learn about the history of the elegant neighborhoods in the Abingtons and the history of some of its stately residences. Explore homes ranging from a historic estate and farmhouses with pioneer roots, a light-filled modern residence, and a whimsical, sprawling landscape. Tour sites include the Waverly Club, private residences at 562 Kennedy Creek Road, 260 Oakford Road, 1008 Summerfield Drive, 15989 State Route 407, and the gardens at 743 Fairview Road. A tour book and map with a suggested driving route will be provided. Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the door for the. Advance tickets are available at NADA & CO., 1440 Capouse Avenue, Scranton; the Gathering Place, 304 S. State Street, Clarks Summit; and at the Lackawanna Historical Society headquarters, the Catlin House, 232 Monroe Avenue, Scranton. Purchase tickets online at: https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/lackawanna-historical-society/beyond-the-hill2025 Tickets the day of the tour are ONLY sold at the Waverly Community House, 1115 N. Abington Rd.; tickets will be on sale until 2 pm. “Beyond the Hill” is sponsored by Toyota Scranton, People’s Security Bank, Constantino’s, and Sidel’s Restaurant; with support from media sponsors Lamar Advertising and Allied Services. For more information about the program or to purchase tickets, contact the Lackawanna Historical Society at 570-344-3841 or email lackawannahistory@gmail.com.
Lackawanna Historical Society to Provide Small-Group Walking Tours Want to take a vacation in your hometown, or learn fun facts to impress your guests? Join the Lackawanna Historical Society for our summer walking tours! These free guided tours provide local residents and visitors with a chance to learn more about Downtown Scranton’s magnificent architecture, and learn more about buildings and neighborhoods you pass every day. Tours are scheduled for Friday evening and Saturday morning. Each tour focuses on a different thematic region of the city. Tours will spotlight the Gothic District and former “Clubhouse Row,” the Lackawanna Avenue Commercial district, the lower portion of the Hill Section, as well as Courthouse Square. The full tour schedule is below: Sat., June 21 at 11am: Gothic District; meet at Lackawanna College, corner N. Washington and Vine Fri., June 27 at 6 pm: Commercial and “Red Light” District; meet at Radisson Lackawanna Station Sat., July 12 at 11am: Lower Hill section; meet Elm Park Church, cor. Linden and Jefferson Fri., July 25 at 6 pm: Gothic District; meet at corner of Vine & N. Washington Sat. August 9 at 11am: Courthouse Square; meet at cor. N. Washington & Linden Sat., August 23 at 11am: Commercial and “Red Light” District; meet at Radisson Lackawanna Station Sat., Sept. 6 at 11 am: Lower Hill section; meet Elm Park Church, cor. Linden and Jefferson All tours are limited to ten people. Learn more about your community and get some fresh air! Please call the Society at 570-344-3841 for reservations. For more information, contact the Society by email at lackawannahistory@gmail.com.
