The Wright Center Announces New Executive Role for Longtime Leader The Wright Center for Community Health has named a new vice president and chief clinical operating officer and director of certified registered nurse practitioner and physician assistant services. Colleen Dougherty, DNP, CRNP, FNP-BC, will coordinate overall business operations for the health center and work to ensure all primary care and service line operations are aligned with The Wright Center’s mission and strategic objectives. She also will maintain her duties as director of CRNP and physician assistant services, including overseeing scheduling and participating in recruitment, orientation, and performance evaluation. Since joining The Wright Center for Community Health in 2017, Dougherty has led several process improvements to improve the health center and the care offered to patients. She enhanced a screening process used by providers to identify behavioral health issues. Since implementing those changes in March, the practices have seen a 24% increase in the use of these potentially life-saving screenings. Dougherty earned a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Penn State University in 2014. Last year, she earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from the University of Scranton. The Wright Center for Community Health’s patient-centered medical home has 10 locations in Lackawanna, Luzerne, and Wayne counties, as well as a mobile medical and dental unit called Driving Better Health, that serves more than 40,0000 unique patients annually and ensures 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. For more information about The Wright Center for Community Health or the nearest location, go to TheWrightCenter.org or call 570.230.0019.
Broadway in Scranton Announces New Season Broadway in Scranton (NAC Entertainment and Broadway Theatre League of NEPA) is proud to announce the 2023-24 Broadway in Scranton Season. This upcoming season is the biggest yet, with six shows on the lineup. See new productions of beloved classics, Tony Award winners, shows for the entire family, and three shows making their Scranton stage debut! “We want to thank our subscribers and patrons for their support season after season. We’re excited to continue bringing the power and magic of live theatre to NEPA!” said Thomas Combs of NAC Entertainment. The new season was heavily influenced by the votes of the local community. In a survey sent by Broadway in Scranton earlier this year, audiences answered a series of questions about potential show selections. “Our audience response was instrumental in choosing this season’s productions. Not only will they be seeing their top-voted choices, but they also had a hand in choosing when to see these shows.” said Combs. The upcoming season will feature a change in performance times, with Friday and Saturday evening performances now at 7:30 PM. Executive Director Frank T. Blasi stated “We believe that the increase in the number of shows and the new starting times will result in a record number of people in the seats this year. The demand for Broadway is strong in our area, and we look forward to continuing our vital role and contribution to the quality of life in NEPA.” New season tickets go on sale Thursday, July 20 at 10 AM 2023-24 Broadway in Scranton season features: Jesus Christ Superstar – October 27-29, 2023Hairspray – January 12-14, 2024Annie – February 16-18, 2024The Cher Show – March 1-3, 2024Come From Away – April 5-7, 2024Pretty Woman – May 17-19, 2024 Prices for this 6-Show season ticket package are $240, $330, $390, and $450. Season Tickets can be purchased online at BroadwayInScranton.com, in person at the Broadway Theatre League (BTL) office (345 North Washington Ave, Scranton, PA), or by calling the BTL office at (570) 342-7784. BTL Office Hours are Monday – Friday 10 AM – 4 PM.
NRCI Names Chair for Annual Cancer Survivors Day Susan Drumgould, has been named chair for the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute’s 31st Annual Cancer Survivors Day- Honoring, Remembering, Sharing. Susan Drumgould is a 13-year breast cancer survivor. Every year on July 23, she celebrates her survivorship anniversary by bringing breakfast goodies to different organizations. She is retired which allows her the time to volunteer for several organizations including Allied Services and St. Joseph’s Center in the aquatic program. She currently volunteers with Friends of the Poor’s Food Bank and with United Neighborhood Centers. Susan enjoys swimming, playing golf, and traveling with her husband, James. They reside in West Scranton. Susan has donated to NRCI in memory of her friends and has been an attendee at Cancer Survivors Day for several years. Cancer Survivors Day is a dual-location event set for Saturday, September 23 at Kirby Park in Wilkes-Barre and Saturday, September 30 at McDade Park in Scranton. The event registration begins at 10:00 a.m. and the program begins at 10:30 a.m. It’s free of charge although pre-registration is encouraged. The events feature the Circle of Survivors, an activity during which every person in attendance can share inspirational words and support about their cancer experience. Conversation and light refreshments provide an additional opportunity for connection and support. Cancer survivors, their families, and friends, as well as caregivers and healthcare professionals are invited to attend. For more information, go to www.cancernepa.org or call the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute at (570) 904-8808.
Peoples Security Bank Promotes Staff Member Peoples Security Bank & Trust (PSBT) recently announced that Shane Ely (Scranton) has been promoted to Assistant Branch Manager of the Minooka Office. With this new position, Ely will take on a more active role in establishing a team-based culture and developing positive sales growth. A graduate of the North Pocono School District with certifications in NMLS, Ely has eight years of banking experience with Peoples Security Bank. Ely will be responsible for ensuring area customers receive the best in banking services, offering personal financial guidance, and developing relationships with area businesses. “My number one priority is to serve this community that I care so much about and to build a team environment at the Minooka Office that will deliver exceptional financial services. Creating a strong foothold in our community gives customers the security of better community banking,” says Ely.
Johnson College to Hold Open House Johnson College Hazleton will hold its first-ever student and community Open House on Thursday, July 27, from 5 to 7 p.m., at the CAN DO Training Center located inside the Humboldt Industrial Park at 370 Maplewood Drive in Hazle Township. The event welcomes all interested students and community members who are eager to see the progress of the new college campus. All visitors must register to attend the Open House by visiting johnson.edu/hazletonOH or contacting Johnson College’s Enrollment Department at 570-702-8856 or enroll@johnson.edu. The Open House will include discussions with interested students about the admissions process, information about financial aid for those who qualify, and student services such as student life, student support, and career services. Plus, same-day acceptance will be available for many programs if students bring their high school or college transcripts. Tours of each technical area will be conducted and program directors and instructors will be available to review the specifics of their programs with both students and the community.
The Catherine McAuley Center Services Continue Despite Reconstruction Krista Murray, the executive director, had important choices to make on Thursday when she was told that the sewer line was in need of complete reconstruction at the Administration building. She could shut down the Administration Office and go remote, having programs hold steady for those already being served or come up with a plan within 24 hours of how to continue to provide critical services to those who come to the Center door each day. Beyond the shelter of a roof and walls, the Catherine McAuley Center’s emergency shelters and housing programs offer a host of other important grassroots programming including a food pantry, hygiene closet, period product pantry, and the family support program that provides necessary assistance and referrals for those facing homelessness. To clear the area into which the reconstruction will be taking place, the Catherine McAuley Center will be offering additional items tomorrow, July 14th from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. at its Administrative Offices. Diapers, hygiene items, period products, food packages, and more will be available while supplies last. The Center will continue to serve the community with all its programs and services throughout the reconstruction. “We serve people in crisis each day. Even during this setback, we understand the privilege we have in each other. We know that our staff, our board, volunteers, and others in the community will support us so that we can continue to support those that need us most.” For more information on our programs and services, or how you can support the Catherine McAuley Center during this time, you can call the main phone number at 570 342-1342.
The Settlers Inn Earns Award The Settlers Inn has been honored for its outstanding wine program in Wine Spectator’s 2023 Restaurant Awards, which celebrate the world’s best restaurants for wine. “In a time of technological innovation, restaurants offer the human experience diners are hungry for—listening to their customers and offering personalized experience,” said Marvin R. Shanken, Editor and Publisher, Wine Spectator. “This annual issue celebrates the places where wine is at the top of that conversation. I’m pleased to congratulate all 3,505 restaurants for their dedication to wine and wine-loving diners.” “We are honored to receive this recognition from Wine Spectator as an acknowledgement of our continued commitment to providing the highest caliber wine service to guests of The Settlers Inn,” states CEO Justin Genzlinger. “It’s a privilege to be distinguished as one of only two restaurants in Northeast PA to receive this prestigious award. We are proud of our Sommelier, Claude Briere, and Director of Food and Beverage Steven Vennie, who have crafted an award-winning wine experience for our guests.” Launched in 1981, the Restaurant Awards represent the world’s only program focused exclusively on restaurant wine service. They are assigned on three levels: the Award of Excellence, the Best of Award of Excellence and the Grand Award, with 2,001; 1,411; and 93 winners this year in each respective category. The Settlers Inn has won the Best of Award of Excellence for a second consecutive year. Best of Award of Excellence recipients display excellent breadth across multiple winegrowing regions and/or significant vertical depth of top producers, along with superior presentation.
JAN-PRO Cleaning & Disinfecting Celebrates Milestone Anniversary JAN-PRO Franchise Development in NEPA/Lehigh Valley celebrated its 15th anniversary on Saturday, July 1, 2023. Owned by Stephen and Lori Zirnheld, JAN-PRO Franchise Development in NEPA/Lehigh Valley, has been helping individuals start their own JAN-PRO Cleaning & Disinfecting franchise businesses since 2008. These independent commercial cleaning business owners offer commercial cleaning services to local businesses in Luzerne, Lackawanna, Lehigh, Northampton, Monroe, and Carbon Counties. “We are excited to be celebrating our 15-year anniversary helping the community in the Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, and Lehigh Valley Areas,” said Stephen Zirnheld owner and president of JAN-PRO Franchise Development in NEPA/Lehigh Valley. “We would like to thank these customers for their support and business, our JAN-PRO Cleaning & Disinfecting certified business owners for their professionalism and cleaning services, and our Regional Development team members for their constant drive for excellence. We look forward to seeing what the future holds. Thank you to everyone involved in our business.”
Allied Services to Host Kick-Off Celebration at Mohegan Pennsylvania Allied Services, a leading provider of healthcare and human services for northeastern Pennsylvanians with disabilities and chronic illnesses, is hosting their Annual Campaign Kick-Off Celebration on Thursday, August 10th during Party on the Patio at Mohegan Pennsylvania. At this special edition of Party on the Patio, guests will be able to stop by the Team Allied Services tent to donate, purchase an official team exercise t-shirt and learn more about Allied Services. Guests can also feast on delicious bites by Eat Up Now while dancing the night away to the best of the 80’s, courtesy of tribute band RUBIX KUBE. There is no cover to attend this celebration, and all guests must be 21+. “Mohegan Pennsylvania has been a proud sponsor and fundraising participant for Team Allied Services for the past 14 years,” said David Parfrey, Vice President of Marketing at Mohegan Pennsylvania. “Like Allied Services, we are passionate about supporting our community as they overcome challenges and reach their greatest potential. This Party on the Patio on August 10th will certainly be a special one, and Mohegan Pennsylvania is really looking forward to a fun and memorable night kicking off the annual Team Allied Services campaign.” Team members from Mohegan Pennsylvania will be joining Team Allied Services for their 5K and All-Abilities Walk on Saturday, August 12th. This inspiring event starts with a run/walk 5K, followed by an all-abilities opportunity where patients strive to meet their own rehab goals, whether it be just a few steps or a lap around the track. On Sunday, November 5th, Mohegan Pennsylvania’s Director of Events, Jennifer Ducharme, will also be joining Team Allied Services for the TCS New York City Marathon – a 26.2-mile journey starting in Staten Island, working its way through all five boroughs in New York City and finishing in Central Park. Team Allied Services is currently accepting online donations for the 2023 fundraising campaign. For more information about the Team Allied Services Campaign Kick-Off celebration, visit moheganpa.com.
