Geisinger School of Medicine Student Wins Gold Foundation Fellowship Ethan Boyle, a member of Geisinger School of Medicine’s MD Class of 2028, was awarded a highly competitive Gold Student Summer Fellowship from The Arnold P. Gold Foundation. His project, “Action Against Healthcare Inequalities for Patients Experiencing Substance Abuse and Homelessness,” will address healthcare access issues for people served by Scranton’s Community Intervention Center (CIC). The project focuses on recording weekly vital signs for 100-150 patients, providing essential hygiene and harm-reduction products, and connecting patients to free healthcare clinics. The goal is to rebuild trust between this at-risk population and healthcare systems. Ethan, who plans to pursue a career in psychiatry, said he was inspired to apply for the fellowship thanks to his community immersion experiences at Geisinger’s School of Medicine. “One reason I came to Geisinger was its community focus,” Ethan said. “I’m interested in understanding the social drivers of health. Volunteering at the CIC helped me to see the correlation between things like mental health and substance use, and how supporting hygiene can also support better health.” Working with faculty mentor Kate Lafferty-Danner, PhD, assistant professor of medical humanities and community engagement, Ethan proposed a 10-week summer project to build on CIC’s holistic, patient-centered approach by promoting healthcare access, education, and harm-reduction strategies. Weekly vital-sign screenings and referrals to healthcare clinics will provide preventive and longitudinal care. “My goal is to bridge the gap between CIC patients and healthcare services by providing hygiene and harm-reduction products like Narcan, conducting weekly vital-sign checks, offering healthcare education and connecting patients to free medical services like the Leahy Clinic at The University of Scranton,” he said. “I’ll manage the inventory and create educational materials, as well.” Impact will be analyzed through data generated by the weekly vital sign checks, demand for hygiene products, patient feedback and records from the Leahy Clinic. Ethan will ensure the work continues by training new medical students to take over when he advances in his training.Medical student projects rewarded with a Gold Humanism fellowship must: improve the health and lives of traditionally underserved populations focus on understanding and/or enhancing cultural humility in delivering care encourage collegial and interprofessional teamwork be designed and implemented by students promote a lasting or systemic change The fellowships are awarded to a limited number of medical students each year. The selection process is competitive, requiring applicants to submit a detailed proposal outlining their project and its alignment with the fellowship’s goals. Projects must demonstrate a need identified by the community or patients who will be affected.
Wayne Bank Unveils Exciting New Brand: Every Day Better Jim Donnelly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wayne Bank, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its new brand, emphasizing the Bank’s continued commitment to its customers, communities, and mission to make Every Day Better™. Wayne Bank’s rebrand includes a fresh visual identity, an updated logo, and unified messaging that aligns with the Bank’s long-standing values and vision for the future. As part of this transformation, Wayne Bank is also unifying its affiliated institutions, Bank of the Finger Lakes and Bank of Cooperstown, under the Wayne Bank name. This alignment enhances brand recognition and makes it easier for customers to connect with the Bank—whether online, in a branch, or in the community. “Although we have operated as one team behind the scenes since 2020, this rebrand allows us to show that unity publicly, merging our values and giving us the chance to do even more for our customers. We were one team playing with three different jerseys. Now we are all wearing the same jersey,” said Jim Donnelly. For more than 150 years, Wayne Bank has been rooted in a simple philosophy: life is at its best when you’re making it better. Every Day Better™ is built around the Bank’s core values: Boldness, Enthusiasm, Trust, Teamwork, Education, and Resilience. These principles drive every interaction and decision at the Bank, and the new branding ensures that internal culture and external identity are fully aligned.
Steamtown National Historic Site to Host Railfest on Labor Day Weekend Railfest is scheduled to return to Steamtown National Historic Site Labor Day Weekend, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 29, 30 and 31, 2025. This year’s event will highlight significant milestones in the park’s history and locomotive collection. The weekend will center on the 100th birthday of Grand Trunk Western No. 6039, a steam locomotive built for high speed and longtime part of Steamtown’s collection. The park will also recognize the 30th anniversary of its 1995 grand opening to the public, a milestone following years of preparation after Congress established Steamtown as a unit of the National Park Service in 1986. For nearly 40 years, Steamtown has preserved and interpreted the history of steam railroading in the United States. Visitors can expect a variety of experiences, including train rides, locomotive displays, interactive exhibits and hands-on programs suitable for all ages. Community partner organizations are expected to participate, offering activities that connect visitors with railroad heritage and local history. A free shuttle will run between Steamtown National Historic Site and La Festa ltaliana, a popular Italian festival held in downtown Scranton the same weekend. The service will help visitors easily experience both events. Guests can also reach the park from Lackawanna Avenue via the Marketplace at Steamtown’s mall bridge walkway. Additional details about event schedules, activities and participating partners will be shared as the weekend approaches. For general information about the park, including hours and directions, visit www.nps.gov/ steamtown.
UNC’s Carbondale Farmers Market to Hold Honesdale National Bank Day United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC) invites all media outlets and community members to join us on Thursday, June 26, for a special Honesdale National 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 The Honesdale National 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, The Honesdale National 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 ice cream from Scoopz Ice Cream Truck between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM, and each shopper will receive a reusable market bag (while supplies last). Special guest vendor Rowlands Pennsylvania Produce will be joining us, along with the Fat Guys on Wheels food truck and fun activities for families—including UNC’s brand-new cornhole games. And don’t forget to book your tee time for our golf simulator, open from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. 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.
The Wright Center Nationally Recognized for Diabetes Care and Prevention The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education has earned national recognition for its continued commitment to improving diabetes care and prevention. Quality Insights, a West Virginia-based leader in health care quality improvement, recognized The Wright Center for its annual review of diabetes and prediabetes care, as well as its targeted launch of the National Diabetes Prevention Program to support individuals at risk. The National Diabetes Prevention Program is a nationally recognized, evidence-based lifestyle change program designed to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes in high-risk patients. The Wright Center partnered with Quality Insights to assess workflows, documentation, and referrals, driving ongoing improvements in care and cost efficiency. Quality Insights also lauded The Wright Center for achieving stronger glycemic control among its diabetic patients, which helps reduce the risk of serious complications. In 2024, The Wright Center reported a 20.7% rate for NQF 0059 and CMS 122, which is an inverse quality measure that tracks the percentage of diabetic patients ages 18–75 with poorly controlled blood sugar (hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels above 9% or missing data). Since lower rates are associated with better outcomes, The Wright Center’s rate indicates strong performance in managing diabetes and reducing risks of serious complications associated with it. The Wright Center’s consistent focus on this metric underscores its dedication to evidence-based, data-informed care. This recognition reinforces The Wright Center’s commitment to advancing health access, enhancing chronic disease management, and improving the lives of patients across Northeast Pennsylvania. “We are grateful to Quality Insights for this recognition and for its ongoing collaboration in our shared mission to improve chronic disease outcomes,” said Melissa Germano-Ryczak, MS, RD, LDN, a registered dietitian and director of Lifestyle Modification and Preventive Medicine at The Wright Center. “This important milestone reflects the dedication of our interprofessional health care teams and our patients’ commitment to their health. Through evidence-based programs like the National Diabetes Prevention Program, we are helping individuals make lasting lifestyle changes that help reduce their risk of type 2 diabetes and improve their overall well-being.”
PA Treasury Announces Second Round of Money Match Checks Pennsylvania Treasury is returning unclaimed property automatically through Pennsylvania Money Match Program Treasurer Stacy Garrity, Senator Frank Farry (R-6), Senator Scott Hutchinson (R-21) and Representative Ryan Bizzarro (D-3) announced today that the second round of Pennsylvania Money Match checks, totaling more than $9.2 million, have hit Pennsylvanians’ mailboxes and are encouraging folks to cash them. Pennsylvania Money Match is a program that allows Treasury to return certain unclaimed property to rightful owners automatically, which was approved unanimously by the General Assembly and signed by the Governor last year. “It’s exciting to see so many people getting money they didn’t know they had,” Treasurer Garrity said. “It’s now important that people cash these checks. We want everyone to know this is a real program and this is real money. Every dollar we return to Pennsylvania families is money they can use to buy groceries, fill up their cars with gas, or pay their rent or mortgage. This money belongs to them, not the state.” “We sent postcards to more than 700 residents in my district notifying them they had unclaimed property – and I’m thrilled to share that these efforts from the Money Match program have already led to more than $170,000 being returned,” said Sen. Frank Farry. “The Money Match program makes it easier than ever for Pennsylvanians to reclaim what’s rightfully theirs, and I’ll continue to support efforts that reduce financial burdens on our families and neighbors.” “Pennsylvania is doing right by its workers and taxpayers by automatically returning more than $10 million in unclaimed property back to its rightful owners through the first two rounds of the Money Match program. Anytime we can cut red tape and return money directly to taxpayers is a reason to celebrate,” said state Rep. Ryan Bizzarro. “As a prime sponsor of the Money Match program, I’m working with my House and Senate colleagues to expand this initiative and return even more money to the people of our commonwealth. It’s a commonsense approach to giving back the more than $5 billion in unclaimed property sitting in the PA Treasury.” In early May, Treasury sent notification letters to Pennsylvanians indicating that unclaimed property would be automatically returned to them. This second round of Pennsylvania Money Match includes 39,045 checks, totaling $9.2 million in returned unclaimed property. Money Match checks will be sent quarterly. The next batch, which will include about 40,000 letters, will go out in August. Treasury plans to return $30 million through Pennsylvania Money Match in 2025. Pennsylvania Money Match authorizes Treasury to automatically return single-owner properties valued at up to $500 after a thorough identification and verification process. At least 14 other states have successfully implemented similar programs. There is movement in both chambers of the General Assembly to legislate an increased threshold for Pennsylvania Money Match, allowing even more unclaimed property to be returned automatically. Legislation includes Senate Bill 844 and House Bill 1189. Pennsylvania Money Match does not apply to claims for properties valued above $500 or those that have multiple owners or other complexities. Those claimants will still need to file a claim and provide any required documentation. Anyone can search online at patreasury.gov/unclaimed-property. Unclaimed property includes things such as dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, forgotten stocks, insurance policies, tangible property like the contents of abandoned safe deposit boxes, and more. In most cases, state law requires businesses to report unclaimed property to Treasury after three years of dormancy. Treasury is working to return more than $5 billion in unclaimed property to its rightful owners. More than one in ten Pennsylvanians is owed unclaimed property, and the average claim is worth more than $1,000. Since taking office, Treasurer Garrity has returned more than $900 million in unclaimed property and has implemented multiple improvements to the unclaimed property program, all designed to make the process easier and faster, including: Completing a total system upgrade for the first time in more than 15 years; Implementing a fast-track process for many claims; and Allowing direct deposit payments for many claimants. More information about Pennsylvania Money Match is available at patreasury.gov/MoneyMatch.
Settlers Hospitality, Runaway Train Unveils “Declaration” Lager A new, Pennsylvania-brewed lager is making its debut in time for Independence Day. “Declaration,” an easy-drinking beer made by Runaway Train Brewery in collaboration with America250PA, offers a crisp, refreshing and accessible way to raise a glass to the spirit of 1776—and the journey ahead to 2026. The team at Runaway Train Brewery led the creative development of both the beer and its striking label. “A lager made for the people, drinkers will find the label unfolds beautifully, much like the extraordinary story of our nation and Commonwealth, with iconic symbols of America and Pennsylvania proudly displayed on each can”, said Vince Benedetto, President & CEO of Bold Gold Media Group, and a Managing Partner in Runaway Train Brewery. The label features the name ‘Declaration’ boldly displayed in the exact font of our Declaration of Independence, along with silhouettes of famous Founding Fathers, a towering Independence Hall, and Keystone emblems, all supported by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and bordered by a parchment frame listing all sixty-seven Pennsylvania counties. Select print on the label also duplicates the font of the very first printed text of the Declaration of Independence, as it appeared in the famous ‘Dunlap Broadside’ produced by Patriot & Pennsylvanian, John Dunlap, on the night of July 4th, 1776. The beer is also proudly ‘PA Preferred’ and brewed with premium Pennsylvania ingredients. The notes of the beer have been described as “a delicious taste of Pilsner malt with a finish and mouth feel of Vienna and a touch of Saaz hops. It’s crisp, refreshing, and at 4% ABV, all day drinkable!” “Runaway Train Brewery and its partners and employees represent a commitment to not only a quality product but also to support Pennsylvania suppliers, small businesses and tell an important story of American History. We’re deeply honored to represent our brand side-by-side with America250PA”, said Justin Genzlinger, CEO of Settlers Hospitality Group and a Managing Partner in Runaway Train Brewery. A portion of proceeds from “Declaration” will directly support America250PA, the Commonwealth’s official commission coordinating statewide efforts for the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026. “Beer has always brought people together—and in colonial America, it was part of everyday life,” said Cassandra Coleman, Executive Director of America250PA. “When they weren’t declaring independence, our founders were brewing and enjoying beer. In that spirit, we’re proud to partner with Runaway Train on ‘Declaration.’ As we build toward an EPIC calendar of events in 2026, now is the perfect time to introduce our official beer—great for barbecues, concerts, or just toasting 250 years of American history. And like this commemoration, it’s proudly Pennsylvanian and made to be shared.”“Declaration” will be available at Runaway Train Brewery beginning this July, with rollout to select locations across Pennsylvania leading up to 2026. Fans can enjoy an exclusive first tasting at NASCAR Race Weekend at Pocono Raceway, June 20th – 22nd. Availability updates and additional locations will be shared at: America250PA.beer.
Scranton Counseling Center to Host Summer Splash for Mental Health Event Scranton Counseling is hosting its first annual Summer Splash for Mental Health on Thursday August 14th from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm at our Center, 329 Cherry Street, Scranton, PA 18505. Your donation will support the various programs at SCC that help our community members with their mental and behavioral health needs. Tickets are $80 and include a BBQ dinner catered by Caravia, one summer drink ticket, music, games and building tours! Event sponsorships are available. Please contact Doug Hein, Director of Development at 570.348.6100, ext. 3222 or Douglas.Hein@ScrantonSCC.org for details. Tickets and sponsorships can also be purchased at https://4agc.com/event/summersplash. We hope to see you there!!
The Wright Center: Finding New Ways to Meet Mental Health Needs in the Community By Stephanie A. Gill, M.D., MPH We’ve made significant strides locally and across the nation in reducing the stigma of mental health and people are finally getting the help they need. But we still need to do better, especially when it comes to increasing access for people from underrepresented communities. It just so happens July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, a yearly observance of the mental health challenges faced by racial and ethnic minority groups and the need to expand access to mental health care. Many people simply don’t have easy access to care, particularly those from minority populations. We can attribute this to several factors, including a lack of health insurance, as well as lingering stigmas about mental health care that prevent people from getting the help they need. According to a November 2024 brief issued by the U.S. Health Resources & Services Administration’s (HRSA) Bureau of Health Workforce, in 2023 approximately 59 million American adults — 23% of all adults — had some form of mental illness, with nearly half of them not receiving treatment. Behavioral health services can be difficult to access due to a lack of providers, high out-of-pocket costs, coverage gaps, and other factors. And the average wait time for services is 48 days, according to HRSA. Health care systems, governmental bodies, and other organizations all need to do a better job of increasing access to mental health treatment services. Fortunately, our mental health services available here in Northeast Pennsylvania continue to improve. At The Wright Center, we offer a variety of behavioral health services, including therapy, psychological assessments, and psychiatric care, for children, adolescents and adults struggling with anxiety, adjustment disorders, depression, ADHD, bipolar and related disorders, substance-related and addictive disorders, bullying, relationship stressors, trauma, loss and grief, and postpartum depression. Our care model continues to evolve. A few months ago, we began participating in a multi-year grant awarded to the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) to improve access to whole-person primary health services for people with co-occurring mental health conditions and substance use disorders. The Wright Center is one of multiple primary care sites in Pennsylvania participating in the five-year project to promote the use of collaborative care, an evidence-based model that enhances the coordination of behavioral health services in primary care settings. Meanwhile, we just recently expanded our psychiatry services via two recent hires — Dr. Jean Gauvin and Dr. Evan Silvi. Dr. Gauvin, who earned his medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, will provide a full range of services to patients via office-based remote appointments five days a week. Dr. Silvi, a graduate of Creighton University School of Medicine in Omaha, Nebraska, will also provide office-based remote psychiatry appointments for patients of all ages. Both will work with colleagues across The Wright Center to continue integrating behavioral health and primary health services. We’re thrilled to have Dr. Gauvin and Dr. Silvi on board. Through their office-based remote care, we’re making some significant gains in accessibility for individuals in underserved and under-resourced areas, reducing barriers to behavioral health care. Much work remains to be done in terms of improving mental health care, but with increased advocacy and innovation, we’ll continue to make notable strides toward greater equity. Stephanie A. Gill, M.D., MPH, is a board-certified family medicine physician at The Wright Center for Community Health and the program director and physician faculty member of the Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s Regional Family Medicine Residency Program. For more information about The Wright Center’s psychiatry services, go to TheWrightCenter.org/services/psychiatry-services.
