You’ll need an appointment at the Sullivan Office for the Aging, and more

Posted 2/1/23

Dr. Larryl Damon Jr. awarded board certification

HONESDALE, PA — Larryl Damon Jr., D.O., a pediatrician for Wayne Memorial Community Health Centers (WMCHC), has been awarded board …

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You’ll need an appointment at the Sullivan Office for the Aging, and more

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Board-certified pediatrician Larryl Damon Jr., D.O.
Board-certified pediatrician Larryl Damon Jr., D.O.

Dr. Larryl Damon Jr. awarded board certification

HONESDALE, PA — Larryl Damon Jr., D.O., a pediatrician for Wayne Memorial Community Health Centers (WMCHC), has been awarded board certification from the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP).

Dr. Damon practices at the Pike Pediatric Center in Lords Valley, PA, and the Sterling Pediatric Center in Lake Ariel, PA.

“We congratulate Dr. Damon upon this achievement, and commend him for exemplifying a commitment to quality patient care,” said Frederick Jackson, executive director of the WMCHC.

In addition to successfully passing the ABP’s general pediatrics certifying exam, which covers all aspects of health care for infants, children and adolescents, Dr. Damon was also required to complete three years of pediatric training in an accredited residency program, prove clinical competence, and demonstrate professional and ethical conduct in order to become a board-certified pediatrician.

WMCHC operates four outpatient pediatric sites--Honesdale Pediatric Center, Waymart Pediatric Center, Sterling Pediatric Center and Pike Pediatric Center. Each location offers well- and sick-child visits, immunizations, medical evaluations and treatment of chronic conditions. Parents wishing to bring their child to Dr. Damon—he treats kids from birth to age 18—can call the Sterling office at 570/689-7565 or the Pike office at 570/775-4264.

For more information on all the services provided by WMCHC, visit wmchc.net or call 570/253-8390.

Casey Badik, certified physician's assistant
Casey Badik, certified physician's assistant

New physician’s assistant at Carbondale Family Health Center

HONESDALE, PA — Casey Badik, a certified physician’s assistant, is the newest primary care provider at the Carbondale Family Health Center. She’ll see patients ranging in age from infants to the elderly.

Badik was born and raised in Scranton, PA, where she took her master’s degree in physician assistant studies from Marywood University.

The practice is located at 141 Salem Ave.

WMCHC accepts most private insurance, managed care plans and medical assistance. Additionally, a sliding-fee scale is offered for those who qualify.  To make an appointment with Badik, call the Carbondale Family Health Center at 570/282-2031.

Visit www.wmhchc.net for more information.

Kevin Pipher
Kevin Pipher

Pipher to take reins as manager of rehab services and cardiac rehabilitation

WALTON, NY — Kevin Pipher might be new to United Health Services Delaware Valley Hospital (DVH), but he spent a decade as a physical therapist at Chenango Memorial Hospital.

Now he’s taking over as the new manager of rehabilitation services and cardiac rehabilitation at DVH.

At Chenango, he served as a senior physical therapist and implemented the No-Lift program. He was on the safety committee, was the inpatient lead therapist, was a physical therapy clinical instructor.

Pipher is a graduate of Nazareth College in Rochester, NY. He enjoys spending time outdoors and at the beach with his friends and family, which includes his wife and two children.

Wayne Memorial Hospital’s employee of the year

HONESDALE, PA — Danielle Hazimof was named Wayne Memorial Hospital (WMH) employee of the year for 2022.

A certified nursing assistant, Hazimof is the administrative assistant in the nursing office.

The employee of the year is chosen from the employees of the month; Hazimof was the February employee of the month, nominated by Maryrose Krzemieniecki.

Krzemieniecki called Hazimof “one of the greatest assets to the COVID unit operations… In addition to exceptional care for her patients, Danielle made sure the unit was fully stocked, organized and clean. She was a nurses’ aide, a stock clerk, a housekeeper and on a few occasions even a plumber. And every day Danielle comes to work with a positive attitude, a smile and a laugh that can make the grumpiest person, smile.”

Hospital CEO Jim Pettinato presented Hazimof with a plaque and a monetary gift. He said that her attitude and work ethic is “much appreciated… you have a bright future here.”

The presentation included a bouquet of roses for Hazimof, cookies and a non-alcoholic bubbly toast.

The employee of the year is chosen by the employees of the month from the previous year.

Honoring nurse Kathleen Ulmschneider. Pictured are Rolland “Boomer” Bojo, left; Kathleen Ulmschneider, R.N.; Megan Heaphy, R.N.
Honoring nurse Kathleen Ulmschneider. Pictured are Rolland “Boomer” Bojo, left; Kathleen Ulmschneider, R.N.; Megan Heaphy, R.N.

Ulmschneider honored at DVH

WALTON, NY — Kathleen Ulmschneider, R.N., has been recognized by her fellow staff members at United Health Services Delaware Valley Hospital (DVH). She received the Sally Dean Award.

The award was created in memory of registered nurse Sally Dean who, during her time at Delaware Valley, treated her patients, their visitors and her co-workers with true dedication, commitment and compassion, a hospital spokesperson said.

Ulmschneider came to DVH from Wilson Medical Center in 2001. She was a charge nurse in the special care unit, served as one of the nursing supervisors, then also as an emergency department nurse.

Nursing supervisors oversee hospital operations. Because Ulmschneider is the overnight supervisor, she handles any and all issues that might arise, with an on-call administrator. “It is a rare event when Kathleen needs to reach out to the administrator, due to her experience and good judgment,” the spokesperson said, quoting the nomination.

She cited in particular the respect Ulmschneider has garnered from her fellow nurses. “Even seasoned nurses turn to Kathleen with our hard questions. She advises, teaches, shows and helps us all. She is there any time I need someone, whether physically or just to ensure my decision is right.”

Staff described someone who would pitch in when needed, answer call bells, help patients in bathrooms, and answer phones.

DVH president/CEO Rolland “Boomer” Bojo said that when he was thinking about coming back to UHS Delaware Valley, he thought about the great people he had previously worked with and respected. He remembered Ulmschneider—her dedication to her patients, co-workers and the hospital itself was memorable, he said.

A gift from the Lemnitzer Memorial Fund will have a significant impact on the community. Pictured are Lisa Champeau, left; Charlie Curtin; Paul Meagher; and James Pettinato.
A gift from the Lemnitzer Memorial Fund will have a significant impact on the community. Pictured are Lisa Champeau, left; Charlie Curtin; Paul …

Lemnitzer Fund donates to Wayne Memorial Health Foundation

HONESDALE, PA — A generous donation has been given to the Wayne Memorial Health Foundation’s Century Fund by the Ernest and Margaret Lemnitzer Memorial Fund.

The contribution of $24,559.54 brings the total since the fund’s inception to nearly $348,000.

The Lemnitzer Memorial Fund was created in 1991 to support local charitable organizations. The fund also provides scholarships to Honesdale High School students.

Ernest Lemnitzer was the brother of the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Honesdale resident Lyman Lemnitzer.

The Lemnitzer Memorial Fund is administered by the Honesdale National Bank and local Honesdale businessman Paul Meagher. To date, grants in excess of $2.7 million have been paid to qualifying recipients.

“The Ernest and Margaret Lemnitzer Fund has benefited so many in our community, including young people who sought nursing careers at Wayne Memorial Hospital,” said Lisa Champeau, director of the Wayne Memorial Health Foundation.

You’ll need an appointment at the Sullivan Office for the Aging

MONTICELLO, NY — You know how it is when someone’s working on your house. The Sullivan County Office for the Aging (OFA) has to shift to an appointments-only schedule for the next few months, starting Monday, February 6, due to an expansion of its office quarters in the government center.

“We’ll continue to handle phone calls and emails like we always have, but we won’t be able to accept walk-ins without an appointment,” said OFA director Lise-Anne Deoul. “I ask for the public’s patience as we transform our cramped offices into an expansive, welcoming, ADA-accessible space in the months to come. It will be worth the wait.”

Wayne Memorial Hospital announces the following births:

Willow Rose Hartley was born January 11, 2023 to Melody Gershey and Reed Hartley of Honesdale, PA. Maternal grandparents are Kathleen Gershey of Honesdale, PA, and Justin Gershey of Lake Ariel, PA. Paternal grandparents are Krista and Richard C. Hartley of Honesdale, PA.

Iris Lynn Lazaro was born January 25, 2023 to Alexis May Rousseau and Tyler James Lazaro of Hawley, PA. Maternal grandparents are Lourdes and Donald Rousseau of Prompton, PA. Paternal grandparents are Danielle and Richard Lazaro of Honesdale, PA.

Garnet Health Medical Center - Catskills announces the following births:

Artemis Aracci was born January 8, 2023 to Thalia Miranda-Aracci and Michael Aracci of Liberty, NY.

“We’ll continue to be responsive to the people we serve,” said Laura Quigley, division of community resources commissioner. “In fact, that’s exactly why we’re undertaking this renovation and expansion.” She described a more accommodating and confidential space that could better meet the needs of all. “Till then, though,” she added, “please call ahead for an appointment!”

To reach the office, call 845/807-0241; phones will be answered by a county employee between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Voicemails can be left at other times.

Emails are welcome anytime, including to the general mailbox of sullivanofa@sullivanny.us. They will be answered as quickly as possible, staff said.

Helping babies, helping moms with HealthyMOMS

ONLINE — It just makes sense, many might say: pregnant women with substance use disorders benefit when their OB/GYNs and their medication-assisted treatment providers work together.

Maria Kolcharno, the director of addiction services and leader of the Healthy Maternal Opiate Medical Support (MOMS) program at the Wright Center for Community Health, presented the program at a meeting of the Pennsylvania Perinatal Quality Collaborative (PPQC) recently.

The PPQC focuses on reducing maternal mortality and improving care for pregnant and postpartum women and newborns.

Kolcharno addressed the importance of collaboration in making referrals, and of communicating between OB/GYN and medication-assisted treatment providers to coordinate patient care for mothers with substance use disorder.

“In 2016, the Wright Center opiate use disorder treatment. When started, there was a large influx of pregnant women with substance use disorder coming into the program,” Kolcharno said.

At the time, Wright Center staff talked about how to serve people with so many needs. “They were not coming in just for counseling. They were experiencing food insecurity, lack of safe housing, and they weren’t receiving the medical care they needed. Our Healthy MOMS program grew from the needs of the women in our community.”

Healthy MOMS staff visited birth hospitals to meet with labor and delivery nurses and doctors to discuss the program. “The biggest part was talking about the stigma of being a mother with a substance use disorder and being pregnant. It’s two things people never want to hear together—pregnant and addicted to a substance,” said Kolcharno.

Currently, there are 142 mothers active in the program, with 206 babies born through the program. Since its founding, more than 300 mothers have participated in the program.

For more information about the Healthy MOMS program, call 570/995-7821 or text healthymoms to 555888. Information about the program and its partners is also available at healthymoms.org.

Visit thewrightcenter.org/services for information about its substance use treatment and more.

Honoring two retiring board members. Pictured are Hugh Rechner, left; Linda Harding-Buchmann; Christine Rechner; James Labar; and James Pettinato...
Honoring two retiring board members. Pictured are Hugh Rechner, left; Linda Harding-Buchmann; Christine Rechner; James Labar; and James Pettinato...

In gratitude for service on the board

HONESDALE, PA — Two board members at Wayne Memorial Health System have retired, and each received a symbolic gift—“time back” in the form of a clock.

James Labar and Linda Harding-Buchmann both served on the system’s long-term care board, which oversees Wayne Memorial’s skilled nursing home, Wayne Woodlands Manor in Waymart, PA.

Labar was on the board for two decades, and put in two stints as chairman of the board of long-term care. Harding-Buchmann served from 2013 to 2022.

CEO James Pettinato and Wayne Memorial Hospital/Health System board chair Hugh Rechner praised the two retiring members.

All Wayne Memorial board members serve voluntarily, with no compensation other than the satisfaction of knowing they are engaged in positive work for the community they live in, a hospital spokesperson said.

A leaf to remember a beloved volunteer. Pictured are Steve Kaminsky’s nephews Bradley and Barry Rosenhouse, left; Keta Kaminsky; Jayne Kaminsky Rosenhouse; and Jeffrey Rosenhouse.
A leaf to remember a beloved volunteer. Pictured are Steve Kaminsky’s nephews Bradley and Barry Rosenhouse, left; Keta Kaminsky; Jayne Kaminsky …

Family honors longtime hospital volunteer on giving tree

HONESDALE, PA — The Giving Tree at Wayne Memorial Hospital has a new leaf. It’s a tribute to Stephen Kaminsky, who volunteered at the hospital and passed away in June 2022.

Kaminsky’s wife, Keta, purchased the leaf in her husband’s honor, “because of his love, respect and devotion to Wayne Memorial Hospital.”

Steve Kaminsky was a greeter at the front desk, and was president-elect of the hospital auxiliary when he died. Perhaps most memorably, he was co-owner, with Keta, of pet-therapy dogs.

The Lakeville, PA couple spent hours with patients in the inpatient rehabilitation unit and the infusion clinic, a hospital spokesperson said.

Keta Kaminsky continues to carry on that mission.

Before he retired, Steve, a U.S. Army veteran, was a police officer in New Jersey, where he helped organize a hostage squad and was a police instructor in the fields of explosives and hostage negotiations. According to his obituary, Steve was the first certified bomb technician in Middlesex County, NJ.

The Giving Tree honors or memorializes individuals through donations to the Wayne Memorial Health Foundation. For more information, visit wmh.org or email wmhf@wmh.org.

Dr. Larryl Damon Jr., Casey Badik, Kevin Pipher, Danielle Hazimof, Kathleen Ulmschneider, Lemnitzer Fund, Sullivan Office for the Aging, HealthyMOMS, Wayne Memorial Health System, the Giving Tree, Stephen Kaminsky

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