Doug Smith’s Dixieland All-Stars Presents Celebrating America 250 Doug Smith’s Dixieland All-Stars will present Celebrating America 250, an engaging musical program that explores the rich history of Dixieland jazz—America’s original art form. Through live performances, instrument demonstrations and interactive discussion, audiences of all ages will discover how this uniquely American genre helped shape the nation’s musical heritage. Select programs will also feature hands-on activities for children and families, making the experience enjoyable for all generations. Upcoming performances will take place at the Lackawanna County Children’s Library on Sunday, July 19, at 2 p.m. and the Valley Community Library on Thursday, Aug. 13, at 5:30 p.m. Community members are encouraged to register for an upcoming event through their local library.
Allure Salon Group Founder Karen Kaminski Featured in Modern Salon Karen Kaminski, founder of Allure Salon Group, was recently featured in Modern Salon, where she shared her perspective on the growing role of artificial intelligence in the beauty industry. In the feature, Kaminski discussed how AI is shaping the beauty professional space, highlighting both the opportunities and considerations for salon owners and industry professionals as technology continues to evolve. To learn more about Kaminski’s insights and the future of AI in the beauty industry, read the full article here: Modern Salon
Restaurant Week happening July 17-23 in downtown Scranton Scranton Tomorrow’s Restaurant Week will take place in downtown Scranton from July 17th through July 23rd. There are a dozen participating restaurants throughout the city. There are no advance tickets for Restaurant Week. Diners can show up at participating restaurants and pubs to choose from their 3-course fixed price menus. The most popular price points are $19.99, $29.99 and $39.99. Restaurant Week is a project of Scranton Tomorrow’s Summer of Scranton campaign, which encourages people to support local businesses during the summer season. You can learn more about Restaurant Week and see menus from participating restaurants on Scranton Tomorrow’s Facebook page. The following restaurants and pubs are participating in Restaurant Week: The 16th Ward – 306 Penn Avenue Alter Bar – 116 North Washington Avenue, Suite 100 AV – 320 Penn Avenue Bar Pazzo – 131 North Washington Avenue Bartari – 101 Adams Avenue Fork ‘N’ Bowl – 305 Penn Avenue Picciocchi’s Pasta – 114 Wyoming Avenue P.J.’s 1910 Pub – 100 Adams Avenue The Roof at Oppenheim – 409 Lackawanna Avenue Robata Sushi and Hibachi – 244 Adams Avenue Spin & Savory – 341 North Washington Avenue Warney Cellar and Tap – 515 Center Street
The Wright Center for Community Health to Celebrate National Health Center Week With Children’s Fair Families are invited to celebrate healthy living and back-to-school season at The Wright Way to Wellness: Kids Edition, a free children’s wellness fair hosted by The Wright Center for Community Health as part of National Health Center Week. The event will take place from 2-5 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 6, in the auditorium at The Wright Center for Community Health Scranton, 501 S. Washington Ave. Open to the public, the fair returns for a second consecutive year after drawing several hundred families to its inaugural program. Children and their families can enjoy fitness and art activities, healthy snacks and nutrition demonstrations, a backpack and school supply giveaway, raffles, and interactive exhibits while learning about school physicals, vaccinations, and other health resources. The event will also feature the Lackawanna County Public Library system and community partners, including Marywood University, Build-N-Athlete, and Valley in Motion. The children’s wellness fair is one of several events The Wright Center will host during National Health Center Week, Aug. 2-8, an annual celebration recognizing the essential role community health centers play in improving access to high-quality, comprehensive, whole-person primary health services. Community health centers like The Wright Center serve patients regardless of their income, insurance status, or ability to pay. This year’s National Health Center Week theme, “Community Health Centers: Chemistry for Strong Communities,” highlights the partnerships that strengthen communities and improve health outcomes. In fiscal year 2025-26, The Wright Center served more than 39,000 unique patients in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayne, and Wyoming counties. Collectively, community health centers provide care to more than 32.5 million people annually – about one in 10 Americans – including many who are uninsured or living below the federal poverty level. “National Health Center Week is a celebration of the vital role community health centers play in keeping our communities healthy and connected,” said Kara Seitzinger, executive director of public affairs and advisor liaison to the president/CEO. “Every day, we provide responsive, whole-person primary and preventive health services to our neighbors who need it most, and we’re excited to celebrate that impact by hosting this children’s wellness fair and several other community events.” The Wright Center is hosting a slate of free activities to celebrate National Health Center Week, including: ● Monday, Aug. 3, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., The Wright Center for Community Health Clarks Summit, 1145 Northern Blvd., South Abington Twp., backpack giveaway. ● Tuesday, Aug. 4, noon-2 p.m., The Wright Center for Community Health Mid Valley, 5 S. Washington Ave., Jermyn, food giveaway. ● Thursday, Aug. 6, noon-2 p.m., The Wright Center for Community Health North Pocono, 260 Daleville Highway, Suite 103, Covington Township, food giveaway. ● Friday, Aug. 7, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., The Wright Center for Community Health North Pocono, 260 Daleville Highway, Suite 103, Covington Township, backpack and school supply giveaway. ● Saturday, Aug. 8, 9-10:30 a.m., Olive Street Trailhead entrance to the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail, Scranton, Walk with a Doc. For more information, visit TheWrightCenter.org/events
Janney Montgomery Scott financial advisor receives two designations Mark Santaniello, Financial Advisor in Janney Montgomery Scott’s Scranton Office, has earned two designations. The first is the Accredited Investment Fiduciary® designation. This certification signifies specialized knowledge of fiduciary responsibility and is the culmination of intense coursework and exams focusing on the ability to implement portfolio strategies that meet a defined standard of care. Only those financial planners who demonstrate the requisite experience, education and ethical standards are awarded the AIF® designation. In addition, he recently earned the Accredited Wealth Management Advisor® (AWMA®) designation from the College for Financial Planning®. The program provides advanced education in wealth management strategies, including investment management, retirement planning, tax considerations, estate planning and risk management to help advisors address the complex financial needs of individuals and families, including helping clients navigate investment, retirement and legacy-planning decisions. Santeniello is a member of The Wilson Wealth Advisory Group of Janney Montgomery Scott. The office is located at 72 Glenmaura National Boulevard, Moosic, PA 18507. Visit the company’s website to learn more about its work and financial advisors.
Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center Completes Structural Steel for Expansion Project Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center has completed steel frame construction on its expansion and modernization project, keeping work on pace to open the hospital’s new 11-story patient tower in 2028. Geisinger officials and community partners held a beam-topping ceremony on Wednesday, July 15, to commemorate the milestone, which brings Luzerne County and northeastern Pennsylvania a step closer to better access to acute hospital-based healthcare services. The project, which grows clinical space and enhances programs in medical-surgical care, critical care, emergency medicine, trauma care, surgical care and advanced cardiovascular care, is designed to meet the growing needs of a region whose 65-and-older population is projected to grow by 11% between 2023 and 2028. “When this project is complete, Geisinger Wyoming Valley will be more capable of meeting the needs of our friends and neighbors across NEPA, but it will also be the destination medical center our region deserves,” said Ron Beer, chief administrative officer for Geisinger’s northeast region. “This expansion will provide better access to exceptional care in a setting where patients can heal in peace and privacy.” The new patient tower will allow Geisinger Wyoming Valley to transition to an all-private-room model. Private rooms offer a more spacious and tranquil environment in which patients can rest and recover, while also improving families’ and care teams’ exchange of information and collaboration on care plans. Between new construction and renovation, the project covers more than 600,000 square feet. Upgrades to the hospital include: 58 medical-surgical inpatient beds 6 operating rooms 22 emergency medicine treatment areas 3 trauma bays Dedicated emergency room (ER) space for behavioral health patients 24 intensive care beds 2 structural heart rooms for advanced valve procedures Updated cardiac catheterization labs for heart attack care and interventional cardiology procedures More clinical space for cardiovascular programs and cardiac imagery The nearly $900 million project continues a recent series of Geisinger investments in Luzerne County focused on providing high-quality outpatient specialty care and acute inpatient care, including the expansion and renovation of the Frank M. and Dorothea Henry Cancer Center, opening of Geisinger Healthplex CenterPoint, construction of Geisinger Medical Office Building Wyoming Valley, and continued program growth at Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre. “Our mission is to provide the best care close to home for the communities we serve,” said Megan Brosious, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Geisinger. “That includes everything from the most routine well visit to the most advanced hospital-based intervention. As we’ve been able to provide outpatient services at dedicated clinics and centers out in our communities, we’ve been able to invest in and grow our medical centers.” After the new patient tower opens in 2028, renovation work will continue through 2030. In all, the project nearly doubles the size of Geisinger Wyoming Valley and puts its capability on par with major academic medical centers. “Our nurses, advanced practice providers and doctors care about this community, and they give a lot of themselves,” said Renee Blakiewicz, vice president and chief nursing officer for Geisinger’s northeast region. “For their hard work and commitment, they also deserve the best medical center we can create. Geisinger Wyoming Valley should be the hospital that makes local talent want to stay local and invites great talent from all over the world to practice in northeastern Pennsylvania.”
SWB RailRiders, Hardman Earns International League Player of the Week by MiLB Minor League Baseball has announced its weekly awards for July 6-12 and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre’s Tyler Hardman was named the International League’s Player of the Week. The RailRider smashed a dozen hits, including four homers, and drove in nine to lead the team. Hardman had an exceptional week hitting .500 at Sahlen Field against Buffalo, the Triple-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays. The 27-year-old played and had a hit in every contest, including both games of a doubleheader. Hardman started off with a four-hit, two-homer night in the series opener. He smashed a ball over the wall in three consecutive games. On Wednesday, he homered against future Hall of Famer Max Scherzer in the first frame. The righty also had a three-hit night in the Friday night contest. With Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Hardman has hit .276 in 44 games in Triple-A. He’s had nine doubles and nine homers along with 26 RBI. He began the season in Somerset, playing 42 contests in Double-A. There he smacked 13 home runs and 40 RBI. Hardman leads the entire Yankees farm system with 86 games played and with 66 runs batted in. He has notched the second most long balls with 22. Scranton/Wilkes-Barre returns to PNC Field for a nine-game homestand post All-Star break. For more information on the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, visit www.swbrailriders.com
Dave & Buster’s to Host Holiday Party Preview Open House Dave & Buster’s will host a Holiday Party Preview Open House on Tuesday, July 28, at 4 p.m., giving attendees the opportunity to experience the venue and begin planning their holiday celebrations. Guests are invited to bring a guest and enjoy a complimentary VIP holiday sneak peek with no presentations or sales pressure. The event includes complimentary food, drinks and unlimited game play, along with two premium drink tickets and a $25 Power Card. Attendees will also have the opportunity to sample holiday menu offerings, including prime rib, grilled salmon, cheese tortellini alfredo with bacon, mini cheesecakes and more. Guests who book their holiday event during the Holiday Party Preview Open House will receive 20% off their holiday party booking.
Regional Hospital of Scranton Expands Access to Colorectal and General Surgery Services Commonwealth Health Physician Network is pleased to announce that William Auriemma, M.D., FACS, FASCRS,has joined its provider team and is now accepting new patients in Scranton. Dr. Auriemma is also a member of the medical staff at Regional Hospital of Scranton. A board-certified colorectal and general surgeon, Dr. Auriemma provides comprehensive surgical care for a wide range of conditions, including colon and rectal disorders, hernias, gallbladder disease, appendicitis, and more. He specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of colorectal conditions such as colon cancer, diverticular disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and hemorrhoids. Dr. Auriemma is experienced in both traditional and minimally invasive surgical techniques and offers advanced robotic-assisted surgery to help improve precision, reduce recovery times, and enhance patient outcomes. With two da Vinci Xi robotic surgical systems, Regional Hospital of Scranton provides patients with timely access to advanced, minimally invasive surgical options. Dr. Auriemma earned his medical degree from Hahnemann University Medical School. He completed his residency in general surgery at Episcopal Hospital in Philadelphia and a fellowship in colon and rectal surgery at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown. He is board certified by both the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. Services include: Robotic-assisted minimally invasive surgery Colonoscopy Colon and rectal surgery Bowel resections for colon cancer, diverticular disease, and inflammatory bowel disease Hernia surgery Gallbladder surgery Medical and surgical treatment of hemorrhoids Appendectomy Dr. Auriemma practices at: Commonwealth Health Physician Network – Colorectal and General Surgery743 Jefferson Avenue, Suite 203Scranton, PA 18510570-344-9457 Most major insurance plans are accepted, including Geisinger Health Plan. To schedule an appointment or learn more, call 570-344-9457.
Lackawanna Blind Association’s memorial golf tournament rescheduled The Lackawanna Blind Association’s 39th annual William J. Jordan, M.D. “Swing for Sight” Memorial Golf Tournament has been rescheduled to Monday, August 17, at Glen Oak Country Club in Clarks Summit. The event was rescheduled due to the weather. The tournament will feature a Captain & Crew format, as well as a $10,000 hole-in-one prize and skill-based contests. Community members, business leaders and supporters are welcome to take part in the tournament, which supports programs that empower people who are blind or visually impaired throughout Lackawanna and Susquehanna Counties. The cost to participate is $225 per golfer. You can register or get more information about the tournament by calling 570-342-7613 ext. 5 or by clicking here.
