WVIA Launches “Community Connection” to Spotlight Local Nonprofits

WVIA is excited to announce the recent launch of Community Connection, a new interview series dedicated to celebrating the incredible work of nonprofit organizations across Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania. Hosted by the esteemed Lisa Mazzarella, this dynamic series premiered on November 15 and will air each Friday on WVIA Radio during NPR’s Morning Edition at 8:45AM and All Things Considered at 4:44PM.

As a cornerstone of community engagement, nonprofits play a vital role in enhancing the quality of life in our region. With over 60,000 nonprofit organizations across Pennsylvania and more than 3,000 in the greater Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area alone, Community Connection seeks to highlight the impactful missions and tireless efforts of these organizations. Each week, listeners will hear first-hand accounts from nonprofit leaders, discover inspiring success stories, and meet the dedicated volunteers who make it all happen. “It is hoped the series will increase community awareness of our region’s nonprofits, and perhaps bolster an interest in volunteerism,” stated WVIA’s Lisa Mazzarella. Mazzarella continued,

“Community Connection is a forum for our regional nonprofit organizations to talk about specific programs they provide, the varied missions of their organizations, and the positive impact they make in our communities. WVIA serves a 22 county radius, so the goal is to feature programs and services from organizations all around our listening area.”

The premiere episode of Community Connection featured The Greenhouse Project, a nonprofit organization located in Scranton that operates a 3,000 square foot greenhouse and offers a variety of classes and educational resources focused on wholesome food and healthy living.

In addition to the on-air interviews, an extended community profile will be available on WVIA’s website, featuring in-depth information about each highlighted organization, including contact details and resources. This initiative not only informs listeners but also empowers them to engage with and support the nonprofits that enrich our communities.

For more information on upcoming segments and to listen to the premiere episode visit www.wvia.org/community.

Geisinger to Host Dinners to Honor Local Military Veterans

Drive-through event to take place at 11 locations

To thank local military veterans for their service, Geisinger will host drive  through veteran appreciation dinners at 11 locations across the health system’s service area from 3 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 7. The Geisinger Healthplex State College location will serve meals from 4 to 5:30 p.m. The dinners for U.S. military veterans and a guest are offered at no cost to participants. Geisinger will provide these dinners at a drive-through event for the safety of the community, staff and volunteers. Last year’s event served about 2,900 meals. Servings are limited, and those interested are encouraged to sign up now. Veterans can make a reservation for themselves and one guest by visiting go.geisinger.org/vetsdinner2024 or calling 570-293-7200. The deadline to register is Friday, Nov. 1. Locations are:

Bloomsburg: Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital, 549 Fair St. (main entrance)

Danville: Geisinger Multi-Specialty Clinic Danville, 35 Justin Drive, Building 2

Jersey Shore: Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital, 1020 Thompson St.

Lewistown: Geisinger Lewistown Hospital, 400 Highland Ave. (third-floor entrance)

Mifflintown: Geisinger Family Health Associates Mifflintown, 27 CJEMS Lane

Muncy: Geisinger Medical Center Muncy, 255 Route 220 Highway

Pittston: Geisinger Healthplex CenterPoint, 1201 Oak St.

Scranton: Nay Aug Park, 500 Arthur Ave.

Shamokin: Geisinger Shamokin Area Community Hospital, 4200 Hospital Road, Coal Township

State College: Geisinger Healthplex State College, 132 Abigail Lane, Port Matilda

Wilkes-Barre: Behind Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre, at 50 Roosevelt Terrace

Maternal and Family Health Services to Host Community Luncheon Celebrating Leaders

MFHS is happy to announce the 2024 Annual Community Luncheon, scheduled for October 29th at The Banks Waterfront in Pittston.

Please join as they honor First Lady Lori Shapiro and Second Lady Blayre Davis with the 2024 Outstanding Public Service Award. MFHS President and CEO Maria Montoro Edwards will engage in a generative conversation with our honorees, focused on their commitment to improving women’s health in the Commonwealth.  

Tickets are $65 per person, or $500 for a table of 8. RSVP by Wednesday, October 16th to reserve your seat. Program advertising opportunities are also available.

Episode Nineteen: All Things Chamber is “on the road!”

Upcoming Chamber Events

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Geisinger Ribbon Cutting at Healthplex CenterPoint in Pittston

After a yearlong $80 million construction project, Geisinger unveiled the results, celebrating the impending opening of Geisinger Healthplex CenterPoint. The 124,000-square-foot outpatient specialty facility will offer improved availability and convenience of in-demand services from same-day surgery to eye care and diagnostics.

A ribbon cutting was held at 1201 Oak St., near state Route 315, Interstate 81 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike, which was chosen for its proximity to patients in Luzerne and Lackawanna counties.

Scheduled to open Monday, Aug. 1, the healthplex will offer surgery and endoscopy; bone, muscle and joint care; urologic services; eye care and eyewear; and physical and occupational therapy, as well as laboratory and diagnostics. ConvenientCare and orthopaedic urgent care services are expected to open in the fall.

With ample space to expand programs and accommodate new care providers, the healthplex will offer more appointments and reduce wait times for patients to see specialists. It also groups complementary services, like orthopaedics and diagnostics, so patients can stay at one facility for related appointments.

According to market forecasts, the aging population of northeastern Pennsylvania will drive an increased need for these services through 2030.

“We’re outgrowing our footprint at our hospitals in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre,” said Ron Beer, chief administrative officer for Geisinger’s northeast region. “Healthlplex CenterPoint makes better health easier for patients and members in two counties by providing care in an easy-to-reach location away from the bustling activity of our medical centers.”

The healthplex also creates 154 jobs and frees up space at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center and Geisinger Community Medical Center to explore opportunities to expand acute care services like emergency medicine and trauma programs. 

Care teams at Healthplex CenterPoint will offer treatment options that previously were limited in availability in the region.

The most consolidated and comprehensive urology practice Geisinger has ever established in northeastern Pennsylvania will offer same-day care for patients with emergent conditions like kidney stones or inability to urinate.

Bolstering a wide range of sports medicine as well as hand, and foot and ankle services, the orthopaedics team will also perform arthroscopic hip procedures. 

A complete subspecialty eye-care program will feature ophthalmic providers capable of delivering virtually any service a patient may need. It includes neuro ophthalmology care and pediatric ophthalmology care. The team will also perform LASIK surgery, a first for Geisinger in the northeast region. 

The diagnostics suite adds two new MRI machines, along with computed tomography (CT) and X-ray capability, significantly expanding imaging services in the region.

Designed with a focus on patient comfort in a space that previously housed a Walmart, the healthplex features a café, an atrium with outdoor green space and seating, and facial recognition technology for easy check-in. It also provides abundant parking and is accessible by public transportation.

Adapting an existing building for new use brings needed services to Pittston Township in an environmentally friendly way. The project avoided energy-costly demolition, preserved undisturbed land that might otherwise have been used for new development, and created sustainable green space and gardens.

“Residents and leaders in this community welcomed this project with open arms and will share in its positive impacts on health and the local economy,” said Beer. “Together, we succeeded in contributing to the vibrance of an area we all love. A space that once buzzed with commerce will now care for the community for years to come.”

For more information on Geisinger Healthplex CenterPoint, visit Geisinger.org/healthplexcenterpoint.

Sky Zone Air Court in Pittston

Sky Zone, a subsidiary brand of CircusTrix and the creator of the world’s first indoor trampoline park, has officially installed an Air Court in our Pittston location. Located at 195 Enterprise Way, Pittston, PA 18640, Sky Zone is bringing the power of play, featuring a number of fun and out-of-the-box attractions including trampolines, warrior course, sky slam, challenge zone, foam zone and more! To celebrate, Sky Zone Pittston is having a ribbon cutting for our Air Court on Friday, June 3, 2022 at 1 pm.

The Pittston community is encouraged to join Sky Zone on Friday, June 3, 2022 for its Air Court opening, which will include a ribbon cutting, music, food, and giveaways.   Tickets are limited to building capacity, so it is highly encouraged guests book their ticket online to confirm their spot: skyzone.com/Pittston.

Sky Zone Pittston features a wide variety of attractions is open to children and adults alike and features several private party and event spaces, which can be reserved for birthday parties, corporate outings, meetings, fundraising events, and more.   

For more information on the park, scheduling events or purchasing a pass, guests may visit our website: skyzone.com/Pittston.