Commonwealth Health’s Moses Taylor Hospital Reopens Pharmacy, Launches Meds-to-Beds Program

Moses Taylor Hospital is taking another step in its campus revitalization with the reopening of its hospital pharmacy, The Apothecary,  and launch of a new Meds-to-Beds program.

The program allows eligible patients to have their prescriptions filled before leaving the hospital, providing greater convenience and helping ensure they have the medications they need when they return home.

“Reopening our pharmacy and launching Meds-to-Beds is another meaningful investment in our patients and our campus,” said Patrick D. Conaboy MD, CEO, Regional Hospital of Scranton. “It’s about making healthcare more convenient while continuing to build momentum for the future of Commonwealth Health’s Scranton hospitals.”

The pharmacy and Meds-to-Beds program are part of a broader effort to revitalize the Moses Taylor campus, enhance the patient experience, and strengthen healthcare services for the Scranton community.

The Meds-to-Beds program is available at Regional Hospital of Scranton and Moses Taylor Hospital. 

Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple Announces Jim Henson’s Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock LIVE on October 13

The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple and Magic City Productions will present Jim Henson’s Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock LIVE on October 13 at 6:00 PM. The production is based on Emmy-winning Apple TV series.

Grab your favorite Silly Creatures and get ready to “dance your cares away” when The Jim Henson Company’s musical, magic-filled touring live show makes its way across the United States for its second national tour. Following a successful run at the New Victory Theater in New York City this summer, this joyful, nostalgic show for fun-loving families and fans of all ages launches its 40-stop tour in September.

In the first-ever stage production, Gobo, Red, Mokey, Wembley and Boober Fraggle embark on a quest to find the lost Celebration Stone – an ancient treasure with the power to unite everyone for the ultimate party. Along the way, they discover magic, adventure, and something more memorable and heartfelt than they ever imagined!

Packed with comedy, dancing, and music that are hallmarks of the iconic Jim Henson Company, this family friendly live stage adventure features colorful new walkaround versions of the Fraggles, new puppet versions of their industrious friends the Doozers, a visit from a giant Gorg, and exciting original puppet creature friends – all built by the renowned Jim Henson’s Creature Shop. With plenty of fan-favorite songs and exciting visual effects, this musical stage adventure welcomes audiences on a joyful, nostalgia-filled trip to Fraggle Rock. With lots of music, laughter and imagination, it’s an unforgettable live experience that will have Silly Creatures of all ages dancing in the aisles!

Jim Henson’s Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock LIVE will take place in the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Theatre, located on the building’s first floor, with doors opening for bar and concessions at 5:00 PM. Tickets start at $44.35 (includes fees), and will be available for purchase beginning Friday, August 14 at

10 AM at the Fidelity Bank Box Office at the SCC in person or by calling (570) 344-1111, or via Ticketmaster. A Pre-Show VIP Meet & Greet Experience is available for an additional fee.

For more information or to view a full schedule of events, visit SCCMT.org.

Luzerne County Community College to Host First Annual Skilled Trades Fair

Luzerne County Community College is hosting its first Annual Skilled Trades Fair on Friday, September 18 from 8 AM to 2 PM in celebration of National Tradesman Day. It’s designed for local high school freshmen enrolled in Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, with students on campus from 9 AM to 1 PM. Students will get guided campus tours, check out exhibitor displays, meet industry professionals, and hear a keynote from Marissa Bankert, President & CEO of Associated Builders & Contractors Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter.

A’tera 519 Appoints Executive Chef Alexander Diaz, Introducing a New Era of Contemporary Coastal American Cuisine

A’Tera 519, the AAA Four Diamond flagship restaurant of Basalyga Hospitality Group, proudly announces the appointment of Executive Chef Alexander “Alex” Diaz, a classically trained culinary professional whose career spans more than three decades in fine dining, luxury hospitality, and culinary leadership.

A graduate of the prestigious French Culinary Institute in New York City, Chef Diaz received classical French training under internationally acclaimed chefs including Jacques Pépin, André Soltner, Alain Sailhac, and the late Gray Kunz. Their influence helped shape the technical precision, discipline, and ingredient-driven philosophy that define his cuisine today.

Following graduation, Chef Diaz continued his professional development under the mentorship of Chef Luc Dendiviel, former Executive Chef of the celebrated Bayard’s in New York City. He later expanded his culinary repertoire through advanced training in Barcelona, Spain, with Lizarran Tapas, where he immersed himself in traditional Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine.

Throughout his career, Chef Diaz has worked in some of the Northeast’s most respected kitchens, including the legendary Jean-Georges during its acclaimed four-star era, Brasserie, Palma Restaurant, and Il Mulino New York. These experiences refined his ability to combine classical European technique with contemporary American cuisine while building high-performing culinary teams dedicated to exceptional hospitality.

Before beginning his culinary career, Chef Diaz proudly served in the United States Army, where he received formal food service training through the Quartermaster School and the Academy of Health Sciences at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. The discipline, organization, and leadership developed during his military service continue to shape his management philosophy and standards of excellence.

Chef Diaz has also shared his culinary expertise through collaborations with Food Network and Telemundo, further demonstrating his passion for education and the craft of cooking.

At A’Tera 519, Chef Diaz is leading a renewed culinary vision centered on Contemporary Coastal American cuisine elevated by refined French and Mediterranean influences. His seasonal menus emphasize pristine seafood, premium meats, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible, and modern techniques grounded in classical foundations.

“Great restaurants are built by great people,” said Chef Diaz. “My goal is to create a culture where discipline, creativity, and teamwork inspire excellence every day. Every dish that leaves our kitchen should reflect craftsmanship, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to our guests.”

Under Chef Diaz’s leadership, A’Tera 519 enters an exciting new chapter while continuing its tradition as one of Pennsylvania’s premier fine dining destinations and reinforcing the standards that have earned its AAA Four Diamond distinction.

Scranton/Wilkes Barre RailRiders to begin exciting new chapter with 2027 rebrand

The next chapter of pro baseball is on the horizon in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, the Triple-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, are excited to announce they will unveil a new identity ahead of the 2027 season, marking a new era in the franchise’s nearly four-decade history in the region.

While the club’s name and look will evolve, its commitment to delivering memorable experiences at PNC Field
and serving as the final stop on the path to the Bronx will remain unchanged. The new identity will celebrate
the region’s beauty, heritage, and outdoor legacy while strengthening the connection between the club, its
community, and one of the most iconic franchises in professional sports.

“This rebrand is about building an identity that our community can rally around for generations to come,” said
Shawn Reilly, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre’s Team President & General Manager. “As we looked toward the future
baseball in NEPA, we saw an opportunity to create something that is deeply rooted in this region while honoring
the incredible tradition of baseball that has defined this franchise for decades. We’re excited to share what’s next
with our fans.”

The RailRiders’ identity has represented the franchise since 2013, a period that has included the 2016
International League title and Triple-A National Championship, a future three-time American League MVP,
countless future Major League All-Stars, and unforgettable moments at PNC Field. As the organization prepares
for its next chapter, the club remains committed to preserving that history while introducing a brand that reflects
both the enduring legacy of Yankees baseball and the spirit of Northeastern Pennsylvania.

More information will be announced soon with plans for the full brand unveiling in November. Scranton/Wilkes-Barre opens the 2027 season on the road on March 26 with the home opener scheduled for April 6. The 150-game slate once again features 75 home games at PNC Field and 75 road contests. The top affiliates of the Boston Red Sox, Chicago White Sox, Detroit Tigers, Miami Marlins, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, and Toronto Blue Jays will come to NEPA next season. Game times for the 2027 season will be announced at a later date.

The RailRiders have three six-game homestands remaining this season as they push for a second-straight.

Lamar Advertising Earns Great Place to Work Certification

Lamar Advertising has once again been recognized as a Great Place to Work® Certified company, reflecting the organization’s continued commitment to fostering a positive and supportive workplace culture.

The certification is based on confidential feedback from employees, who shared their experiences working at Lamar Advertising. Their responses highlight a workplace where team members feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.

Company leadership credited the achievement to the dedication and contributions of employees across the organization, noting that their commitment helps create an environment where individuals can grow professionally and thrive in their careers.

Earning the Great Place to Work® Certification once again underscores Lamar Advertising’s ongoing focus on building a workplace that prioritizes employee engagement, collaboration, and success.

Geisinger Hospitals Recognized Among Nation’s Best

 Four Geisinger hospitals have been recognized for high performance in the 2026-2027 U.S. News & World Report “Best Hospitals” rankings, including Geisinger Community Medical Center and Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center.

Geisinger Wyoming Valley was awarded the No. 1 spot overall for the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre metropolitan area and tied for the No. 18 spot overall in Pennsylvania. Only 16% of the nearly 5,000 hospitals evaluated earned a numerical ranking in a state, metro area, and/or a medical specialty, allowing them to display a U.S. News award badge.

“Our teams work diligently to provide exceptional patient care to our communities,” said Ron Beer, chief administrative officer for Geisinger’s northeast region. “This recognition demonstrates how their dedication and focus on quality and safety have a positive impact on patient experiences and outcomes.”

Geisinger Wyoming Valley was also recognized for 11 high-performing procedures and conditions:

  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Diabetes
  • Heart attack
  • Heart failure
  • Hip replacement
  • Knee replacement
  • Leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma
  • Lung cancer surgery
  • Pneumonia
  • Stroke
  • Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR)

Geisinger Community Medical Center was recognized for three high-performing procedures and conditions:

  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Diabetes
  • Pneumonia

U.S. News & World Report bases their “Best Hospitals” rankings on components such as patient outcomes, overall patient experience, hospital staffing and other factors. The Procedures & Conditions ratings are based on objective quality measures.

Greater Scranton YMCA to Host Summer Clothing Drive

The Greater Scranton YMCA’s Summer Clothing Drive is underway, running Aug. 3-13, 2026. The Y will be collecting gently used clothing for individuals and families from August 3-7. Donated items will be available for distribution to
those in need from August 10-13.

Collection runs Monday, Aug. 3rd through Friday, Aug. 7th. Clean, wearable clothing in every size is welcome, infant through adult. Donations can be dropped off at the Y’s Welcome Center, located at 706 North Blakely Street in Dunmore, anytime during business hours. The Y is open Monday – Thursday from 5:30 AM – 9:00 PM, Fridays from 5:30 AM – 9:00 PM, Saturdays from 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM, and Sundays from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

Beginning Monday, Aug. 10th through Thursday, Aug. 13th, all donated items will be
available to community members free of charge. Community members in need can pick up
clothing any time during business hours.

“August can be a challenging month financially for families, especially with all of the backto-school expenses.” said Rich Surridge, President & CEO of the Greater Scranton YMCA. “This drive allows our community to show up for one another. We are grateful for the opportunity to facilitate this drive for our community, and we’re proud to promote
sustainability and community-centered giving.”

Community members are encouraged to sort through closets before the collection week begins. A single donation gives good clothing a second life and helps ensure families across the area have what they need heading into the school year.

For more information about the Summer Clothing Drive, contact Tressa Capoccia, Senior
Education Director, at tcapoccia@gsymca.org

Tobyhanna Army Depot Celebrates National Intern Day

In recognition of National Intern Day on July 30, Tobyhanna Army Depot celebrated three employees whose internships launched successful and long-term careers supporting the nation’s defense mission. Dana Bilotta, Michael Szumski and Steven Wiltz each began their journeys through the depot’s internship programs and have since advanced into leadership and specialized roles.

As Safety Manager, Dana Bilotta has built a 19-year career after beginning as an intern in 2007 while studying Architectural Drafting and Design at Johnson College. Seeking an opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world environment, Bilotta joined the depot’s internship program before accepting a full-time position as a draftsman following graduation.

Throughout her career, Bilotta has held several positions, including Industrial Engineering Technician and Safety Specialist, before leading the Safety Office. She credits the depot’s culture of mentorship, professional development and opportunities for advancement as the reasons she has remained with Team Tobyhanna for nearly two decades.

Today, Bilotta is dedicated to creating a safe workplace while promoting safety practices that extend beyond the job site. Recently, she and the depot’s Safety team hosted an interactive Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and ergonomics session for children attending the depot’s summer camp, helping introduce the next generation to the importance of workplace and everyday safety.

Michael Szumski’s career has come full circle after beginning as a Pathways Program intern in 2015 within the Air Traffic Control, Approach, and Landing System (ATCALS) & Range Threat Engineering Branch. After spending two summers as a student intern and earning a degree in Electrical Engineering from Wilkes University, he joined Team Tobyhanna full-time in 2017.

Over the years, Szumski gained experience in multiple engineering branches, including Air Defense & Counterfire Engineering and Communications Engineering, where he served in both leadership and technical roles. In February 2026, he returned to the ATCALS & Range Threat Engineering Branch as its chief.

His broad engineering background has prepared him to lead modernization efforts and support next-generation radar system planning. Szumski said working in different areas of the depot has provided valuable technical experience and a broader perspective, allowing him to become a more effective leader while continuing to support multiple military services and mission-critical programs.

Steven Wiltz also began his Tobyhanna career through the Student Career Experience Program, now known as the Pathways Program, while studying electrical construction and maintenance at Johnson College in 2007. Following graduation, he joined the depot full-time repairing environmental control units before spending eight years on the production floor.

Wiltz later served as a production controller before being promoted to Logistics Management Specialist in 2020. Throughout his career, he has supported programs across both continental and overseas locations, gaining experience that now supports the Department of the Army’s evolving small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) mission. He credits developmental assignments, professional training and the mentorship of his colleagues for helping shape his career.

Wiltz encourages students and aspiring professionals to pursue internship opportunities, calling them a pathway to a rewarding and meaningful career.

The success of Bilotta, Szumski and Wiltz demonstrates the long-term value of Tobyhanna Army Depot’s internship programs, which provide students with hands-on experience while developing the skilled workforce needed to support the depot’s mission and the nation’s warfighters.

The Wright Center receives national recognition for leadership in diabetes care and prevention

For the second year in a row, The Wright Center for Community Health has earned national recognition for its continued commitment to improving diabetes care and prevention.

Quality Insights, a West Virginia-based leader in healthcare quality improvement, recognized The Wright Center for its annual review of diabetes and prediabetes care. 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 2025, The Wright Center reported a 19.66% 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. Since lower rates are associated with better outcomes, The Wright Center’s rate indicates strong performance in managing diabetes and reducing the risk of serious complications.

The Wright Center’s consistent focus on this metric underscores its dedication to evidence-based, data-informed care. Quality Insights’ recognition reinforces The Wright Center’s commitment to advancing health access, enhancing chronic disease management, and improving the lives of patients across Northeast Pennsylvania.

In addition, The Wright Center is also working to educate patients about type 2 diabetes, including hosting the National Diabetes Prevention Program at its community health centers in Jermyn and Scranton. The 26-session, evidence-based program helps individuals with prediabetes lower their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

“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, M.S., RD, LDN, a registered dietitian and director of Lifestyle Modification and Preventive Medicine at The Wright Center. “The recognition reflects our ongoing efforts to expand access to high-quality care, strengthen chronic disease management, and empower patients to take charge of their health.”