Tobyhanna Army Depot Advances New Military Family Housing Development Construction is moving forward on Tobyhanna Army Depot’s new military family housing community, with the Cadence Communities at Tobyhanna project entering its vertical construction phase. First announced in 2023, the development will bring 35 new homes to the installation for military families. After months of site preparation, civil infrastructure and utility work, crews have begun shifting their focus to the construction of the homes. Civil infrastructure work is now substantially complete, and framing has started on two building pads. Additional pads will move into construction as the project progresses. The completed community will include 17 duplex-style buildings with a total of 35 homes. Of those, 19 will feature four bedrooms and 16 will feature three bedrooms. Each residence will have two-and-a-half bathrooms, while one four-bedroom home will be a standalone residence designed to meet Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility requirements. The project remains on schedule for completion in the first quarter of 2027. The neighborhood’s roadway, named Radio Way, also reflects Tobyhanna Army Depot’s history and connection to its mission. Depot Commander Col. Benjamin L. Kilgore highlighted the importance of the project as construction moves into a more visible phase. “Seeing this project move from site development into vertical construction is an exciting milestone for Tobyhanna Army Depot,” said Kilgore. “This new housing represents a significant investment in our military families and strengthens our ability to support the warfighters who serve here.” Depot Sgt. Maj. Cory P. Alkire emphasized the role military housing plays in supporting warfighters and their families. “The warfighter on the front lines, whether in garrison, training, or deployed, always depends on the support and structure of the most important investment they fight for: their families,” said Alkire. “Now that vertical construction has begun, we are one step closer to providing our local community with a new, amazing resource their families can enjoy for decades to come.” As framing continues and additional building pads enter construction, the new residential community is becoming increasingly visible. Once completed, the development will provide modern housing while enhancing Tobyhanna Army Depot’s ability to support military families and the warfighters who serve at the installation.
Viking Pest Control Begins Servicing PNC Field, Home of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Railriders Viking Pest Control, an award-winning pest control company serving the Mid-Atlantic region, has taken over pest control duties for PNC Field, home of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, the local minor league baseball team. With more than 45 years of experience, Viking Pest Control brings extensive experience and state-of-the-art treatments and technology to help ensure a comfortable, distraction-free environment for field attendees and staff. Founded in 1980, Viking Pest Control serves homes and businesses across Eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and the Eastern Shore of Maryland. The company has been recognized as one of the best pest control companies in the country by major publications, including USA Today and Forbes. Viking Pest currently provides pest control services to other professional sports venues, including the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., home of the New Jersey Devils hockey team, and Penn Medicine Park in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, home of the Lancaster Stormers baseball team. “We are honored to take over pest control service for PNC field,” said James McIntyre, President of Viking Pest Control. “As sports fans ourselves, we know how pests can ruin the fun and excitement of a day at the ballpark. It’s our privilege to help protect that experience.”
Geisinger hospitals receive multiple American Heart Association recognitions Four Geisinger hospitals were recently honored by the American Heart Association (AHA) and American Stroke Association (ASA) for providing high-quality, life-saving heart and stroke care. The hospitals earned Get With The Guidelines® achievement awards, which recognize organizations that demonstrate a commitment to following the latest evidence-based guidelines for treating heart disease and stroke. Adherence to these guidelines helps improve patient outcomes, support recovery and reduce hospital readmissions. Get With The Guidelines® brings together the expertise of the AHA and ASA to help hospitals nationwide align patient care with the most current, science-based treatment recommendations. As participants in the program, Geisinger hospitals qualified for the awards through their sustained commitment to improving the quality of cardiovascular and stroke care. Geisinger hospitals received the following awards for heart and stroke care: Geisinger Community Medical Center Get With The Guidelines®–CAD STEMI Receiving Gold Plus Award with Target: Type 2 Diabetes Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital Get With The Guidelines®-Rural Stroke Gold Geisinger Lewistown Hospital Get With The Guidelines® – Rural Stroke Gold Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Gold Plus with Target: Stroke Honor Roll and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll Geisinger Medical Center Commitment to Quality Get With The Guidelines®–CAD STEMI Receiving Gold Plus Award with Target: Type 2 Diabetes Target: Aortic Stenosis™ Honor Roll Geisinger Medical Center Muncy Get With The Guidelines®-Rural Stroke Gold Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Gold Plus with Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Gold Plus with Target: Stroke Honor Roll and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll Get With The Guidelines®–CAD STEMI Receiving Gold Plus Award with Target: Type 2 Diabetes “We are committed to delivering high-quality care by adhering to the latest treatment guidelines and continually improving processes to ensure patients receive timely, appropriate care for heart attacks and strokes,” said Alfred Casale, M.D., chief medical officer, surgical services, Geisinger. “The Get With The Guidelines® programs help our teams put proven science into practice every day, leading to better outcomes and helping our patients live longer, healthier lives.” According to the American Heart Association, heart disease and stroke remain the leading and fifth-leading causes of death in the United States, respectively. Studies show that patients often experience better outcomes when care teams consistently follow evidence-based treatment guidelines. For more information about heart and vascular care at Geisinger, visit geisinger.org/heart.
The Wright Centers for Community Health, Graduate Medical Education, Patient & Community Engagement welcome new board members The Wright Centers for Community Health, Graduate Medical Education, and Patient & Community Engagement have appointed eight new members to their governing boards, bringing decades of combined experience in healthcare, business, education, and community service to the nonprofit enterprise. The new board members will help guide The Wright Center’s mission to improve the health and welfare of communities through responsive, whole-person health services for all and the sustainable renewal of an inspired, competent workforce that is privileged to serve. Joining The Wright Center for Community Health’s Board of Directors are: ● Marie Beggin, the CEO of Penn East Federal Credit Union. A current patient of The Wright Center for Community Health, Beggin brings nearly 40 years of experience in the financial services industry. She also serves on the boards of Metro Action, Leadership Lackawanna, and the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia’s Community Depository Institutions Advisory Council. ● Jill Durkin, Esq., of Factoryville, Pennsylvania, an attorney with a longstanding career in civil law. Durkin is active in community service through her work on several regional boards, including Meals on Wheels NEPA, Widener University Commonwealth Law School Advisory Board, and the Pennsylvania Bar Association. ● Kirsten Smith of Clifford Township, Pennsylvania, director of career services at Fortis Institute. Formerly director of grants and education at WVIA, Smith has extensive experience in education, workforce development, grant and program management, and community partnerships. She also serves on the boards of Meals on Wheels NEPA and WRC (formerly the Women’s Resource Center) in Scranton. ● Adrian Wilck Summa, O.D., of Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania, a retired optometrist with more than 30 years of experience in clinical and hospital settings across New York. A patient of The Wright Center for Community Health, she brings extensive expertise in clinical care, healthcare delivery, and managed care. Joining The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s Board of Directors are: ● Michael Clark, Pittston, Pennsylvania, the CEO of Wilkes-Barre General Hospital. With more than 30 years of healthcare leadership experience, Clark brings a deep understanding of hospital operations, physician engagement, and performance improvement to the board. Before joining Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, he served as division president at LifePoint Health, a nationally recognized healthcare system. ● Peter Cognetti, M.D., of Waverly, Pennsylvania, director of medical education at Regional Hospital in Scranton, Pennsylvania. He has more than 40 years of experience providing patient care and mentoring future physicians. ● Himani Mongia, M.D., an Internal Medicine Resident physician at The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education, where she serves as president of the Housestaff Council and chief resident for advocacy. Prior to beginning her residency, Dr. Mongia worked in the humanitarian sector with Doctors Without Borders in India and served on the board of directors for Doctors Without Borders South Asia. Joining The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement Board is: ● Syeda Neha Aamer, M.D., an Internal Medicine Resident physician at The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education and a graduate of Federal Medical and Dental College in Pakistan. A third-generation physician, Dr. Aamer’s commitment to medicine is rooted in a longstanding family tradition of service. She will serve as the resident leader liaison to the board, which supports programs and initiatives that assist under-resourced individuals and families in Northeast Pennsylvania, including those experiencing food and housing insecurity, social isolation, poverty, or other hardships
Serving Seniors marks support for older adults, honors Judge Vito Geroulo Serving Seniors, Inc., a nonprofit leader in advocating for and protecting vulnerable older adults in Northeastern Pennsylvania, will hold its annual dinner September 25 honoring Lackawanna County Judge Vito Geroulo with its Legacy of Care Award. As Senior Judge, Geroulo served on Orphans Court, presiding over cases involving guardianships, estates, trusts, adoptions, and matters affecting vulnerable older adults and families. In a career spanning five decades, Geroulo served as assistant public defender and chief public defender and began a leader in the legal profession prior to his election to Lackawanna Court of Common Pleas where he heard a range of criminal, civil and family law matters. “Orphans Court is not a very high-profile court, but it is enormously consequential to those with matters beforeit,” said Serving Seniors Inc. Executive Director David Falchek. “Judge Geroulo brought a deep understanding of the law, thoughtful judgement and compassion to the bench in matters involving older adults,” The Annual Dinner will bring together community partners, volunteers, and supporters to reflect on the organization’s impact and renew its commitment to protecting and uplifting the aging population in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Tickets for the event are available at https://ticketstripe.com/ServingSeniors. For sponsorship opportunities or more information, visit https://servingseniorsnepa.org or call (570) 574-4045.
Fall at the Furnaces Brings Four Arts and Cultural Events to Scranton’s Historic Iron Furnaces This fall, one of Scranton’s most distinctive historic landmarks will become a destination for live music, theater, visual art, and performance as Valley In Motion (VIM) presents Fall at the Furnaces, a four-event series at the Scranton IronFurnaces, 159 Cedar Avenue. Presented in partnership with Good Things Are Happening! Fest, Scranton Shakespeare Festival, Scranton Fringe Festival, and the Anthracite Heritage Museum, Fall at the Furnaces celebrates Northeastern Pennsylvania’s creativity, culture, and community while bringing new activity to one of the city’s most significant historicpublic spaces. Four events. One historic destination. “Fall at the Furnaces activates an incredible place in our community,” said Gus Fahey, President of Valley In Motion. “The Iron Furnaces are an important part of Scranton’s founding story. This series brings new experiences to the community, creating memories through music, theater, and art.” Fall at the Furnaces 2026 Schedule Saturday, September 12 at 12:00 p.m. — Good Things Are Happening! Fest A day of music, art, food, drink, and vendors. goodthingsfestpa.com Saturday, September 19 at 7:30 p.m. — Scranton Shakespeare Festival’s “September Serenades”A family-friendly evening of Broadway music performed by vocalists and an orchestra.scrantonshakes.com Thursday, October 1, 5:00–10:00 p.m. & Friday, October 2, 5:00–9:00 p.m. — ScrantonFringe Festival Launch EventDynamic performances and immersive 3D projection art installations transform thehistoric site. scrantonfringe.org
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.
