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.
Wilkes Barre/Scranton Penguins Announce 2026-27 Regular Season Schedule The Wilkes Barre/Scranton Penguins have announced their 2026-27 regular season schedule along with home opener game. The home opener game will take place on Saturday, October 3rd at 6:05 pm at Mohegan Arena.
Geisinger College of Health Sciences Welcomes Community Participation in Medical Student Admissions Geisinger School of Medicine invites the public to participate in student recruitment by becoming an interviewer during the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) process. The MMI consists of a series of short, structured interviews that assess a variety of non-cognitive qualities and people skills such as teamwork, reliability, resiliency and communication. All interviews will be held virtually. Learn more at go.geisinger.edu/mmi, where you can complete a form. The Admissions Office will then contact you.
Dave & Busters to Host “Bingo Gone Wild” on July 14th BINGO GONE WILD is NOT your Grandma’s Bingo Night! This high energy experience cranks up the music, ups the prizes and throws tradition out the window. Expect wild rounds, surprise challenges and nonstop laughs as players compete, dance and party their way through bingo. Fast paced, unpredictable and unapologetically FUN! It isn’t just a game, it’s a PARTY!! Tickets include 1 sheet of 4 Bingo Cards for each of 8 games. Additional boards are available onsite. Hosted and music by DJ Josh! Full bar and menu available for purchase. Appetizer platters are also available that serve between 5-7 guests. Call or email to place an advance order. *AGES 18 & UP Get Your Tickets Early! Bingo Gone Wild Ticket Link – D&B Scranton
The Wright Center for Community Health Tunkhannock Launches Dental Services for Children and Adults The Wright Center for Community Health Tunkhannock will begin offering dental services at its community health center in the Wyoming County Healthcare Center. Beginning Monday, Aug. 3, dental services for children and adults will be available between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday-Friday at The Wright Center for Community Health Tunkhannock, 5950 U.S. Route 6, Suite 401. Appointments can be made now by calling 570-591-5299. Dr. Frank Pagano, a dentist with more than 30 years of experience, will lead the dental clinic. He and other members of The Wright Center for Community Health’s team, including a dental hygienist, will provide affordable, high-quality oral care services, including routine exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, fillings, extractions, restorations, dentures, and other procedures. “We know there is a significant need for dental care in Tunkhannock and throughout Wyoming County, and the response from the community has already been tremendous, with patients calling to schedule appointments,” said Kimberly McGoff, director of dental services at The Wright Center for Community Health. “By expanding access to essential oral health services in this rural community, we are helping remove barriers to care and advancing our mission to improve the health and well-being of the people we serve across the region.” The community health center accepts most dental insurances, including Delta Dental, Guardian, United Concordia, and Medical Assistance (Medicaid). To ensure high-quality oral care is available to everyone, The Wright Center for Community Health offers a sliding-fee discount program for individuals who qualify based on the Federal Poverty Guidelines, which take into account family size and income. No patient is turned away due to an inability to pay.
Fidelity Bank Named One of Forbes Best-in-State Banks for 2026 Fidelity Bank is proud to announce it has been named one of Forbes Best-in-State Banks for 2026, recognizing the Bank’s ongoing commitment to exceptional client experiences, strong performance, and community impact. This recognition reflects Fidelity Bank’s relationship-driven approach, grounded in personalized service, local decision-making, and long-term investment in the communities it serves. For more than a century, the Bank has supported individuals, families, and businesses with guidance tailored to their financial goals. “We are honored to be recognized by Forbes as one of the Best-in-State Banks for 2026,” said Daniel J. Santaniello, President and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank. “This achievement reflects the dedication of our bankers and the trust our clients place in us every day.” Fidelity Bank’s strategy remains focused on empowering its team, enhancing its digital capabilities, and maintaining a strong connection to the communities it serves. This balanced approach continues to drive growth while delivering consistent, high-quality experience across every channel. Through volunteerism, philanthropic giving, and partnerships with local organizations, Fidelity Bank continues to strengthen the communities it proudly serves, reinforcing its role as a trusted community partner.
Neighborworks, SafteyWorks For Seniors Volunteer Day NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania (NeighborWorks) will serve eight older adult-headed households with much needed exterior painting and small repairs throughout the City of Scranton as part of the SafetyWorks for Seniors volunteer day on Thursday, July 2. More than 80 volunteers will be mobilized from MTF Biologics to make this volunteer event possible. Volunteers will provide the households with exterior painting and various other home repairs.“Highmark is honored to continue our support the NeighborWorks Aging in Place program. We are deeply committed to helping older adults live safely and with dignity in their homes,” said Katie Kemmerer, Community Affairs Regional Manager, NEPA, at Highmark Blue Cross Shield, “We’re so proud to be part of this initiative, bringing vital volunteer services to [these households] in NEPA. Thank you, NeighborWorks, and allof the day’s volunteers, for your incredible work!” Highmark Bright Blue Futures and United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania have also partnered with NeighborWorks to make this event a success.
