Greater Scranton YMCA Celebrates National Mentoring Month January is National Mentoring Month, and the Greater Scranton YMCA is proud to recognize the incredible impact mentors have on young people in our community. With 1 in 3 young people growing up without a mentor, the Y is committed to ensuring that all youth have access to caring adults who can provide support, encouragement, and guidance. “At the YMCA, mentorship is at the heart of what we do,” said Rich Surridge, President & CEO of the Greater Scranton YMCA. “Whether it’s through afterschool programs, youth sports, or leadership development opportunities, mentors help kids build confidence, achieve their goals, and feel like they belong.” The Greater Scranton YMCA is proud to offer youth sports, enrichment, educational, and mental health and wellbeing programs that provide mentorship opportunities for children. Community members are encouraged to get involved during National Mentoring Month by: Volunteering as a mentor with the Y Enrolling youth in programs that provide positive mentorship Supporting YMCA programs that strengthen youth development For more information about volunteer mentoring opportunities at the Greater Scranton YMCA, contact Meghan Carnevale, Mission Advancement & Marketing Director, at mcarnevale@gsymca.org.
WVIA To Rebroadcast Documentary Honoring John Stankovic To honor the passing of International Polka Association Hall of Famer and Nanticoke native John “Stanky” Stankovic, WVIA TV will rebroadcast the 2006 original documentary film John & Dottie Stanky: Rags to Riches. The special presentation will air on Saturday, January 10 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, January 11 at 3 p.m.. The film chronicles John and Dottie Stanky’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming beloved icons of the polka music scene, highlighting their enduring impact on the genre and their community. Polka has long been an important part of WVIA’s cultural programming, and this documentary reflects the station’s commitment to celebrating local music, heritage, and community stories. For more information about WVIA TV programming, visit https://www.wvia.org/.
Munley Law Recognized in Lawdragon Feature Munley Law is proud to announce that the truck accident law firm was featured in Lawdragon in a comprehensive profile titled “How a Family Firm Became America’s Authority on Truck Crashes,” highlighting the firm’s status as the premier trucking litigation practice in the United States. The Lawdragon feature details how Munley Law has stood at the forefront of trucking litigation for more than six decades, securing hundreds of millions in recoveries for victims of catastrophic truck crashes. The firm obtained record-setting settlements for victims, including a $19.8 million settlement in 2025 for the family of three people killed by a distracted truck driver. “It’s an honor to be recognized for our work as a firm,” said Managing Partner Caroline Munley. “We are proud to be one of the best personal injury firms in the country and to carry forward the legacy our father established.” Family legacy and commitment to the community drives much of Munley’s work, as outlined in the piece. Marion and Dan Munley have both served as Chair of the American Association for Justice’s Trucking Litigation Group, the nation’s leading organization for attorneys in this field. They were the first recipients of the Robert W. Munley Award, a national recognition renamed in honor of their father, trucking-law pioneer and firm founder Robert W. Munley. Lawdragon highlighted that three of Pennsylvania’s four board-certified Truck Accident Lawyers are at Munley Law. Marion Munley, Daniel W. Munley, and Katie Nealon practice at the firm, a concentration of specialized expertise that is nearly unmatched nationally. The article particularly noted the firm’s innovative “Get That Truck!” rapid-response protocol, developed by Dan Munley, which ensures the firm can move as quickly as defense teams to preserve critical evidence within hours of a crash. “In an era of consolidation and mega-firms, Munley Law’s majority-sibling leadership sets it apart,” the article states. “Each partner contributes a distinct strength – trial strategy, rapid response, firm management, client relations, pre-litigation analysis – forming a team that operates with uncommon cohesion and precision.”
Treasurer Garrity Announces Expanded PA ABLE Eligibility Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced that expanded eligibility for the PA ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) Savings Program is officially in effect. As of January 1, Pennsylvanians whose qualifying disability began prior to the age of 46 are eligible to open a PA ABLE account. Previously, eligibility was for individuals whose disability began before age 26. This change, made possible by the ABLE Age Adjustment Act, opens the door for an estimated six million additional Americans — including approximately one million Veterans — to benefit from ABLE savings accounts nationwide. “This marks a major step toward financial independence and security for our friends and neighbors with disabilities,” Treasurer Garrity said. “With this eligibility expansion now in place, more Pennsylvanians can save for their future without risking critical benefits. PA ABLE is about opportunity, dignity, and increasing independence, and I’m thrilled more Pennsylvanians will be able to enjoy the benefits of this life-changing program.” PA ABLE accounts allow Pennsylvanians with disabilities and their families to save tax-free without impacting eligibility for important benefits such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Earnings grow tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified disability-related expenses are exempt from state and federal taxes. The contribution limit for PA ABLE accounts is $20,000, and Pennsylvania residents can deduct up to $19,000 per year in PA ABLE contributions from their state income taxes. PA ABLE assets are also exempt from Pennsylvania inheritance tax. Since opening its first accounts in 2017, following the passage of legislation championed by Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20), PA ABLE has grown to become the fifth largest ABLE program in the nation, with more than 11,500 accounts and over $185 million saved. “PA ABLE accounts have already made a meaningful difference in the lives of so many Pennsylvanians,” Treasurer Garrity said. “I encourage everyone to explore how this financial tool can provide security and stability for themselves or their loved ones.” Since taking office, Treasurer Garrity has reduced PA ABLE account fees six times. She was a strong advocate for the ABLE Age Adjustment Act, and the inaugural chair of the ABLE Savings Plans Network which works to strengthen ABLE programs on a national level. To learn more about program eligibility and how to start saving with PA ABLE, visit paable.gov, email info@paable.gov or call 855-529-2253. Click here to find video of Treasurer Garrity explaining the PA ABLE Savings Program and the eligibility expansion, and here for the transcript.
Greater Scranton YMCA: Join the Y for $0 for Health and Connection As the new year begins, the Greater Scranton YMCA invites individuals and families to discover the power of belonging. The Y is a place where people come together to grow stronger in body, mind, and spirit. From group fitness classes to youth programs, swim lessons to volunteer opportunities, the Y offers something for everyone. But what makes it truly special is the sense of connection that forms when people from all walks of life share space and purpose. “At the Greater Scranton YMCA, we witness daily how connections spark, confidence builds, and communities flourish,” said Rich Surridge, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “The Y isn’t only about the activities you take part in; it’s about the people you share them with.” Membership at the Y means joining a movement that’s been strengthening our community for more than 165 years. Whether you’re looking to get active, give back, or simply find your people, there’s a place for you here. Join the Y now and pay a $0 join fee! Start the year strong with connection, community, and wellness. Visit https://www.greaterscrantonymca.org/ or stop by the Greater Scranton YMCA, located at 706 North Blakely Street in Dunmore.
Outreach Awarded $75,000 Grant from William McGowan Fund The William G. McGowan Charitable Fund has graciously awarded Outreach – Center for Community Resources $75,000 to support Adult General Educational Development “GED” programming at Outreach’s Seventh Avenue Center. The McGowan Fund has provided tremendous support to Outreach and its programming for adults in Lackawanna County. Left to right: Jennifer Shoemaker, Outreach Prison, Reentry, and GED Manager; Nikki Price, Court, GED, Young Adult, Prison, Reentry, and Workforce Development Program Director; Leo McGowan, William G. McGowan Charitable Fund Board of Directors President; and Lori Chaffers, Outreach President/CEO. Outreach provides GED services to community members at the Outreach Seventh Avenue Center and in 2025 re-initiated GED classes and testing at the Lackawanna County Prison. Attaining a GED is not only a milestone achievement for many, but it also has the potential to increase earnings by 25%. More than 600,000 adults in Pennsylvania lack a high school diploma. This equates to 9.4% of residents aged 25 to 65 who have not completed their high school education or obtained a GED (US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022). Outreach began providing GED services at its Seventh Avenue Center in Scranton during the COVID-19 pandemic, pivoting from providing services at the Lackawanna County Prison. This proved to be a critical moment in the development of Outreach’s GED program, allowing them to serve not only individuals reentering the community from incarceration, but many others from young adults to seniors. Outreach employs two full-time GED instructors who work directly with participants, providing one-on-one and small-group sessions. Outreach is the educational provider at the Lackawanna County Prison, and connects individuals to Outreach’s programs upon release, including GED. Many GED participants are justice-involved individuals. Achieving a GED can significantly alter an individual’s life trajectory and help families achieve stability. The GED is a four-part exam that is certified as equivalent to the academic knowledge required for a high school diploma. The average individual takes 240 hours of studying to pass all sections. Many Outreach participants’ schedules are busy with family, work, and other obligations. Outreach GED instructors work with each individual to create a GED tutoring and preparation plan that best suits their needs. Outreach’s GED programming aligns with the William G. McGowan Fund’s priority of providing adults with the building blocks they need to flourish and address the root causes of poverty. The McGowan Fund’s continued support of Outreach GED programming has made a significant difference in the lives of individuals and families, enabling them to advance their careers and futures by achieving a GED.
SWB RailRiders Announce Grube as Senior Director of Corporate Partnerships The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders are pleased to announce the addition of Gerald Grube, Jr. to the front office staff as the Senior Director of Corporate Partnerships. The Roseto, Pennsylvania native joins the RailRiders after four and a half years in corporate partnership sales with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms in the American Hockey League. “Gerald will be an outstanding resource to enhance our staff,” said Shawn Reilly, the RailRiders President/ GM. “To add someone of his caliber to an already strong staff is a boon for the organization. Gerald brings extensive experience in corporate partnerships and sponsorship development. His work creating valuable partnerships is thoroughly impressive and we are excited to bring him back to NEPA.” Grube, Jr. graduated from Wilkes University and was a member of the Colonels’ 1994 Hall of Fame baseball team that claimed the MAC Championship. Throughout his career in sports and brand management, he has had the opportunity to work with premier organizations, including the AHL, IndyCar, NASCAR, UFC/ZUFFA, Bellator MMA and Oak View Group. Grube, Jr. has also collaborated with world-class athletes and globally recognized brands such as Mayweather Boxing, Mike Tyson, Caleb Plant, Badou Jack, Daniel Cormier, Nate Diaz, Conor McGregor, Frankie Edgar and Cowboy Cerrone. “I’m thrilled to join the RailRiders’ staff,” Grube, Jr. said. “Building meaningful connections has been central to my success, resulting in sponsorship revenue and long-term brand growth. I’m here to both create and strengthen partnerships, elevate the organization’s brand and contribute to sustained success at PNC Field.” 2026 RailRiders’ season tickets are on sale now. For more information, visit swbrailriders.com.
Citizens Savings Bank Announce Promotion of Kathy Sedorovitz Ms. Sedorovitz has been promoted to the position of AVP/Compliance & BSA in the Administrative Offices in Clarks Summit, effective January 1, 2026. She joined Citizens Savings Bank in June 2011 as a teller and was later promoted to eBanking specialist, followed by her most current role as Assistant Deposit Operations/eBanking Manager. Ms. Sedorovitz will assist management in keeping up to date with compliance issues, be the central point of contact and coordination of all regulatory/legal compliance changes and to ensure that the Bank follows all regulatory requirements. The position will also act as BSA Compliance Officer to develop, implement and administer effective written BSA/AML and Compliance Programs. This position will advise the Board of Directors, management and department personnel of emerging compliance issues and will consult and guide the bank in the establishment of controls to mitigate risks. Ms. Sedorovitz resides in Scranton with her husband. They have one adult daughter.
Wayne Bank Promotes Kennedy to Senior VP, PA Retail Banking Market Manager Jim Donnelly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wayne Bank, is pleased to announce Deborah Kennedy’s promotion to Senior Vice President and PA Retail Banking Market Manager. “I couldn’t be prouder to announce Deb’s promotion to Senior Vice President,” said Mr. Donnelly. “Since joining us last year, she has made a tremendous impact on the success of our Pennsylvania Retail Market and the culture within our PA offices. Deb’s leadership, dedication, and commitment to those around her have been instrumental, and I am confident she will continue to play a key role in driving our bank’s success.” In this role, Deb leads the Bank’s profitability, development, and growth across the PA market. She oversees the delivery and support of all banking services, including lending and other financial products. Through her strong leadership, strategic insight, and customer-focused approach, Deb guides the Bank’s PA offices with positive energy, innovative thinking, and a strong emphasis on teamwork. Deb brings more than twenty years of banking experience to her role and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from King’s College, along with a Master of Business Administration from Capella University. Deeply committed to service, she consistently places her community and the people around her at the forefront of her work. Deb serves as Co-Chair of the Scranton Diocese Catholic Women’s Conference, where she is widely recognized for her dedication to giving back and inspiring others through leadership and service. She is past President of Abington Rotary and the Abington Heights Civic League and has served in various leadership positions for both organizations. Deb resides in South Abington Township with her husband, John, and together they have three children and six grandchildren.
Goodwill Industries of NEPA Presenting AI Learning Session Goodwill Industries of NEPA will present a virtual Lunch and Learn session: AI for Resumes and Cover Letters, on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 12pm. Topics will include:What AI can do well, common pitfalls, limitations, and best practicesA Microsoft Copilot demoA comparison of an AI generated resume and cover letter to one generated by humans to ones generated by a combination of humans and AI The free session is open to the public and will be presented through Zoom. Register online and contact Kristen Christopher at 570-290-0140 with questions Click here for more information.
