Greater Scranton YMCA Receives Grant from The Les Paul Foundation The Greater Scranton YMCA is among a select group to receive a grant from the Les Paul Foundation for its Music Education and Guitar Lesson Program for children enrolled in the Y’s Before and After School Program. The program will combine music education with hands-on guitar lessons, giving students the opportunity to explore their creativity while building self-confidence through the power of music. “At the Y, we believe in nurturing the potential of every child and teen, and music is a powerful tool for that growth,” said Rich Surridge, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “Music education inspires creativity, builds confidence, and gives young people a voice. Through programs like this, rooted in our core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility, we’re creating safe, inclusive spaces where youth can thrive, belong, and discover who they are. This is how we strengthen our communities and live out our mission each day.” For more information about the Music Education and Guitar Lesson Program at the Greater Scranton YMCA, contact Brandon Whipple, Senior Program Director, at bwhipple@gsymca.org.
Aspen Meadows Pet Services Hosting Grand Opening Ceremony Aspen Meadows Pet Aquamation & Memorial Services is pleased to announce that they will hold a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for their newly constructed pet aquamation facility, onsite beginning at 3:00pm on January 30th, 2026. “Pets are paramount members of our families and our community. At Aspen Meadows, it is our honor to provide dignified aftercare services to support families and individuals as they say goodbye to their beloved companions,” said Lauren Calvey, CEO of Aspen Meadows. The ribbon-cutting ceremony for Aspen Meadows Pet Aquamation & Memorial Services marks the beginning of a new era in death care for the Clarks Summit community members. In partnership with their sister companies, Jennings-Calvey Funeral and Cremation Services, and Scranton Area Cremation care, they now offer comprehensive aftercare options not only for people, but also for the animals who are deeply cherished members of families. Aspen Meadows was established as a complementary expansion of the long-standing Jennings-Calvey Funeral and Cremation Services in Clarks Summit. With more than 125 years of dedicated service to the community, Jennings-Calvey has continually evolved to meet the needs of families, including the addition of an onsite crematory in 2020. Aspen Meadows builds upon this legacy by expanding dignified aftercare options and services to include animals. Aspen Meadows offers onsite aquamation, a gentle and environmentally conscious alternative to traditional cremation that uses water instead of flame. Aspen Meadows provides a variety of memorialization options, including goodbye sessions, memorial and viewing services, burial and interment assistance, postmortem refrigeration, transportation options, and more. Event Details Their family-friendly community event will take place during Clarks Summit’s 22nd annual Festival of Ice, celebrating this year’s theme, “The American Dream.” Guests can enjoy a live ice carving in front of their business, live music by Tony Vergnetti, and light refreshments throughout the event. Date: Friday, January 30th, 2026 Location: 111 Colburn Avenue, Clarks Summit PA 18411 Time: 3pm-6pm Live Ice Carving: 3-5pm Ribbon Cutting Ceremony: 5:15 pm Contact Lauren Calvey, CEO of Aspen Meadows, at Lauren@jenningscalvey.com with any questions. Click here for more information.
Johnson College Receives $5,000 Contribution From Fidelity Bank Johnson College recently received a $5,000 contribution from Fidelity Bank to support students enrolled in the college’s Industry Fast Track program. The donation was made through Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program, which is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. The Industry Fast Track program is a partnership between Johnson College and area school districts. It allows high school juniors and seniors to enroll in dual-credit coursework on the Johnson College campuses while remaining full-time students at their respective high schools. For more information about participating in the EITC program with Johnson College, visit johnson.edu/eitc. Johnson College received a $5,000 EITC contribution from Fidelity Bank to support students in the college’s Industry Fast Track program. Pictured from left: Douglas Cook, senior director of college advancement, Johnson College; Dr. Katie Pittelli, president and CEO, Johnson College; and Donna J. Kane, AVP, regional retail sales manager, Fidelity Bank.
Geisinger’s Jason W. Mitchell Named to HAP Board Geisinger’s chief medical officer, Jason W. Mitchell, M.D., is among the newest members of the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania’s (HAP) board of directors. He started a 3-year term this month that runs through December 2028. The HAP board includes up to 28 health leaders from across the state in any year. HAP is a statewide organization that advocates on behalf of Pennsylvania hospitals and health systems to advance high-quality, accessible and financially sustainable health care. HAP includes most Pennsylvania hospitals among its more than 235 member organizations. Its board sets the association’s strategic direction and priorities related to fostering a robust hospital community and promoting access to high-quality care across the state. “I am thrilled and humbled to join the HAP board. This is such a critical time for health care, with ongoing challenges and critical changes in care delivery and payment models across the landscape – including right here in Pennsylvania,” said Dr. Mitchell. “Just as we are doing at Geisinger for our patients and communities across central and northeastern Pennsylvania, HAP can help lead the charge statewide as we strive to continue to improve access to high-quality, high-value care, in both rural and urban settings.” A practicing family physician, Dr. Mitchell oversees a medical staff of nearly 1,800 physicians and 1,200 advanced practice providers at Geisinger. He joined Geisinger last March after spending 2 decades at Presbyterian Healthcare Services in Albuquerque, N.M., where he was chief medical and clinical transformation officer for more than 10 years. “I am proud to welcome Dr. Mitchell to HAP’s board of directors,” said Nicole Stallings, HAP’s president and chief executive officer. “Dr. Mitchell brings a wealth of experience leading clinical teams and driving value-based care. As an accomplished physician and hospital leader, he knows the difficulties that clinicians face each day and is committed to supporting caregivers’ health and wellness.” Prior to joining Presbyterian in 2006, Dr. Mitchell spent 3 years as medical director of the University of New Mexico’s not-for-profit Locum Tenens Program, where he oversaw program operations and quality for primary and specialty care physicians serving rural and urban populations. Dr. Mitchell is a national speaker and author of numerous value-based care articles and presentations, as well as on topics ranging from strategy and business transformation to payment models and population health.
WVIA’s Keystone Edition Returns WVIA’s flagship public affairs program, Keystone Edition, returns for a new season beginning January 19, featuring a refreshed format designed to deepen community conversation around the most timely and impactful issues facing Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania. Now airing as one new episode per month, the reimagined Keystone Edition will focus exclusively on in-depth reporting from the WVIA News team and discussion of a single, highly relevant topic each episode. Episodes will be moderated by WVIA’s Director of Journalism, Julie Sidoni, and feature the WVIA News team to provide deeper insights and context for the show. Each episode will serve as a live, town-hall-style forum, recorded in front of a studio audience at WVIA Studios and later broadcast on television and available on-demand. Each episode will tackle an issue that matters right now — from education to economic challenges, public safety, healthcare, and other urgent regional concerns. Topics will be selected based on timeliness and community relevance, allowing Keystone Edition to respond quickly to what’s happening across the region. To kickoff the season, WVIA will celebrate the inspiring life and career of legendary Lackawanna College football Coach Mark Duda, who has helped produce more than 450 NCAA Division I athletes, and more than 25 players who went on to sign NFL contracts. After his recent Parkinson’s diagnosis, Duda retired at the end of the 2025 season. His work on and off the field has encouraged countless young men to become the best versions of themselves at home, in the classroom and out in the community. A Trusted Space for Informed Conversation At a time when information can be overwhelming — or difficult to find — Keystone Edition offers viewers something increasingly rare: local, relevant news they can trust. Each episode presents multiple perspectives, encourages civil discourse, and provides context to help viewers make informed decisions about the issues that affect their families and communities. Keystone Edition is more than a television program: it’s a monthly community forum where complex topics are unpacked together, helping viewers stay informed and engaged with what matters most. In addition to watching on television or on-demand, community members will have the opportunity to attend each live taping as part of the studio audience. Click here for more information regarding the Keystone Edition.
Misericordia University Calls for Cougars Home Game Support Misericordia University invites the community to come out and support the Cougars at upcoming home athletic events. From exciting competition on the field to high-energy matchups on the court, Cougar athletics bring people together and offer something for everyone. Home game schedules are conveniently available on the Misericordia University website by following the provided link to view dates, times, and sports. The University looks forward to welcoming the community to campus and cheering together throughout the season. To view the weekly home sporting events, visit: misericordia.edu/campus-community/athletics
PennDOT Closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) today announced that all driver license and photo centers, including its full-service center in Harrisburg, will be closed Saturday, January 17, 2026, through Monday, January 19, 2026, in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday. Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services, including all forms, publications, and driver training manuals, online through PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website. Driver and vehicle online services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and include driver’s license, photo ID and vehicle registration renewals; driver-history services; changes of address; driver license and vehicle registration restoration letters; ability to pay driver license or vehicle insurance restoration fee; driver license and photo ID duplicates; REAL ID pre-verification; and driver exam scheduling. There are no additional fees for using online services. A complete listing of PennDOT driver and photo license center closings in 2026 is available online. If you are planning to visit one of PennDOT’s Online Messenger Service Centers, please call ahead for hours of operation during holidays.
Barry Isett & Associates Expands Construction Quality Assurance Services Barry Isett & Associates (Isett) announces a strategic expansion of its service offerings, unveiling a comprehensive suite of Construction Quality Assurance (CQA) services that support projects from design through completion. Formerly known as the Construction Materials Testing (CMT) Department, the newly named CQA Department now delivers an enhanced menu of services, delivering clients with greater confidence and peace of mind. While the department’s name has evolved, Isett’s commitment to construction materials testing remains steadfast; these essential services are now part of a broader, more robust offering. Isett provides these CQA services as a code-required, independent third-party agency. The firm’s trained and certified inspectors deliver unbiased verification that projects meet applicable codes, quality standards, project specifications, and design drawings. From initial site preparation to final occupancy, Isett’s experts bridge the gap between design and construction, documenting compliance at every stage. Blending thorough inspections with expert testing and detailed reports, Isett’s CQA Department frequently partners with local construction management firms, acting as an extension of their teams to help ensure projects are executed safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with design intent and regulatory standards. These collaborations foster precision, accountability, and shared success. “The transition from Construction Materials Testing to Construction Quality Assurance reflects both our legacy and our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our clients. We remain the boots on the ground, the eyes and ears working on behalf of the project owner. This evolution allows us to build on our foundation of trusted materials testing while expanding our capabilities to deliver even greater value, safety, and quality. Our team provides objective, code-required oversight and practical solutions that help keep projects on schedule, on budget, and built to the highest standards,” said AJ Schwartz, Department Head, Construction Quality Assurance. The enhanced menu of services now offered includes: Soils and earthwork testing for strong, stable foundations Building structure inspections and laboratory testing for safety and durability Indoor air quality monitoring to support healthy environments HVAC system testing and commissioning for optimal performance Construction materials testing With four fully equipped CQA Testing Labs located in Allentown, East Norriton, Mechanicsburg, and Wilkes-Barre, PA, Isett offers both deep local knowledge and broad regional coverage. This infrastructure allows the team to respond quickly, test accurately, and support projects across the Commonwealth. Why CQA Matters—Safeguarding Health, Safety, and ValueCQA plays a critical role in protecting the health and safety of building occupants. Isett’s CQA team provides essential services like indoor air quality testing, which is frequently performed for schools to help ensure healthy learning environments. As awareness of air quality’s impact grows, these services are increasingly important across sectors, including healthcare and housing. Beyond air quality, CQA ensures that every aspect of construction—from soils and foundations to final systems check—meets or exceeds required standards, helping to safeguard investments and support community well-being. To learn how Isett’s enhanced Construction Quality Assurance services can support your next project, contact 610.398.0904 or visit www.barryisett.com/CQA.
Stevens & Lee Announces Three New Shareholders Stevens & Lee announced today that Peter J. Adonizio, Jr., Alexander V. Batoff and Jonathan E. Mayer have been named Shareholders of the firm effective Jan. 1, 2026. Peter J. Adonizio, Jr. focuses his practice on commercial and appellate litigation. He represents businesses, municipal entities and individuals in litigation in state and federal courts, as well as in alternative dispute resolution forums. Mr. Adonizio litigates business, construction, banking, real estate, catastrophic casualty, public utilities matters, insurance coverage disputes and Dragonetti Act claims. He has handled appeals before all Pennsylvania appellate courts, along with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First and Third Circuits, and original jurisdiction matters before the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania. Mr. Adonizio earned his J.D., summa cum laude, from Villanova University School of Law and his B.B.A., cum laude, from Temple University. Alexander V. Batoff concentrates his practice in labor and employment law. He counsels employers on federal, state and local employment and discrimination laws, including issues involving discipline, terminations and reductions-in-force, family and medical leave, collective bargaining and unfair labor practices, employee restrictive covenant agreements, reasonable accommodations under the ADA and wage and hour compliance. When necessary, Mr. Batoff defends employers in litigation before federal and state courts and administrative agencies and in private arbitration. He is trained in alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and serves as a volunteer mediator with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). His experience extends to writing employee handbooks and policies, employment contracts and separation agreements and affirmative action plans. Mr. Batoff earned his J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Law School and his B.A., summa cum laude, from the University of Pittsburgh. Jonathan E. Mayer assists clients with commercial transactions, leasing and land use matters. He represents clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies and world-renowned universities to small business owners. He has extensive experience in landlord-tenant litigation. Mr. Mayer also serves as a strategic advisor and resource to banking clients and lenders in a wide range of real estate financings and transactions. He earned his J.D., cum laude, from Temple University School of Law and his B.A., magna cum laude, from Villanova University. For more information about the firm, visit www.stevenslee.com.
