Quest Studio Introduces the Sanctuary

From one small studio…to a sacred sanctuary…to one unified home.
Big changes. Same heart.
WELCOME TO THE SANCTUARY.

Change is never simple when it involves a place filled with memories. Quest Studio’s original space was narrative’s beginning—where goals became habits and strangers became community. It was a place that encouraged risk-taking, trust in the process, and bigger dreams for the community it served. That space wasn’t outgrown; the studio was grown because of it. Every class, every session, and every breakthrough helped build the foundation of what Quest Studio is today.

Then came the church—a vision to create a true sanctuary for movement and healing. A space where breath, strength, and restoration could exist side by side.

Today, those two stories officially come together. By uniting everything under one roof, Quest Studio is able to better align its services, expand its offerings, and deepen the experience members receive every time they walk through the doors.

Movement lives upstairs.
Restoration lives downstairs.
Together, they now form one complete experience.

This unified space is dedicated to strength, recovery, and belonging—designed for the person each member is becoming. This is more than a change of location; it’s alignment. It’s evolution. It’s a return to what matters most, allowing Quest Studio to serve its community more fully.

At the center of it all is the belief that has guided Quest Studio from the beginning: “Our gym is our church” — a place where movement heals, community restores, and everyone belongs.

Members are encouraged to keep an eye on their inbox, ZenPlanner, and social media channels for updates, including the new schedule, special events, offerings, and workshops. Everything launches in January.

Click here for more information.

Scranton Area Community Foundation Launches 2026 Community Support Initiative

Nonprofit organizations across Lackawanna County are navigating a period of significant uncertainty marked by rising costs, staffing challenges, policy changes, funding delays, and increased demand for services. In response, the Scranton Area Community Foundation (SACF) has launched its 2026 Community Support Initiative, inviting nonprofit partners to share candid insight into the realities they are facing through a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) process.

The initiative is designed as a listening and learning effort—not a competitive grant application—to help the Foundation better understand sector-wide challenges and determine how future grant opportunities can be structured to respond thoughtfully, effectively, and equitably.

“Nonprofits are experiencing interconnected pressures that extend beyond any single funding source,” said Laura Ducceschi, Scranton Area Community Foundation President and CEO. “This initiative allows us to listen closely, identify shared trends, and shape our response in a way that reflects what organizations are truly experiencing right now.”

As the Foundation enters 2026, it does so having already taken deliberate steps to meet heightened community needs. After careful consideration, SACF’s Board of Governors approved deploying significantly more grant funding in 2026 than in a typical year, balancing urgent community response with long-term fiduciary responsibility.

That approach began in 2025, when the Foundation’s distribution (grantmaking) committee expanded its definition of critical needs to better reflect current realities—such as emergency operational support, coverage of unforeseen budget gaps, and bridge funding for sudden revenue shortfalls.

“As we face ongoing uncertainty, the role of a community foundation is both clear and complex,” said David Price, the Foundation’s Board Chair. “We must respond to urgent needs today while stewarding resources to serve this region for generations to come. Listening to our nonprofit partners is essential to doing both well.”

The Community Support Initiative is part of a broader strategy through which SACF is working to strengthen community stability and resilience. In addition to grantmaking, the Foundation continues to convene partners, explore mission-aligned investments such as flexible capital and bridge funding, and advance regional initiatives focused on workforce development, food security, health system monitoring, and place-based economic opportunity.

“We recognize that uncertainty places an added burden on nonprofit organizations,” Ducceschi shared. “We are grateful to our partners for taking the time to share their experiences. Their insight will help guide how the Foundation listens, learns, and responds in the months ahead.”

The Foundation is inviting Lackawanna County 501(c)(3) nonprofits to submit a brief Letter of Inquiry (LOI) by January 31, 2026, sharing current challenges, emerging needs, and anticipated impacts in the next 6–12 months. Organizations can apply through the SACF grant portal at safdn.org/grants and learn more about the Letter of Inquiry process at safdn.org/SACF2026LOI.

PennDOT: Shapiro Administration Leads NEVI EV Expansion

Today, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced the opening of eight new federally-funded Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations in Pennsylvania built using funds from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program. The new stations bring Pennsylvania’s total EV stations opened under the program to 28, opening 22 charging stations in 2025 through $13 million in federal investment.

Since the first Pennsylvania NEVI station opened in December 2023, NEVI-funded charging stations in Pennsylvania have supported over 53,000 charging sessions, over 6.4 million estimated miles driven, and reduced CO2 emissions by more than 1,300 metric tons.

“The Shapiro Administration made reliable and accessible clean transportation a priority for Pennsylvania,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “We’re expecting an influx of visitors to the Commonwealth this year, and we’re providing the infrastructure to make green travel accessible for everyone.”

New stations since October 2025 include:

  • Francis Energy – Breezewood
    • Located at Pizza Hut along I-70 (Exit 147)
  • Tesla – Shrewsbury
    • Located at Shrewsbury Commons along I-83 (Exit 4)
  • Francis Energy – Mercer
    • Located at Shell along I-80 (Exit 15)
  • Francis Energy – Newburg
    • Located at McKinney Station Restaurant and Ice Cream along I-76 (Exit 201)
  • Tesla – Somerset
    • Located at Wendy’s along I-76 (Exit 110)
  • Applegreen Electric – Newburg
    • Located at Blue Mountain Service Plaza along I-76 (Mile Marker 202)
  • Sheetz – Sewickley
    • Located at Sheetz along I-79 (Exit 68)
  • Applegreen Electric – Hunker
    • Located at New Stanton Service Plaza along I-76 (Mile Marker 77)

Additionally, PennDOT is powering forward with more investments through the NEVI program, beginning with the Corridor Connections Funding Opportunity, which was released on October 7, 2025. This funding round focuses on implementing EV charging stations along major roadways to strengthen long-distance travel beyond the previously designated Alternative Fuel Corridors. Projects funded from the Corridor Connections program will improve range confidence for drivers who are considering travel with an EV across and throughout the Commonwealth. PennDOT is accepting proposals until January 30, 2026 at 5:00 PM EST. Please visit the PennDOT website for more information including a map of eligible locations, webinar recording, and additional resources.

PennDOT plans to invest most of its remaining NEVI funds in upcoming Community Charging Funding Opportunities throughout 2026. These funding rounds will be regional and all publicly available locations within the region will be eligible to pursue funds. Check the Community Charging Funding Rounds webpage for updates or contact ra-pdevcorridors@pa.gov to be added to PennDOT’s NEVI email distribution list for updates.

The U.S. Department of Transportation is currently withholding Congressionally-apportioned funding that would have supported EV construction in Pennsylvania and created new, good-paying jobs. That is why Governor Josh Shapiro sued the Trump Administration once again for breaking the law and taking dollars out of the Commonwealth. The Governor also sued the Trump Administration alongside 15 other states over the summer, in a lawsuit which reinstated the NEVI program and helped ensure projects like the one being announced today to continue throughout Pennsylvania.

Wayne Bank Promotes Justin Roach to Creative Officer

Jim Donnelly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wayne Bank, is pleased to announce the promotion of Justin Roach to Creative Officer.

“Justin’s creativity, passion, and dedication to Wayne Bank make him exceptionally deserving of this promotion,” said Mr. Donnelly. “Since joining our team in 2014, he has played a pivotal role in shaping and elevating our brand. Through his artistic vision and storytelling expertise, Justin has helped define the Bank’s visual identity and strengthen the overall customer experience in ways that continue to set us apart.”

In this role, Justin oversees the Bank’s visual marketing strategy, brand performance, and digital presence, including social media and online representation. A valued member of the Wayne Bank team for more than eleven years, he has led numerous digital campaigns and creative initiatives that have enhanced brand awareness and engagement. Known for his positive energy, collaborative spirit, and adaptability, Justin brings both creativity and strategic insight into the Bank’s marketing efforts.

Justin holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication from the University of Scranton. In addition to his work at Wayne Bank, he has built an impressive freelance career and extensive creative portfolio, with more than 25 years of experience in the entertainment industry. His work includes serving as a lead illustrator and designer for a variety of high-profile clients, including Snoop Dogg. Prior to joining Wayne Bank, Justin held a visual and social media role at the University of Pittsburgh. He currently resides in Scranton with his girlfriend, Rebekah.

Wayne Bank Promotes Kayla Dixon to VP, Business Intelligence Manager

Jim Donnelly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wayne Bank, is pleased to announce the promotion of Kayla Dixon to Vice President, Business Intelligence Manager.

“I’m thrilled to recognize Kayla on her promotion to Business Intelligence Manager,” said Mr. Donnelly. “As one of the Bank’s newest and fastest-growing areas, Business Intelligence requires strong leadership, analytical expertise, and strategic vision – qualities Kayla consistently demonstrates. She has already played a key role in advancing several initiatives, and I am confident she will continue to drive innovation and deliver valuable insights that support our organization’s growth.”

In this role, Kayla uses her technical skills and data analytics expertise to lead the Bank’s Business Intelligence Division. Under her guidance, the division leverages data to drive smarter, more informed decisions across the organization. An integral part of Wayne Bank for 14 years, Kayla has held various roles. Before joining the Business Intelligence Division, she served as Assistant Vice President and Consumer Loan Officer for the Bank.

Kayla is actively involved in her community, serving on various school and sports committees. This balance between her professional and personal life contributes to the thoughtful, well-rounded approach she brings to her work each day. She resides in Waymart with her husband, John, and their three children, Finley, Natalie, and Logan.

Allied Services Hosted Adaptive Dance Event

Produced by The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education residents Jackson Carney, D.O., and Rayan Islam, D.O., the American DanceWheels “Rumba & Roll” adaptive dance event, held at the Allied Services Corporate Center on December 6, was a spectacular example of community collaboration and collective celebration in support of a meaningful cause. The all-inclusive, free dance event was open to all ability levels. 

Left to right: Dr. Rayan Islam & Dr. Jackson Carney

Led by American DanceWheels Creative Director Aubree Marchione, the event began with the first of four adaptive dance lessons designed for both wheelchair-bound participants and their fully able-bodied dance partners. A professional-style wooden dance floor—graciously donated and installed by Scranton Rent-ALL—set the stage for the evening. Participants were introduced to rumba choreography, which was quickly brought to life as pairs danced together to a variety of melodic, rhythmic music.

After the basic steps were mastered, more intricate movements were gradually introduced until all four dance steps were learned and practiced together in sequence, with modified versions demonstrated to accommodate varying mobility levels; the final routine combined all steps, after which pairs were free to continue practicing and dancing. Dinner followed, featuring charcuterie, salads, soups, chicken parmesan with pasta, buttered rolls, and holiday cookies for dessert. Then Dr. Carney and Dr. Islam presented gifts to each attendee as a token of appreciation. The evening concluded with brief remarks from the residents, who thanked attendees, Allied Services staff for hosting the event, the sponsors for their support, and offered special recognition to Aubree Marchione for her dance instruction and dedication to adaptive physical activity.

Dr. Carney and Dr. Islam shared that plans are currently being discussed for potential recurring events focused on adaptive recreation of all kinds. They emphasized their hope to see expanded recreational opportunities for wheelchair-bound individuals throughout the surrounding communities.

Creative Director Aubree Marchione (in green)

Geisinger Completes First Phase of Postpartum Expansion

Geisinger Community Medical Center completed the first phase of its postpartum care expansion, opening 12 beds on Dec. 1 on the hospital’s third floor.

The service addition comes six years after the hospital opened its Childbirth Center, which brought labor and delivery back to the Scranton facility after previous ownership discontinued services in 2007.

“Growing our postpartum care capability is a critical upgrade for Geisinger Community Medical Center and the Scranton community,” said Nick Coleman, associate vice president of clinical operations for Geisinger’s northeast region. “We opened our Childbirth Center in 2019 because we saw the need for more quality labor and delivery services in Lackawanna County. This expansion is another step toward addressing that need. In a community where health care services are challenged and face changes, we remain focused on delivering the best maternity care for mothers and babies.”

The new postpartum beds are supported by parallel growth of pre- and postoperative care and enhancements to the hospital’s nursery. The newly established continuing care nursery is capable of caring for children who need more support than is available in a well-baby nursery, but who don’t need the high-acuity care of a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). A second phase of the project will open seven more postpartum beds in the summer of 2026. Upon completion, the unit will more than double Geisinger Community Medical Center’s capacity for postpartum care.

This latest renovation at the Scranton hospital is part of Geisinger’s recent and ongoing $50 million investment in Lackawanna County health care, which also includes plans to build a NICU and expand emergency medicine in 2026.