NEPA Philharmonic Presents “Battle of the Bands” The NEPA Philharmonic is excited to present its inaugural Battle of the Bands, presented by ROCK107, on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 7:00 PM at Mohegan Pennsylvania Casino’s Keystone Grand Ballroom in Wilkes-Barre. This groundbreaking, dynamic, live-judged music competition showcases eight talented local bands across a wide range of styles, from jazz fusion to country and heavy metal to pop rock, with cash prizes and a chance for one band to perform with the Philharmonic. Tickets, $29 general admission, are available at NEPAPHIL.org or by calling the NEPA Philharmonic Box Office at (570) 270-4444. Over 40 talented bands from across Northeastern Pennsylvania applied to compete, with eight finalists selected to take the stage: So Much Hope, Buried.; Gracie Jane Sinclair & The Band; Chasing Ashlee; Tori V & The Karma; The Sorters; Rogue Chimp; One Revived; and the Jay Orrell Band. These bands will compete in the live-judged event for their chance to win the $5,000 Grand Prize and perform with the NEPA Philharmonic in their 2026-2027 season. A $1,000 runner up prize and a $1,000 audience choice prize will also be awarded, giving audience members an opportunity to cheer on and vote for their favorite band. John Popko, host at Rock107 and Fuzz 96.1, will be the emcee for the event. The event will be judged by a panel comprised of the following individuals: Mélisse Brunet — Music Director, NEPA Philharmonic Chason Goldschmitz — Executive Director, NEPA Philharmonic Ruotao Mao — Concertmaster, NEPA Philharmonic Kait — Co-Host of the Prospector Show, Rock107 Jennifer Ducharme — Director of Events, Mohegan PA Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski — Pennsylvania State Representative, 121st District Rick Hoffenberg — Co-Director, Marywood University School of Visual & Performing Arts “NEPA has been blessed with incredible musicians for decades,” says Pennsylvania State Representative Eddie Day Pashinski (121st District), a judge for the event. “I congratulate our NEPA Philharmonic organization for creating this momentous opportunity for our very talented NEPA musicians. The financial prizes for this competition are truly substantial for the winners. But the once in a lifetime performance opportunity with our NEPA Philharmonic orchestra is priceless. I can’t wait to hear all the bands, and then to hear the winning band perform with our incredible NEPA Philharmonic orchestra. Absolutely fantastic!” “Local music is what keeps communities strong,” added Kait, event judge and ROCK107 host. “Local bands are the heartbeat of a town. I’m looking forward to putting my finger on the pulse of it all.” John Popko, emcee and ROCK107 host, says: “I’m honored to serve as emcee for this event and help spotlight the incredible talent that NEPA has to offer. I’ve always believed our local music scene stands toe-to-toe with any in the country. I’m very familiar with the artists competing in this Battle of the Bands, having featured nearly all of them on my local radio show, The Popko Project Radio Experience, which airs Saturday mornings at 10 a.m. on Fuzz 96.1 (a sister station of Rock 107). It’s truly a pleasure to share their music on the air, and I hope everyone in attendance leaves with a renewed appreciation for the musicians in our region. This is going to be fun!” Jennifer Ducharme, Battle of the Bands judge and Mohegan PA Director of Events, says: “Mohegan Pennsylvania is thrilled to be part of this incredible celebration of music and artistry. Supporting the arts is an essential part of our commitment to the community, and we look forward to an unforgettable evening.” The NEPA Philharmonic season is presented by PNC, the POPS series is presented by Dr. Seth & Carolyn Fisher, and Battle of the Bands is presented by ROCK107. Additional in-kind support is provided by Guitar Center through the use of their premium equipment. For more information about the Battle of the Bands or to purchase tickets, visit NEPAPHIL.org, or call the Box Office at (570) 270-4444.
SLIBCO and The Chamber Enhance Signage in Stauffer Industrial Park The Scranton Lackawanna Industrial Building Company (SLIBCO), the business development division of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, is pleased to announce the completion of a comprehensive signage improvement project inside Stauffer Industrial Park, made possible through a $75,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), with the support of State Representative Jim Haddock of the 118th District. The new signage enhances visibility, improves navigation, and addresses longstanding directional challenges for tenants and visitors within one of the region’s most vital business parks, strengthening the overall experience and functionality of the site. State Representative Jim Haddock shares, “Clear, directional signage may seem like a small detail, but it makes a real difference to customers. Infrastructure like this helps people navigate more efficiently, feel welcome, and supports our business community in industrial parks like Stauffer Park. Glad to have been able to secure grant money to make this investment possible.” Stauffer Industrial Park, one of the 15 business parks developed by SLIBCO and The Chamber throughout Lackawanna County, has long been a hub of economic activity, hosting a range of logistical industries that contribute to the region’s growth and prosperity. Amy Luyster, vice president of business and workforce development, adds, “The completed signage upgrades at Stauffer Industrial Park are already making a positive economic impact by improving accessibility, enhancing safety for workers, visitors, and drivers, and elevating the park’s overall appeal. This investment strengthens navigation throughout the park, supports existing businesses, and reinforces our commitment to positioning Stauffer Industrial Park as a premier destination for new and expanding companies.” The signage updates at Stauffer Industrial Park underscore SLIBCO and The Chamber’s mission to create and maintain vibrant business environments that attract, sustain, and grow businesses and jobs across Lackawanna County. By investing in infrastructure improvements, SLIBCO and The Chamber continue to strengthen the foundation for economic growth and enhance the experience of tenants and visitors within these business parks.
Skills in Scranton Awarded $2,500 EITC Grant From PPL Electric Utilities The Skills in Scranton Business Education Partnership (Skills), the workforce development division of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, has been awarded a $2,500 Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program grant from PPL Electric Utilities. The funding supports Skills in Scranton’s work as an Education Improvement Organization (EIO), advancing career readiness and developing a regional talent pipeline. The funding will be used to support workforce development programming for K–12 students in Lackawanna County, expanding awareness of career pathways and strengthening connections between education and the business community. “Skills in Scranton is grateful to PPL Electric Utilities for the EITC support, which strengthens our ability to deliver high-quality career pathways programming for students across Lackawanna County,” said Emily Pettinato, workforce development specialist. Through The Chamber, Skills collaborates with educators, employers, and community partners to expose students to career opportunities in key industries, promote early career exploration, and support long-term economic development throughout northeastern Pennsylvania. PPL Electric Utilities’ support through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program reflects a shared commitment to education, workforce development, and community investment. The EITC Program enables businesses to support innovative educational initiatives that prepare individuals for meaningful careers while strengthening regional economies.
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.
Grey Towers Announces Winter Lunch & Learns Grey Towers Heritage Association will host four monthly lunch and learns this season on January 24 through April 18, all focusing on the Pichot legacy of conservation and America’s 250th birthday. The Pinchot Legacy in Pike County – Past, Present, and the Path to America 250 is the first in the series on January 24. Join the U.S. Forest Service and the Grey Towers Heritage Association for a special Lunch & Learn (free for members) celebrating the Pinchot family legacy and its profound influence on both Pike County and the nation. As America approaches its 250th anniversary, this program highlights why the story of the Pinchot family and the conservation movement they helped build remains essential to understanding the American identity. “Our guests will experience a rich historical narrative through the lens of Grey Towers, the birthplace of American conservation,” explains Jared Simister of the U.S. Forest Service, which oversees Grey Towers National Historic Site. “We will also discuss the conservation legacy of Gifford Pinchot, the first Chief of the U.S. Forest Service, whose partnerships with President Theodore Roosevelt, and other notable figures, transformed how America manages public lands.” “Building on Pinchot’s national legacy, we’ll explore how the Pinchot family also shaped Milford’s civic culture, championing community, stewardship, and public service as core American values since the earliest days of our country,” adds Jeff McQuaid, President of the Grey Towers Heritage Association. The event will also feature a forward-looking conversation about how this legacy continues to guide today’s conservation efforts, youth education, volunteer engagement, and community partnerships ensuring a vibrant future as the nation prepares to commemorate America 250. Other scheduled Lunch & Learns are The Gardens of Grey Towers – The Past and Projecting Forward on February 21; Olmsted and Pinchot – A Partnership that Shaped America’s Landscapes on March 14; and The Music and Stories of Pennsylvania’s Past on April 18. The Lunch & Learns take place at Forest Hall, 214 Broad Street in Milford, PA with the exception of the April 18 event, whose location will be announced this winter. Tickets for the January 24th event are free for members, $15 for non-members, and $5 for students. Subsequent events are $15 for members, $20 for the general public, and $10 for students. Guests are welcome at 11:00 a.m. and programs start promptly at 11:30, with a light lunch offered after the presentation. Click here for more information. Please note the lecture space at Forest Hall is only accessible via a one-flight staircase; there is no elevator or ramp access available at this time.
