WILKES-BARRE — Another holiday season is winding down, and 2025 is just about in the rear-view mirror.
As we dismantle our Christmas trees and put away the decorations, we vow to get in good enough shape to fit into all those nice clothes in our closets that we used to fit into not that long ago.
As we digest our pork and sauerkraut, we now look ahead to a bright 2026. Spring will soon arrive, flowers will bloom, and our routines will resume.
The days and months will again fly by, the snow will have melted, the heat and humidity will return, the leaves will change in the fall, and my rescued Santa Claus toilet seat cover will again grace my front door in December.
Happy New Year to all, and read on to see what our leaders resolve to do in 2026.
Wilkes-Barre Township Police Chief Will Clark again offered a few words of wisdom.
“As we look to 2026, everyone should make it a point to be good-hearted, compassionate, and willing to help someone that they don’t even know.
“We all strive to do good, but sometimes striving alone doesn’t get you across the finish line. See that it gets done.
“We all have it in us to be a “Superman” for someone — most of the time at unforeseen circumstances. We all need to get back to what made this country great — kindness, friendship, hard work, a sense of community and a constant willingness to learn and make life better for those who would follow us.”
“From Jor-El, Superman: The Movie (1978): ‘They can be a great people Cal-El, they wish to be, they only lack the light to show the way. It is for this reason above all, their capacity for good — that I have sent them you, my only son.’
“Have a happy and prosperous New Year!”
Wilkes-Barre Mayor George Brown:
• Continue to increase the Community Police initiative in the City, promoting a visible police presence in our neighborhoods.
• Update parks in the 5 districts of the City.
• Promote a harmonious relationship between the members of City Council and my administration.
• Work to update the aged sewer system and the infrastructure within the city.
• Pave as many roads as possible and continue to permanently repair potholes throughout the City.
Bishop Joseph Bambera, Diocese of Scranton:
“Typically, with the beginning of each new year, our thoughts focus on the struggles that we face within our lives, the upheaval present in our land, the need for peace in war-torn parts of the globe, and a plea that somehow God would rend the heavens and heal our broken world.
“In the face of such hopes and prayers, what a blessing it would be in the New Year if we were to set aside our penchant for looking to the future and instead open our eyes to the countless ways in which God works wonders among us — today — here — in my life and yours — at this moment — and in every circumstance that unfolds among us.
“At Christmas, we celebrate the birth of Emmanuel — God With Us! The promise of God’s abiding presence was not meant solely for the people of Israel once in history. No — it is a promise for the ages. While we should always look for ways to build God’s Kingdom in the future, may we serve God’s presence this day — in our families — the poor — the immigrant looking for a way forward — in our churches — and in every life God places within our own.”
All that follow appear as submitted to the Times Leader.
2026 RESOLUTIONS
Gov. Josh Shapiro: “Getting more ‘s**t’ done for the good people of Pennsylvania — and finally find out the exact number of quarter zips in Bill O’Boyle’s closet.”
PA Treasurer Stacy Garrity: “To continue being a strong and responsible steward of the Commonwealth’s finances by protecting taxpayer dollars, strengthening transparency and ensuring Pennsylvanians’ savings and investments are secure. I am also committed to returning more unclaimed property to its rightful owners and reuniting families with money that belongs to them — including the nearly $64 million owed to folks in Luzerne County.”
U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser: In 2026, I hope to generally do all things “ better” and do my best to be a force for “Good.” 2026 will be a historical year for our country, so Carpe Diem , every day. Professionally, will work with President Trump and Congress to deliver the strongest national security and economy that benefits all Americans we have ever experienced as a nation.
U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan Jr.: My New Year’s resolution comes down to one thing: NEPA.
N – No nonsense
E – Engage and deliver
P – People before politics
A – Accessible always
Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti: To explore more ice cream shops with the kids; to organize the garage; to keep reforming government so it actually works for us.
Judge Correale Stevens: To summit Bell Rock in Sedona, AZ.
Sen. Lisa Baker: To find a better balance in providing for education, health care, clean air and water, community safety, and food and shelter for those in need, while improving the accountability state government owes taxpayers. I will strive to offer residents a positive and productive example of responsive legislating and representation.
Sen. Marty Flynn: Talk less, and act more!
Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski: For my staff and I to do our best to help anyone who comes to my office for help.
Rep. Brenda Pugh: To keep listening, keep showing up, and keep delivering common-sense solutions that strengthen public safety, support good-paying jobs, and protect the people of Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Rep. Jim Haddock: To continue to be the top State Representative in Luzerne and Lackawanna County for bringing the highest amount of grant money home to the area that I serve.
PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll: To continue PennDOT’s mission of delivering a safe, efficient, and effective transportation network to Pennsylvanians.
Pittston City Mayor Mike Lombardo: To continue to move the City of Pittston forward while working with my colleagues to make our region the best place to live, work, raise a family and enjoy all the great amenities. This year, the city will achieve things that for a long time were believed impossible.
Romilda Crocamo: To finally learn to “robot” — it’s the only one my new knee will allow, and frankly, I think I can nail it.
Samuel M. Sanguedolce, Luzerne County District Attorney: To finally follow my doctor’s advice — at least some of it — to cut off anyone who forwards me negative social media comments, and to thank my colleagues in the media for understanding when we cannot answer questions, but also politely ask them to stop sending the same inquiry via multiple sources (text, voicemail, office phone, email, fax, teletype, and carrier pigeon) and from multiple people at the same company.
Tony Brooks, WB City Council: To strengthen Wilkes-Barre’s commitment to historic preservation and good urban design.
Lindsay Griffin-Boylan, President/CEO WV Chamber: To lead with authenticity and purpose while appreciating the journey — finding joy in collaboration with my team and the community, staying connected with family and friends, and never losing the drive to learn, try, and imagine what’s possible.
Meghan Flanagan, Greater WV Chamber: Professionally, to show gratitude for the wonderful crew of community leaders that I get to work with, who bring light, humor, passion, and innovation to their work each day. Personally, to spend more time with family, and to jam out more often to my musician dad’s tunes at some great local spots.
Larry Newman, Executive Director, Diamond City Partnership: To continue our progress in restoring Downtown Wilkes-Barre’s role as the vibrant heart of the Wyoming Valley — and to restore more historic buildings along the way.
Joe Barna, Veteran/Author: After 95 years, you would think I would have learned to stop, turn around and thank everyone who helped with the journey. But you know what, I’m too busy still going forward. My resolution is that maybe, I will look over my shoulder and tell everyone to catch up with me. God Bless Everyone. Let’s Get Along.
Pete Danchak, PNC Bank: To be grateful for every day God gives me with my family & friends.
Hal Flack, Businessman: To continue to enjoy our eight wonderful grandchildren and every member of our family, to deeply appreciate our friends and our community, to help those less fortunate, to view each day as a gift and always be thankful for our many blessings.
C. David Pedri, President/CEO Luzerne Foundation: To spend less time on social media and more time petting dogs.
Will Beekman, VP, Legends Global Theater Content Development: To find time to take better care of myself both mentally and physically.
Joell Yarmel, Executive Director, F.M. Kirby Center: To find the good even in the toughest situations, try something new each month, and to continue the fun we’re having at the F.M. Kirby Center!
Clancy Harrison, Founder of the Food Dignity Movement: To fully commit to bridging the gap between our local farmers and our community. It’s about playing matchmaker — connecting the hands that grow the veggies with the families who eat it — and ensuring that access to quality meals isn’t just a luxury for a few. So, while I can’t promise I’ll finally organize my closets, I can promise to work my tail off to serve you, support our growers, and make sure our local food system gets the love and attention it deserves.
Tracey Selingo, Found, Fork Over Love: Aim for joy 24/7.
Ellen Ferretti, Executive Director, North Branch Land Trust: My resolution for 2026 is to make time every day for gratitude, from the kindness of family, friends and strangers to the bounty of nature that surrounds us. While there are no doubt bad things happening in this world, the good is still there and I want to recognize and be grateful for that!
Father Tom Looney, President, King’s College: To live with gratitude every day for the privilege of serving our students, alumni, and friends at King’s College. To exercise regularly, to read great literature frequently, and to visit friends more faithfully.
Dr. Greg Cant, President, Wilkes University: In 2026, I’ll be focused on strengthening philanthropic initiatives at Wilkes and supporting the university’s long-term success. I will also continue connecting with our amazing campus community, alumni, donors and friends. Your stories inspire me and I’m incredibly grateful for all of your contributions. You are all what makes Wilkes so special.
John Yudichak, LCCC President: I resolve to be a better father, a better friend, a better listener — quicker to appreciate the present moment and more grateful for the everyday wonders of life.
Chelsey Coslett-Traver, Barry Isett & Assoc.: To continue trusting and remembering God’s goodness and faithfulness.
Suzanne Beck, Victims Resource Center: I’ll be retiring at the end of the year, and my New Year’s resolution is to slow down, enjoy the days more, and see where this next chapter takes me.
Brian Costello, WB Area Superintendent: To lead with respect for our past while intentionally expanding opportunity, raising expectations, and preparing students to lead and strengthen the community they call home.
Jody Busch, Musician: To enjoy my life to its fullest. And be thankful for all I have.
Dale Parmenteri, Irem Temple Restoration: To spend as much time as possible with my two-year-old grandson and family.
Linda Loop, Dress For Success: In 2026 I resolve to stay on my better health journey and welcome my 65th birthday with pride in all I have accomplished.
Dr. Stephen Cheskiewicz, WV Challenger Baseball: To be a beacon of light to others. To smile more and be a positive force in their lives.
David Yonki, Wilkes-Barre City Health Department: Resolved to maintain my successes, treat each day as a gift from God, and strive to make the future years I have left impactful in a positive way for those who cross my path.
Attorney Bill Anzalone: I wish that the 75th annual playing of the UNICO football game is a big success, so lots of money can be raised for charity.
John Lombardo, Luzerne County Council: To spend more time making memories with family and friends.
Jay Delaney, WB City Fire Chief: Continue to offer the highest quality Fire and Emergency Medical Services to the residents and visitors to the City of Wilkes-Barre.
Gary Schiel, Schiel’s Family Market: To spend more time with my family — and of course find more great deals for Schiel’s Family Market customers!
Jimmy Harnen, President/CEO Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment: This year, I will live fully, laugh often, and give generously.
Donna Cupinski, Arena Authority: To continue living the best life I can and to be kind, whenever possible!
Susan Magnotta, President, Junior Achievement NEPA: To work on being very intentional with my time to prioritize my faith, my loved ones, and my health!
Justin Topa, Mohegan Arena: Set aside more time to volunteer and learn about lesser-known organizations making a positive impact in NEPA, while reconnecting more deeply with the community around me.
Carl Witkowski, GUARD: To continue to learn, eager to explore new ideas, and embrace new opportunities, anchored by experience and friendships.
Gerry O’Donnell, Businessman: To be consistent, not perfect.
Joe Nardone Sr., Gallery of Sound: To remember to thank the Luzerne County Arts & Entertainment Hall of Fame’s various committees for the many hours that are put in to make it become the major event of the year.
Thom Greco, Entrepreneur: To bring smiles to your memories and to create opportunities for more memories in your life.
Rusty Fender, Radio Personality: “To eat healthier — including some meal items not wrapped in paper or cardboard!
Alexis Eroh, President, Plymouth Alive: To worry less and enjoy the moment.
Adam Morehart, Plymouth Alive: In a world that often feels divided, I want Plymouth Borough to be a place where we know our neighbors’ names and share in each other’s successes. Let’s make 2026 the year we build a stronger, more connected Plymouth together.
Ron Kobusky, Plymouth Borough Council: To help raise money for more Christmas lights on Main Street.
Attorney Thomas Hogan: To make more time to be with my wife, Suzanne and our cat Dandy; to find a new member to join Plymouth Rotary and to promote and support small businesses coming back to the West Side, especially in Plymouth.
JK Karavis, Plymouth Rotary: Make better use of my time each day.
Shannon Metzgar: De-clutter my home.
Lorree Levulis: Be more grateful for everything and everyone I have in my life.
Shelly Karavis: Appreciate my husband more.
Scott Cannon, Video Innovations: In 2026, I look forward to finding new adventures with my wife as we embrace life as empty nesters, as our youngest is off to college.
William Lewis, Historian: To help Pennsylvanians celebrate our history during the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Chris Bohinski, WBRE: A New Year’s goal — more smiles, deeper listening, and growing together with our community.
Attorney Cathy O’Donnell: Try to do something kind for someone other than myself every day.
Attorney Neil O’Donnell: A big 2026 for Gov. Josh Shapiro and a deep playoff run for the Phillies!
Joseph F. Fasula, Co-Owner, Gerrity’s Supermarkets: To improve my health and fitness; to eat cleaner, leaner, and more nutritious foods, since we have plenty of Wholesome Pantry brand products throughout our stores.
Liz Graham, Riggs Asset Management: To lead with civility and kindness, listen more than I speak, and do my part to make our community a little more hopeful and a little more humane. And I’m really looking forward to celebrating our nation as it turns 250 years old. I believe that 2026 is going to be an amazing year.
Jessica Cronauer, Executive Director, Leadership Northeast: To spend more time having fun with friends and family.
Amy George Feldman, President/CEO Northeast Sight Services: In the new year, I am committing to protect my peace by focusing my energy on what truly matters. More reading and less scrolling, too.
Sara Peperno, President/CEO, United Way of WV: To approach both work and life with balance by focusing my energy where it matters most and letting go of what doesn’t.”
Larry Cook, Historian: In light of a recent donation of a significant Abraham Lincoln collection to the Larry Cook Historian Center for Presidential Research at the Hoyt Library, it is a New Year’s resolution to set up the Lincoln research area in the Center.
Jill Emmert, Foster Grandparents Program: To do better than I did the day before and become more involved with helping in my community.
Attorney Garry S. Taroli: To increase my support for threatened and endangered species, especially wolves, elephants, pangolins, vaquitas, and the North Atlantic right whales, and to try to increase my support for the Ukrainian people and their democracy.
Mary Kolessar, Discover NEPA: To continue elevating Northeastern Pennsylvania through DiscoverNEPA by connecting people to the stories, places, and opportunities that make our region special.
Jim Cummings, Mericle Development: To learn how to use A.I. to my advantage.
Teri Ooms, CEO, The Institute: To do my best, with our Institute team to educate and inform the region using data and analytics to inform decision-making in hopes of improving the standard of living and quality of life for all in NEPA.
Jill Avery-Stoss, President, The Institute: For me, the New Year will bring a continued commitment to growth and purposeful action.
Stephen Poremba, GM Mohegan Arena: To become more active in the community and get my family and myself more physically active and take some time to put the devices down.
Jim Martin, Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame: “I hope to remain on the humble journey. Success means nothing, if it doesn’t serve others.”
Joe Pacuska, Abilene: To attend Mass at least once a week, and to continue to improve my Polish language skills.
Beverly Jean & Ralph Johnston: Be grateful for all the wonderful blessings of this past year and the hope for peace in the New Year.
Bridget Giunta, Wilkes University: Less time on my phone and more creating!
Fran Moriarty, Quilts of Valor: To enjoy every minute of time with friends and family.
Alan K. Stout, Executive Director, Visit Luzerne County: To borrow from “The Alchemist,” to continue, as best I can, to try and fulfill my Personal Legend, or life’s calling. Or, to borrow from Tom Petty, to go “Runnin’ Down a Dream.”
Rich Pries, Veteran: To try to be a better person each and every day.
Jay Naparlo, Developer: Get my sugar in line.
Mike Harper, Sharper Embroidery: To be more patient.
Neil Brazitis, St. Vincent’s: To be less judgmental and more understanding.
Cousin Al Jones, Southern California: To finally bite the bullet and get my neck fixed.
Gina Malsky, Dance Theater of WB: To remind myself that less is more!
John L. Augustine III, President / CEO, Penn’s Northeast: To travel more, start buying lottery tickets at a luckier store, actually wear my glasses, finish the Dewald project, stop making lists that include making more lists and continue to bring good-paying jobs to Northeastern Pennsylvania.
TIMES LEADER
Kerry Miscavage, Publisher: Wishing everyone a healthy, happy and prosperous new year!
“May love and laughter light your days and warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours, wherever you may roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world with joy that long endures.
May all life’s passing seasons bring the best to you and yours.”
Jake Higgins, Executive Editor: To be more active.
Diane McGee, Advertising Director: A year filled with joy, good health, and filled with amazing new journeys
Liz Baumeister, News Editor: I’m ditching traditional resolutions this year and instead striving for consistency in the areas where I want to improve. And instead of focusing on the “whats,” I’m focusing on the “whys” behind what I do.
Aaron Miller, Part-time News Editor: To read more, travel more, and learn how to do less. Also, maybe get Bill his rocks.
Mary Therese Biebel, Lifestyles/Features Editor: I resolve to cook up a storm in 2026.
Lyndsay Bartos, Paginator: To read more books.
Ashley Bringmann, Paginator: To be increasingly bizarre while fighting the cosmic horrors of everyday life and embrace all new opportunities that come my way in 2026.
Margaret Roarty, Staff Writer: To finally finish the novel I’m writing.
Tony Callaio: To tie up a million loose ends I’ve neglected for the last 10 years.
Sydney Allabaugh, Staff Writer: I hope to read and sleep more.
Bill O’Boyle, Staff Writer/Columnist: Be kind, and as the late Bill Walton once said, “I wish you good everything forever.”