May 21st 2026

Attending:
Gabbie Fasciana , Jessica Colvin, Milena DelVecchio, Noreen Thomas, Tara Atkins, Dawn Hansen, Gail Rees, Emelia, Marion & Geri

Membership & Administration Updates

• The association welcomed five new businesses to the ABPA family over the last month.

• Reminder, ABPA membership runs on an annual subscription model that automatically renews for all members.

• Complete, up to date, member directory can always be accessed on our website.

4th friday Planning (jun 26, jul 24, aug 28, sept 25)

• Artist Commitments: Twelve local artists have officially committed to participating across all scheduled Fourth Friday events. Kara is actively designing the directional artist maps and organizing member data and contact info into internal spreadsheets.

• Scheduling: Marion will be curating a monthly calendar specifically for Fourth Friday activities.

• Entertainment & Venues: Gabby is coordinating live music booking. She is also working on securing an artist placement specifically for Everything Natural.

• Marketing: Posters for the upcoming Fourth Friday are officially out. Members are strongly encouraged to hang posters in their brick-and-mortar locations to maximize town-wide promotion.

summer Solstice (june 20th)

• Event Details: The celebration is locked in from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM.

• Street Closure:The Gathering Place will be handling and submitting the required municipal paperwork to close Spring Street for the duration of the event.

• Youth Races: Anticipating 20 to 30 young participants.

  • The race kicks off at 9:30 AM for children ages 5 and under, followed by the 10:00 AM heat for ages 6–11.

  • Gail will organize operational logistics at the track, including the start table, megaphones, and finish line caution tape.

  • Jessica is sourcing gift card prizes from Mannings, and Geri is coordinating additional gift card outreach with McDonald's.

  • Dawn will create a Google Form for race sign ups, which will tie into a Google Spreadsheet

• Pie Eating Contest: A staple of the festival, the contest will require 8 pies total, which Gail has kindly volunteered to procure.

• Food & Vendor Logistics: We are exploring bringing back the popular food trucks or donut trucks from past successes. Emelia is contacting Fidelity Bank to request the availability of their community ice cream truck.

• Community Highlights: Emelia is working on integration to promote Tiny Tumblers and a local dance studio during the event. Milena will also touch base with the local Yoga studio to coordinate collaborative involvement.

Upcoming Events

• Memorial Day Parade

  • The local Memorial Day parade is officially scheduled for 11:00 AM. Dawn will launch dedicated Memorial Day social media features and put out a final reminder across channels on Sunday.

• Looking Ahead into Fall 2026 & 2027

  • Clarks Summit Goes Pink (August 15, 2026): Plans are underway for our annual breast cancer awareness day. Jodi Price reached out via email requesting volunteer assistance to decorate storefronts and secure a promotional banner across State Street (stretching from Highland to Grove Street). Milena will direct Jodi to connect with Borough Manager Jennifer Basalyga to ensure compliance with Pennsylvania state road banner guidelines. Geri is collaborating on scheduling with South Abington officials who have historically assisted.

  • St. Joseph's Event: Milena proposed a target date of Saturday, October 3rd.

  • State Street Trick-or-Treat: Block your calendars—the annual downtown Trick-or-Treat event is officially set for October 31st.

Festival of Ice Planning

• Board agreed to stay on the same weekend as the previous year.

• 2027 Festival of Ice Theme ideas included Alice in Wonderland, Summitstone, Summit Goes to Space, and National Parks.

• Milena will connect with new owner of ice company to discuss this year’s planning.

Social Media, Marketing, & Networking

• Dawn created a LinkedIn page for the ABPA to increase professional networking outreach.

• The board discussed utilizing the Alignable platform to network with local businesses and cross-share events for enhanced regional exposure.

• New Member Spotlights: In response to requests from new members to be featured on our social channels, the board will utilize our "Monday Spotlight" slots. Valerie from Woods and Company is scheduled for next Monday's feature. Milena also suggested setting up dedicated email welcoming spotlights to increase exposure, alongside ongoing member event shares.

• Monthly Recaps: Tara proposed sending out a comprehensive community digest at the end of each month highlighting immediate recaps and previewing upcoming initiatives for the next month. The board agreed the last Monday of every month is the optimal time for this broadcast.

• ABPA Headshots: Tara is looking into coordinating a professional headshot day for members featuring photographer Mike Straub at a future ABPA gathering.

Borough & Community Relations

• Community Directory: Dawn is compiling an active contact directory to assist members with various municipal and community needs.

• Pocket Park & Clock Tower Updates: The landmark clock tower is scheduled for removal from the Decker property to be repurposed. Simultaneously, the Rotary Club of the Abingtons is installing a commemorative memorial bench at the pocket park dedicated to the Defazio family. The borough will also be clearing out the electrical box on the property. All site transitions are slated for completion within the next 90 days.

Financial Update

The board reviewed current association finances:

• General Fund: $16,337

• Festival of Ice Fund: $7,482

Grant Funding: ABPA has successfully secured a grant for $3,500.00.

Next Meeting

Thursday, June 11, 2026
8:30 AM
Café 27

March 3rd 2026

Attending:
Gabbie Fasciana (Everything Natural) , Jessica Colvin (Pure Suds Co and Crystal Conclusion), , Milena DelVecchio (Parabello), Noreen Thomas (State Farm Insurance), Kim Pomasan (La Chic Boutique by Kim), Eloise Butovich (No.27 Cafe and Central Park Flowers)

Spring Equinox & Art Walk Planning

The board discussed final preparations for the upcoming Spring Equinox & Art Walk event. A banner will be installed in town once completed, with assistance from South Abington Township for placement moving forward.

Businesses are encouraged to participate by hosting artists, offering special events, or creating in-store experiences during the celebration. Businesses are also encouraged to tag @ABPANetwork on social media so the association can help share and promote activities across its platforms.

Several board members will assist with distributing promotional materials throughout town and nearby shopping areas to help raise awareness of the event.

Event Promotion

The board discussed the importance of highlighting special events, sales, and artistic experiences happening within local businesses during community events such as the Spring Equinox.

Promotional flyers and posters will be distributed to local businesses, community spaces, and nearby plazas. Additional flyers may be ordered if needed.

Businesses are also encouraged to submit events to be shared digitally through ABPA’s communication channels and the Waverly Community House event listings.

Membership & Administration Updates

The board reported that ABPA currently has 52 members, representing growth compared to recent years.

The board confirmed that Dawn has been hired as ABPA’s bookkeeper and administrative support for the 2025–2026 period. Dawn will assist with administrative tasks including:

• Membership tracking and updates

• Member spotlights and social media promotion

• Communication regarding new memberships

• Supporting digital event submissions

Membership renewals now include a credit card option with automatic renewal, unless members choose to opt out.

The board also discussed continuing outreach to local businesses that are not yet members and encouraging participation in upcoming events and membership opportunities.

Financial Update

The board reviewed current association finances:

• General Fund: $14,913

• Festival of Ice Fund: $4,621

Festival of Ice Planning

Initial discussions began regarding planning for the next Festival of Ice. The board is currently reviewing potential ice carving companies and pricing, which appears to be higher than in previous years. Additional details will be shared as planning progresses.

Upcoming Events

• ABPA Spring Networking Mixer
  Tuesday, April 7, 2026
  Hosted at The Nyx in partnership with ABPA.
  The event will provide an opportunity for local businesses to connect and network.

• Women’s History Lunch
  April 20, 2026 at Constantino’s. Members interested in attending are encouraged to connect with Eloise.

The board also congratulated Everything Natural for being recognized by the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce on March 25.

Media & Community Partnerships

The Abington Journal will be meeting with ABPA in the near future to discuss opportunities for stronger collaboration and promotion of local businesses and events.

Next Meeting

March 18, 2026
8:00 AM
Silver Spoon Diner

February 18, 2026

Attendees

Gail Rees, Gabbie Fasciana, Tara Atkins, Kim Pomasan, Jessica Colvin, Milena DelVecchio and Noreen Thomas

Ice Works Invoice & Vendor Review

Milena reported that there has been no response from Ice Works regarding their invoice totaling $15,700.

The Board discussed issuing a payment of $13,600 to reflect the delivery delays and live carving issues experienced during the Ice Festival.

Tara suggested contacting other festival committees to inquire about which ice companies they use for future consideration.

Event Leadership & Promotion

Tara recommended that all ABPA events — large and small — have designated chairpersons moving forward.

She also suggested highlighting ABPA events in Happenings Magazine and reviewed their advertising pricing.

The Board discussed implementing sign-up sheets for events to better coordinate participation and responsibilities.

Milena shared that she spoke with Mike O’Neill, owner of Nyx, regarding the possibility of hosting a future music festival or block party. The Board agreed that businesses interested in town-wide events should actively host or participate in activities.

Upcoming Mixer – Nyx

The next ABPA Mixer will be hosted at Nyx. After reviewing several available dates, the Board selected:

Tuesday, April 7, 2026
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Plans include:

• Business card exchange

• Board member–donated basket raffle

• Small favors for attendees

Milena will create a Facebook event for the Nyx Mixer. Members may RSVP via Facebook.

Branding & Communications

Milena emphasized the importance of brand recognition and ensuring all platforms consistently reflect ABPA branding.

The Board discussed aligning the organization’s name across platforms and confirmed that ABPAcsummit was the only available domain.

The Board also reviewed current platforms:

• ABPA Facebook page (linked to Clarks Summit Festivities)

• Instagram page

Email consistency was discussed, including the use of ABPACsummit and ABPA Network moving forward.

ABPANetwork for Instagram

Abington Business and Professional Association for Facebook

Hiring admin

The Board interviewed Dawn Hansen via video call (arranged by Milena) regarding administrative support services.

Dawn’s experience includes:

• Junior Achievement bookkeeping and graphic management

• Social media management for NEPA Business Network

• Canva proficiency

• Squarespace familiarity

• Bookkeeping (non-tax preparation)

Dawn proposed an hourly rate of $20–$30 per hour and currently tracks hours in her work with Junior Achievement.

Tara made a motion to hire Dawn for bookkeeping and social media management. Gail seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Milena will:

• Provide Dawn access to ABPA QuickBooks (excluding bank account access)

• Serve as Dawn’s primary contact

• Prioritize onboarding tasks

Jessica recommended prioritizing Dawn’s duties as follows:

1. Canva

2. QuickBooks

3. Squarespace

4. Social Media

5. Email Management

The Board hopes Dawn will begin welcoming new members from the Ice Festival.

Spring Equinox Event

Jessica proposed March 20 as a potential Spring Equinox event date. Tara recommended sending promotional emails immediately.

Theme ideas discussed:

• “Spring Is in the Air”

• “Thaw in Clarks Summit”

Gabbie suggested collaborating with Blooms or local florists for summer promotions.

Financial Update

The Board reviewed Ice Festival financials:

• Ice Festival profit: $3,900

• Combined bank account balance: $37,867

• Estimated balance after Ice Works payment: approximately $22,000

Board & Administrative Matters

Milena shared Ann’s resignation from the Board. The Board expressed their appreciation for her service and extended well wishes to her and The Gathering Place.

The Board discussed the need to file 2025 taxes and begin searching for a new accountant. Dawn offered to share referrals for accountants she works with.

Next Meeting

March 3, 2026
8:00 AM
Café 27

Primary topics:

• Spring Equinox Event

• Nyx Mixer

February 4, 2026

Attendees

Brooke Pratt, Jeremy Holgate, Anne Armezzani, Milena DelVecchio, Tara Atkins , Jessica Colvin, Noreen Thomas, Gabbie Fasciana, Eloise Butovich, and Heather Percival

Festival Weekend Recap

Jeremy reported that the Saturday train ride and taco truck were successful and well attended.

The Board discussed the low turnout for Friday evening’s parade, likely due to inclement weather. Jeremy suggested moving the parade to Saturday at noon in future years. There was also discussion regarding the first setting of the ice ceremony.

The possibility of hosting the train ride for two days in Citizen’s parking lot was discussed.

Jeremy and Eloise suggested expanding Sunday programming and increasing video coverage of activities throughout the weekend. Eloise also recommended incorporating more indoor activities.

Business Feedback

Eloise reported that Café 27 was remarkably busy throughout the entire Ice Festival weekend. She also visited Echo and noted the restaurant was very busy as well. Moving forward, the Board agreed that new businesses in town should be encouraged to ramp up staffing for Ice Festival weekend.

Brooke mentioned the Montrose Christmas Festival as a potential resource for suggestions and best practices from their organizing team.

Ice Works & Live Carving Issues

The Board discussed multiple issues with Ice Works, including:

• Delays in Friday’s sculpture deliveries

• Inability to place signage at sculptures due to late arrival

• Tardiness of live carvings at Jennings-Calvey, Fidelity Bank, and MetLife

• Our Lady of Snows carving not beginning until 6:45 PM on Saturday

Grants & Funding

Gail applied for the Lackawanna County Arts & Culture Grant in November 2025.

The Board also discussed additional grant opportunities through the Scranton Area Foundation, which currently has grant listings available and is hosting an informational meeting.

Sunday Layout & Logistics

Discussion included:

• Placement of tables and tents for restaurants and fire companies

• Improving layout for heaters and the fire pit

• Continuing to use Citizen’s parking lot for the carving competition moving forward

• Assigning one designated point person for each event throughout the weekend

Planning & Promotion

The Board reviewed the following:

• Twenty-nine sculptures were sold by October

• The need to begin planning and advertising earlier in the year

• Ensuring sculpture designs are confirmed in advance

• Clarifying sculpture details to avoid confusion among recipients

Previous Ice Festival themes were reviewed, including:

• Jurassic Ice

• Frozen Wilderness

• Star Wars

• Harry Potter

• Hometown Heroes

January 21 2026

ABPA Board Meeting Minutes

Date: January 21, 2026
Location: ABPA Board Meeting
Attendees: Diane, Jeremy, Milena, Noreen, Jessica, Gabbie, Ann, Kim, Janice, Charlie, Gail

Festival Updates & Marketing

• Milena emailed the finalized digital PDF brochure to all board members.

• Jessica connected with the Visitor’s Bureau regarding boosting the Ice Festival reel on Facebook.

• Denny will be creating promotional videos before leaving on Tuesday or Wednesday and will collaborate with Clarks Summit Festivities on social media.

• Our Instagram account is linked to Facebook for Ice Festival memories.

• Brooke will handle social media coverage on Friday and attend live carvings.

• Denny will attend live carvings on Saturday and post content throughout the day.

Entertainment & Programming

• Stacy Lang will serve as MC for the Fireman’s Competition.

• Denny is meeting with Janice to review the brochure and will coordinate weekend activities, including videos and archival footage.

• A DJ will be stationed at Stately Pet Supply and outside The Gathering Place (DJ times: 12–2 PM and 4–6 PM).

• The Elvis impersonator will be based out of La Chic.

• Jeremy Llewelyn is scheduled to read a story during the festival.

• Taney’s is donating costumes for the Ice Festival; Jessica and Charlie will pick them up next week.

Sculptures & Vendors

• Perez Builders made a last-minute sculpture purchase.

• Paul Keeler has signed up for a double ice sculpture.

• Cones will be placed on Spring Street Saturday morning.

• The donut truck may be located in front of Nyx on Friday night.

• Ann will provide the vendor listing to the Chief of Police.

• Janice will prepare a Sunday location map.

• Gail will ask Donna if vendors can begin setup around 4:00 PM at the church parking lot.

• The church will host a table with a sculpture and activities.

Logistics & Operations

• Volunteer numbers for the weekend are still unconfirmed.

• Ann asked about Interact Club volunteers; Janice will follow up with timing needs.

• Kim has a worker assigned to assist with train rides.

• Train rides will be free and sponsored by ABPA and La Chic, with signage displayed. Two staff members will cover train rides from 12–3 PM.

• Carriage rides will accept cash and QR-code donations; Janice will provide the cash box.

• Gail will set up signage for carriage rides. Jessica has been coordinating signage with Joe.

Trash, Snow & Safety

• Additional help is needed to set up trash receptacles on Spring Street and Depot Street.

• Charlie will assemble trash receptacles on Thursday at 3:00 PM:

  • One at the Pocket Park

  • Two on Spring Street

  • One at Lawrence Funeral Home (side of building)

• Milena shared a Spring Street location map with the board.

• If snow becomes an issue, Josh Mitchell will be contacted, with Jeremy assisting in snow removal.

• Milena will follow up with the borough regarding snow removal.

Upcoming Meetings & Action Items

• Next meeting scheduled for Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 8:00 AM at Sunrise Café.

• Milena will confirm arrangements with Nikki Krize for Thursday at 4:00 AM at Café 27.

• Ann suggested hiring a sponsorship coordinator starting in August for next year’s major sponsors.

January 14th 2026

Attendees:

Gail, Ann, Jessica, Tara, Kim, Milena, Gabbie, Janice, Diane, Noreen, Jeremy, Eloise & Tina

The Abington Business & Professional Association met on January 14 to review final planning details for the upcoming Clarks Summit Ice Festival.

Sponsorships & Sculptures

Two new sponsors were confirmed for the Fireman’s Ice Carving Competition: James Margotta ($250) and Highland Associates ($625). To date, the festival includes 20 sponsors and 48 ice sculptures.

Vendors & Event Logistics

Six vendors are currently confirmed, including B&G Winery, Deep Roots Cider, Lou’s Concessions, and Lou’s Donuts. All print materials have been finalized; additional vendors will be promoted through social media only. A vendor location map is being prepared.

There will be no electricity available for the Fireman’s Competition on Sunday. The Silver Spoon and Glenburn Diner are confirmed as restaurant vendors, and Waverly Community House has reserved a double-block ice sculpture.

Marketing & Media

The group approved a $300 advertising budget for boosted posts through Visit NEPA and Facebook. Event promoter and emcee Denny will produce 2–3 kickoff videos on Thursday and host the Fireman’s Competition and Chili Cook-Off. Brooke will manage social media coverage on Friday.

Schedule Highlights

• Friday: Train rides and four live ice carvings

• Saturday: Business interviews and social media features

• Sunday: Fireman’s Ice Carving Competition (no additional entertainment scheduled)
  A DJ will be present at Stately Pet Supply both days.

Parade & Community Involvement

Parade planning is underway with over 35 participants confirmed. Charlie Sandercock will appear as Uncle Sam, and costume coordination is being handled with Taney’s. Volunteers are still being coordinated for the weekend.

Next Meeting

📍 The Silver Spoon
📅 January 21, 2026 | ⏰ 8:00 AM

January 4, 2026

Attendees

Milena DelVecchio, Anne Armezzani, Tina White, Kim, Eloise, Jeremy Holgate, Sharon, Gail Rees, Jess Colvin, Gabby, Heather Percival, Tara Atkins, Diane Calabro, Janice Bevaqua

Permits & Approvals

• Ice Festival permit approved

• Approval granted to hang banners throughout the year at various events

Ice Works Schedule

Laura from Ice Works will be onsite during the following times:

• Friday, January 31: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

• Saturday, February 1: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Carriage Rides

• Saturday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

• Sunday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

• Tickets will be sold at The Gathering Place

• Signage with Square/PayPal will be available for ride payments and donations

• Signage needed to direct visitors to ticket sales and outline the carriage route

Restaurant Alley

• Participating restaurants to date: Silver Spoon, NYX, Sunrise

• Awaiting confirmation from Citizens Savings Bank regarding use of their parking lot

• Outdoor electrical outlet availability to be confirmed

Sanitation & Waste Management

• Charlie confirmed as point person for trash and portable restrooms

• Trash bags will be purchased by Gail

• Trash containers will be assembled at The Gathering Place

Art & Activities

• Darlene confirmed to begin paintings later this week

• Children’s Train approved by the board:

  • Location: Church parking lot

  • Saturday hours: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM

  • Cost: $1,200

Logistics

• ABPA will have access to Matt’s truck (8-foot bed); signage required

Hosts & Media Coverage

• Denny Corby approved to provide event coverage:

  • Approximately 3 hours per day over three days

  • Cost: approximately $250 per day

• Coverage will be in addition to televised media

• Follow-up with WNEP regarding participation is in progress

Entertainment & Vendor Layout

• Layout discussions ongoing and will continue at the next meeting

Vendor Follow-Ups

• Tina will follow up with a popcorn vendor

Next Meeting

January 14 at 8:00 AM
Hosted by Café 27