A ribbon cutting ceremony for Jaya Yoga’s new location at the Agram building on 318 Davis Street in Clarks Summit. From left are Hilary Steinberg, owner of Jaya Yoga, Donna Fitzgerald Vannan, chef and owner of Maximum Zen, Herman Johnson, Clarks Summit mayor, Roni Lopez, Clarks Summit councilwoman, and Gerrie Carey, Clarks Summit council president.
Ben Freda | For Abington Journal
From left are Roni Lopez, Clarks Summit councilwoman, Gerrie Carey, Clarks Summit council president, Herman Johnson, Clarks Summit mayor, and Hilary Steinberg, owner of Jaya Yoga.
Ben Freda | For Abington Journal
Many people, including yoga instructors, came to the open house inside the new location on Saturday, April 3.
Ben Freda | For Abington Journal
Candles provide a safe distance between yoga students.
Ben Freda | For Abington Journal
A cake commemorating 10 years of Jaya Yoga surrounded by treats courtesy of Maximum Zen.
Ben Freda | For Abington Journal
CLARKS SUMMIT — High ceilings. Windows that open. A new HVAC system.
These are a few of the features inside the new brick and mortar location of Jaya Yoga on 318 Davis Street.
A ribbon cutting ceremony and open house on Saturday, April 3, not only officially opened the yoga studio’s new home, but also celebrated its 10th anniversary.
“I’m beyond excited to be in this brand new beautiful space,” said Hilary Steinberg, owner of the studio.
The studio’s new home inside the Agram Building, which once housed a bowling alley, provides more space to allow social distance while practicing yoga as well as Pilates and meditation.
“It gives us an opportunity to make it through this pandemic,” said Hilary.
Candles are placed 12 feet apart to make students feel safe. The windows and HVAC system provide ventilation so they can feel comfortable. Jaya Yoga was formerly located in a smaller space on 320 S. State St. During its 10 years in business, more and more people kept coming, and the studio didn’t have enough room.
Another purpose for a bigger building is to host a new cafe called Maximum Zen. Chef Donna Fitzgerald Vannan plans to offer tea, coffee, juices, smoothies and baked goods inside the new location. The foods will be vegetarian, vegan, and plant-based with a focus on local sustainable products. The majority of the food will change with the season.
“I’m trying to not have a totally set menu,” said Donna. “Obviously, there will be things I will always have like tea, coffee, and fresh vegetables. But I want to be able to make what I feel like based on what’s seasonably available or what inspires me.”
The cafe, which is still in the process, will also have both indoor and outdoor seating. Donna made refreshments, treats and different foods, including sausage rolls and spanakopita (spinach pies).
She and Hilary have been collaborating for the whole 10 years of Jaya Yoga. Together, they create yoga farm to table dinners as well as annual community events.
One of the events, Yoga on the Roof, which is held on the rooftop of the Marketplace at Steamtown on July 4, benefits the NEPA Philharmonic. Doga (dogs and yoga), which is held at Hillside Park in August, benefits Sprint for Service Dogs. Summer Solstice benefits Griffin Pond Animal Shelter. Jaya Yoga also collaborates with Glen Oak County Club for Yoga in the Pool and paddleboard yoga classes that run seasonally as weather permits.
Jaya Yoga will continue to provide classes such as kid’s classes, yoga teacher training, private sessions, corporate wellness classes, small group/themed yoga classes, massage and Reiki led by a team of qualified instructors. In 2019, an online studio called Jaya Online Studio was created to offer pre-recorded and live-streamed yoga, Pilates, mediation, and kid’s classes.
Megan Pregmon, who finished her teacher training last year, makes 30 to 40 minute content for the online studio. She also substitutes when needed.
“I love it here,” she said. “Everybody here is very kind and welcoming. She’s (Hilary) built a really beautiful community here.”
Other classes that will continue include: slow flow, a level-one beginner’s class; yin flow, a combination of this yoga style and slow flow; and restore, which uses props to support the poses.
Hilary was born and raised in Clarks Summit. She later moved to Los Angeles, where she worked in the entertainment industry for 15 years. But she wanted to do something more meaningful.
“Yoga practice was something I really resonated with,” she said. “It was something that I wanted to share with my community.”
Hilary moved back to her hometown of Clarks Summit. On Dec. 31, 2010, she saw a space available on State Street. The next day, the landlord gave her the key so that she can see the inside of it. She saw it to be a good place to open a yoga studio. On April 1, 2011, she officially opened Jaya Yoga.
In 10 years time, Jaya Yoga outgrew the space and needed a new building. She feels blessed to have been able to find a spot that is still in the Clarks Summit region.
“It’s a place where people can come together and make good memories,” she said.
The entire space is also available to rent for private events. For more information, go to www.JayaYogaStudio.com or email info@jayayogastudio.com.
