25
THE ABINGTON s
t en
c
The Voice of The AbingTons
SUBURBAN December 10, 2015
Easing the Loss
ON THE INSIDE Around Town
19th annual Worldwide Candle Lighting comforts the grieving
The latest happenings in our area Page 3
School News
What’s going on with your favorite student Page 8
Community Calendar
Plan some fun for the family this weekend Page 11
Sports
Old Forge rolls forward Page 9
by Teri Lyon
SPECIAL TO THE ABINGTON SUBURBAN
Times-shamrock communiTy newspapers 149 Penn Avenue Scranton, PA 18503 Phone: (570) 348-9185 Fax: (570) 207-3448
abingtonsuburban.com
When Deede Rothenberg of Clarks Summit lost her 19-year old daughter, she sought a way to heal, not only for herself but for others who feel the pain of loss. Rothenberg is coordinator of the Candle Lighting program for friends and families of those who have lost children, family or friends, conducted at the Abington Community Library, 1200 West Grove St. in Clarks Summit. This year’s program will take place Sunday, Dec. 13, at 7 p.m. “I came across the Candle Lighting on the Compassionate Friends website (compassionatefriends.org). It is a worldwide event held annually in every time zone across the globe where candles are lit to honor and remember those who we’ve loved and lost,” said Rothenberg, whose daughter, Janet, passed away from a brain bleed 11 years ago. Rothenberg has coordinated the local program for the last eight years. It has been held at the library for the past two years with
TS_CNG/SUBURBAN/PAGES [S01] | 12/09/15
09:44 | CORNELLCHR
the help of director Leah Rudolph, a friend whose daughter was very close to Janet Rothenberg before she died. The free, community celebration is part of a global event that creates a 24-hour wave of light across the world to give all bereaved families and friends everywhere the opportunity to remember those who are no longer with them, “so that their light may shine always,” said Rothenberg. Organizers say the event will honor and remember all who have died, of any age and from any cause, at any time in the past. Local clergy will lead interfaith prayers. The program also will include music, poems and a table of remembrance. “The loss of every child is a loss not just for the immediate family but for the entire community,” Rothenberg said. “We ask everyone in the community who has ever felt the loss of anyone, of any age, to come and participate.” Registration of the names of those who were lost will begin at 6:30 p.m. Lighting of the ceremonial candle will follow promptly at 7. Each participant should take a flameless candle or glow stick, if possible. A time for fellowhip and remembrance will follow the candle lighting, featuring the recitation of the names of those who have died. Participants may take pictures of their lost loved ones to be displayed at the remembrance table. “Please support this community-wide memorial event to honor and remember all of those who we miss during this holiday season,” Rothenberg said. George and Tamie Degilio, who lost their daughter, Dulcey Marie, after a car accident 10 years ago, said the event “comforts us by going to light a candle in her honor every year.”
Another regular attendant is Bertye Dietrick, whose deceased family members include her niece, Rothenberg’s daughter, Janet; and brother Brian Schneider, who died at age 29 from a self inflicted injury 15 years ago. “This program helps me to share feelings and recognize the power of love and strength that comes from reflection,” she said. “The pictures, words and music are inspirational and uplifting and you leave in a better place knowing of this wave of 24 hour light. I also go in support of others. There are many losses, old and young, with individuals struggling.” Dima Raynova lost her mother-in-law, Penka Raynova, at age 66 from breast cancer in 2008. She said, “The ceremony helps by uniting with so many people that share grief over the passing of their loved ones. The collection of the selection of lyrics from songs and readings brings comfort and loving memory. The fact that it’s around the world is really special to me.”
Deede Rothenberg speaks at last year’s event.