April 2023 Happenings Magazine

Northeastern Pennsylvania’s leading behavioral health network is improving lives with locations in Luzerne, Wyoming, Wayne and Montour counties.

Dear Happenings,

I am the President of AARP Chapter 3731 of Northeast Pennsylvania. We meet the first Monday at Asbury UM Church in Scranton. Generally 70 Seniors attend each meeting.

Happenings Magazine is such a beautiful, well written, timely, informative and colorful publication. I know that our seniors would welcome a copy of your magazine. Thus I am asking if you could possibly provide us with 50 copies on a monthly basis. If the current month is not available, we would welcome copies of the previous month. We are available to pick them up wherever they are available. Thank you very much for your consideration given to this request.

–David W. Phaneuf, Sr.

–AARP Real Possibilities

–President AARP Chapter 3731

Dear Happenings,

The article and pictures are amazing (Atanosoff/ Gregory Wedding, January 2023.) We are getting so, so many comments. It’s amazing! We want to thank you for your help and support. So far it’s seen in Texas, New Jersey, California, Missouri, North Carolina, of course PA and I’m not done yet. I want to share it with the world!!

–Ann Atanasoff

–via email

Dear Happenings,

It’s never too early to start reading Happenings Magazine. Here are my two grandchildren, Cara and Cullen Vogt from Bronx, New York. Their Mom, Bridget Fanning, is a native of Clarks Summit and graduate of Abington Heights. They were home for Bridget’s Grandma’s funeral. Photo was taken at TownePlace Suites in Moosic.

–Christine Fanning

–Clarks Summit 4 HappeningsPA.com April 2023

Dear Readers,

Our cover artist, Fran Kavulich got us all thinking about April Showers.

“Into each life some rain must fall,” stated the very wise Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Truer words were hardly ever spoken. Yet we bemoan the rain 99 percent of the time! We don’t like anyone or anything raining on our parades. Rainy Days and Mondays Always Get Us Down, and we’d often like to Set Fire to the Rain! But during this month where we cel ebrate Earth Day, should we not reflect on the goodness of rain? Must sunshine always have to steal the show?

Not only should we enjoy listening to the Rhythm of the Falling Rain, but we could be Singing in the Rain, and we might even get to the point where we are excited— like Eddie Rabbit (Well I Love a Rainy Night... It’s Such a Beautiful Sight.)

Photographers, artists and farmers are just a few of the folks who might love what the rain produces. Our lush green Pennsylvania forests and farmlands, rivers and lakes are a problem with an absence of rain. And while we love to feel the sunshine and Vitamin D on our bodies, truly complexions in our region fair better... without constant sun.

For many women the rain can do a number on hair styles, especially if it

was just fixed for a special occasion. (An old-fashioned fold up plastic rain bonnet to the rescue.) Umbrellas, rainboots and a good trench coat or “rain slicker” prevent us from getting “soaked to the bone,” a most uncomfortable feeling, should we need to spend significant time in the rain.

Several years ago my husband and I participated in the Five Borough, 40 Mile Bike Ride throughout New York City. As predicted it poured throughout the entire ride, but due to excellent choices in gear, we were not one bit bothered by the heavy rains. I was so happy with my rain jacket that I wrote an excellent review to the company.

Hopefully April will bring just the right amount and perfect timing of rain showers (maybe at night?) to not interfere with plans, but feed our earth what is needed to keep it lush.

Come rain or come shine, know that we are sending our best wishes to you for a beautiful month of April.

With Love, Paula

Paula Mackarey Publisher

People worldwide are living longer,” says the World Health Organization. It estimates, “The number of persons aged 80 years or older is expected to triple between now and 2050 to reach 426 million.”

One of the top tips to living

longer and better is to challenge your brain. Learning new activities not only adds meaning and joy to life, but researchers say it may help maintain your brain health and prevent mental decline.

“Your brain thrives on challenges and learning. So be a student for life,” advises the Center for Healthy Aging, Greenwich, CT.

And former Scranton resident, Fran Kavulich, is heeding that advice.

You may have known her as the founder and former owner of several area hair salons, Sanderson Place, Scranton and Clarks Summit, Brats, and Now Hair Studio, or as a portrait photographer. Today, she’s a watercol-

Rainy Scenes and Emerald Greens

Fran Kavulich’s Strokes Appeal to Many Folks

classes, bought everything I needed, brushes, paints and paper, and turned part of the foyer of my home into my art studio,” said Fran. The rest, as they say, is history.

Since then Fran says she has completed, “too many classes to count,” from artists all over the world and sketched and/or painted every day since the pandemic started.

“I have a routine, she explained. “I’m up at around 7 a.m. I enjoy a cup of coffee and a sweet roll while sitting at the kitchen table reading the news on-line.”

or artist who recently held the first-ever public showing of her work.

Fran’s adventure into the art of watercolor began when COVID-19 thought it would shake the life out of all of us. This 82-year-old business woman, wife, mother of three and grandmother of five wasn’t about to let a virus stop her from living.

So, with a few warm strokes of imagination and courage, her pursuit to conquer selfisolation was on. There couldn’t have been a better time to immerse herself in the preoccupation of her long desired, yet never realized passion, painting in watercolor.

“I did the research, registered for on-line watercolor

From there, Fran moves to the sofa, feet up on the ottoman, sketch book in hand and she begins making final adjustments to today’s project. Today’s project, breathing life into a photograph someone would like her to recreate as a painting.

Her work station sits in a sunlit corner of her home’s main foyer and looks out through glass French doors onto a courtyard. It’s here where she’ll put finishing touches

on what’s already been started and begin what’s waiting to be created.

Looking at home, at ease, Fran sits at her easel with a smile on her face as she reveals, “Some days I paint all day non-stop. It’s the best. It’s like meditation to me.”

Fran figures she’s easily completed more than 1000 paintings. She also admits she’s a perfectionist, who tosses a lot of work in the trash can, but many more of her painting are with people who want to display them in their homes, offices and stores.

graphs I took in Italy years ago, just to practice and to amuse myself. I never thought people would want to show my work,” she said.

Fran went on to say, “Painting has brought me great freedom during a time in my life when I could have easily given in to the discouragement and loneliness of isolation. It makes me happy. I see myself and I live in every picture, every moment from someone’s life that they ask me to paint. Imagine…in the past two plus years my art has been my vehicle for adventure. I have been

back to Italy, visited California, Greece and Philadelphia, and I’ve reunited with old friends whom I have painted into my works.”

“The pandemic was a gift. It helped me keep the focus on what I have to be grateful for in my life, as well as on the energy and creativity inside me that I’ve always shared with those around me. I know I’m lucky. I am blessed with good health, a loving husband, family and friends.

I have a passion for living and creativity. I guess what I am trying to say is, for me, heart and spirit transcend age.”

When she’s not painting, you’ll find Fran learning something new, gardening, cooking and sharing time with family and friends, all while caring for her husband of 60-years, Donald, who lives with progressing Parkinson’s disease. Fran and Don live in their personally designed Tuscan Style home in Dalton.

Learn more about Fran and view her frankavulich.com. H

–Kathleen Coslett

Did we choose the right cover ?

Here are two alternatives that we considered from our talented cover artist’s collection. It was a tough choice. Let us know at info@ happeningspa.com.

Photos: Michael Straub Photography

Rain on Me?

The Sun Will Come Out, Tomorrow.

to eat a nutritious meal because we have more time to prepare it! Eating healthier gives us more energy, thus making it more likely to exercise or get a project done.

lyrics describe the tears we shed and the perseverance necessary for life’s hardships. Our tears are the raindrops. After we let out a cry, we tend to have a sense of relief. Similarly, after the rain, a rainbow brings a sense of assurance and a sign of hope that better things are coming.

Rainy days are often correlated with depression, laziness and even a “blah mood.” Lack of sunshine creates a dip in serotonin levels. Sometimes this steers us toward carbs and comfort foods because they boost serotonin levels.

When my kids were younger we had baseball, basketball, football or cheer practice every evening. It was nice to get a day off when events were postponed because of the rain! We were able to sit down together for dinner and then enjoy a movie or play a board game.

A rainy day may actually be a good reason

The sound and smell of rain is calming and soothing to me. Sleeping with a window open or sitting out on a covered porch or patio listening to the rain is so relaxing. As a huge advocate for mind/body wellness balance and an outdoor lover, I find myself in a much better mood when the sun is shining. However, life is full of challenges and we all face hardships at times. I always try to remain grateful for my blessings, learn from my challenges and look forward to the rainbow and sunshine after the rain. H –Jackie Kerekes, The Taining Loft/Blend’d

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513 S. State St.,Village Square, Clarks Summit, PA

Rain is moisture condensed from the atmosphere that falls visibly in separate drops. Rain is a major component of the water cycle and is responsible for depositing most of the fresh water on the Earth. It provides water for hydroelectric power plants, crop irrigation and suitable conditions for many types of ecosystems.

Educating About the Environment

P

completed its inaugural year of a comprehensive youth environmental program.

Thanks to a generous gift from the Keystone Sanitary Landfill and the DeNaples family, Penn State Scranton’s Center for Business Development and Community Outreach (CBDCO) offers environmental science hybrid credit courses for regional high school juniors and seniors that take place in the campus’ science labs and online.

CBDCO also offers a youth summer camp program for younger children that focuses on ecosystems, the biosphere and sustainability.

Most of the courses in this program offer field trips and meeting with local professionals engaged in environmental operations.

“Overall, the environmental courses examine how the earth operates naturally and in response to human action,” said CBDCO Director John Drake.

“They identify various environmental concerns and

students and parents has been very positive. Not only are the students learning so much, but they are also really enjoying the program,” he said.

“Interest in these courses is really growing leading to most of the offerings filling up shortly after they are opened for registration.”

The DeNaples Family Environmental Program Fund at Penn State Scranton was established thanks to a multiyear gift that will provide $100,000 per year for the next 40 years, enabling educators at the campus to provide hands-on, experiential learning that encour-

ing students, while strengthening their bond with local and global environments. The fund provides full scholarships based on eligibility. Credit courses are offered during the spring, summer and fall, and this year’s summer camp program is providing five different sections of environmental camps.

For more information, go to: scranton.psu.edu/center. For information on scholarship eligibility and registration, call the Center at (570) 963-2600 H

Keystone College

April 23, 2023

The Craft & Science of Bee Hunting with Dr. Thomas D. Seeley

April 29, 2023

Birding on the Woodland Campus

Earth Day

April 22, 2023

James Ruane

Photo: Keystone College

The Pocono Environmental Education Center

The Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) is located within the 77,000 acre Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and is the education partner of the National Park Service in this area. Within driving distance of New York City and Philadelphia, PEEC offers a variety of options for all visitors from school field trips and scout programs to public hiking trails and nature programs. PEEC—Learn Naturally! H

The Wyalusing Rocks located in Bradford County are also known as The Prayer Rocks. People have been led to these rocks for as long as there is documented history. The Wyalusing Rocks are important in native american culture as a beautiful high point overlooking a stunning horseshoe bend in the Susquehanna River allowing sights for miles.

James Ruane

Experien ce Sprin g in the Th e En dless Moun ta ins

of Northeastern PA!

“And the Spring arose on the garden fair, Like the Spirit of Love felt everywhere; And each flower and herb on Earth’s dark breast Rose from the dreams of its wintry rest.”

Percy Bysshe Shelley 1792 –1822

James Ruane

25th Annual Pike County Commissioners Fishing Derby

TFishing Derby has been scheduled for April 15, 2023, rain or shine, from 8 a.m. until noon, at Lily Pond, off Rt. 6

Participants must provide their own tackle and bait.

Participants may only use one fishing pole. Each participant is allowed only one trout to be measured for the contest.

Parents, please remember this event is for the children.

Lily Pond will be stocked with a combination of 600 rainbow, brook and golden trout, ranging from 12 to 17 inches. Stocking will occur prior to the start of the derby at approximately 7 a.m. All are welcome to attend and help stock the pond. H

Keuka Lakeside Inn

participate. Prizes will be awarded to the largest trout caught among each age group. This year’s prizes include fishing poles, rods, reel kits and various fishing accessories. Random drawing prizes will also be awarded throughout the event.

There is no fee to participate. Each child must have his or her own registration form completed and signed by a parent or guardian. Registration can be completed online at www.pikepa.org/fishingderby or in-person at the derby.

To ensure a fun and safe event for all, a few rules will be enforced:

PA fishing laws and regulations will apply. Participants must be accompanied by an adult.

Hammondsport’s exclusive lakefront accommodations on the shores of Keuka Lake. This Inn offers 17 comfortable rooms and spectacular views with an on-site boat launch and docking available. Find us on Facebook and at 24 Water St., Hammondsport, NY 14840. (607) 569-2600, www.keukalakesideinn.com

Small Town Shop... Big City Style

Camille Reinecke

Arts administrator, director and actor

Camille Reinecke is a Theatre artist based in Scranton where she works as an arts admin istrator, director and actor. Camille is the Arts and Education Outreach Manager at the Scranton Cultural Center as well as the Director of the SCC Youth Theatre Program. Through her roles at the SCC, Camille has the privilege of designing and directing musical productions and takes great pride in fostering an inclusive arts community where young performers can grow as artists by learning about themselves and the world around them. In addition to her work at the SCC, Camille stays active in the local arts scene by performing regularly with the Scranton Shakespeare Festival, The Little Theatre of WilkesBarre and The Music Box Dinner Playhouse. Camille previously served on the Scranton Fringe Festival Board of Directors (2015- 2022) where she took the lead on

organizing the popular Scranton StorySlam series. When not on stage, Camille enjoys sharing updates on her baking adventures on her Instagram page, @bakewithcamille. Coming up next, Camille is directing/designing the SCC’s production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid, featuring over 70 young performers in PreK-12th Grade, set to take the SCC stage May 19-22!

We asked Camille what prompted her interest in theatre. She said that as a kid, she loved preparing skits, musical numbers and “circus acts”

to perform with her siblings. By middle school, her parents wanted to find an outlet for her dramatic flair and she attended The LaVilla School of the Arts in Jacksonville, Florida. At LaVilla she was in her first musical (a production of The Wizard of Oz) and even joined a mime troupe. Since then, Theatre has been a constant in her life! “I still love getting to perform, and am thrilled for the opportunity to foster a younger generation of performers through my job at the SCC,” she said.

Camille has performed herself in many great productions! A few of her favorites roles were: “Olive Ostrovsky” in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, “Miss Alice” in Edward’s Albee’s Tiny Alice and “Wendla Bergman” in Spring

Awakening. “These roles were memorable because they were all super challenging, very fulfilling and so much fun,” she commented.

Working at the Scranton Cultural at the Masonic Temple is a fun experience for Camille. “I performed at the SCC a handful of times as a kid, which now makes getting to work here doubly special for me. I cherish the time I spend here and am often awestruck by the beauty and grandeur of this building. In addition to the personal significance and elegance of this space, I love witnessing the stage at the SCC transform to fit the needs of any event. From countless theatrical settings like Munchkinland and Bikini Bottom, to being the backdrop for concerts, stand-up comedians, dance recitals, weddings and so much more; it truly is a magical space that I am honored to work in,” she said.

Camille recently hit a theatrical milestone when she directed the SCC’s production of The SpongeBob Musical because it was her 30th project as a director. “I am so proud of each show I get to work on at the SCC, but this production was particularly significant because of our amazing cast and production team. This was a challenging show, but it ended up being one of our strongest yet due to everyone’s hard work. In addition to thousands of community members who attended the performances, I was especially proud to welcome 1,000 students and teachers to our school show,” she said.

Camille’s baking was also of interest to Happenings. “I have always loved baking, but started to really hone my skills during the lockdown in 2020. I began giving myself fun baking challenges inspired by things I had seen on The Great British Bake-Off and started an instagram account (@bakewithcamille) to document my progress. I am constantly inspired by bakers I see online and love making cakes that are both delicious and really nice to look at,” she laughed. H

SCC Youth Theatre Program Cast of The SpongeBob Musical! Photo by Michael Straub Photography

Camille as Lady Rowena in Music Box Dinner Playhouse's production of Once Upon a Mattress.

Photo by Eyanna Gruver Photography

Pinwheels for Child Abuse Prevention

Virtual Pinwheel Garden 2023

Throughout the year, the Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA (CAC/NEPA) invites the community to engage in child abuse awareness and prevention education and events. On March 31, CAC/NEPA staff and volunteers will plant over 500 pinwheels on the lawn of the Lackawanna County Courthouse to represent each child served by the child abuse intervention center in 2022.

During the month of April, participants from all over the world are encouraged to join in the mission to raise awareness for child abuse prevention by planting a pinwheel in the CAC’s Virtual Pinwheel Garden cacnepa.org/ pinwheels. Planting a virtual pinwheel is a reminder that every child deserves a happy, safe and healthy childhood.

Since 1998, the Children’s Advocacy Center of Northeastern Pennsylvania has helped more than 17,000 children and adolescents by effectively assessing and treating child abuse and neglect. Often experiencing shame and guilt, these children undeniably need the special treatment they receive at CAC/NEPA to repair their broken childhood... and keep it from having a lasting effect on their adulthood. Now in existence for over twenty years, CAC/NEPA continues to strive to expand its services for child and teen victims of abuse in the region, including Forensic Medical Examinations and Assessments, Forensic Interviews, Trauma Therapy, Counseling Coordination, Child Advocacy Services, and Child Abuse Prevention Education.

For more information visit: events@cacnepa.org or call 570.969. 7313 H

Eugene Munley

Leadership Lackawanna

Eugene Munley is a proud, native Northeastern Pennsylvanian who –over the last 15 years –has helped workers retire with dignity as a part of Prudential Retirement and Empower. He has transitioned over 50 retirement plans representing nearly 7 billion dollars in assets. As a leader of people, Eugene has developed diverse, outcome-focused teams across disciplines including quality control, procedure writing and governance, project management, business continuation, data privacy and audit. Eugene’s professional credentials include FINRA Series 99 Operations Professional designation, ASPPA Qualified 401(k) Plan Administrator and 401(k) Plan Consultant (QKC), and NTSA Tax-Exempt and Governmental Plan Consultant (TGPC). He holds a BA in Communication Studies from Bloomsburg University and an MS in Human Resources Administration from the University of Scranton. As a 2018 graduate of the Leadership Lackawanna Core Program, Eugene still remains involved and committed to the organization. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board and strives to promote the organization’s mission of enhancing the skills, connections and knowledge of emerging and established leaders which enable them to better serve in communities, workplaces and organizations. He is dedicated to improving and growing the six programs Leadership Lackawanna currently offers, oversees the organization’s strategic plan, helps to manage the 2,500+ alumni, steers community service project efforts and is leading the 40th anniversary celebration which is set to take place May 2023. H

Leadership Lackawanna

Leadership Lackawanna (LL) was founded on June 22, 1982 by private and public sector officials, several community leaders including Governor and Mrs. William Scranton and The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. Located in northeastern Pennsylvania and serving the best interests of Lackawanna County and its citizens, LL is a 501(c)(3) charitable, nonprofit organization dedicated to community leadership and professional development. Its six programs – Tomorrow’s Leaders Today, Core, Executive Leadership, Collegiate, Leadership Fundamentals and Welcome Scranton! – enhance the skills, connections and knowledge of emerging and established leaders enabling them to better serve in communities, workplaces and organizations. All program curriculum follows the format and standards of all other community leadership programs throughout the United States. Since its inception, LL has graduated more than 2,500 community leaders.

NEPA Music Teachers Association Announces Carnegie Hall Performers

The Ne Pa Music Teachers Association (NEPMTA) recently held auditions for students to qualify to perform at Carnegie Hall, New York, on April 8. Serving as judges for the event were Gary Eslinger and Deborah Pyle. Judith Fedor is chairperson and Andrea Bogusko co-chairperson.

Above, l to r, front row: Joseph Lettieri, Alex Lin, Brayden Guida, Ben Neher, Alex Schlegel, Alex Ferik 2nd row: Rocco Rinaldi, Antwan Murray, Aaliyah Murray, Paige Hemmler, Covington Lehman, Orianna Gallia, Madalyn Detweiler, Ciana Cruz, Kira McCoy, Eric Gee, Adrian Murray 3rd row: Mia Amerman, Ashley Greening, Mia Correa, Mackenzie Carnecki, Arushi Solgama, Ella Burke, Hubert Huang, Isabella Genovese, Anna Prusak, Sebastian Meyer 4th row: Gary Mrozinski, Quinn Healey, Owen Kline, Madeleine Mackarey, Mya Harrity, Abigail Wilce, Santo Schiavone, Elle Gallia 5th row: Adam Paranich, Chris Bowman,

Absent from photo: Chloe Caputo, Solomon Chen, Joseph DiChiara, Felix Ding, Jack English, Jasmine He, Aidan Lam, Heng Hsi-Lee, Heng-Yu Lee, Rayaan Lodi, Jonas Lynott, Angela Ma, Tajal Madhavan, George Malloy, Megan O’Donnell, Jameson Sciandra, Sophie Shi, Hannah Siddiqui, Richard Qian, Zane Villafuerte, Max Weihbrecht. H

Pictured l to r: Narda Sperrazza, Harvey Feldman, Susan Gorman, Rose Marie Gallia, Michele Malinko, Judith Fedor, Andrea Bogusko.

Conor Kelly O’Brien

Executive Director Scranton Fringe

Conor Kelly O’Brien, o-founder and Executive Director of Scranton Fringe, is an awardwinning actor, theater-maker and all-around creative for hire! Conor has performed Off-Broadway (59e59 Theatres, The Cell, Actors Company Theatre) as well as a few small TV and film roles. Conor has performed himself on stages across the United States and Great Britain. He has also had his original work produced on stages across the country... and across the pond as well.

Conor is a proud member of the New Vintage Ensemble and the Dramatist Guild of America. As a creative freelance producer, Conor has staged works in multiple countries and has worked with festivals such as the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the New York Deep Water Literary Festival, the Under The Radar Festival and much more. He is a Pennsylvania state teaching artist (Arts In Education NEPA/NEIU-19) and he has taught the performing and literary arts in numerous schools throughout the state.

Conor feels fortunate to work creatively with numerous regional organizations in various contracted roles, such as the AFA Gallery, the Center For The Living City and others!

About Scranton Fringe:

Scranton Fringe is an awardwinning arts organization that has produced innovative programs since 2015. It is dedicated to creating a

bold, engaging platform for thoughtprovoking art while striving to promote Northeast Pennsylvania as a viable creative environment. Inspired by the world’s largest annual event of its type, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Scranton Fringe has grown into an incubator of unique creative work centered around the performing arts and cultural community engagement via year-round programs.

of the Festival in 2020 and 2021. Soldout events took audiences on guided tours of storefront windows in downtown Scranton. With wireless headsets, Fringe provided to every audience member, a safe immersion in a series of original works of theatre, film, music and performance art by amateur and professional groups alike.

The work of Scranton Fringe has also caught the attention of publi cations such as Vogue magazine and the Washington Post. H

Its flagship event is the Scranton Fringe Festival, an annual celebration of the creative arts, culture and community!

Since 2015 theatrical ensembles and independent artists have presented hundreds of productions, workshops and special events during a multi-day/multi-venue festival that takes place each fall throughout downtown Scranton. In 2019, the festival, a two-week showcase of theatre, comedy, dance, music and much more, played host to nearly 10,000 unique individuals!

The 2023 Scranton Fringe Festival will open applications April 3rd via their website and is set to return to venues across downtown Scranton from September 28- October 7, 2023.

From the onset of the pandemic, Scranton Fringe, under the leadership of Conor Kelly O'Brien (current Executive Director), Elizabeth Bohan (Managing Director) and Dan Kimbrough (Technical Director), numerous innovative programs were launched – such as the unique COVID-19 approach to live theatre, “Fringe Under Glass.” Fringe Under Glass took the place

“I firmly believe in the power the arts have to transform and inspire not only the individual, but entire communities. I have seen it firsthand so many times. It still shocks me sometimes that the arts have to constantly prove their value.”

-Conor Kelly O’Brien

Autism Awareness Month

AprilAutism Awareness Month

The Autism Center at Misericordia University

Tas individuals and families with autism, about aspects of neurodiverse populations and engagement to create a more equitable and merciful community. The Center strives to assist neuro-diverse individuals to acquire life and employment skills leading to the development of an individual’s full potential.

The Autism Center at Misericordia University (MU) acts as a resource for families’ clinicians, practitioners and caregivers. The Center and its website, www.misericordia.edu/autism, provide a guide to clinical services at Misericordia University, community resources, current best practices and helpful information.

Resources at the Center include a lending library that serves as a place for professionals, parents and caregivers to borrow items for sensory, audio/visual, developmental, tactile and body movement for both fun and educational purposes. Offerings include art and swim sessions, reading programs, a video modeling resource

link - sponsored by MU’s OT Department and participation in the MU Best Buddies Chapter that hosts events for the college-age autism community.

Integrated Studies Program (ISP)

Integrated Studies Program, a Comprehensive Postsecondary Transition from the Department of Education, is designed specifically for students with moderate autism, with or without comorbid disorders and intellectual disabilities. The Integrated Studies Program is a full-time, college-based, two year program for students between the ages of 18–26. It gives prospective students access to a full-time inclusive and supported program of study. Students participate in college courses and

experiences that will allow them to work toward living an independent life and aims to prepare them for employment. The program provides meaningful courses and seminars that will support transition, education and social skills development. Students can select from programs such as liberal arts, early childhood education and vocational/employment opportunity exploration.

Autism for Lifelong Learning Program

ALL Program

The ALL Program is designed to provide supported employment, competitive employment, school-based transition services and community support services to individuals with autism in Luzerne and Wyoming counties.

The primary goal is to enable the participants to obtain employment to the fullest extent of their respective abilities. The center strives to find for individuals within the program unique and sustainable jobs, customizable employment and entrepreneurial opportunities so that they can be contributing members of their community. The ALL Program offers schoolbased transition services to students ages 14-21 in a group setting at local schools. The goal of the school-based transition program is to assist school-aged students in developing careerready skills for an inclusive workplace environment and to encourage a person-centered approach to post-secondary vocations. After referral to the ALL Program is received, schools select the curriculum topics that best meet the needs of their students. Independent living skills, job exploration, self advocacy

and workplace readiness are some topics covered. Community based work assessment, job shadowing and paid work experience are some of the methods involved to achieve the goals.

Janine Starinsky, MHA is the director of the center. As Alan Turing, creator of the first computer used to break codes in World War II, once said, “sometimes it is the people no one can imagine anything of who can do the things no one can imagine,” she said. “It's exciting to know there are pos sibilities and opportunities for the neurodiverse community at Misericordia University.”

For more information about the services offered at The Autism Center at Misericordia University email autism@misericordia.edu 570-674-8200. H

Iknew that I wanted to be a leader and innovator since I was in the first grade. My teacher had asked us about our role models. I immediately knew that mine was my mom! As a licensed clinical social worker, my mom devoted her life to helping others. I only imagined the positive impact my mom made in people’s lives. I always knew I wanted to do the same, but in a different way. I graduated with honors from the University of Scranton, earning a bachelor’s degree in communications and a master’s degree in human resources administration. I had two passions in life: gymnastics and helping others. I was a competitive gymnast since I was 5 years old. I began teaching and coaching gymnastics at 18 years old. I instantly fell in love with coaching. Teaching a youth athlete not only how to be successful in the sport of gymnastics but also in all areas of life brought me an immense sense of fulfillment and joy. I knew that coaching was something I was destined to do, but I wanted to do more. I coached the varsity basketball cheerleading for Scranton

Alexis Martin United Sports Academy

Preparatory School for 12 years in addition to coaching gymnastics for 22 years. Coaching our Trampoline & Tumbling team has produced state champions since 2018. While athletic accomplishments bring me immense pride, being a positive role model to our athletes (just as my mom is to me) is what makes me most proud.

In early 2022, I left my full time job and became United Sports Academy’s Human Resources Manager, Team Manager and Coach, as well as the Program Director for our United Sports Academy Ninja Nook located in Mayfield. Dima Raynova, the owner and president of United Sports Academy, values each and every one of her employees. She is a strong leader and mentor, and always supports me and presents endless opportunities to further my development within the organization.

Since taking on the role of Program Director for our Ninja Nook, we have launched several successful programs, classes and events. United Sports Academy is an all inclusive facility, and we pride ourselves on being a place for all to enjoy. I have developed several new camps and classes to engage children and families of all backgrounds. It has been my dream to ensure that the Ninja Nook remains a location where families can come together as one and partake in both the physical and mental challenges that we offer. It is our intention that they not only connect with one another, but become

stronger and healthier in both body and mind.

An innovator is defined as “a person who introduces new methods, ideas or products.” I believe an innovator is so much more. It’s being a leader of new ideas, and building up others to be a part of the process and success. Just as Dima invests in each of her employees, it was important for me to take her lead and always put our employees first and continually develop them. By investing in our employees, we provide new opportunities to learn and grow in our organization. We have successfully grown our staff to over 50 employees this past year. Employees have always been at the forefront of my focus. Without a strong staff you cannot properly lead and innovate any newness into an organization. The staff has grown a great deal since we opened our Ninja Nook. Opening up new avenues and developing our employees to be future innovators has always been my goal. Growth and development is so very important. I currently serve on the board for the USAG state trampoline and tumbling.

Goal setting and planning is integral in being a strong innovator. It allows self-growth as an individual which equates to growth within the organization. Since the openings of the Ninja Nook we have seen tremendous success in our private birthday parties, classes, open gyms and team building. I cannot wait for what the future has in store for me and our business. The sky is the limit!” H

Denise Dennis: Teaching an Important Lesson to Our Nation’s Children

Denise Dennis has an important story to tell and she particularly wants younger children to hear it.

That’s why Ms. Dennis, president and CEO of The Dennis Farm Charitable Trust, has written a new children’s book about one of her ancestors. The book, Bristol Budd Sampson: African American Patriot of the American Revolution describes the life and accomplishments of her great-greatgreat-great uncle during the Revolutionary War. The book is one of three children’s books Ms. Dennis has written about ancestors who served in the Revolutionary War.

As background, The Dennis Farm Charitable Land Trust is a non-

Brooklyn Township, Susquehanna County. The 153acre historic farm was purchased and settled by Ms. Dennis ancestors, free African Americans who journeyed to northeastern Pennsylvania from Connecticut in the late 1700s. Today, The Dennis Farm serves as a living tribute to the lives and accomplishments of this remarkable family.

Under her leadership, The Dennis Farm, which is open to the public, has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places; featured in the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African American History and Culture; hon-

Commission and Department of Agriculture, and listed on the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s map of rare African American historical sites in the Northeast United States. On June 28, The Dennis Farm will be honored during a special Semiquincentennial Bell Presentation Ceremony as one of the state’s most revered historical landmarks in celebration of the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary in 2026. The ceremony will take place at The Dennis Farm followed by a reception at Keystone College.

“There are very few places like The Dennis Farm, where we can walk for acres and acres and know that when the nation was young, free African Americans owned and worked this land – by and for themselves – and that even today it is in the stewardship of the same family,” Ms. Dennis said. “ ‘The Farm’ as we call it, represents a little-

Approval of Bristol Budd Sampson's pension claim, from his Revolutionary War Pension File, which Ms. Dennis researched at the National Archives.

known chapter in the story of the United States, and with our partners we are working to ensure that the property with its rich history and natural environment is preserved for future generations.”

A published author, this is Ms. Dennis’ fourth book and her first children’s book. Her other books include Black History for Beginners and A Century of Greatness, a history of 20th Century Black Philadelphia. As a journalist, Ms. Dennis’ articles have appeared in the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Huffington Post, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Courier and numerous other national publications.

Ms. Dennis has written Bristol Budd Sampson: African American Patriot of the American Revolution in rhyming verse and it is illustrated by artist Richard Watson,

who recently had a retrospective at the Afro-American Museum in Philadelphia, so that it can be easily understood and enjoyed by children. The book is based on Bristol Sampson’s Revolutionary War Pension File, which Ms. Dennis found in the National Archives.

“I wrote in rhyming verse because the music of language and short verses will keep children engaged. In some ways rhyming verse is like rap. I want to keep young people interested in the story, rather than have their eyes simply gloss over what is written on the page,” she said.

Besides the melodic flow of her words, Ms. Dennis’ message is clear. She vividly tells the story of her ancestor, Bristol Budd Sampson, an African American who served his country with honor and great courage from 1777 until the war’s end in 1783, including serving in the Battle of

Monmouth in 1778, and was later buried at a gravesite on The Dennis Farm.

“I really believe this is an extremely important story for all young people, especially for children of color because it will help them realize that African Americans played a vital role in the founding of our nation,” Ms. Dennis said. “More than 5,000 African Americans served in the American Revolution, fighting so all Americans can enjoy the freedom we enjoy today. The earlier young people learn the full story of our nation’s beginnings and the diversity of those who served, the better.”

Plans call for the book to be released in conjunction with the Bell ceremony on June 28, the 245th anniversary of the Battle of Monmouth, as a fitting tribute to a man and a family which has given so much to their nation for so many years. H

allet Theatre of Scranton (BTOS) will present an original work, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, in celebration of its 65th anniversary on May 5, 2023, 7 p.m. the Theater at North.

Giovanni Ravelo, a professional dancer and choreog rapher from Colombia, has set this visually stunning ballet for the senior company dancers.

Joanne Arduino, BTOS Artistic Director, is thrilled to wel come Giovanni back to Scranton as he danced in 2003 as Romeo in the company’s production of Romeo and Juliet and in 2018 reprised his role for the BTOS 60th anniversary performances.

Giovanni recently retired from the world famous Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo after a 13 year career. He originally came to Scranton with his mentor and BTOS guest choreographer, the late Ana Consuelo de Diaz who was a pupil of the late Henry Danton, Mrs. Arduino’s mentor.

After the classic tale by Lewis Carroll and music by Dvorak, features Laura Durkin as Alice, Elizabeth Schneider as the White R Aubrey Gallagher as the Queen of Hearts, Brennan Connor as the Mad Hatter and John Roman Vachino as the Cheshire Cat. Travel on Alice’s adventures to the tea party, garden of the Queen of Hearts and so much more.

Queen and King of Hearts: Aubrey Gallagher and Nicola Pugliese

Tickets will be available to the general public for purchase beginning April 13 online at www.tututix.com or by calling 1-855-222-2849. Should wheelchair seating be required, call Ballet Theatre directly at 570-347-2867 for ticket purchase.

Full lead cast Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland: front, Laura Durkin second row left to right: Gianna Vachino and Lizzie Karpiak, third row left to right: Bianca Talarico, Nicola Pugliese, Aubrey Gallagher, Elizabeth Schneider, John Roman Vachino, Cora Chichura, last row left to right: Gabi Snyder, Brennan Connor, Kamryn Kincel

Elizabeth Schneider as the White Rabbit

Pictured left to right Cards: MacKenzie Culkin, Ryanna Avvisato, Valentina RuizGiraldo, Mya Harrity, Madeleine Mackarey, Charlotte Buser, Lily Judge

Easter Memories

We asked our readers to submit Easter photos that were 50 years old or more. Enjoy this special vintage collection and take a walk down memory lane.

Leschak and Teri Kalaha Lyon,

Jo Ann Verduce,Archbald, Easter 1970

Twins, Mary ann Dubill Kalaha (deceased) and Robert Dubill, Easter Sunday, 1941

JoAnn Marianelli Finnerty, 5, and brother Emilio Marianelli, 10,

home in Old Forge, PA; “When I think of Easter morning, I am always reminded of wearing a new dress, fancy hat, white gloves and a Cymbidium (small orchid) corsage. Having a florist in the family, you HAD to wear a corsage with small rhinestones. Between the elastic under my chin to keep my hat on my head and rhinestones sticking out from the corsage, I fidgeted all through Easter mass!! Best Memories Ever!!”

Sister and brother, Cindy and Sammy Collura, 1962

Top left: Catherine Ruane, Robert Ruane, Jr., James Ruane bottom l-r Kathleen, Michael and Thomas Ruane, Scranton,1965

Backyard of our

Edward Salerno and sister Mary Kay Greco, circa 1964

Bonnie Hall (D’Ulisse), Beverly Hall (McClellan) and Barbara Hall, circa Easter 1965

O'Grady girls pictured from left are Gael, age 4, Megan, almost 2, Kerry, age 3, and Erin, almost 8. Current names are Gael Germain, Scranton; Megan LaPorte, Columbia, South Carolina; Kerry O'Grady, Waverly; and Erin Kane, North Abington Twp. Easter 1966, Indianapolis, Indiana. (Our dad was stationed at Ft. Benjamin Harrison...our first post back in the U.S. after two years in Bangkok, Thailand.)

Walter, Kathy and Brian Sarafinko and the obligatory inflatable bunny rabbit, at home in Clarks Summit on Brian’s first Easter,

L to

r: Michelle Hyduchak, Elizabeth Pappas, Michael Nasevich, Mary Ann Nasevich, “Happy Easter,”1962

Mary D’Elia Marrara, Philip Marrara and Keith Patterson circa 50 years ago

Mary Ann Nasevich and Michelle Hyduchak “Happy Easter,” 1961, Mount Cobb, PA

Mary Chache, Michael Savage, Susan Vinskofski. Back row: Karen Reeve, Loretta Savage, Michele Verrastro. Savage Family Easter 1964, Florin Street in Scranton.

Sisters Susan Gosciewski Nerbecki, Karel Gosciewski Zubris (bunny ears from Boston Store Bunny) Paula Gosciewski Tracy; 1963

Mary D’Elia Marrara, Easter 1952

Women and Financial Independence

GET EDUCATED

should you ever need to take them on yourself.

In the past, generations of women were raised to think of financial tasks as their husband’s domain. Earning income, saving for retirement and even paying bills were all “men’s work,” and many women would have been lost without their husbands’ help. Unfortunately, many women did experience this financial disorientation firsthand through divorce or widowhood and their lack of financial literacy only added to the trauma.

Today, women can take charge of their finances and run their households alongside their husbands, giving them a leg up if they ever find themselves on their own. Divorce is common and often unanticipated, and even in the happiest of marriages, widowhood is always a possibility. Women are four times more likely to become widowed than men are. In fact, nine out of 10 women will handle their own finances at some point in their lives. Here’s what you need to do to create your own financial plan.

This step is twofold—if you’re not already involved, you need to learn about both personal finance in general and how your own household finances are organized. The odds are that either you or your husband will outlive the other and will have to become financially independent in the aftermath. Statistically, it’s more likely to be you who will be on your own, and statistically, it’s an uphill battle: 80 percent of widows living in poverty were not poor before their husbands died.

The odds are that either you or your husband will outlive the other and will have to become financially independent in the aftermath, and, statistically, it’s more likely to be you who will be on your own.

Familiarize yourself with basic concepts in insurance, find out what policies you have and read through the fine print. Look at your retirement savings and any other investments you may have and set up your own retirement savings, if you don’t already have it. Make sure you have an estate plan in place and take time to understand the various documents involved. Check bank statements and learn how much money is coming in and going out each month. Take an active role in bill paying so you know what your financial obligations are,

It’s a good idea to sit down with your spouse and organize your financial paperwork together so you’re both on the same page in case one of you were to die or become incapacitated. Make sure you know how to access:

• Your birth certificates and marriage certificate

•All bank and brokerage accounts

•Deeds and titles to property

•Insurance policies

•Debts and monthly bills

• Your will, living will, powers of attorney, etc.

You should organize passwords, contact information and important paperwork so either spouse would be able to carry on without the other. The best time to share knowledge with your husband is before he dies or becomes incapacitated.

HEDGE AGAINST DIVORCE

Even though you probably don’t plan to get a divorce now, the truth is that many marriages do end in divorce, and there are things you can do now to make that worst case scenario more tolerable. The first step, again, is to educate yourself. Find out what you’d be entitled to in a divorce and, if you don’t like

IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE, WOMEN NEED TO TAKE AN ACTIVE ROLE IN MANAGING THEIR FINANCES: HERE’S HOW TO GET STARTED.

the answer, change it. For instance, many divorced women find themselves with no credit because all of their household bills and credit cards were in their husband’s name. If this is the case, sign up for your own credit card and start building a credit history now. Talking to your husband about money and managing the household finances together provides two benefits: first, you are more likely to land on both feet if you do get a divorce, and second, talking about money together can strengthen your relationship, further hedging against divorce. You’ll feel more secure, and your husband will feel less burdened if you both understand the household budget. Today, women have the option to take a more active role in their own finances. As much as

you may not want to imagine your life without your husband, the possibility is real, and planning ahead is all you can do to lessen the blow if you do find yourself forced to take financial responsibility in the future.

Talking about money together can strengthen your relationship. You’ll feel more secure, and your husband will feel less burdened if you both understand the household budget.

MAINTAIN YOUR EARNING POTENTIAL

If you’re not working and earning income currently, make a plan for how you might return to the workplace. You may need to go back to work if you become divorced or widowed. Even if you have to stay home right now to take care of your children, do what you can to

earn money on the side, either from freelancing, temping, working from home or even turning a passion into a business. At the very least, keep your skills sharp, maintain your professional contacts and consider taking work-related classes.

If you’re thinking about leaving your job, consider that couples where both spouses work report greater marital satisfaction, and stay-at-home moms are more likely to become depressed than working moms. Leaving your job can put a strain on your relationship, even making you feel as if you’ve lost spending power. Plus, it can be tough to return to the workplace after an absence, and the longer you’re gone, the harder it is to get back in the saddle. H

With the cost of a carton of eggs at a record high and inflation continuing to loom, consumers are looking for more ways than ever to cut costs and grow their savings. If you’re looking to do the same, here are six easy steps from Wayne Bank to help you get started.

1 2 3

Set a goal. The first step is to establish a realistic savings goal. Consider your expenses, make a budget and determine how much you can put away each month.

Track your spending. Hold yourself to the budget you’ve set by tracking your expenses. Consider using online banking and mobile banking apps so you can easily see in what areas, if any, you are going over budget then adjust accordingly. Wayne Bank offers an assortment of digital banking services that come free with any deposit account, to help you save time and money.

4 5 6

Segment your savings. Consider setting up different savings accounts for different goals. The account experts at Wayne Bank can help you open a vacation savings account or a holiday savings account. Both accounts are designed to help you save, with automatic transfers from your checking account and annual disbursements.

Take advantage of current rates. Rates have been steadily rising and, at the time of this writing, are now at their highest since 2018. That means that it may be an advantageous time to open a Certificate of Deposit (“CD”), Individual Retirement Account (“IRA”) or Money Market Account to see greater gains on your savings. Visit wayne.bank to see current rates and promotions.

don’t inadvertently overdraw your account. Because of their transactional nature, checking accounts typically pay lower interest rates. If you have extra money sitting in your checking account, you should consider opening a savings account, CD or Money Market Account so you can earn more interest. For more information on any of Wayne Bank’s accounts or services, please visit wayne.bank, stop by your local Community Office, or call our Customer Care Service Center at 800-598-5002.

Wayne Bank is a subsidiary of Norwood Financial Corp., Member FDIC, and is located in Honesdale, Pennsylvania. The Bank has 29 Community Offices serving Wayne, Pike, Monroe, Lackawanna, and Luzerne Counties in Pennsylvania, along with Delaware, Sullivan, Otsego, Ontario, and Yates Counties in New York State, including those offices operating under the Bank of Cooperstown and Bank of the Finger Lakes brands. The stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol— NWFL. H

Pay yourself first. Arrange to have a specific amount transferred to your savings account every pay period. If you wait till the end of the month to see what's left over, you are less likely to save. Wayne Bank offers the ability to automatically move funds from a checking account to grow your savings.

Don’t use your checking account for savings. Your checking account is the best place to store funds for everyday purchases and monthly bills. You should keep enough in it for day-to-day transactions, along with a buffer so you

PNC Bank: Tips On Building Employee Financial Security

Whether employees are looking to buy a home, sending a child to college or weighing options to retire soon – ease their stress by providing year-round support that addresses their stage. With the help of a trusted advisor, launch workshops and webinars to provide employees with guidance and options to solve their specific life stage challenge.

Employers can play a critical role in making their employees feel a little more secure about their financial wellness. Recent studies show that the cost of financial stress, per employee, can amount to over $2,000 per year in lost productivity and absenteeism. Offering a variety of company benefits and educational resources, including support from trusted advisors and industry professionals, can help reduce some of that stress.

It’s important to know what benefits and resources employees will value, and ultimately use, as they look to build financial security and wealth, regardless of what stage they are in life.

Below are three strategies to consider:

1.Start with the BasicsAwareness. Communication is key – especially when market volatility has employees on edge. Increase awareness and accessibility of benefits and resources to help employees be more knowledgeable and act promptly.

Consider distributing third party resources or create a dedicated financial wellness planning site so that employees can locate timely and pertinent information, and guidance for decisionmaking. Build in access to great digital tools which offer financial forecasting to assess risks and map out a path to achieve their financial goals.

2.Support for Life’s Many Milestones

Employer-led initiatives can build equity with employee relationships, and in turn, can boost morale and lead to retention.

3.Tailored Resources for the More Advanced, Complex Plan

Retirement planning can be complex, largely because it is a process that spans many years and runs through several life stages. Many variables, such as financial and tax implications or family harmony, must be analyzed before creating and putting a plan in place.

Encourage employees, through internal newsletters or mailers, to work with a trusted advisor or professional to assist in short-term credit and cash management needs, as well as long-term investment and estate planning goals.

Achieving financial goals begins—and ends—with a plan... a strategy. Learn more about how we can help at www.pnc.com/privatebank. H

Preparing for the Unexpected:

Building Your Financial

Every day brings forth new challenges and new opportunities. It’s how we face, or more importantly embrace, these events that dictates how the future will continue to unfold.

Ensuring that we make the most of the day at hand can often be influenced by our finances or create additional financial considerations. So, how do we ensure that we are prepared for the best or the worst? The path may not however always be easy, but there are several practices that may help you navigate the pendulum may swing.

Save Regularly. Establishing a habit to save early and often will help establish a financial cushion for any unexpected expenses or employment gaps that arise.

From rising utility rates, aging

parents or aging appliances, having an emergency fund will allow you to support these circumstances with greater confidence and reduced impact to your lifestyle preferences or other financial commitments.

Consider engaging your employer to leverage direct deposit or the automatic transfer function in your online banking to dedicate funds to savings each pay. The proverbial “out of sight, out of mind” mentality may decrease the urge for spending sprees.

Research has shown that a staggering 45% of Americans do not have more than $1,000 saved. Considering the impact of inflation or the scale of potential unexpected events, this could very well fall short of satisfying needs in a financial crisis.

It may not always be easy to maintain a savings allocation,

but if you remain consistent in your habit, your foundation will be all the stronger as a result.

Build a Budget, Track

Expenses. As simple as it may seem, a financial planning resource is a tool often overlooked as a proactive solution. Clearly tracking your income and expenses allows you to highlight potential pitfalls or hopefully great opportunities to expand your financial horizons. From monitoring transactions in your bank’s app to more comprehensive Personal Financial Management tools, you can monitor habits in real time to quickly identify opportunities for change or attention. Balancing needs and wants is one of the earliest financial lessons and sometimes one of the hardest to follow. Like standing on a scale, reviewing our actions can reveal ideals versus reality.

Leverage Your Home’s Equity.

In addition to a strong savings nest egg, homeowners could establish a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) to leverage their home’s equity on a moment’s notice. Whether established for a fixed purpose or as a safety net, this can help bridge financial gaps at a lower interest rate than increasing credit card debt. From debt consolidations, home repair, improvements, medical expenses, weddings, education, vacations and more the ways that these funds can be used are endless.

Protect Against Fraud. We may not want to hear it, but the threat of fraud continues to grow and shows no sign of stopping. The good news is, there is much we can do proactively to

Toolbox

protect our finances and personal identifiable information. Online and Mobile Banking solutions, such as those offered through The Honesdale National Bank, can help you establish text and email alerts that keep you informed of your meaningful banking activity or other information. Identifying and reporting fraud quickly can help minimize impact.

HNB even offers the ability to set parameters on how your debit card can be used or where it’s used to put you in control. The Bank’s card management tools offer the ability to turn your card on or off if you feel it is lost or stolen. Should you be impacted by a fraudster, HNB’s Select and Premier account holders can benefit from identity theft support to help you rebound quickly.

As a strong rule of thumb, change your passwords often

and don’t share them with other individuals or write them down. Pay attention to your gut. If something seems to good too be true or suspicious, it often is. Build a Relationship with a Banker. Whatever the challenge or opportunity at hand, we may not personally hold the answer. It is always helpful to have a sounding board or guiding resource to help us establish the next step in our financial journey, and a banker or financial planner can do just that. Helping you balance the tools at your disposal against your short and long-term goals is a set of skills with invaluable measure. Community banks, such as The Honesdale National Bank, can offer relationships and support to help get the local, personalized attention your finances deserve.

Authored by The Honesdale National Bank H

As young adults embark on their first real job, get married or start a family, retirement might be the last thing on Even so, they might want to make it a financial priority. In preparing for retirement, the best time to start investing is now — for two key reasons: compounding and tax management.

Power of Compound Returns

A quick internet search reveals that Albert Einstein once called compounding "the most powerful force in the universe," "the eighth wonder of the world," or "the greatest invention in human history." Although the validity of these quotes is debatable, Einstein would not have been far off in his assessments.

Compounding happens when returns earned on investments are reinvested in the account and earn returns themselves. Over time, the process can gain significant momentum.

For example, say an investor put $1,000 in an investment that earns 5%, or $50, in year one, which gets reinvested, bringing

When Should Young Adults Start Investing for Retirement?

brings another 5%, or $55.13, totaling $1,157.63. Each year, the earnings grow a little bit more.

Over the long term, the results can snowball. Consider the examples in the accompanying chart.

Tax Management

Another reason to start investing for retirement now is to benefit from tax-advantaged workplace retirement plans and IRAs.

Lower taxes now. Contributions to traditional 401(k)s and similar plans are deducted from a paycheck before taxes, so contributing can result in a lower current tax bill. Depending on a taxpayer's income, filing status and coverage by a workplace plan, contributions to a traditional IRA may result in an income tax deduction.

Tax-deferred compounding. IRAs and workplace plans like 401(k)s compound on a tax-deferred basis, which means investors don't have to pay taxes on contributions and earnings until they withdraw the money. This helps drive compounding potential through the years.

Future tax-free income. Roth contributions to both workplace accounts and IRAs offer no immediate tax benefit, but earnings

Saver's Credit. In 2022, single taxpayers with adjusted gross incomes of up to $34,000 ($66,000 if married filing jointly) may qualify for an income tax credit of up to $1,000 ($2,000 for married couples) for eligible retirement account contributions. Unlike a deduction — which helps reduce the amount of income subject to taxes — a credit is applied directly to the amount of taxes owed.

Avoiding penalties. Keep in mind that withdrawals from pre-tax retirement accounts prior to age 59½ and nonqualified withdrawals from Roth accounts are subject to a 10% penalty on top of regular income tax.

Additional Fuel for the Fire Workplace plans that offer employer matching or profit-sharing contributions can further fuel the tax-advantaged compounding potential. Investors would be wise to consider taking full advantage of employer matching contributions, if offered.

Don't Delay

With the power of compounding and the many tax advantages, it may make sense to make retirement investing a high priority at any age. H

A Head Start Can Be a Strong Ally

This chart illustrates how much an investor could accumulate by age 65 by investing $3,000 a year starting at age 25, 35 and 45 and earning a 6% annual rate of return, compounded annually.

These hypothetical examples of mathematical compounding are used for lllustrative purposes only and do not reflect the performance of any specific investments. Fees, expenses and taxes are not considered and would reduce the performance shown if they were included. Rates of return will vary over time, particularly for long-term investments. Investments offering the potential for higher rates of return also involve a higher degree of investment risk. Actual results will vary.

Ryan Wilson,

CPA, CFP®, CRPC,

AWMA®, AIF® (Accredited Investment Fiduciary®) Executive Vice President/Wealth Management, Financial Advisor

72 Glenmaura National Boulevard, Moosic, PA 18507

800.638.4417

rwilson@janney.com |www.WilsonWealthAdvisory.com

Janney Montgomery Scott LLC Financial Advisors are available to discuss all considerations and risks involved with various products and strategies presented. We will be happy to provide a prospectus, when available, and other information upon request. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC, its affiliates and its employees are not in the business of providing tax, regulatory, accounting or legal advice. These materials and any tax-related statements are not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used or relied upon, by any taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding tax penalties. Any such taxpayer should seek advice based on the taxpayer’s particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor.

Janney Montgomery Scott LLC is a member of the New York Stock Exchange, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority and the Securities Investor Protection Corporation. For more information about Janney, please see Janney’s Relationship Summary (Form CRS) on www.janney.com/crs which details all material facts about the scope and terms of our relationship with you and any potential conflicts of interest.

S till Family After All These Years! Transformations in

Family

The Family Business Alliance celebrates 25 years of supporting regional family businesses. The April 25th observance will include stories, cocktails and food at The Banks - A Waterfront Venue in Pittston.

Family and closely held businesses have learned to transform over the years. In order to grow and thrive for generations, a family relies on entrepreneurship. Come hear the stories of Benco Dental, Dempsey Uniform and Linen and Kane Logistics -businesses that have evolved to meet the current dynamics for all involved.

The following individuals will share their stories:

Chuck Cohen, Benco Dental, Managing Director

Kristin Dempsey, Dempsey Uniform and Linen, Vice President

Dick Kane, Member of Kane Properties and former shareholder of Kane is Able, now ID Logistics

Moderator: Bill Corcoran, Jr., Corcoran Printing, and #OntheStacks, Founder and Content Creator.

The combination of business and family can be challenging. Balancing a successful business and doing the best for the family

takes skill, education and heart. The Family Business Alliance believes a healthy business supports a healthy family. For 25 years, the organization’s mission has been to be a trusted resource, providing world-class services to empower regional family-owned businesses through educational programs, networking, confidential peer groups and guidance.

The Family Business Alliance began in 1997 at King’s College when a group of family business owners interested in transferring their business to the next generation established the alliance’s vision. Workshops and programs were developed to address succession planning, leadership issues and conflict resolution, among others. Today’s programming also includes peer groups. Peer groups give the opportunity to learn from professionals who have “been there, done that” and are willing to share their experience and knowledge.

Wilkes University and Penn State Scranton are platinum sponsors of the Family Business Alliance. Supporting business partners include M&T Bank and Rosenn Jenkins and Greenwald. Programing not only benefits member families and their employees but also students at Wilkes University and Penn State Scranton.

For ticket information and to learn more about the Family Business Alliance: FBAlliance.org/ upcoming-events H

Chuck Cohen

Kristin Dempsey

Dick Kane

Bill Corcoran, Jr.

Polio, measles and other once-dreaded diseases are again threatening large numbers of children in the United States, due in part to the viral spread of something that physicians cannot easily cure: misinformation.

Bad advice about vaccines circulates broadly on social media and continues to cause well-meaning parents to delay or outright reject important immunizations in their children’s early years. In turn, that can result in needless sickness and

director of The Wright Center’s Pediatrics and Community-Based Medical Home Services.

“If a child has fallen behind on any immunization schedule, make an appointment with the doctor’s office to get back on track,” she added. “On-time vaccination is of vital importance to provide the best defense against potentially life-threatening diseases.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other promoters of the observance week tout the collective impact

viduals born between 1994 and 2018 will prevent over the course of their lifetimes an estimated 419 million illnesses. That translates into a reduction of 8 million hospitalizations and 936,000 early deaths, according to the CDC.

The Wright Center for Community Health provides access to pediatric vaccines at its multiple primary and preventive care practices in Lackawanna, Luzerne and Wayne counties. It also routinely dispatches a mobile medical unit, called

Don’t tempt fate; stay up to date on infant immunizations

The Wright Center for Community Health’s network of primary care clinics offers routine vaccinations.

suffering – and put entire communities at risk of outbreaks.

During National Infant Immunization Week, April 24-30, The Wright Center for Community Health joins with other advocates across the nation in highlighting the importance of protecting children 2 years and younger from vaccine-preventable diseases. Those diseases include hepatitis B, rotavirus, rubella, whooping cough and other conditions that can cause permanent disability, or even death.

“Parents and caregivers of young children, including kids under 2, should check with health care providers to make sure the child is up to date on all age-appropriate immunizations,” said pediatrician Dr. Manju Mary Thomas, medical

that routine childhood vaccinations have made over the past century, calling it a public health success story.

They frequently point, for example, to the introduction of the safe and effective polio vaccine in the United States in the mid-1950s as a major milestone. Before the vaccine’s availability, outbreaks led each year to more than 15,000 cases of paralysis. By 1979, polio infections caused by wild poliovirus had been eliminated in the US, only emerging when brought into the nation by travelers.

Other diseases also have been significantly controlled. In fact, the CDC estimates that routine childhood immunizations among indi-

Driving Better Health, to schools and other community hubs in Northeast Pennsylvania, offering age-appropriate immunizations and other services. The vehicle makes it easier for certain populations to get health care near where they live and work. To find dates and locations of upcoming “routine vaccination clinics,” visit The Wright Center’s online events calendar, at TheWrightCenter.org/events.

A parent or caregiver with questions about pediatric vaccines should talk with a trusted healthcare provider.

In addition to Dr. Manju Mary Thomas, The Wright Center for Community Health retains the services of these physicians who are board-certified in pediatrics:

Drs. Prachi Agarwal, Kabir Keshinro, Alberto Marante, Vijay Prasad, and Linda Thomas-Hemak, the latter of whom is president and CEO of The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education. They, and the organization’s other health care professionals, are available to listen to a parent’s concerns and have fact-based and respectful conversations.

Immunizing large swaths of the population is critical to building herd immunity and protecting the most vulnerable members of a community. Those at-risk residents include individuals “who are too young to be fully immunized or others who cannot receive recommended immunizations due to compromised immune systems,” according to the Pennsylvania Immunization Coalition.

The coalition’s local chapter, the Northeast Immunization Coalition based in Wilkes-Barre, helps to amplify that important message and support partners, such as The Wright Center, as it strives to correct misinformation, administer shots and prevent steep declines

spread of the virus in New York City and nearby counties.

Health officials suspect that a backlash to restrictions implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, including mandated coronavirus immunizations in certain schools, might be fanning the current antivaccine sentiment. CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky has called vaccine misinformation “among the biggest threats” to public health.

in immunization rates that have led to recent trouble in some parts of the nation.

A measles contagion in central Ohio late last year sickened more than 80 children, reportedly hospitalizing at least 32. Also, in 2022, the New York Department of Health issued a state of emergency after an unvaccinated young adult was paralyzed by polio, and wastewater testing later confirmed the

Parents can do their part to protect their kids – and their communities – from easily preventable illnesses. Make an appointment to talk with a respected pediatrician or other health care professional about routine childhood vaccines.

For information about The Wright Center’s pediatrics and other primary care services, call 570-2300019 or visit TheWrightCenter.org. H

Dr. Manju Mary Thomas, a pediatrician, provides a well-visit checkup for a pediatric patient at the Mid Valley Practice in Jermyn.

“On-time vaccination is of vital importance to provide the best defense against potentially lifethreatening diseases.”

EHall of Fame. Both cross country as well as track and field have been a big part of his high school, college and career life.

When he was very young, Ed's Uncle Bill Boyle got him interested in sports. Ed played basketball, wiffle ball, football and kickball with other kids in his Forty Fort neighborhood. From age 5 until his freshman year of high school, he participated in the Forty Fort Little League, the youth soccer and intramural basketball through his alma mater Wyoming Valley West (WVW).

Although his father attempted to inspire him to join cross country, it was not until Ed watched his younger sister run in meets that his own interest was piqued.

“I thought to myself ‘I think I can do that too,’” he said. “I was good at the sports I played and was always one of the fastest and best endurance athletes on my teams. I thought that I could use that speed and endurance in a sport where that is the main requirement. I joined the varsity cross country team my freshman year of high school, became our number one runner by season’s end, and promptly quit the other sports to focus on cross country, indoor track and spring track.”

medaled three times at districts and three times at WVC (Wyoming Valley Conference) championships. He earned the conference's title of Most Outstanding Runner during his senior year.

“Our conference was stacked with great runners when I was in high school,” he said. “We took turns beating each other throughout the regular season.”

Ed was a member of the AAU (Amateur Athletic Union), which won the Mid-Atlantic regional championship meet in 2001. He qualified to run in the national championships in Florida. He placed second in the AAU regional meet.

Ed said he loved participating in track and field and cross country in high school because it gave him confidence as a person and an identity at school as a runner. It also allowed him to make friends and participate in a sport with his sister and helped him foster a strong work ethic. “You don't have success in distance running without putting in a ridiculous amount of work,” he said.

Ed credits his high school success to coach Stewart Harry. “Stewart Harry is a coaching legend,” he said. “He is as knowledgeable about the sport as anyone I’ve ever met, and he did a

great job passing on that knowledge to his runners. When I moved on to my college team, I felt that I had a leg up on everyone else because I had been coached so well in high school. I still have communication with Coach Harry. I have looked to him for advice throughout my coaching career. He has had a gigantic influence on me as an athlete, coach and as a person.”

Ed’s accomplishments led him to be nominated for the Wendy's High School Heisman Award in 2003 and 2004.

Ed attended King’s College to major in elementary education and minor in psychology, while competing in cross country and track and field.

He set two records - one at Keystone College Invitational and the other at Gwynedd Mercy Invitational. He became a three-time MAC (Mid Atlantic Conference) honor roll selection. He was also a King's College Senior Scholar-Athlete of the Year and MAC Senior Scholar Athlete of the Year. He credits his success to Coach Mike Kolinovsky.

“Coach Mike really did a great job of bringing the best out of me as a runner,” he said. “I improved exponentially from high school to college. Receiving awards were also great honors because they accomplishments validated that I was having success in the classroom and most importantly, being a good person.”

Since King’s College didn't have a varsity track and field program, Ed started to coach track and field at Wyoming Valley West while he was still a student. “My proudest coaching moment was taking over a junior high cross country program at WVW that couldn’t even field a team, and building a team that had 30-plus

runners and went undefeated, winning the conference championship,” he said.

One of the values Ed teaches his students is honesty to oneself and to others. “My athletes would say that I’m honest to a fault. You can’t improve yourself if someone is feeding you false information,” he said. “If one of my runners is having a great practice or race, I’m the first person to tell them. If they need to make adjustments or improvements, they can bet I’m going to be the first person to let them know. "Distance running is not a sport you can have success in with talent alone,” he said. “You have to put in a ton of work in the off-season just to have a chance at a successful season.”

Shortly after graduating from college, Ed was having repeated injuries in his legs and wasn't able to run as often. "I was able to fuel my competitive fire through coaching," he said.

In 2019, Ed took an assistant coaching job under Coach Mike at King’s

College. He also teaches 7th-grade special education at Wyoming Valley West. During the pandemic, Ed started to run consistently again. He entered the Old Fort 5 Miler an placed in the top ten.

Ed and his wife Tiffany have two sons, Eddie, age 5 and Nolan, age 4. Eddie plays soccer, hockey and baseball and comes to practices at King's College to cheer on the team. Nolan does karate.

Being inducted into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame is what Ed claimed to be one of the most humbling experiences of his life.

“Being mentioned in the same breath as some of them gives me affirmation that all of the hard work I put into my athletic and coaching careers has not gone unnoticed,” he said. “It also makes me want to continue to justify my being inducted in the hall of fame by continuing to work as hard as I can to achieve more success as a coach.”

H – Ben Freda

The Wright Center: Inaugural Golf Tournament

Tfor Community Health and Graduate Medical Education will hold their inaugural charity golf tournament on May 16 at the Glenmaura National Golf Club. The captainand-crew tournament will feature a shotgun start at 10 a.m.

John Kearney, a Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education board member, is serving as honorary chairperson of the fundraiser. Mary Marrara, a member of The Wright Centers for Community Health and Patient & Community Engagement boards and Mark Seitzinger are serving as co-chairpersons.

The tournament is in honor of the late William M. Waters, Ph.D., who played a significant role in The Wright Center’s enter prise governance, most recently serving as vice chairperson of The Wright

Health’s Board of Directors and co-chairperson of The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement.

ability to pay.”

The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement

“Dr. Waters selflessly volunteered countless hours to The Wright Center and its patients. He was a relentless champion for developing responsive primary care services and primary care physician champions,” said Kara Seitzinger, executive director of public affairs and advisor liaison to the president and CEO. “In his memory, we are raising funding to ensure everyone has access to high-quality pri-

focuses on improving access to health care while addressing the negative social and economic determinants of health that can affect underserved patients, including food insecurity, homelessness and poverty.

The entry fee for golfers is $250, which includes lunch and beverage service on the course, followed by a cocktail hour and dinner. A wide selection of sponsorship levels is available. Please contact Seitzinger at seitzingerk@thewrightcenter.org or by calling (570) 591-5170. H

Seated from left: Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak, John Kearney and Mary Marrara. Second row: Marianna Eisner, Helayna Szescila, Lori Cotrone, Gerard Geoffroy and Kara Seitzinger. Third row: Ronald P. Daniels, Atty. Joseph Price, Ed Walsh, Nunzi Allergucci, Mark Seitzinger, Ed Cimoch and Mark Hemak.

The Lackawanna Historical Society’s popular Civil War programming returns!

The Society has partnered with the Waverly Community House to present its Grand Civil War Ball in the Comm’s elegant, historic setting on April 29. The 17th Annual Grand Civil War Ball will begin at 6 p.m. and dancing will start at 7 p.m. The period dance band, “Spare Parts” will perform authentic Civil War era

Grand Civil War Ball Returns to the Waverly Comm

music including polls, waltzes and several reels. The ball preceptor and vintage dance instructor Susan de Guardiola, will offer a brief instruction before each set dance and then lead guests through the sequences. No prior dance experience is necessary. Period dress and dress blues or grays are greatly admired, but not required. Modern formalwear is acceptable.

Not sure how to dance? No worries! A dance workshop

before the ball, April 29 from 1 p.m.- 3 p.m. will be offered by Susan de Guardiola at the Comm. Learn to dance like your ancestors did during the Civil War era.

Tickets are $40 per person and can be purchased at the door. Advance tickets are available online at http://www.lackawannahistory.org/cwball.html. Tickets are nonrefundable. Call 570-344-3841 or email lackawannahistory@gmail.com for more information. H

Lackawanna Historical Society Spring Happenings

Dine Lackawanna, all you have to do is dine out! a monthly dine-around to support the LHS, on the third Wednesday of each month:

April 19 - AV 320 Penn Ave.• Scranton (570) 457-5800

May 17 - The Union Craft House 601 N Main St. • Taylor (570) 562-6496

April 21 • 6 p.m.

Wholesale Block Documentary

The premiere screening and reception 518 Lackawanna Ave.•Scranton RSVP 570-344-3841 or lackawannahistory@gmail.com

April 23 • 2 p.m.

Earth Day Program on the History of Recycling

Presented by Joyce Hatala Catlin House, 232 Monroe Ave.• Scranton Free/Open to the Public

April 23 • 2 p.m.

Lackawanna Past Times monthly virtual local history program Gary Ryman discusses Gifford Pinchot on Zoom. For link call (570) 344-3841 or email lackawannahistory@gmail.com

April 29

Grand Civil War Ball at the Waverly Community House Find details here: lackawannahistory.org/cwball.html

April 30

Ragtime Brunch at the Radisson Lackawanna Station Call 570-342-8300 Option 0 for details and to make a reservation

For all details go to www.lackawannahistory.org/ EventsCalendar.html

www.lackawannahistory.org

Pam Shotto Touchstone Realty

Pam Shotto, an experienced high producing real estate agent and broker in Northeastern Pennsylvania, dreamed of launching her own brokerage that offered a nurturing, supportive environment and focused on clients and agents equally. In 2021, after more than 15 years of working for other companies, her dream became a reality when Touchstone Realty opened its doors.

Touchstone Realty is a boutique Real Estate Company in North Pocono that serves all of NEPA and beyond. As a broker, Pam prides herself on making an impact in the community and by being of service to her agents. She built her reputation by taking a client centric approach to the business of buying and selling properties and delivering exceptional customer service to all clients.

“Having a team that embodies the same vision and values is fundamental to the success of any business and is most crucial to Touchstone,” said Pam. As broker/owner and mentor, Pam offers education and support to both her agents and the buyers and sellers to ensure everyone is on the same page. “What is happening on the inside of an organization is felt on the

outside by customers. The key to a company’s success is focusing on the team’s happiness and fulfillment first and then the rest will follow. With this philosophy at its core, Touchstone is making its mark on NEPA,” she said.

According to Pam, the company brokered two landmark transactions in Lackawanna County in this last year with a team of just five agents.

“Despite the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors reporting that the median sales price and number of listings both decreased since the previous year and existing home sales were down by 30%, since January 2022 Touchstone Realty was the first agency to sell a property in Big Bass Lake for over $1 million in the same year

and facilitated the largest residential sale ever in Lackawanna County at $4 million,” she said. That sale was facilitated by Agent Nina Ruparelia-Tracy.

Pam believes that it is very rewarding to contribute to the overall success of both clients and agents, no matter what the market conditions might seem. “Having happy agents and happy clients allows us to create lasting relationships that are built on trust and reliability,” she noted.

A touchstone, by definition, is a basis for comparison; a reference point against which other things can be evaluated. Touchstone Realty’s aim is to be the standard by which others measure their experience. “We do not prioritize our schedules at Touchstone, rather we schedule priorities based on customers’ needs. Our goal is to stand out in a saturated market, not by size, but by virtue of our experience, reliability and results,” she said.

“With extensive experience in the field, Touchstone will provide the best advice to home buyers and will help get your home ready to sell in 30 days,” Pam said. H

Erin Meet our Agents!

Fotta Skonieczki

Tina Profka

Celebrating 85 Years in Business

Kost Tire & Auto Service is celebrating 85 years in business, a major feat for a locallyowned family business that traces its roots to Forest City in rural Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania. According to Erwin Kost Sr., his late father, Michael G. Kost, along with his late mother, Anna G. Kost, began Kost Tire in 1938 in the basement of their Forest City Home. The interest in tires likely stemmed from a family scrap iron business that in turn led to servicing farm tractors and trucks. “In the very beginning, the business had a large focus on the retreading of tires, which was popular and cost effective at the time,”

Michael Sr. died in 1965 and Anna in 2009. At that time the business was operated by the couple’s two sons, the

late Michael Kost Jr. and Erwin Kost Sr. Today Kost Tire & Auto Service has grown to 30 stores throughout Pennsylvania with four affiliated stores in New York, now owned and operated by Erwin Kost Sr. and his son, Erwin Kost Jr.

Featured in the industries’ most popular national trade magazines, Kost Tire & Auto Service is ranked 18th among the top 50 independent tire dealers in the United States, and the only still locally-owned tire business in this area.

Kost is one of the larger employers of the region, with over 300 employees across its locations. The Kost family puts a great deal of investment into their employees and as a result, the company boasts many who have been with them long term. Most employees are local folks and ASE certified and state inspection technicians. The Kosts also give back to the community, holding luncheons for police, fire

and EMT staff members (including those in administrative positions) in appreciation for their dedication to the safety and care of the residents and businesses of the region.

A very dedicated work ethic is likely what has kept the Kost Tire business thriving for an impressive eight decades. Erwin Sr. began working in the family business at age 13. He laughs, “I would have rather been playing baseball with my friends than working. My friends would try to hide me when my father came looking for me to work, but I know working at such a young age instilled the ethic that would be needed for keeping a business thriving. My mother was more sympathetic to my plight of preferring to play over work but as a hard worker

Forest City, 1938

“Our customers deserve the best service and we do whatever it takes to deliver it.”

–Erwin Kost Sr.

sometimes included dealing with the removal of old tires prior to recycling programs being in place. Erwin Jr. recalls working as

a young child, outside where the rainwater accumulated in the discarded tires, presenting some unsavory encounters with creatures such as rats or snakes.

Erwin Sr. is a proud graduate of Forest City High School. During the Vietnam War in the late 60s he was drafted and sent to California to be an interpreter. He also received an accounting degree from Lackawanna College perhaps in anticipation of running the family business.

Erwin Jr., a graduate of Scranton Preparatory High School and the

University of Scranton recalls how his father helped to instill a work ethic in him. “I recall wanting a particular bicycle. My father encouraged me to begin a little lawn care business by taking care of some neighbors’ yards. I saw how rewarding it was to see the money I made accumulate in the shoebox where I kept it. It is certainly a necessary lesson to teach children, how to work hard and save for special things. I’m teaching my son the same values passed on to me by my father,” said Erwin Jr.

One way the business has changed over the years is by technology. Customers of Kost now have assistance with reminders for maintenance via technology and they can automatically schedule appointments online. But friendly humans are still in ample supply to help customers every step of

The environment is very important to the Kosts and they are now part of test programs that grind tires down into pellets that are used on walking paths and running trails, in road construction and even overseas as an energy source.

Kost offers customers a guaranteed lowest price on tires and top notch automotive service with the same, helpful, small-town hospitality that began in their very first Forest City location. “Our customers deserve the best service and we do whatever it takes to deliver it,” said Erwin Kost Sr. Their mission is to have each and every one of their customers take pride in his/her driving performance. They continue their effort to give customers the best pricing, and back it with 100% customer service satisfaction.

“From the Kost family and our valued employees, we thank you for the business over the past 85 years. We look forward to serving you and your entire family well into the future.” H

Kost Tire, Shavertown

“I’m teaching my son the same values passed on to me by my father.”

–Erwin Kost Jr.

W ho is the cutest of them all?

Archie, a happy border collie, loves chasing birds and airplanes, according to the Gallagher family of Dalton.

Charlie

Charlie is extremely loving and will even skip sleeping to be in your business. He’s thankful for any rub down or attention. He resides with the Tollis family of Columbiaville, Michigan.

Claire is a sweet, 5 year old who lives with the Mokhtari family of Clarks Summit,

The Seymour family of Scranton says that Foto loves to play with his Mastiff brother, Maximus, opening BarkBox every month and running away with treats.

Ginger is a chicken who likes treats and hugs. She resides with the Jerauld family of La Plume.

Maron/Miner family in Factoryville. A diva, she was a perfect traveling companion winning ahhhs and ooos of everyone she met. Sadly she passed away in January.

Archie

Ginger

Layla Tallulah

Foto

Claire

Layla Tallulah

www.HappeningsMagazinePA.com!

The winner receives a Happenings bandana!

Lily was born September 10, 2022. She loves car rides, stores that allow dogs and her Armstrong family of Port Mathilda.

Max Loves to play with his favorite toys and cuddle at night with his

Rudy lives with the McGrail family in Dickson City. He loves to play in the yard with his big sister, Sadie, where the two of them protect the neighborhood from UPS trucks.

Seamus is a sweet and scrappy little guy, the smallest of pack of four who lives in the Shechter/Butler Residence in Dalton.

Wellington is a Blue Merle Labradoodle who enjoys learning to fetch his Kong ball with his Sawicki family of Nicholson.

Max

Rudy Seamus

Potter family of Jefferson Twp.

Murphybell, who resides with the Traver family from Dallas, is sweet, smart and full of love.

Murphybell Lily

Wellington

Shine Bright Like a Diamond

The

History

of

Those born in April are lucky enough to call this gem their birthstone. Sparkling with an internal fire all its own, the diamond is one of the world’s most sought-after and adored gemstones. Forged deep within the Earth’s crust under immense pressure and temperatures, diamonds were brought within reach of humans by the heaving forces of volcanic activity. The diamond is so strong, in fact, that its name comes from the Greek word adamas, which means ‘invincible’, or ‘unbreakable.’

The timeless allure of the diamond was cherished long before it became the April birthstone. The Romans regarded the diamond as the most valuable possession known to mankind based on its rarity and durability. The most well-known deposits of diamonds were only known to come from beyond the boundaries of the Roman Empire (the Indian and African subcontinent), hence, the scarcity of the diamond in the ancient histori cal records. In fact, ancient writers noted that only kings, and very few kings at that, possessed the influence or wealth to acquire diamonds. The diamond was a marvel to the ancient spectator as no element could dissolve it nor any manmade object fracture it.

April’s Birthstone Love

For the majority of human existence, dia monds were traded and admired in their natural state –as rough diamonds. It was not until the Age of Discovery that Dutch and Portuguese explorers brought the craft of diamond cutting from India back to the European continent and, with that, a craze for polished diamonds took over. In fact, pearls were the gem most associated with European royalty until the reign of King Louis XIV, whose fascination for polished diamonds forever shifted global tastes. In modern times, the unique properties of diamonds – their rareness and eternal nature – have caused this precious gem to become a universal token of love.

Shopping for an April baby? You can’t go wrong with a timeless gift of diamond jewelry. Whether a ring, bracelet, necklace or earrings, there truly is something for every April baby’s taste. Remember that not all diamonds are colorless! Recent trends have seen an attraction toward yellow diamonds, green diamonds and even blue diamonds as birthstone gifts and engagement rings. H

Diamond Facts:

A rather complex yet simple formula calculates market value of a diamond by assesses a diamond’s shape, hue, purity and size – better known as the Four C’s (Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat.) This international infatuation with diamonds has become all the more affordable with the advent of the laboratory-grown diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds are still graded with the Four C’s; however, bigger and higher quality diamonds are available for a fraction of the cost. Lab-grown diamonds are chemically identical to earth-grown diamonds, yet they cost anywhere from 60%-80% less as they are essentially duty-free (homegrown in the USA).

is in the air

Engagement • Wedding

Birthstone • Specialty Jewelry

Watches • Engraving

Jewelry Repair

Visit Nye Jewelers showroom in Dickson City to see their vast inventory of loose diamonds and diamond jewelry in varying colors of diamonds.

Dining around the Region

fridge, or cater your party. Excellent coffee, soups, salads, sandwiches & more. 1818

Sullivan Trail. 570-629-DELI (3354). Hours: www.1818deli.com.

Abbiocco

Try our signature dishes, such as Chicken Abbiocco, manicotti or blackened salmon. BYOB. Text Abbiocco to 51660 to receive our texts every Wednesday or see weekly specials. Tues-Thurs.11 a.m.-8 p.m. and Fri. and Sat. 11 a.m.-9 p.m., 639 N. Blvd., Clarks Summit. www.abbiocco.net

570-319-9633.

Barley Creek Brewing Co & Distillery

Try our hospitality, it pairs well with our award-winning handcrafted brews, spirits and atmosphere. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner Hours: www.barleycreek.com

1774 Sullivan Trail, Tannersville

570-629-9399

Barley Creek Tasting Room & Pub @ The Crossings

Grab a bite to eat and taste our PA craft brews, spirits, wines and cocktails. Check out our unique beer gear gift shop. Located at the Crossings

Coney Island Lunch

Try our Texas Wiener with mustard, onions and chili sauce! Tues.-Sun.11 a.m.-3 p.m. 515 Lackawanna Ave., Scranton. www.Texaswiener.com. Delivery by DoorDash! 570-961-9004.

Gresham's Chop House

Steaks, seafood, Italian specialties & more. Book your holiday parties now! Closed Sunday and Monday, Open TuesdaySaturday at 4 p.m.

570-226-1500

greshamschophouse.com

Mendicino’s Pizza and Family Restaurant

Pizza, pasta, hoagies and more! Daily lunch and dinner specials. Full menu, dine in, take out and curbside available.

Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m-8 p.m., Fri. and Sat. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Closed Sundays. Located in the ShopRite Complex, Covington Twp.

www.mendicinospizza.com

570-842-2070.

Northern Light

Espresso Bar and Café

Downtown Scranton’s original Espresso Bar. Celebrating 20 years! Enjoy locally roasted brewed coffee, Espresso, Tea

northernlightespresso.com

M-F 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. S 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. 536 Biden Street, Scranton (formerly Spruce St.)

Pettinato’s Restaurant

Try our grilled salmon in Asian sauce. Take out and delivery. Mon.-Sat. 4-8 p.m., Sun. 4-7 p.m. 78 Dundaff St., Carbondale. 570-282-5860.

Sibio’s Restaurant

Our fettuccine Alfredo is a customer favorite! Lunch and dinner regular hours, full menu with specials. 1240 Quincy Ave., Dunmore.

Sibiosrestaurant.com

570-346-3172.

Stirna’s

Our Stirnaburger is full 1/4 lb. top choice ground beef with tomato, bacon and American or Swiss on a semi-hard roll. Wed.-Sat. 4 p.m.-

9 p.m. 120 W. Market St. Scranton. On/off premise catering daily.

570-961-9681.

Note! All hours are subject to change without notice. Call ahead, consult website and Facebook pages of each individual restaurant for updated information. H

Chicken Cordon Bleu

Ingredients:

3 large boneless skinless chicken breasts cut in half lengthwise, to form 2 thinner cutlets. You will end up with 6 thin chicken breast cutlets.

12 slices deli ham

12 slices of Swiss cheese

2 cup fresh panko bread crumbs

3 tablespoons butter melted

Cream Sauce:

3 tablespoons butter

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 cup heavy whipping cream

1 teaspoon of chicken flavor stock base or 1 chicken flavor bouillon cube, crushed

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

DIRECTIONS

Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a bowl, combine the bread crumbs and melted butter. Set aside.

Lay the cut chicken breasts in a single layer in the baking dish. Layer each chicken breast with two slices of ham, overlapping so they cover entire breast. Layer two slices of Swiss cheese overlapping to cover ham. Repeat over all chicken breasts. Fold breasts over filling and fasten edges with toothpicks. Roll chicken breasts in bread crumbs mixture to coat chicken pieces. Bake the chicken for 30-35 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and cheese is bubbling and bread crumbs are golden brown. While the chicken bakes, in a medium saucepan on medium heat, melt the 3 tablespoons of butter. Stir in the flour, whisking constantly. Cook for about a minute. Slowly pour in heavy cream, still whisking constantly. Stir in the chicken bouillon granules or soup stock base and salt. Continue to whisk constantly until the mixture begins to simmer and thicken, about 3-5 minutes. Once the sauce has thickened, turn the heat down to low and stir in Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese has melted. Keep the sauce warm until chicken is finished cooking. Remove toothpicks from chicken before serving. Serve each chicken cordon bleu with warm sauce. Buon Appetito!

Compliments

of JoAnn Marianelli Finnerty Bella Faccias

April 4 is

National Chicken Cordon Bleu Day

Aglio, Scranton (Chicken Cordon Bleu Hoagie )

Nurnberger Bierhaus, Lake Ariel

Ragnacci’s, Dunmore

The Reeds at Shelter Haven, Stone Harbor, NJ (Chicken Cordon Bleu Sandwich)

Sibio’s, Dunmore

Two Brother’s, Dunmore