January 2015 Happenings Magazine by Happenings Magazine

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contents

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JANUARY 2015

124

51 Josh Finsel & Amber Breiner Photography

Game Changer: Kiel Eigen

124

See how a young man is defying odds after a life-changing injury.

New Baby Gallery Meet the littlest residents of the region- babies born in 2014– including Noah Toolan (below)!

Forging New Paths

From sledding to skating and cross country skiing– there’s snow much to do this time of year!

112

Senior Living Get to know some super seniors.

134

Five professionals make drastic career changes.

Winter Fun

January’s Jumpin Things to do, where to go, everything you need to know!

Happie Together! Discover the first-ever Happie Award winners and take a look inside the fun of the Happie Meal & Awards Presentation.

Starting Life Together Find real local weddings, advice for newlyweds and a guide to Woodloch’s Bridal Showcase.

104

Regional Revitalization Meet Geisinger-CMC’s Chief Administrative Officer, Lisa Golden and find out how the hospital is investing in the future of NEPA.

January 2015

www.HappeningsPA.com

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MAILBAG Dear Happenings, We love Happenings and look forward to it each month– the informative articles, wedding stories, dog photos and even the ads! Thank you for a beautiful magazine. –David Wenzel, Scranton Dear Happenings, I picked up our personal copies of the November issue this afternoon at City Café in downtown Scranton. I am delighted with the finished product! I hope you are satisfied with the piece as well. Thank you very much for including me with my views and thoughts about local history (NEPA Voices, December 2014). The image of me holding the framed photos that I took 50 years ago on the train to Johnstown really is the proverbial "icing on the cake." Thanks, again! –Atty. Joe Cimini, via email Dear Happenings, On behalf of the Library Board, staff and patrons, thank you all for presenting your lovely Happie Awards. For a “firstever” event you pulled it off without a hitch! It was a lot of fun meeting people from around Northeast PA and see ing how many “old” friends also won awards. It was so nice to be recognized as a place that makes people happy. –Leah Ducato Rudolph, MLIS, Abington Community Library Dear Happenings, Arnie Bresser was a friend I had not seen in over 15 years. He read the article on my book in Happenings (The Write Stuff, New Titles from Local Authors, December 2014). He sent me a letter. I called him and it brought back a lost friendship. We plan to get together over the holidays. I thought you would like to know the comfort that you gave both of us. –Larry R. Sherman, via email

Publisher Managing Editor Art Director Associate Art Director

Paula Rochon Mackarey Barbara Toolan Lisa M. Ragnacci Peter Salerno

Administrative Assistant

Katherine Kempa

Associate Editor

Erika A. Bruckner

Contributors

Interns

Julia Casey Kieran O’Brien Kern Julie Korponai Monika Loefflad Melissa Sanko Dominick Carachilo Erika Covert

Account Representatives Ken Chergosky kchergosky@happeningspa.com 570-587-3532 ext. 120 Carolyn Moschorak cmoschorak@happeningspa.com 570-498-7962 Rosemary Nye rnye@happeningspa.com 570-587-3532 ext. 116 Jane Preate jpreate@happeningspa.com 570-587-3532 ext. 119 Annette Profera aprofera@happeningspa.com 570-587-3532 ext. 125 On the Cover: Kiel Eigen at Old Forge High School’s Veterans Memorial Stadium Photo: Guy Cali Associates Published Monthly. 350,000 copies annually. ©2015 HAPPENINGS MAGAZINE All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any process except with written permission.

Happenings Magazine published since 1969 Phone: (570) 587-3532 • Fax: (570) 586-7374

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January 2015

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Dear Readers,

anuary 1 marks the start of something new. Many will set a goal to change something as an attempt to make life better. In this issue, we’ve attempted to cover the gamut of positive “New Beginnings,” from welcoming a new baby (page 20) to changing careers (page 26) to improving physical health (page 36) and starting life together as newlyweds (page 68). But what about those times when a new beginning is thrust upon us; when we have no choice? That’s what happened to Kiel Eigen eight years ago when he was paralyzed in a football accident (page 8). After talking with Kiel, I realize… there’s always a choice. Maybe not in the initial circumstance, but in the reaction. As a 14-year-old boy whose life revolved around sports, a natural response could have easily been to feel sorry for himself. Instead, he chose to do what he needed to do to get where he wanted to be. Scratch that. He chose to go above and beyond what he needed to do, pushing himself to reach his ambitious goals. The most impressive part? He doesn’t think he did anything out of the ordinary. But, Kiel… that’s where I disagree. Every one of us has been faced with a new beginning, whether we’ve asked for it or not. Maybe it’s a physical challenge, like Kiel. Maybe it’s a relationship that didn’t work as expected. Maybe it’s the loss of a job… or the loss of a loved one. I think we’ve all faced a moment when we’ve looked at our present and our future, and we no longer see what we had once envisioned. Disappointment and discouragement are the easy choice. But what Kiel did at his moment was to choose not to give up in defeat at the loss of the original vision. Instead of wasting time feeling sorry for himself and his unplanned new beginning, he got to work. People would have given him a pass to slack off in school or to do the minimum physical requirements. They would have validated excuses, because new beginnings like these are hard, to put it mildly.

most people see a wall, Kiel Eigen sees a hurdle to be overcome with determination. Even in my everyday “hurdles,” I give in to excuses. I can’t run; it rained. I ate too much. I ate too little. The list goes on. But Kiel had the opportunity to use excuses – good reasons even – for why he shouldn’t need to excel or even smile. He chose not to use them. No excuses. Just a positive attitude and determination. Kiel isn’t different because of a physical disability; in fact, I believe he’s more physically fit and strong than the average person. No, he’s different because he sees a challenge and sets his mind to overcome it – with that infectious grin on his face. Whatever challenge you are overcoming, let's resolve to make this year one of new beginnings, moving in a positive direction without excuses - to become the best we possibly can be with a spirit of gratefulness. And let's follow the example of the small town of Old Forge in caring for one another. Read about the inspirational community on page 12. Even if you prefer (gasp!) New-Yorkstyle pizza or cheer for Riverside, I think you will still appreciate the tenacity and charm of the borough after reading the article. Best wishes for 2015. Here’s to thriving after new beginnings!

Erika Erika A. Bruckner Associate Editor

But that’s when he did what isn’t typical. Where January 2015

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sunday

January

monday

tuesday

wednesday

thursday

friday

Salute to Vienna featuring the Philly POPS, 7:30 p.m., The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple, Scranton. 344-1111.

Sing-a-Long Sound of Music, State Theatre, Easton. 2 p.m. 800-999-STATE.

Shawnee Mountain’s Nastar Race Series, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Shawnee Mountain Ski Area, Shawnee on Delaware. 421-7231.

Animal Tracking, 1-3 p.m., Pocono Environmental Education Center, Dingmans Ferry. 828-2319.

Winter Farmers Market, 8 a.m.Noon, Sherman Theater, Stroudsburg. 595-2321.

“Acceptance” Workshop, 7-8 p.m., Commonwealth Home Health & Hospice, Forty Fort. 718-4475.

Paint Nite, 7 p.m., III Ponds Winery, Dalton. 563-5080.

Comedy Night at Cocoon Coffee House, 8:30-10 p.m., Harmony Presents, Hawley. 588-8077.

10/11

Quilting, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Abington Community Library, Clarks Summit. 587-3440. Line: Drawn and Stitched and Meet Artist Amanda McCavour, 4:30 p.m., PA College of Technology, Williamsport. 320-2445.

Mid-Atlantic Snowboard Series, 10:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m., Camelback Mountain, Tannersville. 629-1661.

17 11th Annual

Disney on Ice Presents: Worlds of Fantasy, 7 p.m., Mohegan Sun Arena, Wilkes-Barre. 800-745-3000.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

saturday

Ukrainian New Year Dinner Dance: Malanka, St. Vladimir Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, Scranton. 489-1256.

Holistic Health Fair, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Everything Natural, Clarks Summit. 586-9684.

Comedy Night, 9 p.m., Ehrhardt’s Waterfront Resort, Hawley. 226-7355.

Eynon-Archbald Lions Club: 4th Annual Snowflake Gala, Fiorelli’s, Peckville. 470-7838.

January is National Oatmeal Month National Soup Month Financial Wellness Month Celebration of Life Month

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Competitive Drive Kiel Eigen Uses an Athlete’s Mentality to Thrive After New Beginning

ports were everything to Kiel Eigen. Whether it was playing basketball with his older brother or competing with organized teams, Kiel was always looking for the win. Al Semenza, Old Forge High School’s basketball coach, noticed Eigen’s ability in the town’s youth basketball leagues and played him at the freshmen level when he was only in seventh grade. The coach had planned for Eigen to take the court for the varsity team as a freshman. But those plans never came to be.

On Tuesday, September 12, 2006, Eigen was playing right cornerback in a football game against Western Wayne when he was involved in a facemask-to-facemask collision. “Instantly, I knew something was wrong,” he recalls, explaining his entire lower body had a feeling similar to when a foot falls asleep. Eigen, who was just a month over his 14th birthday, would later learn the C5 vertebra in 8

his neck was broken. “I remember everything from the hit until now,” admits Kiel, although some scenes play as greyscale images in his memory, likely because he was bleeding internally at the time. He was life-flighted from a local hospital to Thomas Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia. While he was going into the helicopter, Eigen asked his mom if he would be back by Friday, so he could see a new football movie coming out. He recalls, “I didn’t understand how serious the injury was.” The following day doctors fused his C4, C5 and C6 vertebrae in surgery. That night, he asked his mom to relay a message to his team, “Tell them to win tonight. I’ll be ok; they’ve got to win.” He was in the ICU for the next 13 days, paralyzed from the head down. Fortunately, the injury, though severe, was incomplete, which gave him greater chance of regaining movement. The doctor credited the coach who didn’t move him immediately after the injury, since HappeningsPA.com

his spinal cord was dangling but not cut in half. Eigen started inpatient therapy at Allied Rehab Hospital’s Spinal Cord Injury Program. Gina Tomassoni, who was also raised in Old Forge, worked with Eigen as assistant director of inpatient physical therapy. “He was one of my most highly motivated patients right from the beginning,” she recalls. When he first learned to use a power wheelchair, “He was literally racing around halls,” says Tomassoni. “We had to turn the speed down!” His treatment was supposed to include two hours of therapy each morning and two hours each afternoon. Eigen wasn’t happy with that; he asked for more. The fiercely competitive teen added an extra two hours of therapy per day. “It was grueling,” he admits. “I’d hit a beach ball and do other things people take for granted. It was learning how to live again in a body that wasn’t functioning the way I had known before.” He could have relied on special devices to help him type, write or hold utensils; however, he set a goal to be fully independent, and he worked hard to retrain his body. He re-learned how to brush his teeth and how to hold a fork. Putting in contact lenses took the longest to master. If things wouldn’t work the way he previously had done them, January 2015

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he’d find a new way to accomplish it – such as using both of the tips of his thumbs to put in his contact lenses. “Gina knew my limits better than I did– like a coach on a sports team, but 10 times more extreme,” describes Kiel. He’s grateful for Tomassoni and other professionals at Allied for, “giving me strength and the ability to get out of there as quickly as possible,” he lovingly admits.

myself. There wasn’t someone standing over my shoulder like there had been in therapy. It gave me the sense that I was back to where I had been prior to my injury, and it made me realize someone’s not always going to be right there to make sure I’m all right,” Eigen explains. He still goes to the high school gym to lift with the team, calling the current players his “little brothers.” He’s tailored an upper body workout to replace typical therapy exercises.

“If I waste my time on crying, I’m losing time on getting better.”

Jennifer Churla, a teacher at Old Forge, stepped up to teach Eigen. She would come to Allied every day, after she had already spent the day teaching at school and Eigen had already done six hours of therapy. “She helped me keep up, so I was able to stay with the kids I had been with since kindergarten.” “The seriousness of the injury really hit me a week prior to leaving inpatient at Allied,” he recalls. “They had a family meeting for people who would be around me to learn things like how to handle a wheelchair.” As a freshman and sophomore, he attended school – taking honors courses nonetheless and then completed two hours of therapy after school daily. Eigen’s football and strength coach, Dan Holland, asked him to lift weights with the team his junior year. “I got to the gym, and they let me do it all by January 2015

“Kiel never wanted handouts or sympathy,” recalls Holland. “He wanted to be challenged. He would ask me to help him develop strength and conditioning programs to get him as strong as possible, and he would work tirelessly to achieve his goals.” Through the last eight years, Eigen didn’t cry. When he’d feel angry about what happened, he’d

channel that injury into his therapy or a workout. His mom recalls him saying early on, “If I waste my time on crying, I’m losing time on getting better.” “The thing that saved me was going back to sports,” he says. “Sports kept me sane.” His coaches would call; he’d talk to the team. He was part of the team in every way besides physically playing. On the freshman team, he wore number two. The next year, sophomore Jimmy Tagliaferri gave his varsity number two to Eigen. “I knew it meant a lot for him to do that,” says Eigen. “But that’s what Old Forge is about; the whole community is family. I come from a town I love that loves me back; it’s a blessing and honor to be part of a supportive place.” Statistics suggest that Eigen’s friends wouldn’t be around after two years, and his parents would divorce. Kandi Eigen credits the support of family and friends for defying both of these trends. “It was difficult to see a very athletic child go from getting awards in every sport to continued on page 10

As an Allied in patient, Eigen would do six worth of scho ho ol-work befo re visiting with urs of therapy and a day’s loyal friends every day. www.HappeningsPA.com

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not walking,” Kandi Eigen admits, but she still advises other parents to let their children play football. “Never hold them back. An accident is an accident, which can happen anywhere.” She adds, “When you sit back and look at your 14-year-old who is saying, ‘I could do it,’ why should I be upset? How could I feel badly for someone who isn’t wasting his time feeling bad for himself?”

outpatients, but as she puts it, “His whole family has become like my family… he’s more than just a patient!”

Eigen assigned a Eigen defy timeline to ing odds, walking o his goal– walk n Parents’ Night by graduation. At basketball practice, as the court; it showed how supteam would do drills, Eigen portive and how much of a would walk the baselines Eigen set a goal– to walk. His family everyone in Old Forge with his therapist. “I felt like therapist admits, people with was to me. The place was I was actually practicing an injury as severe as Eigen’s going nuts. It left me speechwith the team,” he recalls. typically don’t walk again. less.” It is the accomplishment Coach Semenza suggested “They simply don’t have the Eigen is most proud of to Eigen complete his goal earlistrength or stamina to do it,” date. “The night he walked on says Tomassoni. “But Kiel went er than expected by walking the basketball court was the to center court on Parents’ beyond in both his approach most emotional night I have Night. Eigen agreed, having and his attitude. He never witnessed,” admits Old Forge no idea what was about to uses the injury as a barrier to School District Principal ensue. keep him from doing things.” Christopher Thomas. “He He skipped his freshman teaches everyone around him “Finally, senior night arrived, semiformal to work on learnto live life to the fullest.” and I don’t think there was a ing to walk. Tomassoni helped more important moment for with months of gait training Eigen is now fully independme in that gym than watchwith long leg braces and a ent. He can walk with aid of ing him make it to cenwalker. She doesn’t usually braces and a walker. He drives ter court,” admits see a vehicle. His Q6 Edge power Semenza. wheelchair elevates him to “Determination, posireach higher objects and to tive attitude, ability to be at eye level with standing fight the fight- call it what you may, he has friends, enabling better social interaction. it.” Along with a standing-room-only “Even though my injury is crowd and local really bad – I don’t have it the media, an ESPN worst,” Eigen admits. “Yeah, camera crew covI’m paralyzed from waist ered the accomdown. But, I still have life. I still plishment. “When I can do everything I did prior stood up, they to the injury, but in a different announced my way.” Coach Holland adds, name and num“What inspires me most about ber, and hearing that gave me the Kiel is not what he’s been through, but how he respondsense that I was actually playing. ed to it. Not once did I see him hang his head, or talk I met not only about how life is not fair. I my parents, but h orge Hig have never seen anyone with om Old F fr also my whole n o ti a u rad as much determination and Eigen at g team on the 2011 School in toughness as Kiel.” 10

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Eigen is now marketing coordinator with Quantum Rehab, a power chair solutions division of Pride Mobility Products with corporate headquarters in Exeter. In addition to typical marketing duties, he works closely with research and development, providing valuable input from someone who is using the products firsthand in daily life. Dick McLane, general manager - product marketing, says it’s not unusual for the company to hire individuals who rely on Quantum’s wheelchairs, explaining, “It provides us with the knowledge and insight to build innovative products that our consumers need. It's the most important factor to producing mobility products that deliver the independence our consumers want.”

tion.” The laid back 22-yearold volunteers at teaching labs at Allied and counsels others with similar injuries. He is passionate about helping people he meets through his job at Quantum Rehab; he seeks to help them lead the most full life by getting everything they can out of their wheelchairs. He helps with Old Forge’s bitty basketball league and has been involved with Big Brothers/Big Sisters.

“A life-altering situation may happen, but it shouldn’t stop you from living your life.”

Eigen is studying criminal justice at King’s College, with a minor in sociology. He started applying to law schools; he aims to practice disability law. “I’ve been through more in eight years than some have been through in lifetime,” admits Eigen. “But everything does happen for a reason. My experience was the reason I chose law for a career path; it gives me the opportunity to make an impact for the disabled community.” Eigen had dreamed of playing college basketball. “God chose a different path for me. Maybe it’s not to be self rewarding, but to give others inspiraJanuary 2015

happened,” admits Eigen, “but just because something happened to you, you shouldn’t stop and roll over. A life-altering situation may happen, but it shouldn’t stop you from living your life.” He continues, “Brick walls are in everyone’s life. We all just need to find a way or a person to help us get over them.” Eigen is still the athlete. He still trains and pushes himself daily. Instead of facing an opponent wearing a jersey, he now competes against himself, and he sees the challenges resulting from his injury as opponents to conquer. He has taken the same approach to the spinal cord injury as he would have taken on the playing field.

Eigen was recently awarded the Patricia Foy Award for “In his eyes, I honestly believe courage in the face of he feels he is not doing anyadversity. Jim Brogna of Allied Services presented him with the award. “You don’t take any courses to get you ready for trauma,” Brogna says. ”You can give up the rest of your life, or you can meet it head on and strive to change your life and others’ lives every single day by being positive and staying fit, which is very difficult. Through it all, Eigen has displayed courage most of us could never Eigen has reinve nted physical even dream of.” therapy by hitti ng the weight room Tomassoni agrees, “Whenever he sees a barrier, thing he says, ‘Let’s figure this out.’ extraordinary,” says his mom. He looks forward instead of “He was thrown into it and looking back. He says, ‘The handled it well. He’s still movinjury is part of me; it’s who I ing forward, not giving up.” am, and we’re going to make –Erika A. Bruckner it work.’ It’s remarkable.” “I don’t understand why this www.HappeningsPA.com

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Devil’s Advocate

Passion, Pride (and Pizza!) in the Borough of Old Forge says Head Varsity Football Coach Michael Schuback. “So we use the element of pride to focus on getting better and working together.”

he borough of Old Forge houses just over 8,200 people across 3.5 square miles in Lackawanna County. Less than 100 students graduate from the town’s public high school each year. The borough’s most famous contribution to the world is probably a style of pizza, which has been shipped across the country for loyal fans who crave the local delicacy. Anyone who has been to an Old Forge sporting event will likely confirm that Blue Devil fans are especially… passionate. Some residents admit it’s a blue-collar town. Down to earth. Nostalgic. Family-centered. Loyal. Resilient. More inclined to choose a few “cuts of red” over a fancy lobster. More likely to be seen at the Friday-night football game than at a black-tie ball. The borough, incorporated in 1899, was named for the region’s oldest iron forge along the south bank of the Lackawanna River. Many residents are fourth- or fifthgeneration Old Forgers, whose ancestors may well have worked in the coal mines or textile industry after emigrating from Italy, Poland or Ireland. The scrappy, stick-together attitude of hard-working immigrants just might be hereditary.

Over the years, the small town’s athletes have achieved major victories over much larger schools. Old Forge teams have competed at the state championship level in every major sport. The 1932 basketball team won the state title when there were no class divisions; they were the sole champion over the entire Commonwealth. When the baseball team won the state championship in 1992, they had the lowest male enrollment of all the other schools that qualified for the playoffs. Just last year, both the football team and girls’ basketball team reached the state finals (read more from the coaches at HappeningsPA.com). “In eight out of 10 of our games, we will be the smaller school,” HappeningsPA.com

Which is why it’s no surprise that a hard-working, wellloved, can-do kid named Kiel Eigen is from Old Forge (see page 8). And it’s no surprise that his neighbors were the first to help after his injury. “One key to his success was the support system of family, the school and the town of Old Forge itself,” credits Physical Therapist Gina Tomassoni. “Having that support makes a big difference in a patient’s success.” As natural as it was for Eigen to set goals and work relentlessly toward achieving them, step by literal step, it was just as natural for his hometown to help.

January 2015

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Moments after the incident, while Eigen was being assessed at a local hospital, the football team and their parents rallied to pack overnight bags for Eigen’s parents. They shopped for necessities like toothpaste and contact solution. They filled the car with gas. “They did everything humanly possible, so we could just get in the car and leave,” remembers his mom, Kandi Eigen. “It was amazing.” Fundraisers were organized soon after. Local businesses joined the cause. Volunteers made adaptations to the home. Chris Gatto was Eigen’s teacher; he still runs an annual golf tournament (this year scheduled for June 27 at Sand Springs Golf Course in Drums) for Eigen’s benefit.

says the support extends beyond borough limits, as people in on-field rival towns like Taylor and Dunmore continue to ask about him. “These are people you Old Forge’s Head Varsity Football would want in a fox Coach Michael Schuback appreciates hole next to you if you the town’s family businesses, alumni were ever in a battle,” groups, Italian food and pizza. describes Old Forge the same house I live in School District Principal and today; I have known my fifth-generation Old Forge resident Christopher Thomas. neighbors for my entire life, and there are so many others “They are passionate supwho share my story,” admits porters, but more importantThomas. “This is still a little ly, they are community memplace where everyone knows bers who never forgot where your name, who your parents they came from.” And Eigen are, where you live and when is not the first to receive this kind of support. “I have heard you graduated!”

the stories of the parade for Prisoner of War Veteran Thomas Gaylets But the most “Our relatives when he impressive part? The supwho worked in the returned coal mines had to from Korea, port remains. “I wasn’t surrely on each other, to the prised that and we have never parade for the state they helped,” lost the sense of baseball admits Kandi watching out for champions Eigen, “but I’m in 1992,” overwhelmed one another.” continues to see they’re -Chris Gatto Thomas. still doing it.” “We are a Gatto agrees, proud community and very “Eight years removed from proud of all those who claim the accident, and the people it as their hometown!” Old of Old Forge continue to Forge Mayor Bob Mulkerin support Kiel. I believe it’s agrees. “The Borough of how people here have been Old Forge is a throwback to raised. Our relatives who the old days. We’re a small, worked in the coal mines tight-knit community that had to rely on each other, supports each other.” Both and we have never lost the Mulkerin and Thomas grew sense of watching out for up in the town. “I grew up in one another.” Kandi Eigen January 2015

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As much as Old Forge has given to Eigen, Eigen still manages to give back more. “The community is inspired by Kiel,” explains Dan Holland, a teacher and football coach. “Kiel exemplifies everything that Old Forge is about: family, toughness, pride and determination.” From Austin Heights to Babylon and Connel’s Patch to Goose Alley, the people of Old Forge know much more than local sports standings and how to bake a top-notch pizza. They know how to turn neighbors into friends and friends into family. And as they’ve demonstrated, family always takes care of its own. -Erika A. Bruckner (who is proud to have her roots in Old Forge, PA)

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Parenting Practices Through the Years

Local Moms Offer Insights on a Changing World

he world has changed leaps and bounds since the first issue of Happenings Magazine appeared in Northeast PA 1969. Have we reformed our childrearing practices to adapt to a faster-paced society? Some folks say yes. Fast food, mass transportation, email, text messaging and the internet are some of the advancements that have profoundly left their mark on parenting.

down together for dinner every night. Forget the paper napkins. They were reserved for picnics. Linen napkins were folded and placed on top of each plate, and “fast food” was In 1969, Shirley Wagner reserved Eagen, and her late for Saturday husband; Jim Eagen, coevenings stove every sinfounder of Happenings or “treat We ate dinner gle night. No Magazine, lived on a quiet night.” take out. It was together every single street in Clarks Summit with Today, a big thing if their two children, Jay and night. If Jim was demandJim would ever Gretchen, born in 1957 and ing family working, we still sat bring pizza 1960, respectively. Like schedules home. If we down and had many other families of that don’t were home for era, the Eagen family sat allow for dinner together, Saturday night, that luxuwe had hamry often. burgers. That was treat “We ate dinner together night.” every single night. If Jim was working, we still sat Eagen says in 1969, children down and had dinner still rode bicycles and together,” says Eagen. “I walked. “Jay rode his bicycle cooked a dinner on the to the Waverly Community Brianna Eagen listens as her grandmother, Shirley Eagen, House to play basketball.

reminisces about family life in the late 1960s and 1970s.

HappeningsPA.com

continued on page 16 January 2015

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From left, Owen, Maya and Anna McVety enjoy time with their mother, Sarah Dawgert at the Abington Community Library, Clarks Summit

want to do everything in The kids didn’t think anythe "right" way. “There are thing of it. Jay and so many books and webGretchen walked to school. sites at our I think the disposal biggest There are so many that claim change is that all stu- books and websites at to have the answers to dents are our disposal that claim parenting. bused. Today they to have the answers to It’s almost much don’t walk. parenting. It’s almost too informaI think it’s a too much information. tion. It can shame.” feel overwhelming. My parents did a “Years ago, if somebody great job raising us and didsent you something, you sat n't read a million articles down, and you wrote a and books and websites to thank you note. Everything do so.” Dawgert continues, is electronic today. There’s a “When I was growing up, big gap; most children no we had neighborhood longer write thank you friends and just went outnotes.” Children were side, found kids to play with expected to do chores, and and stayed outside until on Saturday night, they dinner. It's different now; were awarded allowances. we set up playdates and have more scheduled activClarks Summit resident ities.” Sarah Dawgert, 39, was raised in the 1970s and Nancy Burke of Clarks 1980s; now she’s mother to Summit says as a child she Owen (7), Anna, (5) and was told to "go outside and Maya (3) McVety. Dawgert play” more than kids are thinks the biggest differtoday. “There seems to be ences are that some parmany more organized ents now, herself included, 16

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activities for kids now, beginning from a much younger age than when I participated in sports as a child.” Burke doesn’t believe the organized activities are necessarily a bad thing because they get kids involved. However, she adds, “I think they keep kids from using their imaginations in finding things to do on their own. When I was growing up, I played with blocks, colored with crayons and put on plays with my five sisters. My kids also played with blocks and crayons, but they had computer games and video games to play with. –Joan Mead-Matsui

January 2015

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Pro-Life Events Mark Start of New Year pproximately 100 people from Northeast PA will be among the half million participants who take part in the 41st Annual March for Life, January 22 in the nation’s capital. The Scranton Chapter of Pennsylvanians for Human Life is offering bus transportation to the event. Buses will leave from the Keyser Oak Shopping Center in Scranton at 6:45 a.m. and will travel to the National Mall in Washington D.C. The March to defend the rights of unborn children starts at 1 p.m. with a Pre-March Rally beginning at noon.

early hours of what is usually a very cold day to express their desire to see a change.” Tickets are $40 for adults, $20 for students.

propelled into a life he'd never imagined,” says Goshler. Following the death of his sister, Schindler works through this organization to protect the lives of Prayer Breakfast the medically vulnerable The Scranton Chapter will and disabled from the also host the annual threat of euthanasia. “This is Respect Life Prayer an important subject,” says Breakfast on Saturday, Goshler. “We are all going to January 31 at St. Mary’s reach the age where the Center in Scranton at 9 a.m. government is going to feel This year’s speaker is Bobby that it is ok to take lives, with assisted suicide and euthanasia. A person in a coma or with a traumatic brain injury is often denied treatment against the wishes of the family Pro-Life advocates when hospital from all corners of Terri Schiavo with her mother, Mary Schindler. ethics committhe United States will tees, the courts gather to march on Schindler, brother of Terri or social services step in. Washington to, “Let our legSchiavo (pictured here) and Through Terri’s Life and islatures and President executive director of the Hope Network’s intervenknow we want Rowe v. Terri Schiavo Life and Hope tion, hundreds of families Wade overturned,” says Network. His life took a dra- receive the support they Helen Goshler, president matic and unexpected turn needed to help family the Scranton Chapter. The in February 1990 when his members receive the treatgrowing number of young older sister suddenly colment they deserve,” people involved in the lapsed and was left with a explains Goshler. Tickets are march each year has profound brain injury. $20 for adults, $10 for chilimpressed Goshler, but, “When Terri's estranged dren age 6 to 12 and free “The most impressive husband sought court perfor age 5 and under. Call thing,” says Goshler, “is mission to starve and dehy- 570-347-8299, or visit that so many people are drate her to death, www.ProLifeScranton.org willing to get up in the Schindler was suddenly –Dominick Carachilo 18

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January 2015

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January 2015

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Look Whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s New !

Northeast PA Babies Born in 2014

Kylah Grace Calafut Born August 24, 2014 to Chrysa and Brandon Calafut of Montdale

Amelia Cole Born October 19, 2014 to Kristen & Andy Cole of Covington Twp.

Garren Connor Born June 3, 2014 to Joanna & Jimmy Connor of Scranton

Evan Cook Born July 7, 2014 to Donald & Colleen Cook of Moscow

William Nathaniel Dixon Born January 6, 2014 to Allasondra & William J. Dixon of Taylor

Andrew Evans Born August 18, 2014 to Sarah & Andrew Evans of Lackawanna

Lucas Farrell Born February 25, 2014 to Jessica & Shane Farrell of Olyphant

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January 2015

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Lila Fedele Born March 20, 2014 to Bobbi & Anthony Fedele of Dalton

Carter Fisher Born January 22, 2014 to Kathlyn & Steven Fisher of Dunmore

Lena Foley Born October 13, 2014 to Lauren & Bob Foley of Clarks Summit

Chapman Giombetti Born February 1, 2014 to Abby & Matthew Giombetti of Jessup

Gracie Griffiths Born August 12, 2014 to Jodi & TJ Griffiths of Old Forge

Steven Hunsinger Born October 24, 2014 to Danielle Heater & Steven Hunsinger of Olyphant

Finley Keating Born October 26, 2014 to Jennifer & Chad Keating of Jessup

Seamus Keeler Born June 11, 2014 to Kristy & Jimmy Keeler of Clarks Summit

Jesse McGinniss Born June 16, 2014 to Kara & Jeremy McGinniss of Clarks Green

January 2014

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January 2015

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continued on page 22

9 21

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Mason Merrifield Born June 21, 2014 to Bianka Donovan & Sean Merrifield of Olyphant

Payton Hurley Panunzio Born September 13, 2014 to Courtney & Diana Hurley Panunzio of Baltimore, MD (Courtney formerly of Peckville)

Nolan John Reckless Born July 25, 2014 to Will & Colleen Brydon Reckless of Scott Twp.

Gia Milian Born June 2, 2014 to Steve & Jennifer Milian of Clarks Summit

Violet Louise Pasko Born February 17, 2014 To Michael & Krista Pasko of Lake Winola

Connor Richelle Born August 24, 2014 to Gina & Donald Richelle, Jr. of Scranton

Mia Ann O'Neill Born May 29, 2014 to Gina DiVizio O'Neill & Jeffrey O'Neill of Dunmore

Siena Profera Born September 10, 2014 to Kassandra & Joseph Profera of Binghamton, NY

Tessa Lynn Robinson Born April 30, 2014 to Bridget & Corey Robinson of Dunmore continued on page 24

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January 2015

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Barbara Rogers Born April 4, 2014 to Heather & Christopher Rogers of East Lemon

Zane Alexander Seitzinger Born January 31, 2014 to Matthew & Krista Seitzinger of Old Forge

Lincoln Verry Born October 3, 2014 to Jessica & Justin Verry of Avoca January 2014 24

Michael Robert Scaturro Born November 3, 2014 to Jean Moran and Mike Scaturro of Scranton

Vito Sterling Schiavo Born November 9, 2014 to Renee & Jonathan Schiavo of Old Forge

Amelia Szili Born September 22, 2014 to Cara & Will Szili of Clifford Twp.

Noah Frederick Toolan Born March 6, 2014 to Kristina & Tim Toolan of Greenfield Twp.

Maxwell & Lucas Wegner Born December 30, 2013 to Sarah (Lipski) & Rodney Wegner of South Abington Twp.

Jonathan Weil Born July 12, 2014 to Jennifer & Dave Weil of Jefferson Twp.

HappeningsMagazinePA.com HappeningsPA.com

9 January 2015

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Alivia S. Jones Born August 8, 2014 to Jennifer Uher-Jones & John Jones of Hughestown

Cole Henry Chmil Born February 14, 2014 to Corey Chmil and Jessica Falk Chmi of Blakely

Luke Matthew Zielinski Born January 8, 2014 to Matt and Lisa Hall Zielinski of Pleasant Mount

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Extreme Career Makeover These five professionals were in the middle of one career path when they found the inspiration and courage to make a drastic change. Here are their stories of new career beginnings. Katharine Schkloven Owner, Spirited Art

the basics of acrylic painting. Though she admits that the uncertainty of opening her own business was difficult, she was excited to bring the concept of painting (while enjoying wine!) to the area.

As a corporate attorney in Richmond, VA, Katherine Schkloven learned to figuratively “paint inside the lines.” But after a family move to Northeast PA, the Duke University Law School graduate contemplated a career change. She wanted to explore entrepreneurial opportunities. She also wanted to make it clear to her young daughters that you are never stuck in a career or life; you can always move in another direction and pursue your dreams.

The studio is a hit with artists of all ages and abilities. No experience is necessary, and all painting supplies are provided. Spirited Art was voted “Best Place for a Night Out” in the 2014 Happie Awards, a contest solely determined by the votes of happy patrons.

Schkloven is now the owner of Spirited Art in Dickson City, a place to relax and learn

Schkloven’s advice to those looking to make a career jump? “Do it and don’t look back. You can second-guess yourself, but if you don’t do it, you may have regret. Pursue that new career with all your heart and you will be successful.”

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Cathy Reppert Owner, Truly Scrumptious LLC Reppert believes a versatile set of skills and a wide array of interests can bring you both success and happiness– a hard-to-find combination. After completing her Masters in Business Administration at Rutgers University, Reppert began a career with a “Big Eight” accounting firm in Philadelphia. She worked with various large and small-scale firms, but found herself extremely unhappy. She no longer looked forward to going to work and was pining for more time at home with family. Today, Reppert is the founder and owner of Truly Scrumptious LLC, located in Kingston. Her business is the very first custom cake

Jerry Musheno, R.Ph., PMP, Esq. Vice President, EAOS Program Director MAXIMUS Federal Services Jerry Musheno began his career as a pharmacist. He later opened Musheno’s Pharmacy in West Scranton, which he eventually converted into a Medicine Shoppe.

business in Northeast PA, and the only custom cake studio/gallery in the area. Reppert stays informed on the latest techniques and trends by continuing education through classes and workshops. Her accomplishments have earned recognition on both local and national levels and have been featured in American Cake Decorating Magazine. Truly Scrumptious has also earned awards from both The Wedding Wire and The Knot. exam, and Musheno took on the task of preparing interns for the latter. His interest in the subject grew as the number of students he assisted increased. Finally, a pharmacist colleague suggested that he consider law school. Pursuing a law degree

Reppert attributes her success to the love and support of her family, some careful planning and her previous business experience. “Surround yourself with positive, supportive people,” she advises. “It is essential to engage the support of loved ones. Making a career jump is not something one can do alone– having support will make the difference in success or failure.”

would allow him to expand knowledge of what he was passionate about while simultaneously becoming credentialed. In 1996, he was accepted to Temple University Beasley School of Law where he enrolled as a full-time student. Continued on page 28

While owning the pharmacy, Musheno encountered a number of interns searching for first-hand experience. It is standard procedure that pharmacy candidates pass both a clinical exam and a pharmacy law January 2015

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Today, Musheno is program director at the Jenkins Township location for MAXIMUS Federal Services, a government services company based in Reston, VA. He has been with the company for the last 14 years, and his specialty is adjudicating appeals associated with the Affordable Care Act. Keeping his hand in pharmacy law, Musheno taught at Wilkes University Nesbitt School of Pharmacy for over 16 years and at the Jefferson University School of Pharmacy. Additionally, Musheno markets a variety of online pharmacy law products, including law review manuals and mock law exams. Musheno attributes his smooth transition from one career to another largely in part to the full support of his wife. “She had to sacrifice an awful lot to make this happen, and I will always be grateful for that,” he says. He also believes that anything is possible for those willing to work hard and plan properly. “There is nothing worse than someone languishing in a career choice in which they are not happy. My suggestion is to move toward whatever career goal you have with an unwavering focus. Don’t give up on your dream. Career changes make even more sense for those who have been in the workforce for a while and may have a better appreciation of what truly motivates or inspires them.” 28

Jack Puhl Artist Jack Puhl was a senior manager for an international health club company in the Washington D.C. area. He made grueling trips from Washington D.C. to New York on a weekly basis. He was considered a great success, but he began to grow weary. His desire to make a life change grew. September 11, 2001 served as his tipping point. Puhl studied Integrative Arts at Penn State University, and he began creating again. He took some time to travel the country before he settled in Chicago. One day, a simple shopping trip triggered a pivotal moment in Puhl’s career as an artist. Browsing in an aisle filled with greeting cards, he had the idea to create cards of his own. An exclusive greeting card company based in New York took notice of his talent and hired him as a designer. Since then, Puhl has experienced much success through his art, even selling pieces internationally. “The drive to be who you are meant to be in the world is the greatest accomplishment for any human being. There’s more to life than a bunch of cash in your pocket. There’s nothing in the world that can take away from the pure satisfaction of accomplishing your goals. The money will come,” says Puhl. He advises, “Jump! Take advantage of every opportunity that comes to you. After all, we only have one, short life to live.” Continued on page 30 HappeningsPA.com

January 2015

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The The center center o off yyour our ffinancial inancial llife ife is is all all in in the the family family L Let et u uss h help elp yyou ou cconnect onnect yyour our financial financial goals goals to to w what ha t m matters a t te r s m most ost Getting to know you and what you care most about — planning for college, taking care of an elder family member, passing a legacy to future generations, buying a second home — is so impor tant . Once we understand your priorities, together, we can help you pursue the goals you’ve set for yourself and your family. Call to learn more today. The Erickson, Hudacek & Leibman Group Steven Erickson, CRPC® S teven E r ic k s o n , C RPC® A ssistant Vice President Wealth Management Advisor 570.330. 8767

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Christina Hitchcock Creator/Blogger, It’s a Keeper Christina Hitchcock was working as the assistant vice president of communications for The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce in 2010 when she decided to begin blogging as a hobby and means of recording her adventures in cooking. By 2012, her blog, “It’s a Keeper,” had become so popular that Hitchcock had to make a choice. She loved cooking, learning about meal preparation and interacting with her readers. She decided to leave her position with The Chamber and devote all of her efforts to full-time blogging.

“Dinner411: How to Get Dinner on the Table in 30 Minutes or Less,” was created to help other busy families prepare healthy, delicious meals. Despite spending more time working on her blog than she did in her previous career, Hitchcock finds herself spending more time than ever with her loved ones. She finds great satisfaction in helping other families and she loves working in a field she’s passionate about. “Start by taking baby steps to following your dreams. Don’t be that person that wakes up one day wondering about what could’ve been. Life is too short– don’t waste time doing things you don’t love!”

Today, Hitchcock spends over 40 hours each week cultivating her blog. Over 1,000 people are subscribed to her email list; she has over 14,600 Facebook fans and is a published author. Her first ebook,

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–Monika Loefflad

January 2015

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•One on One or Small Group Coaching •Sports Performance Training •Adult Team Training featuring FitRanx •Kids Fitness Programs •Group Fitness included in Membership •Ultra Clean and Modern Facility 105 Edella Rd.• S. Abington Twp, PA 570.585.4030•BirchwoodFitness@aol.com www.BirchwoodFitness.com

January 2015

253 Scranton-Carbondale Highway Dickson City, PA 570.507.1560 www.myspiritedart.com spiritedartscranton@gmail.com

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A Passion for Personal Service… Popular Photographer, Reinvented he new year often brings reignited passion and new beginnings. Cheryl Kaiser was inspired to breathe new life into Kaiser Fine Photography after making a trip to a client’s home. The client asked for assistance in finding the best place to hang the photographs she commissioned. For Kaiser, this was the spark of an idea to make her business a more personalized, relationshipbased service.

“I wanted to really concentrate on each client and create a really personal experience for their portraits. It was the right time to tailor my business to my clients' lives and needs. My boutique studio business became mobile,” she explains of her rebranded business. She began as a professional photographer in 1990, and for the last eight years, she primarily worked from her studio in Carbondale. Today, her “studio” travels to clients primarily in Northeast PA, south-

ern NY and northern New Jersey. In addition to photography, she offers lifestyle services to make the day enjoyable, not stressful. She not only meets the client on location; this certified professional photographer and trained concierge has an approved pool of professionals that she works with to fulfill needs such as a nanny to help get the kids ready and a hairstylist. Kaiser’s services extend above and beyond the day

In addition to photography, Kaiser Fine Photography offers lifestyle services to make the day enjoyable, not stressful. 32

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of the photo shoot to shopping for clothes, selecting accessories and locations for the shoot and making transportation arrangements and dinner reservations following the shoot. The styles, sessions and services are all discussed at the initial design appointment. The journey that she takes with clients can culminate in wall portrait installation or even a 10-person cocktail party to unveil the pictures. “It's all about pampering and catering to the client's dreams and making the time, as well as the portrait, a memory from start to finish,” she explains. Rebranding her business took time and marketing to her existing clients. Evolving her business this way has allowed Kaiser to explore her other passions, such as workshops, coaching other photographers and speaking and teaching at retreats through her ministry, Vision Journey Ministries. “This change in my career was scary in the beginning. I had faith that it would be awesome, even though I'm forging a trail no one else has done. It has been wonderful. I'm recharged and re-excited about my photography,” she admits. Call 570-282-4090, or visit www.KaiserPhotography.com –Kieran O’Brien Kern

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5 Professionals Share New Year’s Resolutions for Business fter ringing in the New Year, it’s time to get down to business. Local professionals are setting goals and sharing their plans for the fresh start the New Year brings.

Cooper’s Seafood House Restaurant and Pub Co-Owner, Jack Cooper “We have made a resolution to try and source more foods locally and direct our purchases to local companies,” Cooper says. The Scranton landmark has provided a dining experience unlike any other, and the owners want to give back in 2015. “By locally sourcing, we will help keep the local economy strong,” Cooper adds.

Everything Natural Co-Owner, Barry Kaplan “To boldly go where no store has gone before! We are always looking forward and evaluating how we can improve, so this year is no different,” he says. Since the organic and natural foods store opened in 1985, it has been an innovator in the organic movement. “The store has continued to set bold trends, and we don’t know where this year will take us in that respect, but we’re planning ahead,” Kaplan adds.

Lackawanna Valley Dermatology Association Practice Manager, Kathryn Colombo

“I want to continue to make our practice a place that our staff truly enjoys coming to each morning,” Colombo says. Providing quality dermatologic patient care is always a top priority for everyone on staff in the Scranton and Kingston locations. “Founder of the practice, Dr. Douglas L. Sheldon set high standards that each staff member strives to meet and surpass with each passing year,” Colombo adds.

Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel General Manager, Michael Kearney “Our New Year’s resolution for 2015 is to re-invest and re-invigorate. We take great pride in bringing the Lackawanna Station to life and investing in its preservation and future,” Kearney says. Known as the “Jewel Box of Scranton,” the Radisson is building on that legacy by renovating 146 guest rooms and the Grand Ballroom. “These are very exciting times for us,” Kearney adds.

The Settlers Inn CoOwner, Jeanne Genzlinger “Instead of thinking of them as resolutions, we like to set goals,” Genzlinger explains. This year, the Inn’s owners are asking employees to set individual goals that can be achieved by working together throughout the year. “Right now we’re working on being more efficient while maintaining our quality of service, a challenge we’re up for,” she says. –Cecelia Dunford

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January 2015

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MYStory

Lisa H. Lopez’s Commitment to Get Fit

“

n March 2014, I made the decision to take control of my health and physical fitness. I hoped to control my asthma, gain more energy and strengthen my midsection. I was fearful of trusting another trainer, as I had traveled down this road two times before and failed. I met with Joy de Soto of Birchwood Fitness Center, and during my consultation, I told her about my previous failures; we set expectations and goals and discussed my previous neck and lower back injuries. I left feeling excited! I began with two training sessions per week and worked out on my own twice a week. My warm-up included the elliptical to get my heart rate going, followed by stretching, resistance bands and the exercise

ball. As I advanced, I did no stopping me! I ran my first more challenging planks, race this summer. I'm still crunches and knee push-ups. training with Joy, along with I was nervous because of my neck At 51 years of age, and lower back. Joy took notice as to I feel better and more what the problem fabulous than ever! was and corrected it right away. I thought I would be in pain spin, body burn classes and the following day, but to my working out on my own five surprise, I woke up feeling times a week. fine! Within two weeks of On the days that I struggle to working out, I felt less tired and had more energy. When I go to the gym, I think back to where I was and where I am was a few weeks into trainnow. Within the last eight ing, I began seeing a differmonths, I've lost a body total ence in my clothing. Others of at least 20 inches and 13 began noticing the difference and complimented me. pounds, and I’m down half of my shoe size. My asthma and I texted Joy to thank her for thyroid disease is under conthe great results; she trol; my energy level is up, and my midsection and would entire body is fit. I strengthreply by saying that ened my body and strengthI did all the ened my mind and soul. My work! I felt third time around ended up being a huge win. Lack of that my mission of trust is something we must finding the all overcome at some point right train- during life. By overcoming my fear of trusting another trainer was er I was able to meet my goal! accomMake it your New Year’s resoplished. lution, but also make if a lifeMy motitime commitment to yourself. vation At 51 years of age, I feel betlevel ter and more fabulous than became so high that I ever! This is my lifetime jourstepped it up to three sesney and forever commitment sions per week. I kept gainto myself… It's a priceless gift ing strength, and there was of life! HappeningsPA.com

”

January 2015

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SCENE AROUND TOWN

he Commonwealth Medical College (TCMC) recently held its 6th annual Gala in the Keystone Grand Ballroom at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs. Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania was honored in a special tribute. The black-tie preferred event included a cocktail reception and gourmet dinner followed by a silent auction and dancing to the music of “Which Doctor” and “Hoopla.” Proceeds from the event benefit TCMC’s student scholarship fund.

6th Annual

TCMC Gala Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs October 18, 2014

1 1. Gala Honorees Denise S. Cesare, President and CEO of Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania; John Moses, Esq.; Board Member for Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania and TCMC; Steven J. Scheinman, MD, President and Dean of TCMC 2. Gala 2014 Co-Chairs Terese Casey and Lori Nocito

4 3. TCMC Students and their guests 4. Student Speaker - Robert Griffith, second-year medical student 5. Painting created during the Gala by artist Debra McGinnis. 38

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5 January 2015

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Give Your New Year’s Resolution a Run for Its Money! Get Fit with Barrier Breakers f a New Year's resolution doesn't challenge you, chances are it will not change you. In Northeast PA, running is a popular exercise, but it can be intimidating to those who are not athletic. For those who want to start a new beginning in fitness in 2015, one program may supply the proper motivation.

"Our program promotes an inclusive and encouraging atmosphere," said RJ Stiltenpole, director of the Barrier Breakers Program in Scranton. "Barrier breakers has been the turning point in many of our participants lives, not only for their physical health, but also for their self esteem." Barrier Breakers is a training program of the Scranton Running Company that encourages and welcomes runners of all shapes,

sizes and skill levels and trains them to reach the next level in running. Stiltenpole notes, "The running program trains abilities of all paces; from people looking to get up off the couch and train for their first 5k, or maybe a seasoned runner looking to improve overall pace and distance." The Scranton Running Company is offering a Half Marathon Training Program to begin in January. This 10-week program will end on April 12, just in time for the 2nd Annual Scranton Half Marathon. Visit www.HappeningsPA for essential running tips and supplies.

whites –Michael Baldi

We’ll get all your winter whites as clean as the driven snow. Specializing in cleaning winter coats.

QUALITY • SERVICE • VALUE 531 South State Street (near Talbot’s) Clarks Summit, PA (570) 587-5580 Hours: Mon.-Fri. 7 a.m-7 p.m. • Sat 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.

January 2015

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2 0 1 4

HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

WINNERS!

Happenings Magazine is delighted to announce the local businesses that won the first-ever “Happie Awards!” Winners were chosen by satisfied customers who voted online at www.HappeningsPA.com for businesses that made them most “Happie.” Congratulations to all the winners and their Happie customers!

HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH Best Place to Buy Children’s Clothes, Best Place to Buy Women’s Clothes, Best Place to Buy Gifts Wallflower, Honesdale Best Place to Buy Men’s Clothes Burlap & Bourbon, Scranton Best Car Dealer Edward J. Schwarz, Inc. Buick GMC, Honesdale

Best Mall/ Shopping Center Viewmont Mall, Scranton

Best Photographer Rich Banick Photography, Scranton Best Car Wash Elmy Detailing in Motion, Dunmore Best Travel Agent AAA, Scranton

Best Garden Shop Agway, Honesdale

Best Farm/CSA Josie Porter Farm, Stroudsburg

Best Antiques A Pickers Find, Honesdale

Best Dry Cleaner Eagle Cleaners, Clarks Summit

Best Place to Buy Healthy Food Everything Natural, Clarks Summit

Best Annual Event Clarks Summit Festival of Ice by Abington Business & Professional Assoc.

Best Supermarket Wegmans

Best Fundraiser Touch a Truck by Junior League of Scranton

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Best Gala/Black Tie Event Blue Ribbon Gala by Marley’s Mission, Newton Best Race Steamtown Marathon Best Fair/Festival Best Outdoor Event Best Town-Wide Event Pittston Tomato Festival

Best History-Centered Event Dunmore Cemetery Tour Best Art-Centered Event Second Friday Art Walk, Pittston Best Family Resort, Best Wedding Venue Woodloch Resort, Hawley Best Children/Family Photographer Leah Daniels Photography, Moscow

January 2015

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Best Summer Camp Monroe County Conservation District’s Kettle Creek for Kids, Stroudsburg Best Children’s Dentist Dr. Kristin Paoli, Pediatric Dental Specialists, LLC., Clarks Summit Best Children’s Membership Lake Hideaway, Moscow Best Children’s Event Moments of Magic Children’s Consignment Sale, Dickson City Best Local Musicians Mace in Dickson Band Best Concert Venue Mohegan Sun, Wilkes-Barre Best Ballet/Dance Company Elite Dance Company, Hazleton Best Library Abington Community Library, Clarks Summit Best Place for a Night Out Spirited Art, Dickson City Best Casino Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, Wilkes-Barre Best Sports Team/Experience Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins Best Late-Night Hangout January 2015

Backyard Ale House, Scranton Best Movie Theater Cinemark, Moosic Best Builder/ Remodeler KRK Construction, Clarks Summit Best Home Improvement Store Lowes, Dickson City & Wilkes-Barre Best Realtor Barry Kaplan, Clarks Summit Best Wedding Photographer Photography by Seneca, Montrose Best Wedding Dress Shop Seneca’s Bridal and Dress Boutique, Montrose Best Wedding Baker Infinite Sweets, Sarah Hayduk, Factoryville Best DJ/Wedding Band UUU Best Limo Company Gilbride Limo, Olyphant Best Florist Ambiance Event Planning & Floral Design, Scranton Best Tuxedo Rental Savvi by Sarno & Son, Scranton

HappeningsPA.com

Best Wedding/ Event Planner Kelly Moore of Ambiance Event Planning & Floral Design, Scranton Best Caterer Constantino’s Catering & Events, Dunmore Best Overall Restaurant, Best Breakfast, Best Vegetarian Restaurant, Best Bed and Breakfast Fern Hall Inn, Clifford Best Seafood Restaurant Cooper’s Seafood House, Pittston & Scranton Best Pizza Restaurant Colarusso’s Coal Fired Pizza, Dickson City Best Wine List, Best Steaks Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Wilkes-Barre Best Sushi Kabuki, Peckville Best Wings, Best View Ehrhardt’s Waterfront Resort, Hawley Best Subs/Hoagies Primo Hoagies, Scranton Best College or University University of Scranton, Scranton Best High School Scranton High School, Scranton

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Best Elementary School William Prescott Elementary School, Scranton Best Preschool William Prescott Elementary School with Jodi Griffiths, Scranton Best Continuing Education Program Johnson College, Scranton Best Distance Education School Misericordia University, Dallas Best Tutor/Tutoring Service NEPA Career and College Counseling Associates, Clarks Summit Best Non-Credit Training or Professional Development Program Leadership Lackawanna, Scranton Best College Counselor Jennifer Kresock, NEPA Career and College Counseling Associates, Clarks Summit Best Teacher/Professor Dr. Kristel Gallagher, Keystone College, Factoryville Best Dentist Dr. Mike Rogers of Complete Dentistry of NEPA, Honesdale Best Orthodontist Dr. Joyce A. Perih, Scranton

Best Hospital Geisinger CMC, Scranton Best Primary Care Doctor Dr. Kenneth H. Rudolph, MD Scranton Best Rehab Facility Allied Services Integrated Health System, Scranton Best Oncologist Dr. Harmar Brereton of Northeast Radiation Oncology Centers, Dunmore Best Cardiologist Dr. Linda Barrasse of Great Valley Cardiology, Scranton Best Obstetrician/ Gynecologist Dr. Barbara Plucknett, Scranton Best Optometrist Dr. Kenneth Savitski Optometry, Peckville Best Water Park Camelbeach Water Park, Tannersville Best Museum Everhart Museum of Natural Science, History and Art, Scranton Best Water Outfitter Shawnee River Adventures, Shawnee-on-Delaware Best Ski Resort Ski Shawnee Mountain, Shawnee-on-Delaware Best Golf Course, Best Hotel for Business Travel

Best Hotel Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort, Shawnee-on-Delaware Best Food Truck What the Fork, Scranton Best Service Best Bar Best Value Best Atmosphere Slopeside Pub and Grill at Blue Mountain, Palmerton Best CafĂŠ Zummoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cafe, Scranton Best Ethnic Restaurant Savory Maza, Scranton Best Diner Glider Diner, Scranton Best Veterinarian Dr. Robert Noto, Memorial Veterinary Hospital, Scranton Best Pet Groomer Shear Pawfection Pet Grooming, Waverly Best Pet Boarding (tie) Springbrook Kennels, Inc., Spring Brook Hidden Valley Kennels, Nicholson Best Place to Buy Pet Supplies Petsmart, Dickson City Best Place to Adopt a Pet One Life to Live Pet Rescue, Scranton Best Dog Park Hillside Park Dog Park Clarks Summit

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Best Zoo/Animal Attraction Claws ‘N Paws, Lake Ariel Best Pet-Centered Event Pet Walk by Griffin Pond Animal Shelter, Clarks Summit Best Resort, Best Romantic Resort, Best Winter Resort, Best Summer Resort Cove Haven, Lakeville Best Resort/Hotel for Girlfriend Getaways (tie) Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort, Shawnee-onDelaware Fern Hall Inn, Clifford Best Blog It’s a Keeper (www.itisakeeper.com) Best Farm Market Scranton Co-op Farmers Market Best Chocolate Maker Gertrude Hawk Chocolates, Dunmore Best Event Venue Hilton Scranton & Conference Center, Scranton Best Ice Cream Manning Farm Dairy, Dalton, Clarks Summit, Dunmore, Scranton Best Bank/Credit Union NET Federal Credit Union, Scranton, Olyphant January 2015

Best Local Author Tiffany Cloud Olsen (Author of “Sleeping With Dog Tags) Best Pumpkin Patch/Fall Fun, Best Christmas Tree Farm Roba Family Farms, North Abington Twp. Best Insurance Agent Christie Bonnice of State Farm, Wilkes-Barre Best Nonprofit Interfaith Friends, Tunkhannock Best Chiropractor Porzio-Hawley Chiropractic, Clarks Summit Best Place for Mother’s Day Dining The Gallery at Pierce Plaza, Kingston Best New Business R / Dry Bar, Clarks Summit Best New Restaurant J J McNally’s, Scranton Best Hospice Care Hospice of the Sacred Heart, Wilkes-Barre Best Independent Distributor Joanna Connor of Stella & Dot Best Winery Maiolatesi Wine Cellars, Olyphant HappeningsPA.com

Best Downtown for Shopping Scranton Most Creative Foods AuRant’s, Duryea Best Videography Bar None Videography, Macungie Best Event Company MCR Productions, West Pittston Best Horse-Drawn Carriage Brookvalley Farm, Carbondale Best Patio Dining Carl Von Luger Steak & Seafood, Scranton Best Candy Store Ebb’s Candy Jar, Tunkhannock Best Pastries Brankos Patiessiere du Jour, Honesdale Best College President Dr. Steven Scheinman, The Commonwealth Medical College, Scranton Best Emergency Care for Pets Veterinary Referral & Emergency Center, Clarks Summit Best Animal Hospital Memorial Veterinary Hospital, Dickson City, Old Forge, Throop

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SCENE AROUND TOWN

Happie Together Inaugural Happie Awards • Nov. 25, 2015

appie Award winners were honored at the Happie Meal & Award Luncheon held at the Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel in Scranton on November 25, 2014. Winners were chosen by satisfied customers who voted for businesses that made them most “Happie.” Thousands of votes were cast at www.HappeningsPA.com, resulting in 142 inaugural Happie Awards given to businesses in the Northeast PA region. “This is not another ‘Best of…’ contest. These businesses were able to rally customers to vote because they excel at creating and keeping ‘Happie’ customers, which is an exceptional skill in today’s business world,” says Happenings Publisher Paula Mackarey, who spoke at the event. Find a full list of winners on pages 40-43. View the entire gallery of photos at www.HappeningsPA.com

Lisa Ragnacci

Peter Salerno

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SCENE AROUND TOWN 1. Kathy and Buddy Croft, Eagle Cleaners 2. Stefanie Colarusso, Everhart Museum; Michael Colarusso, Colarusso’s Coal Fired Pizza 3. Diane Baldi and Ralph DeMario, MD, Hospice of the Sacred Heart 4. Erica Filstein, Woodloch Resort; Jessica Wakeman, The Lodge at Woodloch; Sarah O’Fee, Ehrhardt’s Waterfront Resort 5.Leah Rudolph, Abington Community Library; Dr. Kenneth H. Rudolph, MD 6. Carmen Ferranti, Mark Bennett, Robbie Risley, Nicole Morristell, Meegan Possemato, Colleen Carter, Leadership Lackawanna 7. Kristel Gallagher and Amanda Stanley, Keystone College 8. Lori Nocito, Pittston Tomato Festival; Rose Randazzo, Pittston 2nd Friday Art Walk

nacci Lisa Rag

Photos by Cheryl Kaiser Fine Photography January 2015

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Thank you for voting! Check the February 2015 issue for more highlights from the Inaugural Happie Awards, and look for information on the 2015 Happie Awards in June 2015! H

BEST PIZZA RESTAURANT H

570-489-2627

BEST DENTIST H

Dr. Michael Rogers

570-253-5000

1126 Commerce Blvd. • Dickson City, PA

3373 Lake Ariel Hwy. • Honesdale PA

www.colarussoscoalfiredpizza.com

BEST CATERER H

570-963-1691

www.smilesbydesignpa.com

BEST SEAFOOD RESTAURANT H

458 E. Drinker St. • Dunmore, PA

570-346-6883 • 570-654-6883 Scranton Pittston

ConstantinosCatering.com

www.coopers-seafood.com

BEST LIMO COMPANY H

BEST HOSPICE CARE H

570-307-5466

• 570-706-2400 1-800-657-6405

1015 Underwood Road • Olyphant, PA

www.GilbrideLimo.com

www.hospicesacredheart.org

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Congratulations Winners!

Photos: Cheryl Kaiser Fine Photography

Clockwise from top left: Leah & Ryan Daniels, Leah Daniels Photography; Rachel & Keith Kobesky, KRK Construction; Eric Lansberry and Kevin Gardner, Cove Haven Entertainment Resorts; Barry Kaplan, Everything Natural

BEST VETERINARIAN H Dr. Robert J. Noto

570-483-1930

1534 Scranton-Carb. Hwy. • Dickson City PA

memorialveterinaryhospital.com H

BEST BANK/ CREDITH UNION

570-961-5300

1444 E. Lackawanna Ave, Ste. 101, Olyphant, PA

www.netcreditunion.org H

BEST CHILDREN’ S DENTIST H

BEST ORTHODONTIST H

570-587-5541 • 570-972-1033 Clarks Summit Pocono Summit

1210 O’Neill Hwy. • Dunmore, PA

www.keepkidssmiling.com

570-969-9650 www.perihsmile.com

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REVEAL Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;M MARRIED to JoEllen, and together we have three children, Jason, Phillip and Beth. I AM a Pennsylvania State Licensed Psychologist, and I operate my practice at several locations in our area. MY FAVORITE childhood toy was the ViewMaster slides of many imaginative stories. I believe that activity helped me to be creative and imaginative in my profession.

JOHN G. KUNA, Psy. D. of Nicholson shares how he spends his time living and working in Northeast PA! I AM HAPPY to have a life with all my family involved and around me. I am proud of how my practice has grown and has been productive and helpful in Northeast PA.

BEING WITH my family and attending church brings me the most joy!

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;M ACTIVE in supporting local food kitchens and attending and helping at church. PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW I memorize Latin poetry and verses. THIS YEAR My wife and I traveled to Boldt Castle in the Thousand Islands. We also stayed at Mohonk Mountain, NY. I RELAX by gardening, taking walks and watching sports such as football. I ENJOY the fall. I like the change of seasons and the colors of the trees, and it is the time of my wedding anniversary.

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January 2015

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I AM PROUD of the ethnic cultural, customs and foods in Northeast PA. I SPONSOR food drives for local food kitchens. I support them through donations and at times, participation on site. I also support Multiple Sclerosis Society. As someone with MS, this is a personal cause as well. MY FAVORITE FOOD is Noodles Stroganoff. It was a family favorite. ONE OF MY FAVORITE restaurants is Basillicoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. I enjoy their Greek salad as it has a good mixture of Feta cheese, red onions and olives.

John G. Kuna, Psy. D. has been reading Happenings since it was first published. Each month, he picks up a copy at the Blue Bird Diner near Factoryville. He enjoys looking at the advertisements and the lists of events to plan his calendar of social gatherings and entertainment. Dr. Kuna follows Happenings on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest because it is helpful in putting him in touch with and provides opportunities for meeting liked-minded people.

Tanja Adonizio

Affiliated with:

(570) 319-9100

tanja.adonizio@mei-travel.com

www.mei-travel.com and www.mousefantravel.com January 2015

HappeningsPA.com

JAN 15 PGS 25-50_Layout 1 12/12/14 7:56 PM Page 26

Win

$200 Gift Certificate for Eagle Cleaners

in Clarks Summit Earn an entry just for being a fan of Eagle Cleaners on Facebook!

EAGLE CLEANERS – committed to meticulous care and superior customer service since 1997. Offering dry cleaning services for a wide array of apparel and soft furnishings. Dry cleaning and laundering services are augmented by wash-and-fold shirt service, care of leather, suede and furs, alterations and cleaning of home furnishings. Specializing in wedding gown preservation (valued at $175). 531 S. State St., Clarks Summit (570) 587-5580

QUALITY • SERVICE • VALUE 50

Enter to Win

at www.HappeningsMagazinePA.com, or mail your name, phone number & mailing address to “January Explore More Contest” Happenings Magazine P.O. Box 61 Clarks Summit, PA 18411

HappeningsPA.com

January 2015

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Winter Wedding Guide

Pamela Wassel & Jason Bond at Woodloch Resort, Hawley Josh Finsel and Amber Breiner Photography

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Josh Finsel and Amber Breiner Photography

Pamela

Wassel J

ason and Pamela met at a local gym. They began going to concerts, taking rides on Jason’s motorcycle, hiking, skiing and snowboarding. Soon their friendship grew into love. Jason and Pam took two trips to the West Coast to see the Dave Matthews Band. At the end of a second trip, Jason proposed overlooking the beautiful Columbia River. Pam and Jason were married

Jason Bond on February 8, 2014. The ceremony and reception took place at The Inn at Woodloch in Hawley, PA. The wedding’s theme was based on the couple’s love of wintertime. The groom and best man wore wool suits rather than tuxedos for a more casual style, while the bride wore Ugg boots at the reception. Pine tree saplings and hot cocoa were given as favors. The bride and groom were showered with handmade snowflakes as they HappeningsPA.com

made their official exit as husband and wife. The bride’s uncle officiated the ceremony, and as a tribute to each of their late fathers, the chosen wedding date, February 8, is exactly half way between the birthday of each of their fathers. An impending snowstorm threatened to hit on the wedding day; thankfully, the storm came two days early and did not disrupt any travel plans for guests.

January 2015

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Following the reception, the party continued until the morning with a bonfire and sâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;mores. The couple enjoyed a twoweek cruise to Alaska for the honeymoon. They currently reside in Stroudsburg, PA. â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Ann Moschorak

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The New Spin on Wedding Food

decade ago, the traditional wedding dinner featured a five-course sit down meal of a beef, chicken or fish option. Guests checked off their dinner choice with their RSVP, only to forget as the big day approached. “Today, people want their weddings to be more fun and less structured than in the past,” says Joshua Mast, co-owner of Posh @ The Scranton Club and The Colonnade in Scranton. The focus on fun, coupled with the gamut of evolving food trends, gives brides an extensive range of options to feed their famished guests. Just as family and restaurant food trends have moved to local, sustainable choices, so have weddings. “The trend seems to be an awakening of the senses. Today, we focus on the

beauty and taste of food, as it is a feast for the senses. First you see; then you smell and finally you taste,” says Sam Kamenitzer, co-owner of Fern Hall Inn in Clifford. Some couples are choosing a variety of stations that give guests the opportunity to sample different food at their leisure, while enjoying dancing and conversing with family and friends rather than being tied to their table during a set time. The options are endless and aimed at incorporating the bride and groom’s vision and taste for their day. Others still favor the traditional sit-down dinner, but with a modern spin. “More people are offering the same entrée for all guests with a dual plate of land and sea fare,” says Mast. For example, they may combine roast beef and tilapia, orange roughy and filet mingon, or lobster

tail and filet of beef. KamenitzerKen adds, “The tradiSchurman/VIP Studios tional choices are undergoing a transformation. Creativity is the word that comes to mind for entrees, with sauces, marinade and herbs, giving plates a wow factor.” In the past, a multi-tiered layered cake that often looked far better than it tasted was mostly for the photo op it offered the happy couple. Now, dessert is also veering away from time-honored traditions. Smaller cakes paired with dessert stations like cookies and milk, s’mores or hot cocoa are on trend. Whether traditional or modern, the range of options is more extensive than ever and guaranteed to make dinner at any wedding something to remember for years to come. –Julie Korponai

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WHERE TO HAVE YOUR WEDDING OR YOUR NEXT SPECIAL EVENT

POSH @ The Scranton Club 404 North Washington Avenue Scranton PA 570-955-5890 • WWW.POSHATSC.COM

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Kathleen Elizabeth Nealon

& Jeffrey

Kparty. They met by chance again

athleen and Jeffrey first met at a

outside a coffee shop in Scranton 20 years later. Jeffrey proposed at the home of Kathleen’s sister and brother-in-law. Their excitement was equaled by that of her niece Isabella who was excited to welcome a new uncle into the family. Their wedding was an elegant affair with a whisper of Italian pizzazz. The Dunmore High and Scranton Prep graduates said “I do” at St. Mary’s of Mount Carmel on May 2, 2014. The rehearsal dinner was held at The Colonnade in Scranton, and the reception was at the Scranton Country Club. Music was by classically trained tenor Christopher Macchio, who has made continued on page 58

otograp

aples Ph

n Dino De

F. Scanlon

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Affordable Elegance Wedding Packages

10% OFF Brazilian & Keratin

Forever Yours Wedding Package Includes: First Hour Reception • Five Hours Open Bar with Premium Liquors • Exquisite Dinner Champagne Toast • Custom Cake Free Whirlpool Room for Bride & Groom and More! Call Zorianna 570-491-2400 x 699, email: zgrosso@innathuntslanding.com

120 Routes 6 & 209, Matamoras PA

570.969.1705 1016 River Street, Scranton

January 2014

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www.bestwesternhuntslanding.com

JAN 15 PGS 51-72_Layout 1 12/12/14 8:06 PM Page 8

numerous network television appearances. Guests danced to the sounds of Daddy-O and the Sax Maniax whose horn section added to the 1920s Deco ambiance. The celebration included elegantly simple centerpieces, intimate lighting and an hors d’oeuvres table abounding with shrimp, sushi and Italian favorites. Kathleen chose a dress from Kleinfeld’s in New York, along with a veil that made her feel like an Italian princess. The dessert display featured an array of Italian pastries surrounding the cake. The couple honeymooned in Florence Italy and resides in Scranton. –Kieran O’Brien Kern

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January 2015

HappeningsPA.com

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Laura Perry, Laura Leigh Photo

Shannon Gillen &Steve Warner S

hannon and Steve met while working for Lackawanna Ambulance. After dating for over two years, Steve proposed on October 12, 2012. While walking their dog Teagan, Steve tied a note to the dog’s collar asking Shannon to marry him. Shannon read the note, and of course, she said yes! The wedding was May 31, 2014. The ceremony took place at Saint Catherine of Siena Church in Moscow; the reception was held at Zacharellis Gardens in Elmhurst. The wedding’s

theme was rustic. The church was decorated with burlap and lace bows and a grey and yellow color scheme. Centerpieces were decorated mason jars with flowers, a lantern with a candle and framed chalkboard table numbers on pieces of wood. Following the wedding, 200 guests enjoyed beautiful scenery for photos, an elegant building for a cocktail hour and a grassy area for the tented out-

HappeningsPA.com

door reception at Zacharellis. The bride’s father surprised the family by hiring a bagpipe player to perform at the conclusion of the ceremony as a nod to the couple’s Irish heritage. continued on page 62

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(Continued from Page 60) Since both are members at the Moscow Volunteer Fire and Hose Company, it was important that the trucks be incorporated into their big day. Steve is the Fire Chief in Moscow, and Shannon is the EMS Lieutenant. Additionally, the North Pocono Mutual Aid Honor Guard surprised the couple by coming to the ceremony. They enjoyed a West Coast honeymoon and currently live in Madison Township. â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Ann Moschorak

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Elegance for All Your Special Occasions

702 St. Mary’s Villa Road Elmhurst Twp. PA • zacharellisgardens.com • 570-842-4975 January 2015

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Clyde Rosencrance

&Lisa

Hummel

lyde and Lisa met as students at the University of Scranton. They graduated, obtained their MBAs together, studied abroad in China, worked together at Prudential and walked together at graduation in May 2010. Clyde proposed to Lisa on a secluded beach in the Bahamas shortly after graduating. They married May 17, 2014 at Stone Hedge Country Club in Factoryville, PA. Paper flowers made by the bride were accented by Baby’s Breath. Over 3,000 petals were folded over ten months. The centers of most flowers were buttons, which were collected from loved ones throughout their engagement. Flowers for the bride’s bouquet were made of sheet music of their first dance song, “Then” by Brad Paisley. The couple’s dog, Jake was the ring bearer; he wore a handmade bow tie and “dog ring bearer pillow” on his back to walk the aisle.

HappeningsPA.com

January 2015

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Rustic elements included Mason Jar centerpieces, which sat atop wooden discs cut from a maple tree at the groom’s childhood home. Garters were handmade with lace and flowers. Favors were individually punched Mason jar tags with plantable 3-D flowers handmade with seed paper. Guests enjoyed games at the reception like, “The Shoe Game” where the DJ asked a series of questions submitted by friends and family, and the newlyweds answered the questions by holding up the shoe of the person that the question referenced. A 3-D heart guestbook frame was handmade by the bride and now hangs on the wall of their home in Dalton. –Erika Covert

Michael Straub Photography

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January 2015

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Start the year of offf right... with Mary Mary!! Call today. today.

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New Beginnings Together How to Create a Successful Marriage

r. Tiffany Griffiths, a Clinical Psychologist with 13 years of experience, shares advice for newlyweds.

How can couples cope with the transition out of the “honeymoon phase?” Some couples feel that once the initial chemistry is gone, they fall out of love. Our brains send signals for good feelings when we find a suitable mate. That level of excitement cannot be maintained on a day-to-day basis. By developing a deeper bond based on communication and understanding, couples create a deeper type of love. What new patterns should newlyweds establish? Couples should create a sense of “we” by discussing boundaries involving finances and children and roles within the relationship such as household duties and work situations. By creating traditions such as date nights and holiday gatherings, couples can strengthen this bond. The concept of being an “us” should not, however, 68

cause either individual to lose his/her sense of self. What advice for newlyweds have you encountered that may be misguided? The idea that traditional roles are always best can cause much resentment. Roles differ for each couple and family and should be based on individual needs rather than what the couple feels is expected. In addition to role expectations, many couples do not believe their own needs must come first. Individual needs such as getting rest, eating properly and finding private time, must come first. This is especially important once a couple has children. If you are stable and healthy and you have a stable and healthy relationship, your children will be taken care of. What general advice do you most often give to couples? The most important aspect of any relationship is communication. Couples must learn to communicate with each other honestly, directly HappeningsPA.com

Tiffany Griffiths, Psy.D. & Associates provides integrated and evidencebased psychological, counseling and wellness services for individuals, couples, families and groups including children, adolescents, and adults with a holistic approach to the wellness of mind, body and spirit. Dr. Griffiths and Associates believe that each individual has within them the capacity to fulfill their fullest potential. Often times we get sidetracked from our true purpose by illness and stress.

and with love. Communicating is not only talking but also understanding the needs of your partner. If you only give love how you would like to receive it, you may not be giving the other person what they need. To find more advice for newlyweds, visit www.HappeningsPA.com! –Ashley Price

January 2015

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Woodloch Bridal Showcase Put Some Fun into Wedding Planning! oodloch’s Annual Bridal Showcase will be February 8 from noon to 3 p.m. at the Inn at Woodloch in Hawley. Local vendors will show off what makes them special.

“Woodloch provides food and drinks for everyone; we have a couple of live bands perform and games for guests to play all while they peruse and have one-on-one conversations with potential vendors for a wedding,” says Woodloch’s Rory O’Fee. “It’s about having fun! It’s kind of like coming to a wedding at Woodloch!” Embarking on its third year, the Bridal Showcase attracts roughly 400 guests. With

over 30 vendors, guests can explore services from music, to linens, to hair stylists, to bakeries, decorators and even ice sculptors! There will be door prizes and grand prizes. Plus, each vendor or booth usually has something special guests can win. The show allows brides to meet vendors and ask questions all in one place. It takes some stress away from wedding planning! It’s a useful tool for brides-to-be, whether the wedding is at Woodloch or another venue. “Our setup is unique, and we make it feel like a party’s going on” describes O’Fee. Each vendor is hand-selected by our wedding team.” Registration is $8 at the door (save $2 by pre-registering). Woodloch brides get in free! Call 570-685-8002, or visit www.Woodloch.com/weddings –Nicole Krempasky & Erika Bruckner

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Weddings in Every Season Year-Round Options at Woodloch Pines Resort

arm sunshine, fall color, spring breezes or snow- covered scenes? Couples have their choice of seasonal backdrops for weddings in Northeast PA! Woodloch Resort shares the highlights of each of the four seasons in Hawley, PA.

WINTER As the temperatures drop, Lake Teedyuskung and the surrounding landscape of Woodloch Resort becomes a frosty canvas to paint wedding memories. Some couples brave the elements to say, “I do” in the snow. The resort was named one of the 10 Best U.S. Snow Resorts by Parents Magazine. Guests can enjoy private snow tubing or ice skating. During the holiday season, reserve a private “Festival of Lights” illuminated wagon ride followed by hot cocoa and s’mores around a fire. SPRING Blossoming trees and shrubs at Woodloch’s ceremony sites set the stage for phenomenal wedding photography. Couples can shake off pre-wedding jitters with an exhilarating zipline ride, or if the wedding party has a competitive streak, bridesmaids and groomsman can square off in a friendly paintball skirmish.

SUMMER “We’ve had ‘rehearsal dinners’ take the form of a backyard barbeque, complete with a slip n’ slide and bean bag toss,” says Cara Stokowski, wedding coordinator. Brides can make an entrance to their ceremony via boat, horse-drawn carriage or motorcycle. Outdoor porches can host bridal party cocktail gatherings. Guests can bond over field day-style “Olympics!” Punctuate the perfect day with a private firework display or a bonfire. A visit from a late-night food truck can leave guests with warm hearts and full stomachs. FALL The brilliant foliage ignites the landscape for a stunning backdrop. The resort is awash in the sights, sounds and smells of the harvest season. “Our resort has a very ‘Dirty Dancing’ feel to it. One couple actually had a Dirty Dancing themed wedding,” says Amanda Gallo, wedding coordinator. Halloween lovers can enjoy the resort’s famous “Haunted Hayrides” through the nature trail. For a fun-filled finish to the night, follow the reception with private “Pub Games.” Visit www.woodloch.com or call 800-966-3562 –Kieran O’Brien Kern

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introducing

Kathy Castelletti Bella Natura’s New Reiki Instructor Call today for your appointment A FULL-SERVICE SALON SPECIALIZING IN ORGANIC HAIR COLOR, PRODUCTS AND SERVICES 1 Gravel Pond Road • Clarks Summit

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Mention this ad to receive a FREE Juvederm Consultation ($75.00 Value!) January 2015

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Natalie J. Mennicucci Daniel S. Seeuwen

atalie and Daniel met through a mutual college friend and spent their first date skiing at Elk Mountain Ski Resort. They married at Trailsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s End Retreat Center at Beach Lake on Saturday October 19, 2013. The retired Reverend Paul Bowman officiated at the lakefront ceremony. The rustic, autumn-themed reception was at the main lodge. In attendance were 125 guests from throughout the United States. Hundreds of jack-o-lantern pumpkins grown by a neighbor were used as dĂŠcor and given as favors. Vintage wedding photographs of the parents and grandparents were displayed. The bride wore a lace beaded headpiece and belt that were hand-made by her longtime friend. The groom followed Dutch tradition by having a tobacco pipe crafted to celebrate the occasion. continued on page 80

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ake Best Western Pioneer Plaza your venue for weddings or any special occasion!

Brand New…

The Chandelier Ballroom— Accommodating Parties from 50-500 Guests Ample On-Site Free Parking for All Guests. 61 Spacious Rooms & Suites for Out-of-Town Friends & Family. Photos in our beautiful courtyard or in front of the fireplace. Brand New On-Site Ambers Bar & Restaurant. Book your wedding with us by February 28, 2015, & receive a FREE Pasta Station for your cocktail hour *Promotion is subject to change. Other restrictions may apply.

25 South Main Street • Carbondale, PA

www.thepioneerplaza.com Call our Wedding Coordinator at 570-536-6020 sales@thepioneerplaza.com

An Exquisite Blend of Rustic Elegance

Our rustic elegant setting has become the Pocono's most sought after venue. Amongst our 200 acres is our beautiful Apple Orchard for an enchanted ceremony, the Vintages Wine Room for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, and the Heritage Barn for your reception. Built in the 1800s, this authentic piece of history features 25 foot ceilings and a two level patio with a real wood burning fireplace.To end the evening, you and your guests will gather around the lakeside fire pit for "S'MORE" celebrating... A perfect ending to a perfect day! Our team at Memorytown works passionately together to ensure your one special day is filled with memories to last a lifetime! Call Carla to arrange your personal tour 570-839-1680

Memorytown Event Grounds and Visiting Farm

On site cabins & accommodations available. Newlywed couple enjoys complimentary honeymoon suite!

432 Grange Road • Mount Pocono, PA • 570.839-1680 • MemorytownUSA.com January 2015

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continued from page 78 The wedding party walked down the sandy aisle to “100 Years” and “Here Comes the Sun” played on acoustic guitar by family friend John Marseca. The bride’s German Shepherd was incorporated into the wedding party. A donation was made to the Dessin Animal Shelter in Honesdale. The bride is a photographer, and the groom is employed at Steer Machine. They honeymooned in Holland and Austria, where they skied the Alps. They reside in Newfoundland. –Linda Scott

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January 2015

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w h e r e

Arcaro & Genell- On Main Street,

Coney Island Lunch- A Scranton

Old Forge since 1962. Carrying on the family tradition of homemade Italian specialty entrees, seafood, steak, chicken, veal & much more. Old Forge Red & White Pizza. Open Monday -Saturday, lunch at 11 a.m., dinner at 3 p.m.; takeout available. Private parties Sun. Catering services available on and off premise. www.arcarongenell.com 570-457-5555.

tradition since 1923. Taste the Texas Wieners and Texas Hamburgers that made us famous. Serving homemade soups, old-fashioned rice pudding and chili-con-carne. Enjoy our legendary chili sauce, created from a closelyguarded family recipe, eat in or take it out. Open Mon.-Sat. 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun. noon-6:30 p.m. 515 Lackawanna Ave., Scranton. 570-961-9004. www.texas-wiener.com.

Carl Von Luger Steak & Seafood- A family tradition since

Cuppa Cake Cafe- Experience

t o

& BBQs, Golf & Ski Specials, weddings, reunions & parties. Romantic, beautiful, historic stone estate, nine guest rooms and award-wining golf course on Crystal Lake. 2819 Rt. 247 Clifford. www.fernhallinn.com 570-222-3676.

The French Manor- Elegant dining room features a 40-foot vaulted ceiling and two massive fireplaces. Request a table on the terrace for wonderful views of the Pocono Mountains or a table by the fireplace for a romantic dining experience. Gourmet dinner menu features Classical and Nouvelle French Cuisine. Proper attire required. (Jackets for gentlemen). Please note: restaurant is not suitable for children under 12. Reservations: 570-676-3244. www.thefrenchmanor.com.

1887. Casual fine dining in downtown Scranton. USDA prime steaks & fresh seafood. Lunches from $6.25; dinners starting at $13.25. Entertainment. Friday Night Jazz Lounge 7-11 p.m. Sunday brunch 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Dinner dress code. Outdoor dining available. Open daily. 301 N. Washington Ave., Scranton. 570-955-5290 www.carlvonluger.com

Scranton's only cupcakery cafe located in Green Ridge Corners at 701 E. Market St. All of our menu items are made from scratch daily! Cupcakes, Paninis, sandwiches, salads, soups, baked goods, coffee, tea. Enjoy comfortable seating in our relaxing atmosphere. 570-871-4352.

Glass wine.bar.grill- See ad page

Ehrhardt’s Waterfront Restaurant- Overlooking beautiful

Gresham’s Chop House- Dine in

Carmen’s 2.0 Restaurant & World Tour Menu- A fresh ingre-

Lake Wallenpaupack, Ehrhardt’s cozy atmosphere and delicious food will have you returning time and time again. We offer a variety of steaks, seafood, salads, burgers, sandwiches and more! Open 7 days a week 11:30 a.m. Pub open later. Route 507, Hawley. 570-226-2124. www.ehrhardts.com.

dient kitchen featuring fresh steaks and seafood, house-made pastas, vegetarian options & a World Tour monthly menu featuring a different region of the world. Located in the grand Lackawanna Station terminal (now the Radisson Hotel). 570-558-3929. www.carmensradisson.com

Coccetti's A Restaurant & Bakery- Enjoy charming decor & unique breakfast/lunch creations including funky chicken salad, Eggs Benedict & California Reuben. Daily homemade baked goods including cake by the slice & chocolate peanut butter brownies. Daily breakfast/ lunch specials. Tuesday-Friday 7a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday 7 a.m.-noon. 1124 Main St., Peckville. 570-489-4000.

Failtes Steakhouse- Traditional Irish pub with a full-service dining room and spacious deck. Lunch and dinner served daily from 11a.m. Sunday Brunch 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Daily Happy Hour at the bar. Entertainment every weekend. Great burgers, steaks, fresh seafood, salads, sandwiches and more! 1492 Route 739, Dingmans Ferry, PA 570-828-6506. www.failtepa.com

Fern Hall Inn. Dining. Rooms. Golf- Rated "Best of the Best" and

our beautiful dining room, cozy bar or under the awning on our deck, and enjoy dazzling views of Lake Wallenpaupack while choosing from delicious steaks, seafood, Italian specialties and more. Visit us at www.greshamschophouse.com Rte. 6, Hawley. Open 7 days at 4 p.m. 570-226-1500.

JJ Bridjes- Casual dining. Largest menu in The Abingtons includes fresh cut steak, seafood, veal, pastas, Mexican, along with burgers, sandwiches, oversized salads, snacks and appetizers. Best sports viewing in the area. Kitchen open late. Take out available. 925 Northern Blvd, Clarks Summit. Open 7 days a week lunch & dinner– kids welcome. 570-586-8833.www.jjbridjes.com

La Tonalteca- see ad page 85

"Food, Views and Service Simply the Best." Lite bites, dinner, Sunday Brunch 82

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Lucca Restaurant CateringVoted best new Restaurant! Open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 7 days a week. Serving traditional Italian dishes as well as Seafood, Steaks, Chicken, Veal & homemade desserts. Banquet facility can accommodate up to 140. 802 S. Main St., Taylor. 570-562-6339

Mangia by James- Specializing in gourmet food... eat in or take out for lunch and dinner. Need dinner on the way home? Just call or place your order on-line via the web or by using our free app. Featuring authentic Italian entrees, seafood, pasta, sandwiches and more. Catering available. 507 S. State St., Clarks Summit. 570-586-7400

Manhattan Manor- Familyowned restaurant and bar in downtown Carbondale. A unique dining experience featuring steaks, pastas, flatbreads and a variety of delicious, unique, chef-inspired dishes. Large contemporary wine and martini menu. Live music. Outdoor patio. On- and offsite catering. Let us host your next event. Hours 5 p.m. Tuesday- Saturday, 8 Salem Ave. 570-282-2044. www.manhattanmanor carbondale.com

Marco Antonio’s- Chef-owned restaurant in historic downtown Stroudsburg. Specializing in the cuisine of Spain & Portugal, while also serving a wide variety of traditional favorites. Award-winning steaks & seafood. BYOB. Closed on Tuesday. Located at 620 Main St., Stroudsburg. 570-424-2415. See the menu at www.marcoantonios.com

Perkins Restaurant & Bakerysee ad page 138

POSH at the Scranton Clubsee ad page 55

Quaker Steak & Lube-

see ad

page 138

Savory Maza Lebanese Cuisine- Enjoy and indulge in a variety of fresh homemade vegetarian and meat meals plus daily specials such as Koussa, Hashweh, Ahi Tuna kabobs, kibbee nayeh and more. Dine in or take out. 570-969-2666. www.savorymaza.com

Seasons Restaurant- Fine, casual dining in the heart of Tunkhannock. Offering high quality dinners of steak or fine fish for under $30 with portions that never leave you hungry. Also serving full breakfast, lunch & Sunday brunch. Open: Wednesday-Thursday 6 a.m.- 9 p.m.; Friday 6 a.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday 7 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday 9 a.m. -1 p.m. 53 East Tioga Street, Tunkhannock. 570-836-3080.

Settlers Inn- see ad page 69 State Street Grill- Casual streetside dining. Award-winning patio: Voted Best Ambiance 2014, Best Place for First Date 2014 and Best Martinis 2014. Popular for cocktails and small plates. Wide ranging American Cuisine. Lunch Mon. - Fri.,11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Dinner Mon.-Sat., 4-10 p.m. Sat. & Sun. Brunch 10 a.m. 114 S. State St. Clarks Summit. 570-585-5590 www.thestatestreetgrill.com

Stone Bridge Inn & Restaurant- Quaint European village nestled on a hilltop, surrounded by rolling countryside – discover Northeast PA’s best-kept secret! Excellent cuisine in a casual atmosphere, multi-level tavern & patio with entertainment. Monthly Wine Tasting Dinners. Serving dinner Wed.-Sun. I81, Exit 206, Rt. 374 East two miles past Elk Mountain, Union Dale. 570-679-9500. www.stone-bridge-inn.com

Trax Platform Lounge- created from the DL&W rail terminal’s original loading platform! Relax and mingle in our cozy dining and lounge area accenting colorful subway glazed tile walls and magnificent arch columns. Fresh soups, sandwiches and entrees with nightly features. Kitchen open daily until midnight. Popular local hot spot in downtown Scranton! 570-3428300 www.radisson.com/scrantonpa Twigs- see ad page 86 Windsor Inn- Worlds 2nd Best Hot Wings! "THE" hot spot for World Wide Award Winning Wings for over 35 years. Casual dining, house made soups, sandwiches, entrees and appetizers. 9 beers on tap. Lunch and dinner Tuesday thru Sunday 11:30 a.m. Dine in or take out. 669 Washington Ave. Jermyn, PA. 570-876-4600 www.HOTWING.com

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Courtesy of Steve & Jenn Kurian, Wild for Salmon

Ingredients:

Sprinkle salmon with salt and pepper; place on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake at 400° for 15 minutes or until desired degree of doneness. Flake fish into half-inch pieces; set aside. Melt butter in a large

1 lb. salmon fillets

Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion

3 cups chicken broth

and celery, and sauté five minutes or until

1/2 tsp. salt

tender. Add flour; stir until mixture is

1/4 tsp. ground black pepper

smooth. Cook, stirring constantly for one

1 lb. red potatoes, cut into half-inch pieces

minute. Gradually whisk in chicken broth.

1/4 cup butter

Cook over medium heat, stirring constant-

1-1 ¼ cup corn

ly, until thickened and bubbly. Stir in salt.

1 cup chopped onion

Add potato; reduce heat, and simmer 20

2 cups half-and-half

minutes or until potato is tender. Stir in

1/2 cup chopped celery

corn and half-and-half. Cook six minutes or

6 Thick-cut bacon slices, cooked & crumbled

until heated. Add cooked salmon, stirring

3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour

gently to combine. Spoon into individual bowls; top with crumbled bacon.

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WINE TASTING Friday 12-9 • Saturday 11-9 Sunday 12-5 26 Franklin Valley Rd. • Dalton, PA 563-5080 • IIIpondswinery.com

D Gi Se isti ft as nc Ba on tiv sk al e et s!

Northeast PA’s only tasting room & exclusive purveyor of ULTRA PREMIUM certified extra virgin olive oils, & barrel aged balsamic vinegars from Modena, Italy.

Come in and taste our newly arrived oils & balsamics & check out our seasonal gift baskets! Chef Gene Litz, Jr., Culinary Institute of America Graduate, Owner 570-587-1300 • thirteenolives.com info@thirteenolives.com 222 Northern Blvd. • Clarks Summit, PA

January 2015

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Feast onFOOTBALL!

COLARUSSO’S COAL FIRED PIZZAFeaturing the area’s only coal-fired oven. A great place to watch the NFL Sunday Ticket or your favorite collegiate team. Stop in and try some of our featured fall menu items and a signature cocktail while enjoying the games! 1126 Commerce Blvd., Dickson City. 570-489-2627. www.colarussoscoalfiredpizza.com

McGRATH’S PUB & EATERY- Family owned and operated for over 17 years! McGraths offers live bands every weekend! Nightly drink & food specials! 9 Plasma TVs including a 10-foot HD projector to watch all NFL & College games! Be sure to try our award-winning wings & burgers! 112 East Main St., Dalton. 570-563-2668.

Destinations Can Be Fun & Delicious!

On & Off-Site Catering Available

Tunkhannock... Shopping Art Galleries Wineries Movies all at a great value!

Rte. 6, Historic Downtown Tunkhannock • 570.836.0433 • twigscafe.com 86

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TOO BAD THIS ISN’T A SCRATCH AND SNIFF AD

Your Inspiration At Home is a fun way to prepare amazing gourmet meals at home – easily!

Our seasonings, dip mixes, herb, nut and spice mixtures, oils and vinegars, meat rubs, salt dusts and chocolate powder blends let you turn an ordinary meal into something special. We search the globe for unique, tempting flavors and create our spice blends by hand. We’ve won more than 140 medals in food competitions around the world!

Get discounts on these incredible products. And build your own home-based business to share them with friends and family! You’ll earn money at your own pace and qualify for trips and other goodies. To learn how to buy our products from a Home Consultant near you, or how to start your own business, please visit www.YourInspirationAtHome.com.au, or call 740-322-5406. We’d love to tell you more. Join us and enjoy a world of flavor!

Best Wishes, Colleen Walters Founder and Spice Curator

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MONTH

Be Kind to Servers M eet C o o per ’s S ea f o o d H o u s e L o n g -T i m e W a i t er

customers. Many people I have met are fantastic people. I’ve come to know their meal preferences and favorite dishes.

Photo: Dominick Carachilio

I try to help however I can. Sometimes I am waiting on someone who is handicapped or cannot use his or her hands very well. So, on my own, I cut up the steak and bread to make it nice and easy for them. Later, I’ve heard many people say, “You’ve helped my grandma or my daughter,” and it is so rewarding.

uis Lopera is the most tenured waiter at Cooper’s Seafood House in Scranton. The job is one of only two he’s held the entire time he’s been in the United States since emigrating from Columbia over 30 years ago. (He’s also worked as a courthouse interpreter). After three decades of experience as a food server, he shares his thoughts this January, during “Be Kind to Food Servers Month.”

“

I love what I do. It’s great to work with different people every day. I come in contact 88

with someone different every day, from someone 90-years-old who needs a little help to someone 2-

My favorite part of my job is when I bring something to the table and someone says, “Oh, that was great.” It doesn’t have to be a fancy meal; it could just be something simple that is so

I don’t find it hard to deal with people. I believe you just have to try to understand that they want things a certain way. years-old and curious about everything in the restaurant. Through the years I have come to know and create relationships with

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good. When I bring out cake for a little kid and see that smile, I come back to the kitchen and think, “Wow, this is great.”

January 2015

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It’s not always a picnic; sometimes you meet someone who is demanding with a little bit of a stronger way of saying things. Some people in the industry may say a person is “difficult to deal with.” I don’t find it hard to deal with people. I believe you just have to try to understand that they want things a certain way. Instead of trying to change their minds, I try to understand what they’re saying and help make it the way they want it. No matter what the attitude of those I am waiting on, I’m not going to treat

anyone differently. I do my job right. After many years in the business, I’ve seen those who I know will tip well and those who will not tip at all. Regardless of that, I do my job the best I can and treat each customer well. I would say 99 percent of people are grateful and appreciative to the server. Cooper’s has the best family owners; it’s not a chain. It’s a great family; they know the business well and dedicate a lot of time to making it successful. They buy nothing but the best, freshest seafood they can find. When I serve something at the restaurant, I know I’m selling something good,

something fresh made right here by our own chef. That’s what I like best. I’ve waited on regular customers and performers from visiting Broadway shows and actors and actresses. At Cooper’s, it’s part of the job. I spend so much time there, I feel like the restaurant is my home! I have so many good days and met so many people, it’s very rewarding.

”

An American Legacy of Innovation and Craftsmanship • Log, Timber Frame & Rustic Homes • On-Site Design and Construction Services • Over 35 Years of Home Building Experience • Staining and Maintenance Services

866-438-5194 • www.BarnaLogHomesPA.com January 2015

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95 Levitt Hill Rd., Tunkhannock, PA 89

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TREASURE HUNTING Grapevine Antiques and Crafts Mall"Where Yesterday and Today Come Together!" Over 100 vendors, 6,000 square feet, 30 minutes from Delaware Water Gap Bridge. Hours: MondayFriday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday & Sunday 10 a.m. 5 p.m. Rt. 209 & Rt. 115, behind CVS Pharmacy, Brodheadsville, PA. 570-992-4525.

Jukebox Classics and Vintage Slot Machines–Specializing in Game Room Collectables, Pin Ball Machines, Juke Boxes (old & new), barber shop poles & chairs, Vintage Gas Pumps, Cookie Jars, Salt & Pepper Shakers, Paintings, Neon Signs, Jewelry, Rugs, Coca Cola items, Betty Boop items and more. 210 Main Ave, Hawley. Phone 570-226-9411 or 570-241-6230, email: jukesslots@aol.com www.jukeboxclassics.com

January’s

Can’t-Miss Events God of Carnage

Theatre at Lackawanna College, Scranton Jan. 28-Feb. 1, 7:30 p.m. This 2009 Tony Award winning one-act play by Yasmina Reza is presented by Gaslight Theatre Company through Community Concerts at Lackawanna College. The play centers on an incident at the playground between 11-year-old boys and how two sets of Brooklyn parents react to the issue. 570- 955-1455

Lark Mountain Market– See what everyone’s talking about at the area’s first co-op antique mall. Handicap accessible– climate controlled, we offer a wide variety of items: quality antiques, hard to find collectibles, furniture, home decorating accessories, jewelry, coins, military, breweriana, vintage clothing, lighting & more. 306 Wilkes-Barre Twp., Blvd., Wilkes-Barre Twp. 570-822-8855 www.LarkMountainMarketplace.com

Olde Barn Centre/Antiques & SuchAn 1860s Quaker Barn filled with antique furniture of all periods. 12 antique dealers with treasures & collectibles for your home. Credit cards and layaway welcome. 1605 Rte. 220 Highway, Pennsdale. 1 mile east of exit 15 of I-180. Open daily 10-5. Info: 570-546-7493 or www.OldeBarnCentre.com

Retro Decor Shop- The new face of CONSIGNMENT shops. Furniture painting includes Antique Chic & French Country techniques. Decor features one-of-a-kind accents... lamps, prints, primitives, benches, etc. Jewelry & accesories. ALWAYS AFFORDABLY PRICED. Winte hours for JAN & FEB: Sat, 10-4; Sun 11-4 only. 1809 Red Barn Village, Clarks Summit, PA 570-586-1222 90

Sid the Science Kid Live State Theatre, Easton Jan. 18, 1-4 p.m. “Sid the Science Kid” comes to life in this exciting performance! With wonders to discover, Sid and his friends set off on an adventure to explore the five human senses through games and experiments. 610252-3132 www.StateTheatre.org

Mark Your Calendar! Splashin’ with Compassion Montage Mountain, Scranton Feb 7, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Participants will jump into Whitewater Harbor at the base of the Alpine Run Waterslide Complex at Montage Mountain, all to benefit Friends of Shannon McDonough. Awards will be given for best costumes! 1-800-468-766

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January 2015

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he Carriage Barn features two floors of room-like settings displaying authentic antiques & glassware. Carriage Barn boasts over 6,000 square feet of antiques. Plus, custom refinishing, woodworking and delivery on your treasured heirlooms. Add a classic piece of the past to complement your life today!

From I-81: Take Waverly Exit 197 Going North: right at end of ramp, then the next two rights Going South: left at end of ramps, then the next two rights

1494 Fairview Road, Clarks Summit, PA www.carriagebarnantiques.com â&#x20AC;˘ (570) 587-5405

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WHO is the

cutest of them all? “Chloe”

“Brando” The Gows say this guy loves attention, walks, chasing birds, laying in the sun for hours & cuddling with his Mom & Dad at home in Nicholson!

Mary Capone calls this girl,“the pretty one.” They make their home in Throop.

“Kody & Marley”

“Gunney” A few of his favorite things? Chasing his "duck duck" and target shooting with Mommy and Daddy, Judie and Joe Polkowski of Dickson City.

This Shepherd & Boxer are best buddies who always look out for each other and their “mom” Mandy Pasko of Scranton.

Vote for your favorite January pet at

www.HappeningsMagazinePA.com! The winner receives a Happenings bandanna!

The votes are in...

December’s Pet of the Month is Cooper Hayden of Roaring Brook Twp. Congratulations!

JAN 15 PGS 73-96FF_Layout 1 12/12/14 8:20 PM Page 21

“Lily”

Mary Capone says this girl is the adventuresome one in the family. They live in Throop.

“Tiger” He loves being a big brother to Chloe and Lily. He watches over the home they share with Mary Capone in Throop.

“Nellie” She loves everyone and everything and has brought so much joy to the Digwood family who adopted her into their Mountaintop home.

“Phineus” MES SCRANTON TI DAYIE GG DO ST - BE DING CARE & BOAR ARS O YE TW TY LI CI FA IN A ROW! 2013-2014

Margi McLane of Scranton describes her sweet pup as clownish & gentle. He also loves to swim.

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PET TALES

Can My Dog Be Blue? How to Tell if a Mood is Something More Serious

think my Cocker Spaniel may have the winter blues. Since it's dark so early, she's asleep for the night by 5, but then up and ready to start the day by 4 a.m. Do you have any tips to keep my pup active and her body on the correct clock to beat the winter doldrums?

Mother Nature devised a perfectly integrated system that we humans have tried to “correct” ever since the invention of the light bulb. We’ve altered our environment in ways that distort our bodies’ biological rhythms, and having lost touch with our evolutionary inclinations, we’ve forgotten that other creatures sync with the seasons. It sure sounds to me like your Cocker has naturally synchronized her activities with light/dark cycles. That said, no one’s happy being awakened at 4 a.m. Before exploring possible solutions, here are some considerations. You referenced 94

“winter blues” or “doldrums,” which reminds me of the pitfalls of presumptions. Frankly, my fellow human beings are sufficiently bewildering; I shouldn’t try to speculate about other species! If we imagine that we know why someone or something does what it does, we stop looking and won’t see what is actually going on. Our conclusions are based on and limited by our personal experiences and perspective. I’d strongly caution against projecting human thoughts into a canine head. Yes, our two species co-evolved an uncanny capacity to intuit each other (dogs deserve higher marks there), but assumptions are dangerous. Inferring that your Cocker has the blues seems innocuous, unless there’s actually an underlying metabolic disorder.

goal becomes keeping her up later and tiring her out. Simple solutions first- take a long walk! There are plenty of reasons to don weather-appropriate clothes and get yourself outdoors with your dog after dark. With reflective gear for safety, Yaktrax for security on ice and doggy boots guarding against salt, give it a brisk hour. If the darkness and weather is too great a deterrent, doggy treadmills and flywheels are available. New models range from $500 to well over $1000. Initiate indoor-scaled versions of hide-n-seek, tug, fetch (try incorporating stairs), keep-away and tag. A nice juicy bone or treatinfused puzzle toy might entice her to resist dreamland. It’s up to you to goad your pooch up off the couch if you don’t want her nudging you out of bed at ungodly hours!

Just in case, a thorough veterinary checkup could rule out underlying medical conditions. If she’s healthy, the

–Beth Dorton Dillenbeck Hollow Hills German Shepherds blogging at www.instinctive impressions.blogspot.com

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January 2015

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10 Things You’ll Love about Everything Natural in Clarks Summit

Locally sourced, organic produce and fair-trade items (like chocolate and coffee!) from around the world

Unique options like bulk foods and grindyour-own peanut and almond butter

Green efforts get rewarded! When you bring-your-own bag,

Yoga classes nearly every day

choose to donate a “wooden nickel” to one of four charities!

Alex & Ani items and local artists goods

6 7 9

Organic and

natural body care

Eco-friendly and healthy pet foods and products

Grab-and-go foods for healthy and quick meals

If they don’t have it, they can find it and order it for you!

Natural health includes homeopathic remedies and essential oils; plus a naturopathic doctor practices on site

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Bugaboo Young America Bloom 4moms Serena & Lily Naturepedic Aiden & Anais Bob Dwell Studio

Major lines of furniture, executive furnishings & authentic oriental rugs, all at drastic reductions.

Baker Henredon Milling Road Century Drexel Heritage Ralph Lauren Hancock & Moore Lexington Thomasville

97 Lackawanna Ave., Downtown Scranton • (570) 346-6591 • Free Parking next to our store. Mon.-Sat.: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. • Mon. & Thurs. until 8 p.m.• Sun.: Noon-5 p.m.

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Professional Profile

Dr. Paul Vessa, M.D., F.A.A.O.S. Dentistry, N.J.; spine surgery fellowship at St. Mary’s Spine Center and Seton Medical Center in San Francisco

Hoboken, NJ-born Dr. Paul Vessa is a spine surgeon at Spine Surgery Associates and Discovery Imaging in Andover, N.J., near Newton and Sparta. He started in spinal orthopedics when the field was just emerging. Now, 22 years later, Vessa still enjoys the challenges that he encounters in his field. Education: Lafayette College; Rutgers Medical School; New York University-Bellevue Medical Center; residency at the University of Medicine and

Experience: 22 years. My partner (James Dwyer) was actually my chief resident. One of Dr. Vessa’s most notable accomplishments includes performing the first outpatient open laminotomy discectomy in the state of New Jersey in 1995. He was also part of a select group of surgeons in the U.S. chosen to receive advanced training in artificial disc replacement. Best Part of the Job: Making people better… Sometimes I take people who have a very, very difficult time just getting in and out of the car,

from the car to the house, from the house to the mailbox, who are unable to do their regular job and unable to be happy at home and can’t do the recreational things they’d normally like to do, and we fix them. Motivation: It’s a very challenging job. If you figure out what’s wrong, then you’ve got to figure out how to fix them… Once you put it all together and it makes them better, it’s tremendously rewarding. Family: Wife, Kimberley (Vessa met her on a blind date!); children, Blake, Taylor and Michael Visit ww.njspinehealth.com or call 973-4533881. –Kimberly M. Aquilina

Discover common back pain complaints and advice for future surgeons, at www.HappeningsMagazinePA.com!

Back on Track! Spine Surgery Associates specializes in state-of-the-art spine surgery in an outpatient setting, which is only done after expertly performing exams to pinpoint the exact cause; they only recommend surgery for those who truly need it. Through accurate diagnosis, they are able to offer many who suffer from back or neck pain successful alternatives to surgery. Patients start with an MRI review with an interventional pain specialist or boardcertified orthopedic surgeon. They treat conditions such as herniated disks, sciatica and spinal fractures.

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Ties

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5th Annual

that Bind.

â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Photography donated by Guy Cali, Guy Cali Assoc.

hat ties someone

to a specific organization? Happenings

Magazine and Guy Cali

Associates wanted to find out. We asked four men why

theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re all tied up with local non-profit organizations. In the following

pages, they share their (literal and figurative) ties.

You can tie-in to the fun by voting for your favorite tie (or guy!) at HappeningsMagazinePA.com January 2015

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J. Christopher Munley Partner, Munley Law

Representing Meals on Wheels

Tie-In: Member of Advisory Board, one year About My Tie: I am wearing a purple tie to remember my Aunt Jean. She lost her battle to Pancreatic Cancer 18 years ago. Purple is the color for Pancreatic Cancer Awareness. Photo Setting: Kitchen of Meals on Wheels in Scranton, where Meals on Wheels makes all of the food that is delivered to the needy. All meals are freshly made and delivered the same day. Connect: 570-346-2421 or www.MealsOnWheelsNEPA.com â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was unaware that Meals on Wheels

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was a private nonprofit. I assumed it was a government program. It's not. They rely entirely on donations from the public to supply over 800 meals a day. Most people think the meals are delivered only to the elderly, but we have programs to benefit eligible recipients from the age of 18 and up. We help provide meals for those who have recently been discharged from the hospital and to assist care givers who are out of town take care of an eligible person. It benefits those in our community who are economically disadvantaged. This one meal a day helps many seniors remain in their own home. We help thousands of people every week by delivering a nutritious meal to their door 52 weeks a year. Hunger never takes time off, and it affects many of the people around you.â&#x20AC;?

January 2015

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Joe Snedeker

Meteorologist, WNEP-TV 16; Science Instructor, Marywood University; General Truth-Seeker and Free Thinker

Representing St. Joseph’s Center Tie-In: Go Joe Charity Bike Ride, 17 Years About my Tie: Formal attire, fakeness and ties I detest! In the future we will look back on ties and laugh, just like we do now at formal clothes, wigs and ridiculous ruffles worn by men hundreds of years ago. My tie represents my mockery of formality and taking oneself too seriously! In doing so, I’m hoping to

direct attention to what really matters in life- sincerity, truth and selflessness, which is surely represented by the care given to those at St. Joseph’s Center and the innocence and purity of the residents. Photo Setting: WNEP Backyard; It’s where I work, deliver the forecast and have base for the Annual Go Joe Charity Bike Ride. Connect: 570-342-8379 or www.StJosephsCenter.org “It’s pure, direct, simple and rewarding! Any time spent at St. Joe’s will put things back to proper perspective in your life! What really matters becomes immediately apparent!” continued on page 101

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Dale Nat

President/Owner, Dale Environmental, Inc.; Co-Owner, Acadia Traders, LLC; Hope Dealer, Life Leadership

Representing: Make-A-Wish

Tie-In: Volunteer, PA Chapter, eight years; NJ Chapter, three years About My Tie: I’m wearing an airplane tie. The airplane tie reminds me that dreams do come true by "living intentionally." You must assign a date to your goal to make it a reality. Photo Setting: Wyoming Valley Airport. Flying has always been a dream of mine since I was a kid growing up on military bases with my dad in the Air Force. The power of a dream is incredibly important, and granting wishes and dreams is what we do for our Wish kids! Connect: 570-341-9474 or greaterpawv.wish.org “It is an amazing, rewarding and life-enriching experience serving our amazing Wish kids. They have an amazing attitude and perspective given their ages and medical conditions. Being a Wish Granter volunteer

always reframes my perspective! I am blessed to meet and spend time with our amazing Wish kids! Make a Wish is for children with life-threatening illnesses, not necessarily terminal illnesses. Although I have lost two wish children, most grow on to lead productive lives and give back as volunteers themselves. Over the last 13 years, I have seen multiple wish kids and families get involved as volunteers. It could be any illness. This allows me to be involved with an organization that brings awareness to many types of illnesses and diseases. During the Wish experience, the Wish child and their family take a time-out from their medical challenges and create priceless memories together! We help the Wish child articulate his or her wish by asking, ‘If you could go anywhere, have anything, be anything or meet anyone, what would it be?’ I love watching the Wish kids use their imagination to dream big!”

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Chad Stewart

Eastern Pike Regional Police Department, Chief of Police

Representing: Safe Haven of Pike County Tie-In: Board Member, four years About My Tie: I’m wearing a purple tie, a unifying symbol of courage, survival, honor and dedication to ending domestic violence. Photo Setting: Safe Haven's Office. It represents the heart of the organization. Connect: 570-296-HELP or www.SafeHavenOfPikeCounty.org “The mission is to eradicate domestic violence, sexual assault and other serious crimes through prevention, empowerment and the promotion of social justice. As the Chief of Police, one of my jobs is to monitor criminal activity. One of the crimes that

January 2015

always seems to spike is domestic violence. Most of the time, domestic and sexual violence go unreported. One of Safe Haven's jobs is to educate the community on the effects of abuse and how it can impact not only the victims, but the community as a whole. People can advocate through volunteering, attending our events and supporting our thrift shop, Haven’s Treasures. However, our basic needs are best met by monetary donations. Generous contributions allow us to personalize our advocacy and support to best suit the particular situation of each client; and every situation is unique.”

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Community Care

Health Care Near Home

isa Isbitski Golden, MHA, BSN, RN, ACM brings 17 years of experience with Geisinger Health System to her position as chief administrative officer of Geisinger-Community Medical Center in Scranton. The Plains, PA native talks about how her experience as a medical surgical and ICU nurse prepared her for her current job and how she feels about being a role model for female leaders in the health care industry. What do you consider your greatest professional accomplishment? My present position at GCMC, my professional nursing career as a registered nurse and being afforded the opportunity to expand my knowledge throughout my career. How do you feel about being a role model for other women in business? Geisinger has a long reputation of affording women the opportunity and responsibility to be leaders

in our respective fields. I attribute this to Abigail Geisinger, who 100 years ago, built Geisinger Health System in honor of her late husband. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Make my hospital right, make it the best,â&#x20AC;? she famously said, and since then, we have all worked hard to live up to her expectations in everything that we do each and every day. How does G-CMC give back to the community? Geisinger Health System serves more than 3 million residents throughout 48 counties in Central, Southcentral and Northeast PA. The physician-led system is comprised of approximately 23,500 employees, including a 1,200-member multi-specialty group practice, nine hospital campuses, two research centers and a 467,000-member health plan, all of which leverage an estimated $7.7 billion positive impact on the PA economy. In addition to fulfilling its patientcare mission, Geisinger has a long-standing commitment to medical education, research and community service.

What was your biggest lesson learned as an ICU nurse? I realized very early that I needed to communicate with a patient-care team and to include the family in all aspects of patient care. Also, I needed to ask a lot of questions and had to develop a strong partnership with attending physicians. Most importantly, I needed to look at the big picture, the whole care continuum of the patient. I continue to look at the big picture before making decisions. How does having empathy through patient care help in your current position? Thanks to my strong clinical background as a medical surgical and ICU nurse, I feel I have a real advantage when it comes to overseeing hospital operations. I always keep the patients front and center when developing programs and making operational decisions. Do you think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beneficial to have someone from this region in a leadership position with the hospital?

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What are the most positive outcomes from CMC’s merger with Geisinger? As part of Geisinger's $158.6 million commitment to Northeast PA, a $97.1 million campus expansion broke ground in June, 2013. Since then, we have also recruited specialists and subspecialists to Scranton that includes neurosurgeons, trauma surgeons, neurologists, cardiologists, thoracic surgeons and vascular surgeons, with even more to come. We’ve expanded our heart program significantly, and we’re now an accredited Heart Attack Receiving Center and Chest Pain Center; we’ve been designated a Primary Stroke Center; we have introduced an electronic intensive care unit– or eICU – that monitors our most critical patients 24

Photo: Guy Cali Associates

Understanding the culture of the Scranton, Lackawanna County and the entire northeast region is the key to GCMC’s success. However, it’s not only understanding the region but also appreciating the dedication and commitment of our employees in making G-CMC the best.

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Community Care Health Care Near Home continued from 105

hours a day, seven days a week. While we are expanding the size of the hospital by more than 30 percent, we are also adding new programs, services and specialties to better serve our community. We are committed to providing residents the specialty care they need, close to home. What would you say to someone convinced they need to seek medical care outside of Northeast PA? There is no need to leave Lackawanna County for your health care needs. We at G-CMC are dedicated to providing you and your family high quality, specialty care close to home. Our commitment is to bring you the best in technology, clinical expertise and most importantly, exceptional patient care. The $97.1 million expansion and renovation project is just the first step in building Scranton’s most comprehensive and integrated health system and ensuring that advanced care is available close to home. From the first day I walked through the hospital’s front doors, I felt a

family atmosphere and the dedication of our employees. Northeast PA is home – and has been for all of us. How will Northeast PA benefit from the renovations and additions at GCMC? Set to be completed in 2015, project highlights include a new, 14-room operating suite, a new 18bed intensive/critical care unit, additional clinical examination space, a pedestrian sky bridge and an expansive main lobby more than double the previous size and a sky bridge from the parking garage to the hospital. Again, it’s all about providing quality, subspecialty care to the residents of Lackawanna County close to home. What do you think holds women back in business? Women need to recognize the value they bring to the table, and we need to exhibit more confidence. I would advise female colleagues to never secondguess themselves, especially when it comes to assuming a leadership role.

12 Getting Personal with Lisa Isbitski Golden, MHA, BSN, RN, ACM Hometown: Plains, PA Residence: Wyoming, PA Education: Wilkes University, RN, BSN; King’s College, MHA Years Experience: 17 Family: Husband, Michael; Son, Michael, Jr; Daughter, Lauren Favorite Quotation: “Always think positive” Childhood Hero: My father, Robert Isbitski a retired PA State Trooper Most Daring Thing You’ve Done: A bobsled ride at the Winter Olympic training site in Lake Placid, NY. People Would Be Surprised to Know: I love sports What brings you the most joy: My children. They keep me humble while remaining so supportive

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John Mackarey*, LUTCF Agent, New York Life Insurance Company 220 Penn Ave. Suite 100 Scranton, PA 18503 570-340-1320 www.JohnMackarey.com Member of the 2014 Million Dollar Round Table *Registered Representative offering investments through NYLIFE Securities LLC, (Member FINRA/SIPC), A Licensed Insurance Agency.

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YEARS

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS Save the date: October 9, 2015 Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs

FOR THE

Committee Members: First row from left, Dolly Woody, Joanne Pezzutti, Julie Korponai, Carla Zero, Paula Mackarey, Lucy Sassi, Dani DiLarso, Karen Clifford, Maggie Prudente, Joann Marsili. Second row: Elaine Shepard, Mary Marrara, Heather Kazinetz, Marie Beggin, Dr. Krista Bott, Joanne Arduino, Melissa Sanko, Brittany Julian, Amy Luyster, Dawn Jacobs, Atty. Steve Franko. Last Row: (Two unidentified) Joann Finnerty, Kathy Mihok, Lisa Golden, Laurie LaMaster, Laurie Cadden, Leslie Collins, Carol Chisdak, Catherine Bolton, Rachel Burnis, Lisa Konzelman, Natalie O’Hara.

Susan G. Komen® Northeastern Pennsylvania will be hosting a gala as a means of celebrating the organizations 25 years of the Komen NEPA Race for the Cure.® This very special event will help raise funds to provide breast health education, breast cancer early detection screening and treatment services to 19 counties in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The event is to scheduled to take place on October 9, 2015. “The Komen NEPA Race for the Cure® is a terrific brand awareness event for the organization, however many of the participants do not

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realize it is also the organizations single largest fundraiser and participate without contributing to the registration fee. This creates a shortfall in the annual budget the organization relies upon to fund much needed local community grants to provide breast health education programs and breast cancer screening and treatment services to uninsured and underserved women and men in our region, “stated Joann Marsili, VP of Marketing and Sales Director, Fidelity Deposit and Discount Bank, co-chair of the celebration and fundraising event. continued on page 110

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Enroll today.

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Front row seat: Leslie Collins, Elizabeth Chiorazzi, Ann Kessler, Mary Marrara, Atty. Steve Franko, Atty. Melissa Dziak, Cathy Voyack, Gretchen Eagen, Ronda Beemer. Standing Left to right: Noelle Krempasky, Natalie O’Hara, Elaine Shepard, Elizabeth Murray, Lucy Sassi, Rosemary Broderick, Mary Haran, Carla Zero, JoAnn Finnerty, Paula Mackarey, Megan Alpert, Lisa Konzleman, Dani DiLarso, Dawn Jacobs, Amy Ostroski, Mary Beth D’Andrea, Dr. Krista Bott, Kathy Mihok, Cathy Reppert and Khulud Alharbi.

The “Gala for the Cure” is honoring 25 years of Komen® NEPA providing services to uninsured women and men in our community. It is a perfect venue to help raise the additional funds needed to obtain goals set by the organization. 75 percent of the money raised in our community stays in our community, and helps fund local breast health education programs and breast cancer screening and treatment services to uninsured woman and men in need,” concluded Marsili. Photos: Lisa Ragnacci

Easy Access from RT 33 South!

Criss Angel: 19th Annual Elvis Mindfreak Live! Birthday Bash! Tue., Jan. 20

6 PM & 9:30 PM $ 93 (Gold Cirlce)/$86/$68 Audiences 12+

Sponsored by Adams Outdoor Advertising and The New Spin Radio 107.1

Starring Scot Bruce & Mike Albert

Sun., Jan. 25 3 PM - $41/$36

Sister Act

The Australian Bee Gees Show

Fri., Jan. 30

7:30 PM - $60/$55 Sponsored by Strahman Valves, Bazzini and Abundant Graces; Butz Celebrates Broadway Performance Series

Sponsored by News Radio WAEB AM 790 and The Morning Call

A true retrospective of their 40 year history

Fri., Feb. 6 7:30 PM - $42/$37 Sponsored By Viamedia

Visit www.statetheatre.org for full season schedule! 453 Northampton St., Easton, PA 610-252-3132 1-800-999-STATE

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Faith & Family... The Keys to A Full Life Clarks Summit Resident Shares Insights hat keeps 90year-old Blanche Fischetti Tomaselli moving? The Clarks Summit resident says being the best she can be is her driving force. The Scranton native is a twotime breast cancer survivor who suffered a heart attack and endured bypass surgery, a colon resection, knee replacement, the death of her son, Roc, and husband, Rocco. But nonetheless, when Tomaselli awakens in the morning to her daily prayers, she says one of her first thoughts is, “Thank you Jesus for getting me through another night and for giving me another new day to look forward to. I pray I’ll be able to continue my life and be able to take care of myself.”

She and Rocco married in White Plains, NY in 1946, where he encouraged her to find her niche. “He was instrumental in my returning to school.” She earned an AAS, BS and MS in psychiatric counseling-related fields while living in West 112

Chester County. When she and Rocco moved to Clarks Summit in 1990, an interview at the Voluntary Action Center (VAC) in Scranton led to answering calls on the organization’s help line. “I loved it, because although it wasn’t really counseling, it was dealing with people.” That volunteer experience led Tomaselli to another opportunity with APPRISE in health insurance counseling. “People from various counties could call us, and we would help people be sure they are getting the proper insurance.” Since her knee replacement surgery two years HappeningsPA.com

ago, she has remained active at Our Lady of the Snows Church in Clarks Summit as a bereavement counselor. Tomaselli is also a lector and coordinator of “Friday Morning Company,” a group that meets weekly to study the liturgy for Sunday services. Outside of her ecumenical activities, she is also a member of “Comm-unity Club,” where she has met some of her closest friends January 2015

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who have been her “support group” through her most difficult challenges. She says, “We all have the same reason we are here. We came from different areas, different backgrounds and different professions. They helped my husband and me through very serious times, illnesses and death of a son. Whatever they were able to do, they did.” She plays Bridge three times per week, reads, attends book club and enjoys movies, The New York Times crossword puzzle and visits to New Hampshire to visit her daughter, Susan Marcoux, son-in law, Donald Morin and grandchildren,

“

David and Elizabeth Marcoux. She also spends a great deal of time with her 89-year-old sister, Minnie Mead of Scranton. “My granddaughter has told me I’ll live to be 108,” Tomaselli says. “Never losing hope, determination and a faith in God has always gotten me through. I was determined that none of it, as serious as it was, would slow me down. Here I am at 90. I’m still running late and still attending to all the things I do.”

Never losing hope, determination and a faith in God has always gotten me through.

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January 2015

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BETHANY VILLAGE CELEBRATES A RESIDENTCentenarian

Meet Tony Seccia

ony Seccia looks you straight in the eye, with a twinkle in his, as he begins to reflect on his 100 years of life. “Do you have 12-and-a-half months to listen,” he asks with a smile. “I’ve got lots of stories.”

Seccia’s stories fill his spotless room at Bethany Village Senior Living Community, which is dotted with old, treasured photos, memorabilia and well wishes in honor of his 100th birthday on Lake is of Beach November 28, 2014. There nn Chyle Bridget A 's biggest fans. are two plaques on a wall, ny one of To nods of approval from felIt is obvious that Tony is low residents. One calls him loved, and he loves back. “most cheerful.” Another, Frequent visitors include “most friendly.” “Everyone Lisa Edsall, Bethany; her here is very kind,” says Tony. daughter and granddaugh“They are my friends.” ter, Ashley and Bridget Ann 114

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Photos by Lisa Ragnacci

There’s the story about growing up as a resourceful boy in Brooklyn, NY. Another finds him falling in love with the 14-year-old girl from Copenhagen who became his wife. (“I didn’t know Danish if you killed me, but I fell in love.”) Then there are the adventures of the oldest living boy scout in the country. (“I once climbed a 160-foot tree. If you’re going to climb up, you have to learn how to climb down.”)

Chyle, Beach Lake, all members of St. Joseph Parish of Rileyville, where “Tony served faithfully and well” for nearly 40 years, according to the hand-calligraphied guest book introduction for the church’s birthday Mass and celebration for Seccia. “He is always laughing, always has a smile,” says Ashley Chyle. Edsall says, “I love his concept of loving everyone, from every child on up.” January 2015

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all rothers nd his b ir country. a , ft le ottom ed the Seccia, b proudly serv

A native of Brooklyn, NY, Seccia is the eldest of seven children. He served in the U.S. Navy and was a member of the Works Progress Administration, Public Works Administration and the Civilian Conservation Corps. A life-long boy scout, Seccia became a scout in 1927 and worked his way up to scout leader before he was named a life scout. The Northeastern PA Council recently presented Tony with a plaque for being the Most Tenured Scouter for 87 years of continuous service.

Seccia became a Boy Scout in 1927. He was recently honored by the Northeastern PA Council for 87 years of continuous service. His Boy Scout handbook and U.S. Navy I.D. are among his treasured keepsakes.

Tony with the love of his life, Margit.

Seccia married his precious Margit in 1938. They had three children, Frank, John and BettyAnn, and eventually settled in Equinunk where they lived for 40 years. Although Margit has passed away, her husband thinks about her every day. “She’s gone but not forgotten,” he says. “She’s the only girl I’ll ever love. She’s waiting for me.” –Teri Lyon January 2015

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All the World’s His Stage!

At 95, Henry Danton Continues to Shares His Dance Talents aybe it’s his vegetarian diet or rigorous exercise schedule. Or maybe, Henry Danton is so vibrant at age 95 because he has no regrets.

Before putting on ballet shoes, he laced up his boots in the Royal Artillery in the British Army. While Danton says those days were tough, and dance was out of the question, he is grateful. “At that time there were many things I didn’t understand, that I wanted to revolt against, but when I look back, I wouldn’t have done anything differently,”

Danton says. Danton’s discipline is apparent in a classical ballet career that spans more than 65 years. “I learn something about life (and dance) every day. It makes me want to go out and see what’s coming tomorrow,” he says. Danton teaches ballet in Hattiesburg, MS, five days a week near his home, and he still makes time to visit the Ballet Theatre of Scranton

as a guest instructor. He will return to the Electric City in January to stage “Swan Lake” with the students. Of all the places he has taught, including The Juilliard School in New York City, Scranton is the only location outside of Hattiesburg in which he still teaches. In his relaxed and humble manner, Danton gives the impression that it’s not unusual that he teaches at 95. In fact, Danton has no desire to retire. “I can’t see retirement as being a happy time, “ Danton admits. Danton has graced some of the most respected stages in the world, including the Paris Opera Ballet, Ballet des Champs Elysees and the Australian National Ballet. He thinks of his life in terms of things he is glad he did. Everything related to dance seems to fall under that category. “Dance keeps me going. It’s like clock work. Once you stop winding it, it stops working,” he says. To find out what Danton does when he’s not teaching ballet, visit www.HappeningsPA.com –Jeannine Luby

Henry Danton dancing in the ballet La Sylphides with Mona Inglesby, founder of London’s International Ballet in the 1940s 116

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There’s No Place Like Home! Specializing in Home Improvements for Convenience & Accessibility Elevator in Home • Entrance Ramps • Bathroom Grab Bars Hand Rails • No Skid Floors • Level Thresholds in Floor Shower Drains with no Step Up to Shower (Roll in Shower) Shower Seat Built In and Removable • Hand Held Shower Auto Adjust Shower Controls (not too hot or cold) • Lighting Wheel Chair Accessible Sinks and Vanities • Self Closing and Opening Doors • Remote Controlled Gas Fire Place Alarm Systems-Fire /Smoke • Motion Controlled Lighting Indoor and Out • Widen Door and Room Entrances • Pocket Doors 1 4 9 4 FA I R V I E W R OA D • C L A R K S S U M M I T • ( 5 7 0 ) 5 8 7 - 5 4 0 5

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Meet Nicolas Scandale

87-Year-Old Owner of Scandale Associated Builders

icholas “Nick” Scandale considers himself a life-long resident of Northeast PA. He spent all of his time in the region, outside of pursing an education, serving in the army and early business work. His contributions to the region’s landscape are vast. He founded Scandale Associated Builders in 1960. “At the time I was working for an engineering company and was kind of bored with it,” he explains. “It was too slow and precise for me,” he laughs. His company went on to build major structures, including Allied Services George Walters Building, Waverly and South Abington Elementary Schools, six Pennstar bank offices, numerous churches and industrial buildings and 20 Rite Aid Pharmacies spanning from the New York state line to Philadelphia.

The 87-year-old has seen many changes over the years. He says it’s harder to get into business today. “A lot of people have good ideas and ambition, but they don’t have the financial backing to do the things they want to do,” he says. “You have to be determined you want to be successful. That’s the main question… do you have the desire to be

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successful? Are you willing to take risks?” He cites the biggest change he’s observed as the shift in government responsibilities. “At one time, people learned to help themselves and do for themselves, and today it seems to be altogether different. The government now wants to give everything,” he explains. Scandale was born January 29, 1927 in Old Forge to Nicholas and Theresa Scandale. He has three sisters, (one who is 101 years old) and two brothers. He loved flying planes, and he still loves sports – especially Penn State football. His office, which he still frequents although he’s semiretired, is filled with Penn State memorabilia, including pictures of Joe Paterno. “I first met Joe Paterno in 1950, the year he first came to Penn State. I was taking a surveying class,” he recalls. The two became lifelong friends. Scandale also served his country in the Army at Okinawa and was awarded the Pacific Theatre of Operations Medal. Scandale resides in Clarks Summit with his wife, Diane of 53 years. They have a son, Greg, a daughter, Susan, and twin 14-year-old grandchil-

HappeningsPA.com

dren, Julia and Robert. “He’s a very generous, kind and non-confrontational man who listens well,” describes his wife. “He’s the kind of guy people would go to war for; he’s a good friend. I’m proud of his honesty in business and how wonderful he is as a father and grandfather.” “Most things don’t come easy,” he admits. “If you want to achieve success in your lifetime, you have to work earnestly and diligently to that end.” His advice for the next generation? “Prepare yourself for a great education, because without one, success will not be easy. In today’s job market, without the proper training, the benefits go to those who are prepared,” he says. -Linda Scott & Erika A. Bruckner

January 2015

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REST—KNOWING YOUR LOVED ONE IS HAPPY AND HEALTHY IN OUR HOME

Archangel Adult Day Care Services include: • • • • • • • • • • • •

Physical Therapy Occupational Therapy Podiatry Music Therapy Art Therapy Cognitive Stimulation Programs Nutritional Counseling Guided Walking Tours Computer Education Programs Field Trips • Pet Therapy Grandparent Programs CareGiver Support Programs

Hours: 6:45 AM-5 PM All day or hourly scheduling available Customized programs/Flexible time

570.207.9286

113 WEST DRINKER STREET, DUNMORE, PA 18512 • www.traditionalhomehealthcare.com • AVAILABLE 24 HOURS PER DAY

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A Senior Living Community “For Peace of Mind and Quality of Life” Private & Semi-Private Rooms Private Bath • Medications Management Nutritious Meals & Desserts • Housekeeping Service Daily Laundry Service • Wheelchair-Accessible Bus Planned Social Outings & Events

150 Noble Lane, Bethany, PA • 570-251-3463 www.bethanyseniorliving.com

Extraordinary Home Care at Affordable Rates Proudly roudly Serving Luzer ne and Luzerne Lackawanna Counties

Exceptional Service for Over 30 Y Years ears

Donna Thornton Community Relations Coordinator

570.704.3933 Personal Care | Homemaking | Companionship

www.griswoldhomecare.com/ luzerne-lackawanna-county

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SKI&STAY in Northeast PA Best Western Pioneer Plaza, Carbondale Overnight accommodations, two lift tickets to Elk or Montage Mountain and a hearty breakfast. Relax by the fireplace with some cocoa or grab a bite to eat at Ambers Bar & Restaurant. Group rates available. 570-563-6020. Ehrhardt’s Waterfront, Hawley Valid January 1 to March 30, package includes Friday and Saturday night accommodations, continental breakfast, two adult full-day lift tickets (Saturday or Sunday) at Ski Big Bear. Weekday and multi-day discounted rates available. Package starts at $282 per night per couple. 570226-4388 Fern Hall Inn, Clifford Two-night stay, two full-day lift vouchers per person at Elk Mountain, a country breakfast, a $20 credit per room towards dinner each night, snow shoes, hot chocolate, cookies and after-dinner bonfire for $160 per night per person, any two nights from Thursday to Sunday. Midweek package also available. 570-222-3676 French Manor, South Sterling Ski Tote Package includes all-day, VIP lift ticket to Camelback or Montage Mountain (guest choice) and custom French Manor tote bag. Mid week rates start at $135 per person; weekend rates start at $162 per person. 570676-3422 Stone Bridge Inn, Union Dale Midweek Ski Package includes a night’s stay in a queen room with corner fireplace and two lift tickets for Elk Mountain at $195 per couple. Includes continental breakfast the next morning. (Valid on Sunday through Thursday night stays and Monday through Friday ski days. Holidays excluded.) 570-679-9200 Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel, Scranton Bed & Breakfast Package can include discounted ski passes. 570-342-8300 Villa Roma Resort & Conference Center, Calicoon, NY Available from January 16 through February 28; two-bedroom, two-bath Family Villa Package at the new Villa Roma Resort is $139 per adult per night. Villa Roma ski area is on site. Children’s rates include the Unlimited Fun Package with unlimited lift tickets, snow tubing, ski school for children age 4 to 10, ice skating, wii room, indoor inflatable fun land and park, bowling and racquetball. 845-887-4880

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Things to Do A list of ideas to try and places to see!

1. MAKE SNOW ICE CREAM. Mix milk, sugar, vanilla, salt and fresh, clean snow in bowl. Stir until the mixture is thick and fluffy, and then add your favorite ice cream toppings!

2. GO ON A PHOTOGRAPHY SCAVENGER HUNT. Grab the camera and search for items like icicles or a snowflake on someone’s nose! You’ll capture some memories and maybe some creative photos, too!

tin tiny ti in iny ny y to tot ot play pllay ay area ar are rea rea

On Route 209 iin O . Bushkill,, PA P . 888-FERNWOOD 888-FERNWOO . WhiteLightningSnowtubing.com WhiteLightningSno g

100% 10 1100 00 00% 0% sno sn snow sno ow making ma mak m akin aki king in ing g

new magic carpet lift

3. GO SLEDDING.Go to HappeningsPA.com for a list of sledding hills in Northeast PA! 4. GO SKIING.Visit www.SkiPA.com for resort info and deals.

5. CREATE A SNOW PAINTING.Fill a spray bottle with water and a few drops of food coloring, and let your kids unleash their inner artist on the nearest snow bank! 6. VISIT A SNOW-COVERED PARK. Northeast PA is home to some of the most beautiful parks, including Big Pocono State Park, the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Frances Slocum State Park, Hickory Run State Park, Nay Aug Park and Promised Land State Park.

7. GO ICE SKATING. Visit HappeningsPA.com for a list of places to skate!

Lehighton, PA

NEWLY D Jim Thorpe Area TE E R NOVA L AWARD WINNI HOTE NG!

Hampton Free Hot Breakfast WiFi, Business Center Indoor Jacuzzi & Pool 100% Non-Smoking Hotel

Certificate of Excellence 2014

610-377-3400 PA I-476/ EXIT 74 877 Interchange Rd. • Lehighton, PA From PA Turnpike I-476 - Take exit 74 for Mahoning Valley towards Lehighton. Follow Route. 209 South 3/4 mile. Hotel is on the left.

www.lehighton.hamptoninn.com 122

8. WATCH A MOVIE.If the roads are snow-covered, stay in to watch winter movie favorites.

9. MAKE YOUR OWN HOT CHOCOLATE BAR! Forget the last-minute bread and milk; keep on hand a snow-day supply of hot chocolate mix, whipped cream, sprinkles, chocolate shavings, peppermint extract and caramel sauce for everyone to create their favorite combination! 10. WRITE.Let the falling snow inspire a winter journal or poem.

11. BAKE SNOWMAN CUPCAKES. Bake your favorite cupcakes, and decorate with vanilla frosting, clear sugar-sprinkles, chocolate chips, chocolate wafers and an orange jellybean nose. -Ann E. Moschorak

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COME VISIT THE ENDLESS MOUNTAINS O F N O R T H E A S T E R N PA ! A Cozy Bed & Breakfast or Charming Country Inn... Only 12 Miles to Elk Mountain!

The Perfect Winter Getaway in the beautiful Endless Mountains!

Contact Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau 1-800-769-8999 • www.endlessmountains.org

YOUR SPECIAL DAY WITH ALL THE

Beaumont Touches...

Complimentary Hot “Smart Start” Breakfast Heated Indoor Pool • Wireless High-Speed Internet Fitness Center • Business Center Jacuzzi Suites Available

Exit 219 & I-81 • New Milford PA 800-HOLIDAY• 570-465-5544 Reserve online: www.hiexpress.com/gibson

The NEW

Weddings are individually planned, from elegant sit down to a more casual cocktail reception.

Flagstone patios overlooking Leonard Creek Magnificent Botanical Gardens 50 acres for your tented event, up to 200 guests Sit Down dinner in our beautiful historic Inn, up to 80 guests The Beaumont 1/4 acre garden on premise Extensive wine list & wine cellar Ceremonies performed on site Contact Nancy Kaminski Special Events Manager nkaminski@thebeaumontinn.com 570-675-7100 or 570-266-9089

4437 Rt 309 • Dallas, PA • thebeaumontinn.com

Restaurant

Come taste the finest cuisines! Breakfast: Mon.- Fri 5 a.m. Lunch: 11 a.m. Daily Dinner: Sun.-Thur. 4 p.m.-9 p.m. & Fri.- Sat. 4 p.m.-10 p.m. SeasonsTunkhannock.com • 570-836-3080

www.endlessmountains.org • 800-769-8999

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Winter Destinations In & Around Northeast PA!

Woodloch Resort: Woodloch Resort in Hawley offers an abundance of activities one season after another. Whiz down one of two snow-tubing hills! Create a team of friends and family to compete in the resort’s traditional Winter Olympics! All ages are welcome, and social staff is on site to provide assistance. www.Woodloch.com

Inn at Pocono Manor: The Inn at Pocono Manor serves as a haven to those seeking a relaxing weekend getaway. It’s also great for those searching for outdoor adventure. Activities include cross-country skiing, snow shoeing, ice skating, snowmobiling and ice fishing. Also enjoy old-fashioned sleigh and horseback rides across 3,000 acres of picturesque land. www.PoconoManor.com Crystal Lake Ski Center: Located in central PA, Crystal Lake Ski Center offers both experienced

skiers and those new to the sport a whopping 30 kilometers of meticulously groomed and track set trails. Named “Best of MidAtlantic Skiing” by Cross Country Skier Magazine, the Center offers lessons provided by well-versed Nordic instructors. A multitude of dining and lodging opportunities can be found just minutes away. www.CrystalLakeSkiCenter. com Villa Roma Resort: Villa Roma is a familyfriendly resort in Callicoon, New York, in the heart of the Catskill Mountains. Enjoy ice skating, skiing and snow tubing. Ski instructions can help those looking to pick up a new hobby, and all equipment– skis, snowboards and boots – can be rented. Stop by the Chalet after a day on the slopes and grab a bite to eat or kick back by the fireplace. www.VillaRoma.com –Monika Loefflad

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Best Overall Restaurant Best Breakfast Best Vegetarian Restaurant Best Bed and Breakfast Best Resort/Hotel for Girlfriend Getaways

WIN A FRE FREE “Lift, Learnn & Turn” Turn” Package!*

* For details and to enter go to psia-e.org/learn

January 2015

HappeningsPA.com

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HappeningsPA.com Way beyond the printed page....

Insider winter travel secrets

Snow ice cream recipe

More photos and video from the Happie Awards

Guide to regional ice skating and sledding

Coupons & deals!

Coachs’ thoughts on Old Forge’s run for the state championship

Vote for the Pet of the Month

Enter to win a $200 gift certificate to Eagle Cleaners

What you need before you run a marathon

Kiel Eigen video interview

Vote for “Ties that Bind” contestants

New content constantly added to keep you up to date about the best of Northeast PA!

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Groundhog Wine Festival, Clearfield County The Groundhog Wine Trail, which stretches roughly 120 miles from Altoona to Sheffield, features 15 of the most rural wineries and vineyards in Central PA. On January 31, the 8th annual Groundhog Wine Festival will be held in the event's birthplace of Clearfield County. The festival, held the Saturday before Punxsutawney Phil's shadowy revelation, features many of the Groundhog Trail's wineries, as well as several bands and 30 local vendors. In addition to a day of traditional fun centered around a not-so-traditional holiday, the Festival also benefits a great cause. "This event celebrates what's to come in the new

year," says Holly Komonczi, executive director of Visit Clearfield County. Proceeds benefit St. Francis School in Clearfield PA. The Festival will be held at the Expo II building of the Clearfield County Fairgrounds. Star Hill Winery, Evergreen Valley Vineyards, Foxburg Wine Cellars and about a dozen other wineries will participate. Typically, the annual festival features a visit from Punxsutawney Phil himself! Visit Clearfield County offers hotel packages for overnight stays. "This is a great way to spend time in Clearfield County and take in many of our winter attractions," explains Komonczi. Visit www.GroundhogWineTrail.com or call 814236-0910. -Michael Baldi

40K of GroomedTrails Ski Rental and Instruction Check our website crystallakeskicenter.com or call 570-584-5607 for the latest conditions North of Hughesville 7 miles from Rt. 220 in Tivoli 128

HappeningsPA.com

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COLONIAL BRICK INN & SUITES

Come and enjoy Pennsylvania hospitality at its finest. Call to reserve your special occasion package. Winter ski or summer golf packages, we will cater to guests all seasons of the year. New meeting room and free Internet in rooms. 25161 Route 11, Hallstead. 570-879-2162 or 1-800-290-3922 www.colonialbrickinn.com

CRESCENT LODGE

What luxury our “cabin in the woods” offers! Queen canopy bed, stone fireplace, Jacuzzi for two, two TVs, private covered deck and full kitchen. Enjoy our Starting Post Cocktail Lounge and award-winning Restaurant. Located two miles from Mt Airy Casino, 10 minutes from the Crossings and 15 minutes from Camelback Ski Area. Paradise Valley. Cresco, PA 800-392-9400 www.CrescentLodge.com.

THE FRENCH MANOR– Romantic country inn modeled after a French chateau. Gourmet French cuisine, excellent wines. AAA 4-Diamond Award Winner for lodging and dining. Luxurious suites with fireplace, Jacuzzis & balcony. New GREEN spa, Le Spa Foret. Includes indoor pool, hot tub, fitness room, couples’ massage suite, fireplace, pedicures & more. South Sterling, PA. 1-877-720-6090. www.TheFrenchManor.com

THE JAMES MANNING HOUSE– Enjoy a peaceful stay at this historic 1819 Federal-style house two miles north of Honesdale, PA. Three guest rooms, each with private baths, central AC, TV and WI-FI, feature handmade quilts and antiques. Hearty breakfasts include home-baked goodies served with genuine PA Dutch hospitality. Bethany, PA. 570-253-5573. www.JamesManningHouse.com

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POCONO PINES MOTOR INN & COTTAGES– Tall pines shade this year-round family resort next to “The Big Lake” & winter ski slopes. Cottages, kitchenettes, motel rooms & a three-bedroom lodge with fireplace are available. Cable TV, DVD, VCR, outdoor pool, BBQ’s & private boat docks. Boating, fishing, shops and restaurants close by. 345 Rte. 507, Tafton. 570-226-2772. www.PoconoPinesMotorInn.com. Rosemont Inn Bed & Breakfast– Your weekend getaway or special event is sure to be memorable here. A beautifully renovated 1859 Victorian home with eight guest rooms, each with private bath. Our sitting rooms, fireplaces and other amenities add to your enjoyment. Walking distance to Montrose attractions. Smoke free and family friendly. Great Breakfast. Wireless/DSL 165 Lake Avenue, Montrose. 570 278-7600. STONE BRIDGE INN & RESTAURANT– European-style inn, restaurant & tavern in a spectacular country setting. 13 charming rooms, with private baths, TV, A/C, several with fireplaces, free WI-FI. Continental breakfast, indoor pool/hot tub, horseback riding. Excellent dinner cuisine. Exit 206, Rt. 374 East two miles past Elk Mountain, Union Dale. 570-679-9200. www.Stone-Bridge-Inn.com.

100 Moseywood Road, Lake Harmony, PA 18624 800.255.7625 • www.splitrockresort.com

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January 1970-2015

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Through the Years

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In honor of our 45th anniversary, we take a look back at a few Happenings January issues through the years!

1971

1983

1990 January 1998

In and Around Northeast Pennsylvania

Ultimate Guide to Winter

1996 In and Around Northeast Pennsylvania

1997

1998

2004

2007

January 2001

SCRANTON

Community Concerts presents

INSIDE: Food & Wine 2001

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2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

SUBSCRIBE TODAY! Have the best of NEPA delivered right to your door! $26 per year • $50 for 2 years Name: Address: City: State:

Zip:

Phone #: Credit Card #:

Exp:

Checks payable to: Happenings Magazine, P.O. Box 61 • Clarks Summit, PA 18411• MC/Visa now accepted. For more information: 570-587-3532.

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JANUARY HAPPENINGS Area code 570 unless specified

SPECIAL EVENTS Jan. 10-11, Mid-Atlantic Snowboard Series, 10:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m., Camelback Mountain, Tannersville. 629-1661. Jan. 22, March for Life Bus Trip, 6:45 a.m., depart Keyser Oak Shopping Center Scranton. 347-8299. Jan. 24, Holistic Health Fair, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Everything Natural, Clarks Summit. 586-9684. Jan. 31, Eynon-Archbald Lions Club: 4th Annual Snowflake Gala, Fiorelli’s, Peckville. 470-7838. Jan. 31, Respect for Life Prayer Breakfast, 9 a.m., St. Mary’s Center, Scranton. 3478299.

COMMUNITY EVENTS Jan. 1, Lady Jane’s Salon, 6:308:30 p.m., Bartolai Winery, West Pittston. 388-8466. Jan. 3, Community Contra Dance, 7 p.m., Church of Christ Uniting, Kingston. 333-4007. Jan. 6, Winter Farmers Market, 8 a.m.-noon, Sherman Theater, Stroudsburg. 595-2321. Jan. 8, Paint Nite, 7 p.m., III Ponds Winery, Dalton. 563-5080. Jan. 10 & 24, Farmers’ Market, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., The Cooperage, Honesdale. 253-2020. Jan. 15, Family Game Night, 69 p.m., The Cooperage, Honesdale. 253-2020. Jan. 17, 11th Annual 134

Ukrainian New Year Dinner Dance: Malanka, St. Vladimir Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church Center, Scranton. 489-1256.

JANUARY

SUN

4 11 18 25

1 2 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 13 14 15 16 17 19 20 21 22 23 24 26 27 28 29 30 31 MON

Jan. 22, Quilting, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Abington Community Library, Clarks Summit. 587-3440. Jan. 24, Past Happy, 6 p.m., Whipple Performing Arts Studio, Tunkhannock. 8366986.

THEATRE Jan. 9 & 30, Comedy Night, 8:30-10 p.m., Cocoon Coffee House, Hawley. 588-8077. Jan. 20, Criss Angel: Mindfreak Live, 6 & 9:30 p.m., State Theatre for the Arts, Easton. 610-252-3132. Jan. 23-25 & 30-31, Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Scranton Cultural Center, Scranton. 344-1111. Jan. 23-25, Million Dollar Quartet, Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 2 & 8 p.m., Sun. 1 p.m., Scranton Cultural Center, Scranton. 342-7784 Jan. 28-Feb. 1, God of Carnage, 7:30 p.m., Theatre at Lackawanna College, Scranton. 955-1455,

TUE

WED

THUR

FRI

SAT

CONCERTS

Jan. 3, Urban Funk & Pyrotechnic Grooves: The Dirk Quinn Band, 8 p.m., Harmony Presents, Hawley. 588-8077. Jan. 3, Salute to Vienna featuring the Philly POPS, 7:30 p.m., The Scranton Cultural Center, Scranton. 344-1111. Jan. 10, Songs from a Campfire Junkyard, Delivered with Wild Abandon: The Suitcase Junket, 8-10 p.m., Harmony Presents, Hawley. 588-8077. Jan. 10, Dance Stand USA II featuring the Main Street Cruisers, 8 p.m., State Theatre for the Arts, Easton. 610-252-3132. Jan. 11, 3 p.m., Connor Garvey, The Cooperage, Honesdale. 253-2020. Jan. 11, Classical Guitar Concert, 3 p.m., Self Discovery Wellness Arts Center, Montrose. 278-9256. Jan. 14, Open Mic Night, 7-10 p.m., The Cooperage, Honesdale. 253-2020.

Jan. 30, Sister Act, 7:30 p.m., State Theatre for the Arts, Easton. 610-252-3132.

Jan. 17, Indigo Moon Brass Band, 7:30 p.m., The Cooperage, Honesdale. 253-2020.

Jan. 30, Comedy Night, 9 p.m., Ehrhardt’s Waterfront Resort, Hawley. 226-7355.

Jan. 17, Guitar-Driven Grooves & Powerhouse Rhythms with Leroy Justice, 8-10 p.m., Harmony Presents, Hawley. 588-8077.

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JANUARY HAPPENINGS Jan. 21, Acoustic Bluegrass Jam, 7-10 p.m., The Cooperage, Honesdale. 253-2020. Jan. 24, Neo-Motown-Soul with Caleb Hawley, 8-10 p.m., Harmony Presents, Hawley. 588-8077. Jan. 25, Mardi Gras Stompin’ at the Stanhope House, 6 p.m., The Stanhope House, Stanhope. 888-800-7626. Jan. 25, 19th Annual Elvis Birthday Bash, 3 p.m., State Theatre for the Arts, Easton. 610-252-3132. Jan. 28, Open Electric Jam, 710 p.m., The Cooperage, Honesdale. 253-2020. Jan. 31, Stomping Mississippi Blues and Aggressive Roots Duo, Swampcandy, 8-10 p.m., Harmony Presents, Hawley. 588-8077. Jan. 31, Craig Thatcher Band, 8 p.m., F.M. Kirby Center, WilkesBarre. 826-1100.

ART EXHIBITS Jan. 24-Mar. 7, Joan Miro Exhibit: Fantastic Universe, Misericordia University, Dallas. 674-6250.

Jan. 29, Line: Drawn and Stitched & Meet Artist Amanda McCavour, 4:30 p.m., PA College of Technology, Williamsport. 320-2445.

Jan. 31, Introduction to Snowshoeing, 1-3 p.m., Pocono Environmental Education Center, Dingmans Ferry. 828-2319.

SEMINARS & LECTURES

KIDS CORNER

Jan. 13, Workshop: Acceptance, 7-8 p.m., Commonwealth Home Health & Hospice, Forty Fort. 718-4475.

Jan. 3 & 25, Ecozone Discovery Room, 1-4 p.m., Pocono Environmental Education Center, Dingmans Ferry. 828-2319.

NATURE Jan. 3, 4, 10, 11, 24, 25 & 31, Cross Country Skiing, Sat. 9-11 a.m., Sun. 1-3 p.m., Pocono Environmental Education Center, Dingmans Ferry. 828-2319.

Jan. 18, Sid the Science Kid Live, 1 & 4 p.m., State Theatre for the Arts, Easton. 610-252-3132.

Jan. 4, Christmas Bird Count, 8 a.m., Pocono Environmental Education Center, Dingmans Ferry. 828-2319.

Jan. 14-19, Disney on Ice: Worlds of Fantasy, Mohegan Sun Arena, Wilkes-Barre. 800-7453000.

Jan. 24, Eagle Watch, 8:30 a.m.3:30 p.m., Pocono Environmental Education Center, Dingmans Ferry. 828-2319.

Jan. 24, Little Eco Explorers: Black Bears, 1-3 p.m., Pocono Environmental Education Center, Dingmans Ferry. 828-2319.

Jan. 25, Animal Tracking, 1-3 p.m., Pocono Environmental Education Center, Dingmans Ferry. 828-2319.

Jan. 31, Children’s Cancer Support Group, 10 a.m.-noon, TCMC, Scranton. 342-8874. Find more January events at www.HappeningsPA.com!

Unique Handmade Gifts for Babies and Children

Fritz Brothers Well Drilling Continuous Service Since 1930

Water Systems Pipe & Fittings Water Conditioning 100 Cliff Street, Honesdale, PA 18431 Located on Route 6 (570) 253-2660

Member of PA & NY & National Water Well Associations

January 2015

Jan. 5 & 19, Children’s Cancer Support Group, 5-7 p.m., Tommy’s Town Center at the Steamtown Mall, Scranton. 341-1511.

Draw That Pig

HappeningsPA.com

1286 Pittston Ave. Old Forge, PA • 570-504-6883 www.drawthatpig.etsy.com

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Advertisers’ DIRECTORY Accentuate Caterers 59 Age of Innocence 63 Archangel Adult Daycare Services 119 Ballet Theatre of Scranton 19 Bella Natura 77 Best Western Inn at Hunt’s Landing 57 Best Western Pioneer Plaza 79 Bethany Village 120 Birchwood Fitness 31 Blue Cross of Northeast PA 109 Carriage Barn Antiques 91 Cheryl Kaiser Fine Photography 19 Chocolates by Leopold 77 Clarks Summit Festival of Ice 95 Country Inns/B&Bs 130 Crystal Lake Ski Center 128 Custom Building by Carriage Barn 118 Disney on Ice 127 Dr. Barbara Plucknett 37 Draw That Pig 135 Eagle Cleaners 39 Eastern Division 125 Ehrhardt’s Waterfront 81 Elmira Business Institute 31 Endless Mountain Visitors Bureau 123 Everything Natural 37 Exclusively You 67 Fern Hall Inn 125 Fidelity Bank 35 Football Dining Guide 86 French Manor Inn and Spa 81 Fritz Brothers Well Drilling 135 Geisinger 2 Griswold Home Care 120 Hampton Inn Lehighton 122 Happie Award Winners 46 & 47 Hilton Scranton & Conference Center 59 III Ponds Winery 85 Jim Barna Log & Timber Homes 89 Kelly McCool Salon Spa Electrolysis 57 La Tonalteca 85 Lackawanna Valley Dermatology Assoc. 77 Ledges Hotel 69 Mary Koczwara Hair Studio 67 MCR Productions 65 Memorytown Heritage Barn 79

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Merrill Lynch 30 Million Dollar Quartet 121 Minooka Subaru 95 Mountain Lodge Bed & Breakfast 129 Nancy E. Willis Children’s Dentistry 17 New York Life 107 NOTE Fragrances 59 Nye Jewelers 81 P&R Discounts 15 PA Cyber 17 PA for Human Life 17 Pediatric Dental Specialists 23 Penn Furniture 97 Perkins Restaurant & Bakery 138 Pines at Clarks Summit 113 Pocono Mountain Adventures 122 POSH @ the Scranton Club 55 Puppy Paradise 93 Quaker Steak & Lube 138 Quantum Rehab 7 Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel 140 Settlers Inn 69 Shoppes at Montage 139 Sky Zone Trampoline Park 25 Spine Surgery Associates 111 Spirited Art 31 Split Rock 131 St. Mary’s Villa 113 State Theatre Center for the Arts 110 Steve Pronko 57 Tanja Adonizio 49 The Colonnade 55 Thirteen Olives 85 Traditional Home Health & Hospice 119 Treasure Hunting 90 Twigs Restaurant 86 Villa Roma 61 Visit Clearfield County 128 Where to Dine 82 Wilkes University 33 Wisnosky Jewelers 67 Woodloch Bridal Showcase 72-75 Woodloch Resort 71 WVIA 137 Your Inspiration at Home 87 Zacharellis Gardens 63

HappeningsPA.com

January 2015

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DICKSON CITY Exit 191a off of I-81 4005 Commerce Boulevard 570.489.LUBE (5823) There's ALWAYS something happening at The Lube! From Tuesday's All-You-Can-Eat Wing Night, Happy Hour with Half Price Appetizers running Mon.-Thurs. from 8-10 p.m., Friday, 8 p.m.-12 a.m., Sunday 4-6 p.m., and so much more! QUICK LUBE ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT LUNCH BUFFET Lunch Buffet Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; Sun. Tailgate 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Or check out our “Price Break” Lunch Menu starting at 11 a.m. every day! MONDAY - KIDS NITE 5-8 p.m., $1.99 kids meals (with adult purchase), free face painting, play Wii on the big screen, Crafts with Coop our mascot on select nites! EVERY NITE IS MOVIE NITE at THE LUBE! Stop by the Lube to Win FREE IMAX Movie Gift Cards daily on our prize wheel! $15 Movie Meal Deal Lube Burger, Side & Fountain Beverage plus Movie Ticket.* Present your ticket stub for daily discounts and specials! *Regular Movie ticket not valid on IMAX or 3D BOOK YOUR NEXT PARTY WITH US! Free Room Rental. Full Bar Service. Formal or Informal. Special Menus Available. Fun, Festive Atmosphere! Call For Details! Also Located in BLOOMSBURG Exit 232 off of I-80 211 Columbia Mall Drive 570.389.WING (9464)

570.387.0490 570.387.6702 Get 10% OFF Accommodations!

www.quakersteakandlube.com Order Online @ www.lubewingstofly.com

E. STROUDSBURG BLOOMSBURG DICKSON CITY MOUNT POCONO STROUDSBURG WILKES-BARRE 563 Milford Road 570-223-0600

MATAMORAS

Exit 232 off of I-80 Exit 191a off of I-81 570-963-1115 570-784-1140

DANVILLE

HAZLETON

103 Westfall Town Dr. Exit 224 off of I-80 Exit 145 off of I-81 570-275-1529 570-491-4341 570-455-0313

Exit 3 off of I-380 570-839-0300

Exit 305 off of I-80 570-421-6263

PITTSTON

TUNKHANNOCK

I-81 & Rte 315 570-883-5682

615 SR 6 East, Suite 1 570-996-0157

Exit 165 off of I-81 570-823-7264

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