58 minute read
Baby Meets World
Remember
when expectant mothers wore loose blouses and dresses so as not to draw too much attention to their growing bellies? Maternity fashion in the middle of the 20th century consisted of outfits that still allowed glimpses of a small waist with belts that could be adjusted above a belly bump. In the 70s, women wore maternity pants and longer tops with bows and large collars to distract from the abdomen, and most were grateful for the chance to cover up and eat for two. Then, in the 90s, actor Demi Moore posed nude for the cover of Vanity Fair with her pregnant belly exposed for all the world to see. Almost a generation has passed since then, and now it's common for expectant moms to photograph their “bump” month by month.
July through October tends to be the most popular birth months in the United States. On average, more babies are born in September than in any other month. September 9 is the most common birthday in the United States. The least common birthdays are
Special Delivery: Baby Meets World By Christine Fanning around popular holidays, a year. The pace of decline including Independence Day, accelerated between 2010 and Thanksgiving and Christmas. 2019 when the number of The least common birthday in daily births dropped on aver2020 was February 29. age 0.96% a year. But the In 2020, 37,194,403 boys were delivered in the United States at 51% of births and 35,627,710 girls arrived at decline was much steeper in 2020: The average number of daily births was 4.06% lower than in 2019. 49% of births. Early in the pandemic, there The number of U.S. births has been declining every year since 2008 (except 2014). Between 2000 and 2019, the number of daily births declined an average of 0.39% was speculation that the major changes in the life of American families could lead to a recovery in the birthrate as couples hunkered down together. In fact, they
Baby Meets World Special Delivery: Baby Meets World Stephanie Jude Barrett Pregnancy photo shoot by her cousin Tiffany Truman. Stephanie and her husband, Scott Barrett are the parents of daughter Madeline, 21 months, and new son Tiernan, born November 19, 2021
appeared to have had the opposite effect: Births were down most sharply at the end of the year, which is when babies conceived at the start of the pandemic would have been born. Births increased in March 2021. The birthrate in the United States fell in part because of large decreases in births among two groups: teenagers and Hispanic women. The Great Recession (2008) also contributed to the fertility decline. Births have sunk below replacement level since then and there are indications that the pandemic may decrease fertility further. American women are waiting longer to have babies. Unaffordable childcare, record student debt, a lack of familyfriendly policies, workplace discrimination against mothers and concerns about climate
change and political unrest top the list of reasons why this is the case. At the same time, women have more options for their lives than ever and more control over their reproduction. Data shows that, as countries
Sisters Rosalie and Amelia Tomko welcome baby brother John Nicholas Tomko, born November 30, 2021.
become wealthier and women have more opportunities, fertility rates decline. Governments worry about declining fertility. For one, they count on the next generation to finance the safety net and provide the caregivers, inventors and public servants of the future. Pronatalist policies, which are government benefits to encourage women to have children, are common in other rich countries, where the birth rate began falling well before it did in the United States.
Reversal of low fertility suggests a new social contract in which those who have children are not severely disadvantaged in economic terms. The policy options available are supporting parental leave at the birth of children; encouraging the sharing of leave; letting new parents switch to part-time work, with the right to return to full-time work; providing quality, affordable child care, including afterschool care; and recognizing the costs of children in the tax system. These measures would foster family-friendly workplaces that support rather than discriminate against workers who have children (Population Reference Bureau). Read some perspectives on
how families are made below and meet Madison Maeve Hayhoe, our cover baby. Madison lives in Union, Ontario, Canada, with her parents, Chris and Melissa (Sanko) Hayhoe. Madison is connected to the United States through her mom, a born and bred Moscow, PA, resident, and to our northern neighbor, Canada, through her dad, a farmer in Union, which lies just along the north shore of Lake Erie. Melissa was an intern and then an employee of Happenings Magazine several years ago. She met her husband at the wedding of a coworker, Elisabeth Costanzo Stewart. Melissa and Chris were married on August 26, 2017, in Moscow, PA.
Madison Maeve Hayhoe was born on March 11, 2021, at 8:47 a.m., eight days before her due date and 24 hours before a scheduled c-section. She weighed 8 lbs, 2 oz. Madison lights up every room she enters, said her mom. “She is full of curiosity and excitement whether she is dancing along to songs with other babies or making dinosaur roars at senior citizens in the grocery store. She is an amazing sleeper who, after dinner, bath and bottle, goes to bed at 6 p.m. and wakes up around 7:30 a.m., with the occasional off-night when she wakes up for a bottle. She is a very easy-going baby. There isn’t much that she doesn’t like.”
Chris is a hands-on dad, Melissa said. “He’s a diaper changer, a baby bather, a bottle maker, a nail trimmer and everything in between. He never thought he would love a child as much as he has.”
Throughout the summer, the couple discovered that Madison is a water babe. She loves to spend time in the pool.
Beginning at six months old, she attended the Lifesaving Society’s Swim for Life Program and graduated from the Tot program. Since then, she's been a weekly swimmer at the community pool. Pregnancy and birth during a pandemic are difficult, but living in a different country than your family while all that is going on is harsh, Melissa said. “Prior to the pandemic, I made an effort to visit family and friends in NEPA once a month. In the blink of an eye, the U.S./Canadian border shut down and I was unable to make those visits. My family and friends in NEPA never saw me pregnant. By the time Maddie was two months old and I was able to travel through the border, it was more than 15 months since I had last seen my parents.” Melissa's parents are John and Connie Sanko of Moscow. Her dad, John, is a retired professor of physical therapy. “He retired after a 40year career but did not stay retired for very long, as he continues to work part-time at The University of Scranton assisting in labs. He is 71 years old and a life-long learner who has committed his entire life to education. My mom, Connie, is the secretary and real estate tax collector for the Borough of Moscow. She has worked for the Borough for the last 28 years. She is known for her competency, decisiveness and organizational skills and has loved being a part of making Moscow a great place for families to live. She plans to retire this upcoming June. Madison is their sixth grandchild. They have four grandsons and two granddaughters ranging in age from 9 months to 16 years old. Once they retire, they plan to spend even more time attending games, watching dance recitals and visiting the outof-town grandchildren.”
Melissa was able to visit her parents with Madison four times since she was born but this past fall, when the Canadian border opened to Americans, her parents were able to come to Canada to visit. “They were able to see her nursery and playroom set up and observe her in her everyday environment.” Chris Hayhoe is a cash crop farmer. “He is humble and the solid rock of the family. He manages the day-today operations of the farm. Among his many tasks between the planting and harvesting seasons, he oversees the farmhands, plans crop rotations, monitors the health of the crops and maintains and repairs machinery. During his busy seasons (spring and fall) he’s planting and harvesting soybeans, corn and wheat. His schedule and success are very much at the hands of Mother Nature, which means it is necessary to be a calm and patient person within the agriculture industry, and he is the perfect fit for that. There is not much of a separation between farm life and home life for us, as we have about 50 feet exactly between our house and ‘the shop.' Although he has an enormous amount of responsibility, he doesn’t often show he has the weight of the world on him and does a great job of leaving the worries of work behind so we can enjoy the time we have together as a family. Although we don’t have livestock, Madison has developed the sweetest bond with our farm dog, Swilli, a 7-year-old chocolate lab.” The Hayhoes hope for happiness and safety for their daughter now and in the future. They hope she has a successful and independent life doing whatever makes her proud and brings her joy. “In life, we are only a child in our parents’ home for a fraction of the years we are alive and we could only hope that we prepare her for a happy life,” Melissa said. Kelly and Matt Della Rosa, Vernon, New Jersey, were married in 2011. In July 2012, at 24 years old, Kelly felt a lump in her right breast which turned out to be stage-2 breast cancer. They went to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center for care, which included surgery and chemotherapy with fertility preservation. They connected with a local fertility clinic that donated the medication she would need to freeze her eggs. “Ideally, I would be able to try for children after five years on Tamoxifen, a hormonal therapy that would hopefully decrease my chances of the cancer returning,” said Kelly. Just before five years on the medication, Kelly had a breast cancer recurrence in lymph nodes in her armpit. The
Matt and Kelly Della Rosa, with daughter Hannah
same month she was diagnosed for the second time, Matt and Kelly visited her sister, Kristin Patchell-Pellis, from Jefferson Township. “She is 7 years older than I am, but she has been my partner-in-crime for my entire life. She is my best friend, confidant and adventure partner. She is selfless in so many ways and someone I have always looked up to. Having just had her son the previous June, she knew how important motherhood was to me. Without hesitation, she sat down with Matt and me and offered to carry our baby.” Kelly’s cancer was estrogen and progesterone positive, meaning it thrives off her hormones, so she had to be on an aromatase inhibitor and a Lupron injection for five to 10 years, which would put her into chemical menopause. After meeting with her doctor, it was clear that her sister was a good candidate under one condition: she needed to finish growing her own family first. “We knew that Kristin and her husband, Jeff, wanted one more child,
Family of the surrogate mother, Kristin Patchell-Pellis, who carried for her sister.
so we told them that we would wait as long as they needed to make that happen. Our niece, Grace, was born in July 2018, and what a beautiful blessing she has been.” In May 2019, they had their first embryo transplant. “We got the incredible news that there was a positive pregnancy test and I never felt more excited in my life. That excitement quickly turned to heartbreak when we found out my sister had a chemical pregnancy or early miscarriage.” The second embryo transfer was set for August 2019. “We were thrilled when we found out that Kristin had a positive pregnancy test. We were scheduled for a scan where we could see the heartbeat. We went to that scan and just like my breast surgeon, I could read the doctor’s face. It wasn’t good. Right around my birthday, we found out that the baby had died.”
In January 2020, a third embryo was transferred and failed. The couple set up a meeting with Kelly’s doctor to discuss a plan for going forward. “Do you think your sister would be willing to change her diet?” the doctor asked. “I knew that my sister would climb Mt. Everest for us if she had to, so the answer was yes. From that day forward, Kristin was on a gluten- and dairy-free diet. Talk about love in action. There is nothing that she wouldn’t do for us.”
In the summer of 2020, they scheduled their embryo transfer for August. The pregnancy test came back positive and the HCG levels were perfect. “This was it. It had to be after all the heartache.
My birthday looked very different in 2020. We were discharged from the fertility clinic and what a present that was. We were on our way to becoming parents. The process began to feel more normal as we started seeing Kristin’s OB/GYN. Our little girl, as we now knew, was growing rapidly, and the dream started feeling like it was really going to come true. While it was sad sometimes to not experience the pregnancy directly, my sister made us part of every moment. We celebrated the first kicks, listened to the heartbeat and took pregnancy announcement pictures, and she even played clips of us reading and singing to the baby every night. On April 22, 2021, we went to the hospital for the scheduled C-section. Hannah Kristin Della Rosa arrived at 12:08 p.m. on April 22, 2021, at Moses Taylor Hospital. We chose her name because Hannah is the patron saint of infertility and was blessed by God with a child even after being deemed infertile. Of course, her middle name honors her aunt who delivered her safely into our arms. As soon as our sweet girl was born, the doctor dropped the curtain covering Kristin and my life changed forever. She made me a mom. Sure, I didn’t carry her, feel her kick or breastfeed her, but I am her mom, and I am so proud that we never gave up. We prayed for her for so long and she was worth every bit of the wait.” (Edited from Kelly’s post on blog.livestrong.org.)
From the writer:
The love for your own child is a completely different type of affection than the love grandparents have for their grandchildren. I love the description of one grandparent who said, “One of the main aspects of parental love is bound up in restrictions. We keep track of how many cookies, what TV shows, when shots are due, who the playmates are and on and on. We don’t have to focus on the mundane details of our grandchildren’s lives, we can just relax, love them and have fun with them."
I am the grandmother of five grandchildren. Three of them are southern boys, born and bred in Bluffton, South Carolina, by my son Colin Fanning and his wife Kelly Alexander Fanning. Their other grandparents, Bob and Chick Alexander, live in Montrose. I call my Fanning grandchildren “free-range chickens” or "Huckleberry Finn," depending on which one of the boys reminds me of the fictional barefoot boy of Mark Twain’s imagination.
With their towheads and romantic Irish names, Lachlan, 8, Tadhg, 6, and Cashel, 4, enjoy a carefree, less restricted life in a lovely, familyfriendly neighborhood. My husband and I see them three or four times a year in person and
more often through the magic of technology. My heart grew and grew and grew with love at each of their births, which we attended in the waiting room of their South Carolina hospital, and it continues to grow today as I alternate between big smiles and laugh-out-loud delight when I view their pictures and videos on Facebook.
Cullen 3, and Cara, 19 months, my Bronx, New York, grandbabies, are the latest loves that our daughter and son-in-law, Bridget and Ricky Vogt, delivered us. Their other grandmother, Jane Ill, lives around the corner from them in their Silver Beach neighborhood and sees them daily. We see our Bronx babies more often than our southern boys since a two-and-a-half-hour trip is more tenable than a 14-hour drive. While our southern boys made us grandparents first and call us grandma and grandpa, we live to hear our Bronx babies call us the same. Cullen’s dinosaur roars and indignation when his grandfather leaves his boots in the living room leaves us in tears of laughter (his mom says “no shoes on the carpets” and grandpa must obey), and his sister’s cuteness and just plain existence (thank you God, we got a girl!) fill our hearts. It’s true. Love for grandchildren fills our hearts and we don't worry about anything else. That's up to their parents. We love them, play with them, they go home and we immediately miss them and look forward to the next time we’ll see them.
Lewis Triplets
Jena, Jade and Joey Lewis will turn 16 on January 9. They are the triplet children of Bill and Jody Lewis, Scranton, and they appeared on the Happenings cover in January 2007. We are excited to feature them again in January 2022, the year they turn 16, and reveal what’s happening in their lives. Jody was 44 when the triplets were born, and she and Bill were married for 18 years. Jody grew up as an only child and Bill was the baby, by 10 years, of four children. “We married at 25 and through the first years of our marriage we worked in a family business, then we took care of my parents who were in ill health.” Those duties consumed several years of their life. “When I look back at having kids later in life, sometimes I wonder how we made it through. We had many sleepless nights.” Jody lost both of her parents while pregnant with the triplets, but “the babies kept us young at heart and, being first-time parents over 40, we had no choice but to keep up with them.” The triplets were born two months early and stayed in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for a month. When they were 4 months old Jody went back to work full time at
Fidelity Bank, where she is now a branch manager. “Going back to work was certainly challenging, as it is for all working parents. You are torn because you are away from your children. However, as stressful as it was in the beginning, it helped me be able to concentrate on something different because I was in a different setting for those work hours. Having the support of your employer is also a big plus, as I have been employed by Fidelity Bank for the past 22 years.” Jody’s husband was Super Diaper Changer. “Bill was absolutely the main diaper changer. He could change three diapers in no time flat; we usually changed about 30 diapers a day. Bill is very involved in the kids' lives. Joey and Bill share a love for football, and the girls and Bill share a love for music, especially 70s music. He is an extraordinary dad." These days, the Lewis triplets are healthy and happy and are anxiously awaiting getting their driver permits. Their mother said: “They maintain an active schedule between school, activities and volunteering in the kids ministry at church, and they are sophomores at Scranton High School. Jena and Jade are cheerleaders and Joey runs cross country and track for the Scranton Knights. The kids are very close and the girls are best friends — they all look out for each other. Joey is quietly protective of the girls and the girls always make sure Joey is taken care of."
It goes without saying that parenting involves pulling together and depending on each other. “Raising kids in the 21st century is a challenge,”
Jody said, “but raising three at once requires teamwork. The most important thing is to stay involved in their lives, interests and activities.
Although they are multiples, they are also individuals with different personalities, needs, likes and dislikes. It is important to make sure they each get the attention they need.” H
–Christine Fanning
Bridges that Build a Culture of Life
m One Woman’s Perspective
By Bonnie Finnerty, Education Director, Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation
“Some songs just resonate with us. That was the case for my teenage self with Simon and Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” Faithful friendship,
self-sacrifice, a reason to hope. The slow, low start that builds to a bright, buoyant finale, signaling the journey from dark despair to shining dreams in the distance.
When times get rough And friends just can’t be found Like a bridge over troubled water I will lay me down.
Throughout high school, I tried to be a bridge for friends in need. But during Thanksgiving break in 1986, everything changed. A college freshman with a positive pregnancy test, I was now drowning in my own troubled waters of fear and uncertainty. Who would be my bridge? Who would carry me through? Raised in a religious home, I had an interior trust that God would always be with me. But did He not need human hands to accomplish His work?
I’ve had over 34 years to reflect on the bridges that carried me to the other side, to a safe shore, to a place not without pain or sacrifice, yet rich in rewards and goodness. My bridges were many: first and foremost, my thenboyfriend/now husband. Then our parents, siblings, extended families and friends. None could rescue us from the turbulence we would face during some very difficult years, but all of them in their own way supported our desire to choose life for our child. Their role cannot be overstated.
But there were others too, many who may not even know how critical they were to our journey toward a new life.
Like my college roommate, who was a shoulder to cry on, offering wise words and loving support through it all. She confessed she didn’t know what she’d do in my situation but understood that abortion was not an option for me. My first bridge, she “mothered” me while I was away at school. Then, there was the admissions counselor at my new university, who made my transfer as smooth as possible. I was so grateful that he excused a pregnant me from a gym requirement and that he found a way to have a large academic scholarship transferred to my new school. He was a bridge to a fresh
start on my educational path. Another bridge was the kind couple who provided an apartment over their law office for a very reasonable rent. Generous and hardworking, they gave us much more than housing, with their own example of marriage, family and virtue having a great impact on us. They were also a bridge to my husband’s path to law school. Many more selfless people carried us through troubled waters, “laying themselves down” in beautiful gestures that mirrored Divine Love itself. For all of these “bridges,” I am thankful every day. I pray that I remain open to being a bridge in some way to others in need, especially to women and their pre-born babies. No woman should ever feel trapped, forced to enter a sea of despair that leads to the death of her own child.
May we in the pro-life movement continue to be bridges of love and support that carry women and their children safely to the shores of life, where a sense of peace and promise of hope await. These are the bridges with which we will build a renewed and shining culture of life.” H
-Bonnie Rolla Finnerty, a Scranton native is the Education Director of the Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation.
Sail on, silver girl Sail on by Your time has come to shine All your dreams are on their way
Maternal and Family Health Services
Maternal and
Family Health Services (MFHS) is an innovative health and human service organization dedicated to meeting the needs of the community through information, education and quality care. The organization blends expertise with compassionate support to provide vital health and wellbeing resources to its clients. They recently celebrated 50 years of service to the region.
MFHS’ extensive, system-wide network covers 17 counties within PA, and more than 90,000 individuals benefit from its services and programs. Each year, the need continues to grow. Each region served has its own unique needs and challenges, and MFHS is ever-evolving to best respond. MFHS is the only agency providing all of the following:
• Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program • Preventative and Reproductive Health • Nurse-Family Partnership • Maternity Care and Postpartum Support • Behavioral Health and Social Work/Counseling
Perhaps the most widely recognized MFHS service line is the
Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program.
Through WIC, eligible families can access nutritionally sound food as well as resources for healthy lifestyles. Nutrition counseling, electronic eWIC benefits and breastfeeding support are just some of the ways MFHS is fostering healthier pregnancies, healthier birth outcomes, better growth and development of young children, and a reduction in childhood obesity. MFHS administers WIC benefits through 32 MFHS centers in 17 counties, impacting more than 45,500 lives. WIC benefits are redeemed at 335 stores across the state, and annually, over $32 million is infused into local economies through the program. MFHS is the sole WIC provider in the counties served, and geographically, is the largest provider of WIC within PA. For every $1 spent on WIC, $2.48 is saved in medical and educational costs.
MFHS also offers unique support to first-time, at-risk pregnant clients, many of whom are teens, by pairing each of them with the attention and expertise of a visiting nurse. Through the Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP), participants receive health-related support and gain parenting skills with the ultimate goal of lifelong health, economic self-sufficiency and the creation of a stronger family unit. Through this evidence-based program, the nurse remains “paired” with the same individual throughout the entire pregnancy and up to two years after the baby’s birth. MFHS provides over 5,400 NFP visits each year, and while the goal is always to connect in person, MFHS has adapted its model to offer virtual visits. Annually, 150+ babies are born into the program — each less likely to experience abuse, neglect, language delays, intellectual challenges or behavioral issues.
At MFHS’ Circle of Care location (640 Madison Avenue, Scranton), vital prenatal and postpartum care, including health care, nutrition,
behavioral health counseling and social services, is provided to pregnant individuals. Patients can also easily connect with social workers and breastfeeding peer counselors, as well as resources to overcome addiction or secure childcare if needed. The goal is to ensure healthy pregnancies and healthy babies, and more than 200 infants are delivered each year through MFHS’ prenatal care program. Clients are encouraged to pursue career opportunities and education as they build healthy lives for themselves and their families.
Although MFHS’ maternity care services are provided in Lackawanna County, patients from all across Northeastern Pennsylvania choose MFHS for their prenatal care. Clients also rave about the Oh Baby! incentive program and can easily enroll in Healthy Beginnings Plus, Nurse-Family Partnership, WIC and more. Newly pregnant patients are always welcome, and if someone isn’t sure if they are pregnant or not, they are encouraged to visit the Scranton office and request a free pregnancy test. Along with supporting healthy pregnancies, MFHS helps individuals make informed choices about pregnancy prevention and contraception options. Through Title X of the Public Health Service Act, MFHS is one of four organizations in Pennsylvania to offer accessible and confidential reproductive health and related preventive care. High-quality care is provided to all and low-cost or free care is provided to those who qualify. Yearly, over 17,500 individuals receive counseling on their contraception options, avoiding more than 3,000 unplanned pregnancies. MFHS also offers telehealth, so people can easily access reproductive care services and even have contraception delivered to their door without even leaving their home. Through a website, text line and hotline, MFHS’ SafeTeens initiative provides young adults with the knowledge to make informed, healthy choices about their futures. Each year, the SafeTeens program reaches over 56,500 young adults. More than $33 million is saved in maternal and birth-related costs and public expenditures through MFHS’ robust preventive and reproductive health programs. MFHS is a growing and ever-evolving 501(c)3 nonprofit. Supported by grant funding, corporate gifts and generous private donors, MFHS will continue to responsively and respectfully strengthen families and communities for the next 50 years and beyond. Learn more, donate or explore open career opportunities at mfhs.org. H
You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby!
Happenings Magazine is
53 years old this year! What was having a baby like in 1969 vs today? Proof Positive?
1969: “She’s Expecting!” Only how did we find out for sure? A urine sample at the doctor’s office and a phone call after a few days wait would confirm the news. Today: “We’re Pregnant!” Couples are now “pregnant” and can find out in minutes with an over-thecounter test purchased at a local pharmacy.
Eating for Two?
1969: Eating a hearty diet for two was the norm. Some women were even told to drink BEER? for iron.”Women continued to smoke and enjoy their cocktails. Today: “Don’t touch the tuna!” Women abstain from many food items possibly linked to harmful effects. Even wine-loving women refrain for the baby’s health.
Reveal-ing?
1969: Forget about a gender reveal, you couldn’t even tell what women might be shielding underneath their large tent dresses and smock tops. Today: Everything’s exposed! From the baby’s gender, to seeing little kicks move across mom’s belly, there’s little left to the imagination! Form-fitting, revealing knit dresses and tops don’t hide the fact that mom isn’t carrying a watermelon. Hello Mother, Hello Father! 1969: Back in the day, men would hang out in the waiting room, chatting with the other fathers, with a pocketful of cigars. He was only allowed to see his wife once her hair was fixed, she was properly dressed and ready to welcome him with a pleasant disposition. Today: Can you imagine a man missing his child's birth? Or not taking part in cutting the umbilical cord?
And....Push!
1969: Women had no say about an episiotomy; epidurals were not a choice and if a midwife was involved you were surely a hippie. Today: Choices range from home births with or without a professional mid-wife to an almost pain-free birth. The hospital room is a luxurious suite with matching cottagelike drapes and comforters. A succulent meal for the new parents is presented in a romantic setting.
Feeding Baby!
1969: Few mothers chose to nurse. The convenient Platex disposable bottles and formulas are expedient and convenient. Today: Breast is Best Bonding, health benefits and immunity are encouraged in every book, magazine, pre-natal class and by every healthcare provider.
Hospital Stay
1969: A week to rest, recover and recuperate. A smartly dressed mother with pearls, heels and a cinched-waisted dress leaves the hospital feeling and looking well. Today: Insurance beats the doctor in determining the date of the mother's release. She is hurried home with sweat pants and sneakers and a pile of paperwork that could fill a briefcase.
The Home Coming
1969: The husband holds the front door open for his wife and new baby after they ride home together in the front seat. The new baby is held by its mother, sans seatbelt. Today: The car seat frenzy is in force. We're making sure the seat belt is fastened, the slack is precisely the number of inches directed by the instructions, colorful toys are added to the handle and a mirror is placed so parents can check the baby's breathing on the ride home. H
Babies of 2021
Eliana Demas Born May 22, 2021 to Kim and Dave Demas of Dunmore Rosalie Brigid Johnson Born March 23, 2021 to Mary Kate and Brian Johnson of Pittston
Nathan Jon Kalasinski
Born July 2, 2021 to Lauren and Jonathan Kalasinski of South Abington Township
Grace Quinn Vanston Born May 24, 2021 to Stefani and Marc Vanston of Jessup In Memory of Alice Vanston, baby’s Great Grandmother who was a big fan of Happenings Magazine.
Brooks DePhillips Born February 9, 2021 to Kristy and Justin DePhillips of Clarks Summit
Tiernan John Barrett
Born November 19, 2021 to Scott and Stephanie Barrett of Jessup
Madison Hayhoe
Born March 11, 2021 to Melissa and Christopher Hayhoe of Union, Ontario, Canada
Claira Anne McCormack Born February 17, 2021 to Stacey and Joseph McCormack of Waverly Township
Madison Beierle Born July 19, 2021 to Morgan and Todd Beierle of Lake Ariel Paisley Cynthia Zdaniewicz Born April 20, 2021 to Kellylee and Christopher Zdaniewicz of Scranton
Juliette Conforti Born December 30, 2020 to Melinda and Matthew Conforti of Scranton
Michael Smith Born December 16, 2020 to Ashley and Keith Smith of Greenfield Township
Elsie Normil Born August 6, 2021 to Amber and Dukenson Normil of Scranton Chandler Getts Born November 12, 2021 to Mallory and Julia Getts of Kingston
Noah Terpak
Born January 30, 2021 to Lori and Christopher Terpak of Carbondale
Ryder & Hunter Benzeleski Born November 22, 2021 to Nicole and Scott Benzeleski of Scranton Eloise Marie Marchozzi Born August 25, 2021 to Jenna and Jeff Marchozzi of Plymouth Meeting
Hannah Della Rosa Born April 22, 2021 to Kelly and Matthew Della Rosa of Vernon, NJ
Brynlee Rose Bower Born September 21, 2021 to Emily and Richard Bower of Lansford
Grace Homza Born October 7, 2021 to Autumn and Jason Homza of Philadelphia, formerly of Scranton and Kingston Norah Lester Born July 14, 2021 to Jessica and Jeffrey Lester of Scott Township
Ezekial Evans
Born April 19, 2021 to Sarah and Keith Evans of Lititz, PA
Aiden James Engber Born October 17, 2021 to Nina Marie Marcos and Michael James Engber of Media, PA
Matteo Cozza
Born February 8, 2021 to Nikki and Trevor Cozza of Covington Township
Zachary Kuchinsky
Born February 27, 2021 to Liezel and Matthew Kuchinsky of Milford
Joseph Diskin
Born July 12, 2021 to Dana and Joe Diskin of Waverly
Hunter Conall Hoban
Born January 11, 2021 to Jillian Lisowski and Bo Hoban of Las Vegas, Nevada
John Nicholas Tomko Born November 30, 2021 to Holly and Robert Tomko, Jr. of Swoyersville Bryson Eigen Born January 1, 2021 to Jamie and Jared Eigen of South Abington Township
Colton James Cadden
Born September 28, 2021 to Charlotte Yerrick and Jonathan Cadden of Scranton
WMH Program Awarded More Funding to Help Addicted Moms & Babies
When Kaitlin White,
32, sought help with her substance use disorder, particularly for her soon-to-beborn baby boy, she reached out to the Women’s Health Center in Honesdale and found Wayne Memorial Licensed Social Worker Nicole Hartung.
“I was in active addiction when I was arrested and found out I was pregnant in jail,” says Kaitlin, “and as I started going through withdrawal I knew I had to kick this once and for all-for him, my son Colton. Nicole was there for me, and I am so grateful.” Nicole and staff at the Women’s Health Center and Wayne Memorial Hospital’s New Beginnings Birthing Suites, where Colton was born on October 24, are part of a team dedicated to helping addicted moms and babies connect to services that can help them. For the second straight year, this team has received a $15,000 grant to support their work from the Pennsylvania Perinatal Quality Collaborative (PA PQC) and its administrator, the Jewish Healthcare Foundation. The monies come from the state Department of Drug and Alcohol’s Opioid Response program. “This past year alone, with the help of these funds, we have referred eight women to Wayne County Drug and Alcohol for help,” said Nicole. “It’s been really uplifting to see women like Kaitlin reaching out for help and taking advantage of what’s available to promote the best, most positive, outcomes for themselves and their infants.”
The New Beginnings initiative for neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) and Maternal Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) works closely with programs such as the Wright Center’s Healthy Moms Program, Parents as Teachers, and NurseFamily Partnerships, a program that provides regular visits by a specially trained nurse to young, first-time moms-to-be.
Kaitlin was connected with the Wright Center and began a MAT program, medication- assisted treatment in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies. The Milford mom, who has two other children, said she couldn’t succeed without Wayne Memorial. “Especially Nicole,” said Kaitlin, “She gives me the support I need to stay clean.” New Beginnings Clinical CoCoordinator Janice Pettinato, RN, said the PA PQC grants specifically helped staff utilize a tool called the 5Ps, create the infrastructure needed to facilitate next steps and develop important reporting tactics. The 5Ps, a questionnaire that replaced once-standard urine screenings, identifies issues early on by asking a pregnant woman about substance abuse by her parents, peers, partner, herself in the past or herself at present. According to the most recent data from the CDC, approximately one baby is diagnosed with NAS every 19 minutes in the United States— nearly 80 newborns every day. Long-term effects can include hearing, vision and developmental problems. At New Beginnings, “we birth close to 500 babies a year, and only a very small number suffer from NAS,” said Pettinato, “but helping even one baby can mean helping an entire family and families they may have in the future.” H
ACE now enrolling for Headstart
Agency of
Community EmPOWERment (ACE) of NEPA Early Learning Program is now enrolling children and families in Head Start, Early Head Start and Pre-K Counts programs.
ACE of NEPA offers a comprehensive early learning program that is free of charge to eligible children and families throughout Lackawanna, Wayne, Susquehanna and Pike counties. Head Start and Pre-K Counts programs are available for children from 3 to 5 years old and their families at 40 different locations. With a focus on school readiness skills including early literacy and math, and socialemotional development, a wide variety of developmentally appropriate learning experiences gets children engaged and excited about learning. While enrolled in the program, children receive developmental and social emotional screenings, as well as vision, hearing, dental and health screenings to ensure they are healthy and ready to learn. Nutritious meals and snacks are provided and transportation is available in some locations.
Early Head Start provides the same comprehensive services to eligible pregnant women and children from birth to 3 years of age. Both home-based and center-based options are available to meet the needs of the child and their family. ACE of NEPA Early Learning Program works to improve the overall well-being of income-eligible children and their families to foster their economic self-sufficiency. Program staff support parents as the primary nurturers and educators of their children and help prepare children for a smooth transition into kindergarten, and success in school and in life.
ACE of NEPA is also actively recruiting for various positions within the program.
Visit www.acenepa.org or call 570-963-6633 to begin the enrollment process or to apply for
a position. H
One of the sig-
nificant benefits of early childhood education is that it builds a love of learning that lasts well beyond the pre-
school years. Amber Grohowski, a 2016 graduate of Greater
Nanticoke Area High School, and former Luzerne County Head
Start (LCHS) student, is a testament to the success of what early learning programs can do for young children in school and later in life.
Amber recently landed a job in the medical field at UPMC in Williamsport. She graduated
from Wilkes University last year, where she received her bachelor’s degree in neuroscience. Following graduation, she enrolled in Bloomsburg University’s Intraoperative Neurophysiologic Monitoring Program. The certification helped to prepare her for her career as a surgical neurophysiologist. Amber’s role as a surgical neurophysiologist puts her in the operating room, where she monitors patients’ nervous systems for possible adverse reactions while undergoing surgery. She credits much of her success to her beginnings at Head Start and the support she received from her family. “My parents mean the world to
me and having them by my side during my childhood helped shape me into the person I am today.” Amber’s mother, Diane Grohowski, said at times she and her husband faced financial hardships, but she was first two years of post-secondary thankful Head Start helped them. education. Amber was the 2016 “The whole Head Start experi- recipient of The Fran Williams ence was positive; it really helped Memorial Scholarship. She says the tie everything together for us.” funds helped her to get the college During her senior year in high experience she wanted. As a token of her appreciation, Amber invited Gary to attend her graduation cerHead Start Scholarship emony at Wilkes University. He attended the ceremony, where he met Amber and her family and Recipient Paves the learned about the impact he had on her career. When she isn’t at work, Amber Road to Success enjoys spending time with her two cats, Morris and Fireball, and is working to master her baking skills. She also likes to travel back home to Nanticoke on the weekends to school, Amber learned from her visit with her parents. Amber says a guidance counselor about LCHS’s quote she lives by is, "Be the reason alumni scholarship program. someone believes in the goodness Each year, the program honors of people." the achievements of former Head Start students graduating from From 1987 through 2021, scholarhigh school and continuing their ships totaling $293,250 have been education. Recipients are chosen awarded to outstanding students, based on academic performance, like Amber, who began their edupersonal achievements, leadercational journey at Head Start. ship, motivation and school and Scholarship applications for former community involvement. The Head Start students who will gradscholarships are fully funded by uate in June of 2022 are now postcommunity organizations, busied on LCHS’s website, www.lcheadnesses and individuals like Gary start.org. The deadline for applicaWilliams of Shavertown. In 2012, tions is January 28, 2022. Amber’s Mr. Williams established The Fran success story is an excellent examWilliams Memorial Scholarship in ple of what supporting scholarmemory of his late wife. The stuships can mean to a young person dent who is awarded this scholarwho has successfully finished high ship annually receives $4,000, which is spread out over their school and is seeking a college education. H
Amber Grohowski with Gary Williams, scholarship sponsor
Give your Child a Head Start Now Enrolling for the 2022-2023 School Year!
Luzerne County Head Start, Inc. is accepting applications for our Head Start and Early Head Start programs at more than 25 locations across Luzerne and Wyoming Counties. Educational and social services, dental and health screenings, and healthy meals are provided for all children from birth to kindergarten. Learn more by visiting www.lcheadstart.org. 570-829-6231 / 800-551-5829
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Lia Richards-Palmiter, Ph.D
Lia Richards-Palmiter,
Ph.D., is an assistant professor in the School of Social Work
at Marywood University. She graduated from the University of South Dakota with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She went on to complete her master’s degree in social work at the University of Denver. She earned her Ph.D. in human development with a specialization in social work from Marywood University. Dr. Richards-Palmiter has spent the past 20 years mentoring BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) students, faculty, staff and community members in Northeastern Pennsylvania. She has a private practice that focuses on empowering clients who are members of traditionally disenfranchised groups. Dr. RichardsPalmiter has provided hundreds of training and discussion forums on multiculturalism for two decades. She currently serves on the Board of Governors for the Scranton Area Community Foundation.
What prompted you to come to this region?
I moved here in 1999 with my husband, David, and two of my now three children. We came as David began his teaching career at Marywood University and helped get the Psychological Services Center started there. I began working as a clinical social worker at the Scranton Counseling Center before moving on to Marywood. My only sibling lived in Wayne, PA, a few hours away.
What led you to study psychology and social work?
I was a psych major in college at the University of South Dakota and went to the University of Denver for my MSW. My parents were both in the human services field, my father is a psychiatrist and my mother was a psychiatric social worker. Both parents worked at the VA hospital in Sioux Falls. As children, my sister and I were very involved in volunteering and being present in the community and at the hospital. We were taught to engage in our community to learn about others and help our area.
Having been in this region for the past 23 years, what positive changes and challenges have you noticed?
There has been so much work and growth in the region with understanding diversity, equity and inclusion, DEI initiatives/programs/entities. There is representation, space and voices for many underrepresented populations in our area. Many educational instructions and social service agencies, the Scranton Area Foundation, The Black Scranton project, NAACP and many religious organizations have and continue to offer programming and discussions to educate our area. It has been wonderful to witness the growth of NEPA’s changing population. I have also seen such a commitment from said organizations out in the community, gauging and responding to needs in a way I have never seen before, especially during this pandemic. There is always work to do! Many others and I continue to be involved with progressive thinkers in their plans to understand implicit bias and the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) work. We have several organizations that have a history of providing services for under-resourced populations.
What drives your passion in mentoring BIPOC students?
My mission. My father immigrated to the U.S. to receive his undergraduate and medical education when he met my mother. As people of color, we have always had special consideration for BIPOC populations. Since I was a BIPOC student, my whole educational experience has been about navigating spaces where sometimes I was welcomed and other times not as much. I work hard in establishing challenging and rewarding relationships for students to learn and grow from and to remember to pay these efforts forward at various times in their careers and lives.
What did you learn in college that you strive to pass on to students?
The hard path lends itself to selfawareness and growth. Also, find and use your voice to always speak the truth.
Of which developments during your career at Marywood University’s department of social work are you most proud?
I am most proud of the mentoring of fellow BIPOC students and employees. For two decades, I have seen the powerful work completed by students looking for validation in their educational experiences. They have become powerful in their professions and have created mentor-
ing and welcoming paths for those coming in behind them. I am proud to have mentored our BIPOC Ph.Ds and help them establish a path forward.
What is one significant point you would like Happenings’ readers to know about BIPOC students in the region?
I would like readers to be curious about other groups in our region and to engage themselves in selfeducation. We all operate within our small bubbles most of the time that inform what we think, what we believe and what we understand to be true for ourselves, and sometimes we transfer those thoughts and beliefs onto others. I would like to challenge the readers to take the Implicit Association Test (IAT) to uncover a small glimpse of how our thinking sometimes is biased. Read, watch and listen to other perspectives. There are so many opportunities to learn about other people and cultures.
Provide advice about living a well-balanced life:
I believe it is important to understand your strengths and challenges. I believe a well-balanced life consists of engaging in your community to be a part of the change and help others. Mental wellness, along with work-life balance, is so important.
What do you find most challenging in your life and how do you address it?
Ah the challenges ... I find that most people in our community want to be involved in fulfilling or meeting the needs of others but don’t know how. Many people want to be united and talk with others about issues that are sometimes “uncomfortable” requiring us to be more vulnerable and open to share our concerns, beliefs, fears and hopes. I believe we address these issues by creating space for people to talk with other groups and learn about themselves and others in this safe space geared toward illumination and truth. There are so many stories and experiences among us. I invite others to join the aforementioned groups to engage in dialogue and community activities and opportunities. There are books, movies, podcasts and people available to provide a new perspective.
When/where are you the happiest?
When I am with my children and family — wherever they are. I am also very happy in a classroom with curious students.
What would you like our readers to know about the Scranton Area Foundation?
Laura Ducceschi, the amazing staff at SACF and the dedicated Board of Governors have responded to our ever-changing populations in NEPA and their needs. The people at the foundation are involved in our community on so many levels. They are invested in the wellbeing, growth and education of our community. Laura and the foundation made their mark helping others by bringing needed philanthropic attention for the care of multiple groups during the pandemic. I am so proud to be a member of this group. H
“I always preferred round tables. My kitchen table is round, my high school lunch table was round and Red Robin is best enjoyed at a round table. Round tables are inclusive, no sides, no separate conversations — just you and everyone around you. Rectangular tables are a whole different story. They set up the perfect scene to exclude and interrogate people and talk about others not even present. Law and Order never uses a round table to interrogate someone. In middle school, I sat at my lunch table with a group of, self-conscious middle school girls. Lacking confidence, the only way for them to feel better about themselves was by talking about other people. One day, I sat down at my rectangular lunch table, staring at my lunch and dreading the conversation about to unfold. As expected, the conversation became unpleasant. The girls started talking about one of the girls from another school. I stayed silent, eating my food, staring at the clock, waiting for the bell to ring. Suddenly, one of the girls turned to me and asked, “Why aren’t you talking? Do you think you are better than we are?” Taken aback, I never thought I would be called out for
Pull Up a Chair keeping to myself. I stayed silent because I was friends with that girl, and she was not there to defend herself. She was younger than we were, and I found no reason to make fun of her. Because of their behavior, I
stood up from the table and left. I did not think better of myself; I just knew I did not want to surround myself with these girls any longer. A few years later, when I entered high school, I sat at a round lunch table with classmates, laughing about crazy weekend plans, stressing over classes, reviewing the daily lunch menu and sharing our favorite Netflix shows. My table always laughed the loudest in the cafeteria and we always saved two extra seats for anyone to join in on the laughter. Coincidently, at the table across from mine, sat the girl who had been made fun of by the middle school girls all those years ago. It comforted me to know that the unkind words spoken ended up being hollow and meaningless. Walking away from that table in middle school profoundly impacted the rest of that year and the rest of my life going forward. I found my independence. I joined a group of kids I had never met before, (some of whom are now my best friends). Seeing the difference in the two groups, I now know what I want in my relationships with others. I realized at a young age how important it is to surround myself
with wholesome, friendly and caring people. I am going to sit at a lot of tables in my life; some round and some rectangular. The shape of the table does not“I realized at a young age change the people at the how important it is table. But when I sit down, to surround myself with no matter the shape, I know the kind of people I wantwholesome, friendly surrounding me. I want to and caring people.” connect, I want to laugh and I want everyone else at that table to feel like they matter. I want everyone to see our table and know that they can join us. The beauty of a round table is that no matter where you pull up a chair, you are always included.” H
– Lily Mackarey is a 2020 graduate of Scranton Prep and is currently a sophomore at Marywood University studying nutrition and dietetics
Each year, more than 40 million American adults will experience a serious Mental Health condition – Less than half will seek treatment due to stigma and discrimination. It's time to end the stigma! If you or someone you know needs support, please dial 211. Help is just a phone call away.
Luzerne-Wyoming Counties
Mental Health & Developmental Services
111 N. Pennsylvania Ave. Suite 200 Wilkes-Barre, PA • 570-825-9441 www.luzernecounty.org/mhds
Meet the Doctor: Martha S. Ghosh
LACKAWANNA MEDICAL GROUP
Martha S. Ghosh,
M.D. loves interacting with her patients and figuring out complex medical
issues. “When you really enjoy your work, it’s not really work – it’s fun and fulfilling.” Dr. Ghosh is a gastroenterology specialist at Lackawanna Medical Group and has been practicing in this specialty for more than 20 years. In addition to practicing at Lackawanna Medical Group, she works at the Veterans Hospital in Wilkes Barre where she has been for the past 12 years. The practice of gastroenterology concentrates on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases involving the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine (colon), liver, gallbladder and pancreas. Dr. Ghosh provides quality colonoscopies and endoscopies. She also treats a broad range of conditions, including, but not limited to abdominal pain, colon cancer, colon polyps, constipation, Crohn’s disease, diverticulosis, GERD, irritable bowel syndrome, hepatitis, liver disease, unexplained weight loss, vomiting and more. She graduated from Duquesne University with a Bachelor’s degree in pharmacy and from Women’s Medical College of Pennsylvania, where she completed her residency and fellowship. Dr. Ghosh grew up in Claysville, a borough in Washington County which is part of the Pittsburgh metropolitan area. She had many role models in the medical field that inspired her interest in medicine. A local pharmacist who knew about her love for math and science and excellence in those studies encouraged her to go to medical school.
Dr. Ghosh advises diligent attention to diet and exercise to help prevent disease. “Certain diseases don’t discriminate based on age and gender. Both women and men need to take proactive measures to be sure they are having screenings at the appropriate times even if they are not having symptoms for early detection and prevention of colorectal cancer. Talk to your doctor about screening for colorectal cancer including colonoscopies or other noninvasive tests. I also recommend Hepatitis C screenings for people born between 19451965 or other highrisk groups.” Hepatitis C is a viral infection spread through contact with infected blood. Hepatitis C infection can be short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic). Most people with acute hepatitis C eventually develop chronic hepatitis C. Hepatitis C usually does not cause symptoms, which is why most people with this. condition don’t know that they are infected. Left untreated, Hepatitis C can lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer and liver failure.
Dr. Ghosh is married with two adult children. She enjoys walks outdoors in nature and reading. She also really enjoys being a sous-chef to her husband –their specialties are gumbo and lots of Indian cuisine. H
- Christine Fanning
PNC Bank
Comprehensive Approach to Financial Wellness
PNC Organizational
Financial Wellness offers tailored solutions designed to help improve employees’ financial health and your bottom line.
The impact of employee financial stress is substantial, costing American businesses $500 billion a year in productivity alone. Additionally, employers who don’t take an active role in their employees’ financial wellness will most likely continue to face challenges retaining talent, as well as the inevitable expenses associated with attrition.
To address these issues, PNC recently launched a new offering called PNC Organizational Financial Wellness, which is focused on delivering financial wellness solutions to both corporate and consumer clients. PNC collaborates with the human resources decisionmaker or dedicated benefits manager to design a custom program for each organization, built with an understanding of employees’ financial wellness needs.
Whether it be budgeting workshops, wealth management, investment strategies or even student loan relief programs, consumers are eager for training, tools and resources that provide basic financial education. Here are three solutions that tend to make an immediate difference in employees’ financial well-being.
A strong bank-at-work program
This program should offer a variety of account options for employees to select as well as on-site and virtual financial services. Employers should also implement workshops and informational events on direct deposit sign-ups, applying for mortgages, understanding various credit card programs and utilizing digital money management tools.
Healthcare savings resources
Today, more and more employees are being asked to take greater responsibility for paying for their healthcare. Offering them an HSA has become a common solution, but it’s vital that employees know how an HSA works, understand the often-overlooked benefits and know how to use the tools they have available.
Retirement Plan and Fiduciary Investment Services
Most likely every employee has a goal of financial independence, including the ability to retire on their own terms. Successful programs should focus on everything from investment selection to policy assistance, and offer a dedicated resource to deliver annual education campaigns that include surveys, online tools, live and virtual meetings and webinars. The first step in implementing an effective financial wellness program is understanding the needs at all levels of your employee base. PNC’s Financial Wellness Consultants can help recommend financial wellness solutions based upon each company’s unique needs and can serve as the touch point for consumers as they kick off their financial planning or saving for the future. To learn more, contact Pete Danchak at peter.danchak@pnc.com or visit https://www.pnc.com/en/corporate-and-institutional/organizational-financial-wellness.html. H
This article was prepared for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal, tax or accounting advice or as recommendations to engage in any specific transaction, including with respect to any securities of PNC, and do not purport to be comprehensive. Any reliance upon any such information is solely and exclusively at your own risk. 1. The Employer’s Guide to Financial Wellness— 2019, Salary Finance ©2021 The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
John “JK” Karavis Joins Wayne Bank’s Business Lending Team
Lewis J. Critelli,
President and Chief Executive Officer of Wayne Bank, is pleased to announce that John “JK” Karavis has joined the Bank as a Vice President and Commercial Loan
Officer. JK will work out of the bank’s Exeter and Effort Community Offices to serve the needs of businesses in Luzerne and Monroe Counties.
“I am so pleased to welcome JK to our outstanding commercial lending team. He has 26 years of financial expertise in commercial and retail lending, as well as investment banking, making him an ideal complement to our team,” said Mr. Critelli. JK holds a bachelor’s degree from King’s College and is an executive board member of the Downtown Wilkes Barre Business Association. He has been involved with the Rotary Club of Plymouth for over 25 years, having served as president seven times, a Paul Harris Fellow three times and as an assistant governor. JK resides in Dallas with his wife Shelly and son Sam. H
Wayne Bank is a subsidiary of Norwood Financial Corp., Member FDIC, and is located in Honesdale, Pennsylvania. The Bank has 30 Community Offices serving Wayne, Pike, Monroe, Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties in Pennsylvania, along with Delaware, Sullivan, Otsego, Ontario and Yates Counties in New York State, including those offices operating under the Bank of Cooperstown and Bank of the Finger Lakes brands. The stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol— NWFL
Alex Pucilowski Joins Janney Montgomery Scott
As an Account Executive for Wilson Wealth Advisory Group, Alex works alongside Financial Advisor Ryan Wilson, Executive Vice President/Wealth Management, during clients’ financial planning process and execution of investment plans for clients. Additionally, Alex serves as the point-person for some client relationships and provides insight into the maintenance of the team’s investment menu. Alex currently holds FINRA Licenses in Series 7, Series 6 and Series 63.
Prior to joining Janney, Alex served as a Senior Internal Wholesaler for CNL Securities. In this role, he supported CNL’s efforts to market and raise capital for Alternative Investment strategies such as Private Equity, Real Estate and Commodity Investments. He has been in the financial industry for five years. Alex holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance from Clarion University of Pennsylvania, with a Personal Financial Planning track. During his time in college, Alex participated in and placed as a semi-finalist in the 2016 IARFC National Financial Planning competition. In their spare time, Alex and his wife, Courtney, enjoy spending time with family, friends and their two dogs, Colby and Cooper. They reside in Avoca, PA. Wilson Wealth Advisory is located at 72 Glenmaura National Boulevard in Moosic, PA. WilsonWealthAdvisory.com
ABOUT JANNEY
Janney provides advice to individual, corporate and institutional clients. Expertise includes guidance about asset management, corporate and public finance, equity and fixed income investing, equity research, institutional equity and fixed income sales and trading, investment strategy, financial planning, mergers and acquisitions, public and private capital raising, portfolio management, retirement and income planning and wealth management. Janney is an independently-operated subsidiary of The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company and is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, the New York Stock Exchange, and Securities Investor Protection Corporation. Additional company information is available at www.Janney.com. H
It is estimated 2.5 mil-
lion weddings will take place in 2022, which is the most the U.S. has seen since 1984, according to The Wedding Report, a market research firm.
While some pandemic couples had virtual weddings, most postponed celebrations because large, unmasked gatherings were not allowed. In addition many more couples got engaged during the pandemic and are now planning weddings, too. Local wedding planners are even seeing
Weddings requests for Thursday or Sunday weddings as Fridays and Saturdays become booked quickly. One thing most people agree on is that celebrations with friends and family are a vital and treasured part of life. They are what we look forward to and what we fondly remember for years to come. Happenings Magazine loves to share regional wedding stories. If you would like to submit your story, write to us at
info@happeningspa.com
