MAILBAG Dear Happenings, I cannot tell you how many people tell me how much they love my recipes. I am thrilled to be a part of your team and your awesome magazine!
Publisher Art Director Associate Art Director
–Sincerely, –Jo Ann Finnerty –Bella Faccia Dear Happenings, I had two exciting reasons to call you. First please give me the number so that I can attend the Settlers Candlelight Christmas dinner mentioned on page 7 (November 2019). Your magazine makes everything look so exciting. I am also now going to become a subscriber because I just love this magazine and can’t wait to read it every month.
Peter Salerno Mary Theresa Fielding
Contributors
Melissa Durante Thomas Eccleston Christine Fanning Ben Freda Katie Goldovich Donny Granza Melissa Sanko Hayhoe Matthew Jellock Aleni Mackarey Brooke Williams Mary Joyce Shane Justis
Account Representative Linette Manley
Dear Happenings, I would like to commend everyone at Happenings Magazine for helping showcase the work of young and upcoming artists in the last few years in the December issues and also the July 2019 Magazine. Art not only brings beauty into our lives it also enriches our culture and helps establish a stronger sense of community and encourages investment and economic development. The work is not only beautiful it is also a reflection of the immense talent of our areas young people that ensures the continuation of a vibrant and expanding artistic community.
l_manley@happeningsmagazinepa.com
(570) 587-3532 On the Cover: Oh baby, it’s cold outside! Here’s to new beginnings and keeping snug as we start the New Year! Published Monthly. 350,000 copies annually. ©2019 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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–James Ruane Dear Happenings, Happenings Magazine is my favorite magazine on the face of the planet!!! –Donna Yudin, –General Manager –Hampton Inn Penn Yan –on Keuka Lake 4
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Snail mail:
P.O. Box 61 Clarks Summit, PA 18411
January 2020
contents JANUARY 2020
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Miracle of Birth Joy to the parents and the world
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Babies, Babies & more Babies Birth may be a matter of a moment but it is a unique one
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Children’s Services Everyone has a purpose in life... A special talent to give to others
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Senior Living Feeling youthful has no age
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Winter Weddings To have and to hold in case you get cold
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Be Well New Year, New You – Transform with Peter Amato, Ph.D., DNM
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Retire with Ease Prepare for a stress free retirement
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Soup... for You! Soulful soup recipes and traditions
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January’s Jumpin! What to do, where to go, everything you need to know.
Photo: James Ruane ©
January 2020
HappeningsPA.com
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sunday
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monday
tuesday
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january wednesday
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2 Folklore Society of Northeastern PA: Contra Dance, Church of Christ Uniting, Kingston. 7 p.m.
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Wildlife in Winter: Hibernation is Not Sleep, Nescopeck State Park, Drums. 7 p.m. Jan 9 & 23, Beginner’s Journaling, West Pittston Library, Pittston. 6 p.m.
A Bohemian Winter, Hayfield House at Penn State, Wilkes-Barre. 7-9 p.m.
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National Sticker Day, West Pittston Library, Pittston. 6:30 p.m.
Bohemian Winter with the John M. Vaida Trio, First Presbyterian Church, Clarks Summit. 4 p.m. Posh at The Scranton Club
20 No-Sew Fleece Blankets, West Pittston Library, Pittston. 2-7 p.m Woven Baby Turtles, West Pittston Library, Pittston. 1:30 p.m.
26 Brunch with The Ice Sisters, Skytop Lodge
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Bald Eagle Watch for Seniors, Nescopeck State Park, Drums. 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Photo: Jeremy Daniel
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ABPA Annual Membership Card Exchange, Fidelity Martin Luther Bank, Clarks Summit. King Jr. Day 5:30-7:30 p.m.
28 LEGO Mania, West Pittston Library, Pittston. 6:30 p.m.
friday
New Years Day
Concert: A Bohemian Winter
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thursday
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saturday
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Winter In the City Featuring Paul LaBelle and the Exact Change, Posh at The Scranton Club, Scranton. 5:30-8 p.m.
Table Top Games, West Pittston Library, Pittston. 11 a.m - 4 p.m.
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Birds & Beans, Nescopeck State Park, Drums. 8 a.m. -noon
Wedding Tasting Extravaganza, Rosemont Inn, Montrose. 2-8 p.m.
Lillian’s Oboe, WVIA Sordoni Theater, Pittston. 7 p.m.
The Hit Men, State Theatre, Easton. 7 p.m.
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31 National Soup Month Financial Wellness Month National Book Month Celebration of Life Month Shape Up Month
Dear Readers,
I
’m excited to begin a fresh year and a new decade with brand new beginnings. While January may not be everyone’s favorite cup of tea, I love that its wintry weather makes life creative. Snowstorms and winter conditions make plans unpredictable and limited, and that’s often where new ideas for entertaining are born. Be inspired by our Soup for the Soul feature and invite neighbors over for Soup Samplings. When the weather report calls for lots of snow be sure to stock up with a few of our favorites from restaurants around the region. Also visit our website at happeningspa.com for ten soups that you can make yourself, if cooking over a hot stove is indeed your thing! Nothing says a fresh start like a new life. We adore our baby feature and love helping parents and grandparents discover what programs and activities are available. But kids aren’t the only ones who need growth, development and education. January is always that perfect time to make changes for healthier habits through fitness, nutrition and exploring the mind/body connection. We are all struggling to achieve balance and peace in this crazy world but often lack the
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discipline, motivation or sometimes even the knowledge of how to get there. I’m looking forward to working toward new goals and exploring new adventures in 2020. We are thankful for the couples who shared their wedding stories. In reading them you may just feel as if you were present as a guest! You’ll also learn a few ideas to use yourself or share with others. It’s impossible to predict where the roads into 2020 will take you. But wherever you go, take us along and let’s all enjoy the ride together. Life is indeed more fun when you are in the company of an old friend. With Love,
Paula
Paula Rochon Mackarey, Publisher 1994-Present
Statistics show it’s all about the babies
pregnancy goes on.
A
pprehension and excitement exist side by side. You’re going to have a baby and you have tons of questions. If you’re reading this in NEPA and its environs, chances are your answers are forthcoming and your delivery will reveal a health, happy infant. If it’s any comfort to first-time moms, research shows an estimated 62 million babies have been born worldwide in the last five years to almost that many moms. Forty-six percent were born to mothers in subSahara Africa, 18 percent in Central and Southern Asia 10
and 14 percent in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Birth rates decreased for females 15-29, increased for those 30-49 and was down 9 percent from 2015 for teenagers.
According to national estimates, roughly 15 to 20 percent of all pregnancies in the United States end in miscarriage, defined as the loss of a fetus before the 20th week. The majority of miscarriages occur within the first seven weeks of pregnancy. At three weeks, the probability of miscarriage is 30 percent and the probability of not miscarrying is 70 percent. At 20 weeks the probability of miscarriage is 0 percent and the probability of not miscarrying is 100 percent. (datayze.com)
We focus on the positive but know that there are sad stories out there. Miscarriage, for one, happens but probability lessens exponentially as
Stillbirths are devastating to the mother and affect about 1 in 100 pregnancies. Each year about 24,000 babies are stillborn in the United States.
For those who appreciate statistics, women in the middle of their childbearing years (30-34 years old) have the highest birth rates (100.3 births in 1000), followed by women 25 to 29 (98 births per 1000) and women 20 to 24 (71 births per 1000).
HappeningsPA.com
January 2020
That is about the same number of babies that die during the first year of life and it is more than 10 times as many deaths as the number that occurs from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (cdc.gov). For those women who long for a baby and haven’t been able to conceive, in-vitro fertilization (IVF) has been a blessing, if it works for them. Four decades after the birth of the first “test-tube baby” Louise Brown, conceived via in vitro, 33 percent of American adults report that they or someone they know has used some type of fertility treatment in order to try to have a baby, according to a Pew Research Center survey. In the years leading up to 2019 many women don’t feel the need to get married before they
start a family. In 2018 U.S. households have significantly increased with 127.59 million households. Compare that to 1960, when there were 52.8 million households in the U.S.
The typical American picture of a family with 2.5 kids is not as relevant as it once was: In 2018, there was an average of 1.9 children under 18 per family in the United States. This is a decrease from 2.33 children under 18 per family in 1960. So, big families and small families, where do we find them in the USA? Steve Orr of Democrat & Chronicle, part of the USA Today Network writes, “A house might be jammed with parents and kids. The house next door might be home to a single retiree. One
apartment might be bursting with laughter and tears. Down the hall, all you hear is a mother reading to her only child.” When his company charted the 10 metro areas with the largest families, all of them were in the West, and five out of the 10 were in California. Of the 10 metro areas with the smallest average family size, all but one were in the Eastern United States and seven of the 10 were in the Rust Belt. There are many reasons for the number of children a family might have. Religious beliefs and cultural differences may play largely into the mix. Statistics aside, when it comes down to childbirth, those of us who have given birth know that it is the most empowering thing a woman can do. It’s euphoria. However the baby emerges, cesarean or natural birth it’s the greatest experience in life. H –Christine Fanning
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You’re not alone. Pregnancy and motherhood are unique challenges within themselves. Layered with the complex struggles arising from opioid addiction, the journey into motherhood can seem overwhelming or, at times, even impossible.
It takes a village. Let us help. Looking to make
Our Healthy MOMS* program integrates Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), paired with counseling and social supports, to help prevent symptoms of withdrawal and promote a realistic path of recovery for mom and baby.
the best educational choice for your child?
* The Healthy Maternal Opiate Medical Support (MOMS) program is funded in part by grants from the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs and AllOne Foundation. For a full list of partners, please visit healthymoms.org/partners.
If we can help you or someone you know, please call 570.955.7821 today.
Visit PAcyber.org
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HappeningsPA.com
Visit HealthyMOMS.org for more information.
January 2020
Now, in addition to our state-of-the-art facilities in Allentown and Bethlehem, we’re proud to announce the latest addition to our family – the Women & Babies Pavilion at St. Luke’s Anderson Campus. New patients welcome!
N E W PAT I E N T S W E L C O M E !
Bof 2019 abies Kinley Kaminski Born on September 25, 2019 to Ashley and David Kaminski of Clarks Summit
Leana Kaminski Born on September 25, 2019 to Ashley and David Kaminski of Clarks Summit
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Milo John Snedeker Born on October 17, 2019 to Christy and Randy Snedeker of Simpson
Giulia Haley Born on February 5, 2019 to Noelle Krempasky and Curtis Haley of Peckville
Nora Field Born August 22, 2019 to Brittany and Ryan Field of Dupont
Adeline Burkell Born on February 11, 2019 to Elizabeth and Joseph Burkell of Frederick, MD
Daniel Joseph Johnson Born on May 11, 2019 to Mary Kate and Brian Johnson of Pittston
Brooke Klemish Born on September 24, 2019 to Kristin and Ryan Klemish of Dallas
January 2020
Logan Thomas Aston Born May 17, 2019 to Karen and Robert Aston of Springbrook Twp
HappeningsPA.com
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Wishes for our Children
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Joanne Arduino
I wish for all children the joy in doing whatever makes them happiest and that they discover their individual talents to be able to express themselves creatively, be curious and never stop learning. I also wish that they recognize and support others talents and realize that diversity is what makes our world interesting and a better place.
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Artistic Director Ballet Theatre of Scranton & Owner, The Dance Studio of Scranton
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My wish for children in 2020? The comfort, warmth and coziness of feeling loved, safe and protected.
Mary Ann LaPorta
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Dima Raynova
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Executive Director Children's Advocacy Center NEPA Teen Advocacy Center
Our wish for the children for 2020 is to stay active and enjoy life! We wish for them to realize how much power is in the hour and use it wisely so all of their dreams can come true!
United Sports Academy, Owner
My wish in 2020 is for every child to have a safe environment where they have the opportunities and resources to fulfill their dreams.
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Helen Gohsler
Jim Thomas
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CEO Wilkes-Barre Family YMCA
My wish is that each baby in the womb survives their God given right to life, and joyfully celebrates a first birthday one year later.
President Pennsylvania For Human Life Scranton Chapter
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We wish for supporters to open many doors for children allowing them to look forward to brighter futures and a productive adulthood. It takes a special person to become a foster parent. Through support and commitment you open many doors allowing children to look forward to a brighter future and productive adulthood.
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Office Supervisor Northeast Regional Office CONCERN
Sharon Symuleski
239 Northern Boulevard | Suite 3 Clarks Summit, PA 18411 p: (570) 587-5541 | f: (570) 585-5152
www.KeepingKidsSmiling.com
Poppy Gallagher Born July 3, 2019 to Brittany and Tom Gallagher of Mechanicsburg
Kensley Claire & Kingston Toy Garrett Born on April 29, 2019 to Brynne Naughton and Toy Garrett of Scranton
Conor Kevin Gatens Born on October 5, 2019 to Lauren and Keegan Gatens of Covington Township
Bryce Cook Born July 30, 2019 to Colleen and Donald Cook of Moscow
Noah Stark Born July 8, 2019 to Amanda and Jeremy Stark of Pittston
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Luke Matatics Born August 16, 2019 to Brianna and Dan Matatics of Clarks Summit
Emma Jeane and James George Greuter Born on May 23, 2019 to Elena and Daniel Greuter of East Norwalk, CT
Rome Alexander Cozza Born March 3, 2019 to Nikki and Trevor Cozza of Covington Township
Chloe Young Born on October 15, 2019 to Erica and William Young of Clarks Summit
Joseph Buczko Born on January 30, 2019 to Deanna and Joseph Buczko of Clarks Summit
María Rose Cedré Born on June 26, 2019 to Kalie and Jean Carlos Cedré of Grovetown, Georgia
Daniel Joseph Johnson
Three Couples & Their Babies!
Born: May 11, 2019 Parents: Brian Michael Johnson & Mary Kate Conlon Johnson Residence: Pittston Background on parents: Both are 2010 graduates of Marywood University where the couple met as freshmen. Brian is a videographer. Mary Kate is a stay at home mom who also tutors. Parents’ wedding date: July 2, 2016. Biggest surprise as parents: How quickly the time flies by! Now with two young children, time is going even quicker. We are absolutely loving re-experiencing the world again through the eyes of our children! Advice to first time parents: Enjoy every moment! These first years with those beautiful babies are so precious. Make those special memories. Take many pictures.
James Patrick Olechna Born: May 15, 2019 Parents: James & Sarah Olechna Residence: Philadelphia Background on parents: The couple met at The University of Scranton. Sarah is an Occupational Therapist and James is an Enterprise Improvement Advisor. Parents’ wedding date: July 1, 2017 Biggest Surprise as parents: How small yet resilient babies are. Also parenthood made us realize how lucky we are to have each other and what a good team we make. Parenthood keeps getting better and better as he grows. Each age brings a new and different challenge, but also more fun and joy. Relax and stay calm, have plenty of burp cloths and read “On Becoming Babywise.”
Joan Lorraine Rusek
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Born: September 8, 2018 Parents: Thomas (TJ) & Eileen Rusek Residence: Roaring Brook Township Background on parents: The couple met on a blind date set up by mutual friends.TJ is a commercial truck driver and Eileen is an accountant. Parents’ wedding date: July 4, 2015 Biggest surprise as parents: How much love there could possibly be! Joan is always happy! Her smile will light up any room and we have so much fun watching her learn and grow. Advice to first time parents: Enjoy every second of parenthood. Babies grow and change so fast. The days are long, but the weeks are short. Cherish each stage because they go by quickly.
Welcoming new patients of all ages Clarks Summit | Jermyn | Kingston | Scranton | Wilkes-Barre
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TheWrightCenter.org As a Federally Quali昀ed Health Center Look-Alike and safety-net provider, The Wright Center for Community Health o昀ers comprehensive and a昀ordable healthcare services regardless of insured status or inability to pay.
Midwives and physicians combine skills at GCMC he Geisinger CMC Childbirth Center opened in October and returns maternity care to Community Medical Center after a 12-year absence. Labor and delivery are led by certified midwives in collaboration with obstetricians/gynecologists.
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That means expectant mothers can choose a natural birth plan and see it through with certified nurse-midwives or deviate from that plan depending on their conditions and preferences. Geisinger Community Medical Center’s midwifery program is the first in Scranton offered by a hospital system and part of the five-point women’s health platform, according to Holly Barbella, associate vice president of 22
women’s health. First -time mom, Kayla Stair chose the Childbirth Center at Geisinger CMC for her labor and delivery. She was the first woman to give birth at the new midwifery center. After seeing a loved one go through a birthing process that lacked a personal touch, Kayla sought an experience combining midwifery-and obstetrics/ gynecology services. Kayla and Joey Donovan’s first child, Jayla, arrived on Oct. 13, 2019, weighing 5 pounds, 11 ounces and measuring 20 inches long. “I didn’t think the Childbirth Center would be open in time, HappeningsPA.com
so I feel lucky,” Kayla said. “They took great care of me, the baby, and our support system.” The Childbirth Center opened Oct. 10, 2019. The $15 million labor and delivery unit features eight spacious delivery and postpartum suites on the city hospital’s third floor. There are two operating rooms and a nursery, but there is no neonatal intensive care unit. “Low-risk pregnancies, and births lessen the chances for a NICU admission,” Barbella said. Kayla said the midwife-led labor and delivery process was the personalized care she was hoping to receive. “The midwives acted like they were my family,” she said. “They January 2020
When Geisinger acquired CMC in 2012, the health system made a $158.6 million commitment to provide new programs and services to Lackawanna County, including a $97.1 million five-story 143,000 square foot tower housing a 14-room operating suite and 18-room intensive care/critical care unit.
helped me more than I could have asked for and answered every question I asked. The way they took care of Jayla was unbelievable. It’s like she had a whole hospital full of aunts.” Barbella said interest in midwifery is growing in this area and access to the physician/ midwife model strikes a positive response in expectant mothers. “What’s nice about it is that at GCMC women get the best of both worlds and patients don’t feel they have to choose.” The environment and treatment are focused on giving mothersto-be the assets they need to adapt their birth plans to their liking. In close vicinity, nurses and physicians allow expectant moms to work with their care team to make decisions in response to their labor conditions, according to Lauren Gleason, operations manager at the Childbirth Center. The birthing suites are designed to allow expectant mothers to move around freely and as “at home” as possible. The rooms are designed for labor, delivery, and recovery, so mothers can stay in one place throughout their stay. Medical equipment is stored January 2020
That’s been finished for a few years and the health center at CMC is directing resources to its Women’s Health platform including OB/GYN, maternal-fetal medicine, a gynecological and fertility program and gynecological oncology.
inside cabinets in the suites and brought out only as needed to allow an athome feel. However, mothers and babies are monitored non-intrusively thanks to wireless technology.
Laboring mothers are able to experiment with a variety of positions and take advantage of birthing balls and hydrotherapy tubs to manage pain and make labor as comfortable as possible. A variety of pain management options, including epidurals and nitrous oxide is available and, if the unexpected occurs, physicians are ready to step in. If an emergency C-section is necessary, an OB/GYN is prepared to perform surgery, and the handoff from CNM to OB/GYN facilitates security and confidence. The Childbirth Center aims to make labor as natural as possible and in the hour after birth embraces bonding time with skin-to-skin contact between mother and child.
The plan is to keep services in the community so women don’t have to travel for services, Barbella said. In the meantime, Kayla Stair reports that both she and baby Jayla are happy and healthy. H –Christine Fanning
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HappeningsPA.com
January 2020
Senior Stories Lucy Webster Bethany Village Resident
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ucy was born on December 13,1918. She was one of eight children in her family. She graduated from Central City Business Institute and afterwards went to work as the secretary at Auburn Correctional Facility during World War II. She later worked as a bookkeeper at Wells College in Auburn, NY where she raised three daughters, Lynn, Diane and Marylou. Lucy attributes her longevity to never drinking or smoking. She can always be found breaking into songs such as "The way we were.” She sings the line “…and if we had the chance to do it all again, tell me would we?” Ask her anytime if she would and she answers with a resounding “YES!” She enjoyed a day of celebration and received over 100 cards for her birthday.
Mary Beth Dessoye Brooks Estates, Wesley Village Campus
M
ary Beth Dessoye lives in Brooks Estates at the Wesley Village and says that living here gives everyone lots of opportunities for learning new things. Want exercise? We've got it! Shuffleboard? Got that too! Coloring, Rummikub, cards, board games, crafts. etc. We have a campus life coordinator who is always looking for something new. H
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Wilkes University partners with Early Learning Center
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ilkes University and the Illumination Early Learning Center have partnered to advance the preparation of future teachers. Wilkes early childhood education students will conduct field experiences at the center. In addition, select Wilkes undergraduate early childhood education classes will be taught at the center, allowing immediate hands-on learning within the early childcare environment. The partnership recognizes Illumination Early Learning Center as a Professional Development School partnership. Professional Development Schools offer innovative partnerships with Wilkes that are dedicated to the improvement of classroom practice and enhanced student achievement. Professional Development Schools include childcare centers and schools from pre-kindergarten through twelve grades. "It is through collaboration that we can most effectively provide for each child -- both in and out of the classroom," said Rhonda Rabbitt, dean of the Wilkes School of Education. "Wilkes is raising the bar on the quality of early childhood education for everyone's benefit." The Wilkes elementary and early childhood education program leads to pre-kindergarten through fourth grade certification (PreK-4). The program also includes an 18-credit reading minor. Students learn and practice how to actively engage with students from birth through 28
Pictured from left (seated): Sierra Erwine, Wilkes education student; Rhonda Rabbitt, Wilkes Dean of the School of Education; Cassandra Novakowski, Wilkes education student; (standing) Annemarie Carl, Director of Illumination Early Learning Center; Bill Grant, Wilkes Board of Trustees; Patricia Reese, Wilkes adjunct faculty member; Beth Spencer, Wilkes Coordinator of Field Experiences; Suzanne Galella, Wilkes Undergraduate Education Chair; Amy Hnasko, Wilkes Assistant Professor; Hannah Mislevy, Wilkes education student; Ann Marie Aed Wilkes Supervisor of Field Experience; and Cassie Button, Wilkes education student.
fourth grade while learning how to develop and implement best teaching practices. As part of the program, students complete more than 550 field experience and professional development school hours. "We are excited to partner with Wilkes University by giving education students the opportunity to develop their teaching skills, interact and learn from experienced professionals, ultimately providing a glimpse into the early childhood education field," said Annemarie Carl, director of Illumination Early Learning Center. Illumination Early Learning Center is located inside the Friedman Jewish Community Center, 613 S. J. Strauss Lane in Kingston. It enrolls infants to preschool-aged children of all faiths. The center is inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach to early HappeningsPA.com
education which values the child as strong, capable and resilient; rich with wonder and knowledge. This philosophy has a strong focus on collaboration where each child is an equal participant and having their thoughts and questions valued. The Reggio approach emphasizes handson discovery learning that allows the child to use all their senses to learn. Wilkes also offers a fully online pathway to a bachelor's degree in elementary and early childhood education for working adults who have completed 55 credits or an associate degree. In partnership with the Pennsylvania Child Care Association, the T.E.A.C.H. (Teacher Education And Compensation Helps) Early Childhood Pennsylvania Scholarship offers financial assistance to early childcare professionals in Keystone STARS facilities who wish to advance their education and expertise and move up the career lattice. www.wilkes.edu. H January 2020
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Winter in the City
t may be cold outside, but there will be plenty of warmth and good cheer at Winter in the City on January 17, 2020, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Posh at The Scranton Club, 404 N. Washington Avenue, Scranton.
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Now in its 16th year, the annual fundraiser for Scranton Tomorrow has become a mid-winter favorite for the greater Scranton community. Guests will enjoy music by Paul LaBelle and the Exact Change Band while sampling
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appetizers, beverages and signature dishes donated by local restaurants. “Enjoy a silent auction featuring items generously donated by local retailers, service professionals, hotels and restaurants,” said Leslie Collins, executive director, Scranton Tomorrow. Tickets are $25 per person, and will be available at the door. The event is open to those age 21 and older. Proceeds benefit Scranton Tomorrow’s economic development efforts in the Downtown Scranton business district. Visit www.scrantontomorrow.org, email lizbaldi@scrantontomorrow.org, or call 570.963.5901. H
HappeningsPA.com
January 2020
WINTER 2020
Bridal Guide
Shannon Keegan Epifano Photo: Custom by Nicole Photography 31
Shannon Keegan
&
Anthony Epifano
S
hannon Keegan and Anthony Epifano were friends during their time as students at North Pocono High School. They began dating in 2012, and continued for the next four years while Anthony attended Drexel University in Philadelphia and Shannon attended the University of Scranton. They recall their memorable first date at Osaka restaurant in Scranton, when Shannon took a big bite of wasabi, thinking it was avocado paste! They continued visiting the restaurant every chance possible when Anthony would travel to Scranton to visit Shannon. On March 21, 2016, Anthony proposed to Shannon on the beach of Punta Cana, with Shannon’s parents present. A two year engagement followed, providing ample time for stress-free wedding planning.
om by Nicole
Photos: Cust
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Photography
Since Shannon and Anthony both love the Christmas season and cherish time spent with family, they concluded that their favorite season would be the perfect time for their wedding. A ceremony was held in St. Ann’s Basilica on December 15, 2018, followed by a reception for 210 guests at the Scranton Cultural Center.
Friends and family comprised the couple’s large bridal party which included nine bridesmaids, nine groomsmen and three ring bearers. They traveled to and from the ceremony by trolley. Bagpipes played as Shannon entered and exited the church. To memorialize family members, Anthony wore his paternal grandfather’s New York Yankee watch and kept his maternal grandfather’s pocket knife is his jacket for the day. The bride and groom honored their late grandfathers and the bride’s grandmother by placing five roses by the Blessed Mary. The couple’s first dance was to Brad Paisley’s song “Then.” Christmas trees adorned both the church and the Cultural Center. “Kissing Bells” were
provided on each table for guests to jingle to encourage the newlyweds to kiss. The couple closed the night out by playing the Christmas classic, “All I Want For Christmas is You,” while guests surrounded them on the dance floor. The couple spent two weeks traveling to various cities throughout Switzerland in May 2019. They currently reside in Plymouth Meeting. The groom is a Structural Design Engineer at Mainstay Engineering Group, Inc. The bride is a Pediatric Registered Nurse at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Both the bride and groom grew up near Moscow and their goal is to raise a family in the same, small-town environment they enjoyed. H –Melissa Hayhoe
January 2020
HappeningsPA.com
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Kara Sweeney
&Sean Hanahue K
ara Sweeney and Sean Hanahue met in grade school when they were introduced by mutual friends. Later on in high school when Kara was attending Scranton Preparatory School and Sean attending Bishop Hannan High School they found themselves hanging out with the same crowd. After college they reunited at a concert in Philadelphia and their friendship grew into a relationship. Their first official date led them to New York City, where Sean was living at the time. They went to John’s on Bleecker, Sean's favorite pizza spot in Greenwich Village followed by a dark and light at McSorley’s in the East Village. During a Made in America Concert in Philadelphia during Labor day weekend of 2014 their mutual feelings revealed that they were likely “the one” for each other. After three and a half years of dating the couple became engaged in March 2018. The rooftop of their first apartment in Sunnyside, Queens, N.Y. was the ideal location. Sean cooked Kara her favorite meal of turkey tacos and surprised her on the
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Continued on page 36
roof of their first apartment the weekend before they moved out. He knew it would be the perfect spot since Kara loved the view of the city. He also planned a big celebration with family and friends for the following day at Cooper’s Seafood in Scranton. The couple was united in marriage at a ceremony at Our Lady of the Snows Church in Clarks Summit. An intimate, rustic, elegant, candlelit Photos: Julie Jordan Photography reception for 250 guests followed at Constantino’s Catering. The day included many memorable moments. Sean gave Kara a special pair of earrings to wear on her wedding day. He also gave her a meaningful, framed photo of her with her late father to carry. Her flowers were wrapped in one of her father’s blue shirts so that she introduces Kara to new music everyday. They love trycould feel that he was with her in spirit to walk her down ing new restaurants around New York City and Jersey the aisle. She wore her grandmother's mink shawl as her City, N.J. They cherish time at Moosic Lake, where “something old.” Kara gave Sean a Les Paul electric guitar; both of their extended families spend their summers. his high school band, Grambo, reunited and closed out the The couple resides in Jersey City, N.J. The groom reception playing some of their old hits. is a Technical Director at SiriusXM. The bride is a As a couple, they enjoy spending time with their close knit Radiation Therapist at New York Presbyterian families. Hiking, watching the New York Knicks and the Hospital. Sean grew up in Clarks Summit and Kara Philadelphia Flyers are a few of their favorite things. Sean grew up in Scranton. H –Melissa Hayhoe
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Hali Montgomery
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& Dorian Evans
orian and Hali met while attending the Palumbo-Donahue School of Business at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. As the couple says, “When you know, you know…” They seemed to click right from the start. Their first date found them at Kaya in the Strip District section of Pittsburgh. The couple claims that their interests are very similar and thus they simply enjoy each other’s presence. Regardless of whether they are having a good or a bad day, they find it nearly impossible to get “sick of each other.” They both value honesty, communication and unconditional love. Cycling and visiting wineries, trying new local restaurants, attending Pittsburgh Steeler games and concerts are some of their favorite pastimes. Dorian and Hali would be best described as the “mom” and “dad” of a group. They are both planners, caretakers and rule-followers. And when you picture opposites attracting, it is true to form as Dorian is an extrovert
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HappeningsPA.com
January 2020
Dorian had “the realtor’s photographer” take a picture of them in front of the house. He knelt on one knee holding a keychain inscribed with the words, “Will you marry me?” An engagement ring was attached.
and thrives in room full of people, whereas Hali is more introverted and prefers intimate and deep conversation. After dating for three years, Dorian proposed on March 18, 2018. During the final walkthrough of the house that they were purchasing together,
After an 18 month engagement, the wedding ceremony was held on September 21, 2019 in St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Mount Lebanon. A reception followed at The Power Center Ballroom at Duquesne University. The couple’s initial meeting at Duquesne made the reception choice fitting and sentimental. Since 70 percent of the guests were from out of town the couple enjoyed sharing the city and the university with their friends and family. The ballroom consisted of a large balcony with floor to ceiling windows overlooking downtown Pittsburgh. A Pittsburgh tradition, “the cookie table” blew the out of towners away! Friends and family made their personal favorite cookies and over 1,200 cookies were shared with guests! In addition the main dessert was Burnt Almond Torte
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and Red Velvet cake from the famous Pittsburgh bakery, Prantl’s. Additional entertainment included a “pop-rock” violin during cocktail hour, classical violin with grand piano at dinner, and DJ throughout the evening. The couple honeymooned to Sonoma/Napa Valley and now reside in Pittsburgh. The groom is a contract professional for Bechtel and the bride is a human resources administrator for Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. In Pittsburgh, Dorian and Hali are active volunteers at their church, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and with the Woiner Foundation. Dorian is a native of Roaring Brook Township and a graduate of Scranton Preparatory School. H –Melissa Hayhoe
Photos: Weddings by Sal and Bella – Chrissy and Matthew Olson
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Wedding Wonderlands
Constantino’s Catering and Events Inc. Alicia Carey 570-963-1691 Irem Club Ashley Fonzo 570-675-1134 MCR Brian Daubert 570-878-3320 Penn’s Peak Deb Biege 610-826-9663
POSH and the Colonnade Josh Mast and Paul Blackledge 570-342-6114 Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple Erin Speicher 570-346-7369 x135 Settlers Inn Karen Loeschorn 570-226-2993
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The Rosemont Inn T
he beautiful Rosemont Inn in Montrose will host an evening of culinary delights, music, dance and just about anything else that a couple may need to make their wedding perfect and unique. The 2020 Event and Wedding Extravaganza will be held January 25, from 4-8 p.m. From the dress and the flowers to the photographer or the minister, find everything that you need in one place, plus lots of ideas and inspiration. Caterers, formal wear, cake designers, makeup artists and even a hot air balloon company will be represented. Special packages will be offered. Reserve your spot early as seating is very limited. a Ryan
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For $25 per person, each guest will be treated to a full menu of samples, cakes, desserts wine tastings and micro brews. Call the Inn at 570-278-7600 for reservations.
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January 2020
The Rosemont Inn Bed and Breakfast dates to 1859 and much of its existence has been to welcome and host travelers to the Montrose area. The Inn also hosts beautiful events, baby and bridal showers, retirement parties, etc. H
Country Inns
and B&Bs BUTTERMILK FALLS INN Luxury lodgings on a 75-acre Hudson River Estate includes guest rooms with fireplaces, carriage and guest houses with pet and childfriendly options. Enjoy a country breakfast, Spa, Henry’s restaurant, trails and Buttermilk’s own Millstone Farm with an organic kitchen garden and orchard and Animal Rescue Sanctuary. Milton, NY. 845- 795-1310. www.buttermilkfallsinn.com
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
THE JAMES MANNING HOUSE Warm, charming, historic B&B welcoming you with the comforts of home and all the modern amenities in three well-appointed guest rooms including; queen beds, private baths, electric fireplaces, central AC, TV, WiFi, gardens and more. Enjoy a chef’s choice home-cooked breakfast each morning. Friendly hospitality and five-star service. Honesdale, PA 570-253-5573
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THE INN AT STARLIGHT LAKE AND RESTAURANT On a clear lake in the PA highlands is a charming 1909 country inn. Surrounded by rolling hills and woods, the inn is a perfect country retreat. Children and pets welcome. Enjoy recreation from swimming to cross country skiing, romantic rooms, excellent food and spirits and a congenial atmosphere. 800-248-2519 www.innatstarlightlake.com
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January 2020
THE ROSEMONT INN BED AND BREAKFAST Enjoy the elegance of this 1859 renovated home in the Historic District of Montrose. Cozy getaways, retreats, parties & reunions are made memorable here. 11 guest rooms with private baths. Lovely amenities. In-house catering available. Within walking distance to downtown. 165 Lake Ave., Montrose, PA (570)-278-7600 http://www.therosemontinnbb.com
THE NATURE INN AT BALD EAGLE Located less than 2 hours from Scranton/ Wilkes-Barre on I-80 near State College, our lakeside getaway in central Pennsylvania provides door-step access to exceptional yearround land and water activities. You’ll find that our walls of windows, covered porches, private balconies, and communal patio and fire pit offer an unrivaled natural experience. 814-625-2879 www.natureinnatbaldeagle.com
Don’t Whine.
THE SOUTH GLENORA TREE FARM BED & BREAKFAST A quiet country retreat only minutes from Watkins Glen and near Seneca Lake wineries/ breweries. The two barns built in 1855 and turned into the B&B in 1992 sit on 68 acres, and feature 5 guest rooms all with private bath. One with a King and 4 with Queen beds. 607-243-7414 www.treefarmbb.com stay@treefarmbb.com
Get Happenings Delivered to your Door. Call 570-587-3532 ext. 124. January 2020
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Spotlight on Peter Amato Ph.D., DNM Board Certified, Natural Medicine
ow did you become interested in the mind-body connection? As a boy, I recall my dad reading a book called the Silva Mind Control Method. He had chronic heart fatigue (CHF) and was always juice fasting, taking supplements and attempting to remain calm. As an adult, I read books by Deepak Chopra. Finally, at 38 years of age, I entered a Drug and Alcohol rehabilitation center. In Marworth, and as part of the 12 Step program, it was suggested that I begin practicing meditation. The mind-body connection became the starting point. Cultivating a connec-
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tion with a higher power was pointing toward an inward focus and a meditative awareness. This began my spiritual journey. I realized that I was successful but unhappy. With no where to turn but within, I sought peace through quieting the mind. This practice has gifted me with a peace that passes all understanding and life purpose.
What encompasses the spiritual dimension of our lives? The spiritual dimension is unique to the individual. Some identify spirituality with religion, some identify spirituality as being in /or with nature, some are not aware of the existence of spirituality and the positive impact it can have on quality of life. It is often not as obvious for people as physical health, because it is invisible. For me, regular meditation practice has taken me through the states and stages of consciousness as a direct and amazing experience, filling me with bliss and joy. Although, I have been blessed, I strive to practice humility, to be grateful, and to always give more than I take. Practicing patience, tolerance and kindness is not always easy. For me, this is the heart of the practice. Meditation brings awareness. Awareness can be a challenge when one sees too deeply into things! My doctoral thesis was about “The Theory of Awakening using a Grounded Theory Methodology.� How does transpersonal psychology differ from other branches of psychology? Transpersonal psychology
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is a sub-field or “school” of psychology that integrates the spiritual and transcendent aspects of the human experience within the framework of modern psychology. My goal was to discover a deeper and richer understanding of the human spirit in order to achieve one’s fullest potential. The field is focused on spirituality and helps one get acquainted with deeper levels of consciousness beyond the physical plane. There is often a religious aspect to transpersonal psychology to help individuals realize that they are ultimately spiritual beings in physical bodies. Unlike religion though, transpersonal psychology attempts to integrate Western psychology to translate spiritual principles into empirical-based scientific language. What prompted your interest in nutrition? For many years I was vegetarian, vegan and a healthy eater. I have been juicing for over 45 years. I saw how nutrition gave my dad extra years. Today we have so many
January 2020
plans - keto, paleo, intermittent fasting, plant-based, grass fed, whole food, Mediterranean, etc. I test each client for their exact nutritional needs. Unfortunately, all our food, air and water sources are contaminated. The soil is depleted, the air is filled with aluminum, the animals are fed glyphosate, and the water is heavy metal and fluoride laden. One recent research study indicates that 95% of the people in the U.S urinate glyphosate! Our clients want to be tested for their “exact nutritional needs.” Detoxification has become more important than nutrition. We have an epidemic of designer diseases; chronic infections
Happenings Magazine
and heavy metal toxicants do not show up on traditional blood tests. We get to the root cause, while eliminating symptoms. What aspects of our current society contribute to more stress than with prior generations? I believe our addiction to tele-communication, media dysfunction, social media and texting has added pressure to the way we live. Communication is an intimate exchange of energy that has lost its true meaning and value. Our fast-paced, high-tech world has left a void in relationships. Peerreviewed clinical research is revealing how technology is leading to higher rates of neuro-degenerative diseases.
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I would say half of my clients suffer from endocrine disruptors causing sleep issues, brain fog, hormonal imbalances and anxiety. I believe the telecommunications industry is like the tobacco industry of yesterday! What contributed to your work becoming recognized by institutions such as Harvard, Duke and Georgetown? In 1997 I opened one of the nation's first integrative wellness centers; I was a pioneer in a field that was just forming. We had begun to design clinical protocols for all diseases calling on mind-body medicine, nutrition, yoga and meditation and we were achieving results. As Chair of the National Integrative Medicine Council, along with my partner Andrew Weil, M.D., we began the first Integrative Medicine education at The University of Arizona at Tucson. Together with Dr. Weil, and along with our state officials (Republican and Democrat), we were able to form the National
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Centers for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) within the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Washington D.C. Still alive and growing today, this entity continues research into natural medicine. How long have you been practicing meditation? And yoga? If someone is not comfortable with either, are there alternatives that could provide similar benefits? I have been practicing and teaching meditation and yoga for 26 years. The question about ‘not being comfortable’ is a great one! This is where I would begin with a client/student. Where does the discomfort lie? In the
Happenings Magazine
body, the mind or the beliefs? Is it pain, fear, time? In authentic yoga, the postures are only something to be doing while we are trying to quiet the mind. The true essence of yoga is the actual experience of quieting the mind! There are always alternatives, or strategies to identify thoughts, behaviors and feelings associated with why one shrinks back from identifying and experiencing unified consciousness or (yoga.) Our wellness and lifestyle coaching is often the first step for clients. This is alternative medicine. Come out to one of our free educational seminars to learn more. Who are your clients? My private clinical practice takes daily appointments for all health concerns. We address mental, emotional, physical, spiritual and environmental health. My training has led me to be an
January 2020
expert in integration. We focus on alleviating the root of the problem, while attending to the symptom. We are busy! Additionally, many of my clients are choosing nutraceuticals rather than the toxic synthetic pharmaceuticals with the side effects. An initial visit is two hours, and subsequent visits are one hour. What types of hormone issues can be alleviated through your programs? We address cyclical changes. With natural and organic nutraceuticals, remediation of symptoms is guaranteed. Homeodynamics, different than homeostasis, is a balancing at the cellular level, beyond the physiologic level of organ and
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gland. Today, we can test and balance health concerns far beyond blood work. Most root causes do not show up in traditional blood work, only the result of an isolated health concern. In my practice we balance humans, not treat blood work. Common hormonal balances are low pH (deficient minerals), digestive dysfunction, liver and/or heavy metal toxicity, nutritional deficiency and often dental issues reflexing to organs and glands. Achieving optimum health is like peeling an onion. We ask the body what it needs at the cellular level and feed it. We are a holistic wellness
Happenings Magazine
center, and we work with the leading specialists in the world. What is the simplest way for a potential client to “get his/her feet wet� through your wellness programs? I suggest a free 30-minute phone consult or office visit to better understand our process. We will define the time they will commit to optimizing their health, associated needs and budget. We help with stress, sleep, digestive, pain , detoxification, and much more. We were recently voted one of the Top Wellness Retreats in the Nation. Call 570-319-6073. H
January 2020
Make 2020 Your Year to Achieve the Life You Never Dreamed Possible!
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ontact our office today for a free 30 minute health consultation about a wellness plan that alleviates symptoms such as fatigue, digestive issues, sleep irregularities, headaches, brain fog, hormonal issues, bone and joint pain. Let us get to the root cause of your issues. Join us for two free sessions Lyme, brain fog and sleep issues: January 7, 6 p.m. - Thrive Wellness Center in Kingston January 9, 6 p.m. - Inner Harmony Wellness Centers
Peter Amato Ph.D., DNM Board Certified, Natural Medicine
570-319-6073 InnerHarmonyWellness.com
Two locations: Inner Harmony Wellness Centers • 131 Reynolds Road, Waverly, PA Thrive Wellness Center • 647 Wyoming Avenue • Kingston, PA
Wilkes University Names Seventh President
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tenure, the Feliciano School of Business experienced overall enrollment growth of nearly 50 percent, including a graduate population that grew by 115 percent.
reg Cant will serve as Wilkes University's seventh president. Cant, currently serving as the dean of the Feliciano School of Business at Montclair State University in New Jersey, will join Wilkes effective June 15, 2020. Cant succeeds Patrick F. Leahy, who is now president of Monmouth University. Cant is regarded as a visionary academic leader who grew enrollment at previous institutions by developing a variety of innovative and market-driven programs. In announcing the appointment, board of trustees vice chair, Bill Miller '81, said that Cant will provide the leadership to continue the University's momentum as a small doctoral university like no other. "Wilkes is emerging from an era in which we completed our evolution from a junior college in 1933 to a national, doctoral university in 2019. We need a visionary leader who will continue this momentum and move us to new levels of excellence," Miller said. Wilkes board of trustees chairman, Dan Cardell '79, who chaired the 56
Greg Cant, Phd presidential search committee, said that Cant emerged from a national pool representing a diverse array of academic experience. "Dr. Cant offers a distinct combination of academic, administrative and leadership experience that stood out among our field of candidates. Few can claim the enrollment, fundraising and academic achievements as Dr. Cant. He has a clear vision for how to continue to advance our students and our University. We are pleased to welcome him as our seventh president." A native of Australia, Cant has 30 years of experience as an educator and administrator in the United States and abroad. He has served as the dean of the Feliciano School of Business at Montclair State University since July 2015. During his Happenings Magazine
Prior to his role at Montclair State University, Cant was the dean of the Offutt School of Business at Concordia College in Minnesota. He also served as a professor in Guangdong, China and has worked in the United Kingdom, as well as in his native Australia. He holds his doctor of philosophy degree from the University of Western Australia and a master's degree in industrial relations from Queen's University in Ontario, Canada. He also earned his bachelor's degree in industrial relations and economics from the University of Western Australia. Cant's research interests include cross-cultural management, particularly in China, business ethics and business pedagogy. Cant's family includes his wife, Angela, and four children: Callum, 28, and Genevieve, 26, in Australia, and Eliza, 18, and Jackson, 17, at home. H
January 2020
Geisinger Researchers Find AI Can Predict Arrhythmia, Death Risk Analysis of ECG results can pinpoint patients at higher risk for earlier interventions
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eisinger researchers have found that artificial intelligence can examine electrocardiogram (ECG) test results to identify patients at risk of developing a potentially dangerous type of arrhythmia with an irregular heartbeat or of dying within a year. In two studies, researchers used more than 2 million ECG test results from archived medical records within the Geisinger system to train deep neural networks — advanced, multilayered computational structures — to predict irregular heart rhythms, known as atrial fibrillation (AF), before they developed. Atrial fibrillation is associated with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. The studies are among the first to use artificial intelligence to predict future events from an ECG rather than to detect current health problems. In 1.1 million ECGs from more than 237,000 patients who had not yet developed AF, the research team used highly specialized computa58
tional hardware to train a deep neural network to analyze 15 segments of data — 30,000 data points — for each ECG. Researchers found that within the top 1 percent of high-risk patients, as predicted by the neural network, 1 out of every 3 people was diagnosed with AF within a year. The model predictions also demonstrated longer term prognostic significance, as the patients predicted to develop AF had a 45 percent higher hazard rate in developing AF over the next 25 years of follow-up compared to the lower risk patients. “Currently, there are limited methods to identify which patients will develop AF within the next year, which is why, many times, the first sign of AF is a stroke,” said senior author Christopher Haggerty, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Imaging Science and Innovation at Geisinger and co-senior author on both studies. “We hope that this model can be used to identify patients with atrial fibrillation very early so they can be treated to prevent stroke.” Happenings Magazine
To identify patients most likely to die of any cause within a year, Geisinger researchers analyzed the results of 1.77 million ECGs and other records from almost 400,000 patients. The team used this data to compare machine learning-based models that either directly analyzed the raw ECG signals or relied on aggregated human-derived measures (standard ECG features typically recorded by a cardiologist) and commonly diagnosed disease patterns. The neural network model that directly analyzed the ECG signals was found to be superior for predicting 1-year risk of death. Surprisingly, the neural network was able to accurately predict risk of death even in patients deemed by a physician to have a normal ECG. Three cardiologists separately reviewed the ECGs that had first been read as normal, and they were generally unable to recognize the risk patterns that the neural network detected, researchers said. The research was supported in part by funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, an American Heart Association Competitive Catalyst Award and the Geisinger Health Plan and Clinic. H January 2020
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January 2020
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Easing Into Retirement on’t make the common mistake of thinking that one day you’ll stop working and your retirement will take care of itself. A successful retirement takes planning. So, as you move closer to the time when you’ll finally leave your job behind, consider what you can do to make the transition easier.
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all stocks from your portfolio just because you think you need to preserve your principal at all costs. Your retirement could last a long time. Consider keeping investments with the potential to earn returns that will keep you ahead of inflation while staying within your risk tolerance. Know What You’re Getting
Before you plan anything, you need to know exactly where your finances stand. By listing your assets and debts, a net worth statement can show you exactly how much money you’ll have to work with. You’ll see whether you’re making progress toward eliminating debt and saving enough to reach your goals.
Check on any benefits you’ll receive from your employer at retirement. Will you be entitled to health insurance as a retiree? If not, you’ll have to plan for the expense of providing your own. Even after you’ve signed up for Medicare, you may still want to buy a supplemental policy. And, if you participate in a retirement plan, become familiar with your distribution options before you have to decide on the best one for your situation.
Review Your Asset Mix
Consider Taxes
As retirement approaches, you may want to move some of your money into less risky investments. However, you probably shouldn’t eliminate
You may be in a different tax bracket once you retire, and that may affect your withholding and the deductions you can claim — possibly for the better. Since
Figure Out Your Net Worth
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Happenings Magazine
you’ll no longer be having income tax withheld, you’ll probably have to pay quarterly estimated income taxes. And, keep in mind that changing your asset mix may have tax consequences. H RYAN W. WILSON, CPA, CFP®, CRPC®, AWMA®, AIF® Executive Vice President / Wealth Management, Financial Advisor Wilson Wealth Advisory Group of Janney Montgomery Scott LLC 72 Glenmaura National Boulevard, Moosic, PA 18507 | 800.638.4417 rwilson@janney.com | www.wilsonwealthadvisory.com Janney Montgomery Scott LLC Financial Advisors are available to discuss the suitability and risks involved with various products and strategies presented. We will be happy to provide a prospectus, when available, and other information upon request. Please note that the information provided includes reference to concepts that have legal, accounting and tax implications. It is not to be construed as legal, accounting or tax advice, and is provided as general information to you to assist in understanding the issues discussed. Neither Janney Montgomery Scott LLC nor its Financial Advisors (in their capacity as Financial Advisors) give tax, legal, or accounting advice. We would urge you to consult with your own attorney and/or accountant regarding the application of the information contained in this letter to the facts and circumstances of your particular situation. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC, is a full-service investment firm that is a member of the NYSE, the FINRA and SIPC. Source: DST Systems, Inc. Copyright 2017. January 2020
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Joseph “Bo” Orlando Brings the Values of Community Pride Back to his Hometown of Berwick
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fter many years in the NFL, Joseph “Bo” Orlando, who was recently inducted in the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame, is currently the athletic director of his alma mater, Berwick High School. He hopes to bring back the values of the love of the game to his football town. Bo first played football when he was in a midget league from age 9 to 12 at a park across the street from his home. He recalls being one of the smaller kids. Back then, the teammates were divided according to age but not weight. “I always had to be tough because I played against guys who were 130 lbs. I weighed about 70 lbs,” he said. Later he became a quarterback at Berwick Area Middle School. He continued playing this position for the Berwick Bulldogs at Berwick Junior High School. He only lost one game throughout his years at 62
both the middle school and high school. His senior class was the very first team to become USA Today mythical national champions in 1983. Bo received a scholarship and attended West Virginia University from 1984 to 1988. He was a captain during his senior year, which was the first season that the West Virginia Mountaineers became undefeated. This team won against Notre Dame HappeningsPA.com
University during the Fiesta Bowl at Sun Devil Football Stadium in Tempe, Arizona in 1989. Bo didn't expect to be drafted by the NFL but ran for the Houston Oilers in West Virginia University‘s Shell Building. “A week later, my coach gave me a call from West Virginia and said ‘The Houston Oilers are gonna come out and work you out’,” he said. "This guy comes out January 2020
it is now. That’s why I‘m still a big fan of high school and college because it’s all about playing for the love of the game when there‘s no money involved.” Bo also likes the fact that football players in high school and college stick to the same team.
and works me out. Two weeks later was the draft, and I got a call from coach Nick Saban (current coach of the University of California). Coach Saban was my very first defensive back coach. That‘s who drafted me for the Houston Oilers.” In 1989, Bo began playing for the Oilers as a free safety. He was on this team for six years. A special memory was playing at an away game in Pittsburgh where most everyone was either an Eagle fan or a Steeler fan. He scored his only touchdown during his NFL career at this game. In 1995, he played for the San Diego Chargers. He became the second leading tackler behind fellow player Junior Seau. The next year, he became a free agent, and joined the Cincinnati Bengals. He led this team with 127 tackles. In 1998, he played for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He retired from the NFL afterward. “The guys were a lot closer off the field,“ he said. “You still played for pride. There was money to be made but not like January 2020
After retiring from the NFL, Bo came back to his home state of Pennsylvania and is currently residing in Bethlehem. He worked many odd jobs such as construction, sales and for a pharmaceutical company. When he was in Berwick doing a construction job, he was asked by Berwick Junior High School to become a head football coach. ”I said ‘absolutely not’ because to me when you're a head coach in Berwick, I think of George Curry (Bo‘s former head coach who passed away of ALS in 2016),” he said. “There's only one George Curry.“' Bo said that Curry had the most wins in Pennsylvania history with six state titles and three national titles. “He (Curry) was a coach, a mentor, a father,” he said. “He was a great individual.”
best of both worlds.” Bo and his coaching staff members are trying to bring back the hard work and dedication that Curry invoked on his students. “We are going to do the best we can to get everything back for the discipline, hard work, and that tradition of win with pride, lose with pride," he said. "I think coaching is a lot more than just coaching. You touch a lot of men's lives.” Bo has two sons, Joseph Jr., 30, Anthony, 26, and a daughter Gabrielle, 28. Joseph Jr. received a football scholarship at the University of New Hampshire. Anthony received a scholarship at Colgate University. After his first year, he transferred to Moravian College in Bethlehem. Bo also sees his new position as a big responsibility keeping the tradition of community pride. "That's what made us strong back in the day," he said. “And that's what makes us strong now. Our alumni and peers are key. There's a very, very rich football tradition here in Berwick and we want to keep it going.” H –Ben Freda
Bo was later offered a job as the high school's athletic director. He considered the position since he has a degree from West Virginia University in sports management. His first task was to hire a new head coach. He interviewed many people for the job. He compared each interviewee to Curry in order to find the right man for the job. “I love coaching but I don't want to be a head coach,” he said. “I just want to be an assistant coach. I kind of have the HappeningsPA.com
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Wayne Bank Expands in Luzerne County
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ayne Bank recently expanded in Luzerne County with the opening of its new community office at 1130 Wyoming Avenue in Exeter. This is the bank’s second location in Luzerne County, having opened a location in Hanover Township in the spring of 2019. The new full-service office houses both retail banking and commercial lending professionals, offering Wayne Bank’s complete line of products and services for consumers and businesses. Manager Kristen Bolin, will use her 11 years of local banking experience to provide customers with outstanding service and sound financial solutions. Drive-up banking, a drive-up ATM, a Smart Banking Solution Center and ample parking further enhance the location. “Wayne Bank is dedicated to investing in the communities we serve and we are proud to continue that tradition in Luzerne County with this exciting expansion,” stated President and Chief Executive Officer, Lewis J. Critelli. “Our new Exeter location gives our customers additional convenience within 64
Luzerne County and introduces Wayne Bank’s longstanding tradition of community banking excellence to the local businesses, organizations and residents of Exeter and the surrounding areas.” Employing more than 200 local people throughout its 27 locations, Wayne Bank offers a full line of products and services, including the latest in banking technology. Comparable to national banks, Wayne Bank’s full suite of electronic banking services offer retail and business customers the convenience of banking from anywhere. Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Robert J. Mancuso, noted, “Wayne Bank is committed to providing the most advanced, secure and user friendly bank technology to meet the modern financial needs of consumers and businesses.” Founded in 1871, Wayne Bank celebrated 148 years of community banking in 2019. As a community bank, Wayne Bank is an integral part of both the local community and economy, and is dedicated to guiding the HappeningsPA.com
success of local businesses. “The business lending team at Wayne Bank is passionate about helping local business owners realize their financial goals,” explained Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer, James F. Burke. “We provide lending options for businesses of all sizes and a selection of products and services that are tailored to the specific needs of today’s world. Our commercial lenders live in the markets they serve, so they have a great knowledge of the local business community and genuinely care about helping local businesses grow and thrive.” As with the Bank’s Hanover Township location at 734 Sans Souci Parkway in Hanover Township, the Exeter Community Office is open for lobby and drive-up customers from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday. Visit www.waynebank.com. Wayne Bank is a subsidiary of Norwood Financial Corp, Member FDIC, and is located in Honesdale, PA. The Bank has 27 Community Offices serving Wayne, Pike, Monroe, Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties in PA along with Delaware and Sullivan Counties in NY. The stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol— NWFL. H January 2020
Now Accepting Applications 62 or older, handicapped or disabled. Rent based on 30% of your income. Includes all utilities except cable and telephone. CLOSE TO ALL THE AMENITIES 230 Lackawanna Avenue • Olyphant, PA
570-489-4756 January 2020
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RECHNER ASSUMES CHAIRMANSHIP at Wayne Memorial he new Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Wayne Memorial Hospital and Health System brings a diversity of skills and experiences to his new post. Hugh Rechner is an attorney, a former banking professional, a pilot and a U.S. Army veteran who served in the Vietnam War and earned both a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart. He and his wife Carol, longtime Honesdale residents, are the parents of three, grandparents of seven and great-grandparents of six.
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Elected by the Hospital/Health System Board after his predecessor, Dirk Mumford, termed out, Rechner said “it is an honor to be at the helm of this excellent organization, and I look forward to working with my fellow board members and the administration in the best interests of our patients and community.” Born in Yugoslavia during World War II, Rechner, who is of German descent, and his family spent time in refugee camps before emigrating to the United States in 1949. The family ultimately settled on a farm in Fortenia Heights, just outside Honesdale. After graduating from Honesdale High School, Rechner joined the U.S. Army where he trained to be a helicopter pilot. After 20 years in the service, during which time he served two tours of duty in Vietnam and earned a bachelor’s degree from the 66
Photo, left to right: Matthew Meagher; Joann Hudak; Hugh Rechner; William Dewar III, MD, Wayne Memorial Chief of Staff; Wendell Hunt and Frank Borelli. University of Nebraska and a Masters’ in Business Administration from the University of Colorado, Rechner retired—for the first time! He then joined Honesdale National Bank, where he served as a Vice President and Trust Officer for 10 years—and retired again. “Looking for more excitement,” as Mr. Rechner puts it, he decided that the practice of law was his real life’s avocation. In 1994, at the age of 51, he started law school at Temple University. He graduated cum laude in June 1997. Rechner Law welcomed Hugh’s daughter Christine Rechner as a partner in 2003. Rechner is no stranger to the services of Wayne Memorial Health System. He served as a director and Chairman of the Board of Wayne Woodlands Manor, the System’s long-term care home in Waymart where his mother HappeningsPA.com
also resided for many years. For the past five years, Rechner has been First Vice Chair of Wayne Memorial Hospital/Health System. “Wayne Memorial is thrilled to have Hugh Rechner continue to serve us and the community,” said Wayne Memorial CEO David Hoff. “His extensive background in banking and the law, not to mention serving our country, is impressive. We’re privileged to have him!” With Rechner’s ascent, 2nd Vice Chair Joann Hudak moves into the 1st vice chair position, followed by attorney Matt Meagher as 2nd vice chair. Wendell Hunt continues as secretary and Frank Borelli continues as treasurer. Chief Executive Officer David Hoff welcomed the officers, who were officially installed recently at the at the Hospital/Health System’s annual meeting. H
January 2020
February 14-16
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Live Ice Carvings Over 50 Ice Sculptures Live Music Parade- Friday 7:30PM Free Admission Free Parking
Sponsored by:
January 2020
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$6,000 raised by 13-year-old girl for Children’s Hospital through her love of golf
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annah Rabb, 13, a student at Meadowbrook Christian School near Milton raised more than $6,000 to benefit Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital.
Hannah, whose family lives in Watsontown organized a putting competition where she received pledges for every successful putt she would make. Hannah drained 75 of 100 tries and raised more than $1,800 during that fund raiser. In addition, she organized a pajama day at her school that raised more than $2,600 and accepted donations on her website, hannahrabb.com. Hannah presented a check for $6,645.16 to Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital along with a small roll out putting green with putters and golf balls so kids in the hospital can have a little fun during their hospital stay.
The Wright Center Welcomes New Officer he Wright Center for Community Health and its affiliated entity, The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education welcomes Senior Vice President of Integrated Services and Chief Administrative Officer, Maura Connor. In this role, Connor oversees the strategic execution of clinical and administrative initiatives and serves as an integral part of the leadership team. Connor joins the organization following her time as Chief Operating Officer of the MD Buyline Division of TractManager. Concurrent with her role at TractManager, Connor served as the Chief Operating Officer of Hayes, Inc. With more
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Hannah Rabb (center) presented a check for $6,645.16 to Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital to Penny Roberts (left) Geisinger Health Foundation Annual Giving Specialist and Tracy Craddock (right), certified child life specialist. In the secondrow is her mother and father, Trisha and Matthew Rabb. “If I was sick in the hospital, I would want something to do. That is why I wanted to give the putting game,” Hannah said. Hannah has been golfing since she was 5 years old and now is a 6 handicap from the senior tees. She dreams to one day be a pro golfer on the LPGA tour. H About Geisinger Geisinger is committed to making better health easier for the more than 1.5 million consumers it serves. Founded more than 100 years ago by Abigail Geisinger, the system now includes 13 hospital campuses, a 600,000-member health plan, two research centers and the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. With 32,000 employees and 1,800 employed physicians, Geisinger boosts its hometown economies in Pennsylvania and New Jersey by billions of dollars annually.
than twenty-five years’ experience in the health care and higher education industries, Connor is uniquely positioned to elevate the organization’s operational efficiency and growth. Connor earned her BA in English and History with a minor in premedical studies from Duke University and completed the Stanford University Medical Informatics Short Program. She has expertise in strategic planning, business development, operations and transformational leadership. She has been a member of the Women Business Leaders in U.S. Healthcare Industry Foundation since 2016. H
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January 2020
OUR 30TH ANNIVERSARY
Chamber
LILLIAN’S OBOE*
Join our principal oboist Lillian Copeland with pianist Spencer Myer on an exciting program exploring the oboe repertoire from the baroque to the 21st century.
THURSDAY, JAN. 23, 2020 | 7:00PM WVIA Sordoni Theater, Pittston
Pops
RESPECT: A TRIBUTE TO ARETHA FRANKLIN
Featuring 2 female singers from the cast of Hamilton, RESPECT is the story of Aretha Franklin and the second half of the twentieth century in America. Her music, her activism, her faith, her strength are woven into the fabric of our history. “Respect: A Tribute to Aretha Franklin” celebrates the singer, the icon, the leader, the woman.
FRIDAY, FEB. 14, 2020 | 8:00PM F.M. Kirby Center, Wilkes-Barre
March 27April 5, 2020 Reading, PA Featuring ... CHRIS BOTTI • RICK BRAUN • NICK COLIONNE BRIAN CULBERTSON • INCOGNITO WITH MAYSA BÉLA FLECK AND THE ORIGINAL FLECKTONES DAVID BENOIT & LINDSEY WEBSTER ERIC DARIUS • BRIAN BROMBERG • BONEY JAMES THE BRUBECK BROTHERS CELEBRATE DAVE BRUBECK’S CENTENNIAL
... and many more!
www.nepaphil.org I 570-270-4444
January 2020
Tickets on sale NOW! berksjazzfest.com HappeningsPA.com
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Pearl Harbor Remembered
HHHHHHHHHH ore than two dozen veterans, all three Wayne County commissioners and Wayne Memorial Hospital staff, many of them veterans, gathered in the hospital’s new pedestrian concourse on December 6th to remember one of the darkest days in U.S. history, the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. President Franklin D. Roosevelt called it “a date which will live in infamy.” The surprise attack by the Japanese on December 7th , 1941, claimed more than 2,000 lives and marked the official entry of the U.S. into World War II. The ceremony, led by VFW Post 531 Commander Phil Sheehan, American Legion Post 254’s
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Front row, l. to r.: Fran Sheehan; Joann Powell; Mary Priebe; Dave Glossenger; Richard Priebe; Phil Sheehan; James Bruck; Bill Malloy; Lisa Maharaj, RN; Doug Wyllie. Back row: Frank Powell; Wayne County Commissioners Brian Smith, Wendell Kay and Joe Adams; Larry Zeller; Ken Cohen; John Jormzk; Jack Dennis; WMH Human Resources Director Bethany Fine; Tina Bothun; WMH CEO David Hoff.
James Bruck and Wayne Memorial Health Foundation Executive Director Jack Dennis included readings about the day of the attack and the playing of Taps by bugler Doug Wyllie. In addition,the group said a somber prayer and laid a wreath at the hospital’s memorial plaque dedicated to soldiers who lost their lives in World War I. H
CELEBRATING 20 YEARS!
INDOOR YARD SALE
Your Mom and Dad spent a lifetime caring for you, now you may find yourself caring for them. RN Clinical Coordinator • 24 Hour Staffing Private & Semi-Private Suites with Full Private Bath Individually Controlled HVAC Daily Laundry & Housekeeping Services Planned Social Activities & Outings Resort Style Dining • Transportation to Local Doctor Visits
Saturday, March 7 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tired of being stuck in the house? Suffering from too much stuff? Time to reorganize. Bring it out to the indoor yard sale. Better yet – come out and discover a treasure! A Senior Living Community “For Peace of Mind & Quality of Life”
Ladore Camp Pavilion 287 Owego Turnpike Waymart, PA
Nestled in the Rolling Hills of Wayne County
150 Noble Lane, Bethany, PA • 570-251-3463 www.bethanyseniorliving.com
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CAMP RETREAT & CONFERENCE CENTER
287 Owego Turnpike • P.O. Box G • Waymart, PA • 570-488-6129
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January 2020
Experience the Live-Better Lifestyle At United Methodist Homes UMH offers the full continuum of care. Our Wesley Village campus offers retirement solutions that cater to everyone! Offering the 昀nest options in: • • • • •
Book your appointment today to learn more and reserve one of the new cottages at Wesley Village!
Independent Living Personal Care Skilled Nursing Short Term Rehabilitation Memory Care Model
Experience the Live-Better Lifestyle that includes great dining Available options, unique wellness programs, friendly guest services, and daily for Tours! opportunities for recreation and fun activities including excursions. Our Tunkhannock Manor campus offers personal care services tailored to meet your needs. Enjoy personalized care and all the comforts of home in our small community, conveniently located within walking distance of downtown Tunkhannock. Wesley Village 570-655-2891 Tunkhannock Manor 570-836-2983 UnitedMethodistHomes.org
January 2020
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Treasure H•U•N•T•I•N•G Antiques on the Avenue- Customers call it,“a hidden gem!” An ever-changing inventory features vintage costume jewelry and sterling jewelry. Vintage ladies clothing, men‘s and women’s accessories– purses, wallets, hats. Kitchen items, Pyrex, glassware, small furniture. A small business, committed to customer satisfaction. Find us on Facebook. 1027 Prescott Ave, Scranton. 570-604-0177.
Winter in the City Friday, January 17, 2020 • 5:30 to 8 p.m. Posh@The Scranton Club 404 N. Washington Avenue, Scranton Music by Paul LaBelle and the Exact Change
Signature Dishes by Local Restaurants Beverages • Silent Auction
Gather your friends for a night of winter fun in historic Downtown Scranton! Tickets :$25 per person at the door (must be age 21 or older to attend) Proceeds benefit projects of Scranton Tomorrow. www.scrantontomorrow.org lizbaldi@scrantontomorrow.org
570.963.5901
Lark Mountain MarketSee 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, lighting & more. 306 Wilkes-Barre Twp., Blvd., Wilkes-Barre Twp. 570-822-8855 www.LarkMountainMarketplace.com Plains Antiques and Home Furnishings- Plains Antiques and Home Furnishings is the largest Antique Mall in the Wilkes Barre, Scranton area, featuring 50 Vendors with high quality items. Antique to Retro, including Furniture, Glassware, Lighting, Jewelry, Pottery, Artwork, Quality Collectables, and more. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram! 29 East Carey Street, Wilkes Barre, PA. 18705. 570-270-3107 www.plainsantiques.com Pieces of the Past- A 60’ x 96’ showroom plus 8 outbuildings full of Antiques, Collectibles, Gifts and the Unusual. Prices always negotiable. Open May-October, Saturday 9:00-5:00 Sunday 9:00-4:00 July and August open Friday 11:00- 5:00 Buying all year. 518 Twin Rocks Road (Rt.191) Newfoundland, PA 18445. Exit 17 of Route 84 (2 miles south on right) 845-392-5660. H
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Where Our Family Cares for Yours IOR LIVING FACILITY
BEST SEN
Supportive Living Memory Care Living 1300 Morgan Highway • 570-587-7709 thepinesatclarkssummit.com
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January 2020
SIMPLY THE Best...
The Hit Men
Relive Rock’s Classic Hits with Musicians Hall of Fame Honorees
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Sponsored by 69 WFMZ-TV, Strahman Valves, 790 WAEB and Chocodiem
Sponsored by B104, 100.7 WLEV, 93.5 SBG and lehighvalleylive.com + The Express-Times
The Choir of Man The best pub concert you’ve ever been to!
Thu., Feb. 13 7:30 PM - $45/$39 Sponsored by M&T Bank and 100.7 WLEV; Series sponsored by Capital BlueCross
Easy Access from RT 33 South! 453 Northampton St., Easton, PA 610-252-3132 1-800-999-STATE www.statetheatre.org
January 2020
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The Training Loft Spotlight on Jackie Kerekes
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s a new year begins, I reflect back on 2019, a year of incredible learning for me. I look at my life, my business and my wellness/fitness. They all tie together. I have always led a healthy lifestyle by making fitness and nutrition a priority. For the past ten years I have been a single mom of four and my workouts have helped me balance mind/body wellness through it all. I don’t believe I would have held everything together as well as I did without my intense focus on fitness and nutrition. After many years of working in other fitness facilities I went full-swing into last year with my own personal training studio, The Training Loft in Clarks Summit. I work with clients from 6 a.m. to sometimes 8 p.m. or later, often up to seven days a week. Working round the clock allowed me to help my clients reach and maintain their fitness and wellness goals. When not working with clients, I put a lot of time and energy into growing my busi-
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ness, thinking about how I can encourage more people to make the commitment to their own health. I know that everyone wants to be healthier and more fit but it is a challenge and it’s not easy to get there. If it were easy, everyone around us would be totally fit. It takes time, discipline and a commitment to making your health and wellness a priority. No one can do this for you but you. Even for me, this first full year in business has left very little time for me to keep up with my own personal fitness goals. I aim to stick to short frequent workouts, while keeping the nutritional aspect as the number one priority. I believe fitness is 80 percent about your nutrition and 20 percent about working out. I have designed personalized programs for everyone from couch potatoes to seasoned marathon runners. I meet with you one-on-one for private training sessions, and I also hold daily 30 minute small group training sessions. I think the best thing you can give yourself is self-care. “Busy” can be everyone’s excuse to not
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work out or commit to healthier nutrition. We are all too busy. But if feeling better, being healthier, looking more fit and having a better mental perspective are all priorities, you will make the time and commitment to make selfcare your goal. Call me today for a free, private consultation. Make 2020 the year you do it! 570-332-8519 H –Jackie Kerekes
Nick, Carl
ey, Kevin
and Kyle
Jackie, shown above with her children has always had a passion for fitness and nutrition. She is also a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and a NASM Fitness Nutrition Specialist. Jackie has taught a variety of classes including kickboxing, fat burn pilates, spin, barre, strength training, Bosu bootcamps, TRX, and POUND. Additionally, she designed a class named F.I.T. Factor(Functional Interval Training) which is a HIIT training class.
January 2020
Restore Balance to Your Life Reiki Master Sessions Kundalini Yoga & Meditation Classes Chakradance Classes Young Living Product Consultations Zyto Balance Scans *All Modalities infused with Young Living Oils
Small class sizes offer personalized attention See Our Facebook Page for Class Times, Workshops & Private Sessions
Doreen Hudak Coleman 420hr CYT
January 2020
58 Spring Street • Carbondale
(570) 281-6279
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Experience
Winter
Endless Mountains in the
of Northeastern PA
www.endlessmountains.org • 800-769-8999
www.endlessmountains.org • 800-769-8999
Bar manager Vince Marinaro, owner Lynn Mendicino and manager Almida Wilson (sister of the late Gasper Mendicino)
CATCHING UP WITH Lynn Mendicino, Owner Mendicino’s Pizza & Family Restaurant
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hat led to the opening of Mendicino’s? My late husband Gasper Mendicino (who passed away unexpectedly in January of 2018) opened a small take out pizza shop in 1987 in the complex where we are currently located. We offered pizza, hoagies and salads. We were moving to the area and he wanted to start a business where we planned to raise our family. We have been in business for 32 years.
ued to offer take-out and expanded our menu to include entrees, soups and a larger selection of sandwiches. We began offering daily lunch and dinner specials along with our regular menu items. 2011 brought the opening of our lounge area which offers a full bar and a comfortable atmosphere. We also added a banquet room which is perfect for meetings, luncheons and special events.
How has the restaurant changed over the years? We started as a pizza and hoagie shop offering take-out only. In 1992 the opportunity arose to expand into a full service restaurant. We contin-
How do most patrons describe your restaurant?
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We cannot speak for our patrons, but we feel an overwhelming amount of support from the North Pocono Community. We offer a family HappeningsPA.com
friendly atmosphere and know most of our customers by name. We have watched families grow throughout the years and find it flattering that children that were raised coming to Mendicino's now bring their own children here. We often receive compliments of a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere. We are surrounded by patrons who really care about us. Our particular community is tight knit. We are truly blessed to be a part it. What are your biggest challenges? Staffing is challenging at times. We are blessed to have a core group that has been with us through the years. January 2020
Most of them worked with Gasper so they understand our vision. Who is part of your leadership team? My sister-in-law Almida Wilson is currently managing the kitchen. Almida and my late husband Gasper worked closely through the years. Almida has over 30 years of hands on experience cooking and running a business. She has learned and grown with the business and works with me and the rest of the staff to keep the restaurant moving forward. What are the key characteristics for a good chef? Patience, persistence, creativity and hard work. What are other key positions in a successful restaurant? Although every position is important in a restaurant, patrons may not realize the value of prep cooks and dishwashers. They play a vital role in daily operation and become an extension of everyone. Prep cooks help the kitchen staff to prepare food items, check in orders and retrieve items from coolers. Dishwashers do everything from cleaning up a spill to washing all the pots and dishes to helping clean up at the end of the night. On any given day, those employees are the ones who are called upon continually. What inspires you personally? In all honesty it is the memory of Gasper that keeps us going. He loved this business and worked very hard to bring it to where it is today. His passion and
January 2020
Lynn Mendicino with her late husband, Gasper in the background painting.
drive to grow and do better is our motivation. We also have numerous long time employees who work with us to continue to carry on his vision. I feel I can speak for all of us, we are honored to continue his life work. H
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D Coney Island Lunch A Scranton 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 closely-guarded family recipe, eat in or take it out. Closed Monday. TuesdaySunday Open 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. 515 Lackawanna Ave., Scranton. 570-961-9004. www.texas-wiener.com. Cooper’s Restaurant See ad page 50 Failtes Steakhouse Traditional Irish Pub. Full service dining room. Spacious deck featuring live music. Call for daily specials and craft beer options. 20 beers on tap. Lunch and dinner served daily from 11 a.m. Sunday Brunch 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Great Steaks, fresh seafood, sal-
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ads, burgers and lots more! 1492 Route 739, Dingmans Ferry, PA. 570-828-6505. www.failtepa.com Settlers Inn- See ad page 7 Mendicino’s Pizza & Family Restaurant Serving our community for over 30 years, our menu includes Italian favorites, hoagies, pizza & pasta! Daily lunch and dinner specials. Live music in our lounge area every Friday. (Must be 21 to be seated in the lounge). Banquet room is perfect for your next meeting or special event. Open daily at 11a.m. Closed Sundays. Located in the ShopRite Complex, Covington Twp. 570-842-2070 www.mendicinospizza.com. Sibio’s Restaurant Serving Northeast PA since 1974. Casual fine dining specializing in veal, seafood, steaks and pasta. All of our desserts are made in house. Lunch Monday
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to Friday 11:30 a.m.- 2:30 p.m. Entrees starting at $7.95. Dinner Monday to Saturday 4:30-9:30 p.m. Entrees starting at $14.50. 1240 Quincy Ave., Dunmore. 570-346-3172. www.sibiosrestaurant.com The Wandering Hen Café and Market A farm to table café and market that offers a unique breakfast and lunch dining experience not found elsewhere in the region. Only the finest ingredients and best local food is used; local farmers, producers and gourmet artisans also have products available for sale. Experience the beauty and the simplicity of real farm, nutrient dense food! 305 Penn Ave., Scranton, PA. 570-955-0077. @thewanderinghencafe/#henonpen H
January 2020
Soup’s On! The scoop on regional favorites
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ood historians say that the history of soup is probably as old as the history of cooking. The act of combining various ingredients in a large pot to create a nutritious, filling, easily digested, simple to make food was a no-brainer. Across cultures, social standings and health levels, soup is a solution. Enjoy some favorites from around the region.
The Settlers Inn, Butternut Squash Soup Butternut Squash Soup has been a guest favorite since it was introduced over 10 years ago. It’s become a signature fall and winter menu item. The squash is sourced locally from Nonnemacher Acres in Honesdale, PA where it’s grown exclusively for The Settlers Inn. The taste is silky, sweet and satisfying. Executive Chef Ben Sutter says the secret to its success is in the growing. “The local squash is amazing and January 2020
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the fact that people drive hours to experience it every year is humbling to me,” explains Chef Ben. Nonnemacher Acres provides tons of fresh squash to the Inn each year, with some of the gourds weighing up to five pounds. Each year there’s a slight spin on the signature soup. Presently, we’re serving it with Smoked Gouda and an Onion Straw accent. Chef Ben enjoys crafting flavorful soups that reflect the season. “In soups you use ingredients that are often overlooked, but you can make something really wonderful from them.” 81
Cooper’s Seafood, Crab Bisque Cooper's Bisque of Maryland Crab Soup started back in the 1960’s. It was a soup that we made and sold every Friday, as our business grew, people began asking for the soup as a regular feature. In the late 1970's we were approached by Bon Appetit Magazine, they wanted to do a feature on our soup. It was published in their magazine and later in their hardcover book....COOKING WITH BON APPETIT- SOUPS AND SALADS. Most recently our bisque was featured in ”TASTING PENNSYLVANIA” Favorite Recipes from the Keystone State.
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Most residents of the region think of Coney Island Lunch on Lackawanna Avenue in Scranton for their famous Texas weiners. However, their chicken and rice soup is also quite popular among fans. Pete Ventura said he uses only chicken breast and that’s why clients rave about it not being at all greasy. His mother, Barbara, always made this soup because it was quick and easy. She would boil the chicken breast for the broth and use minute rice.
Coney Island Lunch, Chicken and Rice Soup
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The broth would be stored in a kettle, ready to make a quick daily pot of the soul-warming soup.
January 2020
"A Bohemian Winter"
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his event is a special concert to benefit the Northeastern Pennsylvania Chamber Music Society, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to fostering the growth of chamber music in the Northeastern Pennsylvania region. The
concert will take place at the beautiful and historic Hayfield House at Penn State Wilkes-Barre, and will feature exciting piano trio music performed by Timothy Burns, piano; John Michael Vaida, violin; and Theodore Buchholz, cello. There will also be a world-premiere performance of a work for clarinet, violin, viola and cello written by Penn State Wilkes-Barre music professor, Jonathan Pineno. The concert will be followed by an elegant reception and an opportunity to meet the world-class musicians who have traveled from across the country to play this concert. H
January 10, 2020, 7 p.m. Hayfield House at Penn State Wilkes-Barre. Tickets are only available online and are $20. nepacms.org
Our catering department has catered to the President of the USA
January 2020
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Mendicino’s Tuscan Sausage Soup Soup is one of my favorite foods! Our Tuscan Sausage soup contains all the ingredients of a hearty soup. Tender chunks of potato combined with crumbled sausage, kale and white beans give this soup an old world taste. Paired with artisan bread or crackers it is sure to be a crowd pleaser. We offer all of our homemade soups and sauces in our grab and go freezer.
R Sibio’s Restaurant Pasta e fagioli
Pasta e fagioli meaning “pasta and beans,” is a traditional Italian soup. Like many other Italian favorites, including pizza and polenta, it started as a peasant dish, being composed of inexpensive ingredients. It is often called pasta Fasula (fazool) in the United States, derived from its Neapolitan name, pasta e fasule. At Sibio’s restaurant in Dunmore, the soup has been on its menu for most of its nearly 50 year history. Frequent patrons, such as the late Dr. Angelo Costanzo, would come to the restaurant just to enjoy Sibio’s special creation of this soup. “If we didn’t have it that night, we’d make it just for him,” the owners say. Enjoy their soup this winter, whether dining in or taking out. You won’t be disappointed. H 84
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January 2020
Soup for the Soul
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e are the second generation, having raised our children, who were the third generation of Sankos to reside in our 1933 home in Moscow. It has been a tradition among all those who have lived here to entertain and host guests throughout the summer on our front porch. But when the weather gets cold, it seems our family, as well as the neighbors retreat inside and don’t emerge until Memorial Day! As the tale is told, those who first settled in Moscow, Pennsylvania, named it for Moscow, Russia, as its winters reminded them of their native Siberia! A few winters ago, during a snow storm, we invited friends, many of whom live within walking distance to join us for a Soup Sampling. We enjoyed the impromptu reason to get together, during a season we would rarely bump into each other on the street. Soup
brings people together! H –John and Connie Sanko
January 2020
History of Soup The word “soup” comes from the Latin word "sop" which refers to when people used to soak bread in water. The history of soup dates back 20,000 years before the invention of cans. In those days, in order to boil soup, early humans would use hot rocks and hand-crafted dishes made of dry and hardened dirt and clay. Canned soup was invented in 1897 by chemist, John Dorrance who worked for what we now know today as Campbell’s. Soup kitchens came up following the invention of the aforementioned Campbell's. The primary food served at kitchens helping those who had fallen on hard times was soup. Soup kitchens have largely been used for volunteer and charitable purposes and serve a variety of food on various occasions, particularly during the holiday season. Soup is both an economical and social food; in Scranton “St. Francis of Assisi Soup Kitchen” is a testament to this.
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Who is the cutest of them all?
Bo Bo, says Gabbi Rucino, enjoys living life to the fullest, following his cat sibling Simon around and napping up to 10 hours a day. He lives in Pittston.
Lily Ann
Simba & Nala
Gina Gentile says Lily Ann loves going for walks and playing with her furry siblings. She lives in Mayfield.
Natalie Studebaker says Simba and Nala are inquisitive pets who love seeing what the neighbors are doing next door. They live in Clarks Summit.
Portia
Aries
Willow Willow, says Amy Barrett, is the Queen of Cat-itude who loves lounging around the house and looking out the window. She lives in Jessup.
Portia, says Stefani Vanston, loves snuggling, bike riding and greeting everyone she meets. She loves eating peanut butter and ripping up stuffed toys. She lives in Jessup.
Emma Ripka says Aries loves going for walks, playing with toys and riding in the car. He lives in Dallas.
“The Kennel Alternative� 86
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January 2020
arhee Mino.n.t.h s e t o v e Th ber’s Pet of t
Vote for your favorite January pet at
Decem
www.HappeningsMagazinePA.com! The winner receives a Happenings bandana!
rs is Butte ns! tio la u t a Congr
Dillon Mariah Fletcher says Dillon loves going for walks, roaming his backyard and digging as well as going on trips with his adoptive parents. He lives in Duryea.
Nova Nova, says Monica Gellock, loves laying in the windows and watching the birds, deer and squirrels. He also loves getting attention. He lives in Lake Ariel.
O’Brien O’Brien, says Patricia Ballard, loves playing outside, watching TV and sleeping in bed with her owner. He lives in Canonsburg.
RJ Rosemary Ramos says RJ loves swimming, playing in the snow, loves eating fruit and scrambled eggs and cuddling with his mom and dad. He lives in Bushkill.
Gunner and Buddy Ann Green says Gunner and Buddy are active pets. Buddy likes running and chasing squirrels while Gunner loves playing fetch and doing tricks for treats. They live in Scranton.
Lincoln Norman Ludwig says Lincoln is a spoiled rotten but well-behaved pet. He likes going for walks and getting his fur combed. He lives in Tunkhannock.
Blakely
Dickson City
Moosic
Fa l l s
570-382-3066
570-483-4178
570-471-7387
570-357-2228
p u p p y p a r a d i s e . o r g January 2020
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Fidelity Bank Expands into Lehigh Valley
F
idelity Deposit and Discount Bank recently reached an agreement to acquire MNB Corp. and its wholly owned subsidiary, a 129-year-old Merchants Bank of Bangor, based in Northampton County. Daniel Santaniello, Fidelity President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, “Fidelity D & D Bancorp, Inc. is pleased to welcome MNB to the Fidelity family. The addition of such a premier financial institution will enhance our market presence and allow us to better serve our region. We look forward to expanding our market area as we enter Northampton, a county with demographics that provide enhanced growth opportunities. Over the years, Merchants Bank has been an outstanding resource and banking partner to its client base. We believe that working alongside Merchants’ seasoned bankers, the Fidelity Bank relationship banking model focusing on providing trusted financial advice will enhance the product and service offerings to our combined customers.” Based on the financial results as of September 30, 2019, the combined company would have pro forma total assets of approximately $1.46 billion, total deposits of approximately $1.28 billion, and loans of approximately $1 billion. Once the merger is complete, Fidelity Bank will operate 21 retail community banking offices in Northeastern and Eastern Pennsylvania. Fidelity Bank offers a complete 88
range of consumer and business products, including wealth management. Its Customer Care Center is open seven days a week. Additionally, Fidelity Bank offers the ability for its clients to apply for consumer deposits, real estate loans, and personal loans through its robust online application processes. As of September 30, 2019, MNB had total assets of $412.8 million, total deposits of $358.3 million and total Daniel Santaniello loans of $241.1 million. Fidelity President and Chief Executive Officer Speaking on behalf of MNB, Rocco A. Del Vecchio, President row, and Forbes ranked it one of and CEO, said, “We are thrilled the Best In-State Banks for the past to become a part of a company two years. The company has been with such an impressive histothe #1 mortgage lender in the ry, outstanding financial perLackawanna County market for formance, and sterling reputaover 8 years. Fidelity Bank is pastion as Fidelity D & D Bancorp, Inc. We anticipate that the part- sionate about success and committed to building strong relationships nership with Fidelity will more than meet the objectives of our through superior service. customers, communities, Part of the Bank’s mission is to be a employees and shareholders in good corporate partner within its the near and long-term.” market areas by providing over 1,600 hours of volunteer time to Fidelity D & D Bancorp, Inc. has non-profit organizations yearly. built a strong history as trusted Fidelity serves multiple office locafinancial advisors to the clients tions throughout Lackawanna and served by The Fidelity Deposit Luzerne Counties providing perand Discount Bank, founded in sonal and business banking prod1902, and is proud to be an ucts and services, including wealth active member of the communimanagement planning through ty of Northeastern Pennsylvania. fiduciary activities with the Fidelity Fidelity Bank has been recogBank’s full trust powers; as well as nized nationally for its sound offering a full array of asset manfinancial performance, and supeagement services. Fidelity Bank rior customer experience. It has operates a Wealth Management been identified as one of the Top office in Schuylkill and Lebanon 200 Community Banks in the Counties as well. H country by American Bankers Association for four years in a HappeningsPA.com
January 2020
John Mackarey, LUTCF Agent, New York Life Insurance Company Registered Representative offering securities through NYLIFE Securities LLC (Member FINRA/SIPC), A Licensed Insurance Agency.
220 Penn Avenue, Suite 100 Scranton, PA 18503 Phone: 570-340-1320 Email: John@JohnMackarey.com
Keen Lake Camping & Cottage Resort
Generations of Memories
W
hile the bears are slumbering in their caves and the birds have migrated to Boca Raton, ever-active nature retreat Keen Lake is busy charting the course for next season’s frolic.
The Camping and Cottage Resort, nestled in Waymart, has kept generations of families
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“gathering at the lake” since Janet Keen and her clan took over the 90-acre spread in 1954. “It’s truly been an All in the Family affair for us,” extolls Keen who, along with a couple of her half-dozen sisters, maintain the daily goings-on within the compound. “It’s as much a privilege to welcome guests today as it was over six
Happenings Magazine
decades ago when our parents, James and Dorothy Keen, started the getaway. During our open season, each day brings an opportunity to greet a returning friend or meet a new one. We respect how valuable a commodity leisure time is, and our mission is to provide the opportunity for families to reconnect with each other
January 2020
while connecting with the splendor of the Pocono Mountains.” No hibernating or flying the coop for these Keen overseers, who’ve spent the last several off-seasons expanding their lodging options to include renovated cottage and rental units, along with RVs and safari-tent glamping. Accommodations run the gamut from primitive to modern, and feature as many, or as few, pleasantries to appease vacationers. “We’ve always strived to be the most picturesque campground in the region. We pride ourselves on attention to detail, and conceiving so much to do for both children and their parents,” Keen adds. Newer amenities include a fire pit, lakeside pavilion, and farm-to-table kid’s garden. Longer-standing activities range from boating and swimming to video games and entertainment programs. When Keen’s parents sold the grounds to their daughters, Janet thought it best to keep mum about the shift from staff to owners for several months, before announcing the Lake’s
January 2020
“An operation such as ours isn’t easy if you’re not prepared to invite thousands of people into your home,” familial transfer. “It was a delicate matter. Many of our guests, particularly the long-term ones, saw us as the little girls who had served them ice cream or helped them rent a boat, but we were not on their radar as adults who could indeed run a business. We decided not to tell anyone for the first year. That gave us the chance to make some mistakes privately, and it gave us time to create a ten-year plan and craft that laundry list of upgrades.” Although Keen cannot say that growing up in the hospitality industry is completely idyllic – there was and is plenty of hard work – the experience has given her family immense moments of joy. “An operation such as ours isn’t easy if
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you’re not prepared to invite thousands of people into your home,” she continues. “This trade may not allow you to leave promptly at 5 pm, but there are few professions where you have the chance to play a part in creating irreplaceable memories. And we’ve been repeatedly blessed to have had our lives intertwined with so many visitors.” One extended family personifies Keen’s point of view. “We’ve been coming to the Lake every summer for decades. The entire staff is so nice and they treat you like their own. Everything is immaculate and the Keens take care of the property meticulously. They have so many things to do for the kids and always have all types of activities. This is truly such a great place,” notes repeat patron Kerry Singleton, whose blended families, the Buckos and the Dwyers, have made Keen Lake their summer go-to for the last halfcentury. “I have seven-month-old twins and it was so exciting to be able to bring them there over the summer, when I myself began going as a baby.” ond Row: Family tradition, personified. Wertz; Sec dith Pont er if n n Je --Thomas Eccleston pa, Ju Keen, , Dorothy anne Keen, Jane Ko re Jan, Jennifer, a : Jan Keen First Row m Ann Petroski, Jeeneration owners nder is Dorothy) www.keenlake.com • (570) 488-6161 Ji (Second g Ann and Jane; Fou H Jim
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January 2020
What will you teach her about the life growing inside?
Feel awesome everyday!
The The Farm Farm House House
Go to our website and join a Newbie class to get started!
Get the Facts on Fetal Development! Call & Request a Free Pamphlet
400 Wyoming Ave, Ste 110, Scranton, PA 18503
(570) 347-8299 or 343-5099
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www.prolifescranton.org
January 2020
104 East Overbrook Rd • Shavertown, PA 570-255-4175 • thebarnnutritionandfitness.com
So many great things HAPPENING, we need way more than 100 pages.
• Expanded Events Calendar • Deleted Scenes & Photos Happening This • What’s Weekend? Email Service
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JANUARY HAPPENINGS Area code 570 unless specified CHILDREN’S EVENTS Jan. 11, Tri-Cities OperaGo-Round Presents "Pinocchio!", 11 a.m.noon, Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple, Scranton. 344-1111 Jan. 26, All "Fore" the Library Family Mini Golf, noon-4:00 p.m., Albright Memorial Library, Scranton. 795-4315 CONCERTS & MUSICAL PERFORMANCES Jan. 9, Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder with Coal County Express, 7:30 p.m., Penn's Peak, Jim Thorpe. 819-1877 Jan. 10, A Bohemian Winter, 7 p.m., Hayfield House at Penn State Wilkes-Barre, Dallas. 763-9323 Jan. 19, Jazz Supper Club, 6.-9 p.m., The Settlers Inn, Hawley. 226-2993
JANUARY SUN
MON
TUE
5 6 7 12 13 14 19 20 21 26 27 28
Jan. 9, Wildlife in Winter: Hibernation is Not Sleep, 7 p.m., Nescopeck State Park, Drums. 403-2006 Jan. 11, Eagle Watch Bus Tour, 10 a.m., Upper Delaware Visitor Center, Lackawaxen. 226-3164 Jan. 18, Birds & Beans, 8 a.m., Nescopeck State Park, Drums. 403-2006 Jan. 22, Bald Eagle Watch for Seniors, 9 a.m., Nescopeck State Park, Drums. 403-2006 SPECIAL EVENTS Oct. 15-Dec. 31, Hamilton: The Constitutional Clashes That Shaped a Nation, National Constitution Center, Philadelphia. 215409-6600
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FRI
SAT
1 2 3 4 8 9 10 11 15 16 17 18 22 23 24 25 29 30 31
NATURE
Jun. 5-Dec. 31, Let’s 94
WED
Roam Scranton Scavenger Hunt, City Hall, Scranton. 833-202-7626 Dec. 1-Jan. 5, Open Houses at Hudson Model Railroad Club, Plains. 819-1877 Dec. 31-Jan 1, New Years Eve Celebration, 7 p.m.midnight, Glasswine.bar.kitchen, Hawley. 226-1337 Dec. 31-Jan. 1, New Year's Eve Masquerade Ball, 8 p.m.-1 a.m., The Settlers Inn, Hawley. 226-2993 Dec. 31-Jan. 1, New Years Eve Bash, 8:30 p.m.1 a.m., The Waterfront at Silver Birches, Hawley. 226-4388 Jan. 1, New Years Day Brunch, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., The Settlers Inn, Hawley. 226-2993 Jan. 1-14, Festival of Trees, Marketplace at Steamtown, Scranton. January 2020
JANUARY HAPPENINGS Jan. 4, Folklore Society of Northeastern PA: Contra Dance, 7 p.m., Church of Christ Uniting, Kingston. 333-4007 Jan. 9-23, Beginner's Journaling, 6 p.m., West Pittston Library, West Pittston. 654-9847 Jan. 14, National Sticker Day, 6:30 p.m., West Pittston Library, West Pittston. 654-9847 Jan. 17, Winter In The City Featuring Paul LaBelle and the Exact Change, 5:30 p.m., Posh at The Scranton Club, Scranton.
Jan. 24, Comedy Night, 810 p.m., The Waterfront at Silver Birches, Hawley. 226-4388 Jan. 25, Open House, Wilkes University. 408-4764 The Shawnee Playhouse Musicals, Dramas, Comedies, Children's Shows. Live entertainment in the beautiful Pocono Mountains. Don't miss out! Mention this listing and receive $3 off on up to four adult tickets. Call us at 570-421-5093 or go to our website at www.theshawneeplayhouse.com for more information on shows, dates and times.
Jan. 26, Brunch with The Ice Sisters, Skytop Lodge. 595-7401 Jan. 28, LEGO Mania, 6:30 p.m., West Pittston Library, West Pittston. 654-9847 THEATER & STAGE
Business & Professional Association, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Fidelity Bank, Clarks Summit.
Jan. 17, Comedy Night, 8-10 p.m., Hotel Anthracite, Carbondale. 536-6020
Jan. 22, Bad Art Night, 6:30 p.m., West Pittston Library, West Pittston. 654-9847
Jan. 18, Table Top Games, 11a.m.-4 p.m., West Pittston Library, West Pittston. 654-9847
Jan. 23, Chamber Lillian's Oboe, 7 p.m., WVIA Sordoni Theater, Pittston. 602-1101
Jan. 24, Once Upon a Mattress, 7-9 p.m., Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple, Scranton. 344-1111 Jan. 25, The Hit Men, 7:30 p.m., State Theatre, Easton. 610-252-3132 Find more January events at www.HappeningsPA.com!
Jan. 20, Woven Baby Turtles, 1:30 p.m., West Pittston Library, West Pittston. 654-9847 Jan. 20, No Sew Fleece Blankets, 2 p.m., West Pittston Library, West Pittston. 654-9847 Jan. 22, ABPA Abington
January 2020
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Barbara Eden and Barry Bostwick Star in A. R. Gurney’s
“Love Letters” February 1 • Scranton Cultural Center
T
his nationally touring
show delivers a oncein-a-lifetime evening featuring the former stars of televisions “I Dream of Jeannie” and “Spin City.” A.R. Gurney's “Love Letters” is a funny and emotional portrait about the powerful connection of love. Two friends, rebellious Melissa Gardner and straightarrow Andrew Makepeace Ladd III have exchanged notes, cards and letters with each other for over 50 years. From second grade, through summer vacations, to college, and well into adulthood, they have spent a lifetime discussing their hopes and ambitions, dreams and disappointments, and victories and defeats. But long after the letters are done, the real question remains: Have they made the right choices or is the love of their life only a letter away? A Post-Show Meet and Greet is available. Tickets are available for purchase at the Fidelity Bank Box Office at the SCC in person, by calling (570) 344-1111, or via Ticketmaster to view a full schedule of events, visit SCCMT.org. H
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AWARD WINNING FINE ART NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES RUANE
J
im Ruane is an award winning photographer and a lifelong resident of NEPA. His work has been usedin numerous brochures and advertising campaigns promoting the natural beauty and historic attractions of the region. He has been published in numerous issues of Happenings Magazine and his work has appeared on the cover of Happenings 27 times. jamesruane@mac.com