January 2021 Happenings Magazine by Happenings Magazine

INBOX Dear Happenings, I was the CEO at Children's Service Center in Wilkes-Barre for 26 years, then Human Services Director of Luzerne County for about eight. Now I'm retired and enjoy spending much time with our first grandson, “AJ”. I have been reading and enjoying Happenings. Thanks for your tremendous commitment to NEPA. For many years, you have done an outstanding job in promoting our area. You capture the pulse of what NEPA is about. You affirm its greatness and make us all proud to have a wonderful organization being one of our best advocates. Your great work speaks for itself. All of you should be congratulated and stand tall. Great job. –Joe DeVizia –via email Dear Happenings, Don’t want to miss an issue. Love Happenings. –Thanks, –Mary Marrara –Jermyn Dear Happenings, I take this opportunity to renew my subscription for home delivery. I so enjoy your monthly publication and applaud your efforts (and results). Thank you!

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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 4

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On the Cover: New babies bring great expectations. Published Monthly. Also read at HappeningsPA.com ©2020 HAPPENINGS MAGAZINE All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any process except with written permission.

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contents JANUARY 2021

Cover Story Local parents discuss parenting in 2021.

I’m New Here! Welcome the new babies!

My Wish for You Area leaders share their 2021 wishes for children.

New Year, New You The Training Loft helps you start 2021 on the right foot.

On top of spaghetti, all covered with cheese Find tasty recipes for meatballs and soup.

Doctor Who? Get to know a few regional doctors.

Tomorrow’s Leaders Today Local high school students participate in Leadership Program.

Photo: James Ruane ©

January 2021

HappeningsPA.com

sunday

monday

tuesday

january wednesday

thursday

friday

1 New Year’s Day and National Bloody Mary Day

National Chocolate Covered Cherry Day

National Spaghetti Day

1908: Theodore Roosevelt made the Grand Canyon a national monument.

1929: The cartoon character Popeye was introduced to the American public.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

1949: American comedian John Belushi was born.

saturday

2007: Steve Jobs introduced the iPhone.

1927: The Harlem Globetrotters played their first game.

National Pharmacist Day

Kid’s Peace Foster Care Information Night (Zoom) 6 p.m.

1967: The first Super Bowl is played between the Green Bay Packers and the Kansas City Chiefs.

1985: We Are The World, a collaboration between the world’s top musicians was recorded.

1845: Edgar Allan Poe’s famous poem The Raven was published.

1969: The Beatles gave their last performance, on the rooftop of Apple records.

21 1938: Famous radio deejay Wolfman Jack was born.

31 1961: NASA launched Ham the Astrochimp into space. He survived and lived until 1983.

National Train Your Dog and National Walk Your Dog Month National Oatmeal Month National Soup Month National Sunday Suppers Month National Ice Skating Month

Dear Readers,

Parenting a child can also be, obviously, very challenging. We have no guarantees as to how he/she will develop into adulthood. “We want to raise good people who have the tools to thrive but who are also morally me. 2008 ti t rs fi e th leine for e d a good,” says M g I meetin John and one family who we interviewed. Inevitably, teaching and showing children how to navigate relationships and emotions is a key component.

otwithstanding the current situation, our January issue always brings excitement. New babies most often seem a bit magical, as they arrive full of hope and wonder and completely dependent on adults to care for their existence. There are very few people who I have met that are not completely “moved by” the mere presence and existence of a new little one. The arrival of a new baby can generate extreme excitement, instant love and pure joy. Even toddlers and sometimes the very elderly are amused and comforted by “baby dolls,” perhaps due to our innate curiosity and attachment to tiny humans.

We hope that Happenings is a bright spot in your new year. As always, we strive to motivate you to live your healthiest and happiest life possible. Thank you for joining us on this journey.

We think you will enjoy reading about the various types of families profiled in this issue. We also asked some of our partners to share their New Year’s wishes for children, in this most unusual time in our history. Having my own child was not something that I ever took for granted. I am still in awe of the fact that my husband and I were blessed with a daughter. Like many parents, we can say that seeing her face for the first time was the most exciting moment of our lives. I clearly remember my first glance, nearly 13 years ago, as my brain raced and tried to imagine the adventures we would have together. 8

Michael St raub 2020

With Love,

Paula

Paula Mackarey Publisher, 1994-Present

PARENTING 101:

Different Strokes for Different Folks

arenting is the most important job in the world. We do not usually think out the awesome processes involved in promoting and supporting the physical, emotional, social and intellectual well being of the children we help raise. Most of us just love our kids and hope for the best. There are many ways to create a family and families are not always comprised of the children we give birth to. Read on to see how a few area couples think about their parenting styles and the children they prepare for the next generation.

How the Wilsons completed their family

Ryan and Rena Donahue Wilson live in Mount Cobb with their children Eliza,16, Nina, 11, and Gabriel, 8. Eliza is their biological child; Nina and Gabriel have the same birth mother and were adopted by the Wilsons as infants. As the youngest of six, Rena loved the dynamic of a large family. “Adoption was something I’ve always had an open heart and mind for in completing our family.”

told Rena that he felt that adoption was what their family was meant to do. “When he brought this up, I just knew that this was how our family was meant to grow.” The adoption process is very thorough and included screenings of the Wilson’s home, family relationships both in the home and extended, as well as health screenings and took more than a year to complete. “We were fortunate to have

"I knew this was how our family was meant to grow." people at Bethany Christian Services directing us through the process. We spent a lot of time educating ourselves on the adoption process and different kinds of adoption.” “We attended a panel discussion that Bethany held and on the panel sat a college-age

When Eliza was around three years old, Ryan

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January 2021

young man, his birth mother and his adoptive mother. I admired the love they had for each other and the normalcy in which they viewed their situation. “Because of his open adoption, who he was wasn’t a mystery. He had a ‘go to’ for questions about his genetics and possible hereditary health issues. There was also a sense of security and confidence in who he was.”

“This is what we want for our children. We want them to know their personal stories. We celebrate the unconditional love their birth mother had in putting their lives before her own. We love her for loving them and welcome anyone into their lives who would love them that selflessly.” “She told us she scoured through numerous profiles. Ours was at the bottom of the pile. She said there was a feeling that we were the family. We met with her to chat as people do when they first meet. We had chemistry. It felt natural. She felt like family.” The relationship Nina and January 2021

Gabe have with their birth mother is evolving. “We exchange updates via text and social media. If the kids become curious about their birth mother, we reach out and she’s very responsive in answering questions and having

require as much of an adjustment period. That’s when Nina kicked into being a little mommy at two years and eight

months.” “When Eliza is home at night, she will pop into the kids’ bedrooms to tuck them in or tell them a story. It doesn’t happen as much now because she is a typical teenager, but when she does, the kids are thrilled. Now that she drives, she helps take them to their activities or on little outings.”

meetings,” the couple said. Today, Eliza is a junior in high school at North Pocono. She is involved in student council and mock trial and is an honors student. She is also a lifeguard at Lake Hideaway in the summer. “Eliza is a great big sister. She is very intuitive and her family’s biggest advocate. When Nina came home at four months, Eliza was five years old. I think she had to acclimate to sharing the spotlight with Nina. When Gabe came home from the hospital right after birth, the baby novelty was there but Eliza didn’t HappeningsPA.com

“Nina is an 11-year-old, beautiful and athletic little girl. She

“If the kids become curious about their birth mother, we reach out and she’s very responsive in answering questions and having meetings” is a competitive gymnast. A few years ago, Nina had a meet out-of-state and asked to invite her birth mother to watch. She happily came; Nina will forever have that memory

“Ryan and I discuss issues when they come up and make most parenting decisions as a parental unit. Talking seems to be most effective with the kids so they have an understanding of what we expect of them and the expectation we have on them to do better.”

of seeing all of us cheering her on in the stands. I think I can speak for Ryan, myself and their birth mother in saying we want the kids to thrive, to feel supported and loved. If we can fill the stands for our children with those who love them, I welcome that, always.” Nina has been a straight A student numerous years in a row. She wants to be a herpetologist. “In quarantine, she composed a PowerPoint presentation on why she should have a pet ball python. In May, four out of five terrified family members welcomed Mouse, a ball python, into the loving arms of her owner, Nina.” Nina also enjoys cheerleading. “She was thrilled that her birth mother was a competitive cheerleader. The little similarities we learn in casual conversation are just some of the perks of open adoption.” Gabe is eight and a straight A student. “He brings so much life and laughter into our home. All three kids attended Montessori preschool and kindergarten at The Children’s Cornerstone. Gabe has quick humor and he’s a bit of a trick12

“Our kids are definitely our priority. We want to raise good people who have tools to thrive but are ster. He enjoys playing soccer, also morally good. We try to guide the kids through chalbasketball and flag football. lenges but want them to have He is in his third year of cub coping skills to handle tough scouts. He’s a complete Mom’s situations. When they leave boy; Nina is a Daddy’s girl. home to even go to a playBoth girls have Ryan wrapped date, their decisions are their around their fingers.” own. It is important that they The Wilsons eat at least one take accountability for their meal together decisions so as a family they can conevery day. “We want to raise tinue this “Because of good people who practice Ryan’s work through adulthave tools to thrive hood.” schedule and but are also after school “Last year, morally good.” activities for everyone in the kids, breakthe family fast is usually took a DNA test. We even did our family meal during the a DNA test for our rescue week. We also encourage the dog.” kids to be outside as much as possible.” “We were amazed to learn that our family of five repre“Electronics can be a struggle, sents 17 different nationalibut we agree that limiting ties. The fun part was that of screen time and having time the 17, every one of us overto be active and using the lapped in some nationalities imagination is so important yet none of us were the exact for kids.” same, regardless of adoption Since Eliza was born, Rena has or biological connection. We been a stay-at-home mom celebrate the fact that not one who runs the family and of us has the exact same skin household. She is the disciplitone, eye color, or DNA, but, narian because she is with the we are one family. And our kids while Ryan is working. Collie is actually an Australian Ryan is a Wealth Management Cattle Dog. Our family is full of Advisor with Janney surprises!” Montgomery Scott in Moosic. HappeningsPA.com

January 2021

The Vogts: life on the fast track to life at home

then he had loss issues, she joked: “He would cry when the bottle was empty.”

Bridget Fanning Vogt, 38, was on the career track in her position as executive assistant to the area vice president, general manager at Park Hyatt New York hotel in Manhattan when she found out she was expecting.

Bridget would commute to work from the Bronx to Manhattan on public transportation and then back home — a nearly 12-hourday, Monday through Friday, while Ricky would work at his wastewater treatment position and her mother in law, Jane Ill, would care for Cullen. Cara Helena followed in May 2020 during the pandemic. “Another 10-

She and her husband, Ricky Vogt were married in May 2017. Ricky always said he wanted three children but having a baby wasn’t uppermost in Bridget’s mind. Still, the clock was ticking and Cullen Henry was born in September 2018, a more than 10-pounder who was a good baby, liked to sleep and loved his bottle. Back

January 2021

They both want him to listen and do as he’s told but Ricky wants him to have a “little fear” of his parent’s disapproval. time, “Ricky changed his mind about three children because he doesn’t like pregnant Bridget,” she said. And Bridget’s hospitality position disappeared with millions of others during the pandemic. “The pivot from career to being at home wasn’t exactly what I supposed but I can’t imagine being away from them.” However, Bridget admits she is not above yelling when Cullen turns into a “gremlin,” especially when she’s trying to change a dirty diaper and he won’t cooper-

pounder and a “wiggly worm” who feasts all day — hardly any naps, but sleeps all night.” In the mean-

activity daily. He takes swimming lessons with his grandmother, Jane, an American Red Cross and Lifeguarding Instructor, two days a week and we go to the park the other days. I’m learning the best way to handle his tantrums. He is having virtual speech therapy to help him with words, which I expect will help with his frustration. The current climate doesn’t allow us to be as social as I’d like. Cara is still little, her first six months were not as hard because she slept in my bedroom and she’s not mobile yet.” ate. Bridget and Ricky differ on parenting. They both want him to listen and do as he’s told but Ricky wants him to have a “little fear” of his parent’s disapproval. “He’s two,” Bridget said, “Ricky tells him ‘no’ a lot. I’m with them all day so I’m the disciplinarian and I let him explore his surroundings more than Ricky does. Ricky works many hours as the only wage earner and is a very involved father.”

community with plans to build a second story once they pay some of the mortgage down. “We don’t want one child to keep the other up. Their sleep determines their temperament and their temperament determines mine. Cullen needs more

“I would advise anyone having children today to be flexible. Don’t expect that things will happen as you envisioned.” Bridget and Ricky are the daughter and son in law of the writer and Cullen and Cara are her grandchildren.

Their biggest challenge is coordinating sleep schedules. The children share a room in a small house they purchased in a beach 14

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January 2021

The Egan home is always in motion

always has something going on. Much of the activity now is virtual so there is less driving which Jennifer enjoys.

Jennifer and Bill Egan live in Clarks Summit with seven of their eight children. Bill owns Kelly Volkswagen-Mazda in Scranton. Jennifer owns Jon Stopay Candies in Plains and Taylor.

I think we always wanted a large-ish family, maybe four or five kids. I don't think when we were starting our family we were thinking of eight.”

The children are Patrick, 24, Lizzy, 22, Peter, 19, Oliver, 18, Edward, 15, William, 12, Beatrice, 11, and Eloise, 9. Everyone lives at home except the eldest, Patrick. He bought a house

“They know if Dad is called in they are in a lot of trouble.”

a bunch of cousins — 22 first cousins and we are close with all of them, it's wonderful when they are together.” The Egan home is “always in motion.” Among the kids, family and their friends, someone

Jennifer said she is the “daily disciplinarian, but I will drag Bill into big matters, which thankfully, there haven’t been many. They know if Dad is called in they are in a lot of trouble.” The children help around the house

in the Green Ridge section of Scranton. “My husband Bill is the oldest of Bill and the late Judy Egan’s seven children. They have 22 grandchildren. I am the oldest of Jim and Eileen Murphy’s five children. They have 16 grandchildren.” “The kids are lucky they have January 2021

dren feel like they matter.

work for another. My best advice and since they’re kids they would be to do what feels have to be right for that reminded frechild at that quently to Jennifer’s biggest moment. put their There are the clothes in the challenge is making obvious laundry things: have sure all the shoot, load some sort of children feel like the dishwashroutine in er and cut they matter. place, no the grass. sassy talk, use “They help your manners our family and neighbors and be kind.” with yard work and other Jennifer’s biggest challenge projects,” Jennifer said. is making sure all the chil“My oldest daughter Lizzy is my right hand. She is extremely helpful. Her younger sisters adore her. I will be lost once she decides to leave the nest.” As for parenting advice, Jennifer said what works for her family isn't necessarily going to work for other families. “Every child is so different. What works for one doesn't always 16

“In a household our size it's easy for someone to feel like what is going on in their little world isn't important. Some days that is easier to handle than others, depending on what is going on. We are so lucky, our kids are healthy, smart and kind and I hope they always know how loved they are, even when Dad is called in for back up. My heart is so full and I'm so honored to be their Mom. They make me proud every day.” “One of the best things about having a big family is, in our case, you always have a friend, someone will always have your back and depending on the day, it could be someone different daily.”

The Kellys: Their love grew on the train ride to Scranton Rose Marie Simoncelli met Bob Kelly on the train ride from Jessup to Scranton when both were students at Lackawanna Business College. He went on to the University of Scranton to earn a master’s degree, then opened a CPA practice. They were married at St. Mary’s Church in Jessup in 1951 and this year they are celebrating 69 years of marriage. Rose Marie had a “wonderful life.” They built a split-level home in Jessup and raised four children. Timothy, Mary Lou, Patricia and Robert are each successful in their own right, owing in part to their stay-at-home mother’s delight in her “job.” “I just loved it,” she said. She looked up to her husband. “He was kind, low key and brilliant,” she offered. “He is a good man. The children got their intelligence from him.” She was the disciplinarian, “more strict” than her husband who was “busy” with business. Beside his accounting business, Bob was a trustee for the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Memorial Foundation and traveled often. Rose Marie traveled with him and her mother, Margaret Simoncelli, stayed with the children. Rose Marie is very private. She wasn’t sure she wanted to divulge too much information, so we reached out to her daughters, Patricia Kelly-Holmes (Tish) and Mary Lou Kelly, who told us about growing up in Jessup.

Their parents are 91 and 93. They moved from Jessup to The Pines, an assisted living facility in Clarks Summit almost two years ago, but kept their home in Jessup because the children stay there when they come home. Tish and Mary Lou have strong memories of the ringing bells of the three churches in their neighborhood. Every couple hours, they’d hear the chimes from St. Michael’s, St. James and Holy Ghost. They said their mom ran a tight ship. “We had chores inside; our brothers did work outside. Our mother was very orderly and organized. Probably because she came from an Italian family, everything seemed to revolve around food and family: grocery shopping, cooking meals, cousins and grandparents. Our dad’s family was Irish and were out of the area so we had our mother’s family every Sunday and holiday.” They agree with their mother’s assessment of their father. “He is very intelligent, but our mother is, too. She really was the woman behind her man. They traveled the world; she was always welldressed and put together and could talk to anyone.

They worked well together.” “My mom is very proud of us, her children and even more proud of her 10 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren,” Tish said. “We always felt loved.” Their father has a great, dry sense of humor and lots of stories. “He is quiet and unassuming,” Tish said. However, her Italian mother was not above yelling. “She was very verbal and vocal, but it would be over fast and she’d be hugging and kissing us. We’d really not want to get our father mad because he’d give us the silent treatment; that was worse.” A sweet memory is really their mother’s. It brings to mind a vision of two young people falling madly in love. When Rose Marie and her girlfriend took the train to Scranton, they would meet up with Bob and his friend. “That’s how they got to know each other,” Tish said. Even today, Rose Marie has a “thing for trains.” H –Christine Fanning

A n g e l a Ta n g , M D Obstetrician/Gynecologist Women’s Health Center Wayne Memorial Community Health Centers (WMCHC) Native city: Toronto, Canada What led you to New York City? I matched into the OB/GYN residency program at Staten Island University Hospital where I spent four wonderful years training. I wanted to study in NYC; I knew I’d see a myriad of patients, rare diseases and practice the bread and butter of OB/GYN. I wanted to use my experience to give the best care possible to my future patients. What influenced your decision to pursue medicine and specifically OB/GYN? I have been interested in pregnancy and birth since childhood. In medical school, I saw that the field of OB/GYN includes that and so much more. Not only do I care for pregnant patients, I see adolescents with abnormal bleeding, discuss birth control options and family planning, work with patients experiencing infertility or urinary problems and perform various types of surgeries. I feel privileged to care for women of any age, from their first period to their last and beyond. Favorite aspect of your career: Forming relationships with patients. I love getting to know them and enjoy seeing them in and out of the office. What do you wish more

women knew about the field and specifically pregnancy and birth? Routine gynecological care doesn’t require a pap smear every year if you have had normal pap smears in the past. They should be done every three to five years, depending on age and the test done. We still recommend yearly pelvic exams to make sure everything is normal. Also, labor doesn’t happen as it does in movies. Your water may not always break on its own; women deliver in different positions, not just on their backs. First babies don’t just fall out and yes, you will probably poop. This is all normal. Who led you to Wayne Memorial and what aspects do you like about that particular setting over a major metropolitan area? A recruiter connected me with WMH and I am so glad. When I interviewed, I was struck by the strong sense of community and kindness. I was met with excitement and warmth from the first handshake to the last wave goodbye. I knew I could be happy here.

big fan of food and nature. The restaurants are some of the best I’ve tried. I loved seeing the trees change color in the fall; it is one of the most beautiful experiences for a city girl. Having been exposed to healthcare in both Canada and the United States, what are the advantages of one over the other? Canada has universal healthcare. Everyone can receive care and not have to worry about cost. However, in the United States, the exemplary medical training is well established and has led to advanced medical and surgical technologies and treatments. Hobbies: Spending time with my new husband, Dr. Samir Dengle, who is in training as a cardiology fellow, family and friends, exploring Honesdale/Wayne County and trying new foods. H

What aspects do you enjoy most about Wayne County? I’m a

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January 2021

B abies of 2020 Ivie Green Born May 21, 2020 to Kellie and Eric Green of Waverly

Cara Helena Vogt Born May 31, 2020 to Bridget and Ricky Vogt of Bronx, NY

Robert (Bobby) Reagan Born March 9, 2020 to Ellen and Larry Reagan of Clarks Summit

Georgia Ruane Born September 14, 2020 to Kate and Patrick Ruane of West Abington

Niki Torres Photography

Josephine Elizabeth Krupa Born February 14, 2020 to Ashley Lotz and Michael Krupa of Honesdale

Nina Donato HappeningsPA.com Born March 30, 2020 to Maggie and Randy Donato of Dunmore

November 2017

Gianni Daniel Cristiano Born February 2, 2020 to Lindsey and Brad Cristiano of Pittston

Brandon Meyers Born January 16, 2020 to Jacqueline Tarantino and Bruce Meyers of Greentown

Edward Churilla Born May 12, 2020 to Drs. Tara and Thomas Churilla of Roaring Brook Township

Connor Michael Marcos Born March 29, 2020 to Christine Lynn and Michael Marcos of Dallas

Patrick Richards Born February 5, 2020 to Kerry and Justin of Olyphant

Leo Ridd Born January 22, 2020 to Molly and Russell Ridd of Honesdale

Brody Timms Born July 21, 2020 to Belynda Gries and Christopher Timms of Jessup

Anna Grace Kalasinski 5, 2020 to Lauren and Jonathan HappeningsPA.com Kalasinski of South Abington Township

Born April November 2017 Emilia Normil Born January 11, 2020 to Amber and Dukenson Normil of Scranton

Lilah Ann Marzolino Born May 16, 2020 to Kearson and Bryan Marzolino of Scranton

Kellen Gilboy Born February 4, 2020 to Natalie and Jake Gilboy of Clarks Summit

Mia Stabile Born July 29, 2020 to Lauren Stevens and Doug Stabile of Warwick, RI, formerly from Madison Township

Gino Greco Born September 1, 2020 to Erica and Eric Greco of Mountain Top 24

Leo Joseph Jones Born October 7, 2020 to Sarah and Bob Jones of Ramsey, New Jersey. Bob was formerly of Clarks Summit.

Waylon Prewitt Born February 13, 2020 to Giana and Josh Prewitt of Fayetteville, North Carolina

November 2017

Gannon Vogler Born July 28, 2020 to Michelle and Caleb Vogler of Wallenpaupack

January 2021

Mason Thomas Biglin Born May 6, 2020 to Jennifer and Colin Biglin of Kutztown

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“Is that all?” When the Unexpected Happens

t was thirty-four years ago that a campus doctor at Bucknell University told me I was pregnant. I was a freshman, away from home for the first time and overwhelmed with anxiety about my uncertain future.

St. Paul’s Church, October 24, 1987

Reading the worry on my face, the doctor presumed to know what I would do. When I said I would not get an abortion, she was shocked. Reading the expression on her face, I could see she thought me a fool. She inquired about my plans. I was honest and said I didn’t know. I was scared, I just wanted to go home to talk to those who knew and loved me. So I did. My 19-year-old boyfriend, a sophomore at the University of Scranton, learned I was pregnant while scrubbing pots in the hospital kitchen where he worked. He was stunned. But he promised to stand by me. And he did.

Tim, Bonnie and baby Caitlin

My 19-year-old boyfriend learned I was pregnant while scrubbing pots in the hospital kitchen where he worked. 26

It was terrifying to think about telling our families. But we had to... and quickly. I was scheduled to have my wisdom teeth extracted the next morning. With a baby growing within, I could not go under general anesthesia. As fate would have it, we had to tell each parent one at a time. It was late that night when my mother came January 2021

home. By then my tearstreaked face divulged sobering news before I could even speak. She knew something was wrong. I finally choked out the admission that I was pregnant. Her response stunned us.

“Is that all?” I could see relief wash over her face, as she exhaled deeply. “I thought you were dying of cancer. We can deal with a baby.” And she meant it. Having lost a 16-year-old

daughter in a car accident many years earlier, my mother believed the worst thing a parent can endure is the loss of a child. Her sorrow over the loss of my sister was still palpable. My unexpected pregnancy was not an occasion for tears, but rather a chance to welcome a precious new life. Tragically, this lesson was reinforced just three weeks later when my brother and his wife lost their daughter, my parents’ first grandchild, to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. We grieved the loss of baby Ashley, while fostering a renewed appreciation for the life growing within my 18year-old body. We took things day by day.

6 Prom, 198

Moving back home to Green Ridge, I transferred to the University of Scranton. That summer we had a beautiful, healthy baby girl. That autumn we were married, living with my parents and attending school full-time. We financed our own educations, so my husband worked three jobs while taking 19 credits a semester. In between, he changed diapers and was schooled in infant insomnia. After graduating early, he found a job and moved us to a place of our own, an apartment over a law office in South Scranton. We literally lived on love. And hope. And faith. And the goodness of others. Money was so tight that our fridge usually contained only a handful of items at any one time. We were ecstatic when I got a tutoring job that allowed us to splurge on pizza once a week. There wasn’t time to dwell on

what was lacking or a lifestyle we were missing. We treasured what we did have. A family. A beautiful little girl whose wild blond curls and striking brown eyes melted our hearts. She was both our inspiration for working hard and our great reward. In those lean years and the ones that would follow, we would hit many bumps: broken down cars and bounced checks, college debt and job rejections, a lack of sleep and abundance of worries. But we had the three of us and then when our son came along, the four of us. And all along, our extended families and friends showed us love and encouragement. Subsequent years would bring grad school for me, law school for my husband, relocation to Harrisburg, full-time teaching, three more babies, a CPA license, homeschooling and the monumental yet rewarding challenge of launching five teens into adulthood. More bumps. More life. More love. And more appreciation for all of them.

What will you teach her about the life growing inside?

The campus doctor thought a baby would destroy my future. On the contrary, the baby gave me a sense of purpose and direction, a mission to live deliberately, love unconditionally and trust completely. Her life gave me life. It’s a life that the doctor did not foresee and could have thwarted. A 33-year marriage going strong, five amazing children, a fabulous son-in-law, four precious grandchildren, a crazy yellow lab and yes, a whole lot of war stories to tell. A life that was meant to be. And a life I wouldn’t change for anything. H

Get the Facts on Fetal Development! Call & Request a Free Pamphlet

–Bonnie Rolla Finnerty, –Education Director, –Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation

400 Wyoming Ave, Ste 110, Scranton, PA 18503

(570) 347-8299 or 343-5099 www.prolifescranton.org

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January 2021

Wishes for Our Children

“

Brian Cali

Kurt Lynott

Marianne Stivala

Esquire Brian J. Cali & Associates

My wish for children in 2021 is that they are loved and cared for, that none are hungry or neglected and that all are safe. I wish they appreciate that unbelievable opportunities exist for them, with responsibility to use their talents to be compassionate, kind, caring, understanding, tolerant and giving, regardless of differences.”

“

My wish for children in 2021 is that their innocence is not disrupted by tensions in our world, that they can continue to live with goodness and happiness. I hope adults can be positive figures so children can enjoy childhood as we did.”

Adrienne Pierangeli

“

Esquire Brian J. Cali & Associates

My wish for children in 2021 is that they do not let this moment define their lives. Although the current circumstances seem allconsuming, it is but a moment of their lives. They have many amazing, positive moments to look forward to that they will remember.”

“

My wish for children in 2021 is that their world is repaired and filled with love, happiness and endless possibilities!”

Joanne Arduino

Wendy McDonnell

Artistic Director, Ballet Theatre of Scranton & Owner, The Dance Studio of Scranton

Scranton Chapter of PA For Human Life

“

My wish for children in 2021 is that they will find joy in doing what makes them happiest, that they discover talents to be able to express themselves creatively, be curious and never stop learning. After experiencing 2020 and as they mature, I hope they treasure good health, creative thinking and love from family and friends.”

HappeningsPA.com

“

My wish for children in 2021 is that we celebrate them this year and always as they are gifts from God. Celebrate their uniqueness, innocence and the hope in their eyes.”

January 2021

Leslie Starna-Widdick

John Phillips

Jackie Kerekes

Recruiter, Pennsylvania MENTOR

Founder, MCR Productions

Owner, The Training Loft

“

My wish for children in 2021 is that they truly know what it feels like to be loved unconditionally, and have a safe and healthy environment. They should be able to dream their biggest dreams and have comfort in knowing that they have people in their corner supporting them.”

“

My wish for children in 2021 is that they realize that while we may never again have the opportunity to spend as much time with those we love as we had in 2020, it is imperative to take the lessons learned into 2021; to value and cherish time spent with family, because in the end time is all we have and want the most.

“

My wish for children in 2021 is that they stay as physically and mentally healthy as possible! That they embrace health and nutrition from an early age and have the opportunity to play outside every day.”

Danielle Janeski

Tim Moran

Daniel J. Santaniello

Executive Director, United Methodist Homes PA Corporation

CEO, MyCil (Northeast PA Center for Independent Living)

President and CEO, Fidelity Bank

“

My wish for children in 2021 is that they are provided a strong foundation and support as they pursue a full life blessed with health and happiness.”

January 2021

“

My wish for children in 2021 is that they embrace what they’ve learned and grow from the challenges and “first-time” moments of 2020. I trust that they will have faith in a better tomorrow, and will always remember that family is the most important thing.”

HappeningsPA.com

“

My wish for children in 2021 is that they have the resources to succeed in whatever they wish to do, as well as love and support from adults in their lives to help them on their journey.”

Regroup and Hit the Reset Button

here are no instructions or rules that come along with parenting. We do our best. We make mistakes and learn. As we look back at this past year, we have faced so many challenges for ourselves and our children. From pre-school to college, our kids had to adjust to shutdowns, virtual learning and a pause on sports, play dates and socializing with friends. Many parents worked from home and juggled parenting, relationships, careers and overall wellness. We did the best we could, but structure slipped away. Although we may have had more family dinners, we also stocked up on snacks and our kids did not have recess or gym class to burn off energy. We probably all could use a

reset of healthy habits and wellness priorities. Kids need rules and to learn by example with regard to healthy habits, nutrition and exercise. The new year is a great time to improve habits. Always start the day with breakfast. Eggs, oatmeal, yogurt and whole grain cereal are great choices. Avoid high sugar cereals and donuts. Make fruits and veggies fun. Cut up fruit to have a handy snack for kids to grab. Make a healthy dip with peanut butter or yogurt. Create a colorful plate. Fill half of the plate with fruit and/or veggies. Limit candy and chips to small portions. Portion control plays a key role in nutrition. Put a snack in a small bowl and put the bag away. Encourage your kids to drink water and low-fat

milk (even chocolate). Avoid high sugar drinks and sodas. Make a project with your kids to create healthy snacks. Encourage your kids to get outside and walk, run around and play at least once a day. Fresh air is so good for releasing endorphins that help us physically and mentally. If itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cold, bundle up but still go outside. If it is bad weather, stay in, put on some music and have a little dance party. Your kids will love it and so will you. Moms may need a reset too! Planning and prep is key to staying on a healthy eating routine. Make a grocery trip every week and keep healthy food choices available. Balance is a must! Include the right amount of proteins, carbs and fats in your daily eating and

then have your Friday night pizza! Stay active! Keep moving! Winter weather, shorter daylight, social distancing and pandemic shutdowns can have us feeling blah and unmotivated. Find your motivation which can be anything. Outdoor walks, hikes, stationary bike, treadmill, virtual fitness class or training. Make a plan that works and stick to it! We all need to stay healthy and exercise and nutrition are two main components that we can control. We are in this together. If you need help with knowing where to start, reach out. H –Jackie Kerekes, The Training Loft (570) 332-8519

Healthy Fruit Dips 2⁄3 cup plain or vanilla Greek yogurt 3 tbsp natural peanut butter 3 tbsp honey – OR – 1 cup Greek yogurt 6 tbsp cocoa powder 5 tbsp honey Combine all ingredients for either variety and use to dip apples, bananas, strawberries or any favorite fruit!

Jackie Kerekes with her four ch ildren Jackie Kerekes is an NASM Certified Personal Trainer and an NASM Fitness Nutrition Specialist. She trains oneon-one clients and does small group training. She 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).

Classes begin in February Class sizes are limited Following all CDC guidelines

January 2021

HappeningsPA.com

Oppenheim Family Children’s Center

he Keystone College Children’s Center was established in 1976 and in 2004, the Oppenheim Family Children’s Center opened its doors to children, families and the campus community. The state-ofthe-art building houses five classrooms and provides year-round services to 105 children in the community, as well as to Pre-K Counts and Head Start eligible children ages three to five. Highly qualified teachers provide a developmental preschool program, and the facility is a model lab training site for students majoring in education and related fields at Keystone. The Center was chosen to participate in the state’s first PreApprenticeship program, which provides coaching to high school students to gain college credits and earn the nationally recognized Child Development Associate Credential. Licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, the Center maintains a Star 4 rating through Pennsylvania’s Keystone Stars, a quality improvement program that recognizes childcare providers who exceed state health and safety licensing requirements. All aspects of a child’s development are nurtured at the Children’s Center. The program is based on a philosophy of trust and respect for the child and the belief that all children are capable and eager to learn. Opportunities to explore, experiment, engage in, and interact with various materials are 34

afforded to all children. Enriched environments support children’s needs with the belief that development of a positive self-image is the best foundation for the child’s success. Heidi Sweppenheiser has been a teacher at the Oppenheim Family Children’s Center for 15 years. She earned her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education with a minor in special education from Lock Haven University. During this time, she also earned her Pennsylvania Teaching Certification. Heidi began as a part-day teacher at HappeningsPA.com

the center. During her tenure, she helped facilitate the creation of full-day programming and implemented best practices and programming for Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS). She is currently the Pre-K Counts teacher. Heidi has over 20 years of experience in child development and social-emotional learning. She loves teaching because she can impact children’s lives and watch them grow and learn. She resides in Dalton with her husband Matthew and children Reagan and Kendyl. H January 2021

Dr. Alexies Samonte The Wright Center for Community Health’s Medical Director of Pediatric Services

e’re all grateful for the start of 2021 and looking forward to a much better year than 2020. As we welcome a fresh start, our New Year’s resolution should be to remain healthy. In addition to getting the COVID-19 vaccination, that includes catching up on immunizations our kids may have missed in 2020 and all those regular appointments we canceled. For parents, it’s important that your child’s vaccination schedule stays current. Vaccines are the best way to protect your child from serious diseases, including pneumonia, diphtheria, measles, mumps, chickenpox, meningococcal disease, whooping cough, polio and cancers caused by Hepatitis B or HPV. As a board-certified pediatrician at The Wright Center for Community Health, I worry that missed vaccinations will create severe waves of preventable disease outbreaks in the months, even years, to come. We don’t want to see a massive measles outbreak when we’re finally getting a handle on COVID. It’s time to get back to regu-

January 2021

lar pediatric and primary care appointments. You and your children can safely visit our primary care offices. All of our practices follow strict guidelines from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the CDC -- including hand-washing, maskwearing and social distancing -- and all Wright Center clinics undergo extensive cleaning daily to make sure patients and families stay safe. When it comes to staying healthy, know there are ways to keep up with primary care. Throughout the pandemic, we’ve been erasing patient-provider barriers to make caring for your health easier. For those due for a well visit or in need of a consultation for illness, telemedicine is a great way to stay in contact with your healthcare team from home. The Wright Center offers

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several effective, beneficial and convenient telehealth options. From video calls to regular phone conversations, my colleagues and I are able to connect with people we serve electronically to address their health needs. Prioritizing your health is the best way to start 2021 headed in the WRIGHT direction. Wishing Happenings readers a happy and healthy new year! Dr. Alexies Samonte, The Wright Center for Community Health’s Medical Director of Pediatric Services, is accepting new pediatric patients newborn to 18 years old. Call 570-230-0019. H 35

KidsPeace

ince 1882, the non-profit organization KidsPeace has used its expertise in service to its mission to provide hope, help and healing to children, adults and those who love them. Through its range of residential treatment programs, accredited educational services, unique psychiatric hospital and foster care and community-based programs, KidsPeace is dedicated to helping people connect, transform and overcome challenges to ensure a stable future, transition to adulthood and gain independence. Since its doors opened, nearly 300,000 children have participated in KidsPeace programs. KidsPeace began offering foster care services in 1979. Since then, its programming has grown to serve more than 1,000 children and families across seven states. KidsPeace Foster Care serves foster youth from birth to age 21 and includes traditional and therapeutic foster care, respite care and kinship foster care. KidsPeace also assists families seeking to adopt foster children. Our dedicated staff are valued by foster parents as an outstanding resource to rely

upon as they navigate the often challenging but always rewarding path of foster care. The KidsPeace Foster Care office in Scranton will host a virtual information night on Zoom on Wednesday, January 13 starting at 6 p.m.. To RSVP, email mari.walsh@kidspeace.org or monica.reap@kidspeace.org. Visit www.fostercare.com and www.kidspeace.org. H

“Nye’ther

snow nor sleet could chase away these Winter Blues...”

Fashion Mall • Route 6 • Dickson City (across from the Viewmont Mall) • 344-4NYE We Buy Gold, Silver, Coins and Platinum • Full Service Jewelry Repair Done on Premises • Watch Battery Installation • Engraving 36

HappeningsPA.com

January 2021

Montrose Square Apartments

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

145 Church Street, Montrose, Pa.

570-278-3849 January 2021

HappeningsPA.com

Geisinger CMC Childbirth Center

celebrates one year anniversary ual needs. Known for their ‘low-tech, hightouch’ approach, midwives provide extra care and support during low-risk pregnancies and births with as few interventions as possible.”

espite COVID-19, area mothers were able to welcome their new babies safely at the Childbirth Center at GCMC, said Lauren Gleason, operations manager. Geisinger CMC celebrated the first anniversary of its Childbirth Center and the 450 new lives arriving there since opening Oct. 11, 2019. Gleason said “mothers were allowed one visitor, so fathers were still able to be part of this very important moment. Safety and cleanliness were, as always, top priorities. The entire unit took extra precautions, all guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Department of Health were strictly adhered to.” The Childbirth Center returned maternity care service to GCMC, a service not offered there previous to its opening in 2019 since 2007. The $15 million center features eight delivery and postpartum suites on 38

the city hospital’s third floor. Last year, Happenings toured the bright, sparkling clean birth center and spoke to Gleason. At the Childbirth Center, obstetrician/ gynecologists and certified nurse midwives work together to comfort and care for mothers-to-be and their babies and expectant moms can tailor their birth plans according to their preferences. Midwives facilitate natural birth plans and OB/GYNs are on duty at all hours to intervene when needed. The hospital’s midwifery program is the first in Scranton offered by a hospital system.

The birthing suites are designed to allow expectant mothers to move around freely and feel as comfortable and “at home” as possible. The large rooms are intended for labor, delivery and recovery, so mothers can remain in one place throughout their stay. The facility is fully equipped to provide patient-centered care as well as the latest medical technology, equipment and staff expertise. “As we celebrate our first anniversary, I first want to thank the communities we serve here in Scranton for entrusting Geisinger in bringing world-class healthcare and compassionate service closer to home,” said Manuel Arreguin, M.D., chair of Obstetrics/ Gynecology in Geisinger’s northeast region.

Karen Carbaugh, certified registered nurse practitioner and certified nurse midwife at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre said Geisinger’s certified midwifery program is built around the trusted bond women share with their healthcare provider.

“The staff in the unit has done an excellent job delivering care to our patients and I am so honored to be part of this team. We look forward to our continued growth in the region. Our highly educated and trained certified nurse midwives are qualified to administer a wide spectrum of women’s health services with a personal touch.”

“Our certified nurse midwives provide collaborative, compassionate care attuned to a mother's individ-

Visit geisinger.org/pregnancycare or call 866-460-6966. H

HappeningsPA.com

–Christine Fanning

January 2021

HappeningsPA.com

East Stroudsburg Couple Receives Life-Saving Heart Surgery Within Days of Each Other

ancy and Edinson have a lot to be thankful for this holiday season. They were surprised when Edinson, only 56, was told he needed double bypass heart surgery earlier this year. However, the real shock came a few weeks later when Nancy, 50, an avid kick-boxer, was rushed to the Emergency Department at Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH)– Pocono needing the same surgery. According to Laszlo Fuzesi, MD, Associate Chief, Cardiothoracic Surgery at LVH–Pocono, it’s rare to perform the same surgery on a husband and wife, but almost unheard of to do within the same week. Fortunately, going through this experience together benefited them. “They helped each other through the process. She was strong and did very well, and that reassured him that he could get through it,” Fuzesi said.

Nancy and Edinson have a strong support system in each other. “The fact that we did it together makes these changes easier. We take the same medicine, we eat the same foods because of the medical need. Plus, the emotional support between each other is important,” Edinson says. “We’re trying to go back to normal activities to have that sense of getting our life back. It’s been over two months since our operation; we’re riding our bikes and taking short trips. We’re aware of our limitations, but we’re looking forward to going back to normal.” While they are anxious to return to the life they had before, the couple is incredibly grateful to Dr. Fuzesi and the team at LVH-Pocono. “We’re happy that Lehigh Valley Hospital is here in the Poconos, because when we had the need, they answered the call.” Nancy hopes their experience is a reminder that heart issues can affect anyHappeningsPA.com

one, at any age. “It can happen to anyone. You have to be more careful and listen to your body. You don’t have to be old for this to happen,” she says. Visit LVHN.org/Pocono. H Lehigh Valley Health Network includes eight hospital campuses, three in Allentown, one in Bethlehem, one in East Stroudsburg, one in Hazleton and two in Pottsville, Pa.; Coordinated Health, which includes two hospital campuses, nearly two dozen multispecialty locations including ambulatory surgery centers and orthopedic injury centers in northeastern Pennsylvania and western New Jersey; 26 health centers; numerous primary and specialty care physician practices; 20 ExpressCARE locations including the area’s only Children’s ExpressCARE; pharmacy, imaging, home health, rehabilitation and lab services; and preferred provider services through Valley Preferred. Specialty care includes: trauma care for adults and children, burn care at the Regional Burn Center; kidney and pancreas transplants; perinatal/neonatal, cardiac, cancer, orthopedics, neurology, complex neurosurgery capabilities including national certification as a Comprehensive Stroke Center, and robotic surgery in 10 specialties. Lehigh Valley Cancer Institute, Lehigh Valley Heart Institute and Lehigh Valley Institute for Surgical Excellence physicians provide the most advanced treatments. Lehigh Valley Cancer Institute is a member of the Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) Cancer Alliance, an initiative that helps community providers improve the quality of cancer care and offers access to MSK clinical trials. Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital, the community’s only children’s hospital, provides care in more than 30 specialties and general pediatrics. Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest is ranked as the region’s #1 hospital for seven straight years and has been recognized among Pennsylvania’s top six hospitals for seven consecutive years by U.S. News & World Report. Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH)– Cedar Crest, LVH–17th Street and LVH–Muhlenberg are the region’s only Magnet® hospitals for nursing excellence.

January 2021

HappeningsPA.com

Dining around the Region Note! All hours are subject to change without notice. Call ahead, consult website and Facebook pages of each individual restaurant for updated information, specials and menu items available. Abbiocco Try our signature dishes, such as Chicken Abbiocco, manicotti or blackened salmon. Tues.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. and Fri. and Sat. 11 a.m.-9 p.m., 639 N. Blvd., Clarks Summit. www.abbiocco.net. 570319-9633. Coney Island Lunch Try our Texas Wiener with mustard, onions and chili sauce! Tues.-Sun. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 515 Lackawanna Ave., Scranton. www.Texaswiener.com. Delivery by DoorDash! 570-961-9004. Lake Sheridan Bar and Grill Rate our signature burgers! Seven days, 4-8 p.m. 145 Pedrick Rd., Nicholson. 570-910-0092. Cooper's Seafood Enjoy Maine lobster tacos: sauteed Maine lobster meat, sweet corn pico de gallo, arugula, avocado, poblano pepper cream sauce, pumpkin seeds. Sun.-Thurs. Noon9 p.m., Fri. and Sat. Noon-10:30 p.m. 701 N. Washington Ave., Scranton. www.coopersseafood.com 570-346-6883. Posh @The Scranton Club and The Colonnade Try lobster mac and cheese! Cavatelli smoked gouda cream sauce with lobster morsels topped with an herb-panko crust. Thurs.Sat. 4-8 p.m. 404 N. Washington Ave., Scranton. POSHScranton.com. 570-955-5890. Market Street Bar and Grill Customers love our scallops and house made pumpkin gnocchi! Sun. and Mon. 4-8 p.m., Tues.-Sat. 42

Noon-8 p.m. 223 W. Market St., Scranton. 570-507-9560.

p.m. 829 Old State Rd., Clarks Summit. www.thenewcafe.com 570-319-9111.

Mendicino’s Pizza and Family Restaurant Try our grilled vegetable lasagna filled with spinach, grilled zucchini and yellow squash. Mon.Thurs. 11 a.m-8 p.m., Fri. and Sat. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Closed Sundays. Located in the ShopRite Complex, Covington Twp. www.mendicinospizza.com 570-842-2070.

Barley Creek Brewing Company, Inc. Try our beer cheese soup, with Antler Brown Ale. Lunch and dinner: Sun.Thur. 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Fri. and Sat. 11 a.m-10:30 p.m.. Breakfast: Fri.-Mon. 8 a.m.-11 a.m. 1774 Sullivan Trail, Tannersville www.barleycreek.com. 570-629-9399.

Pettinato’s Restaurant Try our linguine with peas, prosciutto and pecorino Romano in a light cream sauce. Take out and delivery. Mon.-Sat. 4-8 p.m., Sun. 4-6 p.m. 78 Dundaff St., Carbondale. 570-282-5860. Sibio’s Restaurant Our fettuccine Alfredo is a customer favorite! Lunch and dinner regular hours, full menu with specials. 1240 Quincy Ave., Dunmore. Sibiosrestaurant.com 570-3463172. Six West at Shadowbrook Resort Enjoy our burger nachos! Seasoned ground beef, local cheddar, pico de gallo, jalapenos, Sriracha cream and tortilla chips. Tues.-Sat. 11 a.m-9 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.- 8 p.m. http://www.shadowbrookresort.com/six-west-menu/ 570- 836-2151 ext. 381. Savory Maza Shish barak special on Wednesdays this season! Indulge in fresh, homemade vegetarian and meat meals, plus daily specials. Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Fri. and Sat. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. 200 N. Main St., Scranton. savorymaza.com 570-969-2666. The New Cafe Mediterranean Tasting Wed.-Sat. 11 a.m-2 p.m. and 4-7 Happenings Magazine

Barley Creek Tasting Room and Pub at the Crossings Posterity Pale Ale This brew has a unique flavor of Earth and citrus, the malt bill gives slight sweetness. Sun.Thur. 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Fri. and Sat. 11 a.m.-8 p.m 1000 Premium Outlets Dr., Tannersville www.barleycreektastingroom.com 272-200-2992. Stirna's Our Stirnaburger is full 1/4 lb. top choice ground beef with tomato, bacon and American or Swiss on a semi-hard roll. Wed.-Sat. 4 p.m.-9 p.m. 120 W. Market St. Scranton On/off premise catering daily. 570-961-9681. Augustine’s Club 17 Try our tomato and garlic pizza, our traditional Old Forge pizza or our double crust white pizza. Call for hours. 518 N. Main St., Old Forge. Augustinesclub17.com 570-562-2110. Pizza available at Riccardo's, Weis, Shop Rite and Price Chopper. H

January 2021

Happenings Magazine

An Insider’s Look at the Future of Events

eople describe John Phillips, Founder of MCR Productions as an energetic entrepreneur. While in college he performed with the full-party band UUU six nights a week. At age 27, he founded MCR Production to produce creative, one-of-a-kind, memorable experiences of all types. Now, 10 years later, MCR has grown into a multi-faceted, multi-million dollar enterprise.

We recently chatted with Phillips about how he sees the future of events looking in a post-pandemic era. “Events will never stop, but they likely will not resemble what we knew them to be in the past. People will still get married, have children, achieve milestones, etc. and therefore there will be weddings, showers, memorials as well as personal and business celebrations of all types. I believe that for the first half of 2021, events will be confined to much smaller numbers and held either in private homes or in outdoor spaces.“I think we will continue to see folks invest in their home properties, where they can host smaller, more intimate events or seek venues that offer outdoor space, such as courtyards, lakefront property or gardens and patios.” Fortunately, MCR Productions had amassed a great inventory of product from all types of dining decor, tables, chairs, lighting, furniture, red carpets, tents etc. to design and facilitate events that may take on new, outdoor landscapes.“Parks, backyards and fields, will be added to traditional venues who have their own outdoor settings. We can transform any outdoor or natural setting into spaces beyond anyone’s imagination. Creativity will be taken to a whole new level, given our new set of circumstances,” he said. Staying visible and continuing to make sure that his brand of MCR Productions remains top of mind through marketing and advertising is something that Phillips was adamant about not only for himself, but he also counsels his clients to do so as well.“When everyone is looking in the same direction, wringing their hands and wishing things would just return to the way things were, I advise clients to quickly change, adapt and look for new opportunity. I don’t think we will return to how it was so we all have to not miss a beat figuring out what new directions to take. We’ve all been hit with a brutal blow that none of us can control. This is where relationships become golden. I’ve always subscribed to the belief that ‘clients will get you business, but relationships will bring you wealth,’” he commented. And speaking of wealth, he said,“living under your means, was always a good idea so that you are prepared for emergencies like this monster one.”

“ I’ve always subscribed to the belief that clients will get you business, but relationships will bring you wealth.” 44

Establishing priorities for events may put a focus on more purposeful and personal components. In addition, weekday celebrations may become popular as a backlog of dates with postponements could create a higher demand for highly sought after venues. Off-season may also become more inviting as travel will likely remain closer to home, with limited air travel.“Since destination events may not sound appealing for a while, consider many of the great spaces in the mountains that surround us. Or, let’s take a look at what your yard offers. Designing a new space on your own property may give your event true meaning and uniqueness that you had never imagined.” In terms of seating and food service, in all likelihood buffets will be replaced with plated meals, and socially distanced seating. Technology will also increase with events being live-streamed for many more than those who are in physical attendance.“There will be change,” said Phillips,“but there’s also plenty of new opportunity. Don’t let fear of the unknown paralyze you. Look for the ways to adapt.” H Happenings Magazine

January 2021

Italian Meatballs This family recipe is a combination of my northern and southern Italian heritage and a family tradition. Pasta and meatballs were Sunday noon dinner and Wednesday evening “supper.” It was a time to gather with family and a cherished memory.

Ingredients: 1 lb. (85-90% lean) ground beef 1 lb. ground pork ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs ⅓ cup milk or water ½ tsp. onion powder ½ tsp. garlic powder or 2 cloves crushed fresh garlic 1 tsp. Italian seasoning

Preheat oven to 400°F. In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs and milk or water. Set aside. In a medium bowl, combine remaining ingredients. Add breadcrumb mixture. Shape mixture into 48 meatballs, approximately 1 ½ tablespoons each. Place on baking sheet. Bake 18-20 minutes or until cooked through. Turn meatballs after 10 minutes and continue cooking for another 8-10 minutes. Remove from pan. Place directly into sauce. Meatballs will continue to cook. If not adding to sauce, cut open a meatball and check for pink or insert meat thermometer. It should read 165 degrees. Test meatballs in the center of pan, they cook a little slower than meatballs on the edge.

2 eggs (one egg per pound of meat) ¼ cup parsley chopped ¼ - ½ cup locatelli pecorino romano or parmesan black pepper (salt optional)

Note: Boil one pound of spaghetti per package instructions. Add sauce and meatballs. Buon Appetito!

Compliments of JoAnn Marianelli Finnerty/ Bella Faccias Personalized Chocolates & Gifts Happenings Magazine

January 2021

National Spaghetti Day

“

ational Spaghetti Day is January 4. Spaghetti and meat-

balls were introduced to America by Italian immigrants, most of whom were from Naples, living in New York City. Italian immigrants found that they spent less money in the States than back in Italy, so they had easier access to meat. Even still, combining pasta with meat and adding sauce was a relatively cheap meal and soon became commonplace. Published recipes for spaghetti date back to 1888. Spaghetti and meatballs is one of the most beloved dishes in America today." H

January 2021

We recommend trying these restaurants: Abbiocco: (570) 319-9633; abbiocco.net Augustine’s Club 17: (570) 562-2110; augustinesclub17.com/ Mendicino’s: (570) 842-2070; mendicinospizza.com/menu/ Pettinato’s: (570) 282-5860; facebook.com/Pettinatosrestaurant/ Sibio’s: (570) 346-3172; sibiosrestaurant.com/dinner/ Stirna’s: (570) 961-9681; stirnas.com/

Happenings Magazine

Beef Barley Vegetable Soup Ingredients: ½ lb. lean ground beef ½ cup chopped onions 1 clove garlic, minced 5 cups water** 1 (14 ½ oz.) can of unsalted whole tomatoes, undrained, cut into pieces ¾ cup barley ½ cup sliced celery ½ cup sliced carrots 2 beef bouillon cubes ** ½ tsp dried basil, crushed (I use fresh or frozen basil)

DIRECTIONS Cook barley in boiling water (little salt added for flavor). Set aside. In saucepan or Dutch oven, cook onion and garlic until transparent. Add ground beef, cook until brown. Drain. Add water, beef bouillon, tomatoes, celery, carrots, basil and bay leaf. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, simmer for 10-15 minutes (when vegetables are tender) stirring occasionally. Add frozen vegetable mixture and cook until tender, about 10 minutes. Add barley and enjoy. *** In place of water and bouillon cubes, I use College Inn or Swanson beef broth. If soup thickens after adding barley, add more beef broth or water if using bouillon cubes.

Buon Appetito!

1 bay leaf 1 (9 oz) pkg frozen mixed vegetables

Compliments of JoAnn Marianelli Finnerty Bella Faccias

Soup for the Soul

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 2021

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.

Happenings Magazine

Andrew Brown’s Pharmacy The Corner Drugstore That Stands the Test of Time

n 1912, Andrew Brown, newly licensed by the State of Pennsylvania after graduating from Columbia University’s School of Pharmacy, saw a need in his South Scranton neighborhood for a drugstore to serve the growing number of families working in factories, grocery stores and coal mines. He rented a storefront in the fourteen hundred block of Pittston Avenue and stocked it with patent medicines and necessary prescription drugs to help his customer’s typical aches and pains. He developed friendships with family physicians and dentists whose home offices populated the busy street where many European immigrant families were contributing to the steady growth of the Scranton area. Andrew’s store soon outgrew the rental space. A property half a block away became available and the young pharmacist built a store with apartments above to house his growing family and offer rental space to another business. 50

This building stands today, as does the pharmacy, still serving South Scranton and beyond. The store helps to fill medical needs of the descendants of the original customers, as well as new patients whose prescriptions are quite different from those Andrew compounded with a mortar and pestle back in the early 20th century. In addition to the standard prescription and over the counter medicines, the pharmacy offers many services including immunizations, administered by three full time pharmacists, one of whom is Andrew’s grandson Michael Brown, the third-generation pharmacist and president of the company. Robert Brown, another grandson, oversees Andrew Brown’s Home Healthcare Center, adjacent to the drugstore, where patients can purchase wheelchairs, hospital beds, oxygen equipment, and other medical equipment. Both businesses have always offered free delivery to patients, something so essential in our current world, delivering in every corner Happenings Magazine

of Northeastern PA. Andrew Brown’s has been an employer of many devoted, talented workers. Andrew’s son Robert partnered with John Osborne and together they worked as pharmacists in the store for over 50 years. Some of the young high school and college students, including two of Andrew’s great-grandsons, who worked in the store went on to become pharmacists, thankful for the exposure to retail pharmacy. Despite the ever-evolving pharmacy industry, dominated by big box stores and mail-order options, Andrew Brown’s remains, at its core, the same establishment it was over 100 years ago. The dedicated staff has embraced its founder’s vision and understands the integral role they play in the lives of its loyal customers. This corner drugstore has been a pillar in South Scranton for more than a century. The team proudly and compassionately serves customers and is grateful for relationships formed along the way. H January 2021

BLOODY J MARY DAY “You say tomāto, I say tomăto...”

anuary 1 is National Bloody Mary Day. Bloody Marys are a popular cocktail that can be prepared in a variety of ways, primarily with tomato juice and vodka. At the Lake Sheridan Bar and Grill in Nicholson, bartender Lisa Jackson uses tomato juice, vodka, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce and a blend of secret spices to add a little kick. She garnishes Lake Sheridan’s Bloody Mary with something different each week. Richard Mackarey, manager, says customers love all the special garnishes especially with crab legs! The history of the Bloody Mary drink is contested, with many people claiming to have invented it. It was invented in the 1920s, either in Paris or New York and was popular with American socialites traveling abroad to France. Stop in to Lake Sheridan Bar and Grill to enjoy or pickup this classic cocktail. Outdoor seating on their deck with a beautiful view of the lake is available, weather permitting, along with igloo seating. (Check Facebook for updated hours and availability due to COVID-19 restrictions). H

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January 2021

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NATIONAL J

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CHERRY DAY

anuary 3 is National Cordial Cherry Day. Cordial cherries are a delicious treat. Who can resist the rich chocolate shell, with the sweet, gooey maraschino cherry inside? They have been a popular candy in America for many years, but their history dates back to Europe in the late Middle Ages.

In the 1400s, Europeans drank a distilled beverage called the “cordial” used to “invigorate the heart and revitalize the spirits,” said food researcher Ivan Day. Some cordials contained flecks of gold, which reserved them for the wealthy. Europeans believed the gold boosted the immune system and helped the body retain heat. Then called “surfeit waters,” they were used to help digestion. Cordials were also believed to be an aphrodisiac. The French began making cordial cherries with alcohol in the 1700s, but used sour cherries instead of the maraschino cherries we are familiar with today. The treat traveled to the US and over time, using alcohol became less and less popular. The popularity of a non-alcoholic cordial cherry boomed. Cordial cherries hit peak popularity in the 1920s and 1930s. Made primarily by the Brock Candy Company, they even helped keep the company in business through the Great Depression. Chocolate covered cherries are not as popular as they once were and are now only made by a few companies, but can still be found in stores across the country. Find cordial cherries at Bella Faccias, see ad page 63. H –Rebecca Belotti

Happenings Magazine

January 2021

WOMEN

FINANCE

Theresa M. Hinton, Esq., CTFA Fidelity Bank e know the importance of health care, but there is another concept to consider… “wealth care.” This is the perspective of Theresa M. Hinton, Esq., CTFA, who serves as Vice President and Senior Trust Officer at Fidelity Bank. “Wealth care” is making sure clients have the right savings, investments, retirement and financial planning to ensure comfortable living today and in the future. Fidelity Bank offers an array of “wealth care” advice through its Wealth Management Division. There, the experienced team reviews your overall financial situation, identifies needs and goals and takes steps to maximize and preserve wealth.

“We believe in a team approach, assigning a relationship manager, investment advisor and fiduciary advisor to each client,” says Hinton. “While investment management is an integral part of wealth management, our services are much broader, encompassing individualized investment advice, tax and insurance planning, estate planning, retirement planning and education planning. Everyone should have financial and estate plans and those change over time. Our team can help you build plans and work with you to refine them as life dictates.” Fidelity Bank’s full-service Wealth Management team has a low advisor-to-client ratio which

allows the team to provide clients with a high level of attention. With regularly scheduled client meetings, they address changes to clients’ goals, needs or risk tolerance and review account performance. Fidelity Bank has 20 offices throughout Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties, as well as the Lehigh Valley. Visit www.bankatfidelity.com or call 1.800.388.4380. H

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Make the Most of Your Tax Refund Wayne Bank Offers Tips

n 2020, more than 100 million Americans received an average tax refund of $2,874. As millions of Americans await reimbursement from Uncle Sam, Wayne Bank offers some tax refund strategies.

Create a Safety Net. Too many people do not have enough money in savings to cover a $400 emergency. Your tax refund can be used for an emergency fund that will cover you in a crunch. Ideally, it should hold about three to six months of living expenses in case of sudden hardships like losing your job or having to replace your car. This is the perfect time to open or add to a savings account.

“File as soon as you can get your documents in order to receive your refund sooner and to prevent fraudsters from claiming Pay Down your “File as soon as you can get your Debt. refund,” documents in order to receive your Dedicate explains refund sooner and to prevent fraudsters some of Wayne from claiming your refund” your tax Bank’s refund to lowering any existing Assistant Vice President and debt, like credit card debt. Pay Waymart Community Office down existing balances either by Manager, Craig Grimm. “Your chipping away at loans with the tax refund can highest interest rates or by elimihelp you hannating smaller debt. You can also dle financial make an extra payment on your emergencies mortgage or student loans each and give you a year to save money on interest jump start on while reducing the term of your achieving your loans. If you’re overwhelmed by goals, whether it’s paying credit bills, Wayne Bank may be able to card debt or saving for a down help consolidate your debt. payment on the home of your dreams.” Save For Retirement. Even if you The financial experts at Wayne Bank have put together strategies to help you make the most of your tax refund this year. 56

have a 401(k) through your job, your bank can help you open an individual retirement account (IRA). This is a long term money manageHappenings Magazine

ment plan; you will be thankful when you retire. Make Home Improvements. Use your refund to invest in home improvements that will pay you back in the long run by increasing the value in your home. This can include small, cost-effective upgrades like energy-efficient appliances that will pay off in the short and long term, especially if they qualify for tax credits. If more renovations are in mind, Wayne Bank may be able to help with a home equity loan or line of credit. Donate to Charity. The benefit is two fold. It will make a difference in your community and you can claim the tax deduction, if itemized. Whether you plan to save or spend your tax refund, Wayne Bank offers a range of products and services that can help your money work harder. Visit waynebank.com or call 800-598-5002. Loans are subject to Wayne Bank’s credit policy. Certain restrictions apply. Ask for details. NMLS # 462082. Wayne Bank is a subsidiary of Norwood Financial Corp., Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender, and is located in Honesdale, Pennsylvania. The Bank has 31 Community Offices serving Wayne, Pike, Monroe, Lackawanna, and Luzerne Counties in Pennsylvania, along with Delaware, Sullivan, Otsego, Ontario, and Yates Counties in New York State, including those offices operating under the Bank of Cooperstown and Bank of the Finger Lakes brands. The stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol— NWFL. H January 2021

White Lotus Yoga Studio

undalini yoga is a dynamic, powerful tool that combines breath, mudra, eye focus, mantra, body locks and postures. It helps balance the glandular system, strengthen the nervous system, expand lung capacity and purify the blood. It brings balance to body, mind and soul. Sound is important in Kundalini. The universe was built on sound and vibration. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a vibratory frequency that corresponds to everything in the universe. By vibrating a particular combination of sounds, you tune into various levels of intelligence or consciousness. Sound helps maintain well-being and heal body, mind and spirit. How often have you used sound to lift your spirits? As you vibrate, the universe vibrates with you. What we vibrate, we become. When we consciously regulate the sound we make through the use of

mantra, breath and rhythm, we create healing in the immune and limbic systems. Mantra is the use of sound to affect consciousness. When you chant or sing a mantra, it initiates a chemical reaction in the brain and body. Mantras use sound, breath and rhythm to command emotions, body and actions. Kundalini combines sound, mantra and physical practice. Physical practice is a series of postures, breath and sound that work toward a specific outcome. Practice initiates physical and mental changes affecting body, mind and spirit. It helps foster a healthy, happy life. Doreen Hudak Coleman is a IKYTA certified Level one teacher. She combines her love of music as a performance artist with her passion for Kundalini. Call (570)-281-6279 or find us on Facebook. H

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Meet Peter Boor, MD Lackawanna Valley Dermatology Associates, Limited

ow did you come to attend Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine and attain your top class rank? I heard about what was then The Commonwealth Medical College through my mentor at West Chester University. I loved the emphasis on helping underserved communities and preferred smaller cities. The experience at Geisinger is all about training physicians who will be leaders in their community and the close integration with local volunteer faculty gave us unique clinical experiences not seen at other medical colleges. I am proud to stand among the growing number of students returning to start careers in NEPA. The class rank was as big of a surprise to me as anyone. We don't track class rank during our education at GCSOM, so you only find out at the end of medical school. I wasn’t a top student in high school or college. During my second year of medical school, I fell in love with dermatology after shadowing dermatolo-

gists at LVDA. I knew I had an uphill battle to secure a residency position since we had no home program at the time. I studied constantly. I knew my only shot at becoming a dermatologist would be through academic performance. I’d never wanted something so badly. That gave me the drive to be a better student and future physician. What inspired you to pursue medicine and then dermatology? I always loved the science of medicine and the art of patient care. My father was a neurologist and my mother a nurse, so it was familiar. As far as dermatology, I did some career exploring during my second year of medical school and shadowed Dr. Severs, Dr. Marsili and Dr. O'Donnell. I fell in love with the field and told my wife (girlfriend then) that I didn’t think I would be as happy doing anything else. In dermatology, you see people of all ages, perform surgery, analyze histopathology and manage intriguing diseases. The skin is a window into the patient’s immune system and health. Happenings Magazine

What other career might you have pursued? Probably business or computer science. I've always been good with numbers and one of few who enjoyed calculus in college - as lame as that sounds. What should Happenings’ readers know about skincare? Wear a daily sunscreen or moisturizer with sunscreen, broad spectrum and minimum SPF 30. Makeup does not count; it isn’t enough, despite having some SPF. Even fluorescent lights emit low levels of UV-A radiation that contribute to photoaging and cancer risk. The best topical cosmetic is sunscreen; its long term benefits are more rewarding than any other. What are the challenges and rewards of your career? I love my job. The people I meet and the bonds I make are most rewarding. You can improve someone's life dramatically by treating their skin disease. That is underestimated in the medical community. The biggest challenges are limitations in what insurance will cover and which conditions they agree are justified to treat. Believe it or not, in Pennsylvania, alopecia (hair loss) is often not a covered diagnosis; patients have to pay out of pocket. Can you imagine having large chunks of hair fall out and your insurance company saying it isn't reasonable to cover? Insurance formularies limit which medications we can prescribe for common skin conditions. I want to give my patients the best treatment and provide optimal care. January 2021

Are skin cancer rates increasing? Skin cancer rates have been increasing dramatically in the US. According to a study cited by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), melanoma rates doubled from 1982 to 2011. More than one million Americans are living with melanoma and as many as 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime (although not necessarily melanoma). I’d say we are well above the national average given our high proportion of elderly, fair skinned Caucasian residents. Since starting at LVDA, I average four melanomas diagnosed per month, much more than I encountered during training in St. Louis. What should readers know about your practice? LVDA is family oriented. This isn’t a large corporate practice

where employees feel like cogs in a wheel. We are physician owned and those physicians do what is best for employees and patients. We are happy individuals and want you to leave feeling you received attention and individualized care. Best aspect of life in Northeast PA: I love the wildlife and friendly people. This is a wonderful place to raise a family and there’s a strong sense of community. All that with a low cost of living makes NEPA a wonderful place to live and practice. Family: Wife, Catherine and a

son, Peter (I swear it was her idea. ) We love watching movies, dining out (when that was still a thing) and cooking. H

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($75.00 Value!) 59

Paul Walsh Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer • PS Bank hat started as a summer job turned into a career for PS Bank’s Paul Walsh. A Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer, Walsh made his way up the banking ranks, beginning at the West Side Bank in Scranton when he was in college. After a summer in the industry, he switched majors from biology to business. His passion for business banking was born out of his interest in listening to customers and finding ways to give them the best advice possible.

to run their business during the pandemic by developing an online platform, working remotely or operating at a social distance. The people who have been the most successful were able to find ways to reinvent how they serve customers.”

“Working for PS Bank gives me a sense of community and the ability to respond to the customer’s needs,” said Walsh. When asked what he enjoys most about serving the local business community, he noted the ability to be agile and especially the chance to, “share customers’ successes as they grow and watch that growth expand our local economy.” Walsh takes pride in serving the people of NEPA. “Our residents are different. There is a sense of familiarity and loyalty. I’ve seen many people leave NEPA, but NEPA doesn’t leave them that is a reflection of the character in our region.”

through them with his team at PS Bank at every turn. “The pandemic reinforced the need for good relationships with my customers. The traditional concept of being available has evolved into providing what customers need when they need it,” he said, noting that bankers have had to become “economic first responders.” In the new year, Walsh asks business owners to continue to embrace change. “I have witnessed many people find new and creative ways

Serving his community is something that comes natural to Walsh as he is a representative on the MetroAction Board of Directors and the Northeast Economic Development Company - CDC Board of Directors. Walsh holds a B.S. from Penn State University in business administration with a concentration in financial services. He attended the Central Atlantic Advanced School of Banking and Central Atlantic School of Commercial Lending, as well as Penn State Branch Management School. He is a native of West Scranton who resides in Greenfield Township with his wife Gina and their two children, P.J. and Tessa. H

In 2020, Walsh had to reimagine how banks could keep businesses afloat and growing. COVID-19 brought challenges, but he worked 60

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January 2021

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Happenings Magazine

Have A Plan For Your 2021 Financial Resolutions

appy New Year! 2020 was quite a year. I am ready to be moving on. With a new year comes resolutions. Some want to lose weight, quit smoking, or learn a second language. Others want to travel (after the pandemic, of course), volunteer, or read more books. These are all great, but every January, there’s something many people seem to miss: Working towards goals often costs money!

This isn’t true of every goal. But let’s face it: as the world grows increasingly expensive, the life we want for ourselves becomes more expensive, too. Whether it’s as simple as getting a Peloton bike or as complex as starting a new business, goals and finances are often linked. That’s why, when it comes to setting New Year’s resolutions, I recommend setting financial resolutions as well. What do you want to accomplish financially this year? Here are some of resolutions clients have expressed in years past: 62

I’m tired of seeing so much of my hard-earned income go to taxes and would like to explore ways to save on taxes in the future.

make these a reality? New Year’s resolutions often fail. Why? While I don’t know why every resolution fails, I’ll offer that, for many, perhaps a written plan was never in place.

I want to get out of debt. I want to have a dignified retirement. I want to help my children/grandchildren save for college. I want to add to my savings/emergency fund. I want to give more to my favorite charity/church/organization. I want to teach my children/grandchildren how to budget properly. I want to buy my dream car/motorhome. I want to build a second home. I want to make sure my parents always get the care they need. This is a short list. When it comes to setting financial resolutions, the possibilities are endless! Once you have your resolutions, it’s important to ask: How can I Happenings Magazine

Ryan Wilson, CPA, CFP®, CRPC®, AWMA®, AIF® Executive Vice President / Wealth Management, Financial Advisor Janney Montgomery Scott LLC It’s often said, “those who fail to plan, plan to fail.” For your 2021 resolutions, consider developing a written plan to achieve them. Perhaps your resolutions will be one of hopefully many improvements from the remarkable year we just finished. H

January 2021

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January 2021

Happenings Magazine

WOMEN

FINANCE

Opportunities? Take Them or Make Them.

hey say good things come to those who wait. Then, there are those who choose an active role in creating their destinies â&#x20AC;&#x201C; or at least their next chapter. Many professional women often find themselves at a point of decision in their careers and the choice is not always easy. For Jennifer Jaycox, a back seat to the future was never an option. When it came to opportunities, she took them or made them herself. Now, she is blazing a trail at The Honesdale National Bank. As VP, Chief Operations Officer at HNB, her employees see her as a leader who supports and recognizes the value of her team. She is quick to commend their achievements and foster the building of opportunities for success and growth, much like those afforded to her. Jennifer was born and raised in Newfoundland, PA., and before replanting her roots in the town where she got her start, learned the early lesson of pulling on every experience to build a portfolio bursting with transferable skills. While studying at Marywood University with a focus in International Business, French and Spanish, her part-time job in retail opened unexpected 64

see applications and functions through a more critical and strategic lens. That enabled her to be more balanced and diversified in the field, rather than the silos that can often cap a career.

career avenues. As a valued employee, her then manager tapped her to follow him to NatWest to apply her multi-language skills. In the transition, she was exposed to the world of opportunity in banking. She began her career with NatWest in 1994, learning the art of persistence and detail orientation critical to collections. NatWest was bought out by Fleet and provided Jen a springboard to expand her horizons in banking. She seized the opportunity to join Wayne Bank in 1996 and climbed their internal ranks to Vice President, Loan Operations. In the community banking setting, Jen learned that employees wear many hats and expanded her knowledge in a variety of areas, allowing her to Happenings Magazine

In 2013, Jennifer joined The Honesdale National Bank, taking on roles that enabled her to relate to customers on a personal level and provide solutions to help them meet their needs. As Chief Operations Officer, she is often faced with keeping pace with the ever-changing technology available to serve customers while maintaining a fine balance with upholding security and resource continuity across all components of the business. Jennifer encourages all women interested in banking to take every opportunity and if they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t present themselves, find them. Staying three steps ahead and focused on details will enable them to think outside the box and be active contributors to outcomes. Jennifer lives in Newfoundland with her husband, Scott, daughter, Shannon and three Shih Tzus. When not at the Bank, she is creating local opportunities as Chair of the Wayne County Public Library Trustee Board, and Hawley Lake Wallenpaupack Lions Club, in which she served as former treasurer. H January 2021

Pharmacist works entire life in the industry

owell Stevens owned an independent pharmacy in Green Ridge from 1966 to 1984. He employed three members of the Rochon family, John, Tom and Grace, before they were old enough to drive. The Rochon siblings rode their bikes from the store to deliver prescriptions to patrons of Stevens’ pharmacy, which was across from the old Roosevelt Theater on Sanderson Avenue.

“He was a great help and inspiration to our family,” said John Rochon, now a businessman in Dallas, Texas to his sister, Paula Mackarey, the publisher of Happenings 66

Magazine. “He made me believe in myself and built my confidence starting at the early age of 14. I am forever grateful to him.” Stevens rode his own bike as a boy in 1955 when he delivered prescriptions for Mr. Muller, who had a drug store up Sanderson Avenue from Stevens’ future store.

Stevens said that when Muller realized Stevens was going to pharmacy school, he predicted he would buy his business. Stevens earned his license from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy in 1961 and did buy Muller’s business, but in between college and the drug store, served two years in the Navy. Happenings Magazine

“I was pretty sure I was going to be drafted, so I signed up to work as a pharmacist but ended up in the supply department and ran the ship’s store. I went in in ‘62 and was out in ‘64.” When he opened his drug store on his return, he employed the teenagers. “Kids delivering medicine were big back then,” Stevens said. “They would work in the store for four hours at a clip.” Stevens, 81, still works in his field about 30 hours a month at the Medicine Shoppe in Clarks Summit. In August, he was licensed for 61 years. Now, like then, pharmacists do a tremendous service, he said. “If you come into the Medicine Shoppe you can talk to me as a pharmacist, we will deliver your orders January 2021

and sometimes the delivery person will go into the home to make sure the customer understands the instructions.” “I’ve been doing this all my life, including the four years I worked for Mr. Muller.” Stevens sold his store in 1984 and went to work in the pharmacy at Moses Taylor Hospital where he worked for 20 years. He said the biggest problem he sees today in the pharmacy business is the relationship of the pharmacy business manager (PBM) with the independent pharmacy. The PBM is a third-party administrator of prescription drug programs and is primarily responsible for contracting with pharmacies, negotiating discounts and rebates with drug manufacturers and processing and paying prescription drug claims. “The pharmacy may dispense $400 in medication and be paid $50 less. They fill and lose money on a regular basis,” Stevens explained. “Independent pharmacies will probably phase out,” he said. Stevens is married to Judy and is the father of daughter, Dallas, (husband, Carl Young) and son, Lowell Bruce Stevens Jr. (wife Judy). Lowell Jr. is a Scranton City policeman. Their grandchildren are Cam and Cade Young and Nevada Stevens. Stevens spends two to three hours a day, five days a week at

his Clarks Summit home with Nevada (Nevi) 16 who has Downs Syndrome. “It’s great to spend the time with her and get her out of the house. I’ve learned so much from her,” he said. H –Christine Fanning

Ice Harvesting on Lake Henry By Justin Hayden

The Icehouse on Millpond #1 in Tobyhanna

he business of harvesting ice blocks off local lakes in winter grew as the Pennsylvania railroad expanded in the mid-19th century. Commercial demands for harvested ice increased, making it a valuable commodity. One such use was in refrigerated boxcars for transportation

of perishable foods. Pennsylvania was the thirdlargest ice producer in the United States, following Maine and New York. Henry O. Silkman, a civil engineer from Scranton, purchased land in Maplewood, including Cobbs Pond. Maplewood, formally known

as Forest Mills before 1878, is located on the western edge of Wayne County in Lake Township. Silkman put in a dam at the outlet and let water accumulate naturally over the valley, creating a 310-acre, man-made lake named after himself, Lake Henry. (This lake was formed decades before PP&L created Lake Wallenpaupack in 1927.) Henry’s primary purpose for expanding the pond was to build a large icehouse for commercial use. In the 1880s, Consumers’ Ice Company of Dunmore built a large icehouse on Lake Henry which had eight rooms that covered an acre of ground. The ice was stacked 30 feet high. The Erie and Wyoming Valley Railroad, completed in 1885, built a rail spur—a type of sec-

Happenings Magazine

January 2021

ondary track—for workers to load cars with ice to send to outlying areas, including New York and Philadelphia. This accelerated harvesting ice on Lake Henry. Many men, like my great-great-grandfather, Aaron Black, a farmer, harvested ice to earn money during winter, while fields and gardens were under a blanket of snow. He walked about a mile to Lake Henry. Many other men walked from as far away as Honesdale. In summer, only three or four men were required to load the railroad cars with ice. Three residents of Maplewood have recollections of ice harvesting on Lake Henry. Warren Van Leuven— who turned 93 in September—used his team of horses on the lake to plow the snow off the ice. “I remember the pile of snow would be higher than my one-story house,” he recalled. “Over the years, several horses were lost when they fell through the ice. Even if we could rescue the horses, they did not always survive hypothermia. We were paid if our horses were used out on the ice. It was a big risk to take to earn an income.”

clothing. “To prevent the wool from being prickly and itchy, they turned their clothes inside out and ironed them,”

the spices from shifting. These flannel panels were worn in the men’s front chest and back. Perspiration would activate the spices to create heat. Preventing frostbite was no joke,” she continued in a stern tone.

“Over the years, several horses were lost when they fell through the ice.”

Mary Spangenberg shares memories of her family harvesting ice on the lake. When the men were out on the ice in bone-chilling temperatures, they had to stay warm by wearing wool January 2021

Mary noted. “They also would stay warm by wearing two pieces of flannel with pickling spice in between. The flannel was sewn in a spiral to keep Happenings Magazine

Mary said the ice company hired a few teens to work night shift, keeping the boiler fire going for the steam conveyor. They also pushed blocks of ice up and down the channels to prevent them from freezing over in the night. “Teens today could not handle this job,” she added. 69

an hour. At this time, a loaf of bread cost 12 cents, a pack of cigarettes cost 17 cents, and seven gallons of gas cost one dollar.”

Charles Gromlich, who delivered ice to locals to fill their iceboxes during the 1920s and 1930s, prospered in this difficult business. It cost 25 cents to fill an icebox. This was done about twice a week during warmer months. Mary admitted, “We never paid for ice. Broken pieces could not be sold and were put outside the icehouse to melt, free to anyone to take.”

cial ice plant by drilling an artesian well on the lake’s shore. The ice plant could produce 1,280 blocks or “cakes”

“Teens today could not handle this job.”

George Black, who wrote a memoir, described experiences making ice cream using ice from the icehouse. “We would mix strawberries and bananas twice a day. There was no such thing as calories in those days. They invented them later.” In 1932, Kearney Ice Company took over Consumers’ Ice Company and put in an artifi70

of ice daily (weighing 320 pounds each) and employed 30 men during spring and summer. “At this time, Kearney was going to install a large generator to produce electricity for Maplewood,” George wrote. “Instead, the decision was made by residents to allow PP&L to put in electricity to Maplewood. Kerosene lanterns and lamps were no longer a necessity as in earlier days. Along with electricity came electric refrigeration and freezers. In 1936, the men employed at the artificial ice plant were earning 32.5 cents Happenings Magazine

Mary, who still lives on Lake Henry, witnessed many of these changes in Maplewood. The icehouse was built next to her family’s farm that has been there for generations. Her father, Edgar, was the foreman. “I remember him working long hours through the night if something broke, and then having to work that morning for his regular shift,” she recalled. “My great-uncle Philander Black invested his life savings, three thousand dollars—a lot of money back then—to keep the ice plant functioning. He lost his money when electricity came about,” she added. “The ice plant only lasted a year or two and was taken down between 194546.” Today, the only remains of the red icehouse are pieces of the concrete footers, a handful of photographs and memories of a few residents. Keeping the Tradition Alive A family friend, Bill Leonard Jr., demonstrates the methods and tools used in harvesting ice in the early 1900s. This event typically draws hundreds annually. Since 1994, Tobyhanna, PA, hosts its ice harvesting event, commemorating the ice industry before electric refrigerators. In memory of their father, Bill Leonard Sr., his children, Bill Leonard Jr., Marilou Hitt, and Joe Leonard completed his dream of constructing an January 2021

icehouse on Millpond #1. During my childhood, my family and I would help harvest ice as we learned about the process of our ancestors. Bill explained the process: “Harvesting the ice begins by using an auger to determine the depth of the ice. Ideally, the ice should be 12 inches thick but can be cut at seven inches. Then, a grid-like pattern is cut into the ice. The grooves are about two-thirds of the ice thickness. The ice is cut with a plow pulled by horses or mules. Later, gaspowered inventions were used such as the 1919 Gifford Wood saw we use today.” “The scored ice is then cut into blocks or cakes, which are 21 inches square and approximately 175 pounds. Snow atop the ice acts as an insulator and slows the ice forming process. During very cold winters, an inch of new ice can grow in a night,” he explained.

At the annual ice harvest, many of the tools the volunteers use are vintage artifacts. They are painstakingly maintained and/or restored. Once the cakes are cut, they are moved down the canal by workers—called floaters— towards the icehouse using “pike poles.” “The cakes are pulled from the water on a ramp incline using a horse-powered pulley system, then stacked in the icehouse. After pulling ice cakes for a while, the horse soon learns exactly when to stop as the cakes reach the top of the ramp,” Bill added. “Smaller icehouses could be filled in this manner, but in the early 1900s steam-powered conveyors were used to fill huge icehouses that had the capacity of storing up to 100,000 tons.” (See rendering, page 68.) The ice cakes are stored inside the icehouse,

which is built with thick hemlock lumber. The double walls that are eight-inch-thick are filled with sawdust for insulation. The Lake Henry icehouse used bog hay to layer between the cakes to insulate and prevent them from sticking together. The icehouse Bill and his family built can hold about 50 tons of ice — used for picnics and other community events— usually lasting until September. Three hundred boxcars of ice would ship from icehouses throughout the Pocono region daily during summer. The preserved ice was transported by railroad to outlying eastern cities—as far as Miami—for residential and commercial customers with ice boxes for cold food storage. At its peak, the Pocono Mountain Ice Company employed 500 men. With electric refrigeration, this business in Northeast PA quickly melted away. As my two sons grow older, I hope to share with them experiences of past generations now obsolete such as ice harvesting. Today, many of our basic, daily tasks have been simplified with the use of electricity. My wife and I feel it is important to make some of the forgotten traditions a part of our family’s modern life. H

Justin, with his wife Jordan, and sons Ezra, left, and Levi.

January 2021

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TOMORROW’S 2020-2021

LEADERS

he 2020-2021 Leadership Lackawanna youth program, Tomorrow’s Leaders Today (TLT), recently met for its first virtual session. TLT is a seven-month program designed to develop the leadership, interpersonal, and managerial skills of high school juniors, while giving them an enhanced understanding of northeastern Pennsylvania. The program also gives them the opportunity to explore teamwork, collaborative decision making, different communication styles, and engage in problem solving techniques. The challenges and opportunities of northeastern Pennsylvania are discussed as participants meet with community leaders and other high school students. Although COVID-19 has adjusted the program’s regular schedule, the virtual environment has created new learning opportunities for this year’s students. “Thanks to the help and support of our volunteers, local organizations, and leaders, we have put together a high-quality program for our students in a virtual format,” said Dominick Mitchell, Leadership Lackawanna program coordinator. Leadership Lackawanna’s Tomorrow’s Leaders Today Program accepts applications from sophomores who attend high school in Lackawanna County or in the Lackawanna Trail and Western Wayne school districts.

“

“Interacted with folks I never would have had the chance to meet.” “Helped develop my interests and career path.” “Taught me the importance of community service.” “Engaged me in thoughtful conversations with leaders and provided the skills for effectuating change.” “Helped build my confidence in becoming a leader.” “Showed me how big the world is and how wide the opportunities are.” “Gave me my first taste in networking.” “Learned so much not only from the speakers but from the other students as well.” “No matter what city I’m in, I always try to catch up with fellow TLT graduates. The friendships made last a lifetime.” “Taught me to lead by example.” “Gained skills that could not be learned in a traditional classroom.” “Learned lifelong skills for dealing with people of different opinion and outlooks.”

Made me well-rounded and prepared me for college” *comments from past participants

Katelyn Ainey Valley View High School

Rida Ashraf Abington Heights High School

Nora Betts Holy Cross High School

Isabella DeFlice Jacob Clancy Alyssa Cosklo North Pocono High School Carbondale Area Jr/Sr High School West Scranton High School

Ellen Higdon

Sophia Calzola Carbondale Area Jr/Sr High School

Madison Chickey Old Forge High School

Gavin Durkin Abigail Fahey North Pocono High School Lackawanna Trail Jr/Sr High School

Carbondale Area Jr/Sr High School

Laura Johnson Holy Cross High School

Michael Kazmierczak Elina Joshi Emily Kelly Abington Heights High School Riverside Jr/Sr High School Carbondale Area Jr/Sr High School

Leah Ludwikowski Abington Heights High School

Sarah Lyons Holy Cross High School

Mariah Mancuso Holy Cross High School

Emily Mattise Valley View High School

Gia Mazza Valley View High School

Emma Mazzoni Valley View High School

Nathan McAndrew Holy Cross High School

David McIntyre Scranton Preparatory School

Sara McNichols Scranton High School

Thomas Noll West Scranton High School

Kate O'Brien Angelica Nowak Lilly Reilly Ryan Salony Lakeland Jr-Sr High School Abington Heights High School Scranton Preparatory School Abington Heights High School

Sal Schiavone Maggie Seechock Abington Heights High School Abington Heights High School

Kaylin Wilbur Abington Heights High School

Nathaniel Worrell Valley View High School

Kathryn Wozniak Scranton High School

Rina Zambetti Valley View High School

Natalie Sweeney Valley View High School

Jessica Trauger Dunmore High School

About Leadership Lackawanna Leadership Lackawanna is a 501(c)(3) charitable, nonprofit organization in northeastern Pennsylvania dedicated to community leadership and professional development. Its five programs – Tomorrow’s Leaders Today, Leadership U, Core, Executive and Welcome Scranton! – enhance the skills, connections and knowledge of emerging and established leaders, enabling them to better serve in our communities, workplaces and organizations. Established in 1982, Leadership Lackawanna has graduated more than 2,300 community leaders. Visit www.leadershiplackawanna.com.

Missing from layout at time of press: Emma Baker, Carbondale Area Jr/Sr High School Jacob Brundage, North Pocono High School Ashton Fitzsimmons, Western Wayne High School Audrey Wynn, Abington Heights High School 78

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Who is the cutest of them all?

Luna Rita Graham says that Luna is a funloving pup who loves walks, people and other dogs. She lives in Archbald.

Bailey Bailey, says Jean Shields, is loving, very friendly and gentle. He loves to go for walks! He lives in Scranton.

Ruby Ruby, says Brittney Bernoski, is a loving and empathetic Therapeutic and Emotional Support Dog. She loves ripping her toys apart! She lives in Scranton.

Bella Brittney Bernoski says that Bella is a very energetic rescue who loves outdoor adventures and tormenting her older sister, Ruby. She lives in Scranton.

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Tyrone Sherry Evans says that Tyrone loves playing with kids, playing ball, going for walks and getting treats. He lives in Factoryville.

Delilah Delilah, says Lynne Powell, loves to explore the woods, play and eat ice cream. She lives in Olyphant.

January 2021

in... s arteof the e t o v The râ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pe

Vote for your favorite January pet at www.HappeningsMagazinePA.com! The winner receives a Happenings bandana!

Buster Karen Ritter says that Buster is playful and sweet and he loves birdwatching! He lives in Scranton.

Mitzi Mitzi, says Susan Ralston, loves to eat and also loves to steal shoes! She lives in Nicholson.

January 2021

be Decem nth is Rusty ! Mo ions atulat Congr

Goldie Goldie, says Laurie Alapick, likes playing with rubber bands and cardboard and loves to cuddle! She lives in Dalton.

Prudence Susan Ralston says that Prudence is a little love bug who loves to eat junk food and beg for treats! She lives in Nicholson.

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Otis Amy Kazmierski says that Otis Giovanni loves to swim in the ocean and enjoy pupacinos from Starbucks. He lives in Clarks Summit.

Princeton Princeton, says Christine Dellecave, loves to jump on his family and runs to the door to greet them when they come home. He lives in Scranton.

John Mackarey, LUTCF, RICP Agent, New York Life Insurance Company Registered Representative oï¬&#x20AC;ering securities through NYLIFESecurities LLC (Member FINRA/SIPC),A Licensed Insurance Agency.

220 Penn Avenue, Suite 100 Scranton, PA 18503 Phone: 570-340-1320 Email: John@JohnMackarey.com