INBOX Dear Happenings, I would like to thank Happenings and contributing writer Christine Fanning, for the story on the Vietnam war and it’s lasting impact on five local veterans. Even after 50 years, the physical and emotional wounds of the war linger on. I know I express the sentiments of my friends, Judge Tom Munley, Jim Gray, Tom Kreidler and Mayor Herman Johnson, when I say thank you for letting us share our thoughts and feelings with your readers. Semper Fidelis. –Michael McLane, –North Abington Twp. Dear Happenings, The Vietnam Vets article (May 2020) was nicely done. I was drafted and reported for induction to the 2nd floor of the downtown Scranton post office, where a doctor performed a physical. I passed the physical and I was two weeks away from leaving for training when President Nixon abolished the draft. So I never actually served. I was a conscious objector. I went for my CO hearing in the summer of '71 (or '72) in Lincoln, Nebraska, because I was then living in Boelus, Nebraska on a farm. I have no idea where in the world I would have been sent. There were two kinds of CO: one where you chose to not go to war at all, the other where you would go to war but be a non-combatant. That is, you would not carry a gun or kill anyone. That is the position I took. I suspect my life would have been very different had I actually entered the service. I remember the general unpopularity of the war, and the many protests, but never remember feeling any hostility toward those who served. Thank you for sharing the stories of the vets.
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–Tom Rochon –Dallas, Texas Dear Happenings, Just saw Happenings’ e-mail. Great teasers to inside stories. Eclectic offerings—enjoyable reads, strong optics, seamless and appealing designs. Hail to Happenings and it’s talented and terrific staff.
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May 2020
contents M AY 2 0 2 0
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Heros on the Frontline Nurses are today's Super Heroes
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Women in the Workforce CEO of The Wright Center shares her thoughts on global healthcare
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We Work Johnson College is prepared for this everchanging workforce
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Tenacious Tulips Mother Nature carries on her role at Brown Hill Farms
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Sweet Spring Bite into this amazing Strawberry Coconut Cake
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Get Physical Tips to say physically and mentally fit
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A Salute to Mom With an army of children, Mom had to be “in charge”
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Right on Target Morgan Craft’s shot at the Olympics
Photo: James Ruane © May 2020
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sunday
monday
tuesday
May
wednesday
thursday
friday
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Global Love Day
saturday
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May Day (celebrating Spring in many European cultures)
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Nurses Day
Garden Meditation Day
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World Red Cross Day
World Laughter Day
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Victoria Day Ride a Unicycle Day
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Memorial Day
National Military Appreciation Month National Bike Month National Barbecue Month National Physical Fitness Month Clean Air Month Golf Month
Paper Airplane Day
National Creativity Day
Visit the tulip fields at Brown Hill Farm brownhillfarms.com
EARN THAT DEGREE, PRIMA. Y O U D E S E R V E I T.
Prima survived cancer thanks to her health partner’s team of experts, their access to hundreds of clinical trials, and their membership in the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Alliance. With a new lease on life, Prima’s now pursuing a career in oncology nursing — and knows things about it you’d never 昀nd in a textbook. Learn more at LVHN.org/cancer or by calling 888-402-LVHN.
Dear Readers,
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hat a range of emotions we, the world over, have experienced during the past several weeks. At Happenings we have always striven to present the positive and uplighting stories and hope to continue to be that voice in the region. The celebration of National Nurses week (May 6-12) could not be better timed. We offer our utmost gratitude to nurses, and all individuals (too many industries/careers to mention) who are on the frontlines of this crisis. Every year that goes by I gain more and more respect for those who are in positions of caring for other humans. My 94-year-old mother lives with our family so I have deep, first-hand experience with the type of empathetic person that it takes to skillfully and lovingly care for an elderly person, in a dignified manner. You will enjoy reading about the history of nursing and how some of the finest institutions in the region are training the next generation of nurses.
“…To Love Another Person Is To See The Face of God.” - Les Miserables Like every other business, we have had to adjust how we do business. We made the quick decision to target mail the April and May issues directly to homes throughout the region. If you would like to continue to receive Happenings in your mailbox each month by becoming a paid subscriber, drop us an email at info@happeningspa.com or call us at 570-587-3532. If you prefer, you can receive a free copy of the digital magazine in your email inbox.
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In addition to being flexible in our businesses, we have also had to make adjustments to our family life, many of which have been beneficial. I recently joked that, “while I am not barefoot, I am not pregnant, I have definitely found myself the kitchen making more meals than I have ever made in my life!” God sure has a way to changing up our lives, no matter how much control or power we think we have! Many months ago I wrote about the decline of the Sunday (roast) family dinner, and how its societal role and value was more than a surface meal. Gathering together, taking time to be grateful and listening to one another were all things for which we had become too busy. At 2 p.m. now, I have a pot roast in the oven as I plan to re-create meals from my childhood. Please enjoy this May issue of Happenings Magazine, stay safe and stay well.
With Love,
Paula Paula Mackarey Publisher 1994-Present
HappeningsPA.com
May 2020
National Nurses Week | May 6-12
Thank You Nurses! Our Front-Line and Behind-the-Scenes Heroes We recognize the passion for your profession and dedication to your patients. In this Year of the Nurse, we commend you and your unrelenting commitment in these di昀icult times.
Meet Wright Center nurse champions Marianne Linko, Raelynn McCa昀erty and Ti昀any Richmond. When they’re not taking care of their patients, they’re taking care of their co-workers. When the nation’s supply of protective gear started to run low, this tireless trio made it their mission to secure donations, driving around the region on their days o昀 to pick up supplies.
Nurses like them are the HEART of Healthcare.
JOIN OUR TEAM! For more information, visit TheWrightCenter.org/careers
Nurses: The World’s Super Heroes
ational Nurses Week 2020 is celebrated May 6-12, 2020. This year, more than ever, nurses the world over who are battling the COVID-19 virus deserve the attention and respect of ordinary citizens.
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Respect for their courage demands that we follow government orders for distancing, isolation and the wearing of face masks and gloves.A small history of nursing may help understand where this country came from in its ability to care for the seriously ill. 10
Florence Nightingale (1820-1910), the well-educated daughter of wealthy British parents, shocked them when she defied social conventions to become a nurse. In the 19th century, nursing was considered a job for the lowest of classes. Most ill people were cared for at home. When the sickest of the sick were taken to the hospital, families knew they wouldn’t be coming out alive.
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Nightingale was astounded by the conditions she saw in the hospitals of the day and determined to make a difference. She became a social reformer and statistician, and as the founder of modern nursing, she managed and trained nurses during the Crimean War. (18531856). Nightingale helped revolutionize medicine with her no-nonsense approach to hygiene, sanitation and patient care and turned nursing into a valued profession. May 2020
(biography.com/news/florence-nightingale-hygienehandwashing) In early America, Clarissa Harlowe Barton, known as Clara, risked her life as an amateur nurse to bring supplies and support to soldiers in the field during the Civil War. She soon realized that she could best support the troops by going in person to the battlefields. Throughout many major battles of the war, she nursed, comforted and cooked for the wounded, earning the nickname the “Angel of the Battlefield.” She founded the American Red Cross in 1881, at age 59, and led it for the next 23 years. By the force of her personal example, she opened paths to the new field of volunteer service. (redcross.org) Red Cross nurses, today, follow in the footsteps of Jane Delano, a leading pioneer of the modern nursing profession, who almost singlehandedly created American Red Cross Nursing. As early as 1882, Clara Barton appealed for donations for disaster relief from the federal government. The Red Cross received its first congressional charter in 1900 and to this day is assigned by the federal government with providing May 2020
services to members of the American armed forces and their families as well as providing disaster relief in the United States and around the world. According to statistics, there are currently 2.86 million registered nurses in the United States (2001-2016) and 702,400 licensed practical nurses (LPNs) both of whom provide a wide range of care and support depending on qualifications and licenses. Registered nurses work in hospitals, physicians' offices, home healthcare services, and nursing care facilities. Others work in outpatient clinics and schools. LPNs remain in demand in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, home care and many other environments. HappeningsPA.com
In 2016, The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, said there were approximately 1.4 million people employed as certified nursing assistants (CNAs). Nursing care facilities employ the greatest number of nursing assistants (37 percent) while only 4 percent currently work in home health care. CNAs are “golden” to the nurses they assist in hospitals and nursing facilities. The nurses serving on the frontlines of the COVID-19 response are responding to the onslaught of the pandemic with professionalism and courage even to the detriment of their families and their own health. Why do they do it? One such nurse wrote: “While I
agree that the virus is extremely dangerous; it's important to remember that we are exposed to
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germs of equal contractility every shift we work. COVID -19 is just one more to add to the list. With as much emphasis as I can utter the words, I truly wish that no one in this world had to suffer physical pain or harm, I can say with equal enthusiasm if they are, I want to be someone to help them through it. This is, in essence, what makes a nurse and these are the reasons why I’m highly educated, trained and prepared for COVID-19.” --Emily Brant (nurse.org/articles/as-anurse-not-panicking-overcovid19) Pennsylvania has no less than 97 schools with accredited nursing programs. Among Northeast Pennsylvania’s accredited programs, MIsericordia University and the University of Scranton offer accelerated bachelor and master’s nursing degrees. To place a personal note on this story, earning a nursing degree is hard work. I am a nurse in my second career.
I hold a bachelor’s degree in communications from a Scranton university and worked in publishing for 25 years. I was 55 years old when I entered an LPN program in Scranton. There were times I wondered if I would make it. Long nights of study,
sonal care facility for the past nine years. While caring for patients fighting for their life can be a challenging experience, nurses still report a high level of job satisfaction. Allison Welling, Dillsburg, a certified medical-surgical RN and a certified rehabilitation nurse at a rehab hospital said: “You have to have compassion, but also important is a sense of humor, patience and the capacity to stick with it.” According to salary.com, LPNs in Pennsylvania average up to $48,923 as of February 26, 2020, but the range typically falls between $44,488 and $54,775.
Allison Welling, CMS, CRN
early mornings of clinical rotation and endless terms, policies, procedure and personalities took everything I had. I had no background in the medical field and science was not my strong suit. After graduating and passing the state nursing board exam I was and continue to be excited about my future. I’ve worked as an LPN at an area hospital for one year and an assisted living/ per-
The mean yearly registered nurse salary in Pennsylvania was $70,390 which was equivalent to $33.84 mean hourly wage. The median per hour wage amounted to $33.26. The average hourly RN salary in PA was $33.77 as stated by indeed.com as of September 1, 2019. Nurses who spend all day and long hours with their patients have bravery, stamina, grace, and a willingness to go back the next day. Today’s nurses are our new superheroes. We pray for our health providers on the frontlines of COVID-19 and hope all citizens help them by staying home until its been resolved. H –Christine Fanning Christine Fanning is an LPN and a contributing writer for Happenings Magazine. Allison Welling, CMS, CRN is her younger sister.
Misericordia University Nursing Program: Myriad of Options isericordia University features the oldest nursing program in Luzerne County and graduates more students in the health sciences than any other college or university in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Four undergraduate nursing programs are offered: a traditional program for full-time nursing students; a part-time evening program for adult students, the RN to BSN program, and the recently added accelerated BSNdegree program in Pittsburgh. The undergraduate nursing programs meet the special educational and scheduling needs of adult and traditional students. They all lead to the Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) degree.
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The Master of Science in nursing (MSN) program meets the special needs of current BSN registered nurses who desire an advanced practice specialization as a family nurse practitioner. The program also includes the specialization as an adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner. Misericordia also offers a post-master's certificate as a family nurse practitioner for nurses who already have an advanced clinical master's degree and wish to change or expand their practice focus to primary care, including the specialization as an adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner.
available in two formats – the BSN to DNP and the MSN to DNP – to accommodate the needs of busy health care professionals and to meet national demand in the field. The Misericordia University Nursing Program’s BSN graduates are also known for routinely achieving higher state and national pass rates for the National Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). The most recent graduating class, for example, achieved a pass rate that was more than eight percentage points higher than the national average. Misericordia University BSN graduates achieved a 96.23% pass rate for first-time test takers between Oct. 1, 2018 and Sept. 30, 2019. Misericordia graduates exceeded the average national pass rate of 88.07% and the average pass rate in Pennsylvania of 91.61% for baccalaureate degree programs. Misericordia University NCLEX-RN test takers also had the highest pass rate for baccalaureate-degree programs in Lackawanna and Luzerne counties, according to NCSBN data. Call 570-674-6400 or visit www.misericordia.edu/nursing. H
Nurse practitioners are registered nurses with advanced education in health assessment, diagnosis and management of acute and chronic health conditions with expertise in health promotion and disease prevention. Graduate programming leads to the MSN and provides course work in a convenient part-time, one-day-aweek online format. The online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree program is
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Wayne Memorial Hospital Celebrates Centennial Year
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he year 2020 will be forever remembered as the Year of the Coronavirus or COVID-19 Pandemic. It is also Wayne Memorial Hospital’s centennial year, and many celebrations were planned to recognize this milestone. While it’s unclear if the September 19 event in Honesdale Central Park or the May 30 ceremony to re-dedicatethe hospital to all who served in the U.S. Armed Forces will take place as planned, everyone is invited to visit the hospital’s centennial page and take a virtual stroll down Memory Lane. Videos capture the hospital’s 100 year history in photos and a few interviews, including one with Dorothy Moser, a registered nurse who worked in the very first hospital on Court Street in Honesdale as well as a segment entitled “Doc” profiling the beloved Harry D. Propst, MD. Visit www.wmh.org/our-centennial. It’s an “armchair” activity! No need to leave your house. H
The University of Scranton Graduate Nursing Programs he University of Scranton's graduate Nursing program was ranked #98 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report in its 2019 edition of "Best Graduate Schools." At the University, you can earn your Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree with several specializations to choose from.
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We also offer an MSN degree for nurses who hold advanced practice certification as either certified registered nurse practitioners (CRNPs), certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), or certified nurse midwives (CNMs). In addition, a post-master’s certificate option is available for RNs who already have a master’s degree in nursing from a CCNE or ACEN accredited program, and who wish to become Family Nurse Practitioners or Nurse Anesthetists. H 14
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. . . . . . . . . . . . . .I N F L U E N T I A L W O M E N O F N E P A
Linda Thomas-Hemak, M.D., FACP, FAAP The Wright Center for Community Health As the Chief Executive Officer of The Wright Center for Community Health, Dr. ThomasHemak leads the nonprofit’s mission and vision to be a national leading model of primary healthcare delivery and workforce development. As the President of The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education, Dr. Thomas-Hemak also oversees a federally funded, pioneering Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education Consortium with an aim to address physician workforce shortages and misdistribution. Dr. Thomas-Hemak is also triple board-certified in internal medicine, pediatrics and addiction medicine, and she remains a healer at heart. Born and raised in Northeastern Pennsylvania and the daughter of Archbald’s William and Johanna Thomas, both retired public school teachers, Dr. Thomas-Hemak is a graduate of Scranton Preparatory School and The University of Scranton. After graduating as a Michael DeBakey Scholar from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston and completing Harvard’s Combined Internal Medicine/Pediatrics Residency in Boston she returned to her hometown community to practice primary care. She and her husband, Mark Hemak, an Investigative 16
Supervisor with the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board also from Northeastern Pennsylvania, have three children: Mason, 17; Maya, 15; and Antoinette, 12. The family resides in Jermyn with Rocky and Jewel, their beloved Shelties. A founding board member of the Scranton-based Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Dr. Thomas-Hemak is actively involved in multiple organizations, countless committees and non-profit boards and workgroups. What lesson is the current pandemic teaching society? As Americans, we often take family, our freedoms and many HappeningsPA.com
life experiences that we value for granted, and we usually spend a lot of our precious time doing things we could, and maybe even should, do without. This pandemic has certainly generated a pause for wide scale reflection on our priorities and a deep appreciation of how much we value our family, friends, community, social networks, country and world. It has offered a humble acknowledgement of issues at hand being far greater than any one person’s limited life perspective. Fortunately, we are experiencing that technology can connect us and reduce social isolation but, clearly, it will never replace in person human gatherings. We have witnessed how much resiliency there is in our communities and how powerful coming together in shared purpose can be. Children across the United States have demonstrated incredible innate resiliency. What is the U.S. healthcare system learning from this current pandemic? Our national and local healthcare systems are certainly humbled and strongly reminded that solutions to complex debacles take all of us working together in unprecedented ways. Crisis and fear can clearly bring out the best or worst in people. Fear of the COVID-19 virus can unfortunately be transferred into fear May 2020
and blame of others. As expected, fear for oneself also challenges altruism and service to society. Continuing essential life sustaining healthcare delivery services requires inspired and committed employees who courageously and selflessly come to work to serve patients, families and our community. Leading such collective efforts can be challenging. Dependable and inspired employees are vital, and they make leadership, at times like this, less lonely.
be obviously emerge as a top global priority for our healthcare industry, as we imagine a potential second wave of this pandemic and the frightening economic aftermath. Describe the biggest healthcare needs that this region had over the past 10 years. How have the needs been addressed? How is the Wright Center working to address the largest and most pressing needs that our region may face during the next decade? Our region’s health challenges are extensive and well-documented in numerous regional Community Health Needs Assessments. Consistently at the top of the list is the need for behavioral health and substance abuse treatment services and coordination in a primary care setting. Complicating these issues are a shortage and misdistribution of health care providers across the country and a related lack of available comprehensive primary health services in the region.
Wayne Counties. We offer these services within a Patient Centered Medical Home framework regardless of ability to pay or insurance status. At our Jermyn and Scranton locations, we also offer dental hygiene and restorative services. When it comes to the national physician shortage, we have answered the call by expanding our training programs for the next generation of doctors. We are the largest federally funded Teaching Health Center Consortium in the nation. All of our graduate medical education training programs share our sponsoring institutional commitment to address health workforce shortages and distribution challenges, as well as related health disparities. In addition to internal and family medicine residencies, our newly accredited Psychiatry Residency Program is currently in its third year. We also hope to launch a General Practice Dental Residency Program within the next 18 months. In response to our region’s Opiate Misuse and Overdose Crisis, we developed our Pennsylvania Opiate Use Disorder Center of Excellence and Healthy MOMS programs, as well as our Pennsylvania Coordinated Center for Medication Assisted Therapy.
Probably the greatest three lessons from the pandemic for the healthcare industry are that: proactive, realistic emergency preparedness planning cannot be overstated; telehealth can be a quickly launched and effective alternative to face to face visits in certain healthcare circumstances; and health information interoperability and exchanges at a national and local level should be way more advanced than they are. Historical myths of impossibility of wide scale, HIPAA compliant health information sharing have precluded Poverty, lack of health insurance, inability to afford care, connection of local, regional transportation barriers, poor and national health informahousing, and other socioecotion exchanges, and we have nomic challenges, all have a all felt the pain of this infranegative impact on our region’s structure absence during this health outcomes. pandemic. The lack of wide scale interoperability has led to In 2019, The Wright Center To meet the health needs of our costly, inconsistent, duplicative received designation as a region’s geriatric population, and unsynchronized data visiFederally Qualified Health especially the most vulnerable bility, especially related to Center (FQHC) Look-Alike, and isolated, The Wright Center COVID-19 positive test results, allowing us to effectively has developed a Geriatrics illnesses and death rates. The address the region’s significant Specialty Service Line and a establishment of such interopgaps in primary health services geriatrics fellowship training erable health information by offering comprehensive, program that will hopefully be exchanges, including the cruaffordable, integrated primary launched this summer. To cial integration of socioecomedical, behavioral and addicaddress current health disparinomic determinants of health tion services at all nine of our ties of children in our region assessments, needs and avail512 S Main Street Old Forge,locations PA • bellafaccias.com WE DELIVER that straddle • 1.800.401.8990 and to•nurture a long view preable resource networks should Lackawanna, Luzerne and May 2020
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vention strategy that promotes resiliency and reduction of high risk behaviors, we are deeply invested in our Scranton School District based health center, and we are strategically planning to expand our regional public School Based Health Centers network and our high school education forums. Discuss the current health disparities in the region. Poverty and lack of universal living wages, outdated housing, public transportation challenges, and inequitable access to primary care medical, mental and dental services are undeniable in our region. We undeniably lack culturally sensitive healthcare and educational infrastructure to meet the needs of our changing demographics in the region. This current pandemic illuminates many existing socioeconomic disparities, as we witness the varying incidence, health outcomes and death rates amongst different minority populations across our country from COVID-19, as well as the inability of our educational systems to consistently deliver effective education of our children. What led you to each of the particular areas of expertise of your triple board certifications in internal medicine, pediatrics and addiction medicine? Longitudinal, healing relationships with multigenerational families across the life cycle continuum inspired my primary care training in Pediatrics and Internal Medicine. The experience of patients and families I serve and our local, regional and national Opiate Misuse and Overdose crisis stimulated 18
my pursuit of my recent midcareer board certification in Addiction Medicine. In addition to serving as the CEO of such a massive and developing organization, why is it important to you to still also actively see patients? Proximity to patients, families, our care teams and our community keeps me focused on and deeply connected to what they value and need. This proximity continuously refuels my vocation and purpose as a primary care physician and all of my decision making as an executive. Which particular standout patient care experiences, as examples, have filtered to your executive decision making process? Humble house calls to the elderly are one of my favorite professional activities. They unfailingly yield a sacred experience that generates insight and true appreciation of a patient’s and family’s life story. Connection with the Silent Generation and their stories inspires a constant commitment from me as a physician executive to ensure they have voice and advocacy in all health and health services platforms. Interacting with young children and teenagers is always enlightening into how the brain, mind and body work and develop over time and into how generational differences influence health and drive evolution. My experiences as a pediatrician always bring appreciation of and attention to family dynamics and they push my thinking to the long view, hopeful focus on prevention and investment in resilienHappeningsPA.com
cy and reduction of health risk behaviors. Providing addiction and recovery services, especially to pregnant moms struggling or maintaining recovery, reinforces the complex and multidimensional health challenges of the human lifecycle, while demonstrating the power and potential of human resiliency and real recovery. Were there any particular lessons that your parents taught you that influenced your career path? My parents instilled in me the importance of education, integrity and service to others and also a deep appreciation of the role of a physician in a community and in society. As a mother of three, what do you consider to be the most fundamental ways parents can lead their children toward developing healthy and successful relationships throughout their lives? Self-love is first. Imperfections are gifts. Brutal honesty, loyalty, kindness, gratitude and generosity are crucial. As a high profile and influential female leader in the region, what is one thing you wish young girls, in particular, could learn earlier in their lives? The world needs strong women who are gentle, kind and graceful. Real power to move people and impact the world doesn’t come from a title. What role does your faith play in your life and career? I am God fearing. My faith undeniably guides all of my executive, professional and personal decision making. I May 2020
have a strong moral compass and reliably bring a perspective of abundance. I am very predictable and driven to deliver God’s intentions for my life with passion and grace. What would you like our readers to know the most about the Wright Center? We consider our nonprofit corporate identity sacred. As a non-profit, the patients and communities we serve also own and govern The Wright Center for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education. What would our readers be surprised to know about you? I am a butterfly enthusiast and have a garden that attracts over 20 species every summer.
Monarchs and swallowtails are my absolute favorites. What is your favorite way to spend time with your family? Three generations of our
Lisa Lee Photog family having a cookout and laughing together at our lake house is one of my favorite blessings. H
Cherishing the special moments in your life, your health and your family are our focus. Make us your choice for healthcare in your home.
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raphy
Salute to Nurses
Molly McNally
L.P.N.
Surgical Nurse Lackawanna Valley Dermatology Associates LTD She resides in Dunmore, with husband, Jim, daughters Riley and Maggie. What was it like attending school again after a major career change? Nursing school was quite challenging, and the LPN program is like nursing boot camp. It was very rewarding and would not have been possible without the support of my husband and family. We started with 56 students, and graduated 32. I had wonderful instructors and thoroughly enjoyed school and I look forward to continuing my nursing education at some point. My classmates’ ages ranged from 18-60 so I was happy not to be the oldest in my class. Most of my studying was done after 10 p.m. since we had a 14 and an 8 year old at the time. There was not a lot of sleep. How did your sister, Ann Culkin, BSN, RN OCN (nurse manager/Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center) inspire you to attend nursing school? My sister was a huge inspiration to me, first as the best big sister and role model, and of course, she is the best nurse on the planet. When I made the decision to go to nursing school, she was very supportive. We shared a lot of stories, laughs, tears and conversations about the impact that a good nurse can make in the short time they are with a patient. She taught me that patients always remember their nurse. What lessons about the need for compassionate care did you learn from your parents? My father passed away very unexpectedly at the age of 60 from a massive heart attack. I was 15 and had just finished my freshman year of high school. With a sudden death I think you learn quickly how precious 20
life is and how quickly life can change. You always need to be prepared. You learn gratitude for the time you had, and appreciation for what you have left. I also learned compassion and genuine affection from neighbors, family and friends. The outpouring of love, food and gifts was overwhelming and beautiful. I learned leadership, strength and perseverance from my mother. My mom was a widow at the age of 48 with four children under the ages of 22. I watched her do her best to figure it out, continue to work, and provide some sense of normalcy for all of us until her own illness. Shortly after her own retirement she developed a debilitating lung disease and her life expectancy was about 18 months. She surpassed that by eleven plus years. My siblings, sister in law and I provided support and care for our mother, and she never missed an event. We filled our cars with oxygen tanks, walker, wheelchair, whatever was necessary to take my mom wherever she wanted to go because nothing would stop her. She passed away in 2011, in Hospice at the Mercy Hospital, a place she loved. She missed my graduation from nursing school by one month.
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What major lessons did your parents teach you? They taught me, and my siblings, to have a sense of humor and to respect and serve others. My parents were always involved in our school, Boy scouts, or organizations sponsored by our parish, Nativity of our Lord Church. They always made sure they had a good time while providing service to others. We were
raised to help family, elders and neighbors- without question. If it snowed, you knew to shovel for everyone on the block, if someone needed assistance, you provided it. With the service of others comes compassion and many ordinary things can lead to extraordinary results. You also always have to have a good time and find the humor
along the way. My father, Jack Culkin was a gentleman, and a truck driver for Friedman’s Express. He was always smiling, and he loved to sing. My dad was an extremely hardworking guy, “one of the good ones” as people refer to him. He was definitely not with us long enough, but the short 15 years I had were impactful. My mom, Marilyn Culkin,
What are your job responsibilities? Most of my time is spent working with Dr. Mark Suchter as a Mohs surgical nurse. I prepare the patient for surgery for the removal of skin cancer, assist the surgeon during surgery, provide patient care during surgery, and after care and instruction post surgery. I also assist the doctor in other dermatology visits.
What are the most important characteristics of an effective and compassionate nurse? Patience and a sense of humor. As a nurse in an outpatient facility, you usually have a very short window with your patient and you are who they Maggie (16), Jim, Molly and Riley McNally (22) remember the most from their visit. The worked in the business office patients that come in for surat Mercy Hospital and knew gery are nervous, and finding everyone, every physician, a common ground or saying and worker at that hospital. something funny sometimes She was active with the will put the patient at ease. I Mercy Ladies Auxiliary, enjoy hearing about their always chairing fundraisers. professions, families or pets. She was the “Marge in charge” and ran bus trips, and As the mother of two social gatherings, and always daughters, what do you included everyone. She was wish young women could also the best Grammy in the learn earlier? Oh, to quote world to her grandchildren.
Elsa from Frozen, ‘Let it go!’ Young women need to learn early in life to do what they love and not care so much what other people think. Delight in the little things, as they will end up being big things to you someday. You will be too much for some people, too loud, too soft, too this, too that. But you’ll always be perfect for the people that need you. (Danielle Laporte) How has being a breast cancer survivor affected your life? Nobody was more surprised than me to get that diagnosis in 2019. It was awful news to receive, however, somehow, I felt worse for the radiologist that called me to tell me on a Friday during his and my lunch hours. I thought to myself, who would ever want his job? All those years in school to make these phone calls? No thanks. I then proceeded to ruin two more lunches that day, my sister in New Jersey who I caught in the middle of Macy’s and she
The Culkin Family
had to find a bench to sit down, and my good friend who was the voice of reason in a very senseless moment in time. This has been a very private and personal journey over the past year for me and my family. The only people I told were those closest to me. I didn’t want to be the face for breast cancer nor did I want it plastered on Facebook. It was and still is very unchartered territory for me and the outpouring of love, support and words of encouragement are what got me through. I met some wonderful medical staff through the experience and it makes me more aware of what other people may have gone through or are going through, and thoughtful with my own patients when I see a breast cancer or other type of cancer history in men and women. What should our readers know about Lackawanna Valley Dermatology? Lackawanna Valley Dermatology Ltd. is a practice
staffed with the utmost professionals and I am proud to represent as a member of their elite. How do you spend your free time? I am involved with the Dunmore High School Music Boosters and Theater Company. I enjoy working with a very fun group of parents with a common goal. I like to laugh, walk, read, attend theater and eat out (since I am the world’s worse cook! How are you navigating through this quarantine? I am purging and organizing personally and in the physical sense around our home. I have also been teaching my daughter Maggie how to drive (which I cannot believe has not been made into a reality show yet!) I miss routine and seeing patients daily. I look forward to seeing my friends and their families in person and I can’t wait until our children’s friends can come over to our home again. H
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Salute to Nurses
Sherry Fontini,
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RN, BSN, MSN
VNA Home Health and Hospice of Lackawanna
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ing knowledge not just with various techniques and procedures, but a different point of view on the future in healthcare. Sharing my experiences with others in hopes to make a difference in their life just might put another person on the track to seek a nursing degree. As a child I never thought I would be a nurse when I grew up; I loved watching MASH, China Beach and history movies about wars.
y husband Jim and I live in Blakely and I am very blessed to have two amazing stepchildren and the cutest dog named Henry. My father still lives in the family home in Allentown and my mother passed away in 2015 of Parkinson’s Disease. I have three sisters who I am very close to, and several nieces and nephews. I have been a Registered Nurse for 21 years. In 2014, I received my Master’s in Nursing Education. Throughout my nursing career, I have enjoyed working in various areas of nursing. I have loved all the relationships I have made along the way. Our lives are truly influenced by others and each life touches another. The experiences I have gathered hold a special place in my heart, while helping me grow and expand my nurs-
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At the age of 20, I joined the United States Army National Guard as a combat medic. My initial goal was to join for the education benefits, but I ended up loving what I was doing and the people I worked with, plus the training I received in the military would transfer to further my civilian education. Over the next 22 years of attending mandatory training exercises and leadership schools, I rose through the ranks to an E6 (Staff Sergeant) on the enlisted side; in 1998 I became an officer in the Medical Service Corp (MSC). As an officer I held many positions such as, Platoon Leader, Executive Officer, Company Commander, Supply Officer, Transportation Officer, and Medical Operations Officer. I was deployed oversees twice, the first was to Germany in 2002, as a Transportation Officer, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and the second was to Iraq, (2005-2006) as Battalion Supply Officer in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In November 2006, I had a hemorrhagic stroke leaving me with some physical limitations. Looking back at all the people I worked with, our paths were definitely sup-
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still working in Nursing, I really was able to slow down enjoy life a bit.
posed to cross at that time in our lives. My proudest moments in my military career were graduation from basic training in November 1989, my promotion to Second Lieutenant (2LT), in 1998, and due to my physical limitations from the stroke, I was medically retired in 2011 at the rank of Captain. Retirement was the most difficult because I was only 42 years old. Looking at the end of one career while
My advice for anyone looking to join the military or dive into the field of nursing would be do some research on what to expect, what is offered by each school or branch of military, talk to others that have been in the careers for an extended time, and what is it you want to get out of the experience. In my spare time, I love to read, spend time with family and friends, knit, watch movies, take my dog for walks, relax on the beach, and use my gym in our basement. I found my passion in the Hospice and Home Health sector of Nursing. There
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is something special about taking care of a patient in their own home when they need it the most. H –Sherry Fontini RN, BSN, MSN
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Amanda Maria Grippo,
MSN, CRNP
Lackawanna Medical Group PC
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manda Maria Grippo, MSN, RN, CRNP is a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner with expertise in Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine, and office-based nonsurgical cosmetic procedures. She holds a Bachelor of Science (BSN) in Nursing from Wilkes University. She began as a Registered Nurse working in Orthopedics and Medical Surgical nursing at Moses Taylor Hospital. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Scranton and became a Nurse Practitioner in 2013. Amanda began working at Lackawanna Medical Group after graduation. She has been working in the field of Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine as well as seeing G.I. patients at Geisinger Community Medical Center (GCMC). After two years into her career, she entered into the field of aesthetic medicine. Amanda is now the sole provider of an aesthetic practice known as LMG Cosmetics. She specializes in neuromodulators, dermal fillers, fat dissolving, radio frequency skin tightening, and is a skin care expert in medical-grade skin care. The most rewarding part of her job is high-quality patient satisfaction. “My patients happiness is my greatest reward.” What are the most popular services? We offer non-surgical cosmetic injectables - Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxin type A), Juvéderm ‘Collection of Fillers’, Morpheus8, which is Radio-frequency skin tightening, Kybella for fat dissolving, and medical-grade skin care (Skin Medica). Some of the procedures we offer with Juvederm fillers include: undereye tear trough treatment, cheek and jawline sculpting, chin augmentation, lip augmentation, lower face volume loss treatment. Discuss some common misconceptions? A misconception about anti-aging products such as Botox and dermal
fillers is that a little goes along way. Realistically, we start losing one teaspoon of volume starting at age 25 and it increases with every decade - one teaspoon of volume is actually five syringes of filler. In the hands of a skilled provider, these products, when injected, can improve the signs of aging, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and provide lifting and hydrating effects for a natural, beautiful look. Another misconception is that after Botox, you will look “frozen.” I am very conservative with my injections and I always operate with the philosophy that I can always add more, but I can never take back. Who should consider Botox/Filler injections? Anyone who is bothered by forehead lines, crow’s feet, and lines between their eyebrows (the 11 sign, or furrow between the brows) may want to consider a Botox treatment. Botox also provides a "lifting effect” for those who feel gravity has taken over, or their eyebrows have fallen. Also, if patients feel they "look tired” Botox and Filler injections can help. Patients in their early 20s and 30s have been considering treatments as a preventative strategy as well as for aesthetic purposes.
What are the benefits of nonsurgical procedures? No surgery, no downtime! It is cost-effective. It improves fine lines and wrinkles, and provides significant lifting and hydrating effects. Also, there is no postoperative recovery with non-surgical procedures. Also, you will always look like yourself, only a more refreshed version. I always tell my patients, when you look good, you feel good! How long do the effects of the procedures last? Botox Cosmetic lasts between two to four months on-label. Dermal fillers such as Juvéderm ‘Collection of Fillers’ last anywhere from six months to two years; Juvéderm Volbella XC (our lip hydrate filler), lasts up to one year; Kybella, once injected, lasts indefinitely; the Morpheus8 treatment, which is radio frequency skin tightening, produces permanent collagen production, however, I always tell my patients “we are not getting any younger.“ I recommend a repeat of one treatment in six months to one year. We usually offer year-round specials/promotions as well as packages. (Contact our office or social media for details.) H
Every day skin care tips: Drink plenty of water daily. I would recommend at least three liters of water daily unless you have other medical problems, in which case, consult your family physician. Healthy eating is important as well. Foods such as kiwi is good for your skin, and gogi berries are great for anti-aging. Always wear sunscreen, especially on your hands. Keep a healthy lifestyle; your skin will thank you for it!
Eye Care Specialists Begins Telemedicine ye Care Specialists, a leading provider of ophthalmology services, announced they are taking proactive measures to continue to serve the community during the COVID-19 pandemic through virtual patient care. While the practice is rescheduling all non-essential appointments as per state and local guidelines, patients no longer need to wait to see an Eye Care Specialists’ provider. By using a smartphone, tablet or computer, qualified patients can schedule a virtual appointment with an ophthalmologist or optometrist from the comfort of their homes, receiving needed eye care quickly and safely.
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“Telemedicine technology has been a light in a dark time for many,” said Eye Care Specialists’ Mark Grohol, O.D. “The patients feel comfortable in not only hearing directly from their doctor, but visually seeing and communicating with them during this uncertain time.” Telemedicine is the use of technology to provide real-time healthcare to patients from a distance. Eye Care Specialists is using a proven, reputable telemedicine platform to ensure that their online virtual appoint28
ments are private and secure. All data is encrypted, anonymous and HIPAA compliant. “Telemedicine is a great example of how out of something bad, good things can come,” said Richard Roth, D.O. of Eye Care Specialists. “For the first time, we now have the ability to interact and care for our patients via virtual appointments, expanding our options for patient care and creating other opportunities for patient interactions in
Mark Grohol, O.D. the future. While telemedicine will never replace face to face time, it will certainly enhance patient satisfaction by providing more convenience and efficiency.” The practice suspended all nonemergent appointments and surgeries throughout its entire network, which consists of 8 locations and Revive MedSpa at Eye Care Specialists. Vision Innovation Partners, who acquired Eye Care Specialists in 2019, has been closely monitoring the situation since HappeningsPA.com
the onset of the pandemic and has instituted a physician-led pandemic task force. About Eye Care Specialists Eye Care Specialists is committed to delivering the highest quality eye care and is dedicated to using the most advanced technology in order to achieve an unparalleled patient experience. Serving the Northeastern Pennsylvania community for nearly 50 years, Eye Care Specialists is proud to be the
Richard Roth, D.O. region’s most comprehensive multi-specialty group of eye care providers, in all areas of ophthalmology and optometry. Their services include Laser Cataract Surgery with Advanced Lifestyle lenses, AllLaser LASIK, retina, cornea, dry eye, glaucoma, general eye care, glasses and contact lenses and cosmetic and oculofacial plastics procedures. 570-664-7171 or visit revivenepa.com H
May 2020
Geisinger Heroes Celebrate High Notes
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o take even one patient in the ICU off a ventilator after nearly two weeks takes a team of heroes, and on April 7, the team at Geisinger Community Medical Center extubated three. It was a day to remember as three COVID-19 positive patients were deemed healthy enough to be taken off ventilators. Danielle Krimmel, RN, who was caring for one of the patients, wasn’t sure she’d see it happen. “My patient had come back from a trip to Ireland with symptoms,” she explains. “She tested positive and ended up in Intensive Care. She’d been on a ventilator since March 26. That’s a very long time. These patients are in more respiratory failure than any I’ve seen in my whole career.”
work. “My patient was very unstable at one point. It was heartbreaking to see,” says Ms. Krimmel. “Her husband would call in every day so we could give him updates.” Ms. Krimmel says she feels bad that, because of the visitation rules, no families can come to the ICU. “We had one person pass away for reasons that had nothing to do with COVID-19,” she explains. “They said goodbye through FaceTime using an iPad. We were glad the family could be there — at least virtually.”
A view from the ICU
Ms. Krimmel’s patient used an iPad to FaceTime her husband the day she was taken off her ventilator. “At 10 a.m. her voice was hoarse, but she managed to say ‘hi’. By 6 p.m. she was speaking clearly to her husband,” Ms. Krimmel says. “She was also able to eat and drink with no issues. She went to the stepdown unit the next day.”
When patients are put on ventilators, the machines do all the breathing for them while their lungs heal. Which means they’re often medically paralyzed and sedated to let the machine do its
Melissa Demanovich, RN, and Rachel Kevra, RN, also had patients taken off ventilators that day. Ms. Kevra’s patient also came in at the end of March. “Patients aren’t usually on ventilators for two weeks,” she
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says. “They’re usually more mobile.” To make breathing as easy as possible, Ms. Kevra’s patient was flipped to lie flat on her chest on two separate occasions. This procedure, called proning, takes four staff members — all of whom need to be masked and hyperaware of endotracheal tubes and lead stickers. “It’s a very stressful situation for everyone involved,” Ms. Kevra explains. The patient was weaned off her sedation and ventilator slowly. “Once she was off, it took about a half an hour to know she was safe. She was scared — really scared — but she made it,” Ms. Kevra says. By 10 a.m., Ms. Kevra’s patient was in the clear. “By dinnertime she was eating, texting and talking to her family. A few days earlier, she’d been completely paralyzed.” Ms. Kevra says she doubts her patient realizes how sick she was. “She was the first patient extubated. It was an amazing thing to see,” she says. H May 2020
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Counseling is Our Middle Name. We provide Behavioral Health services to children and adults of all ages with various emotional, developmental and addictive difficulties. Our 350 counseling focused employees provide a full range of diagnostic and treatment services for residents of Lackawanna and Susquehanna County.
Scranton Counseling Center 326 Adams Avenue, Scranton (570) 348-6100 | Susquehanna County (570) 278-6822 scrantonscc.org
May 2020
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Dr. Jillian Conte Keystone College Jillian Conte, Ph.D., assistant professor of forensic biology at Keystone College, brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her students. Dr. Conte came to Keystone College in 2016 from the University of the Sciences, Philadelphia. She received her undergraduate degree from Misericordia University (2008), her master of science degree in forensic science from Cedar Crest College (2010), and her doctorate in cellular and molecular biology from the University of the Sciences (2018). She has been an adjunct faculty member at Rutgers University; Arcadia University; Lehigh-Carbon Community College; the University of the Sciences; and online for Southern New Hampshire University and Ocean County College. She has worked professionally as a forensic biologist at NMS Labs and as a biochemist for Merck & Co. 34
She is certified in Molecular Biology by the American Board of Criminalistics. Her research focuses in forensic assay development and optimization for human and wildlife forensic applications.
She is an active member of the Northeastern Association of Forensic Scientists, International Society of Forensic Genetics, American Academy of Forensic Sciences, and is the chair of the Higher Education committee of the Council of Forensic Science Educators.
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Dr. Conte recently attended a workshop at the International Society of Forensic Geneticists’ Congress in Prague, Czech Republic. She used a training scholarship from the Northeastern Association of Forensic Scientists to attend the event, where she presented two posters highlighting research completed with Keystone undergraduates and interns from the State/Local Internship Program of Lackawanna County. H
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May 2020
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Misericordia University to Hold Virtual Open House
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isericordia University will hold two free virtual open house programs for the Healthcare Analytics graduate and certificate programs on May 19 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4-6 p.m. Prospective students can go to www.Misericordia.edu/healthcareanalytics to register and learn more about the academic program and virtual open house. The College of Health Sciences and Education at Misericordia University introduced Northeastern Pennsylvania’s first graduate program that works to improve healthcare quality and patient safety in 2019. The Healthcare Analytics Master of Science degree program is 36-credits and available fully online. The academic program prepares creative and diligent professionals who use data to communicate and enact meaningful improvements in the delivery of healthcare. In addition, an 18-credit post baccalaureate certificate is available in the Healthcare 36
Analytics program. Students also can apply the credits earned through completion of the certificate program to the requirements for the master’s degree. “The need to assure that professionals in healthcare are well versed in improvement is compelling,’’ said George A. Godlewski, Ph.D., M.S.W., director of the Healthcare Analytics program. “The industry’s growth underscores that imperative while providing opportunities to enhance the learning of new professionals in the area of healthcare quality improvement.’’ The graduate program places a unique emphasis on interprofessional practice and patient-family perspectives. In doing so, it stresses the importance of health care professionals working together as equal team members with one common goal, while ensuring the voices of patients and families are heard throughout the continuum of care. Curriculum is composed of required courses as well as electives. Misericordia will deliver the courses primarily HappeningsPA.com
in a seven-week block schedule via an asynchronous online format to support the flexibility required by adult learners. Students can work toward the advanced degree in full- or part-time formats, and can earn their master’s degree in as little as two years. “In short, skillful professionals are needed to lead change and improvement in health care beyond the current model being used in the U.S. healthcare system,’’ Dr. Godlewski said. “Our healthcare system, including health care policy, requires significant changes to address current gaps in quality. The potential revenue savings associated with improved quality in health care could be applied to innumerable worthy challenges. The personal benefits of improved care and reduced harm are incalculable.’’ Call 570-674-6400 or visit www.misericordia.edu. Founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1924, Misericordia University is Luzerne County’s first four-year college and offers 56 academic programs on the graduate and undergraduate levels in full- and part-time formats. Misericordia University ranks in the “National Universities” category of U.S. News and World Report’s 2020 edition of Best Colleges. H May 2020
SUMMER
FULLY ONLINE
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Katie Leonard, Ed.D. President and CEO, Johnson College Dr. Leonard’s vision for Johnson College is one with a significantly larger and more diverse student body that will be immersed in industry, preparing for the jobs of the future. She holds a Doctorate of Education from Capella University, a Master of Arts degree in organizational leadership from Mansfield University, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from York College of Pennsylvania. Dr. Leonard resides in Scranton with her husband Bill and daughter Sophie, 12. What brought you to the region? I came to Pennsylvania to attend York College. I met my husband in York and he was from Northeastern Pennsylvania. After we got married, we moved to the region to be closer to family. Discuss the current size and scope of the Johnson College student body. When I became President & CEO, I shared that my vision for Johnson College is one with a larger and more diverse student body, where the students are immersed in industry from day one, being educated for the essential jobs of the region. Since becoming president, we welcomed our largest student body, and are on track to reach our goal of 500 students by Fall 2020! We are small and mighty! Our 38
high school, and earn a certificate before they even graduate high school! If they continue on at the College they are then only one year away from earning a two-year degree. These are valued credentials by employers. There are so many benefits to twoyear education including the ability to earn a family sustaining wage in an in-demand career.
size continues to be one of our greatest strengths. We are able to revise our curriculum and develop new programs to reflect industry needs quickly. We have a reputation for producing the best technicians and technologists around. We are able to do this because of the amount of personalized attention and hands-on instruction we give students. We provide students with the critical blend of soft and technical skills that are so in demand by employers. Our student body has grown in size and also has also become more diverse. We have more female students, students of color, and non-traditional students. We also introduced our Industry Fast Track program, where students can take our college classes, as seniors in HappeningsPA.com
Discuss the programs offered at Johnson College. Currently, we offer 14 associate degree programs and three academic certificate programs. We are always working alongside industry to create new programs for in demand careers. This is how we developed our newest program, Building Property Maintenance. We are founded and grounded in industry - from our history of being founded by an industry leader to how industry leaders help guide our curriculum today. All of our coursework is industry-driven. Our programs receive input from Program Advisory Committee members, individuals who are leaders in their fields. I meet with industry leaders on a regular basis to talk about the trends that they are seeing and the hard, and soft skills, they are looking for in an employee. We use all this information to continually improve and evolve our coursework and keep it relevant. We still offer two of our original programs – May 2020
Carpentry and Cabinetmaking Technology and Advanced Manufacturing Technology. We organize our programs into four divisions – Building & Trade Technology, Electrical & Industrial, Transportation and Health & Animal Sciences. The divisions offer the ability to cross-train students in the core classes, some of which are shared by different programs in the same division, and it gives our students a more diverse background which helps them in the field. Delivering education in this way produces the most wellrounded graduates.
You orchestrated a very successful capital campaign which raised over $5 million dollars. What were some of the components that led to this campaign being so successful? A campaign is never about money, it is about people. When it comes to fundraising, it is all about relationships. When I started at the College, I spent a lot of time getting to know the internal and external constituents. What I found is a May 2020
dynamic, caring group of individuals, especially the Johnson College alumni. They were so proud and really wanted us to give voice to their passion and success stories. The capital campaign gave us the opportunity to do just that. It was the College’s first-ever campaign and it was our time to share all the amazing success stories. Our students and alumni fuel the economy; they build our homes; they take care of our loved ones, and pets; they fix our cars, trucks, and medical equipment; and they manufacture the essential products we all need and use in our daily
lives. We clearly articulated what our students were made of and how giving to the campaign provided even more opportunity for future students. It really was people giving to people. The capital campaign was to build a new Health Science Technology Center and has been the school’s largest project to date. What types of learning occurs in this building? HappeningsPA.com
While the building houses labs and equipment for three of our health and animal science programs, one of our main goals was to make sure every student could experience the new building. So we included a large, general education classroom, and a student lounge area, which gets a lot of use by students. Like all of our lab areas, the labs in this building include equipment that students will see out in the field. The new building also includes a general education classroom, student lounge, a computer lab and a general science lab. The lab areas are mainly used by Physical Therapist Assistant, Radiologic Technology, and Veterinary Technology students. Upon graduation they can work as entry level physical therapist assistants, radiologic technologists and veterinary technicians. Discuss the importance of about Johnson’s Alumni Program. Our alumni are amazing! A majority of our alumni are local and engage with the College in different ways throughout the year. They attend social events and serve on panels and as guest speakers on campus. One of our most popular events is our Golden Alumni Reunion and Induction Ceremony. The Golden Alumni Society celebrates graduates of fifty years or more. This society helps us celebrate and recognize the deep history of Johnson College. Many of our alumni become the industry partners 39
that we work with regularly. They may start their own business, become employed by one of the many great companies we have in our backyard in NEPA, or pursue opportunities elsewhere. But no matter where they end up, they are always willing to come back to campus and share their stories. Alumni often serve as Program Advisory Committee members, Board Members, and as mentors to current students. Your educational background includes a degree in organizational management. What do you consider to be the most vital strengths for an effective leader today? Whenever I am asked to speak about leadership, I often share that I have found that if you can live with hope and lead with empathy, success follows. This happens by cultivating your skills of empathy and adaptability. Leaders that I admire are the ones that see the opportunity in front of them at all times, even when things aren’t going as planned. They are able to adapt to the circumstances around them, and still remain positive most of the time. Relationships are successful where there is trust, respect, compassion, and where both people feel as if they are truly “in it” together, at all times.
ic goals. I then have the opportunity to watch them grow and fulfill this potential in just twoyears. To me, that is success. A majority of our students have employment in their field of study before they even walk across the stage at commencement. It is because they never lose sight of that end goal, which becomes the beginning of their career. I love visiting industry and seeing so many of our students and alumni working in their field of study. They are building careers and providing the essential services that keep our communities going. More than anything, what is one thing you would like our readers to know about Johnson College? Our students have been, and will always be part of the essential workforce, fueling the local economy and beyond. You have previously worked with Main Street Programs. What positive changes have you seen in downtown Scranton? Downtown Scranton is the heart of our awesome city! There is a wonderful network of small businesses throughout the City of Scranton that I, and many others, rely upon. One of the reasons I love living in Scranton is because I can walk to my favorite restaurants and shops, which
gives Scranton, and its downtown, a big city feel while maintaining its small town vitality. First Friday is a wonderful program that I encourage everyone to check out. The vitality is here! I attribute it to hardworking people. As the mother of a daughter, what is one thing you wish young girls could learn earlier about pursuing a career? Women should not feel as if they have to meet every criteria perfectly in order to pursue an opportunity. Far too often, I hear women questioning their abilities and counting themselves out because they look at a career opportunity and feel they aren’t ready or good enough. I am here to say: you are good enough! Look at everything as an opportunity to learn from and go for it. What lesson has this pandemic taught you, personally? It has reinforced that when you remain open and adaptable, good things can still happen. Is there anything our readers might be surprised to know about you? I love hard rock music. My goal over this next year is to learn to play guitar so I can play Hammer to Fall by Queen. H
How do you personally measure student success? When I first meet students, I ask them to begin with the end in mind – to think about the type of education and career they want and to map out their two years with us from that place. They then work with our academic advisors and faculty to develop career and academ-
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Eileen Giovagnoli Penn State Scranton
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hen Penn State University announced that it would switch to remote delivery, (the day students were supposed to be returning to campus from spring break) Penn State Scranton had to move quickly to ensure its students would be able to access all classes, services and campus resources online. Associate Director of Learning and Disability Services Eileen Giovagnoli immediately sprang into action with her staff in the campus’ Learning Center – getting 12 peer tutors trained and recruiting two faculty/professional tutors who could conduct online appointments with students. Within the first week, Giovagnoli and her staff had 18 students scheduled for online tutoring sessions and had conducted more than 25 appointments. In addition, Giovagnoli had to enable the center to start offering real-time, synchronous online tutoring – something that had never been done before. “Even though we offer online, asynchronous writing assistance through the Blue and White Owl, we’ve never offered real time (synchronous) online tutoring before,” Giovagnoli explained. “So we had
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to investigate resources, develop materials for tutors and students who use our services, recruit tutors to make the switch to online, and train the tutors in the tools to deliver services. Then, we had to get the word out to students.” It was a challenge for sure, but Giovagnoli knew that the students who needed the Learning Center’s services would be depending on her and her staff to help them. So, they rallied and have been assisting students continuously over the past month, and will be doing so through the remainder of the spring semester. Giovagnoli joined Penn State Scranton in 2009 as the Learning Center’s coordinator. In 2013 she was promoted to her current position. In addition to coordinating and overseeing the center’s tutoring programs, she also provides academic mentoring and study skills both individually and in small groups to students and helps to develop academic programs. She is also a very enthusiastic and effective promoter of the center’s programs and services through printed materials, presentations, and frequently setting up and manning informational tables on campus, where she can interact directly with students, and is a very active member of the campus community. HappeningsPA.com
Giovagnoli serves on the campus’ Diversity Council, Strategic Planning Committee, Disability Services Task Force, Student Success Working Group, New Student Orientation, and Academic Advising Council, and has served on numerous campus search committees as well. Professionally, she is an involved member and presenter with many organizations including the Association for the Coaching and Tutoring Profession (ACTP); the College Reading and Learning Center Association; the PA-NJ Chapter of the College Reading and Learning Association; the National College Learning Center Association; the National Organization for Student Success (NOSS); the PA Association of Developmental Educators; and the Northeast PA Keystone State Literacy Association. While at Penn State Scranton Giovagnoli has been the recipient of several awards, including: the Penn State Scranton Outstanding Service Award 2018 and the 2011 David and Joyce Mack Tressler Professional Development Award. Giovagnoli received her Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology/social work from East Stroudsburg University, where she graduated cum laude, and her Master of Social Work from the University of Georgia, also graduating cum laude. H May 2020
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The Coronavirus and Its Impact on College Admissions
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he coronavirus/ COVID-19 has changed college admissions for the foreseeable future. Hopefully, college campuses will “return to normal" by August or September, but that is uncertain. Students should check email frequently (including junk mail folder) for updates from the colleges and join college social media feeds to stay current. It is important to check snail mail for potential updates, college websites and “accepted student portals” for updates as well. The overall message is: Stay informed, be patient and stay calm. Every student, high school, and college is in the same boat. As a service to students and families, NACAC is providing an online tool as a central resource for information about changes in college admission events and due dates: www.nacacnet.org/news-publications/newsroom/ college-admissionstatus-coronavirus/ Regarding high school online classes and grades, students should stay in close touch with teachers and school administration making every effort to learn the school material, even if the standards have become flexible or assistance has been less available. While grading will likely be flexible, many high schools have not announced if they will go to "pass/fail" grades. Regardless, students should learn the material to be better prepared for college
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coursework. Suggestions include, reading online tutorials, forming virtual study groups and engaging in an online tutor. SAT and ACT tests have both been postponed until June. Up-to-date announcements regarding dates may be found at (www.collegeboard.org and www.actstudent.org). Regarding AP tests, students should remain in touch with high schools and the testing company for AP exams. Colleges will certainly be flexible regarding students who do not complete the AP Exams. AP tests are generally used for college placement and/or for college credit. The exam results are rarely used for admissions decisions. For high school final transcripts, the college at which the student accepts an offer will usually want a "final transcript" in early July. Students should keep in touch with their high school and intended college to guarantee the final transcript is transmitted and received. Colleges will, in general, accept whatever grading policy the high schools have implemented for the remainder of the year. For juniors who are building their college lists, virtual tours through YouVisit or Campus Reel or YouTube will provide both college-produced videos and those uploaded by current and prospective students.They should dive deeply into the HappeningsPA.com
college websites and review the mission statements, academics and student life sections. Another excellent way to get the “feel” of a school is to read the colleges’ newspapers. If students have specific questions about the colleges, they should contact designated admission officers directly. It is possible that many requirements for the class of 2021 may change. Students should be sure to be on the college’s prospective student list so they are informed about changes. If pandemic restrictions (and danger) subside relatively quickly, campus visits may be resumed in the summer or fall. If prospective students have carefully researched the colleges on their lists, they will know which ones will be most important to visit. If the student’s family financial situation has changed because of lost business, a lost job, and a significant drop in assets (401K, 529, stock portfolio), students and families should contact prospective colleges regarding financial aid. Policies vary widely, but if the family can provide evidence or an explanation, some may offer better aid than their initial packages. For more information contact Jennifer SeveriniKresock, who is an experienced private career and college counselor at (570) 702-5700 or jkresock@nepacareerandcollegecounseling.com H May 2020
Tenacious Tulips Mother Nature Continues Growth at Brown Hill Farms
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t Brown Hill Farms, we were really looking forward to opening up our farm this spring. Visitors were asking what other activities we offered. We knew that spring presented so much new life, with baby animals being born, new seeds and spring flowers in bloom. When contemplating what to offer, we thought that tulips would have a wide appeal to the region and would complement our sunflower trail. As part of our research we visited a few farms that grew tulips in the New England area. We fell in love with the tulip fields that we experienced. On our way home I sent an email to the Ruigrok farm in Holland, asking about bulb sales. Two days later I received a phone call from Simon Ruigrok, stating that he was, surprisingly, two minutes from our farm. Despite his strong Dutch accent I determined that he was indeed near Tunkhannock and would arrive in a few minutes. Such a coincidence to know that
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enjoy the sights and sounds of he was actually on sales calls in spring. We wanted to feature our PA. The timing could not have newborn baby animals, allow kids been more perfect! We visited to run around in the open air and for three hours and ordered play on the farm playground. 370,000 specialty bulbs in 60 varieties. We also ordered a special bulb planter We visited for three hours and directly from Holland.
ordered 370,000 specialty
We received our shipbulbs in 60 varieties ment in October 2019. The bulbs were plantBut, sadly the world has changed ed in November, immediately and we need to adapt. We are following pumpkin season. We planning to offer a drive thru covered the bulbs with a thick event, but even this might not be blanket of straw and waited possible. Curbside pickup at the patiently for them to emerge this farm and possible delivery are a spring. few other options that we are We had many concerns, like considering. Virtual Yoga in the most farmers do, including too field will also be offered. much water, deer damage and While this is not what planned, we underground pests. Our soil is hope you support our tulip rocky and does not drain the adventure. We promise to continwater like soils in Holland, but ue to grow and improve this despite all of our concerns, the event. We expect the tulips to tulips have emerged and look bloom late April through Mother’s wonderful! Day. Find up-to-date information Our ideal situation would allow at brownhillfarms.com visitors to stroll through the four and on facebook. H acre field, pick their own flowers, –Michele Brown take the perfect picture and
The Endless Mountains of Northeastern PA!
www.EndlessMountains.org
www.endlessmountains.org • 800-769-8999
Country Inns
and B&Bs COLONIAL BRICK INN & SUITES
BUTTERMILK FALLS INN Luxury lodgings on a 75-acre Hudson River Estate includes guest rooms with fireplaces, carriage and guest houses with pet and childfriendly options. Enjoy a country breakfast, Spa, Henry’s restaurant, trails and Buttermilk’s own Millstone Farm with an organic kitchen garden and orchard and Animal Rescue Sanctuary. Milton, NY. 845- 795-1310. www.buttermilkfallsinn.com
Come and enjoy Pennsylvania hospitality at its finest. Call to reserve your special occasion package. Winter ski or summer golf packages, we will cater to guests all seasons of the year. New meeting room and free Internet in rooms. 25161 Route 11, Hallstead. 570-879-2162 or 1-800-290-3922 www.colonialbrickinn.com
KEUKA LAKESIDE INN Hammondsport’s exclusive lakefront accommodations on the shores of Keuka Lake. This Inn offers 17 comfortable rooms and spectacular views with an on-site boat launch and docking available. Find us on Facebook and at 24 Water St., Hammondsport, NY 14840. (607) 569-2600, www.keukalakesideinn.com
THE INN AT STARLIGHT LAKE AND RESTAURANT On a clear lake in the PA highlands is a charming 1909 country inn. Surrounded by rolling hills and woods, the inn is a perfect country retreat. Children and pets welcome. Enjoy recreation from swimming to cross country skiing, romantic rooms, excellent food and spirits and a congenial atmosphere. 800-248-2519 www.innatstarlightlake.com
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THE NATURE INN AT BALD EAGLE Located less than 2 hours from Scranton/ Wilkes-Barre on I-80 near State College, our lakeside getaway in central Pennsylvania provides door-step access to exceptional yearround land and water activities. You’ll find that our walls of windows, covered porches, private balconies, and communal patio and fire pit offer an unrivaled natural experience. 814-625-2879 www.natureinnatbaldeagle.com
THE JAMES MANNING HOUSE Warm, charming, historic B&B welcoming you with the comforts of home and all the modern amenities in three well-appointed guest rooms including; queen beds, private baths, electric fireplaces, central AC, TV, WiFi, gardens and more. Enjoy a chef’s choice home-cooked breakfast each morning. Friendly hospitality and five-star service. Honesdale, PA 570-253-5573
THE SOUTH GLENORA TREE FARM BED & BREAKFAST A quiet country retreat only minutes from Watkins Glen and near Seneca Lake wineries/ breweries. The two barns built in 1855 and turned into the B&B in 1992 sit on 68 acres, and feature 5 guest rooms all with private bath. One with a King and 4 with Queen beds. 607-243-7414 www.treefarmbb.com stay@treefarmbb.com
THE ROSEMONT INN BED AND BREAKFAST Enjoy the elegance of this 1859 renovated home in the Historic District of Montrose. Cozy get-aways, retreats, parties & reunions are made memorable here. 11 guest rooms with private baths. Lovely amenities. In-house catering available. Within walking distance to downtown. 165 Lake Ave., Montrose, PA (570)-278-7600 http://www.therosemontinnbb.com
December May 2020 2016
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Meet Milo!
Winner of the Babies of 2019 Facebook Contest
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ringing in almost 200 likes, 100 shares and a plethora of adoring comments, winner of the Babies of 2019 contest Milo Snedeker — all wrapped up in his baby blue blanket — stole the hearts of Happenings readers. We caught up with parents, Randy and Christy Snedeker to learn more about how little Milo has been doing with his newfound fame! Named after both of his grandparents, Milo John was born on October 17, 2019. His mom, Christy, shares that the adorable winning photo was captured by Tammy Martines Photography in Carbondale. Peacefully sleeping in his photo, Milo’s parents say he is a happy-golucky baby who shares a lot of smiles. “You just look at Milo and you will get a smile or a giggle,” Christy says. “He loves any attention he can possibly get.” When he’s not in the spotlight,
Milo can be found snacking on his favorite food, apples, but tends to avoid veggies when he can help it! He loves playing peek-a-boo with his favorite blanket, and spending time with his older sister, Abagail. “His eyes light up and he gets the biggest smile when he is with his sister,” Christy says. “You can see the love pouring from each of them!” With a 6-year age gap between the two siblings, their parents say they are blessed Abagail will be able to become a role model in Milo’s life. Christy was born and raised in Clarks Summit, while Randy grew up in Simpson, PA where the family now resides in his childhood home. In the coming months, Milo’s parents say they are excited to be able to soak up all of the wonderful things Milo will experience alongside his sister. They look forward especially to being able to take Milo to the park to push him on the swings. “Our niece and her husband also gave birth to twins, Stella and Jack, two days before Milo was born,” Christy says. “So it is great to watch them together and to know that he will always have someone to play and grow along with!” H –Mary Joyce
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GOLF GUIDE BUCK HILL GOLF CLUB
Play through Buck Hill Golf Club’s wooded, rolling mountainside terrain, and experience the timeless design of golf architect Donald Ross. Ridge line silhouettes, relentless undulations, and classic subtleties punctuate this premier, 27-hole semi-private course. End your day with dinner at the Fairway Grille. 570-595-7730 or visit buckhillfalls.com/amenities/golf PANORAMA GOLF COURSE
NEPA's best kept secret golfing destination! Family owned and operated for 50+ years. See new and exciting changes. Golf course & grill room available for family outings, business meetings, leagues and tournaments. 25 minutes north of Scranton. 570-222-3525 www.panoramagc.com SCOTT GREENS GOLF CLUB–
Nicely maintained and challenging nine-hole golf & teaching facility in Scott Township. Home of “A Swing for Life” Golf Academy featuring Teaching Professional Scotty McAlarney a “Top 100” W.G.T.F. Instructor. We make golf “fun for the whole family!” Minutes from Clarks Summit, Rt. 81, Scranton and the valley area. Great membership SHADOWBROOK INN & RESORT–
Designed by Geoffrey Cornish, this sprawling 6,000 yard/par 71, 18 hole golf course boasts rolling greens, open skies and mountain views. Shadowbrook Golf Course is the ideal location for tournaments and offers an onsite pro shop, group rates, league play, individual and corporate memberships. 570-836-2151 201 Resort Lane Tunkhannock, PA. STONE HEDGE GOLF CLUB
18-hole championship golf course masterfully carved out of lush rolling hills and meadows of Northeast Pennsylvania's beautiful Endless Mountains. A relaxing natural habitat to play the game at its best. Golf our mature links. Dining available in our in-house restaurant, The Hedge. 570-836-5108 www.stonehedge-golf.com COUNTRY CLUB AT WOODLOCH SPRINGS–
Celebrating over 25 years, Woodloch’s spectacular 18-hole championship golf course winds its challenging way over 6,579 yards of fern-carpeted forests, lush wetlands and broad upland meadows. Four sets of tees on every hole so all levels can be accommodated. 4.5 STARS- Golf Digest’s Best Places to Play. Outside tee-times can be made up to four days in advance. 570-685-8102. 52
WHERE TO CAMP
Treasure H•U•N•T•I•N•G KEEN LAKE CAMPING & COTTAGE RESORT Antiques on the Avenue- Customers call it,“a hidden gem!” An ever-changing inventory features vintage costume jewelry and sterling jewelry. Vintage ladies clothing, men‘s and women’s accessories– purses, wallets, hats. Kitchen items, Pyrex, glassware, small furniture. A small business, committed to customer satisfaction. Find us on Facebook. 1027 Prescott Ave, Scranton. 570-604-0177. Lark Mountain MarketSee what everyone’s talking about at the area’s first co-op antique mall. Handicap accessible–climate controlled, we offer a wide variety of items: quality antiques, hard to find collectibles, furniture, home decorating accessories, jewelry, coins, military, breweriana, lighting & more. 306 Wilkes-Barre Twp., Blvd., Wilkes-Barre Twp. 570-822-8855 www.LarkMountainMarketplace.com Plains Antiques and Home Furnishings- Plains Antiques and Home Furnishings is the largest Antique Mall in the Wilkes Barre, Scranton area, featuring 50 Vendors with high quality items. Antique to Retro, including Furniture, Glassware, Lighting, Jewelry, Pottery, Artwork, Quality Collectables, and more. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram! 29 East Carey Street, Wilkes Barre, PA. 18705. 570-270-3107 www.plainsantiques.com H
Find your “Aaaaaahhhh” at the lake… MSN says “We’re cool.” Country Living says we’re a “Must see.” Camp, glamp, or nest in a cozy cottage and enjoy all the fun and beauty of our private lake with fishing, boating, swimming, and more. This is your time… throw a horseshoe, paddle a kayak, relax in the Pocono mountain sunshine. It’s time to gather at the lake and let out a nice deep “Aaaaaahhhh.” 570-488-6161 .www.keenlake.com
SHORE FOREST CAMPGROUND– Nestled in the beautiful Endless Mountains on a five-acre lake. Heated Pool/spa, camp store, snack bar, game room, crafts, hayrides, weekend activities, and so much more! Cabins, Cable TV/Wi-Fi available. Camping at its best! Halfway between Scranton and Binghamton and only a half mile from Rt 11 in Hop Bottom. Shoreforestcampground.com shoreforest@gmail.com 570-289-4666
SPRUCE LAKE
Fun • Adventurous • Jesus • Friendships Ages 7 to 18 • Your spectacular summer awaits... 888 acres, waterfalls, 8 miles of hiking trails, vista view, get a feel for summer overnight & day camps. 5389 Route 447, Canadensis, PA sprucelakecamp.org 53
A History of Effective Treatment The Scranton Counseling Center
S
cranton Counseling Center is a community based, private nonprofit behavioral health provider serving children, adolescents and adults with mental health and substance abuse issues in Lackawanna, Susquehanna and surrounding counties. The Center is northeast Pennsylvania’s largest, integrated provider with over seven decades of high quality, accessible services to those in need.
who all work collaboratively.
Treatment programs achieve the highest standards of care and are licensed and reviewed annually by the Commonwealth Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, as well as Medicaid Managed Care Organizations. The Center has a sliding fee schedule, and accepts most insurance; however no one is ever denied servThe Center provides high quality ice because of an inability to behavioral health services pay. Scranton Counseling through a number of specialized Center also serves as the 24/7 and evidence based programs to mental health crisis service over 9,000 individuals each year. provider for Lackawanna and Through a highly diverse and Susquehanna Counties and proexperienced staff of more than vides in person, telephone and 300, the Center focuses on the mobile individual and mobile unique needs of clients in a supteam services to respond to comportive, collaborative fashion. The munity mental health crises as well as in the five The Center provides high quality hospital behavioral health services Emergency through a number of specialized Departments in and evidence based programs to Lackawanna and over 9,000 individuals each year. Susquehanna Counties. Professional/medical staff includes In response to the national and Board Certified Psychiatrists, a local opioid crisis, the Center, in Child Certified Registered Nurse collaboration with Geisinger Practitioner, Experienced Certified Community Medical Center, implePhysician Assistants, Licensed mented a special Warm Hand Off Psychologists, Social Workers, and Program. Recovery Specialists, Professional Counselors, (specially trained and state certiRegistered Nurses, Mental Health fied individuals with the lived Professionals, Behavioral Health experience of recovery from subWorkers, Certified Peer and stance use disorders) work full Recovery Specialists, as well as time 24/7 in the GCMC Emergency customer service/support staff Department, engaging individuals 54
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who arrive with a substance use issue. The goal is to immediately engage these individuals, making every
effort to connect them with residential or community based treatment. The Center provides a wide range of community based services for children/adolescents/families in schools and home settings. Specialized teams including full time licensed/certified mental health professionals and trained behavioral health workers serve 21 area schools in five area school districts. Specialized Family Based teams, Multi-Systemic therapy, Blended Case Management, individualized Behavioral Health Specialist and related in school/in home services for children with autism related issues is also provided as well as Outpatient therapy at the Center’s primary location in downtown Scranton and on site in seven area school districts. Outpatient Treatment for adolescents and adults with Substance May 2020
Use Disorders is also provided. For some, accessibility to quality behavioral health treatment can present a barrier, especially for those in poverty. Research data identifies a reciprocal relationship between poverty and mental illness establishing the fact that poverty is one of the most significant social determinants of both physical and behavioral health issues. Conversely, mental illness tends to increase the risk of individuals becoming impoverished. Behavioral health services not only for those living in poverty, but all residents of Northeast Pennsylvania must be high quality, accessible, effective, innovative, responsive, timely and culturally appropriate. To effectively
May 2020
address these issues, collaboration among all medical, behavioral, and social service providers, across the spectrum is imperative. Fortunately, this occurs regularly here. Individuals and families experiencing mental health or substance abuse disorders should grasp that there is recovery at any age. This is often misunderstood by the general public. The stigma that is frequently attached to behavioral health issues is often part of the reason that many who experience symptoms do not actively reach out for
HappeningsPA.com
effective, community based treatment. Often, individuals feel ashamed, isolated, confused and even hopeless. With a greater knowledge of the availability of highly effective treatment and with the help of a number of community advocacy groups, individuals can recover, increase their quality of life and continue to pursue personal life goals. Contact the Scranton Counseling Center at 570-348-6100. H www.scrantonscc.org www.facebook.com/scrantonscc/
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C
oconut cake was my mother’s favorite cake. In honor of Mother's Day, I am sharing her recipe which turns a box cake into a beautiful pink color with amazing flavor from the fresh strawberries and coconut.
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E
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Compliments of JoAnn Marianelli Finnerty, Bella Faccias
Strawberry Coconut Cake DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans and set aside. In mixing bowl, add the white cake mix, strawberry 1 box white cake mix gelatin powder, all-purpose flour and baking soda. Whisk to combine. 4 tablespoons strawberry gelatin powder Beat in oil, eggs, milk, pureed strawberries, vanilla and coconut extract. 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour Stir in one cup of chopped coconut. 1 teaspoon baking soda Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center of each layer comes 3/4 cup vegetable oil • 4 eggs out clean. Cool the pans on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. Remove 1/4 cup milk the cake from the pans and leave on the racks until it completely cooled. 1/2 cup pureed strawberries While the cake cools, make butter cream frosting. Mix in ½ cup of chopped coconut. 1 teaspoon vanilla Butter Creme Frosting 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract In a large bowl using a hand-held mixer or stand mixer fitted with a whisk 1 cup coconut - chopped or paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium speed until creamy – 1 batch of butter cream frosting about 2 minutes. Add confectioners’ sugar, cream, vanilla extract and salt (recipe below) or store bought with the mixer running on low. Increase to high speed and beat for 3 full frosting of your choice (crème cheese, minutes. Add more confectioners’ sugar if frosting is too thin, more cream butter cream, etc). if frosting is too thick, or a pinch more of salt if frosting is way too sweet. Once the cakes are cool, using a large serrated knife, slice a 1/2 cup coconut – Butter Cre chopped thin layer off the tops of the cakes to create a me Frostin g 1 and 1/4 flat surface. Discard pieces. Place one cake layer 6-8 strawberries sliced, cups (2.5 st unsalted b icks; 287g on serving plate. Evenly cover the top of cake plus additional straw) u temperatu tter, softened to ro with frosting and cover with sliced strawberries. om berries for garnish re Place the second layer of cake on top of the first 5 cups (60 0g) confect ioners’ sug layer and frost the rest of the cake, including the 1/3 cup (8 ar 0ml) heav sides. Garnish with fresh strawberries. y cream 2 teaspoo n Cover leftover cake tightly and store in the (or use cle s pure vanilla extra ct a refrigerator for up to 5 days. extract for r imitation vanilla stark whit e frosting) Buon Appetito! Happy Mother’s Day! 1/8 teasp
Ingredients:
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oon salt 1/2 cup of chopped co
conut
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. . . . . . . . . . . . . .I N F L U E N T I A L W O M E N O F N E P A
Lindsay Griffin COO/Vice-President, Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce attended LaSalle University in Philadelphia. I moved back after graduation, started my career and have never looked back. My favorite quote of “You must be the change you wish to see in the world” is one in which I strive for each day. I am able to be a part of moving my own community forward and enacting positive change. This is something I feel truly blessed to do each day.
What do you personally consider to be the top assets of the Greater Wilkes Barre area? Personally, and especially through this pandemic, I have always felt our top assets are our area’s businesses, academic institutions, strong nonprofit organizations, and our community members and their work ethic, strength and ability to come together. We are truly the valley with a heart. Our strong sense of community and collaboration have and always will be our greatest asset. I know this will carry us into a strong and successful recovery. What are your top two favorite chamber events? Our Young Professionals Awards and our Chamber Annual Dinner. The Young Professionals Awards started with 100 people and 12 nominees in 2016. Four years later, we had almost 400 attendees and over 150 nominations. Bringing light to our future leaders and honoring them has made this program and its growth especially significant. Also, our Chamber Annual Dinner is our team’s favorite event to plan and showcases what our community has accomplished each year, as
well as honor amazing businesses and individuals who are making a difference. How has the pandemic changed the role of chambers of commerce? We have completely altered the way in which we operate. The pandemic has allowed us to become an inclusive resource and connector for our businesses and the community as a whole. Through this, we have created online and virtual resources both here in Greater Wilkes-Barre but also encompassing the entire region of Northeastern Pennsylvania. This alignment has brought together all regional chambers and economic development partners to be the strongest we can to ensure the continued growth and recovery of our area. Our collective focus is on the safety, health, and well-being of our residents, businesses and community. We are committed to accelerating the economic engine of the region by fostering innovation, connecting our resources, and elevating and advocating for our community. What prompted your decision to move back to the region? I was born and raised here in Northeastern PA. After high school, I
How does serving on many area boards help your relationships in the region? One of the things I enjoy most about my job is the exposure to many different aspects of our community. I am very passionate about our area’s nonprofits and all they do to make our community strong. I became involved on the board and committee level of several and I support many others. It’s impossible for me to learn about such passionate organizations and volunteers and not want to be involved. I have met so many amazing people through my non-profit activity. Healthy non-profits make a healthy community and I will continue to assist and contribute in any way I can to ensure that they have the resources and outreach they need to continue thriving. What message regarding your career path would you have given to a younger version of yourself? Trust yourself, your instincts, and never let anyone dull your sparkle. Really difficult things will inevitably happen in your career, and while it is hard not to sweat them, they will make you stronger and the person you were meant to be. I always say when those things happen, they will be a great part of the book I hope to write someday. Always get up, dress up, show up and never give up. What type of person inspires you most?
I am inspired by people who are true to themselves both personally and professionally and always willing to mentor, motivate and encourage others. I have been so lucky to have many of these women in my life, including Mary Erwine, Liz Graham, Kathi Bankes, Lori Nocito, Kerry Miscavage, Sara Peperno and so many more who have helped me grow through friendship and mentorship. What are the most valuable traits of an effective leader today? Empowering others and working toward a shared vision is what I believe is one of the most important qualities of a leader, and what I have learned from the many amazing leaders I have had in my life. Catalytic leadership is truly about engaging and motivating others to also become leaders as you work toward that common goal. I am blessed to work with the most amazing team at the chamber, who inspire me each day to the best
leader I can and work toward that vision alongside me. What should our readers know most about the Greater Wilkes Barre Chamber of Commerce? Our chamber is an inclusive community organization. We have grown tremendously in the past few years and encourage everyone to become involved in any capacity so we can move our area forward, together. We continue to evolve with our area and its development. Whether it’s our Young Professional’s Network, Women’s Network, Diversity Council, or any of our Wilkes-Barre Connect programs aimed at entrepreneurial development, we want you to get involved. As we all will continue to come together during and after COVID-19,
I encourage everyone to join together with us, regardless of membership or affiliation, to work toward the future of our amazing area. Personal My family has been the constant motivating source in my life. I am proud to be born and raised here, where my family still resides. I am a graduate of Bishop Hafey High School and LaSalle University. H
Where Our Family Cares for Yours IOR LIVING FACILITY
BEST SEN
Supportive Living Memory Care Living 1300 Morgan Highway • 570-587-7709 thepinesatclarkssummit.com
May 2020
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Regional Networking The Wright Center Appoints Strategic Marketing Vice President communications, media and public relations, advertising, community relations, special events, patient communications and website/digital content and design.
Wendy K. Wilson has joined The Wright Center as Vice President of Strategic Marketing and Communications. A graduate of West Scranton High School and San Jose State University, she previously served as Vice President of Media and Corporate Communications for Geisinger Health System and as Vice President of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs at Scranton’s Community Medical Center. Prior to the past 15 years working in the healthcare sector, she was a journalist, starting her career at The Scranton TimesTribune as a reporter before being promoted to Managing Editor of the newspaper’s Community Newspaper Group. She later joined WVIA Public Media as Vice President of Corporate Communications. In this new organizational role, she will be responsible for developing and implementing strategic marketing and communications initiatives to enhance the overall effectiveness and awareness of the Wright Center’s mission to improve the health and welfare of our community through inclusive and responsive health services and the sustainable renewal of an inspired, competent workforce that is privileged to serve.
“As a former journalist, I’m a storyteller at heart,” she explained. “And The Wright Center has a wealth of stories to tell. Our clinical locations are taking care of the region’s most vulnerable patients regardless of their ability to pay. Our eager and engaged learners are active in the population health efforts of our community with a majority of them committing to staying in our area after graduation to serve. We’re expanding services and locations across the region while at the same time offering new and innovative educational tracts across the country. And our dedicated workforce continues to expand, attracting the best and the brightest to an already-remarkable team. I feel incredibly lucky to now call myself a member of The Wright Center family.” Wendy and her husband, Ben Payavis, reside in Waverly Twp. Her daughter, Lily, lives in Brooklyn, New York, and is a musician. H
The position oversees internal and external
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Where History and America’s Finest Glass Were Made
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CINEMA-FLEA FAIR NE Pennsylvania’s Largest Flea Fair
The Dorflinger Factory Museum 5 Elizabeth Street White Mills, PA 18473 (570) 253-0220
Sundays, 7 a.m. - 4 p.m.
CIRCLE DRIVE-IN THEATRE
Museum information available on our website at www.dorflingerfactorymuseum.org
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Cinema: Fri., Sat., & Sun. nights Phone 489-5731 for features & times Business Rte 6 • Scranton/Carbondale Hwy.
489-5731 or 876-1400 • circledrivein.com
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Staying Fit and Healthy in Our New Normal
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ith so much drastically changing our world in the past several weeks, both negative and positive results have occurred. Regular family dinners, walks, hiking and biking are a few of the positives. Turning to comfort food is natural but, as many are witnessing, this brings another set of challenges such as possible weight gain and lack of fitness. Once we get out of healthy eating and exercising, we suffer in many ways. Feeling sluggish and having less energy are some of the negatives. Here are some ideas to help keep the fun in the family but a watchful eye on health and fitness:
Get outside. Walk, run, hike, bike! Breath the fresh air, get some vitamin D from the sunlight and lose yourself in the beauty and wonder of nature. Fresh outdoor activity is good for the body, mind and soul.
Plan meals. Stock up on veggies and things to grill; make fun and nutritious snacks. Take turns picking out snacks to make for the whole family to enjoy.
Move every hour. If working from home, get up and move every hour. Grab a stability ball in place of a chair which is better for posture and also engages your core. Order a stand for your laptop/computer that will allow you to work standing up as well.
Turn up the music. Turn off the TV and turn up the music. Music makes us move. Use your stairs as a workout tool. Go up and down and increase speed for cardio. Put one foot on bottom step and lunge for lower body strength. Put hands behind you on a step 62
and do tricep dips for upper body strength.
Walk the dog. Our dogs are so happy we are home. Take them outside and let them give you a workout! Walk, climb or run around the yard with your fur babies!
Move to a virtual workout. If you had a regular exercise routine before social distancing, keep it going! Adapt to a home workout on zoom with one on one or small group training. You don’t need any equipment to get achieve a great workout. If you hadn’t had a regular fitness routine, there is no better time to start than now! The elimination or reduction in activities outside the home means we have fewer excuses to begin what we know will ultimately make us healthier. Here is a fun, delicious and nutritious. H –Jackie Kerekes Jackie Kerekes is NASM Certified Personal Trainer and a NASM Fitness Nutrition Specialist. She trains one-on-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).
Cucumbveocr,adToomSaalatod and A
ed matoes, halv 1 lb grape to ced 2 avocados, di iced sl r be m 1 cucu ional) ion, diced (opt lls on d re p 1⁄3 cu ba lla re h mozza 8 oz small fres Dressing: combined sto (1⁄4 cup) Fresh basil pe mon juice or Balsamic le with 1 tbsp of so a great option for al vinaigrette is well. Toss all together as the dressing at with meats go gre Many grilled icken, ch d lle ch as gri this salad, su h and and grilled fis grilled pork salmon.
Frozen Yogurt Berry Bark 2 cups of plain or vanilla Greek yogurt 1⁄4 cup agave ( or honey or maple syrup are also ok to use) 1⁄2 tsp vanilla extract 1⁄4 tsp lemon juice Strawberries, sliced Blueberries Raspberries Chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans) or granola to top Line a baking sheet with wax paper. In a large mixing bowl combine yogurt, agave, vanilla, lemon juice, whisk until combined. Spread yogurt mixture on baking sheet to even thickness. Top with berries. Garnish with nuts or granola. (optional) Freeze for 2-3 hours or until firm. Slice into squares. Keep in freezer.
Blackened Salmon or Chicken
1⁄2 tsp paprik a 1⁄8 tsp salt 1⁄4 tsp cayenn e pepper 1⁄8 tsp onion powder 1⁄8 tsp ground pepper 1⁄8 tsp ground pepper medle y Mix spices to geth rub on salmon er and use as a dry or boneless chicken breast. Spray olive oil on g rill and cook salmon about 4 min on each side. Chicken should be gri lled for 5-7 min on ea ch side until meat thermometer temperature reaches 165 degrees .
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Susan E. Unvarsky Vice President, U.S. Customer Service Operations, Prudential usan Unvarsky oversees the back office operations for Prudential’s entire U.S. customer base. Her team consists of more than 700 associates located both domestically and internationally. With over 30 years at Prudential, she has held a variety of executive positions throughout her career. She is known as an engaging and inspirational leader who has a long track record of success in leading large, cross-organizational teams through challenging situations.
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A visible community advocate, Sue is an Executive Sponsor for her company’s local Community Engagement Council. She also serves on many boards throughout the region. Sue has a Master of Science degree in Banking and Financial Services Management from Boston University, and received her undergraduate degrees in Business Administration from King’s College and Luzerne County Community College. She holds FINRA Series 7, 63 and 24 licenses, in addition to a life insurance license. She resides in Luzerne County. In your opinion, what are the most important considerations to achieve financial wellness? My ‘definition’ of Financial 64
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Wellness is: “peace of mind.” Regardless of where you are in life, it’s the ability to feel confident that you will ‘be ok’ if something goes wrong for a period of time. I believe the most important considerations are: saving as much as you can; diversifying your investments-focusing on the marathon, not the sprint, and living below your means. What are the first lessons that children should be taught about financial wellness? They should learn the importance of saving as early as possible. Coming from a blue-collar family my parents didn’t have much (really any) ‘expendable’ money. They taught me at a very young age to save. I started earning an ‘allowance’ around age 7, and that’s when they suggested I put half of it away for a “rainy day.” That taught me good savings habits and has served me very well throughout my lifetime. There’s no reason why this can’t be taught in grade school, as well as at home. With over 30 years at Prudential, what are the advantages of staying with a company for such an extended period of time? I’m reminded regularly of why I chose (and yes, it was a choice that I made repeatedly) to stay with Prudential. This really is a personal preference. May 2020
Each person and every employer has different circumstances and attributes. For me it is that Prudential has always been ‘cutting edge’ with its perspective on diversity and inclusion. I have had many opportunities as a woman to take on many roles, responsibilities and positions. I’ve had exposure to different career choices/ opportunities under the same roof and company benefits (tuition reimbursement) to challenge me and enable me to continue to grow. Prudential prides itself in being a ‘thought leader.’ This has created many external opportunities for me to help ‘the greater good’ (i.e., testifying in Washington, D.C., speaking at Women’s Leadership Forums and Industry Forums, etc.) Which character traits are the most appealing in an employee? The best employees are willing to work hard to be their best; they collaborate to the point of building camaraderie and they have the courage to surface and address conflict the right way. What is a key characteristic that an executive should possess? Emotional Intelligence (EQ) – it’s more important than ever for senior leaders to be selfaware, socially aware and to be able to appropriately manage relationships. High EQ enables us to lead in a way that allows us to “self-check,” surround ourselves with people who fill our own gaps/have the courage to tell us when we’re headed down May 2020
the wrong path. EQ gives us the confidence to be transparent in communications and inspire people to act. Our world (in general) needs leaders that exhibit strong behaviors that can be emulated. As an inspirational woman with a very impressive history, who specifically or what type of individual inspires you? I admire “scrappers.” People who succeed despite the odds being stacked against them; those who are rooted in purpose and choose courage (over comfort) to do the right thing. People such as Rosa Parks, Mother Teresa of Calcutta and Nelson Mandela inspire me the most. What are some challenges that most people face within their careers? How do you encourage employees to solve these issues? We all hit points in our career when we must make the decision to change something that’s difficult – a job, company, career path or ourselves. I’ve hit that wall a few times and have relied on mentors, colleagues and friends to help guide me. My advice is to “stay the course” and take the tougher path over the easy one; it’s worth it in the end. What do you wish more women would learn earlier? To be more confident in their themselves and their abilities. I see far too many women believe “I can’t do this” or “that’s too big of a role for me.” We need to encourage each other to believe “I can do this.” HappeningsPA.com
What do you like most about this region? In what ways would you like to see it improve? I love the sense of community, of family and the ability to take advantage of all that is offered- the history, nature and quick access to big east coast cities. My family is here and I enjoying being close to them. If I could change anything, I wish we could be better about recognizing that there is one kind of individual-humankind. What do you wish your legacy to be? I want to be remembered as someone who did all she could to make the world a better place – by being kind, humble and by inspiring others to do what they otherwise thought they couldn’t do. I want to be remembered for bringing people together to succeed at any goal, despite the odds. I’d like to be remembered as someone who chose courage, despite the consequences. Do you have a favorite life motto? Those who know me best know that I’m always latching on to a great quote, but my all-time favorite, and one that I live by is from Erma Bombeck – “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, 'I used everything you gave me.” What would like our readers to know about you? I’m “a work in progress.” I’m hoping the best is yet to come! H 65
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Joseph John Severini
H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H HH April 1, 1931-August 18, 2014 Town of Residence: Green Ridge Section of Scranton Branch of Military/Rank: Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force Career/Highlights: 33 year career in banking with Northeastern/PNC Bank, retiring as a Group Vice President in 1992. Family: Wife of 47 years, Louise Genovese Severini, two daughters: Jennifer L. Severini-Kresock and husband Christopher of Clarks Summit, and Faith J. Severini of Clarks Summit, PA; a granddaughter, Ceilia Severini Education: BS in Business Management from the University of Scranton, Class of 1958; Additional post-graduate coursework
at the University of Virginia Interests: Hanging out at the Viewmont Mall with friends and golfing, speaking Italian with his friends and family, traveling and volunteering Organizations: He was a member of Elm Park United Methodist church, the Scranton Chamber of Commerce, the Armed Forces Day committee, the United Nations Committee, the Mid Valley Rotary Club, the Scranton Kiwanis Club, and the Downtown Scranton Business Association. He served on many boards including the American Heart Association, Easter Seals, Meals on Wheels of Lackawanna County, United Cerebral Palsy and the
Economic Development Council. He also served as president of the Scranton Neighborhood Housing Association and was a recipient of the Frank O'Hara Award given by the University of Scranton. Overall thoughts about the military: He was honored to serve his country. He had a deep sense of nationalism and appreciation for our freedom, and was passionate and dedicated to serve his country, following in his father's footsteps. He passed his lessons on to future generations by‌ Being an active member of the local Veteran's Association and many committees related to the military. H
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Jean Johnson Zekas
HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH Birthday: January 28, 1923 Wesley Village Resident for the past 15 years. Previously lived: Dallas, PA and Calhoun, MO. Family: Husband: Charles Lewis Zekas; Children: Rosemary, Donna, Gail, Pamela and Peter; Grandchildren: Christopher, Ryan, Kelly, Peter Jr., Nicholas What prompted your military service? My roommate was going from Long Beach, CA to Los Angeles to enlist and I wanted to go along for moral support. They suggested I take all the exams to see if I could pass them. Before I knew it, I was raising my right hand to say "I solemnly swear." Rank and Regions Served: MaM2C (Mailman 2nd Class), FPO San Francisco and FPO San Diego.
Lessons from the military: Discipline and no worries about what to wear. Proudest military moments: Marching down Fifth Avenue in New York and greeting the ships with sailors coming back. Overall thoughts on the U.S. military: The best years of my life! Biggest adjustment to civilian life: Learning to cook! Career notes: Is raising five kids a career?
Education: Two years of college before going to California and working at Douglas Aircraft. Best tip for being a good mother/grandmother: Don’t meddle. Hobbies: Reading and crocheting What do you like most about your current residence: I no longer cook or clean! Favorite quote: “Keep Breathing!” -advice I also give to my friends Anything else you would like our readers to know, perhaps something they may be surprised to know? That I haven't a clue why I'm still here as long as I am! I might as well go for 100! H
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“She Could Do It!” “ L A Military Mom
Who Commanded an Army of Children
ee Lee” was not your average grandmother. I am grandchild number 11 out of 14, and she passed away two years before I was born. My middle name, “Lee” is a nod to her. With ten cousins in line before me, there are plenty of memories shared among the older grandchildren; the younger grandchildren are fond of thinking she was our family’s real-life “Rosie the Riveter!” Rosalie “Lee” Grab Denault was born and raised in Thornhurst, Pennsylvania. A smalltown girl who grew up on a farm with 13 siblings (four of those siblings, along with six of her in-laws, were enlisted in various branches of the military,) she enlisted in the Women’s Army Corps 999th Army Air Force in the Fall of 1944 when she was 19 years old after spending time working in an ammunition factory in Philadelphia. She attended Motor Transport School at Third WAC Training Center, Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia where she was instructed on theory and practical training in basic principles of engine operation, driving of Army motor vehicles up to 1½ tons
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under various conditions; prevention, maintenance, minor adjustments and motor convoy operations. She was stationed at both AAF Tactical Center and 902d AAF Base in Orlando, Florida where she specialized as a Dispatcher Clerk of Motor Vehicles. In Orlando, she met my grandfather, Ray Denault, who was an airplane mechanic in the Air Force from Cambridge, Massachusetts. Lee earned the American Service Medal, World War II Victory Medal and the Driver’s Medal. She was honorably discharged holding the rank of Corporal in the Summer of 1946 at Fort Dix, New Jersey. As the driver of a Power Wagon, Lee had strict military instructions, “This driver is instructed not to wait more than fifteen (15) minutes for any passenger at any one stop. After fifteen (15) minutes the driver will return to the motor pool.” – By order of the Supervisor of Transportation. Her children are fond of retelling the story that she had the honor of driving General Dwight D. Eisenhower on a base visit.
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Those instructions are an example of the philosophy my grandparents had while raising their seven children
in their hometown of Thornhurst. Four of her children’s spouses served in the military. With an army of children, there must be structure. Her children recall memories at home, including her nickname, “Sarge,”
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as she ran a “tight ship.” She was organized, firm and “in charge!” She paired each of the older children with a younger child, where they rotated chores every three weeks. She lived by the saying, “do it right the first time,” and she was known to bounce a quarter off the bed’s of her children to ensure their hospital corners met her standards. She had a patriotic heart, who was often heard singing patriotic songs; and proudly carried the flag in military dress parades. Lee passed away in 1987 at the age of 62 after a battle with breast cancer. My mom, aunts and uncle continue to carry on Lee’s practical, punctual, civically minded, list-maker lifestyle. H –Melissa Lee Sanko Hayhoe
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Who is the cutest of them all?
Rosie Rosie, says Abigail Tonkin, loves chasing people around the house but doesn't like water. She lives in Factoryville.
Poof Poof, says Patrick Comes, loves playing fetch despite tragically losing one leg in an accident. She lives in Mayfield.
Loki
Pumpkin
Jenneca Williams says Loki loves napping, cuddling, hiking and going for car rides. He lives in Olyphant.
Pumpkin, says Donna Adrian, loves doing tricks and greeting people at her owner's hair salon. She lives in Pittston.
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Sonny Lisa Diana says Sonny is avery happy pet who loves to play catch. He lives in Jessup.
Maggie Maggie, says Kelly Conway, loves sitting either in the sun or on the couch, going for walks and barking at squirrels. She lives in Scranton.
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reoinnth... a s e t o v The et of the M
Vote for your favorite May pet at www.HappeningsMagazinePA.com! The winner receives a Happenings bandana!
Peanut Ann Marie Graff says Peanut loves ice cream, going fishing and with his cat sibling Binx. He lives in Pittston.
April’s P Clarke is ! ulations Congrat
Bailey Sarah Hart says Bailey loves lounging at home with his family and shopping at one of the local home improvement stores. He lives in Scranton.
Louie Louie, says Lisa Adcroft, loves treats, playing fetch and getting attention. He lives in Dalton.
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Hefè Hefè, says Chloe Shook, loves taking naps and playing with his pet brother Kit Kit. He lives in Clarks Summit.
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Otis Otis, says Mary Sweda, loves the great outdoors and playing with his older dog sibling Morgan. He lives in South Abington Township.
Oreo Deborah Zborovian says Oreo loves sitting outside and watching the birds and jumping into someone's suitcase. He lives in Duryea.
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AWARD WINNING FINE ART NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES RUANE
He has made everything beautiful, in his time. Ecclesiastes 3:11
August 2016
HappeningsPA.com jamesruane@mac.com
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John Mackarey, LUTCF Agent, New York Life Insurance Company Registered Representative offering securities through NYLIFE Securities LLC (Member FINRA/SIPC), A Licensed Insurance Agency.
220 Penn Avenue, Suite 100 Scranton, PA 18503 Phone: 570-340-1320 Email: John@JohnMackarey.com
Leadership Lackawanna Applications Open
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eadership Lackawanna, the premier community leadership and professional development affiliate of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, is now accepting applications for their Tomorrow’s Leaders Today, Leadership U, and Core programs. The Tomorrow’s Leaders Today Program is accepting applications from high school sophomores currently attending school in Lackawanna County, Lackawanna Trail, and Western Wayne school districts. This seven-month program helps students develop their leadership, interpersonal and managerial skills by providing them with realworld experiences. Leadership U is accepting applications from high school juniors currently attending school in Lackawanna County, Lackawanna Trail, and Western Wayne school districts with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. This program helps students gain leadership and community engagement skills. Participants will receive three college credits to Penn State upon completion of the program. The Core Program is accepting applications from candidates who live or work in Lackawanna County. Participants in this program will gain leadership, interpersonal and managerial skills, as well as gain understanding of relevant facets of to the Greater Scranton region. The deadline to apply to Tomorrow’s Leaders Today and Leadership U is
May 15, 2020. The Core Program application will remain open until July 31, 2020. Apply by May 15 for early bird savings. To apply for each program, visit www.leadershiplackawanna.com. H
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. For more information, visit www.leadershiplackawanna.com.
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Salvation Army Ladore Veteran’s Event he Salvation Army’s Ladore Conference Center is once again planning to host an Open House to honor all servicemen and women; active, retired and deceased. Scheduled for August 5, this will be the 17th year for the event which has continued to grow each year. The Center is “…praying that this year, as anxieties fade, and life begins to return to normal, this event will help to provide the community with a chance to once again fellowship with one and another.”
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The day will be packed with “all sorts of great things.” At 10:30 a.m. the American Legion Post #807 and others from the surrounding area will present a service honoring the past and present veterans. Following the program there will be display of classic cars and motorcycles, with trophies being awarded. Boat rides on lovely Lake Ladore will be offered. The Wayne County Office of Veteran’s Affairs as well as other programs and organizations that service veterans will be on hand to help with any veteran related questions. May 2020
Enjoy some great, toe tapping music along with a cup of fresh coffee and donuts supplied by the The Salvation Army. “If you have ever been in the military service you know the SA knows how to make coffee!” Don’t forget to stop by the
a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Salvation Army’s Ladore Conference Center, located at 398 South Street in Waymart. Call 570-488-6129 to reserve your spot for lunch or to pre register your classic car or motorcycle. Check www.ladore.org for
flea market/yard sale where there is always a bargain to be had and something you could certainly use; vendor spots are still available.
continued updates. The health and safety of Ladore’s guests, staff and community are their highest priority and they offer their prayers and sincerest gratitude for health care workers, emergency service personnel and all those serving on the frontlines. H
A picnic lunch (freewill donation) at noon will be provided for all who attend. This event is scheduled to take place on August 5, from 10
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Made in the USA. Show your support for a regional magazine! Subscribe Today. SAVE OVER
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Wayne Bank: Financial Tips for Older Americans n recognition of Older Americans Month in May, Wayne Bank is providing tips and advice to prevent financial exploitation of older adults.
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“Seniors are increasingly becoming targets for financial abuse,” explains Wayne Bank’s Senior Vice President and Senior Trust Officer, Diane Wylam, Esq. “People over 50 years old control over 70 percent of the nation’s wealth and fraudsters are using new tactics to take advantage of the growing number of older Americans. Our employees are trained to identity red flags commonly associated with financial abuse, from unusual recent withdrawals to a new person accompanying the older customer to the bank. It is best when we can work together with our customers to help keep them safe. Don’t be afraid to get to know your banker so that we can look out for any suspicious activity related to your account.” Note the following tips:
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Keep personal information private. Never share your social security number, account information, or personal details over the phone or internet, unless you initiated contact with a trusted source. May 2020
Always lock up your other sensitive information when others will be in your home.
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Shred! Shred! Shred! Shred receipts, bank statements, and used credit card offers before throwing them away so fraudsters can’t piece together your personal information.
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Don’t be pressured. Never let a new “advisor” pressure you into sharing personal or financial details. Ask for details in writing and get a second opinion from a trusted financial advisor or attorney before signing any documents.
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Check your credit report. Check your three credit reports at least once a year to ensure no new credit cards or accounts have been opened in your name. Receive a free copy of your credit report from each of the three credit reporting agencies from the Federal Trade Commission’s website at www.annualcreditreport.com, or call 1-877-322-8228.
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Never pay a fee or taxes to collect sweepstakes. Look out for “sweepstakes” or “lottery” scams, which involve fraudsters issuing counterfeit checks and fake award letters to consumers alleging they have won a lottery or sweepstakes. The victim is instructed to pay taxes and fees upfront, but after they send the money they find out they haven’t won anything. Never pay a HappeningsPA.com
fee upfront to win a lottery.
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Be wary of the “grandparent scam.” This financial abuse deliberately targets older Americans using impersonation tactics. Fraudsters call claiming to be a family member in serious trouble and in need of immediate money. Before acting on any phone request, verify to whom you are speaking by asking questions, calling them back on a known number, or consulting a trusted family member.
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Check references and credentials before hiring anyone. Don’t allow workers access to information about your finances.
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Plan ahead and protect your assets. Talk to a wealth management officer at your bank, an attorney, or a financial advisor about the best options to ensure your wishes are followed. Carefully choose a trustworthy person to act as your agent in all estate-planning matters. If you believe you are the victim of financial abuse, don’t hesitate to tell someone you trust. Report to a family member, your clergy, attorney, doctor or banker. Contact Adult Protective Services or your local police for help. Wayne Bank is a subsidiary of Norwood Financial Corp., Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender, and is located in Honesdale, Pennsylvania. The Bank has 27 Community Offices serving Wayne, Pike, Monroe, Lackawanna, and Luzerne Counties in Pennsylvania, along with Delaware and Sullivan Counties in New York State. The stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol— NWFL. H
Morgan Craft
Shoots for the Olympics
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uzerne County Sports Hall of Fame 2019 inductee Morgan Craft has enjoyed the sport of shooting ever since her dad introduced it to her in early childhood. At age 7, she was on the local 4H shooting team, where her dad and grandparents were all instructors. “My dad and grandparents have always been very involved in the outdoors, various conservation organizations, and in hunting and shooting sports,” she said. To this day, at her current age of 26 years, Morgan hasn't stopped loving this sport. She began shooting .22 rifles. At age 11, she began shooting shotguns. She transitioned from American trap to International Skeet, in which she has succeeded in various competitions around the world including the Olympics. Morgan was born in Williamsport, PA but lived near Munch Valley located in Sullivan County for the first eighteen years of life. When she was a student at Sullivan County High School in Laporte, her family wanted to integrate shooting as a varsity sport. After seeing that Hazleton Area High School had shooting, Morgan’s grandmother, who was president of her high school board, presented the idea. “My grandmother and our coaches worked tirelessly applying for grants to help cover our 78
team insurance expenses and held fundraisers to help subsidize the cost of targets and ammunition,” she said. “We paid our own way to competitions and training camps across the country.” At age 14, Morgan attended her very first national championships in Colorado Springs in 2008. She finished dead last out of twelve women. “I didn‘t let it get me down for long,” she said. “I was hooked and didn't let anything get in my way.” During her four years at Lindenwood University, Morgan was on the shooting team which comprised between 85 to 100 members. She and some teammates made it to the ACUI (Association of College Unions International) Collegiate National Championships in HappeningsPA.com
San Antonio. Her team won the 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th consecutive national championship titles. They competed against over 140 other colleges and universities and over 400 shooters. Skeet shooting got Morgan involved in the summer Olympics. During the London Games in 2012, she earned the May 2020
title of Olympic alternate. The one woman to represent the USA was already chosen. She was very happy with her performance in the Olympic trials to fill the position of alternate, especially in light of her first experience with food poisoning. “Under the circumstances, I was more excited to win gold that match and finish as an Olympic team alternate,” she said. “It fueled not only my confidence in my abilities, but also my desire to be an actual team member.” Morgan then traveled to many countries solely to compete in international competitions. She participated in the world championships in Lima, Peru, Championships of the Americas in Guadalajara, Mexico the World Cup in Acapulco, Mexico and the world championships in Lonato, Italy. She has also been in Spain, Brazil, UAE, Azerbaijan, San Marino, and Cyprus. In 2014, Morgan took another whack at the National Championships in Colorado Springs and became National Champion. A year later, she earned the title of Female May 2020
Shooter of the Year. Morgan later participated in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio De Janeiro. She was happy with the first two rounds but fell short in the third. Regardless of the results, she thought that the Olympic Games was unlike anything she had ever experienced. “From experiencing the Olympic Ceremonies, meeting amazing athletes from all around the world, to living and breathing sports for two whole weeks, and touring around Rio with my family, we created countless memories I treasure,” she said. After shooting seventy-five targets for the main event, she and five other top athletes proceeded to the finals. She tied for the 6th place with Russia and Argentina; therefore, they went to a 3-way “sudden death” shootoff to earn a spot in the final. She made it to the final, in which she was tied for third place with her teammate and a shooter from China. After shooting sixteen in a 3-way “sudden death” shootoff, she finished in fifth place.
HappeningsPA.com
Commenting on all the travel she has experienced, she concludes that Italy and UAE are her two favorite countries. Her favorite place to the compete was Colorado Springs. She loves the weather and the Rocky Mountains. “I love that there‘s such emphasis on being outdoors and such an athletic culture there,” she said. “I think it's the perfect place for the Olympic Training Center.” Morgan took off the last three years from training to start a career, get married, and spend time with her family and husband. Exactly five days after returning from Rio, she began her first day of graduate school. She currently lives in Allentown, where she is a physician's assistant at St. Luke's Hospital. “I‘m proud to have grown up in rural Pennsylvania, where hard work is recognized and where my fellow neighbors are so involved with giving back to the community that raised us,” she said. H –Ben Freda
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Restaurants We highly recommend contacting restaurants directly for updates! Abbiocco 639 N. Blvd., Clark's Summit 570-319-9633 Abbiocco.net Tuesday – Saturday, 3-8 p.m. Zuppa Abbiocco and a soup of the week Dinner menu with weekly desserts and a special entree Curbside pick up Andy Gavin's Eatery & Pub 1392 N. Washington Ave., Scranton 570-346-8864 AndyGavins.com
Tannersville 570-629-9399 www.barleycreek.com Seven days, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Curbside pick up and local delivery Distillery is open and selling handsanitizer! Coney Island Lunch 515 Lackawanna Ave., Scranton 570-961-9004 Texas-wiener.com Tuesday-Sunday, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Delivery by Doordash!
Fratelli's Pizza & Pasta House 1249 Providence Rd., Scranton 570-344-7414 fratellispizzaandpastahouse.com Monday-Thursday & Sunday, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. & Friday & Saturday, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, buy 2 pizzas get a free 2 liter of soda 10% discount for military personnel Kelly’s Pub and Eatery 1802 Cedar Ave., Scranton 570-346-9758 www.kpehotwings.com Monday-Saturday 4-8 p.m Lake Sheridan Bar & Grill 145 Pedrick Rd., Nicholson 570-910-0092 www.facebook.com/reginalakesheridanbar Seven days, 4-8 p.m. Leonor’s Eatery & Crazy Fruits 135 N Main St., Moscow 570-843-6542 Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. 8 p.m. & Sunday, 12-8 p.m. Mamma Mia’s Pizza 419 Poplar St., Scranton 570-963-1720 Seven days, 11a.m. -9 p.m.
Monday-Saturday noon - 6 p.m. 90% of menu available; no soup or seafood entrees Delivery to your car; Door Dash available. Barley Creek Brewing Company 1774 Sullivan Trail,
Dino & Francesco's Pizza & Pasta House 1002 S. State St., Clarks Summit 570-587-4306 dinoandfrancescoscs.com Sunday – Thursday, 11 a.m. 7 p.m., Friday & Saturday 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Lunch, dinner and soup specials; Curbside pickup and local delivery.
Market Street Bar & Grill 223 West Market St., Scranton 570-507-9560 www.facebook.com/marketstreetbarandgrill Sunday & Monday, 4-8 p.m. & Tuesday-Saturday, 12-8 p.m. McGraths Pub & Eatery 112 E Main St., Scranton 570-563-2668 See Facebook
Open For Take-Out Sunday-Wednesday, 3-8 p.m./Thursday.-Saturday., Noon-8 p.m. Mendicino’s Pizza & Family Restaurant Shoprite Complex, Covington Twp. 570-842-2070 www.mendicinospizza.com Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Full menu Daily lunch and dinner specials; Curbside delivery. PAZZO Restaurant 2011 Highway 315, Pittston 570-602-4400 www.pazzo315.com Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 4-7 p.m. Pettinato’s Restaurant 78 Dundaff St., Carbondale 570-282-5860 Monday- Saturday 4-8 p.m. & Sunday, 4-6 p.m. Menu available on Facebook Offering full family meals for four, $40-45 POSH @ The Scranton Club and The Colonnade 404 North Washington Avenue 570-342-6112 POSHScranton.com POSH - Thursday-Saturday, 4-8 p.m. Curbside pickup and delivery; Mother’s Day POSH @ The Scranton Club and The Colonnade will be offering curbside pick-up and delivery for Mother’s Day Dinner Sunday, May 10, noon-2 p.m. Russell’s 1918 Ash St., Scranton 570-961-8949 Wednesday – Saturday, 3-9 p.m.
Pick-up and delivery. Menu with specials posted on Facebook and Instagram. Savory Maza 200 N. Main St., Scranton 570-342-2500 savorymaza.com Monday – Thursday, 11 a.m. 7 p.m., Friday & Saturday 11a.m. - 8 p.m., menu on website, some items might not be available. Sacco’s Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant 208 Meadow Ave., Scranton 570-342-2500 Saccositalian.com Seven days, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sibio’s Restaurant 1240 Quincy Ave., Dunmore 570-346-3172/570-961-9274 Sibiosrestaurant.com Tuesday - Saturday 4 -8:30 p.m. Limited menu selection, see condensed menu on Facebook HappeningsPA.com
The Garden Mediterranean Restaurant 116 N Washington Ave., Scranton 570-299-1723 www.thegardenscranton.com Tuesday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. (Starting April 21) Family specials The Gem and Keystone Brewpub 526 River Rd, Shawnee on Delaware 570-424-0990 https://www.shawneeinn.com/ on-site-dining/gem-and-keystonebrewpub/ Thursday - Sunday, 3:30-7:30 p.m. (Hours may change- call to confirm) Villa Maria 1610 Washburn St., Scranton 570-347-8010 https://oneway2fun.com/listing/ villa-maria-restaurant/ Seven days, noon-10 p.m. Free dinner for children in need 3-6 p.m., Monday - Friday $9 grab and go menu, noon-9 p.m. Sunday - Saturday Reference Facebook for menu
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