Saluting Our Service Men

SALUTE TO WESLEY VILLAGE VETERANS To be of Service

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Donald Williams

Around this time 70 years ago, Donald Williams was serving in a medical detachment in an Army Medical Corps battalion in Korea as a combat medic after completing his basic training in Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

On May 16, 1952, Williams received a message from Army headquarters that he was awarded the Silver Star. This was the message: “Corporal Williams, acting as a medical aid man of a 155 mm self-propelled gun of an artillery battery, distinguished himself by gallantry in action against an armed enemy in the vicinity of Hill 882, Korea. On April 9, 1952, while firing on enemy positions, the gun and crew were subjected to an intense army artillery and mortar barrage. An enemy mortar shell scored a direct hit on the selfpropelled gun, killing one man and wounding eight others. The impact of the burst knocked Corporal Williams to the ground, and although suffering excruciating pain from shell fragments received in the hands and thigh, he immediately regained his feet and commenced administering aid to the wounded men. While he was in this exposed position, the enemy continued their intense barrage. However, at great risk to his life, he refused to leave his post until he had completed treatment of the wounded and was assured they had been evacuated to safety.” He had already been awarded the Purple Heart on April 17 for wounds received in action. Williams consoles himself with the fact that he saved six people but is saddened by the loss of two. “The shell went off in the body of the tank,” he said. Donald was discharged from the hospital on Dec. 12, 1952. Two weeks later he turned 20 years old. After his injuries healed he was “active” for one and a half years and then served in the National Guard, 109th Field Artillery for six years. He was also nominated for the Medal of Honor for his service.

When he came home he went to trade school in Ohio and worked as a fitter welder for 41 years at

Air Products and Chemicals in

Hanover Township.

The Williams family suffered a tragedy seven years ago. Christopher Daniel, their grandson who had served in Iraq and was attending college at Bloomsburg University, was on his way home to Wilkes-Barre at Christmastime when he hit black ice and died in the crash. Donald planted a blue spruce tree in memory of his grandson outside his window at United Methodist Home where he and his wife, Elizabeth, live. He lights the tree every evening from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Donald and Elizabeth have been married for 65 years. At 88 years old, his simple recipe for a long marriage is eloquent: ``I loved her then and I love her now. She is the best thing for me.” They have six children, three boys and three girls, 18 grandchildren and 16 greatgrandchildren. In his younger years, Williams was a boy scout and volunteered as a scoutmaster for 60 years. He said he is proud of his time in the military and his motto is “To be of service.” His advice to servicemen: “I wish them well.” Happenings thanks Donald Williams for his service. H

–Christine Fanning

William Henry “Hank” Cordy

William Henry Cordy,

better known as Hank, was 19 years old when he was drafted into the army and served in the 1st Infantry Division — Big Red 1. He became a sergeant during the years he served: Sept. 1, 1939 to Sept. 2, 1945.

He was in Germany during the Battle of Hurtgen Forest when he was hit in the back of the head with shrapnel from an artillery shell. “I was in a Jeep taking ammunition to the front line,” he said. “A few soldiers found me and took me to the first aid tent in Germany and then I was flown to a hospital in Paris for several weeks. It was around New Years time. I was sent back to the front line and I fought during the Battle of the Bulge. Not long after that, the war ended,” he said, and Hank was awarded the Purple Heart. Other locations he served in were North Africa, “I was on the beach when the first shot was fired”; Sicily; and France on Normandy Beach. He describes today’s military as “rough, very rough,” and important lessons from his time in the trenches as “lay low and have faith.” For those considering enlisting, he says “think twice.” But the most rewarding aspect of his service was traveling and meeting all the people he became friends with. “In Africa, I was standing beside General Teddy Roosevelt’s (Junior) Jeep when the first shot was fired. He was the greatest soldier I ever met.” H

For more information, call 570-655-2891

Enjoy the Retirement Enjoy the Retirement You’ve Always Dreamed of You’ve Always Dreamed of

Wesley Village Campus offers seniors a safe and secure community where they can thrive. Enjoy an active lifestyle with support based on your individual needs, so you can enjoy every moment! Experience maintenance-free, worry-free living and a wide variety of daily programs, social activities, and amenities!

Independent Living Personal Care Short-Term Rehabilitation Skilled Nursing Memory Care

UnitedMethodistHomes.org 209 Roberts Road, Pittston, PA

Homes for Heroes

Throughout the year we

are so grateful for the many men and women who have served and who are currently serving in the military to protect our country. They are our dads, moms, sisters, brothers and coworkers, and many others who were and are a valuable part of our everyday lives and communities. We want them to know that we appreciate all that they do for us.

Each year, PNC, and the Military Warrior Support Foundation join forces to donate a mortgage-free home to a wounded hero through the foundation’s Homes4WoundedHeroes program. PNC has donated homes to deserving veterans in Chicago, Pittsburgh, Atlanta, Eastern Carolinas, Philadelphia and most recently, in Northeast Pennsylvania. PNC first became involved in the program in 2013 after witnessing the tremendous and life-changing impact that a home donation can prove to a veteran. This is our way of giving back to honor a member of our armed service, who became injured while serving in defense of our country. Through Homes4WoundedHeroes home donation program, we award move-in ready, mortgage-free homes to combat wounded veterans and Gold Star spouses of heroes who have fallen in combat. In addition to the home, each family receives three years of family and financial mentoring so that they may learn the skills necessary to become happy and successful homeowners. This program not only changes our families, but it also changes the lives of the generations that follow.

The home donation is a part of PNC’s commitment to the veterans community and complements our long history of attracting and retaining military veterans, guardspeople and reservists by creating a welcoming culture and environment. Additionally, our values of performance, respect, teamwork and integrity all play an important role in our diverse and inclusive workplace at PNC and aligns with many of the values held by our veterans. On November 10, 2020, we awarded a mortgage-free home in Scranton to a veteran and his family and to see the joy in their eyes and the smiles on their faces made me feel proud that I work for a company that supports local initiatives, communities and our veterans. It was great to welcome a new military family to our community and to know that the family will enjoy their new home for many years to come. Happy Veteran’s Day and thank you, each and every day, for your service!

Pete Danchak PNC Bank Regional President, Northeast PA H

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COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATIONS

201 Smallacombe Drive • Scranton, Pennsylvania

November 6, 2021 – December 11, 2021

“George Catlin – North American Indian Portfolio,” will feature 31 hand-colored prints by American Artist and Author, George Catlin.

Born in Wilkes-Barre, PA, his paintings of Native American scenes have become an invaluable record of Native American culture in the 19th century. A Gallery Talk will take place on Wednesday, November 17, at 3 p.m. Visit www.marywood.edu/ galleries, or call (570) 348-6278.

In the midst of tragedy lies creativity

SugarBabies was co-

founded by Janan Loomis and her daughter, Leah, when Leah was 4 years old. Leah had been diagnosed with juvenile diabetes at 3, and a year later she and her mom began crafting bracelets which they would sell to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). At first, Leah wanted to make med alert bracelets but her mom made her understand that the beaded sort were more saleable.

Leah’s juvenile diabetes symptoms began about 6 months before her diagnosis, Janan said. “The signs and symptoms of juvenile diabetes can be insidious and confusing. I am a (National Committee on Certification of Physician Assistants) NCCPA -board certified and Pennsylvania State Licensed Physician Assistant now and was at the time Leah was diagnosed. Still, even with a strong background in medicine, Leah’s symptoms of juvenile Type 1 diabetes or T1D were easily misunderstood. What 3-year-old child isn’t really tired after playing in the sun and pool all day? It was a hot summer so her thirst was not alarming. Nor was her excessive urination, considering her increased fluid intake. Her hunger just appeared to be the great appetite of ‘my good little eater.’ And although Leah’s physical development had started to level off on standardized growth scales, her pediatrician was not alarmed. Leah was otherwise a healthy, thriving little girl with above average cognitive development. It really wasn’t until she began wetting the bed after being toilet trained for more than a year, that I became significantly concerned. An unscheduled doctor’s appointment sadly confirmed my concerns. Leah was diagnosed with T1D nearly 6 months after the appearance of her first symptoms.”

“Initially, Leah displayed excessive thirst and urination, tiredness, increased hunger and poor weight gain. She was treated with injectable insulin twice a day, along with scheduled dietary carbohydrate intake. Around 10 years old, Leah qualified for an insulin pump, which was a new and exciting treatment concept for juvenile diabetics. Although insulin pump therapy made living with Type 1 Diabetes much more convenient and provided considerably better control of blood sugars for most children and young adults, this was not necessarily true for Leah. She struggled with insulin catheter-site pain, irritation and infections and significant episodes of severe low blood glucose. Overall, insulin pump therapy did not provide her with significant improvement of her disease. Still, we all agreed, it was better than going back to painful twice daily injections that required a scheduled and planned meal at the same time each day.” As she grew, Leah became a member of the JDRF Eastern Pennsylvania Volunteer Committee and gave many volunteer hours to the JDRF One Walk which enables research, advocacy and funding in support of the more than 1.6 million Americans living with T1D -including Leah’s brother, Derek, who was diagnosed with T1D at 10 years old. Sadly, Leah died at 17, in 2017, in a tragic boating accident. Janan has continued SugarBabies

in memory of her daughter and her daughter’s efforts to support JDRF to find a cure for her brother and all children with T1D.

“After Leah’s death, I had a hard time coping. I always considered crafting therapeutic for anxiety and stress. My beloved friends and family began coming to my house to craft with me as a form of distraction from my pain. I have since called them my ‘crafty distractions’ and have created a new line of homemade crafts in their honor.”

Janan also was introduced to the practice and philosophy of the Yoga Life. “Guided by my amazing teacher and friend, Doreen Coleman of White Lotus Yoga Studio in Carbondale, I learned how to start to rebuild a healthier mind, body and spirit.” No doubt, Janan’s medical background and ability to transcend her pain helped her and Eva Grace, her second grandchild who was born with frequent episodes of dry skin and eczema or atopic dermatitis. Janan created Nema’s Baby Care for babies, children and adults, with Eva Grace in mind. Nema’s Baby Care products are made with organic, all-natural ingredients, are PABA free, have no harsh chemical preservatives, perfumes or sulfates and are fortified with Vitamin E which acts as an antioxidant to help protect skin against cell damage. Janan has been married to Joe Loomis, her high school sweetheart, for more than 37 years. They live in Carbondale Township and have three surviving sons, Daryl, Drew and Derek and three “amazing” grandchildren Dylan, 11, Eva Grace, 6 and Macie, 4.

SugarBabies product line has changed from bracelets into organic skin care and bath goodies. “We are so excited to announce the opening of our first brick and mortar storefront located just inside the River View Winery, Jermyn.” H –Christine Fanning

SugarBabies LTD Janan Loomis, Co-Founder

Gift Baskets Organic adult & baby skin and bath care Handcrafted yoga jewelry & more! Supports the JDRF to find a cure for Juvenile diabetes! SugarBabiesltd.com 570-267-8915

Order through Etsy Shop or website • Storefront inside The RiverView Winery • 410 Washington • Jermyn, PA

The Gift of Dance

BALLET THEATRE OF SCRANTON’S THENUTCRACKER

Ballet Theatre of Scranton

will present its 46th annual performances of The Nutcracker at the Theater at North on new dates this year! Kick off the holiday season with this traditional gift to

the community. Free public performances will be held on Nov 26, 27 and 28 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 pm. Free tickets are required in advance by visiting thetheateratnorth.com. Tickets are available after November 10, 2021. Additionally, watch the 2020 professionally filmed production on local FOX affiliates from Dec 23-26. Check local listings. Call 570-347-2867 or visit www.balletscranton.org. H

Selena Knowlton

Celia Eagen

Alyssa Shonk (right) will perform the role of Clara for three performances. Celia Eagen, above right, a trainee with Philadelphia Ballet, will perform the other three. Selena Knowlton, above left, a trainee at Charlotte Ballet, will perform six performances as the Sugarplum Fairy. She will dance in Charlotte Ballet’s production as well.

Group photo: Seated Alyssa Shonk; Kneeling L to R: Maeve Kennedy, Carly Hopkins, Maura Gallagher Standing L to R: Elizabeth Schneider, Gracie Marriotti, Amelia Ingargiola, Maria Wetzel, Kayla Bickauskas, Biance Talarico, Katie Carpenter, Laura Durkin; Back center: Brennan Connor

NEW DATES FOR 2021

K KCI off the Holiday Season with This Tradition!

www.balletscranton.org 570-347-0208

Nov. 26, 27 and 28 at 2 and 7:30 p.m. at the Theater at North

A Gift to the Community FREE OF CHARGE

Joanne Arduino • Artistic Director

'Mo'R Tennis Sports and Fitness for Life'

M

o Koregaokar was introduced to tennis in Bombay, India at 3 years old by his father and brother, both of whom were tennis professionals. Besides tennis, he played cricket, table tennis and soccer.

"Playing one sport so I could be a professional was never the goal," he said. “Playing multiple sports developed early eye-hand coordination and other subtle motor skills that helped in later athletic development. Playing on various competitive teams nurtured skills and team management that one does not learn playing individual sports.” By 5, Mo was competing in tennis and the other sports. By 8 he was competing in tennis at the national level and by 12 he was already training to compete at the international level. “By 16, I was actively traveling on national teams, and the awareness and exposure needed to play tennis professionally and to do this for a living was starting to be a reality. I had decided to turn professional and to continue my education online and through home school. I played extensively around the globe with the singular goal to be the best and to play with the best. It was evident that to be the best athlete, you have to end up in the best playground for athletes, which brought me to America. Florida in the 80s and 90s was still the best training ground for high level tennis. South Florida was the breeding ground for great coaches and academies where players could train 50-hours a week,

year ’round to hone their skills.” Unfortunately, in 1989, Mo was injured and faced surgery and rehabilitation that would eventually end competition but introduced him to the world of coaching. “In 1990, surrounded by great athletes and what at first was a part-time coaching gig to pay the bills and buy time to get back to competing turned into a full time personal coaching career at some of the best academies in the "It was evident that to world. be the best athlete, you I worked as head pro at Rick have to end up in the Macci Tennis Academy where I worked closely with U.S. Open best playground for champion and Hall of Fame athletes, which brought player Andy Roddick as well as me to America." multiple Grand Slam winners Serena and Venus Williams. I also worked at the Chris Evert Tennis Academy which was one of the leading centers for high performance tennis.” Mo found his time playing and coaching tennis an invaluable experience but he began looking at the next step: owning a sports academy. He took a coaching position at the Pocono Wellness Sports Center (PWSC) in East Stroudsburg to build his own tennis program. Here he was introduced to the uniqueness of a club, where he needed only one court to train players of any age and skill but needed the infrastructure of an allinclusive health and conditioning center to develop the talents of growing athletes. The PWSC provided wellness, health and rehab services to the community in addition to a tennis and racquetball membership for local players, year ’round

and through all seasons. In the course of the next 15 years, Mo developed his business plan and brand at various clubs in a 50-mile radius.

“With my wife, life and business partner, Bonnie, we developed a unique sports management company that would provide specific services to hotels, resorts and country clubs. We have also provided consulting and management

services to various clubs and businesses in the sports, health and wellness industries in various countries in the world.

When PWSC owners Kevin and Julie Boorse retired after building a very successful business and serving Monroe County and Northeast Pennsylvania’s community for 25 years, it was a challenge for Bonnie and me to fill their shoes and to continue the service that they had to the community. We were honored to undertake the ownership and to continue the journey. We continue to provide health and fitness services to the community.” The Koregaokars, through their enterprise, Mo’R Tennis, Fitness and Sports, have added a multisport court for basketball, indoor baseball and softball instruction, Peloton Loft, racquetball court and state-of-the-art tennis courts with tennis instruction for avid tennis enthusiasts from beginner to recreational and competitive levels.

“We are proud of our co-workers, certified coaches, fitness professionals and instructors, coaches and leaders. To boast our member accomplishments we’d like to mention the USTA Adult League Sectional /

National Champions, High School District and State Champions, National and NCAA Collegiate Scholarship recipients, Semipro and ATP WTA professionals as well as recreational weekend warriors who aspire to improve their game on a daily basis.” Mo and Bonnie have two daughters who played tennis, one at a high level. One is a writer for Emory University and the other played Division 1 tennis as the captain of her team. She is now a doctor of physical therapy in Pittsburgh. “Our mission and goal at Mo’R Tennis remains to provide all athletes, regardless of age and ability, an infrastructure of opportunity to lead a long and healthy active life.” H

Mo Koregaokar with his dad, Ramchandra “Kory” Koregaokar Mo, on right with his dad, Ramchandra "Kory" Koregaokar and brother Shailesh.

Who is the cutest of them all?

Elroy

Elroy loves to make people smile, he is such a happy dog, says the Sponenbeeg family. He loves his cat “brother,” Sealy Boots.

Jack

Jack is the sweetest, funniest boy. He loves to sleep, play with his toys and act crazy, says the Cirelli family.

Lilly

The Mead family says Lilly LOVES to go to work with her dad at his landscaping business. She loves car rides and loves to chase squirrels, rabbits and chipmunks around the yard.

Lily

The Snyder family says Lily loves to go on walks and say hi to all her neighbors and doggie friends. She is from Moosic.

Louie

The Coletti family says Louie is a persnickety, pouncing Persian who likes watching backyard birds and enjoys afternoon siestas.

Mr. Bentley

The Rohaly family says Mr. Bentley

loves to snuggle and play in his ball pit. He is from Clarks Summit.

Vote for your favorite November pet at

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

The votes are in... October’s Pet of the Month is Brody Congratulations!

Natasha

Natasha is a lovable high energy 6month-old who loves to run and play (and eat), says the DiLeo family.

Otis

Goofy, fun cuddly Otis just loves being outdoors! He is a Griffin Pond baby, says

the Sweda family.

Peanut

Peanut loves swimming and chilling by the pool, the Graff family says. Peanut is from Pittston.

Rudy Bear

Rudy Bear loves to go for rides, hike in the woods and bark at anything in his yard, says the Burnett family.

Tayto Zoe

Tayto is a sock stealing, squirrel chasing nut job who steals everyone’s hearts the moment she meets them. She loves riding in the front seat with the window down and her human parents, Jake and

Felicia McMahon.

Zoe loves treats and camping, the Wruble family says. She is from Dupont.

Walk to End Alzheimer’s

The Pines Senior Living recently hosted its

annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s. For the past several years, The Pines Senior Living has organized the walk to help build awareness about

the disease. The parking lot was decorated to the nines and the event included a very full afternoon of events for residents that included a friendly competition to see who could walk/roll/dance the farthest. Manning’s fall flavor ice cream was served to support local businesses, and all supported the Scranton/

Wilkes Barre Alzheimer’s chapter. The residents enjoyed all the horn honks as they recognized those struggling with the disease and their loved ones.

Learn about Evergreen Memory Care at The Pines

Senior Living at 570-587-7709. H