Happenings Magazine October 2021 by Happenings Magazine

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INBOX Dear Happenings, I would like to comment on contributor Christine Fanning. I thoroughly enjoy her articles in Happenings Magazine. I have a former connection to her, as she was one of the nurses who cared for my mother at a local assisted living care facility. (Mom’s name was Ann.) Christine was one of the most helpful people I encountered there, and she always had time to listen to any health concerns, no matter how busy she was. She truly cared about all the residents on a personal level. I am glad to keep reading her articles! –Sincerely, –Grace Driscoll Dear Happenings, I recently moved and thought to myself, oh no, my Happenings! I can not live without it! I enjoy it so much. I need to change my address. –Ellen Eiden –Scranton Dear Happenings, Thank you for posting the article about Father Andy on social media (Rev. Andrew Kurovsky, September 2021). I have been blessed to know Andy since he was a freshman in high school. He and my brother were and are close friends and traveled many of the same roads together. He is considered part of our family and we are blessed to have him! On a side note, he is not only loving and caring, he is also one of the funniest human beings I have ever met. We all love him dearly.

Publisher Art Director Associate Art Director

Paula Rochon Mackarey Lisa Kalaha Ragnacci Peter Salerno

Director of Social Media

Mary Joyce

Contributors

Christine Fanning Ben Freda

Interns

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(570) 878-5009 On the Cover: Looking forward to the return to campus living at our colleges and universities. Published Monthly. Also read at HappeningsPA.com ©2021 HAPPENINGS MAGAZINE All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any process except with written permission.

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–Noreen Delaney Lyles –Clearwater, Florida Dear Happenings, I loved seeing the article about Maddie Casey (September 2021) as I flipped through my hard copy of Happenings Magazine over coffee yesterday morning! Such a great article. So proud of her. –Karen Bianchi –Moscow, PA

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contents OCTOBER 2021

October 2021

Campus Tours

Meet the College Students

Marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Stay Safe at the Lake

Halloween Kiddos

HappeningsPA.com

sunday

monday

tuesday

october

wednesday

thursday

friday

saturday

World Smile Day

Penn’s Peak Roots & Boots Tour

Penn’s Peak YYNOT Premier Rush Tour

Walk in Penn’s Woods

Everhart Museum Honors

Dietrich Theatre Fall Film Festival 8/8-8/28

SCDA Fall Festival Susquehanna County

Rod Iron Freedom Festival 8/8-8/10

Lumberjack Festival, Forksville Fairground

Columbus Day/ National Indigenous People Savings Day Day

Conference 15 on DisabilityTrace Adkins at University of Penn’s Peak Scranton (virtual)

16 Neil Diamond celebrations Theatre at North Sweetest Day

National Seafood Day

National Apple Pie Day

Penn's Peak Last in Line w/ Special Guest Lynch Mob

Deep Roots Food Truck Festival Fair

Penn's Peak Josh Turner National Bologna Day Josh Turner

The Machine

Penn's Peak The Machine Performs Pink Floyd

Hallowine Festival Wyoming County Fair Penn's Peak Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives

31 Breast Cancer Awareness Month Domestic Violence Awareness Month National Bullying Prevention Month National Seafood Month Down Syndrome Awareness Month

Dear Readers,

very October we get to take our readers onto college campuses throughout the region. I’ve always thought that the best way to get a feel for a particular institution is to hear exactly what the students have to say themselves. What are they really thinking and feeling about their experience? What do they like most about their selected school? What advice would they offer to younger, high school kids based on their own transition to college? Since there are so many aspects to a great college life experience, having in-person classes and returning to campus living is something that brings back a whole set of positive benefits. I’m excited for all the college kids to make great memories this year as they are transformed into informed and responsible young adults who we hope will make great contributions to society. This year in particular, I have a bird’s eye view into the college life. My niece Lily, a college sophomore, is living with our family, so I get daily insight as to what it is like to be a student in 2021. It’s also a great way for my daughter, Madeleine, an 8th grader, to see what she can look forward to.

This year we invited our college partners to select a particular building on campus that they wished to feature. We hope you enjoy the tour, and getting to know each of the students featured on the following pages. We wish you a vibrant and beautiful month of October, with lots of walks amidst the beautiful fall foliage. Fondly,

Paula

Paula Mackarey Publisher, 1994-Present uation, 1993 College grad 8

October 2021

Going Back to School, On Campus.

the-art gaming center. Aside from the 30 gaming stations, this hightech facility features additional ultra-modern lighting, chairs, a gaming lounge and equipment.

Clarks Summit University

Clarks Summit University Jackson Hall Clarks Summit University celebrated the 100-year anniversary of Jackson Hall in 2019. The century-old stone building is named after past university president Dr. Paul R. Jackson. The north wing was constructed in 1919 for the Venard Apostolic College known as Maryknoll Junior Seminary. The south wing was completed in 1929. Today, the detailed architecture is the backdrop for library study sessions, faculty offices, classrooms, meeting spaces and the science lab. The bell tower, built in Spanish Romanesque style, stands tall atop Jackson Hall overlooking the scenic campus. This recognizable stone tower has been a symbol of the university since the school moved to the Clarks Summit campus from Johnson City, New York, in 1968. Traditionally, students begin their CSU experience with “Tower Time,” an event with singing and testimonies as worship to God, held at the top level of the tower. Seniors get to bookend their journey with a final “Tower Time” before graduation. Among other

usages, Jackson Hall is also home to the university’s science laboratory where biology majors are frequently found being equipped for a wide range of professions in science and medicine.

Marywood University New Esports Center is the premier esports facility in Northeastern Pennsylvania that provides a powerful experience for those competing and for visiting students. This 2,000 square foot center, located within Marywood’s Nazareth Student Center, blends function and practicality into an exciting, state-of-

With the esports industry continuing to explode throughout the country, Marywood is one of a select number of universities across the nation to offer a competitive esports program. Also known as electronic sports, esports is organized, competitive video gaming. Marywood launched its esports program at the start of the Fall 2021 semester under the direction of Paul Capoccia, a Marywood graduate. Paul’s love of esports and his extensive expertise in the field, including functioning as a player, coach, administrator, manager, tournament organizer, caster, producer, observer, social media/ marketing director, event lead, collegiate consultant, content creator, curriculum creator and coordinator, and more, were vital to the design of the new Esports Center, which incorporates function at its highest level and also features an energizing environment where students can interact and be supported.

Marywood University

nized so eloquently by Freddie Pettit, VP for Institutional Advancement: “This is one of the most important academic buildings in our history, and of the most important to our future.”

East Stroudsburg University Science and Technology Center ESU’s Warren E. ’55 and Sandra Hoeffner Science and Technology Center, which opened in August 2008, is home to the Schisler Museum of Wildlife & Natural History and McMunn Planetarium, which offer programs and events to thousands of visitors each year. The Museum and Planetarium provide opportunities for people of all ages with a passion for exploration, including ESU students, prospective students and their families, to reach for the stars and discover nature’s wonders. The Science and Technology Center includes an observatory, teaching laboratories, research laboratories, a 200seat auditorium, classrooms and offices, and allows ESU students and faculty to conduct research, offers sophisticated teaching environments that utilize innova-

This endeavor was made possible by the generosity of the Mulligan family, Eileen and William. It was their wish to contribute an impactful gift at just the time King’s was East Stroudsburg University answering the call to bring more engineers into the workforce. tive educational methodologies and technologies, creates opporKing’s College invites high school tunities for faculty development, students to experience and tour and helps recruit, retain, and this innovative facility. On tour, enhance collaborative research visitors will see everything from across disciplines and with partlabs for hydraulics and fluid ners from outside the university. mechanics to charming fireThe facility houses academic places and classrooms with programs in biology, chemistry, exceptional technology. computer science and security, mathematics and physics. Wilkes University

King’s College Mulligan Engineering Center King’s College is celebrating the second year of a special renovation made to The Spring Brook Water Supply Co. on Franklin Street. The building is over 100 years old and is taking on a new life. It hosts student engineers and faculty, but also represents an encompassing destination of learning. The King’s College Mulligan Engineering Center was recog-

King’s College

Karambelas Media and Communication Center The Karambelas Media and Communication Center is home to Wilkes University’s communication studies program. The 14,000-square-foot facility consolidates all communication studies and activities into one modern facility and includes offices and workrooms for the student organizations, as well as state-of-the-art television and radio studios, an audio room, a video editing room, faculty offices and classrooms. It also brings the various communication studies co-curricular activities under one roof, so that students can participate in Wilkes Now Television, The Beacon student newspaper, the student-run public relations agency Zebra Communications and the speech and debate team. The student-run radio station, WCLH, broadcasts live onto S. Main St. in downtown Wilkes-Barre.

October 2021

Wilkes University

Wilkes University’s communication studies major in four concentrations: media production, multimedia journalism, rhetorical studies or strategic communication. Dedicated in 2017, the building is named in honor of Clayton and Theresa Karambelas, who made one of the largest gifts in Wilkes history to support the project. It shares space with the 7,000-square-foot Sordoni Art Gallery which enriches the arts for students, faculty and staff while contributing to cultural life in the local community.

The University of Scranton Science Labs Biology, chemistry, molecular biology, kinesiology, nursing, biomechanics, physics, human physiology – or the even the newest lab space on campus for mechanical engineering – the science labs at The University of Scranton are world class – and have been

square-foot, four-story facility incorporates innovative science teaching techniques into a dynamic, modern design that includes inviting spaces for student/faculty collaboration, visible glass-walled laboratories and the efficiencies of using shared instrumentation. The University’s $47.5 million, eight story Leahy Hall, dedicated in 2015, has 25 state-ofthe-art laboratories for the undergraduate and graduate departments of exercise science, occupational therapy and physical therapy. The building is designed to facilitate research, expand servicelearning projects, and put the best simulation environments, appliedscience laboratories, equipment and technology directly in the hands of students and faculty.

nationally recognized for years. The Princeton Review has included Scranton in its listing of the nation’s “Best Science Lab Facilities” for six consecutive years in its Best Colleges guidebook. The ranking, which placed Scranton at No. 8 in the nation in the 2021 edition, is based entirely on surveys of students at colleges selected by The Princeton Review for inclusion in its guidebook. The Loyola Science Center serves Misericordia University as the home for all the natuMisericordia University ral sciences research and instruction at The University Frank M. and Dorothea Henry of Scranton. The nearly 150,000Science Center

This building is the largest academic building on the more than 124-acre Dallas campus. The Center features a deliberate mix of classroom space, technology, and teaching and research laboratories. The design of the Henry Science Center puts science clearly on display while meeting the demands of the 21st-century model of learner-based and discovery-based teaching, which requires a mix of modern laboratories, technologies and learning

The University of Scranton

struction or renovation project, the Engineering Building features energy-efficient systems such as natural gas for the building automation system (BAS), occupancy sensors to adjust temperature outputs, and LED lighting with motion sensors.

Keystone College The Commons

Penn State Scranton

spaces. A two-story glass curtainwall on the north façade of the new wing permits views from the center of campus into the new teaching labs. Generous amounts of glass in the Henry Science Center Commons provide abundant daylight and views from the second-floor entryway through to the science courtyard. The Center’s design provides dedicated laboratories and workspaces for specific areas of inquiry, including a small mammal vivarium, aquatic/invertebrate vivarium, electronics/computer lab and 10 new teaching labs in biology, chemistry and physics. An organic chemistry lab is adjacent to the learning center dedicated to the 300mHz nuclear magnetic resonance instrument. A cold room enables advanced molecular experiments, while a cadaver suite, complete with an integrated control room, Anatomage room, and laboratory and preparatory space, expands learning opportunities for students.

touches to the labs are being completed. In addition to the Mechanical Engineering program, it now houses the Center for Business Development and Community Outreach and the Police and Public Safety office. The use of space in the Engineering Building was designed to be both efficient and aesthetically pleasing, including state-of-the-art, handson engineering labs where faculty and students will work together on real-life projects. There will be a fabrication or ‘maker’ space where students can work with local companies, helping them develop possible new products. Unique features will include study rooms, or ‘pods,’ where students can break out for individual or group study work. Like any other University con-

From the day it opened its doors in 2020, the purpose of the Keystone College Commons has been to serve both the college and the local community. Today, it’s abundantly clear that its mission is being accomplished. Located in the heart of Keystone’s campus in La Plume, the The Commons includes a Steak ‘n Shake Restaurant, the Keystone Eatery & Market, the Keystone Fitness Center and the Penn East Federal Credit Union, all of which are open to students, faculty, and staff, and the general public. The Steak ‘n Shake and the Eatery & Market, are partnerships between Keystone and Sodexo, the international company which manages Keystone’s dining services. Keystone Fitness and the Penn East Federal Credit Union are independently owned and open to the public. While the initial creative concept of the new center was to provide a variety of student recreation and dining experiences to students, that idea soon expanded to include serving residents of Wyoming and

Penn State Scranton Engineering Building Purchased by the campus in 2018, the building, formerly the Grainger industrial supply facility, has undergone a nearly $9 million renovation to become the campus Engineering Building. While the main construction and renovations have been completed, finishing 12

Keystone College HappeningsPA.com

October 2021

Lackawanna College

Lackawanna counties alike. The past few months have seen its popularity increase even more. Sodexo Operations Manager Eric Shotto reports a significant sales increase for the Steak ‘n Shake and the Eatery and Market. The new complex is a great example of a college facility that serves an entire local community.

Lackawanna College Venture Lab Venture Lab helps dreams come true for enterprising students and hopeful small business entrepreneurs in the community. New businesses can be launched at home in Northeast Pennsylvania with the assistance of the Venture Lab which offers professional services, innovative programs and industry connections within a supportive peer-to-peer learning environment. The Venture Lab specializes in disadvantaged entrepreneurs -- entrepreneurs who lack adequate access to capital or other resources -- by creating microenterprises and applying a lean startup approach. Microenterprises are very small-scale businesses that often provide vital sources of supplemental self-employment income for individuals and families. The lean startup approach is a set of principles, models and concepts that accelerate new business launches using an iterative (repetitive) feedback learn-

ing loop. Disadvantaged entrepreneurs can leverage this lean approach for microenterprise creation to overcome many of the traditional barriers to starting a business, such as a scarcity of startup capital. Venture Lab services include co-working space, a fabrication center, Microsoft® teams, advisors and mentors, professional services, events and the Titan Startup Challenge: Business Launch Competition.

Luzerne County Community College Technology Center LCCC’s Technology Center houses the area’s most technologicallydeveloped communications department equipped with a full television studio, radio station, audio recording studio, radio and television production/editing suites, computer graphics labs

and more. The commercial art area also holds a full size photo studio, darkroom, digital editing equipment, art/sculpting studio and digital design multimedia labs. The Communications Arts wing of the Technology Center is home to degrees in Audio/Video Communications, Digital Marketing, Digital Media Design, Fine Arts, Integrated Media & Design, Music Recording Technology and Photography. The Center also houses engineering and manufacturing technology labs including automotive bays, diesel technology equipment, manufacturing process, robotics, welding, engineering, 3-D printing, and computer drafting. Degree programs offered in the applied technical field include: Architectural Engineering Technology, Automotive Technology, Computer Systems and Security Technology, Computerized Numerical Control Technology, Diesel Truck Technology, Electronics Engineering Technology, Electronics Engineering Technology Dual Track Automated Systems/ Robotics, Engineering Design & Manufacturing, Industrial Maintenance, Mechatronics, Nanofabrication Manufacturing Technology - Electronics Track/ Science Track, Sustainable Energy Technology and Welding. H

Luzerne County Community College October 2021

Majors that Make a Difference Sara Abdo Misericordia University Senior Biology Major, Minoring in Chemistry and Mathematics How this major fits me: My biology major is preparing me for medical school. This major is competitive and challenging; it gives me the knowledge to understand what is going on around me every day. My favorite parts of biology are cellular, molecular biology and genetics. It is really interesting to see how only four different bases determine what we look like and if we are healthy or not. It is intriguing how we can identify and treat a disease by just looking at the sequence of four bases. Parents: Samir Abdo and Nesrin Dahdal Siblings: Mansour, Siwar and Silin Abdo High School: Almaouneh High School and Alfajer High School, Damascus, Syria Dallas High School, Dallas, Pennsylvania College activities: President of Biology Club; President of AMSA (American Medical Student Association) Club;

Vice President of Beta Beta Beta; math club; multicultural club; tutor for biology, chemistry and math courses; teaching assistant for biology and chemistry labs Proudest life moment: I am proud of who I am at this moment. I went through so much to get to who I am today, from living in the war in Syria, to moving to a new country with new traditions, language and a whole different life. Proudest school career moment: Being able to use the CRISPR/Cas9 protein in my research to understand the function of a cancercausing gene. Advice for high school students: Get to know a wide range of people; set high personal and academic standards for yourself. I’d like to make my mark on the world by... I would like to find treatments for many diseases with a great research team. Favorite quote: “Be the change that you want to see in the world.” Post graduation plans: Work in research labs to get more research experience and get an MD/PhD degree. Continued on page 16

College myth: “As a biology student, you won’t have free time at all.” That was wrong. As a biology student, I do have a lot of work, but I manage my time, I have time to do a lot of activities, and I have fun with friends.

are preferring to work from home. Many students are securing virtual internships and virtual jobs with the same amount of payment. I also think that colleges may become more competitive by offering more lower-cost online degrees. How does Misericordia help facilitate a strong relationship-building experience? Having small classes and great relationships with the wonderful faculty and staff makes it a lot easier to make friends and get close to everyone. Everyone at Misericordia is so welcoming. I still remember my first day there when I did not speak a word in English, everyone was really nice and wanted to help as much as they could.

Biggest challenge as a college student: My biggest challenge was being able to learn English in one year. I am still struggling a little bit, but I am doing so much better than before; I didn't even know the letters. Three words that describe me: Motivated, curious, patient. Difference between my parents’ generation and mine: We have many more fields to choose from now. The percentage of people in higher education is so much greater in my generation. Education became a lot cheaper, and online learning has made it accessible to more people. People may be surprised to know: I have a degree in music, and I am a professional guitar player. I am Syrian; I moved to the United States four years ago. Permanent educational changes I foresee as the result of the pandemic: I prefer having in-person classes, but I can tell that the majority of students are preferring online classes; even some staff 16

Proudest school career moment: I received the Exceptional Leadership in Athletics award, which is presented to a student who demonstrates dedication to athletics, outstanding leadership skills and strong academic achievement with a well-rounded character. Advice for high school students: Do not take things too seriously. Starting college might seem like you have to fully become an adult and transition to being fully dependent on yourself and really cut out the silly things in life. But what you should do is continue to have fun and just enjoy your life. Favorite aspect of Marywood: Every student, faculty and staff member you meet is so kind and welcoming and it really makes Marywood feel like a place I can genuinely call home.

Noah Schock Marywood University

I’d like to make my mark on the world by: I want to make a difference in the way the earth and the life on earth is treated. I want to do research on plants and animals and work to reduce the natural life death rates around the world.

Major: Environmental Science; Minor: Astronomy

Favorite quote: “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

How this major fits me: I have always loved the environment, plants and animals. I chose to pursue my passion and make my life revolve around the thing I love most.

Post-graduation plans: Secure a job as a zoologist, study all sorts of animals, help preserve their life and focus on reducing the extinction rate of varying species.

Parents: Tanya and Nate Schock Sibling: Ethan Schock

College myth: “College professors are very strict and won’t help you work through things.” The truth is that my professors are the nicest people I know and drop everything to be there to help out however they can.

High school: Southern Lehigh High School College activities: Cross country, track and field, eSports, new student orientation, SGA (Student Government Association), MAC (Marywood Activities Council) Proudest life moment: This summer I executed a successful orientation program as co-chair. Applying for the position was a huge step. Putting myself out there, and accepting the responsibility for such an important event was daunting. Knowing it could succeed or fail under my watch had me worried. However, in the end, it turned out to be the most successful orientation experience I have ever been a part of and now I can proudly say I was one of the people in charge of making it happen.

Biggest challenge as a college student: Time management. College is very different from the structured high school environment with looser class schedules and more independence. Getting involved in clubs and sports can add to that challenge, but once you get it figured out and organize yourself it is very easy to manage. Three words that describe me: Organized, Motivational and Inspiring Biggest difference between my parents’ generation and mine: Technological advancement. The use of computers and phones and searching for information on the internet has increased. The amount of information at our fingertips has changed the way school works now. Continued on next page 17

People may be surprised to know: I am a very shy and introverted person, and many times I struggle to get up and put myself out in front of people. Most people see the list of things I am involved with and assume I’m just a very outgoing person not really a reserved guy. Permanent educational changes I foresee as the result of the pandemic: The accessibility of school going forward. Online options will become more common and online options will most likely become more popular. How Marywood helps facilitate a strong relationship-building experience: My favorite social aspect of college is just going to get lunch or dinner with people.

It’s the small, simple things that give me the most enjoyment. Simply going to grab food on campus with a few people and just hanging out and talking about literally anything makes my day. Marywood supports this in every way, with plenty of places on campus for students to grab something in between classes. Now that I am a senior however, the new eSports program is another fantastic way for me to be even more social. I have the opportunity to meet new people and gain new friends and to be able to share my passion for eSports with others.

Jillian Mirro Clarks Summit University Major: Communications—Writing How this major fits me: I love to communicate! I love finding new ways to get to know people. Writing has been my oasis since elementary school. As I grew into myself, I found writing as the perfect avenue to encourage others, but also process through my day in ways of journaling. Parents: Jerry and Nancy Mirro; I am an only child. High School: Pittston Area High School College activities: Editor-in-chief and writer for Vantage: CSU’s Digital Literary Magazine; Resident Assistant for Fletcher Hall Proudest life moment: My proudest life moment was the day I launched my blog/brand “S.I.C. Woman” (Secure in Christ). I’ve been wanting to remain consistent in my writings and finally decided to begin a devotional page geared toward encouraging women. After purchasing a logo and printing it on some shirts, I was thrilled to have a logo I could say was my own. Proudest school career moment: Being asked to apply for a resident assistant position and then getting the position in my dorm. I was

hesitant to take on such a big leadership role after having a rough last year, but God was making it clear to me that He would take care of the details if I jumped in. In this position, I have already seen growth in my maturity, community skills and the ability to ask for help when I need it. Advice for high school students: It’s totally fine if you don’t know what career path you want to follow right out of high school! Keep in mind your passions and your strengths as you pick a college path. Sometimes you don’t know until you try. Be sure to ask a lot of questions as you try to find your niche. Favorite aspect of Clarks Summit University: It has the best environment for community living. Living in community with other believers has given me the opportunities to exercise the muscle of compassion, responsibility and discernment. I am constantly surrounded by strong leaders who care for my education and spiritual health. How I’d like to make my mark on the world: I just want to love people and encourage them with the hope of the gospel. Favorite Quote: “Love is never wasted, for its value does not rest upon reciprocity” -C.S. Lewis Post graduation plans: My dream after graduation is to be a published author. While I continue to work through drafts of several books, I would love to work for a publishing company. However, my major is so broad that it could take me anywhere from a writing career to an administration position. Wherever I land, I want to write! College myth: “It’s not as much fun to attend a Christian university.” Continued on page 22

October 2021

Biggest challenge as a college student: I often struggle to balance everything I want to do: social, work, classes and ministry. Three words that describe me: Compassionate. Creative. Disciplined. Difference between my parents’ generation and mine: I’ve noticed how anxious my generation is compared to theirs. People may be surprised to know: I love thrift shopping and going to garage sales with my mom. What permanent educational changes do you foresee as the result of the pandemic?

How does Clarks Summit University help facilitate a strong relationship-building experience? One of the four missions our college hopes to root us in is to live in community. CSU has become my second home. I love the aspect of family with my dorm friends and “dorm parents.” When I was going through a rough season, God used many individuals in this college to console me, and to also speak truth into my life. I love the small traditions throughout the dorm like Rita’s runs, gathering everyone up to walk to the dining hall together and homework parties in the lounges.

Online degrees and more online classes will be offered. Instead of snow days, I see always having the ability to have class without having in-person class.

October 2021

James Nelson Holloway III East Stroudsburg University Major: Integrated Art + Design with Concentration in Industrial Design

lost someone. I would create portraits of them holding a newborn or new member of the family. Showing the lineage in one drawing, that always makes me feel good. Proudest school career moment: My current school situation is the most successful that I have ever been. I am maintaining a job, an internship, a research project and school, all at the same time. Advice for high school students: Engage with your instructors! Your career in the professional world is almost always dictated by the bridges you build, so make connections and never burn bridges. Favorite aspect of ESU: The real-world experience I receive from my professors, whether it be through internships, hiring me to do a commission, or even making their assignments reflect the process of real work. How I’d like to make my mark on the world: I just want to design something that will change someone’s life. I hope to do work in prosthetics and advancing the technology. Favorite quote: “Maximum Effort!” - Wade Wilson

How this major fits me: I have always loved creating art and I am a very practical hands-on person. I want to create beautiful objects that people can use to better their living. Parents: Melody Barnes (mom) and James Holloway (dad) High School: Honesdale High School College activities: Member of the UHP (University Honors Program), President of the Art Association, Resident Advisor for Hemlock Suites, Student Researcher in Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality (AR/VR) Technologies and Lab Technician for the Fine Arts Building Proudest life moment: My mother always said “Pride cometh before the fall,” so I try to be cautious when I use that term, but some of my happiest moments are when I created portraits for families who had recently October 2021

Post graduation plans: My current plan is to pursue an internship with Omnipod, the company that makes my insulin pump (I am a new type 1.5 diabetic that survived Diabetic Ketoaci-dosis (DKA) in May of 2021) in my senior year of college. Hopefully that will get my foot in the door, and my name will be recognized enough to become a User Interface/User Experience (UI/UX) designer for a company working primarily from home. College myth: College can be a lot like high school in that there can be cliques, class clowns and some students who are still finding their motivation. For me, the key has been to realize that, narrow in on the competition and fuel my ambition to work hard and succeed. I like to surround myself with better and more talented artists. It makes me better. Biggest challenge as a college student: Time management. Finding time for work, studies and a social life is hard, and it can be overwhelming.

Continued on next page

People may be surprised to know: When I was younger I had the privilege of living next to a magician. Bob Friedhoffer is the MadMan of Magic, who used to perform science-based magic shows all around the world. We became friends and now I have developed an ability I call Psuedo-Psychictry. Psuedo meaning false and Psychictry meaning the apparent ability to read minds and tell fortunes. What I do is use scientific methods, as well as body language reading to anticipate and infer what I believe a person is thinking in a particular moment. I can also use this ability to advise people on what steps they will make in the future using deductions I make from their past and present. What permanent educational changes do you foresee as the result of the pandemic? With hybrid/virtual classes, snow days are no more! Now we can easily switch to the computer. Also I think antisocial behavior will increase. Unfortunately, we have lost the ability even moreso to interact with each other without a screen in our faces.

Three words that describe me: Eccentric. Dynamic. Polarizing. Difference between my parents’ generation and mine: It would seem that my generation is primarily fueled by narcissism. Everyone wants fame, always taking selfies, posting to social media. My parents were more focused on family and in building that foundation, the individual came second. Work hard to provide for the people you care about. That’s how I try to lead my life. 24

How does your college help facilitate a strong relationship-building experience? My favorite social aspect is probably just relaxing and playing a board or card game with my friends. The school has created a very safe environment here on campus so no matter where you’re hanging out you can have a good time.

October 2021

HappeningsPA.com

Maddie Lewis King’s College Majors: Accounting and Management with a minor in Forensics Accounting How this major fits me: Ever since I was little, I have always loved numbers. Accounting is like solving a puzzle, there are many pieces, and you have to figure out where every piece best fits. Parents: Bill and Mary Ellen Lewis; Brothers (Will and Tommy) and sister (Ann). High school: Holy Redeemer High School Jenkins Township Involvement: Student Government Treasurer, Catholic Relief Services President, Accounting Association Secretary, Student Alumni Association Vice-President, Holy Cross Experience Co-Leader, Admissions Ambassador Proudest life moment: Playing piano at Carnegie Hall twice in the NEPA Music Teachers Association’s Honor Recital Proudest school moment: Being able to experience two internships so far in my college career, with a third one starting this spring in audit for a public accounting firm.

Advice for high school students: Focus on developing time-management skills in high school so it will become a habit for college. Also, I am a big proponent on writing everything down- homework, extracurriculars, work, etc.- to map out your day. Favorite aspect of King’s: I love how everyone is willing to support and help you in all of your interests. The Career Planning office is extremely helpful and encouraging in pursuing careers about which students are passionate. How I would like to leave my mark on the world: I always try to focus on putting other people first and helping those around me. I hope to leave a mark by supporting others and finding the good in every moment. Favorite quote: The author’s note in East of Eden by John Steinbeck reads, “Here’s your box. Nearly everything I have is in it, and it is not full. Pain and excitement are in it and feeling good or bad and evil thoughts and good thoughts… And on top of these are all the gratitude and love I have for you. And still the box is not full.” (shortened) Post graduation plans: I plan to work in public accounting, pursuing the CPA certification and master’s degree in Forensics Accounting. I also plan to work toward a doctorate in Accounting.

October 2021

College myth: “You have to know exactly what you want to do for a career.” When picking a major, it’s very difficult to tell whether or not you are going to like it until you start. I came to King’s as Business Undeclared, and, with the help of professors and friends, I decided to pursue Accounting and Management. Biggest challenge as a college student: Prioritizing what’s most important. With sports, work, academics, and clubs, it’s hard to choose what to focus on first. Time-management is something many students will struggle with when starting out, as there are many things you want to be involved with but not enough hours in the day to do it. Three words that describe me: Focused. Analytical. Vibrant. Biggest difference between my parents’ generation and mine: The way technology has affected the way we do things. People may be surprised to know: I love animals, especially dogs. I have two rescue dogs that have been by my side for the big moments in my life.

October 2021

How the pandemic has affected college education: Online learning has really become something all students have learned to embrace. While we are getting back into having in-person classes, there are new and easier ways of communicating with our peers and professors using virtual components. My favorite social aspect is having the ability to be an important member of the King’s community through involvement and service. We always say King’s has a big campus feel for a small campus size. While we have every club and sport a big campus has, everyone’s voice matters. Building relationships with others is easy to do at King’s because people want to help and see you reach your goals.

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Nick Drago The Pennsylvania State University Scranton Major: Mechanical Engineering How this major fits me: I find it very interesting to learn how different everyday products or mechanisms work and function. Family: Christine Drago (mother), Anthony Drago (brother) High School: Delaware Valley High School College activities: Penn State Scranton Honors Program Proudest life moment: Graduating High School Proudest school career moment: Being accepted into Penn State University

Advice for High School students: Develop a strong work ethic and study habits early on in high school that will benefit you greatly in college. Favorite aspect of Penn State: Small class sizes provide a more personal instructional and learning setting. How I’d like to make my mark on the world: I would like to be remembered as someone who treated others the way that I wanted to be treated. I feel that goes a long way in making the world a more positive place. Favorite quote: “Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.” - Babe Ruth Post graduation plans: I’d like to use my engineering degree to find a job in an engineering firm working on projects that I find interesting and that have the potential to help a local community. College myth: Before I started college, kids would always say that college professors were not friendly or too intimidating to get help from when struggling with a class. I have found that to be completely false. The faculty at Penn State Scranton is extremely friendly and helpful.

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October 2021

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Biggest challenge as a college student: Utilizing free time as productively as possible. Three words that describe me: Observant. Deliberant. Lighthearted Difference between my parents’ generation and mine: I feel my generation is able to adapt to change a lot quicker than previous generations. This is really important in a world that is always changing. People may be surprised to know: I consider myself a very shy person even though I also probably talk too much. What permanent educational changes do you foresee as the result of the pandemic? I foresee online learning to be a more popular route that students can take for college classes. We are more acquainted with using technology to learn online and some students learn better from the comfort of their homes. How does Penn State Scranton help facilitate a strong relationship-building experience? My favorite social aspect of Penn State Scranton is that you become very familiar with other students due to small class sizes. This creates a sense of community amongst other students and nobody feels like a stranger. Any student could join another friend group and fit right in, and I don’t think that happens at many other colleges.

HappeningsPA.com

October 2021

Marissa Emily Angelo The University of Scranton Major: Accounting (participated in combined B.S./MAcc Program)

How this major fits me: I have always loved working with numbers, analyzing situations, paying attention to details and helping others. Accounting is often noted to be the language of business, and its vital role in the functioning of the world is what drew me to the major. Parents: Lisa and Peter Angelo, Sibling: Alicia Angelo High School: Mid Valley High School (Valedictorian) College Activities: I am a member of both the Kania School of Management’s Business Honors Program and the Business Leadership Honors Program. I participate in the University’s four-year combined B.S./MAcc program (I will graduate

with my bachelor’s degree, which only took three years to complete. I will return for my fourth-year to wrap up my master's degree). I am the Vice President for the Kania Student Advisory Board and a junior officer for the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) Student Chapter. I am a member of the Business Club, the Society of Accounting Students, the Kania Women in Business Club and the Omega Beta Sigma honor society. I have been on the Dean’s List all semesters, and I won a scholarship offered through the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB). Proudest life moment: Although I am grateful and honored to have received several awards and scholarships, making my parents proud of who I am is the biggest achievement of my life. Proudest school career moment: Receiving the Frank O'Hara Award for having the highest grade point average during freshman year. Advice for high school students: Get involved and broaden your interests and activities. Be open to new experiences and discover something about which you are passionate. Through doing so, you will be in a better position to determine life goals and what you might want to pursue and accomplish after high school. Favorite aspect of The University of Scranton: The people. The University is like a second home to me. How I’d like to make my mark on the world: By positively impacting lives. I sincerely hope that I will be able to change the world in some Continued on next page

way that will benefit others and society as a whole, allowing them to live happier, more successful and more peaceful lives. Favorite quote: “If you really want something, you don’t stop for anyone or anything until you get it.” – Blair Waldorf. Post-Graduation Plans: I intend to spend the summer working as an audit and advisory intern at Ernst & Young's Philadelphia office. I will return to The University of Scranton after the internship to complete my Master of Accountancy degree. A college myth “Instructors will not assist students or go out of their way to help students succeed.” According to what I was told, once students get to college, they are on their own and must sort things out for themselves. However, I have discovered that most professors deeply care about their students, are eager to assist them in any situation, and genuinely want their students to succeed. Three words that describe me: Passionate. Empathetic. Determined. Difference between my parents’ generation and mine: I believe that my generation is more receptive to change, particularly after living through a range of events that have altered the social, political and economic landscape.

I also believe that my generation is more open to expressing opinions, sharing inner thoughts and feelings, and defying the status quo in order to bring about positive change People may be surprised to know: I spent fifteen years of my life taking dance courses. What permanent educational changes do you foresee as a result of the pandemic? Higher education will make greater use of the increasingly popular and available online technology. The necessity to use a range of online software has exposed students, faculty, advisors and professors to a new method of learning and growing. How does The University of Scranton help facilitate a strong relationship-building experience? I have been exposed to new students from all different class years by joining programs and clubs on campus. The University of Scranton promotes social interactions, relationship-building, and the creation of friendships through common connections, shared interests and similar passions.

32 HappeningsPA.comOctober

Paige Mokychic Keystone College Major: General Biology, Wildlife Biology (Double major) How this major fits me: I have always loved science and doing experiments. I was so excited knowing that I would be able to continue doing what I loved. Parents: John and Kathy Mokychic; Sister: Maddie Mokychic High School: Tunkhannock Area High School College activities: Softball, Eco Club, Creekwalkers, College Honors Program Proudest life moment: Hitting my 100th career hit during my sophomore season of softball. Proudest school career moment: I had the pleasure (and adrenaline rush) of having an Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake slither between my feet, brushing up against my boot! So cool!

Advice for high school students: It is ok to change your mind. I did not add my second major and minor until the end of my junior year. Because of this, I had to stay an extra year at Keystone to finish all the required classes but it has been one of the best decisions. Also, do what makes you happy! Favorite aspect of Keystone: I love that Keystone is a small school with lots of on-property ecosystems. There is always studying to do and observations to be made in all our streams, fields and forests. How I’d like to make my mark on the world: I am not sure where this life will take me, but I would hope that people would smile one day when they hear my name and respect the work that I have done. Favorite quote: “Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind” – Dr. Seuss Post graduation plans: I will be looking for a job involving wildlife or environmental research. College myth: “College is all about having fun.” I found this was false right from the start. College teaches you a lot about yourself and is a lot of hard work with some fun sprinkled throughout. Biggest challenge as a college student: Time management, especially with being involved in so many clubs and activities. Balancing academic, athletic and social lives can be difficult at times, but with good time management it’s a breeze. Three words that describe me: Dedicated, Determined and Caring Difference between my parents’ generation and mine: Access to information via the internet is extremely beneficial, especially in the field of science where results are always being discovered and information is constantly changing. It would be difficult to learn anything about experiments being performed in Africa, for example, in a timely fashion if we had to solely rely on the publication of books and journal articles.

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People may be surprised to know: I am a huge Star Wars fan! What permanent educational changes do you foresee as the result of the pandemic? I truly believe that the pandemic has changed the flexibility and adaptability of higher education forever. It was extremely difficult for both students and professors to have to switch to all online courses in less than a week. Because of this, I think that colleges and universities will be required to have a “pandemic plan” each semester, being ready to switch to virtual lessons at any moment. Hopefully this will cause less stress on the students and professors if anything like this were to happen again.

strangers on campus. College forces you to meet new people you would never have met otherwise. This was the case with my amazing boyfriend, Casey, and me. He lives almost two counties away from me and is a few years older. If it weren’t for college, we would have never met! Other important relationships to make are those with your professors. They have helped me make a lot of connections with possible future employers.

How does Keystone help facilitate a strong relationshipbuilding experience? My favorite social aspect of college life is making friends with whom you have a lot in common. After the first few semesters you will have more friends in your major, clubs, or sport than

HappeningsPA.com

October 2021

Jeremy Gil Luzerne County Community College Major: Pre-engineering How this major fits me: By helping me manage my time, I love construction and math Family: Elpidio Gil (father), Maria Contreras de Gil (mother), Reina Gil (sister), Alicia Garcia (sister) High School: GAR High School College activities: Business club Proudest life moment: When my nephew told me that he wanted to be like me when he grows up. Proudest school career moment: Graduating high school Advice for High School students: Don’t get too stressed; don't be afraid to ask questions to your teacher. In the beginning it may be hard, but it's worth it.

LCCC you can even take classes early to see if you like them. You are not forced to pick a major from the start. Biggest challenge as a college student: Time management

Favorite aspect of LCCC: The teachers are always there when you need them

Three words that describe me: Happy. Friendly. Lazy.

How I’d like to make my mark on the world: I would like for a Hispanic kid (like me) to see that if you set your mind to it, you can do great at anything.

Difference between my parents’ generation and mine: Well my parents didn't have it easy back then. They lived in the Dominican Republic. One of the biggest differences is that my generation has access to the internet which gives me vast access to information.

Favorite quote: If life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Post graduation plans: To have my own construction company College myth: “You need to know what you want to study from the start.” This is false. Many of my friends have changed their majors. At 22 October 2021

People may be surprised to know: That a lot of times I don't know the answers to every question…no one knows all the answers

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What permanent educational changes do you foresee as the result of the pandemic? I haven't seen any changes to the way teachers teach. The only thing that is most different is we are all wearing masks, which doesn't bother me. How does LCCC help facilitate a strong relationshipbuilding experience? That I'm able to talk with my classmates and meet people from all around the world.

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Ronald Caputo Lackawanna College Major: Restaurant Food Management How this major fits me: I love working in kitchens because it helps me understand all the ins and outs of a restaurant. Family: Jeannine Caputo (Mother) Andrew Caputo (Brother) Mellissa Caputo (Sister) Rachael Caputo (Sister)

How I’d like to make my mark on the world: I one day hope to own a successful restaurant and be a well-known chef. Favorite quote: “If anything is good for pounding humility into you permanently, it’s the restaurant business.” – Anthony Bourdain

High School: Lehighton High School

Post-graduation plans: I plan to travel and work abroad.

College activities: Working on campus as a Resident Assistant and the Culinary Fellow, going out to eat with my friends, playing basketball and video game tournaments. Proudest life moment: Graduating with an Associate’s degree. Proudest school career moment: Working as the Culinary Fellow for the school. Advice for high school students: It does not matter what you choose to do in life. Just do it well. 40

Favorite aspect of Lackawanna College: The size of the school; Lackawanna is relatively small, so you get to know just about everybody on a first name basis. The people I have met here I will remember forever.

College myth: “Employers only care when you graduate from a top college.” Actually I think they care more about how well you did within your program or class.

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Biggest challenge as a college student: Balancing your schedule between classes, work and a social life. Three words that describe me: Optimistic. Persistent. Resourceful. Difference between my parents’ generation and mine: The fashion and the taste in music. People may be surprised to know: I collect art, anything from posters, stickers, sketches and so on; anything that I find cool looking. What permanent educational changes do you foresee as the result of the pandemic? I foresee the use of technology such as online classes, paperless campuses and the use of AI for minimal tasks around campus. How does Lackawanna College help facilitate a strong relationship-building experience? My favorite social aspect of college is that you live with hundreds of people that are the same age as you so everybody usually all like similar things. Lackawanna helps facilitate relationship-building by hosting programs through residence life in the

residence halls and all over the college that help people connect and get familiar with each other.

Barnes-Kasson Hospital

estled in the Endless Mountains, BarnesKasson Hospital is a non-profit critical access hospital located in the borough of Susquehanna Depot, Pennsylvania. The hospital has served the residents of Susquehanna County, northern Wayne County, and southern Broome County since 1904. Exceptional care in a small, loving community is what patients find when using the many services at Barnes-Kasson Hospital. Along with multiple diagnostic services, Barnes-Kasson also offers specialties including cardiology, dermatology, podiatry, gynecology and surgery. To better serve this rural area, Barnes-Kasson has also established four wellstaffed Family Health Clinics throughout Susquehanna County, a Transitional/Post-Acute Care service, a 58 bed Skilled Nursing Facility, 24 Hour Emergency Care, and a Dental Office. Barnes-Kasson.org H

NOW IS THE TIME.

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FORTIS.EDU 517 ASH STREET, SCRANTON • CALL 855.445.3276 Financial aid available for those who qualify. Career placement assistance for all graduates. For consumer information, visit Fortis.edu. October 2021

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Donald Ballou Wilkes University Major: Communications Studies How this major fits me: Communications studies is all about finding the meaning of things. I love learning about the “why” and “how” of the messages we receive every day. Family: Donald and Jennifer Ballou; a younger sister, Molly, and a younger brother, Wyatt

How I’d like to make my mark on the world: I want to help people feel proud and excited with who they are, and have no fear in expressing themselves. Favorite quote: "“I like to say that 'normal' is the cruelest insult of them all, and at least I never get that.” -Artie, from Cruella

High School: Schuylkill Valley High School Proudest school career moment: Pulling off an amazing First Year Student Orientation and Welcome Weekend with Student Development and my beloved eMentor friends. Advice for High School students: Visit your prospective college! Don’t decide on a college until you’ve visited at least once. Favorite aspect of Wilkes University: The friendly sociability of the student body

Post graduation plans: Fingers crossed, I land an event planning job and get to go to a post-baccalaureate program for fashion! Biggest challenge as a college student: The learning curves! College is just as much about learning about yourself as it is learning material. Three words that describe me: “Brilliant, bad, and a little bit mad” (sorry, more than three words!)

October 2021

How does Wilkes University help facilitate a strong relationship-building experience?: Student Development! Our social life at Wilkes would be nonexistent without the creative ideas that our Student Development office and clubs affiliated with the office come up

with. Every week, there is ample opportunity to make new friends and share new experiences with people. I feel so lucky to be able to be a part of a university who knows how to have fun, and knows the importance of friendship. I’ve found my forever-and-ever friends at college! H

OPEN HOUSE | SATURDAY, OCT. 9 AND NOV. 13

Forward-thinking,

JOB-GROWTH DEGREES October 2021

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Time to Transition to College

t this time of year, there is much anticipation from college freshmen. Concerning questions may include: Will I get along with my roommate? Will I like the school and the major I chose? Will I make friends? Will I be able to handle the work? What if I can’t handle it? The American College Health Association reports the following gathered from the National College Health Assessment: • Approximately one in four, first year college students will NOT return to the same school • 66% of first year students admit feeling homesick or lonely • 36% of college students report feeling so depressed “it was difficult to function” • 53% of all college students admitted feeling hopeless over the past 12 months • Most students do not graduate in four years (costing $70K+ college costs + lost income) The following list of tips will offer college freshmen my best advice for success in college: 46

1. Attend classes everyday. You will not succeed in college if you do not go to class! 2. Study at least three hours for each hour of class time. Do not procrastinate or you will fall behind. 3. Be organized. Use a calendar or planner to keep track of deadlines. Always plan ahead by a few weeks and have work done early just in case. Use a reminder app on your phone for upcoming assignments and tests. Very often professors will only mention an assignment (or a quiz or test) once and expect students to have it completed without any additional reminders. 4. Seek tutoring if failing or doing poorly in a class. There is always help available on campus. Tutoring, writing labs, and study groups are available on campus. It is a good idea to speak to your professors if struggling. 5. Do not compare yourself HappeningsPA.com

to others and their grades. Study effectively and efficiently. Make your own study guides or use the ones provided. Digitize lecture notes. Do not wait until the last minute to ask for help or to study for an upcoming exam. Study course material in chunks every night and review notes before and after classes. 6. Schedule time for yourself every week. Do a fun activity or exercise, relax, reflect, read for pleasure, etc. 7. Socialize in a constructive way. Do not engage in illegal or illicit behaviors. Alcohol and drugs do not mix with study. Seek a social group October 2021

that has similar interests. Join a club in your major. 8. Eat healthy and sleep enough. Eat at least one hot meal a day and sleep seveneight hours at least four nights a week. You will not do well if you do not take care of your health and well-being.

stayed. Success takes a lot of hard work. A college degree will make a positive difference in the rest of your life. 11. Seek advice from a career/college counselor about various opportunities to learn about potential careers.

9. Seek professional help at the college counseling center immediately if you are feeling anxious, depressed, or helpless. Professionals can help you to feel better. Talking to a friend and/or roommate is not enough. These issues are serious and should be taken as such.

12. Network with friends and relatives for available internships or career shadowing. Ways to accomplish this would be to contact a prospective company of alumni for available internship positions, do volunteer work, or work a part-time job in the field.

10. Do not drop out of college! You will be glad you

13. Join career-affiliated associations.

College has changed. Need help preparing for it? October 2021

14. Stay current with changes and new research in the field 15. Maintain an updated resume and a LinkedIn profile.

For more information contact: Jennifer SeveriniKresock, an experienced private career and college counselor at NEPA Career and College Counseling Associates. (570) 702-5700 or jkresock@nepacareerandcollegecounseling.com H

Jennifer L. Severini-Kresock, MS Private Career and College Counselor 570.702.5700 • NEPACareerandCollegeCounseling.com Facebook: NEPACareerandCollegeCounseling Twitter@NEPACareerandco jkresock@NEPACareerandCollegeCounseling.com www.Instagram.com/nepacareerandcollege

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CAREER & COLLEGE

COUNSELING ASSOCIATES

Saving for Retirement and a Child's College Education at the Same Time?

t's seldom easy to achieve a balance between saving for your retirement and saving for the everincreasing cost of a college education within your present income. Yet it's imperative that you save for both at the same time. To postpone saving for your retirement means missing out on years of tax-deferred growth and playing a near-impossible game of catch-up. To postpone saving for college means possibly significant borrowing and years of student loan payments. In a perfect world, you want to contribute to each. But to accomplish both goals, you may need to compromise. The first step is to thoroughly examine your funding needs for both college and retirement. On the retirement side, remember to include the estimated value of any employer pension plans, as well as your Social Security benefits. This evaluation may prompt you to examine some deeply held beliefs about your financial goals. For example, is it important that you retire early or travel regularly in retirement, or is it more important that your child attend a prestigious college? If you discover that you can't afford to save for both goals, the second step is to consider some compromises:

• Defer your retirement and work longer. • Reduce your standard of living, now or in retirement. 48

• Increase your family income by seeking a better paying position in your present career, getting a second job, or having a previously stay-at-home spouse join the work force. • Seek out more aggressive investments (but beware of the higher risks). • Expect your child to contribute to college costs. Some parents may find it difficult to accept, but the majority of college students finance a portion of their education with student loans. Many students also work during high school and college to save money for tuition. • Investigate less expensive colleges. You may find that some less expensive state universities have more to offer in certain programs than their pricey private counterparts. • Consider other ways to reduce the cost of college, including online learning, accelerated degree programs, starting off at community college and then transferring to a four-year college, joining the military, or searching for college scholarships. • If you absolutely can't save for both goals, then it's best to err on the side of retirement. At college time, your child can take out loans. But you can't do that for retirement. Another idea is to split your available funds in a way that favors retirement, but with some going toward college. For example, an 80-20 or 70-30 split can get you started on both goals. HappeningsPA.com

• The third step is to re-evaluate your plan from time to time as your circumstances and wishes change. The important thing is to earmark a portion of your present income for both goals and do the best you can. Note: All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal, and there is no guarantee that any investment strategy will be successful. H

RYAN W. WILSON, CPA, CFP®, CRPC®, AWMA®, AIF® Executive Vice President / Wealth Management, Financial Advisor Wilson Wealth Advisory Group of Janney Montgomery Scott LLC 72 Glenmaura National Boulevard, Moosic, PA 18507 800.638.4417 rwilson@janney.com www.wilsonwealthadvisory.com For more information about Janney, please see Janney’s Relationship Summary (Form CRS) on www.janney.com/crs which details all material facts about the scope and terms of our relationship with you and any potential conflicts of interest. October 2021

Lisa Thomas, M.D., Kishori Veerabhadrappa, M.D., Padmaja Bojanapally, M.D., Amber Sobuto, D.O. and Kristin Liptock, D.O.

When you or a loved one faces breast cancer, you need a team who provides compassionate and comprehensive care that is close to home. At Hematology and Oncology Associates, we provide the highest level of cancer care to our patients in our state-of-the-art facility in Northeastern, PA. Our team of board-certified physicians and advanced practitioners have cared for thousands of patients over the past four decades. Our staff and doctors are trained to provide you with the highest quality care and treatments available. We have enhanced our patient

care by offering telehealth services. Patients can now have a visit with their provider through a video visit on a computer or a mobile device. Telehealth services, when appropriate, provide an excellent option for patients who cannot or wish to reduce travel to our office. For over 40 years, our commitment is to provide our patients and their families with superior care close to home. We call Northeastern PA our home and always will.

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Marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month Progress: “Little by little becomes a lot” –anonymous

ccording to the American Cancer Society, the good news is we are making progress. Breast cancer death rates declined 40 percent from 1989 to 2016 among women. The progress is attributed to improvements in early detection, a new personalized approach to treatment and a better understanding of the disease. After skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women in the United States. Breast cancer can occur in both men and women, but it's far more common in women. When breast cancer is detected early, and is in the localized stage, the five-year relative survival rate is 99 percent. Many breast cancer symptoms are invisible and not

B y

C h r i s t i n e

noticeable without a professional screening, but some symptoms can be caught early just by being proactive about your breast health. That means doing monthly breast selfexams and scheduling regular clinical breast exams and mammograms. In other news, although a decades-long decline in the breast cancer death rate continues, breast cancer incidences are on the rise by 0.3 percent per year since 2004, largely because of rising rates of local stage (confined to the breast) and hormone receptor-positive (HR+) disease. (Women with hormone receptor-positive cancers tend to have a better outlook in the short-term.) The increase in rates of HR+ breast cancer is likely driven in part by the increasing prevalence of excess body weight and declining ferHappeningsPA.com

F a n n i n g

tility rates – risk factors that are more strongly associated with this subtype. In contrast, incidence rates have decreased for hormone receptor-negative breast cancer, which is associated with poorer survival. The lifetime risk of a breast cancer diagnosis is now rounded to 13 percent (12.8 percent, previously 12.4 percent), which still equates to about 1 in 8 women diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. The 10-year probability of a breast cancer diagnosis is highest for women in their 70s (4 percent), whereas the 10-year risk of breast cancer death is highest in women in their 80s (1 percent). As of January 1, 2019, there were more than 3.8 million women with a history of breast cancer living October 2021

in the United States. This estimate includes more than 150,000 women living with metastatic disease, three-quarters of whom were originally diagnosed with stage I, II or III breast cancer. Consider the stories of two area women who joined the ranks of breast cancer survivors:

Leah-Kay Ducato Rudolph “I was due to have my annual routine mammogram in March of 2020, but COVID disrupted my schedule. When I finally went in September 2020, it was discovered I had 'won the booby prize.’ What? Me? There is no history of breast cancer in my family, I have few risk factors, and being postmenopausal, thought I was out of the woods with fibrocystic breast disease. However, a small 9 mm lump found on the mammogram was not there in March 2019 at my prior appointment when I had my first ultrasound for ‘dense breasts’ and not palpable. I will always wonder about the scenario that may have played out had I had the mammogram in March 2020 - would it have been too small and missed, giving it the opportunity to grow larger (and spread) by 2021? Very possibly... A biopsy of the tumor October 2021

showed it to be invasive lobular carcinoma, grade 2, ER POS (90%), PR NEG (0%), Her-2 NEG (1+), Ki-67 10%. Lobular is considered a sneaky cancer that travels, so an MRI was performed and demonstrated the cancer appeared to be localized and caught early. In November, Dr. Kristine Kelley performed a lumpectomy. The lump and four sentinel nodes were removed. A biopsy of the actual tumor coupled with an Oncotype DX score showed I would benefit from chemotherapy, followed by radiation, followed by endocrine therapy. However, I was fortunate: margins were 'clear;’ the four lymph nodes removed were clear; my Oncotype DX score, which indicated the need for chemo, while borderline, was low. There was a lot to be thankful for. Four infusion treatments of chemo were scheduled. About two weeks after the first chemo treatment, my HappeningsPA.com

scalp became extremely painful to the touch. My physician husband, Ken, did some research and as itching is a form of pain, believed that Neutrogena T/Gel shampoo would give me relief and it did! My short, wavy hair was starting to fall out. Everyone began buying me cute (and greatly appreciated) hats. One's head does get very cold without any hair. About a month after I finished chemo my hair began to grow back, grey, soft and curly; hair grows 1/4 inch a month after chemo. Inevitably, shortly after I noticed my eyebrows were sadly thinning, and then my eyelashes. I took it as a good thing as that meant the chemo made it to my 53

nate mammograms with MRIs every six months. I’m considering this journey a ‘blip on the screen,’ I have turned it all over to the Lord. It has been comforting to know so many people cared, and prayers were all I needed -prayers for patience, healing and of course, strength to do what I had to do. My faith, family and friends have, and will, continue to support me, thanks be to God. – Leah-Kay Ducato Rudolph, Clarks Summit head. Of course, I already knew that, having experienced the memory losses and annoyances of ‘chemo brain.’ I finished radiation treatments with some redness under my breast and a yeast infection. I used an over-the-counter astringent powder used to make a wash, rather than yet another antibiotic to solve the yeast infection. On April 14, 2021, 38 years after giving birth to my first child, I started taking Tamoxifen. I will take it for five years to hopefully prevent a recurrence as it blocks estrogen. It does have side effects; my post54

menopausal night sweats have returned and occur at any hour of the day.

Deb Stone

I have since learned at least five other women I know were diagnosed with breast cancer this pandemic -- one is a first cousin who ironically had intraductal cancer 15 years ago and now has lobular -- and another dear friend has passed due to a reoccurrence. I was advised to have genetic testing, and I'm grateful to report there were no markers for cancer; even so, my daughters are considered high risk and have been advised to begin routine mammograms at age 40. In the next five years, I'll alter-

“I live in Old Forge with my husband Bill and daughter Liz. I was 35 years old when I was diagnosed, and had given birth to our beautiful baby girl just four months prior to receiving the diagnosis. I found a lump in my breast and doctors initially thought it may be a postpartum blocked duct. Upon further examination (mammogram, ultrasound and then a biopsy) I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I received my diagnosis on Presidents' Day and will never forget the surreal feeling. I had been on an emotional high from having our baby girl and this diagnosis was a jolt to my joy. I was young, had no

HappeningsPA.com

October 2021

family history of breast cancer, no detectable risk factors, no reason to be watchful for breast cancer. Hearing the news took my breath away. ‘What now?!’ I thought. Immediately, family and friends came forward to offer assistance. I needed to act quickly, but I needed to become educated on my type of breast cancer. I was scheduled for additional testing and consultations with medical professionals including surgeons, oncologists and radiation oncologists. We had to understand how pervasive the cancer was, if there were detectable metastases to other areas, etc. The educational process and treatment were swift, as it needed to be. I had been told that my cancer had grown exponentially in just a few weeks from the time of biopsy to my next ultrasound. My course of treatment was chemotherapy in advance of surgery to shrink the cancer. I had four rounds of chemotherapy, one round every three weeks for a total of 12 weeks. An ultrasound was conducted after two treatments to confirm that the cancer was shrinking. After October 2021

my last chemotherapy treatment, I was scheduled for surgery. My surgeon explained to me that the cancer had shrunk to the point that it was hardly detectable by mammography. My surgeon performed a lumpectomy to remove what was left of the cancer. Lymph nodes were also removed and tested. Thankfully the lymph nodes were negative for cancer. After healing from surgery, I began HappeningsPA.com

six weeks of radiation therapy. Radiation was administered five days a week for a full six weeks. I finished my treatments midSeptember 2001. I experienced the expected side effects from my treatments including hair loss, energy loss and fatigue and some unanticipated side effects, including mouth sores where it hurt to smile or eat. For me, the most challenging part was to not be able to smile at my sweet baby girl. Seeing her, holding her and being there for 55

her every day was my motivation to push forward with the treatments. Looking back on this experience, there are moments that stand out in my memories: the outpouring of love and assistance from family and friends, their encouragement to keep a sense of humor and laugh in keeping my spirits up, the strength I received from looking at my infant child knowing that I wanted to be there to watch her grow up, the importance of faith in God and new experience of praying for myself, my health and my survivorship, and also the confidence I had in the medical professionals who treated me both clinically

and personally. It was a highly charged emotional ride of shock, grief, anger, guilt, love, gratitude and hope. The milestones along the way, five years,10 years and now 20 years have become true moments of celebration for me and my family. With this 20 year anniversary, I am more thankful than ever for the love I received from family and friends. It was the blessing of their support and encouragement, their kindness and insistence that I laugh and enjoy the life I had that boosted my persistence. It is my wish that my survivorship provides hope for the women who have been stunned by receiving a diagnosis of breast cancer, just as the

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women who came before me and shared their stories provided me with hope 20 years ago.” –Deb Stone, Old Forge Little by little, researchers around the world are working to find better ways to prevent, detect and treat breast cancer, and to improve the quality of life of patients and survivors. Studies continue to uncover lifestyle factors and habits, as well as inherited genes, that affect breast cancer risk. But more work remains. H –Christine Fanning

October 2021

Wayne Memorial Welcomes Nephrologist aima Choudhry, MD, brings an array of muchneeded services to the Wayne Memorial Health System community. She is board-eligible in Nephrology, a subspecialty of Internal Medicine that focuses on diseases of the kidney. Dr. Choudhry is board-certified in Internal Medicine and is a Certified Hypertension Specialist (CHS), a skill she hopes will help save many lives.

“Hypertension is the biggest treatable risk factor for death. It is a leading cause of stroke and heart failure in the United States,” she says, adding, “Studies show patients benefit from educating themselves about it and working with a specialist.”

Photo: Zaima Choudhry, MD

Mary’s Mercy Hospital in Livonia, Michigan.

Wayne Memorial CEO David L. Hoff noted that Dr. Choudhry will oversee inpatient dialysis at the hospital, a service in Dr. Choudhry comes to Wayne high demand. “Often a patient Memorial from Temple will come to the Emergency University in Department Philadelphia, for some"Hypertension is the where she biggest treatable risk thing unrejust completfactor for death. It is a lated to his ed a or her kidney Fellowship in leading cause of stroke function, but and failure in the Nephrology. because they United States" A native of are on rouPakistan, Dr. tine dialysis, Choudhry attended the Shifa we have to transfer them to College of Medicine in her another facility because we home country, then completcould not offer it here. Now ed an internship and residenwe can.” cy in Internal Medicine at St. 58

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Dialysis is a procedure to remove waste products and excess fluid from the blood when the kidneys stop working properly. Hoff said that Dr. Choudhry will also be working in conjunction with the DaVita outpatient dialysis clinic at the Stourbridge Complex in Honesdale. Dr. Choudhry anticipates taking her Nephrology board certification exam this coming October. “I’m very excited to treat patients in the Wayne Memorial service area offering them important services close to home,” she stated. Her practice at Wayne Memorial will be at the Physician Specialty Clinic inside the hospital at 601 Park Street, Honesdale. Dr. Choudhry’s office can be reached at 570-2538346. Visit www.wmh.org. H October 2021

LMG Cosmetics offers non-surgical cosmetic procedures and medical grade skin care specializing in Botox, Dermal Fillers, Morpheus8 [skin tightening], Evolve [body contouring], SkinMedica and ZO Skin Health products.

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A Physician’s Tr anscontinental Medical Tour By Christine Fanning

ary Neale, M.D. was born in Miami to Arthur Neale, a physician and Andrea Neale, an ultrasound technician who grew up in Ireland. Gary, along with his two brothers all became physicians inspired by the life and work of their father who traveled extensively in interest of his medical career. Arthur Neale was initially a primary care doctor in Australia who, in the 1950s, delivered babies and performed appendectomies. Arthur worked his way through England and Scotland to eventually end up in Philadelphia at Temple University Hospital, where he completed a residency in radiology in an era before computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Arthur and Andrea met in London, moved to New York and started their family. “My father was a big proponent of his sons being educated at private schools which resulted in me completing junior high and high school in England. With that accomplished I was able to attend medical school in England at the age of 18, which saved me four years, compared to the American system.” Dr. Neale is a bariatric surgeon with Surgical Specialists of Wyoming Valley and an emergency room surgeon at WilkesBarre General Hospital, Regional Hospital of Scranton and Moses Taylor Hospital. He is also a preceptor for the Physician Assistant program at Kings College and the medical director at Post Acute Medical, Wilkes-Barre.

He completed a general surgery residency for five years and then a minimal invasive fellowship for one year. “I wanted additional training to gain more hands-on surgical experience prior to starting as an attending surgeon. I chose a relatively new program in Oakland, California. During this year I was exposed to bariatric surgery -- a surgery that helps reduce food consumption and helps with weight loss by removing a part of the stomach thereby reducing its size -- which is a challenging operation to perform through five small holes in morbidly obese patients. I enjoyed the challenge of sewing bowel back together using what are effectively twofoot long instruments while looking at a monitor. Obesity is a pandemic in its own right. The field and my techniques have progressed over the years where I used to take three to four hours to do a gastric bypass through five holes and sew the bowel closed with a regular suture, to robotic-assisted surgery through four holes in two hours using a barbed-like suture that does not unravel and requires no knotting.” Dr. Neale explained that bariatric surgery is very successful for many patients, but there are those who want to doubt it. “There are examples out there of people eating through it and defeating the operation. Morbid obesity can be viewed as cancer in one way. As there are percentages after a cancer surgery that a cancer could recur, so too for bariatric surgery where the weight could be regained and a subsequent operaHappeningsPA.com

tion may become necessary.” When patients are 300 lbs. with comorbid conditions of diabetes, hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea, there is no way for these patients to diet and exercise their way out of obesity. “As the reality TV show ‘The Biggest Loser’ has shown, contestants have to spend all day in the gym after the show ends just to maintain their weight loss. How is a mother of two, with a job, supposed to be in a gym all day? With no other alternatives, bariatric surgery is essential to improving these patients' lives, their quality of life, and reducing their illnesses/ prescriptions and need to visit multiple doctors. Many of my patients have tried dieting, but as many know through personal experience, it is boring, frustrating, and the benefits are little and short lived. Interestingly, Dr. Neale’s other career considerations included becoming an engineer or commercial airline pilot. “Having crossed the Atlantic twice a year for more than eight years, I had a large experience of airlines. Perhaps until my childhood flight log book was full, I always visited the cockpit on every flight to meet October 2021

the crew and see the view. As becoming a pilot was a close second for a career choice, I got on with learning to fly with an instructor out of Forty Fort Airport. I logged over 100 hours and have landed at Selinsgrove, Bloomsburg, Lancaster, Elmira, Scranton and enjoyed views of the Finger Lakes. It may still be a second career for me at a later time.” After he completed medical school, Dr. Neale worked for a time in England, Scotland and Australia, which was made somewhat easier by having passports for the United States, Ireland and Australia. He somewhat traced his father’s footsteps in reverse, all the while taking exams so he could return to the United States where he knew surgical training was shorter. “In America surgical training is five years, whereas in England you could be training for 12 to 13 years. In England there are only so many attending positions as it is a socialized health care system. There are

October 2021

only as many surgeons as the country is willing to employ, you are effectively waiting for the surgeon to die or retire so you can have their job. I enjoyed my time working in Great Britain, no need for insurance approval, or coding and billing for your visits with patients, but then the system there resulted in waiting lists where 10 percent of patients might pass away waiting upwards of a year before undergoing cardiac bypass operations. The health system in the United States is too expensive, secondary to defensive medicine (malpractice insurance), he said. Doctors order more tests than necessary to protect themselves against a lawsuit. Malpractice insurance is obscenely expensive such that doctors can not stay in private practice but must become employed by larger institutions, and the money to pay malpractice insurance effectively comes from charging patients. Patients in America can not afford the health insurance or the bills or copays.

Being sick in America is a sure way to become bankrupt. I appreciated the socialized health care system of Britain, that through paying taxes, all citizens were covered for minor and major care. Waiting lists were an expected thing there, not something that I suppose Americans would tolerate. The United States ranks pretty low when you factor in cost, equity ( fairness) and access to care.” He has been married to Nancy for more than 14 years. They met in an operating room where the doctor was having a tough day as a resident assisting a surgeon for a 10hour vascular surgery and she was the circulating nurse. They have a son, Oliver. Dr. Neale speaks monthly at the Thomas Saxton Pavilion in Edwardsville on bariatric surgery. For the Scranton population, he does Google meets to continue to socially distance. H –Christine Fanning

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Safe, Specialized Breast Cancer Treatment at NROC

reast cancer is the most common type of cancer in American women other than skin cancer. This year, 281,550 women will learn they have breast cancer. Another 49,290 women will learn they have noninvasive (also called DCIS, Ductal carcinoma in situ) breast cancer. (Data supplied by the American Society of Clinical Oncology.) The good news, however is that breast cancer can often be cured, and our treatments continue to improve. Such is the case at Northeast Radiation Oncology Centers, where the most clinically appropriate and technically competent radiation therapy is administered to breast cancer

patients, including heart blocking, (cardiac protection) prone position (lying on stomach), partial breast irradiation, and hypo fractionation (fewer treatments). In addition to this technological precision, NROC’s staff, including an oncology-certified nutritionist, helps patients and families adjust to what can be a new and overwhelming routine. This is accomplished with ongoing communication and integrative oncology: bringing together medical disciplines and support services so the patient receives the proper care they need and deserve. NROC remains the only practice of its kind in Northeastern

Pennsylvania with APEx® accreditation, and the first to offer many advanced services by a highly knowledgeable team. Readers of The Scranton TimesTribune voted NROC Best Cancer Center for ten years in a row and Best Patient Care for the third time. Visit nrocdoctors.com or call 570-504-7200. H

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What to Know About Cervical Health

hen it comes to women’s health, cervical cancer may not always receive the attention it deserves. Christine Kim, MD, a board-certified and fellowshiptrained gynecologic oncologist with LVPG Gynecologic Oncology, part of Lehigh Valley Cancer Institute answered important questions on cervical health. Kim provides care at Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH)– Pocono and LVH–Muhlenberg.

be detected until a gynecologic check-up. With respect to cervical cancer screening, it is not the Pap tests themselves, but the frequency of them that has improved the ability to pick up precancerous changes. We now have HPV testing that also helps guide which Pap tests are potentially more concerning than others. An OB-GYN checkup is also a good time for women to discuss private issues that they don’t wish to discuss with their friends or family members. For example, an OB-GYN provider will not balk at being asked about various types of contraception, vaginal dryness, vaginal discharge, vulvar itching, menstrual irregularities, pelvic pain or menopausal symptoms. It’s a great time to ask about the HPV vaccination or other aspects of female health, such as how much calcium to take.

will work with your gynecologist to determine the best treatment for conditions like complex ovarian masses, abnormal Pap tests or persistent abnormal bleeding.

What symptoms might a woman experience that indicate she should see her OB-GYN or primary care provider? A woman should contact her When should women begin provider if she is experiencing any having obstetrician gynecologist abnormal bleeding, such as (OB-GYN) exams? between menstrual periods, during In the U.S., we recommend women intercourse or after menopause. start Pap test screening at age 21 Very heavy bleeding or prolonged and repeat it every three years if bleeding, pelvic pain, vulvar itchresults are normal. Starting at age ing, abnormal vaginal discharge, 30, women have the option of hav- feeling a vaginal bulge, history of ing both a Pap and human papillo- diethylstilbestrol (DES) exposure mavirus (HPV) test. If both are nor- or any other pelvic issues are signs mal, this screening can be spaced you should seek gynecologic care out to every five years. If a patient immediately. Ultimately, it’s imporhas had at least three previous nor- tant for patients to discuss how mal Pap and HPV tests, then most frequently they need gynecologic women can stop further screening exams with their provider. There at age 65. Again, this depends on a may be other reasons that OB-GYN patient testing regularly prior to checkups need to be performed that age and having sufficient nor- more regularly. mal screenings. If a woman needs GYN cancer Why are regular cervical cancer care, how can a gynecologic screenings important? oncologist help? Sometimes there are issues that As a gynecologic oncologist, I can could be going on that may not help distinguish what is potentially cancerous and what is not. I also

Why should women visit LVHN for their GYN care? Our GYN providers are really knowledgeable, and they’re a great team of people who work well together. We can provide in depth evaluations of the cervix with colposcopies, and some offices offer outpatient loop electrosurgical excision procedures (LEEP), if needed.

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A woman should see a gynecologic oncologist for further counseling if she has a strong family history of cancers, specifically ovarian, breast, endometrial or colon cancers. A gynecologic oncologist can assess a woman’s risks and discuss whether she’s a candidate for genetic testing, risk-reducing surgery or if she should be followed more closely. Your doctor may recommend a visit to a gynecologic oncologist based on your condition, particularly if you have been diagnosed with a cancer or a premalignant condition. You also may request an appointment on your own.

Additionally, LVH–Pocono has received accreditation as a Center of Excellence in Minimally Invasive Gynecology (COEMIG). The COEMIG designation is a professional recognition and distinction of surgeons. My colleagues, Radhika Ailawadi, MD, Shadi Kayed, MD, Vladimir Nikiforouk, MD, and Daying Zhang, MD, are all certified as COEMIG surgeons at LVH–Pocono. The hospital and physician accreditation is a testament to the exceptional work provided by these physicians and their supporting medical teams to patients in the Pocono community. Learn more about Christine Kim, MD, at LVHN.org/Kim H October 2021

John Mackarey, LUTCF, RICP Agent, New York Life Insurance Company Registered Representative oﬀering securities through NYLIFESecurities LLC (Member FINRA/SIPC),A Licensed Insurance Agency.

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

Something to Smile About:

The WRIGHT Dental Care Welcome New Dentist Satya Upadhyayula, D.M.D.

E昀ective dental care leads to better overall health and quality of life. Meet Dr. Satya Upadhyayula, aka Dr. U, the newest boardcerti昀ed dentist to join The Wright Center’s oral health team. He’s accepting new patients of all ages for comprehensive dental care, including routine check-ups and emergency services, at our Mid Valley and Scranton Practices.

Call today:

570.230.0019 Mid Valley Practice 5 S. Washington Ave., Jermyn

Scranton Practice 501 S. Washington Ave.

We accept all insurances including Medicare/Medicaid/CHIP/United Concordia. No insurance? Ask about our Sliding Fee Discount Program.

For more information, visit:

TheWrightCenter.org

Satya Upadhyayula, D.M.D.

eering into a dental patient’s mouth, Satya Upadhyayula, D.M.D., can see the future.

ditional Indian rice dish) – to Northeast Pennsylvania. He is accepting new patients of all ages, including children.

More precisely, he can envision the way the treatment of a complex case will unfold, eventually resulting in better teeth and overall oral health, and more often than not a brighter outlook and a bigger smile.

Demand for high-quality, affordable dental care is steep in our region, where public policies (such as unfluoridated water supplies) and personal behaviors (high rates of cigarette smoking) too often conspire against good oral health.

“I actually visualize how it will finally look and then I work my way toward the goal,” says Dr. Upadhyayula, known to many patients as “Dr. U.” “If you don’t have vision and instead try to do one tooth at a time, without a whole picture of it, it’s just doomed to fail.”

“Dr. U” admittedly was drawn to The Wright Center because of its commitment, as a Federally Qualified Health Center LookAlike, to take on many of the area’s most significant health challenges and to serve all patients regardless of income. The Wright Center has in recent years established state-of-the-art dental offices at its primary care practices in Scranton and Jermyn and has conducted periodic “pop-up dental clinics” at other sites.

“Dr. U”, 29, joined The Wright Center for Community Health this summer, bringing his dental and surgical skills, plus a passion for research and a flair for cooking savory Hyderabadi biryani (a tra68

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Today the organization continues to recruit more dental professionals and increase the services offered, including individuals with minimal or no insurance. The newly arrived “Dr. U”, using skills he fine-tuned during an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Internship at the University of Maryland Medical Center, will perform extractions and soon begin to offer dental implant services. Existing dental services at The Wright Center’s clinics include exams, cleanings, fillings, X-rays, oral cancer screenings, denture care and certain emergency services. In conversations with his younger patients, “Dr. U” emphasizes that routine brushing and flossing, and early treatment of minor issues, can stave off potentially painful problems down the road. That’s often true for pre-teens and teenagers who are developing teeth or jaw irregularities; if referred earlier to October 2021

an orthodontist, the issue might be corrected with less treatment time and expense required. He advises brushing twice a day (and after candy consumption, kids!) and staying hydrated throughout the day with water, not continual sips of acidic soft drinks. In his professional assessment, “mouthwash is not a substitute for anything.” A native of southern India, “Dr. U” says his pursuit of a medical career wasn’t predestined; it wasn’t until after high school that he decided to enter dentistry, partly at the urging of his grandfather, a veterinarian. “Dr. U” studied and trained for five years in India, briefly entering private practice. The allure of ample research opportunities – and the assurance of having a brother already living in the United States – brought him to

October 2021

this country, where he excelled academically. He attained a master’s degree in oral biology at the University of Louisville School of Dentistry, then earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. His multiple, ongoing research initiatives largely involve the study of periodontitis, or severe gum disease. Dr. U, who is a member of the dental honor society Omicron Kappa Upsilon, intends on soon receiving his credentials to teach for NYU Langone, which offers an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) postdoctoral residency program at partner sites across the nation, including at The Wright Center. The AEGD partnership is yet another way that the Wright Center is trying to increase the number of dental providers in the region.

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“Dr. U” is already impressed by his colleagues, saying, “I think we have a really motivated team here; everybody wants to make a difference.” As he adjusts to his new surroundings and life in NEPA, the Old Forge resident is on the lookout for some pleasurable hiking trails and a place to play competitive badminton. Oh, and this budding inventor could use a few spare hours to devote to his latest concept (a tool to help first-year dental students in the simulation lab as they practice on plastic teeth). The invention might be stalled at the moment in the pre-patent stage. But “Dr. U” can practically look into the future and see it materializing. Visit TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-230-0019. H

Domestic Violence.

Ignore it... it will just go away... One life at a time.

omestic Violence is a national problem of epidemic proportions. Consider the following statistics:

• In the United States, more than 10 million adults experience domestic violence annually. • According to the (CDC), one in four women and one in seven men have experienced severe physical violence from an intimate partner in their lifetime. • In Luzerne County, police respond to 24 family violence calls per day - more than 8,500 domestic violence incidents each year. • Luzerne County is currently ranked 5th among the 67 counties in Pennsylvania with the most domestic violence fatalities. • In 2020, 109 women, men and children in Pennsylvania lost their lives because of domestic violence. • A study of intimate partner homicides found 20% of victims were family members or friends of the abused partner, neighbors, persons who intervened, law enforcement responders or bystanders. One in two female murder victims and one in 13 male murder victims are killed by intimate partners. 70

October is recognized nationally as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. A time to mourn those who have died as a result of abuse; honor those who have survived; raise public consciousness about violence in the home; and unite to help end this deadly and devastating crime. Society’s lack of understanding about domestic violence often is the greatest obstacle battered victims face in their effort to end the violence in their lives. Domestic violence is a silent, insidious destroyer. In its most virulent form, abuse can destroy a life as effectively as any physical disease. Each year we are reminded yet again how important community commitment, awareness and understanding are to the lives of those impacted by domestic violence. The following questions may help identify the signs of an abusive relationship: Does your partner: • Isolate you from people you care about or from friends you had before you dated them? • Frequently embarrass you or make fun of you in front of other people? HappeningsPA.com

• Use intimidation to make you do what they want? • Make you feel there is “no way out” of the relationship? • Make you perform sexual acts that you don’t enjoy? • Threaten you with force, words or weapons? • Use alcohol or drugs as an excuse for saying hurtful things or abusing you? • Get very angry frequently and you don’t understand why? • Not believe they have hurt you or blame you for what they have done? • Physically force you to do what you do not want to do? If you answer yes to one or more of these questions, Domestic Violence Service Center’s expertise, experience and established networks can assist you as we have supported more than 2,900 individuals each year. Among numerous other services, DVSC offers supportive options counseling, safety planning or just someone to talk with confidentially and obtain information. A counselor/advocate is available to speak with you 24 hours a day/seven days a week at 1-800-424-5600. H October 2021

Three Days to a New Financial Future F i d e l i t y

hen it is time to make home improvements, help a college-bound student finance their education, or consolidate high-interest debt, homeowners may want to consider applying for a home equity loan. With modern technology and a few tips from Kate Abraham, Mortgage Underwriting Officer at Fidelity Bank, the application process is easier than ever. Fidelity Bank’s three-day guarantee to approval sets homeowners on the path to a brighter financial future in no time. Discuss the difference between a home equity loan and a home equity line of credit: A home equity loan has a fixed interest rate and a set monthly payment. It is a great option for a borrower who has a specific project to tackle. A home equity line of credit has a variable interest rate (based on National Prime) and a variable monthly payment during the draw period. This is a better option for a borrower who wants to have access to cash should they ever need it.

H o m e

E q u i t y

homeowner has equity when a home’s value is higher than the amount owed on the mortgage • A homeowner with good credit, typically a score of 710 or greater Discuss the benefits of taking out a home equity loan: With a home equity loan, the borrower never has to worry about fluctuations in the interest rate, as it will stay the same for the life of the loan. Borrowers have the benefit of set monthly payments, so budgeting is easier each month. It’s typically a low-cost option to get access to the funds you need. What should be considered before applying for a home equity loan? The bank will run a credit check, confirm employment of the borrowers, and look at their debt-toincome or the amount of money they owe versus their income. If all of those factors are within an

L o a n s

acceptable range, the borrowers still must consider their ability to repay the loan during the loan period, which can range from 5 years to 15 or 20 years. What information will borrowers need to apply or consult with their banker? Items they may need include: • Estimated insurance • Tax amounts • Home value • Estimated income verification Describe the application process. Fidelity Bank makes applying online fast and convenient with the Fidelity Bank Mortgage app. It’s available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and allows clients to upload documents to a portal, sign up for automatic notifications and complete almost the entire mortgage process from a smart phone or tablet. They can request as much or as little assistance from a Fidelity Banker as they like. H

Who is a good candidate for a home equity loan? A good candidate is: • Someone who has built equity in their home. A 72

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October 2021

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APPROVAL GUARANTEED IN 3 BUSINESS DAYS • *Annual Percentage Rate (APR) effective as of September 3, 2021 and is based on loan amount of $75,000.00 or greater for a term of up NMLS# 440404 to sixty (60) months. Maximum loan to value is 80.00% and a minimum credit score of 740 and maximum debt to income of 43%. One (1) to MEMBER FDIC four (4) family owner-occupied homes, primary and secondary residences, and a first (1st) or second (2nd) lien only. Promotional rate requires automatic deduction of payments from a Fidelity Bank checking account. 60 monthly payments of $17.74 per $1,000 borrowed. Payments do not include taxes or mortgage insurance premiums; actual obligation will be higher. Homeowner’s insurance with Fidelity Bank listed as mortgagee is required, flood insurance is required if applicable, and title insurance is required on loans greater than $250,000.00. Subject to credit approval. Other rates are available, but fees may apply. Please consult a tax advisor regarding the deductibility of interest. Offer may change or discontinue at any time. Offer cannot be combined with any other offer. Not a commitment to lend. • Guarantee of loan decision is within three (3) business days pending receipt of complete loan application including signatures of all borrowers, signed disclosures, and all necessary financial information. Restrictions apply on loans greater than $500,000.00. Not a guarantee for an extension of credit. Please see a Fidelity Banker for more details.

HappeningsMagazinePA.com 74

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October 2021

Brookfield Renewable:

Stay Safe at the Lake

No matter the season, there are immense recreation opportunities on the water – ice fishing, angling, paddling, boating and so much more. With four seasons of outdoor fun, Brookfield Renewable wants recreation-goers to stay safe. Brookfield Renewable owns and operates four hydropower facilities in Pennsylvania, as part of their diverse renewable energy portfolio that includes hydropower, wind, solar and battery storage. With the ownership of these assets, the company also manages recreational facilities, such as 76

parks, campgrounds and boat launches. Each year, as part of a larger public safety campaign, the company undertakes a fullscale advertising campaign with messaging to recreators, particularly those doing so on water, to get out and enjoy the beautiful outdoors but to do so safely and responsibly. This means wearing PFDs (Personal Flotation Devices) when on or around water, paying attention to and adhering to all signage and letting family and friends know that you’ll be going out on the water—including where you plan on going. HappeningsPA.com

With respect to recreation near dams, there are some unique safety concerns, such as, not going past marked buoys and lines. This can pose an extreme danger. Brookfield Renewable works closely with the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission to enforce violations of this law. When sirens go off near dams, it means there is going to be an upcoming fluctuation in levels. Always be cognizant of this and exit the waterway where applicable. Lake Wallenpaupack is an example of a local waterway where hydropower is generated. The lake was created for power generation when the Lackawaxen river was dammed in order to create a reservoir from which to genOctober 2021

erate renewable energy using hydropower in the early 1900s. As a result, over 40 MW of clean, renewable energy are produced, enough to power roughly 30,000 homes.

generation weekends, in which they do not generate power for set periods of time in order to ensure anglers have time to fish without water fluctuations.

With access to wonderful fishing in the region, Brookfield Renewable urges anglers to exercise extra caution. On the Lackawaxen, which sees water from Lake Wallenpaupack flow into the river during generation and planned water releases for temperature enhancement (to keep the water cool for the health of fish), water levels can fluctuate rapidly with these releases. In order to promote and accommodate anglers, the company offers certain restricted

Brookfield Renewable also wants remind people to be safe on local trailways and to stay aware of your surroundings and alerting family and friends of where you’re going and what time you plan on being back. Lastly, the company encourages everyone to get out and enjoy the beautiful outdoor opportunities we have throughout the Pennsylvania region. Let’s all work together to ensure these areas are safe and clean for all to enjoy! H

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Plan your trip, check ﬂows, and weather conditions. Share your plans with others.

River conditions can change quickly and unexpectedly. Visit safewaters.com to learn more.

October 2021

HappeningsPA.com

Wayne Bank Launches

Customer Care Service Center L-R: Lewis J. Critelli, President and Chief Executive Officer; Julie Kuen, Senior Vice President, Retail Operations and Electronic Banking Manager; April Spruill, Customer Care Service Center Representative; Tanyia Vannatta, Vice President and Customer Care Service Center Manager; Sabryna Armstrong, Customer Care Service Center Representative; Christine Routledge, Assistant Vice President, Callicoon and Roscoe Community Office Manager; Kristen E. Lancia, CFMP, Assistant Vice President and Marketing Officer; and Robert J. Mancuso, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

ewis J. Critelli, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wayne Bank, is pleased to announce the opening of the Bank’s new Customer Care Service Center. The purpose of the Customer Care Service Center (“the Center”) is to provide customers with a quick and convenient way to receive immediate assistance on any of the Bank’s products and services. “We are so pleased to introduce our new Customer Care Service Center,” remarked Mr. Critelli. “Wayne Bank is committed to providing the best possible customer experience throughout our Corporate Office and Community Office network. With the new Center, customers can make one phone call and receive immediate assistance with their banking, whether they have a question about our mobile banking app or want to apply for a home equity loan.” 78

Currently, customers may reach the Center by phone. However, plans for future technological enhancements include email contact as well as a live chat feature. Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Robert J. Mancuso, commented, “Wayne Bank is constantly on the lookout for new technology-based solutions to add value to our customers. The Customer Care Service Center will make contacting us a more streamlined and efficient process, for both our customers and our back office employees.” The Center currently has a team of five experienced and knowledgeable bankers ready to answer questions and help customers with any of their financial needs. The team is led by Vice President and Customer Care Service Center Manager, Tanyia Vannatta, who formerly served as HappeningsPA.com

manager of Wayne Bank’s Callicoon Community Office. “The Customer Care Service Center team is excited and ready to assist customers with anything they may need,” explained Mrs. Vannatta. “We have a conscientious and dedicated team here with a combined 23 years of customer service experience, so our customers are in great hands.” Wayne Bank’s Customer Care Service Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 8 a.m. through noon. The Center can be reached by phone at 1-800-598-5002 or 570-253-1455. Wayne Bank is a subsidiary of Norwood Financial Corp., Member FDIC, and is located in Honesdale, Pennsylvania. The Bank has 30 community offices serving Wayne, Pike, Monroe, Lackawanna, and Luzerne Counties in Pennsylvania, along with Delaware, Sullivan, Otsego, Ontario, and Yates Counties in New York State, including those offices operating under the Bank of Cooperstown and Bank of the Finger Lakes brands. The stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol— NWFL. H October 2021

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October 2021

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October 2021

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Happy HaLLoween

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estled between the Endless Mountains and the Susquehanna River in the town of Susquehanna is the Ira Reynolds Riverfront Park, newly opened after several years of planning by the Susquehanna Borough Council, who worked to obtain monies through several grants. The park is named for Ira Reynolds, a resident of the town who lived to the age of 108 and was involved in Boy Scouts of America throughout most of his life. The national organization presented him with a 90-year pin, making

The Town of Susquehanna him the first person to ever receive this award. The park is a marvelous greenspace, with a serene, one mile loop walking trail that winds through trees and the river along one side. The walk also includes a piece of Susquehanna’s local history--the Starrucca House, Susquehanna’s former Erie Railroad train station. The structure is on the National Register of Historic Sites and is one of only 11 grand hotel stations built in the United States. Although it is now privately owned, you can still envision the grandeur of the building with its elegant three-story ballroom. HappeningsPA.com

The town of Susquehanna is steeped in the history of the railroad and those who made it a success. A few thousand men worked in the Susquehanna Erie Shops in the railroad’s heyday. A fire in the 1980s caused enough damage that all but one of the buildings has been torn down. The quaint buildings of its main street are beginning to see a resurgence, with several new businesses opening in the last few years. The bustle of the businesses and the new park are being enjoyed by townspeople and visitors alike. This summer brought a new eight-week free concert series in the park sponsored by the Susquehanna Community Development Association. The concerts included a variety of music, food and two local brewOctober 2021

Photo: Art ie Trynoski

eries. The concerts are expected to become annual events. The ability to enjoy nature is enhanced by the town’s surrounding state gamelands, railtrails, lakes and camps. A hallmark of the

area is the Starrucca Viaduct, built in 1848 with an amazing history. The 17 arches of locally quarried Pennsylvania bluestone was, at the time of its construction, the largest stone railroad viaduct in the

world and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Eight hundred workers were paid approximately $1 per day and built the bridge in one year. The bridge is still in use and in anticipation of its 175th anniversary, an event will be planned for 2023. A highlight of this will be the reprinting of the book, Bridge of Stone, by William S. Young. H

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Lackawanna Pro Bono

Attorneys, Architect and TV Station to be Honored at Gala Lackawanna Pro Bono's 13th

here do individuals go when they need serious legal assistance but cannot afford a lawyer? For the past quarter century or so, such residents of Lackawanna County have turned to Lackawanna Pro Bono. For the past 13 years, a gala is held to honor members of the community who have contributed to the efforts of supporting Lackawanna Pro Bono. This year, Attorneys Joseph and Judy Gardner Price, James Vipond and WNEP TV will be presented at the Gala with the Attorney Robert W. Munley Distinguished Service award to be held on November 11, 2021 at the Scranton Cultural Center.

cutting-edge Legal Aid office serving those most in need in North Philadelphia. Joe met his wife Judy (Gardner) Price during law school and together they volunteered at the pro bono office. “This gave us a lot of experience representing people in need who are searching for justice,” Joe said. When the Prices returned to Lackawanna County to practice law, Lackawanna Pro Bono was created. At the time Judy was an officer in the Lackawanna Bar Association. Lackawanna Pro Bono was the first standalone pro bono organization outside of Philadelphia in Pennsylvania. Judy considers three attorneys from the region, Robert Gownley, Carlene Gallo and Jill Miller as being very instrumental in the

Annual Fundraising Gala Celebrating 24 years of providing equal access to justice Honoring: Attorney Joseph Gerard Price First Assistant District Attorney Judith Gardner Price James Vipond WNEP-The News Station November 11, 2021 6:30 - 8:30 pm Scranton Cultural Center Ballroom Tickets $150 per person If circumstances dictate that the event be virtual or hybrid, boxed hors d'oeuvres and desserts will be available for pickup prior to the event. Program book ads and sponsorships available from $100 to $10,000. Contact Sylvia at (570) 961-2714 or ProBono.LC1@gmail.com or Carla at (570) 8407589 or Carla.probono@gmail.com.

shared custody. One day when he went to pick up the children, he found a completely empty and abandoned residence; his children were gone,” she recalled.

Attorney Joe Price, Partner, Dougherty, Leventhal & Price, L.L.P

Judith G. Price, Esquire First District Attorney, Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office

Attorneys Joseph and Judy Price

founding of the organization.

Attorney Joseph Price was drawn to serve Pro Bono while attending Temple University School of Law during the years of 1977 to 1980. At that time,Temple had a

Judy recalls a case that stood out in her mind as one that exemplified the real need for the organization. “There was a case of a father who had been awarded

HappeningsPA.com

Not having many resources, the man was so distraught and didn’t know where to turn. The courts referred him to Lackawanna Pro Bono where Judy Price and a team of law enforcement and legal professionals worked for two months to locate the children who had been taken to another state. After arrest warrants were served against the mother, the father was awarded custody and allowed to pick up his children and bring them back home, just days before Christmas. As a family, October 2021

the Price’s were able to help the man and his children enjoy a reunited holiday at home, complete with a few extra gifts. “Right from the start, under the direction and guidance of Executive Director Sylvia Hahn, the members of the Lackawanna Bar Association responded to the need with overwhelming support,” said Joe. “Every year over 200 attorneys volunteer their

James Vipond Principal, ARTchitecture

time to serve fellow Lackawanna County residents who find themselves behind the eight ball in some type of court proceeding, mothers and children on the cusp of eviction, elderly in need of protection, a parent or grandparent seeking to maintain custody of children, individuals being sued or caught up in protection from abuse hearings -these all constitute the types of clients and cases handled by our pro bono volunteers on a daily basis. Because of the volunteerism of lawyers and the outpouring community support, LPB continues to grow and expand. We’ve added Elderly Law Clinics, Family Law Help Desks, Expungement of Criminal records programs and just now, a new Pardon Project for people with criminal Records.” October 2021

James Vipond

in homeless shelters.

James Vipond is an architect and involved with Arts Management. He was the executive director of the Everhart Museum from 2000-2007 and spent most of his career in architecture in Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Maryland and here in Northeast Pennsylvania. Jim Vipond was raised in a home where he was taught to be involved, engaged and to always make his community better; Give time or money, but give back, was the message received. “My parents taught us to always help those in need but to do it quietly with no fanfare.” Jim’s late father David, was in the wholesale business and when the business was sold, he was Chairman of the Third National Bank and Trust for twenty years. His late mother Florence “Foddy” Vipond was the founder of the Child Psychiatric Center, the first of its kind in the region (featured March 2021 in Happenings Magazine.) Jim attended his early school years in the region until he left for boarding school in 8th grade and later, college. He returned to the area 25 years ago. “No one has the sense of community that we have in this region. We truly live in a great area,” he repeated. “I absolutely love living here. I’ve been very blessed with a great life, incredible parents who encouraged us to get great educations and then do what we felt compelled to do.” James and his wife Sharon have one son who lives in Philadelphia with his wife and their two children who are “the highlight of our lives,” he said.

“I like to be anonymous but if this honor brings attention to the incredible work that is done by Lackawanna Pro Bono, I am grateful. I am a very fortunate man, so spreading goodness is paramount.”

An active volunteer with many organizations including the Countryside Conservancy, Jim is also being honored in part by his work including the distribution of Bombas socks, a company his nephew David Heath founded that was launched to help those HappeningsPA.com

Jon Meyer Jon Meyer is the anchor of Newswatch 16 at 5 and 5:30. "WNEP is thrilled to be honored by Lackawanna Pro Bono at this year's gala for our work in the community," he said. "The mission of WNEP is 'Proud to Serve' and we see the same effort at Lackawanna Pro Bono. People may not think much about legal work being a necessity for everyone. But this is an organization that helps those who may not be able to afford it, get the legal services they need. WNEP partners with many organizations in the community that help our neighbors in many ways. Lackawanna Pro Bono is one that we see providing a very important service that makes this area a better place to live. Personally, I'm not from here but I moved here 19 years ago and am amazed at how much people in this area look out for each other. Lackawanna Pro Bono is an excellent example of that.” H

Jon Meyer is the anchor of Newswatch 16 at 5 and 5:30. 89

Who is the cutest of them all?

Olive Olive loves to play fetch and have play dates with her friends, says the Snell family.

Zeke The Gleiss family says that Zeke loves car shows and hot rods.

Jack Happy, silly and extremely loveable Jack came all the way from Texas to be loved by the Cirelli family. He enjoys the zoomies and sleeping under the covers.

Jeter The Russo family says Jeter is chill but can get super hyper when the doorbell rings. He’s also a total foodie - he loves to snack! This is Jeter’s first year as a full-time resident in PA.

HappeningsPA.com

Enzo Enzo loves snacking on watermelon, chicken and cheese. The Stroud family says he loves snuggling, giving kisses and running around with his brother Ceasar.

Satchmo Also known as Satchman, BearBear and Snugapuss, Satchmo is a chill dog who can also “talk up a storm.” The Melvin family says he loves walks in the park, sleeping under the coffee table and eating treats galore.

October 2021

re iMno.n.t.h a s e t o v The r’s Pet of the

Vote for your favorite October pet at

Septem

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

Baby Baby loves to sleep and be cozy, says the Lombard family. She also loves her treats.

e is McGe ns! latio u t a r g n Co

Ember Loving but sassy Ember loves sitting on the window sill and sniffing fresh air while also chasing her ball when her zoomies kick in, says the Prudente family. She’s also obsessed with water and takes long sips from the kitchen sink.

Walter The Manger family says Walter loves bird watching, napping in the sunlight, giving nose kisses and snuggling up wherever possible somehow in the tightest and most uncomfortable places that he squeezes his body into.

October 2021

Darla Darla is a Shiba Inu and daughter of the Barnes family. She has cat-like reflexes (without the annoying cat habits) and graceful style. She loves to play outside and nap. Her family calls her Pretty Girl and Good Girl but sometimes they call her NO really loud.

HappeningsPA.com

Brody Brody loves his snuggles, strolls and the occasional piece of salmon, says the Sarafinko family. He barks at anyone who goes by the house and seems to say “why do you people allow this to happen?”

Stella Stella is the ultimate family dog, the Gaul family says. Her exuberant personality and need for physical activity requires a lot of exercise. Long walks and hikes with her family are her favorite things to do.

Kiki Minds Your Mouth iki's, as in Kiki’s Spreads, is the brainchild of Kristen Langan and a moniker invented by the child of a friend who couldn’t pronounce Kristen.

jars of Kiki's made in a run.

“Kiki's growth is an interesting animal,” Langan said. “Some years it has been significant and others much slower, as we all experienced in 2020, but even before that it ebbed and flowed. What remains consistent is me. I am the only one moving the needle, so as long as I stay consistent, look at national projections of what consumers are seeking, growth follows. Looking back, knowing where it started and where it is now and all the knowledge I've amassed of how the packaged food world operates, I'm always pleasantly surprised.”

“Since 2017 I've added a co-packer. Co-packers produce, fill and label the product, so that the process has exponentially improved the amount of product made. For one run of a singular flavor, they usually produce about 1,000 jars in far less time than the 48 hours it used to take me to produce 120.”

Each of Langan’s spreads are versatile. “You can go from using it on your eggs or in Kiki's pancakes at breakfast to dipping veggies and chips as a snack, on your sandwich for lunch to the sauce on your pizza for dinner to the fan favorite of any of Kiki's Spreads with pretzels. They aren't just dips, they're additions to any

Kiki stuck as a nickname, so when she created the spreads as a hobby in 2013, it needed a name. Kiki's was a perfect fit. Originally named Kiki’s Flustered Mustard, for the singular product she was producing -- a natural vegan and gluten-free, chickpea mustard spread with flavors of horseradish, garlic and savory spices. The spread has a hint of sweetness and pairs well with eggs, sandwiches, proteins and veggies.

“With the recent rebrand and with the upcoming addition of Kiki's Spreads, the first non-chickpea-based dessert spread, the brand needed a name that would be able to carry both a savory and sweet line, so Kiki's Spreads became the company name.” Chickpeas are a “mini powerhouse ingredient,” Kristen said, that creates not only a “hearty mouthfeel, but also something that is nutrient dense, keeps your appetite under control, is rich in plantbased protein and assists with digestion.” She started her entrepreneurial venture with 120 92

HappeningsPA.com

October 2021

meal to take it to the next level.” So what’s Langan’s favorite? “I love them all, but the top three would have to be: Kiki's Original Flavor Blueberry Pancakes, Kiki's Hot One Avocado Toast and Kiki's Spicy Vegan Cheese Dip.”

our health is our most valuable currency and the food we eat directly impacts it. Kiki's Spreads are the choice you made when you want all that great flavor with none of the guilt.” Langan’s success has been made

yourself, and you're better for it.” Her parents, Fran and Jerry Langan, have supported the venture from the beginning. “They're always offering to help and are the sounding boards when I am going through some trying times. Outside of my

What’s up next for Kiki’s? “I’m so excited to finally have a dessert option in the line up. The name and ingredients I can't reveal yet but safe to say it's better than Nutella and far more healthy. The name and flavor profile are incredibly good. Every time I have to make a sample and take a taste, I'm impressed! I envision it on toast or croissants, topping a muffin or cupcake, in a cinnamon roll or, my favorite way, straight out of the jar.” It has taken a year and a half to get the dessert spread approved and out to the public. “That is my tunnel vision focus at this moment. After that, more large chain grocery stores and more dessert spreads. Kiki's will continue to evolve as it has, based on what inspires me and what makes customers' mouths happy.” Langan’s background as a fitness specialist and nutrition counselor inspired Kiki's Spreads. “When I first created the original flavor, I had some clients in mind. My goal was then and still is creating a snack that isn't bad for you, is filling and has excellent flavor. I made sure that there are no additives, preservatives or artificial flavors in any Kiki's Spreads products because October 2021

sweeter by the challenges she faced as an entrepreneur. “Any small business owner will tell you, there are many challenges on any given day, it's all in how you navigate them to get to a solution. My first co-packer made the wrong consistency, broken shipments, branding, then rebranding, then rebranding again, finding copackers during a pandemic, the list can go on and on. Being a small business owner you know that challenges come with the territory. But the beauty of that is, with each challenge you get to meet a whole new version of HappeningsPA.com

parents, the other local small businesses have been incredible. They are quick to offer suggestions or ideas when I reach out, and those who have been doing it longer were first to step up to carry Kiki's and created an open door policy should I ever need anything. That support is priceless and I am grateful to be able to call them friends.” Kiki’s spreads can be found at Nibbles & Bits, Zummo's Cafe, The Giving Tree Wellness Center, Caravia, Everything Natural and always online at kikisspreads.com. H –Christine Fanning 93

Savory Seafood Selections by Christine Fanning

une marked two years in business for Dunmore Seafood Company and two things have changed. First, the big one: Rick Davis and Jamie Halpin got married this June, and second, since Covid precautions have lessened, there’s seating available inside the store. Rick had the idea for a seafood business for years and after extensive research, turned his dream into a reality. Jamie helps out behind the scenes and is in charge of marketing. “Rick is our fishmonger and runs the day to day,” Jamie said. The couple were in business for less than a year when the pandemic closed everything down. A year later, the byproducts of the shutdown are seen in a rise in some seafood prices and some items that are more difficult to get. Also, like other businesses, “some of our distributors are experiencing a lack of staff which affects some of our deliveries and availability,” Jamie noted. The store is primarily a takeout establishment but some people enjoy eating the cooked meals inside the store. “During the peak of 94

the pandemic, we offered take-out only. We are happy to be able to allow indoor dining again.” Rick brings in his seafood from several distributors in the northeast. Shoppers can find fresh fish, scallops, crab meat and shrimp. “We have delicious homemade seafood salads which we sell in our deli case. They can find lobster tails, king crab legs, snow crab clusters, along with a variety of frozen seafood items in our freezer. We also sell a variety of sauces and marinades that go very well with seafood entrees. Soups are a big draw. Cream of Crab is our top soup, and we sell lots of it during the holiday season,” Jamie said. A made-to-order lunch menu is available daily during regular business hours and can be found at DunmoreSeafood.com. Check out their new fall menu. Business hours are Tuesday through Friday 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. A variety of party platter ideas can also be found on their website. The party platters are beautifully prepared for bringing to holiday parties or events. A 24-hour notice is recommended for party platters to ensure availability.

HappeningsPA.com

October 2021

“We have many customers who create delicious dinners with our fresh seafood products. Many send us pictures of their creations, and it looks like they do a wonderful job. Some, however, whether very busy or unsure about cooking seafood, prefer to have us prepare dinner for them.” Dunmore Seafood is located at Chestnut Street in Dunmore. Call 570-800-7382 for information. H – Christine Fanning

In addition to their made-to order menu, they offer daily "Grab & Go" dinners. Each night, find "The Surf" Grab & Go which is a seafood dinner, changed each evening. Each week, they also offer "The Turf" which was created as a landlubber option for those who are dining with seafood lovers. (Dinners are posted daily on their social media.)

Fall into Fitness A s we settle into Fall, work, schools and colleges are opening their doors for in-person work and classes. We have all become accustomed to showing up on Zoom at the last minute in our sweats. It takes effort to adjust to what was previously “normal,” and we tend to avoid what is difficult. Did you keep on track with exercising and good nutrition while navigating work and school from home? If you did, kudos to you! However, if you found it hard to stay motivated to exercise and plan and prep for meals, you are not alone.

• Walk as much as possible as opposed to driving or taking shuttles.

College students, in particular, have faced so many challenges with distant learning, social distancing and finding their exercise niche. Tik Tok and YouTube videos were bursting with at-home workouts which, hopefully, motivated a lot of college age individuals to keep moving. I had the pleasure of working individually with some college students over the past year or so. They recognized that they needed accountability and coaching to get back to feeling healthier and more fit. We were able to hit goals and had a lot of fun doing it! They went back to college with the tools and motivation they needed to maintain their wellness. I use the word “wellness” because regular exercise and good nutrition improves your body and mind. Wellness will lead to a healthy weight goal, better-fitting clothes and satisfaction with how you look. Wellness helps with anxiety and stress and releases endorphins which improves our mood.

If you have any questions or would like more information on workouts and/or nutrition coaching, follow The Training Loft on Facebook and Instagram or reach out to me!

• Get enough sleep! This is difficult with papers, tests and deadlines but lack of sleep can affect your mental and physical health. • Grab a friend and try a class at the school gym or do a video together. If someone else is counting on you, you will more likely show up for a workout! Work on you for you! You’ve got this!

–Jackie Kerekes/The Training Loft (570) 332-8519

Here are some healthy tips for college students: • Never skip breakfast. Breakfast starts your metabolism, which helps you burn calories throughout the day. A nutritious breakfast gives you the energy you need to get things done and stay focused. Breakfast choices I recommend are: a protein shake, a Greek yogurt with berries, eggs scrambled with fresh veggies, hard-boiled eggs or an apple with 2 tbsp peanut butter. • Remember to have a protein with each meal and have a protein snack mid-afternoon if sluggish. 96

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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). H

HappeningsPA.com

October 2021

Dining around the Region Note! All hours are subject to change without notice. Call ahead, consult website and Facebook pages of each individual restaurant for updated information, specials and menu items available.

Abbiocco Try our signature dishes, such as Chicken Abbiocco, manicotti or blackened salmon. BYOB. Text Abbiocco to 51660 to receive our texts every Wednesday or see weekly specials. Tues-Thurs. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. and Fri. and Sat. 11 a.m.-9 p.m., 639 N. Blvd., Clarks Summit. www.abbiocco.net 570-319-9633.

Apple Valley Restaurant Casual dining with ribs, smoked beef brisket, wings, burgers, specialty salads, wraps and more. Open 11:30 a.m. Lunch and dinner. Closed Tuesdays. Check website: www.applevalley-restaurant.com. 104 Route 6, Milford. 570-296-6831.

Coney Island Lunch Try our Texas Wiener with mustard, onions and chili sauce! Tues.-Sun.11 a.m.-3 p.m. 515 Lackawanna Ave., Scranton. www.Texas-wiener.com. Delivery by DoorDash! 570-961-9004.

October 2021

The Inn at Starlight Lake

Savory Maza

Discover one of Wayne County’s hidden gems. Baked goods made onsite. See website for hours. http://innatstarlightlake.com/restaurant 570-798-2519.

Shish barak special on Wednesdays this season! Indulge in fresh, homemade vegetarian and meat meals, plus daily specials. Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Fri. and Sat.11 a.m.-8 p.m. 200 N. Main St., Scranton. savorymaza.com 570-969-2666.

Mendicino’s Pizza and Family Restaurant Pizza, pasta, hoagies and more! Daily lunch and dinner specials. Full menu, dine in, take out and curbside available. Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m-8 p.m., Fri. and Sat. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Closed Sundays. Located in the ShopRite Complex, Covington Twp. www.mendicinospizza.com 570-842-2070.

Barley Creek Brewing Company, Inc.

Pettinato’s Restaurant

Barley Creek Tasting Room and Pub at the Crossings

Try our grilled salmon in Asian sauce. Take out and delivery. Mon.-Sat. 4-8 p.m., Sun. 4-7 p.m. 78 Dundaff St., Carbondale. 570-282-5860.

Sibio’s Restaurant Our fettuccine Alfredo is a customer favorite! Lunch and dinner regular hours, full menu with specials. 1240 Quincy Ave., Dunmore. Sibiosrestaurant.com 570-346-3172.

HappeningsPA.com

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

Grab a bite to eat and taste our PA craft brews, spirits, wines and cocktails.MonThur 11a.m.- 7p.m. Fri-Sat 11a.m.8 p.m., Sun 12 p.m.-6 p.m.

Stirna’s Our Stirnaburger is full 1/4 lb. top choice ground beef with tomato, bacon and American or Swiss on a semi-hard roll. Wed.-Sat. 4 p.m.-9 p.m. 120 W. Market St. Scranton. On/off premise catering daily. 570-961-9681. H

Happenings Magazine October 2021

Articles inside

Halloween Kiddos

Marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Campus Tours

Stay Safe at the Lake