28 minute read
Halloween Kiddos
Happy HaLLoween
Nina Donato, Dunmore
RoseMarie Walters, Milton Elsie Normil, Scranton
Natalie & Marcy Bower, Nicholson
Rachel Hitchcock, Dunmore Emilia Normil, Scranton
Macie Loomis, Carbondale Twp. Eva Grace Loomis, Carbondale Twp. Lexi Hoyt, Beaumont
Zachary and Declan Fitzpatrick, Matamoras
Daniel Deitrick, Moscow Daniel and Damian Deitrick, Moscow
Ghost Tours
Oct. 9-16-23-30 • 6 to 9 p.m.
Adm: $15 adults $10 students age 12-18 No children under 12 Hear tales of REAL Ghosts Hunt for Ghosts
Ryleigh Marie Bastek, Lake Sheridan Conlan James Bastek, Lake Sheridan Braedon Robert Bastek, Lake Sheridan Madeleine Mackarey, Scranton
Primary and Family Care Pulmonary Rehabilitation Vascular Ultrasound/Doppler Family Planning Pulmonary Function Testing Laboratory Services General Surgery Cardiac Rehabilitation Radiology Endoscopy EKG/Holter Monitor Stress Testing CT/MRI DOT/CDL Physicals Echocardiography Lourdes Mammography Speech Therapy Physical Therapy Ultrasound Nuclear Medicine Occupational Therapy Dexa Bone Density
For all the Fall Fun
Browhillfarms.com 570-241-8430
weekends Thru October 30th
Nestled 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. 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 brew-
Photo: Artie 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
Treasure
Hu U u N u Tu I u N u G
PLAINS ANTIQUES AND HOME FURNISHINGS Plains Antiques and Home Furnishings is the largest Antique Mall in the WilkesBarre, Scranton area, featuring 50 vendors with high quality items. Antique to Retro, including Furniture, Glassware, Lighting, Jewelry, Pottery, Artwork, Quality Collectables and more. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram! 29 East Carey Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18705. 570270-3107 • www.plainsantiques.com Reservations Strongly Recommended Limited Seating Capacity Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner Sunday Brunch & Cocktails
Monday Night-Seafood Night Wednesday Night-Pasta Night Full Menu is Always Available
Open 6 days a week—Temporarily closed on Tuesday Check Website/Facebook/Instagram to see when we go back to 7 day service
289 Starlight Lake Rd, Starlight, PA (570) 798-2519 • innatstarlightlake.com info@innatstarlightlake.com
Lackawanna Pro Bono Attorneys, Architect and TV Station
to be Honored at Gala Lackawanna Pro Bono's 13th W here do individuals go when they need serious legal assistance but cannot 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 Annual Fundraising Gala Celebrating 24 years of providing equal access to justice Honoring: Attorney Joseph Gerard Price afford a lawyer? For the past quarter century or so, such residents of Lackawanna County office. “This gave us a lot of experience representing people in need who are searching for First Assistant District Attorney Judith Gardner Price have turned to Lackawanna justice,” Joe said. James Vipond
Pro Bono. For the past 13 years,
a gala is held to honor mem- When the Prices returned to WNEP-The News Station bers of the community who Lackawanna County to practice have contributed to the efforts law, Lackawanna Pro Bono was November 11, 2021 of supporting Lackawanna Pro created. At the time Judy was an 6:30 - 8:30 pm Bono. This year, Attorneys Joseph and Judy Gardner Price, officer in the Lackawanna Bar Association. Lackawanna Pro Scranton Cultural Center Ballroom James Vipond and WNEP TV Bono was the first standalone pro Tickets $150 per person will be presented at the Gala bono organization outside of If circumstances dictate that the event be virtual with the Attorney Robert W. Philadelphia in Pennsylvania. or hybrid, boxed hors d'oeuvres and desserts will Munley Distinguished Service Judy considers three attorneys be available for pickup prior to the event. award to be held on November 11, 2021 at the Scranton Cultural Center. from the region, Robert Gownley, Carlene Gallo and Jill Miller as being very instrumental in the 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. founding of the organization. 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
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
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 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.
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,
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
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.”
James Vipond
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.
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
James Vipond Principal, ARTchitecture
“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.”
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.
Who is the cutest of them all?
Olive
Olive loves to play fetch and have play dates with her friends, says the Snell family.
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. 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. 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.
Zeke
The Gleiss family says that Zeke loves car shows and hot rods.
Jeter 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
Vote for your favorite October pet at
www.HappeningsMagazinePA.com! The winner receives a Happenings bandana!
The votes are in... September’s Pet of the Month is McGee Congratulations!
Baby
Baby loves to sleep and be cozy, says the Lombard family. She also loves her treats.
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.
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?”
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.
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.
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
Kiki'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.
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.
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 jars of Kiki's made in a run. “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.” “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.” 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
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.” 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 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
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 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
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
Savory Seafood Selections
by Christine Fanning
June 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 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.
– 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.)
“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
Fall into Fitness 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 A • Walk as much as possible as opposed to driving or taking shuttles. • Get enough sleep! This is difficult with papers, tests and deadlines but lack of sleep can affect your mental and physical health.
“normal,” and we tend to avoid what is difficult. • Grab a friend and try a class at the school gym or
Did you keep on track with exercising and good do a video together. If someone else is counting nutrition while navigating work and school from on you, you will more likely show up for a home? If you did, kudos to you! However, if you workout! found it hard to stay motivated to exercise and plan and prep for meals, you are not alone. Work on you for you! You’ve got this!
College students, in particular, have faced so If you have any questions or would like more informany challenges with distant learning, social dis- mation on workouts and/or nutrition coaching, foltancing and finding their exercise niche. Tik Tok low The Training Loft on Facebook and Instagram or and YouTube videos were bursting with at-home reach out to me! workouts which, hopefully, motivated a lot of col- –Jackie Kerekes/The Training Loft (570) 332-8519 lege 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.
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. Jackie with her daughter, Carley Kerekes, a college junior. 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
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. The Inn at Starlight Lake
Discover one of Wayne County’s hidden gems. Baked goods made onsite. See website for hours. http://innatstarlightlake.com/restaurant 570-798-2519.
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.
Pettinato’s Restaurant
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.
Savory Maza
Shish barak special on Wednesdays this season! Indulge in fresh, homemade vegetarian and meat meals, plus daily specials. Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Fri. and Sat.11 a.m.-8 p.m. 200 N. Main St., Scranton. savorymaza.com 570-969-2666.
Barley Creek Brewing Company, Inc.
Try our beer cheese soup, with Antler Brown Ale. Lunch and dinner: Sun.-Thur. 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Fri. and Sat. 11 a.m-10:30 p.m. Breakfast: Fri.-Mon. 8 a.m.-11 a.m. 1774 Sullivan Trail, Tannersville. www.barleycreek.com. 570-629-9399.
Barley Creek Tasting Room and Pub at the Crossings
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
